bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Updated reference values in pelvic ultrasonography for a Spanish population of healthy girls between 6 and 12 years old
Authors: Villalobos Gálvez Marisa , Beltrán Salazar Viviana Patricia , Pérez Adell Mireia , Durán Feliubadalo Carmina , Corripio Raquel
Published: February 2021

Background

Pelvic ultrasonography (PUS) of the uterus and ovaries allows the diagnosis of changes in sexual development. However, the reference values used in Spain originate from old studies conducted in other countries.

Objective

To determine reference uterine and ovarian measurements by PUS and according to pubertal status and bone age in a Spanish population of healthy girls aged between 6 and 12 years.

Materials and methods

Descriptive cross‐sectional study performed on 221 healthy girls from 2017 to 2019. Ovarian and uterine measurements were described and associated with chronological age, bone age, and Tanner stage. ROC curves were used to assess the predictive value of tests for Tanner stage II.

Results

We described reference values for all PUS uterine and ovarian measurements assessed. Subjects in Tanner II (thelarche) had a mean age of 9.7 years (SD = 1.1) and mean BMI of 19.2 kg/m2. Fundal–cervical ratio changed from 1:1 to 2:1 at 12 years of chronological age (62.5% with 1:1 ratio; p < 0.0001) and 13 years of bone age (2:1 in 85.71%, p < 0.0001). Mean uterine length for Tanner II was 4.065 cm (SD = 0.736); mean ovarian volume was 2.466 cm3 (SD = 1.719). Bone age, ovarian volume, and uterine length were good predictors of Tanner stage II.

Conclusion

This is the first study providing reference uterine and ovarian PUS values in a Spanish population of healthy girls aged 6 to 12 years. Use of updated data characteristic of a specific population increases the diagnostic accuracy.
The diagnosis of a giant cardiac malignant lymphoma in the right ventricle: a case report
Authors: Yu Jiafeng , Zhao Xin , Liu Yingfeng , Yan Qingwei , Miao Fei
Published: February 2021

Cardiac lymphoma is extremely rare in patients with normal immune function and difficult to identify through routine examinations in patients with atypical clinical manifestations, making early diagnosis very difficult. We reported a 71‐year‐old male patient who was repeatedly diagnosed of pulmonary infection, suspected lung tumour, and Kimura disease in other hospital due to cough, expectoration, and dyspnoea. Later on, the patient visited our hospital due to heart failure and epistaxis. Transthoracic echocardiogram confirmed the presence of a space‐occupying lesion in the right heart, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging preliminarily determined the nature of this lesion, finally, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron‐emission tomography/computed tomography, and nasal mass biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac malignant lymphoma, and the pathological type was diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma.
Non‐neutralizing antibodies protect against chronic LCMV infection by promoting infection of inflammatory monocytes in mice
Authors: Stoycheva Diana , Sandu Ioana , Gräbnitz Fabienne , Amorim Ana , Borsa Mariana , Weber Stefan , Becher Burkhard , Oxenius Annette
Published: February 2021

Antibodies play an important role in host defense against microorganisms. Besides direct microbicidal activities, antibodies can also provide indirect protection via crosstalk to constituents of the adaptive immune system. Similar to many human chronic viral infections, persistence of Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is associated with compromised T‐ and B‐cell responses. The administration of virus‐specific non‐neutralizing antibodies (nnAbs) prior to LCMV infection protects against the establishment of chronic infection. Here, we show that LCMV‐specific nnAbs bind preferentially Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes (IMs), promote their infection in an Fc‐receptor independent way, and support acquisition of APC properties. By constituting additional T‐cell priming opportunities, IMs promote early activation of virus‐specific CD8 T cells, eventually tipping the balance between T‐cell exhaustion and effector cell differentiation, preventing establishment of viral persistence without causing lethal immunopathology. These results document a beneficial role of IMs in avoiding T‐cell exhaustion and an Fc‐receptor independent protective mechanism provided by LCMV‐specific nnAbs against the establishment of chronic infection.
Electrochemical, Spectroscopic, and Computational Investigation of a Series of Polypyridyl Ruthenium(II) Complexes: Characterization of Reduced States
Authors: Queyriaux Nicolas , Esmieu Charlène , Gupta Arvind K. , Vendier Laure , Ott Sascha , Orio Maylis , Hammarström Leif
Published: February 2021

A series of polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes has been synthesized and characterized by 1H‐NMR, electronic absorption and voltammetric techniques. Among this series, hexafluorophosphate salts of eight ruthenium(II) complexes were newly prepared. Due to the well‐known ability of this class of compounds to assist electro‐ and photocatalytic reductive processes (such as the reduction of CO2, H+ and NAD(P)+ models), particular attention has been paid to investigate the nature of their one‐ and two‐electron reduced species through computational and spectroscopic techniques.
Iridium Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for Construction of α‐Substituted Ketones via Hydrogen Borrowing of Alcohols in Water
Authors: Luo Nianhua , Zhong Yuhong , Wen Huiling , Shui Hongling , Luo Renshi
Published: February 2021

Ketones are of great importance in synthesis, biology, and pharmaceuticals. This paper reports an iridium complexes‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of alcohols via hydrogen borrowing, affording a series of α‐alkylated ketones in high yield (86 %–95 %) and chemoselectivities (>99 : 1). This methodology has the advantages of low catalyst loading (0.1 mol%) and environmentally benign water as the solvent. Studies have shown the amount of base has a great impact on chemoselectivities. Meanwhile, deuteration experiments show water plays an important role in accelerating the reduction of the unsaturated ketones intermediates. Remarkably, a gram‐scale experiment demonstrates this methodology of iridium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of alcohols has potential application in the practical synthesis of α‐alkylated ketones.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Regioselective Arylboration of Conjugated Dienes
Authors: Li Haoyang , Long Jiao , Li Yuqiang , Wang Wang , Pang Hailiang , Yin Guoyin
Published: February 2021

The nickel‐catalyzed arylboration of conjugated dienes is reported. Good 1,4‐regioselectivity and (E)‐stereoselectivity were obtained using isoprene, together with very good 1,2‐regioselectivity and (E)‐stereoselectivity using 1‐arylbutadienes. The high reactivity and selectivity of this process were dependent on the use of the appropriate nitrogen‐based ligand. Moreover, wide functional group tolerance was observed under mild reaction conditions. This protocol provides a path to allyl or homoallyl boronic ester derivatives starting from 1,3‐dienes, aryl bromides, and B2pin2. The downstream transformation of allyl boronic esters was also achieved, suggesting a strategy for the diastereoselective 1,2‐difunctionalization of isoprene and demonstrating the potential for the synthesis of complex molecules.
Triptycene Boronates, Boranes, and Boron Ate‐Complexes: Toward Sterically Hindered Triarylboranes and Trifluoroborates
Authors: Gama Mathieu , Antognini Silva Xavier , Doan Thu‐Hong , Osi Arnaud , Chardon Aurélien , Tumanov Nikolay , Wouters Johan , Berionni Guillaume
Published: February 2021

We developed two synthetic strategies towards triptycene‐derived bulky boranes, boronates, and boron ate‐complexes. Starting from borylated or brominated anthracenes and using a Br/Li exchange and [4+2] cycloaddition reaction with in‐situ generated benzyne, we produced a series of triptycene boronates and borates with various boron substituents in positions 1 and 9, such as BPin, Bneo, BF3K and B(Mes)2. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and UV‐Vis/photoluminescence measurements provided quantitative information on the effect of the triptycene scaffold on the photophysical and electronic properties of the obtained compounds.
Methylthiolation for Electron‐Rich Heteroarenes with DMSO‐TsCl
Authors: Zhang Lei‐Yang , Wu Yue‐Hua , Wang Nai‐Xing , Gao Xue‐Wang , Yan Zhan , Xu Bao‐Cai , Liu Ning , Wang Bo‐Zhou , Xing Yalan
Published: February 2021

DMSO‐TsCl has been developed for direct methylthiolation of various electron‐rich heteroarenes (more than 40 examples) with high regioselectivity in moderate to excellent yields (up to 96 %). Especially, pyrroles, furans, and thiophenes can be efficiently mono‐methylthiolated. This practical method features scalable, metal‐free, mild conditions and is compatible with air and moisture. Several applications of methylthiolated products were demonstrated for the first time. Based on controlled experimental results, a plausible mechanism was proposed with two key intermediates involved in the mechanism being detected by HRMS.
Functionalization of Sydnones with Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes, Cyclobutanes, and Michael Acceptors
Authors: Ahlburg Nils L. , Freese Tyll , Kolb Simon , Mummel Sebastian , Schmidt Andreas , Werz Daniel B.
Published: February 2021

We present a Lewis acid catalyzed nucleophilic ring‐opening of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes and ‐butanes by sydnones, utilizing their respective 1,3‐ and 1,4‐reactivity. The same conditions can be applied for the addition of sydnones to Michael acceptors. We propose a Friedel‐Crafts like mechanism. The reaction provides a rare, low‐temperature, transition metal‐free, and functional group tolerant protocol for the late‐stage functionalization of these mesoionic compounds of emerging importance in catalysis and bio‐orthogonal chemistry.
The effect of acute‐experimental pain models on offset analgesia
Authors: Szikszay Tibor M. , Adamczyk Waclaw M. , Hoegner Alexandra , Woermann Nele , Luedtke Kerstin
Published: February 2021

Background

Offset analgesia (OA) is characterized by a disproportionately large decrease in pain perception after a slight decrease in noxious stimulation. In patients with ongoing pain, this response is reduced. The effect is pronounced in painful body areas. The influence of acute pain has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of two experimental acute pain models, measured within the area of acute pain and on the non‐affected opposite side, thereby considering the possible somatotopic nature of OA.

Methods

Healthy, pain‐free volunteers (n = 75) were randomly assigned to one of three groups (cold water, exercise and control group). The ‘cold water group’ immersed one hand into cold water for 3 min (Cold Pressor Task), while the ‘exercise group’ performed an isometric grip exercise for 3 min. There was no manipulation in the control group. Each experimental pain stimulus was performed at both (dominant, non‐dominant) forearms. The individualized OA paradigm consisted of offset and constant temperature trials. Offset analgesia was measured immediately before, during and after the experimental pain stimuli.

Results

A significant difference in OA was shown during experimental pain when compared to the control condition (exercise vs. control: p < 0.001, cold vs. control: p = 0.001), with no difference between the experimental conditions (p > 0.05). Immediately following the pain stimulation, results were marginally non‐significant (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Experimental painful stimulation reduced OA. This result should be interpreted with caution due to potential influences of conditioned pain modulation or exercise‐induced hypoalgesia as well as possible floor effects.

Significance

Temporal contrast of pain perception is inhibited in acute pain states. This study showed that reduced offset analgesia is observed when pain is experimentally induced using noxious cold and exercise stimuli.
Mechanisms of recovery after neck‐specific or general exercises in patients with cervical radiculopathy
Authors: Liew Bernard X. W. , Peolsson Anneli , Falla Deborah , Cleland Joshua A , Scutari Marco , Kierkegaard Marie , Dedering Asa
Published: February 2021

Background

The mechanisms of action that facilitate improved outcomes after conservative rehabilitation are unclear in individuals with cervical radiculopathy (CR). This study aims to determine the pathways of recovery of disability with different exercise programs in individuals with CR.

Methods

We analysed a dataset of 144 individuals with CR undergoing conservative rehabilitation. Eleven variables collected at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months follow‐up were used to build a Bayesian Network (BN) model: treatment group (neck‐specific vs. general exercises), age, sex, self‐efficacy, catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety, neck–arm pain intensity, headache pain intensity and disability. The model was used to quantify the contribution of different mediating pathways on the outcome of disability at 12th months.

Results

All modelled variables were conditionally independent from treatment groups. A one‐point increase in anxiety at 3rd month was associated with a 2.45‐point increase in 12th month disability (p <.001). A one‐point increase in head pain at 3rd month was associated with a 0.08‐point increase in 12th month disability (p <.001). Approximately 83% of the effect of anxiety on disability was attributable to self‐efficacy. Approximately 88% of the effect of head pain on disability was attributable to neck–arm pain.

Conclusions

No psychological or pain‐related variables mediated the different treatment programs with respect to the outcome of disability. Thus, the specific characteristics investigated in this study did not explain the differences in mechanisms of effect between neck‐specific training and prescribed physical activity. The present study provides candidate modifiable mediators that could be the target of future intervention trials.

Significance

Psychological and pain characteristics did not differentially explain the mechanism of effect that two exercise regimes had on disability in individuals with cervical radiculopathy. In addition, we found that improvements in self‐efficacy was approximately five times more important than that of neck–arm pain intensity in mediating the anxiety‐disability relationship. A mechanistic understanding of recovery provides candidate modifiable mediators that could be the target of future intervention trials.

Trials registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01547611.
The effect of rank‐ordering strategy on creative idea selection performance
Authors: Zhu Yuxi , Ritter Simone M. , Dijksterhuis Ap
Published: February 2021

When people have to choose a creative solution from several ideas to tackle a problem, they tend to select mainstream ideas at the expense of creative ideas. In the current research, we examined the effect of rank‐ordering strategy on creative idea selection performance by comparing three different rank‐ordering strategies: choosing (i.e., rank‐ordering ideas by stepwise selecting the most creative idea), elimination (i.e., rank‐ordering ideas by stepwise removing the least creative idea), and paired comparison (i.e., rank‐ordering ideas by making a series of choices from pairs of ideas). In four experiments, participants rank‐ordered 10 ideas in creativity by using one of the three strategies, and the creativity of the most creative idea was compared between the conditions. Moreover, a meta‐analysis was conducted on the data of these four studies. Our findings suggest that rank‐ordering strategy does not influence creative idea selection performance and Bayesian analyses provide evidence supporting the null hypothesis.
Humans tend to share food more generously than money and other objects: Preliminary evidence
Authors: Sorokowska Agnieszka , Marczak Michalina , Misiak Michał , Oleszkiewicz Anna , Niemczyk Agnieszka , Wróbel Monika , Sorokowski Piotr
Published: February 2021

Food‐sharing is an especially important component of human cooperation, trust and altruism, and certain characteristics of food as compared to other objects may increase the likelihood of food transfers to other individuals. Consequently, people should exhibit higher generosity when sharing food than when sharing other goods (like money or inedible items). We tested this prediction in a series of natural experiments. In Study 1, we found that people (N = 114) were more likely to buy a bread roll for a confederate dressed up as a poor‐looking person than to give money for a bread roll or money to this person. In Study 2, 239 participants were more likely to donate food than non‐food items such as hygienic products or school accessories to a social welfare center. Finally, in Study 3, 226 subjects could share perishable, edible items (apples), coupons for apples or inedible items (pens) with fellow students, and there were no significant differences in generosity between these conditions. Overall, our results suggest that humans might exhibit a food‐sharing preference in certain conditions, especially when they share objects that belong to them and when they have a choice between sharing food and non‐food items. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this notion, to explore the characteristics of food that make sharing it particularly probable, and to understand potential mechanisms underlying this tendency.
The epistemic bases of changes of opinion and choices: The joint effects of the need for cognitive closure, ascribed epistemic authority and quality of advice
Authors: Pica Gennaro , Milyavsky Maxim , Pierro Antonio , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: February 2021

This research investigates the epistemic underpinnings of changes of opinion and choices. Basing our investigations on the Lay Epistemic Theory, we hypothesized that individuals with a high (vs. low) need for cognitive closure would be more influenced by the high (vs. low) level of the epistemic authority of an advisor, and would be less influenced by the quality of the provided advice. These hypotheses were supported in two experimental studies (Total N = 352) within two different domains of decision‐making (a legal case in Study 1 and consumer behavior in Study 2). The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Novel Zn‐Fe LDH/MWCNTs and Graphene/MWCNTs Nanocomposites Based Potentiometric Sensors for Benzydamine Determination in Biological Fluids and Real Water Samples
Authors: Mahmoud Mostafa Sahar , Ali Farghali Ahmed , Magdy Khalil Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Two sensitive and selective potentiometric sensors based on zinc‐iron layered double hydroxides/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Zn−Fe LDH/MWCNTs) (sensor I) and graphene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Gr/MWCNTs) (sensor II) nanocomposites were developed for benzydamine hydrochloride (Benz) determination. The investigated sensors displayed excellent Nernstian slopes 58.5±0.7 and 59.5±0.5 mV decade−1, detection limits 8.3×10−7 and 1.9×10−7 mol L−1, long lifetimes, adequate selectivity, high chemical, and thermal stability within pH range of 2.4–8.5 for sensors І and ІІ, respectively. The surface morphology of sensors was analyzed using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The analytical method was efficiently implemented for Benz determination in biological fluids and surface water samples.
Capillary electrophoresis and molecular modeling of the chiral separation of aromatic amino acids using α/β‐cyclodextrin and 18‐crown‐6
Authors: Suliman FakhrEldin O. , Al Burtomani Suad K. , Elbashir Abdulla A. , Schmitz Oliver J.
Published: February 2021

In this work, chiral separation of enantiomers of three amino acids was achieved using capillary electrophoresis technique with α‐cyclodextrin (αCD) as a running buffer additive. Only tryptophan has exhibited baseline separation in the presence of αCD, while the enantiomers of the other two amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, were only partially separated. The addition of 18‐crown‐6 (18C6) as a second additive imparted only slight improvement to the separation of all enantiomers. On the other hand, all three racemic amino acid mixtures demonstrated no indication of separation when the larger cavity cyclodextrin members, β‐ and γCD, are used as running buffer chiral additives. However, remarkable improvements in the separation of the enantiomers of phenylalanine and tyrosine were obtained when 18C6 is used together with βCD as a running buffer additive. Surprisingly, tryptophan enantiomers were not separated by the dual additive system of cyclodextrin and crown ether. Using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS), all amino acids were found to form stable binary complexes with individual hosts as well as ternary compounds involving the crown ether and the cyclodextrin. Furthermore, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to build a clear picture about the interaction between the guest and the hosts. Most of these complexes remained stable throughout the simulation times, and the molecular dynamics study allowed better understanding of these supramolecular assemblies.
Pseudomonas taiwanensis biofilms for continuous conversion of cyclohexanone in drip flow and rotating bed reactors
Authors: Heuschkel Ingeborg , Hanisch Selina , Volke Daniel C. , Löfgren Erik , Hoschek Anna , Nikel Pablo I. , Karande Rohan , Bühler Katja
Published: February 2021

In this study, the biocatalytic performance of a Baeyer‐Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO) catalyzing the reaction of cyclohexanone to ε‐caprolactone was investigated in Pseudomonas biofilms. Biofilm growth and development of two Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120 variants, Ps_BVMO and Ps_BVMO_DGC, were evaluated in drip flow reactors (DFRs) and rotating bed reactors (RBRs). Engineering a hyperactive diguanylate cyclase (DGC) from Caulobacter crescentus into Ps_BVMO resulted in faster biofilm growth compared to the control Ps_BVMO strain in the DFRs. The maximum product formation rates of 92 and 87 g m–2 d–1 were observed for mature Ps_BVMO and Ps_ BVMO_DGC biofilms, respectively. The application of the engineered variants in the RBR was challenged by low biofilm surface coverage (50–60%) of rotating bed cassettes, side‐products formation, oxygen limitation, and a severe drop in production rates with time. By implementing an active oxygen supply mode and a twin capillary spray feed, the biofilm surface coverage was maximized to 70–80%. BVMO activity was severely inhibited by cyclohexanol formation, resulting in a decrease in product formation rates. By controlling the cyclohexanone feed concentration at 4 mM, a stable product formation rate of 14 g m–2 d–1 and a substrate conversion of 60% was achieved in the RBR.
Development of U control chart by variable sample size and sampling interval to improve the statistical properties
Authors: Shojaie Mohsen , Imani Din Mohammad
Published: February 2021

It has been proved that the quality control charts with variable sampling schemes are more effective than the classical ones in improving statistical measures. The Average Number of False Alarms (ANF), Average Number of Samples (ANS), Average Number of Inspected Items (ANI), and Adjusted Average Time to Signal (AATS) have been the most important statistical measures always being attending in the evaluation of control charts. Thus, this study was conducted aiming at illustrating a comprehensive analytical review on the U control chart via the statistical measures. To this end, different levels of the possible factors were determined, and the results of calculating the statistical measures and the obtained parameters on the sampling schemes of the U control chart were presented. The results indicated that the variable U control charts were capable of improving the effectiveness of statistical measures, especially for detecting shifts and number of false alarms.
An efficient and robust method for numerical analysis of a dead zone in catalyst particle and packed bed reactor
Authors: Kaczmarski Krzysztof , Szukiewicz Mirosław Krzysztof
Published: February 2021

Zones without reactants inside a catalyst pellet, the so‐called dead zones (DZs), have been reported in the case of catalysis and biocatalysis, two processes of fundamental importance. The presence of the DZ results from diffusional transport limitations when an apparent reaction order is in the range: −1 to 1. The formation of a DZ reduces the effectiveness of a catalyst and affects packed bed reactor productivity. For a simple reaction kinetic model, the width of a DZ inside a pellet can be predicted analytically by solving the appropriate differential mass balance model. However, for more complex kinetic models, the analytical solution is unknown, and a DZ position can be established only by applying a numerical method. The problem with the DZ appearance belongs to problems with moving boundaries. Its solution requires the application of a particular numerical procedure and a relatively long CPU time. In this work, a simple, high‐speed numerical method for the calculation of a DZ position inside a pellet is proposed. The proposed method, combined with the orthogonal collocation on finite elements can be applied to analyze a packed bed reactor operation.
Effect of the Secondary Rutile Phase in Single‐Step Synthesized Carbon‐Coated Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticles as Lithium‐Ion Anode Material
Authors: Birrozzi Adele , Belchi Raphaelle , Bouclé Johann , Geiger Dorin , Kaiser Ute , Passerini Stefano , Herlin-Boime Nathalie , Bresser Dominic
Published: February 2021

TiO2 has been investigated as an alternative anode material candidate for lithium‐ion batteries for several years now due to its advantageous safety and rate capability in combination with its nontoxicity and abundance. Herein, the synthesis via laser pyrolysis is reported, which allows the single‐step, industrial‐scale realization of carbon‐coated TiO2 nanoparticles. The modification of the synthesis parameters enables the variation of the rutile‐to‐anatase phase ratio. Following comprehensive physicochemical and electrochemical characterization, both the higher and lower rutile‐to‐anatase ratios show very stable cycling in lithium battery half cells, whereas the extended presence of the rutile phase limits the achievable specific capacity and lowers the apparent lithium‐ion diffusion coefficient, which leads to relatively lower capacities at elevated current densities.
A Critical Review of Organic Ultraviolet Filter Exposure, Hazard, and Risk to Corals
Authors: Mitchelmore Carys L. , Burns Emily E. , Conway Annaleise , Heyes Andrew , Davies Iain A.
Published: February 2021

There has been a rapid increase in public, political, and scientific interest regarding the impact of organic ultraviolet (UV) filters to coral reefs. Such filters are found in sunscreens and other consumer products and enter the aquatic environment via direct (i.e., recreational activities, effluents) or indirect (i.e., land runoff) pathways. This review summarizes the current state of the science regarding the concentration of organic UV filters in seawater and sediment near coral reef ecosystems and in coral tissues, toxicological data from early and adult life stages of coral species, and preliminary environmental risk characterizations. Up to 14 different organic UV filters in seawater near coral reefs have been reported across 12 studies, with the majority of concentrations in the nanograms per liter range. Nine papers report toxicological findings from no response to a variety of biological effects occurring in the micrograms per liter to milligrams per liter range, in part given the wide variations in experimental design and coral species and/or life stage used. This review presents key findings; scientific data gaps; flaws in assumptions, practice, and inference; and a number of recommendations for future studies to assess the environmental risk of organic UV filters to coral reef ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:967–988. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Limited and variable ultraviolet (UV) filter monitoring data in coral reef environments in conjunction with limited toxicity information with significant methodological issues have led to limited and unreliable risk assessment of UV filters to corals. It is our recommendation that increased monitoring and toxicity testing along with harmonized guidelines for coral toxicity testing and risk assessment calculation would help alleviate these issues.
CFO and STO estimation and correction in multicarrier communications using linear filter bank multicarrier
Authors: Visuvanathan Ganesan Elavel , Thangappan Jaya
Published: February 2021

Future wireless systems will be represented by a huge possibility of possible use cases. It needs an adaptable portion of the accessible time‐frequency properties, which is problematic in predictable OFDM. In this manner, modifications of OFDM, for example, filtering or windowing, become vital. Alternatively, we can utilize an alternate regulation plan, for example, filter bank multicarrier. This article explains the synchronization problem in a nonpersistent CA scenario and a pilot‐based synchronization algorithm to eliminate STO and carrier frequency offset. The pilot model used here is the LCFZA design, which is also incorrectly used in the advanced multicarrier standard.
An intelligent content caching protocol for connected vehicles
Authors: Rahim Muddasir , Ali Shaukat , Alvi Ahmad Naseem , Javed Muhammad Awais , Imran Muhammad , Azad Muhammad Ajmal , Chen Dong
Published: February 2021

In the future smart cities, connected vehicles provide various infotainment and nonsafety services using vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to road side units (RSUs) communications. To enable these infotainment services, content providers cache their popular data on the RSU storage to make it quickly accessible for the vehicles. In this article, we propose a novel content caching protocol used by mobile network operators. The proposed protocol uses knapsack optimization algorithm to allocate the variable‐sized contents to the RSUs based on their utility. Results show that the proposed protocol provides 13% and 70% approximately higher download data than the market matching and random caching, respectively.
A model for the pyrolysis of two Nordic structural timbers
Authors: Rinta‐Paavola Aleksi , Hostikka Simo
Published: February 2021

Performance‐based design of the timber structures' fire resistance is often based on the reduced cross section and thus relying on empirical and numerical assessment of the charring propagation. The current work aims to construct models for the pyrolysis of spruce and pinewoods to allow coupled simulations of the cross‐section reduction and burning rate in fire models. Kinetic models are formulated based on thermogravimetric data and supported by the heats of pyrolysis and combustion measurements by differential scanning calorimetry and microscale combustion calorimetry, respectively. The results from these small‐scale measurements are consistent with each other, and the heats of pyrolysis and combustion are determined for the wood primary components by fitting the simulations to the experimental results. Heat release models are constructed based on the small‐scale tests, and cone calorimeter experiments are used for the estimation of the physical properties and for the heat release model validation.
Extraction development for antimicrobial and phytotoxic essential oils from asteraceae species: Achillea fragrantissima, Artemisia judaica and Tanacetum sinaicum
Authors: Elshamy Abdelsamed , Abd‐ElGawad Ahmed , Mohamed Tarik , El Gendy Abd El‐Nasser , Abd El Aty Abeer A. , Saleh Ibrahim , Moustafa Mahmoud F. , Hussien Taha A. , Pare Paul W. , F. Hegazy Mohamed‐Elamir
Published: February 2021

The Egyptian Sinai is a rich source of plant‐derived medicines from the highly represented Asteraceae family; however, the protocol for effective chemical extraction has not been standardized. To identify an effective extraction method for essential oils for highly represented species, Achillea fragrantissima, Artemisia judaica and Tanacetum sinaicum were analysed by hydro‐distillation (HD) vs microwave‐assisted (MA) extraction. A total of 82 metabolites were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). While oxygenated monoterpenes were the major class for both methods, MA extraction proved to be slightly more effective in extracting some ketones and alcohols such as piperitone and thymol, respectively. All the extracted EOs from the three plants exhibited significant antimicrobial potentialities in which T sinaicum ˃ A judaica > A fragrantissima. Interestingly, essential oils extracted by HD (vs MAE) exhibited greater lettuce phytotoxicity with respect to root and shoot growth as well as seed germination. Although the two extraction methods produce slightly different chemical profiles for the three analysed species, the plants aggregated similarly based on principal component analysis.
Premilling treatments effects on nutritional composition, antinutritional factors, and in vitro mineral bioavailability of the improved Assosa I sorghum variety (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Authors: Keyata Ebisa Olika , Tola Yetenayet B. , Bultosa Geremew , Forsido Sirawdink Fikreyesus
Published: February 2021

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is among the staple cereal crops in different parts of Ethiopia. However, the presence of antinutritional factors restricts the digestion of proteins and bioavailability different minerals. Therefore, this study investigates the premilling treatments effects on nutritional composition, antinutritional factors, and in vitro mineral bioavailability of the improved Assosa I sorghum variety grown in Benishangul‐Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with single factor of premilling treatments (control, washing, soaking, and malting). Among evaluated premilling treatments, malting showed significant (p < .05) increase in terms of crude fiber, utilizable carbohydrate, gross energy, and sodium contents. As compared to the raw sorghum, premilling treatments reduced antinutritional contents from 55.81 to 27.4 mg/100 g for tannin, 156.15 to 70.50 mg/100 g for phytates, and 29.9 to 3.22 mg/100 g for oxalate. The premilling techniques also significantly (p < .05) improved in vitro mineral bioavailability as compared to unprocessed sorghum grains. Among the premilling treatments, malting showed significant difference (p < .05) in terms of reduction of tannins, phytates, and oxalate contents with relatively higher mineral bioavailability. In order to enhance the food and nutritional value of sorghum particularly for children and lactating mothers, it is recommended to germinated the grains. Flour from germinated grain also can be used in combination with other nutrient‐dense foods to formulate healthy diets for children and maternal nutrition.
Towards understanding neurocognitive mechanisms of parenting: Maternal behaviors and structural brain network organization in late childhood
Authors: Richmond Sally , Beare Richard , Johnson Katherine A. , Allen Nicholas B. , Seal Marc L. , Whittle Sarah
Published: February 2021

A substantial body of knowledge suggests that exposure to adverse family environments – including violence and neglect – influences many aspects of brain development. Relatively less attention has been directed toward the influence of “normative” differences in parenting behaviors. Given the rapid brain reorganization during late childhood, parenting behaviors are particularly likely to impact the structure of the brain during this time. This study investigated associations between maternal parenting behaviors and the organization of structural brain networks in late childhood, as measured by structural covariance. One hundred and forty‐five typically developing 8‐year‐olds and their mothers completed questionnaire measures and two observed interaction tasks; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained from the children. Measures of maternal negative, positive, and communicative behavior were derived from the interaction tasks. Structural covariance networks based on partial correlations between cortical thickness estimates were constructed and estimates of modularity were obtained using graph theoretical analysis. High levels of negative maternal behavior were associated with low modularity. Minimal support was found for an association between positive maternal behaviors and modularity and between maternal communicative behaviors and modularity. Our findings suggest that variation in negative maternal behavior is associated with the structural organization of brain networks in children.
OHAM simulation of 3D transverse magnetic field in rotating flow of Maxwell nanofluid over a stretching sheet with chemical reaction and heat source/sink
Authors: Ujjini Bhojappa Vishwanatha , Zeb Salman
Published: February 2021

In this article, we investigate the heat transfer characteristics of a Maxwell nanofluid along a stretching sheet with transverse magnetic field, considering the presence of heat source/sink and chemical reaction. We consider appropriate similarity transformation for transforming the governing nonlinear equations into nondimensional highly nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations. The optimal homotopy analysis method is utilized for solving the resultant‐coupled equations. The impact of all sundry parameters, like, Deborah number, Prandtl number, magnetic parameter, thermophoresis, rotation parameter, chemical reaction, velocity slip, Schmidt number, Brownian motion parameter, heat sources per sink, Biot number, and Eckert number, on the temperature, velocity, and concentration fields is reported, analyzed, and described through graphs and tables. It is noticed that higher values of magnetic parameter and Deborah number reduce the horizontal velocity field. Furthermore, it is observed that the Biot number and heat source/sink parameter enhance the temperature distribution.
On the use of leaf water to determine plant water source: A proof of concept
Authors: Benettin Paolo , Nehemy Magali F. , Cernusak Lucas A. , Kahmen Ansgar , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: February 2021

Source water apportionment studies using the dual isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen have revolutionized our understanding of ecohydrology. But despite these developments—mostly over the past decade—many technical problems still exist in terms of linking xylem water to its soil water and groundwater sources. This is mainly due to sampling issues and possible fractionation of xylem water. Here we explore whether or not leaf water alone can be used to quantify the blend of rainfall event inputs from which the leaf water originates. Leaf water has historically been avoided in plant water uptake studies due to the extreme fractionation processes at the leaf surface. In our proof of concept work we embrace those processes and use the well‐known Craig and Gordon model to map leaf water back to its individual precipitation event water sources. We also employ a Bayesian uncertainty estimation approach to quantify source apportionment uncertainties. We show this using a controlled, vegetated lysimeter experiment where we were able to use leaf water to correctly identify the mean seasonal rainfall that was taken up by the plant, with an uncertainty typically within ±1‰ for δ18O. While not appropriate for all source water studies, this work shows that leaf water isotope composition may provide a new, relatively un‐intrusive method for addressing questions about the plant water source.
Biogeochemical responses over 37 years to manipulation of phosphorus concentrations in an Arctic river: The Upper Kuparuk River Experiment
Authors: Iannucci Frances M. , Beneš Joshua , Medvedeff Alexander , Bowden William B.
Published: February 2021

The climate of the Arctic region is changing rapidly, with important implications for permafrost, vegetation communities, and transport of solutes by streams and rivers to the Arctic Ocean. While research on Arctic streams and rivers has accelerated in recent years, long‐term records are relatively rare compared to temperate and tropical regions. We began monitoring the upper Kuparuk River in 1983 as part of a long‐term, low‐level, whole‐season phosphorus enrichment of a 4–6 km experimental reach, which was subsequently incorporated into the Arctic Long‐Term Ecological Research (Arctic LTER) programme. The phosphorus enrichment phase of the Upper Kuparuk River Experiment (UKRE) ran continuously for 34 seasons, fundamentally altering the community structure and function of the Fertilized reach. The objectives of this paper are to (a) update observations of the environmental conditions in the Kuparuk River region as revealed by long‐term, catchment‐level monitoring, (b) compare long‐term trends in biogeochemical characteristics of phosphorus‐enriched and reference reaches of the Kuparuk River, and (c) report results from a new ‘ReFertilization’ experiment. During the UKRE, temperature and discharge did not change significantly, though precipitation increased slightly. However, the UKRE revealed unexpected community state changes attributable to phosphorus enrichment (e.g., appearance of colonizing bryophytes) and long‐term legacy effects of these state changes after cessation of the phosphorus enrichment. The UKRE also revealed important biogeochemical trends (e.g., increased nitrate flux and benthic C:N, decreased DOP flux). The decrease in DOP is particularly notable in that this may be a pan‐Arctic trend related to permafrost thaw and exposure to new sources of iron that reduce phosphorus mobility to streams and rivers. The trends revealed by the UKRE would have been difficult or impossible to identify without long‐term, catchment level research and may have important influences on connections between Arctic headwater catchments and downstream receiving waters, including the Arctic Ocean.
Genome‐wide scan of long noncoding RNA single nucleotide polymorphisms and pancreatic cancer susceptibility
Authors: Corradi Chiara , Gentiluomo Manuel , Gajdán László , Cavestro Giulia Martina , Kreivenaite Edita , Di Franco Gregorio , Sperti Cosimo , Giaccherini Matteo , Petrone Maria Chiara , Tavano Francesca , Gioffreda Domenica , Morelli Luca , Soucek Pavel , Andriulli Angelo , Izbicki Jakob R. , Napoli Niccolò , Małecka‐Panas Ewa , Hegyi Péter , Neoptolemos John P. , Landi Stefano , Vashist Yogesh , Pasquali Claudio , Lu Ye , Cervena Klara , Theodoropoulos George E. , Moz Stefania , Capurso Gabriele , Strobel Oliver , Carrara Silvia , Hackert Thilo , Hlavac Viktor , Archibugi Livia , Oliverius Martin , Vanella Giuseppe , Vodicka Pavel , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Pezzilli Raffaele , Milanetto Anna Caterina , Lawlor Rita T. , Ivanauskas Audrius , Szentesi Andrea , Kupcinskas Juozas , Testoni Sabrina G. G. , Lovecek Martin , Nentwich Michael , Gazouli Maria , Luchini Claudio , Zuppardo Raffaella Alessia , Darvasi Erika , Brenner Hermann , Gheorghe Cristian , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Canzian Federico , Campa Daniele
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the second cancer‐related cause of death by 2030. Identifying novel risk factors, including genetic risk loci, could be instrumental in risk stratification and implementation of prevention strategies. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in regulation of key biological processes, and the possible role of their genetic variability has been unexplored so far. Combining genome wide association studies and functional data, we investigated the genetic variability in all lncRNAs. We analyzed 9893 PDAC cases and 9969 controls and identified a genome‐wide significant association between the rs7046076 SNP and risk of developing PDAC (P = 9.73 × 10−9). This SNP is located in the NONHSAG053086.2 (lnc‐SMC2‐1) gene and the risk allele is predicted to disrupt the binding of the lncRNA with the micro‐RNA (miRNA) hsa‐mir‐1256 that regulates several genes involved in cell cycle, such as CDKN2B. The CDKN2B region is pleiotropic and its genetic variants have been associated with several human diseases, possibly though an imperfect interaction between lncRNA and miRNA. We present a novel PDAC risk locus, supported by a genome‐wide statistical significance and a plausible biological mechanism.
Race, ethnicity and risk of second primary contralateral breast cancer in the United States
Authors: Watt Gordon P. , John Esther M. , Bandera Elisa V. , Malone Kathleen E. , Lynch Charles F. , Palmer Julie R. , Knight Julia A. , Troester Melissa A. , Bernstein Jonine L.
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer survivors have a high risk of a second primary contralateral breast cancer (CBC), but there are few studies of CBC risk in racial/ethnic minority populations. We examined whether the incidence and risk factors for CBC differed by race/ethnicity in the United States. Women with a first invasive Stage I‐IIB breast cancer diagnosis at ages 20‐74 years between 2000 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) 18 registries were followed through 2016 for a diagnosis of invasive CBC ≥1 year after the first breast cancer diagnosis. We used cause‐specific Cox proportional hazards models to test the association between race/ethnicity and CBC, adjusting for age, hormone receptor status, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and stage at first diagnosis, and evaluated the impact of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, socioeconomic status, and insurance status on the association. After a median follow‐up of 5.9 years, 9247 women (2.0%) were diagnosed with CBC. Relative to non‐Hispanic (NH) White women, CBC risk was increased in NH Black women (hazard ratio = 1.44, 95% CI 1.35‐1.54) and Hispanic women (1.11, 95% CI 1.02‐1.20), with the largest differences among women diagnosed at younger ages. Adjustment for contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, socioeconomic status and health insurance did not explain the associations. Therefore, non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic women have an increased risk of CBC that is not explained by clinical or socioeconomic factors collected in SEER. Large studies of diverse breast cancer survivors with detailed data on treatment delivery and adherence are needed to inform interventions to reduce this disparity.
The impact of corruption on commercial banks' credit risk: Evidence from a panel quantile regression
Authors: Jenkins Hatice , Alshareef Ezuldeen , Mohamad Amer
Published: February 2021

This study explores the impact of countrywide corruption on the credit risk of commercial banks with different levels of credit risk. It applies the quantile regression (QR) estimation method for a panel data of 191 commercial banks, from 18 MENAP countries, between the years 2011–2018. The research finding indicates that corruption significantly exacerbates the problem of bad loans of banks. Furthermore, the QR results reveal that corruption does not affect all banks at the same level. Banks in higher quantiles (i.e., higher credit risk banks) appear to be affected more than the ones in lower quantiles (i.e., lower credit risk banks).Banks with high credit risk appear to be more vulnerable to corruption than banks with low credit risk.