bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoupling the Synergy Between PGM and PGM‐Free Moieties toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhou Yangdong , Li Jiayang , Wu Qiaojing , Wang Ning , Xing Lixin , Wang Liguang , Du Lei , Ye Siyu
Published: March 2024

Recently, coupling the conventional low Pt‐group‐metal (low‐PGM, LP) and emerging PGM‐free (PF) moiety to form a composite LP/PF catalyst is proposed to be an advanced strategy to improve the intrinsic activity and stability of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. Milestones in terms of ORR mass activity are created by this type of catalyst. However, the specific synergy between LP and PF moieties has not been well elucidated. Herein, two model catalysts are synthesized, i.e., atomically dispersed Co/N/C supporting Pt single atoms (Co/N/C@Pt‐SAs) and PtCo nanoparticles (Co/N/C@PtCo‐NPs). Interestingly, the Co/N/C@PtCo‐NPs catalyst presents higher ORR mass activity prior to Co/N/C@Pt‐SAs. This is theoretically due to the dual “built‐in electric field” in Co/N/C@PtCo‐NPs: one electric field with a direction from Pt to Co in NPs and another from Pt to Co/N/C; that is, Pt gains higher electron density in Co/N/C@PtCo‐NPs than that in Co/N/C@Pt‐SAs, thus forming an asymmetric electron cloud, and regulating the adsorption and activation of oxygen‐containing species. In addition, the existence of Co significantly decreases the average valence state of PtCo NPs, indicating a stronger affinity between PtCo NPs and Co/N/C substrate, to account for the enhanced stability.
Structural Control Enables Catalytic and Electrocatalytic Activity of Porous Tetrametallic Nanorods
Authors: Zámbó Dániel , Kovács Dávid , Radnóczi GyörgyZ. , Horváth Zsolt E. , Sulyok Attila , Tolnai István , Deák András
Published: March 2024

Integrating more than one type of metal into a nanoparticle that has a well‐defined morphology and composition expands the functionalities of nanocatalysts. For a metal core/porous multimetallic shell nanoparticle, the availability of catalytically active surface sites and molecular mass transport can be enhanced, and the multielemental synergy can facilitate intraparticle charge transport. In this work, a reliable and robust synthesis of such a functional tetrametallic nanoparticle type is presented, where a micro‐ and mesoporous PdPtIr shell is grown on Au nanorods. The effect of critical synthesis parameters, namely temperature and the addition of HCl are investigated on the hydrodynamic size of the micellar pore template as well as on the stability of the metal chloride complexes and various elemental analysis techniques prove composition of the porous multimetallic shell. Due to the synergistic properties, the tetrametallic nanorods possess extensive negative surface charge making them a promising catalyst in reduction reactions. Dye degradation as well as the conversion of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol is catalyzed by the supportless nanorods without light illumination. By depositing the particles onto conductive substrates, the nanostructured electrodes show promising electrocatalytic activity in ethanol oxidation reaction. The nanocatalyst presents excellent morphological stability during all the catalytic test reactions.
Highly Active CoNi‐CoN3 Composite Sites Synergistically Accelerate Oxygen Electrode Reactions in Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Li Nan , Sun Mingzi , Xiao Jiaxiang , Ma Xiaoyu , Huang Lijuan , Li Hongyu , Xie Chao , Yang Yahui , Jiang Hao , Huang Bolong , Zhang Wenjun
Published: March 2024

Reaching rapid reaction kinetics of oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) is critical for realizing efficient rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a novel CoNi‐CoN3 composite site containing CoNi alloyed nanoparticles and CoN3 moieties is first constructed in N‐doped carbon nanosheet matrix (CoNi‐CoN3/C). Benefiting from the high electroactivity of CoNi‐CoN3 composite sites and large surface area, CoNi‐CoN3/C shows a superior half‐wave potential (0.88 V versus RHE) for ORR and a small overpotential (360 mV) for OER at 10 mA cm−2. Theoretical calculations have demonstrated that the introduction of CoNi alloys has modulated the electronic distributions near the CoN3 moiety, inducing the d‐band center of CoNi‐CoN3 composite site to shift down, thus stabilizing the valence state of Co active sites and balancing the adsorption of OER/ORR intermediates. Accordingly, the reaction energy trends exhibit optimized overpotentials for OER/ORR, leading to superior battery performances. For aqueous and flexible quasi‐solid‐state rechargeable ZABs with CoNi‐CoN3/C as catalyst, a large power density (250 mW cm−2) and high specific capacity (804 mAh g−1) are achieved. The in‐depth understanding of the electroactivity enhancement mechanism of interactive metal nanoparticles and metal coordinated with nitrogen (MNx) moieties is crucial for designing novel high‐performance metal/nitrogen‐doped carbon (M─N─C) catalysts.
Electrolyte‐Gated Transistor Array (20 × 20) with Low‐Programming Interference Based on Coplanar Gate Structure for Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Zhang Wenkui , Li Jun , Li Mengjiao , Li Yi , Lian Hong , Gao Wenqing , Sun Benxiao , Wang Fei , Cheng Lian , Yu Hanqi , Chen Lianghao , Zhang Jianhua
Published: March 2024

Compute‐in‐memory (CIM) is a pioneering approach using parallel data processing to eliminate traditional data transmission bottlenecks for faster, energy‐efficient data handling. Crossbar arrays with two‐terminal devices such as memristors and phase‐change memory are commonly employed in CIM, but they encounter challenges such as leakage current and increased power usage. Three‐terminal transistor arrays have potential solutions, yet large‐scale electrolyte‐gated transistors (EGTs) demonstrations are uncommon due to compatibility issues with existing photolithography processes. Herein, a 20 × 20 EGTs array is designed using indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide as the semiconductor channel and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) doped with C2F6LiNO4S2 as the electrolyte. Each transistor unit in the array can serve as a synapse, exhibiting a large conductance range, low energy consumption (6.984 fJ) for read–write operations, excellent repeatability, and quasilinear update characteristics. It has been confirmed that the EGTs array not only enables precise device programming but also virtually eliminates signal interference between neighboring devices during the programming process. Using 54 transistors in the EGTs array, unsupervised learning with a winner‐takes‐all neural network is successfully demonstrated. After 50 training iterations, the neural network achieves perfect 100% accuracy in classifying test‐set letters. The work demonstrates the potential of EGTs for constructing large‐scale integration synaptic array toward efficient computing architectures.
Interfacially Modulated S‐Scheme Van der Waals Heterojunctional Photocatalyst for Selective CO2 Photoreduction Coupled with Organic Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Khan Imran , Khan Salman , Shayan Muhammad , Zada Amir , Alibrahim Khuloud A. , Alodhayb Abdullah N. , Ali Sharafat , Raziq Fazal , Rizwan Muhammad
Published: March 2024

This study introduces a novel strategy employing a phosphate‐mediated S‐scheme 2D/2D Van der Waals heterojunction, xCu[acs]/yP‐BCN, linking copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) with boron‐doped and nitrogen‐deficient graphitic carbon nitride (BCN). By leveraging phosphate as a charge transfer mediator, spatial constraints are mitigated, facilitating efficient electron transition from BCN to CuPc upon excitation. The captured photoelectrons by CuPc central Cu2+ ion promote CO2 conversion into valuable products, boosting photocatalytic efficiency by 78‐fold compared to standalone BCN. In situ µs transient absorption spectroscopy quantitatively demonstrates a remarkable 36.4% electron transfer efficiency for CO2 reduction with xCu[acs]/yP‐BCN, surpassing other catalyst configurations. Additionally, a 4% CuPc integration into BCN substantially increases photodegradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB) to 96%, attributed to the heterojunction's ability to prevent charge carrier recombination. Moreover, under direct sunlight, the optimized heterostructure achieves a bisphenol‐A (BPA) photodegradation efficiency of approximately 70.6%, highlighting the potential of interface‐tailored photocatalysts in efficiently reducing CO2 and degrading environmental pollutants.
Enhancing Efficiency and Stability of Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells Through the Addition of Nickel (II) Porphyrin Complex for Defect Passivation and Mitigation of Ion Migration
Authors: Debele Tewodros Abebe , Ojha Belarani , Kumar Sushil , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Hung Chen‐Hsiung , Diau Eric Wei‐Guang
Published: March 2024

The stability and efficiency of tin perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) are often decreasing with high‐density defects occurring at the grain boundaries of the perovskite film and the heterojunction interfaces of hole‐transport material (HTM) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Hence, this study addresses these challenges using nickel (II) meso amino octaethylporphyrin (NiNH2 OEP) as an effective defect‐passivating agent for the device fabricated through a two‐step method with an inverted device architecture. The precursor solution contains NiNH2 OEP porphyrin coating over PEDOT:PSS, where NiNH2 OEP is self‐assembled uniformly at the perovskite grain boundary and interface between perovskite and HTM. NiNH2 OEP is protonated to form nickel (II) ammonium porphyrin ions (NiNH3+ OEP) to retard nonradiative charge recombination and inhibit ion migration that occurred through the high‐density defect states to improve device stability and performance. Consequently, the TPSC device fabricated with NiNH2 OEP unveils a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 9.6%. Moreover, the stability of the device shows a prominent improvement that maintains an initial efficiency of 90% for more than 6,000 h inside the glove box.
Metallurgical Properties of Vacuum Extrusion Iron‐Rich Dust Briquette and Its Effects on Blast Furnace Soft Melting Zone
Authors: Xu Runsheng , Zhang Yuchen , Yu Jiyong , Zhang Jianliang , Aleksey Ternovyh , Zhang Siqi , Cao Minghui
Published: March 2024

The vacuum extrusion iron‐rich dust briquette (VEIDB) in this study is prepared by vacuum extrusion of iron ore fines and blast furnace dust. In this article, the metallurgical properties such as compressive strength, tumbler strength, low temperature reduction disintegration performance, reducibility, and softening melting properties of VEIDB are studied. The effect of VEIDB on the soft melting zone of blast furnace is also studied. Results show that the compressive strength of VEIDB is 5.684 kN/VEIDB, the tumbler strength is 89.87%, RDI−0.5 = 2.82%, and the metallization degree after reduction is 96.9%. However, its softening and melting properties is bad. The study on the influence of VEIDB on softening and melting properties of iron‐containing burden shows that, adding VEIDB in blast furnace burden would make the soft melting zone of blast furnace move up and expand; with the increase of the VEIDB amount, the permeability decreases first and then increases. The addition of VEIDB in blast furnace burden should be controlled within 10%.
Recent overview of microextraction of metal ions and pharmaceuticals by solidified floating organic drop microextraction techniques
Authors: Kumar Shivam , Satapathy Sourabh , Kurmi Balak Das , Gupta Ghanshyam Das , Patel Preeti
Published: March 2024

This work presents a comprehensive overview of solidified floating organic drop microextraction, with a particular emphasis on its applications in the analysis of heavy metal ions and different pharmaceutical compounds by sample pretreatment, complexation, and their identification by various analytical techniques. Here, we discussed basic principles, procedures, applications of the technique, and effects of different variables like pH, temperature, stirring rate, extraction time, salts addition, extraction solvent and extraction volume, centrifugation speed, and, vortex time on preconcentration. In brief, the review summarises the various modes of solidified floating organic drop microextraction such as dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction, ultrasound‐assisted, air‐assisted liquid‐liquid microextraction, and vortex‐assisted solidified floating organic drop microextraction. this review covers the methods combined with analytical techniques such as inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry, electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. among these, the incorporation of ultrasonic, vortex, and air agitation improves the dispersion mechanism. The coupling of solidified floating organic drop microextraction with other techniques enhances the selectivity and efficiency of the preconcentration procedure. This review provides a potential overview of the fundamental principles, advancements in various modes, influencing factors, and applications of solidified floating organic drop microextraction, showing its potential for advancements in sample preparation and analytical methodologies across various domains.
Triphenyl phosphate interferes with the synthesis of steroid hormones through the PPARγ/CD36 pathway in human trophoblast JEG‐3 cells
Authors: Chen Yuting , Liu Qian , Wang Yao , Jiang Mengzhu , Zhang Jing , Liu Yuguo , Lu Xiaoxun , Tang Huanwen , Liu Xiaoshan
Published: March 2024

Triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), a chemical commonly found in human placenta and breast milk, has been shown to disturb the endocrine system. Our previous study confirmed that TPhP could accumulate in the placenta and interference with placental lipid metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis, as well as induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through PPARγ in human placental trophoblast JEG‐3 cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this disruption remains unknown. Our study aimed to identify the role of the PPARγ/CD36 pathway in TPhP‐induced steroid hormone disruption. We found that TPhP increased lipid accumulation, total cholesterol, low‐ and high‐density protein cholesterol, progesterone, estradiol, glucocorticoid, and aldosterone levels, and genes related to steroid hormones synthesis, including 3βHSD1, 17βHSD1, CYP11A, CYP19, and CYP21. These effects were largely blocked by co‐exposure with either a PPARγ antagonist GW9662 or knockdown of CD36 using siRNA (siCD36). Furthermore, an ER stress inhibitor 4‐PBA attenuated the effect of TPhP on progesterone and glucocorticoid levels, and siCD36 reduced ER stress‐related protein levels induced by TPhP, including BiP, PERK, and CHOP. These findings suggest that ER stress may also play a role in the disruption of steroid hormone synthesis by TPhP. As our study has shed light on the PPARγ/CD36 pathway's involvement in the disturbance of steroid hormone biosynthesis by TPhP in the JEG‐3 cells, further investigations of the potential impacts on the placental function and following birth outcome are warranted.
The CPB Sight Words: A New Research‐Based High‐Frequency Wordlist for Early Reading Instruction
Authors: Green Clarence , Keogh Kathleen , Prout Julia
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on one of the most widely used resources by reading teachers during early‐emergent literacy, the high‐frequency wordlists commonly called ‘sight words. Existing sight word resources available to teachers are extremely outdated and/or methodologically unsound. In this Teaching and Learning in Action article, a new research‐based list of high‐frequency words is released for teachers, the Children’s Picture Book Sight Words (cpb sight words).
First case of nodular dermatofibrosis with cystic renal disease in a beagle: An atypical case without FLCN gene mutation
Authors: Gómez‐Barris Belén Rivera , Balazs Veronica , Villamar Katherine Chaguay , Toro‐Valdivieso Constanza
Published: March 2024

This report presents the first case of nodular dermatofibrosis with renal cysts (NDRC) in a beagle. In this atypical case, the gene mutation associated with the disease was not present, the renal cysts showed dynamic changes in size and number, and the patient has greatly surpassed the NDRC life expectation.
Intensive Blood Pressure Control After Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abuelazm Mohamed , Khildj Yehya , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Mahmoud Abdelrahman , Amin Ahmed Mazen , Gowaily Ibrahim , Khan Ubaid , Abdelazeem Basel , Brašić James Robert
Published: March 2024

Background and Purpose

Optimal clinical outcome with successful recanalization from endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) requires optimal blood pressure (BP) management. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intensive BP target (< 140 mm Hg) versus the standard BP target (< 180 mm Hg) after EVT for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) obtained from PubMed, Embase Cochrane, Scopus, and WOS until September 7th, 2023. We used the fixed-effect model to report dichotomous outcomes using risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes using mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence interval (CI). PROSPERO ID: CRD42023463206.

Results

We included four RCTs with 1559 patients. There was no difference between intensive BP and standard BP targets regarding the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) change after 24 h [MD: 0.44 with 95% CI (0.0, 0.87), P = 0.05]. However, the intensive BP target was significantly associated with a decreased risk of excellent neurological recovery (mRS ≤ 1) [RR: 0.87 with 95% CI (0.76, 0.99), P = 0.03], functional independence (mRS ≤ 2) [RR: 0.81 with 95% CI (0.73, 0.90), P = 0.0001] and independent ambulation (mRS ≤ 3) [RR: 0.85 with 95% CI (0.79, 0.92), P < 0.0001].

Conclusions

An intensive BP target after EVT is associated with worse neurological recovery and significantly decreased rates of functional independence and independent ambulation compared to the standard BP target. Therefore, the intensive BP target should be avoided after EVT for acute ischemic stroke.
Influence of abdominal fat distribution and inflammatory status on post-operative prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Mengtian , Luo Muqing , Liu Qianyun , Zhong Dong , Liu Yinqi , Zhang Kun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and total inflammation-based systemic index (AISI) on the postoperative prognosis of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

266 NSCLC patients received surgery from two academic medical centers were included. To assess the effect of abdominal fat measured by computed tomography (CT) imaging and inflammatory indicators on patients’ overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used.

Results

Kaplan–Meier analysis showed the OS and PFS of patients in high-VFA group was better than low-VFA group (p < 0.05). AISI and SII were shown to be risk factors for OS and PFS (p < 0.05) after additional adjustment for BMI (Cox regression model II). After further adjustment for VFA (Cox regression model III), low-SFA group had longer OS (p < 0.05). Among the four subgroups based on VFA (high/low) and SFA (high/low) (p < 0.05), the high-VFA & low-SFA group had the longest median OS (108 months; 95% CI 74–117 months) and PFS (85 months; 95% CI 65–117 months), as well as the lowest SII and AISI (p < 0.05). Low-SFA was a protective factor for OS with different VFA stratification (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

VFA, SFA, SII and AISI may be employed as significant prognostic markers of postoperative survival in NSCLC patients. Moreover, excessive SFA levels may encourage systemic inflammation decreasing the protective impact of VFA, which may help to provide targeted nutritional support and interventions for postoperative NSCLC patients with poor prognosis.
Fractionation of wood due to industrial chipping: effects and potential for Kraft pulping of European spruce
Authors: Poschner Roman , Czibula Caterina , Bakhshi Adelheid , Harter Thomas , Eckhart Rene , Hirn Ulrich
Published: March 2024

The research conducted on kraft cooking of for different chip sizes is often not representative for the industrial process since the chip size fractions were made of high-quality wood without impurities. We evaluated the effects and the potential of cooking non ideal spruce chip fractions after industrial chipping and screening. The chips were classified according to SCAN 40:01, and the respective fractions were cooked under the identical conditions to mimic the effect of a joint cooking in the industrial digester. For the undersized chips we found higher bark content, a lower screened yield, a higher Kappa number, lower fiber length and lower tensile strength. For the oversized chips, the fiber length and tensile index were also considerably lower. A lower wood quality due to high knot content in the larger fractions was found to be the reason for that. Based on the data obtained from the experiments and literature, different process options for increased yield and reduced chemical consumption are discussed, e.g., separate cooking of different chip fractions. Improved chip screening seems to be the process improvement with lowest costs and highest impact.
Employing zero-inflated beta distribution in an exposure-response analysis of TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor brepocitinib in patients with plaque psoriasis
Authors: Tsamandouras Nikolaos , Qiu Ruolun , Hughes Jim H. , Sweeney Kevin , Prybylski John P. , Banfield Christopher , Nicholas Timothy
Published: March 2024

Brepocitinib is an oral selective dual TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor and based on its cytokine inhibition profile is expected to provide therapeutic benefit in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Efficacy data from a completed Phase 2a study in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were utilized to develop a population exposure-response model that can be employed to inform dose selection decisions for further clinical development. A modeling approach that employs the zero-inflated beta distribution was used to account for the bounded nature and distributional characteristics of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score data. The developed exposure-response model provided an adequate description of the observed PASI scores across all the treatment arms tested and across both the induction and maintenance dosing periods of the study. In addition, the developed model exhibited a good predictive capacity with regard to the derived responder metrics (e.g., 75%/90%/100% improvement in PASI score [PASI75/90/100]). Clinical trial simulations indicated that the induction/maintenance dosing paradigm explored in this study does not offer any advantages from an efficacy perspective and that doses of 10, 30, and 60 mg once-daily may be suitable candidates for clinical evaluation in subsequent Phase 2b studies.
A new approach to the multiple obnoxious facility location problem based on combinatorial and continuous tools
Authors: Locatelli M.
Published: March 2024

In this paper we address the multiple obnoxious facility location problem. In this problem p facilities need to be spread within the unit square in such a way that they are far enough from each other and that their minimal distance from n communities, with known positions within the unit square, is maximized. The problem has a combinatorial component, related to the key observation made in Drezner (Omega 87:105–116, 2019) about the role played by Voronoi points. We propose a new approach, which exploits both the combinatorial component of the problem and, through continuous local optimizations, also its continuous component. We also propose techniques to limit the impact on computation times of the number n of communities. The approach turns out to be quite competitive and is able to return 24 new best known solutions with respect to the best results reported in Kalczynski (Optim Lett 16:1153–1166, 2022).
Learning analytics in mathematics education: the case of feedback use in a digital classification task on reflective symmetry
Authors: Hershkovitz Arnon , Noster Norbert , Siller Hans-Stefan , Tabach Michal
Published: March 2024

Learning Analytics is concerned with the use of data collected in educational settings to support learning processes. We take a Learning Analytics approach to study the use of immediate feedback in digital classification tasks in mathematics. Feedback serves as an opportunity for learning, however its mere existence does not guarantee its use and effectiveness, as what matters is how learners interact with it. Therefore, our research questions are focused on that interaction. The data consisted of 266 object movements for classifying polygons, and 524 shape movements for classifying traffic signs, under the topic of symmetry. Participants included 29 elementary school students (9–12 years old) from Israel and Germany. Analyzing students’ success, feedback use, and the associations between them, we demonstrate how not acting upon feedback is negatively associated with success, and how this undesired behavior slightly reduces along the learning process.
Promoting the itemized educational spending of rural coastal households in Bangladesh through unconditional cash and food assistance
Authors: Bari Md. Abdul , Khan Ghulam Dastgir , Yoshida Yuichiro , Kusakabe Tatsuya
Published: March 2024

The vulnerable households in the rural coastal regions of Bangladesh have been suffering from chronic poverty because of a lack of resources to invest in the human capital development, such as education and training. The unconditional cash and food (UCF) assistance programs in Bangladesh have been designed to combat chronic poverty. This study examines the impact of the UCF assistance receipt on the itemized educational spending: the total spending on education, school tiffin, educational stationery, uniforms, admission fees, examinations, textbooks, education-related Internet, and education-related transportation by the households. A Fuzzy regression discontinuity design (RDD) is used as an identification strategy, in which the assignment variable is the land ownership by the households. The RDD method is based on the idea that the households just below and above the cutoff of the assignment variable are locally randomized, therefore free from any selection bias. The results consistently show that the UCF assistance increases the spending on all educational items, except for textbooks and education-related transportation. This study suggests that the UCF assistance can be used as a policy tool to accelerate the sustainable development goal of inclusive quality education for rural coastal areas by increasing the itemized spending on education.
Causal relationship between gut microbiota and prostate cancer contributes to the gut-prostate axis: insights from a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Li , Zheng Yong-bo , Yin Shan , Li Kun-peng , Wang Jia-hao , Bao Er-hao , Zhu Ping-yu
Published: March 2024

Background

Changes in gut microbiota abundance have been linked to prostate cancer development. However, the causality of the gut-prostate axis remains unclear.

Methods

The genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for gut microbiota sourced from MiBioGen (n = 14,306), alongside prostate cancer summary data from PRACTICAL (n = 140,254) and FinnGen Consortium (n = 133,164). Inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) was mainly used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (Cl), after diligently scrutinizing potential sources of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy via the rigorous utilization of Cochran's Q test, the MR-PRESSO method, and MR-Egger. We used meta-analysis methods in random effects to combine the Mendelian randomization (MR) estimates from the two sources.

Results

The pooled analyses of MR results show that genus Eubacterium fissicatena (OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13, P = 0.011) and genus Odoribacter (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.27, P = 0.025) were positively associated with prostate cancer. However, genus Adlercreutzia (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.96, P = 0.002), Roseburia (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.99, P = 0.03), Holdemania (OR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97, P = 0.005), Flavonifractor (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.98, P = 0.024) and Allisonella (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98, P = 0.011) seems to be a protective factor for prostate cancer. Sensitivity analysis found no significant heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or reverse causal links in all causal associations.

Conclusion

This MR study lends support to a causal relationship between genetically predicted gut microbiota and prostate cancer. Research on the gut-prostate axis, along with further multi-omics analyses, holds significant implications for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
Fabrication of phosphorus-doped graphitic carbonitride towards the photodegradation of ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Tsolele R. , Arotiba O. A. , Malinga S. P.
Published: March 2024

Herein, we present the application of a phosphorus-doped graphitic carbon nitride (P-g-C3N4) for the photodegradation of ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole in water. The photocatalyst was prepared from doping g-C3N4 with phosphorus using different compositions of phosphoric acid (2%, 4%, and 6% w/v). The resultant photocatalysts (2%P-g-C3N4, 4%P-g-C3N4, and 6%P-g-C3N4) were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX), and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance mode spectrophotometry (UV–Vis DRS). Photocatalytic degradation studies of the targeted pollutants were performed and monitored using UV–Vis and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (LC–MS). The UV–Vis DRS showed a shift from 2.70 to 2.48 eV in the band gap after doping g-C3N4 with phosphorus. The degradation of sulfamethoxazole by P-g-C3N4 was found to be significantly higher (70%) as compared to g-C3N4 (50%). On the other hand, the removal of ciprofloxacin was found to be 60% for P-g-C3N4, while 50% was found to be the removal efficiency of g-C3N4. The high removal efficiencies were associated with the generated electron holes together with the hydroxyl radicals which played a predominant role in the successful degradation of ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole. Recyclability studies showed that the photocatalyst obtained a high photocatalytic degradation of 65% toward sulfamethoxazole after five cycles. Degradation by-products such as anthralin acid (m/z 307) for ciprofloxacin and monohydroxylated I10 (m/z 269) for sulfamethoxazole were detected using LC–MS. Therefore, P-g-C3N4 serves as a promising photocatalyst for the effective remediation of wastewater generated by pharmaceutical industries.
Global planar dynamics with a star node and contracting nonlinearity
Authors: Alarcón Begoña , Castro Sofia B. S. D. , Labouriau Isabel S.
Published: March 2024

This is a complete study of the dynamics of polynomial planar vector fields whose linear part is a multiple of the identity and whose nonlinear part is a contracting homogeneous polynomial. The contracting nonlinearity provides the existence of an invariant circle and allows us to obtain a classification through a complete invariant for the dynamics, extending previous work by other authors that was mainly concerned with the existence and number of limit cycles. The general results are also applied to some classes of examples: definite nonlinearities, $${\textbf {Z}}_2\oplus {\textbf {Z}}_2$$

Z
2

⊕

Z
2

symmetric systems and nonlinearities of degree 3, for which we provide complete sets of phase-portraits.
Dual-Alloy Sand Mold Casting: Main Principles and Features
Authors: Lisova Liudmyla , Erber Maximilian , Rottenegger David , Fuchs Georg , Braunreuther Stefan , Volk Wolfram
Published: March 2024

The multi-material injector casting (MMIC) process allows the production of castings with two different alloys in a single process. The metal is introduced into the mold through a ceramic down sprue (injector) that moves with the rising surface of the melt. This results in a beneficial temperature distribution in the casting with enhanced filling and feeding properties. Combining two alloys in one casting affects the chemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties, which differ from those of the original alloys. The main goal of producing the dual-alloy castings is to adapt the alloy locally in the mixing zone according to the application needs. The original composition and characteristics of both alloys have to be ensured as much as possible. This article discusses the peculiarities of dual-alloy sand mold casting, considering the oxidation processes of the components under different conditions and the microstructure of the resulting ingots. The results of thermodynamic simulation, experimental dual-alloy sand mold casting, chemical composition, and macrostructure of the resulting castings are given in the article. The following factors have been investigated: the method of pouring two alloys (AlSi12 and AlSi9Cu3), which simulate two injector positions; the time between pouring each alloy (60, 90, and 120 s); the influence of a directional solidification with the bottom chill. The mixing zone was identified by the changes in the content of Cu measured by spark spectroscopy and EDS.
Pair correlations of logarithms of complex lattice points
Authors: Parkkonen Jouni , Paulin Frédéric
Published: March 2024

We study the correlations of pairs of complex logarithms of $${\mathbb {Z}}$$
Z
-lattice points in $${\mathbb {C}}$$
C
at various scalings, proving the existence of pair correlation functions. We prove that at the linear scaling, the pair correlations exhibit level repulsion, as it sometimes occurs in statistical physics. We prove total loss of mass phenomena at superlinear scalings, and Poissonian behaviour at sublinear scalings. The case of Euler weights has applications to the pair correlation of the lengths of common perpendicular geodesic arcs from the maximal Margulis cusp neighbourhood to itself in the Bianchi orbifold $${\text {PSL}}_2({\mathbb {Z}}[i]) \backslash {{{\mathbb {H}}}^3_{\mathbb {R}}}$$

PSL
2

(
Z

[
i
]

)

\

H

R
3

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Production of glass ceramic from rice husk and periwinkle shells
Authors: Aremo B. , Isadare D. A. , Akinduro O. E. , Bello O. E. , Adeoye M. O. , Ayodeji S. A. , Abass G. F. , Oluwasegun K. M.
Published: March 2024

Glass ceramic was produced by replacing the major glass forming materials, silica and calcium oxide, with derivates from rice husk and periwinkle shells respectively. Glass formulation comprising of silica extracted from the rice husk and calcium oxide from powdered calcined periwinkle shells were compounded with analytical grade sodium carbonate. Silica was extracted from rice husk and characterized using XRD. SEM/EDS of the periwinkle shell revealed a structure dominated by calcium and oxygen; however, there was a significant presence of magnesium. Glass ceramic was produced by melting the mixture at 1300 °C followed by melt quenching. FTIR of the material showed the presence of the carbonyl functional group, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide and various bond configurations of silica. SEM of the glass ceramic showed sparsely distributed particles of the crystalline phase, while XRD revealed the presence of 55% amorphous phase. Several crystalline phases were present, dominated by polymorphs of silica such as quartz (22.15 wt.%) and cristobalite (5.68 wt.%). Also present are mullite (5.58 wt.%), calcite (1.95 wt.%) and Wollastonite (6.86 wt.%). Noticeable in the crystalline phase is Whitlockite (2.33 wt.%), a magnesium and phosphorus rich animal-source bio ceramic, traceable to the periwinkle which may impart some bioactivity to the material.
Herodotus and the Presocratics
Authors: Kingsley K. Scarlett
Published: March 2024

Herodotus' Histories was composed well before the genre of Greek historiography emerged as a distinct narrative enterprise. This book explores it within its fifth-century context alongside the extant fragments of Presocratic treatises as well as philosophizing tragedy and comedy. It argues for the Histories' competitive engagement with contemporary intellectual culture and demonstrates its ambition as an experimental prose work, tracing its responses to key debates on relativism, human nature, and epistemology. In addition to expanding the intellectual milieu of which the Histories is a part and restoring its place in Presocratic thought, K. Scarlett Kingsley elucidates fourth-century philosophy's subsequent engagement with the work. In doing so, she contributes to a revision of the sharp separation between the ancient genres of philosophy and history. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
The Rebirth of Territory
Authors: Lythgoe Gail
Published: March 2024

The concept of territory is central in international law, but a detailed analysis of how the concept is used in both discourse and practice has been lacking until now. Rather than reproducing the established understanding of territoriality within the international legal order, this study suggests that the discipline of international law relies on an outmoded spatial paradigm. Gail Lythgoe argues for a complete update and overhaul of our understanding of territory and space, to engage more effectively with key processes, structures and actors relevant to contemporary global governance. In this new theoretical account of an essential aspect of public international law, she argues that territory is a dynamic social reality created by the exercise of power. Territories are constituted by the practices of a more diverse array of actors than is acknowledged. As a result, functions are re-assembling in territories constituted by state and non-state actors alike.
Demystifying Treaty Interpretation
Authors: Bianchi Andrea , Zarbiyev Fuad
Published: March 2024

Demystifying Treaty Interpretation doesn't just tell you how treaties are commonly interpreted. It helps you understand also the process of treaty interpretation and its outcomes. The idea that rules of treaty interpretation can guide us to the meaning of treaty provisions, in a simple and straightforward manner, is a myth to be dispelled. This book aims to capture some of the complex and nuanced processes involved in treaty interpretation. It spurs further reflection about how interpretation takes place against the background of concepts, categories, and insights from other disciplines. A useful tool for scholars, practitioners and researchers engaging with treaty interpretation at all levels, the book aims to enhance the reader's knowledge and mastery of the interpretive process in all its elements, with a view to making them more skilled and effective players in the game of interpretation.
Planktonic Marine Fungi: A Review
Authors: Peng Xuefeng , Amend Anthony S. , Baltar Federico , Blanco‐Bercial Leocadio , Breyer Eva , Burgaud Gaëtan , Cunliffe Michael , Edgcomb Virginia P. , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Mara Paraskevi , Masigol Hossein , Pang Ka‐Lai , Retter Alice , Roberts Cordelia , van Bleijswijk Judith , Walker Allison K. , Whitner Syrena
Published: March 2024

Fungi in marine ecosystems play crucial roles as saprotrophs, parasites, and pathogens. The definition of marine fungi has evolved over the past century. Currently, “marine fungi” are defined as any fungi recovered repeatedly from marine habitats that are able to grow and/or sporulate in marine environments, form symbiotic relationships with other marine organisms, adapt and evolve at the genetic level, or are active metabolically in marine environments. While there are a number of recent reviews synthesizing our knowledge derived from over a century of research on marine fungi, this review article focuses on the state of knowledge on planktonic marine fungi from the coastal and open ocean, defined as fungi that are in suspension or attached to particles, substrates or in association with hosts in the pelagic zone of the ocean, and their roles in remineralization of organic matter and major biogeochemical cycles. This review differs from previous ones by focusing on biogeochemical impacts of planktonic marine fungi and methodological considerations for investigating their diversity and ecological functions. Importantly, we point out gaps in our knowledge and the potential methodological biases that might have contributed to these gaps. Finally, we highlight recommendations that will facilitate future studies of marine fungi. This article first provides a brief overview of the diversity of planktonic marine fungi, followed by a discussion of the biogeochemical impacts of planktonic marine fungi, and a wide range of methods that can be used to study marine fungi.
Seismic Stratigraphy of Contourite Drift Deposits Associated With the Loop Current on the Eastern Campeche Bank, Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Lowery Christopher M. , Perez Cruz Ligia , Urrutia Fucugauchi Jaime , Wei Jingxuan , Austin James A. , Standring Patricia
Published: March 2024

The Loop Current is a key component of global circulation via the northward transport of warm, salty water, and an important influence on Gulf of Mexico hydrography. Understanding how the Loop Current will respond to ongoing anthropogenic warming is critically important, but the history of the Loop Current is poorly known. Here, we present the results of a high resolution (3–8 m) multichannel seismic survey of pelagic carbonate sediment drifts on the eastern Campeche Bank associated with the Loop Current. We identify three seismic megasequences: Megasequence A is a Lower Cretaceous carbonate platform, Megasequence B comprises Cretaceous to lower Cenozoic pelagic carbonates with weak/no contour current flow, and Megasequence C comprises a series of large (100s of m thick) contourite drifts representing the inception and history of the Loop Current. The base of the contourites is marked by a regionally mappable unconformity eroding underling strata, sometimes incising hundreds of meters. The drifts contain a succession of sequence sets separated from each other by regional unconformities and comprising plastered drifts and massive mounded drifts, which characterize modern deposition with active moats on the seafloor. A lack of sediment cores in the study area precludes age determination of these drifts, except for the youngest (Late Pleistocene). Comparison to legacy seismic lines across Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 95, outside our study area, implies that the base of Megasequence C is Oligocene in age, and that the Loop Current developed during the global reorganization of ocean circulation around the Eocene‐Oligocene Transition.
Long‐Term Variations of Energetic Electrons Scattered by Signals From the North West Cape Transmitter
Authors: Hu Jingle , Xiang Zheng , Ma Xin , Liu Yangxizi , Dong Junhu , Guo Deyu , Ni Binbin
Published: March 2024

Very‐low‐frequency (VLF) signals emitted from ground‐based transmitters for submarine communication can penetrate the ionosphere and leak into the magnetosphere, leading to electron precipitation via wave‐particle interaction and thereby providing a potential means for radiation belt remediation. In this study, we systematically analyze the dependence of quasi‐trapped electron fluxes scattered by signals from the North West Cape (NWC) transmitter on electron energy, L‐shell, and geomagnetic activity (i.e., the Dst index) using long‐term measurements from the DEMETER satellite. Considering potentially changed theoretical cyclotron resonant condition, we find that the variations of wave normal angle (WNA) of NWC transmitter signals or of the background electron density can explain the variated “wisp” positions in energy versus L plane. The long‐term data analyzation suggests that the energy‐dependences increases can help to distinguish the different source mechanisms of quasi‐trapped electrons. The enhancement of quasi‐trapped electron fluxes induced by NWC transmitter signals is more obvious at L = 1.8 than L = 1.6 due to higher trapped flux levels and strong pitch angle diffusion induced by transmitter signals.
Diverse Structural Styles of the Northeastern Tethyan Himalaya in Southern Tibet Reveal the Early Collisional Tectonics of India and Asia
Authors: Tang Yu , Liang Xiao , Wang Genhou , Li Dian , Qing Zhanhui , Feng Yipeng , Zhang Wei , Han Ning , Tian Yang , Wang Zhuosheng
Published: March 2024

The poor understanding of the structural history of the Late Triassic flysch in the northeastern Tethyan Himalaya has caused many disputes regarding India‐Asia collisional tectonics. Here, we conducted an integrated study including tectonostratigraphic analysis, structural analysis, and zircon U‒Pb and muscovite 40Ar/39Ar dating to unravel the structural evolution of the Late Triassic flysch. Field geological mapping revealed that the flysch can be subdivided into three structural units, including the Gyaca mélange, Qiongjie‐Dengmu shear zone and Langjiexue fold‐thrust belt. The three units all contain voluminous siliciclastic rocks deposited in an abyssal submarine fan environment at the Indian passive continental margin. The Gyaca mélange shows a two‐stage deformation process that generated a collisional mélange resulting from the subduction of the Indian passive continental margin. 40Ar/39Ar dating of top‐to‐the‐south shear bands and block‐in‐matrix structure indicate that the India‐Asia collision happened no later than the Selandian (ca. 60 Ma). The divergent imbricated thrusting and folding of the Gyaca mélange and Langjiexue fold‐thrust belt formed a positive flower structure. The zircon U‒Pb and 40Ar/39Ar dating of syntectonic dikes and sericite flakes within the Gyaca mélange yield ages of ca. 56–55 Ma for the genesis of the divergent structures. Moreover, the Qiongjie‐Dengmu dextral shear zone yields a sericite 40Ar/39Ar age of ca. 35 Ma and thus indicates a transient strike‐slip stress regime. Generally, the early India‐Asia collision tectonics in the northeastern Tethyan Himalaya showed episodic evolution with changing structural styles from mélange formation to imbricate fold‐thrust belt development and finally strike‐slip shear generation.
Targeting metastasis-initiating cancer stem cells in gastric cancer with leukaemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Seeneevassen Lornella , Zaafour Anissa , Sifré Elodie , Genevois Coralie , Nguyen Tra Ly , Pobiedonoscew Yasmine , Giese Alban , Guignard Jérôme , Tiffon Camille , Rousseau Benoit , Raymond Anne-Aurélie , Belleannée Geneviève , Boeuf Hélène , Gronnier Caroline , Martin Océane C. B. , Giraud Julie , Lehours Philippe , Dubus Pierre , Varon Christine
Published: March 2024

Gastric cancer’s (GC) bad prognosis is usually associated with metastatic spread. Invasive cancer stem cells (CSC) are considered to be the seed of GC metastasis and not all CSCs are able to initiate metastasis. Targeting these aggressive metastasis-initiating CSC (MIC) is thus vital. Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is hereby used to target Hippo pathway oncogenic members, found to be induced in GC and associated with CSC features. LIF-treated GC cell lines, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells and/or CSC tumourspheres underwent transcriptomics, laser microdissection-associated proteomics, 2D and 3D invasion assays and in vivo xenograft in mice blood circulation. LIFR expression was analysed on tissue microarrays from GC patients and in silico from public databases. LIF-treated cells, especially CSC, presented decreased epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and invasion capacity in vitro, and lower metastasis initiation ability in vivo. These effects involved both the Hippo and Jak/Stat pathways. Finally, GC’s high LIFR expression was associated with better clinical outcomes in patients. LIF treatment could thus represent a targeted anti-CSC strategy to fight against metastatic GC, and LIFR detection in primary tumours could constitute a potential new prognosis marker in this disease.