bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetorheological response of Permalloy@ styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene elastomers as a function of filler concentration
Authors: Díez Ander García , Tubio Carmen Rial , Gómez Ainara , Berasategi Joanes , San Miguel‐Gutiérrez M. , Notario B. , Mounir Bou‐Ali M. , Etxebarria Jon Gutiérrez , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu
Published: April 2024

Developing advanced magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) with a range of specific characteristics is essential for matching the growing demands from a wide spectrum of applications such as automotive, healthcare, sensors, and actuators. However, the compatibility problems between constituents and the low magnetorheological (MR) effect have limited their performance and integration into actual applications. Here, a novel MRE consisting of styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene (SEBS) and Ni‐rich Permalloy (Ni80Fe17Mo3) has been developed with remarkable functional properties. The correlation between the filler concentration and microstructural, mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and MR properties is reported. The incorporation of Ni‐rich Permalloy has a reinforcement effect in the polymer matrix and leads to an improvement of the thermal stability. Further, the saturation magnetization and remanence of the composites increase with increasing filler content. In particular, the saturation magnetization increases from 14.3 to 41.9 A m2/kg, and the remanence from 1.2 to 4.0 A m2/kg when the concentration increases from 20 to 60 wt%. Finally, the MR effect of composites with 20, 40, and 60 wt% filler content is 8%, 15%, and 35%, respectively. A magnetic dipole interaction model is used to discuss the MR effect and a relation between the MR effect and the main parameters affecting it is proposed. Importantly, the obtained MR values are higher when compared with related composites for the same magnetic content, and for the same or similar polymeric matrices, demonstrating the suitability of the developed materials for the fabrication of high‐response functional MR devices.
A nationwide phase II study of delayed local treatment for children with high‐risk neuroblastoma: The Japan Children's Cancer Group Neuroblastoma Committee Trial JN‐H‐11
Authors: Yoneda Akihiro , Shichino Hiroyuki , Hishiki Tomoro , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Ohira Miki , Kamijo Takehiko , Kuroda Tatsuo , Soejima Toshinori , Nakazawa Atsuko , Takimoto Tetsuya , Yokota Isao , Teramukai Satoshi , Takahashi Hideto , Fukushima Takashi , Hara Junichi , Kaneko Michio , Ikeda Hitoshi , Tajiri Tatsuro , Mugishima Hideo , Nakagawara Akira
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Survival rates of patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma are unacceptable. A time‐intensified treatment strategy with delayed local treatment to control systemic diseases has been developed in Japan. We conducted a nationwide, prospective, single‐arm clinical trial with delayed local treatment. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of delayed surgery to increase treatment intensity.

Patients and methods

Seventy‐five patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma were enrolled in this study between May 2011 and September 2015. Delayed local treatment consisted of five courses of induction chemotherapy (cisplatin, pirarubicin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide) and myeloablative high‐dose chemotherapy (melphalan, etoposide, and carboplatin), followed by local tumor extirpation with surgery and irradiation. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), response rate, adverse events, and surgical complications.

Results

Seventy‐five patients were enrolled, and 64 were evaluable (stage 3, n = 8; stage 4, n = 56). The estimated 3‐year PFS and OS rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 44.4% [31.8%–56.3%] and 80.7% [68.5%–88.5%], resspectively. The response rate of INRC after completion of the treatment protocol was 66% (42/64; 95% CI: 53%–77%; 23 CR [complete response], 10 VGPR [very good partial response], and nine PR [partial response]). None of the patients died during the protocol treatment or within 30 days of completion. Grade 4 adverse effects, excluding hematological adverse effects, occurred in 48% of patients [31/64; 95% CI: 36%–61%]. Major Surgical complications were observed in 25% of patients [13/51; 95% CI: 14%–40%].

Conclusion

This study indicates that delayed local treatment is feasible and shows promising efficacy, suggesting that this treatment should be considered further in a comparative study of high‐risk neuroblastoma.
Improved disease tolerance, higher seed yield and shape in dark red kidney bean: Registration of ‘ND Redbarn’
Authors: Osorno Juan M. , Erfatpour Mohammad , Simons Kristin J. , Maisonneuve Makenson , Posch John , Vander Wal Albert J.
Published: April 2024

‘ND Redbarn’ (PVP. no. 202300271; Reg. no. CV‐357, PI 703021) is a new dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar developed by the Dry Edible Bean Breeding Program at North Dakota State University and released in 2023 by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Compared to other market classes, kidney beans usually command higher prices. However, kidney beans are less productive than other market classes. Minnesota is the largest dark red kidney bean producer in the United States, accounting for ∼90% of the total production in 2022. ND Redbarn was released based on its good adaptation to this region, higher seed yield, large seed size, and desirable seed shape characteristics. Between 2012 and 2021, ND Redbarn was tested across 16 environments in Minnesota, where seed yield was significantly higher than commercial checks ‘Montcalm’, ‘Red Hawk’, and ‘Talon’ (14%, 27%, and 9%, respectively) and comparable with ‘Dynasty’. ND Redbarn is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus and has intermediate resistance to common bacterial blight. ND Redbarn exhibits higher field tolerance to the root rot fungal complex infection compared to Montcalm, Red Hawk, and Talon, and is similar to Dynasty. ND Redbarn has shown higher levels of tolerance to white mold than Montcalm and Red Hawk. Under Minnesota environments, ND Redbarn shows an average plant height of 51 cm, has a 100‐seed weight of 50.4 g, and matures in approximately 99 days. The canning quality for Redbarn is within acceptable commercial ranges.
Seed yield improvements in slow‐darkening pinto bean: Registration of ‘ND Rodeo’
Authors: Osorno Juan M. , Erfatpour Mohammad , Simons Kristin J. , Maisonneuve Makenson , Posch John , Vander Wal Albert J.
Published: April 2024

‘ND Rodeo’ (PVP no. 202300270; Reg. no. CV‐356, PI 703020) is a new slow‐darkening (SD) pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar developed by the Dry Edible Bean Breeding Program at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. Pinto bean is the largest market class grown in the United States, representing over 47% of the total US production for dry beans, and more than 70% is produced in North Dakota. SD pinto beans offer a good alternative to commercial cultivars of regular darkening (RD) pinto beans, which are typically subject to the risk of economic losses due to seed coat darkening. However, reaching seed yields comparable to RD pintos has been challenging. Between 2017 and 2022, ND Rodeo was tested across 25 environments in North Dakota, where seed yield was significantly higher than the SD pinto cultivars ‘ND Palomino’ and ‘Vibrant’ (18% and 22%, respectively), and comparable with RD pinto cultivars ‘La Paz’ and ‘Monterrey’. ND Rodeo is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus and has intermediate resistance to common bacterial blight, but similar to the commercial checks, it is susceptible to local races/strains of white mold, anthracnose, and rust pathogens. ND Rodeo has an average height of 56 cm which is significantly higher than the average of ND Palomino, Vibrant, and La Paz, and exhibits a desirable upright architecture to facilitate direct harvest. It has a 100‐seed weight of 36.2 g and matures in 102 days. Canning quality was rated as acceptable.
The measurement of one‐electron redox potentials of free radicals
Authors: Khudyakov Igor V.
Published: April 2024

The paper is devoted to the measurements of one‐electron redox potentials of transient free radicals Eo. These values can be measured in the reversible redox reactions of radicals under investigation with a reference pair, which Eo is known. Several Eo of transient radicals are presented. The convenient and important objects for Eo measurement are quinone/semiquinone radical‐anions. A general problem of measurement of thermodynamic properties of short‐lived transients is discussed.
Tuning the Ferromagnetic Resonance Frequency of Microstructured Permalloy Film on Flexible Substrate
Authors: Lei Ting , Zhang Wei , Bo Guohao , Feng Chengyu , Li Na , Zhao Rongzhi , Ji Lianze , Zhang Jian , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: April 2024

The importance of flexible ferromagnetic films in the application of flexible spintronic devices and microwave magnetic devices underscores the necessity for an in‐depth understanding of the dynamic magnetic properties of these films. In particular, it is crucial to comprehend the regulation of the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency of flexible ferromagnetic films. This work outlines the preparation of periodic permalloy microstrip arrays with stripe domain on flexible PET films and applies them to linearly tune the FMR. The high‐frequency optical branch (5.17 GHz) and low‐frequency acoustic branch (2.89 GHz) are observed in the direction perpendicular (x‐direction) and parallel (y‐direction) to the microstrip, respectively. The Young's modulus mismatch between the PET film and permalloy layer leads to the directional distribution of local tension. This results in the enhancement of the Ht (219.4 Oe) required for the in‐plane uniform precession on the PET film, compared to that on the Si substrate (181.6 Oe). By adjusting the width and thickness of the permalloy microstrip, Ht can be adjusted linearly on the PET film. This flexible ferromagnetic film with linear regulation of FMR frequency presents a new option for the future development of flexible microwave detectors and filters.
Modulation of atherosclerosis‐related signaling pathways by Chinese herbal extracts: Recent evidence and perspectives
Authors: Liu Changxing , Guo Xinyi , Zhang Xulong
Published: April 2024

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a preeminent cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The onset of atherosclerosis underpins the emergence of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD). Its pathogenesis entails multiple factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, vascular endothelial damage, foam cell formation, and platelet activation. Furthermore, it triggers the activation of diverse signaling pathways including Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), NF‐E2‐related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), the Notch signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR), nucleotide oligo‐structural domain‐like receptor thermoprotein structural domain‐associated protein 3 (NLRP3), silencing information regulator 2‐associated enzyme 1 (Sirt1), nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB), Circular RNA (Circ RNA), MicroRNA (mi RNA), Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT). Over recent decades, therapeutic approaches for atherosclerosis have been dominated by the utilization of high‐intensity statins to reduce lipid levels, despite significant adverse effects. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the development of safer and more efficacious drugs and therapeutic modalities. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a vital strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have detailed the mechanisms through which TCM active ingredients modulate signaling molecules and influence the atherosclerotic process. This article reviews the signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the advancements in research on TCM extracts for prevention and treatment, drawing on original articles from various databases including Google Scholar, Medline, CNKI, Scopus, and Pubmed. The objective is to furnish a reference for the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.
NF‐κB affected the serum levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β via activation of the MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway in rat model of acute pulmonary microthromboembolism
Authors: Zhong Yanfen , Liang Binbin , Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Jingtao , Zeng Decai , Huang Tongtong , Wu Ji
Published: April 2024

Pulmonary thromboembolism caused by thrombi blocking major pulmonary artery and its branches, is a frequently encountered phenomenon and an important cause of high morbidity and mortality in lung diseases and may develop into persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH). Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway had been reported participated in the formation and development of PH by promoting inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NF‐κB activation on the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in acute pulmonary microthromboembolism (APMTE) rats. Rats were randomized into five groups. APMTE group received jugular vein injection of autologous thrombus, while control group rats received normal saline injection. Pulmonary hemodynamic parameters were measured through ECHO‐guided transthoracic puncture. Pulmonary vascular morphological changes were analyzed by HE. The expression changes of NF‐κB and serum TNF‐α、IL‐1β levels were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression of the MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway including p‐IκBα, p‐p38 MAPK, p‐NF‐κB p65, IκBα, p38 MAPK, and NF‐κB p65 was determined using western blot analysis. Compared with control group, the expression of NF‐κB in lung tissue and the levels of serum TNF‐α and IL‐1β rats were higher, a significant reduction in IκBα and elevation in the phosphorylation of IκBα, p38 MAPK, and NF‐κB p65 were found in APMTE group rats. And UK administration reversed the APMTE‐induced increase in TNF‐α, IL‐1β, p‐IκBα, p‐MAPK, and p‐NF‐κB protein. Furthermore, the levels of NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β were positively correlated with mean pulmonary artery. And the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐1β were positively correlated with NF‐κB. These findings suggest that the activation of MAPK/NF‐κB pathway as a critical driver of increasing TNF‐α and IL‐1β level in APMTE rats and UK exerted protective effects against APMTE‐induced PH may be related to the downregulation of the MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Cerebrospinal fluid viral escape in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review of reported cases
Authors: Nyondo Goodluck G. , Njiro Belinda J. , Bwire George M.
Published: April 2024

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) viral escape rarely occurs when HIV is detected in the CSF, while it is undetectable in the blood plasma or detectable in CSF at levels that exceed those in the blood plasma. We conducted this review to comprehensively synthesise its clinical presentation, diagnosis, management strategies and treatment outcomes. A review registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023475311) searched evidence across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to gather articles (case reports/series) that report on CSF viral escape in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The quality of studies was assessed based on the domains of selection, ascertainment, causality, and reporting. A systematic search identified 493 articles and 27 studies that include 21 case reports, and six case series were involved in the review. The studies reported 62 cases of CSF viral escape in PLHIV. The majority were men (66.67%), with a median age of 43 (range: 28–73) years. Approximately, 31 distinct symptoms were documented, mostly being cognitive dysfunction, gait abnormalities, and tremors (12.51%). Diagnosis involved blood and CSF analysis, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychological assessments. Over 36 ART regimens were employed, with a focus on ART intensification; almost one‐third of the regimens contained Raltegravir (integrase strand transfer inhibitor). The outcomes showed 64.49% full recovery, 30.16% partial recovery, and 4.76% died. When neuropsychological symptoms manifest in PLHIV, monitoring for CSF viral escape is essential, regardless of plasma viral suppression. Personalised treatment strategies, particularly ART intensification, are strongly advised for optimising treatment outcomes in PLHIV diagnosed with CSF HIV escape.
Broadscale and fine‐scale variables predict the occurrence of a stream‐breading bufonid: Habitat use by the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus)
Authors: Montgomery Brett J. , Bateman Heather L. , Albuquerque Fábio S. D.
Published: April 2024

Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus) is a stream‐breeding bufonid of conservation concern in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada. We determined the occupancy and habitat use of the Arizona toad throughout its range. We surveyed 500‐m reaches along perennial and intermittent streams during the summers of 2021 and 2022 (n = 232) in Arizona. We recorded the presence of all toad life stages, focusing on larval stages. We related toad occupancy to broadscale environmental variables, including measures of bioclimate, habitat heterogeneity, solar radiation, and topography. We collected fine‐scale variables to summarize vegetation cover and substrate within plots (n = 53). We applied multiple occupancy models. Single‐species model results found low toad occupancy with high detection. Two principal component analyses (PCA) were run on broadscale and fine‐scale variables to reduce the number of variables included in the models. Toad occupancy was best predicted by top models with bioclimatic components; occupancy decreases with extremely hot temperatures and less precipitation. A logistic regression related toad presence to fine‐scale components with top models describing riparian complexity and algae. Arizona toads were selected for areas with foliar canopy cover, shallow water, algae cover, and pebble substrates. Arizona toad is an uncommon species and maintaining riparian forests of complex habitats with shallow and side‐channel flow will be important for toad conservation. Implications of less water cause riparian habitat to dry, which ultimately harms aquatic life.
The Extrema of Japanese Literacy: Beyond the Bounds of Average Reading
Authors: Hemelstrand Shawn , Inoue Tomohiro
Published: April 2024

The unique orthographic complexities of Japanese, which utilizes multiple types of scripts (morphographic kanji and syllabic hiragana and katakana) for the same spoken language, place unique demands on early learners. Much research has centered on the average ability of Japanese readers, but given the varying challenges of these scripts, attention may need to be oriented towards the outer bounds of ability, specifically those who both deeply struggle (including dyslexia) and excel at reading. In this article, we provide a review of past research on Japanese literacy along with a pre‐registered analysis using quantile generalized additive models that tested two theories in cross‐language literacy research, the orthographic depth and breadth hypotheses. Our results confirmed that the relationships between cognitive skills (phonological awareness and morphological awareness) and reading outcomes differed by script (hiragana vs. kanji). However, their relationships varied in curvilinearity and associations seemed to change based on reading ability. These findings provide supporting evidence for the general scope of the orthographic depth and breadth hypotheses, but may ultimately question the uniformity of these theories.
Estimating the eco‐efficiency of urban waste services towards sustainable waste management
Authors: Molinos‐Senante María , Maziotis Alexandros , Sala‐Garrido Ramón
Published: April 2024

Assessing the eco‐efficiency of municipalities regarding the provision of solid waste services is a useful tool for improving its sustainability. However, robust, and reliable methods are needed to benchmark the performance of municipalities. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) methods typically used to assess the eco‐efficiency of municipal solid waste (MSW) service providers. However, the variables used in the eco‐efficiency assessment bear distinct weights for each individual unit, limiting thus interpretation. Therefore, benchmarking the performance of MSW service providers becomes challenging because different conditions are applied. Thus, this study uses a common set weights DEA (DEA‐CSW) model assess the eco‐efficiency of different municipalities in providing MSW services. Eco‐efficiency scores were estimated by integrating total costs, recycled waste and unsorted waste as input, desirable outputs and undesirable outputs, respectively. The empirical application of the model demonstrated that when using DEA‐CSW, only one municipality (out of 36) was eco‐efficient in managing MSW. The weightings for inputs and outputs were allocated based on the degree of satisfaction estimated for each municipality. Satisfaction ranged from 0.829 to 1.000 indicating that none of the municipalities were heavily penalized based on the eco‐efficiency scores estimation when allocating common weights. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that compared to traditional DEA models, the DEA‐CSW approach is more adequate at benchmarking the performance of municipalities regarding the provision of MSW services.
Tailoring the mechanical and high‐temperature tribological properties of Si‐DLC films by controlling the Si content
Authors: Yu Weijie , Mei Qiuping , Huang Weijiu , Wang Junjun , Su Yongyao
Published: April 2024

The poor high‐temperature tribological performance of diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films severely limits their applications. To address this issue, silicon (Si) doped DLC films with Si content ranging from 0 to 11.52 at.% were synthesized utilizing the plasma‐assisted reactive magnetron sputtering technique. The influence of Si incorporation on the microstructure and mechanical properties was meticulously investigated by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nanoindentation, and scratch testing. To ascertain the tribological behavior of the Si‐DLC films under elevated temperature conditions, in situ high‐temperature tests were conducted, spanning temperatures from ambient to 500°C. The findings indicated that distinct lubrication mechanisms prevail for Si‐DLC films with varying Si content across different temperature domains. As the test temperature and Si content increased, the lubrication mechanism exhibited a gradual transitions from high‐temperature induced graphitization to a particle wear regime dominated by SiC and formed SiO2 abrasive phases. The comprehensive performance of the films peaked at a Si content of 4.72 at.%, suggesting an optimal composition for high‐temperature applications. It is postulated that the in‐depth investigation presented herein holds considerable value for the design and fabrication of DLC films intended for use in high‐temperature settings, potentially unlocking their full potential in such demanding environments.
Sulphonic Acid Functionalized Ionic Liquids as an Efficient Catalyst for the Synthesis of Digeranyl Ethers and Geranyl Phenols
Authors: Bhumkar Vikram G. , Nahar Vrushabh S. , Sakate Sachin S.
Published: April 2024

An alternate synthetic approach was developed for the synthesis of the digeranyl ether and naturally occurring biologically active geranyl phenols using −SO3H functionalized ionic liquids within 0.5–1.5 h with better yields. This approach was further explored for different naturally occurring activated phenols with geraniol yielding geranyl phenols via alkylation at ambient temperature using ionic liquids as catalyst. The synthesized ionic liquids were characterized using Py‐IR studies to establish the Brønsted acidity and the Hammett acidity characteristics of all the four ionic liquids. Amongst these ionic liquids IL‐1 exhibited beneficial catalytic activity towards the synthesis of digeranyl ether and geranyl phenols with excellent yields. Reusability studies indicated that IL‐1 was recycled for seven times without losing the catalytic activity which was further corroborated with pre‐ and post‐characterization of IL‐1. This work also highlights the alternate route for the synthesis of the cannabinoid compounds and their analogues.
Oxalohydrazide‐Based Chemosensor for Detection of Cu2+/Fe3+ Ions and Its Application in Live Cell Imaging
Authors: Murugaperumal Parvathavarthini , Rajendran Praveena , Nallathambi Sengottuvelan , Ayyanar Siva , Perdih Franc , Chellappan Selvaraju
Published: April 2024

The N1,N2‐diphenyloxalohydrazide OX(HA)2 chemosensor was synthesized and used as a colorimetric and fluorescent receptor to detect Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions in the presence of other metal ions. A range of physicochemical approaches were utilized to characterize the symmetrical oxalohydrazide‐based receptor, including FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR, TGA, and mass spectrometry. According to single crystal X‐ray diffraction investigation, OX(HA)2 crystallizes in monoclinic with space group C2/c. UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to thoroughly explore OX(HA)2’s sensing capabilities towards diverse cations. Using measurements of fluorescence intensity, the binding constant for OX(HA)2 with Cu2+/Fe3+ ions was calculated to be 2.78×103 M−1 and 1.12×103 M−1 with the lower detection limit of 0.43 μM and 0.2 μM respectively. With a 1 : 1 binding mechanism validated by Job's plot, mass spectral analysis, FT‐IR spectra, and density functional theory, the dual‐sensing receptor exhibits remarkable selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions. The average fluorescence lifetimes of OX(HA)2, OX(HA)2+Cu2+, and OX(HA)2+Fe3+ were calculated to be 2.19 ns, 1.73 ns, and 1.26 ns, respectively. This fluorescence lifetime measurement results strongly support the complexation of Cu2+ and Fe3+. When Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions bind with OX(HA)2, they induce the ‘Turn‐Off’ signal. Then, fluorescence imaging of the OX(HA)2 receptor in MDA‐MB‐231 demonstrated that the receptor holds a lot of promise for usage in bioimaging and their IC50 value for cytotoxicity is 96.96 μg. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy experiments demonstrate that OX(HA)2 can be utilized as a fluorescent probe for detecting Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions in living cells, making it potentially helpful as an anticancer medication.
Facile Synthesis of Copper Telluride Nanoparticles as a Robust Nanoenzymatic Catalyst for Intrinsic Peroxidase‐Like Activity
Authors: Chauhan Nandita , Sharma Nikhil , Buhari Salahuddeen , Das Prabhu Prasad , Kumar Sanjay , Chalana Ashish
Published: April 2024

Copper telluride nanoparticles are classified as the family of metal chalcogenides and were synthesized using a simple solvothermal method using a new source of telluride, ditelluride diphenyl. The characterized techniques revealed that the atomic composition of copper tellurides is Cu2Te and particles are spherical. This study is greatly examined by different designed experiments for the proof of the intrinsic peroxidase‐like activity of copper telluride nanoparticles and its effectiveness in a variety of similar structures. Cu2Te nanoparticles can convert peroxidase substrates (TMB and OPD) to colored products in the presence of H2O2. In addition, the as‐prepared nanoparticles have the potential to oxidize DPPH and ABTS substrates. Michaelis–Menten constant KM value for TMB and H2O2 was found to be 12 mM and 0.60 mM for H2O2 and the Vmax value of the Cu2Te was found to be TMB and H2O2 was 2.50×10−7 and 0.82×10−8 MS−1. These data are found to be almost comparable with natural peroxidase HRP and other artificial enzymes reported in the literature. The natural peroxidase‐like activities of Cu2Te nanoparticles originated from the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 into ⋅OH radical, which was confirmed from the ESR spin‐trapping technique and using a fluorescence probe, terephthalic acid.
A Sustainable Combustion Process for Green Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles: Applications in Photocatalytic Degradation and Electrochemical Sensing for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Basavaraja Avinash , Ravikumar Chunchanakuppe R. , Khan Afaq A. , Khasim Syed , Vasudeva Bhoomika , Sharma Sadanand , Santosh Mysore S.
Published: April 2024

Herein, a sustainable approach to combustion has been presented, utilizing Aloe Vera latex as a reducing agent in synthesizing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. The phase and composition of TiO2 have been confirmed using X‐ray diffraction, while the band gap has been determined as 3.17 eV using the Kubelka‐Monk plot. The photocatalytic potential of the TiO2 has been explored by assessing their effectiveness in degrading AR‐88 dye, demonstrating significant activity at 500 nm. Remarkably, in a span of 120 min of UV radiation, AR‐88 dye could reach an impressive photodegradation rate of 98.6 %, rendering the dye nearly colorless. TiO2 NPs have also been investigated as an electrode material in sensing paracetamol and D‐glucose by coating them onto a carbon paste electrode and immersing them in a 1 M KOH solution. The cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal that the TiO2 NPs possess excellent electrochemical characteristics, with a calculated proton diffusion coefficient of 5.651×10−4 cm2 s−1. These findings underscore the potential of TiO2 as a highly desirable electrode material with remarkable electrochemical properties. This research opens new avenues for utilizing TiO2 NPs in various electrochemical applications, particularly in the detection of pharmaceutically important compounds, highlighting its versatility.
First Sublimation Thermodynamics and First Gas‐Phase Experimental Molecular Structure of Heteroporphyrins: 5,10,15,20‐Tetraphenyl‐21‐X, 23‐Y‐Porphyrins (X=O or S; Y=N or S)
Authors: Kuzmin Ilya A. , Shlykov Sergey A. , Krasnov Alexander V. , Pukhovskaya Svetlana G. , Syrbu Sergey A. , Ivanova Yulia B.
Published: April 2024

First sublimation enthalpies of heteroporphyrins: 10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21‐oxa‐ (HOPP), 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21‐thia‐ (HSPP) and 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21,23‐dithia‐ (S2PP) were measured by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry: ΔsublH (T)=209±2 (561 K), 224±2 (552 K) and 219±2 (577 K) kJ/mol, respectively. Geometry and force field of a free molecule of HSPP was studied by quantum chemistry, and first gas‐phase experimental molecular structure of heteroporphyrins was derived by gas‐phase electron diffraction. Theoretically observed changes of the coordination cavity geometries due to heteroatomic intracavity substitution were experimentally confirmed with good agreement. Molecular structures of the dimeric associates of the heteroporphyrins were tested simulated to reveal tendencies in sublimation thermodynamics.
Beyond Acetylene: Exploring Solvent Stabilization of Calcium Carbide‐derived Acetylide Intermediates and Their Significance in Small Organic Molecule Synthesis
Authors: Hainer Andrew S. , Lanterna Anabel E. , Scaiano Juan C.
Published: April 2024

The reaction of calcium carbide with water has been widely used as a source of acetylene for the synthesis of organic molecules. In contrast with this traditional approach, we use the CaC2 reaction under water‐starved conditions and show reactions that involve a calcium acetylide intermediate, reminiscent of Grignard reaction intermediates, which are stabilized by the solvent. Using this reaction pathway may allow for new chemistry, finer reaction control, and safety by limiting the formation of acetylene gas during the reaction. For example, reaction with bromoarenes, readily yields the corresponding diaryl acetylene.
High Singlet Oxygen Generating Benzothienyl‐[b]‐fused BODIPY Nanoaggregates and Photoinduced Apoptosis in Human Carcinoma
Authors: Mishra Sneha , Shelar Sandeep B. , Barick K. C. , Hassan P. A. , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: April 2024

Heavy atom free organic materials absorbing in red to near infrared (NIR) region are potential candidates as photosensitizers (PS) in photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT relies on many factors and one of them is singlet oxygen generation ability of PS in aqueous medium. In this contribution, we report the synthesis of a new PS i. e., 8‐thienyl bisbenzothieno‐[b]‐fused‐boron‐dipyrromethene (BT‐[b]‐fused BODIPY). This PS shows absorption (λabs) at ~650 nm in toluene while in its water‐dispersible nanoaggregates it is found at ~764 nm. Nanoaggregates of BT‐[b]‐fused BODIPY demonstrated dual advantages, (i) facilitating PS release in the cellular system and (ii) sharply enhanced singlet oxygen efficiency (
~48 %) in aqueous medium. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was confirmed by 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay in A549 cells. In vitro photocytotoxic studies of BT‐[b]‐fused BODIPY are carried out in different carcinomas i. e., MCF‐7 and A549 cells. It has zero dark cell toxicity while half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in MCF‐7 is found to be low (6.08±1.1) μM and 7.41±1.9 μM in A549 on 15 min light exposure. These nanoaggregates induce apoptosis in cancer cells on light irradiation thereby proving it to be a potential PS for PDT.
STAR: Spread of innovations on graph structures with the Susceptible‐Tattler‐Adopter‐Removed model
Authors: Parviero Riccardo , Hellton Kristoffer H. , Canright Geoffrey , Scheel Ida
Published: April 2024

Adoptions of a new innovation such as a product, service or idea are typically driven both by peer‐to‐peer social interactions and by external influence. Social graphs are usually used to efficiently model the peer‐to‐peer interactions, where new adopters influence their peers to also adopt the innovation. However, the influence to adopt may also spread through individuals close to the adopters, known as tattlers, who only share information regarding the innovation. We extend an inhomogeneous Poisson process model accounting for both external and peer‐to‐peer influence to include an optional tattling stage, and we term the extension the Susceptible‐Tattler‐Adopter‐Removed (STAR) model. In an extensive simulation study, the proposed model is shown to be stable and identifiable and to accurately identify tattling when present. Further, using simulations, we show that both inference and prediction of the STAR model are quite robust against missing edges in the social graph, a common situation in real‐world data. Simulations and theoretical considerations demonstrate that, when edges are missing, the STAR model is able to accurately estimate the shares attributed to the external and internal sources of influence. Furthermore, the STAR model may be used to improve the inference of the external and viral parameters and subsequent predictions even when tattling is not part of the real data‐generating mechanism.
Characterization and Drug Release Properties of Curcumin Loaded Native and Nano‐Sized Starches of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) and Bambara Nut (Vigna subterranean)
Authors: Balogun‐Agbaje Olalekan Adeyinka , Odeniyi Michael Ayodele
Published: April 2024

Starches from underutilized sources such as Bambara nut (BAM) and pigeon pea (PP) can serve as new sources of starch. Starch nanoparticles (SNP) of BAM (BAMnp) and PP (PPnp) are prepared by nanoprecipitation. The physicochemical and pasting properties of the native and SNP are evaluated. The scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), drug loading, and release studies of curcumin‐loaded starches and SNP are carried out. The flow, swelling, and solubility of the native starches improve with nanoparticle fabrication. Setback viscosities of the starches are in the order PPnp < BAMnp < PP < BAM. The integrity of the starch granules is maintained after modification. The FTIR of loaded starches shows no interaction between the entities. Reduction in crystallinity of the SNP is observed in the XRD diffractogram. The drug loading efficiency of BAM, PP, BAMnp, and PPnp are 48.55 ± 0.11, 49.00 ± 0.11, 55.44 ± 0.40, and 54.72 ± 0.11, respectively. The drug release is improved when curcumin is loaded on the SNP. The release after 6 h is 33%, 25%, and 2% for BAMnp, PPnp, and pure curcumin, respectively. The properties of the SNP showed that they are potential candidates for the delivery of curcumin, a poorly water soluble drug.
Haemoblock hemostatic substance in reducing seroma formation post axillary lymph node dissection following breast conserving surgery
Authors: Isahak Mohamed Izzad , Abdullah Muhammad Safwan , Awang Raflis Ruzairee , Abdul Rashid Nor Faezan , Md Sikin Seniyah , Abdullah Suhaimi Shahrun Niza , Abdullah Norlia , Muhammad Rohaizak , Md Latar Nani Harlina
Published: April 2024

Background

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in breast cancer management, necessitates a nuanced understanding of complications that may impede treatment progression. This study scrutinize the impact of Haemoblock hemostatic solution, evaluation it's potential in reducing seroma complication by controlling lymph flow and obliterating axillary dead space.

Method

A prospective, randomized, double‐blinded controlled trial was conducted with 58 patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS) and ALND, stratified into two groups: Group A (ALND + Haemoblock, n = 29) and Group B (ALND + placebo, n = 29). Postoperative drainage charts were monitored, with the primary endpoint being the time to drain removal, Additionally, patients were observed for surgical site infection (SSI).

Results

Group A exhibited a marginally higher mean total drain output (398 +/− 205 vs. 326 +/− 198) compared to Group B, this difference did not attain statistical significance (p = 0.176). Equally, the mean time to drain removal demonstrated no discernible distinction between the two groups (6 +/− 3.0 vs. 6 +/− 3.0, Group A vs. Group B, p = 0.526). During follow up, nine patients in Group A required seroma aspiration (mean aspiration 31 +/− 73) as compared to Group B, 6 patients required aspiration (mean aspiration 12 +/− 36), p = 0.222). No notable disparity in SSI rates between the groups was identified.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the administration of Haemoblock did not manifest a discernible effect in mitigating seroma production, hastening drain removal, or influencing SSI rates following ALND. The study underscores the intricate and multifactorial nature of seroma formation, suggesting avenues for future research to explore combined interventions and protracted follow‐up periods for a more comprehensive understanding.
Carnivore guild utilization of hunter‐provided food sources in boreal forest
Authors: Wikenros Camilla , Nordli Kristoffer , Amato Giulia , Persson Jens , Ausilio Giorgia , Versluijs Erik , Eriksen Ane , Wabakken Petter , Aronsson Malin
Published: April 2024

Scavenging is an alternative foraging strategy to predation for many carnivore species, as they shift between predation and scavenging in response to changes in resource availability. The use of carrion may lead to interspecific competition and is thus influenced by a risk–reward trade‐off to balance coexistence with guild‐members, where smaller species are expected to be more vigilant due to their vulnerability to larger competitors. We used cameras to investigate the utilization of viscera from the annual moose Alces alces hunt by four sympatric carnivore species: wolf Canis lupus, wolverine Gulo gulo, red fox Vulpes vulpes and pine marten Martes martes in south–central Scandinavia, in relation to body size and habitat. Red foxes had highest probability of visiting viscera sites in both open and forested habitats. Visits by both red foxes and pine martens were longer in open habitats, while number of visits or activity did not differ between habitats. For pine martens, the probability of visiting viscera sites was twice as high in forest compared to open habitat; consequently, red foxes showed the highest overall use of viscera. Red foxes were most vigilant, especially in open habitat, whereas wolverines and pine martens spent a higher proportion of time feeding. Increased vigilance of red foxes facilitates extended resources use in open habitat, while for pine martens, the risk–reward decision occurs before leaving forest cover and entering open habitats. Viscera were not used to a large extent by wolves or wolverines. Wolves are generally less prone to scavenging and wolverines probably use other food resources, more suitable for caching. Overall, competition did not prevent use of viscera, probably due to small‐scale temporal segregation and limited use by the larger carnivores. Consequently, this pulse of human‐subsidized food resources before winter may have important implications for the smaller facultative scavengers.

Keywords: carrion use, interspecific competition, pine marten, red fox, wolf, wolverine
RNA‐binding proteins in pain
Authors: Smith Patrick R. , Campbell Zachary T.
Published: April 2024

RNAs are meticulously controlled by proteins. Through direct and indirect associations, every facet in the brief life of an mRNA is subject to regulation. RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) permeate biology. Here, we focus on their roles in pain. Chronic pain is among the largest challenges facing medicine and requires new strategies. Mounting pharmacologic and genetic evidence obtained in pre‐clinical models suggests fundamental roles for a broad array of RBPs. We describe their diverse roles that span RNA modification, splicing, stability, translation, and decay. Finally, we highlight opportunities to expand our understanding of regulatory interactions that contribute to pain signaling.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

Translation > Regulation

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
On the implication of exponentially decaying internal heat generation on mixed convection flow from a vertical porous plate influenced by second‐order thermal and momentum slips
Authors: Jha Basant K. , Samaila Gabriel
Published: April 2024

This article contains vital information on the internal heat generation effect on mixed convection slip flow past a vertical plate. The partial differential equations were first simplified to ordinary differential equations through similarity transformation. The simplified first‐order differential equations were integrated with Maple Software 2022 after utilizing the shooting technique. One of the most important discoveries is that the internal heat generation acts as a barrier to stop heat from flowing from the left to right plate edge. However, this could be averted by considering strong mixed convection to covet away the heat conducted through the left surface of the plate and the internal heat generated. However, for weak mixed convection, the movement of the fluid from the left to the right surface of the plate is achievable even with minimal internal heat generation. Since the right surface temperature is warmer (higher) than the left surface, the flow properties, in this case, are also affected by the internal heat generation, which also causes the reverse of heat flow from the plate. Particle injection could also be used to avert unwanted reversed flow for various momentum slip conditions considered. There is a marginal reverse flow at the plate surface, which may be related to the flow's mixed convective characteristics. Due to the plate surface's reinforcement, the rise in flow formation caused by the momentum slip parameter is more substantial close to the plate.
Incremental Adaptation or Generational Shift?
Authors: Ing David
Published: April 2024

As Industry 4.0 matures, what’s next? A generational shift to 5.0? Or an incremental adaptation to 4.x? Systems changes may involve both Socio-Technical Systems (STS) changes and Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) changes. Distinctions are explored historically circa 1492 with The Age of Discovery and Industry 0.0, evolving through centuries before a 1.0 Industrial Revolution. From the late twentieth century, The Age of Information was led by STS changes bringing a service economy and a knowledge society. Into 2024, polycrisis appears to be building with SES changes of natural disruptions due to climate change and the pandemic. Prospects for 2030 see eras of a maturing 4.x and emerging 5.0 alongside each other, with uncertainty as to which system characterizes the period.
The ALE partition functions of M-strings
Authors: Del Zotto Michele , Lockhart Guglielmo
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We compute the equivariant partition function of the six-dimensional M-string SCFTs on a background with the topology of a product of a two-dimensional torus and an ALE singularity. We determine the result by exploiting BPS strings probing the singularity, whose worldvolume theories we determine via a chain of string dualities. A distinguished feature we observe is that for this class of background the BPS strings’ worldsheet theories become relative field theories that are sensitive to finer discrete data generalizing to 6d the familiar choices of flat connections at infinity for instantons on ALE spaces. We test our proposal against a conjectural 6d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0) generalization of the Nekrasov master formula, as well as against known results on ALE partition functions in four dimensions.
Correlation functions for open strings and chaos
Authors: Ðukić Vladan , Čubrović Mihailo
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We study the holographic interpretation of the bulk instability, i.e. the bulk Lyapunov exponent in the motion of open classical bosonic strings in AdS black hole/brane/string backgrounds. In the vicinity of homogeneous and isotropic horizons the bulk Lyapunov exponent saturates the MSS chaos bound but in fact has nothing to do with chaos as our string configurations live in an integrable sector. In the D1-D5-p black string background, the bulk Lyapunov exponent is deformed away from the MSS value both by the rotation (the infrared deformation) and the existence of an asymptotically flat region (the ultraviolet deformation). The dynamics is still integrable and has nothing to do with chaos (either in gravity or in field theory). Instead, the bulk Lyapunov scale captures the imaginary part of quasinormal mode frequencies. Therefore, the meaning of the bulk chaos is that it determines the thermal decay rate due to the coupling to the heat bath, i.e. the horizon.
Supersymmetric Casimir energy on $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 conformal supergravity backgrounds
Authors: Panopoulos Pantelis , Papadimitriou Ioannis
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We provide a first principles derivation of the supersymmetric Casimir energy of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs in four dimensions using the supercharge algebra on general conformal supergravity backgrounds that admit Killing spinors. The superconformal Ward identities imply that there exists a continuous family of conserved R-currents on supersymmetric backgrounds, as well as a continuous family of conserved currents for each conformal Killing vector. These continuous families interpolate between the consistent and covariant R-current and energy-momentum tensor. The resulting Casimir energy, therefore, depends on two continuous parameters corresponding to the choice of conserved currents used to define the energy and R-charge. This ambiguity is in addition to any possible scheme dependence due to local terms in the effective action. As an application, we evaluate the general expression for the supersymmetric Casimir energy we obtain on a family of backgrounds with the cylinder topology ℝ × S3 and admitting a single Majorana supercharge. Our result is a direct consequence of the supersymmetry algebra, yet it resembles more known expressions for the non-supersymmetric Casimir energy on such backgrounds and differs from the supersymmetric Casimir energy obtained from the zero temperature limit of supersymmetric partition functions. We defer a thorough analysis of the relation between these results to future work.