bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Internationalization–Environmental Performance Relationship: Does it Differ between MNEs in Advanced and Less Advanced Economies?
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Chen Stephen , Tan Hao
Published: May 2024

The environmental performance (EP) of multinational enterprises (MNEs) has attracted increasing attention amid rising concerns over environmental problems such as climate change. However, questions remain about the relationship between the internationalization of MNEs and their EP. In this paper, we show that the relationship varies depending on the home country's economic development level. For MNEs from an advanced economy, there is a U‐shaped relationship between the level of internationalization and EP of MNEs such that there is a negative relationship at low levels of internationalization but a positive relationship at high levels of internationalization. For MNEs from a less advanced economy, there is an inverted U‐shaped relationship such that there is a positive relationship at low levels of internationalization but a negative relationship at high levels of internationalization.
Identification and genetic validation of leukemia inhibitory factor super‐enhancers in acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung cancer
Authors: Chen Liuting , Wang Lu , Shao Yeling , Guo Xiaohong , Li Yanli , Guo Jinjing , Tan Fangzheng , Shen Haoliang , Hu Yunhong , Huang Lili , Lu Yang , Fan Yihui
Published: May 2024

Super‐enhancers play prominent roles in driving robust pathological gene expression, but they are hidden in human genome at noncoding regions, making them difficult to explore. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multifunctional cytokine crucially involved in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and lung cancer progression. However, the mechanisms governing LIF regulation in disease contexts remain largely unexplored. In this study, we observed elevated levels of LIF in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with sepsis‐related ARDS compared to those with nonsepsis‐related ARDS. Furthermore, both basal and LPS‐induced LIF expression were under the control of super‐enhancers. Through analysis of H3K27Ac ChIP‐seq data, we pinpointed three potential super‐enhancers (LIF‐SE1, LIF‐SE2, and LIF‐SE3) located proximal to the LIF gene in cells. Notably, genetic deletion of any of these three super‐enhancers using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology led to a significant reduction in LIF expression. Moreover, in cells lacking these super‐enhancers, both cell growth and invasion capabilities were substantially impaired. Our findings highlight the critical role of three specific super‐enhancers in regulating LIF expression and offer new insights into the transcriptional regulation of LIF in ARDS and lung cancer.
Integration of TiO2/ZnIn2S4 p‐n Heterojunction with Titanium Defects to Boost PEC Oxygen Production
Authors: Wang Haipeng , Song Guang‐Ling
Published: May 2024

TiO2 is a widely used photoelectric conversion semiconductor material. However, due to its native defects, such as the selective absorption of ultraviolet light and high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers, it exhibits poor photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting performance. In this study, intrinsic defect titanium vacancy and semiconductor recombination agents ZnIn2S4 were introduced into an anodization‐annealed TiO2 film (TiO2 NT) to enhance the photoanode activity. The activity‐enhanced TiO2 photoanode (ZIS@TiO2 NT‐EA) was characterized by surface analyses and photoelectrochemical measurements. Mott‐Schottky measurement indicated that the introduction of titanium vacancies into the TiO2 NT changed its semiconductor type from n to p, and significantly reduced its apparent activation energy if compared with the TiO2 NT. In addition, after the ZnIn2S4 nanoparticles were loaded on the TiO2 NT‐EA film, the carrier concentration of the ZIS@TiO2 NT‐EA was nearly 12 times higher than the pristine TiO2 NT. Due to the higher carrier separation efficiency resulting from the formation of p‐n heterojunction between TiO2 and ZnIn2S4, the photocurrent density of the ZIS@TiO2 NT‐EA reached 3.89 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V (vs. RHE), nearly 3 times higher than that of the original TiO2 NT. Amazingly, the maximum applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency (ABPE) value of the ZIS@TiO2 NT‐EA photoanode reached 2.15 % at 0.496 V (vs. RHE), which is very competitive if compared with all the reported TiO2 film electrodes in the PEC water splitting application. The incident photon‐to current efficiency (IPCE) of the ZIS@TiO2 NT‐EA photoanode was approximately 40.9% at 300 nm, which was about 3 times higher than that of the TiO2 NT (13.6%). To understand these impressive improvements in water splitting, further analyses were conducted on the effect of the increased titanium vacancy concentration in the TiO2 lattice and the formation of p‐n junction between the TiO2 and ZnIn2S4 on the PEC behaviour, as well as on the charge transfer resistance and separation efficiency of carriers.
Photochemical Michael Addition of Indoles to α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones utilizing Arylazo Sulfones as the Photoacid Generators
Authors: Galathri Eirini M. , Di Terlizzi Lorenzo , Fagnoni Maurizio , Protti Stefano , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: May 2024

The Michael‐type addition of indoles represents one of the most important C−C bonds forming reactions at their C‐3 position. Herein, we present a mild, versatile and sustainable protocol for the efficient preparation of β‐indolylketones via a Michael addition between indoles and chalcones or α,β‐unsaturated ketones in the presence of substituted arylazo sulfones as photoacid generators (PAGs).
Red‐Shifting ESIPT Fluorescence by Site‐Specific Functionalization in 2‐(2’‐hydroxyphenyl)benzazole Derivatives
Authors: Stoerkler Timothée , Nicolas Aymeric , El Aghar Jana , Ulrich Gilles , Laurent Adèle D. , Jacquemin Denis , Massue Julien
Published: May 2024

We describe the synthesis, full photophysical study, and ab initio calculations of 2‐(2’‐hydroxyphenyl)benzazole (HBX) fluorophores substituted, at the meta position of the phenol group, by pyridine derivatives. HBX are commonly used as model dyes to study the stimuli‐induced modulation of the Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) process. The meta‐substituted fluorophores reported herein, display a photophysical profile different from the previously reported ortho‐ and para‐substituted HBO pyridine isomers. Indeed, while all dyes undergo spontaneous deprotonation in neutral conditions, leading to highly emissive anionic species; upon protonation, ortho‐ and para‐pyridine substitution leads to resonance‐stabilized keto isomers, formed after ESIPT. Protonated meta derivatives, unable to stabilize their excited structure by such electronic delocalization process, display sizable intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) processes, translating into significantly redshifted emission. In addition, all dyes present a strong emission intensity, not only in neutral and acidic solutions, but also in the solid‐state. The nature of the emissive transitions was confirmed in each case by theoretical calculations combining Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD‐DFT) and second‐order Coupled Cluster (CC2) methods.
Development and evaluation of neuroscience lesson content to improve Key Stage 3 (11–14 year old) students' understanding of the early years in England
Authors: Dalton Louise J. , Aukland Louise , Lloyd‐Newman Ella , Buechner Hadassah , McCall Amy , Rapa Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

The Oxford SEEN (Secondary Education around Early Neurodevelopment) project developed Key Stage 3 (11–14 year olds) science lesson content about the importance of the early years for lifelong health and evaluated its impact on students' knowledge of the neuroscience and practical application to a real‐world scenario. A mixed methods approach was used collecting quantitative and qualitative data from students and staff using pre‐ and post‐lesson surveys and focus groups. Data were analysed from 2767 students from 20 schools in England. The new curriculum successfully increased both student's scientific understanding and practical application of knowledge about neurodevelopment and the role of the caregiver. students’ mean multiple choice question scores (assessing knowledge) were higher post‐lesson compared to pre‐lesson; this increase was consistent across gender and year group. The post‐lesson and 6–8‐week follow‐up scores were similar, indicating a retention in students' knowledge. Students were also asked how they would care for a 2‐year‐old child to promote brain development; before the lessons 89% of students provided no or a basic level answer, but after the lessons 50% of students provided detailed or advanced comments. The lessons were feasible and acceptable; both teachers and students stated the curriculum should be taught to other students. Qualitative analyses indicated that the lessons inspired the curiosity of both teachers and students and were perceived to impact on students' interaction with children in their current lives and their future career choices. The Oxford SEEN curriculum could serve as a foundation to build community‐wide knowledge about the importance of the early years, with the aim of enhancing mental and physical health outcomes for future generations.
Optimizing federated learning approaches with hybrid Convolutional Neural Networks ‐ Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers for precise estimation of average localization errors in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Raja , Dhanasekaran Selvaraj , Vinod Kumar Rangarajan , Selvaraj Aswath
Published: May 2024

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) require precise node location in order to function properly, and they are essential in many different applications. In this research, we propose a unique method to maximize the accurate estimate of average localization errors (ALEs) in WSNs by utilizing federated learning (FL) approaches. The suggested approach combines the extraction of spatial features with collection of contextual data through integration of hybrid convolutional neural network–bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (CNN‐BERT) model. Effectively applying min–max normalization to input features minimizes data from flowing into test, validation, and training sets. The technique is centered around a collaborative learning architecture, wherein the weights of the model are iteratively assessed and modified on centralized server. The suggested methodology's effectiveness in an array of settings is illustrated by mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE) values for node localization in WSN. Network B demonstrated accuracy with an MAE of 0.05, MSE of 0.03, and RMSE of 0.10; Network C demonstrated strong accuracy with an MAE of 0.09, MSE of 0.08, and RMSE of 0.12; and Network A generated an MAE of 0.04, MSE of 0.06, and RMSE of 0.08. Furthermore, the centralized server, which is crucial for collaborative learning, obtained exceptional MAE of 0.01, MSE of 0.02, and RMSE of 0.99 demonstrating the superiority of the FL‐optimized method in improving localization accuracy. The outcomes demonstrate the FL‐optimized hybrid model's superiority over conventional methods in providing accurate node localization in a variety of WSN settings.
Is annual screening by fecal immunochemical test necessary after a recent colonoscopy?
Authors: Okagawa Yutaka , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Hanada Kota , Hirokawa Sota , Tomita Yusuke , Yoshida Masahiro , Minagawa Takeyoshi , Morita Kohtaro , Yane Kei , Ihara Hideyuki , Hirayama Michiaki , Kondo Hitoshi
Published: May 2024

Objective

The population‐based colorectal cancer screening guidelines in Japan recommend an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT). However, there is no consensus on the need for annual FIT screening for patients who recently performed a total colonoscopy (TCS). Therefore, we evaluated the repeated TCS results for patients with positive FIT after a recent TCS to assess the necessity of an annual FIT.

Methods

We reviewed patients with positive FIT in opportunistic screening from April 2017 to March 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had undergone TCS within the previous 5 years (previous TCS group) and those who had not (non‐previous TCS group). We compared the detection rates of advanced neoplasia and colorectal cancer between the two groups.

Results

Of 671 patients, 151 had received TCS within 5 years and 520 had not. The detection rates of advanced neoplasia in the previous TCS and non‐previous TCS groups were 4.6% and 12.1%, respectively (p < 0.01), and the colorectal cancer detection rates were 0.7% and 1.5%, respectively (no significant difference). The adenoma detection rates were 33.8% in the previous TCS group and 40.0% in the non‐previous TCS group (no significant difference).

Conclusions

Only a few patients were diagnosed with advanced neoplasia among the patients with FIT positive after a recent TCS. For patients with adenomatous lesions on previous TCS, repeated TCS should be performed according to the surveillance program without an annual FIT. The need for an annual FIT for patients without adenomatous lesions on previous TCS should be prospectively assessed in the future.
Mechanochemistry in Organic Synthesis: An Italian Journey through Innovations
Authors: Basoccu Francesco , De Luca Lidia , Porcheddu Andrea
Published: May 2024

Mechanochemistry, as an enabling technology, harnesses mechanical force to drive chemical reactions, presenting compelling advantages in organic synthesis within the principles of green chemistry. This review explores how its unique advantages and alignment with sustainable practices have been widely developed in different scientific fields in Italy. As a transformative strategy for organic synthesis, mechanochemistry has been portrayed in this review as a valuable synthetic alternative due to the various advantages, such as solvent reduction and new reaction pathways, that its use brings. Nonetheless, the improvements brought about by its use have also been crucial in other fields of chemistry described by Italian scientists. In this whole context, Italian researchers have analysed both already optimised processes and new feasible pathways, paving the way for new avenues previously hampered by all the limitations that belong to in‐solution chemistry.
Effect of ten different physical parameters on solar still productivity: Theoretical modeling
Authors: Omara Adil A. M. , Mohamed Omer Elfarouk E. , Mohammedali Abubaker A. M. , Ahmed Mustafa Ahmed Khogley
Published: May 2024

Solar distillation using solar stills is widely recognized as a clean and cost‐effective method for producing freshwater. However, due to its straightforward design, solar still performance is greatly influenced by various physical characteristics. Many researches have evaluated solar still parameters, while only a few articles have concerned physical ones. Therefore, this article aims to investigate the effect of different physical parameters on solar still productivity through thermal modeling. The theoretical results were validated with those of a previous experimental model, showing a good agreement with each other. The results reveal that daily productivity experiences significant improvement with an increase in plate emissivity or insulation thickness. Conversely, an increase in water mass, glass absorptivity or insulation thermal conductivity leads to a substantial reduction in productivity. Notably, water transmissivity and plate absorptivity do not affect productivity. Modest enhancements in productivity can be achieved by reducing the effective emissivity between water and glass. While the initial temperature of water has a minor impact on productivity at low water mass, it exhibits a substantial improvement effect at high water mass. These results can be a good guidance for the designers and manufacturers to develop more efficient designs that maximize the production of clean water.
Chemical Textures on Rare Earth Carbonates: An Experimental Approach to Mimic the Formation of Bastnäsite
Authors: Maddin Melanie , Rateau Remi , Szucs Adrienn Maria , Terribili Luca , Hoare Brendan , Guyett Paul C. , Rodriguez‐Blanco Juan Diego
Published: May 2024

The interaction between multi‐component rare earth element (REE) aqueous solutions and carbonate grains (dolomite, aragonite, and calcite) are studied at hydrothermal conditions (21–210 °C). The effect of ionic radii of five REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Dy) on solid formation are analyzed using two solution types: equal REE concentrations and concentrations normalized to Post Archean Australian Shale Standard (PAAS). The interaction replaces the host Ca–Mg carbonate grains with a series of REE minerals (lanthanite → kozoite → bastnäsite → cerianite). At 165 °C, equal concentration solutions promote kozoite crystallization, maintaining similar REE ratios in solids and solution. PAAS solutions result in zoned REE‐bearing crystals with heterogeneous elemental distributions and discreet REE phases (e.g., cerianite). Chemical signatures indicate metastable REE‐bearing phases transforming into more stable polymorphs, along with symplectite textures formed by adjacent phase reactions. Overall, experiments highlight the dependence of polymorph selection, crystallization pathway, mineral formation kinetics, and chemical texture on REE concentrations, ionic radii, temperature, time, and host grain solubility.
Risk assessment of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and other adverse pregnancy outcomes after frozen embryo transfers following an artificial cycle: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pohjonen Eeva‐Maria , Huhtala Heini , Erkinaro Tarja , Lehto Johanna , Pellas Elena , Vilmi‐Kerälä Tiina , Laivuori Hannele , Ahinko Katja
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The primary aim was to investigate if frozen embryo transfer (FET) without a corpus luteum increases the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). The secondary aim was to investigate other adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 1168 singleton pregnancies and live births following a FET with either an artificial cycle (AC‐FET) (n = 631) or a natural/modified natural/stimulated cycle (CL‐FET) (n = 537) between 2012 and 2020. The data were collected from patient records. The primary outcome was HDP. Secondary outcomes included cesarean sections, placental retention problems, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the duration of pregnancy, birth weight, low birth weight, macrosomia, length of gestation, preterm birth, small for gestational age, and large for gestational age.

Results

In the AC‐FET group, there was an increased incidence of pre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension, cesarean sections, PPH over 500 and 1000 mL, and retained placental tissue, compared with the CL‐FET group. These associations remained significant in logistic regression analyses with clinically relevant adjustments.

Conclusion

The risk of HDP and several other maternal complications seems to be increased after AC‐FET compared with CL‐FET. Our findings support most earlier studies regarding HDP and add to the knowledge on other maternal and perinatal risks involved in AC‐FET, including an increased risk of milder forms of placental retention. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Computational exploration of the copper(I)‐catalyzed conversion of hydrazones to dihalogenated vinyldiazene derivatives
Authors: Askerova Ulviyya , Abdullayev Yusif , Shikhaliyev Namiq , Maharramov Abel , Nenajdenko Valentine G. , Autschbach Jochen
Published: May 2024

This computational study explores the copper (I) chloride catalyzed synthesis of (E)‐1‐(2,2‐dichloro‐1‐phenylvinyl)‐2‐phenyldiazene (2Cl‐VD) from readily available hydrazone derivative and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). 2Cl‐VD has been extensively utilized to synthesize variety of heterocyclic organic compounds in mild conditions. The present computational investigations primarily focus on understanding the role of copper (I) and N1,N1,N2,N2‐tetramethylethane‐1,2‐diamine (TMEDA) in this reaction, TMEDA often being considered a proton scavenger by experimentalists. Considering TMEDA as a ligand significantly alters the energy barrier. In fact, it is only 8.3 kcal/mol higher compared to the ligand‐free (LF) route for the removal of a chlorine atom to form the radical ·CCl3 but the following steps are almost barrierless. This intermediate then participates in attacking the electrophilic carbon in the hydrazone. Crucially, the study reveals that the overall potential energy surface is thermodynamically favorable, and the theoretical turnover frequency (TOF) value is higher in the case of Cu(I)‐TMEDA complex catalyzed pathway.
A novel method for the evaluation of right ventricular dysfunction in acute pulmonary embolism: Myocardial work indices
Authors: Keskin Berhan , Karagoz Ali , Hakgor Aykun , Kultursay Barkın , Tanyeri Seda , Tokgoz Hacer Ceren , Kulahcioglu Seyhmus , Tosun Ayhan , Bulus Cagdas , Sekban Ahmet , Tanboga Ibrahim H. , Ozdemir Nihal , Kaymaz Cihangir
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The presence of right ventricular dysfunction indicates a higher risk status in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). The RV strain evaluated by speckle‐tracking echocardiography seems to be more reliable method in the evaluation of RV dysfunction as compared to standard echocardiographic measures. In this study, we aimed to determine the value of myocardial‐work indices in evaluating serial changes of RV function in acute PE.

Methods

Our study comprised 83 consecutive acute PE patients who admitted to our tertiary cardiovascular hospital. Echocardiography was performed within the first 24‐hours of hospitalization, and RV and LV myocardial‐work parameters were obtained along with standard echocardiographic parameters. The change in the RV/LVr detected on tomography was selected as the primary outcome measure, and its' predictors were analyzed with classical linear regression and a generalized additive model (GAM).

Results

Among the LV‐RV strain and myocardial work parameters, the RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) has borderline statistical significance in predicting the RV/LVr change whereas the RV global work efficiency (RV‐GWE) strongly predicted RV/LVr change (p: 0.049 and <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

In this study, classical linear regression and GAM analyses showed that RV‐GWE seems to offer a better prediction of RV/LVr change in patients with acute PE.
Elevated pretreatment serum apolipoprotein E level associated with poor prognosis of patients with COVID‐19 during the omicron BA.5 and BF.7 wave
Authors: Gong Shengping , Ma Chao , Ma Ruishuang , Zhu Ting , Ge Xiaoqin , Xie Rongrong , Tao Qingsong , Ouyang Guifang , Shi Cong
Published: May 2024

The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is responsible for the human disease known as COVID‐19. This virus is capable of generating a spectrum of infections ranging from moderate to severe. Serum apolipoprotein E (ApoE) inhibits inflammation by preserving immune regulatory function. Nonetheless, the relationship between serum ApoE and clinical prognosis in omicron remains elusive. A cohort of 231 patients was observed for 65 days, with death as the primary outcome. Based on their ApoE levels, the patients were categorized into patients with elevated ApoE levels and those with lower ApoE levels. To do statistical comparisons, the log‐rank test was utilized, and the Kaplan‐Meier method was utilized to estimate survival rates. Cox hazard models, both univariate and multivariate, were employed to examine the prognostic relevance. According to our research, omicron had significantly greater ApoE levels. In mild‐to‐moderate and severe cases, the study identified a statistically significant variation in ApoE levels. Additionally, there was a drop in overall survival that is statistically significant (OS, p < 0.0001) for patients with greater ApoE levels. Multiple Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicates that an elevated ApoE level was determined to be an adverse and independent prognostic factor of OS in patients with omicron. Taken together, our study found that the level of serum ApoE at the time of initial diagnosis was substantially connected to the severity and prognosis of omicron. Consequently, we propose that ApoE might be a poor prognostic factor in individuals afflicted with the omicron variant.
Fourier truncation regularization method for simultaneous inversion in parabolic equations with convective term
Authors: Wen Jin , Liu Yunlong , O'Regan Donal , Ren Xuejuan
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to recover the initial value and source term simultaneously in the parabolic equations with convective term from measurements at two fixed times
and
. In particular, we analyze the ill‐posedness of the inverse problem and then apply the Fourier truncated regularization method to solve the inverse problem. A theoretical analysis of the error estimation for the initial value and source term is also given. Finally, we present some numerical examples to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.
Analysis of enamel defects in a cave bear maxillary molar, with remarks on incremental markings in bear enamel
Authors: Kierdorf Uwe , Konjević Dean , Radović Siniša , Bujanić Miljenko , Kierdorf Horst
Published: May 2024

The paper discusses the formation of an enamel defect in the crown of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus sensu lato) left maxillary second molar (M2), based on macroscopic and microscopic analysis. The tooth belongs to a cranium recovered from the Cerovac caves in Croatia that exhibits a partially healed, depressed lesion in the left squama frontalis and a further lesion in the left maxilla associated with loss of the M1. Microscopic inspection demonstrated an accentuated incremental line in both enamel and dentin of the left M2. It is suggested that in the defect area the outer enamel had been posteruptively lost along the accentuated line in the enamel that constituted a zone of reduced mechanical resistance. Presence of enamel hypoplasia in both M2 indicated that these developmental lesions reflect a systemic stress event during crown formation of the teeth. The underlying cause of this stress is assumed to have been a trauma to the skull that caused the lesion in the left squama frontalis. It is further suggested that a later trauma to the left maxilla had led to the loss of the left M1 and the flaking‐off of enamel along the accentuated incremental line in the left M2. The defect in the left M2 is thus diagnosed as the result of a developmental lesion during crown formation, related to systemic stress due to a skull trauma, followed by posteruptive damage from a second traumatic impact. In addition to reconstructing the formation of the defect in the crown of the left M2, the paper, for the first time, describes daily and subdaily incremental markings in ursid enamel and provides preliminary information on enamel secretion rate in a cave bear molar.
Synthesis and comparison of cationic polymers for structural effects of backbones and grafted side chains on their DNA transfection for efficient gene delivery
Authors: Hou Ting‐Yi , Pan Kuang‐Hung , Shih Mei‐Fen , Cherng Jong‐Yuh
Published: May 2024

Many cationic polymers with varied architectures either in backbones or in side chains have been used for gene delivery. However, these polymers yielding different DNA transfection efficiency cannot answer whether backbones or side chains have more influence on DNA delivery. In this research, polyurethanes (PUs) made from the reaction of l‐lysine diisocyanate and 1,4‐piperazinediethanol were synthesized. Together with poly(l‐lysine) (PLL), these polymers were further modified to carry side chains by connecting to low‐molecular‐weight polyethylenimine (PEI) via imine linkages. The PEI was either linear (423 Da) or branched (600 Da) and grafted to the backbone representing two distinct shapes (i.e. a twig with needle‐leaves or round‐leaves). In addition, one PU derivative was synthesized to have shorter side chains (as PU‐PEI S423) than PU‐PEI423 by aminolysis reaction. These synthesized polymers were compared for their transfection potential as gene vectors into cells. Electrophoretic mobility, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analyses of polymer/DNA complexes confirmed that, after grafting of PEI (PEI423 or PEI600), PLL‐PEIs and PU‐PEIs were able to self‐assemble with plasmid DNA to form nano‐scaled (ca 200 nm) and positively charged (ca +25 mV) complexes. These cationic polymers hardly showed any cytotoxicity on COS‐7 cells. The outcome of fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry verified that the order of greater transfection efficiency is PLL‐PEI600 = PU‐PEI600 > PLL‐PEI423 = PU‐PEI423 > PEI25K (commercial standard) = PU‐PEI S423 >> PLL > PEI423 = PEI600 (starting materials). These results reveal that the polymers with longer side chains or higher charge density have positive influence on transfection efficiency. Nevertheless, different polymer backbones may reflect their biodegradability and cytotoxicity, but their effect on transfection efficiency is less significant. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Delayed diagnosis of Swyer‐James‐MacLeod syndrome
Authors: Donnan Matthew T. , Dabscheck Eli , Miller Belinda R. , Ellis Samantha J. , Naughton Matthew T.
Published: May 2024

Key message

Swyer‐James‐MacLeod Syndrome is a rare obliterative lung disease typically caused by childhood infection resulting in arrested pulmonary development. Imaging findings include unilateral hyperlucency on chest x‐ray, and hyperlucency, hypovascularity and expiratory gas trapping on computed tomography. Recognition of abnormal imaging can lead to earlier diagnosis and institution of appropriate management.
Did court force university to lift student's suspension?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: May 2024

The athletics director at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign temporarily suspended a men's basketball player after he was charged with committing a felonious sexual assault in Kansas.
Research on the mechanism of exosomes from different sources influencing the progression of lung cancer
Authors: Mao Guangxian , Liu Jixian
Published: May 2024

As a key regulator of intercellular communication, exosomes are essential for tumor cells. In our study, we will explore the mechanisms of exosomes from different sources on lung cancer. We isolated CD8+T cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from venous blood and tumor tissues of lung cancer patients, and isolated exosomes. MiR‐2682 was high expression in CD8+T‐derived exosomes, and lncRNA‐FOXD3‐AS1 was upregulated in CAF‐derived exosomes. Online bioinformatics database analysis showed that RNA Binding Motif Protein 39 (RBM39) was identified as the target of miR‐2682, and eukaryotic translation initiation factors 3B (EIF3B) was identified as the RNA binding protein of FOXD3‐AS1. CD8+T‐derived exosomes inhibited the growth of A549 cells and promoted apoptosis, while miR‐2682 inhibits reversed these effects of CD8+T‐derived exosomes. CAF‐derived exosomes promoted the growth of A549 cells and inhibited apoptosis, while FOXD3‐AS1 siRNA reversed the effect of CAF‐derived exosomes. Mechanism studies have found that miR‐2682 inhibits the growth of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of RBM39. FOXD3‐AS1 promoted the growth of lung cancer cells by binding to EIF3B. In vivo experiments showed that CD8+T cell‐derived exosome miR‐2682 inhibited lung cancer tumor formation, while CAF‐derived exosome FOXD3‐AS1 promoted lung cancer tumor formation. This study provides mechanistic insights into the role of miR‐2682 and FOXD3‐AS1 in lung cancer progression and provides new strategies for lung cancer treatment.
Enhanced recovery after fetal spina bifida surgery: global practice
Authors: Nulens K. , Kunpalin Y. , Nijs K. , Carvalho J. C. A. , Pollard L. , Abbasi N. , Ryan G. , Mieghem T. Van
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are multimodal evidence‐based care plans that have been adopted for multiple surgical procedures to promote faster and better patient recovery and shorter hospitalization. This study aimed to explore whether worldwide fetal therapy centers offering prenatal myelomeningocele repair implement the ERAS principles and to provide recommendations for improved perioperative management of patients.

Methods

In this survey study, a total of 53 fetal therapy centers offering prenatal surgery for open spina bifida were identified and invited to complete a digital questionnaire covering their pre‐, intra‐ and postoperative management. An overall score was calculated per center based on compliance with 20 key ERAS principles, extrapolated from ERAS guidelines for Cesarean section, gynecological oncology and colorectal surgery. Each item was awarded a score of 1 or 0, depending, respectively, on whether the center did or did not comply with that principle, with a maximum score of 20.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 46 centers in 17 countries (response rate, 87%). In total, 22 (48%) centers performed exclusively open fetal surgery (laparotomy and hysterotomy), whereas 14 (30%) offered both open and fetoscopic procedures and 10 (22%) used only fetoscopy. The perioperative management of patients undergoing fetoscopic and open surgery was very similar. The median ERAS score was 12 (range, 8–17), with a mean ± SD of 12.5 ± 2.4. Center compliance was the highest for the use of regional anesthesia (98%), avoidance of bowel preparation (96%) and thromboprophylaxis (96%), while the lowest compliance was observed for preoperative carbohydrate loading (15%), a 2‐h fasting period for clear fluids (20%), postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention (33%) and early feeding (35%). ERAS scores were similar in centers with a short (2–5 days), medium (6–10 days) and long (≥ 11 days) hospital stay (mean ± SD, 12.9 ± 2.4, 12.1 ± 2.0 and 10.3 ± 3.2, respectively, P = 0.15). Furthermore, there was no significant association between ERAS score and surgical technique or case volume.

Conclusions

The perioperative management of fetal spina bifida surgery is highly variable across fetal therapy centers worldwide. Standardized protocols integrating ERAS principles may improve patient recovery, reduce maternal morbidity and shorten the hospital stay after fetal spina bifida surgery. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Do some levator avulsions improve over time?
Authors: Dietz H. P. , Shek K. L. , Descallar J.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine whether the sonographic appearance of levator ani muscle avulsion after vaginal birth can improve significantly over the first few years postpartum.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of women seen in the context of two prospective perinatal imaging studies. All subjects had undergone an interview, clinical examination and four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound on average 4.3 months and 3.1 years postpartum. Volume datasets were analyzed at a later date, with the examiner blinded against all other data. The number of abnormal slices at both timepoints was compared using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Patients in whom findings had changed over time were reviewed separately, in parallel, in order to reduce the impact of differences in slice location and imaging settings. The symmetry test was used to analyze changes between the two postnatal visits.

Results

Of 1148 women recruited originally, 315 attended at least two postnatal visits. Forty‐two were excluded, leaving 273 women for the final analysis. The mean time of first follow‐up was 4.3 (range, 2.6–9.8) months after their first birth and the mean time of last follow‐up was 3.1 (range, 1.4–8.0) years postpartum. Cohen's κ for the category of avulsion (normal, partial avulsion and full avulsion) at the two assessments was 0.89, with agreement in 97% (264/273) of cases. At the first visit, full levator ani muscle avulsion was diagnosed in 20, partial avulsion in 32 and no avulsion in 221 women. While seven partial avulsions appeared sonographically normal at the second visit, there were no statistically significant changes in avulsion category between visits (P = 0.4).

Conclusions

Tomographic pelvic floor imaging obtained 3–10 months after childbirth may be used as a proxy for long‐term outcomes. Ultrasound findings at a mean of 3.1 years postpartum showed 97% agreement with findings obtained on imaging at a mean of 4.3 months postpartum. There was a non‐significant reduction in abnormal slices at the second follow‐up visit, affecting at most 3/12 slices. This may be explained by compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining intact muscle. Sonographic normalization of full levator ani muscle avulsion was not observed. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Informal Education Practices for Human–AI Creative Pedagogy for Accessibility and Inclusivity
Authors: Boulord Caroline , Le Borgne Yann-Aël , Corieri Patricia
Published: May 2024

The Scientotheque, a Brussels-based association committed to accessibility and inclusivity in technology for marginalised populations, addresses the challenge of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into society with a focus on equity. This chapter outlines the association's educational initiatives since 2020, emphasising teacher training and AI workshops for disadvantaged youth. Through partnerships, the Scientotheque collaborates on diverse projects, promoting STEM skills and combating gender bias. The chapter details the association's educational approach to AI, employing project-based pedagogy and offering a comprehensive catalog of over 200 educational resources. The Scientotheque prioritises teacher support, recognising the pivotal role of ongoing assistance. Activities conducted during the 2020–2021 school year demonstrate how the Scientotheque effectively engages young learners, demystifying complex AI concepts through hands-on, collaborative, and fun activities. The chapter concludes by highlighting the Scientotheque's pioneering role in AI education in Belgium and its involvement in the AI4InclusiveEducation project, aiming to provide inclusive AI education content.
Students’ Perspective on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Education
Authors: Caucheteux Christelle , Hodgkins Lianne-Blue , Batifol Victoire , Fouché Laurent , Romero Margarida
Published: May 2024

While researchers and policymakers contribute crucial insights into the technical, ethical, and systemic dimensions of AI in education, the learner's perspective introduces a different viewpoint in which their representation of AI’s potential influences their perspectives and hopes for improving the learning experience. In this chapter, we focus on studies which analyse the perspective of middle school students at Life Bloom Academy before and after their participation in a semester of AI acculturation activities. Throughout this designated semester, students at Life Bloom Academy embarked on a comprehensive and interdisciplinary educational journey aimed at cultivating their understanding of AI. Under the guidance of their teachers, students began their journey by delving into the philosophical nuances of human intelligence. An integral component of this educational journey involved a visit to the Maison de l'Intelligence Artificielle (MIA), where students actively participated in a diverse range of multidisciplinary activities centred around both contemporary and prospective applications of AI. The study suggests that middle school students not only display a keen awareness of the societal implications linked to the utilisation of AI but also manifest a lasting enthusiasm for the technology that extends beyond the boundaries of a traditional academic setting.
Krylov complexity for Jacobi coherent states
Authors: Haque S. Shajidul , Murugan Jeff , Tladi Mpho , Van Zyl Hendrik J. R.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We develop computational tools necessary to extend the application of Krylov complexity beyond the simple Hamiltonian systems considered thus far in the literature. As a first step toward this broader goal, we show how the Lanczos algorithm that iteratively generates the Krylov basis can be augmented to treat coherent states associated with the Jacobi group, the semi-direct product of the 3-dimensional real Heisenberg-Weyl group H1, and the symplectic group, Sp(2, ℝ) ≃ SU(1, 1). Such coherent states are physically realized as squeezed states in, for example, quantum optics [1]. With the Krylov basis for both the SU(1, 1) and Heisenberg-Weyl groups being well understood, their semi-direct product is also partially analytically tractable. We exploit this to benchmark a scheme to numerically compute the Lanczos coefficients which, in principle, generalizes to the more general Jacobi group Hn ⋊ Sp(2n, ℝ).
Modeling social cognition in alcohol use disorder: lessons from schizophrenia
Authors: Perini Irene , Pabst Arthur , Martinez Diana , Maurage Pierre , Heilig Markus
Published: May 2024

A better understanding of social deficits in alcohol use disorder (AUD) has the potential to improve our understanding of the disorder. Clinical research shows that AUD is associated with interpersonal problems and the loss of a social network which impedes response to treatment. Translational research between animal models and clinical research may benefit from a discussion of the models and methods that currently guide research into social cognition in AUD. We propose that research in AUD should harness recent technological developments to improve ecological validity while maintaining experimental control. Novel methods allow us to parse naturalistic social cognition into tangible components, and to investigate previously neglected aspects of social cognition. Furthermore, to incorporate social cognition as a defining element of AUD, it is critical to clarify the timing of these social disturbances. Currently, there is limited evidence to distinguish factors that influence social cognition as a consequence of AUD, and those that precede the onset of the disorder. Both increasing the focus on operationalization of social cognition into objective components and adopting a perspective that spans the clinical spectrum will improve our understanding in humans, but also possibly increase methodological consistency and translational dialogue across species. This commentary underscores current challenges and perspectives in this area of research.
Mercury Concentrations in Feathers of Albatrosses and Large Petrels at South Georgia: Contemporary Patterns and Comparisons with Past Decades
Authors: Mills William F. , Bustamante Paco , Ramírez Francisco , Forero Manuela G. , Phillips Richard A.
Published: May 2024

Mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant that can negatively impact the health of humans and wildlife. Albatrosses and large petrels show some of the highest levels of Hg contamination among birds, with potential repercussions for reproduction and survival. Here, body feather total Hg (THg) concentrations were determined in breeding adults of five species of albatrosses and large petrels in the foraging guild at South Georgia during the mid-2010s. We tested the effects of species, sex and trophic ecology (inferred from stable isotopes) on THg concentrations and compared our results with published values from past decades. Feather THg concentrations differed significantly among species (range: 1.9–49.6 µg g−1 dw), and were highest in wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans, intermediate in black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophris and northern giant petrels Macronectes halli, and lowest in southern giant petrels M. giganteus and white-chinned petrels Procellaria aequinoctialis. Females were more contaminated than males in all species, potentially due to differences in distributions and diet composition. Across species, THg concentrations were not correlated with feather δ13C or δ15N values, implying that species effects (e.g., breeding and moulting frequencies) may be more important than trophic effects in explaining feather THg concentrations in this foraging guild. Within species, the only significant correlation was between THg and δ13C in wandering albatrosses, which could reflect higher Hg exposure in subtropical waters. Comparisons with THg concentrations from past studies, which reflect contamination from 10 to > 60 years ago, revealed considerable annual variation and some evidence for increases over time for wandering and black-browed albatrosses since before 1950 and from the late 1980s, respectively.
The robustness of phylogenetic diversity indices to extinctions
Authors: Manson Kerry
Published: May 2024

Phylogenetic diversity indices provide a formal way to apportion evolutionary history amongst living species. Understanding the properties of these measures is key to determining their applicability in conservation biology settings. In this work, we investigate some questions posed in a recent paper by Fischer et al. (Syst Biol 72(3):606–615, 2023). In that paper, it is shown that under certain extinction scenarios, the ranking of the surviving species by their Fair Proportion index scores may be the complete reverse of their ranking beforehand. Our main results here show that this behaviour extends to a large class of phylogenetic diversity indices, including the Equal-Splits index. We also provide a necessary condition for reversals of Fair Proportion rankings to occur on phylogenetic trees whose edge lengths obey the ultrametric constraint. Specific examples of rooted phylogenetic trees displaying these behaviours are given and the impact of our results on the use of phylogenetic diversity indices more generally is discussed.
Climatology of severe hail potential in Europe based on a convection-permitting simulation
Authors: Kahraman Abdullah , Kendon Elizabeth J. , Fowler Hayley J.
Published: May 2024

We present a new approach to identify severe hailstorms in a convection-permitting climate model, and build a climatology of severe hail potential in Europe using an ingredients-based approach based on a 20-year long hindcast simulation. Severe hail in Europe occurs mostly in southern regions (up to 40 times a year per 10,000 km2 around Northern Italy), and from May to August. It peaks from afternoon to evening hours on land, whilst sea areas are prone to hail at any time of the day. The Mediterranean Sea experiences severe hailstorms mostly in autumn: the central Mediterranean has the highest frequency among all regions studied, and may be considered as an unknown alley for hailstorms in Europe. Results derived from the high-resolution model are in very good agreement with existing hail climatologies constructed from observations, including the fine scale spatial variation. We conclude that our approach provides a reliable proxy for studying future changes in severe hail in convection-permitting simulations.