bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Papirløses rett til å søke arbeid. En konsekvensetisk vurdering
Authors: Svendsen Lars Fr. H.
Published: June 2015

Artikkelen vurderer hvorvidt ID-kravet, som begrenser asylsøkeres anledning til å søke arbeid, er etisk velbegrunnet innenfor rammene av en liberal rettskultur. Videre anlegges et konsekvensetisk perspektiv fordi ID-kravet er konsekvensetisk begrunnet, og det kan da foretas en immanent kritikk. Det vises at ID-kravet innebærer en begrensning av asylsøkeres negative og positive frihet, og at forsvarere av ID-kravet dermed må bevise at kravet har så gode konsekvenser at det legitimerer en slik begrensning av asylsøkeres frihet. Både generelle overveielser av ID-kravets fordeler og ulemper og konkrete data tilsier at bevisbyrden ikke er oppfylt. Følgelig må det enten frembringes empiri som tilsier at ID-kravet likevel har bedre konsekvenser, eller det bør gis en annen type begrunnelse enn den konsekvensetiske for ID-kravet, eller ID-kravet bør avskaffes.Nøkkelord: asylsøkere, arbeid, liberalt demokrati, konsekvensialismeEnglish summary: Undocumented migrants' right to apply for work. A consequentialist assessmentThe article evaluates whether the Norwegian ID-demand, which limits asylum seekers' opportunity for work, is ethically well founded within the limits of a liberal, legal culture. The argument operates within a consequentialist normative theory because the ID-demand is justified in terms of its consequences, and an immanent critique of the demand can therefore be carried out. It is argued that the ID-demand imposes restrictions on the negative and positive liberty of asylum seekers, and defenders of the ID-demand will then have a burden of proof to show that the demand has such good consequences that it will legitimise these restrictions. Both general considerations and specific data clearly indicate that this burden of proof is not satisfied. Hence, one must either provide new data that indicate that the ID-demand after all has better consequences, defend the ID-demand in terms of something other than its consequences or reject the ID-demand.
Etiske utfordringer med non-invasive prenatale tester (NIPT)
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn
Published: June 2015

Analyser av cellefritt DNA fra foster i gravide kvinners blod gir nye muligheter innen fosterdiagnostikk: Testene er bedre enn eksisterende tester, de reduserer risikoen og er billigere. Flere land har tatt i bruk disse testene, og Helsedirektoratet i Norge har mottatt søknad om å ta i bruk en test som erstatter tidlig ultralyd og blodprøver. Likevel nøler norske myndigheter. Hvorfor gjør de det? Ett av svarene er at non-invasive prenatale tester fører med seg en rekke faglige og moralske spørsmål og gir flere grunnleggende etiske utfordringer. Denne artikkelen gjennomgår et bredt knippe av de utfordringene som NIPT reiser. Hensikten er å synliggjøre hvorfor NIPT påkaller etisk refleksjon og å bidra til en åpen debatt og en transparent beslutningsprosess. Artikkelen identifiserer fem sentrale og konkrete spørsmål for vurderingen av NIPT.Nøkkelord: non-invasiv prenatal diagnostikk, testing, fravalg, foster, blodprøve, ekspressivisme, statsliberalt dilemma, dilemma, abort, retten til ikke å viteEnglish summary: Ethical challenges with non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT)Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) performed with the use of massively parallel sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA testing) in maternal plasma gives extended possibilities in prenatal screening. The tests are claimed to be better than existing alternative tests, they reduce the risk, and it is claimed they are cheaper. They have been used in several countries since 2012, and the University Hospital of North Norway has applied to the Directorate of Health to replace first trimester ultrasound and plasma screening with NIPT. The Directorate of Health is reluctant to reply. Why is this? One of the answers may be that NIPT raises a series of professional and moral questions, and poses profound ethical challenges. This article reviews a series of the challenges with NIPT. The aim is to highlight why NIPT calls for ethical reflection and to contribute to an open debate and a transparent decision-making process. The article identifies five major questions to address in the assessment of NIPT: What are the criteria for screening and removing certain conditions? How certain do we have to be that these conditions do appear in living children? How should we handle information from NIPT for living persons? How can we avoid that persons with the conditions that are selected for screening and removal are insulted, stigmatized, or discriminated? How can we avoid that systematic screening and removal of fetuses with certain conditions develop norms and values that breach with basic social or ethical principles?
Obligations of poor countries in ensuring global justice: The case of Uganda
Authors: Barugahare John , Lie Reidar K.
Published: June 2015

Obligations of global justice rest mainly on the global rich but also to a lesser extent on the global poor. The governments of poor countries are obliged to fulfill requirements of non-aggression, good governance and decency, along with all other requirements which facilitate the achievement of global justice. So far, obligations of poor countries seem to be taken as given yet the behavior of governments in poor countries and occurrences therein attest to the contrary;this suggests a need to mainstream these obligations in discussions about global justice. If poor countries do not live up to these requirements obstacles arise to the realization of global justice; and they act unjustly in relation to citizens of rich countries which provide them with aid. Uganda is taken as a case in point.
The Changing and Developing Role of the Corporate University Post-Millennium
Authors: Ryan Lindsay , Prince Christopher , Turner Paul
Published: June 2015

A review of the literature on corporate universities finds that the peak for research and publishing on the topic occurred between 1998 and 2002 and fell away considerably after 2005. Given the apparent lack of research during the past decade, the purpose of this paper is to present an insight into what has been happening to corporate universities, what changes have occurred and what the emerging trends are in corporate university development. The paper includes two short cases, one from the UK and one from Australia, reflecting developments and trends in corporate universities in the banking industry. The authors examine the move away from corporate universities as highly resourced, geographically based training centres to virtual entities facilitated by the development of digital technologies. At the same time, there appears to be greater emphasis on the alignment of corporate training and people development with the strategic objectives of the organization, so that employees at all levels can provide leadership to the people and functional areas for which they are responsible. The authors conclude by arguing that in an increasingly global and unpredictable digital disruptive age the corporate university must evolve from being a primarily social and knowledge transfer mechanism to facilitating company renewal and transformation; in effect, becoming the organization's learning laboratory.
DEPENDENCE OF TRIP LENGTH FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION ON CHARACTERISTICS OF ROUTE NETWORK ELEMENTS
Authors: Horbachov Petro , Svichynskyi Stanislav
Published: June 2015

The up-to-date methods of the demand modelling for municipal public transport (MPT) services are not perfect and they require an objective estimation, enhancement and improvement. These refinements are to take into account the functions of population allocation in modern cities. The possibility of the definition of population allocation functions on the basis of characteristics of public transport stops allocation, the regularities of distances between adjacent stops and distances between a pair of stops are investigated.
DIRECT OBSERVATION OF REROUTING PHENOMENA IN TRAFFIC NETWORKS
Authors: Kucharski Rafał , Gentile Guido
Published: June 2015

In this paper we propose how available dataset can be used to estimate rerouting phenomena in traffic networks. We show how to look at set of paths observed during unexpected events to understand the rerouting phenomena. We use the information comply model [1] and propose its estimation method. We propose the likelihood formula and show how the theoretical and observed rerouting probabilities can be obtained. We conclude with illustrative example showing how a single observed path can be processes and what information it provides. Contrary to parallel paper [2] where rerouting phenomena is estimated using real traffic flow measures from Warsaw, here we use only synthetic data. The paper is organized as follows. First we elaborate on rerouting phenomena and define the traffic network, then we summarize the literature behind rerouting phenomena. We follow with a synthetic definition of dynamic traffic assignment needed to introduce ICM model in subsequent section. Based on that introduction we define the observations and propose estimation method based on them followed by illustrative example. Paper is summarized with conclusions and pointing of future directions.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC SPACE
Authors: Selin Vladimir , Larichkin Fedor , Novoseltceva Valentina
Published: June 2015

The article characterizes the growing interest of the Arctic states and the world community to the development of the vast natural resources in the harsh environment of the Arctic, including the development of programs and the strategy, the importance of international cooperation, harmonization of legal framework of economic activities in the macro-region. The essential modernization and development of transport and logistics complex in the effective development of the Arctic zone is substantiated. A conceptual model for creating the modern transport and logistics complex applicable to Murmansk transport hub, the largest in the Russian Arctic, has been developed.
Geospatial Data Quality Guarantee
Authors: Plante Katherine , Gervais Marc
Published: June 2015

Geospatial data has become ubiquitous in our society and abundantly used by public institutions fulfilling their mandates as well as citizen managing their day-to-day affairs. But the dissemination of geospatial data raises certain issues surrounding the nature of the contract involved along with the quality guarantees that may be applicable.

Should this data be treated as a tangible or intangible asset? Would the standard guarantees defined by our legislation apply if it were considered intangible? What about the specific characteristics of geospatial data? How simple would it be to guarantee its quality?

This article presents an overview of geospatial data quality guarantees under Quebec law. We will first address the intrinsic characteristics of geospatial data, the concepts of quality guarantees and precision, along with implied and conventional guarantees. Next, we will investigate the potential effects of various contract categories on the scope, if not the very existence, of quality guarantees.

The results of the analysis hold that a number of quality guarantee variations are possible and that some legal uncertainties remain, which further complicates the dissemination of geospatial data for any organization that seeks to do so.
Diurnal changes in photosynthetic activity of the biological soil crust and lichen: Effects of abiotic factors (Petuniabukta, Svalbard)
Authors: Sehnal Luděk , Barták Miloš , Váczi Peter
Published: June 2015

In polar ecosystems, primary producers have to cope with a very harsh climate that limits the time available for growth and biomass production. In this study, diurnal measurement of photosynthetic processes in biological soil crust and a lichen were carried out in Petuniabukta, Spitsbergen. For field measurements, a method of induced fluorescence of chlorophyll was used. Measurements of photosynthetic activity were taken as repetitive measurements of effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII). The short-term field measurements were carried out for 10 days in summer 2014. ΦPSII was recorded each 5 minutes as well as microclimatic data (air temperature, air humidi-ty, photosynthetically active radiation - PAR). The microclimatic parameters were recorded by a datalogger. In general, physiological activity of both biological soil crust and a lichen showed daily courses. Tested lichen was Cladonia rangiferina and the most dominant species in biological soil crust was Nostoc sp. Typically, most of ΦPSII values ranged 0.6 – 0.7 in both model organisms. The results have shown that photosynthetic activity was strongly correlated with all observed abiotic factors in both study objects. Particularly important was the relation found between PAR and ΦPSII in biological soil crust. When the biological soil crust was exposed to high PAR doses of irradiation (about 2300 µmol m-2 s-1) photoinhibition of primary processes of photosynthesis was observed as ΦPSII decrease, while photosynthetic activity of lichen remained at same level. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated increasing that in situ photosynthetic activity increased in both biological soil crust and lichen with a decrease in temperature.
Europeanisation of EP Election Manifestos: An Application of a New Approach on the Case of Slovak Political Parties
Authors: Kovář Jan
Published: June 2015

This article investigates the Europeanisation of EP election manifestos prepared by Slovak political parties over the course of Slovakia’s decade-long membership in the European Union. To this aim, it conducts a content analysis based upon a novel coding scheme in which Europeanisation is measured primarily as EU issue salience and secondarily as the discussion of different EU-related (policy) issue areas. The results show that, in contrast to election manifestos prepared for other elections, the salience of EU issues is quite high in these Euromanifestos. On the other hand, average relative EU issue salience has decreased with each EP election held in the country. In terms of party EU political agenda, we provide evidence of relatively high convergence in terms of party EU political agenda, measured as the five most prominent issue categories in individual party Euromanifestos, particularly in 2004 and 2014. We also show that the five most prominent issue categories in the party EU political agenda represent almost half the natural sentences referring to the EU political level in the Euromanifestos analysed.
Emancipace a radikální demokracie
Authors: Lysoňková Michala
Published: June 2015

Laclau, Ernesto. 2013. Emancipace a radikální demokracie. Praha: Karolinum, 202 pages.
Za fasádou jednoty. KSČ a SED po roce 1985
Authors: Balík Stanislav
Published: June 2015

Štefek, Martin. 2014. Za fasádou jednoty. KSČ a SED po roce 1985. Červený Kostelec: Pavel Mervart, 221 pages.
Design Formulas for Broadband Concentric Circular-Loops Antennas
Authors: Ali Hamed S. M. , Osman A. A.
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a simple formulas for designing broadband concentric circular-loops antennas (CCLAs). The loop dimensions for widest bandwidth are expressented in terms of the resonance frequency of the driven loop. The analysis addresses both cases CCLAs with and without ground planes. The presented formulas are employed to design multiple CCLAs.  For example, a 3-elements CCLA of a maximum radius of 6.34 cm can be designed to operate with a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) < 2 over a frequencies band of a fractional bandwidth of 16.9% with a minimum directivity of 3.9 dB. Addionationally, a 4-elements CCLA of maximum radius of 15 cm can be design to operate in the frequency band extending from 825 MHz to 991 MHz (fractional bandwidth of 18.3%) with a VSWR < 2 and directivity higher than 5.2 dB over the entire band. Furthermore, the analysis shows that a 3-elements CCLA backed with a conducting ground plane improves the fractional bandwidth to 19.6% and directivity to 9.15 dB over the band of interest. The analytical results on designed antennas are validated with simulation results obtained by using the AN-SOF antenna simulation software. An excellent agreement is observed between analytical and AN-SOF simulations results.
Back Matter
Authors: Editors
Published: June 2015

Back matter
Aramid Triboelectric Materials: Opportunities for Self‐Powered Wearable Personal Protective Electronics
Authors: Chi Mingchao , Cai Chenchen , Liu Yanhua , Zhang Song , Liu Tao , Du Guoli , Meng Xiangjiang , Luo Bin , Wang Jinlong , Shao Yuzheng , Wang Shuangfei , Nie Shuangxi
Published: August 2024

The seamless integration of advanced triboelectric nanogenerators with fiber material has propelled the rapid advancement of intelligent wearable electronics. The overheating and mechanical abrasion associated with prolonged operation poses a significant challenge for conventional fiber‐based triboelectric materials. Aramid fibers, characterized by high thermal stability, ultra‐high mechanical strength, and excellent insulating properties, can effectively compensate for the limitations of triboelectric materials. However, the intrinsic advantages of aramid fiber triboelectric materials and their general structural design strategies have not yet to be comprehensively elucidated. In this review, the synthesis methods and development history of aramid fiber triboelectric materials in recent years are summarized. Importantly, the unique advantages and development potential of aramid fibers as triboelectric materials are systematically discussed, particularly regarding high‐temperature resistance, high strength, and electrical insulation. Furthermore, the latest advancements in the structural design and performance modulation of aramid fiber triboelectric materials are presented. The aramid fiber‐based self‐powered wearable electronics in high‐temperature warning, impact monitoring, and human energy harvesting are summarized. Finally, the challenges and opportunities facing the future development of aramid fiber‐based triboelectric nanogenerators are discussed.
Enhancement of Bone Repair in Diabetic Rats with Metformin‐Modified Silicified Collagen Scaffolds
Authors: Wang Yi‐Rong , Zhang Xiao‐Xia , Chen Xu‐Xu , Yin Xin‐Hua , Yang Ming , Jiang Kuo , Liu Shi‐Chang
Published: August 2024

Regenerating bone defects in diabetic rats presents a significant challenge due to the detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species and impaired autophagy on bone healing. To address these issues, a metformin‐modified biomimetic silicified collagen scaffold is developed utilizing the principles of biomimetic silicification. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the scaffold enhanced bone tissue regeneration within the diabetic microenvironment through the release of dual bio‐factors. Further analysis reveals a potential therapeutic mechanism whereby these dual bio‐factors synergistically promoted osteogenesis in areas of diabetic bone defects by improving mitochondrial autophagy and maintaining redox balance. The present study provides critical insights into the advancement of tissue engineering strategies aimed at bone regeneration in diabetic patients. The study also sheds light on the underlying biological mechanisms.
iSECRETE: Integrating Microfluidics and DNA Proximity Amplification for Synchronous Single‐Cell Activation and IFN‐γ Secretion Profiling
Authors: Lu Ri , Ang Yan Shan , Cheung Ka‐Wai , Quek Kai Yun , Sin Wei‐Xiang , Lee Elizabeth , Lim Shir Lynn , Yung Lin‐Yue Lanry , Birnbaum Michael E. , Han Jongyoon , Cheow Lih Feng , Zeming Kerwin Kwek
Published: August 2024

Cytokines, crucial in immune modulation, impact disease progression when their secretion is dysregulated. Existing methods for profiling cytokine secretion suffer from time‐consuming and labor‐intensive processes and often fail to capture the dynamic nature of immune responses. Here, iSECRETE, an integrated platform that enables synchronous cell activation, wash‐free, and target‐responsive protein detection for single‐cell IFN‐γ cytokine secretion analysis within 30 min at room temperature is presented. By incorporating a DNA proximity assay (DPA) into a multifunctional microfluidic system, one‐pot homogenous cytokine signal amplification, with a limit of detection of ≈50 secreted molecules per cell is achieved. iSECRETE can robustly handle various sample types that are shown. Two distinct immune activation assay modalities are demonstrated on iSECRETE. Finally, the detection of single‐cell IFN‐γ secretion as an activation hallmark of chimeric antigen receptor T cells within 6 h of exposure to cancer targets is shown. iSECRETE represents the fastest single‐cell sample‐to‐result cytokine secretion assay to date, providing a powerful tool for advancing the understanding of biological phenotypes, functions, and pathways under in vivo‐like conditions.
Dairy manure influences soil properties, plant nutrient uptake, and tuber quality in potatoes
Authors: Moore Amber , Leytem April , Olsen Nora , Price William , Dungan Robert
Published: August 2024

Dairy manure applications are a common practice in Idaho potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production, however the impacts on tuber yield and quality are not well understood. Our objectives were to determine (1) how repeated dairy manure applications impact soil properties and plant nutrient uptake, and (2) how these changes influence plant nutrient interactions, tuber yield, and quality. Stockpiled dairy manure was fall‐applied over a 6‐year period to two adjacent potato production fields in Kimberly, ID. Eight treatments included application frequency (annual and biennial), manure application rate (18, 36, and 52 Mg ha−1 application−1 [dry weight basis]), fertilizer‐only, and a non‐amended control. Manure treatments were supplemented with fertilizer to prevent nutrient‐limiting conditions. Compared to fertilizer treatments, mean soil organic matter, total N, and K were greater for annual manure by 53%, 47%, and 426%, and biennial manure by 24%, 23%, and 199%, respectively. For annual applications only, mean soil nitrate, P, and electrical conductivity were greater than fertilizer treatments by 247%, 431%, and 222%, respectively. Manure promoted P and K luxury consumption with increasing application rate and frequency. Foliage Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu correlated negatively against foliage K, potentially due to cation competition and translocation disruption. Annual applications decreased mean tuber specific gravity from 1.078 to 1.073, which may be attributed to saline‐sodic conditions and delayed maturity from late‐season N mineralization. Our findings suggest that biennial manure applications may prevent specific gravity issues. Agronomic parameters related to N, K, and soluble salts should be closely monitored in these systems.
Agronomic performance and dry matter yield stability of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) genotypes in Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Mossie Tesfa , Biratu Kasa , Yifred Hilena
Published: August 2024

The study aimed to evaluate the yield performance and stability of 10 Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) genotypes. A completely randomized design with three replications was used to assess these genotypes. Genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) interaction and additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) biplot models were utilized for analysis. The combined results indicated a significant (p ≤ 0.05) impact on dry matter yield and other agronomic traits. Genotypes and environments contributed to 26.93% and 52.17% of the observed variation in dry matter yield, respectively. The GGE and AMMI biplot models identified promising genotypes based on mean dry matter yield and stability. G3, G1, and G10 genotypes were highlighted as stable with high dry matter yield across different environments compared to others, AMMI analysis also revealed that they had above‐average dry matter yield, minimal deviation from the regression line (S2di), and a regression coefficient close to one, which indicated their desirability and stability. Among the 10 genotypes, these Napier grass genotypes were considered the most desirable and stable due to their characteristics. H18 had a longer vector and a small angle with average environmental axis (AEA), making it an ideal environment for selecting superior genotypes accurately. In conclusion, G3 and G1 were identified as ideal genotype candidates for broader utilization under similar environmental conditions.
Biomarker‐induced gold aggregates enable activatable near‐infrared‐II photoacoustic image‐guided radiosensitization
Authors: Fu Qinrui , Wei Chuang , Yang Xiao , Wang Mengzhen , Song Jibin
Published: August 2024

Current radiotherapy (RT) lacks the ability to accurately discriminate between tumor and healthy tissues, resulting in significant radiation‐induced damage for patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for precise RT techniques that can optimize tumor control while minimizing adverse effects on surrounding healthy tissues. In this study, we developed a nanodrug (AuNR@Peptide) composed of furin‐responsive RVRR peptide‐conjugated AuNRs, which integrates an activatable probe and a radiosensitizer into a single system for accurate tumor localization, enabling image‐guided precision RT. Upon reaching the tumor site after intravenous administration, proteolytic cleavage of RVRR substrates on AuNR@Peptide by biomarker triggers aggregation of gold nanorods (AuNRs) into larger aggregates, leading to activation of near‐infrared (NIR)‐II photoacoustic (PA) signals to precisely localize the tumor and enhance tumor retention by preventing migration and backflow of AuNRs. This significantly amplifies radiosensitivity efficiency. The peak time point at which the NIR‐II PA signal was observed at the tumor site after injection serves as a reference for initiating RT, demonstrating substantial improvement in tumor RT through investigations related to radiosensitization mechanisms. The integration of imaging and therapy in this study offers a promising image‐guided therapeutic modality for tumors.
Isothiourea‐Catalysed Acylative Kinetic Resolution of Tertiary Pyrazolone Alcohols
Authors: Westwood Matthew T. , Omar Farah Abdikani , Wise Henry B. , Sinfield Mike , Robichon Camille , Prindl Martha I. , Cordes David B. , Ha‐Yeong Cheong Paul , Smith Andrew D.
Published: August 2024

The development of methods for the selective acylative kinetic resolution (KR) of tertiary alcohols is a recognised synthetic challenge with relatively few successful substrate classes reported to date. In this manuscript, a highly enantioselective isothiourea‐catalysed acylative KR of tertiary pyrazolone alcohols is reported. The scope and limitations of this methodology have been developed, with high selectivity observed across a broad range of substrate derivatives incorporating varying substitution at N(2)‐, C(4)‐ and C(5)‐, as well as bicyclic constraints within the pyrazolone scaffold (30 examples, selectivity factors (s) typically >100) at generally low catalyst loadings (1 mol %). The application of this KR method to tertiary alcohols derived directly from a natural product (geraniol), alongside pharmaceutically relevant drug compounds (indomethacin, gemfibrozil and probenecid), with high efficiency (s >100) is also described. The KR process is readily amenable to scale up using bench grade solvents and reagents, with effective resolution on a 50 g (0.22 mol) scale demonstrated. The key structural motif leading to excellent selectivity in this KR process has been probed through computation, with an NC=O⋅⋅⋅isothiouronium interaction from substrate to acylated catalyst observed within the favoured transition state. Similarly, the effect of C(5)‐aryl substitution that leads to reduced experimental selectivity is probed, with a competitive π–isothiouronium interaction identified as leading to reduced selectivity.
Impact of oxidized sucrose as a bio‐based crosslinker on thermoformable films made from lupin protein isolate (Lupinus angustifolius L.)
Authors: Maidl Maximilian , Englberger Heidi , Abbasnia Amirhossein , Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the effect of oxidized sucrose (OS) on selected functional properties of cast films from lupin protein isolate (LPI). LPI with a protein content larger than 0.9 g g−1 was obtained by alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation from bitter narrow‐leaved lupins (Lupinus angustifolius L.). OS was synthesized by vicinal diol cleavage using sodium periodate and was successfully characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared‐, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and aldehyde titration. Films were produced from heated (85°C, 30 min), alkaline (pH 10), aqueous solutions of LPI (0.1 mL−1), glycerol (300 mg g−1 of LPI) and OS (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg g−1 of LPI). The effect of covalent crosslinking between OS and protein chains was studied by investigating mechanical properties, moisture content, total soluble matter, water vapor permeability, and protein solubility for all films. LPI films produced with the addition of OS showed increased mechanical performance as the tensile strength was increased from 3.5 up to 9.3 MPa and elongation at break values could be raised from 118% to 176%. Taken together with the facts that these films are thermoformable and show improved wet strength compared with control films, make them promising materials for sustainable packaging and short‐term applications in agriculture and forestry.
Fabrication and performance evaluation of an innovative asymmetric polyethersulfone composite membrane for efficient methyl blue filtration
Authors: Wu Jianming , Ma Qian , Pang Qingkai , Xu Qinjie , Geng Lihong , Peng Xiangfang , Chen Zhenming , Li Peng , Chen Yukun
Published: August 2024

Given the toxicity of wastewater pollutants to both humans and the environment, it is critical to develop a new synthetic membrane with superior permeability and rejection. Herein, a novel asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) composite filtration membrane was successfully prepared using a simple alternating vacuum‐deposition process with positively charged chitosan and negatively charged cellulose nanofibrils as polycations and polyanions, respectively. As expected, the produced PES composite filtration membranes had a compressed and negatively charged surface, which prevented the anionic dye methyl blue (MB) molecules from infiltrating into the membrane matrix. Consequently, the resulting PES composite filtration membranes exhibited an extremely high MB rejection (99.7%) and a satisfactory flux (37.47 L h−1 m−2 MPa−1). In addition, the composite membrane demonstrated extremely selective removal of anionic dyes in the presence of neutral dyes due to the Donnan effect. Furthermore, the developed PES composite filtration membranes displayed exceptional long‐term stability (99.8% rejection and 36.5 L h−1 m−2 MPa−1 flux after 50 h of filtration) and recycling properties (90.1% flux recovery rate after 3 cycles of running). In conclusion, the PES composite filtration membranes prepared in this study presented great potential in wastewater filtering.
A unified framework to investigate and interpret hybrid and allopolyploid biodiversity across biological scales
Authors: Krieg Christopher P.
Published: August 2024

Premise

Hybridization and polyploidization are common in vascular plants and important drivers of biodiversity by facilitating speciation and ecological diversification. A primary limitation to making broad synthetic discoveries in hybrid and allopolyploid biodiversity research is the absence of a standardized framework to compare data across studies and biological scales.

Methods

Here, I present a new quantitative framework to investigate and interpret patterns in hybrid and allopolyploid biology called the divergence index (DI). The DI framework produces standardized data that are comparable across studies and variables. To show how the DI framework can be used to synthesize data, I analyzed published biochemical, physiological, and ecological trait data of hybrids and allopolyploids. I also apply key ecological and evolutionary concepts in hybrid and polyploid biology to translate nominal outcomes, including transgression, intermediacy, expansion, and contraction, in continuous DI space.

Results

Biochemical, physiological, ecological, and evolutionary data can all be analyzed, visualized, and interpreted in the DI framework. The DI framework is particularly suited to standardize and compare variables with very different scales. When using the DI framework to understand niche divergence, a metric of niche overlap can be used to complement insights to centroid and breadth changes.

Discussion

The DI framework is an accessible framework for hybrid and allopolyploid biology and represents a flexible and intuitive tool that can be used to reconcile outstanding problems in plant biodiversity research.
Adaptive fault‐tolerant control for air cushion vehicle with fixed‐time convergence
Authors: Dan Bai , Mingyu Fu , Hanbo Deng , Qiusu Wang
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a fixed‐time convergence adaptive sliding mode fault‐tolerant controller (ASFTC) to address the air cushion vehicle (ACV) trajectory tracking problem under unknown environmental disturbances and actuator faults. The introduced method enhances the robustness and reduces the chattering of the controller, by proposing an initial state‐independent fixed‐time convergence method combined with a global sliding mode surface which has the advantage of quickly reaching the “sliding mode”. The model knowledge neural network (MKNN) method is employed to eliminate uncertain parameter effects, and it adjusts disturbance and fault estimates in real time based on tracking errors without the need for upper‐bound disturbance information and additional observer compensation. Finally, simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive fault‐tolerant control system.
Li‐Ion Storage and Diffusivity in Sulfurized Polybutadiene Containing Covalently Bound Sulfur as a Polysulfide Shuttle‐Free Cathode Material for Li−S Batteries
Authors: Muduli Sadananda , Boecker Marcel , Prädel Leon , Neumann Christof , Du Qian , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: August 2024

In this work, a new polymer has been explored as a cathode host for lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs). Sulfurized polybutadiene materials were synthesized by a single‐step, scalable, and easily tailored heat treatment method. The optimized synthesis process allows for high sulfur loadings of up to 50 wt %. Thermogravimetric analysis‐mass spectrometry (TGA‐MS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies confirm that the sulfur is covalently bound to the polymeric backbone, which overcomes the otherwise common capacity‐fading polysulfide shuttle effect of lithium‐sulfur (LSBs) batteries. The absence of free elemental sulfur in the synthesized active materials allows for a stable capacity of up to 1200 mAh g−1 at a rate of C/20. The porous polymer networks reduce the pulverization of the cathode during cycling, resulting in long‐term cycling stability of 1500 continuous galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) cycles. Capacity contribution studies depict that at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1, the sulfurized polybutadiene cathode‐based cells have 65 % capacitive and 35 % diffusive contribution of the total charge stored. A comprehensive study on Li‐ion storage with capacity contribution and diffusion studies of polysulfide shuttle‐free sulfurized polybutadiene cathode material for LSBs is presented.
Unveiling the Chemical Constituents and Inhibitory Roles of Extracts from Pinus Pinea L. Nut and Nutshell: a Novel Source for Pharmaceutical Antimicrobials
Authors: Unver Tuba , Gurhan Ismet
Published: August 2024

Antibiotic resistance in infectious diseases has been a serious problem for the last century, and scientists have focused on discovering new natural antimicrobial agents. Pinus pinea has been used as a natural pharmacotherapeutic agent with antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and high antioxidant properties. In this study, GC‐MS and LC‐HR/MS were employed to analyze Pinus pinea L. nut and nutshell extracts. DPPH radical scavenging assay was performed to analyze the antioxidant properties of the extracts, but no activity was determined. GC‐MS analysis showed that linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids were the three most dominant fatty acids in nut and nutshell extracts, with ratios between 6.75 % and 47.06 % (v/v). LC‐HR/MS revealed that the nutshell methanol extract had a higher phenolic content than other extracts, with vanillic acid (1.4071 mg/g). Antimicrobial activity assays showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts varied between 5.94 and 190 mg/mL, and the most significant inhibition was seen in the nutshell methanol extract (MICs: between 5.94 and 47.5 mg/mL). Consequently, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts can be attributed to the dense fatty acids they contain, and the nutshell methanol extract showed the most potent inhibition related to the abundance of phenolic compounds in the extract.
Caseous mitral annulus calcification: A forgotten benign condition mimicking cardiac mass, a case report
Authors: Nèji Henda , Bennour Emna , Baccouche Ines , Kechaou Salma , Kammoun Ikram , Affes Meriem , Hantous‐Zannad Saoussen
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Caseous mitral annulus calcification is a rare benign condition that can be misdiagnosed on echocardiography especially when it presents as a mass. This report highlights the contribution of cardiac MRI and computed tomography to the diagnosis through the case of a patient previously treated for breast cancer.

We report the case of a patient, previously treated for breast cancer, in whom echocardiography suggested the diagnosis of a cardiac tumor due the presence of a mass on the posterior mitral annulus. Cardiac magnetic resonance was inconclusive. Computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of caseous mitral annulus calcification.
Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Development of Azobenzene‐Spiropyran@Gold Nanoparticles for Controlled Singlet Oxygen Generation
Authors: Hau‐Ting Wei Jack , Cai‐Syaun Wu Melody , Chiang Chuan‐Kuei , Huang Pei‐Hsuan , Gong Tianxun , Yong Ken‐Tye , Voon Kong Kien
Published: August 2024

The development of durable photosensitizers is pivotal for advancing phototherapeutic applications in biomedicine. Here, we introduce a core‐shell azobenzene‐spiropyran structure on gold nanoparticles, engineered to enhance singlet oxygen generation. These nano‐photosensitizers exhibit increased structural stability and thermal resistance, as demonstrated by slowed O−N−C bond recombination dynamics via in‐situ Raman spectroscopy. Notably, the in‐situ formation of merocyanine and a light‐induced compact shell arrangement extend its half‐life from 47 minutes to over 154 hours, significantly boosting singlet oxygen output. The nano‐photosensitizer also shows high biocompatibility and notably inhibits tau protein aggregation in neural cells, even with phosphatase inhibitors. Further, it promotes dendritic growth in neuro cells, doubling typical lengths. This work not only advances chemical nanotechnology but also sets a foundation for developing long‐lasting phototherapy agents for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Urea Ligand‐Promoted Chainwalking Heteroannulation for the Synthesis of 6‐ and 7‐membered Azaheterocycles
Authors: Monteferrante Owen E. , Houghtling Kaitlyn E. , Kropiwnicki Aidan R. , Paradine Shauna M.
Published: August 2024

Typical approaches to heterocycle construction require significant changes in synthetic strategy even for a change as minor as increasing the ring size. The ability to access multiple heterocyclic scaffolds through a common synthetic approach, simply through trivial modification of one reaction component, would enable facile access to diverse libraries of structural analogues of core scaffolds. Here, we show that urea‐derived ligands effectively promote Pd‐mediated chainwalking processes to enable remote heteroannulation for the rapid construction of six‐ and seven‐membered azaheterocycles under essentially identical reaction conditions. This method demonstrates good functional group tolerance and effectively engages sterically hindered substrates. In addition, this reaction is applicable to target‐oriented synthesis, demonstrated through the formal synthesis of antimalarial alkaloid galipinine.
Synthesis, Structures, and Properties for PIII‐Doped Hetero‐Buckybowls and Their Phosphonium Salts
Authors: Feng Lijun , Hua Xinqiang , Shang Jihai , Feng Yawei , Yuan Chengshan , Liu Zitong , Zhang Hao‐Li , Shao Xiangfeng
Published: August 2024

Doping polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with heteroatoms enables manipulation of their electronic structures. Herein, the structures and properties of phosphorus (P) doped heterosumanenes (HSEs) are regulated by varying the valence states of P‐dopant. The phosphine sulfide (PV) and chalcogens (S, Se, Te) co‐doped HSEs (1‐3) are reduced to trivalent phosphorus (PIII) doped analogues 4–6. Then, the PIII‐dopants on 4–6 are converted to phosphonium salts (R4P+), giving 7–9. The valence states of P‐dopant show great influence on molecular geometries and electronic structures. Taking P and S co‐doped HSEs as example, bowl‐depths increase in the order of 1 (PV)<7 (R4P+)<4 (PIII), and the HOMO energy levels and HOMO‐LUMO gaps increase to be 7<1<4. Consistent with the theoretical calculation, the first oxidation potentials decrease and the absorption/emission bands show blue shift from 7 to 1 to 4. The transformation of PV to PIII leads to large variations on the coordination with Ag+, owing to the alteration of coordination site from P=S to PIII. The phosphonium salts show ring‐opening of phosphole rings under electrochemical reduction. It is found that chalcogen atoms play pivotal roles on coordination patterns of coordination complexes and the conversion rates of ring‐opening reactions.
Effect of body mass index on the prognosis of children and adolescents with high‐grade mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Zeng Chenggong , Wei Zhiqing , Huang Junting , Zhu Jia , Sun Feifei , Wang Juan , Lu Suying , Zhang Yizhuo , Sun Xiaofei , Zhen Zijun
Published: August 2024

Background

Little progress has been made in determining the prognostic factors for children and adolescents with high‐grade mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (HG B‐NHL). Based on the important role of body mass index (BMI) in cancer, this study explored the effect of BMI on the prognosis of patients with HG B‐NHL.

Methods

Patients aged <18 years with newly diagnosed HG B‐NHL were enrolled. Patients were divided into normal, overweight, obese, and emaciated BMI groups according to the growth criteria for children and adolescents.

Results

In total, 435 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 329 (75.6%), 46 (10.6%), 13 (3.0%), and 47 (10.8%) patients stratified into the normal, overweight, obese, and emaciated BMI groups, respectively. The event‐free survival and overall survival rates of the entire cohort were 89.3% and 92.4%, respectively. The 5‐year event‐free survival rate for the patients with obese BMI was worse than those with overweight BMI (76.2% vs. 95.6%, p = .04). The 5‐year overall survival rate for the patients with emaciated BMI was worse than those with normal (84.5% vs. 93.1%, p = .04) or overweight BMI (84.5% vs. 97.7%, p = .03). Cox multivariate analysis showed that obese or emaciated BMI at diagnosis was associated with an increased risk of death (p = 0.04; HR, 2.26) and was identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor in pediatric HG B‐NHL.

Conclusion

Obese or emaciated BMI at diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis in pediatric HG B‐NHL and can be used for risk stratification.
Revolutionizing Construction: Harnessing Phosphorus Tailings for Lightweight, High‐Strength Wall Materials
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Zhang Hao , Cao Hong , Xue Jun , Arramel  , Zou Jing , Jiang Jizhou
Published: August 2024

The beneficiation of low‐grade phosphate ore leads to the production of a substantial quantity of phosphate tailings, thereby not only occupying land but also endangering the environment and potentially posing safety concerns. In this work, extrusion molding, steam‐curing, and calcined phosphate tailings are employed to fabricate lightweight wall materials with superior strength. It is found that the wall material has a special structure of interwoven needle‐like crystals as a way to provide high flexural strength. The main composition of 34.94% phosphate tailings, 36.75% calcined phosphate tailings, 16.64% silica fume, 6.67% anhydrous magnesium sulfate is required to achieve an optimal maintenance process for 4 h of heat preservation at 120 °C saturated vapor pressure environment. The prepared wall materials yield a flexural strength of 24.9 MPa, compressive strength of 18.9 MPa, softening coefficient of 0.81, apparent density of 1.594 g cm−3, and thermal conductivity of 0.269 w/(m K), which meet the requirements of the Chinese standard “Lightweight strip board for building partition walls”. Moreover, the calculation revealed that phosphate tailings have a comprehensive utilization rate of 77.23%, effectively mitigating the issues arising from their accumulation and serving as an efficient means of utilizing solid waste derived from phosphate tailings.
PUS7‐dependent pseudouridylation of ALKBH3 mRNA inhibits gastric cancer progression
Authors: Chang Yongxia , Jin Hao , Cui Yun , Yang Feng , Chen Kanghua , Kuang Wenjun , Huo Chunxiao , Xu Zhangqi , Li Ya , Lin Aifu , Yang Bo , Liu Wei , Xie Shanshan , Zhou Tianhua
Published: August 2024

Background

RNA pseudouridylation is a critical post‐transcriptional modification that influences gene expression and impacts various biological functions. Despite its significance, the role of mRNA pseudouridylation in cancer remains poorly understood. This study investigates the impact of pseudouridine synthase 7 (PUS7)‐mediated pseudouridylation of Alpha‐ketoglutarate‐dependent Dioxygenase alkB Homolog 3 (ALKBH3) mRNA in gastric cancer.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to assess PUS7 protein levels in human gastric cancer tissues. The relationship between PUS7 and gastric cancer progression was examined using 3D colony formation assays and subcutaneous xenograft models. Real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR), Western blotting, and polysome profiling assays were conducted to investigate how PUS7 regulates ALKBH3. A locus‐specific pseudouridine (Ψ) detection assay was used to identify Ψ sites on ALKBH3 mRNA.

Results

Our findings indicate a significant reduction of PUS7 in gastric cancer tissues compared to adjacent non‐tumour tissues. Functional analyses reveal that PUS7 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth via its catalytic activity. Additionally, PUS7 enhances the translation efficiency of ALKBH3 mRNA by modifying the U696 site with pseudouridine, thereby attenuating tumour growth. Importantly, ALKBH3 functions as a tumour suppressor in gastric cancer, with its expression closely correlated with PUS7 levels in tumour tissues.

Conclusions

PUS7‐dependent pseudouridylation of ALKBH3 mRNA enhances its translation, thereby suppressing gastric cancer progression. These findings highlight the potential significance of mRNA pseudouridylation in cancer biology and suggest a therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Highlights

PUS7 enhances the translation efficiency of ALKBH3 through its pseudouridylation activity on ALKBH3 mRNA, thereby inhibiting gastric tumourigenesis.

The expression levels of PUS7 and ALKBH3 are significantly correlated in gastric tumours, which may be potential prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets for patients with gastric cancer.