bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional precipitation index: Method analysis and application over Greece
Authors: Lagouvardos K. , Papavasileiou G. , Papagiannaki K. , Dafis S. , Galanaki E. , Giannaros T. M. , Koletsis I. , Kotroni V.
Published: August 2023

The current work focuses on the development of a regional precipitation index (RPI) to rank precipitation events in Greece, with the goal of identifying the most severe weather events in terms of their potential to cause socioeconomic impacts. The study is motivated by the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events and accompanying hydrogeological phenomena worldwide, which have caused significant infrastructure damage and loss of life. The analysis is based on the exploitation of the ERA‐Land high‐resolution rainfall dataset, covering the period from 1991 to 2020, while it considers both the area and the population affected by each rainfall event. The study provides a categorization of the ranked storms based on the percentiles of all non‐zero RPI values and highlights the socioeconomic impacts of the most severe weather events. The findings suggest that the developed RPI can be a useful tool for early warning systems and risk management strategies, particularly for emergency preparedness and response. The resulting ranking procedure has been applied operationally by the METEO unit of the National Observatory of Athens since fall 2021.
Synthesis and chemiluminescent characteristics of two new acridinium esters
Authors: Smith Keith , Mu Xiaojing , Li Zhaoqiang , Woodhead J. Stuart , El‐Hiti Gamal A.
Published: August 2023

Two new acridinium esters with a 2‐(succinimidyloxycarbonyl)ethyl side arm, namely, 9‐(2,6‐dibromophenoxycarbonyl)‐10‐methyl‐2‐(2‐(succinimidyloxycarbonyl)ethyl)acridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate and 9‐(4‐(2‐(succinimidyloxycarbonyl)ethyl)phenoxycarbonyl)‐2,7‐dimethoxy‐10‐methylacridinium triflate, have been produced and characterized. The chemiluminescent properties and hydrolytic stabilities of the new acridinium esters have been investigated.
The role of electronic waste management solutions and message framing in influencing consumer behaviours: Exploring the crowdfunding context
Authors: Testa Stefania , Troise Ciro , Cincotti Silvano , Camilleri Mark Anthony
Published: August 2023

Electronics waste (e‐waste) is the fastest growing category of hazardous solid waste in the world. While the generation of e‐waste has recently attracted the attention of a number of researchers, currently, there is little awareness on its management, monitoring, and control among the consumers of crowdfunding platforms. This is surprising because the supporters (backers) of crowdfunding are usually considered as disruptive innovators by other stakeholders. In this light, this research explores the role of e‐waste management solutions and the formulation of “message framing” in influencing consumer behaviours in crowdfunding contexts. To do this, this study involves an in‐depth investigation of fund‐raising campaigns focused on e‐waste, which were promoted between 2009 and 2020, through Kickstarter's reward‐based crowdfunding platform. The results show that environmentally sustainable projects focused on waste reduction and pollution prevention are generating increased funds and triggering the interest of a number of crowd investors who are willing to finance such laudable initiatives. At the same time, the findings suggest that the fundraisers' elaborate framing messages on environmental protection and on the preservation of the natural eco‐systems can increase the likelihood of the success of their crowdfunding projects. This contribution contributes to both environmental management and to the crowdfunding literature. In conclusion, it offers practical implications for sustainable entrepreneurs who may resort to crowdfunding platforms to raise finance to decrease the accumulation of e‐waste from the planet, as well as for other stakeholders including governments, policymakers, and public agencies.
Recent Progress and Application of Freeze Dryers for Agricultural Product Drying
Authors: Salehi Fakhreddin
Published: August 2023

The impact of various freeze‐drying (FD) methods on the drying efficiency and quality of dried fruits and vegetables is reviewed. Additionally, a brief overview of recent advances in FD methods is provided. The FD technique is characterized by the following key properties: ability to maintain original texture and color, the highest nutritional value, and appropriate rehydration rate due to the porous tissue of the product. Recently, various combination methods have been tested to improve the drying speed and save energy when FD fruits and vegetables. This includes combining FD systems with other techniques such as ultrasound, microwave, vacuum, infrared radiation, pulsed electric field (PEF), and CO2 laser perforation. Combined benefits of these technologies include increased mass transfer rates, shorter dehydration time, energy savings, improved product quality, lower shrinkage, higher rehydration capacity, and flexibility to dry and manufacture the many types of dried fruits and vegetables pieces.
Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Pharmaceuticals at Chiral‐Encoded Metal Surfaces
Authors: Somsri Supattra , Suwankaisorn Banyong , Yomthong Krissanapat , Srisuwanno Wanmai , Klinyod Sorasak , Kuhn Alexander , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: August 2023

Enantioselective catalysis is of crucial importance in modern chemistry and pharmaceutical science. Although various concepts have been used for the development of enantioselective catalysts to obtain highly pure chiral compounds, most of them are based on homogeneous catalytic systems. Recently, we successfully developed nanostructured metal layers imprinted with chiral information, which were applied as electrocatalysts for the enantioselective synthesis of chiral model compounds. However, so far such materials have not been employed as heterogeneous catalysts for the enantioselective synthesis of real pharmaceutical products. In this contribution, we report the asymmetric synthesis of chiral pharmaceuticals (CPs) with chiral imprinted Pt−Ir surfaces as a simple hydrogenation catalyst. By fine‐tuning the experimental parameters, a very high enantioselectivity (up to 95 % enantiomeric excess) with good catalyst stability can be achieved. The designed materials were also successfully used as catalytically active stationary phases for the continuous asymmetric flow synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds. This illustrates the possibility of producing real chiral pharmaceuticals at such nanostructured metal surfaces for the first time.
Synthesis and VCD Spectroscopic Characterization of a Series of Azacryptands from a Chiral Valine‐Based Derivative of Tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (TREN)
Authors: Müller Clemens , Scholten Kevin , Engelage Elric , Merten Christian
Published: August 2023

Utilizing experimental and computational vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy, we explored the conformational preferences of a series of chiral C3‐symmetric octaazacryptands with tris(2‐aminoethyl)‐amine head groups derived from valine. While the spectra of the smallest azacryptand with p‐phenyl linkers and its elongated derivative with p‐biphenyls linker were found to match well with the computed spectra, the computed conformational preferences of the m‐biphenyl‐based azacryptand did not seem to reflect the conformations dominating in chloroform solution. A detailed analysis revealed that structural changes resulting in a collapsed cage structure gave a notably better match with the experiment. It could subsequently be concluded from the VCD analysis, that the octaazacryptands prefer a collapsed structure, which is not predicted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations as the global minimum structures. These findings are expected to have consequences also for future studies on inclusion complexes of such azacryptands.
Molecular Simulations of the Chain Length Dependent Adsorption of C7‐C14 n‐Alkanes in ZIF‐8
Authors: Gopalan Arun , Snurr Randall Q.
Published: August 2023

Recent experiments show that the diffusivities of C8 and C10 n‐alkanes in ZIF‐8 are higher than those of C7 and C9, respectively. We investigated this unusual ‘odd‐even' effect by simulating the adsorption of C7‐C14 n‐alkanes in ZIF‐8 using hybrid Monte Carlo molecular simulations. The resultant adsorption isotherms, guest‐host energies, isosteric heats, and chain length distributions are analyzed for trends among the n‐alkanes. ZIF‐8 cages filled with n‐alkanes are characterized using a combination of image processing and data science to quantify the differences in packing that occur with chain length. Results indicate that packing changes drastically from C7 to C8 and from C9 to C10, which is consistent with the diffusion trends previously reported in experiments.
DNA methylation profile discriminates sporadic giant cell granulomas of the jaws and cherubism from their giant cell‐rich histological mimics
Authors: Guimarães Letícia Martins , Baumhoer Daniel , Andrei Vanghelita , Friedel Dennis , Koelsche Christian , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , von Deimling Andreas , Gomes Carolina Cavalieri
Published: August 2023

Sporadic giant cell granulomas (GCGs) of the jaws and cherubism‐associated giant cell lesions share histopathological features and microscopic diagnosis alone can be challenging. Additionally, GCG can morphologically closely resemble other giant cell‐rich lesions, including non‐ossifying fibroma (NOF), aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB), and chondroblastoma. The epigenetic basis of these giant cell‐rich tumours is unclear and DNA methylation profiling has been shown to be clinically useful for the diagnosis of other tumour types. Therefore, we aimed to assess the DNA methylation profile of central and peripheral sporadic GCG and cherubism to test whether DNA methylation patterns can help to distinguish them. Additionally, we compared the DNA methylation profile of these lesions with those of other giant cell‐rich mimics to investigate if the microscopic similarities extend to the epigenetic level. DNA methylation analysis was performed for central (n = 10) and peripheral (n = 10) GCG, cherubism (n = 6), NOF (n = 10), ABC (n = 16), GCTB (n = 9), and chondroblastoma (n = 10) using the Infinium Human Methylation EPIC Chip. Central and peripheral sporadic GCG and cherubism share a related DNA methylation pattern, with those of peripheral GCG and cherubism appearing slightly distinct, while central GCG shows overlap with both of the former. NOF, ABC, GCTB, and chondroblastoma, on the other hand, have distinct methylation patterns. The global and enhancer‐associated CpG DNA methylation values showed a similar distribution pattern among central and peripheral GCG and cherubism, with cherubism showing the lowest and peripheral GCG having the highest median values. By contrast, promoter regions showed a different methylation distribution pattern, with cherubism showing the highest median values. In conclusion, DNA methylation profiling is currently not capable of clearly distinguishing sporadic and cherubism‐associated giant cell lesions. Conversely, it could discriminate sporadic GCG of the jaws from their giant cell‐rich mimics (NOF, ABC, GCTB, and chondroblastoma).
High‐dimensional model averaging for quantile regression
Authors: Xie Jinhan , Ding Xianwen , Jiang Bei , Yan Xiaodong , Kong Linglong
Published: August 2023

This article considers robust prediction issues in ultrahigh‐dimensional (UHD) datasets and proposes combining quantile regression with sequential model averaging to arrive at a quantile sequential model averaging (QSMA) procedure. The QSMA method is made computationally feasible by employing a sequential screening process and a Bayesian information criterion (BIC) model averaging method for UHD quantile regression and provides a more accurate and stable prediction of the conditional quantile of a response variable. Meanwhile, the proposed method shows effective behaviour in dealing with prediction in UHD datasets and saves a great deal of computational cost with the help of the sequential technique. Under some suitable conditions, we show that the proposed QSMA method can mitigate overfitting and yields reliable predictions. Numerical studies, including extensive simulations and a real data example, are presented to confirm that the proposed method performs well.
Quantification of CO and Further CO2 Reduction Products by On‐line Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Englhard Jonas , Bachmann Julien
Published: August 2023

The reduction of CO2 in water can yield a variety of volatile products mixed with the starting material and often dinitrogen as an inert gas. While mass spectrometry is ideally suited to the quantitative analysis of gases in low concentrations, the simultaneous detection is usually performed with a preliminary chromatographic separation. In its absence, the mass spectrometric signal at m/z=28 can be due to CO, CO2, and N2. Here, we demonstrate that ionizing the mixture of reaction products under 16 eV results in the selective detection of CO at m/z=28, at the complete exclusion of CO2 and N2. This method is applicable to headspace analysis after a bulk electrolysis and delivers product compositions as they depend on catalyst and applied potential. Furthermore, its immediate nature also enables the experimentalist to perform, in real time, a direct monitoring of the reaction products generated during cyclic voltammetry.
Electrochemical Direct C−H Halogenation of N‐Heteroarenes and Naphthols
Authors: Tao Pan , Li Yujun , Zheng Ke
Published: August 2023

In this study, we present a straightforward and environmentally friendly electrochemical approach for achieving selective halogenation of N‐heteroarenes, including indoles, diazoles, pyrroles, quinolinone, and naphthols. Our method utilizes commercially available and affordable ammonium halides as halogen source. A library of valuable halogenated N‐heteroarenes can be synthesized in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions (transition‐metal‐free, oxidant‐free, ethanol as solvent, atmospheric environment). The approach demonstrates a broad substrate scope, excellent tolerance towards various functional groups, and scalability.
Photocatalyzed Energy Transfer for Atom Economical Synthesis of O‐Bridged Tricyclo‐Fused Cyclopropane Derivatives
Authors: Sinha Prashant Kumar , Reddy Manyam Subbi , Behera Purna Chandra , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Suresh Surisetti
Published: August 2023

Herein, we have disclosed a feasible approach to access oxygen bridged tricycle‐fused cyclopropane derivatives via visible light mediated photocatalyzed energy transfer process. This protocol describes one step multi‐fused ring formation under mild reaction conditions to furnish a wide range of the fused cyclopropane derivatives in moderate to high yields with excellent diastereoselectivities.
Design seismic track irregularity for high‐speed railways
Authors: Yu Jian , Zhou Wangbao , Jiang Lizhong , Yan Wen , Liu Xiang
Published: August 2023

There has been no consensus on post‐earthquake operating plan for high‐speed railway trains. In this paper, two three‐dimensional coupling model of track‐bridge system without and with trains for high‐speed railways were developed, and their performance were verified based on shaking table tests. The equivalent method of design seismic track irregularity for random structures was discussed, and the amplitude response spectra of design seismic track irregularity for all levels of seismic intensity were proposed. In addition, the rationality of design seismic track irregularity was evaluated based on engineering case analysis, providing a theoretical foundation of formulating post‐earthquake contingency plans for high‐speed railways. The results show that when span number increases, the design seismic track irregularity amplitude increases and then tends to be stable; when the span number reaches 9, the train dynamic response gradually becomes stable; the random structures with arbitrary span numbers are equivalent to a specific 9‐span structure when constructing design seismic track irregularity. When the seismic intensity is low, there is no significant difference in shape and amplitude between the measured pre‐earthquake and post‐earthquake track alignment irregularities, and the train can normally run with no significant deceleration required. The train dynamic response under the design post‐earthquake track irregularity is greater than that under the measured post‐earthquake track irregularity, indicating that the design seismic track irregularity has a reasonable safety margin and a good feasibility in engineering practice.
Effect of composition on the structure and digestibility of starch in Idli batter
Authors: Roy Leeann , Reshmi Somanathan Karthiga , Moses Jeyan Arthur , Anandharamakrishnan Chinnaswamy
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the effects of varying the proportion of parboiled rice, raw rice, mixed rice, and black gram on idli batter structure and starch digestibility. A total of six different batters (batters 1 to 6) were prepared by varying the composition of raw material. Batter 1 (Parboiled Rice: Black gram dal: Baking soda), Batter 2 (Parboiled Rice: Black gram dal: Yeast), Batter 3 (Parboiled Rice: Raw Rice: Mixed Rice: Black gram dal), Batter 4 (Raw Rice: Mixed Rice: Black gram dal), Batter 5 (Raw rice: Yeast) and Batter 6 (Parboiled Rice: Black gram dal). In comparison to the other five batters, batter 6 (parboiled rice (3): Black gram dal (1)) exhibited superior texture, sensory, enzyme activity, and better digestibility. Structure changes in starch for batter 6 were noticeable until day five and complete degradation was observed after day seven, whereas in other batters, the structure degraded from 3rd day of storage. Batter 6 exhibited the highest protein content (0.6 mg/g to 0.3 mg/g) and lowest reducing sugar content (4.51 mg/g to 6.66 mg/g) from day 1 to day 7 of the storage period. The difference in amylose content from day 1 to day 7 (27.80% to 26.75%) was low compared to others. The starch digestibility index of batter 6 was 40.35% on day 1 and 68.96% on day 7 which was comparatively less compared to other prepared batters. As a result, the proportion of dal and parboiled rice used in batter preparation significantly influences its storage, digestibility, and enzyme activity. Thus, studying the method and proportion of idli preparation helps us understand how the batter is stored, digested, and modified, thereby improving our understanding of Indian cuisine.
The Evolution of Trout Stream Management in the Black Hills, 1883–2023, as Evidenced Through Hatchery Activities and Stocking
Authors: Scarnecchia Dennis L , Martling Shaylee , Barnes Michael
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we review and synthesize trout management philosophy and policies for Black Hills streams in the states of South Dakota and Wyoming through the roles of hatcheries, fish stocking, and natural production from 1883 to 2023. We identified three specific fisheries management time periods (eras) in the Black Hills: (1) the early management–fry stocking era (pre-1950), (2) the catchable-trout stocking era (1950s to mid-1990s), and (3) the integrated management era (mid-1990s to present). The first era emphasized juvenile trout stocking, with little evaluation of effectiveness in terms of return to creel. The second era was characterized by greater emphasis on stocking catchable-sized trout and a substantial increase in hatchery rearing capabilities. In the first two eras, instead of fish stocking being one of many potentially useful tools for managers of Black Hills streams, stocking was the dominant activity—leading and directing fisheries management rather than supporting it. By the third era, trout management began to embody a more encompassing and complex national ideology and philosophy that more fully considered ecology, including habitat improvement, natural reproduction of trout, defining the role of fish stocking, and understanding the relationship of trout to the depauperate native (nongame) fish fauna. We also discuss the three eras in the Black Hills in relation to national trends in trout management. In contrast to many other localities, the lack of any native salmonids and the lack of native game fish species have facilitated the development of valuable, self-sustaining recreational fisheries in streams that support trout, with less concern for native species than in many areas with harvestable native fish species. The cultural ideology that brought western expansion of settlers to the Black Hills in search of gold, land, freedom, and prosperity was emboldened by a science-based belief and confidence in technology and industry to rapidly shape lands and waters to improve the human condition. In part, the sculpting and shaping of Mount Rushmore symbolize that ideology. In the context of fisheries management in the Black Hills, the introduction of trout, development of stream fisheries, and investment in hatchery technology to produce catchable trout for an expanding tourist economy also exemplify that prevailing ideology, modulated by improved ecological understanding and an accompanying shift toward a more ecological management philosophy.
Brenner Basistunnel, Baulos H41 Sillschlucht–Pfons: Herausforderungen aufbauend auf den Vorlosen im betroffenen Projektbereich
Authors: Insam Romed , Mössmer Stefan , Radončić Nedim , Priller Anton , Staffel Oliver , Reith Marco
Published: August 2023

The construction lot H41 Sill Gorge–Pfons is one of the biggest construction lots of the Brenner base tunnel and carries out the work on the Austrian side between Austria and Italy. It is situated between the Sill Gorge in Innsbruck and the small mountain village of Pfons. Here, tunnel excavation and inner lining concrete works are carried out based on existing caverns and tunnels made by previous construction lots E41, Sill Gorge and H33 Tulfes–Pfons. The construction lot H41 Sill Gorge–Pfons started in January 2022 with preparation works, and will take 80 months of continuous construction work to complete. All together about 22.5 km of main tubes, 38 bypasses and the remaining parts of the underground Innsbruck emergency station/stop will be excavated by the drill and blast method and by mechanised means (TBM). Additionally, concrete inner lining works will be executed partly alongside the excavation works. In the connection tunnels which are already finished and link the existing Innsbruck bypass with the new Brenner base tunnel, barrier walls are being erected and a new long‐distance water flushing system is being implemented. The limited surface areas in this mountainous region present a huge challenge for logistics and storage as well as on‐site operations for the execution of this complex underground construction lot.
A26 Linzer Autobahn – Herausforderungen im Rückblick und Ausblick
Authors: Sempelmann Franz , Bartl Robert , Edlmair Gerald , Lang Martin
Published: August 2023

After a long planning and approval phase, the main construction work on the A26 Linz motorway began at the beginning of 2019. The new A26 road section, large parts of which are underground, will not only significantly relieve the existing inner‐city traffic routes around Linz, but will also provide an additional Danube crossing in the form of a suspension bridge with a span of over 300 m. The main elements of the first Phase of construction are the Danube Bridge and two underground branches, north and south of the Danube, with excavated cross‐sections of up to 400 m2 and ramp tunnels with tight curves.

The planning of an inner‐city construction project requires the comprehensive and careful consideration of the protection of the local residents with regard to the effects of noise and vibration. It also needs the impact of the construction work on the existing traffic routes to be reduced as much as possible. The material excavated from the Freinberg tunnel and the Danube South junction must be transported away via the Danube waterway. The project‐specific framework conditions, such as the very high number of tunnel portals, the sound reflections within the Danube valley and the low overburden require considerable measures to reduce their impact during the construction phase.
Sexual and reproductive health‐related questions and concerns of newly married couples: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Ranjbar Fahimeh , Khalajabadi Farahani Farideh , Montazeri Maryam , Jahanfar Shayesteh , Gharacheh Maryam
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Approximately half of Iranian marring couples have poor sexual knowledge and attitudes. This article delves into the main concerns and queries regarding sexual and reproductive health among Iranian newly married couples.

Methods

We conducted a content analysis of the sexual and reproductive health questions and concerns that were anonymously submitted by newly married couples to the researcher via social media in 2021–2022.

Results

A total of 141 questions and concerns that were related to sexual and reproductive health were considered for content analysis. Findings illustrated two main categories: (1) the need to create a reproductive life plan, and (2) the need for sexual knowledge and counseling. The first category consisted of three subcategories: “Poor contraceptive knowledge,” “Need for support in case of a missed period or unplanned pregnancy,” and “Need for preconception care.” The second category included three subcategories: “Concern regarding virginity,” “Sexual problems on the honeymoon,” and “Sexual problems in newlyweds.”

Conclusion

Iranian newly married couples need long‐term specialized services addressing their reproductive life planning and sexual knowledge needs. Integrating reproductive life planning and comprehensive sex education into the primary care services for newly married couples can help to reduce delayed childbearing, unintended pregnancy, unsafe and illegal abortion, and subsequent infertility.
Ex vivo expansion of lung cancer‐derived disseminated cancer cells from lymph nodes identifies cells associated with metastatic progression
Authors: Treitschke Steffi , Weidele Kathrin , Varadarajan Adithi Ravikumar , Feliciello Giancarlo , Warfsmann Jens , Vorbeck Sybille , Polzer Bernhard , Botteron Catherine , Hoffmann Martin , Dechand Vadim , Mederer Tobias , Weber Florian , Werner‐Klein Melanie , Robold Tobias , Hofmann Hans‐Stefan , Werno Christian , Klein Christoph A.
Published: August 2023

The cellular basis of the apparent aggressiveness in lung cancer is poorly understood but likely associated with functional or molecular features of disseminated cancer cells (DCCs). DCCs from epithelial cancers are mostly detected by antibodies directed against histogenetic markers such as cytokeratin or EpCAM. It has been argued that marker‐negative metastatic founder cells might escape detection. We therefore used ex vivo sphere formation for functional detection of candidate metastasis founders. We generated cell suspensions from 199 LN samples of 131 lung cancer patients and placed them into non‐adherent cell culture. Sphere formation was associated with detection of DCCs using EpCAM immunocytology and with significantly poorer prognosis. The prognostic impact of sphere formation was strongly associated with high numbers of EpCAM‐positive DCCs and aberrant genotypes of expanded spheres. We also noted sphere formation in patients with no evidence of lymphatic spread, however such spheres showed infrequent expression of signature genes associated with spheres from EpCAM‐positive samples and displayed neither typical lung cancer mutations (KRAS, TP53, ERBB1) nor copy number variations, but might be linked to disease progression >5 years post curative surgery. We conclude that EpCAM identifies relevant disease‐driving DCCs, that such cells can be expanded for model generation and that further research is needed to clarify the functional and prognostic role of rare EpCAM‐negative sphere forming cells.
Fetal growth and pediatric cancer: A pan‐cancer analysis in 7000 cases and 37 000 controls
Authors: Hoang Thanh T. , Schraw Jeremy M. , Peckham‐Gregory Erin C. , Scheurer Michael E. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: August 2023

Birth weight is an established risk factor for some pediatric cancers but is dependent on gestational age and sex. Furthermore, it is unclear how associations may differ by infant sex, age at diagnosis, maternal race/ethnicity and maternal nativity status. We examined the association between size for gestation and a spectrum of pediatric cancers registered in the Texas Cancer Registry from 1995 to 2011. We analyzed up to 7547 cases and 37 735 controls. Analyses were conducted using logistic regression. Small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and large‐for‐gestational age (LGA) were significantly associated with several tumors. SGA was associated with hepatic tumors (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.74). Conversely, inverse associations were with Hodgkin lymphoma (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.87) and soft tissue sarcomas (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.97). LGA was associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.57), Burkitt lymphoma (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.45) and germ cell tumors (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.23). Results did not differ when stratified by infant sex. The association with LGA and leukemia was strongest in those diagnosed 1 to 5 and 6 to 10 years. When stratified by maternal race/ethnicity, the association with LGA and neuroblastoma and renal tumors was strongest in children whose mother identified as non‐Hispanic/Latina (H/L) Black. Among H/L women, children of Mexican‐born women had a stronger association with LGA and leukemia, CNS tumors, neuroblastoma and renal tumors than children of US‐born women (aOR range: 1.61‐2.25 vs 1.12‐1.27). Size for gestation is associated with several pediatric cancers. Associations may differ by age at diagnosis, maternal race/ethnicity and nativity.
Urolithin B inhibits proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis and necrosis by inducing G2/M arrest and targeting MMP‐2/‐9 expression in osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Tajvar Nasab Nahid , Jalili‐Nik Mohammad , Afshari Amir R. , Rezaei Farimani Azam , Soukhtanloo Mohammad
Published: August 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary bone cancer, with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Over the past decades, therapeutic approaches have not considerably improved patients' survival rates, and further research is required to find efficient treatments for OS. Data from several studies have shown that urolithin B (UB), the intestinal metabolite of polyphenolic ellagitannins, is emerging as a new class of anticancer compounds, yet its effect on OS cancer cells remains elusive. Herein, we investigated UB's antimetastatic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects on the MG‐63 OS cell line. Cell viability assay, annexin V/propidium iodide staining, cell cycle arrest analysis, determination of the gene expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, Bax, Bcl‐2, and p53 messenger RNA (mRNA), evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and migration, and MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 protein expression assessments were performed. UB caused late apoptosis, necrosis, G2/M arrest, and ROS generation in MG‐63 cells. It increased the mRNA expression of the p53 tumor suppressor and Bax proapoptotic genes. UB also inhibited the migration and metastatic behavior of MG‐63 OS cells by downregulating mRNA and MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 protein expression. In general, although further in vivo investigations are warranted, the current results showed that UB might be utilized as a potential novel natural compound for OS therapy due to its nontoxic, antiproliferative, and antimetastatic nature.
Rituximab alleviates increased disomic sperm in DBA/1J mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis via restoration of redox imbalance
Authors: Attia Sabry M. , Al‐Hamamah Mohammed A. , Attia Mohamed S. M. , Alanazi Abdulrazaq , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Ansari Mushtaq A. , Nadeem Ahmed , Bakheet Saleh A. , Harisa Gamaleldin I.
Published: August 2023

Compared to the general population, patients with arthritis have a higher risk of fertility abnormalities, which have deleterious effects on both reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes, especially in patients wishing to conceive. These may be due to the disease itself or those of drug therapies. Despite the increasing use of rituximab in arthritis, limited data are available on its potential to induce aneuploidy in germ cells. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to determine if repeated treatment with rituximab affects the incidence of aneuploidy and redox imbalance in arthritic mouse sperm. Mice were treated with 250 mg/kg rituximab once weakly for 3 weeks, and then sperm were sampled 22 days after the last dose of rituximab. Fluorescence in situ hybridization assay with chromosome‐specific DNA probes was used to evaluate the disomic/diploid sperm. Our results showed that rituximab had no aneuploidogenic effect on the meiotic stage of spermatogenesis. Conversely, arthritis induced a significantly high frequency of disomy, and treatment of arthritic mice with rituximab reduced the increased levels of disomic sperm. The occurrence of total diploidy was not significantly different in all groups. Reduced glutathione and8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine, markers of oxidative stress were significantly altered in arthritic animals, while rituximab treatment restored these changes. Additionally, arthritis severity was reduced after rituximab treatment. We conclude that rituximab may efficiently alleviate the arthritis‐induced effects on male meiosis and avert the higher risk of abnormal reproductive outcomes. Therefore, treating arthritic patients with rituximab may efficiently inhibit the transmission of genetic anomalies induced by arthritis to future generations.
Lycopene attenuates silver nanoparticle‐induced liver injury in albino mice
Authors: More Sonal B. , Mohan Mahalaxmi , Kulkarni Prayrna , Ahire Kedar C.
Published: August 2023

Lycopene is a carotenoid widely used for its dominant antioxidant properties and beneficial health effects. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have gained attention for use in many medicinal and consumer products, leading to animal, human, and environmental exposure. This study investigated the dose‐dependent effects of lycopene on AgNP‐induced hepatotoxicity in albino mice. The four experimental groups, comprising eight albino mice each, were as follows: Group I, vehicle control (C); Group II, AgNP‐treated (5 mg/kg/day) (AgNP); Group III, AgNP/lycopene‐treated (5 + 10 mg/kg/day) (AgNP + LP10); and Group IV, AgNP/lycopene‐treated (5 + 100 mg/kg/day) (AgNP + LP100). All solutions were orally administered to the mice once in a day for consecutive 14 days. The levels of serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin were significantly higher in the AgNP‐treated group than in the control group but significantly lower in the AgNP + LP100 group than in the AgNP‐treated group. A significant decrease in reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity and an increase in lipid peroxidation were observed in the AgNP‐treated group; these were significantly suppressed in the AgNP+LP100 as compared to AgNP‐treated group. Histopathological examination showed substantial morphological alterations in hepatic tissues in the AgNP, which were adequately improved in the low and high dose lycopene‐treated groups. The dose of 100 mg/kg/day of lycopene was more effective than 10 mg/kg/day, as pretreatment with high dose lycopene significantly diminished the adverse changes occurred due to AgNP in liver weight, hepatic architecture, serum functional markers, and antioxidant markers. Thus, present study shows that pretreatment with lycopene offers protection against AgNP‐induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress.
Enhancing dissolved inorganic phosphorous capture by gypsum‐incorporated biochar: Synergic performance and mechanisms
Authors: Katuwal Sarmila , Circenis Sophie , Zhao Linduo , Zheng Wei
Published: August 2023

Excess nutrients, such as phosphorus (P), in watersheds jeopardize water quality and trigger harmful algal blooms. Using phosphorus sorption material (PSM) to capture P from wastewater and agricultural runoff can help recover nutrients and prevent their water pollution. In this study, a novel designer biochar was generated by pyrolyzing woody biomass pretreated with a flue gas desulfurization gypsum. The removal of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) by the gypsum‐incorporated designer biochar was more efficient than the gypsum, suggesting the pretreatment of biomass with the gypsum results in a synergic effect on enhancing DIP capture. The maximum P adsorption capacity of the designer biochar was more than 200 mg g−1, which is one order of magnitude greater than that of the gypsum. This result clearly showed that the designer biochar is a better PSM to capture DIP from nutrient‐contaminated water compared to the gypsum. Post‐sorption characterization indicated that the sorption of DIP by the gypsum‐incorporated biochar involves multiple mechanisms. The precipitation reactions of calcium (Ca) cations and P anions to form CaHPO4 and Ca3(PO4)2 precipitates on the highly alkaline surface of the designer biochar were identified as a main mechanism. By contrast, CaHPO4·2H2O is the only precipitated product for DIP sorption by the gypsum. In addition, the initial solution pH and the coexisting bicarbonate had less effects on the DIP removal by the designer biochar in comparison with the gypsum, which further confirms that the former is an excellent PSM to capture DIP from a variety of aquatic media.
Rainbow connectivity of randomly perturbed graphs
Authors: Balogh József , Finlay John , Palmer Cory
Published: August 2023

In this note we examine the following random graph model: for an arbitrary graph , with quadratic many edges, construct a graph by randomly adding edges to and randomly coloring the edges of with colors. We show that for a large enough constant and , every pair of vertices in are joined by a rainbow path, that is, is rainbow connected, with high probability. This confirms a conjecture of Anastos and Frieze, who proved the statement for and resolved the case when and is a function of .
Structural properties of graph products
Authors: Hickingbotham Robert , Wood David R.
Published: August 2023

Dujmovć, Joret, Micek, Morin, Ueckerdt, and Wood established that every planar graph is a subgraph of the strong product of a graph with bounded treewidth and a path. Motivated by this result, this paper systematically studies various structural properties of cartesian, direct and strong products. In particular, we characterise when these graph products contain a given complete multipartite subgraph, determine tight bounds for their degeneracy, establish new lower bounds for the treewidth of cartesian and strong products, and characterise when they have bounded treewidth and when they have bounded pathwidth.
In silico identification and analysis of potential inhibitors for acid phosphatase, HppA from Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Sisodia Rinki , Mazumdar Pooja Anjali , Madhurantakam Chaithanya
Published: August 2023

Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of gastric ulcers and is associated with gastric cancer. The enzyme HppA of class C nonspecific acid phosphohydrolases (NSAPs) of H. pylori plays a crucial role in the electron transport chain. Herein, we report an in silico homology model of HppA consisting of a monomeric α + β model. A high throughput structure‐based virtual screening approach yielded potential inhibitors against HppA with higher binding energies. Further analyses of molecular interaction maps and protein–ligand fingerprints, followed by molecular mechanics‐generalized Born surface area (MM‐GBSA) end point binding energy calculations of docked complexes, resulted in the detection of top binders/ligands. Our investigations identified potential substrate‐competitive small molecule inhibitors of HppA, with admissible pharmacokinetic properties. These molecules may provide a starting point for developing novel therapeutic agents against H. pylori.
The impact of horizontal resolution on the representation of atmospheric circulation types in Western Europe using the MPI‐ESM model
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie
Published: August 2023

In this study, the added value in using the sea level pressure field from the coupled higher‐resolution version of the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model (MPI‐ESM‐HR), compared to the lower‐resolution version (MPI‐ESM‐LR) for circulation typing, within the regional context of Western Europe was examined. The results show that the MPI‐ESM‐HR and the MPI‐ESM‐LR simulations can produce the classified circulation types (CTs) and their long‐term statistical characteristics as obtained from the ERA5 reanalysis. Overall, there are improvements in the composite maps, probability of occurrence and annual cycle of the simulated CTs in the MPI‐ESM‐HR compared to the MPI‐ESM‐LR. The model bias in simulating the structure of anticyclonic circulations over the Western European landmass was reduced by 14% under MPI‐ESM‐HR. Furthermore, under the shared socio‐economic pathways (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5) future emission scenarios, the historical CTs in the region of assessment were classified, suggesting that in Western Europe, the same historical CTs are present under future climate change scenarios. However, the frequency distribution and geographical structure of some of the CTs in Western Europe are projected to change by the MPI‐ESM model, especially under the higher future emission scenario.
The inhibitory effect of ovomucoid from egg white on biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Lee Ji‐Eun , Cho Hee Yeon , Lee Jae Hoon , Ahn Dong Uk , Kim Kee‐Tae , Paik Hyun‐Dong
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus mutans, the main pathogen associated with tooth decay, forms cariogenic biofilms on tooth surfaces. Therefore, controlling oral biofilm helps prevent dental caries. Hen's egg is a nutrient‐dense food, and egg white is a good source of protein. Ovomucoid is one of the major proteins in egg white, with a 28 kDa molecular weight. The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of ovomucoid on the biofilm formation of S. mutans by suppressing virulence factors, including bacterial adherence, cellular aggregation and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production.

RESULTS

Crystal violet staining showed that biofilm formation by S. mutans was inhibited by ovomucoid at 0.25–1 mg mL−1 levels. Field emission scanning electron microscopy also confirmed this inhibition. In addition, ovomucoid reduced mature biofilm, water‐insoluble EPS synthesis and the metabolic activity of bacterial cells in the biofilm. The bacterial adhesion and aggregation abilities of S. mutans were also decreased in the presence of ovomucoid. Ovomucoid downregulated the expression of comDE and vicR genes involved in the two‐component signal transduction system and gtfA and ftf genes involved in EPS production.

CONCLUSION

Ovomucoid has the potential for use as an anti‐biofilm agent for dental caries treatment because of its inhibitory effects on the virulence factors of S. mutans. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
An investigation of the catalytic performance of Fe–Mn/Al2O3 nanocatalyst for light olefins production using RSM method and kinetic study
Authors: Arsalanfar Maryam
Published: August 2023

The Fe–Mn/Al2O3 nanocatalysts were manufactured via the sol‐gel procedure and were evaluated for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The impact of different operational parameters of T, P, and H2/CO ratio on the catalytic performance for light olefins production has been studied using response surface methodology (RSM). Furthermore, the optimization and modeling of selected responses were also carried out via RSM and historical data design type of DOE; and the best process conditions were found to be T = 365°C, H2/CO = 1.50, and P = 1.50 bar. The mechanism of CO hydrogenation reaction over the Fe–Mn/Al2O3 nanocatalysts was also investigated using the non‐linear regression method. It was found that the mechanism of the CO hydrogenation reaction is based on the Eley–Rideal type and the best‐fitted equation for this mechanism was found to be −rCO = KPCOPH2/1+αPCO. The obtained value of activation energy (85.20 kJ mol−1) affirmed the absence of internal mass transfer limitations. The physico‐chemical properties of the samples were investigated by various techniques of XRD, BET, TPR, TGA, and DSC.
Probing the Effects of Antimicrobial‐Lysozyme Derivatization on Enzymatic Degradation of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Film and Fiber
Authors: Maroju Pranay Amruth , Ganesan Ramakrishnan , Ray Dutta Jayati
Published: August 2023

Surface derivatization is essential for incorporating unique functionalities into biodegradable polymers. Nonetheless, its precise effects on enzymatic biodegradation still lack comprehensive understanding. In this study, a facile solution‐based method is employed to surface derivatize poly(ε‐caprolactone) films and electrospun fibers with lysozyme, aiming to impart antimicrobial properties and examine the impact on enzymatic degradation. The derivatized films and fibers have shown high antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Through gravimetric analysis, it is observed that the degradation rate experiences a slight decrease upon lysozyme derivatization. However, this reduction is effectively countered by the inclusion of Tween‐20, as affirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry. Comparing films and fibers, the latter undergoes degradation at a more accelerated pace, coupled with a rapid decline in molecular weight. This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the degradation of surface‐derivatized biopolymers through electrospinning, offering a simple strategy to mitigate biomaterial‐associated infections.
Existence and Ulam‐type stability for impulsive oscillating systems with pure delay
Authors: Pu Wenpeng , Li Mengmeng
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we first introduce the new concept of an impulsive delayed vector function, which helps us to build the representation of an exact solution for the linear impulsive oscillating differential delay systems (IODDSs). Second, we derive some sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence and uniqueness of solution by Schauder's and Banach's fixed point theorems for a new class of nonlinear IODDSs. Finally, we obtain the Ulam‐Hyers stability (UHs) and Ulam‐Hyers‐Rassias stability (UHRs) for nonlinear IODDSs, and two examples are presented to illustrate the main results of our study.
An enriched mixed finite element model for the simulation of microseismic and acoustic emissions in fractured porous media with multi‐phase flow and thermal coupling
Authors: Komijani Mohammad , Wriggers Peter , Goudarzi Taha
Published: August 2023

A novel mixed enriched finite element model is developed for coupled non‐linear thermo‐hydro‐mechanical simulation of fractured porous media with three‐phase flow and thermal coupling. Simulation of induced acoustic emission (AE) and microseismic emission (ME) due to tensile fracturing and shear slip instability of pre‐existing fracture interfaces is carried out and the numerical results of the emitted signals are analysed. The mathematical model is based on the generalized Biot's theory for coupled interaction of solid and fluid phases. A computationally robust non‐linear solver is developed to handle the severe non‐linearities arising from fluid saturations, relative permeabilities of fluids, constitutive models of interfaces and convective thermal coupling. To model pre‐existing natural fractures and faults, discrete fracture propagation and nucleation of cracks (micro‐cracking) independently of the original mesh topology, a local Partition‐of‐Unity (PU) finite element method, namely, the Phantom Node Method (PNM) is implemented. The cohesive fracture modelling scheme is implemented to account for the non‐linear behaviour of fracturing and localization, and to rectify the non‐physical stress singularity condition at the fracture tip. Effects of different system parameters on fracturing, shear‐slip instability and the associated induced AEs and MEs are investigated through various numerical results.