bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross‐sectional observational study of quality of life in adult short bowel syndrome patients: What role does autologous gut reconstruction play?
Authors: Braun Julia , Arensmeyer Jan Christian , Hausen Annekristin , Stolz Verena , Keller Peter Sebastian , Amarell Nicola , Lurje Georg , Schäfer Nico , Kalff Jörg C. , von Websky Martin W.
Published: December 2024

Background

Intestinal failure (IF) describes a condition of insufficient absorption capacity and general function of the gastrointestinal tract and may necessitate long‐term intravenous fluid and nutrient supplementation. Quality of life (QoL) may be reduced in these patients. The aim of the study was to analyze QoL by two tools (SBS‐QoL and SF‐12) to elucidate which parameters impact QoL in patients with IF.

Methods

QoL was assessed in a cohort of 105 patients with IF at a tertiary referral center for intestinal rehabilitation. Complete data for SBS‐QoL and SF‐12 were available in 44 of 81 surviving patients at a single time point for a cross‐sectional analysis. Medical data, outcome parameters, and comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index [CCI]) were extracted and entered in a prospective database for analysis and correlation with QoL assessment.

Results

Subscales of SBS‐QoL and SF‐12 highly correlated with each other (P = −0.64 for physical subscales; P = −0.75 for mental subscales). Significant differences in QoL were detected in patients with Messing Type I (end‐jejunostomy) and Type III anatomy (ileocolonic anastomosis) (one‐way ANOVA: P < 0.05). Performance of autologous gut reconstruction (AGR) was associated with significantly better physical QoL. CCI correlated significantly with QoL scores. Longer duration of illness resulted in higher QoL in SBS‐QoL (reduction of 0.15 per month; P = 0.045).

Conclusion

Both SBS‐QoL and SF‐12 are useful to determine QoL in patients with IF. AGR was associated with improved QoL by changing SBS‐related anatomy and function. Thus, AGR surgery should be included in the treatment plan whenever possible. Comorbidities should be addressed interdisciplinarily to improve QoL.
Design of MnOx/TiO2 Nanostructures for Photocatalytic Removal of 2,4‐D Herbicide
Authors: Mantilla Angeles , Cipagauta Díaz Sandra , Samaniego Benitez Enrique , Tzompantzi Morales Francisco Javier , Navarrete Magaña Michelle
Published: December 2024

The research and modification of semiconductors through different synthesis routes allow obtaining materials with optimal properties to induce new energy levels and improve charge separation efficiency. In this context, the sol‐gel method was used to synthesize TiO2‐based materials doped with different percentages of MnOx to evaluate their photocatalytic activity in the degradation of the herbicide 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) in water under UV irradiation. Characterization results revealed a reduction in crystallite size to 7.2 nm. Adding MnOx enhanced the optical absorption of TiO2, resulting in a shift toward the red end of the spectrum of the forbidden energy band. The photocatalytic activity increased significantly with the percentage of MnOx, reaching a maximum degradation of 70 % in 6 hours with the 3 MnTi material. This increase was attributed to the synthesis method, which facilitated the formation of nanostructured heterojunctions mainly composed of TiO2 and MnO2, reducing the recombination of electron‐hole pairs. TEM analysis confirmed these structures. A reaction mechanism for the 3 MnTi material is proposed, considering the mobility of charge carriers and the photooxidation processes of the pollutant.
Effect of soft and hard segments ratio of waterborne polyurethane on the properties of modified basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Li Guang‐Zhao , Lu Qian , Kuang Wen , Liu Gen , Liu Yi , Chen Honglin , Cao Jiaxuan , Zhang Hongwei , Han Rui , Wei Xueli , Zhou Ce , He Xuewei
Published: December 2024

The interaction between fiber and polymer matrix is crucial for the properties of fiber‐reinforced composites. This paper explored the use of end‐capped waterborne polyurethanes (WPU) modified basalt fiber (BF) to reinforce the polypropylene (PP), aiming to improve interfacial interaction and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the effect of the ratio of soft and hard segments in the end‐capped WPU and the fiber content on the comprehensive properties of the composites have been thoroughly investigated. Three kinds of capped aqueous polyurethanes with different soft‐to‐hard segment ratios were prepared, corresponding to isocyanate indices (R) of 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5, respectively. The results indicated that the fracture section images of the composites confirmed the modification effect of BF and the good interfacial compatibility between end‐capped WPU modified BF (W‐BF) and PP. Moreover, the composite with R = 1.4 end‐capped WPU modified BF exhibited the optimum mechanical properties, fatigue properties and thermal deformation temperature. Specifically, the tensile strength, fatigue performance and heat distortion temperature achieved value of 47.7 MPa, 55,000 cycles and 142.5°C, which represent increases of 32.5%, 400%, and 10.9%, respectively, compared with the unmodified fiber‐reinforced composites, respectively. This efficient interface modification strategy will provide a novel method for high‐performance fiber reinforced composites.

Highlights

Waterborne polyurethanes improve the surface roughness of BF.

Chemical and physical interaction between WPU and BF.

WPU modification to enhance BF‐PP interfacial interaction.

WPU and BF increase the tensile strength by 40%.

Stronger interfacial interactions lead to higher thermal stability.
Computational Approaches to Elucidate the Mechanism of Serine–Threonine Kinase (AKT1) Inhibition by Streptococcus pyogenes Exotoxin Superantigen‐Derived Peptides: Pioneering Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kathiresan Nachammai , Jayaprakash Prajisha , Langeswaran K.
Published: December 2024

A serine–threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) plays a significant role in biological processes, including cell division, survival, glucose metabolism, and apoptosis pathway. It interacts with numerous growth factors and external stimuli, and numerous types of human cancer have been associated with its activation. Bacterial toxins have the potential to eradicate tumors and can be utilized for producing bacterial‐based cancer vaccines. One of the few bacterial species recognized for producing superantigen exotoxins is Streptococcus pyogenes. Superantigen produced by S. pyogenes, exotoxins such as SPEA, SPEB, and SPEC, which activate CD4+ cells and cause the release of cytokines. This study aims to explore various computational methods for inhibiting AKT1 using exotoxin peptides from S. pyogenes, specifically SPEA, SPEB, and SPEC. Identified peptides were analyzed for allergencity, toxicity, hemolytic, physicochemical, and anticancer potential using computational tools The peptides were modeled using PEP‐FOLD and validated with Ramachandran plot analysis using the Procheck server. Protein–peptide docking was conducted using HDOCK, followed by an analysis of the binding free energies of the complexes. Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate structural changes within AKT1‐peptide complexes. Results indicate that the identified anticancer peptide demonstrates strong binding affinities and favorable interaction profiles with AKT1. The stability observed throughout simulations suggests potential anticancer effects mediated through these peptide complexes.
Selection and Use of Online Instructional Materials for Secondary‐Age Students With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Snider Julia E. , Dymond Stacy K.
Published: December 2024

Effective instruction for students with intellectual disability (ID) requires thoughtful planning and careful selection of instructional materials. One of the most popular websites for educators is TPT (formerly called Teachers Pay Teachers), an online marketplace that allows users to buy or sell instructional materials. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine how special education teachers select and use instructional materials from TPT with students with ID. Study participants included 245 special education teachers of secondary‐age students with ID who downloaded at least one item from TPT. Most of the participants reported that they considered the match between TPT materials and content taught, made modifications after downloading, and paid for items without reimbursement. Additionally, teachers of students with profound/pervasive support needs were significantly more likely to consult the TPT website on a regular basis than those with less extensive support needs.
Structural Basis for Monomer–Dimer Transition of Dri1 Upon Heme Binding
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ying , Zhang Jing , Li Hong‐Yan , Dong Chen‐Song , Dai Huai‐En , Wang Mingzhu , Liu Lin
Published: December 2024

Domain related to iron (DRI) contains approximately 90 residues and is involved in iron and heme metabolism. Recent discoveries have annotated Dri1, a DRI‐only protein from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis, as a regulator of succinate dehydrogenase in a b‐type heme‐dependent manner or as a c‐type heme oxygenase. Here, we report high‐resolution structures of Dri1 in complex with b‐type and c‐type hemes, respectively. Bis‐His‐ligated heme is located in the middle of the dimeric Dri1 complex with heme b, as well as in the complex of monomeric Dri1 with c‐type heme, but distinct heme binding modes are revealed. Structural analyses suggest that Dri1 may participate in the succinate dehydrogenase activity and/or the metabolism of cytochromes.
Clinical modeling of motor function to predict treatment efficacy and enable in silico treatment comparisons in infantile‐onset Pompe disease
Authors: Rachedi Fatiha , Jreich Rana , Sparks Susan , Zaher Atef , an Haack Kristina , Granados Alicia , Meng Zhaoling
Published: December 2024

Infantile‐onset Pompe disease (IOPD) is a rare, deadly, quickly‐progressing degenerative disease. Even with life‐sustaining treatment (e.g., alglucosidase alfa [ALGLU]), many patients experience continued motor impairment. The Mini‐COMET trial evaluated avalglucosidase alfa (AVAL) versus ALGLU on motor and other outcomes in IOPD. However, treatment groups were imbalanced at baseline and the trial was not powered to directly compare treatments. To supplement this limited data, we developed a modeling and simulation approach to compare AVAL versus ALGLU head‐to‐head in in silico (i.e., computer‐simulated) trials. We first developed a longitudinal clinical model to establish the relationship between changes in motor function and changes in urinary hexose tetrasaccharide (uHex4), an established biomarker in IOPD. This model was based on pooled data from Mini‐COMET (n = 21) and COMET trials (n = 100 patients with late‐onset Pompe disease, LOPD). We then conducted in silico trials mimicking Mini‐COMET. Simulated trials were informed by motor data generated from the clinical model and uHex4 profiles simulated in a quantitative systems pharmacology model. The virtual IOPD population was based on observed Mini‐COMET baseline characteristics but engineered to have well‐balanced baseline characteristics across treatment cohorts. In silico trials showed that patients with IOPD would have the greatest improvements in motor function with AVAL 40 mg/kg every other week (Q2W), suboptimal improvement with ALGLU 40 mg/kg Q2W, and no improvement with ALGLU 20 mg/kg Q2W. This study provides information on the relative efficacy of IOPD treatments and mitigates the confounding effects of imbalanced treatment cohorts. Our approach could also be applied in other rare diseases.
Synchrotron‐Based Phase‐Contrast Micro‐CT Combined With Histology to Decipher Differences Between Hereditary and Sporadic Pediatric Pulmonary Veno‐Occlusive Disease
Authors: Jeremiasen Ida , Peruzzi Niccolò , Lampei Elna , Meyer Sofie , Akyürek Levent M. , Gebre‐Medhin Erik , Mutgan Ceren , Dorfmüller Peter , Neubert Lavinia , Jonigk Danny , Galambos Csaba , Tran‐Lundmark Karin
Published: December 2024

Pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease (PVOD) is a lethal variant of pulmonary hypertension. The degree of pulmonary arterial involvement varies. Here, we compare two PVOD patients who were transplanted at 8 years of age, whereof one is a homozygous EIF2AK4 mutation carrier. Tissue was imaged with synchrotron‐based micro‐CT and the results were compared with clinical data and sectioned tissue was analyzed with histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization. Chest CT of the noncarrier exhibited scattered poorly defined ground‐glass opacities and marked septal lines, whereas the mutation carrier showed numerous nodular centrilobular ground‐glass opacities and sparse septal lines. The noncarrier developed pulmonary edema with vasodilators and 3D imaging combined with histology showed severe obstruction of interlobular septal veins and medial hypertrophy of pulmonary arteries, but no arterial or arteriolar intimal fibrosis. In contrast, the mutation carrier exhibited only mild intimal fibrosis in interlobular septal veins but severe arterial and arteriolar remodeling, including intimal fibrosis, tortuous course of arterioles, muscularization extending to the alveolar duct level and multiple vascular lumens within the same pulmonary arterial adventitia. Both patients had focally thickened alveolar septa with areas of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) which colocalized with increased capillary muscularization, tenascin C expression, and deposition, as well as with matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9)/CD45 positive cells. In conclusion, synchrotron‐based phase‐contrast micro‐CT is valuable for understanding vascular remodeling. Significant differences were observed between heritable and sporadic PVOD, which may influence management strategies.
Osteoconductive Properties of Propolis‐Polycaprolactone (PCL) Scaffolds on Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Pazhohan‐Nezhad Hadis , Samei Mahdieh , Arabi Kimia , Rahimzadeh‐Bajgiran Fatemeh , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad H. , Saburi Ehsan
Published: December 2024

Bone tissue engineering aims to develop implants capable of repairing or replacing damaged bones resulting from trauma, cancer, or other medical disorders. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to utilize polymeric scaffolds and stem cells to create a supporting matrix that replicates the natural surroundings of bone cells. In this study, we developed a matrix of polycaprolactone (PCL) and propolis, a bee‐produced natural substance, to enhance the human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD‐MSCs) differentiate into osteocunductive cells. For this purpose, we used electrospinning to fabricate a PCL scaffold, and then coated with propolis. Then AD‐MSCs were cultured and differentiated on PCL and PCL/propolis scaffolds and comparing them with tissue culture plates (TCPs), a standard surface for cell culture. The viability of cells on days 1, 3, and 5 of differentiation, was measured by a Resazurin assay. To evaluate the differentiation efficiency on days 7, 14, and 21 of differentiation by measuring calcium content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and expression of osteogenic genes such as RUNX‐2, collagene‐I, osteocalcin, and osteonectin. Our findings indicated that cell viability was slightly higher in the TCPS group on day 3 of differentiation. However, calcium content and ALP activity were higher in the PCL and PCL/propolis groups, respectively. Additionally, the expression of osteogenic genes was greater in the PCL/propolis group on all days of differentiation. These findings suggest that mixing PCL and propolis makes a microenvironment that is similar to what happens in living things, which helps AD‐MSCs differentiate into bone tissue.
Copper‐Based MOFs as Heterogeneous Catalyst in Aza–Diels–Alder Reaction for the Synthesis of 6H‐chromeno[4,3‐b]quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Perumal Karuppaiah , Mariappan Arumugam Santhana , Nithish Kumar Subramaniyan , Shankar Bhaskaran , Ramesh Subburethinam
Published: December 2024

The present study focuses on the synthesis of copper‐based benzene dicarboxylic acid (Cu BDC) metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) and its application as a catalyst in the synthesis of 6H‐chromeno[4,3‐b] quinoline derivatives via Aza–Diels–Alder reactions. Aromatic amines and derivatives of O‐propargylated salicylaldehyde are employed in this synthetic strategy. The synthesized Cu BDC MOFs were studied using powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX). The Cu BDC MOF's efficiency and reusability as catalysts have been demonstrated in the Aza‐Diels‐Alder reaction for the first time. Additionally, we proposed a mechanism for the Cu BDC MOF‐mediated synthesis of chromenoquinolines, considering experimental results and literature reports.
Next‐Generation Electrode Materials: La/Ce Doping for Superior Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Okur Melike Ceren , Öztürk Dilara , Akyol Abdurrahman
Published: December 2024

In this study, the characterization, optimization and effect of model compound Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye on the process performance of lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce) doped iridium‐ruthenium (Ir‐Ru) mixed metal oxide (MMO) electrodes were investigated. The electrodes had varying La and Ce doping levels at 5%, 10% and 20% concentrations and were coated by thermal decomposition technique. In addition, a mixed La/Ce electrode was prepared with 10% Ce and 10% La. This study focused on understanding the effects of La and Ce doping, pH, conductivity and concentration on the electrochemical degradation process. The experiments were conducted over various pH values ​​(3, 5, 7 and 9), dye concentrations (50, 100, 300 and 500 ppm), current densities (100, 200, 350 and 600 A.m‐2) and conductivities (1500, 3500, 5500 and 10000 µS.cm−1). It was found that the newly developed electrode doped with 10% Ce and 10% La showed the most efficient results. This study provides insights into optimizing the operational parameters for effective electrochemical process with the novel La/Ce doped MMO electrodes.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Fluorinated Amino Pyrimidines: Molecular Docking, ADME, and DFT Insights for SARS‐CoV‐2 MPro Inhibition
Authors: Gunjan  , Bhagat Nishtha , Choudhary Avinabh , Kumari Poonam , Kumar Pradeep , Bhagat Sunita
Published: December 2024

The extremely infectious SARS‐CoV‐2 virus has infected around 48 million individuals and caused over 1.22 million deaths globally since the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. In this regard, we have synthesize the novel fluorinated amino pyrimidines via a one‐pot method and analyzed their potency as an inhibitor for the SARS‐CoV‐2 MPro receptor using molecular docking studies. The binding affinities for the various synthesized analogues have been determined, and also found best results in compound 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. Their ADME properties were looked upon for better understanding of the bioactivity of newly synthesized fluorinated amino pyrimidines. These compounds exhibit favorable ADME properties. Further, their DFT studies were carried out to understand the function of receptor by HOMO–LUMO gap and Gibbs free energies.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinones
Authors: Mehrabi Hossein , Alizadeh‐Bami Farzaneh , Alinaghi‐Langari Soheil
Published: December 2024

Herein, a protocol for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidinones is presented in two‐step. The precursor is prepared from inexpensive and readily available starting materials in high yield. Then, the desired products have been prepared using both conventional and microwave irradiation methods in presence of HCl as catalyst. It resulted that the microwave irradiation gave very lower reaction time and higher yields compared to the conventional method.
Antibacterial Activity of Lemon IntegroPectin Against Escherichia coli
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Picone Pasquale , Albanese Lorenzo , Meneguzzo Francesco , Ilharco Laura M. , Nuzzo Domenico , Pagliaro M.
Published: December 2024

Lemon IntegroPectin sourced via hydrodynamic cavitation of lemon industrial processing waste in water only shows high antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli. Insight on the antibacterial mechanism gained by investigating the oxidation kinetics of the phytocomplex at 0.5 mg/mL concentration in contact with the bacteria indicates that the oxidative stress, measured by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced at the bacterial surface, is significantly higher than that generated by H2O2 0.5 M. Given the nontoxic and mitoprotective nature of this bioconjugate sustainably extracted from an abundant biological resource, these findings are promising toward a new antimicrobial treatment against polymicrobial infections unlikely to develop drug resistance.
Roles of Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 Catalysts in Boosting the Efficient Combustion of Waste Plastics
Authors: Yan Qiang , Hou Xu , Zhou Hao , Sun Xinyao , Huang Jing , Yin Li , Cui Tingting
Published: December 2024

Because of superior oxygen storage and release capability, Ce‐based catalysts were widely used in the oxidation reaction, while seldomly mentioned in waste plastics combustion. Herein, Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 catalysts were prepared by the complexed hydrothermal method (CeZr(C)), oxalic acid gel method (CeZr(O)), and hydrothermal method (CeZr(N)); and then, used in PE (polyethylene) combustion. Compared with PE noncatalytic combustion that exhibited an initial combustion temperature of 269 °C, CeZr(C) slightly reduced the initial combustion temperature to 263 °C, while CeZr(N) and CeZr(O) significantly reduced the initial combustion temperature to 245 and 251 °C, respectively. It was deduced that the activity of CeZr(N) and CeZr(O) in PE catalytic combustion was significantly higher than that of CeZr(C). Based on the systematic characterization, two reaction mechanisms were proposed to explain the excellent performance of CeZr(O) and CeZr(N) in PE combustion: (1) Because of the abundant surface area and O2 adsorption, CeZr(O) enhanced the activation of molecular oxygen and the formation of active oxygen, which was easier to attack C─C/C─H bond and initiate PE combustion than molecular oxygen. (2) Because of the strong acidity, CeZr(N) enhanced the activation of C─C/C─H bond in polymer molecules, which benefited the attack of molecular oxygen, and reduced the reaction temperature.
A Practical Spectroscopic Protocol Based on Sialic Acid‐S‐Protein Interaction for SARS‐CoV‐2 Detection
Authors: Özyurt Vasfiye Hazal , Çitil Burak Ekrem , Anik Ülkü
Published: December 2024

This work aims to investigate the possible role of sialic acids as host cell receptors for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and hence to develop a practical spectroscopic protocol that relies on the interaction between fetuin and spike protein (S‐protein) for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection. For that purpose, firstly, synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were functionalized with fetuin. Then, fetuin functionalized AuNPs were incubated with S‐protein and the difference in absorbance value of AuNPs at 530 nm was measured spectroscopically. The interaction between fetuin and S‐protein was characterized by using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy methods whereas sole AuNP structure was investigated by using transmission electron microscopy technique. The experimental parameters such as fetuin amount (0, 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL) and incubation duration (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 min) were optimized and analytical characteristics of developed biosensors were investigated. The detection limit value was calculated as 2.40 ng/mL, the linear range of detection was between 4.98 and 95.2 ng/mL, and the relative standard deviation value was 0.72% for 9.95 ng/mL S‐protein. Finally, the developed biosensor was applied to real samples that were taken from SARS‐CoV‐2 non‐infected and infected individuals.
Nitrogen‐Doped Graphitic Carbon‐CoTe2 Decorated on Carbon Aerogel Microspheres as a High‐Rate and Ultra‐Stable Electrode for Efficient Capacitive Storage
Authors: Han Wenjing , Li Jianying , Ju Hui , Yuan Lei , Liu Xu Dong , Wang Chaoyang
Published: December 2024

Nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon‐CoTe2 decorated on carbon aerogel microspheres (NG‐CoTe2/CRF) are designed and synthesized through a scalable co‐precipitation reaction combined with a high‐temperature tellurization process. The porous and large surface‐specific CRF microspheres inhibited the further growth of CoTe2 nanoparticles, resulting in smaller dimensional NG‐CoTe2/CRF composites were achieved. The obtained NG‐CoTe2/CRF composites (smaller size particles and larger pore sizes) provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions and accelerate the transport of electrolyte ions, thereby promoting the capacitive contribution of the fast redox reaction, the capacitive contribution can even reach 93% at a scan rate of 8 mV s−1. The novel electrode material also possesses excellently ultra‐stable and high‐rate performance. Moreover, the assembled NG‐CoTe2/CRF//activated carbon (AC) asymmetric supercapacitor presents satisfactory electrochemical performance, delivering a high energy density of 49.8 W h kg−1 at a power density of 985 W kg−1 and competitive cyclic stability (125.2% retention of initial capacity after 5000 cycles). This work designs an effective synthetic route and validates the potential prospects of carbon aerogels tuning the structure of transition metal tellurides for developing high‐performance and advanced energy storage devices. This strategy can be extended to the fields of battery and electrocatalysis.
Enhancing Environment Resistance and Bioactivity of Pesticide Enabled by Structure‐Controllable Polymer Nanocarriers: Emphasizing the Role of Morphology
Authors: Yang Guang , Ren Hui , Li Qiaoran , Bi Feihu , Chen Guohu , Yu Deshui , Chen Mingjun , Wang Zhangxun , Wang Yulong , Wang Junjie
Published: December 2024

Nano‐formulated pesticides are increasingly desired to control the insect pest and plant disease with superior efficacy for guaranteeing the high yield and quality in crop production. However, the impact of nanocarrier morphology on pesticide resistance against rainwash, photolysis, and overall pesticide bioactivity remains unknown. In this work, a series of well‐defined and morphology‐controllable polymer nanocarriers for pesticide are fabricated through polymerization‐induced self‐assembly. All these generated soft nanocarriers with hydrophobic regions exhibit excellent pesticide loading capacity over 70%. After foliar spraying, the generated one‐dimensional worm‐like nanopesticides exhibit an extremely high retention of 80% on leaves after 10 mm rainfall (only 10% for naked pesticide) and a good resistance to photodegradation under UV irradiation (less than 50% for worm‐like micelle vs 70% for naked pesticide degradation after 20 h irradiation under 365 nm). Therefore, worm‐like nanocarriers show higher bioactivity than that of spherical nanocarriers. In general, the comprehensive performance order of pesticide‐loaded polymer nanocarriers is worm‐like micelle > spherical vesicle > spherical micelle. Moreover, the facilely resultant soft nanocarriers of pesticides possess a remarkable low cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility in human cells. This nanoplatform possesses simple fabrication, structure controllability, excellent performances, and environmental friendliness, enabling the nanocarriers promising for effective pesticide delivery.
The Effects of Ligands with Different Electron Donation on the Nitrogen Reduction Performance of Constructed Co‐MOFs: NH3 or N2H4?
Authors: Qin Ling , Zhao Ying‐Xin , Wang Ya‐Nan , An Jin‐Long , Liu Qiang , Zheng He‐Gen
Published: December 2024

Four cobalt‐based metal‐organic frameworks (Co‐MOFs) based on different ligands with varying electron‐donating properties (dpt = 2,5‐di(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole, NH₂bdc = 5‐aminoisophthalic acid, OHbdc = 5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid, H₂tdc = thiophene‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid, and hfipbb = 4,4′‐(hexafluoropropane‐2,2‐diyl)bisbenzoic acid) are synthesized. Among them, Co‐dpt‐NH₂bdc demonstrates the highest nitrogen reduction reaction activity, achieving an ammonia (NH3) yield of 68.61 µg·h⁻¹·mgcat⁻¹ and Faraday efficiency (FE) of 6.75 %. The enhanced performance is attributed to stronger electronic interactions and improved charge transfer capabilities facilitated by the electron‐donating properties of NH₂bdc. Additionally, Co‐dpt‐NH₂bdc can produce hydrazine (N₂H₄), achieving N₂H₄ yield of 90.62 µg·h⁻¹·mgcat⁻¹ and FE of 65.67 %, as a byproduct caused from the interaction between the generated NH₃ and the amino group on the NH₂bdc ligand. This work highlights the potential of molecular engineering in tuning the electronic states of catalytic sites to enhance electrocatalytic activity and provides insights into the production of N₂H₄ through ligand modulation.
Synergistic Passivation of Pyridinium Tetrafluoroborate (PyBF4) in Inverted (CsPbI3)0.05((FAPbI3)1−x(MAPbBr3)x)0.95 Solar Cells with Atomic Layer Deposited NiO Layers
Authors: Xu Yinyan , Park Hyoungmin , Amornkitbamrung Urasawadee , Jeong Hyeon Jun , Wang Canjie , In Yongjae , Gibson Aedan , Shin Hyunjung
Published: December 2024

Nickel oxide (NiO) is a promising hole transport layer (HTL) that can be used to fabricate efficient, large‐scale inverted‐type perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, depositing a high‐quality perovskite layer on NiO substrates comparable to those realized in the normal structure still presents a challenge. Herein, a pyridinium tetrafluoroborate (PyBF4) additive is introduced to passivate the intrinsic defects in the bulk perovskite films. The nitrogen Lewis base in the PyBF4 molecule interacts well with uncoordinated Pb2+ cations, leading to high‐quality perovskite films with minimized defects. Meanwhile, the pseudohalide BF4− can fill halogen vacancies in the perovskite films to enable defect passivation. As a result, the perovskite precursor solution with PyBF4 shows better reproducibility for high‐efficiency devices. The optimal PSC based on PyBF4 modification yields a champion power conversion efficiency of 22.7% with atomic layer deposited NiO as the HTL.
PM2.5 Induces the Instability of Atherosclerotic Plaques by Activating the Notch Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Tianyang , Zhang Yuezhu , Li Xu , Ge Zhili , Shi Jingjing , Wang Tianyou , Zhang Jiaxin , Zhang Xinyu , Jiang Huibin , Zhou Liting , Ye Lin
Published: December 2024

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can exacerbate the instability of atherosclerotic plaques although the exact chemical process driving atherosclerosis remains unknown. In order to create atherosclerotic models, a high‐fat diet and vitamin D3 injections were given to 56 Wistar rats in this investigation. The atherosclerotic rats were split into four groups at random and given different doses of PM2.5 (0, 1.5, 7.5, and 37.5 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. To investigate the mechanism, foam cells were exposed to PM2.5 (0, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) for 24 h. The results showed that PM2.5 exposure caused collagen fibers thinner and muscle fibers were disorganized. PM2.5 exposure significantly affected the expression of MMP2, MMP9, TIMP2, and vimentin in aortas of atherosclerotic rats. Moreover, PM2.5 exposure increased the expression of the Notch signaling pathways which was correlated with the expression of atherosclerotic plaque stability‐related genes. PM2.5 exposure also increased the apoptosis rate of foam cells. The expression of MMP2, MMP9, and vimentin was increased and TIMP2 was decreased with the increasing PM2.5 dose in foam cells. The inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway can alleviate the alteration of atherosclerotic plaque stability‐related genes. The findings demonstrated that PM2.5 exposure can cause atherosclerotic plaques to become unstable, aggravating the progression of atherosclerosis, a process in which the Notch signaling pathway is crucial.
Synthesis and textural characterization of Mn‐doped GdFeO3 perovskite for enhancement photo‐Fenton degradation of dye
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen , Phan Thi To Nga
Published: December 2024

In this study, GdFeO3 (GFO) and Mn‐doped GFO (Mn/GFO) photocatalysts were prepared via hydrothermal method for photo‐Fenton degradation of methyl orange. Different characterization techniques were employed to confirm Mn was successfully incorporated into the lattice of GdFeO3 perovskite. The influence of Mn doping on the photo‐Fenton catalytic activity of Mn/GFO was also studied. The experimental results showed that the Mn‐doped GdFeO3 photocatalyst exhibited greater photo‐Fenton catalytic performance under visible light irradiation than undoped GdFeO3 sample. Particularly, the methyl orange degradation rate of 10Mn‐doped GdFeO3 could reach up to 97.2%. And the first order kinetic constant of optimized conditions (0.0456 min−1) using 10Mn‐doped GdFeO3 was about 4.97 times than that of pure GdFeO3. Besides, the as‐prepared photocatalyst possessed favorable stability and reusability after four cycles of use. This work presents the potential application of Mn‐doped GdFeO3 in the degradation of dye in visible region.
Expert Consensus to Establish Scientific Truths
Authors: Jorm Anthony
Published: December 2024

This chapter examines the most controversial area where consensus is involved—establishing scientific truths. It reviews the range of positions taken by philosophers, historians and sociologists of science, from those who take a strongly positive position through to those who are largely negative about the role of consensus in establishing truth. Despite the varying views, there is some agreement from these writers about the conditions under which consensus is more likely to indicate truth: (1) The consensus needs to be rational, empirical and critically examined. (2) The group coming to the consensus needs to be diverse. (3) The group needs to be open-minded, and there is no coercion of dissenters. (4) The group needs to be sufficiently large to get reliable results. It concludes that consensus can be a strong indicator of truth under certain conditions.
Expert Consensus on Research Methods
Authors: Jorm Anthony
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses how consensus processes are used by scientists to agree on what research methodologies in their field are sound. Many methodological innovations are accepted by a spontaneous consensus. This is more likely where there is no existing method or existing methods can be improved. With such methods, the level of innovation is high and can be provided by an individual scientist or a small team. Other methodological innovations achieve consensus through a deliberative process. This more commonly occurs where there are existing methods, but these need standardization or infrastructure for dissemination. It requires coordination of efforts across a larger number of scientists and may require creating a new organization to support the dissemination of the methodology.
The axion is going dark
Authors: Dierigl Markus , Novičić Dušan
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this work we explore the effect of a non-Abelian dark sector gauge group that couples to the axion field. In particular, we analyze effects that arise if the dark sector gauge group mixes topologically with the Standard Model. This is achieved by gauging a subgroup of the global center 1-form symmetries which embeds non-trivially in both the visible as well as the dark sector gauge groups. Leaving the local dynamics unchanged, this effect modifies the quantization conditions for the topological couplings of the axion, which enter the estimate of a lower bound on the axion-photon coupling. In the presence of a dark sector this lower bound can be reduced significantly, which might open up interesting new parameter regions for axion physics. We further determine the allowed exotic matter representations in the presence of topological mixing with a dark sector, explore the generalized categorical symmetries of such axion theories, and comment on other model-independent phenomenological consequences.
Master integrals for e+e− → 2γ process at large energies and angles
Authors: Lee Roman N. , Stotsky Vyacheslav A.
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We calculate master integrals for the two-loop QED corrections to e+e− → 2γ in terms of generalized power series with respect to electron mass. The coefficients of this series are expressed via Goncharov’s polylogarithms. Our approach exploits a number of modern multiloop methods: IBP reduction, differential equations for master integrals, Frobenius method, reduction to ϵ-form, and DRA method.
Self-supervised representation learning for robust fine-grained human hand action recognition in industrial assembly lines
Authors: Sturm Fabian , Trat Martin , Sathiyababu Rahul , Allipilli Harshitha , Menz Benjamin , Hergenroether Elke , Siegel Melanie
Published: December 2024

Humans are still indispensable on industrial assembly lines, but in the event of an error, they need support from intelligent systems. In addition to the objects to be observed, it is equally important to understand the fine-grained hand movements of a human to be able to track the entire process. However, these deep-learning-based hand action recognition methods are very label intensive, which cannot be offered by all industrial companies due to the associated costs. This work therefore presents a self-supervised learning approach for industrial assembly processes that allows a spatio-temporal transformer architecture to be pre-trained on a variety of information from real-world video footage of daily life. Subsequently, this deep learning model is adapted to the industrial assembly task at hand using only a few labels. Well-known real-world datasets best suited for representation learning of such hand actions in a regression tasks are outlined and to what extent they optimize the subsequent supervised trained classification task. This subsequent fine-tuning is supplemented by concept drift detection, which makes the resulting productively employed models more robust against concept drift and future changing assembly movements.
Echocardiographic Changes in Infants with Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia After Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion (FETO)
Authors: Avitabile Catherine M. , Flohr Sabrina , Mathew Leny , Wang Yan , Ash Devon , Gebb Juliana S. , Rintoul Natalie E. , Hedrick Holly L.
Published: December 2024

Fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) induces lung growth and may improve survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) but the effect on post-natal right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular size and cardiac function is unknown. Quantitative measures of heart size and function including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion Z-score (TAPSEZ), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), RV global longitudinal and free wall strain (RVGLS, RVFWS), RV/LV ratio, LV eccentricity index (LVEI), and LV M-mode diastolic and systolic Z-scores (LVIDDZ, LVIDSZ) were compared between FETO and control patients on first post-natal echocardiogram, prior to and post CDH repair, and on last available echocardiogram using non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test in a single-center, retrospective cohort study. Linear regression models evaluated change over time, adjusting for clustering and interaction of echocardiogram parameters with time. Thirty-two patients (10 FETO, 22 control) met inclusion criteria. At first echocardiogram, FETO patients demonstrated lower RV/LV ratio and LVEI (p = 0.01 for both) indicating less RV dilation and less ventricular septal displacement, respectively. LV hypoplasia was less severe in FETO patients (p = 0.01 for both LVIDDZ and LVIDSZ) initially. After repair, FETO patients demonstrated better RV systolic function compared to control patients by FAC (p < 0.01), RVGLS (p = 0.02), and RVFWS (p = 0.05). Over time, FETO patients demonstrated greater improvements in RV/LV ratio and LVEI but smaller increases in LV dimensions compared to control patients. Improvements in RV function were similar between the groups. FETO patients demonstrate differences in cardiac size and function compared to control patients.
Changes in hippocampal volume and affective functioning after a moderate intensity running intervention
Authors: Klepits Patrick , Koschutnig Karl , Zussner Thomas , Fink Andreas
Published: December 2024

This study examined the effects of a moderately intense seven-week running intervention on the hippocampal volume and depressive symptoms of young men (20–31 years of age) from the general population (N = 21). A within-subjects-design involving a two-week baseline period before the running intervention, and two subsequent intervention cycles was applied. At four time points of assessment (t1: start of the study; t2: end of baseline period/start of the intervention; t3: end of the first intervention cycle; t4: end of the 2nd intervention cycle/study end) magnetic resonance imaging was performed and symptoms related to depression were assessed employing the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in the estimated maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), measured with a standardized walking test (average increase from 42.07 ml*kg− 1*min− 1 to 46.07 ml*kg− 1*min− 1). The CES-D scores decreased significantly over the course of the running intervention (average decrease from 12.76 to 10.48 on a 20-point scale). Significant volumetric increases in the hippocampus were found, most notably after the first intervention cycle in the left (average increase from 613.41 mm³ to 620.55 mm³) and right hippocampal tail (average increase from 629.77 mm³ to 638.17 mm³). These findings provide new evidence regarding the temporal dynamics of hippocampal changes following engagement in physical activity.
Risks and use of ERCP during the diagnostic workup in a national cohort of biliary cancer
Authors: Forslund Anna , Haraldsson Erik , Holmberg Erik , Naredi Peter , Rizell Magnus
Published: December 2024

Background

In biliary cancer, the indication of endoscopic intervention might be diagnostic as well as therapeutic, in the latter situation with the aim to relieve biliary obstruction e.g. by stenting. Our aim was to investigate the use of endoscopic biliary interventions during the diagnostic workup of biliary cancers in a national cohort, and to evaluate their complications, especially cholangitis and pancreatitis.

Methods

This is a registry-based study of national cohort of patients with biliary cancers in Sweden 2010–2020. The use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during the diagnostic work up period before treatment onset, and risk of complications were evaluated in patients with gallbladder cancer, intrahepatic-, perihilar- and distal cholangiocarcinoma. The risk of complications was compared depending on age, sex, comorbidity, in relation to stage and curative intent, endoscopy unit size, and with relation to survival.

Results

Forty percent of the patients with biliary cancer underwent ERCP during the diagnostic workup, with variations depending on diagnosis. There was a 20% overall risk of periprocedural complications, a 9% risk of post-ERCP-pancreatitis (PEP), and a 6% risk of cholangitis. Increasing tumor stage did not increase risk, nor did comorbidity. The complication rates were slightly higher for younger patients and those undergoing curative treatment. For perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) treated with curative intention, the risk of periprocedural complications was as high as 30.7%. No association between post-ERCP complications and survival was found.

Conclusion

Irrespective of type of biliary cancer, ERCP is frequently used during diagnostic workup. The complication risk indicates that primary biliary cancers are complication prone, regardless of stage. Notably the risk of complications was the highest for younger patients with low comorbidity scores, as well as for patients undergoing curatively aiming treatment.
Lattice strain model for rare earth element partitioning between apatite and silicate melt: effect of apatite/melt composition and temperature with implications for lunar basalts
Authors: Jirků Markéta , Špillar Václav , Fabbrizio Alessandro
Published: December 2024

We present new parameterized lattice strain models to predict the apatite/silicate melt partition coefficients of the rare earth elements (REE) in natural magmatic systems as a function of temperature and melt composition with high accuracy and precision. We collected published experimental REE partition coefficients for apatite coexisting with melt ranging from picrobasaltic to rhyolitic and phonolitic composition. Resulting dataset was analysed using the lattice strain model to assess the data quality. The three lattice strain parameters (D0, r0, and E) were subjected to a multivariate nonlinear least-squares analysis as a function of intensive variables, and we attempted to develop two independent models, on the basis of melt and apatite composition. In melt composition-based model, it was found that the D0 parameter increases with increasing melt polymerization, which can be expressed by the newly proposed simplified melt polymerization index P.I. = ($$\:{X}_{{\text{S}\text{i}\text{O}}_{2}}$$+2$$\:{X}_{{\text{A}\text{l}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}}$$+$$\:{X}_{{\text{T}\text{i}\text{O}}_{2}}$$+2$$\:{X}_{{\text{P}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{5}}$$)/($$\:{X}_{\text{M}\text{g}\text{O}}$$+$$\:{X}_{\text{F}\text{e}\text{O}}$$+$$\:{X}_{\text{C}\text{a}\text{O}}$$+2$$\:{X}_{\text{a}\text{l}\text{k}}$$), where individual $$\:{X}_{i}$$ variables represent the molar fractions of the oxides in the melt. By disentangling the effect of each component of the P.I., it was found that the CaO content of the melt is the oxide that affects more the D0 parameter. Thus, the D0 parameter is expressed as a power law function of melt CaO content. Through extensive search of the parameter space, the E and r0 variables were found to correlate strongly with linear combination of melt CaO, P2O5 and of reciprocal temperature, 1/T. Based on the apatite composition, we could not find any dependence of the partitioning parameters on compositional variables that would outperform solely a reciprocal temperature-based fit. The new parameterization was applied to predict REE partition coefficients in lunar basalts and suggests that lunar apatite could only equilibrate with evolved melt at late stages of fractional crystallisation.
A survey of multimodal event detection based on data fusion
Authors: Mondal Manuel , Khayati Mourad , Sandlin Hông-Ân , Cudré-Mauroux Philippe
Published: December 2024

With the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the rise of shared multimedia content on social media networks, available datasets have become increasingly heterogeneous. Several multimodal techniques for detecting events in data of different types and formats have emerged. Those techniques implement various detection algorithms and present different trade-offs in terms of data fusion. Unfortunately, little is known about their underlying detection mechanisms, as existing comparisons are limited to either unimodal event detection techniques or specific types or representations for multimodal techniques. Understanding the behavior of multimodal event detection techniques remains an acute open research problem. In this work, we present a systematic literature review of multimodal event detection techniques. We describe how various techniques leverage information from different modalities through data fusion. We further propose a novel taxonomy of multimodal event detection techniques according to their temporal orientation and the inner workings of their detection mechanism. Finally, we analyze the datasets and metrics used in previous works as well as their reported results. Our survey allows to uncover the properties of each approach and discuss future research directions in this field.