bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a procedure for defining the operation window of annular centrifugal contactors
Authors: Hamamah Zaid Alkhier , Grützner Thomas
Published: August 2024

Although annular centrifugal contactors (ACCs) have been widely applied, their complex operation and its dependence on operational variables are still not fully quantified. That hinders their acceptance and precludes revealing their potential. Intuitive techniques to informedly operate ACCs while maximizing their gain are thus demanded. This work introduces a procedure to define the operation window of an extraction task on ACCs, using CINC V 02 variant, that demonstrates the feasible ranges of the operational variables and the maximum possible throughput. The overlapping impacts of the variables are also visualized, thus understood and, to enhance practicality, the procedure is converted into user‐interface software. The concept is intended to adapt to any task on ACCs and it is based on merging a hydraulic part focusing on the rotor and a statistical one modeling the annulus mass transfer. Additional insights on ACC's hydraulics and mass transfer dynamics are presented, including the time needed to establish the steady state.
A study on the scale dependence of mixing indices for Eulerian multiphase models
Authors: Nagawkar Barlev R. , Passalacqua Alberto , Subramaniam Shankar
Published: August 2024

Mixing can vary based on the scale at which the system is observed, and a mixing index that can capture the features at different length scales is desirable. In this article, we analyze the scale dependence of the mixing indices developed for Eulerian multiphase models. Relevant length scales are distinguished by filtering solid fraction fields. The scale‐dependence study is first done on manufactured fields of solid fraction to assess the performance of the mixing indices. The study is extended to a two‐dimensional CFD simulation of the segregation of a bidisperse gas–solid mixture. The local mixing index performs well in capturing the spatial variation of mixing at different scales. The scale dependence of two global mixing indices is considered in the study, where the state of mixing is defined based on statistical measures. We demonstrate that the choice of measures influences the sensitivity of mixing indices to mixing at different scales.
Manufacturing Single‐Atom Alloy Catalysts for Selective CO2 Hydrogenation via Refinement of Isolated‐Alloy‐Islands
Authors: Zou Sibei , Liang Yuhang , Zhang Xingmo , Gu Qinfen , Wang Lizhuo , Sun Haoyue , Liao Xiaozhou , Huang Jun , Masri Assaad R.
Published: August 2024

Single‐atom alloy (SAA) catalysts exhibit huge potential in heterogeneous catalysis. Manufacturing SAAs requires complex and expensive synthesis methods to precisely control the atomic scale dispersion to form diluted alloys with less active sites and easy sintering of host metal, which is still in the early stages of development. Here, we address these limitations with a straightforward strategy from a brand‐new perspective involving the ‘islanding effect’ for manufacturing SAAs without dilution: homogeneous RuNi alloys were continuously refined to highly dispersed alloy‐islands (~1 nm) with completely single‐atom sites where the relative metal loading was as high as 40 %. Characterized by advanced atomic‐resolution techniques, single Ru atoms were bonded with Ni as SAAs with extraordinary long‐term stability and no sintering of the host metal. The SAAs exhibited 100 % CO selectivity, over 55 times reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) rate than the alloys with Ru cluster sites, and over 3–4 times higher than SAAs by the dilution strategy. This study reports a one‐step manufacturing strategy for SAA's using the wetness impregnation method with durable high atomic efficiency and holds promise for large‐scale industrial applications.
Parallel and High Throughput Reaction Monitoring with Computer Vision
Authors: Barrington H. , McCabe T. J. D. , Donnachie K. , Fyfe Calum , McFall A. , Gladkikh M. , McGuire J. , Yan C. , Reid M.
Published: August 2024

We report the development and applications of a computer vision based reaction monitoring method for parallel and high throughput experimentation (HTE). Whereas previous efforts reported methods to extract bulk kinetics of one reaction from one video, this new approach enables one video to capture bulk kinetics of multiple reactions running in parallel. Case studies, in and beyond well‐plate high throughput settings, are described. Analysis of parallel dye‐quenching hydroxylations, DMAP‐catalysed esterification, solid‐liquid sedimentation dynamics, metal catalyst degradation, and biologically‐relevant sugar‐mediated nitro reduction reactions have each provided insight into the scope and limitations of camera‐enabled high throughput kinetics as a means of widening known analytical bottlenecks in HTE for reaction discovery, mechanistic understanding, and optimisation. It is envisaged that the nature of the multi‐reaction time‐resolved datasets made available by this analytical approach will later serve a broad range of downstream efforts in machine learning approaches to exploring chemical space.
Multi‐Enzyme Mimetic MoCu Dual‐Atom Nanozyme Triggering Oxidative Stress Cascade Amplification for High‐Efficiency Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Ziyao , Ding Binbin , Li Jing , Chen Hao , Zhang Jiashi , Tan Jia , Ma Xinyu , Han Di , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: August 2024

Single‐atom nanozymes (SAzymes) with ultrahigh atom utilization efficiency have been extensively applied in reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated cancer therapy. However, the high energy barriers of reaction intermediates on single‐atom sites and the overexpressed antioxidants in the tumor microenvironment restrict the amplification of tumor oxidative stress, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report a multi‐enzyme mimetic MoCu dual‐atom nanozyme (MoCu DAzyme) with various catalytic active sites, which exhibits peroxidase, oxidase, glutathione (GSH) oxidase, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase mimicking activities. Compared with Mo SAzyme, the introduction of Cu atoms, formation of dual‐atom sites, and synergetic catalytic effects among various active sites enhance substrate adsorption and reduce the energy barrier, thereby endowing MoCu DAzyme with stronger catalytic activities. Benefiting from the above enzyme‐like activities, MoCu DAzyme can not only generate multiple ROS, but also deplete GSH and block its regeneration to trigger the cascade amplification of oxidative stress. Additionally, the strong optical absorption in the near‐infrared II bio‐window endows MoCu DAzyme with remarkable photothermal conversion performance. Consequently, MoCu DAzyme achieves high‐efficiency synergistic cancer treatment incorporating collaborative catalytic therapy and photothermal therapy. This work will advance the therapeutic applications of DAzymes and provide valuable insights for nanocatalytic cancer therapy.
CircDYRK1A regulates bovine myoblasts development by binding miR21‐5p to affect KLF5 gene expression
Authors: Yang Peng , Li Xinmiao , Du Lei , Lyu Shijie , Zhang Zijing , Lin Fengpeng , Qi Xinglei , Liu Xian , Wang Eryao , Lei Chuzhao , Huang Yongzhen
Published: August 2024

Circular RNA (circRNA), a stable ring‐shaped RNA molecule found in eukaryotic cells, plays significant roles in biological regulation, particularly by interfering with transcription factor binding or enhancing gene expression. Using transcriptomic sequencing, we identified differentially expressed circRNAs in bovine muscle at various time points. Specifically, circDYRK1A was discovered and shown to enhance differentiation while suppressing proliferation of adult myoblasts. Rescue experiments further demonstrated that circDYRK1A regulates the KLF5 gene expression by interacting with miR21‐5p, thus exerting its influence at the transcriptional level. This study marks the first identification of circDYRK1A in cattle and elucidates its role in bovine myoblast development through the circDYRK1A‐miR21‐5p‐KLF5 regulatory axis. These findings contribute novel insights into molecular breeding of cattle and advance fundamental research on beef cattle breeding and muscle development.
A preliminary randomized controlled study of the PEERS® program for Taiwanese autistic adolescents: The effectiveness on reducing school bullying and enhancing social function
Authors: Hsiao Mei‐Ni , Chien Yi‐Ling , Tai Yueh‐Ming , Chen Heng‐Man , Shih Hsien‐Hsueh , Chen Li‐Wei , Chen Yu‐Ying , Soong Wei‐Tsuen , Chiu Yen‐Nan , Tsai Wen‐Che , Laugeson Elizabeth , Tseng Mei‐Hui , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen
Published: August 2024

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience lifelong social communication challenges and are more vulnerable to school bullying. Addressing their social difficulties and school bullying requires evidence‐based interventions. PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) was adapted and translated for Taiwanese adolescents. This randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Taiwanese version of PEERS® in reducing school bullying and enhancing social function among autistic adolescents. Twenty‐one autistic adolescents (mean age 14.29 ± 1.67 years; female n = 733.33%) were randomized to a treatment group (TG, n = 10) or a delayed treatment control group (DTG, n = 11). The outcome measures (school bullying, social challenges, social skills knowledge, and social skills performance) were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment, and follow‐up. The group and time interaction analyses revealed greater magnitudes of reduction in general school bullying (p < 0.001), victimization (p < 0.001), perpetration (p = 0.012), social challenges (p = 0.001), and peer conflicts (p < 0.001), and improvement in social knowledge (p < 0.001) in the TG group than the DTG group. The findings suggest that the PEERS® program tailored for Taiwanese adolescents is effective in reducing school bullying, decreasing social challenges, and enhancing social skills among autistic adolescents, with very large effect sizes (Cohen's d ranging from 1.19 to 2.88). Consequently, participation in the PEERS® program is recommended for adolescents with social difficulties to improve their social communication and interactions to offset school bullying and other social challenges related to adverse outcomes.
More similar than different: Characterizing special interests in autistic boys and girls based on caregiver report
Authors: Brown Cynthia E. , Bernardin Courtney J. , Beauchamp Marshall T. , Kanne Stephen M. , Nowell Kerri P.
Published: August 2024

Almost all autistic youths have special interests (SIs), which are focused, intense areas of passion and interest in a particular topic. Emerging research suggests that there are gender differences in SIs among autistic youth; however, commonly used measures that assess for the presence of SIs may not fully capture the granular nature of those differences between autistic boys and girls. Characterizing these differences is important for autism identification in girls, as SIs in autistic girls may often be overlooked by caregivers, teachers, and clinicians due to their more “typical” and more socially oriented content areas compared to autistic boys. This study therefore aimed to more fully characterize gender differences in SIs using a newly developed caregiver‐report measure of SIs (the Special Interests Survey; SIS). Caregivers of 1921 autistic youth completed the SIS. Analyses revealed many similarities between boys and girls; there were no gender differences in mean age SI onset, caregivers' perceptions of uniqueness or interferences of endorsed SIs, or duration of previous SIs. There were gender differences in endorsement of less than half (39%) of the SI categories measured, and there were minor differences in the number of endorsed current and past SIs. Categories with significant gender differences fell along typical gender lines (e.g., more boys interested in math and construction, more girls interested in animals and arts/crafts). This study extends the growing literature on SIs and gender differences in autism and has important implications for supporting autistic youth and their families.
Quercetin and its derivatives from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) seedpod extract combat radioresistance by suppressing ACSL4
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Anh , Kwon Yun‐Suk , Kim Nam‐Yi , Lee Munseon , Hwang In Hyun , Kim Soyoung
Published: August 2024

Radioresistance poses a significant obstacle in cancer treatment. Lotus seedpod extract (LSE) has demonstrated anticancer effects in various cancer cells. However, its potential against radioresistant tumors remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of LSE on radioresistant breast cancer cells, explore the underlying mechanism, and identify the major constituents responsible for its cytotoxic effect. LSE, extracted using 70% ethanol, exhibited selective cytotoxic effects against radioresistant breast cancer cells compared with their parental cells. Chemical analysis identified quercetin and its derivatives, hyperoside and miquelianin, as the major constituents responsible for these selective effects. Notably, quercetin displayed the most potent cytotoxicity against radioresistant breast cancer cells compared with hyperoside and miquelianin. Further investigation revealed that these compounds inhibited the activation of DNA repair systems, leading to the accumulation of DNA damage and the induction of apoptosis. Importantly, they efficiently suppressed the expression of ACSL4, a factor previously associated with radioresistance. In an in vivo study, quercetin exhibited a significant suppression of tumor growth in radioresistant tumor‐bearing mice. Taken together, our findings highlight the potential of LSE and its major constituents, quercetin and its derivatives, in overcoming radioresistance in breast cancer. This study provides compelling evidence to support the use of LSE as a medicinal source for the future adjunctive therapy to combat radioresistance in breast cancers.
Learning beyond books: A hybrid model to learn real‐world problems
Authors: Anwar Zeeshan , Afzal Hammad , Iltaf Naima
Published: August 2024

There are several initiatives underway to improve the learning of software developers. These attempts include the integration of GitHub into software engineering classes, the creation of learning management systems, gamification approaches, and collaborative learning platforms. These initiatives have demonstrated promise in boosting students' collaborative growth and cooperation abilities, emphasizing their potential influence on improving learning experiences in practical areas. Books, on the other hand, remain basic in education, but their physical size limits their ability to explore all practical elements of a topic in depth. This limitation requires more research and application of theoretical information in real‐world circumstances. In this work, we address the issue of limited space in traditional books that frequently prevents complete presentation of practical elements of a topic. To address this issue, we propose an application that improves the reading experience and accelerates the learning process. To anticipate themes, we use a combination of latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) algorithms and a generative pre‐trained transformer. First, utilizing LDA to find potential topic keywords inside the text and then leveraging generative pretrained transformer to predict topic names based on the LDA produced keywords. In addition, a query builder module produces and executes queries depending on the current page's topic, obtaining real‐world issues from Stack Overflow. The system classifies results by query‐title similarity, question‐answer ranking, and content quality before displaying them to users. This bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. We illustrate the usefulness of suggested tool using simulations, comparison with existing tools and user studies. The majority of users provide favorable comments and find it interesting and helpful for improving the learning process.
N2H4 Derived Sulfonic Acids: Hydrazine Disulfonate, [(SO3)HNNH(SO3)]2−, and Hydrazine Iso‐disulfonate, [H2NN(SO3)2]2−
Authors: Rennebaum Tobias , Gerven David van , Herwede Felix C. H. , Wickleder Mathias S.
Published: August 2024

The reaction of hydrazinium sulfate and chlorosulfonic acid in pyridine leads to the pyridinium salt of the hydrazine disulfonate anion, [(SO3)HNNH(SO3)]2−. The salt is the starting material for the preparation of further hydrazine disulfonates, for example of alkaline metals and barium. In all compounds, the [(SO3)HNNH(SO3)]2− anion adopts the gauche conformation. The conformer is chiral but all of the investigated compounds crystallize as racemates. The disulfonate anion can occur in another constitution with the two sulfonate groups attached to only one nitrogen atom. This so‐called hydrazine iso‐disulfonate, [H2NN(SO3)2]2−, has been prepared through a substitution reaction between potassium imidodisulfonate, K2[HN(SO3)2], and hydroxylamine‐O‐sulfonic acid, H2NOSO3H. The hydrazine iso‐disulfonate anion has been crystallized as potassium and barium compound, respectively. The compounds were characterized by XRD, vibrational spectroscopy, DFT calculations and thermal analyses.
Deuteration Degree Controllable Synthesis of Aryl Deuteromethyl Ethers Through Dual photoredox and Thiol Catalysis
Authors: Yang Junjie , Li Zhongxian , Huang Zhihui , Zhu Jun
Published: August 2024

Herein, we report a facile and efficient deuteration degree controllable method for the preparation of aryl deuteromethyl ethers through dual photoredox and thiol catalysis using phenols as the starting materials and inexpensive D2O and CDCl3 as the deuterium sources. All aryl d1, d2, and d3 deuteromethyl ethers can be precisely prepared with good to excellent yields and deuteration ratios. The reaction operates under mild conditions without the need for high temperatures or high loading of transition metal catalysts, and a wide range of functional groups are well tolerated.
Photoinduced Deoxygenative C2 Arylation of Quinoline N‐oxides with Phenylhydrazines to 2‐Arylquinolines over Porous Tubular Graphitic Carbon Nitride Semiconductor Photocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Xu Hang , Huang Zezhao , Hu Yan , Luo Lin , Zhu Li , Yao Xiaoquan
Published: August 2024

The photo‐induced deoxygenative C2 arylation of quinoline N‐oxides to 2‐arylquinolines is achieved over a heterogeneous porous tubular graphitic carbon nitride (PTCN) catalyst with phenylhydrazines as arylation reagent. A wide range of quinoline N‐oxides can be efficiently transformed into their corresponding 2‐arylquinolines under visible light irradiation. Moreover, PTCN catalyst is easily separated and could be reused several times without loss to its original activity.
Evaluating canopy morphology as predictive indicators of shade tolerance in three warm‐season turfgrass species
Authors: Baxter Lisa L. , Fox J. L. , Jespersen D. , Snider J. L. , Zhang J. , Schwartz Brian M.
Published: August 2024

Improving shade tolerance is critical for development of new turfgrass cultivars in the United States. Comparing turfgrass coverage under reduced sun exposure is a popular and effective method for determining shade tolerance, but requires years to evaluate. The objectives were to (i) compare phenotypical differences of experimental genotypes and cultivars of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.), St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), and zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) grown under 73% shade and (ii) identify whether genetic improvement for shade adaptation was made in these species. This 3‐year study conducted in Tifton, GA, found phenotypic differences among genotypes within species for turfgrass coverage when exposed to 73% shade. The experimental bermudagrass, 11‐T‐56, possessed the superior combination of high green turfgrass coverage, low canopy height, and season long dark green color under shade. Experimental genotypes in St. Augustinegrass exhibited genetic improvement compared to commercially available cultivars; however, these genotypes should be examined under more intense shade to elicit differences before further selection. Performance of experimental zoysiagrass genotypes from several turfgrass breeding programs did not indicate significant improvement in the shade persistence within Zoysia spp. There appears to be genetic differences in the speed at which newer zoysiagrasses can initially spread by rhizomes and stolons when grown under shade. Further research should be conducted to determine if juvenile growth is an indicator of shade tolerance under natural tree shade or structures. Overall, results indicated that canopy heights cannot be used to directly predict shade tolerance but can be used to identify turfgrasses with reduced mowing frequency requirements.
Microwave atmospheric pressure plasma jet: A review
Authors: Rath Suryasunil , Kar Satyananda
Published: August 2024

Considerable interest has emerged in atmospheric pressure discharges within the microwave frequency range over the past decade, driven by the growing potential applications such as material processing, CO2 dissociation, waste treatment, hydrogen production, water treatment, and so forth. This review delves into the diverse types of atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) operated at microwave frequencies. The analysis integrates insights from an overall review that encapsulates the different types of geometry, characterizations, modeling, and various applications of microwave atmospheric plasma jets (MW‐APPJs). This paper will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of microwave plasma generated in the ambient atmosphere. The fundamental insights into these discharges are emerging, but there are still numerous unexplained phenomena in these inherently complex plasmas that need to be studied. The properties of these MW‐APPJs encompass a higher range of electron densities (ne), gas temperatures (Tg), electron temperatures (Te), and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). This review provides an overview of the key underlying processes crucial for generating and stabilizing MW‐APPJs. Additionally, the unique physical and chemical properties of these discharges are summarized. In the initial section, we aim to introduce the primary scientific characterizations of different types of waveguide‐based and non‐waveguide‐based MW‐APPJs. The subsequent part focuses on the diverse modeling approaches for different MW‐APPJs and the outcomes derived from these models. The final section describes the potential applications of MW‐APPJs in various domains.
Electrocatalytic upcycling of plastic waste: Progress, challenges, and future
Authors: Li Jinzhou , Chen Junliang , Zhang Luyao , Matos Juan , Wang Li , Yang Jianping
Published: August 2024

The escalating accumulation of plastic waste has been developed into a formidable global environmental challenge. Traditional disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration not only exacerbate environmental degradation by releasing harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases, but also squander finite resources that could otherwise be recycled or repurposed. Upcycling is a kind of plastic recycling technology that converts plastic waste into high‐value chemicals and helps to avoid resource waste and environmental pollution. Electrocatalytic upcycling emerges as a novel technology distinguished by its mild operational conditions, high transformation efficiency and product selectivity. This review commences with an overview of the recycling and upcycling technology employed in plastic waste management and the respective advantages and inherent limitations are also delineated. The different types of plastic waste upcycled by electrocatalytic strategy are then discussed and the plastic waste transformation process is examined together with the mechanisms underlying the electrocatalytic upcycling. Furthermore, the structure‐activity relationships between electrocatalysts and plastic waste upcycling performance are also elucidated. The review aims to furnish readers with a comprehensive understanding of the electrocatalytic techniques for plastic waste upcycling and to provide a guidance for the design of electrocatalysts towards efficient plastic waste transformation.
Corporate cash policy and double machine learning
Authors: Movaghari Hadi , Tsoukas Serafeim , Vagenas‐Nanos Evangelos
Published: August 2024

We are the first to explore the role of firm‐level drivers in corporate cash policy applying cutting‐edge double machine learning technique. We identify tangibility of assets and R&D spending as two main driving forces behind the cash increase when they are considered both independently and jointly. Furthermore, our findings support the relevance of the transaction cost model and the refinancing risk of long‐term debt at the beginning of the sample period. In contrast, precautionary motive emerges as more pertinent in contemporary times. Our results are robust to alternative machine learners, cash proxies and estimation methods.
Nachweis tertiärer Theaceen Mitteleuropas nach blatt‐epidermalen Untersuchungen
Authors: Kvaček Zlatko , Walther Harald
Published: August 2024

In teriären Schichten Mitteleuropas werden erstmals Blätter von Polyspora Sweet (Polyspora saxonica Walther & Kvaček, Polyspora knauensis Walther & Kvaček, Polyspora hradekensis (Kvaček & Bužek) Kvaček & Walther und Polyspora spec.), Schima Reinwardt ex Blume (Schima spec.) und Ternstroemites Berry (Ternstroemites flörsheimensis Kvaček & Walthkr, Ternstroemites sokolovensis Kvaček & Walther) nach blattepidermalen und blattmorphologischen Merkmalen nachgewiesen. Diese Arten kommen vom Obereozän bis Untermiozän vorwiegend in klimatischen Optimen als immergrúne Elemente einer subtropischen bis warmgemäßigten, mesophytischen Waldvegetation vor.
Tracheary characteristics of some Nigerian Terminalia species
Authors: Gill L. S. , Onuja J. E.
Published: August 2024

A description is given of the tracheary elements of three Terminalia species. The species investigated are T. catappa, T. ivorensis, and T. superba. In all the species the vessels and tracheids are large. Fibres are moderately long and non septate.
Bacillus subtilis ZB423: 90‐Day repeat dose oral (gavage) toxicity study in Wistar rats
Authors: K. N. Vijayakumar , Bamne Swati S. , Crasta Johnson , Kumar C. Satish , Bhat Ramakrishna M. , Shuster Bentley M. , Oliver John W. K. , Abbott Zachary D.
Published: August 2024

The novel genetically modified probiotic Bacillus subtilis ZB423 was assessed in a 90‐day repeated‐dose oral toxicity study adhering to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Spray‐dried spores at a concentration of 1.1E12 CFU/g were administered at doses of 130, 260, and 519 mg/kg body weight/day correlating to 1.43 × 1011, 2.86 × 1011, and 5.71 × 1011 CFU/kg/day, respectively, by oral gavage to Wistar rats for a period of 90 consecutive days. Results showed no toxicologically relevant findings for B. subtilis ZB423 from measured parameters. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of B. subtilis ZB423 is 519 mg/kg body weight/day corresponding to 5.71 × 1011 CFU/kg/day for lyophilized B. subtilis ZB423 spores under the test conditions employed.
Appearance of sex‐determining region Y‐box 9 (SOX9)‐ and glutathione S‐transferase placental form (GST‐P)‐positive hepatocytes as possible carcinogenic events in the early stage of furan‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Hibi Daisuke , Soma Meili , Suzuki Yuta , Takasu Shinji , Ishii Yuji , Umemura Takashi
Published: August 2024

Furan, the basic skeleton of various flavoring agents, induces cholangiocellular tumors with higher incidences in the caudate lobe and hepatocellular tumors without the lobe specificity in rats, but the mechanism is unclear. We investigated the lobe distribution of possible carcinogenic events. Furan caused proliferation/infiltration of oval and inflammatory cells prominently in the caudate lobe as early as 4 weeks and cholangiofibrosis in this lobe at 8 weeks. In vivo mutagenicity assays using DNA extracted from the caudate or left lateral lobe of male gpt delta rats, the reporter gene‐transgenic rats, treated with 8 mg/kg furan for 4 or 8 weeks showed negative outcomes. The distribution of glutathione S‐transferase placental form (GST‐P)‐positive or sex‐determining region Y‐box 9 (SOX9)‐positive hepatocytes was examined. Significant increases in the number of GST‐P‐positive hepatocytes were observed in all lobes of furan‐treated rats at 8 weeks. By contrast, SOX9‐positive hepatocytes, liver injury‐inducible progenitor cells, were also found in all lobes of treated rats, the incidences of which were by far the highest in the caudate lobe. In addition, some of these hepatocytes also co‐expressed delta like 1 homolog (DLK1), a hepatoblast marker, particularly in areas with a predominant presence of inflammatory cells. Overall, furan induced liver injury, leading to the appearance of SOX9‐positive hepatocytes, some of which were subjected to dedifferentiation in the inflammatory microenvironment of a cholangiocarcinoma‐prone lobe. Thus, the appearance of SOX9‐positive hepatocytes together with GST‐P‐positive hepatocytes could be initial events in furan‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis via non‐genotoxic mechanisms.
Temperature effects on the branching dynamics in the model ambimodal (6 + 4)/(4 + 2) intramolecular cycloaddition reaction
Authors: Murakami Tatsuhiro , Hayashi Daiki , Kikuma Yuya , Yamaki Keita , Takayanagi Toshiyuki
Published: August 2024

C14H20 (tetradecapentaene) is a simple model system exhibiting post transition‐state behavior, wherein both the (6 + 4) and (4 + 2) cycloaddition products are formed from one ambimocal transition state structure. We studied the bifurcation dynamics starting from the two ambimodal transition state structures, the chair‐form and boat‐form, using the quasi‐classical trajectory, classical molecular dynamics, and ring‐polymer molecular dynamics methods on the parameter‐optimized semiempirical GFN2‐xTB potential energy surface. It was found that the calculated branching fractions differ between the chair‐form and boat‐form due to the different nature in the IRC pathways. We also investigated the effects of temperature on bifurcation dynamics and found that, at higher temperatures, trajectories stay longer in the intermediate region of the potential energy surface.
Simultaneously Predicting Pharmacokinetics of Loratadine and Desloratadine in Children Using a Whole‐Body Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model
Authors: Liu Tianlei , Mu Ruijing , Liu Xiaodong
Published: August 2024

Loratadine is metabolized to desloratadine. Both of them have been used for allergy treatment in children. Anatomical, physiological, and biological parameters of children and clearance of drugs vary with age. We aimed to develop a whole‐body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to simultaneously predict the pharmacokinetics of loratadine and desloratadine in children. Following validation using 11 adult data sets, the developed PBPK model was extrapolated to children. Plasma concentrations following oral loratadine or desloratadine to children of different ages were simulated and compared with six children data sets. After scaling anatomy/physiology, protein binding, and clearance, pharmacokinetics of the two drugs in pediatric populations were satisfactorily predicted. Most of the observed concentrations fell within the 5th‐95th percentile range of the simulations in 1000 virtual children. The predicted area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) and Cmax fell within 0.5‐2.0‐fold range of the observations. Oral doses of loratadine or desloratadine for children of different ages were simulated based on similar AUCs following 10 mg of loratadine or 5 mg of desloratadine for adults. Pediatric PBPK model was successfully developed to simultaneously predict plasma concentrations of loratadine and desloratadine in children of all ages. The developed pediatric PBPK model may also be applied to optimize pediatric dosage.
On vertex‐transitive graphs with a unique hamiltonian cycle
Authors: Miraftab Babak , Morris Dave Witte
Published: August 2024

A graph is said to be uniquely hamiltonian if it has a unique hamiltonian cycle. For a natural extension of this concept to infinite graphs, we find all uniquely hamiltonian vertex‐transitive graphs with finitely many ends, and also discuss some examples with infinitely many ends. In particular, we show each nonabelian free group has a Cayley graph of degree that has a unique hamiltonian circle. (A weaker statement had been conjectured by Georgakopoulos.) Furthermore, we prove that these Cayley graphs of are outerplanar.
Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency in five siblings with variable phenotypes, including fulminant fatal liver failure despite good engraftment of transplanted liver
Authors: Mihaljević Mihaela , Petković Ramadža Danijela , Žigman Tamara , Rako Ivana , Galić Slobodan , Matić Toni , Rubić Filip , Čulo Čagalj Ivana , Mayer Davor , Gojević Ante , Ćavar Stanko , Ćorić Marijana , Achleitner Melanie T. , Mayr Johannes A. , Fumić Ksenija , Vuković Jurica , Barić Ivo
Published: August 2024

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) deficiency can, in one of its forms, be a rare cause of acute liver failure. Clinical presentation is nonspecific. Biochemical findings can reflect metabolic block, but vary depending on patient and his condition. Consensus treatment guidelines do not exist. We present a family with five members suffering from DLD deficiency. Patient 1 presented with emesis, mental deterioration, and fulminant hepatic failure, which required high‐urgency liver transplantation. His younger brother, patient 2, experienced unexplained hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis on the second day after cardiac surgery. Three affected younger siblings were asymptomatic. In patients with acute liver failure of unknown etiology urgent metabolic work‐up should be done, and whole exome sequencing considered. Liver transplantation remains life‐saving treatment option, but its outcome may be dependent on etiology‐specific supportive treatment.
Optimizing gelation properties of mixed meat myofibrillar proteins: investigating the effects of different proportions of beef, pork and chicken on physicochemical, structural and gelation properties
Authors: Zhou Yajun , Guo Luyao , Ma Zhiyuan , Li Zongping , Ma Qingshu , Wang Shujie
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The gelation properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) directly affect the texture, taste and water‐holding capacity (WHC) of meat products. To enhance the gelation properties of single‐species meat MP, the present study investigated the influence of different proportions of beef, pork and chicken MP on the physicochemical properties, structure and gelation properties of the MP.

RESULTS

The results revealed that, when the proportion reached 5:2:3, the particle size decreases, leading to the maximum decomposition and unfolding of MPs, which exposes a greater number of hydrophobic amino acid residues. These changes promote interactions between protein molecules, especially the unfolding of α‐helices and the formation of β‐sheets during the heating process, which provides favorable conditions for the formation of protein gels and improves the gel strength and WHC of MP gels. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the mixed MP gels are more compact and have more uniform gel networks and pores compared to single‐species MP gels.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, the synergistic effect is induced by the interactions between proteins from different. This research provides a method for the subsequent development of new meat products and improvement of meat product quality, and also lays a theoretical foundation for composite research of proteins from different sources. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Significant contribution of amino acids to antioxidant capacity of Japanese rice wine (sake)
Authors: Tsuji Atsushi , Koyanagi Takashi
Published: August 2024

Background

Various antioxidant components have been reported in Japanese rice wine (sake), while the contribution ratio of each component to the antioxidant capacity of whole sake has not been well understood. In this study, we evaluated the radical absorption capacity (H‐ORAC and/or DPPH radical scavenging ability) and antioxidant components of commercially available sake, and estimated the major components contributing to antioxidant capacity.

Results

Water‐soluble components with a molecular weight of less than 3000 contributed more than 90% to H‐ORAC of sake by measuring the ultrafiltered fraction. The Maillard reaction seemed to have little influence on H‐ORAC by browning experiments. The radical absorption capacity of sake showed a strong positive correlation with the amounts of four antioxidant amino acids (Cys, Met, Tyr, Trp) and two phenolic acids (ferulic acid and p‐coumaric acid). Evaluating H‐ORAC of a sake model solution composed of these antioxidants revealed that the four amino acids showed a clearly higher contribution (25.7–58.2%) than the phenolic acids. In addition, there was a slight synergistic effect when the four amino acids were mixed, whereas such effects were not seen when mixed with the phenolic acids and other sake major components (organic acids, glucose and ethanol).

Conclusion

We concluded that the contribution of free amino acids to the radical absorption capacity is quite important in sake. These findings will provide a new perspective for antioxidant researches of sake and many fermented foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Skin matrix meets immunomatrix—Implications for genetic and acquired diseases
Authors: Nyström Alexander , Conradt Gregor , Lehr Saskia , Kiritsi Dimitra
Published: August 2024

An extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for multicellular life. Apart from being a scaffold, it is an actively signalling unit, orchestrating homo‐ and heterocellular communication to uphold tissue homeostasis or elicit an appropriate regenerative response after injury. The skin as a barrier organ meeting unremittent physical biological and chemical challenges is dependent on both a specialized ECM and attentive yet balanced immune surveillance. Intriguingly, skin‐like ECM composites occur in primary and secondary lymphoid organs. Evolutionary, the expansion of the ECM coincides with development of adaptive immunity. Studies of acquired and genetic skin diseases suggest that the skin and lymphoid ECMs are essential, emerging, but yet‐under‐appreciated, gatekeepers of dermal immune homeostasis. Here, we summarize knowledge of the dermal and skin‐distal lymphoid ECM as a mediator of skin immune homeostasis. We argue that increased awareness of the lymphoid‐ECM as a potential regulator of skin immunity will increase our understanding of diseases linked to skin inflammation and allow for improved treatment options of them.
Simultaneous cochlear implantation with early endoscopic surgery in small acoustic neuroma
Authors: Bae Seong Hoon , Battilocchi Ludovica , Yunbin Nam , Lapina Gerard , Yun Ji Min , Moon In Seok
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The exclusive endoscopic transcanal transpromontorial approach (EETTA) has recently been developed for the removal of small‐sized acoustic neuromas in the labyrinth (intralabyrinthine schwannoma [ILS]) or internal auditory canal (IAC). Although small tumors that meet the indications for EETTA are also good candidates for cochlear implantation (CI), there are few reports on CI after schwannoma removal using EETTA. Here we present an outcome of patients who underwent simultaneous EETTA and CI.

Methods

Five patients (two with IAC fundus tumors and three with ILS) who underwent simultaneous EETTA and CI between 2020 and 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Their medical charts and test results were reviewed.

Results

After at least 12 months of follow‐up, there were no severe surgical complications such as meningitis, infection, or skin necrosis. Four of the five patients responded to auditory stimulation. Three out of four auditory‐responsive patients scored >80% on sentence recognition.

Conclusion

Simultaneous EETTA and CI are feasible for the treatment of ILS and IAC fundus tumors. Preservation of the cochlear nerve and modiolus is important for favorable CI outcomes. Therefore, ILS and IAC fundus tumors in patients with nonserviceable hearing should be surgically removed as early as possible to enable proper hearing rehabilitation with CI.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Effect of magnetic‐thermal coordinated control solidification on grains and porosities of a superalloy K4169
Authors: Zhu C. , Zhang K. L. , Li Y. J. , Zheng C. , Feng X. H. , Yang Y. S.
Published: August 2024

Since the solidification structure of metals cast by conventional mold casting often has porosity defect, the combination of low voltage pulsed magnetic field and thermally controlled solidification was used to solve this defect. The combination method is called magnetic‐thermal coordinated control solidification. Pulsed magnetic field stirring can refine equiaxed grains, and the thermally controlled solidification method can eliminate the concentrated shrinkage cavity and reduce the dispersed shrinkage porosity. Thus, a superalloy K4169 with fine equiaxed grains, low content of dispersed shrinkage porosity and without concentrated shrinkage cavity defect is fabricated by magnetic‐thermal coordinated control solidification.
Feasibility of 3D MRI fingerprinting for rapid knee cartilage T1, T2, and T1ρ mapping at 0.55T: Comparison with 3T
Authors: De Moura Hector L. , Monga Anmol , Zhang Xiaoxia , Zibetti Marcelo V. W. , Keerthivasan Mahesh B. , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: August 2024

Low‐field strength scanners present an opportunity for more inclusive imaging exams and bring several challenges including lower signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and longer scan times. Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a rapid quantitative multiparametric method that can enable multiple quantitative maps simultaneously. To demonstrate the feasibility of an MRF sequence for knee cartilage evaluation in a 0.55T system we performed repeatability and accuracy experiments with agar‐gel phantoms. Additionally, five healthy volunteers (age 32 ± 4 years old, 2 females) were scanned at 3T and 0.55T. The MRI acquisition protocols include a stack‐of‐stars T1ρ‐enabled MRF sequence, a VIBE sequence with variable flip angles (VFA) for T1 mapping, and fat‐suppressed turbo flash (TFL) sequences for T2 and T1ρ mappings. Double‐Echo steady‐state (DESS) sequence was also used for cartilage segmentation. Acquisitions were performed at two different field strengths, 0.55T and 3T, with the same sequences but protocols were slightly different to accommodate differences in signal‐to‐noise ratio and relaxation times. Cartilage segmentation was done using five compartments. T1, T2, and T1ρ values were measured in the knee cartilage using both MRF and conventional relaxometry sequences. The MRF sequence demonstrated excellent repeatability in a test–retest experiment with model agar‐gel phantoms, as demonstrated with correlation and Bland–Altman plots. Underestimation of T1 values was observed on both field strengths, with the average global difference between reference values and the MRF being 151 ms at 0.55T and 337 ms at 3T. At 0.55T, MRF measurements presented significant biases but strong correlations with the reference measurements. Although a larger error was present in T1 measurements, MRF measurements trended similarly to the conventional measurements for human subjects and model agar‐gel phantoms.
Molecular hydrogen supplementation in mice ameliorates lipopolysaccharide‐induced loss of interest
Authors: Koga Minori , Sato Mayumi , Nakagawa Ryuichi , Tokuno Shinichi , Asai Fumiho , Maezawa Yuri , Nagamine Masanori , Yoshino Aihide , Toda Hiroyuki
Published: August 2024

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of hydrogen in preventing and treating psychiatric symptoms, particularly depressed mood and loss of interest, and to explore its underlying mechanisms. A mouse model exhibiting inflammation‐derived depressive symptoms was used for the investigation.

Methods

Institute of Cancer Research mice were subjected to a 7‐day intervention of either 30% hydrogen or 40 g per day of air via jelly intake. On the final day, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intraperitoneally administered at 5 mg/kg to induce inflammation‐related depressive symptoms. Behavioral and biochemical assessments were conducted 24 h post‐LPS administration.

Results

Following LPS administration, a decrease in spontaneous behavior was observed; however, this effect was mitigated in the group treated with hydrogen. The social interaction test revealed a significant reduction in interactions with unfamiliar mice in the LPS‐treated group, whereas the hydrogen‐treated group exhibited no such decrease. No significant changes were noted in the forced‐swim test for either group. Additionally, the administration of LPS in the hydrogen group did not result in a decrease in zonula occludens‐1, a biochemical marker associated with barrier function at the cerebrovascular barrier and expressed in tight junctions.

Conclusion

Hydrogen administration demonstrated a preventive effect against the LPS‐induced loss of interest, suggesting a potential role in symptom prevention. However, it did not exhibit a suppressive effect on depressive symptoms in this particular model. These findings highlight the nuanced impact of hydrogen in the context of inflammation‐induced psychiatric symptoms, indicating potential avenues for further exploration and research.
UV‐exposure decreases antimicrobial activities of a grapevine cane extract against Plasmopara viticola and Botrytis cinerea as a consequence of stilbene modifications—a kinetic study
Authors: Pébarthé‐Courrouilh Anthony , Jaa Ayoub , Valls‐Fonayet Josep , Da Costa Grégory , Palos‐Pinto Antonio , Richard Tristan , Cluzet Stéphanie
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Stilbenoid extracts, such as those originating from grapevine by‐products (e.g. canes), are of interest for use as biopesticides in vineyard owing to their antimicrobial activities. However, stilbenoids are unstable in the environment, especially under light. This study aimed to chemically characterize the effect of UV light on stilbenoids present in a grapevine cane extract (CE), and to evaluate the antimicrobial activities against two major grapevine pathogens (Plasmopara viticola and Botrytis cinerea) of grapevine extracts exposed to UV.

RESULTS

Treatment with UV (365 nm) on a grapevine CE led to degradation of stilbenoids (up to 71% after 1 h). The stilbenoid stability depended on their chemical structure: only those possessing CC, as trans‐resveratrol and trans‐ε‐viniferin, were affected with first their isomerization and secondly their oxidation/cyclization. As a consequence, UV‐exposed extracts (UV‐CEs) showed reduced antimicrobial activities against the two pathogens (mycelium and spores). For instance, regarding P. viticola, an UV‐CE exposed during 4 h showed an almost total loss of its activity on oomycete development and a 2.4‐fold inhibition of zoospore mobility in comparison to CE. For B. cinerea, the inhibition capacity of the same UV‐CE was reduced by only 1.1‐fold on mycelial development and by 3.2‐fold on conidial germination compared to CE.

CONCLUSION

UV light triggered modifications on the structure of bioactive stilbenoids, resulting in losses of their antimicrobial activities. Photoprotection of stilbenoids has to be considered in the perspective of using them in vineyards as biopesticides. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.