bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The synergistic effects of green innovation strategies on sustainable innovative performance with the mediation of green innovative competitive advantage
Authors: Hayat Khizar , Qingyu Zhang
Published: April 2024

This study offers valuable insights into the factors underpinning the cultivation of green innovation competitive advantage (GICA) and the stimulation of sustainable innovative firm performance (SIFP). While previous research has predominantly fixated on assessing the financial ramifications of green innovation endeavors, the current discourse of governmental and non‐governmental authorities, has witnessed a surge in discussions surrounding green innovation strategies (GIS) to address climate change. We contend that constructing GICA through innovative products rather than traditional ones poses a formidable challenge. To address this lacuna, our research dissects GIS into three dimensions (i.e., green product, process, and service innovation) to enhance GICA and SIFP. To probe these intricate relationships, we meticulously examined data from 545 Chinese firms, seeking to unravel the complex connections between GIS, GICA, SIFP and moderation of CSR. We constructed a comprehensive model grounded in established theories, resource‐based theory (RBT), and the theory of competitive advantage. Structural equation modeling via SPSS and AMOS was employed to analyze the data rigorously. Our findings unequivocally underscore the pivotal role of GIS in nurturing GICA. As a moderating factor, firms that integrate GIS into their CSR initiatives are strategically positioned to secure a substantial competitive edge. Moreover, the primary impetus for businesses to adopt GIS lies in their pursuit of gaining a competitive edge while concurrently sustaining innovative performance over the long haul. These findings underscore the allure of GIS as an avenue to attain SIFP.
Oxygen‐Deficient FeNbO4‐x In‐Situ Growth in Honey‐Derived N‐Doping Porous Carbon for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Fu Hongliang , Bai Yongqing , Lian Yue , Hu Yongfeng , Zhao Jing , Zhang Huaihao
Published: April 2024

It is still a great challenge to reasonably design green, low cost, high activity and good stability catalysts for overall water splitting (OWS). Here, we introduce a novel catalyst with ferric niobate (FeNbO4) in‐situ growing in honey‐derived porous carbon of high specific surface area, and its catalytic activity is further enhanced by micro‐regulation (oxygen vacancy and N‐doping). From the experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the oxygen vacancy in catalyst FeNbO4‐x@NC regulates the local charge density of active site, thus increasing conductivity and optimizing hydrogen/oxygen species adsorption energy. FeNbO4 in‐situ grows within N‐doping honey‐derived porous carbon, which can enhance active specific surface area exposure, strengthen gaseous substances escape rate, and accelerate electrons/ions transfer and electrolytes diffusion. Moreover, in‐situ Raman also confirms O‐species generation in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). As a result, the catalyst FeNbO4‐x@NC shows good electrochemical performance in OER, HER and OWS.
Interference‐aware feedback based iterative Hungarian approach to allocate multiple channels to multiple D2D pairs to maximize underlay D2D network capacity
Authors: Singh Sengar Aditya , Gangopadhyay Ranjan , Debnath Soumitra
Published: April 2024

The spectral efficiency of a cellular network can be increased significantly by allowing spatial reuse of its spectrum by an underlay device‐to‐device (D2D) network. In an underlay D2D network, devices in close vicinity are allowed to establish low‐power direct links with little to no involvement of the base station. In order to increase the spectral efficiency and the number of devices with channel access, multiple D2D pairs may transmit in each cellular channel. Additionally, each pair can be allowed to utilize multiple channels to transmit so as to maximize the D2D network capacity. This multiple‐pair multiple‐channel (MPMC) strategy is quite appealing but is limited by the resultant additional aggregate interference and the inherent complexity, hence necessitating the need for a fast and reliable channel allocation scheme. This work proposes a polynomial‐time iterative Hungarian assignment with feedback (IHAF) algorithm for multiple channel allocations amongst multiple D2D pairs that increases the D2D network capacity manifold while maintaining the desired minimum capacity for each cellular user.
Successful endoscopic treatment of a huge trichobezoar in a 10‐year‐old girl
Authors: Matsuura Ko , Oura Shoji , Ishibashi Kohei , Matsumoto Yoichi , Ono Wataru
Published: April 2024

A 10‐year‐old girl was admitted to our hospital due to acute pancreatitis. Computed tomography showed an intra‐gastric mass containing multiple small air bubbles. Ultrasound showed a well‐circumscribed large oval mass with a broad acoustic shadow. Endoscopy revealed a huge trichobezoar with many movable hairs, being judged by the cause of acute pancreatitis. Due to the parents’ strong preference not to leave any surgical scars on their daughter, the patient underwent endoscopic treatment. The trichobezoar grasped with a snare was too large to pass through the esophageal‐gastric junction. In addition, the outer layer of the trichobezoar was too hard to be cut with conventional endoscopic devices but was successfully cut with a FlushKnife. The content of the trichobezoar was much softer than its hard surface but needed appropriate counter‐traction to be torn off the tissue. Two alligator forceps via a dual‐channel multi‐bending scope were able to give sufficient counter‐traction to the inner tissue of the trichobezoar, successfully removing the trichobezoar through piece‐by‐piece tearing off. All the endoscopic procedures took seven hours for the complete trichobezoar removal. The total weight of the dissected mass was 180 g. The girl resumed eating on the next day and was discharged on the third day. Physicians should note that a medical team with full endoscopic expertise can remove huge trichobezoars using a FlushKnife, a dual‐channel multi‐bending scope, and two alligator forcepses.
Prediction of rock mass classification in tunnel boring machine tunneling using the principal component analysis (PCA)–gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network
Authors: Man Ke , Wu Liwen , Liu Xiaoli , Song Zhifei , Li Kena , Kumar Nawnit
Published: April 2024

Due to the complexity of underground engineering geology, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) usually shows poor adaptability to the surrounding rock mass, leading to machine jamming and geological hazards. For the TBM project of Lanzhou Water Source Construction, this study proposed a neural network called PCA–GRU, which combines principal component analysis (PCA) with gated recurrent unit (GRU) to improve the accuracy of predicting rock mass classification in TBM tunneling. The input variables from the PCA dimension reduction of nine parameters in the sample data set were utilized for establishing the PCA–GRU model. Subsequently, in order to speed up the response time of surrounding rock mass classification predictions, the PCA–GRU model was optimized. Finally, the prediction results obtained by the PCA–GRU model were compared with those of four other models and further examined using random sampling analysis. As indicated by the results, the PCA–GRU model can predict the rock mass classification in TBM tunneling rapidly, requiring about 20 s to run. It performs better than the previous four models in predicting the rock mass classification, with accuracy A, macro precision MP, and macro recall MR being 0.9667, 0.963, and 0.9763, respectively. In Class II, III, and IV rock mass prediction, the PCA–GRU model demonstrates better precision P and recall R owing to the dimension reduction technique. The random sampling analysis indicates that the PCA–GRU model shows stronger generalization, making it more appropriate in situations where the distribution of various rock mass classes and lithologies change in percentage.
Stevioside Ameliorates Palmitic Acid–Induced Abnormal Glucose Uptake via the PDK4/AMPK/TBC1D1 Pathway in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Zhang Changfa , Li Shuai , Li Likang , Wang Ruoting , Luo Shiming , Li Guowei
Published: April 2024

Background

Stevioside (SV) with minimal calories is widely used as a natural sweetener in beverages due to its high sweetness and safety. However, the effects of SV on glucose uptake and the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoenzyme (PDK4) as an important protein in the regulation of glucose metabolism, remain largely unexplored. In this study, we used C2C12 skeletal muscle cells that was induced by palmitic acid (PA) to assess the effects and mechanisms of SV on glucose uptake and PDK4.

Methods

The glucose uptake of C2C12 cells was determined by 2‐NBDG; expression of the Pdk4 gene was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR; and expression of the proteins PDK4, p‐AMPK, TBC1D1 and GLUT4 was assessed by Western blotting.

Results

In PA‐induced C2C12 myotubes, SV could significantly promote cellular glucose uptake by decreasing PDK4 levels and increasing p‐AMPK and TBC1D1 levels. SV could promote the translocation of GLUT4 from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane in cells. Moreover, in Pdk4‐overexpressing C2C12 myotubes, SV decreased the level of PDK4 and increased the levels of p‐AMPK and TBC1D1.

Conclusion

SV was found to ameliorate PA‐induced abnormal glucose uptake via the PDK4/AMPK/TBC1D1 pathway in C2C12 myotubes. Although these results warranted further investigation for validation, they may provide some evidence of SV as a safe natural sweetener for its use in sugar‐free beverages to prevent and control T2DM.
Efficacy of a Comprehensive Weight Reduction Intervention in Male Adolescents With Different FTO Genotypes
Authors: Roumi Zahra , Salimi Zahra , Mahmoudi Zahra , Mobarakeh Khadijeh Abbasi , Ladaninezhad Maryam , Zeinalabedini Mobina , Keshavarz Mohammadian Mohammad , Shamsi‐Goushki Ali , Saeedirad Zahra , Bahar Bojlul , Khoshdooz Sara , Kalantari Naser , Azizi Tabesh Ghasem , Doaei Saeid , Gholamalizadeh Maryam
Published: April 2024

Background

The FTO gene polymorphisms may influence the effects of lifestyle interventions on obesity. The present study aimed to assess the influence of the rs9930506 FTO gene polymorphism on the success of a comprehensive weight loss intervention in male adolescents with overweight and obesity.

Methods

This study was carried out on 96 adolescent boys with overweight and obesity who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 53) and control (n = 43) groups. The blood samples of the participants were collected, and the FTO gene was genotyped for the rs9930506 polymorphism. A comprehensive lifestyle intervention including changes in diet and physical activity was performed for 8 weeks in the intervention group.

Results

Following the lifestyle intervention, BMI and fat mass decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (both p < 0.05), while no change was found in weight, height or body muscle percentage between the groups. The participants in the intervention group with the AA/AG genotype and not in carriers of the GG genotype had a significantly higher reduction in BMI (−1.21 vs. 1.87 kg/m2, F = 4.07, p < 0.05) compared with the control group.

Conclusion

The intervention in individuals with the AA/AG genotype has been significantly effective in weight loss compared with the control group. The intervention had no association effect on anthropometric indices in adolescents with the GG genotype of the FTO rs9930506 polymorphism.

Trial Registration

Name of the registry: National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute; Trial registration number: IRCT2016020925699N2; Date of registration: 24/04/2016; URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/21447
Body mass index and cardiorenal outcomes in the EMPEROR‐Preserved trial: Principal findings and meta‐analysis with the DELIVER trial
Authors: Sattar Naveed , Butler Javed , Lee Matthew M.Y. , Harrington Josephine , Sharma Abhinav , Zannad Faiez , Filippatos Gerasimos , Verma Subodh , Januzzi James L. , Ferreira João Pedro , Pocock Stuart J. , Pfarr Egon , Ofstad Anne P. , Brueckmann Martina , Packer Milton , Anker Stefan D.
Published: April 2024

Aims

Both low and high body mass index (BMI) are associated with poor heart failure outcomes. Whether BMI modifies benefits of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) requires further investigation.

Methods and results

Using EMPEROR‐Preserved data, the effects of empagliflozin versus placebo on the risks for the primary outcome (hospitalization for heart failure [HHF] or cardiovascular [CV] death), change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slopes, change in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score (KCCQ‐CSS), and secondary outcomes across baseline BMI categories (<25 kg/m2, 25 to <30 kg/m2, 30 to <35 kg/m2, 35 to <40 kg/m2 and ≥40 kg/m2) were examined, and a meta‐analysis conducted with DELIVER. Forty‐five percent had a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2. For the primary outcome, there was a consistent treatment effect of empagliflozin versus placebo across the BMI categories with no formal interaction (p trend = 0.19) by BMI categories. There was also no difference in the effects on secondary outcomes including total HHF (p trend = 0.19), CV death (p trend = 0.20), or eGFR slope with slower declines with empagliflozin regardless of BMI (range 1.12–1.71 ml/min/1.73 m2 relative to placebo, p trend = 0.85 for interaction), though there was no overall impact on the composite renal endpoint. The difference in weight change between empagliflozin and placebo was −0.59, −1.48, −1.54, −0.87, and − 2.67 kg in the lowest to highest BMI categories (p trend = 0.016 for interaction). A meta‐analysis of data from EMPEROR‐Preserved and DELIVER showed a consistent effect of SGLT2i versus placebo across BMI categories for the outcome of HHF or CV death. There was a trend toward greater absolute KCCQ‐CSS benefit at 32 weeks with empagliflozin at higher BMIs (p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Empagliflozin treatment resulted in broadly consistent cardiac effects across the range of BMI in patients with HFpEF. SGLT2i treatment yields benefit in patients with HFpEF regardless of baseline BMI.
Stable overexpression of native and artificial miRNAs for the production of differentially fucosylated antibodies in CHO cells
Authors: Schlossbauer Patrick , Naumann Lukas , Klingler Florian , Burkhart Madina , Handrick René , Korff Kathrin , Neusüß Christian , Otte Kerstin , Hesse Friedemann
Published: April 2024

Cell engineering strategies typically rely on energy‐consuming overexpression of genes or radical gene‐knock out. Both strategies are not particularly convenient for the generation of slightly modulated phenotypes, as needed in biosimilar development of for example differentially fucosylated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Recently, transiently transfected small noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs), known to be regulators of entire gene networks, have emerged as potent fucosylation modulators in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) production cells. Here, we demonstrate the applicability of stable miRNA overexpression in CHO production cells to adjust the fucosylation pattern of mAbs as a model phenotype. For this purpose, we applied a miRNA chaining strategy to achieve adjustability of fucosylation in stable cell pools. In addition, we were able to implement recently developed artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) based on native miRNA sequences into a stable CHO expression system to even further fine‐tune fucosylation regulation. Our results demonstrate the potential of miRNAs as a versatile tool to control mAb fucosylation in CHO production cells without adverse side effects on important process parameters.
Potassium channel‐related epilepsy: Pathogenesis and clinical features
Authors: Zhao Tong , Wang Le , Chen Fang
Published: April 2024

Variants in potassium channel‐related genes are one of the most important mechanisms underlying abnormal neuronal excitation and disturbances in the cellular resting membrane potential. These variants can cause different forms of epilepsy, which can seriously affect the physical and mental health of patients, especially those with refractory epilepsy or status epilepticus, which are common among pediatric patients and are potentially life‐threatening. Variants in potassium ion channel‐related genes have been reported in few studies; however, to our knowledge, no systematic review has been published. This study aimed to summarize the epilepsy phenotypes, functional studies, and pharmacological advances associated with different potassium channel gene variants to assist clinical practitioners and drug development teams to develop evidence‐based medicine and guide research strategies. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for relevant literature on potassium channel‐related epilepsy reported in the past 5–10 years. Various common potassium ion channel gene variants can lead to heterogeneous epilepsy phenotypes, and functional effects can result from gene deletions and compound effects. Administration of select anti‐seizure medications is the primary treatment for this type of epilepsy. Most patients are refractory to anti‐seizure medications, and some novel anti‐seizure medications have been found to improve seizures. Use of targeted drugs to correct aberrant channel function based on the type of potassium channel gene variant can be used as an evidence‐based pathway to achieve precise and individualized treatment for children with epilepsy.

Plain Language Summary

In this article, the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics of epilepsy caused by different types of potassium channel gene variants are reviewed in the light of the latest research literature at home and abroad, with the expectation of providing a certain theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of children with this type of disease.
CFD modeling of a triple‐walled direct absorption evacuated tube solar collector based on hybrid nanofluid/microencapsulated PCM
Authors: Shahini Niloofar , Karami Maryam , Akhavan‐Behabadi Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, direct absorption solar collectors are a new concept of solar collectors which have attracted special attention. The type of heat transfer fluid (HTF) has a significant influence on the efficiency of this kind of collector. Therefore, in this study, a wide range of working fluids including mono nanofluid ( and CuO), binary nanofluid, and especially the incorporation of a new hybrid combination of nanofluid and microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM), are used as the working fluids of a triple‐walled direct absorption evacuated tube solar collector. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is used for simulating the collector and investigating the effect of different parameters including volume fraction, base fluid, mass flow rate, and type of absorber tube structure (double‐ and triple‐walled) on collector thermal performance. Results show that binary nanofluids of 0.06% /0.002% CuO/water and 0.06% /0.002% CuO/ethylene glycol (EG) have the largest working fluid temperature differentials equal to 48.31 and 66.5 K, respectively. It was inferred that, at the mass flow rate of 2.7 , the efficiency is obtained to be 60.29% employing binary/EG nanofluid, which is 8.68% and 15.31% higher than CuO/EG and /EG nanofluids, respectively. Inserting the hybrid CuO nanofluid/MPCM leads to an improvement of 1.14% and 1.22% in the efficiency of triple‐ and double‐walled collectors, respectively, with respect to the individual usage of the nanofluid. The thermal efficiency of the double‐walled structure is higher than triple‐walled considering all HTFs.
Occurrence of Pharmaceutical Micropollutants in Lake Nahuel Huapi, Argentine Patagonia
Authors: Beamud Sara Guadalupe , Fernández Horacio , Nichela Daniela , Crego Maria Paula , Gonzalez-Polo Marina , Latini Lorena , Aguiar María Belén , Diblasi Lorena , Parolo María Eugenia , Temporetti Pedro
Published: April 2024

Tourism is one of the most important activities for the economy of Nor Patagonia Argentina. In Bariloche City, located on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, both the permanent and the temporary populations have increased significantly in recent decades, and this has not necessarily been accompanied by an improvement in sewage networks. Emerging micropollutants such as pharmaceutical compounds reach aquatic systems directly, in the absence of a domestic sewage network, or through effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), which do not efficiently remove these substances and represent a major threat to the environment. Therefore, the objective of our study was to monitor the presence of pharmaceutical compounds discharged both through wastewater effluents and diffusely from housing developments into Lake Nahuel Huapi. The results obtained demonstrate the presence of pharmaceuticals in Lake Nahuel Huapi with concentrations ranging from not detectable (ND) to 110.6 ng L–1 (caffeine). The highest pharmaceutical concentration recorded in WWTP influent corresponded to caffeine (41728 ng L–1), and the lowest concentration was paracetamol (18.8 ng L–1). The removal efficiency of pharmaceuticals in the WWTP was calculated, and ranged from 0% for carbamazepine to 66% for ciprofloxacin. This antibiotic showed the lowest % of attenuation (73%) in Lake Nahuel Huapi. These results on the occurrence of a wide variety of pharmaceuticals are the first generated in Patagonia, representing a regional baseline for this type of micropollutant and valuable information for the subsequent design of removal strategies for emerging pharmaceutical pollutants in surface water. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1274–1284. © 2024 SETAC
Volumetric heating and AC electric field effects on porous convection with general boundary conditions
Authors: Rachitha Chowlahiriyur Shivappa , Nanjundappa Chikkanalluru Erappa , Shivakumara Inapura Siddagangaiah
Published: April 2024

The onset of convective instability in an internally heated dielectric fluid‐saturated porous layer under the influence of a uniform AC electric field for different types of boundary conditions is investigated. The flow in the porous medium is described by the Brinkman model with fluid viscosity different from effective viscosity. The lower adiabatic and the top with finite heat transfer coefficient to the external environment boundaries are considered to be either rigid or stress‐free. The presence of a uniform volumetric heat source alters the conduction profile of the temperature field from linear to quadratic in the vertical coordinate. A modal linear stability analysis of the basic motionless state is carried out and the general regime of linear instability is investigated by solving the stability eigenvalue problem numerically using the Galerkin method of weighted residual technique. The neutral stability condition as well as the critical value of the thermal Rayleigh number is computed for rigid–rigid, free–free, and rigid–free boundaries for various values of governing parameters. It is seen that the nature of boundaries affect the stability of the system only quantitatively, though not qualitatively. The rigid–rigid boundaries offer a more stabilizing effect against convection in comparison with rigid–free and free–free boundaries. The study found that the effect of increasing thermal electric Rayleigh number and the Darcy number is to hasten the onset of instability, while the opposite trend is perceived with an increase in the ratio of viscosities and Biot number. The outcomes of this investigation are found to be in good agreement with past studies under the limiting cases.
The dental COVID‐19 paradox: Disparity in behaviors inside and outside dental schools in Canada
Authors: Steinberg Noam , Batistella Elis Angela , Iyer Srimathi , Madathil Sreenath Arekunnath , Allison Paul , Brondani Mario , Glogauer Michael , Levin Liran
Published: April 2024

Objective

To describe the personal and professional behavior and assess the perceptions of protection and fear of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) among faculty, staff, and students from all 10 Canadian dental schools during the second year of the pandemic.

Method

Participants from a Pan‐Canadian prospective study answered monthly questionnaires about their activities between April 2021 and March 2022. In May 2022, additional questions were asked about their perception of protection, fear of infection, and instances of COVID‐19 testing.

Results

Six hundred participants were initially recruited. Over time, the participants spent less time at home and increased their participation in indoor social activities, a trend influenced by the fluctuations in COVID‐19 cases (β = ‒0.02). Over 90% of the participants were fully vaccinated, which decreased their fear of contracting the virus (χ2[4, 241‒243] = 196.07, p < 0.0001). Yet, their attitude toward protective measures did not change, and they followed them within school.

Conclusions

This work shows a paradoxical behavior among dental students, staff, and faculty members in Canadian dental schools. While factors such as the vaccine's limited efficacy and a desire to protect others may contribute to stringent protective behaviors within dental schools, the mandatory nature of these measures was likely the primary motivator for the compliance. Despite potential efforts to minimize exposure to the virus during risk periods and the frequent COVID‐19 testing, this paradoxical behavior raises questions about professional responsibilities extending beyond the workplace. Thus, dental schools should incorporate education about the rationale behind following different protocols and the potential consequences of outside school behaviors.
Oral health educators' reflections on teaching 2022 and beyond
Authors: Quick Karin K. , Danciu Theodora E. , Ramaswamy Vidya , Dehghan Mojdeh , Haley Colin M. , Godley Lance W. , Snay Sarah , Horvath Zsuzsa
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The global pandemic prompted changes in health science education affecting both teaching and learning. This multi‐institutional study assesses the near‐term implications of these changes on faculty and faculty development. The project goals were to: (1) describe faculty experiences of teaching during the pandemic; (2) identify ways to sustain new pedagogical approaches, (3) describe the types of support faculty members need, and (4) offer recommendations to enhance oral health professions education.

Methods

A mixed‐method approach using exploratory sequential design was conducted in two phases collecting qualitative and quantitative data. Focus group participants included didactic, pre‐clinical, and clinical faculty in dental school (DMD/DDS), dental hygiene and dental therapy programs, and also faculty members serving in administrative roles in these programs (N = 37). One hundred forty‐four faculty participated in the multi‐institutional follow‐up survey.

Results

Focus group and survey results led to 14 recommendations (nine structural and five individual) for oral health profession institutions and educators.

Conclusion

Oral health profession education faculty were dramatically impacted by the pandemic and new faculty development needs were identified. Traditional faculty development topics and practices may be no longer applicable in the post‐COVID‐19 environment. Additionally, the pandemic stimulated creative approaches for curriculum design, teaching, and assessment in oral health profession education. Strategies need to be implemented to sustain these innovations.
Long‐term dairy manure amendment promotes legacy phosphorus buildup and mobility in calcareous soils
Authors: Hu Ruifang , Leytem April B. , Moore Amber D. , Strawn Daniel G.
Published: April 2024

Continuous application of dairy manure to soils can lead to excessive phosphorus (P) accumulation (legacy P), which requires understanding for managing nutrient availability and leaching. This study was conducted in Kimberly, ID, where dairy manure or conventional fertilizer was applied to calcareous soil plots under continuous crop rotations for 8 years (2013–2020), followed by 2 years with no amendment. To understand legacy P behavior in the soils, total P, organic/inorganic P, and plant‐available Olsen bicarbonate P and Truog extraction measurements were made from surface and subsurface samples. Additionally, P in soluble and less soluble calcium phosphate (Ca‐P) minerals was estimated using selective extractions, and P desorption was measured in a flow‐through reactor. Manure amendments resulted in increased total soil P and plant‐available P, particularly in the initial 5 years. In the 0‐ to 30‐cm depth, 54%–65% of the soil P added from manure amendments was readily soluble by the Truog P test. Phosphorus released from the 2022 manure‐amended soil in the desorption experiments was about five times greater than the fertilizer‐amended soil, suggesting high leaching potential. After 8 years of manure amendment, subsurface Olsen‐P levels exceeded the 40 mg kg−1 management threshold, suggesting P adsorption potential of the surface had become saturated, allowing for P leaching. In the manure‐amended surface soils, calcium phosphate minerals increased compared to the controls. Even after 2 years without manure amendment, soluble Ca‐P mineral phases persisted in the soils, which can be a long‐term source of P leaching.
Commitment, Cold War, and the battles of the self: Thomas Schelling on behavior control
Authors: Fontaine Philippe
Published: April 2024

Economist Nobelist Thomas C. Schelling (1921–2016) is known for his contribution to the analysis of international conflict and many see him as the Cold Warrior par excellence. At a time of great uncertainties and dangers, Schelling combined a deep understanding of strategic analysis, a detailed knowledge of US commitments around the world and an inimitable talent for dissecting everyday behavior, which made him a think tank all on his own. When he turned to the analysis of bargaining in the mid‐1950s, one question dominated policy discussions: “How to demonstrate the US commitment to the ‘free world’”? Schelling answered unequivocally: By restricting one's choices so as to shift others' expectations and thereby influence their behavior in the desired direction. By the mid‐1970s, after he had broken with the US administration and joined the Committee on Substance Abuse and Habitual Behavior, Schelling transposed the tactics deployed in international conflict to the analysis of individuals trying to achieve self‐control. In the process, he reproduced the logic of military conflict at the level of the self. The view of a conflicted self itself comprised of two selves made restricted choice the daily routine of individuals who wish to avoid the negative consequences of their present behavior in the future while it promised those who enjoy unbounded freedom of choice an unsettling future.
Patient‐reported predictors of postdischarge mortality after cardiac hospitalization
Authors: Nair Devika , Schildcrout Jonathan S. , Shi Yaping , Trochez Ricardo , Nwosu Sam , Bell Susan P. , Mixon Amanda S. , Welch Sarah A. , Goggins Kathryn , Bachmann Justin M. , Vasilevskis Eduard E. , Cavanaugh Kerri L. , Rothman Russell L. , Kripalani Sunil B.
Published: April 2024

Background

Adults hospitalized for cardiovascular events are at high risk for postdischarge mortality. Screening of psychosocial risk is prioritized by the Joint Commission. We tested whether key patient‐reported psychosocial and behavioral measures could predict posthospitalization mortality in a cohort of adults hospitalized for a cardiovascular event.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study to test the prognostic utility of validated patient‐reported measures, including health literacy, social support, health behaviors and disease management, and socioeconomic status. Cox survival analyses of mortality were conducted over a median of 3.5 years.

Results

Among 2977 adults hospitalized for either acute coronary syndrome or acute decompensated heart failure, the mean age was 53 years, and 60% were male. After adjusting for demographic, clinical, and other psychosocial factors, mortality risk was greatest among patients who reported being unemployed (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]): 1.30–3.06), retired (HR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.60–2.87), or unable to work due to disability (HR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.73–3.21), as compared to those who were employed. Patient‐reported perceived health competence (PHCS‐2) and exercise frequency were also associated with mortality risk after adjusting for all other variables (HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.73–1.00 per four‐point increase in PHCS‐2; HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.96 per 3‐day increase in exercise frequency, respectively).

Conclusions

Patient‐reported measures of employment status, perceived health competence, and exercise frequency independently predict mortality after a cardiac hospitalization. Incorporating these brief, valid measures into hospital‐based screening may help with prognostication and targeting patients for resources during post‐discharge transitions of care.
International technology transfer to Africa in light of the SDGs: What do we know about the barriers?
Authors: Schneider Christian P. , Guenther Edeltraud , Möst Dominik
Published: April 2024

International technology transfer (ITT) is commonly seen as an essential way to bridge the gap between highly advanced industrialised nations and developing countries. This gap is particularly pronounced with a view of African states. These generally have a limited capacity to cope with the effects of climate change. Therefore, foreign innovations must be successfully adopted to realities on the continent to mitigate the effects. This has sparked a growing academic interest in this topic in recent years, leading to many aspects being covered in the literature. This paper takes stock of the current state of the art, thereby asking the question: What do we know about the problems regarding international technology transfer to Africa? Employing a reproducible, transparent and clear systematic review, 73 relevant texts are identified. The barriers to more (successful) international technology transfer that these publications identify are discussed. As this review clarifies, many aspects are known, but specifics around governance aspects and institutional set‐ups are primarily bypassed in the discussion.
Reverse‐engineered exclusive enteral nutrition in pediatric Crohn's disease: A pilot trial
Authors: Lee Dale , Braly Kim , Nuding Mason , Braly Ian , Hopp Courtney , Twible Heather , Pope Christopher , Hayden Hillary S. , Hoffman Luke , Zheng Hengqi , Wahbeh Ghassan , Suskind David L.
Published: April 2024

Background

In pediatric Crohn's disease (CD), commercial formulas used as exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) are effective at inducing remission. This study aims to assess the impact of a whole‐food blended smoothie as EEN on CD activity and the intestinal microbiome.

Methods

A 4‐week prospective trial assessed the impact of EEN with a whole‐food smoothie on newly diagnosed mild‐to‐moderate active pediatric CD. The smoothie with a multivitamin were developed to meet age‐appropriate nutritional requirements. Assessment over 4 weeks included Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), serum laboratories, fecal calprotectin (FCP), and stool collection for metagenomic shotgun sequencing and microbiota composition analysis. Clinical remission was defined as PCDAI ≤ 10 at week 4.

Results

Ten participants were enrolled with median age 14.5 years, and 8 completed the trial. Baseline mean PCDAI was 26.3 ± 9.1 and mean FCP 1149 ± 718 µg/g. At week 4, 80% of participants achieved clinical remission. FCP decreased by over half in 60% of participants, with FCP below 250 µg/g in 60% and below 100 µg/g in 40%. Microbiome analysis showed a significant increase in species richness over 4 weeks (p = 0.01). Compared to baseline, the relative abundance at week 2 and at week 4 was significantly increased for Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus and decreased for Blautia (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

A whole‐food blended smoothie was effective for inducing clinical remission and decreasing FCP in pediatric CD similar to commercial EEN formulas. Further research may give insight into data‐driven whole‐food dietary approaches for CD management. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03508193.
UV photolysis of oxalyl chloride: ClCO radical decomposition and direct Cl2${\rm Cl}_2 {\rm }$ formation pathways
Authors: Stuhr Michael , Hesse Sebastian , Faßheber Nancy , Wohler Marcel , Pal Mithun , Sakai Yasuyuki , Hemberger Patrick , Friedrichs Gernot
Published: April 2024

Oxalyl chloride, , is widely used as a photolytic source of Cl atoms in reaction kinetics studies. photolysis is typically assumed to produce Cl atoms with an overall yield of 2 via three‐body dissociation, , followed by fast subsequent ClCO unimolecular decomposition of either the energetically excited fragment, , or the thermalized ClCO radical, . However, a study by Huang et al. (J. Phys. Chem. A 121 (2017) 2888–2895) found that UV photolysis of at directly yields with a photolysis quantum yield of . This new product pathway may complicate the use of as a clean source of Cl atoms and challenges the previously accepted photodissociation scheme. The purpose of the present work was 2‐fold. Firstly, the unimolecular decomposition of and ClCO radicals has been investigated in / gas mixtures after UV photolysis at and . Cl atoms were captured by added in excess such that concentration‐time profiles of HCl measured by means of mid‐infrared frequency modulation spectroscopy reflect the temporally separated Cl formation pathways. The low‐pressure thermal ClCO decomposition rate constant was determined to be at , which is in very good agreement with previously reported literature values. Secondly, the photolysis quantum yield of direct formation from photofragmentation was studied with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry using a photoelectron photoion coincidence setup. Calibrated concentration‐time profiles were recorded and analyzed using kinetic simulations accounting for both direct and secondary formation of from photolysis and reactions involving Cl, ClCO, and , respectively. Direct formation could be confirmed, where wavelength‐dependent quantum yields of , , and at , , and were determined. Complementary quantum‐chemical calculations of the potential energy diagram for ground‐state photodissociation reveal a low‐lying energy barrier for the formation of phosgene, . We suggest that subsequent and Cl formation from energetically excited may actually play a role for the overall photodissociation of .
Development of a fast‐response system with integrated calibration for high‐resolution mapping of dissolved methane concentration in surface waters
Authors: Dugan Jesse T. , Weber Thomas , Kessler John D.
Published: April 2024

Dissolved gas concentrations in surface waters can have sharp gradients across marine and freshwater environments, which often prove challenging to capture with analytical measurement. Collecting discrete samples for laboratory analysis provides accurate results, but suffers from poor spatial resolution. To overcome this limitation, water equilibrators and gas membrane contactors (GMCs) have been used for the automated underway measurement of dissolved gas concentrations in surface water. However, while water equilibrators can provide continuous measurements, their analytical response times to changes in surface water concentration can be slow, lasting tens of minutes. This leads to spatial imprecisions in the dissolved gas concentration data. Conversely, while GMCs have proven to have much faster analytical response times, often lasting only a few minutes or less, they suffer from poor accuracy and thus require routine calibration. Here we present an analytical system for the high accuracy and high precision spatial mapping of dissolved methane concentration in surface waters. The system integrates a GMC with a cavity ringdown spectrometer for fast analytical response times, with a calibration method involving two Weiss‐style equilibrators and discrete measurements in vials. Data from both the GMC and equilibrators are collected simultaneously, with discrete vial samples collected periodically throughout data collection. We also present a mathematical algorithm integrating all data collected for the routine calibration of the GMC dataset. The algorithm facilitates comparison between the GMC and equilibrator datasets despite the substantial differences in response times (0.7–2.1 and 4.1–17.6 min, respectively). This measurement system was tested with both systematic laboratory experiments and field data collected on a research cruise along the US Atlantic margin. Once calibrated, this system identified numerous sharp peaks of dissolved methane concentration in the US Atlantic margin dataset that would be poorly resolved, or outright missed with previous measurement techniques. Overall, the precision and accuracy for the technique presented here were determined to be 11.2% and 10.4%, respectively, the operating range was 0–1000 ppm methane, and the e‐folding response time to changes in dissolved methane concentration was 0.7–2.1 min.
In vivo injection of exogenous molecules into octocorals: Application to the study of calcification
Authors: Forin Clémence , Loentgen Guillaume , Allemand Denis , Tambutté Sylvie , Ganot Philippe
Published: April 2024

In vivo studies of the effects of molecules of interest, such as hormones or xenobiotics on corals, are essential to uncover their effects on coral biological processes. However, exposure to such molecules is very challenging in aquarium systems due to the duration of exposure, the high cost of the compounds, their quantity, and their diffusion in seawater. In this study, we provide a durable alternative method by in vivo injection. The aim of this study was to evaluate slow release and local injection as a novel method of delivering compounds to corals. In this method, coconut oil, which solidifies upon injection and has a melting point of about 24°C, is used as the vehicle for injection. Local diffusion of the injected products in the organism was followed using visual tracers. Specifically, two classes of fluorescent markers were used, one of which examined internalization into cells (rhodamine), while the others were used as an application to monitor the calcification process (alizarin, calcein). In parallel, we developed an analytical method to quantify the calcein and alizarin labeling of sclerites, which allowed us to determine calcification rates in different parts of the coral. Two octocorals were used to optimize these methods, with Sarcophyton sp. being the preferred organism to develop and validate the injection procedures and characterize the diffusion of the markers. Once the method was perfected, injections were performed on the precious coral Corallium rubrum to prove the transferability of the method.
Lanthanide‐Based Single‐Chain Nanoparticles as “Visual” Pass/Fail Sensors of Maximum Permissible Concentration of Cu2+ Ions in Drinking Water
Authors: Pinacho‐Olaciregui Jokin , Verde‐Sesto Ester , Taton Daniel , Pomposo José A.
Published: April 2024

The maximum permissible concentration (m.p.c.) of Cu2+ ions in drinking water, as set by the World Health Organization (WHO) is m.p.c. (Cu2+)WHO = 30 × 10−6 m, whereas the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes a more restrictive value of m.p.c. (Cu2+)EPA = 20 × 10−6 m. Herein, for the first time ever, a family of m.p.c. (Cu2+) “visual” pass/fail sensors is developed based on water‐soluble lanthanide‐containing single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) exhibiting an average hydrodynamic diameter less than 10 nm. Both europium (Eu)‐ and terbium (Tb)‐based SCNPs allow excessive Cu2+ to be readily detected in water, as indicated by the red‐to‐transparent and green‐to‐transparent changes, respectively, under UV light irradiation, occurring at 30 × 10−6 m Cu2+ in both cases. Complementary, dysprosium (Dy)‐based SCNPs show a yellow color‐to‐transparent transition under UV light irradiation at ≈15 × 10−6 m Cu2+. Eu‐, Tb‐, and Dy‐containing SCNPs prove to be selective for Cu2+ ions as they do not respond against other metal ions, such as Fe2+, Ag+, Co2+, Ba2+, Ni2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, or Cr3+. These new m.p.c. (Cu2+) “visual” pass/fail sensors are thoroughly characterized by a combination of techniques, including size exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry, as well as infrared, UV, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
VDX‐111, a novel small molecule, induces necroptosis to inhibit ovarian cancer progression
Authors: Persenaire Christianne , Babbs Beatrice , Yamamoto Tomomi M. , Nebbia Morgan , Jordan Kimberly R. , Adams Sarah , Lambert James R. , Bitler Benjamin G.
Published: April 2024

Epithelial ovarian cancers that are nonhomologous recombination deficient, as well as those that are recurrent and in a platinum‐resistant state, have limited therapeutic options. The objectives of this study were to characterize the mechanism of action and investigate the therapeutic potential of a small molecule, VDX‐111, against ovarian cancer. We examined the ability of VDX‐111 to inhibit the growth of a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines, focusing on BRCA wild‐type lines. We found that VDX‐111 causes a dose‐dependent loss of cell viability across ovarian cancer cell lines. Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) analysis was used to identify changes in cell signaling in response to VDX‐111 treatment. An RPPA analysis performed on cells treated with VDX‐111 detected changes in cell signaling related to autophagy and necroptosis. Immunoblots of OVCAR3 and SNU8 cells confirmed a dose‐dependent increase in LC3A/B and RIPK1. Incucyte live cell imaging was used to measure cell proliferation and death in response to VDX‐111 alone and with inhibitors of apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy. Annexin/PI assays suggested predominantly nonapoptotic cell death, while real‐time kinetic imaging of cell growth indicated the necroptosis inhibitor, necrostatin‐1, attenuates VDX‐111‐induced loss of cell viability, suggesting a necroptosis‐dependent mechanism. Furthermore, VDX‐111 inhibited tumor growth in patient‐derived xenograft and syngeneic murine models. In conclusion, the cytotoxic effects of VDX‐111 seen in vitro and in vivo appear to occur in a necroptosis‐dependent manner and may promote an antitumor immune response.
Optimal contract design for carbon emission reduction in a green supply chain: Monetary incentive vs. symbolic incentive
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Fang Lan , Jiang Mingchun
Published: April 2024

A supply chain with a manufacturer and a seller is studied in this paper for the impact of monetary and symbolic incentives on reducing carbon emissions. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to invest in carbon emission abatement technologies and that of the seller to sell such products to consumers with green preferences. The study findings reveal that (1) both monetary and symbolic incentives can contribute to reducing carbon emissions but the choice between them depends on the trade‐off between the cost‐sharing ratio and the market interest rate; (2) implementing a hybrid policy could crowd‐out carbon emission effects; and (3) the manufacturer may maximize his profits under a hybrid policy, but the seller may struggle to cover his expenses, which could hinder effective collaboration within the supply chain.