bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting exhausted cytotoxic T cells through CTLA‐4 inhibition promotes elimination of neoplastic cells in human myelofibrosis xenografts
Authors: Tavernari Lara , Rontauroli Sebastiano , Norfo Ruggiero , Mirabile Margherita , Maccaferri Monica , Mora Barbara , Genovese Elena , Parenti Sandra , Carretta Chiara , Bianchi Elisa , Bertesi Matteo , Pedrazzi Francesca , Tenedini Elena , Martinelli Silvia , Bochicchio Maria Teresa , Guglielmelli Paola , Potenza Leonardo , Lucchesi Alessandro , Passamonti Francesco , Tagliafico Enrico , Luppi Mario , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria , Manfredini Rossella ,   the MYNERVA (Myeloid NEoplasms Research Venture AIRC) investigators
Published: July 2024

Myeloproliferative neoplasms represent a group of clonal hematopoietic disorders of which myelofibrosis (MF) is the most aggressive. In the context of myeloid neoplasms, there is a growing recognition of the dysregulation of immune response and T‐cell function as significant contributors to disease progression and immune evasion. We investigated cytotoxic T‐cell exhaustion in MF to restore immune response against malignant cells. Increased expression of inhibitory receptors like CTLA‐4 was observed on cytotoxic T cells from MF patients together with a reduced secretion of IFNɣ and TNFɑ. CTLA‐4 ligands CD80 and CD86 were increased on MF granulocytes and monocytes highlighting a possible role for myeloid cells in suppressing T‐cell activation in MF patients. Unlike healthy donors, the activation of cytotoxic T cells from MF patients was attenuated in the presence of myeloid cells and restored when T cells were cultured alone or treated with anti‐CTLA‐4. Moreover, anti‐CTLA‐4 treatment promoted elimination of neoplastic monocytes and granulocytes in a co‐culture system with cytotoxic T cells. To test CTLA‐4 inhibition in vivo, patient‐derived xenografts were generated by transplanting MF CD34+ cells and by infusing homologous T cells in NSGS mice. CTLA‐4 blockade reduced human myeloid chimerism and led to T‐cell expansion in spleen and bone marrow. Overall, these findings shed light on T‐cell dysfunction in MF and suggest that CTLA‐4 blockade can boost the cytotoxic T cell‐mediated immune response against tumor cells.
Multiple forms of perceived job discrimination and hypertension risk among employed women: Findings from the Sister Study
Authors: Coates Matthew M. , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Matthews Timothy A. , Sandler Dale P. , Jackson Chandra L. , Li Jian
Published: July 2024

Background

Hypertension has been linked to socially patterned stressors, including discrimination. Few studies have quantified the risk of hypertension associated with exposure to perceived job discrimination.

Methods

We used prospective cohort data from the Sister Study (enrollment from 2003–2009) to estimate self‐reported incident hypertension associated with perceived job discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or health status. Job discrimination in the prior 5 years was assessed in 2008–2012, and incident doctor‐diagnosed hypertension was ascertained in previously hypertension‐free participants.

Results

Among the 16,770 eligible participants aged 37–78 years at the start of follow‐up, 10.5% reported job discrimination in the past 5 years, and 19.2% (n = 3226) reported incident hypertension during a median follow‐up of 9.7 years (interquartile range 8.2–11.0 years). Self‐reported poor health or inclusion in minoritized groups based on race/ethnicity or sexual orientation were more frequent among those reporting job discrimination. In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for covariates, report of at least one type of job discrimination (compared to none) was associated with a 14% (hazard ratio = 1.14 [95% confidence: 1.02–1.27]) higher hypertension risk. Results from sensitivity analyses reinforced the findings.

Conclusions

Results suggest that interventions addressing job discrimination could have workplace equity and health benefits.
The Aspire Social Impact Bond: How social impact bond financing can promote positive social and economic outcomes
Authors: Coram Veronica , Tually Selina , Lester Leanne , Kyron Michael , Flatau Paul , Goodwin‐Smith Ian
Published: July 2024

Financing human service delivery through social impact bonds (SIBs) is the subject of some critical commentary in the academic literature, but this tends to be largely theoretical rather than empirically based. This paper presents empirical evidence of how SIB financing can promote positive social and economic outcomes for governments, not‐for‐profit providers, individual service beneficiaries and society more broadly. The paper presents some of the results of an evaluation of the Aspire SIB, which financed an innovative intensive case management program providing housing and wraparound supports over a 3‐year period for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Aspire participants experienced significantly improved outcomes and decreased service needs, delivering downstream cost savings across several areas of government service delivery. This paper describes how the SIB financing mechanism underpinned the success of Aspire by promoting flexible, collaborative, outcome‐focussed and data‐informed responses to a challenging, multi‐faceted social problem.
Possibility of the Traversable Wormholes in the Galactic Halos within 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet Gravity
Authors: Hassan Zinnat , Sahoo P.K.
Published: July 2024

Recently, there has been significant interest regarding the regularization of a limit of Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) gravity. This regularization involves re‐scaling the Gauss–Bonnet (GB) coupling constant as , which bypasses Lovelock's theorem and avoids Ostrogradsky instability. A noteworthy observation is that the maximally or spherically symmetric solutions for all the regularized gravities coincide in the scenario. Considering this, the wormhole solutions in the galactic halos are investigated based on three different choices of dark matter (DM) profiles, such as Universal Rotation Curve, Navarro–Frenk–White, and Scalar Field Dark Matter with the framework of EGB gravity. Also, the Karmarkar condition is used to find the exact solutions for the shape functions under different non‐constant redshift functions. The energy conditions for each DM profile are discussed and the influence of GB coefficient in violating energy conditions are noticed, especially null energy conditions. Further, some physical features of wormholes, viz. complexity factor, active gravitational mass, total gravitational energy, and embedding diagrams, have been explored.
Ring Contraction of Saturated Cyclic Amines and Rearrangement of Acyclic Amines Through Their Corresponding Hydroxylamines
Authors: Peng Yi , Wang Guoqiang , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Oestreich Martin
Published: July 2024

Compared to modifications at the molecular periphery, skeletal adjustments present greater challenges. Within this context, skeletal rearrangement technology stands out for its significant advantages in rapidly achieving structural diversity. Yet, the development of this technology for ring contraction of saturated cyclic amines remains exceedingly rare. While most existing methods rely on specific substitution patterns to achieve ring contraction, there is a persistent demand for a more general strategy for substitution‐free cyclic amines. To address this issue, we report a B(C6F5)3‐catalyzed skeletal rearrangement of hydroxylamines with hydrosilanes. This methodology, when combined with the N‐hydroxylation of amines, enables the regioselective ring contraction of cyclic amines and proves equally effective for rapid reorganization of acyclic amine skeletons. By this, the direct scaffold hopping of drug molecules and the strategic deletion of carbon atoms are achieved in a mild manner. Based on mechanistic experiments and density functional theory calculations, a possible mechanism for this process is proposed.
Visible‐light‐driven selective aerobic oxidation of olefins over bifunctional photocatalyst Cu‐BTC‐TiO2 in water
Authors: Yang Shuai , Guo Changyan , Huang Xiaorun , Wang Yubin , Niu Yanan , Liu Chenjiang , Wang Jide , Zhang Yonghong
Published: July 2024

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as semiconductor‐like materials, are considered to be promising photocatalysts for heterogeneous phtotocatalytic oxidation of styrene. Herein, copper‐based MOFs and titanium dioxide composite bifunctional photocatalyst (Cu–benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate‐titanium dioxide, Cu‐BTC‐TiO2) wereas synthesized, and the selective oxidation of styrene was achieved under mild conditions of oxygen and water. Cu‐BTC‐TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited more than three times higher styrene conversion than Cu‐BTC and TiO2 individually under same condition, and the desired product benzaldehyde can be obtained with up to 82% yield. The improved performance may be attributed to the acid site of Cu‐BTC, which is conducive to the adsorption and activation of styrene. In addition, the formation of heterojunction between Cu‐BTC and TiO2 can regulate the band gap of photocatalyst, which is favorable for light absorption, and facilitate the separation, transportation and utilization of photogenerated electron holes. The present protocol features good functional group tolerance, mild reaction conditions, and the reusability of catalyst.
Bright insights: Examining fluorescence behavior using 5,7‐dibromo‐8‐hydroxyquinoline in organic–inorganic hybrid materials
Authors: Bogdan Marta , Sierański Tomasz , Świątkowski Marcin , Trzęsowska‐Kruszyńska Agata
Published: July 2024

Expanding on prior research with 8‐hydroxyquinoline (8hq) derivatives, this study investigates 5,7‐dibromo‐8‐hydroxyquinoline (8hqBr2) as a ligand in organic–inorganic hybrid materials (OIHMs). A series of 19 compounds and two of its salts were synthesized, employing d‐ and p‐block metal halides to explore the effect of solid‐state supramolecular structures on emission properties. Through the use of density functional theory (DFT), this work emphasizes the critical role of the bromine position within the ligand, contrasting with its effect when located exclusively in halogenometallate anions. The findings reveal that emission is profoundly influenced by π–π stacking, anion‐π interactions, and the configuration of metal cations and bromine substituents. This study not only provides insights into the specific impact of bromine positioning in 8hqBr2 on fluorescence but also contributes to the development of advanced emitters for optoelectronics and sensing, enhancing the understanding of fluorescence modulation in 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐based OIHMs.
Chemical Stability of mRNA/cDNA Complexes: Defining the Limits of mRNA display
Authors: Yoshisada Ryoji , Weller Saskia , Çobanoğlu Tuğçe S. , de Kock H. N. , Jongkees Seino A. K.
Published: July 2024

Messenger RNA (mRNA) display is being increasingly adopted for peptide drug candidate discovery. While many conditions have been reported for the affinity enrichment step and in some cases for peptide modification, there is still limited understanding about the versatility of peptide–puromycin–mRNA/cDNA (complementary DNA) complexes. This work explores the chemical stability of mRNA/cDNA hybrid complexes under a range of different fundamental chemical conditions as well as with peptide modification conditions reported in an mRNA display setting. We further compare the stability of full complexes originating from two different mRNA display systems (RaPID and cDNA‐TRAP). Overall, these complexes were found to be stable under a broad range of conditions, with some edge conditions benefitting from encoding directly in cDNA rather than mRNA. This should allow for more and broader exploitation of late‐stage peptide modification chemistry in mRNA display, with confidence regarding the stability of encoding, and potentially better hit‐finding campaigns as a result.
Six‐Cyclic Crown Ether‐Type Pillar[5]Arene: Enhanced Binding Ability to Bispyridinium Derivatives
Authors: Wu Huai‐Li , Zhang Meng‐Yang , Zhou Ting , Zhang Le‐Ping , Qi Qiao‐Yan , Yang Guan‐Yu , Yang Bo , Li Zhan‐Ting
Published: July 2024

A six‐cyclic crown ether‐type pillar[5]arene was synthesized, and the five ethylene oxide loops were located outside the cavity and not affected by temperature changes which was confirmed by variable‐temperature NMR experiment in DMSO‐d6 and CDCl3 and 2D 1H−1H NOESY experiment in CDCl3. The six‐cyclic pillar[5]‐crown also showed greater binding ability of host‐guest with bis(pyridinium) derivatives than conventional alkoxy pillar[5]arenes that illustrated through 1H NMR titration spectroscopic experiment in acetone‐d6/CDCl3 (1 : 1) and UV‐vis titration experiments in CHCl3 at room temperature. The five benzocrown ethers at the periphery were able to bind metal cations by 1H NMR titration spectroscopic experiment in CD2Cl2/methanol‐d4(9 : 1).
Fish scale–derived hydroxyapatite for alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Prathibha P. M. , Thomas N. G. , Dalvi Y. B. , Varghese K. G. , Binsi P. K. , Zynudheen A. A. , Lekshmi M. , Shilpa J. , Sajith Vellappally , Sukumaran Anil
Published: July 2024

Alveolar ridge resorption following tooth extraction poses significant challenges for future dental restorations. This study investigated the efficacy of fish scale–derived hydroxyapatite (FSHA) as a socket preservation graft material to maintain alveolar bone volume and architecture. FSHA was extracted from *Labeo rohita* fish scales and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. In vitro, biocompatibility and osteogenic potential were assessed using Saos‐2 human osteosarcoma cells. Cell viability, migration, and proliferation were evaluated using MTT and scratch assays. In vivo performance was assessed in a rat model, and FSHA was compared to a commercial xenograft (Osseograft) and ungrafted controls. Histological analysis was performed at 8‐week post‐implantation to quantify new bone formation. FTIR confirmed the purity and homogeneity of FSHA. In vitro, FSHA enhanced Saos‐2 viability, migration, and proliferation compared to controls. In vivo, FSHA demonstrated superior bone regeneration compared to Osseograft and ungrafted sites, with balanced graft resorption and new bone formation. Histological analysis revealed an active incorporation of FSHA into new bone, with minimal gaps and ongoing remodeling. Approximately 50%–60% of FSHA was resorbed by 8 weeks, closely matching the rate of new bone deposition. FSHA stimulated more bone formation in the apical socket region than in coronal areas. In conclusion, FSHA is a promising biomaterial for alveolar ridge preservation, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and balanced resorption. Its ability to promote robust bone regeneration highlights its potential as an effective alternative to currently used graft materials in socket preservation procedures.
Controlling Structure and Morphology of MoS2 via Sulfur Precursor for Optimized Pseudocapacitive Lithium Intercalation Hosts
Authors: Tobis Maciej , Elmanzalawy Mennatalla , Choi Jaehoon , Frąckowiak Elżbieta , Fleischmann Simon
Published: July 2024

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)‐based electrode materials can exhibit a pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism induced by nanosized dimension of the crystalline domains, which is why control over material structure via synthesis conditions is of significance. In this study, we investigate how the use of different sulfide precursors, specifically thiourea (TU), thioacetamide (TAA), and L‐cysteine (LC), during the hydrothermal synthesis of MoS2, affects its physicochemical, and consequently, electrochemical properties. The three materials obtained exhibit distinct morphologies, ranging from micron‐sized architectures (MoS2 TU), to nanosized flakes (MoS2 TAA and LC). While all three synthesized samples exhibit pseudocapacitive Li+ intercalation properties, the capacity retention of the latter two consisting of nanosized flakes is further improved at high cycling rates. The individual charge storage properties are analyzed by operando X‐ray diffraction, dilatometry, and 3D Bode analysis, revealing a correlation between the morphology, porosity, and the electrochemical intercalation behavior of the obtained electrode materials. The results demonstrate a facile strategy to control MoS2 structure and related functionality by choice of hydrothermal synthesis precursors.
Pretreatment and saccharification of corn cobs using partially purified fungal ligninozymes
Authors: Reddy Kandukuri Thanuja , Kocher Gurvinder Singh , Singh Alla
Published: July 2024

Corn cobs consist primarily of a lignocellulosic material comprising hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin in a crystalline state, which is resistant to microbial saccharification. Bioethanol production from corn cobs has rarely been attempted, especially using chemical pretreatment methods.

The present study deals with the production and purification of fungal (Phanerochaete chrysosporium MTCC 787 and Pleurotus florida PAU 22‐01) extracellular ligninolytic enzymes – lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and laccase (Lac) – followed by their utilization for the biological pretreatment of corn cobs along with saccharification using commercial cellulase. Crude LiP, MnP, and Lac demonstrated specific activity of 2.23, 2.1, and 2.63 U/mg, respectively.

The one‐step purification of crude enzyme using diethyl amino ethyl (DEAE) cellulose ion exchange chromatography resulted in 11.3, 10.1 and 8.62‐fold purification of LiP, MnP and Lac activity, respectively, with corresponding specific activity of 25.1 U/mg (LiP), 21.2 U/mg (MnP) and 22.7 U/mg (Lac) in the partially purified ligninozymes. Using the latter, biological pretreatment of 2.5 g corn cobs in a reaction volume of 30 mL containing approximately 200 units of Lac, Lip and MnP enzymes (in phosphate buffer, pH 6) resulted in a maximum of 78.4% delignification with a saccharification efficiency of 97.1% using commercial cellulases.
How does family business affect the association between corporate social responsibility disclosure and cost of debt in Indonesia?
Authors: Sari Meilinda , Joni Joni , Ginting Enda Karina Salsalina Br
Published: July 2024

This study examines how corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and family firms affect the cost of debt (COD) using a sample of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2017 and 2020. Ordinary least square regression was applied to investigate this association. This study also addresses the endogeneity problem using the generalized method of moments (GMM). This study finds that CSR lowers a company's COD. Firms with more CSR reporting minimize information asymmetry and improve their reputation. Next, we investigate whether family ownership can moderate the relationship between CSR and the COD. These findings support the hypothesis that family ownership moderates the relationship between CSR and COD. It is possible that family businesses use CSR to maintain a good reputation among their stakeholders, thus producing more CSR reports. The findings contribute to the literature by providing empirical evidence on how CSR and family firms experience a lower COD capital in the emerging economy context of Indonesia. Furthermore, this study provides academic implications by investigating whether family ownership can be a moderator variable in the association between CSR and COD. The study also has practical implications for practitioners and regulators in creating policies that promote better CSR initiatives and corporate governance systems.
The role of sarcopenic obesity for the prediction of prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Chen Wenqing , Yuan Qinggang , Li Xiangrui , Yao Jiashu , Yuan Lihua , Chen Xiaotian , Gao Bo
Published: July 2024

Background

Sarcopenic obesity (SO) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer is associated with a poor prognosis. We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of SO in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, as well as the diagnostic cut‐off value of SO in patients with gastrointestinal cancer among Chinese population.

Methods

We conducted a consecutive cohort study. Between January 2017 and January 2019, 289 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer were included in our study. Skeletal muscle area, total fat area, and subcutaneous fat area were measured by CT scan. All patients were followed up for 5 years. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were adopted to determine the cut‐off values of visceral fat obesity for the prediction of sarcopenia. Based on the cut‐off values, patients with sarcopenia combined with visceral fat obesity were divided into the SO group, and the others were divided into the non‐sarcopenic obesity (NSO) group. Kaplan–Meier curves and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were employed to explore the associations of body composition profiles with 5‐year overall survival and disease‐specific survival.

Results

Obtained from Youden's Index for ROC for the prediction of 5‐year survival, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) ≤40.02 cm2/m2 with VFA ≥ 126.30 cm2 in men and SMI ≤32.05 cm2/m2 with VFA ≥72.42 cm2 in women indicate a risk of poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. Patients with SO had poorer 5‐year overall survival (OS) than patients with NSO (6.74% vs. 82.84%, p < 0.001), and poorer 5‐year DFS (6.74% vs. 81.82%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, we found that the long‐term mortality risk was approximately 13‐fold higher among patients in the SO group compared to those with no conditions.

Conclusions

Preoperative assessment of SO is useful not only for monitoring nutritional status but also for predicting 5‐year OS in gastrointestinal cancer patients.
Microbial creation of β‐Nicotinamide mononucleotide and its regulation of lipid metabolism in the liver of high‐fat diet mice
Authors: Tian Xutong , Rong Youyan , Luo Juyue , Zhao Yaping , Zhou Tiantian , Zeng Yu , Hong Kai , Jiang Liang , Yang Jianying , Li Yumeng , Wu Xin
Published: July 2024

β‐Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a biologically active nucleotide that regulates the physiological metabolism of the body by rapidly increasing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). To determine the safety and biological activity of NMN resources, we constructed a recombinant strain of P. pastoris that heterologously expresses nicotinamide‐phosphate ribosyltransferase (NAMPT), and subsequently catalyzed and purified the expressed product to obtain NMN. Consequently, this study established a high‐fat diet (HFD) obese model to investigate the lipid‐lowering activity of NMN. The findings showed that NMN supplementation directly increased the NAD+ levels, and reduced HFD‐induced liver injury and lipid deposition. NMN treatment significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in serum and liver, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and insulin levels in serum (p < .05 or p < .01). In conclusion, this study combined synthetic biology with nutritional evaluation to confirm that P. pastoris‐generated NMN modulated lipid metabolism in HFD mice, offering a theoretical framework and evidence for the application of microbially created NMN.
Exploring the World of Curcumin: Photophysics, Photochemistry, and Applications in Nanoscience and Biology
Authors: Ghosh Meghna , Sarkar Nilmoni
Published: July 2024

Curcumin is a bright yellow naturally occurring polyphenol which is the principal component of turmeric. It is used as herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, and food coloring agent. Over the years, the therapeutic properties of the natural product curcumin have gone unexploited but not unnoticed. Curcumin cannot be employed as a drug due to limitations such as low aqueous solubility and limited bioavailability. Many attempts have been made to overcome these limitations by confining the drug in various confined media to enhance its bioavailability. The biomolecule is emissive and undergoes fundamental excited state processes such as solvation dynamics and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Curcumin based biomaterials and nanomaterials are also a fast advancing field where curcumin is an intrinsic component necessary for formation of these materials and no longer added as an external free drug. In this review, we will summarize the recent research on the photophysical and photochemical properties of curcumin and its excited state dynamics in various bio‐mimicking systems. At the same time we wish to also incorporate the various applications of curcumin, especially in biology. Lastly due to the growing importance of materials science, we will briefly discuss some recent advances on curcumin based biomaterials and nanomaterials. We believe such a compilation of recent research surrounding curcumin will provide an overall understanding of its potentialities in different areas.
Lead Bromide Complex in Tri‐n‐Octylphosphine Oxide Matrix with Bright Photoluminance and Exceptional Thermoplasticity
Authors: Sun Yuting , He Jingjing , Liu Da , Peng Yu , Li Qing , Liu Xinyi , Gui Yang Hua , Niu Qiang , Yang Shuang , Hou Yu
Published: July 2024

Metal halide materials have recently drawn increasing research interest for their excellent opto‐electronic properties and structural diversity, but their resulting rigid structures render them brittle and poor formability during manufacturing. Here we demonstrate a thermoplastic luminant hybrid lead halide solid by integrating lead bromide complex into tri‐n‐octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) matrix. The construction of the hybrid materials can be achieved by a simple dissolution process, in which TOPO molecules act as the solvents and ligands to yield the monodispersed clusters. The combination of these functional units enables the near‐room‐temperature melt‐processing of the materials into targeted geometry by simple molding or printing techniques, which offer possibilities for fluorescent writing inks with outstanding self‐healing capacity to physical damage. The intermarriage between metal halide clusters with functional molecules expands the range of practical applications for hybrid metal halide materials.
Advancing crop disease early warning in South Asia by complementing expert surveys with internet media scraping
Authors: Smith Jacob W. , Faisal Asif Al , Hodson David , Baidya Suraj , Bhatta Madan , Thapa Dhruba , Basnet Roshan , Thurston William , Krupnik T. J. , Gilligan Christopher A.
Published: July 2024

Wheat contributes one‐fifth of the global food supply with an estimated 29% of global production in low and lower‐middle income countries. As production expands across southern Asia, yields are often negatively impacted by outbreaks of fungal rust diseases. A wheat rust early warning and advisory system comprising surveillance, near real‐time disease risk forecasts and advisory dissemination has been established in two target countries in South Asia, including Nepal and Bangladesh. However, as wheat rust spores can be aerially transmitted over long distances, near real‐time estimates of disease incidence are required from sources of infection in neighbouring regions. To address this challenge, we developed and tested a novel algorithm to generate proxy observations of infection sources using online media reports in two neighbouring countries, India and Pakistan. Media sampling could provide an effective alternative where data from ground surveys are not readily available in near real‐time. Our results show that west Nepal was exposed to a substantial inoculum pressure from aerially dispersed stripe rust spores originating from India and Pakistan. There were no outbreaks of stripe rust disease in Bangladesh with only very low levels of cross‐border dispersion and generally unfavourable environmental conditions for infection. We further describe how proxy observations informed farmer decision‐making in near real‐time in Nepal and filled a knowledge gap in identifying early sources of infection for a major outbreak of stripe rust during 2020 in Nepal. Our results highlight the importance of international cooperation in mitigating transboundary plant pathogens.
SERENE ER Analysis Part 2 SERENE‐UC: Exposure‐response Analysis of Higher Versus Standard Adalimumab Dosing Regimens for Patients with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Stodtmann Sven , Chen Mong‐Jen , Ponce‐Bobadilla Ana Victoria , Finney‐Hayward Tricia K. , Kalabic Jasmina , Mostafa Nael M.
Published: July 2024

SERENE UC (NCT02065622) evaluated whether a higher adalimumab induction regimen improved patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) response, but a flat dose‐response relationship was found in the induction study. We investigated exposure‐response (ER) relationships in induction and maintenance studies considering patients’ baseline characteristics. Adalimumab exposures were simulated using the established population pharmacokinetic model. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the efficacy endpoints (clinical remission, endoscopic remission, endoscopic improvement) at weeks 8 and 52. In the induction study, an increasing ER trend with heterogeneity between induction regimens was shown, suggesting average concentration (Cavg) had a significant impact on primary efficacy endpoints within each group. However, data were not described by a single ER curve. Using inverse effective clearance as the exposure metric described trends across induction regimens with a single curve. Patients with inherently lower effective adalimumab clearance responded better. The patient response rates at week 52 showed no heterogeneity. A short‐term increase in adalimumab dose did not drive better responses for induction, and apparent ER relationships were better explained by patient‐inherent lower clearance. Conversely, during maintenance up to week 52, increasing the concentration via dose translated to better responses more robustly. The ER findings for SERENE UC were consistent with SERENE CD.
A genetic algorithm‐based virtual machine scheduling algorithm for energy‐efficient resource management in cloud computing
Authors: Shi Feng
Published: July 2024

To address the unbalanced resource load of a virtual machine cluster, the author proposes an energy‐saving virtual machine scheduling algorithm based on resource management cloud computing technology. This article analyzes the current cloud computing and virtual machine scheduling research in the cloud computing environment. It discusses the concept, characteristics, classification, application scenarios, and key cloud computing technologies. A genetic algorithm is used to solve the problem of high energy consumption in the data center. The test results show that in the same original configuration scheme, the migration times based on the greedy algorithm adopted by GA2ND are about 1000, and the migration times of GA1ST are between 200 and 500. The GA2ND migration scheme requires fewer virtual machines. In the result analysis, the experiments compare the proposed algorithms—DVFS, IMC, GA1ST, and GA2ND—with a focus on energy consumption and virtual machine migration. Notably, DVFS serves as a reference for energy efficiency, IMC represents the proposed algorithm without genetic optimization, GA1ST denotes the genetic algorithm under a heterogeneous model, and GA2ND signifies the enhanced genetic algorithm introduced in this article. The comparison aims to assess the energy efficiency and virtual machine migration performance of each algorithm in the context of a simulated cloud computing environment. Therefore, the algorithm proposed in this article can effectively reduce energy consumption and avoid frequent migration of virtual machines.
Photoisomerization of Azobenzene Induced Generation of Hydrazobenzene Mediated by Diboron Ester
Authors: Song Xinluo , Yin Lingfeng , Hao Subin , Chen Yanqi , Ma Cheng , Li Ming‐De , Dang Li
Published: July 2024

The reactions occurred at excited states are promising and flourished. Many strategies have been discovered reactions initiated by visible light and without transition metals and organic dyes. Diboron ester (B2cat2) has special activity towards unsaturated bonds at excited states. In this work, azobenzene and derivatives are reduced to hydrazo with high yield and high selectivity by a very convenient and rapid reaction. Only three factors, B2cat2, water and 400 nm lighting or sunlight are necessary. Density functional theory (DFT) studies and NMR results show that azobenzene is excited and a trans to cis isomerization occurs under 400 nm and B2cat2 reacts with cis azobenzene through B−B bond cleavage rather than with ground state trans azobenzene. Hydrazo compounds are obtained after hydrolysis with water. Gram level hydrazobenzenes are obtained under sunlight with moderate yields. This strategy is benefit to sustainable chemistry.
Endogenous Control and Reward‐based Mechanisms Shape Infants’ Attention Biases to Caregiver Faces
Authors: Hunter Brianna , Montgomery Brooke , Sridhar Aditi , Markant Julie
Published: July 2024

Infants rely on developing attention skills to identify relevant stimuli in their environments. Although caregivers are socially rewarding and a critical source of information, they are also one of many stimuli that compete for infants’ attention. Young infants preferentially hold attention on caregiver faces, but it is unknown whether they also preferentially orient to caregivers and the extent to which these attention biases reflect reward‐based attention mechanisms. To address these questions, we measured 4‐ to 10‐month‐old infants’ (N = 64) frequency of orienting and duration of looking to caregiver and stranger faces within multi‐item arrays. We also assessed whether infants’ attention to these faces related to individual differences in Surgency, an indirect index of reward sensitivity. Although infants did not show biased attention to caregiver versus stranger faces at the group level, infants were increasingly biased to orient to stranger faces with age and infants with higher Surgency scores showed more robust attention orienting and attention holding biases to caregiver faces. These effects varied based on the selective attention demands of the task, suggesting that infants’ attention biases to caregiver faces may reflect both developing attention control skills and reward‐based attention mechanisms.
A non‐invasive approach to measuring body dimensions of wildlife with camera traps: A felid field trial
Authors: Paton Alexandra J. , Brook Barry W. , Buettel Jessie C.
Published: July 2024

Dimensions of body size are an important measurement in animal ecology, although they can be difficult to obtain due to the effort and cost associated with the invasive nature of these measurements. We avoid these limitations by using camera trap images to derive dimensions of animal size. To obtain measurements of object dimensions using this method, the size of the object in pixels, the focal length of the camera, and the distance to that object must be known. We describe a novel approach of obtaining the distance to the object through the creation of a portable distance marker, which, when photographed, creates a “reference image” to determine the position of the animal within an image. This method allows for the retrospective analysis of existing datasets and eliminates the need for permanent in‐field distance markers. We tested the accuracy of this methodology under controlled conditions with objects of known size resembling Felis catus, our study species, validating the legitimacy of our method of size estimation. We then apply our method to measure feral cat body size using images collected in Tasmania, Australia. The precision of our methodology was evaluated by comparing size estimates across individual cats, revealing consistent and reliable results. The average height (front paw to shoulder) of the feral cats sampled was 25.25 cm (CI = 24.4, 26.1) and the average length (base of tail to nose) was 47.48 cm (CI = 46.0, 48.9), suggesting wild feral cats in our study area are no larger than their domestic counterparts. Given the success of its application within our study, we call for further trails with this method across a variety of species.
Sustainable Domino C−N/C−C Bond Formation with Outstanding E Factors and High Volume Productivity
Authors: Hwu Jih Ru , Gupta Nitesh K. , Panja Avijit , Chang Chin‐Hwa , Huang Wen‐Chieh , Tsai Yu‐Ran , Chung Kau‐Shu , Tan Kui‐Thong , Lin Chun‐Cheng , Hwang Kuo‐Chu , Tsay Shwu‐Chen
Published: July 2024

One of the primary concerns in the development of new chemical reactions pertains to the choice of solvents, many of which can have harmful ecological impacts. Additionally, a major portion of waste generated in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries comes from the solvents employed. The elimination of solvent usage is highly desirable for creation of environmentally friendly chemical processes as it leads to a substantial reduction in waste production. Accordingly, a novel neat reaction was developed for the synthesis of (β‐amino)nitriles as a prominent moiety through a domino process. It involved the use of silylphenyl triflates, Schiff bases, and acetonitrile (CH3CN) in a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio, among which CH3CN served as a starting material rather than a solvent. This reaction was initiated by caesium fluoride (CsF) to form an aryne through 1,2‐elimination followed by sequential 1,2‐addition, proton transfer, and a second 1,2‐addition. Complete conversion was carried out at 25 °C for 1.0 h to give (β‐amino)nitriles in 76–88 % yields. This solvent‐free reaction minimized waste production and reduced costs associated with extra reagents, solvents, and labour. It possesses a compelling E factor and impressive volume productivity. This reaction sets a new benchmark for solvent‐free aryne domino processes in green chemistry advancements.
Achieving spatial balance in environmental surveys under constant inclusion probabilities or inclusion density functions
Authors: Di Biase Rosa M. , Marcheselli Marzia , Pisani Caterina
Published: July 2024

In environmental and ecological surveys, well spread samples can be easily obtained via widely adopted tessellation schemes, which yield equal first‐order inclusion probabilities in the case of finite populations of areas or constant inclusion density functions in the case of continuous populations. In the literature, many alternative schemes that are explicitly tailored to select well spread samples have been proposed, but owing to their complexity, their use should be preferred only if they allow us to achieve a valuable gain in precision with respect to the tessellation schemes. Therefore, by means of an extensive simulation study, the performances of tessellation schemes and several specifically tailored schemes are compared under constant first‐order inclusion probabilities or constant inclusion density functions.
Applying sequential adaptive strategies for sampling animal populations: An empirical study
Authors: Di Biase Rosa M. , Mecatti Fulvia
Published: July 2024

Traditional sampling methods may prove inadequate when dealing with spatially clustered populations or when studying rare events or traits that are not easily detectable across the target population. When both scenarios occur simultaneously, adaptive sampling strategies can represent a viable option to enhance the detectability of cases of interest. This paper delves into the application of a novel class of sequential adaptive sampling strategies to animal surveys. These strategies, originally proposed for human population tuberculosis prevalence surveys, allow oversampling of the rare interest variables while managing on‐field constraints. This ensures that the unfixed sample size, typical of adaptive sampling, does not compromise overall cost‐effectiveness. We explore a strategy within this class that integrates an adaptive component into a Poisson sequential selection. The aim is twofold: to intensify the detection of cases by exploiting the spatial clustering and to provide a flexible framework for managing logistics and budget constraints. To illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of this Poisson‐based sequential adaptive sampling strategy compared to traditional sampling methods, a simulation study was conducted on a blue‐winged teal population in Florida, USA. The results showcase the benefits of the proposed strategy and open avenues for future methodological and practical improvements.
Velocity divergence—Generalized adaptive probability density evolution method
Authors: Xu Qiang , Chen Jianyun , Wang Jingkai , Li Jing , Wang Yin
Published: July 2024

This study proposes a novel velocity divergence‐generalized adaptive probability density evolution method (VD‐GAPDEM) for calculating the probability density function of the stochastic response process of stochastic structures under stochastic dynamic loads. First, based on the principle of probability conservation, the velocity divergence‐generalized adaptive probability density evolution equation (VD‐GAPDEE) is derived for a stochastic system that can effectively consider the shape and location changes of the joint transitional probability density of representative points (RPs) in the stochastic response process. Second, a novel VD‐GAPDEM is proposed to solve the VD‐GAPDEE directly using the point selection technique based on the generalized F discrepancy and the second‐order Runge–Kutta method with a smoothing kernel method (Runge–Kutta‐SKFAM). Furthermore, the differences and connections between VD‐GAPDEM and the existing probability density evolution method are analyzed. Additionally, the high computational efficiency and accuracy of the proposed VD‐GAPDEM are demonstrated through three typical examples of stochastic response analysis, involving stochastic systems subjected to stochastic dynamic loads.
Investigation of the qualitative and appearance characteristics of Eryngium caeruleum L. based on colorimetric and browning indices in storage conditions
Authors: Nourzad Soudabeh , Naghdi Badi Hassanali , Kalateh Jari Sepideh , Mehrafarin Ali , Saeidi‐Sar Sakineh
Published: July 2024

The eryngo plant is an herb related to the Apiaceae family with the greatest diversity of species, has a gorgeous taste when eaten as a vegetable, and is traditionally used in folk medicine for its health benefits. The present study was to assess the effects of different drying methods and storage times on the quality and appearance of Eryngium caeruleum. The treatments of this study were drying methods (room temperature (25°C) with proper ventilation, oven temperature 55°C, vacuum oven temperature 55°C, and a microwave with a power of 500 W) and storage times (1, 75, and 150 days). The lowest brightness index and the highest browning index were found in the shade‐dried samples kept in the refrigerator for 150 days. In these samples, the numerical values of chlorophyll were lower than others. After 75 days, in the vacuum oven‐dried samples, the maximum levels of total phenolics and flavonoids and antioxidant activity were calculated. The colorimetric test showed that the oven‐dried samples maintained their green color well. However, the storage decreased the quality of plant samples due to the degradation of chlorophyll. Overall, this study showed that the highest greenness and appearance qualities were found in the samples dried in a vacuum oven at 55°C. It seems that appearance indices can be introduced as an initial and quick step in the qualitative assessment of dried leafy products.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of water‐soluble extracts of Camis cheeses produced by different traditional methods
Authors: Uzunsoy Irem
Published: July 2024

Traditional Camis cheese may be an interesting dairy product with potential bioactivities and postconsumption health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Camis cheeses produced by two different traditional methods, differing in heat processing of the milk and boiling the curd, and to reveal the changes that occur depending on 90 days of ripening time. For this purpose, physicochemical and sensory analyses were performed, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity analyses of the water‐soluble extracts (WSEs) of Camis cheeses (B1 and B2) were conducted. WSEs of both cheeses (800 μL mL−1) had remarkable antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph. aureus), with a higher inhibitory effect on E. coli. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values (0.12–2.24 μM Trolox) and % inhibition rates as 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (8.54–26.34%) of the cheeses indicate limited antioxidant activity. The curd boiling process was found to have a favorable effect on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the Camis cheeses. However, the panelists' perceptions of flavor, texture, and total acceptability did not align with this positive outcome. The results of this study reveal that the consumption of traditional Camis cheese and its extracts or the use of purified bioactive peptides in functional food products may constitute an important alternative in terms of eliminating the negative effects encountered with the use of synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant components to provide the desired health effect from natural sources.
Exposure to preference‐matched alcohol advertisements from national sports broadcasts increases short‐term alcohol consumption inclinations in risky drinkers
Authors: Hollett Ross C. , Fairclough Jesse , Butt Julia , Mills Brennen
Published: July 2024

Background

In Australia, sports broadcasting is afforded special alcohol advertising rights during daytime hours, which raises public health concerns, including short‐term increases in alcohol consumption among the broad viewership of national sporting codes.

Methods

We conducted a content analysis across a sample of nationally televised finals matches (N = 16) from the Australian Football League (AFL) and the National Rugby League (NRL) to determine the prevalence of alcohol advertising video clips during these broadcasts. We also conducted an online experiment exposing participants (N = 345) to a randomly selected alcohol advertisement and measured the immediate effects on self‐reported alcohol craving and drinking intentions.

Results

The prevalence of alcohol advertising video clips during AFL broadcasts was 3.9% and 1.8% for NRL. While, overall, alcohol advertisement video clip exposure did not impact craving or drinking intentions, a modest increase in craving was found for a subsample of risky drinking participants (N = 107) who also reported a preference for the specific alcoholic beverage being advertised.

Conclusions

Video alcohol advertisements occurred less than 1 in 20 advertisements on average and exposure to alcohol advertising elicited a low, yet measurable, short‐term increase in alcohol inclinations, among vulnerable adult drinkers when a desirable alcoholic beverage advertisement is viewed.

So What?

Given that alcohol advertisements are most likely to increase consumption among risky drinkers, health messaging during sports broadcasts needs to specifically target these individuals.