bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of gene therapy for sensorineural hearing loss in mouse model: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yilmaz Nevra Keskin , Ozen Dogukan , da Costa Monsanto Rafael , Ocak Emre , Schuster Artur Koerig , Shimura Tomotaka , Cureoglu Sebahattin
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a disorder characterized by the loss or impairment of cochlear hair cells or the auditory nerve. In recent years, gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach for SNHL treatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of gene therapy on the restoration or improvement of auditory function in mouse model with loss or impairment of hearing.

Methods

Studies with clear experimental designs, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) analysis as relevant outcome measures were included by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The PRISMA guideline was used for abstracting data and assessing data quality and validity. A quantitative synthesis was performed using a random effects model to examine the effect of gene therapy on auditory function in SNHL.

Results

Nine articles including 71 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. These studies explored therapies targeting the TMC1, VGLUT3, USH1C, CLRN1, WHRN, and PJVK genes, with genetic material ranging from 1.8 × 1011 and 1.4 × 1014 gc/mL being delivered to the inner ear through round window membrane, cochleostomy, or posterior semicircular canal injection methods. The hearing test results showed a significant mean difference of 26.91 dB (95% CI: 22.01–31.85) in favor of the experimental group.

Conclusions

Although promising results have been obtained regarding the potential success of gene therapy in SNHL, further investigation is needed to explore the long‐term effects of gene therapy, treatment response rates, and the relationships between different genetic mutation types.
Mid‐Infrared on‐Chip Soliton Self‐frequency Shift in Chalcogenide Glass Waveguide
Authors: Yang Lei , Wei Zibo , Xia Kai , Yang Zhen , Wang Haoxian , Yang Peilong , Zhang Wei , Wang Rongping , Dai Shixun , Gan Fuwan , Kang Zhe , Xu Peipeng
Published: December 2024

Mid‐infrared soliton lasers leveraging the Raman self‐pumping induced soliton self‐frequency shift (SSFS) effect offer continuously tunable, highly efficient, femtosecond coherent sources that are essential for applications such as spectroscopy, metrology, and quantum optics. However, despite significant advancements in fluoride and chalcogenide fiber platforms, realizing mid‐infrared Raman soliton lasers on on‐chip platforms remains challenging. In this study, the first experimental demonstration of a mid‐infrared Raman soliton laser in an on‐chip Ge28Sb12Se60 (GeSbSe) chalcogenide glass waveguide is presented. A fully fiberized femtosecond fiber laser, centered at 1.96 µm and emitting 246 fs pulses at a 50 MHz repetition rate, is utilized as the pump source, establishing a fiber‐to‐chip configuration. The waveguides are meticulously fabricated using e‐beam lithography and plasma etching, achieving high optical quality and precision in the mid‐infrared regime. Through precise geometrical dispersion engineering, a Raman soliton laser is achieved that continuously tunes from 1960 to 2145 nm within a 32.5 mm long snakelike GeSbSe strip waveguide. The threshold for pump peak power is remarkably low, at just 14.1 W (3.47 pJ). Additionally, a more than one‐octave‐spanning near to mid‐infrared supercontinuum (1320–2760 nm at 22.9 pJ), reinforced by the combined Kerr and Raman effects, is also realized, confirming the versatile performance of the proposed GeSbSe waveguide. These findings pave the way for mid‐infrared on‐chip Raman soliton lasers, highlighting their potential for power‐efficient, low‐cost, and field‐deployable on‐chip applications in the mid‐infrared regime.
When Did They Post It? How Temporal Markers Influence the Persuasiveness of Online Reviews
Authors: Hagen Linda , O'Brien Ed
Published: December 2024

Before buying a product, consumers often seek the opinions of others who have past experience with it, for example, by browsing online reviews. This research finds that the persuasive impact of such reviews depends on their temporal context: Consumers view the same review as less persuasive when tagged with proximate temporal markers (e.g., “Bought this one day ago”) versus distant temporal markers (e.g., “Bought this one year ago”). This happens because consumers infer from temporal markers that the reviewer must be (in)sufficiently experienced. These effects emerged both in the field (Experiment 1) and in controlled contexts using varied products (Experiments 2a, 2b) and across valence, such that proximate temporal markers undermined recommendations from positive reviews but also softened criticisms from negative reviews (Experiments 3, 4a,b). Accordingly, the effects were moderated by conditions that restored perceptions of the reviewer's experience in other ways beyond time (Experiments 5–7). Together, these findings highlight how consumers draw reviewer inferences from temporal markers in reviews, which bear on the review's persuasiveness. The undermining impact of proximate temporal markers may be increasingly relevant in today's online review landscape, where speedy reviews have become the expected norm. Temporal markers may wield unintended effects on review persuasion, holding the review constant.
Cerebral vascular malformations: pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: He Qiheng , Huo Ran , Sun Yingfan , Zheng Zhiyao , Xu Hongyuan , Zhao Shaozhi , Ni Yang , Yu Qifeng , Jiao Yuming , Zhang Wenqian , Zhao Jizong , Cao Yong
Published: December 2024

Cerebral vascular malformations (CVMs), particularly cerebral cavernous malformations and cerebral arteriovenous malformations, pose significant neurological challenges due to their complex etiologies and clinical implications. Traditionally viewed as congenital conditions with structural abnormalities, CVMs have been treated primarily through resection, embolization, and stereotactic radiosurgery. While these approaches offer some efficacy, they often pose risks to neurological integrity due to their invasive nature. Advances in next‐generation sequencing, particularly high‐depth whole‐exome sequencing and bioinformatics, have facilitated the identification of gene variants from neurosurgically resected CVMs samples. These advancements have deepened our understanding of CVM pathogenesis. Somatic mutations in key mechanistic pathways have been identified as causative factors, leading to a paradigm shift in CVM treatment. Additionally, recent progress in noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques, including gene imaging genomics, liquid biopsy, or endovascular biopsies (endovascular sampling of blood vessel lumens), has enabled the identification of gene variants associated with CVMs. These methods, in conjunction with clinical data, offer potential for early detection, dynamic monitoring, and targeted therapies that could be used as monotherapy or adjuncts to surgery. This review highlights advancements in CVM pathogenesis and precision therapies, outlining the future potential of precision medicine in CVM management.
Ionospheric clutter reduction for high‐frequency surface‐wave radar based on time‐frequency‐ridgelet filtering
Authors: Su Yuan , Wei Yinsheng , Xu Rongqing , Liu Yongtan
Published: December 2024

The existence of ionosphere clutter, the target limits the performance of high frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR). It is more desirable to solve the problem of ionosphere clutter mitigation. Existing methods suffer difficulty when the clutter is nonstationary. To overcome this issue, a novel ionospheric clutter mitigation algorithm based on Time‐Frequency‐Ridgelet Filtering (TFRF) is proposed in this paper. Our study shows that the time‐frequency ridgelet coefficients of the clutter are nonstationary, whereas the targets' are stationary. Therefore, the ionosphere clutter can be reduced by the TFRF method. Experimental results show that the proposed TFRF method can effectively mitigate the nonstationary ionospheric clutter, and can improve the Signal to Clutter and Noise Ratio and the detection performance of HFSWR.
A flexible framework for the design and optimization of water‐excitation RF pulses using B‐spline interpolation
Authors: Sieber Xavier , Romanin Ludovica , Bastiaansen Jessica A. M. , Roy Christopher W. , Yerly Jérôme , Wenz Daniel , Richiardi Jonas , Stuber Matthias , van Heeswijk Ruud B.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To implement a flexible framework, named HydrOptiFrame, for the design and optimization of time‐efficient water‐excitation (WE) RF pulses using B‐spline interpolation, and to characterize their lipid suppression performance.

Methods

An evolutionary optimization algorithm was used to design WE RF pulses. The algorithm minimizes a composite loss function that quantifies the fat–water contrast using Bloch equation simulations. In a first study, B‐spline interpolated optimized (BSIO) pulses designed with HydrOptiFrame with durations of 1 and 0.76 ms were generated for 3 T and characterized in healthy volunteers' knees. The femoral bone marrow SNR was compared to that obtained with to 1–1 WE and lipid insensitive binomial off resonant excitation (LIBRE) pulses. In a second study, in the heart at 1.5 T, the water–fat contrast ratio and coronary artery vessel length obtained with a 2.56 ms BSIO pulse was compared to 1–1 WE and LIBRE pulses in free‐running cardiovascular MR.

Results

The 1 ms BSIO pulse resulted in higher fat suppression and lower contrast ratio (CR) in the bone marrow than the state‐of‐the‐art pulses (4.1 ± 0.2 vs. 4.7 ± 0.4 and 4.4 ± 0.3 for the BSIO, the 1–1 WE and LIBRE respectively, p < 0.05 vs. both) at 3 T. At 1.5 T, the BSIO pulse resulted in a higher blood‐epicardial fat CR (3.8 ± 1.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6 and 2.4 ± 1.1 for the BSIO, 1–1 WE and LIBRE, respectively, p < 0.05 vs. both) and longer traceable left coronary artery vessel length (8.7 ± 1.4 cm vs. 7.0 ± 1.0 cm [p = 0.04] and 7.5 ± 1.2 cm [p = 0.09]).

Conclusion

The HydrOptiFrame framework offers a new opportunity to design WE RF pulses that are robust to B0 inhomogeneity at multiple magnetic field strengths and for variable RF pulse durations.
Bone Health Determinants in Ambulant Prepubertal Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treated With Deflazacort: Findings From a 3‐Year Study
Authors: Panicucci Chiara , Casalini Sara , Angelelli Alessia , Brolatti Noemi , Pedemonte Marina , Patti Giuseppa , Maghnie Mohamad , Bruno Claudio , Di Iorgi Natascia
Published: December 2024

Introduction/Aims

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is complicated by bone fragility. This study aimed to elucidate changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition over time and to explore associations with adiposity measures in DMD.

Methods

A three‐year follow‐up analysis was performed of total body (TB) and lumbar spine (LS) dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements, anthropometric measures, Tanner stage and bone turnover biomarkers assessments, and the incidence of fragility fractures in 26 ambulant prepubertal DMD patients treated with deflazacort (DFZ).

Results

Age at baseline was 7.7 years (interquartile range: 6–9.2). The TB BMD Z‐score declined over time and was negatively related to the TB fat mass percentage and fat mass index (p < 0.05), but not to body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS). In contrast LS bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) Z‐score remained stable and normal. The cumulative incidence of fragility fractures was 19.2%; DMD boys with fractures displayed a 1.5‐fold higher decline of TB BMD Z‐score/year (p < 0.05) and a worse adiposity profile compared to fracture‐free patients. No difference was found in DFZ dose or duration between the two groups.

Discussion

We observed a high incidence of fragility fractures, and identified fat tissue as a potential detrimental factor for bone health, suggesting a need for monitoring in DMD patients with excessive adiposity. Fat mass measures assessed by DXA could help to identify those at risk, enabling targeted interventions for better bone health. The co‐occurrence of multiple glucocorticoid side effects might characterize patients at higher risk of fractures.
Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence and Its Association With Neurodevelopmental Disorders Among Children in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Yoshitaka , Ikeda Hirokazu , Ono Takahiro , Oyake Chisato , Endo Shota , Onuki Yuta , Fuyama Masaki , Watanabe Tsuneki
Published: December 2024

Aim

To investigate urinary incontinence prevalence and its association with neurodevelopmental disorders among children in Japan.

Methods

A web‐based survey was conducted on children aged 5–15 years in Japan. Information on daytime and nocturnal incontinence and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability, was collected.

Results

Responses from 5186 questionnaires (2619 boys, 2517 girls) were evaluated. In total, 505 children had neurodevelopmental disorders. Furthermore, 148 children had daytime urinary incontinence. The incidence of daytime urinary incontinence did not differ significantly according to sex. Daytime urinary incontinence was associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in 33.1% of children. Moreover, 220 children had nocturnal enuresis. Boys had a significantly higher prevalence of nocturnal enuresis than girls in the overall cohort and early elementary school age group. Nocturnal enuresis was associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in 29.1% of children. Children with daytime urinary incontinence or nocturnal enuresis had a significantly higher incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions

The prevalence of concomitant daytime and nocturnal urinary incontinence and neurodevelopmental disorders in children is significant.
Trajectory Planning With A* Algorithm and Tracking With Multiple Controllers
Authors: Yiğit Sinan , Sezgin Aziz
Published: December 2024

This article consists of mathematical modelling of differential drive mobile robot (DDMR), path planning and tracking application via multiple controller usage. Robot kinematic and dynamic models were constructed and simulated in virtual 2D map environment. A* algorithm was applied to the 2D map problem to acquire optimal pathfinding, efficiency and flexibility in trajectory planning stage. After the reference trajectory is obtained by algorithm, the robot needs to be guided using control strategy that manages the speed control of electric motors. At the first part of the control problem, kinematic based backstepping control (KBBC) were used to increase the efficiency of the control system. After that Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative (PID) control strategies were applied to reduce tracking errors between reference and actual coordinate values and heading angle value. To test the robustness and efficiency of control combinations, two different simulation systems were designed using Matlab‐Simulink Software. First system was designed for the non‐disturbance condition, while the second system included disturbance torque and an additional mass applied condition. Test results showcasing the performance of the controllers are presented in the concluding section, through trajectory tracking and error comparison graphs.
Validation and Application of Functions of Future Thinking Scale in Chinese Adults
Authors: Liu Lulu , Dai Lijuan , Wang Ya
Published: December 2024

Future thinking, mentally projecting oneself into future events, scenarios, and circumstances, is common in everyday life. However, no scale has been developed to explore the functions of future thinking in China. This study aimed to validate the Chinese version of the functions of future thinking scale (FoFTS). Based on a sample of 578 Chinese residents, confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the 10‐factor structure of the Chinese version of FoFTS fit well. The reliability indexes across 10 factors were in an acceptable range. Acceptable convergent validity was reported considering its association with time perspective, future self‐continuity, emotion regulation, and intertemporal decision‐making. Additionally, the effect of age and the severity of emotional states on FoFTS were found. Overall, the Chinese FoFTS is a reliable and valid tool for examining the diverse purposes and roles of future thinking among Chinese adults, thereby enhancing the cross‐cultural study of purposes for future thinking.
Computationally aided design of single‐ion‐conducting block copolymer electrolytes to boost lithium‐ion conductivity
Authors: Song Zi‐Chen , Ma Xiao‐Juan , Huang Chong‐Yang , Xu Fei‐Xiang , Fang Shang‐Quan , Peng Ze‐Xin , Zhang Rui
Published: December 2024

In this work, we implement a combinatory approach that integrates molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and a Gaussian process regression (GPR) algorithm to explore optimal design strategies for a generic single‐ion‐conducting block copolymer electrolyte (SIC‐BCPE) model system that covers a rich design parameter space inspired by recently established poly(ethylene oxide)‐based block copolymer electrolytes. The GPR algorithm is employed to efficiently reveal the relationships between the desired lithium‐ion conductivity and four design parameters reflecting both chain architectural control and specific tuning of molecular chemistry. Guided by the GPR results, an optimal combination of four parameter values is inferred, and MD simulation confirms that the corresponding SIC‐BCPE system produces relatively higher lithium‐ion conductivity. To further understand the influence of each molecular parameter on the trends of lithium‐ion conductivity, we analyse the proportion variation of different types of lithium‐ion coordination and identify a strong correlation between the ion coordination pattern and ionic conductivity. Due to its generality, we expect that the MD‐GPR combinatory approach reported in this work is applicable to a broad range of other polymer‐based ion transport systems. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enzymatic Degradation of Poly(Butylene Adipate‐co‐Terephthalate)/Poly(Lactic Acid) Blends
Authors: Benninga Joël , Lima Guilherme Macedo R. , Érsek Gábor , Portale Giuseppe , Folkersma Rudy , Voet Vincent S. D. , Loos Katja
Published: December 2024

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is regularly blended with poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) to produce compostable plastic films used in packaging applications, for example. Since PLA and PBAT both contain ester bonds, these PBAT/PLA blends are interesting candidates for enzymatic recycling. This is a new, green recycling technique that allows the use of mild processing conditions to regenerate the pure building blocks of polymers, thereby enabling repolymerization to virgin‐quality plastic. In this work, various PBAT/PLA blends are prepared (20, 40, 60, and 80 wt% PBAT) and incubated with a cutinase enzyme from Humicola insolens (HiC). Enzymatic degradation is characterized by weight loss, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Blends rich in PBAT are effectively degraded by HiC (up to 40% weight loss after 7 days of incubation at 70°C), while PLA‐rich blends are degraded to a lesser extent. HiC is capable of degrading both polymers, although for PLA, the extent of degradation is similar to control experiments without HiC. Furthermore, in the absence of an enzyme, a “shielding” effect is found for nonenzymatic degradation, where a hydrolytically stable PBAT matrix prevents the degradation of the PLA domains. This work provides insight into the enzymatic degradation of uncompatibilized polymer blends and opens up the possibility for the enzymatic recycling of commercial PBAT/PLA blends.
Free‐Radical Polymerization of Liquid Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Layers Using Nanosecond Plasma Pulses
Authors: Azevedo Gonçalves Ingrid , Abessolo Ondo Dominique , Boscher Nicolas D. , Quintana Robert
Published: December 2024

Promoting both high functional group preservation and high deposition rates is a major challenge in plasma deposition. This study explores a dynamic method using nanosecond pulsed plasma discharges to polymerize thin liquid layers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The influence of plasma pulse frequency (200 ns) and liquid layer thickness on chemical structure retention, polymeric growth, and thin film growth rate is examined. High‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) highlights that plasma curing of liquid monomer layers achieves significantly better chemical structure preservation and polymeric growth, along with deposition rates an order of magnitude higher than traditional vapour‐phase methods. This work provides valuable insights and guidelines for plasma‐induced free‐radical polymerization of liquid layers into functional thin solid films.
Terroir and rootstock effects on leaf shape in California Central Valley vineyards
Authors: Migicovsky Zoë , Swift Joel F. , Awale Mani , Helget Zachary , Klein Laura L. , Pinkner Leah , Woodhouse Karoline , Cousins Peter , Fennell Anne Y. , Miller Allison J. , Chitwood Daniel H.
Published: December 2024

Societal Impact Statement

The innumerable effects of terroir—including climate, soil, microbial environment, biotic interactions, and cultivation practice—collectively alter plant performance and production. A more direct agricultural intervention is grafting, in which genetically distinct shoot and root genotypes are surgically combined to create a chimera that alters shoot performance at a distance. Selection of location and rootstock are intentional decisions in viticulture to positively alter production outcomes. Here, we show that terroir and rootstock alter the shapes of grapevine leaves in commercial vineyards throughout the California Central Valley, documenting the profound effects of these agricultural interventions that alter plant morphology.

Embedded in a single leaf shape are the latent signatures of genetic, developmental, and environmental effects. In viticulture, choice of location and rootstock are important decisions that affect the performance and production of the shoot. We hypothesize that these effects influence plant morphology, as reflected in leaf shape.

We sample 1879 leaves arising from scion and rootstock combinations from commercial vineyards in the Central Valley of California. Our design tests 20 pairwise contrasts between Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay scions from San Joaquin, Merced, and Madera counties from vines grafted to Teleki 5C, 1103 Paulsen, and Freedom rootstocks.

We quantify clear differences between Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay leaves. However, we also detect a separate, statistically independent source of shape variance that affects both Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay leaves similarly. We find that this other shape difference is associated with differences in rootstock and location.

The shape difference that arises from rootstock and location affects the basal part of the leaf near the petiole, known as the petiolar sinus, and affects its closure. This shape effect is independent from previously described shape differences that arise from genetic, developmental, or size effects.
Racial Disparities in Future Development of Lethal Prostate Cancer Based on Midlife Baseline Prostate‐Specific Antigen
Authors: Chiarelli Giuseppe , Davis Matthew , Stephens Alex , Finati Marco , Cirulli Giuseppe Ottone , Morrison Chase , Sood Akshay , Carrieri Giuseppe , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Lughezzani Giovanni , Buffi Nicolò , Rogers Craig , Abdollah Firas
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies found that Midlife Baseline PSA (MB PSA) predicts the risk of developing lethal prostate cancer (PCa), although the cohorts were homogenous in terms of racial compositions. We aimed to investigate racial disparities in the predictive value of MB PSA for lethal PCa in a diverse, contemporary, North American population.

Methods

Our cohort included White and Black men aged 40–59 years, who underwent MB PSA through our health system. Cumulative incidence curves depicted lethal PCa stratified by race and MB PSA above/below the median. We utilized time‐dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) to compare the performance of MB PSA in predicting lethal PCa based on race. Multivariable regression (MVA) was used to examine the impact of the MB PSA in predicting lethal PCa by race.

Results

We included 112,967 men, of whom 27% were Black. The cumulative incidence estimate with MB PSA values equal to the median at 15 years of follow‐up was 0.13 (0.04, 0.32) for White men and 0.55 (0.24, 1.11) for Black men. AUCs comparison showed no statistically significant differences in the predictive role of MB PSA for lethal PCa between White and Black men. At MVA, using White patients with PSA ≤ median as the reference group, the HR of lethal PCa for White men with PSA > median aged 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, and 55–59 was respectively 2.98 (1.59–5.57), 3.01 (1.89–4.81), 5.10 (3.38–7.70), and 3.38 (2.32–4.92). While for Black men was respectively 5.50 (2.94–10.27), 4.19 (2.59–6.78), 9.79 (6.37–15.04), and 7.53 (5.03–11.26) (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that for the same MB PSA and within the same age category, Black men have a greater risk of developing lethal PCa than White men. A separate cut‐off should be created for MB PSA, if this is to be used to guide PSA screening in clinical practice.
Caffeic acid improves biocontrol effect of Pantoea jilinensis D25 against tomato gray mold
Authors: Zheng Lining , Zheng Shuanglan , Wang Shengyi , Han Zhe , Gao Ao , Wu Xian , Pan Hongyu , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Gray mold in tomato caused by Botrytis cinerea is a destructive disease, which can be treated using biocontrol agents. Pretreatment of biocontrol strains with oxidative‐stress‐ameliorating compounds can enhance their tolerance to oxidative microenvironment in infected fruit wounds. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of caffeic acid (CA) on the biocontrol efficacy of Pantoea jilinensis D25 in gray mold in cherry tomato.

RESULTS

D25 strain pretreated with CA exhibited enhanced oxidative stress response in cherry tomato wounds. CA‐treated D25 cells recovered from cherry tomato wounds had lower ROS level and cellular oxidative damage than D25 cells not treated with CA. The antioxidation‐related genes (CAT and GPX) were upregulated and colonization ability of D25 strain was improved in cherry tomato wounds after CA application. Furthermore, the biocontrol effects of CA‐treated D25 strain were improved. CA pretreatment to D25 strain could significantly improve the expression of defense‐related genes (SlMYC‐2, SlLoxD, SlEIN2, and SlEIN3) and activity of defense‐related enzymes in cherry tomato wounds.

CONCLUSION

Application of CA to D25 strain could improve its ability to combat antioxidant stress and biocontrol efficacy against postharvest tomato gray mold. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Advancing pharmacometrics in Africa—Transition from capacity development toward job creation
Authors: Pillai Goonaseelan (Colin) , Mouksassi Samer , Asiimwe Innocent G. , Rayner Craig R. , Kern Steven , Sinxadi Phumla , Denti Paolo , Decloedt Eric , Waitt Catriona , Ogutu Bernhards R. , de Greef Rik
Published: December 2024

Trained pharmacometricians remain scarce in Africa due to limited training opportunities, lack of a pharmaceutical product development ecosystem, and emigration to high‐income countries. The Applied Pharmacometrics Training (APT) fellowship program was established to address these gaps and specifically foster job creation for talent retention. We review the APT program's progress over 3 years and encourage collaboration to enhance local clinical data analysis in Africa. Initiated in 2021 by Pharmacometrics Africa, a non‐profit educational entity, with support from partners including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Certara, the APT program targets African doctoral‐level scientists and clinicians. This 6‐month program is jointly managed by partners, with Pharmacometrics Africa handling logistics and sponsor liaison. Job creation initiatives include inviting fellows to join consulting teams or local research centers. Over the 3 year reporting period, 177 applications were received, with 27 individuals (41% female, median age 35 years) from nine African countries selected into and completing the full program. The fellows worked on 13 data analysis projects, with six so far being presented at international conferences and/or submitted for publication in peer‐reviewed journals. Nine fellows have joined consulting teams or research centers working from offices in Africa. Currently, in the 3rd year, the APT program has demonstrated success in skills development, job creation, and fostering a critical mass of African pharmacometricians. Collaboration is essential for the sustainable advancement of model‐informed drug development in Africa.
Does Removing Large Wood From Streams Reduce Large‐Magnitude Flood Risk? A Case Study From North Carolina, USA
Authors: Kurki‐Fox J. Jack , Doll Barbara A.
Published: December 2024

Large wood (LW) removal from streams is one of the most common river channel management activities and is often undertaken with little analysis of the impacts. A primary objective of LW removal is often flood risk reduction, but reports of actual flood reduction benefits have varied widely and were often anecdotal in nature. The objective of this study was to quantify the flood reduction impacts of removing LW from the stream channel. Uncalibrated two‐dimensional hydraulic models were used to simulate the impact of various levels of wood accumulation at three study sites and one‐dimensional modeling was used to conduct a sensitivity analysis of channel slope, floodplain width, and channel blockage across a range of flood‐frequency return periods. The existing accumulation resulted in very little change in upstream water surface elevations (WSE). Theoretical LW blockages were added to the model and resulted in a maximum of 0.3 m rise in upstream WSE for the most severe channel blockage scenario of 75%. Sensitivity analysis showed that the impact of LW blockage is greatest for steeper streams with narrower floodplains, although backwater conditions propagated only short distances upstream compared to streams with lower slopes. Overall, we recommend moving away from blanket removal of LW and toward limited strategic removal that will result in the desired outcomes. A strategic approach will require a comprehensive evaluation of proposed LW removal projects, including documenting flooding concerns, the channel and floodplain morphology, and adjacent infrastructure. The results of this study will help quantify the potential flood reduction of LW removal and provide guidance for when the removal of LW from rivers may or may not provide flood reduction benefits.
Identifying Critical Paths and Drivers of Carbon Emissions From Tourism: An Integrated Analysis Toward Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Tan Ting , Chen Zihan , Ma Rong , He Lamei , Zha Jianping
Published: December 2024

Given the highly fragmented structure and strong industrial linkages of the tourism industry, exploring the flow and drivers of carbon transfer is critical for sustainable tourism. This study combines the environmentally extended input–output (EEIO) model with structural decomposition analysis (SDA) and structural path analysis (SPA) to identify the key sectors, paths, and drivers of carbon emissions from tourism. Taking China as a case, the results show that: (1) China's tourism carbon emissions grew from 34.68 Mt. in 2002 to 137.87 Mt. in 2019, with road transport (22.58%), food and beverage services (21.10%), shopping (20.52%), and air transport (14.91%) constituting the primary emitters. (2) Critical supply chain path “source sector → tourism‐related sectors → final demand” spurring carbon growth of tourism primarily centers on the tourism‐related sectors associated with road transport, air transport, food and beverage services, and shopping, where the source sectors mainly come from energy and food supply, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics sectors. (3) Despite considerable sectoral and path‐level heterogeneity, the key driver for inhibiting tourism carbon emissions is direct energy intensity, while final demand remains the main obstacle to low‐carbon tourism. In addition to the limited effect of energy restructuring, the promising role of optimizing the supply of intermediate goods in cubing tourism carbon emissions is revealed. Finally, relevant theoretical and policy implications are discussed.
Sustainable Development in Africa: The Contribution of Chinese Investment and Trade to Environmental Goods
Authors: Chen Xi , Tawiah Vincent , Zakari Abdulrasheed
Published: December 2024

Drawing on green growth and technology transfer theories, this paper investigates the impact of Chinese investment and trade on the Comparative Advantage in Environmental Goods (CAEG) index in Africa, utilizing a panel data set of 30 African countries over 25 years. Employing robust econometric identification strategies, our findings reveal that Chinese investment and import significantly enhance the production and consumption of environmental goods, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Notably, the positive effects are more pronounced for direct investments compared to trade. The study also demonstrates that the endowment of natural resources amplifies the beneficial impact of Chinese investment and trade on the CAEG index, while institutional quality does not show a significant differential effect. These results are validated through the Two‐step System Generalized Method of Moments to address potential endogeneity concerns. The findings underscore the critical role of foreign investment, particularly from China, in advancing sustainable development in Africa.
Rationally Designed Binder with Polysulfide‐Affinitive Moieties and Robust Network Structures for Improved Polysulfide Trapping and Structural Stability of Sulfur Cathode
Authors: Kwon Taekyun , Guo Hengquan , Kim Ji‐Oh , Chae Seongwook , Lim Eun Young , Park Jae Bin , Lee Eunsol , Choi Inhye , Kim Byeong Jin , Lee You‐Jin , Lee Seung Geol , Lee Jin Hong
Published: December 2024

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have emerged as a promising next‐generation energy storage application owing to their high specific capacity and energy density. However, inherent insulating property of sulfur, along with its significant volume expansion during cycling, and shuttling behavior of lithium‐polysulfides (LiPSs), hinder their practical application. To overcome these issues, a crosslinked cationic waterborne polyurethane (CCWPU) is rationally designed as a binder for LSBs. The mechanical robustness of CCWPU enables it to withstand the high stress derived from volume expansion of sulfur, facilitating charge‐transferring through conserved charge‐transfer pathway and promoting interconversion of LiPSs. Additionally, polar urethane groups offer favorable interaction sites with LiPSs, mitigating shuttling behavior of LiPSs via polar‐polar interaction. Density functional theory investigations further elucidate that the incorporation of cationic moieties enhances LiPSs immobilization by confining Snx− (x = 1 or 2) in LiPSs, thereby improving sulfur utilization. Benefiting from these, the cell with CCWPU demonstrates reduced polarization, superior LiPSs conversion rates, and stable cycling performance. Moreover, water‐processable nature of CCWPU aligns with environmental consciousness. These diverse functionalities of CCWPU provide valuable insights for the development of advanced binder for LSBs, ultimately improving the electrochemical performances of LSBs.
A Prenucleation‐Stage Sample of ZnSe Assisting Lower‐Temperature Shell Growth on CdSe Magic‐Size Clusters via Monomer Addition
Authors: Wang Shasha , Wang Zhe , Xue Jiawei , Chen Xiaoqin , Luan Chaoran , Yu Kui
Published: December 2024

Surface passivation of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals is usually performed at elevated temperatures with undefined changes to core nanocrystals. Using a prenucleation‐stage sample of ZnSe‐containing clusters (prepared at 160 °C), the first surface passivation is reported at 25 °C, which transforms photoluminescent (PL)‐inactive CdSe magic‐size clusters (MSCs) to PL‐active ones. The PL‐inactive CdSe MSCs display an absorption doublet peaking at 421/450 nm. With a similar absorption doublet, the resulting PL‐active CdSe/ZnSe MSCs exhibit a sharp PL signal at 460 nm. It is argued that the Zn−Se bond formation is decoupled from the growth of the ZnSe shell, which proceeds via the addition of ZnSe monomers. The chemical transformation at room temperature implements the principle of isodesmic reactions where M−Se bonds cleaved in the reactant are similar to those formed in the product. The present study paves an avenue for surface passivation under mild conditions, providing an in‐depth understanding of the shell formation mechanism.
Anchoring group regulation in semiconductor/molecular complex hybrid photoelectrode for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Chen Xiangyan , Niu Fujun , Ma Tongxiang , Li Qingyu , Wang Shaopeng , Shen Shaohua
Published: December 2024

Rational interface engineering via regulating the anchoring groups between molecular catalysts and light‐absorbing semiconductors is essential and emergent to stabilize the semiconductor/molecular complex interaction and facilitate the photocarriers transport, thus realizing highly active and stable photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this mini review, following a showcasing of the fundamental details of hybrid PEC systems containing semiconductor photoelectrodes and molecular catalysts for water splitting, the state‐of‐the‐art progress of anchoring group regulation at semiconductor/molecular complex interface for efficient and stable PEC water splitting, as well as its effect on charge transfer kinetics, are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, potential research directions aimed at building high‐efficiency hybrid PEC water splitting systems are summarized.
Micropillars in Cell Mechanobiology: Design, Fabrication, Characterization, and Biosensing Applications
Authors: De Saram Prabuddha , Nguyen Nam‐Trung , Jamali Sina , Kashaninejad Navid
Published: December 2024

Eukaryotic cells possess the remarkable ability to sense and respond to mechanical cues from their extracellular environment, a phenomenon known as mechanobiology, which is crucial for the proper functioning of biological systems. Micropillars have emerged as a prominent tool for quantifying cellular forces and have demonstrated versatility beyond force measurement, including the modulation of the extracellular environment and the facilitation of mechano‐stimulation. In this comprehensive review, innovative strategies in micropillars’ design, fabrication, characterization, and biosensing applications are explored. The review begins with a foundational overview of micropillar‐based cell mechanobiology studies to provide a complete understanding, and then it delves into novel methodologies within each domain. The latter part of the review unveils innovative micropillars’ applications beyond mechanobiology, such as their use in enhancing biosensing surfaces and as upstream fluid manipulators for biosensors. Finally, in this review, future research directions are discussed and the current limitations of these techniques are outlined. Despite the extensive exploration of micropillar applications, a significant gap remains between research advancements and the practical implementation of micropillars in point‐of‐care diagnostics. Bridging this gap is crucial for translating laboratory innovations into real‐world medical and diagnostic tools.
Self‐healing Micro‐Supercapacitor Based on Robust Liquid Metal‐CNT‐PEDOT:PSS Film for Wireless Powering of Integrated Strain Sensor
Authors: Liang Yue , Gao Jian , Wang Qiang , Lu Nan , Zhang Yong‐Chao , Zhu Xiao‐Dong
Published: December 2024

The limited energy density of micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) and challenges in their integration significantly impede the advancement of MSCs in wearable electronic devices. Here, this work designs a robust and wrinkled liquid metal‐CNT‐PEDOT:PSS film with high capacity and self‐healing properties (defined as LM‐CNT‐PEDOT:PSS). The wrinkled structure further enhances tensile properties of LM‐CNT‐PEDOT:PSS and increases its active specific surface area per unit. Simultaneously, the incorporation of liquid metal (LM) enhances both the mechanical and healing properties of the LM‐CNT‐PEDOT:PSS electrode. The flexible and self‐healing MSC based on wrinkled LM‐CNT‐PEDOT:PSS shows a remarkable specific capacitance of 114.29 mF cm−2 and a high areal energy density of 15.47 µW h cm−2. Furthermore, the electrochemical performance of the healed MSC retained 90.01% of its initial performance, and the MSC unit can be arbitrarily integrated according to various energy and voltage requirements through the healing properties of LM‐CNT‐PEDOT:PSS, widening the range of applications in next‐generation microelectronic devices. The wrinkled LM‐CNT‐PEDOT:PSS film is utilized for the fabrication of a highly sensitive strain sensor. Simultaneously, the prepared sensor can be seamlessly integrated with wireless charging and MSC to facilitate convenient monitoring of physiological signals, thereby offering an effective solution for the advancement of wearable technology and self‐powered systems.
Interactions between 3Al2O3·2SiO2, CA2, CA6, and Molten Slags
Authors: Wei Xingwen , Volkova Olena
Published: December 2024

Herein, the interaction between the oxide substrates (mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2), calcium aluminates CaO⋅2Al2O3 (CA2) and CaO⋅6Al2O3 (CA6), and the slags with various basicities (CaO/(Al2O3 + SiO2) (1.0, 0.9, and 0.8)) and MgO (5 and 10 wt%) is investigated. The contact angle of the molten slag on oxide substrates is found to be strongly regulated by the several factors including the chemical composition of the slag, the newly formed reaction product between molten slag and substrates, and the porosity of the substrates. For the case of mullite substrate, the slags infiltrated the substrates, with various morphologies of alumina observed within the penetrated layer of the mullite. In contrast, the CA2 substrate showed less penetration compared to the other substrates. Nevertheless, the newly generated CaAl2O4 phase was detected within the pores of CA2 substrate. During the interaction of slag and CA6 substrate, the CaAl2O4 and melilite phases are identified. The presence of MgO in the slag leads to the generation of MgAl2O4 phases. The corrosion depth is found to be enhanced via basicity. Furthermore, the solidified slags with 10 wt% MgO addition are found to have noticeable porosities. The porous structure is elucidated by the decreased slag density attributed to the generation of MgAl2O4 phase.
“I shouldn't have to fumble my way around”: An investigation of the current state of TESOL teacher trainers' professional development in the United States
Authors: Kidwell Tabitha
Published: December 2024

Professionalism for language teacher trainers and teacher educators would require purposeful preparation, induction, and support to develop the knowledge base necessary to foster teachers' development. This study seeks to learn more about the current state of TESOL teacher trainers' professional development in the United States, including their preparation, expertise, and recommendations to improve the professional development of TESOL teacher trainers in the future. It found that teacher trainers in many contexts receive limited formal preparation, induction, and support. Instead, they must independently identify professional development opportunities. Perhaps due to this lack of access to formal professional training, trainers had limited awareness of the professional knowledge base of the language teacher education field. Instead, they reported relying on personal traits and hard work as they gain expertise through on‐the‐job learning. This study's implications suggest that formal preparation, induction, and support programs could help teacher trainers and educators more effectively foster the learning and development of the teachers they work with, and could strengthen the professionalism of teacher educators, trainers, and the TESOL field as a whole.
Phytocytokine genes newly discovered in Malus domestica and their regulation in response to Erwinia amylovora and acibenzolar‐S‐methyl
Authors: Guillou Marie‐Charlotte , Gaucher Matthieu , Vergne Emilie , Renou Jean‐Pierre , Brisset Marie‐Noëlle , Aubourg Sébastien
Published: December 2024

Phytocytokines belong to a category of small secreted peptides with signaling functions that play pivotal roles in diverse plant physiological processes. However, due to low levels of sequence conservation across plant species and poorly understood biological functions, the accurate detection and annotation of corresponding genes is challenging. The availability of a high‐quality apple (Malus domestica) genome has enabled the exploration of five phytocytokine gene families, selected on the basis of their altered expression profiles in response to biotic stresses. These include phytosulfokine, inflorescence deficient in abscission/‐like, pathogen‐associated molecular pattern induced secreted peptide, plant peptide containing sulfated tyrosine, and C‐terminally encoded peptide. The genes encoding the precursors of these five families of signaling peptides were identified using a customized bioinformatics protocol combining genome mining, homology searches, and peptide motif detection. Transcriptomic analyses showed that these peptides were deregulated in response to Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight in pome fruit trees, and in response to a chemical elicitor (acibenzolar‐S‐methyl). Finally, gene family evolution and the orthology relationships with Arabidopsis thaliana homologs were investigated.
Introduction to Methods for Analyzing Large Neuroimaging Datasets
Authors: Whelan Robert , Lemaître Hervé
Published: December 2024

There is a recognition in the field of neuroimaging that sample size must drastically increase to achieve adequate statistical power and reproducibility. Several large neuroimaging studies and databases, such as OpenNeuro and the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development project, have emerged, offering open access to vast amounts of data. However, there is a dearth of practical guidance for working with large neuroimaging datasets, a deficit that this book seeks to address. With the emphasis on providing hands-on instruction, chapters contain worked examples using open-access data.
Standardized Preprocessing in Neuroimaging: Enhancing Reliability and Reproducibility
Authors: Esteban Oscar
Published: December 2024

This chapter critically examines the standardization of preprocessing in neuroimaging, exploring the field’s evolution, the necessity of methodological consistency, and the future directions shaped by artificial intelligence (AI). It begins with an overview of the technical advancements and the emergence of software tools with standardized neuroimaging processes. It also emphasizes the importance of the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) and data sharing to improve reproducibility. The chapter then discusses the impact of methodological choices on research reliability, advocating for standardization to mitigate analytical variability.

The multifaceted approach to standardization is explored, including workflow architecture, quality control, and community involvement in open-source projects. Challenges such as method selection, resource optimization, and the integration of AI are addressed, highlighting the role of openly available data and the potential of AI-assisted code writing in enhancing productivity.

In conclusion, the chapter underscores NiPreps’ contribution to providing reliable and reproducible preprocessing solutions, inviting community engagement to advance neuroimaging research. The chapter envisions a collaborative and robust scientific culture in neuroimaging by promoting standardized practices.