bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical proximity on the valuations of unlisted agrarian companies: Does distance from company to company and to strategic points matter?
Authors: Occhino Paolo , Maté Mariluz
Published: June 2017

This paper is a first attempt to examine the role played by the geography on agrarian firms’ valuations. The geography was evaluated through the physical proximity from agrarian companies to other companies and to some strategic points which ease their accessibility to external economic agents. To get our purpose, we developed an empirical application on a sample of non-listed agrarian Spanish companies located in the region of Murcia over the period 2010-2015. We applied Discount Cash Flow methodology for non-listed companies to get their valuations. With this information, we used spatial econometric techniques to analyse the spatial distribution of agrarian firms’ valuations and model the behavior of this variable. Our results supported the assertion that agrarian firms’ valuations are conditioned by the geography. We found that firms with similar valuations tend to be grouped together in the territory. In addition, we found significant effects on agrarian firms valuations derived from the geographical proximity among closer agrarian companies and from them to external agents and transport facilities.
Recalcitrant steroid-resistant EGPA with multisystem involvement
Authors: Cervi Andrea , Cox Gerard , Khalidi Nader , Nair Parameswaran , Hambly Nathan
Published: June 2017

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a multisystem disorder classically characterized by sequential histopathologic and clinical disease phases. An eosinophilic tissue infiltration phase typically precedes the development of a systemic small-vessel vasculitic phase. The contribution of these two pathogenic mechanisms to disease course and the boundaries between them are often blurred. We report the case of a 49-year-old man with established p-ANCA positive EGPA presenting acutely with central and peripheral nervous system dysfunction, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, biopsy-proven myositis, and myocarditis resistant to steroids. The patient’s clinical course was marked by unremitting abdominal pain associated with significant weight loss. Although eosinophilic infiltrates were not observed on gastrointestinal mucosal biopsy, samples stained heavily for eosinophil peroxidase, indicating prior degranulation of eosinophils. Complete remission of eosinophil-mediated tissue infiltration and vasculitic phases was achieved only after the addition of intravenous cyclophosphamide to corticosteroid therapy. This case report demonstrates both: a) the importance of recognizing eosinophilic degranulation in addition to intact eosinophils in tissue and b) a unique presentation of a rare disease, underscoring the multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of EGPA and its overlapping disease phases.
Post - Tsunami Damages Assessment, Relief and Rehabilitation Measures in the Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, South India
Authors: Hentry C. , Saravanan S. , Chandrasekar N. , Rayar S. L.
Published: June 2017

The present study is based on the post tsunami survey conducted in January 2005 along the south west coast of India. This paper illustrates the variation of tsunami intensity along the coasts of Kanyakumari district and the consequent morphological changes occurred in the coastal area during tsunami. 33 coastal habitations of Kanyakumari district faced the wrath of tsunami waves. We have attempted to study shoreline modifications using beach profile survey, tsunami sand deposits, inundation distance, run up elevation and tsunami height. The coastal environment changes through online survey on human losses, housing and shelter, fisheries, agriculture and damages of infrastructure were studied in the study area. The major destructions identified in this area were 3m-4m sea water rise leading to erosion activities and changes in the beach slope variation. Many gentle slope regions have been transformed into steeply sloped regions. This unknown killer wave causes causalities and mass destruction in the coastal environment due to unaware of tsunami. The shallow waters of bays and estuaries have initiated the seizing. Maximum wave activity observed in the tsunami area closely to that of the bay, low lying areas etc. Initial relief by way of food, clothing, shelter and first-aid medical help has reached most of the affected communities by NGO’s and Government agencies were discussed. The paper also explained the innovative comprehensive long-term rehabilitation program aimed to go beyond basic restoration and rather upgrade standard of living to ensure sustained well-being and prosperity of the tsunami affected people.
Managing DMOs through Storytelling: A Model Proposal for Network and Value Co-creation in Tourism
Authors: Gravili Silvia , Rosato Pierfelice , Iazzi Antonio
Published: June 2017

The rise of new business models based on shared content and experience has required tourism destinations to adopt appropriate tools for the construction and promotion of their identity based on sociality, emotions, interaction and connectivity. The aim of this paper is to analyse actors, actions, processes and relations related to the adoption and development of storytelling practices in tourism destination management, analysing critical aspects linked to the generation of content and the narration of territories. As an attempt to understand the processes of innovation and value-creation underlying the development of storytelling in destination management (“destination telling”), the Service Dominant Logic, and the actor-network theory interpretative framework have been adopted. The study was conducted following the qualitative methodology of multiple case studies. In view of the interviews and the analyses conducted, Destination Telling preconditions, contents, managerial criteria and outcomes have been identified, in reference to each of the three stages (“planning”, “narration” and “assessment”) the process has to be split. Finally, managerial implications for an involving construction and sharing of stories to happen have been examined and discussed.
Relationship between Job Statisfaction Levels and Work-Family Conflicts of Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Ulucan Hakki
Published: June 2017

Study aims to examine the relationship between perceived job satisfaction levels and work-family conflicts of the physical education teachers. Research group consists of 154 volunteer physical education teachers that work full time in governmental institutions in Kirşehir city and its counties. To acquire the job satisfaction datum; the Minnesota job satisfaction Scale, developed by Weiss, Dawis, England and Lofquist (1967) and adapted to Turkish version by Baycan (1985), was used. For acquiring the work-family conflict datum the Work-Family Conflict Scale, developed by Netemeyer et al. (1996) and adapted to Turkish by Efeoglu (2006), was used. While there was no meaningful difference determined between groups in the job satisfaction levels of physical education teachers according to gender and working year in the institution variance there was a meaningful difference determined between groups according to age and working year variance. When work-family conflict levels of teachers are considered while there was no meaningful difference found between groups according to gender variance there was a meaningful difference determined between groups according to age and working year in that institution variances. As a result, there was no meaningful relationship found between job satisfaction levels and work-family conflict levels of physical education teachers.
Why Teach Science with an Interdisciplinary Approach: History, Trends, and Conceptual Frameworks
Authors: You Hye Sun
Published: June 2017

This study aims to describe the history of interdisciplinary education and the current trends and to elucidate the conceptual framework and values that support interdisciplinary science teaching. Many science educators have perceived the necessity for a crucial paradigm shift towards interdisciplinary learning as shown in science standards. Interdisciplinary learning in science is characterized as a perspective that integrates two or more disciplines into coherent connections to enable students to make relevant connections and generate meaningful associations. There is no question that the complexity of the natural system and its corresponding scientific problems necessitate interdisciplinary understanding informed by multiple disciplinary backgrounds. The best way to learn and perceive natural phenomena of the real world in science should be based on an effective interdisciplinary teaching. To support the underlying rationale for interdisciplinary teaching, the present study proposes theoretical approaches on how integrated knowledge of teachers affects their interdisciplinary teaching practices and student learning. This research further emphasizes a need for appropriate professional development programs that can foster the interdisciplinary understanding across various science disciplines.
Water Resources Potentialities in the Wadi Mellegue Basin,Tebessa Region, Northeastern Algeria
Authors: Ch Guerrad , Fehdi Ch.
Published: June 2017

The problem of water is inseparable from sustainable development insofar as water must make it possible to meet the needs of present generations without mortgaging; the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The first concern in semi-arid populated areas; it is the availability of water in relation to a growing societal demand.The immediate objective of a strategy for conserving and improving the productivity of water resources is to halt degradation with all its known forms and to promote a sustainable economy that will preserve and even enrich the quality of the assets And predispositions identified at the regional level. Tebessa is considered a semi-arid environment characterized by the rarity and the random nature of the resources, linked to an unpredictable climate and highly variable from one year to the next; The "sheep region", the "pastoralism", the "nomadism", the vegetable production very seriously compromised both by: The scarcity of the water resource, the fragility of the soil, the poverty of the mode of production, Pastoral type, based on the constant mobility of the herd in search of palatable plant cover, inducing a seemingly irreversible effect of desertification The progressive generalization of a mode of "mining" exploitation, made possible by the increasingly widespread use Modern means of transport, food, communication of information ...In this study, we examine the main water resources of Wadi Mellegue basin, available renewable water resources; The prospects for changing demand and the risks of scarcity.
Bespreking van: P.H.M. van Hoesel, J.W.M. Mevissen & L.H. Dekker (red.), Kennis voor beleid: Beleidsonderzoek in Nederland, Assen: Van Gorcum 2015
Authors: Gorrée Marieke
Published: June 2017

Bespreking van: P.H.M. van Hoesel, J.W.M. Mevissen & L.H. Dekker (red.), Kennis voor beleid: Beleidsonderzoek in Nederland, Assen: Van Gorcum 2015

De bundel Kennis voor beleid (2015), onder redactie van Peter van Hoesel, Jos Mevissen en Bart Dekker, is een boek voor iedereen die werkzaam is op het snijvlak van onderzoek en beleid. De uitgave is vooral opgezet als leerboek of overzichtswerk voor studenten, beleidsonderzoekers en beleidsmedewerkers die in hun dagelijkse praktijk te maken hebben met beleidsonderzoek.
A new genus of mongoliulid millipedes from the Far East of Russia, with a list of species in the family (Diplopoda, Julida, Mongoliulidae)
Authors: Enghoff Henrik , Jensen Laura Mark , Mikhaljova Elena V.
Published: June 2017

The genus Koiulus gen. nov. and its type-species, Koiulus interruptus gen. et sp. nov., are described from the Russian Far East. The new genus is compared with other genera of Mongoliulidae, in particular with Ussuriiulus Golovatch, 1980, also from the Russian Far East, with which it shares the absence of ozopores from individual body rings distributed along the body, a condition so far otherwise unknown in the superorder Juliformia. A synoptic table of genera and a list of species of Mongoliulidae are presented.
Higher Education Regionalization in East Asia
Authors: Choi Edward W.
Published: June 2017

While regional actors in the East Asian higher education sphere share a history of collaboration, they implement regionalization schemes largely based on different needs, goals, timetables, and customs. This piece presents a summary of key regionalization efforts and intitial indications for a path forward.
US Student Mobility Trends in a Global Context
Authors: Bhandari Rajika
Published: June 2017

Drawing upon current student mobility data, this article highlights five key developments in the field of international student mobility, with a particular focus on the United States. Trends related to specific international education initiatives are examined, as is the impact of a shifting political climate globally.
Twenty-first Century Mobility: The Role of International Faculty
Authors: Altbach Philip G. , Yudkevich Maria
Published: June 2017

International faculty are a growing phenomenon worldwide. This article analyzes the role of international faculty, the ways that international faculty are hired and promoted, and their role in the university and in terms of global mobility.
Delusional parasitosis: a practical guide for the family practitioner in evaluation and treatment strategies
Authors: Winsten Michael
Published: June 2017

Delusional parasitosis (DP) is a psychiatric syndrome in which the patient falsely believes he or she is infested with parasites despite clear evidence to the contrary. Patients with DP generally think that mites, lice, or other insects have invaded their skin and most frequently seek treatment from dermatologists or family practitioners. These patients are usually reluctant to seek psychiatric care or to accept a referral to a psychiatrist. This article provides a comprehensive biopsychosocial understandingof the complexities of DP and suggests a practical strategy for evaluation and treatment by the family practitioner. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs, such as pimozide, is discussed as is a treatment team approach involving a psychiatrist, dermatologist, and family practitioner.
Analyzing Listening and Speaking Activities of Iranian EFL Textbook Prospect 3 Through Bloom's Revised Taxonomy
Authors: Mizbani Maryam , Chalak Azizeh
Published: June 2017

Some significant components are essential in teaching a language. Among these, textbooks are the most significant ones and must be considered seriously. Textbooks play an important role in EFL teaching and learning because they can provide ready-made materials to both teachers and students. Besides, if textbooks aren’t used appropriately, they may spoil the process of teaching. This study aimed at analyzing listening and speaking activities of the textbook Prospect 3 which is used for Junior High School third graders in order to investigate in which level of lower or higher of the learning objectives related to Bloom’s (2001) Revised Taxonomy of Cognitive Domain they would be classified. The findings revealed that all of the activities of listening and speaking skills were classified as the low level of cognitive complexity and could not train the students of this grade for high levels of learning objectives. Hence the teachers should employ extra activities to make the students perform in higher levels of thinking skills and book designers should improve the content of the textbook to cover the higher levels of the cognitive domain.
In silicoanalysis reveals widespread presence of three gene families, MAPK, MAPKK and MAPKKK, of the MAPK cascade from crop plants ofSolanaceaein comparison to the distantly-related syntenic species fromRubiaceae,coffee
Authors: Iftikhar Hira , Naveed Nayab , Virk Nasar , Bhatti Muhammad Faraz , Song Fengming
Published: June 2017

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are an important family of genes which play roles in vital plant processes, and they also help in coping against various kinds of environmental stresses including abiotic as well as biotic factors. The advancement of genomics calls for the annotation, identification, and detailed processing of the essential gene families in plants in order to provide insights into the importance of their central roles as well as for providing the basis for making their growth vigorous even under stressed conditions and, ultimately, to benefit from them by foreseeing the potential threats to their growth. In the current study, MAPK, MAPKK, and MAPKKK families of the MAPK cascade were identified and reported from five different agriculturally and economically important crop species of theSolanaceaeandRubiaceaefamilies based on conserved signature motifs aligned throughout the members of the families under this gene superfamily. Genes reported from the species after strict filtering were: 89, tomato; 108, potato; 63, eggplant; 79, pepper; 64, coffee. These MAPKs were found to be randomly distributed throughout the genome on the chromosomes of the respective species. Various characteristics of the identified genes were studied including gene structure, gene and coding sequence length, protein length, isoelectric point, molecular weight, and subcellular localization. Moreover, maximum likelihood test of phylogeny was conducted on the retrieved sequences for the three MAPK cascade families to determine their homologous relationships which were also analyzed quantitatively by heat plots.
Autonomic Neural Blockade in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Daes Jorge , Pauli Eric
Published: October 2024

This article discusses the use of intraoperative autonomic neural blockade as a technique to manage postoperative visceral pain and symptoms of postoperative nausea and vomiting in minimally invasive surgery.
Multi‐Photon 3D Laser Micro‐Printed Plastic Scintillators for Applications in Low‐Energy Particle Physics
Authors: Weinacker Jannis , Kalt Sebastian , Huber Anton , Gutknecht Nathanael , Schneider Jonathan Ludwig Günter , Bojanowski Niclas Maximilian , Geigle Tom , Steidl Markus , Wegener Martin
Published: October 2024

Plastic scintillators are inexpensive to manufacture and therefore a popular alternative to inorganic crystalline scintillators. For many applications, their advantages outweigh their lower light yield. Additionally, it is easier to structure plastic scintillators with well‐developed processing techniques which is of growing relevance in modern applications. One technique to structure plastic material is 3D printing, with noteworthy recent advances in one‐photon‐based approaches. However, some applications require high spatial resolution and optically smooth surfaces, which can be achieved by multi‐photon 3D laser micro‐printing. One application example is the improvement of sensitivity of the Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment. This improvement can be realized by printing a 3D scintillator structure as an active transverse energy filter directly onto the detector. Herein, the first two‐photon printable plastic scintillator providing a printing resolution in the micrometer regime is presented. Using the benefits of two‐photon grayscale lithography, optical‐grade surfaces are achieved. The light output is estimated to be 930 photons MeV−1. A prototype structure printed directly on a single‐photon avalanche diode array is demonstrated.
Electronically Inverted Perovskite‐Type Co‐catalyst as a Universal Platform for Enhanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Huang Hanlin , Chen Zheyan , Yang Yalin , Lin Yushuang , Fan Yuelu , Wu Xiaodong , Ji Yuanxin , Wang Yutian , Yang Chengkai , Yu Yan , Zou Zhigang
Published: October 2024

Co‐catalysts are commonly employed as catalytic centers to activate reactants and intermediates for driving redox reactions with photogenerated carriers during photocatalysis. Herein, a group of electronically inverted perovskite‐type nitrides CuxIn1−xNNi3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) are reported as novel and versatile co‐catalysts for the significantly enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production performance on various photocatalysts, such as metal sulfides (CdS, ZnIn2S4), carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), and metal oxide (TiO2), respectively. The hybrid photocatalyst Cu0.5In0.5NNi3/CdS exhibits an optimal activity up to 6945 µmol g−1 h−1 and a remarkable enhancement factor of 6146% compared with that of pristine CdS. Besides, a high reaction stability with repetitive photocatalytic cycles is achieved. The obvious improvement of activity can be ascribed to the promoted charge separation of energetic carriers due to the metallic properties of CuxIn1−xNNi3 and abundant Ni active sites. A near‐zero Gibbs free energy of adsorbed atomic hydrogen on the Ni‐site is thermodynamically favorable for hydrogen evolution, which can be regulated by electronic states of A‐sites (Cu/In). This work not only demonstrates the great potential of perovskite‐structured nitrides as a universal platform for enhanced photocatalysis but also addresses the importance of exploring new catalytic applications for unique perovskite‐derivatives with cations/anions exchanged in coordinated sites of polyhedral.
Mimicomes: Mimicking Multienzyme System by Artificial Design
Authors: Cao Haolin , Jiang Jing , Chen Lei , Gao Lizeng
Published: October 2024

Enzymes are widely distributed in organelles of cells, which are capable of carrying out specific catalytic reactions. In general, several enzymes collaborate to facilitate complex reactions and engage in vital biochemical processes within cells, which are also called cascade systems. The cascade systems are highly efficient, and their dysfunction is associated with a multitude of endogenous diseases. The advent of nanotechnology makes it possible to mimic these cascade systems in nature and realize partial functions of natural biological processes both in vitro and in vivo. To emphasize the significance of artificial cascade systems, mimicomes is first proposed, a new concept that refers to the artificial cascade catalytic systems. Typically, mimicomes are able to mimic specific natural biochemical catalytic processes or facilitate the overall catalytic efficiency of cascade systems. Subsequently, the evolution and development of different types of mimicomes in recent decades are elucidated exhaustedly, from the natural enzyme‐based mimicomes (immobilized enzyme and vesicle mimicomes) to the nanozyme‐based mimicomes and enzyme‐nanozyme hybrid mimicomes. In conclusion, the remaining challenges in the design of multifunctional mimicomes and their potential applications are summarized, offering insights into their future prospects.
Seed‐Mediated Growth and Advanced Characterization of Chiral Gold Nanorods
Authors: Ni Bing , González‐Rubio Guillermo , Van Gordon Kyle , Bals Sara , Kotov Nicholas A. , Liz‐Marzán Luis M.
Published: October 2024

The controlled growth of gold nanostructures with complex shapes and reduced symmetry, exemplified by chiral gold nanorods and nanoparticles, is one of the most dynamic fields of nanochemistry. A timely summary of underlying concepts, including growth mechanisms and redefined chirality measures, would further promote this research area. In this perspective, we aim to establish qualitative connections between the chiral shapes and growth conditions, specifically for the seed‐mediated synthesis of chiral gold nanorods as a convenient case of chiral morphogenesis. The crystallographic and morphological features of achiral nanorods used as seeds, the experimental conditions during chiral growth, and the symmetry of the chiral inducers, can all be exploited to obtain nanorods with intricate chiral shapes. Chirality characterization (such as electron tomography techniques) and quantification (including chirality measures) emerge as critical aspects to comprehensively explore and understand such structures, enabling optimization of their geometric and optical features. We conclude by discussing relevant challenges to be addressed toward a better controlled synthesis of chiral plasmonic nanostructures.
Boosted Persulfate Activation Using Ba2CoMnO5 and LDH/CaCO3 for Amoxicillin Degradation: A Comparative Study
Authors: Malefane Mope Edwin , Mafa Potlako John , Managa Muthumuni , Nkambule Thabo Thokozani Innocent , Kuvarega Alex Tawanda
Published: October 2024

Sulfate radicals based advanced oxidation processes (SR‐AOPs) have gained attention recently due to their high mineralization capability in environmental remediation. The high persulfate (PS) activation activity of cobalt‐based semiconductors has epitomized them as preferred catalysts for SR‐AOPs but shortcomings such as leaching, and loss of catalytic active sites limit their applicability. Herein, two different strategies are employed to minimize leaching and improve charge transportation and separation for efficient PS activation under visible light irradiation using LDH/CaCO3/PS and Ba2CoMnO5/PS AOP systems synthesized by solid state method. LDH/CaCO3/PS achieved 17.9% higher reaction rate than Ba2CoMnO5/PS for degradation of amoxicillin (AMX) with higher TOC mineralization efficacy. Despite SO4•− and OH• existence and involvement in both systems, the degradation pathways mapped from QTOF‐HPLC‐MS data demonstrated formation of different pathways during AMX mineralization. This work demonstrates novel fabrication of brownmillerite double layered perovskite and insulator supported LDH for environmental pollution remediation.
Octopus‐Inspired Adhesives with Switchable Attachment to Challenging Underwater Surfaces
Authors: Lee Chanhong , Via Austin C. , Heredia Aldo , Adjei Daniel A. , Bartlett Michael D.
Published: October 2024

Adhesives that excel in wet or underwater environments are critical for applications ranging from healthcare and underwater robotics to infrastructure repair. However, achieving strong attachment and controlled release on difficult substrates, such as those that are curved, rough, or located in diverse fluid environments, remains a major challenge. Here, an octopus‐inspired adhesive with strong attachment and rapid release in challenging underwater environments is presented. Inspired by the octopus's infundibulum structure, a compliant, curved stalk, and an active deformable membrane for multi‐surface adhesion are utilized. The stalk's curved shape enhances conformal contact on large‐scale curvatures and increases contact stress for adaptability to small‐scale roughness. These synergistic mechanisms improve contact across multiple length scales, resulting in switching ratios of over 1000 within ≈30 ms with consistent attachment strength of over 60 kPa on diverse surfaces and conditions. These adhesives are demonstrated through the robust attachment and precise manipulation of rough underwater objects.
Designing Isocyanate‐Containing Elastomeric Electrolytes for Antioxidative Interphases in 4.7 V Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Kim Seongmin , Lee Michael J. , Kwon Seung Ho , Park Jinseok , Byun Youyoung , Choi Jaeyoung , Seong Hyeonseok , Kwon Hyun Soo , Lee Eunji , Lee Seung Woo , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: October 2024

To facilitate the use of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with high‐nickel (Ni) cathodes in high‐voltage lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs), it is crucial to address the challenges of low oxidative stability and the formation of vulnerable interphases. In this study, isocyanate groups (−N═C═O) are incorporated to develop an SPE with a bi‐continuous structure, consisting of elastomeric and plastic crystal phases. This rationally designed SPE exhibits high ionic conductivity (0.9 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C), excellent elasticity (elongation at break of 330%), and enhanced oxidative stability (over 4.8 V vs. Li/Li⁺). A full cell, incorporating this SPE with a thin Li foil of 40 µm, and a high‐Ni LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode operating at 4.7 V vs. Li/Li⁺, demonstrates excellent cyclability, retaining 70% of its initial capacity after 200 cycles under a high C‐rate of 1C at 25 °C. The extended cycling of isocyanate‐containing SPE at 4.7 V vs. Li/Li⁺ is attributed to robust and compact inorganic‐rich interphases enabled by antioxidative −N−C═O components, as well as uniform Li deposition attributed to the bi‐continuous structured SPE. This study suggests that the isocyanate‐containing SPE system is a promising candidate for high‐voltage solid‐state LMBs by constructing stable interphases.
Utilization of Lipase‐Catalyzed Acetylation and Deacetylation in the Synthesis of a Natural Product with a Hydroquinone Skeleton
Authors: Sugai Takeshi , Honda Keiko , Hashimoto Riichi , Hanaya Kengo , Higashibayashi Shuhei
Published: October 2024

Elaborated conditions for lipase‐catalyzed preferential monoacetylation enabled the large‐scale preparation of hydroquinone monoacetate. This product was then applied to the synthesis of tournefolin B, a highly oxygenated prenylated hydroquinone of plant origin (Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam.). During the course of the synthetic transformations, lipase‐catalyzed deacetylation under mild conditions was demonstrated.
‘Invisible’ Molecular Dynamics Revealed for a Conformationally Chiral π‐Stacked Perylene Bisimide Foldamer
Authors: Teichmann Ben , Sárosi Menyhárt , Shoyama Kazutaka , Niyas M. A. , Dubey Rajeev K. , Würthner Frank
Published: October 2024

Whilst energetic and kinetic aspects of folding processes are meanwhile well understood for natural biomacromolecules, the folding dynamics in so far studied artificial foldamer counterparts remain largely unexplored. This is due to the low energy barriers between their conformational isomers that make the dynamic processes undetectable with conventional methods such as UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy, making such processes ‘invisible’. Here we present an asymmetric perylene bisimide dimer (bis‐PBI 1) that possesses conformational chirality in its folded state. Owing to the large interconversion barrier (≥116 kJ mol−1), four stereoisomers could be separated and isolated. Since the interconversion between these stereoisomers requires the foldamer to first open and then to re‐fold, the transformation of one stereoisomer into others allowed us to ‘visualize’ the dynamics of folding with time and determine its lifetimes and the energetic barriers associated with the folding process. Supported by quantum chemical calculations, we identified the open structure to be only a fleetingly metastable state of higher energy. Our experimental observation of the kinetics associated with the molecular dynamics in the PBI foldamer advances the fundamental understanding of folding in synthetic foldamers and paves the way for the design of smart functional materials.
In‐Situ Self‐Respiratory Solid‐to‐Hydrogel Electrolyte Interface Evoked Well‐Distributed Deposition on Zinc Anode for Highly Reversible Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Chen Zhiyuan , Gao Xuan , Dong Haobo , Zhao Xiaoyu , He Guanjie , Yang Hui
Published: October 2024

The aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIB) have emerged as a promising technology in the realm of electrochemical energy storage. Despite its potential advantages in terms of safety, cost‐effectiveness, and inherent safety, AZIB faces significant challenges. Issues attributed to unsupported thermodynamics and non‐uniform potential distribution and deposition, present formidable obstacles that necessitate resolution. To tackle these challenges, a novel strategy adapting hybrid organic–inorganic in situ derived solid‐to‐hydrogel electrolyte interface (StHEI) has been developed from coordination reactions and self‐respiratory process, establishing uniform diffusion channels by ion bridges and accelerating ion transport. Self‐respiratory pattern of StHEI realized through in situ inorganic component conversion further prolongs the protecting duration, which effectively mitigates corrosion and passivation but enhance the mechanical properties of the StHEI measured through Young's modulus. This novel StHEI promotes well‐distributed potential lines within the Helmholtz regions. Zn2+ are finally induced to deposit and nucleate in a compact, fine, and uniform manner. Asymmetrical batteries assembled with the modified Zn electrode and bare Zn exhibit exceptional stability over 3000 h (1 mA cm−2–0.5 mAh cm−2). The asymmetrical Cu//Zn cell achieved an outstanding average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.6 % over 1200 cycles.
In Situ Stimulus Response Study on the Acetylene/Ethylene Purification Process in MOFs
Authors: Cai Li‐Zhen , Yu Xu‐Ying , Wang Ming‐Sheng , Yuan Da‐Qiang , Chen Wen‐Fa , Wu Ming‐Yan , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: October 2024

Efficient removal of acetylene (C2H2) impurities from polymer‐grade ethylene (C2H4) in a simple, clean manner remains a challenging goal in industry. The use of porous materials such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is promising for this aim but the acquisition of high purification performance is still hindered by few knowledge on the purification process because the previous conclusions were derived basically from the non‐breakthrough tests or ignored the influence of structural difference (crystal structure, morphology, or defect). Here we propose an unprecedented in situ stimulus response strategy to minimize the influence of structural difference, obtain the gas‐loading crystal structures of the same MOF before and after light or heat stimulation, directly observe the evolution of pore charge distribution and pore⋅⋅⋅gas interactions under light/heat induction, and finally summarizes the favorable structure for highly efficient purification of C2H4. This study opens a new route to understand the relationship between the structure and separation performance for porous materials.
Monofluorinated Phosphate with Unique P−F Bond for Nonflammable and Long‐Life Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yuankun , Zhao Yintong , Zhang Shu , Shang Long , Ni Youxuan , Lu Yong , Li Yixin , Yan Zhenhua , Miao Zhiwei , Chen Jun
Published: October 2024

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with conventional carbonate‐based electrolytes suffer from safety concerns in large‐scale applications. Phosphates feature high flame retardancy but are incompatible with graphite anode due to their inability to form a passivated solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, we report a monofluorinated co‐solvent, diethyl fluoridophosphate (DEFP), featuring a unique P−F bond that allows a trade‐off between safety and electrochemical performance in LIBs. The P−F bond in DEFP weakens ion‐dipole interactions with Li+ ions, lowering the desolvation barrier, and simultaneously reduces the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of DEFP, promoting the formation of a robust and inorganic‐rich SEI. Additionally, DEFP exhibits improved thermal stability due to both robust SEI and the inherent flame‐retardant properties of the P−F bond. Consequently, the optimized DEFP‐based electrolyte exhibits improved cyclability and rate capacity in LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2||graphite full cells compared with triethyl phosphate‐based electrolytes and commercial carbonate electrolytes. Even at a low E/C ratio of 3.45 g Ah−1, the 1.16 Ah NCM811||Gr pouch cells achieve a high capacity retention of 94.2 % after 200 cycles. This work provides a promising approach to decouple phosphate safety and graphite compatibility, paving the way for safer and high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
MicroRNA‐Triggered Programmable DNA‐Encoded Pre‐PROTACs for Cell‐Selective and Controlled Protein Degradation
Authors: Zhan Jiayin , Li Xiang , Feng Zhe , Liu Zheng , Feng Zhiyuan , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Zhang Jingjing
Published: October 2024

Proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have accelerated drug development; however, some challenges still exist owing to their lack of tumor selectivity and on‐demand protein degradation. Here, we developed a miRNA‐initiated assembled pre‐PROTAC (miRiaTAC) platform that enables the on‐demand activation and termination of target degradation in a cell type‐specific manner. Using miRNA‐21 as a model, we engineered DNA hairpins labeled with JQ‐1 and pomalidomide and facilitated the modular assembly of DNA‐encoded pre‐PROTACs through a hybridization chain reaction. This configuration promoted the selective polyubiquitination and degradation of BRD4 upon miR‐21 initiation, highlighting significant tumor selectivity and minimal systemic toxicity. Furthermore, the platform incorporates photolabile groups, enabling the precise optical control of pre‐PROTACs during DNA assembly/disassembly, mitigating the risk of excessive protein degradation. Additionally, by introducing a secondary ligand targeting CDK6, these pre‐PROTACs were used as a modular scaffold for the programmable assembly of active miRiaTACs containing two different warheads in exact stoichiometry, enabling orthogonal multitarget degradation. The integration of near‐infrared light‐mediated photodynamic therapy through an upconversion nanosystem further enhanced the efficacy of the platform with potent in vivo anticancer activity. We anticipate that miRiaTAC represents a significant intersection between dynamic DNA nanotechnology and PROTAC, potentially expanding the versatility of PROTAC toolkit for cancer therapy.
Of tusks and trunks: A review of craniofacial evolutionary anatomy in elephants and extinct Proboscidea
Authors: Nabavizadeh Ali
Published: October 2024

While being the largest living terrestrial mammals, elephants are best known for their highly modified and uniquely elaborate craniofacial anatomy—most notably with respect to their often‐massive tusks and intricately muscular, multifunctional proboscis (i.e., trunk). For over a century, studies of extinct proboscidean relatives of today's elephants have presented hypotheses regarding the evolutionary history of the crania and tusks of these animals and their bearing on the evolution of the proboscis. Herein, I explore major functional characteristics of the proboscidean head. I give a brief review of the anatomy of tusks and dentition, the feeding apparatus, and proboscis in extant elephants and explore their overall bearing in elephant feeding behavior as well as other aspects of their ecology. I also review the evolution of the proboscidean head, with a synthetic analysis of studies and further speculation exploring the interconnected evolutionary roles of tusk morphology and use, feeding anatomy and functional implications thereof, and proboscis anatomy and use in the ancestry of elephants. Notable emphasis is given to the evolutionary role of initial elongation of the mandibular symphysis in the development of the proboscis in many proboscideans. Subsequent secondary shortening of the symphysis and elevation of the temporal region and occiput allowed for a pendulous trunk and proal feeding in living elephants and other proboscidean groups with highly lophodont dentition.
Atomically Precise Fluorescent Gold Nanocluster as a Barrier‐Permeable and Brain‐Specific Imaging Probe
Authors: Nair Lakshmi V. , Nair Resmi V. , Ahmad Lone Bilal , Shenoy Sachin J. , Jayasree Ramapurath S.
Published: October 2024

Photonic nanomaterials play a crucial role in facilitating the necessary signal for optical brain imaging, presenting a promising avenue for early diagnosis of brain‐related disorders. However, the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) presents a significant challenge, blocking the entry of most molecules or materials from the bloodstream into the brain. To overcome this, photonic nanocrystals in the form of gold clusters (LAuC) with size less than 3 nm, have been developed, with Levodopa conjugated to LAuC (Dop@LAuC) for targeted brain imaging. Dop@LAuC crosses the BBB and emits in the near‐infrared (NIR) wavelength, enabling real‐time optical brain imaging. An in vitro BBB model using brain endothelial cells showed that 50 % of Dop@LAuC crossed the barrier within 3 hours, compared to only 10 % of LAuC, highlighting the enhanced ability of L‐dopa‐conjugated gold clusters to penetrate the BBB. In vivo optical imaging in healthy mice further confirmed the material's efficacy to cross BBB without compromising the barrier integrity.
Metabolic Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Fermentative Production of Heme
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jae , Shin Dong Joo , Nho Soo Bin , Lee Ki Won , Kim Sun‐Ki
Published: October 2024

Heme is a key ingredient required to mimic the color and flavor of meat in plant‐based alternatives. This study aimed to develop a yeast‐based microbial cell factory for efficient and sustainable production of heme. To this end, first, Hem12p (uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase) was identified as the rate‐limiting enzyme in the heme biosynthetic pathway present in Saccharomyces cerevisiae D452‐2. Next, we investigated the effects of disruption of the genes involved in the competition for heme biosynthesis precursors, transcriptional repression, and heme degradation (HMX1) on heme production efficiency. Of the knock‐out strains constructed in this study, only the HMX1‐deficient strain produced heme at a higher concentration than the background strain without gene disruption. In addition, overexpression of PUG1 encoding a plasma membrane transporter involved in protoporphyrin IX (the precursor to heme biosynthesis) uptake led to a significant increase in intracellular heme concentration. As a result, among the various engineered strains constructed in this study, the ΔHMX1/H3&12 + PUG1 strain, the HMX1‐deficient strain overexpressing HEM3, HEM12, and PUG1, produced the highest concentration of heme (4.6 mg/L) in batch fermentation, which was 3.9‐fold higher than that produced by the wild‐type D452‐2 strain. In a glucose‐limited fed‐batch fermentation, the ΔHMX1/H3&12 + PUG1 strain produced 28 mg/L heme in 66 h.
Regulatory Effects of SLC7A2‐CPB2 on Lymphangiogenesis: A New Approach to Suppress Lymphatic Metastasis in HNSCC
Authors: Song Kai , Li Yanshi , Yang Kai , Lu Tao , Wang Min , Wang Zhihai , Liu Chuan , Yu Ming , Wang Mengna , Cheng Zhaobo , Pan Min , Hu Guohua
Published: October 2024

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a critical factor affecting the outcomes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the main reason for treatment failure. This study was designed to examine the effects of the key genes involved in the LNM of HNSCC.

Methods

Tissue samples (HNSCC) were examined by transcriptome sequencing, and the core genes associated with LNM were detected via bioinformatics analysis. The functions of these core genes were then validated using the TCGA biological database and their effects on the propagation, invasion, and metastasis of HNSCC cells were evaluated through cell culture experiments. Moreover, the effect of core gene expression on the LNM capability of HNSCC was confirmed via a footpad xenograft mice model.

Results

In the findings, a key gene involved in the LNM of HNSCC was identified as SLC7A2. It was correlated with adverse clinical prognosis and expressed with low expression in HNSCC tissues. As shown in cell culture experiments, FaDu and SCC15 cell growth, invasion, and migration were inhibited when SLC7A2 was overexpressed. Further, cell apoptosis was stimulated, and lymphangiogenesis was suppressed through the downregulation of CPB2 expression. Animal studies demonstrated that the growth and LNM of HNSCC cells were inhibited by SLC7A2 overexpression.

Conclusion

It is concluded that SLC7A2 is involved in HNSCC lymphatic metastasis by controlling CPB2 function. The results are anticipated to offer new directions for the effective treatment of HNSCC.
Patient‐ and Areal‐Level Risk Factors Associated With Lung Cancer Mortality in Victoria, Australia: A Bayesian Spatial Survival Analysis
Authors: Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Stirling Rob G. , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Heritier Stephane , Earnest Arul
Published: October 2024

Background

In Australia, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. In Victoria, the mortality risk is assumed to vary across Local Government Areas (LGAs) due to variations in socioeconomic advantage, remoteness, and healthcare accessibility. Thus, we applied Bayesian spatial survival models to examine the geographic variation in lung cancer survival in Victoria.

Methods

Data on lung cancer cases were extracted from the Victorian Lung Cancer Registry (VLCR). To account for spatial dependence and risk factors of survival in lung cancer patients, we employed a Bayesian spatial survival model. Conditional Autoregressive (CAR) prior was assigned to model the spatial dependence. Deviance Information Criterion (DIC), Watanabe Akaike Information Criterion (WAIC), and Log Pseudo Marginal Likelihood (LPML) were used for model comparison. In the final best‐fitted model, the Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with the 95% Credible Interval (CrI) was reported. The outcome variable was the survival status of lung cancer patients, defined as whether they survived or died during the follow‐up period (death was our interest).

Results

Our study revealed substantial variations in lung cancer mortality in Victoria. Poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, diagnosed at a regional hospital, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), advanced age, and advanced clinical stage were associated with a higher risk of mortality, whereas being female, presented at Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting, and diagnosed at a metropolitan private hospital were significantly associated with a lower risk of mortality.

Conclusion

Identifying geographical disparities in lung cancer survival may help shape healthcare policy to implement more targeted and effective lung cancer care services.
The Effect of Robot Anthropomorphism on Customers' Attention Activation and Satisfaction
Authors: Qiao Yueqiao , Song Dian
Published: October 2024

Prior research has predominantly focused on how interacting with anthropomorphic robots might affect customers' psychological processes and behaviors, wherein this stream of research has presented some inconsistent findings regarding its effectiveness in the service context. This research aims at taking a novel angle by illuminating on the arousal‐based reaction among customers, and their subsequent satisfaction. Grounded in selective attention theory, this research develops a model in which robot anthropomorphism activates customers' attention, which in turn cultivates heightened customer satisfaction. Findings across an eye‐tracking experiment (Study 1), a field survey study (Study 2), and a scenario‐based experiment (Study 3) converge to provide support to the hypotheses. The results of our mixed‐method approach shed new light on how robot anthropomorphism might impact customer satisfaction. Importantly, this study contributes to the research of service robot in the consumer psychology literature by disentangling an attention (arousal)‐based mechanism through which robot anthropomorphism might induce positive customer outcomes. Meanwhile, it simultaneously offers timely and crucial managerial implications for practitioners to better understand the underlying arousal‐based influences of digitalizing the service delivery among customers. This research ends with a discussion pertaining to its theoretical and practical implications.
Natural Products‐Based Anticancer Agents: Synthesis and Anticancer Activities of Funtumine Amide/Sulfonamide Derivatives
Authors: Wu Lang , Xiang Xin , Zhang Long , Chen Yafang , Yu Xiang , He Kang
Published: October 2024

Funtumine is a pregnene‐type steroidal alkaloid exhibiting moderate anticancer activity. To discover novel natural product‐based anticancer drugs, a series of novel funtumine amide/sulfonamide derivatives were papered and identified using spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, the structures of compounds 2j, 3a, and 4k were further confirmed through X‐ray diffraction analysis. Biological activity experiments conducted against three cancer cell lines revealed that several of the synthesized compounds demonstrated inhibition activities comparable to or exceeding those of the commercial anticancer agent, 5‐Fluorouracil. Especially compound 4i demonstrated a notably strong growth inhibitory effect on HePG2 (IC50=14.89 μM) and HCT116 (IC50=15.67 μM) cell lines, while exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity towards human normal BEAS‐2B cells. Preliminary structure‐activity relationships (SARs) analysis indicated that the conversion of the carbonyl group at the C‐20 position of funtumine to a hydroxyl group could yield more potent compounds.