bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive effects of belowground organic matter input, increased precipitation and clipping on soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization in a temperate steppe
Authors: Ma L. N. , Guo C. Y. , Xin X. P. , Yuan S. , Wang R. Z.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Soil organic matter (SOM) inputs, increased precipitation and clipping (reducing belowground photosynthates allocation) are predicted to affect soil C and N cycling in temperate grassland ecosystems. However, the interactive effects between SOM inputs (or increased precipitation) and clipping on soil C and N mineralization in temperate steppes are still poorly understood. A field manipulation experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of SOM inputs, increased precipitation, clipping and their interactions on soil C and N mineralization in a temperate steppe of northeastern China from 2010 to 2011. The results showed that SOM inputs significantly increased soil C mineralization rate (CMR) and net N mineralization rate (NMR). Increased precipitation-induced enhancement of soil CMR essentially ceased after the first year, stimulation of soil NMR and NNR continued into the second year. However, clipping only marginally decreased soil CMR and NMR during the two years. There were significant synergistic interactions between SOM inputs (or increased precipitation) and clipping on soil CMR and NMR, as SOM inputs (or increased precipitation) showed greater effects on soil CMR and NMR under clipped plots than under unclipped plots, which could be explained by the relative shifts in soil microbial community structure because of bacterial biomass increases, and by the relative decreases in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi biomass due to the reduction of belowground photosynthates allocation. These results highlight the importance of plants in mediating the responses of soil C and N mineralization to potentially increased SOM and precipitation by controlling belowground photosynthates allocation in the temperate steppe. Thus, the findings have important implications for improving prediction of C and N sequestration potential and its feedbacks to climate change in temperate steppe ecosystems.
A copula-based assessment of Bartlett–Lewis type of rainfall models for preserving drought statistics
Authors: Pham M. T. , Vanhaute W. J. , Vandenberghe S. , De Baets B. , Verhoest N. E. C.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Of all natural disasters, the economic and environmental consequences of droughts are among the highest because of their longevity and widespread spatial extent. Because of their extreme behaviour, studying droughts generally requires long time series of historical climate data. Rainfall is a very important variable for calculating drought statistics, for quantifying historical droughts or for assessing the impact on other hydrological (e.g. water stage in rivers) or agricultural (e.g. irrigation requirements) variables. Unfortunately, time series of historical observations are often too short for such assessments. To circumvent this, one may rely on the synthetic rainfall time series from stochastic point process rainfall models, such as Bartlett–Lewis models. The present study investigates whether drought statistics are preserved when simulating rainfall with Bartlett–Lewis models. Therefore, a 105 yr 10 min rainfall time series obtained at Uccle, Belgium is used as test case. First, drought events were identified on the basis of the Effective Drought Index (EDI), and each event was characterized by two variables, i.e. drought duration (D) and drought severity (S). As both parameters are interdependent, a multivariate distribution function, which makes use of a copula, was fitted. Based on the copula, four types of drought return periods are calculated for observed as well as simulated droughts and are used to evaluate the ability of the rainfall models to simulate drought events with the appropriate characteristics. Overall, all Bartlett–Lewis type of models studied fail in preserving extreme drought statistics, which is attributed to the model structure and to the model stationarity caused by maintaining the same parameter set during the whole simulation period.
Effect of interchange instability on magnetic reconnection
Authors: Lyatsky W. , Goldstein M. L.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. We present here the results of a study of interacting magnetic fields that involves a force normal to the reconnection layer. In the presence of such force, the reconnection layer becomes unstable to interchange disturbances. The interchange instability results in formation of tongues of heated plasma that leaves the reconnection layer through its wide surface rather than through its narrow ends, as is the case in traditional magnetic reconnection models. This plasma flow out of the reconnection layer facilitates the removal of plasma from the layer and leads to fast reconnection. The proposed mechanism provides fast reconnection of interacting magnetic fields and does not depend on the thickness of the reconnection layer. This instability explains the strong turbulence and bidirectional streaming of plasma that is directed toward and away from the reconnection layer that is observed frequently above reconnection layers. The force normal to the reconnection layer also accelerates the removal of plasma islands appearing in the reconnection layer during turbulent reconnection. In the presence of this force normal to the reconnection layer, these islands are removed from the reconnection layer by the "buoyancy force", as happens in the case of interchange instability that arises due to the polarization electric field generated at the boundaries of the islands.
An intercomparison of burnt area estimates derived from key operational products: the Greek wildland fires of 2005–2007
Authors: Kalivas D. P. , Petropoulos G. P. , Athanasiou I. M. , Kollias V. J.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. With the support of new technologies such as of remote sensing, today's societies have been able to map and analyse wildland fires at large observational scales. With regards to burnt area mapping in particular, two of the most widely used operational products are offered today by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Forest Fires Information System (EFFIS) of the European Commission. In this study, a rigorous intercomparison of the burnt area estimates derived by these two products is performed in a geographical information system (GIS) environment for the Greek fires that occurred from 2005 to 2007. For the same temporal interval, the relationships of the burnt area estimates by each product are examined with respect to land use/cover and elevation derived from CORINE 2000 and the ASTER global digital elevation model (GDEM), respectively. Generally, noticeable differences were found in the burnt area estimates by the two products both spatially and in absolute numbers. The main findings are described and the differences in the burnt area estimates between the two operational datasets are discussed. The lack of precise agreement between the two products which was found does not necessarily mean that one or the other product is inaccurate. Rather, it underlines the requirement for their calibration and validation using high-resolution remote sensing data in future studies. Our work not only builds upon a series of analogous studies evaluating the accuracy of the same or similar operational products worldwide, but also contributes towards the development of standardised validation methodologies required in objectively evaluating such datasets.
Comparison of automatic segmentation of full polarimetric SAR sea ice images with manually drawn ice charts
Authors: Moen M.-A. N. , Doulgeris A. P. , Anfinsen S. N. , Renner A. H. H. , Hughes N. , Gerland S. , Eltoft T.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In this paper we investigate the performance of an algorithm for automatic segmentation of full polarimetric, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sea ice scenes. The algorithm uses statistical and polarimetric properties of the backscattered radar signals to segment the SAR image into a specified number of classes. This number was determined in advance from visual inspection of the SAR image and by available in-situ measurements. The segmentation result was then compared to ice charts drawn by ice service analysts. The comparison revealed big discrepancies between the charts of the analysts, and between the manual and the automatic segmentations. In the succeeding analysis, the automatic segmentation chart was labeled into ice types by sea ice experts, and the SAR features used in the segmentation were interpreted in terms of physical sea ice properties. Studies of automatic and robust estimation of the number of ice classes in SAR sea ice scenes will be highly relevant for future work.
Study of the Location and Morphology of the Pterion in Adult Nigerian Skulls
Authors: Adejuwon Sunday A. , Olopade Funmilayo E. , Bolaji Modupe
Published: June 2013

The pterion which marks the union of 4 bones of the cranium is located superior to the zygomatic arch and posterior to the frontozygomatic suture. It is an important neurosurgical landmark for the lateral/pterional approach and has racial differences in both its location and pattern of union of the bones. This study aims to analyze the location and types of pterion in adult Nigerian skulls. Bilateral sides of 37 adult dry skulls were studied. The pterion types were classified; linear distances from the centre of the pterion to the midpoint of the zygomatic arch and to the frontozygomatic suture were measured; these were analyzed for side and gender differences. Sphenoparietal was the most common pterion type (86.1%) followed by frontotemporal (8.3%), stellate (5.6%), and epipteric types (0%). The mean distances from the pterion to the midpoint of zygomatic arch were  mm and  mm in males and females, respectively, while the distances to the frontozygomatic suture were  mm and  mm. The vertical position of the pterion was significantly higher in males than females. Bilateral occurrence is statistically insignificant. This information will be of neurosurgical and anthropological importance.
Introduction: Pursuing Democracy
Authors: NORTH JOHN
Published: June 2013

This introductory chapter draws attention to Fergus Millar's uncompromising desire for fairness and cooperation in all the societies and all the activities that concern him, and to the generosity with his time, energy, and intellectual force from which all his contemporaries have benefited, and still benefit, so much. The discussion is also intended to raise some issues of intellectual history: the question of how political commitments on current issues intersect with historical research, even though there seems to be no strictly logical correlation between the two; and also the problems of making a comparison between two historical situations, profoundly different in most respects, which seem all the same to echo one another in quite tangible and, at least theoretically, interesting ways.
Rome and the Jews: Josephus on ‘Freedom’ and ‘Autonomy’
Authors: SCHWARTZ DANIEL R.
Published: June 2013

In Ant. 14. 77, speaking of the Roman conquest and dismemberment of the Hasmonean state in 63 bce, Josephus complains that ‘we lost our freedom and became subject to the Romans’. That is, eleutheria and Roman rule are incompatible. Three books later, however, at Ant. 17. 227, referring to the deliberations concerning the status of Judaea following Herod's death, Josephus refers to Jews who ‘desired freedom and to be placed under a Roman governor’. That is, eleutheria goes along fine with Roman rule. It is evident that two contradictory notions of freedom are at work in these passages, and this chapter investigates how Josephus could have written them both.
Lactantius and Augustine
Authors: GARNSEY PETER
Published: June 2013

This chapter puts Lactantius and Augustine side by side, compares their interests and preoccupations, and attempts to confront their contributions in certain key areas of Christian thought, in particular, ethics. It suggests that Augustine knew the Divine Institutes, perhaps as early as his Ciceronian phase, for Lactantius's prose was as Ciceronian as one could get outside the master's own corpus. Already in On True Religion, Augustine shows that he had read Divine Institutes closely enough, and recently enough, to have taken up its main theme — that religion and philosophy belong together under the banner of Christianity, that Christianity is the true religion and the true wisdom. In ethics Lactantius emerges as a serious and inventive theorist. He identifies the Final End as eternal life, and, more originally, redefines the classical virtues in Christian terms. Piety and devoted worship of the Christian God become a necessary condition of justice and the other virtues. These are precisely Augustine's views in City of God. In political theory there is a large gap between the two thinkers, which reflects above all the different contexts in which they lived and wrote.
Características produtivas do capim-marandu em diferentes períodos de convivência com plantas daninhas
Authors: Viana Porto Edson Marcos , Ferreira da Silva Marcos , Teixeira Vitor Cláudio Manoel , David Alves Dorismar
Published: June 2013

Foram avaliados a produção de matéria seca total, o perfilhamento, a relação folha-colmo, o peso de perfilho e a altura da Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu em períodos de convivência com plantas daninhas. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com três repetições por tratamento. Os tratamentos consistiram em oito períodos de convivência com as plantas daninhas (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 e 70 dias após emergência), totalizando 24 unidades experimentais. A produção total, o número de perfilho/m² e a altura da B. brizantha cv. Marandu diminuíram com aumento do período de convivência com as plantas daninhas. A relação folha-colmo e o peso de perfilho não foram influenciados pelos diferentes períodos de convivência com plantas daninhas. A comunidade infestante promoveu a redução no rendimento forrageiro da B. brizantha cv. Marandu conforme se estendeu o período de convivência
Sincronização do estro (SE) visando à inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) com protocolos de três manejos em bovinos de corte
Authors: Dos Santos Breda José Carlos , Ernandes Kozicki Luiz , Frare Jairo , Bombonatto Silva Diego , Weiss Romildo Romualdo , Santos Ivo Walter , Saporski Segui Marcio , Azevedo de Abreu Renata , Formighieri Bertol Melina Andrea
Published: June 2013

Visando a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF), o estudo objetivou sincronizar o estro e a ovulação de vacas mestiças Simental/Brangus mediante o emprego de protocolos hormonais baseados em três manejos animais. Foram utilizados 577 animais, divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos (G): G1 (n = 127); G2, G3 e G4 (n = 150). Protocolos empregados nos grupos: G1: dia 0 (D0) [dispositivointravaginal com 1,9 g de progesterona (P4) + 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE)]; D8 [(Remoção P4 + 500 mcg cloprostenol + 300 UI gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) + 1 mg cipionato de estradiol (CE)] e IATF 48h após; no G2: D0 (P4+BE); D8 (Remoção P4 + cloprostenol + CE) e IATF 48h após; no G3: D0 (P4+BE); D7 (Remoção P4 + cloprostenol + eCG + BE) e IATF 48h após; no G4: D0 (P4 + 50mcg GnRH); D8 (Remoção P4 + cloprostenol) e GnRH + IATF 48h após. Resultados da taxa de prenhez após 60 dias da IATF: 24,4; 14,0; 35,3 e 33,3% para G1, G2, G3 e G4, respectivamente. Houve diferença p < 0,01 entre G1 × G2; G2 × G3 e G2 × G4; e diferença p < 0,05 entre G1 × G3, não se constatando diferença entre G1 × G4 e G3 × G4. Concluiu-se que os protocolos com três manejos dos animais em bovinos de corte mostraram-se promissores nos programas de IATF.
Lithium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)Imide (LiTFSI): A Prominent Lithium Salt in Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrolytes – Fundamentals, Progress, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Li , Huang Xiaodong , He Xiangming
Published: July 2024

Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) is a widely used lithium (Li) salt that is extensively studied in the field of electrolytes for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) to improve their performance. A thorough understanding of its underlying mechanisms in LIBs is crucial for gaining deeper insights into its future development. This paper provides an extensive review of the role of LiTFSI in enhancing battery performance, including its benefits for negative electrode protection, the facilitation of fast charging capabilities, and the promotion of battery operation across a wide temperature range. It also highlights the specific drawbacks of LiTFSI in the electrolyte domain and examines potential solutions. By leveraging the unique properties of LiTFSI, the strategies for its effective utilization in current research are outlined. Finally, the paper discusses the lack of research into the mechanism of LiTFSI in interface protection, particularly the evolution mechanisms of multi‐component Li salts at the positive and negative electrode interfaces, and it reasonably anticipates the potential applications of LiTFSI in the realm of non‐liquid batteries. This study not only provides a more comprehensive and profound understanding of LiTFSI but also aids in the exploration of novel electrolyte systems.
Translational Aspects of 3D and 4D Printing and Bioprinting
Authors: Taylor Scott , Mueller Eva , Jones Lamont R. , Makela Ashley V. , Ashammakhi Nureddin
Published: July 2024

Three‐dimensional (3D) printed medical devices include orthopedic and craniofacial implants, surgical tools, and external prosthetics that have been directly used in patients. While the advances of additive manufacturing techniques in the production of medical devices have been on the rise, clinical translation of living cellular constructs face significant limitations in terms of regulatory affairs, process technology, and materials development. In this perspective, the current status‐quo of 3D and four‐dimensional (4D) (bio)printing is summarized, current advancements are discussed and the challenges that need to be addressed for improved industrial translation and clinical applications of bioprinting are highlighted. It is focused on a multidisciplinary approach in discussing the key translational considerations, from the perspective of industry, regulatory bodies, funding strategies, and future directions.
A 3D Pancreatic Cancer Model with Integrated Optical Sensors for Noninvasive Metabolism Monitoring and Drug Screening
Authors: Siciliano Anna Chiara , Forciniti Stefania , Onesto Valentina , Iuele Helena , Cave Donatella Delle , Carnevali Federica , Gigli Giuseppe , Lonardo Enza , del Mercato Loretta L.
Published: July 2024

A distinct feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a prominent tumor microenvironment (TME) with remarkable cellular and spatial heterogeneity that meaningfully impacts disease biology and treatment resistance. The dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells and the dense stromal compartment leads to spatially and temporally heterogeneous metabolic alterations, such as acidic pH that contributes to drug resistance in PDAC. Thus, monitoring the extracellular pH metabolic fluctuations within the TME is crucial to predict and to quantify anticancer drug efficacy. Here, a simple and reliable alginate‐based 3D PDAC model embedding ratiometric optical pH sensors and cocultures of tumor (AsPC‐1) and stromal cells for simultaneously monitoring metabolic pH variations and quantify drug response is presented. By means of time‐lapse confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) coupled with a fully automated computational analysis, the extracellular pH metabolic variations are monitored and quantified over time during drug testing with gemcitabine, folfirinox, and paclitaxel, commonly used in PDAC therapy. In particular, the extracellular acidification is more pronounced after drugs treatment, resulting in increased antitumor effect correlated with apoptotic cell death. These findings highlight the importance of studying the influence of cellular metabolic mechanisms on tumor response to therapy in 3D tumor models, this being crucial for the development of personalized medicine approaches.
CircHIPK2 Contributes Cell Growth in Intestinal Epithelial of Colitis and Colorectal Cancer through Promoting TAZ Translation
Authors: Zeng Xixi , Tang Jielin , Zhang Qian , Wang Chenxing , Qi Ji , Wei Yusi , Xu Jiali , Yang Kaiyuan , Zhou Zuolin , Wu Hao , Luo Jiarong , Jiang Yi , Song Zengqiang , Wu Jinyu , Wu Jianmin
Published: July 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are escalating global health concerns. Despite their distinct clinical presentations, both disorders share intricate genetic and molecular interactions. The Hippo signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell processes and is implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have gained attention for their roles in various diseases, including IBD and CRC. However, a comprehensive understanding of specific circRNAs involved in both IBD and CRC, and their functional roles is lacking. Here, it is found that circHIPK2 (hsa_circRNA_104507) is a bona fide circRNA consistently upregulated in both IBD and CRC suggesting its potential as a biomarker. Furthermore, silencing of circHIPK2 suppressed the growth of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, decreased circHipk2 potentiated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis but alleviated colitis‐associated tumorigenesis. Most significantly, mechanistic investigations further unveil that circHIPK2, mediated by FUS, interacting with EIF4A3 to promote the translation of TAZ, ultimately increasing the transcription of downstream target genes CCN1 and CCN2. Taken together, circHIPK2 emerges as a key player in the shared mechanisms of IBD and CRC, modulating the Hippo signaling pathway. CircHIPK2‐EIF4A3 axis contributes to cell growth in intestinal epithelial of colitis and CRC by enhancing TAZ translation.
Oriented Structures for High Safety, Rate Capability, and Energy Density Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Kaiming , Tieu Aaron Jue Kang , Wu Haowen , Shen Fei , Han Xiaogang , Adams Stefan
Published: July 2024

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have emerged in recent years as highly promising candidates for high‐density energy storage systems. Despite their immense potential, mutual constraints arise when optimizing energy density, rate capability, and operational safety, which greatly hinder the commercialization of LMBs. The utilization of oriented structures in LMBs appears as a promising strategy to address three key performance barriers: 1) low efficiency of active material utilization at high surface loading, 2) easy formation of Li dendrites and damage to interfaces under high‐rate cycling, and 3) low ionic conductivity of solid‐state electrolytes in high safety LMBs. This review aims to holistically introduce the concept of oriented structures, provide criteria for quantifying the degree of orientation, and elucidate their systematic effects on the properties of materials and devices. Furthermore, a detailed categorization of oriented structures is proposed to offer more precise guidance for the design of LMBs. This review also provides a comprehensive summary of preparation techniques for oriented structures and delves into the mechanisms by which these can enhance the energy density, rate capability, and safety of LMBs. Finally, potential applications of oriented structures in LMBs and the crucial challenges that need to be addressed in this field are explored.
Ni–Ca metastable–nonmetastable bimetallic sites induced ·OH directed generation and efficient water purification
Authors: Qin Jiahua , Liu Feng , Zhou Zhiyong , Du Chencan , Tu Yuming , Ren Zhongqi
Published: July 2024

Strongly oxidizing ·OH can non‐selectively degrade various organic pollutants, but how to selectively generate ·OH is a great challenge. In this study, the directed generation of ·OH was achieved based on Ni–Ca metastable–nonmetastable bimetallic sites, Ni2+/Ni3+ valence cycling provided electrons for ·OH generation induced by the non‐variable Ca‐based sites, which constructed a nearly 100% selective generation pathway of ·OH (O3 → HO3/HO2 → OH). The antibiotic pefloxacin could be completely removed in 15 min, and the COD removal efficiency for other hard‐to‐degrade pollutants such as oxalic acid and chlorobenzoic acid could reach more than 90%. Ni doping significantly increased the oxygen vacancy and Lewis acid content, and DFT calculations showed that Ni–Ca dual‐site had a lower reaction energy barrier and the complexed hydroxyl radical intermediate *OO had a higher spin density (−0.6), which was more favorable for the generation of ·OH. Therefore, this study provides new ideas for efficient treatment of actual wastewater.
Eine Strep‐Tag‐geprägte Polymer‐Plattform für die heterogene Bio(elektro)katalyse
Authors: Yarman Aysu , Waffo Armel F. T. , Katz Sagie , Bernitzky Cornelius , Kovács Norbert , Borrero Paloma , Frielingsdorf Stefan , Supala Eszter , Dragelj Jovan , Kurbanoglu Sevinc , Neumann Bettina , Lenz Oliver , Mroginski Maria Andrea , Gyurcsányi Róbert E. , Wollenberger Ulla , Scheller Frieder W. , Caserta Giorgio , Zebger Ingo
Published: July 2024

Molekular geprägte Polymere (MIPs) sind künstliche Rezeptoren mit selektiven Erkennungsstellen für Zielmoleküle. Eine der vielversprechendsten Strategien für Protein‐MIPs beruht auf der Nutzung kurzer, oberflächenexponierter Proteinfragmente, sogenannter Epitope, als Schablonen für die Prägung von Bindungsstellen in einem Polymergerüst für ein spezifisches (Ziel‐)Protein. Der Mangel an hochauflösenden Strukturdaten von flexiblen oberflächenexponierten Regionen erschwert jedoch die Auswahl geeigneter Epitope. Hier haben wir diesen Nachteil durch die Entwicklung eines MIPs auf Polyscopoletin‐Basis behoben, das rekombinante Proteine über das weit verbreitete Affinitätspeptid Strep‐tag II erkennt. Elektrochemie, oberflächensensitive IR‐Spektroskopie und Molekulardynamiksimulationen wurden eingesetzt, um eine größtmögliche Kontrolle der Strep‐MIP‐Elektrosynthese zu gewährleisten. Die Funktionalität dieser neuartigen Plattform wurde mit zwei Strep‐Tag‐markierten Enzymen überprüft: einer O2‐toleranten [NiFe]‐Hydrogenase und einer alkalischen Phosphatase. Beide Enzyme behielten ihre biokatalytischen Aktivitäten nach mehrfacher Verwendung und bestätigten damit die Effizienz von dem Strep‐MIP als generell biokompatible Plattform zur Bindung rekombinanter Proteine für die Nutzung in der Biotechnologie.
Plasma soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1, placental growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor system gene variants as predictors of survival in heart failure
Authors: Paterson Melinda A. , Pilbrow Anna P. , Frampton Chris M. , Cameron Vicky A. , Troughton Richard W. , Pemberton Chris J. , Lund Mayanna , Devlin Gerard P. , Richards A. Mark , Doughty Robert N. , Palmer Barry R.
Published: July 2024

Aims

Soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF), components of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system, play key roles in angiogenesis. Reports of elevated plasma levels of sFlt‐1 and PlGF in coronary heart disease and heart failure (HF) led us to investigate their utility, and VEGF system gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as prognostic biomarkers in HF.

Methods and results

ELISA assays for sFlt‐1, PlGF and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were performed on baseline plasma samples from the PEOPLE cohort (n = 890), a study of outcomes among patients after an episode of acute decompensated HF. Eight SNPs potentially associated with sFlt‐1 or PlGF levels were genotyped. sFlt‐1 and PlGF were assayed in 201 subjects from the Canterbury Healthy Volunteers Study (CHVS) matched to PEOPLE participants. All‐cause death was the major endpoint for clinical outcome considered. In PEOPLE participants, mean plasma levels for both sFlt‐1 (125 ± 2.01 pg/ml) and PlGF (17.5 ± 0.21 pg/ml) were higher (both p < 0.044) than in the CHVS cohort (81.2 ± 1.31 pg/ml and 15.5 ± 0.32 pg/ml, respectively). sFlt‐1 was higher in HF with reduced ejection fraction compared to HF with preserved ejection fraction (p = 0.005). The PGF gene SNP rs2268616 was univariately associated with death (p = 0.016), and was also associated with PlGF levels, as was rs2268614 genotype. Cox proportional hazards modelling (n = 695, 246 deaths) showed plasma sFlt‐1, but not PlGF, predicted survival (hazard ratio 6.44, 95% confidence interval 2.57–16.1; p < 0.001) in PEOPLE, independent of age, NT‐proBNP, ischaemic aetiology, diabetic status and beta‐blocker therapy.

Conclusions

Plasma sFlt‐1 concentrations have potential as an independent predictor of survival and may be complementary to established prognostic biomarkers in HF.
Behaviourally assessed negative urgency is uniquely associated with binge‐eating frequency
Authors: Forester Glen , Wonderlich Joseph A. , Bottera Angeline R. , Dougherty Elizabeth N. , Day Maya , Pearson Carolyn M. , Peterson Carol B. , Anderson Lisa M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Binge eating appears to be associated with impulsivity, especially in response to negative affect (i.e., negative urgency). However, negative urgency is typically assessed via self‐report, which captures only some aspects of urgency and may be subject to bias. Few studies have examined impulsivity following experimental manipulations of affect in binge‐eating samples.

Method

In the present study, individuals who engage in regular binge eating completed a behavioural impulsivity (go/no‐go) task with high‐ and low‐calorie food stimuli, once following negative affect induction and once following neutral affect induction.

Results

Greater behavioural impulsivity to high‐calorie food cues while in a negative (and not a neutral) affective state was associated with more frequent binge‐eating behaviour. Further, this behavioural measure of negative urgency uniquely accounted for variance in binge‐eating frequency when controlling for self‐reported negative urgency, suggesting that behavioural measures may be a useful complement to self‐report measures.

Discussion

These findings provide novel and compelling evidence for the relationship between negative urgency and binge eating, highlighting negative urgency as a potentially important target for intervention.
Lanthanum‐Nickel‐Based Mixed‐Oxide‐Coated Nickel Electrodes for the OER Electrocatalysis
Authors: Kubo Nikolas Mao , Mhamdi Rim , Palkovits Regina
Published: July 2024

The anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a bottleneck for electrocatalytic water splitting due to its sluggish kinetics and, thus, high overpotentials. This limits water electrolysis as a key technology for the generation of hydrogen as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. For alkaline water splitting, perovskite phases (ABO3) with earth‐abundant first‐row transition‐metals have emerged as a promising material class for OER electrocatalysts. Among these, LaNiO3 has been found to exhibit high intrinsic OER activity. To increase catalyst utilization, a high surface area of the catalyst is desirable and can be achieved by impregnation of porous templates. In this work, La–Ni‐based oxides were prepared via impregnation of activated carbon and subsequent heating, combining precursor calcination and template removal into one step. The phase structure of the samples is analyzed via powder X‐ray diffractometry, and the morphology is determined by scanning electron microscopy. The synergistic effect of B‐site mixing iron as well as A‐site mixing strontium into LaNiO3 is studied and found to increase its OER activity, confirming the activity‐enhancing effect of Fe in Ni‐based OER electrocatalysts. To allow for facile technical application of the catalysts, the electrodes are prepared by coating a perovskite ink onto Ni‐metal as industrially relevant substrates, followed by calcination.
An Ediacaran glacial deposit in southern margin of the North China Craton: The Luoquan Formation—sedimentology, geochronology and provenance
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Hua Hong , Zeng Zhongcheng , Zheng Yuanfang , Yang Dandan , Jiao Rui
Published: July 2024

The end of the Neoproterozoic global ice age has promoted the evolution of the Earth's surface system and initiated the ‘Great Explosion of Life’. Glaciation deposits provide valuable insights into the extreme climate conditions. In the southern margin of the North China Craton (NCC), an Ediacaran glacial deposit named ‘Luoquan Formation’ has been recently described in Luonan County, Shaanxi Province. It has significant characteristics of dark grey and black glacial deposits. Through extensive research in sedimentology, geochemistry and geochronology, the glacial sedimentary evolution sequence of the Luoquan Formation has been established. This research also help to define the age of the formation and reveal its provenance and sedimentary environment. The study reveals that four lithofacies associations were identified in the Luoquan Formation: diamictites, carbonates, dropstone‐bearing rock and black shale. The Luoquan Formation has experienced three cycles of glacial advance–retreat. Sedimentological evidence suggests that the sedimentary environments of the Luoquan Formation evolved from subglacial (diamictite) to intertidal, then to intertidal lagoon, or from subglacial deposits to shoreface (inner shelf, subtidal), then to deep water basin and fine‐grained turbidite and ice‐rafting. The age of the Luoquan Formation is estimated to be 562–550 Ma constrained by indirect chronological and paleontological data, maybe representing an Upper Ediacaran glaciation that occurred later than the Gaskiers glaciation. The overall age profile of detrital zircons from the Luoquan Formation can be divided into six groups, ranging from 1.1 to 1.6, 1.85 to 1.95, ~2.1, ~2.3, ~2.5 and 2.65 to 2.9 Ga. These age groups are consistent with the Archean to Meso‐Neoproterozoic magmatic–tectonic events in the southern margin of NCC, indicating they are ascribed to an origination directly from the southern margin of NCC. The Luoquan Formation exhibits the characteristics of isochronous and different sedimentary facies, with the glacial front moving from north to south. The discovery of Luoquan Formation in Lianshuigou section not only reflects the important significance of the restoration and reconstruction of the Ediacaran ice age, paleoenvironment and palaeogeography of the NCC but also provides significant evidence to support the further subdivision and correlation within the Ediacaran glacial deposits globally.
TET2 regulates extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma progression through regulation of DNA methylation
Authors: Xiang Chunxiang , Gao Limin , Tao Qing , Chen Zihang , Zhao Sha , Liu Weiping
Published: July 2024

The biological role of Ten‐11 translocation 2 (TET2) and the conversion of 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in the development of extra‐nodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL) remains unclear. The level of 5mC and 5hmC was detected in 112 cases of ENKTL tissue specimens by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Subsequently, TET2 knockdown and the overexpression cell models were constructed in ENKTL cell lines. Biochemical analyses were used to assess proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and monoclonal formation in cells treated or untreated with L‐Ascorbic acid sodium salt (LAASS). Dot‐Blots were used to detect levels of genome 5mC and 5hmC. Additionally, the ILLUMINA 850k methylation chip was used to analyze the changes of TET2 regulatory genes. RNA‐Seq was used to profile differentially expressed genes regulated by TET2. The global level of 5hmC was significantly decreased, while 5mC was highly expressed in ENKTL tissue. TET2 protein expression was negatively correlated with the ratio of 5mC/5hmC (p < 0.0001). The 5mC/5hmC status were related to the site of disease, clinical stage, PINK score and Ki‐67 index, as well as the 5‐year OS. TET2 knockdown prolonged the DNA synthesis period, increased the cloning ability of tumor cells, increased the level of 5mC and decreased the level of 5hmC in ENKTL cells. While overexpression of TET2 presented the opposite effect. Furthermore, treatment of ENKTL cells with LAASS significantly induced ENKTL cell apoptosis. These results suggest that TET2 plays an important role in ENKTL development via regulation of 5mC and 5hmC and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for ENKTL.
Thirty‐two‐month‐old with multiple duodenal webs diagnosed after failed gastrojejunostomy exchange successfully treated with combination endoscopic therapy
Authors: Tjaden Naomi E. B. , Acord Michael , Minturn Jane , Allukian Myron , Mamula Petar
Published: July 2024

Intestinal webs are either congenital or acquired. There are few reported cases of either chemotherapy or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications leading to acquired intestinal webs in adults. There are limited descriptions of endoscopic interventions used for therapy of numerous duodenal webs in pediatrics. Here, we describe a 32‐month‐old patient undergoing chemotherapy who had multiple duodenal webs. The patient was diagnosed after failed gastrojejunostomy tube exchange via atypical contrast filling pattern and direct visualization with endoscopy. This patient likely has acquired duodenal webs from the combination of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug containing chemotherapy treatment and repeated tube trauma. Treatment involved serial esophagogastroduodenoscopy with a combination of endoscopic therapy including balloon dilation and incisional therapy with insulated‐tip knife and cautery scissors. The patient now tolerates G‐tube feedings.
The Effect of Co‐Delivery of Oxygen and Anticancer Drugs on the Viability of Healthy and Cancer Cells under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Kehr Nermin Seda
Published: July 2024

Hypoxia, cancer, tissue damage, and acidic pH conditions are interrelated, as chronic hypoxic conditions enhance the malignant phenotype of cancer cells, causing more aggressive tissue destruction, and hypoxic cells rely on anaerobic glycolysis, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid. Therefore, the administration of oxygen is necessary to support the functions of healthy cells until the formation of new blood vessels and to increase the oxygen supply to cancerous tissues to improve the efficacy of antitumor drugs on tumor cells. In addition to O2 supply, pH‐dependent delivery of anticancer drugs is desired to target cancer cells and reduce drug side effects on healthy cells. However, the simultaneous delivery of O2 and pH‐dependent anticancer drugs via nanomaterials and their effects on the viability of normal and cancer cells under hypoxic conditions have not been studied in sufficient numbers. This study describes the synthesis of a pH‐responsive nanomaterial containing oxygen and anticancer drugs that exhibits sustained O2 release over a 14 d period under hypoxic conditions and pH‐dependent sustained release of anticancer drugs over 30 d. The simultaneous administration of O2 and anticancer drugs results in higher cell survival of normal cells than that of cancer cells under hypoxic and normoxic conditions.
Influence of water vapor concentration on photoacoustic spectroscopy‐based characteristic gas analysis of transformer faults
Authors: Mo Bingyu , Zhou Shanghu , Han Menglong , Xie Pengsheng , Li Chenxi , Han Xiao , Qu Quanlei , Li Jianwu , Chen Ke
Published: July 2024

The water vapor in the ambient air affects the accuracy of the photoacoustic (PA) dissolved gas analysis system for transformer health monitoring. A laser PA system was evaluated by dry and humidified standard gases to study the influence of water vapor concentration on PA gas detection. Theoretical analysis was conducted on the effect of gas molecule relaxation on PA signal detection. A high‐frequency resonant PA cell and a low‐frequency nonresonant PA cell were used to detect acetylene (C2H2) and carbon monoxide (CO), respectively. The experimental results show that the PA signal of humidified CO is about 12 times higher than PA signal of dry gas for the resonant PA detection system, respectively. In addition, as the frequency is increased from 30 to 980 Hz, the PA signals of humidified and dry CO attenuate by 1.5 and 6.9 times, respectively.
Zeptosecond‐Scale Single‐Photon Gyroscope
Authors: Sgobba Fabrizio , Triggiani Danilo , Tamma Vincenzo , De Natale Paolo , Gagliardi Gianluca , Avino Saverio , Santamaria Amato Luigi
Published: July 2024

This work presents an all‐fiber telecom‐range optical gyroscope employing a spontaneous parametric down conversion crystal to produce ultra‐low intensity thermal light by tracing‐out one of the heralded photons. The prototype exhibits a detection limit on photon delay measurements of 249 zs over a 72 s averaging time and 26 zs in differential delay measurements at s averaging. The detection scheme proves to be the most resource‐efficient possible, saturating of the Cramér–Rao bound. These results are groundbreaking in the context of low‐photon regime quantum metrology, paving the way to novel experimental configurations to bridge quantum optics with special or general relativity.
A complete shortest independent loop set algorithm for model structure analysis
Authors: Middleton Serafina , Motamed Mohammad
Published: July 2024

This article looks at the well‐known shortest independent loop set algorithm, which is used to identify an independent loop set in system dynamics models. It addresses the cases where the algorithm fails to find a complete set due to its limitation to geodetic cycles and introduces a modification that has the potential to identify a complete independent loop set in every case while maintaining the efficiency of the original algorithm. The modified algorithm uses second‐shortest paths to complete the loop set. Special attention is given to the creation of the second‐shortest path matrix required for the modified algorithm, and to the application of the algorithm to a model where the independent loop set created by the shortest independent loop set algorithm was previously shown to be incomplete. © 2024 System Dynamics Society.
Training college music students to be digitally literate: A public musicology certificate in action
Authors: Wissner Reba A.
Published: July 2024

This chapter is a case study of the first and only public musicology program in the United States and how the program's courses embed the teaching of digital literacy. Suggestions for adapting and implementing some of the activities in disciplines outside of music are provided.
Digital faculty fellows: A cross‐disciplinary professional development model
Authors: Summers Sarah
Published: July 2024

This chapter describes a pedagogy‐first summer faculty development program designed to support faculty who want to add digital components to a course or academic program.
Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography imaging findings in a young cat with epidural pyogranulomatous steatitis
Authors: Martinez Ana , Mortier Jeremy , Gonçalves Rita , Ricci Emanuele , Alcoverro Emili
Published: July 2024

A 4‐month‐old male domestic shorthair cat with a 36‐h history of acute and progressive painful paraplegia was referred. The neurological examination was consistent with T3‒L3 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracolumbar region revealed an extradural mass at the level of T12‒T13 that caused moderate spinal cord compression. The cat underwent T12‒T13 dorsal laminectomy decompressive surgery, and its neurological signs improved shortly after surgery. A diagnosis of epidural spinal steatitis was reached based on histopathological examination of the compressive mass. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first description of the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic findings of histopathologically confirmed idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous inflammation of epidural fat in a cat. Epidural idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous steatitis should be included as a possible differential diagnosis in young cats with acute and progressive T3‒L3 myelopathy signs.
Germany: Urban Farming as an Innovation and Application Environment of an Agile Start-Up Mindset
Authors: Thiessen Thomas , Neuhaus Gerrit
Published: July 2024

Taking the future field of urban farming as an example, the chapter deals with the question of how start-ups and companies can open up new markets through innovative capability in the face of massive social challenges. The focus is on urban farming as an innovative business model for the food sector and possible criteria for sustainable urban development. On the basis of current practical examples, the urban farming market will be made tangible and the interface of the topic area with sustainability will be discussed. Thus, potentials for emerging markets will be made visible as well as the broad spectrum of stakeholders involved. At the same time, the challenges for sustainability-oriented innovations are described. The chapter gives an outlook on how the different stakeholders (clients, companies, initiatives, city administrations), driven by a specific “start-up mindset” and supported by the open innovation approach, can be involved in the development of sustainable urban farming.
Some Last Comments
Authors: Verkuil Arie Hans
Published: July 2024

This chapter describes the pro-social dimension of sustainable business development. Binding values for a common ethos of humanity are emphasized, which should be valid globally, interculturally and interreligious.
Challenges for Start-Ups and SME in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Verkuil Arie Hans , Milesi Angela
Published: July 2024

The following essay examines the mission of the School of Business at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and the key question of what pro-socially oriented entrepreneurs can contribute through start-ups and SMEs to meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century. The mission is: “We educate innovative, responsible specialists and managers for an interconnected and ever-changing world.” Along the mission, it defines what can be understood by “innovative and responsible specialists and managers.” Next, exemplary challenges in the twenty-first century are identified under the keywords “interconnected” and “dynamic” world. Finally, the answer to the guiding question of the essay follows. With its fundamental character, this essay addresses besides other interested readers in particular business students and wants to stimulate them to think and discuss the orientation and the benefit of their “mission-based” education.
Pro-social and Other Motivations of Innovative Start-Ups
Authors: Milow Uta , Verkuil Arie Hans
Published: July 2024

Start-ups can contribute to improving the sustainability of business activities in our society. In this study, start-ups that participated in the Swiss Innovation Challenge, a business plan competition, were examined regarding their motivation to found a company. The research question is, which role pro-social motivations of entrepreneurs play in the founding of a start-up. This was examined with an analysis of the start-ups’ motivations in general and secondly with a detailed analysis of their sustainability orientation. First, in a literature review of possible categories of motivations, these were identified: financial motives, self-realization and identity, recognition and status, better working conditions, family tradition, and a pro-social sustainability motivation. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the start-up teams and qualitatively analyzed. Many of the teams mentioned identification with the project and self-realization, this was the dominant motive. While most of the start-ups were profit-oriented, several interviewees also mentioned sustainability motives, with varying priorities. The range of sustainability aspects was particularly wide, also due to the very different business models. Founding teams that included sustainability aspects into their business generally had a higher sustainability orientation. Thus, raising the awareness of sustainable management issues, education, and training could improve the sustainability impact of start-ups.