bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MgB2Se4 Spinels (B = Sc, Y, Er, Tm) as Potential Mg‐Ion Solid Electrolytes – Partial Ionic Conductivity and the Ion Migration Barrier
Authors: Glaser Clarissa , Dillenz Manuel , Sarkar Kanchan , Sotoudeh Mohsen , Wei Zhixuan , Indris Sylvio , Maile Ruben , Rohnke Marcus , Müller‐Buschbaum Klaus , Groß Axel , Janek Jürgen
Published: August 2024

The magnesium chalcogenide spinel MgSc2Se4 with high Mg‐ion room‐temperature conductivity has recently attracted interest as solid electrolyte for magnesium ion batteries. Its ionic/electronic mixed‐conducting nature and the influence of the spinel composition on the conductivity and Mg2+ migration barrier are yet not well understood. Here, results from a combined experimental and computational study on four MgB2Se4 spinels (B = Sc, Y, Er, Tm) are presented. The room‐temperature ionic conductivities (σion = 2 × 10−5–7 × 10–5 S cm−1) of the spinels are accurately measured, as electron transport is effectively suppressed by purely Mg‐ion conducting electrode interlayers. Using the same approach, reversible Mg plating/stripping as well as good electrochemical stability are achieved. Driven by the good accordance of the computationally and experimentally obtained Mg2+ migration barriers Ea(th) and Ea, respectively, further periodic density functional calculations are performed on the MgB2Se4 spinel system, revealing the role of trigonal distortion on the migration path geometry and Ea(th). These findings provide deeper understanding how to reach small Mg2+ migration barriers Ea in the MgB2Se4 spinels.
Revealing enhanced dilution effect of conjugated polymers in partially miscible blends
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Hu Ming , Zhao Yuehua , Lyu Kaixuan , Xu Yushuai , Sun Yuansheng , Xie Zhiyuan , Huang Jinying , Wang Dapeng
Published: August 2024

Recent experiments have shown that hole traps could be suppressed in polymer light‐emitting diodes under current stress by diluting the light‐emitting conjugated polymers within an “inert” large‐bandgap host material. However, it is unclear why there is an enhanced dilution effect in partially miscible blends rather than fully miscible blends, as intuition would suggest that better miscibility leads to better dilution. In this work, we propose a cascade analysis by combining multiple fluorescence microscopic techniques and all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations to study the solid‐to‐solid dilution of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH‐PPV) in MEH‐PPV/polystyrene (PS) blends and MEH‐PPV/poly(vinylcarbazole) (PVK) blends. By varying the molecular weights of PS and PVK, we can regulate their miscibility with MEH‐PPV. The results corroborate that the dilution effect is enhanced in partially miscible blends rather than fully miscible ones. This is because, in partially miscible blends undergoing phase separation, the concentration of MEH‐PPV is notably decreased in the phase occupying the majority of the volume, leading to an overall greater dilution effect than in fully miscible blends. Moreover, MEH‐PPV could adopt the more extended conformation in the fully miscible blend, causing a shorter intermolecular distance to further undermine the dilution effect. These findings explain the seemingly counterintuitive more effective dilution effect observed in the recently reported partially miscible blends and provide guidance for further enhancing the performance of future generations of polymer light‐emitting diodes.
Ionic Liquid‐Functionalized Porous Materials for Catalyzing CO2 Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Xv Kaizhi , Yang Jiawen , Li Xuejun , Liang Ying , Pan Yingming
Published: August 2024

Ionic liquids (ILs) are incorporated into traditional porous materials to create ILs‐functionalized porous materials, which exhibit excellent absorption capacity and good catalytic activity for CO2. As a result, they are extensively utilized in the chemical conversion of CO2. This paper specifically focuses on the utilization of ILs‐functionalized organic porous materials, ILs‐functionalized inorganic porous materials, and ILs‐functionalized organic‐inorganic hybrid porous materials in the conversion of CO2. The synergistic effects of combining ILs with porous materials in CO2 conversion are thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, an in‐depth analysis is provided regarding the potential prospects and future applications of utilizing ILs‐functionalized porous materials within the broader realm of catalytic CO2 conversion technologies.
Sex differences in the acoustic structure of terrestrial alarm calls in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)
Authors: Dubreuil Colin , Notman Hugh , Barrett Louise , Henzi Peter , Pavelka Mary Susan McDonald
Published: August 2024

The alarm calls of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) have been the subject of considerable focus by researchers, owing primarily to the purported referential qualities of different alarm call types. With this focus on reference, acoustic variation among calls elicited by the same range of predators has typically been overlooked. Specifically, at least one type of alarm call—the terrestrial alarm—was described over 50 years ago as being acoustically distinct between males and females—a description that has largely eluded more systematic scrutiny. Here, we provide a quantitative acoustic analysis and comparison of terrestrial alarm calls produced by adult male and female vervet monkeys. We use a random forest model to determine which acoustic variables best distinguish between the calls of males and females, and use an unsupervised clustering technique to objectively determine whether alarms produced by each sex fall into discrete types. We found that the calls of males and females differed most in frequency‐based parameters, with male alarms containing more energy at lower frequencies relative to females. Calls produced by males were also of longer duration, and consisted of longer individual call elements relative to female calls. While calls generally fell into clusters associated with either male or female alarms, we found that some fell into atypical clusters given the caller's sex, and that the clusters themselves showed evidence of intergradation. We discuss these results in terms of potential differences in the function of, and motivation for, calling by males and females. We emphasize the need for a more holistic approach to the classification of vocal signals that considers contextual, functional, and structural variation.
Dimerized M‐Series Acceptors with Low Diffusion Coefficients for Efficient and Stable Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Yuhang , Ma Yunlong , Liu Li , Cai Dongdong , Wang Jin‐Yun , Shi Haiting , Zheng Qingdong
Published: August 2024

As the simplest oligomeric acceptors, dimerized acceptors (DAs) are easier to synthesize, and more importantly, they can retain good intermolecular interaction and photovoltaic properties of their parent small‐molecule acceptors (SMAs). Nevertheless, currently most efficient DAs are derived from banana‐shaped acceptors and they might suffer from inferior device stability with high diffusion coefficients. Herein, we design and synthesize two planar DAs (DMT‐FH and DMT‐HF) by bridging two linear‐shaped M‐series SMAs with a thiophene unit. The effects of fluorination position on the diffusion coefficients, power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and stability of the DAs are systematically studied. Our results suggest that DMT‐HF with fluorination on the ending indanone groups shows enhanced intermolecular interactions, improved PCE and stability compared with the counterpart (DMT‐FH) with fluorination on the central indanone groups. Further optimization on the DMT‐HF‐based devices yields an outstanding PCE of 17.17 %, which is the highest among all linear‐shaped SMA‐based DAs. Notably, with the low diffusion coefficient (3.36×10−24 cm2 s−1) of DMT‐HF, the resulting device retains over 93 % of the initial PCE after 5000 h of continuous heating at 85 °C, suggesting its excellent thermal stability. The results highlight the importance of intermolecular interaction and fluorination for achieving efficient and stable polymer solar cells.
Tailoring Single‐Atom Coordination Environments in Carbon Nanofibers via Flash Heating for Highly Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Luo Qingliang , Wang Kangkang , Zhang Qiangqiang , Ding Wei , Wang Rongwu , Li Linlin , Peng Shengjie , Ji Dongxiao , Qin Xiaohong
Published: August 2024

The rational design of carbon‐supported transition metal single‐atom catalysts necessitates precise atomic positioning within the precursor. However, structural collapse during pyrolysis can occlude single atoms, posing significant challenges in controlling both their utilization and coordination environment. Herein, we present a surface atom adsorption‐flash heating (FH) strategy, which ensures that the pre‐designed carbon nanofiber structure remains intact during heating, preventing unforeseen collapse effects and enabling the formation of metal atoms in nano‐environments with either tetra‐nitrogen or penta‐nitrogen coordination at different flash heating temperatures. Theoretical calculations and in situ Raman spectroscopy reveal that penta‐nitrogen coordinated cobalt atoms (Co‐N5) promote a lower energy pathway for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions compared to the commonly formed Co‐N4 sites. This strategy ensures that Co‐N5 sites are fully exposed on the surface, achieving exceptionally high atomic utilization. The turnover frequency (65.33 s−1) is 47.4 times higher than that of 20 % Pt/C under alkaline conditions. The porous, flexible carbon nanofibers significantly enhance zinc‐air battery performance, with a high peak power density (273.8 mW cm−2), large specific capacity (784.2 mAh g−1), and long‐term cycling stability over 600 h. Additionally, the flexible fiber‐shaped zinc‐air battery can power wearable devices, demonstrating significant potential in flexible electronics applications.
Influence of temperature and heating duration on the thermal stability and flow characteristics of oil extracted from undersized crawfish (Procambarus clarkii) using non‐solvent method
Authors: Chouljenko Alexander , Durage Tharindu Trishan Dapana , Sathivel Subramaniam
Published: August 2024

Undersized crawfish (UC) have less economic value for sale in live or processed tail meat markets. Therefore, this study's objectives were to extract crawfish oil (CO) from UC and determine the impact of temperature and heating duration on CO's thermal stability and flow properties. However, extracting oil from these undersized specimens could potentially add value to the crawfish industry. Crawfish minced meat (CMM) was obtained by passing cooked and chilled UC through a pilot scale deboning machine. CO was extracted by agitating CMM at 70°C for 30 min, followed by centrifugation at 10,000×g. CO was analyzed for inherent physicochemical characteristics, heating time (0–8 h), temperature (45–85°C) effects on peroxide value (PV) and astaxanthin (ASX) content, and flow properties at 5–35°C. ASX content, PV, water activity, bulk density, specific gravity, and free fatty acid values in CO were found to be 1.52 ± 0.06 mg/g oil, 0.22 ± 0.07 meq/kg, 0.56 ± 0.02, 0.88 ± 0.00, 0.90 ± 0.00 g/mL, and 0.11 ± 0.04%, respectively. ASX content in CO showed no significant change within or between same‐temperature and different‐temperature heated samples after 8 h. PV increased significantly from 0 to 8 h of heating at all tested temperatures (45, 65, and 85°C; Δ = 0.31, 0.51, and 10.76 meq/kg, respectively). CO had pseudoplastic characteristics below 30°C and Newtonian flow from 30 to 35°C. The Arrhenius equation suitably described the relationship between temperature and apparent viscosity of CO. This study characterized a seldom‐researched oil (CO containing ASX) and provided insight into its ability to resist thermal degradation.
National audit of patient reported experience of radical cystectomy for bladder cancer pathways
Authors: Kuppanda Preksha , Hermans Louisa , Uren Alan , Cotterill Nikki , Rowe Edward , Narahari Krishna , Dickinson Andrew , Rigby Jeannie , Aning Jonathan ,   C‐PAT Study Group (#) and the BAUS Section of Oncology
Published: August 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to measure and describe the national patient experience of radical cystectomy (RC) pathways in the UK using the validated Cystectomy‐Pathway Assessment Tool (C‐PAT).

Patients and Methods

A cohort of 1081 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer, between 1 January 2021 and 31 July 2022 at 33 UK cystectomy centres, returned completed C‐PAT responses. SPSS was employed for data summary statistics, including median, interquartile range, Mann Whitney U test or Chi‐square test with a 95% confidence interval to assess statistical significance between potentially associated variables. Open‐text responses in the C‐PAT tool were analysed and coded using NVivo software.

Results

In this cohort, the greatest perceived delay in the RC pathway, reported by 19% of patients (n = 208), was at the GP consultation to first hospital referral stage with suspected bladder cancer. Around 10% of patients perceived delays at each of the other stages in their pathway. Cancer nurse specialist (CNS) contact was strongly associated with an improved patient experience (p < 0.001); however, 9.5% of patients reported that they were not assigned a cancer nurse specialist in their pathway. Overall, 96% (n = 1028) reported their experience of RC pathway care to be good or excellent. There were no significant differences in reported patient experience found between cystectomy centres.

Conclusion

This audit demonstrates the feasibility of measuring patient experience of RC pathways at scale. The C‐PAT tool demonstrated utility in identifying specific pathway areas for quality improvement. Overall UK patients report a high quality pathway experience. A focus on improving the referral pathway between primary and secondary care is necessary.
False Discovery Rate Control for Lesion‐Symptom Mapping With Heterogeneous Data via Weighted p‐Values
Authors: Zheng Siyu , McLain Alexander C. , Habiger Joshua , Rorden Christopher , Fridriksson Julius
Published: August 2024

Lesion‐symptom mapping studies provide insight into what areas of the brain are involved in different aspects of cognition. This is commonly done via behavioral testing in patients with a naturally occurring brain injury or lesions (e.g., strokes or brain tumors). This results in high‐dimensional observational data where lesion status (present/absent) is nonuniformly distributed, with some voxels having lesions in very few (or no) subjects. In this situation, mass univariate hypothesis tests have severe power heterogeneity where many tests are known a priori to have little to no power. Recent advancements in multiple testing methodologies allow researchers to weigh hypotheses according to side information (e.g., information on power heterogeneity). In this paper, we propose the use of p‐value weighting for voxel‐based lesion‐symptom mapping studies. The weights are created using the distribution of lesion status and spatial information to estimate different non‐null prior probabilities for each hypothesis test through some common approaches. We provide a monotone minimum weight criterion, which requires minimum a priori power information. Our methods are demonstrated on dependent simulated data and an aphasia study investigating which regions of the brain are associated with the severity of language impairment among stroke survivors. The results demonstrate that the proposed methods have robust error control and can increase power. Further, we showcase how weights can be used to identify regions that are inconclusive due to lack of power.
Random Survival Forests With Competing Events: A Subdistribution‐Based Imputation Approach
Authors: Behning Charlotte , Bigerl Alexander , Wright Marvin N. , Sekula Peggy , Berger Moritz , Schmid Matthias
Published: August 2024

Random survival forests (RSF) can be applied to many time‐to‐event research questions and are particularly useful in situations where the relationship between the independent variables and the event of interest is rather complex. However, in many clinical settings, the occurrence of the event of interest is affected by competing events, which means that a patient can experience an outcome other than the event of interest. Neglecting the competing event (i.e., regarding competing events as censoring) will typically result in biased estimates of the cumulative incidence function (CIF). A popular approach for competing events is Fine and Gray's subdistribution hazard model, which directly estimates the CIF by fitting a single‐event model defined on a subdistribution timescale. Here, we integrate concepts from the subdistribution hazard modeling approach into the RSF. We develop several imputation strategies that use weights as in a discrete‐time subdistribution hazard model to impute censoring times in cases where a competing event is observed. Our simulations show that the CIF is well estimated if the imputation already takes place outside the forest on the overall dataset. Especially in settings with a low rate of the event of interest or a high censoring rate, competing events must not be neglected, that is, treated as censoring. When applied to a real‐world epidemiological dataset on chronic kidney disease, the imputation approach resulted in highly plausible predictor–response relationships and CIF estimates of renal events.
In situ‐crosslinked Zippersomes enhance cardiac repair by increasing accumulation and retention
Authors: Jasiewicz Natalie E. , Mei Kuo‐Ching , Oh Hannah M. , Bonacquisti Emily E. , Chaudhari Ameya , Byrum Camryn , Jensen Brian C. , Nguyen Juliane
Published: August 2024

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising treatment for myocardial infarction (MI), but their therapeutic efficacy is limited by inefficient accumulation at the target site. A minimally invasive MSC EV therapy that enhances EV accumulation at the disease site and extends EV retention could significantly improve post‐infarct cardiac regeneration. Here, we show that EVs decorated with the next‐generation of high‐affinity (HiA) heterodimerizing leucine zippers, termed HiA Zippersomes, amplify targetable surface areas through in situ crosslinking and exhibited ~7‐fold enhanced accumulation within the infarcted myocardium in mice after 3 days and continued to be retained up to Day 21, surpassing the performance of unmodified EVs. After MI in mice, HiA Zippersomes increase the ejection fraction by 53% and 100% compared with unmodified EVs and phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), respectively. This notable improvement in cardiac function played a crucial role in restoring healthy heart performance. HiA Zippersomes also robustly decrease infarct size by 52% and 60% compared with unmodified EVs and PBS, respectively, thus representing a promising platform for minimally invasive vesicle delivery to the infarcted heart compared to intramyocardial injections.
Epigenome‐wide association study of prostate cancer in African American men identified differentially methylated genes
Authors: Berglund Anders , Yamoah Kosj , Eschrich Steven A. , Falahat Rana , Mulé James J. , Kim Sungjune , Matta Jaime , Dutil Julie , Ruiz‐Deya Gilberto , Ortiz Sanchez Carmen , Wang Liang , Park Hyun , Banerjee Hirendra N. , Lotan Tamara , Barry Kathryn Hughes , Putney Ryan M. , Kim Seung Joon , Gwede Clement , Kresovich Jacob K. , Kim Youngchul , Lin Hui‐Yi , Dhillon Jasreman , Chakrabarti Ratna , Park Jong Y.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Men with African ancestry have the highest incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (PCa) worldwide.

Methods

This study aimed to identify differentially methylated genes between tumor vs. adjacent normal and aggressive vs. indolent PCa in 121 African American patients. Epigenome‐wide DNA methylation patterns in tumor DNA were assessed using the human Illumina Methylation EPIC V1 array.

Results

Around 5,139 differentially methylated CpG‐sites (q < 0.01, lΔβl > 0.2) were identified when comparing normal vs. tumor, with an overall trend of hypermethylation in prostate tumors.  Multiple representative differentially methylated regions (DMRs), including immune‐related genes, such as CD40, Galectin3, OX40L, and STING, were detected in prostate tumors when compared to adjacent normal tissues. Based on an epigenetic clock model, we observed that tumors’ total number of stem cell divisions and the stem cell division rate were significantly higher than adjacent normal tissues. Regarding PCa aggressiveness, 2,061 differentially methylated CpG‐sites (q < 0.05, lΔβl > .05) were identified when the grade group (GG)1 was compared with GG4/5. Among these 2,061 CpG sites, 155 probes were consistently significant in more than one comparison. Among these genes, several immune system genes, such as COL18A1, S100A2, ITGA4, HLA‐C, and ADCYAP1, have previously been linked to tumor progression in PCa.

Conclusion

Several differentially methylated genes involved in immune‐oncologic pathways associated with disease risk or aggressiveness were identified. In addition, 261 African American‐specific differentially methylated genes related to the risk of PCa were identified. These results can shedlight on potential mechanisms contributing to PCa disparities in the African American Population.
Knitted fabric simulation: A survey
Authors: Hu Xinrong , Wang Meng , Liu Junping , Liang Jinxing , Yang Kai , Luo Ruiqi , Fang Fei , Peng Tao
Published: August 2024

Knitted fabric simulation seeks to create lifelike virtual representations of various knitted items like sweaters and socks using mathematical models and advanced simulation techniques. Significant advancements have been achieved in this area. Visual simulations of these fabrics now boast enhanced details, textures, and colors, closely resembling real‐world counterparts. Additionally, physical simulations have improved the movement and deformation aspects of virtual knitted fabrics, enhancing their realism. However, challenges remain. One major concern is the computational demands of these simulations, which can hinder real‐time interactions. Another issue is refining the accuracy of material models, especially when simulating diverse fibers and textures. This paper aims to review the current state of knitted fabric simulation and speculate on its future directions.
Intracardiac echocardiography‐guided biopsies for right‐sided intracardiac tumors: An optimized diagnostic algorithm and case illustrations
Authors: Teske Arco J. , Jimenez‐Rodriguez Gian‐Manuel , Kraaijeveld Adriaan O. , Broekhuizen Lysette N. , van Osch Dirk , Gort Eelke H. , Rhenen Anna v , Harst Pim vd , Voskuil Michiel
Published: August 2024

Intracardiac tumors, though uncommon, necessitate a swift and accurate diagnosis for personalized treatment and prognosis estimation. While multi‐modality imaging often determines the etiology of these cardiac masses, histological confirmation remains essential for definitive diagnosis and its specific treatment. Since cardiac tumors are often found in high‐risk locations (ventricular free wall or atria), precision biopsy is paramount. The least invasive strategy would be to achieve this by means of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB); however real‐time additional imaging is essential to reduce the risk of perforation/tamponade and to minimize sampling error. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) emerges as an excellent tool to achieve this goal preventing procedural complications and reducing the likelihood of sampling errors obtaining a definitive histopathological diagnosis in all cases. This paper outlines our diagnostic algorithm for optimal patient selection, details three illustrative cases, and elucidates the steps to acquire histopathology via percutaneous transvenous biopsy with ICE guidance in patients with right‐sided cardiac tumors. Given the rarity of intracardiac tumors, we advocate these patients be managed by a dedicated multidisciplinary cardio‐oncology team including an interventional cardiologist.
The Effect of Dithionite and its Decomposition Products on Redox Mediators Used in the Cyclic Voltammetry of Nitrogenase Enzymes
Authors: Bilyj Jessica K. , Gregg Christina M. , Wood Craig C. , Rapson Trevor D.
Published: August 2024

Cyclic voltammetry is a powerful tool to study enzyme mechanisms. Over the last decade, voltammetry has been applied to probe aspects of nitrogenase catalysis. One aspect that is often overlooked is the effect of dithionite (S2O42−, DTH) on nitrogenase and the mediators used during voltammetry experiments. Dithionite is routinely added to purification and storage buffers to protect nitrogenase and other anaerobic enzymes from oxygen. Dithionite has extremely complex chemistry with a myriad of decomposition products. Herein, we sought to systematically investigate the effect of dithionite and some of its decomposition products on the voltammetry of different redox mediators independently and in conjunction with nitrogenase. We found the major decomposition product sulfite (SO32−) gives rise to reductive catalysis. This cannot be distinguished from enzyme catalysis, particularly with cobaltocenium mediators which can result in amplified kobs values. We provide recommendations on how to identify and avoid interpreting ‘pseudo’ catalysis in lieu of enzyme catalysis by DTH and reinforce the requirement to remove DTH from the enzyme stock prior to performing cyclic voltammetry experiments.
Developmental Expression of Drug Transporters and Conjugating Enzymes Involved in Enterohepatic Recycling: Implication for Pediatric Drug Dosing
Authors: Thakur Aarzoo , Subash Sandhya , Ahire Deepak , Prasad Bhagwat
Published: August 2024

Around 50% of the drugs used in children have never been tested for safety and efficacy in this vulnerable population. Immature drug elimination pathways can lead to drug toxicity when pediatric doses are determined using empirical methods such as body‐surface area or body‐weight‐normalized adult dosing. In the absence of clinical data, physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling has emerged as a useful tool to predict drug pharmacokinetics in children. These models utilize developmental physiological data, including age‐dependent differences in the abundance of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMET), to mechanistically extrapolate adult pharmacokinetic data to children. The reported abundance data of hepatic DMET proteins in subcellular fractions isolated from frozen tissue are prone to high technical variability. Therefore, we carried out the proteomics‐based quantification of hepatic drug transporters and conjugating enzymes in 50 pediatric and 8 adult human hepatocyte samples. Out of the 34 studied proteins, 28 showed a significant increase or decrease with age. While MRP6, OAT7, and SULT1E1 were highest in < 1‐year‐old samples, the abundance of P‐gp and UGT1A4 was negligible in < 1‐year‐old samples and increased significantly after 1 year of age. Incorporation of the age‐dependent abundance data in PBPK models can help improve pediatric dose prediction, leading to safer drug pharmacotherapy in children.
A MOF@MOF S‐scheme Heterojunction with Lewis Acid‐Base Sites Synergistically Boosts Cocatalyst‐Free CO2 Cycloaddition
Authors: Shen Qiuyan , Chen Weiren , Wang Min , Jin Xixiong , Zhang Lingxia , Shi Jianlin
Published: August 2024

The photocatalytic cycloaddition reaction between CO2 and epoxide is one of the most promising green routes for CO2 utilization, for which high performance photocatalysts are intensely desired. Herein, we have constructed an S‐scheme heterojunction of MIL‐125@ZIF‐67 modified by amino groups, which achieves a cyclic carbonate yield of as high as 99 % without employing any co‐catalyst, outperforming the previously reported photocatalysts. In‐situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and in‐situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy reveal the important role of photogenerated electron migration from Lewis acid (Co) sites to the O atom of epoxide in triggering its ring‐opening (the rate‐determining step of CO2 cycloaddition reaction) under the assistance of photogenerated hole. Synergistically and concurrently, the Lewis base (amino groups) sites activate CO2 to CO2*, facilitating the following CO2 cycloaddition. Such a synergistic effect provides a most favorable approach to design efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts with dual/multiple‐active sites for CO2 cycloaddition reaction.
Under the mantra: ‘Make use of colorblind friendly graphs’
Authors: Rocchini Duccio , Chieffallo Ludovico , Thouverai Elisa , D'Introno Rossella , Dagostin Francesca , Donini Emma , Foody Giles , Garnier Simon , Mazzochini Guilherme G. , Moudry Vitezslav , Rudis Bob , Simova Petra , Torresani Michele , Nowosad Jakub
Published: August 2024

Colorblindness is a genetic condition that affects a person's ability to accurately perceive colors. Several papers still exist making use of rainbow colors palette to show output. In such cases, for colorblind people such graphs are meaningless. In this paper, we propose good practices and coding solutions developed in the R Free and Open Source Software to (i) simulate colorblindness, (ii) develop colorblind friendly color palettes and (iii) provide the tools for converting a noncolorblind friendly graph into a new image with improved colors.
Problem Adaptation Therapy (PATH) to Treat Depression in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review of Treatment Effects
Authors: Collyer Sarah , Dorstyn Diana
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Problem adaptation therapy (PATH) is a relatively new psychotherapy that recognises the importance of simultaneously targeting cognitive impairment and functional disability in the treatment of late‐life depression. This is the first systematic review to examine the effectiveness of PATH.

Methods

Ageline, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and ProQuest databases were searched from 2010 until 5 April 2024, for studies that evaluated PATH for older people. Where possible, effect sizes (Hedges' g) with 95% confidence intervals and p values were calculated and pooled using a random effects model. The reporting quality of included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools and certainty of the evidence behind each result assessed with The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation method.

Results

Twelve papers, from seven independent studies and a pooled sample of 579 older adults with multiple comorbidities, were included in this review. PATH participants experienced immediate reductions in depression symptom ratings (gw = 0.72, p < 0.01, Nstudies = 5), alongside small improvements in disability (gw = 0.61, p = 0.04, Nstudies = 4) compared to peers that received supportive therapy, brief psychoeducation, or usual care. The overall evidence quality was, however, characterised by bias, inconsistency, and imprecision in effect estimates. Positive participant feedback and low dropout rates (15%–31%) suggested treatment satisfaction, although these data were not routinely provided.

Conclusions

PATH may be a viable treatment for older people living with mental and cognitive disorders, however there is a need for more rigorous research incorporating follow‐up assessments to consolidate the effectiveness of PATH relative to other treatments. Incorporating measures of treatment fidelity are also critical to interpreting and generalising these data. The protocol for this study was prospectively published on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/gx57a).
Perceived internal corporate social responsibility and employees' proactive behavior: The mediating role of intentions to start personal projects and the moderating role of perceived external prestige
Authors: López Aníbal , Costa Sandra
Published: August 2024

This study deepens our understanding of the micro‐level processes underlying the relationship between employees' internal corporate social responsibility (CSR) perceptions (perceived internal CSR) and their proactive behavior. Drawing on the self‐regulation and social information processing perspectives, we propose that perceived internal CSR enacts employees' intentions to start personal projects within the organization. We contend that this relationship is contingent upon employees' perceptions of the external prestige of the organization. Additionally, we argue that this interplay influences employees' proactive behavior, specifically innovative and risk‐taking actions. Employing a multimethod approach, comprising a multisource field study involving 640 employee‐supervisor dyads and a two‐by‐two experimental design with 152 respondents, our findings demonstrate a positive association between perceived internal CSR and employees' intentions to start personal projects. This effect is stronger when employees perceive the organization as highly prestigious. As predicted, this interaction positively influences innovative and risk‐taking behaviors. This research provides valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics between internal CSR and proactive behavior, offering implications for scholars and practitioners in human resource development.
The influential responsibility of sirtuins in senescence and associated diseases: A review
Authors: Mishra Deepak , Mohapatra Lucy , Tripathi Alok S. , Paswan Shravan Kumar
Published: August 2024

Aging is a process of time‐associated depletion in the physiological functions, essential for the survival and reproducibility of living beings. Some age‐related disorders can be successfully controlled with some biomedical techniques or pharmaceutical approaches. There are some precise remedies that demonstrate conspicuous promise in the preclinical and clinical setup of extending lifespan or enhancing health by altering natural senescence. The sirtuin family of proteins is one of the most favorable targets for antiaging strategies. Sirtuins were initially identified as transcription repressors in yeast, but today they are known to exist in bacteria and eukaryotes, as well as humans. The SIRT (1–7) family of proteins in humans is made up of seven members, each of which has either mono‐ADP ribosyl transferase or deacetylase activity. Researchers suggest that sirtuins are essential for cell metabolism and play a major role in how cells react to various stimuli, such as oxidative or genotoxic stress. A healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise and a balanced diet, has been demonstrated to impact health span by adjusting the levels of sirtuins, suggesting the involvement of sirtuins in extending human longevity. The hunt for sirtuin activators is among the most extensive and comprehensive research subjects in the present scenario. Some optimism has been generated to investigate antiaging therapies by natural compounds, such as curcumin and others. This review article highlights the role of sirtuins in native senescence and their primordial roles in the progression of several life‐threatening diseases. Further, it also provides recent information on the sirtuin activators and inhibitors and their therapeutic benefits.
Mutant NPM1 marginally impacts ribosome footprint in acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Brunetti Lorenzo , Pianigiani Giulia , Gundry Michael C. , Goodell Margaret A. , Falini Brunangelo
Published: August 2024

Background

NPM1‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most frequent AML subtype. As wild‐type NPM1 is known to orchestrate ribosome biogenesis, it has been hypothesized that altered translation may contribute to leukemogenesis and leukemia maintenance in NPM1‐mutated AML. However, this hypothesis has never been investigated. We reasoned that if mutant NPM1 (NPM1c) directly impacts translation in leukemic cells, loss of NPM1c would result in acute changes in the ribosome footprint.

Methods

Here, we performed ribosome footprint profiling (Ribo‐seq) and bulk messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing in two NPM1‐mutated cell lines engineered to express endogenous NPM1c fused to the FKBP (F36V) degron tag (degron cells).

Results and discussion

Incubation of degron cells with the small compound dTAG‐13 enables highly specific degradation of NPM1c within 4 hours. As expected, RNA‐sequencing data showed early loss of homeobox gene expression following NPM1c degradation, confirming the reliability of our model. In contrast, Ribo‐seq data showed negligible changes in the ribosome footprint in both cell lines, implying that the presence of NPM1c does not influence ribosome abundance and positioning on mRNA. While it is predictable that NPM1c exerts its leukemogenic activity at multiple levels, ribosome footprint does not seem influenced by the presence of mutant NPM1.
Improved survival of pediatric deceased donor liver transplantation recipients after introduction of the pediatric prioritization system: Analysis of data from a Japanese national survey
Authors: Takemura Yusuke , Shinoda Masahiro , Kasahara Mureo , Sakamoto Seisuke , Hatano Etsuro , Okamoto Tatsuya , Ogura Yasuhiro , Sanada Yukihiro , Matsuura Toshiharu , Ueno Takehisa , Obara Hideaki , Soejima Yuji , Umeshita Koji , Eguchi Susumu , Kitagawa Yuko , Egawa Hiroto , Ohdan Hideki ,   the Japanese Liver Transplantation Society
Published: August 2024

Background

In Japan, there has never been a national analysis of pediatric deceased donor liver transplantation (pDDLT) based on donor and recipient factors. We constructed a Japanese nationwide database and assessed outcomes of pDDLT focusing on the pediatric prioritization system introduced in 2018.

Methods

We collected data on pDDLTs (<18 years) performed between 1999 and 2021 from the Japan Organ Transplant Network and Japanese Liver Transplantation Society, identified risk factors for graft survival and compared the characteristics and graft survival in pDDLTs conducted before and after the introduction of the pediatric prioritization system.

Results

Overall, 112 cases of pDDLT were included, with a 1‐year graft survival rate of 86.6%. Four poor prognostic factors were identified: recipient intensive care unit stay, model for end‐stage liver disease/pediatric end‐stage liver disease score, donor cause of death, and donor total bilirubin. After the introduction of the system, allografts from pediatric donors were more reliably allocated to pediatric recipients and the annual number of pDDLTs increased. The 1‐year graft survival rate improved significantly as did pDDLT conditions indicated by the risk factors.

Conclusions

Under the revised allocation system, opportunities for pDDLT increased, resulting in favorable recipient and donor conditions and improved survival.
Ensemble‐based monthly to seasonal precipitation forecasting for Iran using a regional weather model
Authors: Najafi Mohammad Saeed , Kuchak Vahid Shokri
Published: August 2024

Monthly and seasonal precipitation forecasts can potentially assist disaster risk reduction and water resource management. The aim of this study is to assess the skill of an ensemble framework for monthly and seasonal precipitation forecasts over Iran by focusing on system design and model performance evaluation. The ensemble framework presented in this paper is based on a one‐way double‐nested model that uses Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) modelling system to downscale the second version of the NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFSv2). The performance is evaluated for October–April period at 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐month lead time. Multiple initial conditions, model parameters and physics are used to construct ensemble members. Using quantile mapping (QM) method, the outputs of the model are bias corrected. This methodology is applied for two periods: (i) climatology from 2000 to 2019 to evaluate the model's ability to precipitation forecast on a monthly and seasonal time scale; (ii) the forecast for 2020 to evaluate the model's performance operationally. The model evaluation is performed using the continuous (e.g., RMSE, r, MBE, NSE) and categorical (e.g., POD, FAR, PC, Heidke skill score) assessment metrics. We conclude that model outputs were improved by the QM bias correction method. According to results, the proposed ensemble framework can accurately predict amount of monthly and seasonal precipitation in Iran with an accuracy of 58 to 45% for lead‐1 to 3. For all three lead times, the averaged NSE, CC, MBE, and RMSE were 0.4, 0.56, −15.5, and 41.6, indicating that the framework has reasonable performance. Our results suggest that precipitation forecast accuracy varies with lead time, so the accuracy for lead‐1 is higher than lead‐2 and lead‐3. Additionally, the model's accuracy differs in various regions of the country and decreases in the spring. Using the approach for an operational case, it was found that the spatial features of precipitation predicted by the framework were close to those observed.
Quercetin promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells by regulating the miR‐149‐3p/AKT1 axis
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhao Xin‐Rui , Li Yi‐Fan , Wang Rui‐Lin , Li Xue‐Bing , Wang Chun‐Xia , Li Yong‐Wei
Published: August 2024

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) has a complex pathogenesis with an increasing prevalence and is one of the most intractable clinical challenges in the field of reproductive medicine. Quercetin (QCT) is an effective active ingredient extracted from Semen Cuscutae and Herba Taxilli used in traditional Chinese medicine for tonifyng the kidneys and promoting fetal restoration. Although QCT helps improve adverse pregnancy outcomes, the specific mechanism remains unclear. The trophoblast cell line HTR‐8/SVneo cultured in vitro was treated with different concentrations of QCT, and the cell counting kit‐8 assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and western blotting were used to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of QCT on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR‐8/SVneo cells, respectively. To assess the expression levels of miR‐149‐3p and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting analysis were performed. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to investigate the potential regulatory relationship between miR‐149‐3p and AKT1. Our results showed that QCT promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of trophoblast cells, promoted the expression of MMP2, MMP9, and vimentin, and downregulated the expression of E‐cadherin. Mechanistically, QCT downregulated the expression of miR‐149‐3p and upregulated the expression of AKT1, and miR‐149‐3p directly targets AKT1, negatively regulating its expression. Overexpression of miR‐149‐3p and silencing of AKT1 counteracted the promotional effects of QCT on trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. Taken together, QCT regulates the migration and invasion abilities of HTR‐8/SVneo cells through the miR‐149‐3p/AKT1 axis, which may provide a promising therapeutic approach for RSA.
Anterior cruciate ligament repair using dynamic intraligamentary stabilization grants 88.5% survival at minimum follow‐up of 5 years
Authors: Henle Philipp , van Rooij Floris , Agu Chinyelum , Eggli Stefan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to report on the revision rates and clinical outcomes following dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) at a minimum follow‐up of 5 years and to investigate which preoperative or intraoperative characteristics could influence revision rates or clinical scores.

Methods

The authors retrospectively assessed all 609 knees that underwent ACL repair using DIS at a single centre. At a minimum follow‐up of 5 years, patients were assessed using the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores, as well as passive flexion and extension.

Results

At a follow‐up of 5.1 ± 0.3 years (range, 5–10), of the 609 patients, 428 patients were available for clinical assessment. Anterior tibial translation decreased from 9.7 ± 2.1 to 7.8 ± 1.9 mm, and side‐to‐side difference decreased from 4.3 ± 2.3 to 1.5 ± 1.8 mm. The postoperative Lysholm score was 96.9 ± 5.6, subjective IKDC was 95.6 ± 6.1 and Tegner scores ranged from 4 to 11, of which 51% of patients had a score of 7 or more. The estimated survival rate was 86% for the first half of the cohort and increased to 91% for the second half of the cohort.

Conclusion

At a minimum follow‐up of 5 years following ACL repair using DIS, it was found that it grants satisfactory clinical outcomes and that surgeons should inform patients who have predispositions about the higher risk of revision.

Level of Evidence

Level IV retrospective study.
Increased anterior tibial subluxation and differences between anterior tibial subluxation in the lateral and medial compartments are associated with failure of primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bai Wenbin , Zhang Zhiyu , Hong Lejin , Dai Wenli , Meng Qingyang , Shi Weili , Wang Cheng
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether increased anterior tibial subluxation (ATS) and differences between ATS in the lateral and medial compartments (ATSL−M) are associated with primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) failure.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched from their inception through 21 November 2023. The focus was on comparative studies reporting ATS in patients who experienced primary ACLR failure, in contrast to patients after primary ACLR with no evidence of graft failure. A random‐effects model was employed to calculate the overall standardized mean difference between the two groups.

Results

A total of eight studies involving 963 patients were included in the final review. Three studies (64 cases and 171 controls) measured ATS on radiographs. The failed ACLR group exhibited a significantly increased ATS on radiographs compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Six studies (324 cases and 488 controls) measured lateral ATS on magnetic resonance imaging and five of them (285 cases and 374 controls) also measured medial ATS. The average values of lateral and medial ATS, as well as ATSL−M, were calculated and compared between the two groups. The failed ACLR group demonstrated significantly increased lateral (p < 0.001) and medial ATS (p < 0.001), the average value of lateral and medial ATS (p < 0.001) and ATSL−M (p = 0.039) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Increased ATS and ATSL−M are associated with primary ACLR failure. The measurement of tibiofemoral position shows promise for its application in preoperative planning and postoperative management of ACLR.

Level of Evidence

Level III.