bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy shift with coupling (ESC): a new quench protection method
Authors: Ravaioli E , Verweij A , Wozniak M
Published: January 2025

Quench protection of full-size, high-field accelerator magnets poses significant challenges. Maintaining the hot-spot temperature and peak voltage-to-ground within acceptable limits requires a protection system that quickly transitions most of the coil turns to the normal state. Existing magnet protection technologies, such as quench protection heaters or the coupling loss induced quench system (CLIQ), have been successfully applied. However, they both present shortcomings since they require either thin insulation between the heaters and the magnet conductor—in the case of heaters, or direct electrical connections to the magnet coil—in the case of CLIQ. A novel quench protection method, energy shift with coupling (ESC), is presented, which can achieve excellent quench protection performance without requiring any electrical connection or close physical contact with the coils to protect. ESC relies on normal-conducting auxiliary coils strongly magnetically coupled with the magnet coils to protect. Upon quench detection, capacitive units connected across the auxiliary coils introduce a high current change in the auxiliary coils, causing a rapid shift of magnet stored energy from the magnet coils to the auxiliary coils. This has three beneficial effects: sudden reduction of ohmic loss in the normal zone of the magnet conductor, introduction of high transient losses in the magnet conductor, thus causing a quick transition to the normal state, and extraction of a part of the magnet’s stored energy to the auxiliary coils. The applicability of the ESC concept on an existing magnet design is analyzed with electro-magnetic and thermal transient simulations performed with the STEAM-LEDET program. The advantages and disadvantages of ESC are discussed and compared to other conventional quench protection methods. Simulation results show that ESC can be applied to protect full-scale magnets with reasonable requirements in terms of size and location of the auxiliary coils, and of capacitive unit parameters.
Analysis of the the $K^- p \to \gamma \Lambda$ reaction
Authors: Pan Yi , Li Rong , Liu Bo-Chao
Published: January 2025

In this work, we study the $K^- p \to \gamma \Lambda$ reaction in an effective Lagrangian approach and isobar model. Compared to previous studies using an Regge-plus-resonance model, here we consider the contributions of the $t$-channel($K$ and $K^*$) and $u$-channel(proton) exchanges explicitly as the background contribution. To restore the gauge invariance of the amplitude violated by introducing the phenomenological form factors, we employ two different methods that adopted in literatures. Then we discuss the roles of possible resonance contributions in this reaction and present the predictions of $\Lambda$ polarization based on various models. We find that the contribution of the background terms play an important role in the present reaction. On the other hand, the $\Lambda(1520)$, $\Sigma(1660)$ and $\Sigma(1670)$ resonances may also contribute in this reaction. Due to the uncertainties of the present data and the relatively small contributions of the hyperon resonances, we can not identify the roles of various hyperon resonances in the present work. While, we show that the measurement of the spin polarization of the final $\Lambda$ will be helpful to verify various models.
Gold nanocages co-assembled with Spinacia oleracea extract combined photothermal/photodynamic therapy in 4T1 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Dehariya Dheeraj , Tarafdar Anindita , Pebam Monika , Sankaranarayanan Sri Amruthaa , Khatun Sajmina , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: January 2025

Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been emerging as potential alternatives to conventional cancer treatment modalities. Gold nanoparticles, owing to their surface plasmon resonance properties, have been promising in cancer phototherapies, and extracts from potent medicinal plants are commonly employed for the green synthesis of various nanoparticles. Some researchers have used photosensitizers like chlorophyll to promote reactive oxygen species generation. In this research, the photothermal ability of gold and the photon-absorbing capability of chlorophyll derived from Spinacia oleracea (S. oleracea) are combined to achieve the optimum results. Herein, we have synthesized the gold nanocages(AuNCs) co-assembled with S. oleracea extract (SPAuNCs; 70 ± 10 nm) to be employed as a PTT and PDT agent to treat triple-negative breast cancer. This study found that SPAuNCs are promising PTT and PDT agents against breast cancer cell line.
Transcytosis: an effective mechanism to enhance nanoparticle extravasation and infiltration through biological barriers
Authors: Zhang Qianyi , Wang Jiamian , Chen Zhiyang , Qin Hao , Zhang Qichen , Tian Bo , Li Xilei
Published: January 2025

Nanoparticles (NPs)1 have been explored as drugs carriers for treating tumors and central nervous system (CNS)2 diseases and for oral administration. However, they lack satisfactory clinical efficacy due to poor extravasation and infiltration through biological barriers to target tissues. Most clinical antitumor NPs have been designed based on enhanced permeability and retention effects which are insufficient and heterogeneous in human tumors. The tight junctions3

3

TJs: tight junctions

of the blood–brain barrier4

4

BBB: blood–brain barrier

and the small intestinal epithelium severely impede NPs from being transported into the CNS and blood circulation, respectively. By contrast, transcytosis enables NPs to bypass these physiological barriers and enhances their infiltration into target tissues by active transport. Here, we systematically review the mechanisms and putative application of NP transcytosis for targeting tumor and CNS tissues, explore oral NP administration, and propose future research directions in the field of NP transcytosis.
Effect of permeability on the interaction between two spheres translating through a couple stress fluid
Authors: Alotaibi Munirah Aali , El-Sapa Shreen
Published: January 2025

This article explores the steady and uniform motion of two spherical particles submerged in an infinite fluid with Brinkman-couple stress properties, where the particles are entirely immersed and surface slippage is disregarded. While the particles may vary in size, they are composed of the same material and move along the line that connects their centers, influenced by different velocities or external forces. The analysis is performed under low Reynolds number conditions, which signify laminar flow dominated by viscous forces. Using boundary collocation methods, semi-analytical solutions to the governing differential equations are derived, facilitating a thorough investigation of the system. The study employs normalized drag force to evaluate the effects of particle interactions, presenting calculated values graphically and discussing them with several key factors, such as particle size and separation distance, thereby enhancing the understanding of particle dynamics in complex fluid environments. The analysis of how varying the permeability parameter affects flow patterns around two spheres in a couple of stress fluids is shown.
Numerical simulation of thermal barrier coating in gas turbine combustion chamber liner: a comparative study of YSZ and PSZ
Authors: Wahid S M Taseen , Chowdhury Rashidun Nessa , Monjur Jurana , Din Arif Muammer
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the potential of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) and Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in improving gas turbine performance through a theoretical simulation. Using the finite element method, we compared temperature and thermal flow distributions within YSZ and PSZ coated combustion chambers against an uncoated Ni substrate liner wall. Our results demonstrate significant reductions in outer wall temperature (2.61%–3.54%) and heat flux (0.44%–0.6%) achieved through TBC application. The findings were validated through similar studies, with results aligning closely with established data. These reductions translate to cooler and more efficient engine operation. This comparative analysis not only sheds light on TBC effectiveness but also provides valuable insights for optimizing combustion chamber design. These findings pave the way for the development of next-generation TBC materials and engineering strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced gas turbine performance.
Ultralow UV absorber content in 3D printed nanocomposites: maximizing printability and microwave absorption efficiency
Authors: Tilve-Martínez David , Neri Wilfrid , Lessire Jeanne , Dulucq Benjamin , Vukadinovic Nicolas , Berton Benoit , Yuan Jinkai , Poulin Philippe
Published: January 2025

The increasing prevalence of electromagnetic wave exposure in our daily life, particularly within the 100 MHz–300 GHz range, necessitates advancements in microwave absorption materials. This study explores the utilization of 3D printing and VAT photopolymerization to optimize material properties for efficient microwave absorption. While electrically conductive nanocomposites comprising dielectric matrices and conductive fillers have shown promise, their 3D printability poses challenges particularly because of strong UV absorption by conductive fillers. This work addresses this challenge by employing weakly UV absorbing graphene oxide (GO) as a functional surfactant to stabilize single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in an acrylic polymer matrix. The GO particles adsorb at the SWCNT interface. GO remains insulating until in-situ thermal reduction to reduced GO (rGO). After reduction, rGO at the SWCNT interface minimize electrical contact resistance between nanotubes, promoting thereby high conductivity of the nanotube network. The high aspect ratio and conductivity of SWCNTs, combined with the transparency and amphiphilic nature of GO, result in nanocomposites with enhanced electrical conductivity and minimal UV absorption. This allows for the 3D printing of conductive formulations with SWCNT contents as low as 0.03 wt%. This ultralow UV absorber content ensures excellent printability, with maximum cure depths exceeding 100 µm within seconds of UV irradiation. Moreover, the resulting nanocomposites exhibit promising microwave absorption properties in the S and Ku bands (2–4 and 12–18 GHz, respectively). Their reflexion losses, are below −10 dB over a 2.5 GHz bandwidth for a 4.75 mm thick layer. Emphasis is placed on the remarkable printability achieved in this study, as the microwave absorption properties remain unoptimized for specific applications.
Autonomous inverse encoding guides 4D nanoprinting for highly programmable shape morphing
Authors: Ren Shuaiqi , Zhang Zhiang , He Ruokun , Fan Jiahao , Wang Guangming , Wang Hesheng , Han Bing , Zhang Yong-Lai , Ma Zhuo-Chen
Published: January 2025

Highly programmable shape morphing of 4D-printed micro/nanostructures is urgently desired for applications in robotics and intelligent systems. However, due to the lack of autonomous holistic strategies throughout the target shape input, optimal material distribution generation, and fabrication program output, 4D nanoprinting that permits arbitrary shape morphing remains a challenging task for manual design. In this study, we report an autonomous inverse encoding strategy to decipher the genetic code for material property distributions that can guide the encoded modeling toward arbitrarily pre-programmed 4D shape morphing. By tuning the laser power of each voxel at the nanoscale, the genetic code can be spatially programmed and controllable shape morphing can be realized through the inverse encoding process. Using this strategy, the 4D-printed structures can be designed and accurately shift to the target morphing of arbitrarily hand-drawn lines under stimulation. Furthermore, as a proof-of-concept, a flexible fiber micromanipulator that can approach the target region through pre-programmed shape morphing is autonomously inversely encoded according to the localized spatial environment. This strategy may contribute to the modeling and arbitrary shape morphing of micro/nanostructures fabricated via 4D nanoprinting, leading to cutting-edge applications in microfluidics, micro-robotics, minimally invasive robotic surgery, and tissue engineering.
Manufacturing high-performance flexible sensors via advanced patterning techniques
Authors: Qin Xiaokun , Zhong Bowen , Xu Hao , Jackman Joshua A. , Xu Kaichen , Cho Nam-Joon , Lou Zheng , Wang Lili
Published: January 2025

As a key component in the field of information perception in the age of intelligence, sensors play an important role in areas such as environmental monitoring and human perception. To meet the huge demands for information acquisition in the whole society, the elaborated structure construction of sensors by patterned manufacturing technology is an important way to improve the performance of sensors. The preparation of patterned structures can enhance the interaction between the sensitive material and target matter, increase the contact area between the sensor and the target matter, amplify the effect of target matter on the sensor structure, and enhance the density of information sensing by building arrays. This review presents a comprehensive review of patterned micro-nanostructure manufacturing techniques for performance enhancement of flexible sensors, including printing, exposure lithography, mould method, soft lithography, nanoimprinting lithography, and laser direct writing technology. Meanwhile, the evaluation methods of flexible sensor performance and the influence of patterned structures on sensor performance are introduced. Finally, some practical application examples of patterned manufacturing techniques are also introduced according to flexible sensor types. In addition, the patterned manufacturing techniques applied for performance enhancement of flexible sensor are summarized and outlooked, which can be used as a reference for future patterned manufacturing of flexible sensors.
Fault diagnosis of rolling bearing based on improved stacking ensemble learning
Authors: Wang Xinghua , Meng Runxin , Cao Jiawen , Wang Guangtao , Liu Xiaolong , Ruijin Sun
Published: January 2025

In response to the challenges posed by the complex operating conditions of electromechanical systems, non-stationary noise interference, difficulties in sensor installation on bearings, and the scarcity of real fault sample data, this paper proposes an advanced fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings. This method employs an enhanced stacking ensemble learning model, improved with wavelet soft and hard threshold algorithms, and utilizes both motor current and vibration signals. Initially, preprocessing of the raw motor current and vibration signals is performed using these wavelet algorithms to mitigate noise and highlight subtle fault features. Data fusion of the motor current and vibration signals is then conducted, from which time-domain and frequency-domain features are extracted to serve as feature vectors for the diagnostic model. Feature selection is optimized through filtering and embedded methods, and principal component analysis is applied to reduce dimensionality. The base learners—GBDT, RandomForest, AdaBoost, and SVM—are employed for polynomial feature processing and weight adjustment. A logistic regression (LR) meta-learner is then trained on newly constructed meta-training and meta-test sets to form the improved stacking ensemble learning model. Comparative evaluations with single models and stacking ensemble models demonstrate that the proposed method significantly enhances fault diagnosis accuracy, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 99.36%.
Mid-latitude clouds contribute to Arctic amplification via interactions with other climate feedbacks
Authors: Bonan David B , Kay Jennifer E , Feldl Nicole , Zelinka Mark D
Published: January 2025

Traditional feedback analyses, which assume that individual climate feedback mechanisms act independently and add linearly, suggest that clouds do not contribute to Arctic amplification. However, feedback locking experiments, in which the cloud feedback is disabled, suggest that clouds, particularly outside of the Arctic, do contribute to Arctic amplification. Here, we reconcile these two perspectives by introducing a framework that quantifies the interactions between radiative feedbacks, radiative forcing, ocean heat uptake, and atmospheric heat transport. We show that including the cloud feedback in a comprehensive climate model can result in Arctic amplification because of interactions with other radiative feedbacks. The surface temperature change associated with including the cloud feedback is amplified in the Arctic by the surface-albedo, Planck, and lapse-rate feedbacks. A moist energy balance model with a locked cloud feedback exhibits similar behavior as the comprehensive climate model with a disabled cloud feedback and further indicates that the mid-latitude cloud feedback contributes to Arctic amplification via feedback interactions. Feedback locking in the moist energy balance model also suggests that the mid-latitude cloud feedback contributes substantially to the intermodel spread in Arctic amplification across comprehensive climate models. These results imply that constraining the mid-latitude cloud feedback will greatly reduce the intermodel spread in Arctic amplification. Furthermore, these results highlight a previously unrecognized non-local pathway for Arctic amplification.
Spatial analysis of teen births near the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site
Authors: DeVille Nicole V , Villanueva Carolina , Korrick Susan A , Vieira Verónica M
Published: January 2025

Few studies have examined teen births at an individual-level to identify sociodemographic and environmental risk factors that may contribute to geographically high-risk areas. Communities around the New Bedford Harbor (NBH) Superfund site in southeast Massachusetts are racially and socioeconomically diverse and face potential environmental burdens. These psychosocial, chemical and physical stressors may be associated with behaviors that increase risk of teen birth. We examined associations between teen births (age < 20 years) from 1993–2009 and maternal residence at time of birth among mothers living in towns adjacent to the NBH Superfund site. We used generalized additive models with a smooth of residential location to predict teen birth risk among 29 472 births, adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity, birth country, and source of payment for prenatal care. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by location across the study area. Approximately 13% of births were to teen mothers. Residential location was significantly associated with teen birth. However, both the strength of associations and areas of elevated risk were attenuated after adjustment. The highest risk was observed north and northeast of the harbor (OR: 95% CI—3.19: 2.08, 4.88 and 2.93: 1.47, 5.82), which aligns with the prevailing wind direction from the harbor. Our study illustrates the importance of assessing the independent contributions of sociodemographic factors to geographic variation in teen birth risk. After accounting for maternal characteristics, results highlight areas within the study region where high-risk individuals may have also experienced environmental stressors.
Large, recursive membrane platforms are associated to Trop-1, Trop-2, and protein kinase signaling for cell growth
Authors: Trerotola Marco , Relli Valeria , Tripaldi Romina , Simeone Pasquale , Guerra Emanuela , Sacchetti Andrea , Ceci Martina , Pantalone Ludovica , Ciufici Paolo , Moschella Antonino , Caiolfa Valeria R. , Zamai Moreno , Alberti Saverio
Published: January 2025

The transmembrane glycoproteins Trop-1/EpCAM and Trop-2 independently trigger Ca2+ and kinase signals for cell growth and tumor progression. Our findings indicated that Trop-1 and Trop-2 tightly colocalize at macroscopic, ruffle-like protrusions (RLP), that elevate from the cell perimeter, and locally recur over hundreds of seconds. These previously unrecognized elevated membrane regions ≥20-µm-long, up to 1.5 µm high were revealed by Z-stack analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of signal transducer–hosting plasma membrane regions. Trop-2 stimulates cell growth through a membrane supercomplex that comprises CD9, PKCα, ion pumps, and cytoskeletal components. Our findings indicated that the growth-driving Trop-2 supercomplex assembles at RLP. RLP behaved as sites of clustering of signal transducers, of phosphorylation/activation of growth-driving kinases, as recruitment sites of PKCα and as origin of Ca2+ signaling waves, suggesting RLP to be novel signaling platforms in living cells. RLP were induced by growth factors and disappeared upon growth factor deprivation and β-actin depolymerization, candidating RLP to be functional platforms for high-dimensional signaling for cell growth.
Why is implementing remote monitoring in virtual wards (Hospital at Home) for people living with frailty so hard? Qualitative interview study
Authors: Lindsay Rosie Kate , Cunnington Paige , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: January 2025

Background

There is relatively low uptake of remote monitoring on frailty virtual wards (Hospital at Home) compared to virtual wards caring for people with other medical conditions. However, reasons for low uptake are poorly understood.

Objectives

To explore the views and experiences of frailty virtual wards stakeholders involved in implementing remote monitoring.

Methods

We conducted qualitative interviews with 42 stakeholders involved in delivery, design or evaluation of frailty virtual wards based in the UK. Analysis was based on the constant comparative method.

Results

Many participants perceived that remote monitoring was only useful for a small sub-group of patients with frailty for a range of medical, practical and social reasons. Remote monitoring required new ways of working from patients, staff and carers. The nature of this work was not always sufficiently well understood, designed or supported. Procurement practices were also seen to be misaligned with service needs, resulting in provision of equipment that was not fit for purpose. A further challenge in implementing remote monitoring in frailty virtual wards lay in tensions between national-level standardisation and enabling local flexibility.

Conclusions

Implementing remote monitoring in frailty virtual wards is challenged by lack of consensus on its suitability for this population, the extent and nature of change in clinical practices and work systems design required, and issues relating to equipment and standardisation. More co-design effort is needed to inform decision-making on remote monitoring for those with frailty.
Human longevity and Alzheimer’s disease variants act via microglia and oligodendrocyte gene networks
Authors: Graham Andrew C , Bellou Eftychia , Harwood Janet C , Yaman Umran , Celikag Meral , Magusali Naciye , Rambarack Naiomi , Botia Juan A , Sala Frigerio Carlo , Hardy John , Escott-Price Valentina , Salih Dervis A
Published: January 2025

Ageing underlies functional decline of the brain and is the primary risk factor for several neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms that cause functional decline of the brain during ageing, and how these contribute to AD pathogenesis, are not well understood.

The objective of this study was to identify biological processes that are altered during ageing in the hippocampus and that modify Ad risk and lifespan, and then to identify putative gene drivers of these programmes. We integrated common human genetic variation associated with human lifespan or Ad from genome-wide association studies with co-expression transcriptome networks altered with age in the mouse and human hippocampus.

Our work confirmed that genetic variation associated with Ad was enriched in gene networks expressed by microglia responding to ageing and revealed that they were also enriched in an oligodendrocytic gene network. Compellingly, longevity-associated genetic variation was enriched in a gene network expressed by homeostatic microglia whose expression declined with age. The genes driving this enrichment include CASP8 and STAT3, highlighting a potential role for these longevity-associated genes in the homeostatic functions of innate immune cells, and these genes might drive ‘inflammageing’. Thus, we observed that gene variants contributing to ageing and AD balance different aspects of microglial and oligodendrocytic function. Furthermore, we also highlight putative Ad risk genes, such as LAPTM5, ITGAM and LILRB4, whose association with Ad falls below genome-wide significance but show strong co-expression with known Ad risk genes in these networks. Indeed, five of the putative risk genes highlighted by our analysis, ANKH, GRN, PLEKHA1, SNX1 and UNC5CL, have subsequently been identified as genome-wide significant risk genes in a subsequent genome-wide association study with larger sample size, validating our analysis.

This work identifies new genes that influence ageing and AD pathogenesis, and highlights the importance of microglia and oligodendrocytes in the resilience of the brain against ageing and AD pathogenesis. Our findings have implications for developing markers indicating the physiological age of the brain and new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Oil, life, and everyday fossil fascism: appropriative signification in U.S. petroleum supremacy
Authors: Dunbar-Hester Christina
Published: January 2025

Fossil fuels face an uncertain future, but they have strong adherents as well as detractors. Even as California debates halting oil extraction, the Biden administration approved large new drilling projects on federal land, in keeping with the United States’ policy of “energy independence” (also called “energy dominance” under Trump). This article examines the Janus face of fossil fuels’ future, reading recent cultural moments in the western US. It shows oil producers (oil lobbyists and oil workers) appropriating acts of signification that affirm life (in particular, in domains of civil rights and environmental justice), inverting language and aesthetics of liberation and resistance to circulate microfascist petroleum supremacy. Such projections of strength may belie a moment of existential precarity for the industry, but these weaponized cultural significations still aim to do harm.
Integrating Fast Frequency Response Ancillary Services: A Global Review of Technical, Procurement, and Market Integration Challenges
Authors: Varhegyi Gergo , Nour Mutasim
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the growing need for fast frequency response services in power systems that increasingly rely on renewable energy sources. As the integration of wind and solar energy continues to displace conventional generators, the reduction in system inertia leads to significant frequency stability challenges, particularly after disturbances. This issue is exacerbated by the inability of renewable generators to provide suﬀicient frequency control, necessitating the development of new, fast-acting solutions to stabilise the grid. In this context, the paper offers a comprehensive review of the technical and economic aspects of fast frequency response services, focusing on their role in addressing the unique challenges posed by low-inertia grids. It highlights the critical role of energy storage technologies in providing rapid frequency stabilisation and examines how various global energy markets approach the procurement and remuneration of these services. A key finding of this review, based on an extensive review and analysis of the literature, is that under certain market conditions, such as reduced ancillary service delivery speed, compulsory procurement based on service utilisation, and marginal pric- ing of the system, both system operators and service providers are suﬀiciently incentivised to provide fast frequency ancillary services, thus enabling greater penetration of these services. The review also identifies key knowledge gaps and market barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of fast frequency response services. It concludes with strategic recommendations for policymakers, engineers, and market operators to enhance the deployment and eﬀiciency of en- ergy storage-based solutions in modern power systems.
Is there an innate sense of number in the brain?
Authors: Lorenzi Elena , Kobylkov Dmitry , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: January 2025

The approximate number system or «sense of number» is a crucial, presymbolic mechanism enabling animals to estimate quantities, which is essential for survival in various contexts (eg estimating numerosities of social companions, prey, predators, and so on). Behavioral studies indicate that a sense of number is widespread across vertebrates and invertebrates. Specific brain regions such as the intraparietal sulcus and prefrontal cortex in primates, or equivalent areas in birds and fish, are involved in numerical estimation, and their activity is modulated by the ratio of quantities. Data gathered across species strongly suggest similar evolutionary pressures for number estimation pointing to a likely common origin, at least across vertebrates. On the other hand, few studies have investigated the origins of the sense of number. Recent findings, however, have shown that numerosity-selective neurons exist in newborn animals, such as domestic chicks and zebrafish, supporting the hypothesis of an innateness of the approximate number system. Control-rearing experiments on visually naïve animals further support the notion that the sense of number is innate and does not need any specific instructive experience in order to be triggered.
The history of economic thought as a living laboratory
Authors: McCaffrey Matthew C , Salerno Joseph T , Dorobat Carmen Elena
Published: January 2025

We propose a novel and constructive way to conceptualise the history of economic thought and appreciate its value within economics more broadly. Drawing on the work of economists spanning nearly a century, we explore the idea of the history of economic thought as a living laboratory of theorising. It is living in that it is a persistently relevant method of doing economic theory, as opposed to a separable field or even a dead branch of economics. It is a laboratory in that it provides a constrained space for examining, comparing, critiquing, combining, and developing theories. Following an initial explanation, we explore the roots of this conceptualisation in the works of some twentieth-century economists. We then illustrate it using the example of the development of neo-Wicksellian macroeconomics. We conclude with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of the living laboratory approach.
Prognostic value of myocardial computed tomography–derived extracellular volume in severe aortic stenosis requiring aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Faggiano Andrea , Gherbesi Elisa , Carugo Stefano , Brusamolino Matteo , Cozac Dan Alexandru , Cozza Elena , Savo Maria Teresa , Cannata Francesco , Guglielmo Marco , La Mura Lucia , Fazzari Fabio , Carrabba Nazario , Conte Edoardo , Mushtaq Saima , Baggiano Andrea , Guaricci Andrea Igoren , Pedrinelli Roberto , Indolfi Ciro , Sinagra Gianfranco , Perrone Filardi Pasquale , Pergola Valeria , Pontone Gianluca
Published: January 2025

Computed tomography (CT)-derived extracellular volume (ECV) fraction is a non-invasive method to quantify myocardial fibrosis. Evaluating CT-ECV during aortic valve replacement (AVR) planning CT in severe aortic stenosis (AS) may aid prognostic stratification. This meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic significance of CT-ECV in severe AS necessitating AVR. Electronic database searches of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were performed. The primary outcome was to compare the occurrence of a composite of cardiovascular outcomes in patients with severe AS undergoing AVR with elevated myocardial CT-ECV values vs. patients with normal values. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF)-related hospitalization. A total of 1223 patients undergoing AVR for severe AS were included in 10 studies: 524 patients with high values of CT-ECV and 699 with normal values of CT-ECV. The pooled CT-ECV cut-off to define elevated values and predict prognosis was 30.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28.5–33.7%]. At a mean follow-up of 17.9 ± 2.3 months after AVR, patients with elevated CT-ECV experienced a significantly higher number of cardiovascular events [43.4 vs. 14.0%; odds ratio (OR): 4.3, 95% CI: 3.192–5.764, P < 0.001]. Regarding secondary outcomes, all-cause mortality occurred in 29.3% of patients with elevated CT-ECV vs. 11.6% with CT-ECV below the cut-off (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.276–5.311, P < 0.001), whereas HF hospitalization was observed in 25.5% vs. 5.9% (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 2.283–10.376, P < 0.001). Patients undergoing AVR for severe AS with elevated CT-ECV values experience a worse post-intervention prognosis. The implementation of CT-ECV evaluation in routine AVR planning protocols should be considered.
Gonadal function and pathology in 17beta-HSD 3 and 5alpha-reductase deficiency
Authors: Boogers Lidewij S , Brüggenwirth Hennie T , Wolffenbuttel Katja P , Hersmus Remko , Bryce Jillian , Ahmed S Faisal , Lucas-Herald Angela K , Baronio Federico , Cools Martine , Ellaithi Mona , Globa Evgenia , Güran Tülay , Hiort Olaf , Holterhus Paul-Martin , MсElreavey Kenneth , Niedziela Marek , Stancampiano Marianna Rita , Tosun Buşra G , van Bever Yolande , Oosterhuis J Wolter , Looijenga Leendert H J , Hannema Sabine E
Published: January 2025

Objective

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 deficiency (17β-HSDD) and 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency (5α-RD) are rare 46,XY differences of sex development (DSD). This study aims to enlarge the limited knowledge on long-term gonadal function and gonadal pathology in these conditions.

Design

Retrospective multicentre cohort study.

Methods

Data on phenotype, laboratory results, and hormone treatment were collected from patients aged ≥16 years at time of data collection with genetically confirmed 17β-HSDD and 5α-RD from 10 centres via the I-DSD Registry. If gonadectomy or gonadal biopsy had been performed, pathology reports and/or gonadal tissue or images were collected.

Results

All 16 patients with 17β-HSDD were raised female; 1 (6%) changed to male gender at age 14. Three females were treated with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) to prevent virilisation. Thirteen underwent gonadectomy at median age 8 (range 0-17). None had germ cell (pre)malignancies. Of 14 patients with 5α-RD, 10 (71%) were raised female. Five changed gender at age 7-23, of whom 4 to male gender. One was treated with GnRHa. Six underwent gonadectomy at median age 10 (range 0-31). None had germ cell (pre)malignancies. With gonads in situ, puberty spontaneously progressed. Three were treated with dihydrotestosterone.

Conclusions

A significant percentage of individuals with 17β-HSDD and 5α-RD changed gender, and some were treated with GnRHa to prevent virilisation before making a definitive decision about gonadectomy. When left in situ, spontaneous puberty occurs and germ cell (pre)malignancies seem uncommon at least until early adulthood. Together, these data support delaying a decision about gonadectomy until late adolescence in these conditions.
Exploring the state-of-the-art in metal-organic frameworks for antibiotic adsorption: a review of performance, mechanisms, and regeneration
Authors: Sutherland Clint
Published: January 2025

The application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) towards the adsorption of antibiotics is a new and emerging area of study. The rise in use or misuse of antibiotic products has exacerbated their ongoing presence and persistence in the natural environment. Even at low concentrations, antibiotic residues exert pressure on bacterial populations, eventually leading to the emergence of resistant bacteria. Metal-organic frameworks, known for their high porosity, vast specific surface area, and ease of modification, have emerged to be a promising and sustainable antibiotic adsorbent. In an effort to advance the development of this adsorbent, this study provides a state-of-the-art review of recent research published from 2020 to the present, specifically examining the use of MOFs for removing antibiotics from aqueous solutions. Multiple MOF adsorbents were analyzed, with approximately 59% demonstrating significant adsorption capacity within the pH range of 6.0–8.0. In 75% of the instances, the adsorption system reached equilibrium in under 2 hr. Adsorption capacities compared well to other published works in the literature and exceeded conventional adsorbents in many instances. Notable cases of MOF performance were MIL-53(Al) adsorption of amoxicillin (AMX) and SA-g-P3AP@MOF(Fe)/Ag adsorption of neomycin where adsorption capacities of 758.5 and 625.0 mg/g were attained, respectively. The reusability of MOFs was extensively reported at the laboratory batch scale. Analysis of the reported studies revealed the most effective eluents were acetone, ethanol, and methanol, with mostly 3–5 cycles attainable without appreciable loss in efficiency. The recent literature confirmed that MOFs are highly efficient in the adsorption of antibiotics; however, there are some areas that warrant further development. It is intended that this work will bring recent trends to the forefront, identify knowledge gaps, and help guide future research proposals.
Toxic Effects of Atrazine on Freshwater Mussels (Elliptio complanata)
Authors: Job Manna , Makutonin Miryam , Job Jerome , Niri Vaduod , Nimmagadda Suresh , MacKenzie James A , Geetha-Loganathan Poongodi
Published: January 2025

Atrazine (ATR) is a commonly found herbicide contaminant in water bodies across the United States. In this study, native freshwater mussels (Elliptio complanata) were investigated to determine histopathological effects and bioaccumulation of ATR under laboratory conditions. Mussels were collected from the Rice Creek Field Station, Oswego, NY, and were exposed to two different concentrations of ATR (15 and 150 μg/L) for four weeks. Histopathological phenotypes induced by ATR include reduced or no ciliary epithelium, ciliary cells merged or completely absent, skeletal rods and connective tissue reduced, causing malformed gill filaments; inhibition of condensation of spermatogenic cells and induced necrosis in spermatocytes in testis; disintegration of acini, oocytes, follicles, and epithelium of the duct, disintegration of the yolk and stalk connecting acini to the follicular wall in ovaries. There were no apparent ATR-mediated histopathological effects in the mantle tissue. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify the levels of bioaccumulation of ATR in the tissues where the teratogenic effects are observed from the histological analysis. Bioaccumulation of ATR was observed in gills (0.11 µg/g in the ATR 15 µg/L group and 0.51 µg/g in the ATR 150 µg/L group) and visceral tissues (0.11 µg/g in the ATR 15 µg/L group and 0.63 µg/g in the ATR 150 µg/L), correlating with the histopathological phenotypes. ATR's action mechanism is identified as induced apoptosis in the cells. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the biochemical response and determine the derivates of ATR in this species.
Relation of income to trends in well-being by age: implications for the future older “forgotten” lower middle class
Authors: Rehkopf David H , Furstenberg Frank F , Jackson Christian , Rowe John W ,   and The Research Network on an Aging Society, Rowe John W , Antonucci Toni C , Berkman Lisa , Börsch-Supan Axel , Carstensen Laura L , Chen Cynthia , Goldman Dana P , Fried Linda P , Furstenberg Frank F , Kohli Martin , Olshansky S Jay , Rehkopf David H , Zissimopoulos Julie
Published: January 2025

The structure of social welfare policy has neglected a growing and increasingly economically marginalized segment of the American population—the lower middle class, a large group who are ineligible for many need-based social services. We examined 20-year time trends in physical well-being, mental well-being, and functional well-being by levels of household income. Our descriptive study used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and is representative of the population of the United States, ages 40 to 74, from 2003 to 2022 (n = 5 308 256). We found dramatic and consistent differences in trends in well-being by income category. While well-being generally got worse over the 20-year period for all ages, the declines were most pronounced for lower-middle-income households for individuals age 50 to 59. These differential trends by income were similar for all 3 of the measures of well-being we examined, but were most different by income level for physical well-being and functional well-being. No major trends or levels were explained by race, body mass index, or smoking. If the observed trends persist, the current age 50–59-year-old lower-middle-income population will enter retirement ages with substantially worse well-being than previous generations.
Bioeconomics of a regime shift by invasive epibiont species affecting a bivalve small-scale fishery
Authors: Aranceta-Garza Fernando , Ramírez-Luna Silvia , Seijo Juan Carlos
Published: January 2025

This study examines the changes in the fishing regime caused by a tunicate epibiont invasion over a small-scale fishery of the pen shell Atrina maura analyzed by a bioeconomic spatial model. The regime shift caused by invasive species decreases the carrying capacity of native species, hindering biomass restoration strategies such as catch quotas, fishing effort reductions, and/or spatial fishing restrictions. The results calculated a tunicate mortality vector that collapsed 80% of A. maura population in 2017. During 2018–2022, biomass remained 60% below 2017 pre-tunicate levels. An exploitation rate of 10% for A. maura fishery enabled low but sustainable exploitation (∼2.5 adductor muscle tons per year) and a positive present value of resource rent (PV = USD 679 000). Dynamic projections for 2023–2035 showed heterogeneous trends for the bioeconomic indicators under possible states of nature of A. maura mortality caused by tunicate invasion (${\theta _n}$). ${\theta _1}$: historical tunicate mortality levels showing negative yearly rates of change [−2%, −4%]. ${\theta _2}$: recent tunicate mortality levels showing no significant changes. ${\theta _3}$: a reduction of tunicate mortality by 30% resulting in a resource recovery trend. This study may contribute to a better understanding of a regime shift by invasive species over sedentary fishing resources.
Antioxidant peptides produced by Pediococcus acidilactici YKP4 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus BD2 in fermented soymilk made from germinated soybeans
Authors: Fadlillah Hendry Noer , Nuraida Lilis , Sitanggang Azis Boing , Palupi Nurheni Sri
Published: January 2025

Soybeans contain antioxidants and are a rich source of proteins. Germination of soybeans improves the bioavailability of nutrients and reduces the content of antinutritional compounds. Moreover, lactic acid fermentation of high-protein foods, such as soybeans, can produce bioactive peptides. Therefore, this study aimed to produce bioactive peptides through fermentation of soymilk prepared from germinated soybeans using Pediococcus acidilactici YKP4 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus BD2 and to identify the antioxidative properties of the resulting peptides. Results demonstrated that the <2 kDa fraction of germinated soybean milk, fermented by P. acidilactici YKP4 and L. rhamnosus BD2, had the lowest IC50 values of 471.16 and 556.93 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the resulting peptides of <2 kDa were mainly derived from glycinin and β-conglycinin. Some of the identified peptides exhibiting antioxidant activities were GKHQQEEENEGGSI, VNPESQQGSPR, IGINAENNQRN, and FVDAQPQQKEEG. Moreover, fermentation of germinated soybean milk produced peptides that act as inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase-4, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and dipeptidyl peptidase-3.
Dispersal promotes stability and persistence of exploited yeast mutualisms
Authors: Liu Cong , Vidal Mayra C
Published: January 2025

Multispecies mutualistic interactions are ubiquitous and essential in nature, yet they face several threats, many of which have been exacerbated in the Anthropocene era. Understanding the factors that drive the stability and persistence of mutualism has become increasingly important in light of global change. Although dispersal is widely recognized as a crucial spatially explicit process in maintaining biodiversity and community structure, knowledge about how the dispersal of mutualists contributes to the persistence of mutualistic systems remains limited. In this study, we used a synthetic mutualism formed by genetically modified budding yeast to investigate the effect of dispersal on the persistence and stability of mutualisms under exploitation. We found that dispersal increased the persistence of exploited mutualisms by 80% compared to the isolated systems. Furthermore, our results showed that dispersal increased local diversity, decreased beta diversity among local communities, and stabilized community structure at the regional scale. Our results indicate that dispersal can allow mutualisms to persist in meta-communities by reintroducing species that are locally competitively excluded by exploiters. With limited dispersal, e.g. due to increased fragmentation of meta-communities, mutualisms might be more prone to breakdown. Taken together, our results highlight the critical role of dispersal in facilitating the persistence of mutualism.
Unconventional approaches for the induction of microbial natural products
Authors: Thissera Bathini , Soldatou Sylvia , Belbahri Lassaad , Ebel Rainer , Jaspars Marcel , Rateb Mostafa E
Published: January 2025

Expansion of the microbial drug discovery pipeline has been impeded by a limited and skewed appreciation of the microbial world and its full chemical capabilities and by an inability to induce silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). Typically, these silent genes are not expressed under standard laboratory conditions, instead requiring particular interventions to activate them. Genetic, physical, and chemical strategies have been employed to trigger these BGCs, and some have resulted in the induction of novel secondary metabolites. This review encompasses a wide range of literature and emphasizes selected successful induction of microbial secondary metabolites examples through unconventional approaches such as quorum sensing, epigenetic modulation, and ribosome engineering. Whenever applicable, we will also discuss their mechanisms and optimizations to improve the microbial drug discovery process.
Global justice in the reshaping of international tax
Authors: Ozai Ivan
Published: January 2025

Global digitalization and economic decentralization have reshaped the landscape of international tax policy, prompting substantial reforms led by the OECD, most notably its ‘two-pillar solution’ aimed at addressing the taxation challenges of the digital economy. This article contends that these reforms fall short of incorporating principles of global justice. The analysis critiques both the technical and normative flaws of prevailing international tax policy design approaches, revealing how its intricate, technocratic framework conceals underlying distributional biases and neglects the developmental needs of less advantaged states. It calls for international tax reforms centred on fairness, advocating for explicit consideration of distributional outcomes to ensure a more just and balanced allocation of resources and responsibilities across nations.