bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction of phytostimulant molecules from Scenedesmus almeriensis using different extractor systems
Authors: Navarro-López Elvira , Gallardo-Rodríguez Juan José , del Carmen Cerón-García María , Gallego-López Inmaculada , Acién-Fernández Francisco Gabriel , Molina-Grima Emilio 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThere is an increasing demand for bio-based fertilizers and phytostimulants. Microalgae biomass contains a number of compounds that have positive effects on plant growth (for instance, phenolic compounds). Other valuable substances are simultaneously produced in the biomass, enabling a biorefinery approach to be applied. Downstream processing optimization for sustainable economic biostimulant production must involve the use of microalgal wet paste instead of dry biomass. The present study investigated the effect of different parameters, such as the solvent, temperature, and time, on the extraction of biostimulant molecules from Scenedesmus almeriensis microalgal biomass. The extraction process optimization was determined by calculating the germination index in the watercress seed bioassays. Since phenols and other bioactives are extracted together, and purification should be avoided, biological methods are preferred for assessing biostimulation. Water was compared to organic solvents of lower polarity such as acetone, ethanol (96%), and an ethanol:hexane:water (76:18:6 v/v/v) mixture. Different solvent extraction ratios (0.5–8 mL solvent g−1 of dry biomass), temperatures (25–50 ºC), and extraction times (0.5–6 h) were tested, after which the best combination was selected for each solvent. The optimal conditions were obtained with organic green solvents (acetone or ethanol), which resulted in a Germination Index above 120% (at least 20% above the distilled water control). Consequently, from a biorefinery perspective, this process was considered to be the most suitable for microalgal biomass exploitation.
Graphical Abstract
Bioanalytical Validated Spectrofluorimetric Method for the Determination of Prucalopride succinate in Human Urine Samples and Its Greenness Evaluation
Authors: Saad Marwa T. , Zaazaa Hala E. , Fattah Taghreed A. , Boltia Shereen A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAn economical & eco-friendly spectrofluorometric method has been developed for the determination of prucalopride succinate (PRU) in human urine on the basis of the drug’s native fluorescence. The type of solvent and the wavelengths of excitation and emission have been carefully selected for optimal experimental conditions. In deionized water, the fluorescence intensity was measured at λ emission 362 nm upon excitation at 310 nm. This bio-validated method was carried out using 30uL urine without any preliminary steps. The calibration curve for prucalopride succinate shows a linear relationship in a concentration range of 0.75–5.5 µg/mL. Accuracy and precision were obtained using 4 quality control samples which are: 0.75 μg/ mL (LLOQ), 2.25 μg/mL (QCL), 2.5 μg/mL (QCM) & 4.125 µg/mL (QCH). The validation of this proposed technique obeys European Medicines Agency (EMA) Guidelines for validating bioanalytical methods and the greenness assessment was evaluated according to the Analytical GAPI approach.
A natural regularization of the adsorption integral equation with Langmuir-kernel
Authors: Arnrich Steffen , Kalies Grit 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAdsorption integral equations are used to compute adsorption energy distributions by measured total isotherms. Since these types of equations are Fredholm integral equations of the first kind on bounded domains, they are unstable or ill-posed, respectively. Hence, there is a need for regularization. In this work, we present general regularizations based on the fourier transform for a special kernel, the Langmuir kernel. The regularization parameters are chosen as zeros or minimizers of simple functions depending on the mean absolute error of a transformed total isotherm. In difference to many other solutions proposed, an explicit error and convergence analysis is made. Additionally, we consider adsorption energy distributions with sharp peaks or for ideal adsorbents. Here, we construct a regularization for computing averages of the adsorption energy distribution and the maximal approximation error is estimated uniformly.
Guidelines for RBF-FD Discretization: Numerical Experiments on the Interplay of a Multitude of Parameter Choices
Authors: Le Borne Sabine , Leinen Willi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThere exist several discretization techniques for the numerical solution of partial differential equations. In addition to classical finite difference, finite element and finite volume techniques, a more recent approach employs radial basis functions to generate differentiation stencils on unstructured point sets. This approach, abbreviated by RBF-FD (radial basis function-finite difference), has gained in popularity since it enjoys several advantages: It is (relatively) straightforward, does not require a mesh and generalizes easily to higher spatial dimensions. However, its application is not quite as blackbox as it may appear at first sight. The computed solution might suffer severely from various sources of errors if RBF-FD parameters are not selected carefully. Through comprehensive numerical experiments, we study the influence of several of these parameters on the condition numbers of intermediate (local) weight matrices, on the condition number of the resulting (global) stiffness matrix and ultimately on the approximation error of the computed discrete solution to the partial differential equation. The parameters of investigation include the type of RBF (and its shape or other parameters if applicable), the degree of polynomial augmentation, the discretization stencil size, the underlying type of point set (structured/unstructured), and the total number of (interior and boundary) points to discretize the PDE, here chosen as a three-dimensional Poisson’s problem with Dirichlet boundary conditions. Numerical tests on a sphere as well as tests for the convection-diffusion equation are included in a supplement and demonstrate that the results obtained for the Laplace problem on a cube generalize to wider problem classes. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive survey on the various components of the basic algorithms for RBF-FD discretization and steer away from potential pitfalls such as computationally more expensive setups which not always lead to more accurate numerical solutions. We guide toward a compatible selection of the multitude of RBF-FD parameters in the basic version of RBF-FD. For many of its components we refer to the literature for more advanced versions.
A three-step approach for assessing landscape connectivity via simulated dispersal: African wild dog case study
Authors: Hofmann David D. , Cozzi Gabriele , McNutt John W. , Ozgul Arpat , Behr Dominik M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractContextDispersal of individuals contributes to long-term population persistence, yet requires a sufficient degree of landscape connectivity. To date, connectivity has mainly been investigated using least-cost analysis and circuit theory, two methods that make assumptions that are hardly applicable to dispersal. While these assumptions can be relaxed by explicitly simulating dispersal trajectories across the landscape, a unified approach for such simulations is lacking.ObjectivesHere, we propose and apply a simple three-step approach to simulate dispersal and to assess connectivity using empirical GPS movement data and a set of habitat covariates.MethodsIn step one of the proposed approach, we use integrated step-selection functions to fit a mechanistic movement model describing habitat and movement preferences of dispersing individuals. In step two, we apply the parameterized model to simulate dispersal across the study area. In step three, we derive three complementary connectivity maps; a heatmap highlighting frequently traversed areas, a betweenness map pinpointing dispersal corridors, and a map of inter-patch connectivity indicating the presence and intensity of functional links between habitat patches. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed three-step approach in a case study in which we use GPS data collected on dispersing African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) inhabiting northern Botswana.ResultsUsing step-selection functions we successfully parametrized a detailed dispersal model that described dispersing individuals’ habitat and movement preferences, as well as potential interactions among the two. The model substantially outperformed a model that omitted such interactions and enabled us to simulate 80,000 dispersal trajectories across the study area.ConclusionBy explicitly simulating dispersal trajectories, our approach not only requires fewer unrealistic assumptions about dispersal, but also permits the calculation of multiple connectivity metrics that together provide a comprehensive view of landscape connectivity. In our case study, the three derived connectivity maps revealed several wild dog dispersal hotspots and corridors across the extent of our study area. Each map highlighted a different aspect of landscape connectivity, thus emphasizing their complementary nature. Overall, our case study demonstrates that a simulation-based approach offers a simple yet powerful alternative to traditional connectivity modeling techniques. It is therefore useful for a variety of applications in ecological, evolutionary, and conservation research.Graphical abstract
New antiproliferative 3-substituted oxindoles inhibiting EGFR/VEGFR-2 and tubulin polymerization
Authors: Ezelarab Hend A. A. , Ali Taha F. S. , Abbas Samar H. , Sayed Ahmed M. , Beshr Eman A. M. , Hassan Heba A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractNew 3-substituted oxindole derivatives were designed and synthesized as antiproliferative agents. The antiproliferative activity of compounds 6a–j was evaluated against 60 NCI cell lines. Among these tested compounds, compounds 6f and 6g showed remarkable antiproliferative activity, specifically against leukemia and breast cancer cell lines. Compound 6f was the most promising antiproliferative agent against MCF-7 (human breast cancer) with an IC50 value of 14.77 µM compared to 5-fluorouracil (5FU) (IC50 = 2.02 µM). Notably, compound 6f hampered receptor tyrosine EGFR fundamentally with an IC50 value of 1.38 µM, compared to the reference sunitinib with an IC50 value of 0.08 µM. Moreover, compound 6f afforded anti-tubulin polymerization activity with an IC50 value of 7.99 µM as an outstanding observable activity compared with the reference combretastatin A4 with an IC50 value of 2.64 µM. In silico molecular-docking results of compound 6f in the ATP-binding site of EGFR agreed with the in vitro results. Besides, the investigation of the physicochemical properties of compound 6f via the egg-boiled method clarified good lipophilicity, GIT absorption, and blood–brain barrier penetration properties.
Towed wheel shimmy suppression through a nonlinear tuned vibration absorber
Authors: Habib Giuseppe , Epasto Alberto 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe implementation of the nonlinear tuned vibration absorber (NLTVA) for the suppression of shimmy vibration in towed wheels is addressed in this study. We adopt a modified straight tangent tyre model of a single-degree-of-freedom towed wheel system with an attached NLTVA. Stability analysis illustrated that the NLTVA can significantly improve the stability of the equilibrium of the wheel. Bifurcation analysis highlighted the existence of large bistable regions, which undermines the system’s safety. However, numerical continuation analysis, coupled with a dynamical integrity investigation, revealed that the addition of an intentional softening nonlinearity in the absorber restoring force characteristic enables the complete suppression of the bistable regions, also reducing the amplitude of shimmy oscillations in the unstable region. Quasiperiodic motions were also identified; however, their practical relevance seems marginal.
Specific alterations in riboproteomes composition of isonicotinic acid treated arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Fakih Zainab , Plourde Mélodie B. , Nkouankou Charlène Eugénie Tomi , Fourcassié Victor , Bourassa Sylvie , Droit Arnaud , Germain Hugo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPlants have developed strategies to deal with the great variety of challenges they are exposed to. Among them, common targets are the regulation of transcription and translation to finely modulate protein levels during both biotic and abiotic stresses. Increasing evidence suggests that ribosomes are highly adaptable modular supramolecular structures which remodel to adapt to stresses. Each Arabidopsis thaliana ribosome consists of approximately 81 distinct ribosomal proteins (RPs), each of which is encoded by two to seven genes. To investigate the identity of ribosomal proteins of the small subunit (RPS) and of the large subunit (RPL) as well as ribosomes-associated proteins, we analysed by LC/MS/MS immunopurified ribosomes from A. thaliana leaves treated with isonicotinic acid (INA), an inducer of plant innate immunity. We quantified a total of 2084 proteins. 165 ribosome-associated proteins showed increased abundance while 52 were less abundant. Of the 52 identified RPS (from a possibility of 104 encoding genes), 15 were deregulated. Similarly, from the 148 possible RPL, 80 were detected and 9 were deregulated. Our results revealed potential candidates involved in innate immunity that could be interesting targets for functional genomic studies.
Tree-distance and tree-species effects on soil biota in a temperate agroforestry system
Authors: Vaupel Anna , Bednar Zita , Herwig Nadine , Hommel Bernd , Moran-Rodas Virna Estefania , Beule Lukas 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Aims
Cropland agroforestry systems are land-use systems with numerous environmental advantages over monoculture croplands including promotion of soil life. This study aimed to investigate tree-species and tree-distance effects on soil biota in a temperate agroforestry system.

Methods
Our study was conducted at a paired alley-cropping and monoculture cropland system. The tree rows of the agroforestry system comprised of blocks of poplar Fritzi Pauley, poplar Max 1 or black locust. Within the agroforestry system, soil microbial and earthworm communities were collected along transects spanning from the center of the tree rows into the crop rows. Archaea, bacteria, and fungi were quantified using real-time PCR. The community composition of fungi and earthworms was deciphered using amplicon sequencing and morphological identification, respectively.

Results
Tree rows promoted the abundance of bacteria and earthworms, which we attribute mainly to tree litter input and the absence of tillage. Fungal community composition was altered by the tree rows, resulting in an increased proportion of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the tree-row associated mycobiome. The proportion of Blumeria graminis, the causal agent of powdery mildew, increased with increasing distance from the trees. We suggest that enhanced microbial antagonism, increased earthworm densities and/or altered microclimate contributed to the suppression of B. graminis in vicinity of the trees. Tree-species effect had a minor influence on the abundance and composition of soil communities at our study site.

Conclusions
In comparison to monoculture cropland, agroforestry benefits the abundance, diversity, and function of soil biota and may enhance soil suppressiveness.
A Spatial Analysis of Suicide Displacement at a High-Risk Cliff-Based Location Following Installation of a Means Restriction Initiative
Authors: Torok Michelle , Passioura Jason , Konings Paul , Wong Quincy , Qian Jiahui , Larsen Mark E. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMeans restriction interventions are recognised as highly effective for the deterrence of suicide attempts by jumping. While such interventions can lead to significant reductions in suicide, it is unclear whether these reductions represent a displacement effect, whereby individuals are instead choosing to attempt suicide at other nearby locations which offer the same means. The potential displacement of suicides as an unintended consequence of means restriction has been relatively unexplored to date. The only studies exploring displacement effects have focused on bridges, which are relatively easily contained sites; no studies have yet explored displacement effects at cliff-based high risk suicide locations (hotspots). Using Australian coronial data for the period of 2006–2019, we undertook joinpoint and kernel density analysis of suicides by jumping at a well-known cliff-based hotspot in Sydney, Australia, to determine whether there was evidence of displacement to local and broader surrounding cliffs following the installation of a multi-component harm minimization intervention (the Gap Park Masterplan). While slight decreases were noted in the immediate area subject to the structural intervention in the post-implementation period, alongside slight increases in the surrounding cliffs, there was no evidence for statistically significant changes. While kernel density analyses did not identify the emergence of any new hotspot locations in the post-implementation period, three existing hotspot sites of concern were found in our total area of interest, with greater than expected growth in the density of one of the hotspots. While we found no persuasive evidence of displacement, ongoing monitoring of the cliff-based location where the structural interventions were implemented is needed to ensure the ongoing safety of the area.
Psychological interventions improve quality of life despite persistent pain in endometriosis: results of a 3-armed randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hansen K. E. , Brandsborg B. , Kesmodel U. S. , Forman A. , Kold M. , Pristed R. , Donchulyesko O. , Hartwell D. , Vase L. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Despite standard medical treatment endometriosis is often associated with disabling pain and poor quality of life (QoL). Studies indicate that psychological interventions (PIs) may improve pain and QoL, yet studies on the effects of PIs for women with endometriosis are sparse and limited by low-quality study designs. Therefore, this study aimed, in a rigorous three-armed design, to evaluate the effect of PIs on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and QoL in women with endometriosis.

Methods
This three-armed parallel, multi-center randomized controlled trial included fifty-eight endometriosis patients reporting severe CPP [≥ 5 for pain intensity measured on a 0–10-point numeric rating scale (NRS)]. Patients were randomly assigned to (1) Specific mindfulness- and acceptance-based psychological intervention (MY-ENDO), (2) Carefully matched non-specific psychological intervention (Non-specific), or (3) A wait-list control group (WL). The primary outcome was pelvic pain intensity/unpleasantness measured on NRS. Secondary outcomes included endometriosis-related quality of life, workability, pain acceptance, and endometriosis-related symptoms. Differences in outcomes between groups at post-treatment follow-up were analyzed using mixed linear models. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Results
Compared to WL, psychological intervention (MY-ENDO + Non-specific) did not significantly reduce pain. However, psychological intervention did significantly improve the QoL-subscales ‘control and powerlessness’, ‘emotional well-being’, and ‘social support’ as well as the endometriosis-related symptoms ‘dyschezia’ and ‘constipation’. MY-ENDO was not superior to Non-specific.

Conclusions
Women with endometriosis may have significant and large effects of psychological intervention on QoL despite an ongoing experience of severe CPP.

Trial registration
12 April 2016, clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02761382), retrospectively registered.
Innovations, Challenges and Future Directions in Nature of Science Research: Reflections from Early Career Academics
Authors: Park Wonyong , Cullinane Alison , Gandolfi Haira , Alameh Sahar , Mesci Günkut 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
There has been sustained research interest in the role of early career researchers in advancing the field and the challenges that they face. However, efforts to document lived experiences of researchers working in a specific research area within science education have been scarce. This paper considers the meaning of innovation in the context of nature of science (NOS) research, drawing from a collective reflection of five early career academics from different backgrounds. After discussing the sources of our motivation to innovate in NOS research, we identify four distinct pathways of innovation. These pathways include (1) delving into specific aspects of NOS in greater depth, (2) exploring the interface of NOS and other established research areas, and (3) using NOS to address pressing social issues, and (4) expanding the methodological repertoire of NOS research. We illustrate these four modes of research innovation using examples from our own work. Barriers to early-career innovation such as the absence of NOS in curricula and initial teacher education, the lack of time to engage with practitioners to develop and implement instructional resources, and the underrepresentation of diverse education systems in NOS research literature are discussed.
A coherent trio of, distance and size based, measures for nomic and actual truthlikeness
Authors: Kuipers Theo A. F. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSo far, the most prominent measure for actual truthlikeness, i.e. the likeness of a theory to the actual truth, is Ilkka Niiniluoto’s minsum definition, which is purely based on distances. A competing definition is the average distance measure proposed by Pavel Tichy and Graham Oddie. We will define three related, distance and size based, measures for actual truthlikeness and compare them with the two well-known options. However, we will start, Sect. 2, from a trio of such measures for nomic truthlikeness. The nomic truth, or the true theory, here refers to what is nomically, e.g. physically, possible. In a nomic (and factual) context there are two basic kinds of theories, viz. either based on an exclusion claim or on an inclusion claim. Two-sided theories combine these claims, with the maximal claim as extreme special case. We will base truthlikeness measures for exclusion, inclusion, two-sided, and hence maximal, nomic theories on two similarity measures, one in terms of distances between conceptual possibilities and the other in terms of sizes of sets of such possibilities. In Sect. 3 we will treat actual truthlikeness as extreme special case of nomic truthlikeness, viz. assuming that there is just one nomic possibility, the actual one. Next we will compare the resulting measures mutually and with the above mentioned measures of Niiniluoto and Tichy & Oddie. Finally, in Sect. 4, we will sum up the results and explore five questions for further research.