bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Refinement of Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy Targeting for Parkinson's Disease Tremor
Authors: Cheyuo Cletus , Germann Jürgen , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Zibly Zion , Krishna Vibhor , Sarica Can , Borges Yuri Ferreira Felloni , Vetkas Artur , Kalia Suneil K. , Hodaie Mojgan , Fasano Alfonso , Schwartz Michael L. , Elias W. Jeffrey , Lozano Andres M.
Published: August 2024

Background

There remains high variability in clinical outcomes when the same magnetic resonance image‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy target is used for both essential tremor (ET) and tremor‐dominant Parkinson's disease (TDPD).

Objective

Our goal is to refine the MRgFUS thalamotomy target for TDPD versus ET.

Methods

We retrospectively performed voxel‐wise efficacy and structural connectivity mapping using 3‐12‐month post‐procedure hand tremor scores for a multicenter cohort of 32 TDPD patients and a previously published cohort of 79 ET patients, and 24‐hour T1‐weighted post‐MRgFUS brain images. We validated our findings using Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III scores for an independent cohort of nine TDPD patients.

Results

The post‐MRgFUS clinical improvements were 45.9% ± 35.9%, 55.5% ± 36%, and 46.1% ± 18.6% for ET, multicenter TDPD and validation TDPD cohorts, respectively. The TDPD and ET efficacy maps differed significantly (ppermute < 0.05), with peak TDPD improvement (87%) at x = −13.5; y = −15.0; z = 1.5, ~3.5 mm anterior and 3 mm dorsal to the ET target. Discriminative connectivity projections were to the motor and premotor regions in TDPD, and to the motor and somatosensory regions in ET. The disorder‐specific voxel‐wise efficacy map could be used to estimate outcome in TDPD patients with high accuracy (R = 0.8; R2 = 0.64; P < 0.0001). The model was validated using the independent cohort of nine TDPD patients (R = 0.73; R2 = 0.53; P = 0.025—voxel analysis).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the most effective MRgFUS thalamotomy target in TDPD is in the ventral intermediate nucleus/ventralis oralis posterior border region. This finding offers new insights into the thalamic regions instrumental in tremor control, with pivotal implications for improving treatment outcomes. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Speech Quality Perception in Unilateral Cochlear Implant Users With Single‐Sided Deafness
Authors: Kelly Scott , Kuhlmey Megan E. , Despotidis Meghan A. , Alter Isaac L. , Hwa Tiffany P. , Chern Alexander , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Cochlear implant (CI) users frequently complain about speech quality perception (SQP). In patients undergoing cochlear implantation for single‐sided deafness, there is concern that poor SQP from the implanted ear will negatively impact binaural (CI + normal hearing [NH]) SQP. In this study, we investigate if binaural SQP is measurably different than unimplanted NH alone.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

Fifteen unilateral CI users with NH in the contralateral ear completed the validated Columbia Speech Quality Instrument. This instrument consists of 9 audio clips rated across 14 specific speech qualities using a 10‐point visual analog scale. SQP was assessed in 3 conditions: CI only, NH only, and CI + NH.

Results

Median speech quality scores were worse in the CI only condition compared to the NH only (50.0 vs 72.6, P = .0003) and binaural (50.0 vs 71.0, P = .007) conditions. Median speech quality scores were not significantly different between the NH only and binaural conditions (72.6 vs 71, P = .8). Compared to NH, CI speech quality sounded less clear, less natural, and more mechanical.

Conclusion

Compared to NH, SQP is poorer with a CI alone. However, in contrast to expectation, there is no significant difference between NH and binaural SQP. This suggests poorer CI speech perception does not negatively impact binaural SQP in patients undergoing cochlear implantation for single‐sided deafness.
Prenatal Diagnosed Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: Identifying the Underlying Genetic Etiologies
Authors: Wei Xing , Cai Luyao , Zhang Luye , Chen Jianping , Zhang Yun , Meng Meng , Yang Yingjun , Zhou Xinyao , Zou Gang , Sun Luming
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess the genetic etiologies underlying agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) and its pregnancy outcomes in the era of next‐generation sequencing.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on prospectively collected prenatal ACC cases in which amniocentesis was performed between January 2016 and December 2022. ACC was divided into non‐isolated and isolated according to the presence or absence of ultrasound abnormalities. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), karyotyping and exome sequencing (ES) were performed after genetic counseling. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed by pediatric neurosurgeons and were followed up by telephone through their parents.

Results

Sixty‐eight fetuses with ACC were enrolled in this study. CMA detected eight cases with pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) and all were non‐isolated ACC, with a detection rate of 11.8% (8/68). Among the CMA abnormalities, the majority (6/8) were detectable by karyotyping. ES was performed in 26 cases with normal CMA, revealing pathogenic or likely pathogenic gene variations in 12 cases (46.2%, 12/26), involving L1CMA, SMARCB1, PPP2R1A, ARID1B, USP34, CDC42, NFIA and DCC genes. The detection rates of ES in isolated and non‐isolated ACC were 40% (6/15) and 54.5% (6/11), respectively. After excluding cases where pregnancy was terminated (56 cases), there were 12 live births, ranging in age from 15 months to 7 years. Of these, 91.7% (11 out of 12) demonstrated normal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Specifically, all five cases with isolated ACC and negative ES results exhibited normal neurodevelopment. The remaining six cases with favorable outcomes were all isolated ACC, among which ES identified variants of DCC and USP34 gene in one each case. The other four cases were CMA‐negative and declined ES.

Conclusions

We highlight the efficacy of prenatal ES in determining the genetic etiology of ACC, whether isolated or not. Favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes were observed when ACC was isolated and with normal ES results.
Towards resource‐efficient forests: Mixing species changes crown biomass allocation and improves growth efficiency
Authors: Hilmers Torben , Mehtätalo Lauri , Bielak Kamil , Brazaitis Gediminas , del Río Miren , Ruiz‐Peinado Ricardo , Schmied Gerhard , Uhl Enno , Pretzsch Hans
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Forests worldwide face significant challenges due to climate change, impacting their health and productivity. In this study, we examined how European beech and Scots pine influence each other's phenology and growth in mixed forests. Our findings indicate that mixing these complementary tree species can increase resource efficiency within forest ecosystems. By leveraging informed species selection, this research highlights the potential for developing knowledge‐based, resource‐efficient forests. These insights are invaluable for policymakers and forest managers in designing forests that are not only productive but also sustainable and adaptable to evolving environmental conditions.

We investigated the effects of interspecific neighbors on crown morphology and growth efficiency in European temperate forests, specifically focusing on European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Our goal was to determine whether the previously reported overyielding in this mixture is primarily due to improved space‐use efficiency and packing density or enhanced resource‐use efficiency.

Our methodology involved a detailed analysis of 128 individual felled trees. We assessed the effect of intraspecific and interspecific neighbors on stem volume growth, the allometric relationships of tree crowns and their components, and the allocation of branch and leaf biomass along the trees' vertical structure.

Our findings demonstrate that interspecific neighbors significantly influence the allometric relationships of tree crowns, especially altering the vertical biomass distribution in European beech. Additionally, we found that interspecific neighbors can significantly enhance the growth efficiency of European beech but not for Scots pine.

This research provides valuable insights for enhancing forest growth models and guiding forest management practices. By understanding the critical role of crown biomass allocation and growth efficiency in mixed‐species stands, policymakers and forest managers can design forests that are both productive and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. This study emphasizes the importance of species interactions in forest dynamics and bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications.
Confinement of Lauric Acid into the Lumen of Halloysite Nanotubes
Authors: Obele Chizoba M. , Barroso‐Bujans Fabienne
Published: August 2024

Molecules confined within nanometer‐scale environments frequently exhibit a distinct physical response in contrast to those found in bulk conditions. In this study, intercalates of lauric acid (LA) are synthesized within halloysite nanotubes (HNT), successfully trapping 12 wt.% of LA within the internal HNT tube, as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and wide‐angle and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS/SAXS) techniques. Furthermore, it is noted that the confinement of LA within the HNT lumen resulted in a significant reduction in LA crystallinity, consistent with the impact of geometric constraints on crystallization behavior. The presence of a significant amorphous phase in the intercalates proved beneficial for the gradual release of LA into water, as evidenced by pH changes. Remarkably, the necessity of employing a vacuum method and extended contact time (72 h) for the physical entrapment of LA in ethanol within the HNT lumen is found to be unnecessary, as similar physical characteristics are observed in an intercalate generated without vacuum and with very short contact time (<1 h). Finally, it is observed that the source of HNT is crucial in determining the final properties of the confined material.
Topical and transdermal botanical formulations of the Chinese pharmacopoeia—A review
Authors: Gu Jingyi , Lane Majella E. , Da Silva Sil Dos Santos Bruno , Heinrich Michael
Published: August 2024

In pharmaceutics, ingredients are classified as active ingredients and excipients. In topical/transdermal phytomedicines, an ingredient may serve both functions. Published information on these dual‐purpose ingredients and their pharmacological relevance is limited. An intriguing scenario arises in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations, where active ingredients and excipients are undifferentiated. This study analyzes ingredients in TCM topical/transdermal formulations, aiming at harmonization of understanding of TCMs. The most commonly recorded ingredients from such formulations in the Chinese pharmacopoeia 2020 (ChP 2020) are reviewed, aiming at developing innovative topical/transdermal phytomedicines. Current editions of Chinese historical documents were reviewed to explore the principles underlying the use of these ingredients. TCM formulations containing botanical drugs for topical/transdermal application were selected from the ChP 2020. The use of botanical materials in TCM formulations is guided by the “Jun‐Chen‐Zuo‐Shi” principle rooted in Yin‐Yang and the five elements' theories. In the ChP 2020, 155 botanical drugs, along with 40 excipients (from the “procedure” section, focusing on processing and technical parameters), were identified from 34 botanical formulations intended for topical/transdermal application. Pungent and aromatic botanical materials were the most frequently recorded. Adhesive plasters were the most commonly recorded TCM dosage form, employing specific matrix blends. This new perspective of study reveals the prevalence of pungent and aromatic botanical materials, the common use of adhesive plasters, multifunctional properties of botanical oils, and formulation adaptability in TCM topical/transdermal products. These insights should inform novel formulation designs for both pharmaceutical and phytopharmacological research.
New potential selective estrogen receptor modulators in traditional Chinese medicine for treating menopausal syndrome
Authors: Song Xintong , Shen Lan , Contreras Janine Micahella , Liu Zhiyuan , Ma Kai , Ma Biao , Liu Xiaoling , Wang Dan Ohtan
Published: August 2024

Women go through several predictable conditions and symptoms during menopause that are caused by age, changes in sex hormone levels, and other factors. Conventional menopause hormone therapy has raised serious concerns about the increased risks of cancers, blood clots, depression, etc. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that can be both agonists and antagonists of estrogen receptors in a tissue‐specific manner are being developed to reduce the health concerns associated with menopause hormone therapy. Here, we have searched the Chinese national traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patent database to identify potential SERM‐like compounds with reduced health risks. TCM has been widely used for treating complex symptoms associated with menopause syndrome and thus can be a particularly rich source for pharmaceutical alternatives with SERM properties. After extensive literature review and molecular simulation, we conclude that protopanaxatriol, paeoniflorin, astragalin, catalpol, and hyperoside among others may be particularly promising as SERM‐like compounds in treating the menopausal syndrome. Compounds in TCM hold promise in yielding comparable outcomes to hormone therapy but with reduced associated risks, thus presenting promising avenues for their clinical applications.
Increased Physical Activity Promotes Skin Clearance, Improves Cardiovascular and Psychological Health, and Increases Functional Capacity in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Sheppard Rory , Gan Weh K. , Onambele-Pearson Gladys L. , Young Helen S.
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with psoriasis are less physically active compared to age-matched controls, due to psoriasis-specific barriers, which significantly limits their ability to benefit from health-promoting levels of physical activity (PA). In addition, long-term health outcomes for people with psoriasis are poor and include depression, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD); presenting a significant challenge to healthcare services.

Objectives

We designed a PA intervention in partnership with patients with psoriasis hypothesising this may have therapeutic utility in the management of psoriasis.

Methods

Participants with chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited to a single-centre, 20-week, prospective cohort study. A wrist-worn accelerometer (GENEActiv Original; Activinsights Ltd) and a hip-worn pedometer (Onwalk 900; Decathlon Group) were used objectively measure levels of PA. Our 10-week PA intervention comprised twice weekly 60-min walks within three different greenspaces in Greater Manchester, each led by a Sports and Exercise Scientist to deliver a pre-specified volume/dose of activity. During weeks-11–20 of the study, participants followed independent activities. Clinical evaluation, including assessment of psoriasis severity, cardiometabolic parameters, psychological wellbeing and functional capacity was made at baseline, week-10 and -20.

Results

Sixteen patients with psoriasis completed the study. We observed significantly reduced Psoriasis Area and Severity Index at week-10 (p = 0.01) and -20 (p = 0.001) compared to baseline, with 50% of participants achieving PASI-50 at week-20. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was significantly reduced at week-20 (p = 0.04), compared to baseline. Significant reduction in blood pressure at week-10 (systolic: −7.4 mmHg, p = 0.002; diastolic: −4.2 mmHg, p = 0.03) and -20 (systolic: −8.8 mmHg, p = 0.001; diastolic: 4.1 mmHg, p = 0.008) was observed and pulse wave velocity was significantly reduced by week-20 (p = 0.02), suggesting improvement in cardiovascular health. Despite high prevalence of anxiety and depression at baseline, we documented a significant improvement in wellbeing and psychological health. Functional capacity was significantly enhanced following completion of the study.

Conclusion

Increasing PA constitutes a promising therapeutic intervention in the management of psoriasis. Evaluation of our intervention in a clinical trial would help determine clinical utility and establish PA guidelines for patients with psoriasis.
White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency of 20.77% at 10000 cd m−2 and Ultra‐High Color Stability by Controlling Exciton Distribution
Authors: Yang Haoran , Sun Weidong , Sun Yufu , Wang Jingyu , Xia Xiaoyang , Ren Guozhu , Sun Yitong , Zhang Danyang , Xu Yue , Shen Leijun , Zhou Liang
Published: August 2024

Although brightness and efficiency have been continually improved, the inability to achieve superior efficiency, color stability, and low‐efficiency roll‐off simultaneously in white organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) remains a knotty problem restricting the commercial application. In this paper, emission balance for two different horizontal orientation emitting molecules is maintained by using hole transport materials and bipolar host materials to control carriers’ recombination and exciton diffusion. Impressively, the obtained devices exhibit extremely stable white emission with small chromaticity coordinates variation of (0.0023, 0.0078) over a wide brightness range from 1000 to 50000 cd m−2. Meanwhile, the optimal white OLED realizes the power efficiency, current efficiency, and external quantum efficiency up to 70.68 lm W−1, 85.53 cd A−1, and 24.33%, respectively at the practical brightness of 1000 cd m−2. Owing to reduced heterogeneous interfaces and broadening recombination region, this device exhibits a high EQE over 20% under high luminance of 10000 cd m−2, demonstrating slight efficiency roll‐off. The operating mechanism of the device is analyzed by versatile experimental and theoretical evidences, which concludes precise manipulation of charges and excitons is the key points to achieve these excellent performances. This work provides an effective strategy for the design of high‐performance white OLEDs.
High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cell via Chirality‐Engineered Graphene Quantum Dot Interface Passivation
Authors: Han Jonghoon , Dai Xinchen , Hettiarachchi Sandhuli , The Zhi Li , Park Sangwook , Chen Sam , Veettil Binesh Puthen , Huang Shujuan , Kim Dong Jun , Kim Jincheol
Published: August 2024

In the rapidly advancing field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), achieving the Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit is primarily hindered by nonradiative recombination losses. In this study, the strategic incorporation of chiral graphene quantum dots (GQDs) at the PSC interface is pioneered, significantly mitigating these losses through this chiral interface engineering. Also in this study, by synthesizing and characterizing the chiroptic behavior and doping effects of both chiral and racemic GQDs, their pivotal role in enhancing charge extraction and transport is unveiled. In the findings of this study, it is shown that GQDs do not alter the crystallization of perovskite films but significantly boost light absorption owing to improved interfacial contact. Subsequent optical and electrical assessments reveal that the PSCs treated with chiral GQDs outperform those with racemic GQDs, primarily on account of the chiral specificity of chiral GQDs, which leads to reduced nonradiative recombination and enhanced charge transport efficiency. In this work, not only the potential of chiral GQDs is underscored in elevating PSC efficiency but also a compelling proof of concept for chiral interface engineering is established as a key to unlocking the full potential of PSCs.
New early Cambrian sponges of the Siberian platform and the origins of spiculate crown‐group demosponges
Authors: Kolesnikov Kirill A. , Botting Joseph P. , Ivantsov Andrey Yu. , Zhuravlev Andrey Yu.
Published: August 2024

Sponges are among the most common and diverse Cambrian fossils. However, the origin of the crown groups of the extant sponge classes constitutes the principal problem in the understanding of the evolution of these lower metazoans. New intact spiculate sponges from the lower Cambrian Stage 3–Stage 4 Sinsk Lagerstätte of the Siberian Platform enable a better understanding of the early evolution of crown‐group demosponges. The skeletons of Neomenispongia plexa and N. diazoma gen. et sp. nov. consist mostly of simple oxeas, which are organized in relatively regular tufts that are additionally strengthened by sigmoidal spicules. The C‐shaped elements of N. diazoma are megascleres in their size range but have sigmoidal shapes similar to sigma microscleres of extant demosponges; the sigmoidal spicules of N. plexa fully accord with microscleres and are the smallest spicules in known Cambrian demosponges. Together with an unnamed early Cambrian demosponge from the Sirius Passet biota (Greenland) and middle Cambrian Ulospongiella from the Burgess Shale (Canada), the new species represent the earliest heteroscleromorph demosponges and indicate an evolutionary origin of microscleres from megascleres. The thin, homogenous skeleton of Keithospongos loricatus gen. et sp. nov. is built of small, spirally arranged oxeas corresponding to the skeletal structure of the primitive Hazeliidae, which have been interpreted as the ancestral skeletal organization of demosponges. These new sponges therefore provide a link from extant spiculate demosponge groups to their more familiar Cambrian ancestors.
Harmonic Pollution Zoning Method Based on Improved k‐Shape Clustering
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Jinhao , Chang Xiao , Gao Le , Guo Xiangyu , Tang Wenchu , Wang Hanwen
Published: August 2024

With access to many power electronic loads in a power network, the number of suspicious harmonic sources increases significantly, which makes it highly difficult to trace the position of such sources in the entire network. Starting from the engineering application of harmonic tracing and using power quality monitoring data, a harmonic zoning tracing scheme is proposed based on two‐layer clustering. Based on the characteristics of harmonic measurement data, k‐Shape, a time‐series clustering algorithm based on waveform similarity is adopted. By calculating the morphological distance between the harmonic voltage sequences, the similarity of data fluctuation is measured, and the correlation information associated with harmonic pollution is mined. On this basis, adaptive density peak clustering is introduced to improve the k‐Shape algorithm. It solves the local minimization problem caused by the random selection of initial clustering centers, and realizes the adaptive selection of the optimal number of clusters. The proposed method can effectively realize the regional positioning of multi‐harmonic sources, reduce the suspected range of dominant harmonic sources, and is suitable for traceability analysis in the scenario of a large number of harmonic sources. The IEEE 123 node network and monitoring platform data confirm the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Association between pancreatic adenocarcinoma risk and concentration of organochlorine pesticides in adipose tissue and urine: A targeted‐screening analysis case‐control study (PESTIPAC)
Authors: Brugel Mathias , Callon Sidonie , Carlier Claire , Amroun Koceila Lamine , Botsen Damien , Kianmanesh Reza , Perrier Marine , Piardi Tullio , Renard Yohann , Rhaiem Rami , El Balkhi Souleiman , Bouché Olivier
Published: August 2024

Background

Knowledge about environmental pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) risk factors, including pesticide exposure, remains limited. Organochlorine (OC) accumulates in adipose tissue and can help reflect long‐term exposure.

Patients and Methods

Age and body mass index (BMI) of patients with PA were matched with those undergoing a surgery for a benign disease on age and BMI (1:1). Targeted analyses screened 345 pesticides and metabolites, including 29 OC, in adipose tissue and urine samples. The primary aim was to investigate the association between organochlorine concentrations in visceral fat or urine, and PA. Adjusted conditional logistic regressions were carried out accounting for multiple testing.

Results

Trans‐nonachlor (odds ratio [OR] = 1.325, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.108–1.586]), cis‐nonachlor (OR = 15.433, 95% CI [2.733–87.136]), Mirex (OR = 2.853, 95% CI [1.213–6.713]) and 4,4 DDE (OR = 1.019, 95% CI [1.005–1.034]) in fat and a greater number of positive samples (OR = 1.758 95% CI [1.11–2.997]) were significantly associated with higher odds of PA. In contrast, as awaited, urine samples did not yield any statistically significant associations for all tested pesticides.

Conclusion

Some OCs were associated with higher odds of PA. The underlying mechanisms of pancreatic aggression need to be investigated to refine these findings.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04429490.
Simple method for removal of pollutants from water by freezing a portion of aquatic solution using a PET bottle, shredder scrap, and household freezer
Authors: Moriwaki Hiroshi , Nishimura Natsu , Oshima Mahiro
Published: August 2024

A simple method for purifying water using household items has been developed. The solution containing an environmental pollutant was added to the PET bottle. The lid of the PET bottle was closed, and the bottle was then placed with the lid down in a freezer for 9 h. The pourer of the PET bottle was surrounded by shredded paper scraps as a lagging material. Before the solution was completely frozen, the sample was removed from the freezer. The unfrozen portion (liquid) was sampled. The pollutant was concentrated in the liquid. The remaining frozen portion was completely thawed. As results, the concentration of the pollutant (Congo Red, Cr (VI), Pb (II), pentachlorophenol, fluoride, nitrate, or phosphate) in the thawed liquid was decreased by more than 90% compared with the initial concentration (0.10 mM).

Practitioner Points

A pollutant in a water sample can be removed by freezing a portion of the solution using a PET bottle, shredder scrap, and household freezer.

Fluorine and hexavalent chromium can be removed from water to levels that meet water quality standards.

The present method can efficiently remove a wide range of contaminants from water, including azo dyes, heavy metals, and pentachlorophenol.
Structural Study on Alkali‐Carboxylate Functionalized Late‐Transition Metal Bis(dithiocarbamate) Complexes
Authors: Liebing Phil , Behling Vreni , Witzorke Juliane
Published: August 2024

Lithium, sodium, and potassium derivatives of amino‐acid derived bis(dithiocarbamate) complexes of bivalent nickel, palladium, platinum, and copper are readily available by treatment of the carboxylic‐acid functionalized complexes with the respective alkali metal hydroxide. Representative derivatives of the types A4[M(L1)2], A2[M(HL1)2], A[M(HL1)(H2L1)] (N‐dithioato‐iminodiacetate, L1), and A2[M(L2,3)2] (N‐dithioato‐l‐prolinate, L2, and ‐N‐benzylglycinate, L3; A=Li, Na, K; M=Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu) were isolated and characterized by spectroscopic and thermal methods. Six entries were accessible to single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination, revealing the presence of different coordination‐polymeric structures and hydrogen‐bonded assemblies comprising solvent‐separated cations in the solid state. While the transition metal always retains its all‐sulfur coordination with defined geometry, the alkali metals are structurally more flexible. The latter are usually coordinated by carboxylate and water, but additional interactions with sulfur donors are also relevant in some cases.
Comparative characterization of heat transfer and entropy generation of micropolar‐Jeffrey, micropolar‐Oldroyd‐B, and micropolar‐Second grade binary nanofluids in PTSCs settings
Authors: Raafat Philopatir B. , AbuGhanem Muhammad , Ibrahim Fayez N.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we delve into the behavior of binary micropolar nanofluids, specifically micropolar‐Jeffrey, micropolar‐Oldroyd‐B, and micropolar‐Second grade, within the parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) configurations. The primary objective is to enhance the collective efficiency of this device by means of a comprehensive comparison amongst the three aforementioned nanofluids. The governing equations, including continuity, linear momentum, angular momentum, and energy equations, were systematically formulated. Subsequently, the introduction of suitable similarity variables facilitated the transformation of the intricate partial differential equations into manageable ordinary differential equations. These resultant equations were then tackled utilizing the shooting method via the bvp4c numerical package in MATLAB. The study critically examines the influence of diverse parameters that dictate the flow dynamics of the nanofluids. This encompasses nanofluid velocity, angular velocity, temperature distribution, entropy generation, skin friction coefficient, and local Nusselt number. Remarkably, the research uncovers that the maximum temperature levels experienced enhancements of 12.1134%, 12.0616%, and 11.0645% for the micropolar‐Jeffrey, micropolar‐Oldroyd‐B, and micropolar‐Second grade nanofluids, respectively. These results imply that the introduction of these binary micropolar nanofluids leads to notable thermal enhancements in the PTSCs settings.
Einleitung: Der weite Weg zum Bürgergeld
Authors: Opielka Michael , Wilke Felix
Published: August 2024

Der Beitrag führt in die komplexe politische Genese und sozialpolitische Bedeutung des seit 2023 geltenden Bürgergeldes ein. Dabei wird die Frage nach Veränderungen in der Zugänglichkeit dieses Grundsicherungssystems und der
Nichtinanspruchnahme aufgeworfen. Auf theoretischer Ebene ermöglicht diese doppelte Perspektive, Sozialpolitikforschung
und Armutsforschung stärker zusammenzudenken. Ein Überblick über die einzelnen Beiträge des Sammelbandes verdeutlicht dies exemplarisch.
Von Hartz IV zum Bürgergeld – weniger Konditionalität, mehr Selbstbestimmung?
Authors: Börner Stefanie , Kahnert Philipp
Published: August 2024

Ziel der Untersuchung ist eine historisch-institutionalistische Analyse graduellen Institutionenwandels im SGB II zwischen 2003 und 2022. Hierbei werden drei in Wechselwirkung stehende Elemente der bisherigen Grundsicherung untersucht: die Leitidee des „Fördern und Fordern“ als verrechtlichter Ausdruck des neuen wohlfahrtsstaatlichen Paradigmas der Aktivierung, Sanktionen sowie das Instrument der Eingliederungsvereinbarung. Die Analyseergebnisse werden in Bezug auf die fünf Mechanismen graduellen Wandels nach Streeck und Thelen ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung lassen darauf schließen, dass es bei der Leitidee des „Fördern und Fordern“ bis vor der Einführung des Bürgergeldes zu diversen Umdeutungen der Leitidee durch die stärkere Betonung des „Förderns“ kam (conversion). Mit der Einführung des Bürgergeldes 2023 lässt sich eine Variation der Leitidee feststellen (drift). Auch bei den beiden anderen Elementen wurden trotz neuer (Sprach-)Regelung weder Sanktionen noch die Eingliederungsvereinbarung gänzlich abgeschafft, sondern Regelungen Stück für Stück ergänzt und schließlich mit der Einführung des Bürgergeldes modifiziert (layering). Insgesamt, so die Schlussfolgerung, kann daher von einem Paradigmenwechsel keine Rede sein, vielmehr deuteten sich eine Reihe der Veränderungen bereits inkrementell seit 2008 an.
Topological structures, dark matter and gravitational waves in E6
Authors: Maji Rinku , Shafi Qaisar , Tiwari Amit
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We discuss the appearance of topological structures from the spontaneous breaking of E6 to the Standard Model via its maximal subgroup SO(10) × U(1)ψ. They include dumbbells, metastable strings, as well as domain walls bounded by necklaces. We provide a novel scenario for producing metastable strings based on the symmetry breaking U(1)ψ ⟶ ℤ8 ⟶ ℤ4. The metastable string arises from the merger of ℤ8 strings that bound a domain wall. An unbroken gauge ℤ2 symmetry from SO(10) breaking yields viable stable dark matter candidates as well as topologically stable strings. We discuss the gravitational wave emission from two varieties of cosmic strings, namely the superheavy metastable ones and the intermediate scale topologically stable cosmic strings.
Generalized angular-order parton showers in Herwig 7
Authors: Lee Joon-Bin , Masouminia M. R. , Seymour Michael H. , Yang Un-ki
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the inaugural investigation of beyond the Standard Model (BSM) radiation processes, framed as a generalized, process- and model-independent parton shower algorithm within Herwig 7, based on direct translations of Universal FeynRules Output (UFO) constructed via Herwig’s ufo2herwig module. Leveraging the fact that shower kinematics are dictated by the spins of involved particles, we calculate comprehensive helicity-dependent branching kernels for all feasible splittings of scalars, fermions, and vector bosons, tailored to Herwig 7’s angular-ordering (AO) parton shower algorithm. Utilizing these kernels, we derive BSM splitting functions in the quasi-collinear limit, ensuring compatibility with the Standard Model (SM) and supersymmetry (SUSY) splitting functions when analogous parameter conditions are applied. These newly derived functions have been integrated into the Herwig 7 event generator framework. Comparative analyses with fixed-order matrix element calculations show good agreement for single radiation events. Moreover, the results showcase the influence of BSM radiation at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and envisage its implications for future collider endeavours. This research augments our comprehension of BSM radiation effects, with significant bearings on present and prospective collider-based inquiries.
Stabilizing massless fields with fluxes in Landau-Ginzburg models
Authors: Becker Katrin , Rajaguru Muthusamy , Sengupta Anindya , Walcher Johannes , Wrase Timm
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recent work on flux compactifications suggests that the tadpole constraint generically allows only a limited number of complex structure moduli to become massive, i.e., be stabilized at quadratic order in the spacetime superpotential. We study the effects of higher-order terms systematically around the Fermat point in the 19 Landau-Ginzburg model. This model lives at strong coupling and features no Kähler moduli. We show that indeed massless fields can be stabilized in this fashion. We observe that, depending on the flux, this mechanism is more effective when the number of initially massless fields is large. These findings are compatible with both the tadpole conjecture and the massless Minkowski conjecture. Along the way, we complete the classification of integral flux vectors with small tadpole contribution. Thereby we are closing in on a future complete understanding of all possible flux configurations in the 19 Landau-Ginzburg model.
NOR1 promotes the osteoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells via TGF-β signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Yun , Jing Huan , Li Yicun , Li Mengqing , Zheng Yating , Lin Yuntao , Ma Guixing , Cao Huiling , Yang Hongyu
Published: August 2024

Alveolar bone loss is a main manifestation of periodontitis. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are considered as optimal seed cells for alveolar bone regeneration due to its mesenchymal stem cell like properties. Osteogenic potential is the premise for PDLSCs to repair alveolar bone loss. However, the mechanism regulating osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs remain elusive. In this study, we identified Neuron-derived orphan receptor 1 (NOR1), was particularly expressed in PDL tissue in vivo and gradually increased during osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in vitro. Knockdown of NOR1 in hPDLSCs inhibited their osteogenic potential while NOR1 overexpression reversed this effect. In order to elucidate the downstream regulatory network of NOR1, RNA-sequencing was used. We found that downregulated genes were mainly enriched in TGF-β, Hippo, Wnt signaling pathway. Further, by western blot analysis, we verified that the expression level of phosphorylated-SMAD2/3 and phosphorylated-SMAD4 were all decreased after NOR1 knockdown. Additionally, ChIP-qPCR and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that NOR1 could bind to the promoter of TGFBR1 and regulate its activity. Moreover, overexpression of TGFBR1 in PDLSCs could rescue the damaged osteogenic potential after NOR1 knockdown. Taken together, our results demonstrated that NOR1 could activate TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway and positively regulates the commitment of osteoblast lineages of PDLSCs by targeting TGFBR1 directly.
R-loops and impaired autophagy trigger cGAS-dependent inflammation via micronuclei formation in Senataxin-deficient cells
Authors: Zannini Laura , Cardano Miriana , Liberi Giordano , Buscemi Giacomo
Published: August 2024

Senataxin is an evolutionarily conserved DNA/RNA helicase, whose dysfunctions are linked to neurodegeneration and cancer. A main activity of this protein is the removal of R-loops, which are nucleic acid structures capable to promote DNA damage and replication stress. Here we found that Senataxin deficiency causes the release of damaged DNA into extranuclear bodies, called micronuclei, triggering the massive recruitment of cGAS, the apical sensor of the innate immunity pathway, and the downstream stimulation of interferon genes. Such cGAS-positive micronuclei are characterized by defective membrane envelope and are particularly abundant in cycling cells lacking Senataxin, but not after exposure to a DNA breaking agent or in absence of the tumor suppressor BRCA1 protein, a partner of Senataxin in R-loop removal. Micronuclei with a discontinuous membrane are normally cleared by autophagy, a process that we show is impaired in Senataxin-deficient cells. The formation of Senataxin-dependent inflamed micronuclei is promoted by the persistence of nuclear R-loops stimulated by the DSIF transcription elongation complex and the engagement of EXO1 nuclease activity on nuclear DNA. Coherently, high levels of EXO1 result in poor prognosis in a subset of tumors lacking Senataxin expression. Hence, R-loop homeostasis impairment, together with autophagy failure and unscheduled EXO1 activity, elicits innate immune response through micronuclei formation in cells lacking Senataxin.
Investigations for increasing the 3D-forming potential of high-density fiberboards
Authors: Krüger Robert , Buchelt Beate , Herold Jan , Wagenführ André
Published: August 2024

The trend in modern interior design leans towards curved and shaped surfaces. This cannot be achieved with flat materials without additional effort. Materials from renewable resources, such as wood-based materials, are material- and energy-intensively processed to enable larger deformations. Therefore, this study deals with methods to increase the deformation potential of adhesive-free, high-density fiberboards. One method is plasticizing in a saturated steam atmosphere, which is well known from the bending of solid wood. The second is the application of a special kerf pattern that geometrically increases the deformability. The combination of both methods was also investigated. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed to evaluate the deformation potential of the methods used. The strain along and transverse to the tensile direction, as well as the modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio, were determined as results. All the methods investigated lead to an increase in the maximum strain along the tensile load: steaming by a factor of 2, kerf patterning by a factor of 4, and the combination by a factor of 10 as compared to solid fiberboard. The application of the kerf pattern causes an auxetic material behavior with a negative Poisson’s ratio. The combination of both methods reduces the modulus of elasticity by a factor of more than 100. Overall, the investigated methods are suitable for increasing the deformation potential of fiberboards with regard to the forming of 3D-shaped surfaces.
Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in diabetes: an update with a focus on management
Authors: Eleftheriadou Aikaterini , Spallone Vincenza , Tahrani Abd A. , Alam Uazman
Published: August 2024

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is an under-recognised yet highly prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes. CAN affects approximately 20% of people with diabetes, with recent studies highlighting the presence of CAN in prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose), indicating early involvement of the autonomic nervous system. Understanding of the pathophysiology of CAN continues to evolve, with emerging evidence supporting a potential link between lipid metabolites, mitochondrial dysfunction and genetics. Recent advancements, such as streamlining CAN detection through wearable devices and monitoring of heart rate variability, present simplified and cost-effective approaches for early CAN detection. Further research on the optimal use of the extensive data provided by such devices is required. Despite the lack of specific pharmacological interventions targeting the underlying pathophysiology of autonomic neuropathy, several studies have suggested a favourable impact of newer glucose-lowering agents, such as sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, where there is a wealth of clinical trial data on the prevention of cardiovascular events. This review delves into recent developments in the area of CAN, with emphasis on practical guidance to recognise and manage this underdiagnosed condition, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
CHO cell engineering via targeted integration of circular miR-21 decoy using CRISPR/RMCE hybrid system
Authors: Adibzadeh Setare , Amiri Shahin , Barkhordari Farzaneh , Mowla Seyed Javad , Bayat Hadi , Ghanbari Samaneh , Faghihi Faezeh , Davami Fatemeh
Published: August 2024

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, widely acknowledged as the preferred host system for industrial recombinant protein manufacturing, play a crucial role in developing pharmaceuticals, including anticancer therapeutics. Nevertheless, mammalian cell-based biopharmaceutical production methods are still beset by cellular constraints such as limited growth and poor productivity. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has a major impact on a variety of malignancies, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, reduced productivity and growth rate have been linked to miR-21 overexpression in CHO cells. The current study aimed to engineer a recombinant CHO (rCHO) cell using the CRISPR-mediated precise integration into target chromosome (CRIS-PITCh) system coupled with the Bxb1 recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) to express a circular miR-21 decoy (CM21D) with five bulged binding sites for miR-21 sponging. Implementing the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery method, a landing pad was inserted into the genome utilizing the CRIS-PITCh technique. Subsequently, the CM21D cassette flanked by Bxb1 attB was then retargeted into the integrated landing pad using the RMCE/Bxb1 system. This strategy raised the targeting efficiency by 1.7-fold, and off-target effects were decreased. The miR-21 target genes (Pdcd4 and Atp11b) noticed a significant increase in expression upon the miR-21 sponging through CM21D. Following the expression of CM21D, rCHO cells showed a substantial decrease in doubling time and a 1.3-fold increase in growth rate. Further analysis showed an increased yield of hrsACE2, a secretory recombinant protein, by 2.06-fold. Hence, we can conclude that sponging-induced inhibition of miR-21 may lead to a growth rate increase that could be linked to increased CHO cell productivity. For industrial cell lines, including CHO cells, an increase in productivity is crucial. The results of our research indicate that CM21D is an auspicious CHO engineering approach.

Key points

• CHO is an ideal host cell line for producing industrial therapeutics manufacturing, and miR-21 is downregulated in CHO cells, which produce recombinant proteins.

• The miR-21 target genes noticed a significant increase in expression upon the miR-21 sponging through CM21D. Additionally, sponging of miR-21 by CM21D enhanced the growth rate of CHO cells.

• Productivity and growth rate were increased in CHO cells expressing recombinant hrs-ACE2 protein after CM21D knocking in.

Graphical abstract
From guidelines to radiology practice: navigating the 2023 ASCO guidelines for advanced gastroesophageal cancer and beyond
Authors: Tippareddy Charit , Martinez Orlando M. , Benza Andrew R. , Bera Kaustav , Ramaiya Nikhil , Tirumani Sree Harsha
Published: August 2024

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) updated the guidelines for the treatment of advanced gastroesophageal (GE) cancer in 2023, signifying a major shift towards targeted therapeutics and precision medicine. This article serves as an imaging-based review of recent developments in the care of patients with GE cancer. We cover the epidemiology, the developing treatment paradigms, and the imaging assessment of GE malignancy. In addition, this review aims to familiarize radiologists with the unique adverse effects pertaining to therapeutics, surgeries, radiation therapies, and associated imaging corollaries. A case-based approach will be used to both explore the efficacy of modern treatments and demonstrate their adverse effects, such as chemotherapy-associated pneumonitis, radiation esophagitis, and anastomotic failure. With this comprehensive exploration of gastroesophageal cancer, radiologists will be equipped with the essential tools to inform the treatment decisions made by medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists in the new era of precision medicine.

Graphical abstract
Water requirements and crop coefficients of edible, spicy and medicinal herbs and vegetables; a review aimed at supporting plant and water management
Authors: Pereira Luis S. , Mota Mariana , Raziei Tayeb , Paredes Paula
Published: August 2024

Traditional edible, spicy and medicinal herbs rarely are included in studies on water requirements, evapotranspiration and crop coefficients (Kc) of vegetable crops. While the latter refer to large markets and are used worldwide, the former has small and specialized markets. They are very rarely grown in large farms but rather in small farming systems, or just harvested in the wild, and related evapotranspiration (ET) studies are less frequently considered in main journals focused on water management in agriculture. However, there is abundant bibliography covering traditional edible, spicy and medicinal herbs. Following the partition adopted in recently published articles on Kc values, such crops are grouped according to the main part of the plant purposefully harvested: roots, rhizomes and tubers; leaves and flowers; fruits, pods and seeds. Since we focused on Kc and not on the products, and because many crops have simultaneously two usages such as spicy and medicinal, main uses are presented to characterize the crop. Interestingly, the reviewed crop coefficients have values quite similar to those of the more common and popular vegetable crops. The single crop coefficients reviewed, and referring to the initial, mid-season and end-season periods, are tabulated according to the referred groups. In addition, aiming at their use in water management and modelling, crop heights, root depths, fractions of ground cover and fractions of soil water extraction without stress are also tabulated. In conclusion, this review aimed at successfully provide Kc values to be used for computing crop evapotranspiration for irrigation scheduling and crop water management of the referred herbs and vegetables.