bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postnatal chest X‐ray in children with asymptomatic congenital lung malformations
Authors: Dossche Louis W. J. , van den Aardwegh Charlotte S. , Kersten Casper M. , van Rosmalen Joost , Wijnen Rene M. H. , IJsselstijn Hanneke , Schnater J. Marco
Published: August 2024

Objective

The clinical implications of a postnatal chest X‐ray (CXR) in asymptomatic children with a prenatally diagnosed congenital lung malformation (CLM) are uncertain. We assessed the justification for the postnatal use of CXR in these children.

Methods

We included patients with CLM confirmed through chest computed tomography angiography or histopathological analysis who were asymptomatic at birth, underwent routine postnatal CXR, and participated in our standard of care prospective structured longitudinal follow‐up program. Children with major associated morbidities were excluded. Primary outcomes were the positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of CXR findings for symptom development at 4 weeks and 6 months of age. Secondarily, we sought to establish whether CXR findings were associated with undergoing additional diagnostics during the initial observational hospital stay or prolonged postnatal hospital admission.

Results

Among 121 included patients, CXR showed no abnormalities in 35 (29%), nonspecific abnormalities in 23 (19%), and probable CLM in 63 (52%). The PPV of CXR in relation to symptom development at 4 weeks and 6 months was 0.05 and 0.25, respectively. Corresponding NPVs were 0.96 and 0.91. An association was identified between CXR findings and undergoing further diagnostics during the initial observational hospital stay (p = .047). Additional diagnostic findings did not influence clinical management. CXR findings were not associated with prolonged initial hospital stay (p = .40).

Conclusion

The routine practice of postnatal CXR in asymptomatic patients with prenatally diagnosed CLM can be omitted, as CXR findings do not influence subsequent clinical management.
Basophil FceRI expression—A management tool in anti‐IgE treatment of allergic asthma
Authors: Rubak Sune Leisgaard Mørck , Bonne Nadja Lindberg , Hjerrild Britta Eilertsen , Hoffmann Hans Jürgen
Published: August 2024

Background

Immune‐based therapy targeting immunoglobulin E (IgE), anti‐IgE treatment, has emerged as an adjunct treatment for children with severe allergic asthma. After start of anti‐IgE treatment, an effect of the treatment cannot be monitored by Total‐IgE, because current methods measure both bound and free IgE molecules. Basophil activation test may be very useful for monitoring anti‐IgE treatment efficacy. The objective of this paper is to evaluate if basophil activation test is applicable in regulating the anti‐IgE treatment.

Methods

A case series of 20 children with IgE‐mediated severe allergic asthma were treated according to guidelines with anti‐IgE (Omalizumab). Blood samples were drawn for total IgE, specific IgE, number of IgE receptors (FcεRI) and basophil sensitivity were measured at baseline before anti‐IgE treatment and 4 months after initiation of anti‐IgE treatment.

Results

A total of 19 out of 20 children had statistically significant and clinically relevant effects of anti‐IgE treatment on symptom score, lung function and medication. All 20 children had a significant reduction in basophil allergen sensitivity and the number of IgE receptors (FcεRI) on blood basophils. Anti‐IgE treatment was found to be well controlled by measuring basophil allergen sensitivity and FceRI density on blood basophils.

Conclusion

This cohort study demonstrates a promising method, measuring basophil allergen sensitivity and in particular blood basophil FceRI density, concerning the monitoring of anti‐IgE treatment in different clinical situations. There are no randomized controlled trials evaluating this method in clinical settings.
Rapid modulation of electrostatic sensitivity and explosive performance by X‐ray radiation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li An , Kong Denan , Li Huanjing , Wang Xianshuang , Shan Yuheng , He Yage , Ren Yeping , Zhong Lixiang , Guo Wei , Yang Fanzhi , Zhou Yao , Xia Min , Liu Ruibin
Published: August 2024

It is highly desirable to actively modulate the explosive performance and sensitivity of traditional explosives, such as RDX (hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine), and HMX (cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine), especially to reduce their explosive power and electrostatic sensitivity. Herein, a new avenue is found to effectively modulate the explosive performance and electrostatic sensitivity by direct irradiation of high‐density X‐ray from synchrotron radiation. RDX as a kind of popular and high‐performance explosive, is chosen to demonstrate the modulated effectiveness. After X‐ray irradiation with different irradiation time, the detonation velocity (DV), detonation pressure (DP), heat of detonation (HoD), and electrostatic sensitivity of RDX are determined. Compared with the electrostatic sensitivity and explosive parameters of original high‐quality RDX, the maximum electrostatic sensitivity value is increased to 1061 mJ after irradiation, which is an enhancement ratio of 39.61 %. The lowest DV is 7.57 km/s (−14.27 %), the lowest DP is 16.23 GPa (−53.20 %), and the lowest HoD is 5.15 kJ/g (−9.65 %). These changes mainly originate from the changes in the structure and crystal structure of RDX molecules after irradiation, as evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanism of RDX modulation by X‐ray is due to denitrification, which always accompanies lots of energy releases, thus impacting the electrostatic sensitivity and explosive power of RDX. Therefore, this study not only provides a new method for reducing electrostatic sensitivity to improve the safety of storage, transportation, and application of RDX, but also holds great potential to reduce explosive performance by non‐contact means.
Improved method for prediction of detonation velocity for C−H−N−O based pure, mixed and aluminized explosives
Authors: Kumar Satveer , Mehta Devinder , Kumar Manish , Kumar Surinder , Kumar Soni Pramod
Published: August 2024

An improved method is presented for the prediction of detonation velocity of C−H−NO based pure, mixed, and aluminized explosives. The new empirical relation is based on calculated values of the heat of detonation and the number of moles of gaseous detonation products. A constant of the empirical relation has been found using regression analysis of 74 data points of pure and mixed explosives as well as 22 data points of aluminized explosives. The value of the constant is found to be 1.00 with R2 value of 0.96. Proposed empirical relation has been validated by comparing predicted values of detonation velocities with measured values for TNT, HMX/RDX‐TNT‐Al and HMX‐TNT based explosives. Experimental measurement of detonation velocity has been carried out using pin‐ionization method on cylindrical explosive charges of diameter 50 mm and height 150 mm. The predicted values of detonation velocities are in good agreement with measured values with a root mean square error of 1.28 %. The validation of the new relation has also been carried by comparing calculated values of detonation velocities using present and literature methods with reported experimental values.
Impact of definitive radiotherapy on metabolic response measured with 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET/CT in patients with intermediate‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Onal Cem , Guler Ozan C. , Torun Nese , Elmali Aysenur , Sutera Philip , Deek Matthew P. , Reyhan Mehmet , Yavuz Melek , Tran Phuoc T.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To assess the early metabolic response of the primary tumor using Gallium‐68 (68Ga)‐labeled‐prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (68Ga‐PSMA‐PET/CT), as well as the relationship between PSMA change in the primary tumor and PSA response after definitive radiotherapy (RT), either alone or in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in intermediate risk prostate cancer (IR‐PCa) patients.

Methods

The clinical data of 71 IR‐PCa patients treated with RT alone (36 patients, 50.7%) or RT and ADT (35 patients, 49.3%) were retrospectively analyzed. The difference between pre‐ and Posttreatment primary tumor PSMA expression and serum PSA values measured 4 months after completion of treatment were compared between treatment arms. Correlation between primary tumor metabolic response and serum PSA changes was analyzed.

Results

The median duration between pre‐ and Posttreatment 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET/CT for the entire patient population was 6.9 months (range, 5.6–8.4 months), and it was similar in both treatment arms. A decrease in primary tumor maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was seen in 66 patients (93.0%), with a median value of 61.2%, which is significantly lower in patients undergoing RT alone than those undergoing RT and ADT (45.1 ± 30.6% vs. 59.1 ± 24.7%; p = 0.004). The complete metabolic response rate was significantly higher in patients undergoing RT and ADT than those treated with RT alone (40% vs. 0%; p < 0.001). Although moderate and positive correlation between pretreatment SUVmax and oosttreatment SUVmax was observed, there was no significant correlation between SUV change and PSA change. For patients treated with RT and ADT, posttreatment SUVmax was significantly lower and SUV change was significantly higher in patients with PSA nadir than in those without.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results show that RT, with or without ADT, significantly reduces primary tumor SUVmax and serum PSA levels. Nonetheless, our findings indicate that early treatment response using 68Ga‐PSMA‐PET/CT is not feasible for those treated with RT alone, and it may only be useful in better distinguishing patients with and without PSA nadir for those who received both RT and ADT.
Calcium leakage involved in nematotoxic effects of the Conidiobolus obscurus CytCo protein on the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Liu Xuemeng , Liu Xiaotian , Chen Shani , Chen Ye , Su Xiu , Zhang Xinqi , Guo Kai , Zhou Xiang
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a severe invasive species, is responsible for causing widespread pine wilt disease. The CytCo protein, a pore‐forming toxin derived from Conidiobolus obscurus, exhibits nematotoxicity towards B. xylophilus.

RESULTS

Our present study reveals the expression variation of a range of gene products in B. xylophilus that respond to the effects of CytCo using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification proteomics technology. Functional enrichment analysis indicates that many differentially expressed proteins are linked to calcium signaling system, proteasome, energy production and conversion, and the determination of adult lifespan. It suggests that the dysregulation of calcium homeostasis, energy metabolism, and apoptosis contribute to the CytCo nematotoxicity. Using the calcium ion (Ca2+)‐indicator calcein, we detected changes in Ca2+ levels in B. xylophilus, with a significantly increase in fluorescence in the nematode's intestine and pseudocoelom following CytCo treatments. Meanwhile, the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays showed an enhancement of fluorescence in B. xylophilus cells, with increased CytCo concentrations.

CONCLUSION

The protein toxin CytCo triggers Ca2+ leakage, disrupts Ca2+ balance in B. xylophilus, and induces apoptosis and ROS outburst, thereby intensifying its nematotoxic effects. This finding facilitates our understanding of the modes of action of nematotoxic proteins, and contributes to the development of innovative nematode control strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Next Word: A Framework for Imagining the Benefits and Harms of Generative AI as a Resource for Learning to Write
Authors: Beck Sarah W. , Levine Sarah
Published: August 2024

In Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler (1993) wrote: “Any Change may bear seeds of benefit. Seek them out. Any Change may bear seeds of harm. Beware” (p. 116). In this paper, we apply this command to a speculative examination of the consequences of text‐based generative AI (GAI) for adolescent writers, framing this examination within a socially situated “Writers‐in‐Community” model of writing (Graham, 2018), which considers writing as both an act of individual cognition and as situated within concentric circles representing nested social, material, and cultural contexts for writing. Through the lens of this model, we discuss representations of language‐related technologies in works by several well‐known authors of 20th‐century speculative fiction and contrast these speculative scenarios with examples from our recent research into student writers' use of ChatGPT and other GAI tools. Finally, we discuss (a) the limitations of these tools as lacking the ability to set goals and use these goals to compose a written work, which is a key component of an effective writing process and (b) what would be required to supporting students to write agentively in collaboration with these tools, despite these limitations. This discussion focuses on three principles: (1) centering human writers in collaborations with GAI; (2) setting writer goals to address historical, political, institutional, and social influences; and (3) critical agency in literacy with GAI.
Is urban innovation capacity shaping new models of economic development? Evidence from the circular economy
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Chu Zhongzhu , Zhao Yuhao , Li Yiming
Published: August 2024

Circular economy (CE) theory emphasizes that following the reduction, reuse, and recycling (3R) principles can promote the practice of the CE; at the same time, innovative technologies support the feasibility of these principles. However, in academia, it remains unknown whether innovative technologies can be used to effectively implement CE theory. This study estimates the CE performance of 280 cities in China using the super‐efficiency SBM–data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and analyzes the relationship between urban innovation capability (UIC) and the CE using a two‐way fixed‐effects model. The research findings are as follows: First, UIC enhances the CE performance. Second, unlike in green finance, when inclusive finance reaches a certain threshold, the promoting effect of UIC becomes stronger. Third, UIC has both a positive direct effect (local cities) and an indirect effect (neighboring cities). Mechanism tests on improving people's livelihoods, strengthening clean energy development, optimizing industrial structure, and improving agricultural productivity can explain these two effects. Finally, compared with general innovation, the impact of green innovation capability is greater, especially when it comes to green invention innovation. In addition, an innovation‐driven CE shows significant results in terms of carbon reduction and household income. This study theoretically and empirically confirms the driving force of innovation in the CE, providing favorable policy suggestions for countries facing economic transformation, such as China.
Path‐specific causal decomposition analysis with multiple correlated mediator variables
Authors: Smith Melissa J. , McClure Leslie A. , Long D. Leann
Published: August 2024

A causal decomposition analysis allows researchers to determine whether the difference in a health outcome between two groups can be attributed to a difference in each group's distribution of one or more modifiable mediator variables. With this knowledge, researchers and policymakers can focus on designing interventions that target these mediator variables. Existing methods for causal decomposition analysis either focus on one mediator variable or assume that each mediator variable is conditionally independent given the group label and the mediator‐outcome confounders. In this article, we propose a flexible causal decomposition analysis method that can accommodate multiple correlated and interacting mediator variables, which are frequently seen in studies of health behaviors and studies of environmental pollutants. We extend a Monte Carlo‐based causal decomposition analysis method to this setting by using a multivariate mediator model that can accommodate any combination of binary and continuous mediator variables. Furthermore, we state the causal assumptions needed to identify both joint and path‐specific decomposition effects through each mediator variable. To illustrate the reduction in bias and confidence interval width of the decomposition effects under our proposed method, we perform a simulation study. We also apply our approach to examine whether differences in smoking status and dietary inflammation score explain any of the Black‐White differences in incident diabetes using data from a national cohort study.
Expanding Subcutaneous Mass on the Scalp of an Immunocompromised Woman
Authors: Rodriguez Ivan , Lam Karen , Montgomery Simone , McKenzie Shanice , Worswick Scott
Published: August 2024

Acute cutaneous presentations in immunocompromised patients demand careful and thorough evaluation. Here, we present the case of a 26-year-old female with acute myeloid leukaemia undergoing salvage chemotherapy, who developed an acutely expanding subcutaneous mass starting on the frontotemporal scalp to the angle of the jaw. Histopathologic evaluation was consistent with sclerosing fat necrosis with overlying psoriasiform spongiotic dermatitis. Tissue cultures revealed multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Given these findings, the patient was diagnosed with infectious panniculitis. This case underscores the necessity of comprehensive diagnostic approaches and multidisciplinary collaboration in managing unusual cutaneous presentations in immunocompromised individuals.
The Core‐Shell Microneedle with Probiotic Extracellular Vesicles for Infected Wound Healing and Microbial Homeostasis Restoration
Authors: Qi Fangfang , Xu Yujie , Zheng Bowen , Li Yue , Zhang Jiarui , Liu Zhen , Wang Xusheng , Zhou Zhiyang , Zeng Dongqiang , Lu Feng , Zhang Chunhua , Gan Yuyang , Hu Zhiqi , Wang Gaofeng
Published: August 2024

Wound healing is a dynamic process involving the timely transition of organized phases. However, infected wounds often experience prolonged inflammation due to microbial overload. Thus, addressing the viable treatment needs across different healing stages is a critical challenge in wound management. Herein, a novel core‐shell microneedle (CSMN) patch is designed for the sequential delivery of tannic acid‐magnesium (TA‐Mg) complexes and extracellular vesicles from Lactobacillus druckerii (LDEVs). Upon application to infected sites, CSMN@TA‐Mg/LDEV releases TA‐Mg first to counteract pathogenic overload and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), aiding the transition to proliferative phase. Subsequently, the sustained release of LDEVs enhances the activities of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, promotes vascularization, and modulates the collagen deposition. Notably, dynamic track of microbial composition demonstrates that CSMN@TA‐Mg/LDEV can both inhibit the aggressive pathogen and increase the microbial diversity at wound sites. Functional analysis further highlights the potential of CSMN@TA‐Mg/LDEV in facilitating wound healing and skin barrier restoration. Moreover, it is confirmed that CSMN@TA‐Mg/LDEV can accelerate wound closure and improve post‐recovery skin quality in the murine infected wound. Conclusively, this innovative CSMN patch offers a rapid and high‐quality alternative treatment for infected wounds and emphasizes the significance of microbial homeostasis.
Ni3C/Ni3S2 Heterojunction Electrocatalyst for Efficient Methanol Oxidation via Dual Anion Co‐modulation Strategy
Authors: Tao Jin‐Gang‐Lu , Chen Jiaxu , Zhao Bin , Feng Renfei , Shakouri Mohsen , Chen Feng
Published: August 2024

Enhancing active states on the catalyst surface by modulating the adsorption–desorption properties of reactant species is crucial to optimizing the electrocatalytic activity of transition metal‐based nanostructured materials. In this work, an efficient optimization strategy is proposed by co‐modulating the dual anions (C and S) in Ni3C/Ni3S2, the heterostructured electrocatalyst, which is prepared via a simple hot‐injection method. The presence of Ni3C/Ni3S2 heterojunctions accelerates the charge carrier transfer and promotes the generation of active sites, enabling the heterostructured electrocatalyst to achieve current densities of 10/100 mA cm−2 at 1.37 V/1.53 V. The Faradaic efficiencies for formate production coupled with hydrogen evolution approach 100%, accompanied with a stability record of 350 h. Additionally, operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), in situ Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations further demonstrate that the creation of Ni3C/Ni3S2 heterointerfaces originating from dual anions’ (C and S) differentiation is effective in adjusting the d‐band center of active Ni atoms, promoting the generation of active sites, as well as optimizing the adsorption and desorption of reaction intermediates. This dual anions co‐modulation strategy to stable heterostructure provides a general route for constructing high‐performance transition metal‐based electrocatalysts.
Progress and Challenges of Monometallic Titanium Coordination Polymers
Authors: Du Yafei , Yan Qingqing , Wang Sujing
Published: August 2024

The realm of titanium coordination polymer research is still in its nascent stages and presents a formidable challenge in the field of coordination chemistry. In recent decades, the focus has predominantly been on manipulating titanium reactions in solution, resulting in the synthesis of ≈60 targeted compounds. Despite the limited number of documented instances, these materials showcase a diverse array of structures, encompassing 1D chains, 2D layers, and 3D frameworks. This suggests potential for fine‐tuning coordination modes and structural features in future investigations. Moreover, titanium coordination polymers not only exhibit photo‐active and photo‐responsive properties but also hold promise for various other significant applications. This article offers an exhaustive review tracing the evolution of titanium coordination polymer development while providing an update on recent advancements. The review encompasses a synopsis of reported synthetic strategies, methodologies, structural diversity, and associated applications. Additionally, it delves into critical issues that necessitate attention for future progressions and proposes potential avenues to effectively propel this research field forward at an accelerated pace.
Enhancing Localized Electron Density over Pd1.4Cu Decorated Oxygen Defective TiO2‐x Nanoarray for Electrocatalytic Nitrite Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Tong Jiaxin , Tan Pengfei , Zhai Huanhuan , Lu Kuan , Lu Man , Tang Yu‐Feng , Liu Min , Liao Hanxiao , Xie Jianping , Pan Jun
Published: August 2024

Electrocatalytic nitrite (NO2−) reduction to ammonia (NH3) is a promising method for reducing pollution and aiding industrial production. However, progress is limited by the lack of efficient selective catalysts and ambiguous catalytic mechanisms. This study explores the loading of PdCu alloy onto oxygen defective TiO2‐x, resulting in a significant increase in NH3 yield (from 70.6 to 366.4 µmol cm−2 h−1 at −0.6 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode) by modulating localized electron density. In situ and operando studies illustrate that the reduction of NO2− to NH3 involves gradual deoxygenation and hydrogenation. The process also demonstrated excellent selectivity and stability, with long‐term durability in cycling and 50 h stability tests. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate that the introduction of PdCu alloys further amplified electron density at oxygen vacancies (Ovs). Additionally, the Ti─O bond is strengthened as the d‐band center of the Ti 3d rising after PdCu loading, facilitating the adsorption and activation of *NO2. Moreover, the presence of Ovs and PdCu alloy lowers the energy barriers for deoxygenation and hydrogenation, leading to high yield and selectivity of NH3. This insight of controlling localized electron density offers valuable insights for advancing sustainable NH3 synthesis methods.
Graphene‐Infused Sustainable Rubber‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator For Real‐Time Human Motion Monitoring
Authors: Sharma Simran , Thapa Ankur , Pramanik Subhamay , Sengupta Chandan , Mondal Titash
Published: August 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) are promising alternatives for clean energy harvesting. However, the material utilization in the development of TENG relies majorly on polymers derived from non‐renewable resources. Therefore, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with such TENG development demands a shift toward usage of sustainable materials. This study pioneers using natural rubber (NR) as a sustainable alternative in TENG development. Infusing graphene in NR, its dielectric constant and tribonegativity are optimized, yielding a remarkable enhancement. The optimized sample exhibits a dielectric constant of 411 (at 103 Hz) and a contact potential difference (CPD) value of 1.85 V. In contrast, the pristine NR sample showed values of 6 and 3.06 V for the dielectric constant and CPD. Simulation and experimental studies fine‐tune the TENG's performance, demonstrating excellent agreement between theoretical predictions and practical studies. Sensors developed via stencil printing technique possess a remarkably low layer thickness of 270 µm, and boast a power density of 420 mW m−2, a staggering 250% increase over conventional NR. Moreover, the material is pressure sensitive, enabling precise real‐time human motion detection, including finger contact, finger bending, neck bending, and arm bending. This versatile sensor offers wireless monitoring, empowering healthcare monitoring based on the Internet of Things.
Synergistic Modulation of π–π* and n–π* Transitions by In Situ Phenol‐Like Structure Integration for Efficiently Wide‐Spectrum Hydrogen Production of Ultrathin Carbon Nitride
Authors: Li Jinqiao , Chen Lizheng , Chu Xuefeng , Ba Kaikai , Xie Tengfeng , Yan Wenfu , Liu Gang
Published: August 2024

2D carbon nitride nanosheets, exemplified by g‐C3N4, offers significant structural benefits and enhanced photocatalytic activity. Nonetheless, the quantum confinement effect prevalent in nanoscale photocatalysts would result in an enlarged bandgap, potentially restricting the spectral absorption range and impeding improvements in photocatalytic efficiency. Here, a high‐performance 2D photocatalyst with an extended spectral response is achieved by incorporating a novel phenol‐like structure into the conjugated framework of ultrathin g‐C3N4 nanosheet. This novel strategy features targeted pyrimidine doping to create a conjugated carbon zone in heptazine structure, offering a thermodynamically favorable pathway for hydroxyl functionalization during the annealing exfoliation process. Consequently, the π–π* transition energy in the material is significantly decreased, and the active lone pair electrons in phenol‐like structure induces a new n–π* transition with notably enhanced absorption from 500 to 650 nm. The optimized material shows a dramatic enhancement in photocatalytic activity, achieving ≈72 times than the activity of bulk g‐C3N4, and demonstrating a measurable H2 production rate of 6.57 µmol g−1 h−1 under 650 nm light. This study represents a significant step forward in the strategic design of 2D photocatalysts, with tailored electronic structures that significantly boost light absorption and photocatalytic efficiency.
Ag20 Nanoclusters with Surface Azides as an Easily Functionalized Platform for Diverse Chemical Applications
Authors: Stöckli Alexander H. , de Jong Johanna A. , Vega Verduga Carolina , Vogeler Nils H. , Hesari Mahdi , Boyle Paul D. , Corrigan John F. , Workentin Mark S.
Published: August 2024

Modifying atomically precise nanocluster surfaces while maintaining the cluster core remains a key challenge. Herein, the synthesis, structure, and properties of two targeted Ag20 nanoclusters (NCs) with eight surface azide moieties, [CO3@Ag20(StBu)10(m‐N3‐C6H4COO)8(DMF)4] (1‐m) and [CO3@Ag20(StBu)10(p‐N3‐C6H4COO)8(DMF)4] (1‐p) are reported, where DMF is N,N‐dimethylformamide. These AgNCs are designed to undergo cluster surface strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CS‐SPAAC) reactions, introducing new functionality to the cluster surface. Reactivity is screened using model strained cyclooctynes. Reaction products and parent clusters are characterized by UV–vis, FT‐IR, and NMR spectroscopies. The structure of the parent clusters and presence of surface azides is confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis. Clusters 1‐m and 1‐p are found to be amenable to CS‐SPAAC reactions with retention of the NC frameworks, opening new routes for efficient modification of AgNC for applications.
Design standards for high‐performance liquid‐solid tubular triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Yudong , Ge Ying , Cao Xia , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: August 2024

Liquid‐solid tubular triboelectric nanogenerators (LST‐TENGs) hold significant promise for environmental mechanical energy harvesting due to advantages such as low wear, long service life and simple fabrication. However, the lack of unified standards and norms of design leads the output performance still being lower than that of traditional solid‐solid TENGs. In this study, we first report a comprehensive set of standards for designing high‐performance LST‐TENGs based on several of the most critical factors, including the selection of triboelectric materials, the choice of motion modes, and the determination of structural parameters. Guided by the designing standards, the charge generation capability of LST‐TENGs is optimized and enhanced by over 100‐fold. The transferred charge can reach up to 3.4 μC, which is a new record for all kinds of LST‐TENGs. Notably, the practical application potential of design standards has been demonstrated in the actual harvesting of wave energy. This study establishes a fundamental design standard for designing high‐performance LST‐TENGs and holds excellent potential to accelerate the industrialization of TENGs.
Recent Advances in 1D Nanostructure Assembly and Direct Integration Methods for Device Applications
Authors: Cho Incheol , Ko Jiwoo , Henriquez Dionisio Del Orbe , Yang Daejong , Park Inkyu
Published: August 2024

In recent years, 1D nanostructure‐based devices have achieved widespread usage in various fields, such as sensors, energy harvesters, transistors, and electrodes owing to their exceptional and distinct properties. The pioneering work of Dr. R. S. Wagner at Bell Laboratories in 1964 introduced the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) process, a powerful synthesis method. Since then, numerous synthesis techniques, including sol–gel, hydrothermal, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and more, have been developed. These methods have enabled researchers to effectively control the shape (length and diameter) and material properties of nanowires. However, it was only about two decades ago that nanowires started to be widely utilized as key components in functional devices, primarily due to the lack of proper integration methods. Although dozens of integration techniques have been developed, none have emerged as a predominant choice, with each method presenting its own set of advantages and limitations. Therefore, this work aims to categorize these methods based on their working principles and provide a comprehensive summary of their pros and cons. Additionally, state‐of‐the‐art devices that capitalize on the integration of 1D nanomaterials are introduced.
O‐Targeted Carbon Hybrid Orbital Conversion to Produce sp2‐Rich Closed Pores for Sodium‐Storage Hard Carbon
Authors: Qian Yong , Tian Jinwei , Pan Lingbo , Lin Ning
Published: August 2024

Biomass‐based hard carbon has the advantages of a balanced cost and electrochemical performance, making it the most promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries. However, due to the structural limitations of biomass (such as macropores and impurities), it still faces the problems of low specific capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Herein, an integrated strategy of biomass liquefaction and oxidation treatment is proposed to fabricate hard carbon with low ash content and sp2‐rich closed pores. Specifically, liquefaction treatment can break through the inherent constraints of biomass, while oxidation treatment with O‐targeted effect can directionally convert C─C/C─O bonds into C═O/O═C─O bonds, which would promote the formation of closed pores and the rearrangement into sp2‐carbon within the graphene layer. Moreover, it is well demonstrated that the hard carbon interface rich in sp2 hybridization can induce the generation of an inorganic‐rich solid electrolyte interface, contributing to fast ion migration and excellent interfacial stability. As a result, the optimized hard carbon with maximum closed pore volume and sp2/sp3 ratio can exhibit a high capacity of 347.3 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 with the ICE of 90.5%, and a capacity of 110.4 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1 after 10 000 cycles.
Does political conflict hurt immigration? Evidence from the South Korea–China THAAD dispute
Authors: Kim Hyoungchul , Lee Jongkwan
Published: August 2024

We estimate the impact of political conflict on immigration using economic sanctions imposed by China on South Korea as a natural experiment. Due to the deployment of the Terminal High‐Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea in 2016 (in cooperation with the United States), China started a series of retaliatory actions that could potentially hurt immigration by increasing anti‐immigrant sentiment among Koreans. We use the synthetic control method and find no evidence suggesting a significant decline in the number of Chinese immigrants in South Korea. To explore the mechanism of this null effect, we also examine the impact of the dispute on attitudes toward China among Koreans and experiences of discrimination among Chinese people in South Korea. While negative perceptions of China greatly increased, experiences of discrimination did not increase. Taken together, this suggests that negative views of a country do not necessarily lead to a decrease in immigration from that country.
A novel time‐varying coefficient Poisson difference model driven by observation
Authors: Liu Ye , Wang Dehui
Published: August 2024

This paper studies a novel time‐varying coefficient integer‐valued time series model driven by observation. The model is suitable for modeling negative integer‐valued time series based on the Poisson difference distribution and extended binomial thinning operator. Main methods used to estimate the parameters are the conditional least squares (CLS) and conditional maximum likelihood (CML) methods. This paper also discusses the consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimation results. Likelihood ratio tests are employed to examine the existence of covariate and observation. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the accuracy and stability of the model. Finally, a real data application is presented to demonstrate the usefulness and adaptability of this newly proposed model.
Shear and interface shear fatigue of semi‐precast slabs with lattice girders under cyclic loading
Authors: Hillebrand Matthias , Sinning Annkathrin , Hegger Josef
Published: August 2024

More and more often, semi‐precast reinforced concrete slabs with lattice girders are employed for industrial buildings or bridges, where they are exposed to high cycle fatigue loading. Despite research in recent years that has led to the formulation of an S–N curve for lattice girders, the effects of cyclic loading on semi‐precast slabs have not yet been sufficiently clarified. Moreover, research has so far been limited to single‐span slabs. The effects of continuous slab systems, which are mainly realized in buildings and bridges, cannot be considered in the calculation of fatigue resistance yet. To improve the fatigue design concept for shear and interface shear, theoretical and experimental investigations were conducted at the Institute of Structural Concrete, RWTH Aachen University. In addition to the fatigue behavior of 16 tests under cyclic loading, particular attention is paid to the increase in shear and interface shear resistance at the inner support of continuous slabs. Furthermore, the influences of the support detailing were investigated. The findings illustrate further potential for optimization of the design under cyclic loading.
Investigation the behavior of LWAC encased steel columns after exposure to elevated temperature
Authors: Al‐Talqani Noor Al‐Huda , Al‐Thairy Haitham
Published: August 2024

This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations on the behavior of eccentrically loaded lightweight aggregate concrete encased steel (LWACES) columns after exposing to elevated temperatures. Sixteen concrete encased steel (CES) columns were considered in the study, 12 of which were exposed to elevated temperature then eccentrically loaded up to failure at different eccentricity ratios. The effect of temperature on the load–displacement relationships, failure load, and failure modes of the concrete encased steel (CES) columns was monitored and evaluated. Experimental results have shown that as the temperature increases, the load bearing capacity of the CES columns decreased. It has also been showed that, at high temperature, the normal‐weight concrete encased steel (NWCES) columns experienced larger degradation of the load bearing capacity compared to that of LWACES columns. Also, this study presents a numerical simulation of the behavior of LWACES columns at elevated temperatures with eccentric compressive load. The numerical model was implemented in conducting parametric study to understand the effect of temperature distribution, concrete cover, eccentricity ratio, and high temperature levels on the behavior of the thermally exposed (CES) columns. Numerical results have revealed that, at temperature value of 500°C, the ultimate capacity of LWACES with eccentricity ratios of 0.75, and 1 has decreased by 17%, and 23%, respectively, compared to that of the column with eccentricity ratio of 0.5.
Enhanced IGF‐IIRα Expression Exacerbates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Cardiac Inflammation, Hypertrophy, and Apoptosis Through Calcineurin Activation
Authors: Boonha Khwanchit , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Tsai Bruce Chi‐Kang , Hsieh Dennis Jine‐Yuan , Lin Kuan‐Ho , Lu Shang‐Yeh , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Yang Liang‐Yo , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: August 2024

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and has a high prevalence. Insulin‐like growth factor‐II receptor α (IGF‐IIRα) acts as a stress‐inducible negative regulator. This study focused on the substantial impact of heightened expression of IGF‐IIRα in cardiac myoblasts and its association with the exacerbation of cardiac dysfunction. Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced H9c2 cardiac myoblasts as a model for sepsis, we aimed to elucidate the molecular interactions between IGF‐IIRα and LPS in exacerbating cardiac injury. Our findings demonstrated a synergistic induction of cardiac inflammation and hypertrophy by LPS stimulation and IGF‐IIRα overexpression, leading to decreased cell survival. Excessive calcineurin activity, triggered by this combined condition, was identified as a key factor exacerbating the negative effects on cell survival. Cellular changes such as cell enlargement, disrupted actin filaments, and upregulation of hypertrophy‐related and inflammation‐related proteins contributed to the overall hypertrophic and inflammatory responses. Overexpression of IGF‐IIRα also exacerbated apoptosis induced by LPS in H9c2 cardiac myoblasts. Inhibiting calcineurin in LPS‐treated H9c2 cardiac myoblasts with IGF‐IIRα overexpression effectively reversed the detrimental effects, reducing cell damage and mitigating apoptosis‐related cardiac mechanisms. Our study suggests that under sepsis‐like conditions in the heart with IGF‐IIRα overexpression, hyperactivation of calcineurin worsens cardiac damage. Suppressing IGF‐IIRα and calcineurin expression could be a potential intervention to alleviate the impact of the illness and improve cardiac function.
Hepatitis C is now curable: can we eliminate it for good?
Authors: Gasson Julia
Published: August 2024

Most people with chronic hepatitis C have no symptoms and are unaware that they have the disease. Men are at higher risk of hepatitis C and more likely to have faster progression to complications. Due to significant improvements in treatment, the disease can effectively be eliminated. This article highlights the importance of the Hepatitis C Elimination Programme in achieving this goal.
Developmental three‐dimensional examination of the pelvic cavity of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses (Ovis aries) in the last two periods of gestation
Authors: İşbilir Fatma , Güzel Barış Can
Published: August 2024

Background

Türkiye is a country in the world ranking in terms of sheep breeding. Hamdani crossbred sheep breed is one of the sheep breeds that can adapt to the difficult conditions in our country. In addition, the sentence may be corrected as ‘Especially in the southeastern part of the Türkiye, crossbreeding is preferred by breeders to increase the yield characteristics of sheep’.

Objectives

In our study, it was aimed to perform a pelvimetric analysis of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses in the second and third trimesters by three‐dimensional modelling method.

Methods

For this purpose, a total of 40 second‐trimester (10 females, 10 males) and third‐trimester (10 females, 10 males) fetuses were used. The pelvises of the fetuses were imaged with CT and 3D models were created. Sixteen pelvimetric measurements were performed from the models. The results obtained were evaluated statistically.

Results

The study found statistically significant differences between male and female fetuses in terms of vertical diameter (VD) and foramen obturatum width (FOW) measurement parameters in the second trimester. In the third trimester, there were statistically significant differences between genders in acetabulum (AC) (p < 0.01), medial ischial tuberosities (MIT), and ischiatic arch (IA) (p < 0.05) parameters. As a result of the correlation analysis, it was determined that the pelvis length (PL) measurement parameter was positively correlated with different parameters in varying degrees in both periods, while the IA parameter did not show significant correlations with the other parameter in the last two periods of pregnancy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the data obtained will be useful in pelvimetric evaluations of human and animal fetuses, anatomy education, zooarchaeology and taxonomy studies.
Landscape genetics of spruce grouse at the trailing edge of the boreal forest
Authors: Aylward Cody M. , Roy Charlotte L.
Published: August 2024

Populations on the periphery of a species range generally occupy marginal or less continuous habitat and can have greater extinction risk than populations in the range‐center. For climate‐sensitive populations on the trailing edge of a species' distribution (i.e. low latitude or low elevation), the effects of climate change are expected to compound these threats, increasing the vulnerability of these populations. The spruce grouse Canachites canadensis is a boreal forest specialist that is expected to experience range contraction at the trailing edge of its range due to climate change. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure, genetic diversity, and connectivity of spruce grouse in Minnesota, along the southeastern range limit in the United States. Clustering algorithms and genetic diversity indices suggested a single continuous population occurred throughout northern Minnesota. We detected no signatures of recent inbreeding or population bottlenecks. We used maximum likelihood population effects modeling and identified coniferous forest land cover and lower average spring temperatures as predictors of gene flow. We used two approaches based on circuit theory to map the potential for gene flow and identified regions of consistently high gene flow in the northwest and northeast of the study area. Omniscape, which incorporated additional parameters representing the likely origins of dispersers and the maximum dispersal distance, suggested a more continuous gene flow landscape than did Circuitscape. Our work highlights the current genetic integrity of one of the largest populations of the eastern subspecies of spruce grouse C. c. canadensis in the United States, identifies key landscape attributes for functional connectivity, and demonstrates complementary approaches of Circuitscape and Omniscape for gene flow mapping.
Polymer–drug and polymer–protein conjugated nanocarriers: Design, drug delivery, imaging, therapy, and clinical applications
Authors: Guo Haochen , Mi Peng
Published: August 2024

Polymer–drug conjugates and polymer–protein conjugates have been pivotal in the realm of drug delivery systems for over half a century. These polymeric drugs are characterized by the conjugation of therapeutic molecules or functional moieties to polymers, enabling a range of benefits including extended circulation times, targeted delivery, controlled release, and decreased immunogenicity. This review delves into recent advancements and challenges in the clinical translations and preclinical studies of polymer–drug conjugates and polymer–protein conjugates. The design principles and functionalization strategies crucial for the development of these polymeric drugs were explored followed by the review of structural properties and characteristics of various polymer carriers. This review also identifies significant obstacles in the clinical translation of polymer–drug conjugates and provides insights into the directions for their future development.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Final state rescattering effects in axio-hadronic η and η′ decays
Authors: Alves Daniele S. M. , Gonzàlez-Solís Sergi
Published: August 2024

Abstract

It has been long-understood that final state rescattering effects provide $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1) corrections to hadronic meson decays rates, such as η → πππ and η′ → ηππ. Hence, one would expect that such effects would be just as important in axio-hadronic η and η′ decays, such as η(′) → ππa, where a is an axion or axion-like particle (ALP). And indeed they are, as we show in this paper by using the treatment of dispersion relations to include the effects of strong final state interactions in several axio-hadronic processes, namely, η(′) → π0π0a, η(′) → π+π−a, and η′ → ηπ0a. We also compute the perturbative, leading order decay rates for multiple ALP emission, such as in η(′) → π0aa, η′ → ηaa and η(′) → aaa, and briefly discuss the expected corrections from strong interactions and the processes that must be considered for an accurate rate estimation of these multi-ALP decay channels.
Finiteness theorems and counting conjectures for the flux landscape
Authors: Grimm Thomas W. , Monnee Jeroen
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the string theory landscape obtained from type IIB and F-theory flux compactifications. We first give a comprehensive introduction to a number of mathematical finiteness theorems, indicate how they have been obtained, and clarify their implications for the structure of the locus of flux vacua. Subsequently, in order to address finer details of the locus of flux vacua, we propose three mathematically precise conjectures on the expected number of connected components, geometric complexity, and dimensionality of the vacuum locus. With the recent breakthroughs on the tameness of Hodge theory, we believe that they are attainable to rigorous mathematical tools and can be successfully addressed in the near future. The remainder of the paper is concerned with more technical aspects of the finiteness theorems. In particular, we investigate their local implications and explain how infinite tails of disconnected vacua approaching the boundaries of the moduli space are forbidden. To make this precise, we present new results on asymptotic expansions of Hodge inner products near arbitrary boundaries of the complex structure moduli space.