bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociotechnical considerations on developing human robot teaming solutions for construction: a case study
Authors: Ang Karyne C. S. , Sankaran Shankar , Liu Dikai
Published: September 2024

This research advocates for a paradigm shift in the exploration of human–robot teaming solutions for construction automation, by focusing on an integrated view of sociotechnical systems (STS) that recognize the inter-dependencies among actors at various levels when tracing how innovative ideas about intelligent robotic technologies translate into practice in the construction sector. Through a qualitative case study, the paper examines industry and organizational considerations for developing and adopting robotic technologies, leadership vision, mediation, and change management to propose integrative strategies to enhance expectations, acceptance, and deployment of intelligent technologies in human–robot teams (HRTs). This study contributes to research in construction robotics at three organizational levels—macro, meso, and micro. The Integrated Human–Robot Teaming Framework and associated workplan schema offer guidance for navigating human–robot teaming complexities. The study recommends adopting STS principles in planning and deploying robotics applications for construction, emphasizing the integration of multiple elements across the lifecycle. Active leadership and mediation emerge as critical elements in navigating complex networks, ensuring successful outcomes in the dynamic construction environment.
Postdigital Literacies in Everyday Life and Pedagogic Practices
Authors: Lacković Nataša , Olteanu Alin , Campbell Cary
Published: September 2024

In this article, we contribute to literacy and education studies by proposing three overarching features (elements) of postdigital literacy events, informed by an ecological, relational, and sociomaterial framing of literacy. These features are: (1) entanglement, (2) digital materiality, and (3) spatiotemporality. Entanglement is about how learning entangles with our social, cultural, and material contexts through communicative acts, which include an understanding of media entanglements through interface seams(/seaminess) and transmediality. Digital materiality reminds us that digital media are also material, including notions of digital matter, instantiation, representation, and significance. The feature of spatiotemporality accounts for spatiotemporal flow and presence across online/offline environments, concerned with postdigital reconfigurations of time, space, and place. All three elements incorporate challenges around equity, power, and values. We also advance theory-in-practice by providing examples of how postdigital literacy features/elements manifest in pedagogy and everyday life, based on our experiences as academics working in diverse contexts. This work can support international research, teaching, and knowledge around how media practices interrelate through postdigital communication and literacy experiences, what that means, and with what effects, within a vision of education for mutually enriching planetary futures.
Circular economy strategies: a fuzzy DEMATEL decision framework for the fast fashion footwear manufacture
Authors: Sarker Md. Rayhan , Islam Mazharul , Marma U. Aung Shine , Alam Md. Mukter , Shabur Md. Abdus , Rahman Md Saifur
Published: September 2024

The fast fashion industry significantly impedes sustainability by its rapid production cycles, low-cost products, and heavy carbon footprint. Nowadays, circular economy (CE) has become an interesting concept, which follows the “take-make-dispose” model and allows products, materials, and resources to be in use as long as possible. There is a paucity of research in the identification of circular economy strategies (CES) and mapping them based on their interrelationships, which is very important from a managerial perspective. In this vein, this study identifies nine CES and analyzes their causal relationships using the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method in the context of fast fashion footwear manufacture. The key contributions include providing actionable insights for implementing CE practices, enhancing the sustainability of the footwear industry, and offering a strategic roadmap for industry stakeholders. The results and implications of this study will guide footwear industry decision-makers in making a strategic map considering the cause-and-effect interrelationships among the CES for implementing CE business practices in the footwear industry.
MicroRNAs as potent regulators in nitrogen and phosphorus signaling transduction and their applications
Authors: Yang Yuzhang , Liang Yanting , Wang Chun , Wang Yanwei
Published: September 2024

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (Pi) are essential macronutrients that affect plant growth and development by influencing the molecular, metabolic, biochemical, and physiological responses at the local and whole levels in plants. N and Pi stresses suppress the physiological activities of plants, resulting in agricultural productivity losses and severely threatening food security. Accordingly, plants have elaborated diverse strategies to cope with N and Pi stresses through maintaining N and Pi homeostasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as potent regulators fine-tune N and Pi signaling transduction that are distinct and indivisible from each other. Specific signals, such as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), interact with miRNAs and add to the complexity of regulation. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate N and Pi signaling transduction aids in the breeding of plants with strong tolerance to N and Pi stresses and high N and Pi use efficiency by fine-tuning MIR genes or miRNAs. However, to date, there has been no detailed and systematic introduction and comparison of the functions of miRNAs in N and Pi signaling transduction from the perspective of miRNAs and their applications. Here, we summarized and discussed current advances in the involvement of miRNAs in N and Pi signaling transduction and highlighted that fine-tuning the MIR genes or miRNAs involved in maintaining N and Pi homeostasis might provide valuable sights for sustainable agriculture.
Non-overshooting sliding mode for UAV control
Authors: Wang X. , Mao X.
Published: September 2024

For a class of uncertain systems, a non-overshooting sliding mode control is presented to make them globally exponentially stable and without overshoot. Even when the unknown stochastic disturbance exists, and the time-variant reference trajectory is required, the strict non-overshooting stabilisation is still achieved. The control law design is based on a desired second-order sliding mode (2-sliding mode), which successively includes two bounded-gain subsystems. Non-overshooting stability requires that the system gains depend on the initial values of system variables. In order to obtain the global non-overshooting stability, the first subsystem with non-overshooting reachability compresses the initial values of the second subsystem to a given bounded range. By partitioning these initial values, the bounded system gains are determined to satisfy the robust non-overshooting stability. In order to reject the chattering in the controller output, a tanh-function-based sliding mode is developed for the design of smoothed non-overshooting controller. The proposed method is applied to a UAV trajectory tracking when the disturbances and uncertainties exist. The control laws are designed to implement the non-overshooting stabilisation in position and attitude. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by the flying tests.
Lessons from Applying Value of Statistical Life and Alternate Methods to Benefit–Cost Analysis to Inform Development Spending
Authors: Redfern Alice , Li Sindy , Gould Martin , Acero Felipe , Stein Daniel
Published: September 2024

Estimating value of statistical life (VSL) is an important input to many benefit-cost analysis (BCA) approaches, but for many low- and middle-income countries, there are limited or no data estimating VSL. Current guidance relies on extrapolation of results from high-income settings, which may be unreliable, leading to low confidence applying VSL. During 2019, we surveyed 1,820 low-income individuals (average consumption per capita USD329) across four diverse regions in Ghana and Kenya, to inform recommendations about effective spending in the development sector. We elicited VSL using a stated-preference approach, capturing the willingness-to-pay to reduce the risk of death for themselves and their children. Additionally, we conducted multiple “policy choice experiments” (PCEs) in which we asked respondents to choose, from the perspective of a decision-maker, between programs that save lives of different ages, and save lives and provide cash transfers. VSL estimates for this population fell in the range of USD66,795–USD90,453 (PPP-adjusted). We found similar results in the PCE but uncovered much stronger preferences for saving younger lives. Overall, our results suggest that VSL in low-income countries may be higher than estimates based on extrapolations from wealthy countries and that within these communities, policymakers should place more weight on saving the lives of young children. We also explore methodological learnings about how to apply and collect data for BCA in particularly low-income, low-education settings. We find that through careful training and gatekeeping, it is feasible to elicit complicated preferences in this population, and both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks.
The Health-Augmented Lifecycle Model
Authors: Sevilla JP
Published: September 2024

There is a need to value health technologies in a way that accommodates their broader economic impacts and competing approaches for doing so have emerged. The Pareto principle (PP) requires policymakers to resolve intrapersonal trade-offs by deferring to the preferences of the individuals facing those trade-offs. Many broad value frameworks such as cost-utility analysis and its extensions, health-centric multicriteria decision analysis, and poverty-free life expectancy are not sufficiently deferential to these preferences, violating PP. I propose using the health-augmented lifecycle model (HALM) to value health technologies in a way that flexibly incorporates the interactions among health and economic factors – specifically mortality and morbidity risks, paid and unpaid work, consumption, leisure, and public and private transfer inflows and outflows--over the life course. It relies on individual preferences, satisfying PP. It is compatible with cost-benefit analysis, social welfare functions, and equivalent income approaches. I calibrate the HALM for the US setting and apply it to a pediatric vaccine.
Research on the biomimetic quadruped jumping robot based on an efficient energy storage structure
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Zhao Jieliang , Zhang Chenyang , Niu Qun , Yan Shaoze
Published: September 2024

The ability of quadruped robots to overcome obstacles is a critical factor that limits their practical application. Here, a design concept and a control algorithm are presented that aim at enhancing the explosive force of quadruped robots during jumping by utilizing elastic energy storage components. The hind legs of the quadruped robot are designed as energy storage units. Tension springs are utilized as components for storing energy and are installed in a parallel structure on the hind leg. Energy is stored during the compression process of the robot’s torso and released during the jumping phase. The optimal foot force is calculated using a single rigid body model. The mapping relationship between the force applied to the foot and the resulting joint torque is established by developing a dynamic model of the hind legs. Simulation experiments were conducted using the Webots physics engine to compare the impact of varying spring stiffness on joint torque during the jumping process. This study determined the optimal spring stiffness under specific conditions. The hind legs’ torque saving ratio reaches 19%, and the energy-saving ratio reaches 13%, which validates the effectiveness and feasibility of integrating elastic energy storage components.
English signage shaping Tokyo's mosaic cityscape
Authors: Nambu Satoshi
Published: September 2024

Through the analysis of English in the linguistic landscape (LL) of Tokyo, this article demonstrates the diverse functions of English on signage and argues that the use of English in different areas of Tokyo mirrors the distinct socioeconomic characteristics of each area, aiming to highlight how English contributes to shaping the multifaceted Tokyo's cityscape. This study specifically contrasts the three areas: Asakusa and Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Roppongi and Azabu. The data consists of photographed signs, supplemented with fieldnotes, obtained from fieldwork in 2023. Considering all the aspects of the observed signs, the diverse English use on signage can be viewed as a manifestation of its proliferation and localisation as a global language, adapting to a diverse audience, including Japanese locals, visitors from overseas, and local foreign residents. As a result of such manifestation, along with the varied functions and interplay with social contexts, the aggregate of English signs of each area collectively crafts the complexity of Tokyo's mosaic cityscape.
Strange Forms: Higher Space and Flatland’s Theology of Character
Authors: Hildebrand Jayne
Published: September 2024

This essay argues that Edwin Abbott's 1884 science fiction novel, Flatland, engages Victorian theological debates about the dimensionality of spiritual beings to reexamine the epistemological relationship between readers and literary characters. Liberal theologians at the fin de siècle turned to mathematical models of higher dimensions to reconcile the existence of immaterial spirits with a rational framework. Abbott's novel, set in a ghostly plane world populated only by polygons, imagines characters as analogous to spiritual forms in both their immateriality and their resistance to empirical modes of perception. Yet where theologians turned to higher dimensions to render immaterial entities scientifically knowable, Flatland uses its protagonist's higher-dimensional explorations to defamiliarize realism's techniques for making characters knowable—specifically, its spatialization of characters as beings with an accessible, dimensional interiority that grants readers a feeling of omniscience. Dismissing this omniscient relation to character as a posture that invites a dangerous epistemological complacency, Flatland uses its dimensional conceit to dramatize instead the strenuous imaginative work a reader must perform to temporarily inhabit a character's limited perspective—work that Abbott conceives as uniquely theological. For Abbott, theology thus acts not as a discourse of certainty and doctrinal closure but rather as a vital imaginative resource for rethinking fictional form.
Income Mobility before Industrialization: Evidence from South Africa’s Cape Colony
Authors: Fourie Johan , Green Erik , Rijpma Auke , von Fintel Dieter
Published: September 2024

Attempts to measure social mobility before the twentieth century are frequently hampered by limited data. In this paper, we use a new source – annual, matched tax censuses over more than 70 years – to calculate intragenerational income mobility within a preindustrial, settler society, the Dutch and British Cape Colony at the southern tip of Africa. Our unique source allows us to measure income mobility along several dimensions, helping to disentangle reasons for the high levels of persistence we find.
Late Cretaceous and Early Paleogene Fluid Circulation and Microbial Activity in Deep Fracture Networks of the Precambrian Basement of Western Greenland
Authors: Drake H. , Makahnouk W. R. M. , Roberts N. M. W. , Reinhardt M. , Henkemans E. , Frape S. K. , Tullborg E.‐L. , Broman C. , Whitehouse M. J. , Kooijman E.
Published: September 2024

Deep fracture‐hosted fluids of Precambrian bedrock cratons are relatively stagnant over long time spans compared to near‐surface systems. However, episodic events, such as fracture reactivations, transgressions, and deglaciations, may introduce dilute water, replacing, and mixing with the deep continental brines, thereby sparking microbial activity. Secondary minerals that line bedrock fractures serve as important geochemical archives for such episodic events. Here we explore the fracture mineral record of Archean rocks of Western Greenland by analyzing samples from deep boreholes with the aim to trace and characterize episodic paleofluid flow and paleomicrobial activity. A sequence of hydrothermal to low temperature fluid flow events is demonstrated. For the youngest generation, microscale S‐isotope analysis of pyrite reveals substantial 34S‐depletion (minimum δ34S:−58‰V‐CDT) compared to fracture‐hosted barite (δ34S:13‰ ± 2‰) and gypsum (δ34S:2.6‰–10.6‰). This suggests the formation of pyrite following S isotope fractionation during microbial sulfate reduction. This metabolism is further indicated by several methyl‐branched fatty acids preserved in calcite. A general discrepancy between calcite and groundwater δ18O‐values suggests that calcite formed from water different from the presently residing glacial meltwater‐influenced groundwater mix. High spatial resolution U‐Pb carbonate geochronology of the youngest generation of calcite yielded ages for two samples: 64 ± 3, 75 ± 7 Ma (2σ). These ages overlap with tectonic events related to early stages, or prestages, of the opening of the Atlantic and Labrador Seas. This suggests that deep fracture networks in Western Greenland were colonized by microorganisms, such as sulfate reducers, in the course of this extensional event.
A low-voltage-driven MEMS ultrasonic phased-array transducer for fast 3D volumetric imaging
Authors: Zhang Yun , Jin Tong , Deng Yining , Zhao Zijie , Wang Rui , He Qiong , Luo Jianwen , Li Jiawei , Du Kang , Wu Tao , Yan Chenfang , Zhang Hao , Lu Xinchao , Huang Chengjun , Gao Hang
Published: September 2024

Wearable ultrasound imaging technology has become an emerging modality for the continuous monitoring of deep-tissue physiology, providing crucial health and disease information. Fast volumetric imaging that can provide a full spatiotemporal view of intrinsic 3D targets is desirable for interpreting internal organ dynamics. However, existing 1D ultrasound transducer arrays provide 2D images, making it challenging to overcome the trade-off between the temporal resolution and volumetric coverage. In addition, the high driving voltage limits their implementation in wearable settings. With the use of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology, we report an ultrasonic phased-array transducer, i.e., a 2D piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (pMUT) array, which is driven by a low voltage and is chip-compatible for fast 3D volumetric imaging. By grouping multiple pMUT cells into one single drive channel/element, we propose an innovative cell–element–array design and operation of a pMUT array that can be used to quantitatively characterize the key coupling effects between each pMUT cell, allowing 3D imaging with 5-V actuation. The pMUT array demonstrates fast volumetric imaging covering a range of 40 mm × 40 mm × 70 mm in wire phantom and vascular phantom experiments, achieving a high temporal frame rate of 11 kHz. The proposed solution offers a full volumetric view of deep-tissue disorders in a fast manner, paving the way for long-term wearable imaging technology for various organs in deep tissues.
The NRF2-CARM1 axis links glucose sensing to transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of the pentose phosphate pathway in gastric cancer
Authors: Ping Miaomiao , Li Guangyao , Li Qijiao , Fang Yang , Fan Taotao , Wu Jing , Zhang Ruiyi , Zhang Lesha , Shen Bing , Guo Jizheng
Published: September 2024

Cancer cells autonomously alter metabolic pathways in response to dynamic nutrient conditions in the microenvironment to maintain cell survival and proliferation. A better understanding of these adaptive alterations may reveal the vulnerabilities of cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) is frequently overexpressed in gastric cancer and predicts poor prognosis of patients with this cancer. Gastric cancer cells sense a reduced extracellular glucose content, leading to activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Subsequently, NRF2 mediates the classic antioxidant pathway to eliminate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species induced by low glucose. We found that NRF2 binds to the CARM1 promoter, upregulating its expression and triggering CARM1-mediated hypermethylation of histone H3 methylated at R arginine 17 (H3R17me2) in the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene body. The upregulation of this dehydrogenase, driven by the H3R17me2 modification, redirects glucose carbon flux toward the pentose phosphate pathway. This redirection contributes to nucleotide synthesis (yielding nucleotide precursors, such as ribose-5-phosphate) and redox homeostasis and ultimately facilitates cancer cell survival and growth. NRF2 or CARM1 knockdown results in decreased H3R17me2a accompanied by the reduction of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase under low glucose conditions. Collectively, this study reveals a significant role of CARM1 in regulating the tumor metabolic switch and identifies CARM1 as a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer treatment.
Influence of geographic isolation and the environment on gene flow among phenotypically diverse lizards
Authors: McGreevy Thomas J. , Crawford Nicholas G. , Legreneur Pierre , Schneider Christopher J.
Published: September 2024

Lizards in the genus Anolis comprise hundreds of species that display a wide range of phenotypic variation closely related to their environment. One example is the Guadeloupean anole (Anolis marmoratus ssp.) that display extreme phenotypic variation, primarily in adult male color and pattern, with twelve described subspecies on the archipelago. Here we examine the relationship between phenotypic and genetic divergence among five subspecies on the two main islands and test the role of geographic isolation and the environment in reducing gene flow. We also examined two offshore island populations to assess the impact of complete geographic isolation on gene flow. We analyzed color phenotypes by measuring spectral reflectance and genomic diversity using SNPs. Genetic divergence was correlated with dorsolateral head and body color phenotypes, and slope and geographic distance were nearly equivalent at explaining this divergence. There was minimal genome-wide divergence at neutral loci among phenotypically disparate subspecies on the two main islands and their differentiation is consistent with a model of divergence with gene flow. Our spatial visualization of gene flow showed an impact of environmental features consistent with a hypothesis of ecologically driven divergence. Nonetheless, subspecies on the two main islands remain interconnected by substantial gene flow and their phenotypic variation is likely maintained at selection-gene flow equilibrium by divergent selection at loci associated with their color phenotypes. Greater isolation, such as inhabiting a remote island, may be required for reducing gene flow. Our findings highlight the role of the environment, adaptation, and geographic isolation on gene flow.
Similarity and economy of scale in urban transportation networks and optimal transport-based infrastructures
Authors: Leite Daniela , De Bacco Caterina
Published: September 2024

Designing and optimizing the structure of urban transportation networks is a challenging task. In this study, we propose a method inspired by optimal transport theory and the principle of economy of scale that uses little information in input to generate structures that are similar to those of public transportation networks. Contrarily to standard approaches, it does not assume any initial backbone network infrastructure but rather extracts this directly from a continuous space using only a few origin and destination points, generating networks from scratch. Analyzing a set of urban train, tram and subway networks, we find a noteworthy degree of similarity in several of the studied cases between simulated and real infrastructures. By tuning one parameter, our method can simulate a range of different subway, tram and train networks that can be further used to suggest possible improvements in terms of relevant transportation properties. Outputs of our algorithm provide naturally a principled quantitative measure of similarity between two networks that can be used to automatize the selection of similar simulated networks.
Interplay between disorder and electronic correlations in compositionally complex alloys
Authors: Redka David , Khan Saleem Ayaz , Martino Edoardo , Mettan Xavier , Ciric Luka , Tolj Davor , Ivšić Trpimir , Held Andreas , Caputo Marco , Guedes Eduardo Bonini , Strocov Vladimir N. , Di Marco Igor , Ebert Hubert , Huber Heinz P. , Dil J. Hugo , Forró László , Minár Ján
Published: September 2024

Owing to their exceptional mechanical, electronic, and phononic transport properties, compositionally complex alloys, including high-entropy alloys, represent an important class of materials. However, the interplay between chemical disorder and electronic correlations, and its influence on electronic structure-derived properties, remains largely unexplored. This is addressed for the archetypal CrMnFeCoNi alloy using resonant and valence band photoemission spectroscopy, electrical resistivity, and optical conductivity measurements, complemented by linear response calculations based on density functional theory. Utilizing dynamical mean-field theory, correlation signatures and damping in the spectra are identified, highlighting the significance of many-body effects, particularly in states distant from the Fermi edge. Electronic transport remains dominated by disorder and potentially short-range order, especially at low temperatures, while visible-spectrum optical conductivity and high-temperature transport are influenced by short quasiparticle lifetimes. These findings improve our understanding of element-specific electronic correlations in compositionally complex alloys and facilitate the development of advanced materials with tailored electronic properties.
Super-resolution techniques to simulate electronic spectra of large molecular systems
Authors: Kick Matthias , Alexander Ezra , Beiersdorfer Anton , Van Voorhis Troy
Published: September 2024

An accurate treatment of electronic spectra in large systems with a technique such as time-dependent density functional theory is computationally challenging. Due to the Nyquist sampling theorem, direct real-time simulations must be prohibitively long to achieve suitably sharp resolution in frequency space. Super-resolution techniques such as compressed sensing and MUSIC assume only a small number of excitations contribute to the spectrum, which fails in large molecular systems where the number of excitations is typically very large. We present an approach that combines exact short-time dynamics with approximate frequency space methods to capture large narrow features embedded in a dense manifold of smaller nearby peaks. We show that our approach can accurately capture narrow features and a broad quasi-continuum of states simultaneously, even when the features overlap in frequency. Our approach is able to reduce the required simulation time to achieve reasonable accuracy by a factor of 20-40 with respect to standard Fourier analysis and shows promise for accurately predicting the whole spectrum of large molecules and materials.
Enantioselective formal (3 + 3) cycloaddition of bicyclobutanes with nitrones enabled by asymmetric Lewis acid catalysis
Authors: Wu Wen-Biao , Xu Bing , Yang Xue-Chun , Wu Feng , He Heng-Xian , Zhang Xu , Feng Jian-Jun
Published: September 2024

The absence of catalytic asymmetric methods for synthesizing chiral (hetero)bicyclo[n.1.1]alkanes has hindered their application in new drug discovery. Here we demonstrate the achievability of an asymmetric polar cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butane using a chiral Lewis acid catalyst and a bidentate chelating bicyclo[1.1.0]butane substrate, as exemplified by the current enantioselective formal (3 + 3) cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes with nitrones. In addition to the diverse bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes incorporating an acyl imidazole group or an acyl pyrazole moiety, a wide array of nitrones are compatible with this Lewis acid catalysis, successfully assembling two congested quaternary carbon centers and a chiral aza-trisubstituted carbon center in the pharmaceutically important hetero-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane product with up to 99% yield and >99% ee.
Open-label placebos reduce weight in obesity: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schaefer Michael , Kühnel Anja , Enge Sören
Published: September 2024

Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide. Different approaches are known to face this problem, for example, dieting, surgery, or drug interventions. It has also been shown that placebos may help to reduce weight and hunger feelings, but the use of placebos is linked to problems with respect to the patient-healthcare-provider relationship. However, recent studies demonstrated that even placebos without deception (open-label placebos) affect symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or emotional distress. Here we aimed to examine whether an open-label placebo may help to lose weight in obesity. Our study included fifty-seven overweight and obese patients who aimed to lose weight using a combination of diet and sports. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Participants in the open-label placebo group received two placebos each day. A treatment-as-usual group received no pills. Primary outcome included changes of body weight. Secondary outcomes were change of eating behavior and self-management abilities. After 4 weeks we found that participants in the open-label placebo condition lost more weight than the treatment-as-usual group. Furthermore, OLP treatment affected eating behavior. No effects for self-management abilities were found. Although further research is necessary, open-label placebos might help individuals to lose weight.
Epigenetic silencing of ZIC4 unveils a potential tumor suppressor role in pediatric choroid plexus carcinoma
Authors: Hesham Dina , Mosaab Amal , Amer Nada , Al-Shehaby Nouran , Magdeldin Sameh , Hassan Ahmed , Georgiev Hristo , Elshoky Hisham , Rady Mona , Aisha Khaled Abou , Sabet Ola , El-Naggar Shahenda
Published: September 2024

Zic family member ZIC4 is a transcription factor that has been shown to be silenced in several cancers. However, understanding the regulation and function of ZIC4 in pediatric choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) remained limited. This study employed data mining and bioinformatics analysis to investigate the DNA methylation status of ZIC4 in CPTs and its correlation with patient survival. Our results unveiled ZIC4 methylation as a segregating factor, dividing CPT cohorts into two clusters, with hyper-methylation linked to adverse prognosis. Hyper-methylation of ZIC4 was confirmed in a choroid plexus carcinoma-derived cell line (CCHE-45) by bisulfite sequencing. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that demethylating agent and a histone methyltransferase inhibitor could reverse ZIC4 silencing. RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis showed that ZIC4 over-expression influenced genes and proteins involved in immune response, antigen processing and presentation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and metabolism. Functionally, re-expressing ZIC4 negatively impacted cell proliferation and migration. Ultimately, these findings underscore ZIC4 hyper-methylation as a prognostic marker in CPTs and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying its tumor suppressor role in CPC. This insight paves the way for novel therapeutic targets in treating aggressive CPTs.
Selective-wavelength perfect infrared absorption in Ag@ZnO conical metamaterial structure
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Ur Rahman Atta , Khan Sajid , Siyaf Muhammad , Shah Tawaf Ali , Okla Mohammad K. , Bourhia Mohammed , Younous Youssouf Ali
Published: September 2024

We present a new selective Metamaterial Perfect Absorber (MPA) consisting of zinc oxide embedded silver (Ag@ZnO), designed for applications in infrared stealth technology. The numerical simulation included a wide frequency range from 1 to 1000 THz and shows that the design MPA structure presented two absorption peaks at the desired wavelengths of 1.7 µm and 6.5 µm. The absorptivity of both peaks reached approximately 93.1% and 93.5%. The first peak at 1.7 µm decreases the scattering of IR laser beams from the surface of the MPA structure and also lowers the infrared tracks that could direct laser-guided devices to its specific target. On the other hand, the second peak reduces the surface heat wave. The suggested MPA (Ag@ZnO) structure is activated by a plane wave using a full wave vector and a broad frequency domain solution. In the framework of computer simulation technology (CST) Microwave Studio, uses both Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) and Finite-Element-Method (FEM) techniques to predict the optical behavior of the proposed MPA structure. Both peaks achieved a high value of absorptivity due to the simultaneous excitation of the electric and magnetic dipole at resonance wavelength.
Breast-torso movement coordination during running in different breast support
Authors: Williams Genevieve K. R. , Reeves Jo , Vicinanza Domenico , Mills Chris , Jones Brogan , Wakefield-Scurr Joanna
Published: September 2024

To reduce breast motion with a bra, we need to understand what drives the motion of the breasts, and what variables change as support increases. Quantifying breast-torso coordination and movement complexity across the gait cycle may offer deeper insights than previously reported discrete time lag. We aimed to compare breast-torso coordination and mutual influence across breast support conditions during running. Twelve female participants ran on a treadmill at 10 km h−1 with an encapsulation and compression sports bra, and in no bra. Nipple and torso position was recorded. Vector coding, granger causality and transfer entropy were calculated within gait cycles. In both bra conditions, a greater percentage of gait cycles was spent with the breast and torso in-phase (> 90%) compared to no bra running (~ 66%, p < 0.001), with most time spent in-phase in the encapsulation versus compression bra (p = 0.006). There was a main effect of breast support condition on Granger causality (p < 0.001), both from breast to torso and torso to breast. Transfer of information was highest from torso to breast, compared to breast to torso in all conditions. Overall, these results provide novel insight into the mutual and complex interaction between the breast and the torso while running in different bra conditions. The approaches presented allow for a greater understanding of bra support conditions than existing discrete measures, which may relate to comfort and performance. Therefore, measures of coupling, predictability and transfer of complexity should be employed in future work examining these features.
Between two worlds: the scientist’s dilemma in climate activism
Authors: Finnerty Samuel , Piazza Jared , Levine Mark
Published: September 2024

Environmental activism presents an ideological dilemma for environmentally concerned scientists, who must balance traditional scientific values of objectivity and impartiality with the urgency of the climate and ecological crisis. This paper presents a critical discursive analysis of interviews with 27 scientists from 11 countries. It details the linguistic repertoires scientists draw on and the subject positions adopted to manage this dilemma. We observed that scientists employ two strategies to reconcile their professional identities with their activism: redefining the scientist identity, and reframing the work that scientists do. The subject positions adopted broadly serve to legitimize action, such as arguing that activism as a scientist is objective and rational, or that being a scientist conveys a moral duty to advocate for scientific information. By analyzing how scientists negotiate conflicting identities and values, this research offers valuable insights into fostering informed decision-making and action in addressing urgent environmental challenges.
Chemical fixation of CO2 with epoxides catalyzed by a Cr(iii)-metalated guanidinium-based covalent organic polymer
Authors: Deori Naranarayan , Lahkar Surabhi , Paul Saurav , Dutta Dipanka , Borah Rakhimoni , Brahma Sanfaori
Published: September 2024

This work reports on Cr(iii)-metalated guanidinium based covalent organic polymer that acts as a heterogeneous catalyst in combination with tetrabutylammonium bromide co-catalyst for CO2/epoxide coupling reactions to produce cyclic carbonates.
Development of a novel and useful methodology for the simultaneous analysis of multiclass contaminants in bovine fat
Authors: Souza Rodrigo , Gérez Natalia , Besil Natalia , Cesio María Verónica , Heinzen Horacio , Pareja Lucia
Published: September 2024

The instrumental development of tandem mass spectrometers fosters the actual trend in the trace analysis of organic compounds to the development of methods that allow the analysis of contaminants of diverse origin in a single analytical sample.
From Li2NiO3 to high-performance LiNiO2 cathodes for application in Li-ion and all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Karger Leonhard , Henkel Philip , Murugan Saravanakumar , Zhang Ruizhuo , Kondrakov Aleksandr , Brezesinski Torsten
Published: September 2024

Thermal decomposition of overlithiated Li1+xNi1−xO2 yields high-quality LiNiO2 cathode materials that show potential for application in different kinds of batteries.
The effect of Ficoll 70 on thermally-induced and chemically-induced conformational transitions of an RTX protein is quantitatively accounted for by a unified excluded volume model
Authors: Chenal Alexandre , Minton Allen P.
Published: September 2024

A unified excluded volume model based upon the effective hard particle approximation is developed and used to quantitatively model previously published experimental measurements of the effect of adding high concentrations of an “inert” polymer on conformational transitions of the toxin protein RCL.
Exploring the impact of abnormal coordination in macrocyclic N-heterocyclic carbene ligands on bio-inspired iron epoxidation catalysis
Authors: Zámbó Greta G. , Esslinger Carla A. , Sauer Michael J. , Rüter Isabelle , Reich Robert M. , Demeshko Serhiy , Meyer Franc , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: September 2024

Macrocyclic and abnormal NHC iron complexes are characterised, showing high catalytic activity in epoxidation reaction and potential for ligand design.
Effect of whole grain and fiber consumption on chronic liver diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanni , Sui Jing , Xu Ying , Pan Ling , Xia Hui , Sun Guiju
Published: September 2024

The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis of observational studies to explore the latest evidence on the influence of whole grain and fiber consumption on total chronic liver diseases.
Surface engineering: binary Mg,Fe-LDH·xFe3O4 nanocomposites for improved magnetic solid-phase extraction of pharmaceuticals from aqueous solution
Authors: Hubetska Tetiana , Demchenko Victor , Kobylinska Natalia
Published: September 2024

In this work, binary Mg,Fe-LDH·xFe3O4 (x = 0 to 2.0) nanocomposites were prepared via the in situ growth of Mg,Fe-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) onto magnetite nanoparticles and applied for the removal of diclofenac motives.
Fire-resistant propargyl ether networks derived from bio-based hydroxycinnamic acids
Authors: Zavala Cristian E. , Baca Joshua E. , Baldwin Lawrence C. , McClain K. Randall , Harvey Benjamin G.
Published: September 2024

Bio-based propargyl ether thermosetting resins with trans-stilbene cores were synthesized from cinnamic acids. Photochemical isomerization enhanced processability and enabled the fabrication of fire-resistant cross-linked networks.
Tunable phase-change materials@Prussian blue microparticles for tri-modality biofilm removal based on gas-shearing microfluidics
Authors: Qu Qingli , Zhang Xiaoli , Muhire Jules , Yang Anquan , Xie Min , Xiong Ranhua , Cheng Weixia , Pei Dong , Huang Chaobo
Published: September 2024

Gas-shearing microfluidic technology was used to prepare tunable PCM@PB microparticles, which show the tri-modality antibacterial effect. Triggered drug release was designed by combined temperature-responsive PCM and photothermal PB.
An N-heterocyclic carbene functional covalent organic framework for Knoevenagel condensation reaction and γ-butyrolactone synthesis at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Wenyao , Wang Biying , Feng Shulei , Feng Huijun , Bai Junhua , Wang Junwen
Published: September 2024

In this article, we have reported the conduction of an N-heterocyclic functional 2D COF, and the remarkable catalytic activity towards the Knoevenagel condensation reaction and the synthesis of γ-butyrolactones at room temperature.
An updated review of few-layer black phosphorus serving as a promising photocatalyst: synthesis, modification and applications
Authors: Yu Wei , Wang Kaixuan , Li Haibo , Ma Ting , Wu Yingying , Shang Yongchang , Zhang Chenxi , Fan Fuhao , Lv Shifei
Published: September 2024

This study summarizes recent progress on FL-BP, focusing on strategies for improving stability and activity. The preparation, structure, and photocatalytic applications are also highlighted. Finally, prospects for future research are proposed.
Recyclable terthiophenes for synthesizing precision conjugated oligomers
Authors: Xu Hao , Mills Harrison A. , Ye Shuyang , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: September 2024

Precision oligothiophenes were synthesized from terthiophene in an efficient manner. Interestingly, the unreacted terthiophene was readily recovered and reused in the subsequent synthesis.
A defect pyrochlore-like acentric cubic lead titanium-tellurate crystal exhibiting strong second harmonic generation activity and an extended transparent window
Authors: Zhang Tinghui , Li Lili , Chai Jing , Zhou Haitao , Ye Ning , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng , Li Conggang
Published: September 2024

An acentric lead titanium-tellurate crystal, Pb4Ti3TeO13, was extracted using spontaneous crystallization with the pyrochlore structure as a template. It exhibited a large SHG response and a wide transmission range.
Transition metal-catalyzed redox-neutral 1,3-dienylation of propargylic esters and divergent synthesis
Authors: Tang Haowen , Dai Mengfu , Zhou Dongwu , Song Liangliang , Chen Liang-An
Published: September 2024

Stereoselective dienylation of propargylic esters with nucleophiles via transition metal catalysis is a powerful method for accessing conjugated dienes. In particular, divergent synthesis beyond 1,3-dienes can be realized.
Heat and mass transfer of water flow in graphene nanochannels: effect of pressure and interfacial interaction
Authors: Pan Xiong , Jin Hanhui , Ku Xiaoke , Guo Yu , Fan Jianren
Published: September 2024

The low-resistance transport of water within graphene nanochannels makes it promising for electronic cooling applications.
Correction: Encapsulation of a photosensitizer into cell membrane capsules for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Han Lijie , Chen Ying , Niu Jie , Peng Lihua , Mao Zhengwei , Gao Changyou
Published: September 2024

Correction for ‘Encapsulation of a photosensitizer into cell membrane capsules for photodynamic therapy’ by Lijie Han et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 37212–37220, https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA07480D.
Quantifying variation in cooperative B–H bond activations using Os(ii) and Os(iii) κ2-N,S-chelated complexes: same, but different
Authors: Gayen Sourav , Assanar Faneesha , Shyamal Sampad , Dorairaj Dorothy Priyanka , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: September 2024

Versatile activation modes of borane have been illustrated utilising MLC in osmium based bis-κ2-N,S-chelated species.
Catalytic ‘gelectrodes’ based on Co and Ni–Fe oxy/hydroxides for sustainable and enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Bovas Anu , Radhakrishnan T. P.
Published: September 2024

‘Gelectrodes’ based on nanocomposites of cobalt oxyhydroxide and nickel–iron hydroxide in chitosan on nickel foam are developed, and their efficient mediation of the oxygen evolution reaction with high and sustainable current densities demonstrated.
High electrolysis performance of the SOEC cathode by creating oxygen vacancies to regulate the adsorption energy
Authors: Du Yongqian , Zhao Longyan , Xiao Yanzhi , Kong Jiangrong , Liu Peng , Yang Xianfeng , Zhou Tao
Published: September 2024

The in situ surface modification of metal nanoparticles will significantly increase the oxygen vacancy concentration of the cathode material and reduce the adsorption energy, thus enhancing the catalytic activity of CO2RR.
Enzyme-responsive nanoparticles: enhancing the ability of endolysins to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus biofilm
Authors: Blanco Massani Mariana , To Dennis , Meile Susanne , Schmelcher Mathias , Gintsburg David , Coraça-Huber Débora C. , Seybold Anna , Loessner Martin , Bernkop-Schnürch Andreas
Published: September 2024

The efficacy of peptidoglycan hydrolases (PGHs) to target staphylococcal biofilm is dramatically improved by forming enzyme-responsive polyphosphate nanoparticles (PGH–PP NPs).
Simultaneous detection of breast cancer biomarkers HER2 and miRNA-21 based on duplex-specific nuclease signal amplification
Authors: He Miao , Hou Zhiqiang , Yin Feifan , Cheng Wenting , Xiang Yang , Wang Zhongyun
Published: September 2024

Simultaneous analysis of breast cancer biomarkers HER2 and miRNA-21 based on DSN.
Achieving color-tunable luminescence in CaF2:Eu phosphors for multimode anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Kuang Linglu , Zhang Feng , Zhang Jian , Zhu Xiaodie , Tian Xu , Shao Jianxiong , Liu Yichun , Xu Xuhui , Liu Zhichao
Published: September 2024

Here, this work achieves color-tunable luminescence by adjusting the valence state of Eu to produce an RPL phenomenon, combined with PL, ML, and RL. Multimode luminescence anti-counterfeiting was realized in CaF2:Eu phosphors.