bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restrictive Heterointerfacial Delamination in Flexible Perovskite Photovoltaics Using a Bifacial Linker
Authors: Zhu Xuejie , Li Yixuan , Li Qiao‐Zhi , Wang Nan , Yang Shaoan , Gao Xingfa , Zhang Lu , Wang Peijun , Liang Zihui , Li Jiaxi , Wang Kai , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yang Dong
Published: February 2025

Flexible perovskite solar cells offer significant potential for portable electronics due to their exceptional power density. However, the commercialization of these devices is hampered by challenges related to mechanical flexibility, primarily due to inadequate adhesion between the perovskite absorber layer and the flexible substrate. Herein, this delamination issue is addressed by employing a bifacial linker, potassium benzyl(trifluoro)borate (BnBF3K), to enhance adhesion at the SnO2/perovskite interface. This approach not only improves the mechanical stability of flexible perovskite devices but also reduces buried surface defects and optimizes energy level alignment. Consequently, a record efficiency of 21.82% (certified at 21.39%) is achieved for a flexible perovskite solar module with an area of 12.80 cm2 and a high efficiency of 24.15% for a flexible perovskite solar cell. Furthermore, the flexible modules exhibit outstanding mechanical flexibility, retaining 96.56% of their initial efficiency after 6000 bending cycles, demonstrating their suitability for various practical applications.
2D Biomimetic Membranes Constructed by Charge Assembly and Hydrogen Bonding for Precise Ion Separation
Authors: Lv Zixiao , Li Haidong , Wen Chuanxi , Tian Longlong , Chen XiMeng , Wu Wangsuo , Li Zhan
Published: February 2025

Designing well‐ordered, multifunctional layered membranes with high selectivity and long‐term stability remains a significant challenge. Here, a simple strategy is introduced that utilizes charge repulsion between graphene oxide (GO) and engineered bacteria to induce liquid crystal formation, enabling their layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly on a polyethersulfone membrane. The interlayer pressure flattens the bacteria, removing interlayer water and forming a densely packed structure. This compression decreases the spacing between functional groups, leading to a robust hydrogen bonding network and a significant enhancement in mechanical properties (12.42 times tensile strength increase). Notably, the pressure preserves the activity of the super uranyl‐binding protein of engineered bacteria, which selectively coordinates with uranyl (UO22+) through high‐affinity coordination bonds, enabling recognition and sieving of target ions. The membrane demonstrates near 100% rejection of UO22+, K/U, and V/U selectivity of ≈140 and ≈40, respectively, while maintaining long‐term stability. This strategy provides a versatile platform for the precise design of high‐performance membranes, advancing the field of molecular transport in energy and environmental applications.
Cd Single Atom as an Electron Mediator in an S‐Scheme Heterojunction for Artificial Photosynthesis of H2O2
Authors: Ruan Xiaowen , Xu Minghua , Ding Chunsheng , Leng Jing , Fang Guozhen , Meng Depeng , Zhang Wei , Jiang Zhifeng , Ravi Sai Kishore , Cui Xiaoqiang , Yu Jiaguo
Published: February 2025

Developing conductor‐mediated S‐scheme heterojunction photocatalysts imitating natural photosynthetic systems emerges as a promising approach to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. However, achieving precise coupling between two semiconductors with a charge shuttle and modulating the interfacial interactions still remain a significant bottleneck. Herein, we propose a catalyst architecture with a Cd single atom mediated S‐scheme heterojunction formed by interfacing CdS and TiO2 nanoparticles. This catalyst exhibits an H2O2 production rate as high as 60.33 µmol g−1 min−1 under UV–vis light irradiation, which is attributed to the efficient charge transport at the interface of CdS and TiO2 thanks to the Cd single atom mediated S‐scheme. In‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron spin resonance (ESR) spin‐trapping tests confirm the S‐scheme charge transfer route. Femtosecond transient absorption (fs‐TA) spectroscopy and other ex‐situ characterizations further corroborate the efficient charge transport across the catalyst interface. This work offers a new perspective on constructing single atoms mediated heterojunctions to enhance photocatalytic performance.
Recent Progress on Cerium Oxide‐Based Nanostructures for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Ray Schindra Kumar , Dahal Rabin , Ashie Moses D. , Alonzo Shanna Marie M. , KC Binod Raj , Bastakoti Bishnu Prasad
Published: February 2025

Cerium oxide (CeO2) photo/electrocatalysts for energy storage and environmental applications have attracted considerable interest because of stable crystal structure, low toxicity/cost, superior chemical stability, stable redox (Ce3+/Ce4+) pairs, abundant oxygen defects, and capablility for intense interaction with other materials. However, the wide bandgap and poor conductivity lower the CeO2 photo/electrocatalytic and energy storage performances. To overcome these limitations, various modification strategies (tuning morphology, doping or loading of metal nanoparticles, and heterostructures) have been applied for the improvement of photocatalytic (removal of organic contaminants from water/wastewater and H2 production and CO2 reduction reactions) efficiency, electrocatalytic (hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions and CO2 reduction reactions), and energy storage performances (supercapacitor) of CeO2‐based materials. Herein, the recent progress of CeO2‐based materials for electro(photo)catalysis and energy storage applications has been discussed. The challenges and possible direction of CeO2‐based materials for electro(photo)catalysis and energy storage applications have been emphasized. Furthermore, this comprehensive review is expected to advance the design of CeO2‐based materials and their applications in electro(photo)catalysis and energy.
We Are All in This Together: Narratives of a Blended Intervention to Support Well‐Being and Social Connectedness in International Students Enrolled to an Italian University
Authors: Tomaino Silvia Caterina Maria , Venier Elisabetta , Cipolletta Sabrina
Published: February 2025

Blended psychological interventions, comprising online and in‐presence activities, represent an interesting opportunity to tackle the current well‐being and mental health challenges in vulnerable populations such as international university students. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of international students enrolled at the University of Padua (Italy) who participated in an 8 week blended intervention to support their well‐being and social connectedness, comprising online and face‐to‐face activities focusing on different topics such as well‐being, social‐media usage, communication skills, challenges and resources of being an international student. A total of six participants took part in the intervention. In‐presence group sessions were audio‐recorded and thematically analysed. The results identified three overarching themes: participants' experiences and interactions in the group sessions, participants' experiences with the online self‐help materials and participants' narratives during the group sessions. The intervention allowed for the identification of international students' needs and resources, and showed the usefulness and relevance of the blended modality to support their social connectedness and well‐being, pointing out the strength of mutual support and the need for an active role of the hosting countries and universities as fundamental resources for international students. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's .
Wheat Germ Peptide Ameliorates Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Rats through Modulation of SOCS3/IRS1/AKT and Lipid Metabolism Pathways
Authors: Song Haizhao , Lu Jing , Zhang Yu , Shen Xinchun
Published: February 2025

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by impaired glucose and lipid metabolism and remains a global health challenge due to limitations in current treatments. This study evaluated the effects of wheat germ peptide (WGP) on metabolic regulation and its underlying mechanisms in a T2DM rat model induced by a high‐fat diet and streptozotocin. Post‐WGP treatment, glucose consumption, glycogen content, hexokinase (HK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities, and lipid profiles were measured. Protein expression levels of SOCS3, IRS1, phosphorylated IRS1 (p‐IRS1), Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt), GLUT2, GSK‐3β, phosphorylated GSK‐3β (p‐GSK‐3β), FOXO1, G6Pase, PEPCK, PPARα, SREBP1, ACC, phosphorylated ACC (p‐ACC), and FAS were examined via Western blot analysis. Results demonstrated that WGP treatment significantly lowered plasma glucose, insulin levels, and the HOMA‐IR index, while enhancing glucose consumption, glycogen synthesis, and activities of HK and PK. Furthermore, WGP alleviated hyperlipidemia. Western blot results showed reduced expression levels of SOCS3, FOXO1, PEPCK, G6Pase, and the p‐IRS1/IRS1 ratio, alongside increased expression of GLUT2, p‐Akt/Akt, and p‐GSK‐3β/GSK‐3β ratios. WGP also elevated PPARα and p‐ACC/ACC ratios while reducing SREBP1 and FAS expression levels. In conclusion, WGP enhances glucose metabolism via the SOCS3/IRS1/AKT signaling pathway and ameliorates hyperlipidemia by modulating lipid metabolism in diabetic rats.
Photooxygenation reactions of olefins under flow conditions: An experimental and in‐silico study
Authors: Moroni Giada , Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Ballarotto Marco , Carotti Andrea , Monbaliu Jean-Christophe M. , Gioiello Antimo
Published: February 2025

The photooxygenation reaction of olefins was investigated in LED flow reactor module from both experimental and in‐silico point of view. Initially, operating parameters potentially affecting the photoreaction efficiency, including the loading of the photosensitizer (methylene blue) (mol%), residence time and temperature were screened. The optimal conditions were then applied for the synthesis of 1,2‐dioxetanes providing a straightforward and scalable approach to important chemiluminescent molecular probes for bioanalytical and diagnostic applications. Moreover, the scope of the reaction was tested for the oxidation of diverse alkenes under Schenck ene conditions leading synthetically useful hydroperoxides. From this, a chemometric analysis was performed to propose a preliminary in‐silico model useful to both rationalize and predict the photooxygenation reaction outcome.
Experimental Validation of Numerical Simulation Model for No‐Load Hybrid Greenhouse Solar Dryer
Authors: Prakash Om , Kumar Lalan , Ahmad Asim , Irshad Kashif , Hasnain S. M. Mozammil , Giri Jayant , Paramasivam Prabhu , Zairov Rustem , Dabelo Leliso H.
Published: February 2025

This study is concerned with the development of a finite element (FE) model using COMSOL Multiphysics for hybrid greenhouse dryers in humid subtropical climate of Ranchi, under no‐load condition. The temperature and humidity distribution in the dryer was visualized using the FE model and compared against experimental data to evaluate its reliability in simulating dryer behavior. The performance evaluation conducted under no load condition showed that the efficiency of the proposed dryer was 42.35% and maximum overall convective heat transfer coefficient was 6.27 W/m2°C. The temperature inside the dryer ranged from 55°C to 80°C, while the relative humidity ranged from 37% to 45%. The developed FE model using COMSOL Multiphysics software, shows a close agreement between experimental and predicted results with a lower statistical error. Overall, this study's findings suggest that the hybrid greenhouse dryer could be a useful tool for drying crops in humid subtropical climates and the FEM could be a valuable tool for future research.
Measurement of Carbon Emission Transfer in China's Construction Industry and Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Carbon Emissions
Authors: Xiao Wenwen , Song Wenhao , Pei Xuemei , Wang Lili
Published: February 2025

The construction industry is an important material production sector in China's national economy, and the trade of goods and services between regions may lead to the transfer of carbon emissions from the construction industry. This study constructs a multiregion input–output table model containing 27 industries in 30 provinces in China from 2007 to 2017. It measures and analyzes carbon emissions and carbon transfer in China's construction industry, constructs a carbon emission transfer network for China's construction industry by combining a complex network model, and analyzes the spatial and temporal transfer structural characteristics of its network indicators. The results show that most provinces with higher carbon emissions from the construction industry are concentrated in the eastern coastal areas and regional center provinces, and in addition to the frequent carbon transfers within economically developed regions, the resource‐intensive provinces also frequently have carbon transfers with economically developed provinces. Based on the results of this study, a differentiated carbon emission reduction plan is formulated, and policy recommendations for optimizing carbon emission reduction in the construction industry in each region are proposed.
Informationen und Empfehlungen des Arbeitskreises 1.6 „Numerik in der Geotechnik“ zur Berechnung von Grundwasserströmungen und deren Auswirkung auf die Standsicherheit mit der FEM
Authors: Perau Eugen , Walter Herbert , Henke Sascha , Buscher Solveig , Heidkamp Holger , Hohberg Jörg‐Martin , Pucker Tim , Reul Oliver , Stelzer Oliver
Published: February 2025

Der Arbeitskreis 1.6 „Numerik in der Geotechnik“ der DGGT gibt in dem vorliegenden Beitrag Informationen und Empfehlungen zur Berechnung von Grundwasserströmungen und deren Auswirkungen auf die Standsicherheit mit numerischen Methoden, insbesondere mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode. Diese ergänzen die vorliegenden Gesamtempfehlungen des AK 1.6 sowie die Empfehlungen zur Berechnung der Standsicherheit mit der FEM. Es werden im vorliegenden Beitrag Grundlagen zur Berechnung gesättigter sowie teilgesättigter Grundwasserströmungen beschrieben. Dabei werden auch die zugehörigen Anfangs‐ und Randbedingungen sowie vereinfachende Berechnungsmodelle behandelt. Weiterhin werden physikalische Eigenschaften von Problemstellungen zur Einteilung in Analysetypen herangezogen, beispielsweise deren Zeitabhängigkeit und die Art der Kopplung zwischen mechanischem Verhalten des Korngefüges und der Grundwasserströmung. Abschließend werden Empfehlungen ausgesprochen, die Hilfe bei der Auswahl eines Analysetyps und zur Gestaltung der zugehörigen Berechnung bieten. Ebenso gibt es Empfehlungen, welche der zahlreichen Einflüsse aus der Grundwasserströmung auf das Ergebnis von FEM‐Berechnungen – insbesondere zur Bestimmung der Standsicherheit – berücksichtigt werden sollten. Abschließend werden Hinweise zur Prüfung der Plausibilität der Berechnungsergebnisse gegeben.
Negative Body Experience in a Clinical Sample of Mental Disorders: Associations With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Mood Disorders, and Personality Disorders
Authors: van de Kamp Minke M. , Scheffers Mia , Emck Claudia , Cuijpers Pim , Beek Peter J.
Published: February 2025

While body experience is a key focus of treatment in psychomotor therapy (PMT), research has largely overlooked this important topic. In this study we explored three domains of body experience—body satisfaction, body attitude, and interoceptive awareness—in individuals with mental disorders in a clinical sample receiving PMT. We expected these patients to have a more negative body experience than nonclinical controls, with PTSD, mood disorders, personality disorders, and sex negatively affecting all three domains of body experience. The study involved 235 participants aged 18–59 with various mental disorders that were referred to PMT between 2008 and 2017 at a mental health center in the Netherlands. They completed questionnaires on all three of the body experience domains of interest. One sample t‐tests revealed that patients had significantly greater negative body satisfaction and body attitude than nonclinical control samples obtained from the literature, with no significant difference in interoceptive awareness. Regression analyses within the patient sample revealed that female patients and patients with mood disorders or PTSD, displayed more negative body satisfaction than patients with other mental disorders. Additionally, female patients and patients with mood disorders displayed more negative body attitude. Although the total patient group and controls had comparable interoceptive awareness, only PTSD had significantly lower interoceptive awareness. Age and personality disorders did not predict differences on any domain of body experience. This research demonstrates that body experience is disturbed in patients with mental disorders who received PMT, and that there are disorder‐specific disturbances on domains of body experience domains.
Proposed Diagnostic Reference Levels for Frequently Performed Paediatric Radiographic Examinations
Authors: Doyle Edel , Dimmock Matthew R. , Lee Kam L. , Thomas Peter , Bassed Richard B.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Paediatric diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are dose levels for typical medical imaging examinations for broadly defined types of equipment with weight‐stratification preferred by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Australia has never published paediatric DRLs for general radiography. The aim of this study was to collect radiation dose metrics for commonly performed radiographic projections in children in Australia and propose weight‐based DRLs.

Methods

Ethics approval was granted to collect data, along with a waiver of consent. Radiographs were acquired in accordance with local protocols using direct digital X‐ray equipment for children who presented for routine radiographic imaging. A spreadsheet was provided to each centre to record the patient's age and weight, as well as tube voltage and current‐time product, source‐to‐image distance, use of a grid, additional filtration, automatic exposure control chamber selection and the displayed air kerma area product (KAP). Facility reference levels (FRLs) were calculated as the median for each X‐ray unit based on data submitted for a minimum of three patients. The 75th percentiles of the FRLs across nine X‐ray units from five centres were calculated as the proposed Local DRLs (LDRLs).

Results

The most commonly radiographed body parts in children were the chest, wrist, abdomen, elbow and foot. The proposed LDRLs range from 4 mGy•cm2 (oblique hand in 5–15 kg) to 884 mGy•cm2 (antero‐posterior pelvis in 50–80 kg).

Conclusion

The estimation of LDRLs for radiographs from a weight‐based patient study offers Australian reference values for guidance in the optimisation process.
Endoscopic pancreatic function test and other modalities for exocrine pancreatic disease measures
Authors: Fu Yinan , Nguyen HaiThuy N. , Ponrartana Skorn , Piester Travis L. , Trout Andrew T. , Alharbi Omar , Abu‐El‐Haija Maisam , Zheng Yuhua
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) reflects inadequate pancreatic enzyme(s) and/or bicarbonate secretion, leading to malabsorption. We aim to compare different assessment tools for exocrine pancreatic function and correlate them with the endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) as a reference standard.

Methods

Combined retrospective and prospective analysis of clinical data for children who underwent clinically indicated ePFTs. We compared ePFT against patient symptoms, laboratory results, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography with secretin 49/53 magnetic resonance imaging, among those, 35/49 with secretin enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (sMRCP), or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS 36/53) findings with the ePFT results.

Results

A total of 53 patients who underwent ePFT between September 2018 and April 2023 were included. 30 were Female (57%). Median age when ePFT was performed was 14 years (range: 4–21 years). Primary indication for ePFT: Acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis (74%), Pancreas atrophy (9%), Other (post‐ pancreatic surgery, malnutrition with low fecal elastase‐1 (FE‐1) (17%). Patients with high pancreatic enzyme activities had a higher volume of pancreatic fluid secretion on ePFT. They also had larger pancreatic anteroposterior diameter and pancreas parenchyma volume, as well as higher post‐secretin enteric fluid volume increment on sMRCP compared to those with low enzyme activities. Our findings also underscore the importance of lipase in maintaining and promoting weight gain in pediatric patients. In our patient cohort, the FE‐1 level was lower in patients with low pancreatic enzyme activities. Our study showed that steatorrhea is associated with low pancreatic enzyme activities, whereas abdominal pain and unintentional weight loss might be nonspecific to EPI. No significant correlations were observed from blood cell counts, blood electrolytes, lipase, albumin, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, serum lipids, fat‐soluble vitamins, prothrombin time, hemoglobin A1C, and EUS with pancreatic enzymes or bicarbonate concentration.

Conclusions

sMRCP is a promising noninvasive modality in assessing exocrine pancreatic function in children.
Augmented Intelligence‐Based Interference Pattern Analysis (AI‐IPA) in Concentric Needle Electromyography
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Barkhaus Paul E.
Published: February 2025

Introduction/Aims

To add objectivity to the routine needle electromyography examination, we describe an “Augmented Intelligence” based interference pattern (IP) analysis method that mimics the subjective assessment by quantifying IP fullness, discreteness, amplitude, pitch, and motor unit firing rate (FR).

Methods

IP recordings from 20 control subjects and other patients with neuropathy and myopathy were analyzed. The IP was divided into three groups: low, intermediate, and full to mimic visual appearance. Reference values (RVs) were defined for each group. “Fence” pattern was defined based on the discreteness and amplitude. Upper limit of FR was defined. Various technical artifacts were detected and excluded from analysis.

Results

In control subjects, a total of 2435 recordings from 119 commonly tested muscles were analyzed. The single set of RVs was satisfactory across the tested muscles. Amplitude increased when the pattern changed from low to full. Pitch did not correlate with fullness and its RVs were same for all groups. In patients with neuropathy, an intermediate or low pattern, high amplitude, fence pattern, low pitch, and high FR were demonstrated. In patients with myopathy, a full pattern with low amplitude and high pitch was demonstrated.

Discussion

The algorithm makes simple measurements that are readily interpreted by the electromyographer. In this respect, it augments analysis by providing quantitative data. If implemented in an “on‐line” manner, it can provide guidance to the operator without adding to the procedure time or changing the recording technique. The measurements can also be included in the report to support the study's findings.
More than food production: Assemblages of values underpinning women‐led agroecological initiatives
Authors: Vizuete Beatriz , Gross Milena , García‐Llorente Marina , Oteros‐Rozas Elisa , Martín‐López Berta
Published: February 2025

Agroecology advocates the transformation to sustainable agri‐food systems by renouncing production maximization and holistically integrating ecological and social aspects. The new peasantry fosters such sustainable agri‐food systems based on agroecological principles, driven by values of care for nature and people. In fact, values ascribed to nature can be pivotal in promoting sustainable agri‐food systems. Exploring which values, that is intrinsic, instrumental, and relational values, underpin agroecological initiatives and how they are assembled in farming practices could hold promise for moving towards agroecological transitions.

We performed semi‐structured interviews with 15 new peasantry women who were active managers of agroecological initiatives in rural areas of the Madrid region, Spain.

We found that new peasantry women expressed plural values of nature and frequently mentioned the relational values of meaningful occupation, care of nature and stewardship, and social relations.

Values were articulated in three assemblages in which the (in‐)dependency of the values differed: co‐occurrence, bundling and blending. In co‐occurrence, the values coexisted without relating to each other. In bundling, the values were linked creating a narrative but their existence does not depend on each other. In blending, the values were mutually dependent. We found that instrumental and relational values often blended.

We conclude that the plural and assembled appearance of values align with agroecological principles, being key to achieving bottom‐up agroecological transitions that care and have a sense of duty for biodiversity and fellow humans.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Challenges and opportunities for embedding social science in pesticide resistance research and outreach
Authors: Dentzman Katherine , Espig Martin , Graham Sonia
Published: February 2025

Pesticide resistance constitutes a growing management challenge across agricultural systems worldwide, as complex interplays between social, biophysical, and technological factors create wicked problems that resist simple solutions. Transdisciplinary approaches that bring together researchers and practitioners with diverse disciplinary repertoires have been proposed to tackle pesticide resistance but, despite increasing interest, remain sporadic and often ineffective. In many cases this is due to an insufficient involvement of social scientists, misconceptions that better management merely requires more information, and limited appreciation for the diversity of social scientific perspectives. This article addresses this dearth by synthesizing relevant scholarship to show how the social sciences can help to better understand and more effectively manage pesticide resistance. Following an overview of the main theoretical and methodological approaches employed by social scientists, we demonstrate their nuanced practical contributions in herbicide and insecticide resistance management. These cases demonstrate that the crux of pesticide resistance management is context, with no one‐size‐fits‐all solutions. Social scientists can offer a diverse range of distinct perspectives and tools to jointly develop context‐specific solutions with biophysical and applied scientists. However, effective transdisciplinarity requires early collaborative problem framing involving all disciplinary partners and meaningful ongoing engagements. The article, therefore, concludes with practical suggestions for how pest management researchers and practitioners can start to connect with social scientists to more holistically address the various aspects that make pesticide resistance management a complex wicked problem. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Differential Frequency Comparison of Conditionally and Unconditionally Spin‐Squeezed States of an Optical Lattice Clock
Authors: Yu Deshui , Xue Xiaobo , Zhang Jia , Zhang Shougang , Chen Jingbiao
Published: February 2025

Optical lattice clocks are the world's most accurate and stable timepieces. Thus far, the differential clock comparison has reached a stability limited by the quantum projection noise of uncorrelated atoms. Overcoming this limit relies on using spin squeezing, where quantum fluctuations of the collective spin undergo a strong suppression in one direction while being enhanced in the conjugation direction. The recent differential comparison of spin‐squeezed clocks mainly employs multiple atomic clouds or sub‐ensembles within one cloud, complicating the clock operation. Here, it is numerically investigated the differential comparison of conditionally and unconditionally spin‐squeezed states of one lattice‐trapped cloud of neutral atoms. The simulation results in a comparison stability of at the averaging time for atoms. The metrological gain reaches dB, primarily limited by the decoherence induced by quantum jumps of intracavity probe photons during quantum non‐demolition measurements. Besides the quantum precision enhancement, our scheme paves the way to using one spin squeezing protocol to appraise the other.
Rethinking the rollercoaster: Resilience and affect in entrepreneurship
Authors: Zettel Lauren A.
Published: February 2025

Research Summary

The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship is characterized by encounters with challenges that impede venture progress. Consequently, resilience, which is reflected in the ability to maintain functioning through such challenges, has become of particular interest to scholars. Existing research emphasizes the ability of resilient individuals to use positive emotions to overcome challenges. Yet, scholarship has largely overlooked the role of affective fluctuations in resilience processes, which is problematic for entrepreneurs facing the chahighs and lows of venturing. This daily diary study of technology entrepreneurs reveals that those who are more resilient report smaller day‐to‐day fluctuations in their affective state over the course of two working weeks. This finding suggests that theory on self‐regulation may serve as an important key in understanding the microprocesses underlying resilience.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurship is often considered an emotional rollercoaster. For this reason, many entrepreneurs are interested in understanding resilience and its role in managing the ups and downs of business venturing. This research examines the relationship between resilience and fluctuations in affect by studying entrepreneurs over the course of two working weeks, as they confront a challenge in their venture. The results show that entrepreneurs who are more resilient also report smaller changes in affect day‐to‐day. This suggests that entrepreneurs looking to enact resilience may need to turn the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship into a train ride.
Enhancing Performance of NiOx‐Based Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells: Advances in Buried Interface Material Modification Strategy
Authors: Wei Yulin , Zhang Chenyang , Wang Han , Xu Ruida , Li Jing , Fu Gongbo , Wang Kai , Xiao Mingjia
Published: February 2025

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a current research hotspot due to their advantages such as low‐temperature preparation, low hysteresis, and compatibility with stacked other cells. NiOx, as a metal oxide hole transport layer material, is widely used in inverted PSCs. However, challenges such as high defect density, low intrinsic conductivity, and unfavorable valence band mismatch at the NiOx/perovskite interface hinder further improvement of device performance. Therefore, enhancing the buried interface between NiOx and perovskite layers is crucial for optimizing performance. This review systematically categorizes materials based on their types, including organic small molecules, self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), polymers, and salts. Additionally, it incorporates other strategies, such as the introduction of low‐dimensional materials, metal doping, and advancements in NiOx deposition technology. By reviewing the materials and technologies used in the past 2 years, this article aims to provide insights for enhancing the buried interface to achieve more efficient and stable NiOx‐based PSCs. Finally, we also discuss future directions and challenges.
The duality of microchimerism and cancer in parous women: a review and evolutionary perspective
Authors: Parmeggiani Cristiano , Sallinger Katja , James Cleaves H. , Boddy Amy M.
Published: February 2025

The transfer of a small number of cells between parent and offspring during pregnancy, commonly referred to as microchimerism, is thought to occur in all human pregnancies. The impact of microchimeric cells on health outcomes in mothers and offspring with respect to cancer, remains unknown. Molecular and epidemiological studies yield conflicting results on the link between microchimerism and cancer, underscoring the complexity of this phenomenon. Further, most studies on microchimerism and cancer focus on the relationship between circulating fetal cells in parous women. Given that the cellular exchange between the mother and offspring is thought to have arisen due to the evolution of internal gestation, we provide an evolutionary perspective on how internal gestation may impact the risk of cancer in humans. We highlight the potential mechanisms that may play a role in cancer vulnerability in mammals, such as genomic conflict and placental invasion. We then review the literature to investigate the effects of microchimerism on cancer outcomes in parous women, highlighting each study's interpretation of the role microchimeric cells play in cancer development, whether it is a protective or contributing role. We conclude that our current understanding of the relationship between microchimerism and cancer is poorly understood and propose mechanisms for when we would expect to see microchimerism contribute to a role in protecting the host from cancer and when microchimerism may contribute to tumor development. Future studies, including more advanced methods to detect and identify microchimerism, will be important for elucidating the link between microchimerism and cancer initiation and progression.
Decomposing delta plots: exploring the time course of the congruency effect using inhibition and facilitation curves
Authors: Smith Parker , Ulrich Rolf
Published: February 2025

When assessing the time-course of evidence accrual in conflict tasks, delta plots are often employed to show the time course of congruency effects. However, delta plots on reaction time and response errors only capture the differences between the congruent and incongruent conditions, detailing that a pattern or shift is occurring, but not what contributes to creating these changes. To gain a clearer idea of what is causing these trends and shifts, the neutral condition can be added to conflict tasks in order to decompose the congruency effect into two components: facilitation and inhibition. Similarly, the traditional delta plot of the congruency effect can also be decomposed to capture the time-course of facilitation and inhibition in separate curves. Thus, this article endeavored to both assess the utility of inhibition and facilitation curves as a tool for parsing apart the congruency effect, and also to see how the observed patterns changed on a larger time frame. To do this, an exploratory study was conducted on three conflict task experiments (a linguistic flanker task, numeric Stroop task, and symbolic Simon task) that were run with a speed-accuracy tradeoff measure implemented as well. By observing the conflict tasks at various speed stresses, we hoped to evaluate how, or if, inhibition and facilitation change at different response thresholds. The addition of delta functions for facilitation and inhibition provided further insight into base mean RT data. The results also provided evidence for numerous assumptions regarding cognitive control, such as a dominant effect of inhibition driving most of the congruency effect.
The UBR5 protein facilitates mesangial cell hypertrophy and glycolysis induced by high glucose by increasing the phosphorylation levels of AKT
Authors: Liao Lin , Xu Qiming , Xu Jie , Chen Jie , Liu Wenrui , Chen Wenhao , Tang Yunqing , Duan Lianxiang , Guo Yue , Liu Ziyang , Tao Pengyu , Cao Yu , Lu Jianrao , Hu Jing
Published: February 2025

Aims

One of the primary pathological features in the early stages of diabetic nephropathy is mesangial cell (MC) hypertrophy in the glomerulus. Considering the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in regulating MC hypertrophy, the aim of this study was to identify the functional ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component N-recognin 5 (UBR5) during MC hypertrophy under high glucose conditions.

Methods

Human MCs (HMCs) transduced with UBR5 silencing or overexpression vector were treated with high glucose, AKT inhibitor, or glycolysis inhibitor. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, hypertrophy and glycolysis were evaluated in the HMCs after indicated treatment. m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to determine the regulation of UBR5 by Wilms tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP)/insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) induced m6A modification. Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression levels.

Results

UBR5 expression was upregulated in db/db mice and in high glucose-induced HMCs. UBR5 silencing inhibited high glucose-induced HMC cell cycle arrest, cell hypertrophy, and glycolysis. UBR5 facilitated HMC hypertrophy and glycolysis by promoting the phosphorylation levels of AKT. Additionally, the promoting effect of glycolysis on cell hypertrophy were also elucidated. Further investigation into upstream regulators revealed that WTAP promoted m6A modification of UBR5 through the m6A reader IGF2BP1.

Conclusions

Our study unveils a novel mechanism involved in high glucose-induced cell hypertrophy, offering new insights into the understanding and treatment of early pathological mechanisms in diabetic nephropathy.
Wechselwirkungen in forensischen Psychotherapien
Authors: Pilz Niko , Löffler-Stastka Henriette , Komorowski Arkadiusz
Published: February 2025

In diesem Artikel werden Erkenntnisse aus einer Pilotstudie zur ambulanten forensischen Psychotherapie beschrieben. Untersuchte Wechselwirkungen betreffen die Persönlichkeitsmerkmale der Klient:innen, die Abbruchraten, die Indikationsstellung für psychotherapeutische und psychiatrische Behandlungen sowie die Rolle der Gerichte.

Im Rahmen dieser retrospektiven Studie wurden insgesamt 210 Akten von Klient:innen mit Weisung zur Psychotherapie beim Verein für Männer- und Geschlechterthemen (VMG) einbezogen. Aus dem ursprünglichen Datensatz konnten sodann 33 Akten operationalisiert und statistisch untersucht werden.

Die wesentlichen Resultate deuten an, dass Abbruchraten mit Persönlichkeitsmerkmalen und Vorstrafen in Verbindung stehen. Zudem zeigt sich, dass für Psychotherapien im Weisungskontext der Standort des zuständigen Gerichts eine Rolle spielt. Trotz des Pilotcharakters der Studie ergeben sich Erkenntnisse hinsichtlich der Wechselwirkungen in forensischen Psychotherapien sowie Hypothesen für weiterführende Forschungsprojekte.
Potential Crawling Distance for an Invading Urban Tree Pest: Implications for Settling Decisions and Between-Tree Movement
Authors: Wright Erika R. , Long David E. , McAndrew Kristy M. , Paul Thomas G. , Sabet Afsoon , Riggins Isaac O. , Chaves Ariadna Santos , Ward Rebecca M. , Ward Samuel F.
Published: February 2025

Scale insects are prevalent urban landscape pests and are considered to move between neighboring trees via wind-aided and phoretic dispersal by cryptic, short-lived crawlers. Crawling likely plays a central role in these dispersal processes by shaping their ability to move onto phoretic hosts or to locate host plants and/or settling locations after being blown off a tree. Additionally, walking capabilities of crawlers drive on-tree movement, such as how far they disperse before settling. Here, we studied movement of the damaging, non-native crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS), Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae). We aimed to determine survival times for crawlers under starved conditions, evaluated crawler walking distances on various substrates, and combined survival times and walking distances from these experiments to simulate potential walking distances over the lifetime of the crawler stage and 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, and 72-h intervals. We found that half of the crawlers survived approximately three days, with < 25% surviving up to seven days. On different substrates, crawlers walked five times farther on average on carboard than white posterboard over 15-min periods; crawling distances did not significantly vary during 5-min trials using colored construction paper, however. Combining these results, we estimated crawlers could move a median distance of 62 m (range: 2–211 m) if they walked for the entirety of their life as a crawler. These findings provide insight into a vulnerable life stage of scale insects and suggest that crawlers blown off of trees could walk to new hosts and easily move between adjacent trees.
Behavioural Biases in Investment Decisions of Pension Savers: Evidence from the 2nd Pillar of the Pension System in Slovakia
Authors: Szakadatova Estera , Caplanova Anetta , Sivak Rudolf
Published: February 2025

The paper investigates the risk aversion and decision-making of pension fund investors within the investment pillar of the Slovak pension system. The default strategy of the investment pillar of the Slovak pension system was based on a conservative, guaranteed bond portfolio, between 2012–2023, which is not an optimal strategy for virtually any investor. A sample of the economically active population under the age of 50 was used to study how personality traits, sociodemographic and economic characteristics influence risk aversion and inertia among pension investors within the context of a bond portfolio default strategy. This represents a unique framework, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been replicated elsewhere. The analysis is based on the sample of 100 respondents. The data were collected by a professional survey agency. The results show that the personality traits of agreeableness and conscientiousness are associated with higher risk aversion, while openness to new experiences is associated with lower risk aversion. Agreeable people were less likely to opt out of the default investment strategy. Individual characteristics, such as gender, age, and mother's education, increased reluctance to opt out of the default investment strategy. On the contrary, individuals whose parents invest were more likely to opt out of the default investment strategy.
Gestaltung von Arbeitssystemen mittels soziotechnischer Prototypen in der virtuellen Realität
Authors: Hamborg Kai-Christoph , Schumacher Jan-Philip , Straatmann Tammo
Published: February 2025

Dieser Artikel der Zeitschrift Gruppe Interaktion Organisation beschäftigt sich nach Klärung des Begriffs des Soziotechnischen Prototyps damit, wie sich soziotechnische Prototypen mit Mitteln der virtuellen Realität (VR) umsetzen und für die Gestaltung von Arbeitssystemen in Praxisprojekten nutzen lassen. Zudem werden empirische Befunde zu der Wirksamkeit und Akzeptanz soziotechnischer Prototypen berichtet. Schließlich werden Ansatzpunkte und Implikationen für die Begleitung von Maßnahmen der Gestaltung von Arbeitssystemen mittels soziotechnischer Prototypen im Rahmen der Organisationsberatung und des Change-Managements thematisiert und diskutiert.
Structural Modifications of Certain Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids During Sample Extraction and Its Impact on Analytical Results
Authors: Kaltner Florian , Klein Lisa Monika
Published: February 2025

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), a group of plant toxins often contaminating food or feed, are typically extracted from samples using liquid extraction. The crude extracts are then often purified using solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges before being analysed by LC–MS/MS. During the development of analytical methods based on strong cation exchange SPE, certain structurally related PAs showed unexpectedly low or significantly increased recoveries, suggesting transformation reactions may be at play. To investigate this hypothesis, sample preparations were conducted using PA-free milk as food matrix, water or organic solvents, into which PA reference standards were spiked before or after critical steps of the protocol. The results revealed a significant decrease in acetylated PA N-oxides to their corresponding deacetylated compounds, as well as the formation of epoxydic PAs from PA compounds containing chlorine and hydroxyl groups in the α position. Evaporation of the alkaline SPE eluates, combined with the use of the protic solvent methanol in cases of deacetylation, was responsible for these phenomena. An alkaline ester hydrolysis mechanism was hypothesised for the deacetylation, while an internal SN2 reaction, similar to the chlorohydrin reaction was suggested for the formation of epoxy PA compounds. Consequently, using different sample preparation methods may inadvertently bias the determined PA patterns.
General procedure to measure fairness in regression problems
Authors: Suárez Ferreira Juliett , Slavkovik Marija , Casillas Jorge
Published: February 2025

Fairness in artificial intelligence has emerged as a critical ethical concern, with most research focusing on classification tasks despite the prevalence of regression problems in real-world applications. We address this gap by presenting a general procedure for measuring fairness in regression problems, focusing on statistical parity as a fairness metric. Through extensive experimental analysis, we evaluate how different methodological choices, such as discretization methods, algorithm selection, and parameter optimization, impact fairness outcomes in regression tasks. Our primary contribution is a systematic framework that helps practitioners assess and compare fairness across various approaches to solving regression problems, providing clear guidelines for selecting appropriate strategies based on specific problem requirements. The results demonstrate the importance of carefully considering procedural decisions when evaluating fairness in regression contexts, as these choices influence both model performance and fairness outcomes.
Effect of moderate wine consumption on the activity of enzymes involved in Platelet Activating Factor metabolism and thrombotic biomarkers: A randomized, single-blind, parallel, clinical study in coronary heart disease men patients
Authors: Fragopoulou Elizabeth , Argyrou Chrysa , Matalliotaki Eleni , Pafilas Christos , Detopoulou Maria , Antonopoulou Smaragdi , Kolovou Genovefa , Kalogeropoulos Petros
Published: February 2025

A randomized parallel intervention study was conducted with male patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Participants were assigned to three groups: Group A abstained from alcohol (n=20), Group B consumed red wine (n=21) and Group C (n=16) consumed an alcoholic beverage without wine micro-constituents. Biological samples were collected at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Enzyme activities of acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (LysoPAF-AT), CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT), PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in leukocyte homogenates, serum lipoprotein associated phospholipase-A2 (LpPLA2) and plasma markers of thrombosis were measured. PAF-, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-, and collagen- induced platelet aggregation was measured in human platelet rich plasma.

Red wine consumption led to 15.3% reduction in LysoPAF-AT activity at 4 weeks (p=0.008) compared to baseline and Group A (p=0.01). PAF-CPT activity was reduced by 11.1% at 8 weeks (p=0.04) compared to baseline, and by 24.9% compared to Group C (p=0.02). PAF-AH activity was reduced by 36.2% at 8 weeks compared to baseline (p=0.001) and compared to Group A (p<0.000) and Group C (p=0.009). Fibrinogen levels in Group B reduced by 6-9% at 4 (p=0.04) and 8 weeks (p=0.01) compared to baseline while d-dimer in Group C increased by 16.1% at 8 weeks (p=0.005) compared to baseline. Platelet aggregation against PAF and collagen was reduced in Group B (82.6% and 35.4%, respectively), and in Group C (158.4% and 37.1%, respectively) compared to baseline and Group A (p<0.05).

In conclusion, moderate wine consumption improved the activity of PAF-metabolism enzymes regardless of ethanol and reduced platelet aggregation probably through mechanisms different from those of ethanol.