bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of adaptive immune responses in healthcare workers who received a Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine booster dose
Authors: Klinmalai Chompunuch , Srisala Supanart , Sahakijpicharn Thiantip , Apiwattanakul Nopporn
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a global pandemic and led to increased mortality and morbidity. Vaccines against the etiologic agent; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) were approved for emergency use on different platforms. In the early phase of the pandemic, Thai healthcare workers (HCWs) received CoronaVac, an inactivated vaccine, as the first vaccine against SARS‐CoV‐2, followed by ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19, a viral vector‐based vaccine, or BNT162b2, an mRNA vaccine, as a booster dose. This preliminary study evaluated the immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 and BNT162b2 as a booster dose in HCWs who previously received two doses of CoronaVac.

Methods

Ten HCW participants received ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 and another 10 HCWs received BNT162b2 as a booster dose after two doses of CoronaVac. Anti‐RBD IgG, neutralizing antibodies (NAb), and cellular immunity, including interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ)‐releasing CD4, CD8, double negative T cells, and NK cells, were measured at 3 and 5 months after the booster dose.

Results

There was no significant difference in anti‐RBD IgG levels at 3 and 5 months between the two different types of booster vaccine. The levels of anti‐RBD IgG and NAb were significantly decreased at 5 months. HCWs receiving BNT162b2 had significantly higher NAb levels than those receiving ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 at 5 months after the booster dose. IFN‐γ release from CD4 T cells was detected at 3 months with no significant difference between the two types of booster vaccines. However, IFN‐γ‐releasing CD4 T cells were present at 5 months in the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 group only.

Conclusion

ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 or BNT162b2 can be used as a booster dose after completion of the primary series primed by inactivated vaccine. Although the levels of immunity decline at 5 months, they may be adequate during the first 3 months after the booster dose.
JAMES BUTTLE REVIEW: Quantifying the influence of forestry and forest disturbance on stream temperature: Methodologies and challenges
Authors: Moore R. D. , MacDonald R. J.
Published: July 2024

Stream temperature governs many aquatic ecosystem processes and plays a key role in determining the distribution of cold‐water amphibians and cool‐ and cold‐water fish, including salmonids. Decades of research have focused on the effects of forestry and forest disturbance on stream temperature, and new projects are underway or being planned in jurisdictions including the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, USA. The objective of this paper is to provide a critical review of methodologies employed in previous studies. The review initially focuses on the range of metrics used to quantify stream thermal regimes and the factors that control stream temperature variability in time and space, then focuses on sampling and analytical methodologies used to quantify stream temperature response to forestry activity and forest disturbance. Empirical methods include sampling in time, space, or both, and may or may not include pre‐ and post‐harvest data. Process‐based mechanistic and hybrid empirical‐mechanistic models have also been applied. The advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are discussed, and recommendations provided to support the design and execution of future studies.
Two‐dimensional SnP2Se6 with gate‐tunable Seebeck coefficient for telecommunication band photothermoelectric detection
Authors: Zhu Bing‐Xuan , Zhu Cheng‐Yi , Qin Jing‐Kai , He Wen , Yue Lin‐Qing , Huang Pei‐Yu , Li Dong , Sun Ruo‐Yao , Ye Sheng , Du Yu , Sui Jie‐He , Li Ming‐Yu , Mao Jun , Zhen Liang , Xu Cheng‐Yan
Published: July 2024

Photothermoelectric (PTE) detectors combine photothermal and thermoelectric conversion, surmounting material band gap restrictions and limitations related to matching light wavelengths, have been widely used in telecommunication band detection. Two‐dimensional (2D) materials with gate‐tunable Seebeck coefficient can induce the generation of photothermal currents under illumination by the asymmetric Seebeck coefficient, making them promising candidate for PTE detectors in the telecommunication band. In this work, we report that a newly explored van der Waals (vdW) layered material, SnP2Se6, possessing excellent field regulation capabilities and behaviors as an ideal candidate for PTE detector implementation. With the assistance of temperature‐dependent Raman characterization, the suspended atomic thin SnP2Se6 nanosheets reveal thickness‐dependent thermal conductivity of 1.4–5.7 W m−1 K−1 at room temperature. The 2D SnP2Se6 demonstrates high Seebeck coefficient (S) and power factor (PF), which are estimated to be −506 μV K−1 and 207 μW m−1 K−2, respectively. By effectively modulating the SnP2Se6 localized carrier concentration, which in turn leads to inhomogeneous Seebeck coefficients, the designed dual‐gate PTE detector with 2D SnP2Se6 channel demonstrates wide spectral photoresponse in telecommunication bands, yielding high responsivity (R = 1.2 mA W−1) and detectivity (D* = 6 × 109 Jones) under 1550 nm light illumination. Our findings provide a new material platform and device configuration for the telecommunication band detection.

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Rewriting Sharon Tate's History in Once Upon A Time in … Hollywood
Authors: Rasmussen Douglas
Published: July 2024

An examination of how director Quentin Tarantino rewrites the history of the Tate‐Labianca murders in the film Once Upon A Time in… Hollywood. By revising history and creating an alternate timeline where actress Sharon Tate is not murdered by Manson Family cultists, Tarantino is, in effect, also offering up a commentary on Hollywood itself. My essay will look at the artistic ramifications of these changes and how it affects viewer interpretations.
Dr. Manhattan's Penis: Traditions of Modesty and Morality in Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's Watchmen
Authors: Williams G. Christopher
Published: July 2024

Watchmen expresses its internal debate about the understanding of good and evil through its frequent vacillation between images of both costume and nudity. Ultimately, nudity in the comic comes to represent a transcendence of the conventional morality most often represented in superhero comic books. Moore's and Gibbons's story of the shedding of clothing declares the notion that a traditional knowledge of good and evil may be inconvenient when trying to build a utopia.
Is Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns Fascist? Resolving the Paradoxes of Heroic Violence
Authors: Tkacz Carlos
Published: July 2024

The Dark Knight Returns traces the polarizing paradoxes seen between the political left and right in the United States—the right at once advocating for distributed networks of self‐defense in widespread firearm availability and keeping the “thin blue line” of state power intact while the left simultaneously rejects both personal defense and policing as viable forms of mediation from bad actors—and then reimagines Batman as a metaphor by which these paradoxes are resolved.
This is the Legacy of Garry's Show: Restoring It's Garry Shandling's Show to the American Sitcom Canon
Authors: Hoffman Emily
Published: July 2024

Though largely forgotten, It's Garry Shandling's Show is a pivotal sitcom text that reclaims the self‐reflexive, meta‐narrative style of The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. Shandling births the contemporary sitcom by de‐centering the idealized nuclear family; using Brechtian direct address that fuses the sitcom with stand‐up comedy; and parodying specific genres, films, and television shows. These destabilizing features turn the calcified genre into the television equivalent of Mikhail Bakhtin's carnival.
l‐2‐Hydroxyglutarate contributes to tumor radioresistance through regulating the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Manman , Liu Yingshuang , Lu Xinran , Du Liqing , He Ningning , Song Huijuan , Wang Jinhan , Gu Yeqing , Yang Mengmeng , Xu Chang , Wang Yan , Ji Kaihua , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2024

l‐2‐Hydroxyglutarate (l‐2‐HG) has been regarded as a tumor metabolite, and it plays a crucial role in adaptation of tumor cells to hypoxic conditions. However, the role of l‐2‐HG in tumor radioresistance and the underlying mechanism have not yet been revealed. Here, we found that l‐2‐HG exhibited to have radioresistance effect on U87 human glioblastoma cells, which could reduce DNA damage and apoptosis caused by irradiation, promote cell proliferation and migration, and impair G2/M phase arrest. Mechanistically, l‐2‐HG upregulated the protein level of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the expression levels of HIF‐1α downstream target genes. The knockdown of l‐2‐hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (L2HGDH) gene promoted the tumor growth and proliferation of U87 cells in nude mice by increasing HIF‐1α expression level in vivo. In addition, the low expression level of L2HGDH gene was correlated with the short survival of patients with glioma or kidney cancer. In conclusion, our study revealed the role and mechanism of l‐2‐HG in tumor radioresistance and may provide a new perspective for overcoming tumor radioresistance and broaden our comprehension of the role of metabolites in tumor microenvironment.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Dolutegravir in Treatment‐Experienced Adults Living with HIV‐1
Authors: Chandasana Hardik , Bush Mark , Ait‐Khaled Mounir , Wynne Brian , Min Sherene , Mehta Rashmi
Published: July 2024

The World Health Organization has recommended the use of dolutegravir (DTG) for both first and second‐line antiretroviral treatment in both adults and children down to 4 weeks of age. We developed a population pharmacokinetic(PopPK) model following oral administration of DTG 50 mg QD and 50 mg BID in HIV‐infected treatment‐experienced adults (607) based on pooled data from four phase 2/3 trials. DTG population pharmacokinetics are described by a one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption, absorption lag‐time, and first‐order elimination. The PopPK parameter estimates were apparent oral clearance (CL/F) = 1.00 L/h, apparent volume of distribution (V/F) = 18.9 L, absorption rate constant (Ka) = 1.99 per hour, and absorption lag time = 0.333 h, respectively. The final model included inter‐individual and inter‐occasion variability on apparent clearance (CL/F). Weight, smoking status, use of metabolic inducers as part of background antiretroviral therapy (ART) classified by their level of induction, use of atazanavir or atazanavir‐ritonavir as part of background ART, and albumin level were predictors of CL/F; weight and albumin level were predictors of V/F; and sex and concomitant use of metal cation‐containing vitamin/mineral supplements were predictors of relative bioavailability (F). The current model‐based analysis suggests that the DTG dose adjustment is not required based on the demographics, laboratory values, smoking status, concomitant use of mild metabolic inducers or inhibitors in the background therapy, or use of metal cation‐containing vitamin/mineral supplements because these covariate effects are not predicted to have a clinically relevant impact on safety and efficacy.
SARS‐CoV‐2 envelope protein‐derived extracellular vesicles act as potential media for viral spillover
Authors: Li Shuangqu , Bu Jiwen , Pan Xiaoyan , Li Qiguang , Zuo Xiaoli , Xiao Gengfu , Du Jiulin , Zhang Lei‐Ke , Xia Bingqing , Gao Zhaobing
Published: July 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are shown to be a novel viral transmission model capable of increasing a virus's tropism. According to our earlier research, cells infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) or transfected with envelope protein plasmids generate a novel type of EVs that are micrometer‐sized and able to encase virus particles. Here, we showed the capacity of these EVs to invade various animals both in vitro and in vivo independent of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptor. First, via macropinocytosis, intact EVs produced from Vero E6 (monkey) cells were able to enter cells from a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, bats, hamsters, and minks, and vice versa. Second, when given to zebrafish with cutaneous wounds, the EVs showed favorable stability in aqueous environments and entered the fish. Moreover, infection of wild‐type (WT) mice with heterogeneous EVs carrying SARS‐CoV‐2 particles led to a strong cytokine response and a notable amount of lung damage. Conversely, free viral particles did not infect WT mice. These results highlight the variety of processes behind viral transmission and cross‐species evolution by indicating that EVs may be possible vehicles for SARS‐CoV‐2 spillover and raising risk concerns over EVs' potential for viral gene transfer.
Connecting the Dots of Creativity and Curiosity: A Weekly Diary Examination Using Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Zampetakis Leonidas A.
Published: July 2024

In the last decade, research on the connection between curiosity and creativity has surged revealing a positive correlation. However, these findings are primarily based on cross‐sectional studies, which do not establish the direction of the relationship between creativity and curiosity. Is curiosity the driving force behind creativity, or does creativity spark curiosity? The present study addresses this question by examining the potential reciprocal associations between creativity and curiosity within‐persons using state‐of‐the‐art methodology and statistics. Self‐reported data were collected on a weekly basis from a sample of Greek entrepreneurs (N = 195, 49% female) over a 10‐week period. We used the dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM) framework for data analyses. Results supported the positive relationship between creativity and curiosity within and between individuals. At the within‐person level, creativity and curiosity exhibited significant carry‐over effects from 1 week to the next. However, we did not find consistent evidence for cross‐lagged effects, meaning that curiosity and creativity did not directly cause changes in each other within a 1‐week period. We also found significant random effects underscoring the role of curiosity as a catalyst for creativity, particularly when individuals do not have a strong tendency for their creative levels to persist but do have a strong tendency for their curiosity levels to persist. In such cases, curiosity seems to have a more pronounced impact on shaping creative endeavors. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory and practice and suggest directions for future research.
Ineffective esophageal motility: Characterization and outcomes across pediatric neurogastroenterology and motility centers in the United States
Authors: Davis Trevor A. , Rogers Benjamin D. , Llanos‐Chea Alejandro , Krasaelap Amornluck , Banks Darnna , Ambartsumyan Lusine , Sanchez Raul E. , Yacob Desale , Baker Corey , Rey Adriana Prada , Desai Chaitri , Rottier Aaron , Jayaraman Mayuri , Khorrami Camila , Dorfman Lev , El‐Chammas Khalil , Mansi Sherief , Chiou Eric , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Balakrishnan Kesha , Puri Neetu B. , Rodriguez Leonel , Garza Jose M. , Saps Miguel , Gyawali Chandra Prakash , Patel Dhiren
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) on high‐resolution manometry (HRM) is not consistently associated with specific clinical syndromes or outcomes. We evaluated the prevalence, clinical features, management, and outcomes of pediatric IEM patients across the United States.

Methods

Clinical and manometric characteristics of children undergoing esophageal HRM during 2021−2022 were collected from 12 pediatric motility centers. Clinical presentation, test results, management strategies, and outcomes were compared between children with IEM and normal HRM.

Results

Of 236 children (median age 15 years, 63.6% female, 79.2% Caucasian), 62 (23.6%) patients had IEM, and 174 (73.7%) patients had normal HRM, with similar demographics, medical history, clinical presentation, and median symptom duration. Reflux monitoring was performed more often for IEM patients (25.8% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.002), but other adjunctive testing was similar. Among 101 patients with follow‐up, symptomatic cohorts declined in both groups in relation to the initial presentation (p > 0.107 for each comparison) with management targeting symptoms, particularly acid suppression. Though prokinetics were used more often and behavioral therapy less often in IEM (p ≤ 0.015 for each comparison), symptom outcomes were similar between IEM and normal HRM. Despite a higher proportion with residual dysphagia on follow‐up in IEM (64.0% vs. 39.1%, p = 0.043), an alternate mechanism for dysphagia was identified more often in IEM (68.8%) compared to normal HRM (27.8%, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

IEM is a descriptive manometric pattern rather than a clinical diagnosis requiring specific intervention in children. Management based on clinical presentation provides consistent symptom outcomes.
Current otolaryngologic applications of the novel self‐assembling RADA‐16 peptide matrix
Authors: Pak Kaitlynne Y. , Tang Dennis M. , Sreenath Satyan B. , Ito Christopher J. , Senior Brent A. , Lam Kent K. , Higgins Thomas S. , Hur Kevin , Tam Benjamin , Khalid Ayesha N. , Wu Arthur W.
Published: July 2024

A novel bioresorbable agent on the market is PuraGel® (3‐D Matrix, Tokyo, Japan), a RADA‐16 product that acts as a synthetic hemostatic and space‐filling gel that promotes wound healing and prevents adhesion formation. Given the reported benefits of accelerated wound healing and scar tissue prevention, there are multiple otolaryngologic applications where RADA‐16 might improve outcomes. Our study highlights current utilization and associated post‐operative complications with this product.
Thermally Stable and Transparent Polyimide Derived from Side‐Group‐Regulated Spirobifluorene Unit for Substrate Application
Authors: Fang Yunzhi , Lu Xuemin , Xiao Junjie , Zhang Shu‐Yu , Lu Qinghua
Published: July 2024

Advancements in flexible electronic technology, especially the progress in foldable displays and under‐display cameras (UDC), have created an urgent demand for high‐performance colorless polyimide (CPI). However, current CPIs lack sufficient heat resistance for substrate applications. In this work, four kinds of rigid spirobifluorene diamines are designed, and the corresponding polyimides are prepared by their condensation with 5,5′‐(perfluoropropane‐2,2‐diyl) bis(isobenzofuran‐1,3‐dione) (6FDA) or 9,9‐bis(3,4‐dicarboxyphenyl) fluorene dianhydride (BPAF). The rigid and conjugated spirobifluorene units endow the polyimides with higher glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from 356 to 468 °C. Their optical properties are regulated by small side groups and spirobifluorene structure with a periodically twisted molecular conformation. Consequently, a series of CPIs with an average transmittance ranging from 75% to 88% and a yellowness index (YI) as low as 2.48 are obtained. Among these, 27SPFTFA‐BPAF presents excellent comprehensive performance, with a Tg of 422 °C, a 5 wt.% loss temperature (Td5) of 562 °C, a YI of 3.53, and a tensile strength (δmax) of 140 MPa, respectively. The mechanism underlying the structure‐property relationship is investigated by experimental comparison and theoretical calculation, and the proposed method provides a pathway for designing highly rigid conjugated CPIs with excellent thermal stability and transparency for photoelectric engineering.
Model following adaptive control for nodes in complex dynamical network via the state observer of links
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Wang Yinhe , Li Shengping
Published: July 2024

Geometrically, a complex dynamical network (CDN) can be regarded as the interconnected system composed of the node subsystem (NS) and the link subsystem (LS) coupled with each other. Guided by this idea, in order to achieve the goal of each node following asymptotically its own reference target in a CDN, this paper investigates the model following adaptive control (MFAC) problem of NS via the dynamics of links, which implies that the LS plays the important dynamic auxiliary role in the MFAC realization of nodes. Meanwhile, we focus on the condition that the links state information is unavailable, due to sensor practical application and measurement cost constraints. To obviate this restriction, we construct the asymptotical state observer for the LS. Next, to achieve the control goal of this paper, an appropriate Lyapunov candidate function is selected, by which the MFAC scheme for NS is synthesized based on the state observer of LS. Finally, the simulation example is performed to demonstrate the theoretical results in this paper.
Daily Wear AR Glasses: Key Breakthroughs Set the Stage for Consumer Acceptance
Authors: Yang Nathan , Zhang Justin
Published: July 2024

As the resolution of microLED panels increases, their display engines will be used for larger FoV and immersive AR glasses.
Obesity‐associated factors in psychiatric outpatients: A multicenter questionnaire survey
Authors: Ishii Hiroki , Yamada Hiroki , Sato Ryotaro , Hayashi Wakaho , Nakamura Dan , Sugita Shutaro , Tazaki Taro , Takashio Osamu , Inamoto Atsuko , Iwanami Akira
Published: July 2024

The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, resulting in various health issues such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and a lower life expectancy. Importantly, several psychiatric disorders and the use of psychotropic medications have been linked to obesity, and the possible risk factors need further investigation. This study examined the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors using a self‐administered questionnaire. Participants were recruited from three outpatient clinics and individuals who met one or more of the ICD‐10 F0‐F9, G4 diagnoses were included. In total, 1384 participants completed the questionnaire about their lifestyle. Statistical analysis compared the demographic and clinical characteristics of the individuals who were obese (Body Mass Index: BMI ≥25) and those who were non‐obese (BMI <25). The results revealed that the factors associated with obesity in psychiatric outpatients were being male, prolonged treatment duration, eating out frequently, and use of both second‐ and first‐generation antipsychotics. The study emphasized the importance of closely monitoring BMI in individuals with multiple obesity‐related factors.
Trends of Rising Research Production Among Otolaryngology Residency Applicants
Authors: Smith Drew H. , Zeitouni Jad , Kim Thiesse Nayeon , Bowe Sarah N.
Published: July 2024

As competitiveness to obtain a residency position in the field of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (Oto‐HNS) has continued to rise, applicants have endeavored to set themselves apart. One increasingly popular strategy is maximizing research output. Over the past 6 years, applicant metrics such as board scores and volunteer and work experiences have risen incrementally, while research production has more than doubled, from 8.4 mean number of abstracts, presentations, and publications in 2016 to 17.2 in 2022. This coincides with the exponential surge of new research fellowships among Oto‐HNS departments over a similar period, which is now up to at least 68 advertised positions. With a significant difference between the research production of matched and unmatched applicants, programs may be signaling a positive bias towards research‐heavy applicants. Whether this is intended and/or preferable should be examined more closely.
Quantifying vegetation cover on coastal active dunes using nationwide aerial image analysis
Authors: Ryan Cate , Buckley Hannah L. , Bishop Craig D. , Hinchliffe Graham , Case Bradley S.
Published: July 2024

Coastal active dunes provide vital biodiversity, habitat, and ecosystem services, yet they are one of the most endangered and understudied ecosystems worldwide. Therefore, monitoring the status of these systems is essential, but field vegetation surveys are time‐consuming and expensive. Remotely sensed aerial imagery offers spatially continuous, low‐cost, high‐resolution coverage, allowing for vegetation mapping across larger areas than traditional field surveys. Taking Aotearoa New Zealand as a case study, we used a nationally representative sample of coastal active dunes to classify vegetation from red‐green‐blue (RGB) high‐resolution (0.075–0.75 m) aerial imagery with object‐based image analysis. The mean overall accuracy was 0.76 across 21 beaches for aggregated classes, and key cover classes, such as sand, sandbinders, and woody vegetation, were discerned. However, differentiation among woody vegetation species on semi‐stable and stable dunes posed a challenge. We developed a national cover typology from the classification, comprising seven vegetation types. Classification tree models showed that where human activity was higher, it was more important than geomorphic factors in influencing the relative percent cover of the different active dune cover classes. Our methods provide a quantitative approach to characterizing the cover classes on active dunes at a national scale, which are relevant for conservation management, including habitat mapping, determining species occupancy, indigenous dominance, and the representativeness of remaining active dunes.
Resilience in action: Kosovo's National Development Strategy to incorporate sustainable development goals
Authors: Alibašić Haris
Published: July 2024

Through resilience theory, this paper explores the integration and alignment of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) within Kosovo's National Development Strategy (NDS). It highlights how adaptability and strategic planning underpin sustainable development in emerging national contexts like Kosovo, offering a qualitative analysis to identify gaps and suggest improvements for SDG integration. Utilizing a qualitative analysis, this study identifies gaps and provides recommendations for better SDG integration within Kosovo's national development agenda. Data analysis involves the thematic coding of qualitative data and synthesis of case study findings by examining existing documents, strategies, and plans as manifestations of Kosovo's commitment to fostering resilience and achieving a sustainable future. Key insights include recommendations for enhancing governance, environmental protection mechanisms, and social inclusivity to achieve resilient and sustainable economic growth. The study contributes to the discourse on resilience theory in national sustainable development strategies amidst political uncertainty.
The relationship between culture and sustainable development goal compliance at the municipal level
Authors: Benito Bernardino , Guillamón María‐Dolores , Ríos Ana‐María , Cifuentes‐Faura Javier
Published: July 2024

This study assesses the role of culture in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the Spanish public sector, focusing on the influence of local government cultural spending and education levels on SDG compliance in municipalities. Cultural spending, considered as a percentage of total non‐financial local government spending, municipal education levels and SDG implementation indicators from the Sustainable Development Solutions Networks (SDSN)‐Spain are used in this research, which employs an ordinary least squares regression and two‐stage least squares analysis for robustness. The results suggest that higher levels of education correlate with SDG compliance, while increased spending on culture does not. Since the existing research about the impact of culture on the SDGs is limited, this study addresses this gap. It suggests that policymakers should promote culture and integrate sustainability into education to increase SDG awareness and implementation.
Developing theoretically grounded causal maps to examine and improve policy narratives about global challenges
Authors: Buzogany Raquel Froese , Kopainsky Birgit , Gonçalves Paulo
Published: July 2024

The Sustainable Development Goals present a call to action for all countries to accelerate the implementation of solutions to address the world's biggest challenges. While policy portfolios to achieve such goals should be varied, often dominant policy narratives cluster around limited themes. We use a grounded theory approach to elicit causality from qualitative data to visualize interactions across variables spanning multiple domains influencing global challenges. We develop a comprehensive causal loop diagram, where we assess the impact of dominant policy narratives and expand the formulation of policy options. Our approach serves as an exemplar application of qualitative system dynamics to distill the operational logic of policy narratives that can subsequently be considered in model‐based policy analysis. We illustrate our approach by focusing on the interactions among poverty and hunger and compare policy implications arising from the dominant narratives only versus those arising from a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions. © 2024 The Author(s). System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Extending the DeLong algorithm for comparing areas under correlated receiver operating characteristic curves with missing data
Authors: Zou Lily , Choi Yun‐Hee , Guizzetti Leonardo , Shu Di , Zou Joshua , Zou Guangyong
Published: July 2024

A nonparametric method proposed by DeLong et al in 1988 for comparing areas under correlated receiver operating characteristic curves is used widely in practice. However, the DeLong method as implemented in popular software quietly deletes individuals with any missing values, yielding potentially invalid and/or inefficient results. We simplify the DeLong algorithm using ranks and extend it to accommodate missing data by using a mixed model approach for multivariate data. Simulation results demonstrate the validity and efficiency of our procedure for data missing at random. We illustrate our proposed procedure in SAS, Stata, and R using the original DeLong data.
Benzothiazole‐Piperazine Hybrids Effectively Target C4‐2 Castration‐Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells in vitro Implicated through Computational Studies
Authors: Amin Andleeb , Bhat Basharat Ahmad , Ul‐Khazir Zubaid , Hurrah Aaqib A. , Bhat Imtiyaz A. , Sharma Praveen Kumar , Masoodi Khalid Z.
Published: July 2024

A series of new analogs based on benzothiazole‐piperazine conjugates were synthesized and assessed to investigate their anticancer properties using in vitro and in silico techniques. The compounds 3 a–3 h were tested against prostate (C4‐2) cancer cells, and the results revealed that all the compounds showed significant inhibitory activity against C4‐2 cells (>50 % inhibition at 20 μM). Among all, 2‐(4‐(pyrimidin‐2‐yl) piperazin‐1‐yl) benzo[d]thiazole demonstrated the most prominent activity in the cell viability assay conducted displaying an IC50 value of 19.98 μM. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the compound can selectively target the androgen receptor (AR) and reduce the expression of several androgen‐responsive genes, including EAF2, ELL2, PSA and CALR genes, in castration‐resistant prostate cancer cells. Molecular docking results also revealed that all the compounds exhibited good energy binding scores against the androgen receptor target (PB ID: 2PNU) particularly compound 3 g which showed a maximum binding energy of −9.87 kcal/mol followed by other compounds as well as the established prostate cancer drug, enzalutamide, with a binding energy of −5.66 kcal/mol. Docking results were further supported by MD simulation studies, which confirmed that the ligand+protein complex was in stable conformation throughout the simulation time of 100 nanoseconds. Collectively, the present results, stemming from a combination of in vitro and in silico examinations, demonstrate that compound 3 g displays notable anti‐cancer characteristics, implying its viability as a prospective anti‐cancer pharmaceutical subject to clinical validation and subsequent development.
Study on the Effects of Fe Doping on C‐ZFe Catalyst for Catalytic Removal of NO from the Low‐Temperature Flue Gas
Authors: Cao Wan , Zhang Weijun , Guo Ziyang , Sun Ximei
Published: July 2024

The denitrification efficiency of carbon‐based zero valent iron catalyst (C‐ZFe) for low‐temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) (<140°C) highly depends on the structural species of iron oxide (FexOy) and the physicochemical properties of the catalyst. In the study, we investigated the main factors affecting the low‐temperature denitrification efficiency of C‐ZFe such as temperature, iron content and O2. The results showed that the average NOX conversion was 72.6 % at 135°C when the space velocity was 459 h−1 and the mass ratio of carbon to iron was 15 % to 85 %. The surface morphology and structure of C‐ZFe were characterized by the surface area and pore size distribution measurements, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that the iron on the catalyst surface was oxidized by O2 to Fe2O3, which could retain NO and then formed intermediate products. NO entered the mesoporous structure along C‐ZFe surface and proceeded a catalytic reduction reaction with the adjacent carbon.
Interfacial Membranization of Regenerated Cellulose Nanoparticles and a Protein Renders Stable Water‐in‐Water Emulsion
Authors: Zhu Ya , Beaumont Marco , Solin Katariina , Spiliopoulos Panagiotis , Zhao Bin , Tao Han , Kontturi Eero , Bai Long , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: July 2024

Pickering water‐in‐water (W/W) emulsions stabilized by biobased colloids are pertinent to engineering biomaterials with hierarchical and confined architectures. In this study, stable W/W emulsions are developed through membranization utilizing biopolymer structures formed by the adsorption of cellulose II nanospheres and a globular protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), at droplet surfaces. The produced cellulose II nanospheres (NPcat, 63 nm diameter) bearing a soft and highly accessible shell, endow rapid and significant binding (16 mg cm−2) with BSA. NPcat and BSA formed complexes that spontaneously stabilized liquid droplets, resulting in stable W/W emulsions. It is proposed that such a system is a versatile all‐aqueous platform for encapsulation, (bio)catalysis, delivery, and synthetic cell mimetics.
Direct Zeptomole Detection of RNA Biomarkers by Ultrabright Fluorescent Nanoparticles on Magnetic Beads
Authors: Cruz Da Silva Elisabete , Gaki Paraskevi , Flieg Fabien , Messmer Melanie , Gucciardi Floriane , Markovska Yevheniia , Reisch Andreas , Fafi‐Kremer Samira , Pfeffer Sébastien , Klymchenko Andrey S.
Published: July 2024

Nucleic acids are important biomarkers in cancer and viral diseases. However, their ultralow concentration in biological/clinical samples makes direct target detection challenging, because it leads to slow hybridization kinetics with the probe and its insufficient signal‐to‐noise ratio. Therefore, RNA target detection is done by molecular (target) amplification, notably by RT‐PCR, which is a tedious multistep method that includes nucleic acid extraction and reverse transcription. Here, a direct method based on ultrabright dye‐loaded polymeric nanoparticles in a sandwich‐like hybridization assay with magnetic beads is reported. The ultrabright DNA‐functionalized nanoparticle, equivalent to ≈10 000 strongly emissive rhodamine dyes, is hybridized with the magnetic bead to the RNA target, providing the signal amplification for the detection. This concept (magneto‐fluorescent sandwich) enables high‐throughput detection of DNA and RNA sequences of varied lengths from 48 to 1362 nt with the limit of detection down to 0.3 fm using a plate reader (15 zeptomoles), among the best reported for optical sandwich assays. Moreover, it allows semi‐quantitative detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA directly in clinical samples without a dedicated RNA extraction step. The developed technology, combining ultrabright nanoparticles with magnetic beads, addresses fundamental challenges in RNA detection; it is expected to accelerate molecular diagnostics of diseases.
Multiscale Materials Engineering via Self‐Assembly of Pentapeptide Derivatives from SARS CoV E Protein
Authors: Sarkar Dibakar , Khan Aftab Hossain , Polepalli Sainath , Sarkar Riddhiman , Das Prasanta Kumar , Dutta Somnath , Sahoo Nirakar , Bhunia Anirban
Published: July 2024

Short peptide‐based supramolecular hydrogels hold enormous potential for a wide range of applications. However, the gelation of these systems is very challenging to control. Minor changes in the peptide sequence can significantly influence the self‐assembly mechanism and thereby the gelation propensity. The involvement of SARS CoV E protein in the assembly and release of the virus suggests that it may have inherent self‐assembling properties that can contribute to the development of hydrogels. Here, three pentapeptide sequences derived from C‐terminal of SARS CoV E protein are explored with same amino acid residues but different sequence distributions and discovered a drastic difference in the gelation propensity. By combining spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, the relationship between peptide sequence arrangement and molecular assembly structure are demonstrated, and how these influence the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. The present study expands the variety of secondary structures for generating supramolecular hydrogels by introducing the 310‐helix as the primary building block for gelation, facilitated by a water‐mediated structural transition into β‐sheet conformation. Moreover, these Fmoc‐modified pentapeptide hydrogels/supramolecular assemblies with tunable morphology and mechanical properties are suitable for tissue engineering, injectable delivery, and 3D bio‐printing applications.
Effects of TiO2 and CaO/Al2O3 on Melting Characteristics, Surface Tension, and Structure Electroslag‐Remelting‐Type Low‐Fluorine Slag
Authors: Ju Jian‐Tao , He Kun , Guo Wen‐Ke , Zhou Yuan
Published: July 2024

The influence of TiO2 and CaO/Al2O3 on the surface tension of CaF2–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–MgO–TiO2 low‐fluorine slag system is determined by pulling method, and the melting characteristics of the slag system are determined by differential scanning calorimetry . It is found that the surface tension decreases with the increase of temperature. With the increase of TiO2 from 7% to 16%, the surface tension decreases from 2.97 to 0.71 N m−1, the Tend decreases from 1683 to 1648 K, and the activation energy decreases gradually. When the CaO/Al2O3 increases from 0.9 to 1.8, both the surface tension and Tonset show a minimum value, the surface tension is 2.286 N m−1, the Tonset is 1498 K, and the crystallization phase is formed during the melting process. The main reason TiO2 affects the structure is the substitution of Ti4+ for Al3+ in the [AlO4]5− structure to form the Ti2O64− structure, which leads to depolymerization of the Q2 and Q3 polymerization degree and thus the slag system structure, while CaO/Al2O3 affects the slag polymerization degree by influencing the amount of bridging oxygen. Finally, the surface tension is characterized using each structure to derive a relationship between structure and surface tension.
Enhancing concrete durability and strength: An innovative approach integrating abrasion and cement slurry treatment for recycled coarse aggregates
Authors: Panghal Harish , Kumar Awadhesh
Published: July 2024

This study introduces a novel approach to enhance the durability and strength of concrete by integrating abrasion and cement slurry treatments on surface‐treated recycled coarse aggregates (STRCA). Initial abrasion treatment removes aged mortar from the recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) surface, while subsequent cement slurry modification provides a fresh surface, reinforcing the bond with the concrete matrix. Through detailed material analyses including x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive x‐ray, microstructural changes are evaluated alongside compressive strength, drying shrinkage, electrical resistivity, and chloride ion penetration of STRCA‐based concrete. Results indicate significant improvements in mechanical properties and durability as the treatments eliminate mortar and enhance the interfacial connection with cement paste. Notably, a substantial 29.37% strength enhancement is observed at 25% replacement (STRCA 25), demonstrating treatment efficacy. While a reduction of 11.58% occurs at 100% replacement (STRCA 100), up to 75% replacement shows minimal strength loss, with optimal enhancements at 50% replacement. Additionally, STRCA concrete exhibits lower drying shrinkage (11%–20% reduction) and increased electrical resistivity (28%–36% rise), indicating improved durability at 100% replacement. Enhanced resistance to chloride ion penetration is also evident, with a 22%–28% increase at 100% replacement compared to conventional RCA. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness of dual treatments for enhancing concrete properties using STRCA.
Noise Enhances Excitability of a Neuronal Population with Heterogeneous Excitatory Neurons
Authors: Zheng Tianyi , Li Bin , Jimbo Yasuhiko , Shimba Kenta , Kotani Kiyoshi
Published: July 2024

Cortical excitability is sensitive to noise perturbations despite homeostatic regulation. However, modeling the effect of noise in a heterogeneous neuronal population is a mathematical challenge. Using a mean‐field model of a randomly connected excitatory population, we investigated how noise affects excitability at the resting state. Stable equilibrium analysis revealed that increasing noise intensity enhances excitability, indexed by synaptic conductance. Further, this enhancement disappeared when excitability is sufficiently high due to strong mean input current, but not influenced by the connection probability of the population. Finally, the mechanism of noise‐induced enhancement was explained by eigenvalues moving toward the imaginary axis. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Fluorescence imaging‐guided pelvic lymph node localization and resection of bladder cancer after intracutaneous injection of indocyanine green into the lower limbs and perineum
Authors: Wei Yangbing , Liu Chao , Cao Xiaoming , Wu Bo , Wei Liang , Yang Hua , Liu Chen , Hao Haifeng , Jing Qiang , Liu Fan , Sun Libing , Xing Nianzeng , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: July 2024

Background

Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in radical cystectomy (RC) is of great significance, but the method and scope of PLND remain controversial. Based on the principle of indirect lymphadenography, we designed a method to localize the whole pelvic lymph nodes by intradermal injection of indocyanine green (ICG) through the lower limbs and perineum, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this method.

Methods

In a single center, 54 bladder cancer patients who underwent RC and PLND participated in a prospective clinical trial, which began on February 28, 2022 and ended on December 30, 2022. ICG solution was injected subcutaneously at the medial malleolus of both lower extremities and at both sides of the midline of the perineum. The fluorescent laparoscopy was used to trace, locate, and remove the targeted areas under the image fusion mode. The consistency of lymph node resection was determined by histopathological diagnosis. The impact of ICG guidance on the surgical time of PLND was compared with that of 11 bladder cancer patients who underwent RC and PLND without ICG injection, serving as the control group.

Results

Perineal lower limb combined injection can provide comprehensive visualization of pelvic lymph nodes. This technique reduces PLND surgical time and increases the accuracy of PLND.

Conclusion

Intracutaneous injection of ICG into the lower limbs and perineum can specifically mark pelvic lymph nodes. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging can accurately identify, locate, and resect lymph nodes in the pelvic region, reducing PLND surgical time and increasing the accuracy of PLND.
Synthesis, characterization, and phosphorus adsorption of Mg/Fe‐modified biochar from cotton stalk pretreated with Coriolus versicolor
Authors: Deveci Ece Ümmü , Öz Derya , Madenli Özgecan
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the research potential in utilizing biochars as adsorbents in adsorption processes has grown due to their eco‐friendly and economical nature. However, biochar often possesses a negative surface charge that limits its affinity for binding anions. Nitric acid washing and pretreatment with Coriolus versicolor can break down the lignocellulosic structure in cotton stalk waste, facilitating the subsequent impregnation of Mg and Fe metal oxides. These pretreatment steps can lead to the production of diverse and functionalized biochars with higher adsorption capacities. In this study, cotton stalk waste was first washed with diluted nitric acid and then subjected to biological pretreatment by incubation with C. versicolor, followed by impregnation with Mg and Fe to obtain CV‐CS/Fe and CV‐CS/Mg biochars. The results showed that the applied pretreatments altered the physicochemical properties and significantly increased the phosphorus adsorption capacity. The adsorption capacities of CV‐CS/Fe and CV‐CS/Mg biochars were found to be 277.88 and 507.01 mg g−1, respectively. The results indicate that the incorporation of multiple metal oxide impregnates enhances P adsorption. Furthermore, in the kinetic study, pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order models provided a well fit, determining chemical adsorption as the main adsorption mechanism for phosphorus adsorption. The biochars demonstrated compatibility with Langmuir–Freundlich models. Overall, the findings suggest the possibility of synthesizing biochars with improved adsorptive properties through pretreatment, and these engineered biochars hold promising potential as effective adsorbents in the field.

Practitioner Points

Eco‐friendly, natural, and economical biochar was synthesized.

Biochar was produced via Coriolus versicolor pretreatment.

High adsorption capacities of CV‐PS/Mg biochars were found to be 507.01 mg g−1.

Adsorption capacities of biochars can be improved by pretreatment.