bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metal ion‐accelerated poly(catechol/polyamine) deposition and epoxy‐functionalized modification: Building bridges between aramid pulp and carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber/cis‐polybutadiene rubber
Authors: Zhao Meng , Duan Hao , Dong Juyuan , Peng Keyu , Han Linfeng , Jing Yuan , Abtahi Bob , Lin Guangyi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this work, we prepare epoxidized aramid pulp (AP) by grafting ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) onto the surface of AP via poly catechol/polyamine (PCPA). Subsequently, we premix the epoxidized AP with carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) to induce a chemical reaction with the carboxyl group in XNBR. The carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber/cis‐polybutadiene rubber/aramid pulp (XNBR/BR/AP) composites are prepared by mechanical blending. Water contact angle, FTIR, and XPS confirm the grafting of EGDE onto AP via an epoxy group ring‐opening reaction. The rheological performance results indicate that the addition of EGDE decreases the curing time of the composites and increases the degree of cross‐linking of the composites. The compatibility between AP and rubber is analyzed by SEM, and it is deduced that the interfacial bonding between AP and composite is enhanced by EGDE. The tensile strength, tear strength, abrasion resistance, and solvent resistance of the composites are significantly improved after EGDE modification. RPA results show that the modified AP is uniformly dispersed in the composites and reduces the rolling resistance of the composites. A new and effective strategy is provided for the surface functionalization of aramid pulp meal, which has a wide range of rubber industry applications.Highlights
Composite mechanical properties increase with increasing EGDE content.
Rheological properties of composites improved by EGDE incorporation.
EGDE improves filler dispersion, reduced rolling resistance of composites.
Increased interfacial bonding between AP and rubber due to EGDE.
Pleuroparenchymal sarcoidosis: A rare manifestation mimicking metastatic lung cancer
Authors: Gan Eugene , Tay Chee Kiang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA 66‐year‐old male from Myanmar presented with 3 months of cough and constitutional symptoms. He was an ex‐tobacco user with no significant medical or exposure history. Chest x‐ray showed ill‐defined bilateral opacities and a left pleural effusion. Chest CT revealed two right lower lobe masses, and a moderate‐sized left pleural effusion. PET‐CT demonstrated hypermetabolic uptake in the thickened nodular pleura, pericardium, and hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes. EBUS‐TBNA of the right lower paratracheal node and TBLB of the right lower lobe mass yielded epithelioid granulomas comprising multinucleated giant cells, epithelioid histiocytes and lymphoplasmacytic cells. Thoracoscopy revealed hard, whitish mass‐like parietal pleural plaques, and pleural biopsy revealed identical histopathologic results. His symptoms resolved quickly after commencing prednisolone 25 mg daily. Chest CT at 6 months demonstrated near complete resolution of the parenchymal masses and pleural effusion. We highlight this unique case of pleuroparenchymal sarcoidosis mimicking metastatic lung cancer in a tuberculosis‐endemic region.
“Trotula” is not an example of the Matilda effect: On correcting scholarly myths and engaging with professional history: A response to Malecki et al. 2024
Authors: Green Monica H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn 1993, historian of American science Margaret Rossiter introduced the concept of the “Matilda Effect,” to describe a common historical pattern of women's achievements in science and medicine being ignored or purloined by male associates. At the same time, she was writing, however, professional work was being done in a variety of areas of women's history, including the medieval period from which Rossiter drew what she thought was her most salient example: the medical figure, “Trotula.” In fact, “Trotula” was not a woman but the title of a book. Extensive research by professional historians has shown that the real historic woman, Trota of Salerno, was widely credited by her contemporaries (and for the next 300 years) not only for her own work but also for the work of two male writers whose texts became attached to hers in the Trotula ensemble. These findings from professional historical research have been known for over 20 years but rarely acknowledged in Science Studies. The present study proposes that a corrected understanding of Trota's story provides a useful example, not of the Matilda Effect, but of the ways gender functions to restrict even famous women to certain roles.
A holistic understanding of inclusion in STEM: Systemic challenges and support for women and LGBT+ academics and PhD students
Authors: Reggiani Marco , Gagnon Jessica Dawn , Lunn Rebecca Jane 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBarriers to equity, diversity, and inclusion remain in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for historically underrepresented and marginalized individuals. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women and LGBT+ academics and PhD students in the United Kingdom. Specifically, this article examines systemic challenges and support that 82 participants who identified as women and/or LGBT+ academics and PhD students have experienced in their STEM environments and throughout their careers. In this qualitative study, we employed intersectionality theory to frame a thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups. Our findings indicate that the experiences of participants are characterized more by inequities than by support from colleagues, peers, and higher education institutions. Inequities are widespread and intersectional, and have a cumulative impact whenever individuals endure multiple and potentially escalating challenges—which include hard‐to‐spot disadvantages, stereotypes, prejudice, as well as harassment, bullying, and discrimination. Participants’ accounts illustrate the benefits of different support mechanisms but also the limitations of initiatives to support marginalized individuals and groups in STEM that are not systematically embedded across institutions. Based on our findings, we present two conceptual models to better understand systemic challenges and their consequences for women and LGBT+ academics and PhD students in STEM, as well as to inform more holistic support mechanisms to create more inclusive STEM environments. Implications from the study highlight institutional accountability as key to improving climates and transformative change.
Quality by Design‐Assisted RP‐HPLC Method for Determination of Ritonavir and Darunavir in Pharmaceutical Formulation Using Central Composite Design
Authors: Koppisetty Bhagavan Rajesh Babu , Kollabathula Varaprasada Rao , Challa Gangu Naidu , Yarraguntla Srinivasa Rao 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe quality by design enabled the development of cost‐effective, simple, precise, and rapid Reversed phase‐ high‐performance liquid chromatography techniques for determining ritonavir (RIT) and darunavir (DAR) in the tablet dosage form. Systematic method optimization was performed through central composite design by altering the flow rate and composition of the organic phase in the mobile phase as the critical method parameters for evaluating the necessary analytical attributes, namely, the tailing factor, theoretical plate count, and resolution. The optimal separation was achieved on a column with C18 in nature and dimensions of (250 mm length × 4.6 mm id × 5 µm particle size) using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water (75:25 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min. Detection was carried out at 247 nm. The retention time of DAR and RIT was 2.939 and 3.537 min, respectively, as per International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The developed method was useful for the determination of bulk drug and formulations.
Removal of Residual DNA and Host Cell Proteins for the Purification of Recombinant Staphylokinase Expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Guang Li , jing Li , Zhenxing Zou , Bo Liu , Weiping Li , Yang Ding , Xuri Song , Xiaolan Fang , Daoqi Hu 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe elimination of residual host cell DNA (HCD) and proteins (HCPs) is a pivotal step in the purification process for biological products such as monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccines, gene therapy vectors, and cell‐based therapies. During the preparation of recombinant staphylokinase (r‐SAK), a potential therapeutic protein for thrombotic disorders expressed in Escherichia coli cells, an efficient chromatography purification process, incorporating anion exchange, cation exchange, and gel filtration techniques, was developed to effectively eliminate HCPs and residual DNA. This multistep chromatography approach yielded r‐SAK with a residual HCD concentration below 1 ng/mL, a residual HCP concentration below 0.01%, and purity exceeding 98%. Comparative analysis revealed that modified cellulose‐based matrix resins exhibited superior efficiency compared to dextran and agarose matrix resins for eliminating residual HCPs and HCD under identical conditions. Based on the different properties of the matrix, deductions were made regarding the reasons for the differentiation in separation efficiency. The physical strength of the cellulose‐based matrix ensures the structural stability of macroporous resin and can guarantee efficient separation under conditions of high flow and heavy load. This study suggests that maintaining the structural stability of macropores in bioseparation materials is crucial for improving the efficiency of separating biological products.
Green Analytical Approach for HPLC Method Development for Quantification of Sorafenib and Its Pharmacopeia Impurities: LC–MS/MS Characterization and Toxicity Prediction of Stress Degradation Products
Authors: Bhupatiraju Rajesh Varma , Peddi Pavani , Edla Subhashini , Rekha Kandula , Kasimala Bikshal Babu 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThis research presents the development and validation of chromatographic method for analyzing sorafenib and its pharmacopeial impurities, with a focus on stability studies and degradation product (DP) characterization. Initial method optimization involved exploring various column and buffer combinations, ultimately achieving optimal separation and peak symmetry using an ODS‐AQ YMC (150 mm) column with 0.6 mL/min gradient flow of 10 mM ammonium formate buffer adjusted to pH 3.4 with formic acid as solvent A, and ethanol as solvent B as mobile phase and 246 nm wavelength. Method exhibits calibration curve linear in 50–300 µg/mL for sorafenib and 0.050–0.30 µg/mL for impurities with a detection limit of 0.015 µg/mL for impurities. A structural elucidation of DPs was performed using LC–MS/MS, providing valuable insights into their molecular compositions, and was characterized as 4‐[4‐(carboxyamino)phenoxy]pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid (DP 1) and 4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)pyridine‐2‐carboxamide (DP 2). Using AGREE and GAPI metrics, evaluation highlighted method sustainability through ethanol–water solvents and shorter column to reduce energy consumption. Toxicity assessments revealed differences in environmental impact and toxicological profiles of DPs, emphasizing importance of managing safety considerations for sorafenib and its DPs. This research offers novel insights into sorafenib analysis by addressing pharmacopeial impurities, characterizing DPs, and evaluating method sustainability and safety.
Activated carbon adsorption for mitigating the harmful effects of antibiotics on the biological activated sludge: Effect on heterotrophic kinetics through respirometry
Authors: Díaz Eva , García‐Menéndez Laura , Leyva‐Díaz Juan Carlos , Ordóñez Salvador 
Published: July 2024

AbstractConventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are not designed for the abatement of antibiotics, and their effluents are one of the main entry ways of these emerging contaminants to the aquatic environment, causing major concern due to their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation. When wastewater containing antibiotics enters the bioreactor, they can impact microbial communities of the activated sludge, affecting biodegradation processes of organic matter and nutrients. There is scarce information about the effect of activated carbon on the activated sludge within the bioreactor in presence of antibiotics. In light of this, the effect of representative antibiotics, ciprofloxacin (CIP), nalidixic acid (NAL), and erythromycin (ERY), on the performance of a conventional activated sludge of a WWTP was analyzed by respirometry with and without activated carbon. NAL and ERY negatively affected the net heterotrophic biomass growth rate (r′x,H), with reduction percentages of 26%–90% and 31%–81%, respectively. The addition of activated carbon mitigated this effect, especially for ERY, with increments of even 8% in the r′x,H for the hybrid process when working with 5 ppm of ERY and 80 ppm of activated carbon compared with the value in the absence of antibiotic and activated carbon. This effect was attributed to the enhanced retention of ERY, in comparison to NAL, on the surface of the activated carbon, probably due to its higher molecular size and affinity towards the activated carbon (log Kow = 3.06). This effect was more marked at low sludge retention times (below 8 days).Practitioner points
Ciprofloxacin (CIP), nalidixic acid (NAL), and erythromycin (ERY) were studied.
NAL and ERY exerted negative impact on heterotrophic growth rate.
Effect of antibiotics on microorganisms in the presence of activated carbon was studied.
Activated carbon was mainly relevant for ERY due to its adsorption retention.
Enhancement by activated carbon was more significant at low sludge retention times.
Maximizing synergies between state and non‐state actors to enhance water governance in the Cubango‐Okavango River basin
Authors: Shifidi Victoria , Sitas Nadia , Meissner Richard 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe inherent complexity of governing transboundary social–ecological systems like the Cubango‐Okavango River Basin (CORB) has given rise to various governance frameworks like integrated water resource management (IWRM) and adaptive governance. While these may work in theory and some specific contexts, current discordance between formal (state) and informal (non‐state) governance systems, especially at the local level, still exists, resulting in significant inequities regarding water resource allocation, use, and sustainability. This research, therefore, is crucial in understanding why the disconnects between state and non‐state actors might be present in current governance arrangements and how they influence decision‐making processes linked to equitable and sustainable water governance. Through a mixed‐method, qualitative approach, this paper aimed to examine how state and non‐state actors influence water governance in the CORB from a Namibian perspective and explore current challenges and opportunities in governance structures to understand strategic intervention points for enhancing more just and sustainable governance outcomes. Data was collected from 63 participants through semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews, and an actor‐mapping questionnaire to understand key actors involved in the Namibian portion of the CORB and to determine the critical networks and relationships between them for enhancing water governance in the basin. Embedded within a grounded theory approach, thematic analysis was used to analyze data using Atlas.ti; a descriptive analysis was used to graphically organize, summarize, and present field data using Microsoft Excel; and a narrative analysis documented the participants' personal stories of water governance. The study identified key water governance breakdown points between state and non‐state actors, including resource grabs and inadequate bottom‐up approaches. The study further found that the active participation of non‐state actors in the water governance of the CORB is imperative for maximizing contextualized synergies between state and non‐state actors in transboundary water governance.
Introduction: Why Study the Governance of Gene Edited Agrifoods?
Authors: Clark Lisa F. , Hobbs Jill E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe introduction to this book asks the question: why study the governance of genome editing in agrifood? We discuss current system-wide, and country specific policy changes that have increased interest in using genomic techniques to make improvements to agronomic, nutritional/functional traits and organoleptic qualities of plants used for human food and animal feed. We discuss why applying supply chain and systems approaches are useful ways to view how the pace and applications of technological innovations in this sector are tempered by the political and economic dynamics of risk governance. This introductory chapter also includes discussions of the methodology, a brief review of studies of gene editing in the agrifood system, and outlines the structure of the book.
What Is Gene Editing?
Authors: Clark Lisa F. , Hobbs Jill E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis chapter begins with the basics. We explain what gene editing is, and how different techniques are used to achieve genomic edits, including Site-Directed Nucleases, Meganucleases, Zinc Finger Nuclease, TALENs, and CRISPR-Cas9. The chapter maps out a timeline of the development of genome-editing techniques, discussing the benefits and challenges of each, with most recently CRISPR-Cas9. We provide examples of applications of gene editing in agrifood plant breeding. Despite the advantages of CRISPR-Cas9, other genome editing techniques may offer useful tools to address the challenges of agrifood production in the twenty-first century. Nevertheless, CRISPR-Cas9 technology remains the dominant approach to genome editing.
Gewaltsames Othering (und seine Grenzen)
Authors: Breger Max 
Published: July 2024

ZusammenfassungDas Kapitel fragt danach, welche Verweise auf Andersartigkeiten und Entmenschlichungen sich in der Foltergewalt des War on Terror zeigen und wie sie durch situative Elemente hergestellt werden. Grundsätzlich lassen sich zwei Richtungen des gewaltsamen Otherings in Foltersituationen unterscheiden. Zum einen adressiert die Gewalt Verletzungsoffenheiten auf Basis zugesprochener Spezifika muslimischer Männer. Hier wird das Wissen über vermeintliche kulturell-geschlechtliche Eigenarten der Feinde zu einem Mittel zur ‚Effektivierung‘ der Folter gewendet. Zum anderen stellt die Foltergewalt in ihrem Vollzug Andersartigkeiten der Unterworfenen performativ her und dar. Die beiden Aspekte sind jedoch nicht getrennt voneinander zu sehen und können bei Folterpraktiken zusammenfallen. Zugleich ist das Othering durch die Funktionsweise der Folter begrenzt, die eine absolute Dehumanisierung im Sinne eines vollständigen Aberkennens von Subjektivität der Gefolterten ausschließt.
Equivariant, safe and sensitive — graph networks for new physics
Authors: Bhardwaj Akanksha , Englert Christoph , Naskar Wrishik , Ngairangbam Vishal S. , Spannowsky Michael 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study introduces a novel Graph Neural Network (GNN) architecture that leverages infrared and collinear (IRC) safety and equivariance to enhance the analysis of collider data for Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) discoveries. By integrating equivariance in the rapidity-azimuth plane with IRC-safe principles, our model significantly reduces computational overhead while ensuring theoretical consistency in identifying BSM scenarios amidst Quantum Chromodynamics backgrounds. The proposed GNN architecture demonstrates superior performance in tagging semi-visible jets, highlighting its potential as a robust tool for advancing BSM search strategies at high-energy colliders.
Is infrared-collinear safe information all you need for jet classification?
Authors: Athanasakos Dimitrios , Larkoski Andrew J. , Mulligan James , Płoskoń Mateusz , Ringer Felix 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Machine learning-based jet classifiers are able to achieve impressive tagging performance in a variety of applications in high-energy and nuclear physics. However, it remains unclear in many cases which aspects of jets give rise to this discriminating power, and whether jet observables that are tractable in perturbative QCD such as those obeying infrared-collinear (IRC) safety serve as sufficient inputs. In this article, we introduce a new classifier, Jet Flow Networks (JFNs), in an effort to address the question of whether IRC unsafe information provides additional discriminating power in jet classification. JFNs are permutation-invariant neural networks (deep sets) that take as input the kinematic information of reconstructed subjets. The subjet radius and a cut on the subjet’s transverse momenta serve as tunable hyperparameters enabling a controllable sensitivity to soft emissions and nonperturbative effects. We demonstrate the performance of JFNs for quark vs. gluon and Z vs. QCD jet tagging. For small subjet radii and transverse momentum cuts, the performance of JFNs is equivalent to the IRC-unsafe Particle Flow Networks (PFNs), demonstrating that infrared-collinear unsafe information is not necessary to achieve strong discrimination for both cases. As the subjet radius is increased, the performance of the JFNs remains essentially unchanged until physical thresholds that we identify are crossed. For relatively large subjet radii, we show that the JFNs may offer an increased model independence with a modest tradeoff in performance compared to classifiers that use the full particle information of the jet. These results shed new light on how machines learn patterns in high-energy physics data.
Baryon-number — flavor separation in the topological expansion of QCD
Authors: Frenklakh David , Kharzeev Dmitri , Rossi Giancarlo , Veneziano Gabriele 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Gauge invariance of QCD dictates the presence of string junctions in the wave functions of baryons. In high-energy inclusive processes, these baryon junctions have been predicted to induce the separation of the flows of baryon number and flavor. In this paper we describe this phenomenon using the analog-gas model of multiparticle production proposed long time ago by Feynman and Wilson and adapted here to accommodate the topological expansion in QCD. In this framework, duality arguments suggest the existence of two degenerate junction-antijunction glueball Regge trajectories of opposite $$ \mathcal{C} $$
C
-parity with intercept close to 1/2. The corresponding results for the energy and rapidity dependence of baryon stopping are in reasonably good agreement with recent experimental findings from STAR and ALICE experiments. We show that accounting for correlations between the fragmenting strings further improves agreement with the data, and outline additional experimental tests of our picture at the existing (RHIC, LHC, JLab) and future (EIC) facilities.