bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of New 5‐(Oxazol‐2‐yl)Pyrimidine Derivatives with Promising Anticancer Activities
Authors: Shyam Kumar Gajula , Ramesh Gaddam , Sridhar Gattu , Kiran Gangarapu , Menga Prasanna Sheela , Kalyani Sambaru , Rameshwar Nimma , Shireesha Boyapati , Chandrasekhar Vasam , Satyanarayana Mavurapu
Published: December 2023

A novel series of oxazolyl‐pyrimidine derivatives (11 a–j) have been synthesized and structures were confirmed by spectral data. The synthesized compounds were assessed for cytotoxic profile towards human cervix cancer (SiHa), lung cancer (A549), breast cancer (MCF‐7), and colon cancer (Colo‐205) cell lines by employing MTT assay and using etoposide as the positive control. The heteroaryl compounds having the terminal pyridyl (11 a) and thiazolyl (11 b) groups showed superior cytotoxic potency against cervix and lung cancer cell lines and varying methoxy substituted derivatives 11 c–11 e have excellent to good cytotoxic properties. Compound 11 a and 11 b have IC50 values in the range of 0.01±0.0034 to 0.17±0.059 μM and 0.10±0.038 to 0.66±0.077 μM respectively in the tested cell lines. The selected compounds 11 a and 11 b were studied by molecular docking to assess the binding interactions, binding energies, and possible mechanisms. The in‐silico ADME properties were calculated and all the compounds have the desired properties of drug‐like molecules. The toxicity results indicate that all the compounds are free from toxicity except 11 j, which has high tumorigenic properties. The optimized structure, energies of frontier molecular orbitals, molecular electrostatic potential, and NLO parameters for compound 11 a were determined using DFT/B3LYP level with a 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set.
Nanotherapeutic Heterogeneity: Sources, Effects, and Solutions
Authors: Morla‐Folch Judit , Ranzenigo Anna , Fayad Zahi Adel , Teunissen Abraham Jozef Petrus
Published: December 2023

Nanomaterials have revolutionized medicine by enabling control over drugs’ pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and biocompatibility. However, most nanotherapeutic batches are highly heterogeneous, meaning they comprise nanoparticles that vary in size, shape, charge, composition, and ligand functionalization. Similarly, individual nanotherapeutics often have heterogeneously distributed components, ligands, and charges. This review discusses nanotherapeutic heterogeneity's sources and effects on experimental readouts and therapeutic efficacy. Among other topics, it demonstrates that heterogeneity exists in nearly all nanotherapeutic types, examines how nanotherapeutic heterogeneity arises, and discusses how heterogeneity impacts nanomaterials’ in vitro and in vivo behavior. How nanotherapeutic heterogeneity skews experimental readouts and complicates their optimization and clinical translation is also shown. Lastly, strategies for limiting nanotherapeutic heterogeneity are reviewed and recommendations for developing more reproducible and effective nanotherapeutics provided.
Electrospun Cellulose Nanocrystals Reinforced Flexible Sensing Paper for Triboelectric Energy Harvesting and Dynamic Self‐Powered Tactile Perception
Authors: Niu Zhaoxuan , Wang Qingxiang , Lu Jiqing , Hu Yi , Huang Jiaqi , Zhao Wei , Liu Yanju , Long Yun‐Ze , Han Guangping
Published: December 2023

The technical synergy between flexible sensing paper and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) in the next stage of artificial intelligence Internet of Things engineering makes the development of intelligent sensing paper with triboelectric function very attractive. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to explore functional papers that are more suitable for triboelectric sensing. Here, a cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) reinforced PVDF hybrid paper (CPHP) is developed by electrospinning technology. Benefitting from the unique effects of CNCs, CPHP forms a solid cross‐linked network among fibers and obtains a high‐strength (25 MPa) paper‐like state and high surface roughness. Meanwhile, CNCs also improve the triboelectrification effect of CPHP by assisting the PVDF matrix to form more electroactive phases (96% share) and a higher relative permittivity (17.9). The CPHP‐based TENG with single electrode configuration demonstrates good output performance (open‐circuit voltage of 116 V, short‐circuit current of 2.2 µA and power density of 91 mW m−2) and ultrahigh pressure‐sensitivity response (3.95 mV Pa−1), which endows CPHP with reliable power supply and sensing capability. More importantly, the CPHP‐based flexible self‐powered tactile sensor with TENG array exhibits multifunctional applications in imitation Morse code compilation, tactile track recognition, and game character control, showing great prospects in the intelligent inductive device and human–machine interaction.
Phase‐Modulated Elastic Properties of 2D Magnetic FeTe: Hexagonal and Tetragonal Polymorphs
Authors: Yu Yunfei , Cheng Mo , Tao Zicheng , Han Wuxiao , Du Guoshuai , Guo Yanfeng , Shi Jianping , Chen Yabin
Published: December 2023

2D layered magnets, such as iron chalcogenides, have emerged these years as a new family of unconventional superconductors and provided the key insights to understand the phonon‐electron interaction and pairing mechanism. Their mechanical properties are of strategic importance for the potential applications in spintronics and optoelectronics. However, there is still a lack of efficient approach to tune the elastic modulus despite the extensive studies. Herein, the modulated elastic modulus of 2D magnetic FeTe and its thickness‐dependence is reported via phase engineering. The grown 2D FeTe by chemical vapor deposition can present various polymorphs, that is tetragonal FeTe (t‐FeTe, antiferromagnetic) and hexagonal FeTe (h‐FeTe, ferromagnetic). The measured Young's modulus of t‐FeTe by nanoindentation method shows an obvious thickness‐dependence, from 290.9 ± 9.2 to 113.0 ± 8.7 GPa when the thicknesses increased from 13.2 to 42.5 nm, respectively. In comparison, the elastic modulus of h‐FeTe remains unchanged. These results can shed light on the efficient modulation of mechanical properties of 2D magnetic materials and pave the avenues for their practical applications in nanodevices.
Selective Detection of Functionalized Carbon Particles based on Polymer Semiconducting and Conducting Devices as Potential Particulate Matter Sensors
Authors: Song Yunjia , Chen Nan , Jiang Qifeng , Mukhopadhyay Tushita , Wondmagegn Wudyalew , Klausen Rebekka S. , Katz Howard E.
Published: December 2023

This paper reports a new mechanism for particulate matter detection and identification. Three types of carbon particles are synthesized with different functional groups to mimic the real particulates in atmospheric aerosol. After exposing polymer‐based organic devices in organic field effect transistor (OFET) architectures to the particle mist, the sensitivity and selectivity of the detection of different types of particles are shown by the current changes extracted from the transfer curves. The results indicate that the sensitivity of the devices is related to the structure and functional groups of the organic semiconducting layers, as well as the morphology. The predominant response is simulated by a model that yielded values of charge carrier density increase and charge carriers delivered per unit mass of particles. The research points out that polymer semiconductor devices have the ability to selectively detect particles with multiple functional groups, which reveals a future direction for selective detection of particulate matter.
The Impact of Measurement Conditions on Solar Cell Efficiency
Authors: Rauer Michael , Fell Andreas , Wöhler Wilkin , Hinken David , Reichel Christian , Bothe Karsten , Schubert Martin C. , Hohl-Ebinger Jochen
Published: December 2023

Precise solar cell measurements become more and more challenging due to the increasing complexity of metallization patterns and the sensitivity to rear side illumination for bifacial cell concepts. In this context, the measurement conditions under which conversion efficiencies are determined need to be closely examined: Different efficiency values can occur for the same solar cell because of different measurement conditions. To provide more transparency, a notation has recently been published, which unambiguously characterizes the measurement conditions used and which is included in the calibration documents of the calibration laboratories ISFH CalTeC and Fraunhofer ISE CalLab PV Cells. As this notation is held rather technical and no quantitative assessment is given so far, herein, the effects associated with different measurement conditions are analyzed and quantified in detail for typical industrial‐type solar cells. It is shown that varying the measurement conditions as well as the busbar concept can lead to significant differences in measured efficiency of 0.5%abs. The power gains coming from different cell measurement configurations do not occur in the same manner on the module level though and can lead to considerable variations in cell‐to‐module power factors. Several hints to increase the significance of solar cell measurements are given.
Organic Photoredox Reactions in Two‐Molecule Photoredox System
Authors: Yoshimi Yasuharu
Published: December 2023

Using our recent relevant results, this account shows the featured reactivities of two‐molecule photoredox systems compared to one‐molecule photoredox systems. The low efficiency of electron transfer processes, such as photoinduced and back‐electron transfer, in the two‐molecule photoredox system, furnishes unique products through different pathways. The facile replacement of photoredox catalysts with appropriate oxidation/reduction potentials in this system provides valuable insights into photoredox reactions.
Exposure to nickel chloride induces epigenetic modification on detoxification enzyme glutathione S‐transferase M2
Authors: Kang Yu‐Ting , Yang Wan‐Jung , Huang Hsu Chih , Tang Sheau‐Chung , Ko Jiunn‐Liang
Published: December 2023

Nickel (Ni) is a human carcinogen with genotoxic and epigenotoxic effects. Environmental and occupational exposure to Ni increases the risk of cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Our previous findings indicate that Ni alters gene expression through epigenetic regulation, specifically impacting E‐cadherin and angiopoietin‐like 4 (ANGPTL4), involved in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and migration. GST‐M2, a member of the glutathione S‐transferase (GST) enzyme family, plays a crucial role in cellular defense against oxidative damage and has been increasingly associated with cancer. GST‐M2 overexpression inhibits lung cancer invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Hypermethylation of its promoter in cancer cells reduces gene expression, correlating with poor prognosis in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients. The impact of Ni on GST‐M2 remains unclear. We will investigate whether nickel exerts regulatory effects on GST‐M2 through epigenetic modifications. Additionally, metformin, an antidiabetic drug, is being studied as a chemopreventive agent against nickel‐induced damage. Our findings indicate that nickel chloride (NiCl2) exposure, both short‐term and long‐term, represses GST‐M2 expression. However, the expression can be restored by demethylation agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine and metformin. NiCl2 promotes hypermethylation of the GST‐M2 promoter, as confirmed by methylation‐specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing. Additionally, NiCl2 also influences histone acetylation, and metformin counteracts the suppressive effect of NiCl2 on histone H3 expression. Metformin reestablishes the binding of specificity protein 1 to the GST‐M2 promoter, which is otherwise disrupted by NiCl2. These findings elucidate the mechanism by which Ni reduces GST‐M2 expression and transcriptional activity, potentially contributing to Ni‐induced lung carcinogenesis.
Effect of cannula insertion site during fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion for congenital diaphragmatic hernia on preterm prelabor rupture of membranes
Authors: Cordier A.‐G. , Badr D. A. , Basurto D. , Russo F. , Deprest J. , Orain E. , Eixarch E. , Otano J. , Gratacos E. , Moraes De Luna Freire Vargas A. , Peralta C. F. A. , Jani J. C. , Benachi A.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess whether the cannula insertion site on the maternal abdomen during fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was associated with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) before balloon removal.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study of consecutive pregnancies with isolated left‐ or right‐sided CDH that underwent FETO in four centers between January 2009 and January 2021. The site for balloon insertion was categorized as above or below the umbilicus. One propensity score was analyzed in both groups to calculate an average treatment effect (ATE) by inverse probability of treatment weighting. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression including the ATE weights were performed to examine the effect size of entry point on the frequency and timing of PPROM before balloon removal.

Results

A total of 294 patients were included. The mean ± SD gestational age at PPROM was 33.45 ± 2.01 weeks and the mean rate of PPROM before balloon removal was 25.9% (76/294). Gestational age at FETO was later in the below‐umbilicus group (mean ± SD, 29.47 ± 1.29 weeks vs 29.00 ± 1.25 weeks; P = 0.002) and the duration of FETO was longer in the above‐umbilicus group (median, 14.49 min (interquartile range (IQR), 8.00–21.00 min) vs 11.00 min (IQR, 7.00–14.49 min); P = 0.002). After balancing for possible confounding factors, trocar entry point below the umbilicus did not increase the risk of PPROM before balloon removal (adjusted odds ratio, 1.56 (95% CI, 0.89–2.74); P = 0.120) and had no effect on the timing of PPROM before balloon removal (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.56 (95% CI, 0.95–2.55); P = 0.080).

Conclusion

There was no evidence that uterine entry site for FETO was correlated with the risk of PPROM before balloon removal. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Influence of the ancillary ligand on the crystalline structures and magnetic properties of mesaconato‐bridged Mn coordination polymers
Authors: Martínez‐Domínguez Rogelio , García‐Orozco Iván , Martínez‐Otero Diego , Morales‐Luckie Raúl A. , Sánchez‐Mendieta Víctor , Escudero Roberto
Published: December 2023

{[Mn(mes)(dmb)(H2O)] ⋅ H2O}n (1) and [Mn(mes)(bpy)]n (2); (mes=mesaconato; dmb=5,5’‐dimethyl‐2,2’‐bipyridine; bpy=2,2’‐bipyridine), were obtained by self‐assembly solution reaction at ambient conditions, and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. 1 crystallizes in an orthorhombic system with a Pbca space group and forms a one‐dimensional (1D) coordination polymer; the six‐coordinated Mn(II) centers display a distorted‐trigonal prismatic configuration. 2 crystallizes in an orthorhombic system with a P21212 space group yielding a two‐dimensional (2D) coordination array, their metal centers having a distorted octahedral geometry. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that 1 is paramagnetic, while 2 shows weak antiferromagnetic coupling.
Probing electroweak phase transition in the singlet Standard Model via bbγγ and 4l channels
Authors: Zhang Wenxing , Li Hao-Lin , Liu Kun , Ramsey-Musolf Michael J. , Zeng Yonghao , Arunasalam Suntharan
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We investigate the prospects for resonant di-Higgs and heavy Higgs production searches at the 14 TeV HL-LHC in the combination of bbγγ and 4l channels, as a probe of a possible first order electroweak phase transition in real singlet scalar extension of the Standard Model. Event selection follows those utilized in the bbγγ and 4l searches by the ATLAS Collaboration, applied to simulation using benchmark parameters that realize a strong first order electroweak phase transition. The output of discriminant analysis is implemented by numerical calculation, optimised by the joint restriction from the two channels. The prospective reach for bbγγ/4l channel could be more competitive in probing the electroweak phase transition at lower/higher resonance masses. With 3 ab−1 integrated luminosity, the combination of the bbγγ and 4l channels can discover/exclude a significant portion of the viable parameter space that realizes a strong first order phase transition when the resonance mass is heavier than 500 GeV.
Gravitational observatories
Authors: Anninos Dionysios , Galante Damián A. , Maneerat Chawakorn
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We consider four-dimensional general relativity with vanishing cosmological constant defined on a manifold with a boundary. In Lorentzian signature, the timelike boundary is of the form σ × ℝ, with σ a spatial two-manifold that we take to be either flat or S2. In Euclidean signature we take the boundary to be S2 × S1. We consider conformal boundary conditions, whereby the conformal class of the induced metric and trace K of the extrinsic curvature are fixed at the timelike boundary. The problem of linearised gravity is analysed using the Kodama-Ishibashi formalism. It is shown that for a round metric on S2 with constant K, there are modes that grow exponentially in time. We discuss a method to control the growing modes by varying K. The growing modes are absent for a conformally flat induced metric on the timelike boundary. We provide evidence that the Dirichlet problem for a spherical boundary does not suffer from non-uniqueness issues at the linearised level. We consider the extension of black hole thermodynamics to the case of conformal boundary conditions, and show that the form of the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy is retained.
The tadpole conjecture in the interior of moduli space
Authors: Lüst Severin , Wiesner Max
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We revisit moduli stabilization on Calabi-Yau manifolds with a discrete symmetry. Invariant fluxes allow for a truncation to a symmetric locus in complex structure moduli space and hence drastically reduce the moduli stabilization problem in its dimensionality. This makes them an ideal testing ground for the tadpole conjecture. For a large class of fourfolds, we show that an invariant flux with non-zero on-shell superpotential on the symmetric locus necessarily stabilizes at least 60% of the complex structure moduli. In case this invariant flux induces a relatively small tadpole, it is thus possible to bypass the bound predicted by the tadpole conjecture at these special loci. As an example, we discuss a Calabi-Yau hypersurface with h3,1 = 3878 and show that we can stabilize at least 4932 real moduli with a flux that induces M2-charge Nflux = 3.
Exploring the trends in flux-cored arc welding: scientometric analysis approach
Authors: Świerczyńska Aleksandra , Varbai Balázs , Pandey Chandan , Fydrych Dariusz
Published: December 2023

Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is a universal group of welding methods in terms of the scope of application and automation possibilities, the share of which in various industries in many countries is still increasing. The paper presents the results of bibliographic analyses (scientometric analysis with the use of VOSviewer, Bibliometrix and CitNetExplorer tools) of a data set of 993 publications indexed in the Web of Science database on the subject of FCAW for all types of flux-cored wires. An objective and unbiased approach to analysis resulted in a relatively neutral assessment of the state of knowledge in the field of FCAW and allowed for the identification of research directions carried out in the world, the dynamics of their changes as well as research gaps and needs. The scientometric analysis approach provided a holistic picture of the development of FCAW over the last 58 years, pointing to the geographical areas where this process has been and is most intensively researched, the agencies funding this research, the most active research teams, as well as the journals that have most often published articles on this topic. The most current research directions in relation to FCAW include underwater welding, hardfacing and cladding purposes, health and safety issues, and more general topic: properties and weldability of ferrous alloys. However, among the most urgent research needs the following topics: fatigue analysis of welded joints, environmental degradation of flux-cored wires, properties and weldability of nickel alloys, development of hybrid and combined welding procedures can be listed.
Modeling, analysis, and shielding of the electric field between extra-high-voltage AC transmission lines and oil pipelines
Authors: Abdelsattar Montaser , Ziedan Hamdy A. , Elnozahy Ahmed
Published: December 2023

The static charges and induced voltages from extra-high-voltage alternating current transmission lines (EHVACTLs) on parallel oil pipelines (POPLs) raise the risk levels for people and animals. Thus, the objective of this paper was to reduce and/or mitigate the electric field which is concentrated on POPLs by using grounded shield wires under EHVACTLs. Three techniques are employed to reduce the electric field effects on POPLs of two distinct types of transmission lines (TLs), 500 kV and 220 kV. The first technique involves raising the tower’s height to improve the clearance space between the POPLs and the TL conductors. The second technique is increasing the horizontal distance between the POPLs and the nearest stressed conductors of the TL. The third technique involves placing shield wires beneath the stressed conductors of the EHVACTLs. The electric field under the EHVACTLs is calculated with and without the grounded shield wires using charge simulation method. The results of the first technique revealed that with increasing the tower height from 10 m to 15, 20, 25, and 30 m, the electric field decreased by 43.75%, 62.5%, 68.75%, and 75%, respectively. Herein, employing the second technique, the electric field intensity is reduced by 20% and 21% depending on the POPL placed at a distance from the right stressed conductor equal to the horizontal clearance between conductors of 500 kV and 220 kV, respectively. Besides, the results of the third technique proved that the shield wires under the EHVACTLs reduced the electric field intensity on the POPLs by 17.65% and 24.71% for 500-kV and 220-kV TLs, respectively.
Effects of exercise-targeted hippocampal PDE-4 methylation on synaptic plasticity and spatial learning/memory impairments in D-galactose-induced aging rats
Authors: Jin Yu , Li Xue , Wei Changling , Yuan Qiongjia
Published: December 2023

Physical exercise reduces the effects of aging and cognitive decline by improving synaptic plasticity and spatial learning. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are unclear. A total of 45 Male SPF Sprague–Dawley rats were acclimatized and then allocated into three groups, 15 in each group: the saline control (DC) group, D-gal-induced aging (DA) group, and D-gal-induced aging + exercise (DE) group. Six weeks of intraperitoneal injections of D-gal at a concentration of 100 mg/kg body weight/d was injected to establish model of aging in the DA and DE groups. Morris water maze test was implemented to evaluate the hippocampus related cognition. SOD activity and MDA was tested to assess the aging in all groups. H&E and Nissl staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of hippocampal neurons in aging rats. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining techniques were used to investigate the expression of synaptic genes and proteins in the hippocampus. Massarray methylation system was employed to measure the PDE-4 gene methylation level in rat hippocampal tissues. Our results demonstrated that exercise intervention improves cognitive function in D-gal-induced aging rats. The methylation of CpG sites in PDE-4 in the hippocampus was significantly increased. The physical exercise significantly increased PDE-4 gene methylation and effectively decreased PDE-4 gene and protein expression. These beneficial behavioral and morphological effects were attributed to PDE-4 methylation, which was activated cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway and improved synaptic plasticity. Exercise induced PDE-4 methylation is key mechanism underpinning the amelioration of learning/memory impairment, suggesting the potential efficacy of physical exercise training in delaying brain aging.
Storm identification for high-energy wave climates as a tool to improve long-term analysis
Authors: Kümmerer Vincent , Ferreira Óscar , Fanti Valeria , Loureiro Carlos
Published: December 2023

Coastal storms can cause erosion and flooding of coastal areas, often accompanied by significant social-economic disruption. As such, storm characterisation is crucial for an improved understanding of storm impacts and thus for coastal management. However, storm definitions are commonly different between authors, and storm thresholds are often selected arbitrarily, with the statistical and meteorological independence between storm events frequently being neglected. In this work, a storm identification algorithm based on statistically defined criteria was developed to identify independent storms in time series of significant wave height for high wave energy environments. This approach proposes a minimum duration between storms determined using the extremal index. The performance of the storm identification algorithm was tested against the commonly used peak-over-threshold. Both approaches were applied to 40 and 70-year-long calibrated wave reanalyses datasets for Western Scotland, where the intense and rapid succession of extratropical storms during the winter makes the identification of independent storm events notably challenging. The storm identification algorithm provides results that are consistent with regional meteorological processes and timescales, allowing to separate independent storms during periods of rapid storm succession, enabling an objective and robust storm characterisation. Identifying storms and their characteristics using the proposed algorithm allowed to determine a statistically significant increasing long-term trend in storm duration, which contributes to the increase in storm wave power in the west of Scotland. The coastal storm identification algorithm is found to be particularly suitable for high-energy, storm-dominated coastal environments, such as those located along the main global extratropical storm tracks.
A numerical study on the visco-plastic regularization of a rate-independent strain gradient crystal plasticity formulation
Authors: Lara Jose , Steinmann Paul
Published: December 2023

A common practice in computational investigations of rate-independent plasticity is to approximate the rate-independent behavior by a visco-plastic regularization. As the fidelity of the approximation increases, the numerical solution of the non-linear problem becomes challenging and it can eventually lead to divergence; thus, there is a numerical limit to the regularization parameter. This limit may be exacerbated by complex material models and critical values of material parameters. Due to these constraints, the regularization may be rendered insufficient and the artificially introduced rate-dependency may lead to a behavior that can be mistakenly attributed to the material model and that we thus identify as spurious in a rate-independent context. To study these spurious effects and their onset, here the problem of an infinite strip under shear loading is numerically solved using a visco-plastic regularized gradient crystal plasticity formulation. The required accuracy of the rate-dependent approximation is found to vary with respect to the type of loading. Furthermore, a set of sigmoid functions used for the regularization is investigated and a subset is shown to deliver improved approximation of the rate-independent case.
Effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage in intensive phase I therapy of breast cancer–related lymphedema—a retrospective analysis
Authors: Kasseroller Renato G. , Brenner Erich
Published: December 2023

Background

The standard therapy for lymphedema of any origin is complex physical decongestive therapy (CDT). It comprises manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression therapy (CT), exercise therapy (ET), skincare, and patient education. Additionally, intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) can be applied. However, the contribution of MLD to decongestion is repeatedly questioned.

Patients and methods

This study re-analyzes a previous study during a 3-week decongestion period, comparing two different types of compression bandaging at the weekend. Sixty-one patients with unilateral breast cancer–related lymphedema were included. The patients received the same therapy (CDT + IPC) except for the different weekend compression bandaging. MLD was performed twice a day on weekdays. The volume of the affected arm was measured on days 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, and 22. For the analysis, the data of both study groups were pooled.

Results

During the week, the patients showed a significant volume reduction (− 155.23 mL (week 1), − 101.02 mL (week 2), − 61.69 mL (week 3), respectively; p < 0.001 each) with a high effect size. On the weekends without MLD, they showed a slight, but also significant increase (12.08 mL (weekend 1), 8.36 mL (weekend 2), 4.33 mL (weekend 3), respectively; p < 0.001 each) with a medium effect size.

Conclusions

We showed a strong effect of MLD on volume reduction. Differences from other studies are the larger study population and the more intensive application of MLD. If applied intensively, MLD is strongly decongestive during a 3-week decongestion therapy for breast cancer–related lymphedema.
Exercising the “Right to Repair”: A Customer’s Perspective
Authors: Marikyan Davit , Papagiannidis Savvas
Published: December 2023

Concerns over the carbon footprint resulting from the manufacturing, usage and disposal of hardware have been growing. The right-to-repair legislation was introduced to promote sustainable utilisation of hardware by encouraging stakeholders to prolong the lifetime of products, such as electronic devices. As there is little empirical evidence from a consumer perspective on exercising the right to repair, this study aims firstly to examine the factors that underpin consumers’ intention to repair their hardware and secondly to investigate the perceived outcomes of repair practices. Based on 510 responses, the results showed that intention to repair is dependent on three groups of factors, namely the facilitators of pro-environmental behaviour, repair-related factors and beliefs about legislation. If consumers have a stronger intention to repair, they have a stronger feeling of emotional self-assurance, satisfaction with the repair decision and the technology manufacturer, an intention to engage with the manufacturer and a positive perception of a repaired device’s performance. The findings contribute to the literature on sustainable behaviour and the right to repair, offering insight for policymakers and manufacturers about the strategies facilitating the wider adoption of repair practices.
An early indicator index of tornadic storms for Euro-Mediterranean region
Authors: Mihliardic Omer Kutay , Sirdas Sevinc Asilhan , Kaya Serkan
Published: December 2023

Tornadoes are the most violent and destructive of all the severe weather phenomena that localized convective storms produce. There is a requirement in operational meteorology increasing nowadays that an indicator index which allows to reduce the uncertainty of severe convective storms and tornadoes in the scope of climate change adaptation strategies. The main intention is not to replace or substitute mesoscale modeling approaches, or composite indexes, but to warn operationally to draw attention to the Eastern Mediterranean and Türkiye in particular a few days in advance. The development of some indicators using atmospheric variables can undertake a crucial role by enabling such numerical models to be run only at certain time intervals, thus enduring lower computational costs. In this study, Eastern Mediterranean oscillation index (EMEDOi) has been developed in order to be able to detect the presence of ULLs (upper-level low) and frontogenesis approach is employed for selected tornadic storm events in Türkiye. EMEDOi has 7 different its variations (members) which these members have been developed to detect differences depending on the entry directions of cyclones and storms influencing Türkiye from the west of the country. In line with the GDAS data analysis, values of geopotential height are derived for the requirement of EMEDOi in a limited area. A few of the results from the study are as in the following: 86% of the trained tornado events revealed that the EMEDO-Oper index was in negative phase at the time a tornado was reported, regardless of whether the events featured a supercell mesoscale convective storm or a frontal movement. The hourly period until the local minimum is obtained can be described and characterized as the process by which the EMEDO-Oper index value decreases continuously. The time required to reach the local minimum varies based on the tornado occurrence. Based on the tornadic storm scenario in the test cluster in 2022 and the train cluster, this timeframe is predicted to be roughly 33.2 h on average. In western Türkiye, there is a 79% chance of a tornado occurring between six and forty-two hours after the EMEDO-Oper index reaches its local minimum. In particular, the projected chance for this period is 63% between 12 and 30 h after the local minimum is obtained. Besides, the majority of the tornado incidents with EMEDO-Oper values below − 0.75 were evaluated. After an EMEDO-Oper index value falls below that threshold, it is likely to forecast the risk period of a tornado in Türkiye with a probability of 79% and the local minimum point must be identified.
The dynamic impact of inter-firm network agreements
Authors: Pieroni Valentina , Lattanzi Nicola , Riccaboni Massimo
Published: December 2023

This paper sheds new light on the dynamic effects of inter-firm network agreements on firm performance and investigates whether the specific combination of partner profiles triggers heterogeneous causal effects. Using a staggered difference-in-differences design, we find that participation in network agreements has a persistent impact on firms’ revenues, value added, and EBITDA that is amplified at least through the third year of collaboration. Our results show that micro firms benefit more from collaboration in network agreements, especially when they enter into relationships with larger partners. In addition, companies benefit more from network ties when most of their partners belong to the same travel-to-work area.
Effects of entrepreneurial heterogeneity within necessity- and opportunity-based entrepreneurs on business performance
Authors: Naiki Eriko , Ogane Yuta
Published: December 2023

This paper examines whether and how heterogeneity within necessity- and opportunity-based entrepreneur groups affects business performance using a survey of 21,532 new firms in Japan. The major findings are as follows. First, business performance is not homogeneous among either necessity- or opportunity-based entrepreneurs. Second, the existing theory that necessity-based entrepreneurs tend to show poorer performance than opportunity-based entrepreneurs does not necessarily hold when considering heterogeneity within the groups. Specifically, among some types of necessity- and opportunity-based entrepreneurs, necessity-based entrepreneurs can even exhibit better performance than opportunity-based entrepreneurs.
When Parties Become Movements: the Movement-ization of Established Party Organizations in Austria, Germany, and the UK
Authors: Butzlaff Felix
Published: December 2023

In light of widespread frustration with representative democracy, political parties increasingly imitate social movements—a phenomenon scholars have conceptualized as movement-party hybrids, or movement parties. Strikingly though, research hitherto on the topic focuses on emerging parties and reveals little about movement-ization re-shaping traditional party organizations and, therefore, representative democracy. In 39 qualitative interviews with Social Democratic and Conservative party organizers in Germany, Austria, and the UK, I compare how different established parties experience demands for a movement-ization of their organization. Results show that established parties, too, face pressures to provide social movement-like experiences and de-formalization, yet their adaptation strategies differ as a function of political orientation, organizational heritage, member expectations, and political discontent. Whereas Social Democrats envision a more bottom-up and movement-inspired re-organization yet seriously suffer from the tensions this causes among different member and supporter groups, Conservatives (if at all) embrace movement-ization as a top-down steered strategic re-branding suggesting elevated policy efficacy.
Exploring the link between family ownership and leverage: a mediating pathway through socioemotional wealth objectives
Authors: Muñoz-Bullón Fernando , Sanchez-Bueno Maria J. , Velasco Pilar
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the relationship between family ownership and a firm’s leverage from the socioemotional wealth (SEW) theory. We propose that SEW objectives (i.e., family control, long-term horizon, and family firm reputation) might have a mediating effect on the family ownership-leverage link. In addition, we argue that an internal contingency—such as below aspiration performance—may moderate SEW’s influence on the family ownership-leverage relationship as a result of a shift in focus from non-economic to economic goals. Using a sample of European listed firms from 2011 to 2018, we find that the negative impact of family ownership on a firm’s leverage is mediated through SEW objectives. Moreover, our evidence suggests that a negative performance-aspiration gap weakens the mediating influence of these SEW objectives on leverage. Over all, our study reveals that SEW is a key channel which drives family firms’ reluctance to leverage.
Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide in combination with pitavastatin or simvastatin against breast cancer cells
Authors: Dewidar Samar A. , Hamdy Omar , Soliman Moetaza M. , El Gayar Amal M. , El-Mesery Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Fighting breast tumors mandates finding different agents devoid of chemotherapy side effects. Repurposing existing drugs, such as statins, presents a promising avenue for the development of novel cancer therapeutics. Based on the different effects of statin members, this study aims to evaluate the effect of two of the most promising lipophilic statins, Simvastatin and Pitavastatin, and their combination with a conventional chemotherapeutic regimen of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide on breast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cell lines were used to analyze the effects of Pitavastatin and simvastatin in combination with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide. Cell viability and cell cycle were analyzed and certain apoptosis-related genes such as Bax, Bcl2, and caspase-3, besides cyclin D1 were analyzed using qPCR. The viability of breast cancer cells decreased significantly after treatment with a doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide combination in the presence of Pitavastatin or simvastatin compared with dual doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with a higher effect in MDA-MB-231 cells than MCF7. In MDA-MB-231, The triple combination of Pitavastatin or simvastatin with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide resulted in an increase in the expression levels of apoptotic markers than treatment with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide combination (Bax (p-value = 0.09& 0.02, respectively), Bax/Bcl2 ratio (p-value = 0.0002& <0.0001, respectively)). However, the increase in caspase3 wasn’t significant (p-value = 0.45& 0.09, respectively). Moreover, the expression of cyclin D1 decreased (p-value = 0.0002& <0.0001, respectively) and the cell cycle was arrested in the G1 phase. Combination of Pitavastatin or simvastatin with doxorubicin/ cyclophosphamide may induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells via upregulation of the Bax/Bcl2 pathway, potentially providing a promising new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
Stent-on-string. Evaluatie van het vernieuwde protocol in het HagaZiekenhuis
Authors: Oldenburg Philip P. , Buddingh K. Tim , van Dijk Marleen M. , Verhaaf Tim
Published: December 2023

Samenvatting

De stent-on-string is een dubbel-J-katheter die de patiënt zelf kan verwijderen, als alternatief voor verwijdering met behulp van cystoscopie. Het doel van dit onderzoek is het in kaart brengen van luxaties, verblijfstijd en klachtenpatroon bij zelfverwijdering. Hiertoe is bij 60 patiënten nagegaan hoe en wanneer de stent-on-string is verwijderd en hoe de stent verdragen is. 42 stents (70,0%) werden op de aangegeven dag verwijderd. 46 patiënten (76,7%) deden dit zelf; vijf patiënten (8,3%) lukte het niet. In twee gevallen (3,3%) was een cystoscopie noodzakelijk. Vijf patiënten (8,3%) vermeldden hevige klachten. Inclusie vond plaats in twee fasen, waarbij in fase 2 een evidente aanpassing werd gezien in geïncludeerde patiënten. Het gebruik van een stent-on-string leidt tot een vermindering van het aantal cystoscopieën, een beperkt aantal vroegtijdige luxaties en in de meeste gevallen ervaart de patiënt geen tot milde klachten. Ervaring met de techniek lijkt te leiden tot minder luxaties en meer zelfverwijderingen.
Rekrutierung von Lehrkräften durch Organisationen der Weiterbildung
Authors: Schrader Josef , Büchler Theresa , Kohl Jonathan
Published: December 2023

Im vorliegenden Beitrag gehen wir der Frage nach, mit welchen Strategien Weiterbildungsorganisationen ihr Lehrpersonal rekrutieren. Bezugnehmend auf das Modell der Reproduktionskontexte, das um institutionenökonomische Annahmen erweitert wird, erwarten wir, dass Weiterbildungseinrichtungen je nach Kontext unterschiedliche Rekrutierungswege, Auswahlverfahren und Auswahlkriterien präferieren, um ihren je spezifischen Anforderungen, Zielsetzungen und strategischen Ausrichtungen gerecht zu werden. Auf Grundlage von Daten aus einer Befragung von insgesamt 1000 Weiterbildungsanbietern, die im Rahmen des TAEPS-Verbundprojekts erhoben wurden, lassen sich diese Annahmen überwiegend bestätigen. Mittels bivariater Zusammenhangsanalysen lässt sich zeigen, dass die Wahl der Rekrutierungswege durch die Kontexte beeinflusst wird, in denen Weiterbildungseinrichtungen sich bewegen und spezifische vertragliche Beziehungen zu ihren Lehrkräften aufbauen. Ähnliche Befunde finden sich auch mit Blick auf die Auswahlverfahren und die Wichtigkeit von Auswahlkriterien.
The Impact of Transitory Climate Risk on Firm Valuation and Financial Institutions: A Stress Test Approach
Authors: Schult Alexander , Müller Sebastian , Friedl Gunther , Spagnoli Alberto
Published: December 2023

Addressing recent calls by European regulatory and supervisory authorities, we develop a new bottom-up climate risk assessment method to examine the resilience of the European banking industry regarding transitory climate risks. We illustrate our approach by estimating the impact of a 50–100 EUR carbon tax per $$\textit{tCO}_{2}$$

tCO
2

equivalent on the valuation and default risk of STOXX Europe 600 firms. For about 5% of the sample firms, we find asset devaluation shocks larger than 30% and for about 16% of the firms probabilities of default (PDs) dropping below investment-grade level of 3%. At the sector level, our results yield asset devaluations shocks of 15–36% and new PDs of 5–34% for the six most affected sectors. Running a stress test on credit risk based on these results, we find a decrease in capital ratios between $$-1.2$$

-
1.2

and $$-1.6$$

-
1.6

percentage points for key regulatory capital ratios in the most adverse scenario while only addressing 36% of the bank’s total risk-weighted assets. Our analysis sheds light on the substantial transitory climate risk for asset portfolios of banks and contributes to the pressing question how to integrate climate risk into risk management and regulation of financial institutions.
Impacts of sunlight exposure on physicochemical parameters, potential toxic metals, and microbial characteristics of sachet drinking water sold in Calabar metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Umoafia Nikita Elkanah , Edet Uwem Okon , Joseph Akaninyene Paul , Henshaw Okoroiwu Uchechi , Mbim Elizabeth Nkagafel , Obeten Honour , Edet Bassey Okon , Edet Asanga , Ibor Oju Richard , Nkang Nkoyo , Louis Hitler , Nwaokorie Francisca O. , Nkang Ani
Published: December 2023

Poor handling of potable water is a well-known route of contamination. Despite this, Nigeria’s most consumed packaged potable water called “sachet” or “pure water” is still poorly handled with long hours of exposure to sunlight which may affect its quality. This study examined the potential deterioration of the sachet water quality (potential toxic metals and bacteriological), and the health implication posed by long-time exposure to sunlight. Collected water samples were subjected to physiochemical analysis, metal analysis, risk assessment, and microbiological examination. Three sachet water brands (n = 4 bags per brand) exposed to sunlight daily for 14, 28, and 42 days were analysed for potentially toxic metals, and health risk assessments (Average daily dose-ADD, hazard quotient-HQ, hazard index-HI, and carcinogenic risk-CR). The physicochemical, and microbiological (total heterotrophic bacteria count-THBC, and total coliform count-TCC) parameters were equally analysed using the Kirby Bauer and pour plate technique. In all brands, the levels of physicochemical parameters (except pH), and potential toxic metals were comparatively higher than the control in an exposure time-dependent fashion. Furthermore, all the exposed samples failed to meet the safety limits of the WHO, and national standards (NAFDAC and NDSWQ) for drinking water. Among the metals, zinc was the most ingested metal in all the brands. The ADD, HQ, and HI evaluations revealed that consuming the exposed water could lead to higher accumulation of Cr, Cd, Pb, As, and Ni in the body following exposure. The CR of Cr, As, and Ni after exposure to sunlight were > than the safe value (10–4), implying the likelihood of cancer after over 60 years. Microbial counts increased with the length of exposure, and all the isolates showed pathogenicity and multidrug resistance. The potential health risk inherent in sachet water after exposure to sunlight has significant health implications for consumers.