bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the point of Beast Philanthropy?
Authors: Wade Matt
Published: April 2024

Jimmy ‘MrBeast’ Donaldson is the most watched person on earth. There are undeniably far worse figures who could be commanding such attention, but there remains uncertainty about his methods of philanthropic giving and what Beast Philanthropy ultimately hopes to achieve. Beast Philanthropy claims that, through entertainment‐based giving, they are inspiring a new generation of young people to be more civic‐minded. However, this jars harshly with the hedonistic indulgence of many MrBeast videos, which delight in spectacular wastefulness and luxury consumerism. Moreover, Beast Philanthropy fosters both passive and romanticized notions of generosity, conditioning viewers to think of their attention as a gift and that giving should be always and endlessly fun. Finally, the insistent anti‐politicism of Beast Philanthropy entails a refusal to offer even the slightest of opinions on the underlying causes of suffering and inequality. This deliberately incurious worldview may promote a narrow and stunted perspective on how meaningful social and political change is achieved. However, there are reasons to be optimistic and open‐minded, and philanthropic foundations should not outright dismiss the prospects for Beast‐style giving.
Good intent, or just good content? Assessing MrBeast's philanthropy
Authors: Davies Rhodri
Published: April 2024

MrBeast is the world's most successful individual YouTube content creator. Having made his name with videos of high‐concept challenges and stunts, he has subsequently produced a series of viral videos centring on acts of philanthropy – drawing both praise and criticism in the process. This paper attempts to place MrBeast's approach in the context of wider historical and current debates about the nature and role of philanthropy, in order to ascertain what (if anything) is genuinely novel about it, and how we should understand it in relation to models of philanthropy that have gone before. The paper considers “Beast Philanthropy” through a range of lenses − aesthetic, ethical, economic and political − and what these can tell us about the key questions we should be asking and whether, on balance, we should view this phenomenon positively or not.
Audiological Characteristics of Vestibular Schwannoma Patients With Normal Pure‐Tone Audiometry
Authors: Zhang Weixun , Shi Jianan , Yin Yanbo , Ma Mengye , Lyu Jihan , Yang Juanmei , Zhao Weidong , Yuan Yasheng
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the audiological characteristics of vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients with normal pure‐tone audiometry (PTA) results.

Study Design

A retrospective study.

Setting

Forty‐two VS patients with normal PTA results from October 2016 to October 2022 were included.

Methods

Normal PTA was defined when the hearing threshold is ≤25 dB hearing loss (HL) in each test frequency and the PTA is ≤25 dB HL. Results of multiple audiological tests such as the auditory brainstem response (ABR), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), multiple auditory steady‐state responses threshold (ASSR), and speech discrimination score were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data of these patients were also been collected.

Results

According to our results, the ABR and average ASSR threshold of the affected side were statistically significantly higher in VS patients with normal PTA. ABR waveforms on the affected side also showed more abnormalities. The DPOAE pass rates of the affected side were lower than the unaffected side while the amplitude and signal‐to‐noise ratio rate was also lower. In addition, we used magnetic resonance imaging 3‐dimensional reconstruction images to measure the volume of tumors in these patients. We also found that higher ABR threshold means lager tumor size in patients with normal PTA.

Conclusion

VS patients with normal PTA result cannot be assumed to have no impairment of hearing function. ABR, DPOAE, and ASSR results showed the characteristic changes in the affect ear. ABR threshold has the highest sensitivity for hearing abnormalities and is strong relative with tumor size in patients with normal PTA.
Egyptian Dynasties to Biologics: A Historical Review of Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Jongbloed Walter M. , Tessema Belachew
Published: April 2024

The history of nasal polyposis originates even before Hippocrates described a nasal mass that he likened to a sea polyp. References to sinonasal disease and treatment can be found in ancient texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus and the Edwin Smith Papyrus of Ancient Egypt, as well as in the foundational texts of Ayurvedic medicine. Greek philosophers marked a significant shift away from the belief that illness was a result of divine intervention and embraced medical theory. Over the subsequent millennia, the understanding of nasal polyposis expanded, resulting in notable progress in surgical procedures and medical treatments. However, the complex pathophysiology of this condition remained enigmatic until breakthroughs in basic science and immunology. This historical journey takes us from the tomb of the first rhinologist in 2500 BC to the development of immune‐modulating biologics.
Diet Outcome in Patients With Hypopharyngeal Defects Repaired With Different Reconstruction Flaps: A Comparative Study
Authors: Shih Pin‐Keng , Chen Jian‐Xun , Morrison Shane D. , Lin Mei‐Chen , Wang Ti‐Hao , Wu Shih‐Chi
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To assess potential risk factors influencing diet outcomes after reconstruction of subtotal hypopharyngeal defects using free patch‐ or tube‐shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flaps.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

First‐level referral hospital.

Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2020, we studied hypopharyngeal cancer patients who underwent the reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects using free patch‐ or tube‐shaped ALT fasciocutaneous flaps. The choice between patch‐ or tube‐shaped ALT flaps depended on the defect's nature, favoring patch‐shaped for subtotal defects and tube‐shaped for circumferential defects. A restricted diet was characterized by a history of enterostomy or endoscopic esophageal dilation treatment postreconstruction. We analyzed patients with restricted diets at 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐up visits.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients were enrolled; 39 patch‐shaped flaps, and 59 tube‐shaped flaps. No significances were noted in demographics, postoperative radiotherapy (RT) or chemotherapy, rates of free flap reoperation/salvage, or complications. However, a significant difference emerged in diet outcomes at the 1‐year follow‐up (P = .005). The rate of a restricted diet was 6.08 times higher in patients with tube‐shaped flaps compared to patch‐shaped flaps (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95‐18.94). Stratifying based on postoperative RT revealed a 5.47 times higher rate of a restricted diet in tube‐shaped flap recipients compared to patch‐shaped flap recipients (95% CI: 1.44‐20.48). No significances were observed in 5‐year survival rates.

Conclusion

Concerning postoperative RT, patch‐shaped flaps exhibited a lower incidence of a restricted diet compared to tube‐shaped flaps. Preservation of the posterior mucosa may play a crucial role in preventing RT‐induced esophageal stricture.
Synergistically enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding and mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites with a preconstructed hierarchical structure
Authors: Yuan Ting , Luo Jiamei , Yang Chenxi , Yang Xueqin , He Yi , Liu Yong , Zhang Liying , Zhang Hui , Yu Jianyong
Published: April 2024

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have attracted extensive attention as highly integrated electronic devices generate large amounts of electromagnetic pollution. Here, PNF/NGx‐EP composites with excellent EMI shielding properties and superior flexural strength were reported, where nickel‐plated carbon fiber (NF) felts and NH2‐Graphene (NG) were adopted to pre‐construct a hierarchical structure within epoxy resin (EP). The macroscopic NF network constructed a continuous conductive pathway and the NG grafted on the surface of NF formed a second microscopic conductive network. Consequently, the PNF/NG0.5 felts exhibited a quite high electrical conductivity of 138.4 S/cm, and the PNF/NG0.5‐EP composites presented excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) (57.4 dB at 11.9 GHz). Intriguingly, the flexural strength of the NF/EP composites was enhanced after the incorporation of NG, which was attributed to the mechanical locking effect and covalent bonding. In summary, this approach reconciles the contradiction between EMI shielding properties and mechanical properties of EP composites, and allows them to be promisingly employed for EMI shielding and protection in aerospace, weaponry, and communications.

Highlights

A hierarchical structure of PNF/NGx felts was preconstructed within EP via Michael addition/Schiff base reaction.

The PNF/NGx‐EP composites exhibited remarkable EMI shielding properties (57.4 dB) and superior flexural strength (137.0 MPa), which are expected to realize practical applications in EMI shielding.
Fetal aortic valvuloplasty as the first step in a complex therapeutic strategy
Authors: Grinenco Sofía , Aiello Horacio Antonio , Meller César Hernán , Lucini Victorio , Nápoli Natalia , Trentacoste Luis , Córdoba Antonela , Saenz Tejeira Mercedes , Osuna Juan Manuel , Barretta Jorge , Villa Alejandra Beatriz , Marantz Pablo , Otaño Lucas
Published: April 2024

Background

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) is proposed to prevent hypoplastic left heart syndrome due to fetal critical aortic stenosis. Objective: to report our experience on FAV as the first step in a complex therapeutic strategy.

Method

Series of patients with FAV over an 18‐year period.

Results

27 FAVs were performed in 26 fetuses, with technical success in 82% (22/27) and periprocedural fetal demise in 22% (6/27), decreasing to 15% in the second half‐cohort. Loss to follow‐up was due to birth or postnatal therapy in other centers (5) and termination of pregnancy (1), A normal‐sized LV at birth was observed in 46% (6/13), 4 neonates underwent aortic valvuloplasty and 2 cardiac surgeries, with 5/6 achieving biventricular circulation at 28 days, and 3 transplant‐free survival at mid‐term follow‐up. The 7/13 born with a borderline LV underwent LV rehabilitation strategy, with survival at 28 days in 4/7 and at mid‐term in 3: one with biventricular circulation, one with a ventricle‐and‐a‐half repair, and one lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

FAV was feasible in most cases, with no maternal complications, and biventricular circulation at 28 days in ∼40% of survivors. After FAV, a diverse range of postnatal cardiac interventions are performed, reflecting the challenging innovation in current cardiovascular therapy.
Development and validation of Mathematical Higher‐Order Thinking Scale for high school students
Authors: Zhou Ying , Ning Yimin , Chen Jihe , Zhang Wenjun , Wijaya Tommy T.
Published: April 2024

Globally, significant attention is given to the cultivation and evaluation of Mathematical Higher‐Order Thinking Skills (MHOTS). This study aims to address the gap in developing and validating suitable MHOTS structures for high school students. In this study, 53 items were determined by experts in the field of mathematics education and scale development. The study group of this study consists of 654 students educated at the high school level. We decided to split the samples randomly in two by designating a random half as exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the other half as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA was used to confirm a robust “four‐dimensional, nine‐factor” measurement structure, encompassing four key dimensions, namely mathematical critical thinking, mathematical creative thinking, mathematical problem‐solving, and mathematical metacognitive skills. The scale's quality was assessed through a retest using CFA and the structural validity was evaluated through CFA and correlation analysis. The criterion validity of the scale was also examined using math scores. The results from the double validity analysis showed that the scale had a reasonable and valid structure. The findings established the MHOTS for high school students as a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the level of MHOTS among high school students. This newly developed scale holds promise as an effective tool to assess and enhance mathematical higher‐order thinking in the student population.
Construction of a Triboelectrochemical Setup with Controlled Environment for Biomaterial Testing with a Comparison of Cobalt–Chromium–Molybdenum and Titanium–Aluminium–Niobium Alloys
Authors: Lone Shaukat Ali , Mardare Andrei Ionut , Kleber Christoph , Walter Hassel Achim
Published: April 2024

The present work is focused on the manufacturing of a special self‐developed tribocorrosion setup with a controlled incubated environment. The comparative studies between wrought Co27Cr6Mo and Ti6Al7Nb alloys are performed with the respective tribometer in Ringer's solution at 37 °C. It is found that the CoCrMo alloy demonstrated a noble open circuit potential not only in non‐wear condition but also under wear conditions, in comparison to Ti6Al7Nb. The mass loss rate examined at open circuit potential and at a constant potential of 0.2 V versus Ag|AgCl|3.5 m KCl also suggests a similar superiority of the CoCrMo alloy.
Characterisation of the observed diurnal cycle of precipitation over the Maritime Continent
Authors: Mustafa Jack M. , Matthews Adrian J. , Hall Rob A. , Heywood Karen J. , Azaneu Marina V. C.
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the temporal and spatial complexities of the mean diurnal cycle (DC) of precipitation over the Maritime Continent during the wet season using the Integrated Multi‐satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data product and highlights systematic inaccuracies of amplitude and phase representation using the first diurnal harmonic (FDH). The first‐order nature of the DC of precipitation is already well documented, typically featuring heavy precipitation over near‐coastal land areas in the late afternoon and evening followed by maximum precipitation overnight over the surrounding seas, with offshore propagation evident in places. The DC is often described concisely in terms of an amplitude and phase based on the FDH parameters, however the omission of higher‐order components of variability results in the FDH parameters being poor indicators of the magnitude and peak time of diurnal variability in many locations. This study improves the accuracy of the amplitude and phase parameters by characterising the DC using two novel waveforms—a skew‐permitting waveform and a spike‐permitting waveform—which are constructed to characterise single‐peak cycles with rapid transitions more accurately. Key characterisation improvements include correction of a phase lag (averaging approximately 1 h) over near‐coastal land areas and capture of the short‐lasting but extreme peak in precipitation rate over Java which increases the amplitude by the order of 20%. The new skew parameter shows that locations close to coastlines experience rapid intensification and gradual weakening of diurnal precipitation, while there is a tendency toward gradual intensification and rapid weakening far inland and offshore. The new spike parameter shows that near‐coastal land experiences a brief and precisely timed peak in precipitation, whereas diurnal activity over inland locations is longer‐lasting and less precisely timed, and waters surrounding Java experience a precisely timed suppression of precipitation. Other potential applications of the novel waveforms used in this study are discussed.
Development of benzimidazole derivatives as efficient matrices for the analysis of acidic small‐molecule compounds using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in negative ion mode
Authors: Cen Xianyi , Fang Yuhao , Chen Zilong , Zhu Xinhai
Published: April 2024

Rationale

With the development of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) in spatial localisation omics research on small molecules, the detection sensitivity of the matrix must increase. However, the types of matrices suitable for detecting acidic small molecules in (−) MALDI‐MS mode are very limited and are either not sensitive enough or difficult to obtain.

Methods

More than 10 commercially available benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives were selected as MALDI matrices in negative ion mode. MALDI‐MS analysis was performed on 38 acidic small molecules and mouse serum, and the matrix effects were compared with those of the common commercial matrices 9‐aminoacridine (9AA), 1,5‐naphthalenediamine (DAN) and 3‐aminoquinoline (3AQ). Moreover, the proton affinity (PA) of the selected potential matrix was calculated, and the relationships among the compound structure, PA value and matrix effect were discussed.

Results

In (−) MALDI‐MS mode, a higher PA value generally indicates a better matrix effect. Amino‐substituted 2‐phenyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole derivatives had well‐defined matrix effects on all analytes and were generally superior to the commonly used matrices 9AA, DAN and 3AQ. Among them, 2‐(4‐(dimethylamino‐phenyl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐5‐amine (E‐4) has the best sensitivity and versatility for detecting different analytes and has the best ability to detect fatty acids in mouse serum; moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) of some analytes can reach as low as ng/L.

Conclusions

Compared to 9AA, DAN and 3AQ, matrix E‐4 is more effective at detecting low‐molecular‐weight acidic compounds in (−) MALDI‐MS mode, with higher sensitivity and better versatility. In addition, there is a clear correlation between compound structure, PA and matrix effects, which provides a basis for designing more efficient matrices.
An example of ventilatory limitation during cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a patient with COPD
Authors: Farah Claude S. , Seccombe Leigh M. , King Greg G. , Chapman David G. , Irvin Charles G.
Published: April 2024

A 64‐year‐old obese gentleman attended for further evaluation of ongoing dyspnoea in the context of a previous diagnosis of moderate COPD treated with dual long‐acting bronchodilators. A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed, which demonstrated reduced peak work and oxygen consumption with evidence of dynamic hyperinflation, abnormal gas exchange and ventilatory limitation despite cardiac reserve. The CPET clarified the physiological process underpinning the patient's dyspnoea and limiting the patient's activities. This, in turn, helped the clinician tailor the patient's management plan.
Liquidity provision and trading skill: Evidence from mutual funds' daily transactions
Authors: Weh René , Westerholm Peter Joakim , Wilkens Marco , Yao Juan
Published: April 2024

Examining risk‐adjusted returns for executed trades over horizons of up to 1 year, we document strong evidence of short‐term trading skill using daily mutual fund transactions from Finland. We find that trading performance is highly persistent up to the 1 month horizon, with an annualized Carhart abnormal return of 5.03% observed for both buys and sells. Moreover, the returns observed for the first week account for almost 36% of a fund's 1 year trade return, underscoring the significance of short‐term trading in mutual funds. For the best‐performing funds, this short‐term performance also translates into sustained long‐term outperformance. Investigating possible sources, we find that liquidity provision, rather than price pressure, is a significant contributor. In addition, short‐term trading performance is significantly positively related to trade size, fund size, and expenses, depending on whether buys or sells are considered.
VERO: A vacuum‐cleaner‐equipped quadruped robot for efficient litter removal
Authors: Amatucci Lorenzo , Turrisi Giulio , Bratta Angelo , Barasuol Victor , Semini Claudio
Published: April 2024

Litter nowadays presents a significant threat to the equilibrium of many ecosystems. An example is the sea, where litter coming from coasts and cities via gutters, streets, and waterways, releases toxic chemicals and microplastics during its decomposition. Litter removal is often carried out manually by humans, which inherently lowers the amount of waste that can be effectively collected from the environment. In this paper, we present a novel quadruped robot prototype that, thanks to its natural mobility, is able to collect cigarette butts (CBs) autonomously, the second most common undisposed waste worldwide, in terrains that are hard to reach for wheeled and tracked robots. The core of our approach is a convolutional neural network for litter detection, followed by a time‐optimal planner for reducing the time needed to collect all the target objects. Precise litter removal is then performed by a visual‐servoing procedure which drives the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner that is attached to one of the robot legs on top of the detected CB. As a result of this particular position of the nozzle, we are able to perform the collection task without even stopping the robot's motion, thus greatly increasing the time‐efficiency of the entire procedure. Extensive tests were conducted in six different outdoor scenarios to show the performance of our prototype and method. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first time that such a design and method was presented and successfully tested on a legged robot.
Efficient and quantum‐secure authenticated key exchange scheme for mobile satellite communication networks
Authors: Mishra Dheerendra , Rewal Purva , Pursharthi Komal
Published: April 2024

The mobile satellite communication (MSC) system is a vital communication method in which mobile users and network control centers connect via satellites. Since the satellite's communication is wireless, communication security is a critical factor to ensure accountable communication. Key exchange and authentication (KEA) mechanism is widely used to achieve data security for data transmitted in an insecure or open channel. Different authentication systems are suggested in the last many years to establish safe communication, whereas most existing security protocols are based on factorization or discrete logarithm. However, these systems are no longer reliable by Shor's algorithm as any discrete logarithm and factorization can be resolved in polynomial time on quantum computers. Thus, developing a quantum secure KEA protocol for MSC systems is necessary. In this direction, recently a ring learning with an error‐based KEA technique is proposed to ensure a quantum‐safe environment. This scheme is quantum‐safe and satisfies desirable security attributes but has low efficiency in computation and communication. Moreover, establishing a secure session requires six communications among involved entities. As a result, replay attack detection at an early stage is not possible for the central authority (server), which could delay the server response, and the adversary gets the advantage of drawing a denial of service scenario for authorized entities. We propose a lattice‐based KEA protocol for the MSC system to improve computation, communication efficiency, and early‐stage replay attack detection. The security analysis of the proposed scheme is presented in the random oracle model. Calculation of performance is also presented to observe advantages in computation and communication overhead.
Modification of Intumescent Coatings with Porous Zirconium Silicate
Authors: Medynskaya Anna V. , Zheludkova Ekaterina A. , Gavrilova Natalia N. , Soldatov Mikhail A.
Published: April 2024

Two porous zirconium silicates were synthesized by the interaction of cubic octa(tetramethylammonium)silicate with zirconium oxychloride. The results show that the porosity of the obtained products depends on the synthesis conditions. The surface area of porous zirconium silicate ZrSi‐1 synthesized at room temperature was 3.45 m2/g, and the surface area of porous zirconium silicate ZrSi‐2 synthesized when heated to 65 °C was 23.77 m2/g. X‐ray diffraction data from ZrSi‐1 and ZrSi‐2 show that their structure is amorphous. The synthesized porous silicates were used as modifiers for intumescent fire‐retardant coatings. The obtained intumescent coatings were tested in a muffle furnace at 600 °C. It was found that the use of porous zirconium silicate in intumescent coatings increases their char expansion, which indirectly shows that the porous zirconium silicate increases the flame‐retardant properties of intumescent coating. Moreover, it was shown that the use of zirconium silicate with higher porosity leads to higher char expansion and as a result to higher efficiency of the fire‐retardant coating. So, the non‐modified coatings, coatings with 0.5 % ZrSi‐1, coatings with 0.5 % ZrSi‐2, coatings with 1 % ZrSi‐1, coatings with 1 % ZrSi‐2, had the char expansion of 17, 23, 32, 36, 38 times, respectively.
Design, Synthesis, and Cytotoxicity of 1H‐1,2,3‐Triazole Tethered‐Benzophenone Based Derivatives as Potent Candidate Anti‐Breast Cancer Agents
Authors: Baka Durgaprasad , Kishore Ravada , Sunkara Srinivasarao , Varadhi Govinda , Kashanna Jajula , Tripuramallu Bharat Kumar , Nalla Kirankumar , Kanade Santosh R.
Published: April 2024

The process of developing potential anticancer molecules comprises the cautious selection of core moiety and tethering pharmacologically active chemical functionalities to biologically active pharmacophores. Here, we report a library of ten 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole tethered‐benzophenone derivatives. Protein‐ligand interaction studies through molecular docking of our synthesised compounds were carried out with a novel epigenetic oncogene‐enhancer of zeste homolog2 (EZH2). Molecular docking studies disclosed that our synthesized compounds showed potent inhibition against EZH2 and in‐vitro validation assays through MTT assay, Trypan blue dye exclusion and in‐vitro methylation assays, these studies revealed the synthesized compounds‐9 c, 9 f, 9 i showed potent inhibition on EZH2. The anticipated anti‐cancer activity of library molecules was assessed in in‐vitro against breast and lung cancer (MCF7 and A549) cell lines, supported by in‐vitro assays and molecular docking binding studies. Among all ten compounds, 9 c, 9 f, 9 i are exerted potential anti‐cancer activity against the selected cancer cell line in in‐vitro. The results were supported by in‐silico docking studies. Further validation studies in in‐vivo models will pave a way for developing potent inhibitors against breast cancer and lung cancer.
Synthesis of Substituted Arylidene Hydrazinyl Trifluoromethyl Thiazole Derivatives and their Antibacterial Studies using different Genes Expression
Authors: Abed Ali Adnan , Abid Mohammed Adnan , Turki Ahmed , Haroon Muhammad , Mehmood Hasnain , Akhtar Tashfeen , Woodward Simon
Published: April 2024

Cyclization of substituted thiosemicarbazones with 3‐bromo‐1,1,1‐trifluoroacetone affords new 2‐(arylidenehydrazinyl)‐4‐trifluoromethylthiazoles (3 a–m, 13 examples, 71–89 %). These compounds were synthesized in two steps and characterized using 1H‐, 13C‐NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, and HRMS. All of these compounds show potent activity against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) bacterial strains. The compounds 2‐(2‐(1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)‐4(trifluoromethyl)thiazole (3 b), 2‐(2‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbenzylidene)hydrazinyl)‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)thiazole (3 c), and 2‐(2‐(3‐fluorobenzylidene)hydrazinyl)‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)thiazole (3 k) show optimal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 16 μg/mL against E. coli and (32, 32, and 8 μg/ml) against K. pneumonia, respectively. Using a qRT‐PCR technique the gene expression of two different genes (FLU and mexB) was determined. Most of these compounds (3 a, d–j, l, m) exhibited downregulation of these genes for both types of bacteria, whereas the gene expressions were unaffected after treating 3 b, 3 c and 3 k. This means that although these compounds were able to inhibit bacterial growth, they did not target the FLU and mexB genes in both types of bacteria. These findings suggest further investigations for lead optimization could provide viable antibiotics due to their structural similarity with some commercially available antibiotics.
Designing Surface Passivators Through Intramolecular Potential Manipulation for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Tianle , Liang Zheng , Liu Boyuan , Huang Zhenda , Xu Huifen , Tao Yuli , Zhang Hui , Zheng Haiying , Ye Jiajiu , Pan Xu
Published: April 2024

The conjugation of terminal ammonium salt groups with perovskite surfaces is a frequently employed technique that aims to enhance the overall performance of perovskite materials, encompassing both bulk and surface properties. Particularly, it exhibits heightened efficacy when applied to surface modification, due to its ability to mitigate defect accumulation and facilitate facile binding with the receptive sites inherent to the perovskite structure. However, the interaction of the bulk ammonium group with PbI2 has the potential to form a low‐dimensional phase of perovskite, which may obstruct carrier extraction at the interface. Therefore, the surface passivators (MeO‐PFACl) are designed through intramolecular potential manipulation. The combinations of the electron‐donating methoxy group and π–π conjugation of the phenyl ring reduce the local potential at the reactive site of formamidinium group, making it less likely to form a low‐dimension phase with perovskite. This surface passivation strategy effectively suppresses the surface nonradiative recombination and promotes the interface carrier extraction. The devices treated with MeO‐PFACl have demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a peak power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.88%, with an average PCE of 25.37%. These works offer a novel principle for enhancing both the efficiency and stability of PSCs using ammonium‐incorporated molecules without the induction of an additional phase layer.
Stimuli‐Responsive New Horizons for Biomedical Applications: Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Nanozymes
Authors: Yan Jingyu , Zhao Yifan , Du Meijun , Cui Chenying , Bai Ziyang , Liu Yingyu , Sun Lingxiang , Qin Danlei , Zhou Jian , Wu Xiuping , Li Bing
Published: April 2024

Nanozymes, nanomaterials exhibiting enzyme‐mimicking activities, have gained considerable interest in biomedicine due to their stability, adjustability, and cost‐efficiency. Among these, metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based nanozymes distinguish themselves by their distinct structure and customizable characteristics. Researchers have explored MOF‐based nanozymes as a platform for developing stimuli‐responsive behaviors. This work first presents the categorization of MOF‐based nanozymes, which are designed to mimic the catalytic functions of oxidases, peroxidases, catalase, superoxide dismutase, hydrolases, and multifunctional enzymes. Crafting MOF‐based nanozymes includes customizing their reactions to particular stimuli, including pH, temperature, light, or biomolecular triggers, ensuring enhanced specificity and potency in catalytic performance amid environmental changes. Moreover, these nanozymes exhibit immense potential in biomedical applications, playing crucial roles in therapeutic interventions like cancer therapy and tissue regeneration. Finally, the article delves into future opportunities and challenges within emerging research frontiers. These stimuli‐responsive MOF‐based nanozymes offer novel avenues for advanced therapeutic strategies, providing prospects for innovative biomedical applications.
Exploring EFL Learners' Academic Literacy Development: An Ecological Perspective
Authors: Li Dongying , Zhang Lian
Published: April 2024

Academic literacy development is shaped by multiple individual and contextual factors that mutually interact with one another. Previous studies have identified some of the factors, but few explored their complex and dynamic interactions in students' writing practices. The study adopts a case study method to examine EFL learners' academic literacy development from an ecological perspective. Findings reveal that (1) affordances and constraints are not predetermined categories but are interactive and emergent; (2) personal traits largely shape the way learners perceive, appropriate, and interact with contextual affordances; (3) complex person‐environment interactions are generally situated within the dialectical relationship between agency and structure in connected literate activities; (4) the way students characterize and shape their relations with contextual affordances/constraints bears developmental effects. The study unveils complex person‐environment interactions in EFL learners' academic literacy development while shedding light on relevant pedagogical practices.
Gallic acid‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles enhance the DNA damage and apoptotic features through inhibiting flap endonuclease‐1 in triple‐negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Velaiyan Monica , Muthusamy Rajasekar , Kativa Miguel , Annamalai Asaikkutti , Govindhan Annamalai , Punniyakotti Parthipan , Balupillai Agilan
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the fabrication of gallic acid‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Gal‐Chi‐NPs) that enhanced the DNA damage and apoptotic features by inhibiting FEN‐1 expressions in MDA‐MB 231 cells. Gal‐Chi‐NPs were fabricated by the ionic gelation method, and it was characterized by several studies such as dynamic light spectroscopy, Fourier‐transforms infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive x‐ray, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. We have obtained that Gal‐Chi‐NPs displayed 182.2 nm with crystal, smooth surface, and heat stability in nature. Gal‐Chi‐NPs induce significant toxicity in MDA‐MB‐231 cells that compared with normal NIH‐3T3 cells. A significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction was observed in Gal‐Chi‐NPs treated MDA‐MB‐231. Flap endonuclease‐1 (FEN‐1) is a crucial protein involved in long patch base excision repair that is involved in repairing the chemotherapeutic mediated DNA‐damaged base. Therefore, inhibition of FEN‐1 protein expression is a crucial target for enhancing chemotherapeutical efficacy. In this study, we have obtained that Gal‐Chi‐NPs treatment enhanced the DNA damage by observing increased p‐H2AX, PARP1; and suppressed the expression of FEN‐1 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Moreover, Gal‐Chi‐NPs inhibited the expression of tumor proliferating markers p‐PI3K, AKT, cyclin‐D1, PCNA, and BCL‐2; induced proapoptotic proteins (Bax and caspase‐3) in MDA‐MB 231 cells. Thus, Gal‐Chi‐NPs induce DNA damage and apoptotic features and inhibit tumor proliferation by suppressing FEN‐1 expression in triple‐negative breast cancer cells.
Introduction. The War Against Ukraine: The EU Facing New Realities
Authors: Knodt Michèle , Wiesner Claudia
Published: April 2024

This book delves into the profound implications of Russia’s war against Ukraine for both the European Union (EU) and the field of EU Studies. It systematically addresses three overarching themes. 1) The Evolution of Theories and Approaches: This volume scrutinises how the ongoing war reshapes the landscape of EU Studies and how the war against Ukraine is received and discussed within the realm of EU and International Relations Studies. It rigorously examines the far-reaching consequences of the war on established theoretical frameworks, approaches and conceptual paradigms in both academic disciplines. 2) The Transforming EU Polity and Its Policies: An in-depth analysis unfolds the multifaceted impact of the war on the EU, spanning its external and internal dynamics. Particular attention is devoted to the intricate interplay between democracy and autocracy, the challenges surrounding the rule-of-law and the complex intersections of energy security, sustainability and emergency governance. 3) Ukraine’s EU accesion: Within the context of the war, this book explores the prospects, conditions and timing of Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU. It delves into the shifting narratives surrounding Ukraine, scrutinises perceptions of the EU’s role as a ‘normative power’ and assesses the extent to which the EU can assert this identity amidst contestations over accession conditions. Furthermore, it probes the evolving global perceptions of Ukraine and the war amidst a dynamic and shifting world order. In the introduction, we will sketch these problem fields, delving into their intricacies and indicating the answers given within the pages of this book.
COVID-19 Corpora
Authors: Moreno-Ortiz Antonio
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all aspects of society. As a component of this society, the academic and scientific community is not an exception. Numerous datasets have been compiled and made available over the past three years as a result of the extensive data collection efforts conducted by academics. Text corpora, as a rich source of information that is liable to be used for scientific inquiry, were compiled and made available from the onset of the pandemic. They differ in many aspects and compilation criteria, including origin, size, intended applications, text typology, and availability. This chapter is intended to provide a list of the most important text resources, together with some relevant research works that have used them.
Higher d Eisenstein series and a duality-invariant distance measure
Authors: Benjamin Nathan , Fitzpatrick A. Liam
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Petersson inner product is a natural inner product on the space of modular invariant functions. We derive a formula, written as a convergent sum over elementary functions, for the inner product Es(G, B) of the real analytic Eisenstein series $${E}_{s}\left(\tau ,\overline{\tau }\right)$$ and a general point in Narain moduli space. We also discuss the utility of the Petersson inner product as a distance measure on the space of 2d CFTs, and apply our procedure to evaluate this distance in various examples.
S-matrix positivity without Lorentz invariance: a case study
Authors: Hui Lam , Kourkoulou Ioanna , Nicolis Alberto , Podo Alessandro , Zhou Shengjia
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We investigate the analytic structure of scattering amplitudes in theories in which Lorentz invariance is spontaneously broken. We do so by computing and studying the S-matrix for a simple example: a superfluid described by a complex scalar with quartic interactions. The computation is confined to tree-level, for there are no absolutely stable single-particle states, though the lifetime can be made long by lowering the chemical potential. For the 2 → 2 amplitude in center-of-mass configurations, not only is crossing symmetry violated, there appears a tree level branch cut for unphysical kinematics. Its appearance is a consequence of non-analyticity in the dispersion relation. The branch point defines a new scale in the problem, which scales inversely with the chemical potential. In this example, even derivatives of the forward amplitude are positive while odd derivatives are negative. This pattern can be understood in a general way in the limit of a small chemical potential, or weak Lorentz breaking.
On when the union of two algebraic sets is algebraic
Authors: Aichinger Erhard , Behrisch Mike , Rossi Bernardo
Published: April 2024

In universal algebraic geometry, an algebra is called an equational domain if the union of two algebraic sets is algebraic. We characterize equational domains, with respect to polynomial equations, inside congruence permutable varieties, and with respect to term equations, among all algebras of size two and all algebras of size three with a cyclic automorphism. Furthermore, for each size at least three, we prove that, modulo term equivalence, there is a continuum of equational domains of that size.
CLT for $$\beta $$-Ensembles at High Temperature and for Integrable Systems: A Transfer Operator Approach
Authors: Mazzuca G. , Memin R.
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we prove a polynomial central limit theorem for several integrable models and for the

$$\beta $$

β

-ensembles at high temperature with polynomial potential. Furthermore, we connect the mean values, the variances and the correlations of the moments of the Lax matrices of these integrable systems with the ones of the

$$\beta $$

β

-ensembles. Moreover, we show that the local functions’ space-correlations decay exponentially fast for the considered integrable systems. For these models, we also established a Berry–Esseen-type bound.
Uniqueness of Maximal Spacetime Boundaries
Authors: Graf Melanie , van den Beld-Serrano Marco
Published: April 2024

Given an extendible spacetime one may ask how much, if any, uniqueness can in general be expected of the extension. Locally, this question was considered and comprehensively answered in a recent paper of Sbierski [22], where he obtains local uniqueness results for anchored spacetime extensions of similar character to earlier work for conformal boundaries by Chruściel [2]. Globally, it is known that non-uniqueness can arise from timelike geodesics behaving pathologically in the sense that there exist points along two distinct timelike geodesics which become arbitrarily close to each other interspersed with points which do not approach each other. We show that this is in some sense the only obstruction to uniqueness of maximal future boundaries: Working with extensions that are manifolds with boundary we prove that, under suitable assumptions on the regularity of the considered extensions and excluding the existence of such “intertwined timelike geodesics”, extendible spacetimes admit a unique maximal future boundary extension. This is analogous to results of Chruściel for the conformal boundary.
A Generalization of Magnetic Curves in Contact Metric Geometry
Authors: Alegre Pablo , Barrera Joaquín , Carriazo Alfonso , García-Cano Daniel
Published: April 2024

In this paper we study some curves of a trans-Sasakian manifold that generalize magnetic curves.
Asiaticoside alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by blocking Sema4D/CD72 and inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction in RAW264.7 cell and mice
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Zhao Hao , Wang Fang , Zhou Jie , Li Mao , Li Hua , Ren Meiping , Wang Lulu , Ren Qingyi , Zhong Xiaolin , Jiang Xian , Zhang Zhuo
Published: April 2024

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common disease with complex pathogenesis. However, the treatment is mainly symptomatic with limited clinical options. Asiaticoside (AS), a Chinese herbal extract, has protective effects against LPS-induced ALI in mice and inhibits nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 synthesis; however, the specific mechanism of AS in the prevention and treatment of LPS-induced ALI needs further study. Sema4D/CD72 pathway, mitochondrial dysfunction, and miRNA-21 are closely associated with inflammation. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore whether AS exerts its therapeutic effect on ALI by influencing Sema4D/CD72 pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction, restoring the balance of inflammatory factors, and influencing miRNA-21 expression. Cell and animal experiments were performed to investigate the effect of AS on ALI. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish the ALI model. CCK8 and flow cytometry were used to detect the cell viability and apoptosis rate. HE staining and wet-to-dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissue were determined. The expressions of Sema4D, CD72, NF-κB p65, Bax, Bcl2, and caspase 3 in RAW264.7 cells and lung tissues were detected by western blot, and the levels of IL-10 and IL-1β induced by LPS in supernatant of RAW264.7 cells and BALF were measured by ELISA. And the expression of miRNA-21 in cells and lung tissues was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The result shows that AS treatment suppressed LPS-induced cell damage and lung injury in mice. AS treatment could alleviate the pathological changes such as inflammatory infiltration and histopathological changes in the lungs caused by LPS, and reduce the ratio of W/D. AS significantly alleviated the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by LPS, inhibited the increase of ROS production, and reduced the expression of mitochondrial fission proteins Drp1 and Fis1. The high-dose AS group significantly downregulated the expression of Sema4D, CD72, phosphorylated NF-κB p65, and apoptosis-related proteins, decreased the pro-inflammatory factor IL-1β, and enhanced the level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. In addition, AS promoted miRNA-21 expression. These effects inhibited apoptosis and restored the balance between anti- and pro-inflammatory factors. This represents the inaugural report elucidating the mechanism by which AS inhibits the Sema4D/CD72 signaling pathway. These findings offer novel insights into the potential application of AS in both preventing and treating ALI.
Low anterolateral incision for single-port extraperitoneal robot-assisted pyeloplasty: description of technique and initial experience
Authors: Ramos Roxana , Chavali Jaya S. , Ferguson Ethan , Soputro Nicolas , Geskin Albert , Rhee Audrey , Kaouk Jihad
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe the surgical steps for the single-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal approach to pyeloplasty, report its feasibility, and share the initial outcomes of our experience.

Methods

We analyzed all consecutive patients who underwent single-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal pyeloplasty due to ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). The surgical steps included a pure single-port approach through a 3.5 cm low anterolateral incision two fingerbreadths above the superior pubic ramus. The ureter was localized and followed cranially, a dismembered pyeloplasty was performed, and a running ureteropelvic anastomosis was completed. No drains were placed. The urinary catheter was removed upon discharge, and the ureteral stent after 3–5 weeks.

Results

A total of eight cases (two adults and six children) were completed successfully, without complications or conversions. Median operative time, console time, and estimated blood loss were 208.5 min, 114.5 min, and 10.0 ml, respectively. All patients were discharged within 24 h, except for one that required urinary output observation due to retention. There were no major postoperative complications. The median pain score at discharge was 0/10. Only one patient was prescribed PRN opioids at discharge. The readmission rate was 0.0%. All patients were asymptomatic on their last follow-up with no definitive obstruction on imaging, and no requirement for additional procedures or stents.

Conclusion

Single-port low anterolateral extraperitoneal pyeloplasty is a feasible alternative for surgical treatment of UPJO in adult and pediatric patients with improved recovery outcomes.