bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid screening and target‐guided isolation of antioxidants from German chamomile by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl‐ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry coupled with off‐line two‐dimensional high‐speed countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Su Wen , Jiang Shujing , Liu Qi , Sun Conghao , Chen Xiaoqing 
Published: February 2024

German chamomile is one of the most effective herbal elements used in anti‐allergic products and as an antioxidant. Herein, the antioxidant activity of different extract fractions of German chamomile was initially evaluated using an off‐line 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl spectrophotometric assay. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the highest efficacy in scavenging free radicals. Based on this, a rapid screening and separation method using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay was implemented to identify antioxidants in the ethyl acetate fraction of German chamomile flowers. Ten potential radical scavengers were tentatively screened from German chamomile using a target‐guided isolating approach with off‐line two‐dimensional high‐speed countercurrent chromatography and the structures of the compounds were analyzed and identified. Ultimately, 10 radical scavengers were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract with a purity quotient exceeding 90%. The results demonstrated the effectiveness and reproducibility of this method for isolating potential antioxidants from complex mixtures in a targeted manner. This strategy can be applied to the target‐guided isolation of complex mixtures of natural products with broad K‐values and similar structures.
Recycling of deep eutectic solvent in the extraction of ferulic acid from oil palm empty fruit bunch
Authors: Ng Mei Han , Nu'man Abdul Hadi , Hasliyanti Alias 
Published: February 2024

The study explored ferulic acid extraction from palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber using deep eutectic solvent (DES) of chlorine chloride—acetic acid as the extraction medium and the way to recover and recycle the DES thereafter. Antisolvent was added to selectively precipitate the ferulic acid, which was recovered by filtration thereafter. Recycling the DES without further purification led to increased ferulic acid yield with each subsequent extraction, likely due to retained ferulic acid. The retained ferulic acid and other impurities could be removed by precipitation brought upon by the addition of a second antisolvent. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that there was no excess ferulic acid in the recycled DES‐treated with two types of antisolvents (ethanol and water). The yield of ferulic acid increased from 0.1367–0.1856 g/g when treated with only one antisolvent to 0.1368–0.2897 g/g with two antisolvent treatments. Oil droplets were also observed in the DES upon the addition of antisolvent 2, with recovered oil ranging from 0.6% to 3%. The study emphasized the significance of using DES as an extraction medium for ferulic acid from oil palm EFB fiber and the method to recycle the DES for subsequent processes.
Effect of signal‐to‐noise ratio on the automatic clustering of X‐ray diffraction patterns from combinatorial libraries
Authors: Zhou Yuanxun , Wu Biao , Wang Jianhao , Wang Hong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHierarchical clustering algorithm has been applied to identify the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns from a high‐throughput characterization of the combinatorial materials chips. As data quality is usually correlated with acquisition time, it is important to study the hierarchical clustering performance as a function of data quality in order to optimize the efficiency of high‐throughput experiments. This work investigated the effects of signal‐to‐noise ratio on the performance of hierarchical clustering using 29 distance metrics for the XRD patterns from Fe−Co−Ni ternary combinatorial materials chip. It is found that the clustering accuracies evaluated by the F1 score only fluctuate slightly with signal‐to‐noise ratio varying from 15.5 to 22.3 (dB) under the experimental condition. This suggests that although it may take 40–50 s to collect a visually high‐quality diffraction pattern, the measurement time could be significantly reduced to as low as 4 s without substantial loss in phase identification accuracy by hierarchical clustering. Among the 29 distance metrics, Pearson χ2 shows the highest mean F1 score of 0.77 and lowest standard deviation of 0.008. It shows that the distance matrixes calculated by Pearson χ2 are mainly controlled by the XRD peak shifting characteristics and visualized by the metric multidimensional data scaling.
Improving advanced intraoperative MRI methods during pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Jellema Pien E. J. , Mannsdörfer Lilli M. , Visser Fredy , De Luca Alberto , Smit Cynthia L. E. , Hoving Eelco W. , van Baarsen Kirsten M. , Lindner Thomas , Mutsaerts Henk‐Jan M. M. , Dankbaar Jan Willem , Lequin Maarten H. , Wijnen Jannie P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdvanced intraoperative MR images (ioMRI) acquired during the resection of pediatric brain tumors could offer additional physiological information to preserve healthy tissue. With this work, we aimed to develop a protocol for ioMRI with increased sensitivity for arterial spin labeling (ASL) and diffusion MRI (dMRI), optimized for patient positioning regularly used in the pediatric neurosurgery setting. For ethical reasons, ASL images were acquired in healthy adult subjects that were imaged in the prone and supine position. After this, the ASL cerebral blood flow (CBF) was quantified and compared between both positions. To evaluate the impact of the RF coils setups on image quality, we compared different setups (two vs. four RF coils) by looking at T1‐weighted (T1w) signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), as well as undertaking a qualitative evaluation of T1w, T2w, ASL, and dMR images. Mean ASL CBF did not differ between the surgical prone and supine positions in any of the investigated regions of interest or the whole brain. T1w SNR (gray matter: p = 0.016, 34% increase; white matter: p = 0.016, 32% increase) and CNR were higher (p = 0.016) in the four versus two RF coils setups (18.0 ± 1.8 vs. 13.9 ± 1.8). Qualitative evaluation of T1w, T2w, ASL, and dMR images resulted in acceptable to good image quality and did not differ statistically significantly between setups. Only the nonweighted diffusion image maps and corticospinal tract reconstructions yielded higher image quality and reduced susceptibility artifacts with four RF coils. Advanced ioMRI metrics were more precise with four RF coils as the standard deviation decreased. Taken together, we have investigated the practical use of advanced ioMRI during pediatric neurosurgery. We conclude that ASL CBF quantification in the surgical prone position is valid and that ASL and dMRI acquisition with two RF coils can be performed adequately for clinical use. With four versus two RF coils, the SNR of the images increases, and the sensitivity to artifacts reduces.
Intracranial pressure is elevated at 24 h post‐stroke in mice
Authors: Warren Kirby E. , Hood Rebecca J. , Walker Fredrick R. , Spratt Neil J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt has long been assumed that post‐stroke intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation occurs because of large infarct and edema volumes. However, we have repeatedly shown ICP elevation at 24 h post‐stroke in the presence of little to no edema in rats. Biological processes are often conserved across species and types of injury. Therefore, we aimed to determine if an ICP rise occurs at 24 h post‐stroke in the presence of small infarct and edema volumes in mice.MethodsMice were randomized by random number table to either photothrombotic stroke or sham surgery (n = 15). Epidural ICP was recorded using a fiber optic catheter at 1 h post‐stroke (baseline) and between 23 and 24 h post‐stroke.ResultsICP was significantly higher at 24 h compared to baseline in stroke animals (n = 6; 10.71 ± 6.45 mmHg vs. 3.74 ± 2.20 mmHg, respectively; p = 0.03). ICP at 24 h was also significantly higher in stroke mice compared to sham (n = 6; 3.45 ± 1.43 mmHg; p = 0.02). There was no change in ICP in sham mice (p = 0.9). Edema volumes in stroke animals were small (0.04 ± 0.04 mm3) and unlikely to have caused significant ICP elevation.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of an edema‐independent ICP elevation following small ischemic stroke in mice. The occurrence of this rise supports our findings in other species and suggests it is caused by a previously undescribed mechanism.
The potential of citizen science to transform science: Lessons for a sustainable future
Authors: Austen K. , Janssen A. , Wittmayer J. M. , Hölker F. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Globally, environmental crises are at a critical point. Findings from scientific research are crucial to understand these issues and to inform new policies to address them. Yet the rapidity with which society, industry and lifestyles are changing is not matched in dynamism by institutionalised science, where institutional structures slow the rate of adaptation.

In this paper, we propose that citizen science can act as a bridge between the ideal and the reality of scientific research, structuring the interface of scientific research with its cultural context. In so doing, citizen science can increase science's ability to address complex ecological problems where data is needed alongside public and policy engagement. As part of a wider movement of informal scientific practices, citizen science can broaden institutionalised science's horizon, foster innovation and create more impact.

Drawing on examples of citizen science practice addressing pollution, we specify ways in which citizen science can provide embedded knowledge and foster alternative practices within the sciences.

We identify a clash of logics between citizen science and institutional science practice and suggest avenues that could be pursued to improve dialogue between the two.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Identification and expression of strigolactone biosynthesis and signaling genes and the in vitro effects of strigolactones in olive (Olea europaea L.)
Authors: Özbilen Aslıhan , Sezer Fatih , Taşkin Kemal Melih 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStrigolactones (SLs), synthesized in plant roots, play a dual role in modulating plant growth and development, and in inducing the germination of parasitic plant seeds and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere. As phytohormones, SLs are crucial in regulating branching and shaping plant architecture. Despite the significant impact of branching strategies on the yield performance of fruit crops, limited research has been conducted on SLs in these crops. In our study, we identified the transcript sequences of SL biosynthesis and signaling genes in olive (Olea europaea L.) using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. We predicted the corresponding protein sequences, analyzed their characteristics, and conducted molecular docking with bioinformatics tools. Furthermore, we quantified the expression levels of these genes in various tissues using quantitative real‐time PCR. Our findings demonstrate the predominant expression of SL biosynthesis and signaling genes (OeD27, OeMAX3, OeMAX4, OeMAX1, OeD14, and OeMAX2) in roots and lateral buds, highlighting their importance in branching. Treatment with rac‐GR24, an SL analog, enhanced the germination frequency of olive seeds in vitro compared with untreated embryos. Conversely, inhibition of SL biosynthesis with TIS108 increased lateral bud formation in a hard‐to‐root cultivar, underscoring the role of SLs as phytohormones in olives. These results suggest that modifying SL biosynthesis and signaling pathways could offer novel approaches for olive breeding, with potential applicability to other fruit crops.
Nano‐Calcium Carbonate with Core–Shell Structure was Prepared by Dopamine Chelation Using Pluronic F‐127 as Template
Authors: Shu Weihan , Gong Jiang , Zhang Hanqing , Zheng Fengling , Zeng Juan , Wang Xue , Qin Siqian , Zhang Chuancai , Xue Haodong , Dai Bin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHerein, a new template carbonization method is used to prepare calcite‐type nano‐calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with a core–shell structure using calcium hydroxide as a solute and Pluronic F‐127 as a templating and pore‐forming agent. Dopamine hydrochloride is added to control the size of calcium hydroxide particles. The morphology, particle size, and crystal type of CaCO3 are characterized via transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, nanoparticle size, and zeta potentiometer. The creation of core–shell calcium carbonate nanoparticles is examined in relation to reaction circumstances (i.e., additive sequence, additive amount, and additive mixing time), carbonization temperature, liquid flow rate, and templates with varying chain lengths. Furthermore, a discussion is held regarding the formation mechanism of spherical core–shell calcium carbonate that is created using the innovative template carbonization method. The results show that the order, amount, liquid flow rate, and template type of additives have a significant effect on the crystal shape of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. The mixing time of additives has a significant effect on the particle size of calcium carbonate nanoparticles. Interestingly, the thickness of the shell depends on the carbonization temperature, and too slow or too fast flow rate will lead to the formation of cyclic calcium carbonate nanoparticles.
Inclusion of the radiative effect of deep convective clouds in the Eta model simulations
Authors: Campos Diêgo de Andrade , Chou Sin Chan , Bottino Marcus Jorge , Gomes Jorge Luís , Lyra André 
Published: February 2024

AbstractConvective clouds play an important role in the local energy budget by directly interacting with solar and terrestrial radiation. However, radiation parameterization schemes of atmospheric models generally consider clouds produced from microphysics schemes or some other grid saturation criteria. Deep convective parameterization schemes tend to rain out the convective cloud before the radiation scheme perceives its water load. This may be a source of the positive bias of the incoming solar radiation at the surface. The objective of this work is to include the effects of deep convective clouds in the radiation scheme of the regional Eta model and to evaluate the impacts on the net radiative energy and other meteorological variables. The radiation scheme is the Rapid Radiative Transfer Model. The work is developed in four stages. The positive bias in the incoming solar radiation was diagnosed in the first stage. In the second stage, the parameters of the convective parameterization scheme were modified to increase convective precipitation. In the third stage, the parameters of the microphysics scheme were modified to increase explicit clouds. In the fourth and last stage, in addition to the previous modifications, the condensates from the convective parameterization were input into the radiation scheme. The runs were performed for a period of one summer rainy month with intense convective activity over South America. Including deep convective cloud condensates into the radiation scheme improved the cloud cover, the diurnal cycle of the surface net radiation, and the 2‐m temperature. However, the reduction of the net radiation at the surface caused the reduction of the available energy for convective instability and, consequently, the precipitation reduction. The results show the importance of including cumulus cloud water load in the radiative scheme for bias reduction in the radiative energy components.
On the indices of the normal modes of Laplace's tidal equations for zonal wavenumber zero
Authors: Castanheira José M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe normal modes of Laplace's tidal equations seem to be a consolidated subject in the literature. However, up until now, no mode for the zonal wavenumber zero, (i.e., independent of longitude) had been identified as a mixed Rossby–gravity mode with physical meaning. Moreover, the meridional structures of westward gravity modes were not considered to be similar to the meridional structures of the corresponding inertio‐gravity modes for non‐zero wavenumbers (k>0). Here, a mixed Rossby–gravity mode with zero zonal wavenumber () is identified for the first time, and a new classification of the normal modes for the zonal wavenumber zero is proposed. Under the new classification, all the meridional structures corresponding to zero wavenumber modes are similar to the meridional structures of their respective non‐zero wavenumber modes. Moreover, using the new classification, all modes of a given type show smooth frequency variations with the zonal wavenumber, which approach asymptotically the analytic dispersion curves from the ‐plane shallow‐water equations as the fluid height tends to zero.
Immune‐mediated polyarthritis and anterior uveitis secondary to zonisamide administration in a dog with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Baya Paula , Press Saya , Istvan Stephanie , Rizzo Kaila 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe objective of this article is to describe a case of suspected zonisamide‐induced immune‐mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) and anterior uveitis in a dog. A 7‐year‐old male neutered Siberian Husky with a history of refractory idiopathic epilepsy was presented for cluster seizures. Following the addition of zonisamide to the antiepileptic regime, the dog developed new IMPA and anterior uveitis. Within a few weeks of discontinuation of the zonisamide, the dog's IMPA and anterior uveitis resolved. These immune‐mediated conditions were thus presumed to be an idiosyncratic reaction to zonisamide. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IMPA and anterior uveitis in dogs associated with zonisamide administration at its recommended dose.
Surgical and histopathological study of quadruple nostrils in a Holstein calf
Authors: Shokrpoor Sara , Bashiri Alireza , Niasari‐Naslaji Amir 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA female Holstein calf was presented with quadruple nostrils. In the normal nose, one of the nostrils was normal and another had an abnormal flexible structure in the upper region of the nose. The extra nose included one tube‐like structure, two accessory nostrils and narrow vestibules. Complete surgical removal was selected. Histopathologically, a normal cutaneous region of nostril structure and a small region of immature respiratory tissue were observed. The cutaneous region of the rostral portion was lined by a thick keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. At the caudal cutaneous region, the epithelium was thinner. Collagen fibres, vessels, serous glands, muscle and cartilage were seen in the submucosa. The epithelium lining the immature respiratory region was pseudostratified columnar. No recurrence or wound healing complication was observed 5 months following the surgical procedures.
Pulmonary cryptococcoma in a Friesian horse in the Netherlands
Authors: van Eijk Nadiah M. H. A. , Houben Rosa M. A. C. , Tellegen Anna R. , Hagen Ferry , Ankringa Nynke 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA 6‐year‐old female Friesian horse was admitted with pyrexia, dullness, weight loss, watery faeces and mild bilateral mucoid nasal discharge. Radiographic and ultrasonographic examination of the thorax indicated a large mid‐thoracic soft tissue mass, and the horse was euthanased because of a poor prognosis. At postmortem examination, it was found that the lung tissue was partly replaced by multiple to coalescing soft tissue lesions with a yellow gelatinous aspect, varying in size up to 15 × 15 × 20 cm. Histologically, the mass showed mild pyogranulomatous inflammation associated with large numbers of globular encapsulated 10–20 μm yeasts with or without narrow‐based budding, consistent with multiple coalescing cryptococcomas. Quantitative PCR testing of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue led to the identification of Cryptococcus gattii species complex. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case reported in the Netherlands of pulmonary cryptococcomas due to C. gattii sensu lato in a horse that had never travelled abroad.
Successful medical management of septic pericardial effusion in a dog
Authors: Vastano Mario , Holmes Andrea , Linney Chris 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA 5‐year‐old, male, neutered cocker spaniel diagnosed with presumed immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia 9 weeks previously, and treated with immunosuppressive medications with subsequent resolution of anaemia was presented for hyporexia, lethargy and tachypnoea of 48‐hour duration. Point‐of‐care thoracic ultrasonography revealed pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade. Cytological examination of the pericardial fluid showed an exudate with intracellular cocci chains and degenerate neutrophils, consistent with septic pericardial effusion. The culture of the effusion revealed a profuse growth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Antibiotic and supportive therapy were instituted, immunosuppressant medications were tapered and stopped, the patient's clinical status progressively improved, and a full recovery ensued without need of further surgical and interventional procedures. Dual immunosuppression with prednisolone and ciclosporin was considered to be the most likely cause for the patient's clinical condition.
The importance of the space force: Where strategic doctrine meets grand strategy
Authors: Colucci Lamont C. , Fulmer Colonel J. D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article demonstrates the importance, roles, and responsibilities of the United States Space Force. It focuses on the need for its creation and its role as the fundamental lynchpin to American national security and prosperity now and in the future. The road ahead can only be successful while working with America's allies and ensuring that there are norms and rules of civilized behavior in, from, and to space. The authors propose 11 enduring principles for the Space Force that interconnect and enhance American grand strategy while dealing with potential adversaries and the need to bond this mission to the American public.
Recent advances in sonodynamic therapy strategies for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cheng Peng , Ming Shuai , Cao Wei , Wu Jixiao , Tian Qiwei , Zhu Jing , Wei Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPancreatic cancer, a prevalent malignancy of the digestive system, has a poor 5‐year survival rate of around 10%. Although numerous minimally invasive alternative treatments, including photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy, have shown effectiveness compared with traditional surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, the application of these alternative treatments is constrained by their depth of penetration, making it challenging to treat pancreatic cancer situated deep within the tissue. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive therapy method that is particularly potent against deep‐seated tumors such as pancreatic cancer. However, the unique characteristics of pancreatic cancer, including a dense surrounding matrix, high reductivity, and a hypoxic tumor microenvironment, impede the efficient application of SDT. Thus, to guide the evolution of SDT for pancreatic cancer therapy, this review addresses these challenges, examines current strategies for effective SDT enhancement for pancreatic cancer, and investigates potential future advances to boost clinical applicability.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease