bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bouncing back from failure: Digital technology capability, entrepreneurial alertness, and reentry intention
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Wu Wenqing , Zhang Chenjian
Published: November 2023

Entrepreneurs who have recovered from failure and reentered entrepreneurial activities account for almost half of all entrepreneurs. However, extant research drawing on a human capital perspective has provided mixed evidence regarding whether failed entrepreneurs subsequently choose reentry or seek paid employment. Situating our study in the context of the digital era, we consider digital technology capability as an emerging, specific, and critical human capital in the development of entrepreneurial alertness, thereby influencing reentry intention. Our study proposes that entrepreneurs possessing a high level of digital technology capability have the potential to obtain rich and diverse information, reduce reentry barriers, and enhance their capacity to materialize business ideas, all of which are conducive to the development of entrepreneurial alertness and increased reentry intention. Using a sample of 263 Chinese entrepreneurs who have experienced at least one entrepreneurial failure, we find evidence in support of our hypotheses. Moving beyond the extant literature’s focus on the antecedents and consequences of entrepreneurial alertness, our study enriches our understanding of its mediating role in the relationship between human capital and reentry intention. Further, we provide a nuanced understanding of these relationships by demonstrating social costs and entrepreneurial resilience to be important moderators.
Home-based work, time allocations, and subjective well-being: gender differences in the United Kingdom
Authors: Giménez-Nadal José Ignacio , Velilla Jorge
Published: November 2023

Telework and work from home practices have clear implications for workers’ daily behaviors and well-being. This paper explores the differences between workers from home (WFH) and workers away from home (WAFH) time allocations during their workdays, and the instant enjoyment experienced while doing such activities, with a focus on gender differences. We use detailed information from the UK Time Use Survey for the years 2014–2015, which provides us with detailed records of time use along with measures of instantaneous enjoyment. The results show a statistically significant reduction in female and male paid work time associated with WFH, who spend more time than WAFH in unpaid work and leisure activities, but these factors vary between weekdays and weekends. The results also reveal a reduction in men’s experienced enjoyment among WFH while doing paid work, and all WFH enjoy their leisure activities less than do WAFH. These results may improve our understanding of how the practice of WFH relates to worker time allocations during the day, to experienced well-being, and to gender differences in time allocation and well-being.
Detecting delamination via nonlinear wave scattering in a bonded elastic bar
Authors: Tamber Jagdeep S. , Chappell David J. , Poore Jack C. , Tranter Matt R.
Published: November 2023

In this paper we examine the effect of delamination on wave scattering, with the aim of creating a control measure for layered waveguides of various bonding types. Previous works have considered specific widths of solitary waves for the simulations, without analysing the effect of changing the soliton parameters. We consider two multi-layered structures: one containing delamination ‘sandwiched’ by perfect bonding and one containing delamination but ‘sandwiched’ by soft bonding. These structures are modelled by coupled Boussinesq-type equations. Matched asymptotic multiple-scale expansions lead to coupled Ostrovsky equations in soft bonded regions and Korteweg-de Vries equations in the perfectly bonded and delaminated region. We use the Inverse Scattering Transform to predict the behaviour in the delaminated regions. In both cases, numerical analysis shows that we can predict the delamination length by changes in the wave structure, and that these changes depend upon the Full Width at Half Magnitude (FWHM) of the incident soliton. In the case of perfect bonding, we derive a theoretical prediction for the change and confirm this numerically. For the soft bonding case, we numerically identify a similar relationship using the change in amplitude. Therefore we only need to compute one curve to determine the behaviour for any incident solitary wave, creating a framework for designing measurement campaigns for rigorously testing the integrity of layered structures.
Learning to write syntheses: the effect of process feedback and of observing models on performance and process behaviors
Authors: Vandermeulen Nina , Van Steendam Elke , De Maeyer Sven , Lesterhuis Marije , Rijlaarsdam Gert
Published: November 2023

Writing a synthesis text involves interacting reading and writing processes, serving the comprehension of source information, and its integration into a reader-friendly and accurate synthesis text. Mastering these processes requires insight into process’ orchestrations. A way of achieving this is via process feedback in which students compare their process orchestration with examples. Access to such examples of enacted process orchestration models might have an additional learning effect. In the present study we replicated and extended the study of Vandermeulen et al. (Written Communication, 40(1), 90–144, 2023) on the effect of keystroke logging data-based process feedback with feed-forward exemplars when compared to national baseline performances. In addition, we report the effect of a brief extension in which learners had the opportunity to observe an enacted model of their choice, showing one of three orchestrations of the initial stage of writing a synthesis task. A total of 173 10th—grade students were randomly assigned to a process feedback condition with or without added models. A baseline, consisting of a nationally representative sample of upper-secondary students’ texts and processes, served as an alternative control group. Results showed that the process feedback, both with and without observation, had a significant effect on text quality. Regarding the process data, students in the feedback condition had a more prominent focus on the sources as they spent more time in them and switched more often between text and sources, compared to the baseline. The observation task magnified this effect.
Nomogram development and external validation for predicting overall survival and cancer-specific survival in patients with primary retroperitoneal sarcoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Jialiang , Zhuang Aobo , Xia Xiaogang , Miao Fenglin , Wang Zhao , Kong Xu , Ren Yantao , Ma Yuan , Lin Zhenhang , Lu Weiqi , Li Wengang
Published: November 2023

Background

Primary retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) comprises over 70 histologic subtypes, yet there are limited studies that have developed prognostic nomograms for RPS patients to predict overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). The objective of this study was to construct prognostic nomograms for predicting OS and CSS in RPS patients.

Methods

We identified a total of 1166 RPS patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, and an additional 261 cases were collected from a tertiary cancer center. The study incorporated various clinicopathological and epidemiologic features as variables, and prediction windows for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were set at 3, 5, and 7 years. Multivariable Cox models were utilized to develop the nomograms, and variable selection was performed using a backward procedure based on the Akaike Information Criterion. To evaluate the performance of the nomograms in terms of calibration and discrimination, we used calibration plots, coherence index, and area under the curve.

Findings

The study included 818 patients in the development cohort, 348 patients in the internal validation cohort, and 261 patients in the external validation cohort. The backward procedure selected the following variables: age, French Federation of Cancer Centers Sarcoma Group (FNCLCC) grade, pre-/postoperative chemotherapy, tumor size, primary site surgery, and tumor multifocality. The validation results demonstrated that the nomograms had good calibration and discrimination, with C-indices of 0.76 for OS and 0.81 for CSS. Calibration plots also showed good consistency between the predicted and actual survival rates. Furthermore, the areas under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves for the 3-, 5-, and 7-year OS (0.84, 0.82, and 0.78, respectively) and CSS (0.88, 0.88, and 0.85, respectively) confirmed the accuracy of the nomograms.

Interpretation

Our study developed accurate nomograms to predict OS and CSS in patients with RPS. These nomograms have important clinical implications and can assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding patient care and treatment options. They may also aid in patient counseling and stratification in clinical trials.
Transgenic direct terminal repeats of Dissociation (Ds) produce chromosomal breakage in maize
Authors: Krishnaswamy Lakshminarasimhan , Zhao Changzeng , Albert Patrice S. , Gao Zhi , Mazalale Ellen , York Alessandra Torno , Nastasi Louis , Kelly Jacob A. , Yang Hua , Birchler James A.
Published: November 2023

Barbara McClintock recognized transposable elements originally by the movement of a site of chromosomal breakage, a genetic element called Dissociation (Ds) that was induced to break or transpose by another element she called Activator. The chromosome breaking version, when analyzed on the molecular level was one transposon inside another. It is now known that transposition involving transposon termini in non-standard orientation with reference to each other results in chromosomal breakage. Here we used engineered transposon ends together with a phenotypic marker to cause targeted chromosomal breaks. The results indicate that engineered direct orientation of the naturally inverted repeats of Dissociation can cause chromosomal breakage at the transgenic sites of insertion.
Detection of interacting variables for generalized linear models via neural networks
Authors: Havrylenko Yevhen , Heger Julia
Published: November 2023

The quality of generalized linear models (GLMs), frequently used by insurance companies, depends on the choice of interacting variables. The search for interactions is time-consuming, especially for data sets with a large number of variables, depends much on expert judgement of actuaries, and often relies on visual performance indicators. Therefore, we present an approach to automating the process of finding interactions that should be added to GLMs to improve their predictive power. Our approach relies on neural networks and a model-specific interaction detection method, which is computationally faster than the traditionally used methods like Friedman’s H-Statistic or SHAP values. In numerical studies, we provide the results of our approach on artificially generated data as well as open-source data.
Failure mode and effects analysis using an improved pignistic probability transformation function and grey relational projection method
Authors: Tang Yongchuan , Sun Zhaoxing , Zhou Deyun , Huang Yubo
Published: November 2023

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is an important risk analysis tool that has been widely used in diverse areas to manage risk factors. However, how to manage the uncertainty in FMEA assessments is still an open issue. In this paper, a novel FMEA model based on the improved pignistic probability transformation function in Dempster–Shafer evidence theory (DST) and grey relational projection method (GRPM) is proposed to improve the accuracy and reliability in risk analysis with FMEA. The basic probability assignment (BPA) function in DST is used to model the assessments of experts with respect to each risk factor. Dempster’s rule of combination is adopted for fusion of assessment information from different experts. The improved pignistic probability function is proposed and used to transform the fusion result of BPA into probability function for getting more accurate decision-making result in risk analysis with FMEA. GRPM is adopted to determine the risk priority order of all the failure modes to overcome the shortcoming in traditional risk priority number in FMEA. Applications in aircraft turbine rotor blades and steel production process are presented to show the rationality and generality of the proposed method.
Blue light photoinhibition of Streptococcus mutans: potential chromophores and mechanisms
Authors: Mohamad Sherif A. , Megson Ian L. , Kean Alistair H.
Published: November 2023

The direct application of blue light (λ = 400–500 nm) provides a promising antimicrobial modality, the effects of which are mediated through generation of reactive oxygen species. Porphyrins are organic compounds essential for bacterial synthesis of heme and are understood to be the main blue light chromophores within bacteria, which are critical to the sensitivity to blue light. However, Streptococcus mutans — the principal etiological species of dental caries — has shown susceptibility towards blue light despite reportedly lacking heme synthesis pathways, raising a question as to how this susceptibility is mediated. S. mutans lacks heme-containing cytochromes for full aerobic respiration, instead relying mainly on flavin adenine dinucleotide enzymes for oxygen-dependent metabolism. This review article investigates the potential target chromophores and mechanisms underpinning the inhibitory effects of blue light in S. mutans. Multiple reports support the proposition that bacteria with blocked heme synthetic pathways still possess the genetic antecedents capable of generating porphyrins and heme proteins under appropriate conditions. Blue light is absorbed by flavins, and hence, the flavoenzymes also represent potential chromophores. In conclusion, depending on in-vitro growth and metabolic conditions, there is more than one blue light chromophore within S. mutans. To optimise clinical application of blue light-induced antimicrobial effects, future investigations should focus on in-vivo models and clinical trials.
Design new strategies and photocatalytic performances of (NH4)Cd6(P2O7)2 P3O10 nanostructures
Authors: Gnanamoorthy G. , Ali Daoud , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Narayanan V.
Published: November 2023

New (NH4)Cd6(P2O7)2 P3O10 nano-multi shapes were prepared by hydrothermal method and which can be examined by various using instruments like X-ray diffraction, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy measurements. These (NH4)Cd6(P2O7)2 P3O10 nanocatalysts were obtained to the monoclinic structure. The (NH4)Cd6(P2O7)2 P3O10 nanocatalyst morphologies were analyzed in SEM instrument and spheres like structures, triangle, cubic and crystal shapes also obtained. Peaks 484, 557 and 1087 cm−1 were corresponds to the M–O and P–O groups, which results were confirmed by FT-IR studies. This (NH4)Cd6(P2O7)2 P3O10 materials synergism can be described in photocatalytic applications. At this juncture, these nanoparticles can be created to the new invention and effectible performed to the Brilliant Green dye efficiency with halogen lamp.
The National Israeli Registry for Oculo-Pharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (IsrO-PMD): rationale and design
Authors: Stern Jonah E. , Zvulunov Alex , Dori Amir , Charas Hagit , Benyamini Limor , Simon Guy Ben , Mentzer Lilya , Greenbaum Lior , Friedlander-Barenboim Silvina , Shelly Shahar
Published: November 2023

Background

Oculo-pharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a rare disease, caused by trinucleotide repeat expansion in the PABPN1 gene, inherited in an autosomal dominant (AD) manner. Its main features are eyelid ptosis and dysphagia, which manifest at the end of the fifth decade of life. Other symptoms include proximal muscle weakness and bulbar muscle weakness. Although OPMD is prevalent worldwide, a higher prevalence has been reported in the Jewish population from Bukhara. Currently, no specific drugs are available for OPMD.

Objective

Our National Israeli Registry for Oculo-Pharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (IsrO-PMD) study aims to provide a framework for the assessment and documentation of the natural history of the diseases as we as a multi-disciplinary management of patients with OPMD. The IsrO-PMD may be the cornerstone of future clinical trials for novel therapies for OPMD.

Methods

The IsrO-PMD is a national prospective registry that involves non-interventional data collection based on the Global Rare Diseases Patient Registry (GRDPR) and data repository standard. Inclusion criteria are clinical diagnosis of OPMD and positive genetic testing. Patients who meet inclusion criteria will be examined using a series of multi-disciplinary investigations and questionnaires including periodic follow-up examinations. Specific attention is given to comprehensive neurological, swallowing, and ophthalmological evaluations.

Discussion

The establishment of this national registry will enhance our understanding of the natural history of OPMD, establish quality care benchmarks, and develop treatment strategies in addressing the multi-system pathophysiology of the disease and associated comorbidities. Our registry provides a foundation for the use of new cutting-edge treatments as they become available.
Provincial Revolution and Regional Anti-Colonialism: The Soviets in Iran, 1920–1921
Authors: Nejad Kayhan A.
Published: November 2023

By focusing on the northern Iranian province of Gilan, this article rethinks the role of non-socialist revolutionary movements in the Soviets’ early retreat from West and South Asia. Drawing primarily on the records of the Russian Foreign Ministry Archive, it probes programmatic divisions within the Soviet Socialist Republic of Iran (SSRI, 1920–1921), a self-governing provincial exclave where the Soviets attempted to reorient social democratic currents toward socialism. This article asks how, in a moment of revolutionary optimism, internal factionalism and the consequent collapse of the SSRI impeded Soviet designs not only in Iran, but also on the colonized and semi-colonized fronts that lay beyond Iranian borders. In so doing, it reflects on the directions of early Soviet engagement with West and South Asian revolutionaries, and the importance of bridging socialist and non-socialist political projects to realizing the broader aim of regional decolonization.
Crooked and Straight: Street Stories and Moral Stories in Early Soviet Odessa
Authors: Steinberg Mark D.
Published: November 2023

Moral storytelling about urban public life in Odesa in the 1920s is at the center of attention. A key social space is in focus: streets and corners as spaces and as concepts. And a particular storyteller is central: the well-known and yet biographically mysterious feuilletonist for the city's evening newspaper, “Al. Svetlov.” Soviet journalists, like Soviet reality, were expected to offer ideological clarity: a morally unambiguous and teleologically straight story about the death of the past and the birth of a bright and healthy new world. But such temporal and moral (and thus political) consistency was elusive—in the urban spaces where “vestiges” of the old persisted, and in their telling, as observers found it difficult to sustain an unwavering and unambiguous moral orientation. The article asks also how minor and subordinated individuals understood their own lives, suggesting an orientation other than delinquency and pathology.
High‐Energy Electron Flux Enhancement Pattern in the Outer Radiation Belt in Response to the Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections
Authors: Da Silva L. A. , Shi J. , Marchezi J. P. , Agapitov O. V. , Sibeck D. , Alves L. R. , Vieira L. E. A. , Deggeroni V. , Resende L. C. A. , Lopez R. , Costa J. E. R. , Wang C. , Moro J. , Li H. , Lago A. Dal , Ferreira K. J. C. , Inostroza A. , Liu Z.
Published: November 2023

The high‐energy electron flux enhancement pattern in the outer radiation belt is observed under the influence of the Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections (ICMEs). Ten events were selected during the Van Allen Probes era, with the high‐energy electron flux enhancement starting close to L* = 4. A schematic diagram of the main physical processes responsible for this kind of high‐energy electron flux enhancement is presented, considering the energy deposited in the inner magnetosphere under the influence of ICMEs. Superposed Epoch Analysis is applied to the interplanetary medium parameters, the magnetopause standoff distance, the storm‐time geomagnetic activity indices, the Ultra‐Low Frequency (ULF) waves, and the whistler‐mode chorus waves. A compressed magnetopause, Bz component preferentially southward and storm indices considerably high are observed at the beginning of the electron flux enhancements. The modeled parameters of the chorus waves at the dayside/nightside sectors show the high acceleration efficiency at the beginning of the electron flux enhancement pattern II. These results suggest that the local acceleration driven by chorus waves is essential to these electron flux enhancements at low L*. In contrast, although the ULF waves are detected at the beginning of the studied electron flux enhancements, their contribution is insignificant.
Stress‐Induced Anisotropic Poroelasticity in Westerly Granite
Authors: Elsigood Bobby , Brantut Nicolas , Meredith Philip G. , Healy David , Mitchell Thomas M. , Aben Frans M.
Published: November 2023

We measured poroelastic properties of cracked granite under triaxial conditions, at elevated confining pressure and a range of differential stresses. Skempton's coefficients and undrained Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were determined directly by recording in situ fluid pressure during rapid cycles of axial and radial stress. Drained properties were measured both statically and dynamically at ultrasonic frequencies. At a given confining pressure, increasing differential stress leads to the development of elastically transverse isotropy, with symmetry axis aligned with the compression axis. Skempton's coefficients are also anisotropic, with larger changes in pore pressure in response to radial stress (coefficient Bx) than to axial stress steps (Bz). The anisotropy in the Skempton coefficients increases with increasing differential stress, with Bz decreasing and Bx slightly increasing. The evolution of static moduli and the Skempton coefficients is well approximated by Gassmann's equation using dry moduli obtained from ultrasonic measurements. Simplified predictions of the Skempton coefficients based on crack density tensors inverted from dynamic data also shows acceptable agreement with direct observations. Perfect quantitative agreement is not reached, due to the imprecision of our dynamic measurements, model simplifications, and inherent differences between static moduli obtained using stress steps of several MPa stress and dynamic ultrasonic stress oscillations.
Atmospheric Meridional Circulation Between South Asia and Tibetan Plateau Caused by the Change of Planetary Boundary Layer Depth
Authors: Zhao Ping , Li Yilin , Jia Chunhui , Che Junhui
Published: November 2023

Planetary boundary layer (PBL) influences the vertical exchanges of momentum, heat, water vapor, atmospheric pollutants, and the efficacy of climate forcing between land surface and atmosphere. Over the western Tibetan Plateau (TP), PBL can stretch into the middle‐upper troposphere. In this study, we investigate an effect of the PBL depth change on atmospheric circulations between South Asia and the TP through the formula derivation, the observation, and the model data set. The derivation first gives the PBL depth‐generalized pressure equation. It reveals an effect of PBL depth on the pressure change with time. The data analysis further shows that an increase of PBL depth in the western TP can cause the subsequent development of the PBL low (high) pressure anomalies in the northwestern TP (northern South Asia) and the upper‐tropospheric high (low) pressure anomalies over the TP (South Asia), with an anticlockwise meridional‐vertical circulation (MVC) anomaly from South Asia to the TP. In this process, the peak of PBL depth may be ahead of that of the low‐pressure occurrence, which may cause the MVC development to lag behind surface heating. The anticlockwise MVC anomaly strengthens the transport of water vapor from the lower troposphere over South Asia to the TP PBL, producing convective precipitation in the TP.
Comparable roles for serotonin in rats and humans for computations underlying flexible decision-making
Authors: Luo Qiang , Kanen Jonathan W. , Bari Andrea , Skandali Nikolina , Langley Christelle , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Alsiö Johan , Phillips Benjamin U. , Sahakian Barbara J. , Cardinal Rudolf N. , Robbins Trevor W.
Published: November 2023

Serotonin is critical for adapting behavior flexibly to meet changing environmental demands. Cognitive flexibility is important for successful attainment of goals, as well as for social interactions, and is frequently impaired in neuropsychiatric disorders, including obsessive–compulsive disorder. However, a unifying mechanistic framework accounting for the role of serotonin in behavioral flexibility has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate common effects of manipulating serotonin function across two species (rats and humans) on latent processes supporting choice behavior during probabilistic reversal learning, using computational modelling. The findings support a role of serotonin in behavioral flexibility and plasticity, indicated, respectively, by increases or decreases in choice repetition (‘stickiness’) or reinforcement learning rates following manipulations intended to increase or decrease serotonin function. More specifically, the rate at which expected value increased following reward and decreased following punishment (reward and punishment ‘learning rates’) was greatest after sub-chronic administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) citalopram (5 mg/kg for 7 days followed by 10 mg/kg twice a day for 5 days) in rats. Conversely, humans given a single dose of an SSRI (20 mg escitalopram), which can decrease post-synaptic serotonin signalling, and rats that received the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), which destroys forebrain serotonergic neurons, exhibited decreased reward learning rates. A basic perseverative tendency (‘stickiness’), or choice repetition irrespective of the outcome produced, was likewise increased in rats after the 12-day SSRI regimen and decreased after single dose SSRI in humans and 5,7-DHT in rats. These common effects of serotonergic manipulations on rats and humans—identified via computational modelling—suggest an evolutionarily conserved role for serotonin in plasticity and behavioral flexibility and have clinical relevance transdiagnostically for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells enhance cartilage regeneration for meniscus injuries: a phase I dose-escalation trial
Authors: Huang Liangjiang , Zhang Song , Wu Jun , Guo Baojie , Gao Tingting , Shah Sayed Zulfiqar Ali , Huang Bo , Li Yajie , Zhu Bo , Fan Jiaqi , Wang Liu , Xiao Yani , Liu Wenjing , Tian Yao , Fang Zhengyu , Lv Yingying , Xie Lingfeng , Yao Sheng , Ke Gaotan , Huang Xiaolin , Huang Ying , Li Yujuan , Jia Yi , Li Zhongwen , Feng Guihai , Huo Yan , Li Wei , Zhou Qi , Hao Jie , Hu Baoyang , Chen Hong
Published: November 2023

Immunity-and-matrix-regulatory cells (IMRCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells have unique abilities in modulating immunity and regulating the extracellular matrix, which could be mass-produced with stable biological properties. Despite resemblance to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in terms of self-renew and tri-lineage differentiation, the ability of IMRCs to repair the meniscus and the underlying mechanism remains undetermined. Here, we showed that IMRCs demonstrated stronger immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative potential than umbilical cord MSCs when stimulated by synovial fluid from patients with meniscus injury. Following injection into the knees of rabbits with meniscal injury, IMRCs enhanced endogenous fibrocartilage regeneration. In the dose-escalating phase I clinical trial (NCT03839238) with eighteen patients recruited, we found that intra-articular IMRCs injection in patients was safe over 12 months post-grafting. Furthermore, the effective results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of meniscus repair and knee functional scores suggested that 5 × 107 cells are optimal for meniscus injury treatment. In summary, we present the first report of a phase I clinical trial using IMRCs to treat meniscus injury. Our results demonstrated that intra-articular injection of IMRCs is a safe and effective therapy by providing a permissive niche for cartilage regeneration.
Prph2 knock-in mice recapitulate human central areolar choroidal dystrophy retinal degeneration and exhibit aberrant synaptic remodeling and microglial activation
Authors: Ruiz-Pastor María José , Sánchez-Sáez Xavier , Kutsyr Oksana , Albertos-Arranz Henar , Sánchez-Castillo Carla , Ortuño-Lizarán Isabel , Martínez-Gil Natalia , Vidal-Gil Lorena , Méndez Lucía , Sánchez-Martín Manuel , Maneu Victoria , Lax Pedro , Cuenca Nicolás
Published: November 2023

Central areolar choroidal dystrophy is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive choriocapillaris atrophy and retinal degeneration and is usually associated with mutations in the PRPH2 gene. We aimed to generate and characterize a mouse model with the p.Arg195Leu mutation previously described in patients. Heterozygous (Prph2WT/KI) and homozygous (Prph2KI/KI) mice were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce the p.Arg195Leu mutation. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography and optomotor tests at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 20 months of age. The structural integrity of the retinas was evaluated at the same ages using optical coherence tomography. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy images of the retina were also analyzed. Genetic sequencing confirmed that both Prph2WT/KI and Prph2KI/KI mice presented the p.Arg195Leu mutation. A progressive loss of retinal function was found in both mutant groups, with significantly reduced visual acuity from 3 months of age in Prph2KI/KI mice and from 6 months of age in Prph2WT/KI mice. Decreased amplitudes in the electroretinography responses were observed from 1 month of age in Prph2KI/KI mice and from 6 months of age in Prph2WT/KI mice. Morphological analysis of the retinas correlated with functional findings, showing a progressive decrease in retinal thickness of mutant mice, with earlier and more severe changes in the homozygous mutant mice. We corroborated the alteration of the outer segment structure, and we found changes in the synaptic connectivity in the outer plexiform layer as well as gliosis and signs of microglial activation. The new Prph2WT/KI and Prph2KI/KI murine models show a pattern of retinal degeneration similar to that described in human patients with central areolar choroidal dystrophy and appear to be good models to study the mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of the disease, as well as to test the efficacy of new therapeutic strategies.
Wafer-scale organic-on-III-V monolithic heterogeneous integration for active-matrix micro-LED displays
Authors: Han Lei , Ogier Simon , Li Jun , Sharkey Dan , Yin Xiaokuan , Baker Andrew , Carreras Alejandro , Chang Fangyuan , Cheng Kai , Guo Xiaojun
Published: November 2023

The organic thin-film transistor is advantageous for monolithic three-dimensional integration attributed to low temperature and facile solution processing. However, the electrical properties of solution deposited organic semiconductor channels are very sensitive to the substrate surface and processing conditions. An organic-last integration technology is developed for wafer-scale heterogeneous integration of a multi-layer organic material stack from solution onto the non-even substrate surface of a III-V micro light emitting diode plane. A via process is proposed to make the via interconnection after fabrication of the organic thin-film transistor. Low-defect uniform organic semiconductor and dielectric layers can then be formed on top to achieve high-quality interfaces. The resulting organic thin-film transistors exhibit superior performance for driving micro light emitting diode displays, in terms of milliampere driving current, and large ON/OFF current ratio approaching 1010 with excellent uniformity and reliability. Active-matrix micro light emitting diode displays are demonstrated with highest brightness of 150,000 nits and highest resolution of 254 pixels-per-inch.
Reconfigurable self-assembly of photocatalytic magnetic microrobots for water purification
Authors: Urso Mario , Ussia Martina , Peng Xia , Oral Cagatay M. , Pumera Martin
Published: November 2023

The development of artificial small-scale robotic swarms with nature-mimicking collective behaviors represents the frontier of research in robotics. While microrobot swarming under magnetic manipulation has been extensively explored, light-induced self-organization of micro- and nanorobots is still challenging. This study demonstrates the interaction-controlled, reconfigurable, reversible, and active self-assembly of TiO2/α-Fe2O3 microrobots, consisting of peanut-shaped α-Fe2O3 (hematite) microparticles synthesized by a hydrothermal method and covered with a thin layer of TiO2 by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Due to their photocatalytic and ferromagnetic properties, microrobots autonomously move in water under light irradiation, while a magnetic field precisely controls their direction. In the presence of H2O2 fuel, concentration gradients around the illuminated microrobots result in mutual attraction by phoretic interactions, inducing their spontaneous organization into self-propelled clusters. In the dark, clusters reversibly reconfigure into microchains where microrobots are aligned due to magnetic dipole-dipole interactions. Microrobots’ active motion and photocatalytic properties were investigated for water remediation from pesticides, obtaining the rapid degradation of the extensively used, persistent, and hazardous herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4D). This study potentially impacts the realization of future intelligent adaptive metamachines and the application of light-powered self-propelled micro- and nanomotors toward the degradation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or micro- and nanoplastics.
A low-nuclear Ag4 nanocluster as a customized catalyst for the cyclization of propargylamine with CO2
Authors: Li Lin , Lv Ying , Sheng Hongting , Du Yonglei , Li Haifeng , Yun Yapei , Zhang Ziyi , Yu Haizhu , Zhu Manzhou
Published: November 2023

The preparation of 2-Oxazolidinones using CO2 offers opportunities for green chemistry, but multi-site activation is difficult for most catalysts. Here, A low-nuclear Ag4 catalytic system is successfully customized, which solves the simultaneous activation of acetylene (-C≡C) and amino (-NH-) and realizes the cyclization of propargylamine with CO2 under mild conditions. As expected, the Turnover Number (TON) and Turnover Frequency (TOF) values of the Ag4 nanocluster (NC) are higher than most of reported catalysts. The Ag4* NC intermediates are isolated and confirmed their structures by Electrospray ionization (ESI) and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR). Additionally, the key role of multiple Ag atoms revealed the feasibility and importance of low-nuclear catalysts at the atomic level, confirming the reaction pathways that are inaccessible to the Ag single-atom catalyst and Ag2 NC. Importantly, the nanocomposite achieves multiple recoveries and gram scale product acquisition. These results provide guidance for the design of more efficient and targeted catalytic materials.
Accelerated deprotonation with a hydroxy-silicon alkali solid for rechargeable zinc-air batteries
Authors: Wang Yaobin , Ge Xinlei , Lu Qian , Bai Wenjun , Ye Caichao , Shao Zongping , Bu Yunfei
Published: November 2023

Transition metal oxides are promising electrocatalysts for zinc-air batteries, yet surface reconstruction caused by the adsorbate evolution mechanism, which induces zinc-ion battery behavior in the oxygen evolution reaction, leads to poor cycling performance. In this study, we propose a lattice oxygen mechanism involving proton acceptors to overcome the poor performance of the battery in the OER process. We introduce a stable solid base, hydroxy BaCaSiO4, onto the surfaces of PrBa0.5Ca0.5Co2O5+δ perovskite nanofibers with a one-step exsolution strategy. The HO-Si sites on the hydroxy BaCaSiO4 significantly accelerate proton transfer from the OH* adsorbed on PrBa0.5Ca0.5Co2O5+δ during the OER process. As a proof of concept, a rechargeable zinc-air battery assembled with this composite electrocatalyst is stable in an alkaline environment for over 150 hours at 5 mA cm–2 during galvanostatic charge/discharge tests. Our findings open new avenues for designing efficient OER electrocatalysts for rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
A2AR eGFP reporter mouse enables elucidation of A2AR expression dynamics during anti-tumor immune responses
Authors: Todd Kirsten L. , Lai Junyun , Sek Kevin , Huang Yu-Kuan , Newman Dane M. , Derrick Emily B. , Koay Hui-Fern , Nguyen Dat , Hoang Thang X. , Petley Emma V. , Chan Cheok Weng , Munoz Isabelle , House Imran G. , Lee Joel N. , Kim Joelle S. , Li Jasmine , Tong Junming , N. de Menezes Maria , Scheffler Christina M. , Yap Kah Min , Chen Amanda X. Y. , Dunbar Phoebe A. , Haugen Brandon , Parish Ian A. , Johnstone Ricky W. , Darcy Phillip K. , Beavis Paul A.
Published: November 2023

There is significant clinical interest in targeting adenosine-mediated immunosuppression, with several small molecule inhibitors having been developed for targeting the A2AR receptor. Understanding of the mechanism by which A2AR is regulated has been hindered by difficulty in identifying the cell types that express A2AR due to a lack of robust antibodies for these receptors. To overcome this limitation, here an A2AR eGFP reporter mouse is developed, enabling the expression of A2AR during ongoing anti-tumor immune responses to be assessed. This reveals that A2AR is highly expressed on all tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte subsets including Natural Killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, γδ T cells, conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and on a MHCIIhiCD86hi subset of type 2 conventional dendritic cells. In response to PD-L1 blockade, the emergence of PD-1+A2AR- cells correlates with successful therapeutic responses, whilst IL-18 is identified as a cytokine that potently upregulates A2AR and synergizes with A2AR deficiency to improve anti-tumor immunity. These studies provide insight into the biology of A2AR in the context of anti-tumor immunity and reveals potential combination immunotherapy approaches.
Quantum storage of entangled photons at telecom wavelengths in a crystal
Authors: Jiang Ming-Hao , Xue Wenyi , He Qian , An Yu-Yang , Zheng Xiaodong , Xu Wen-Jie , Xie Yu-Bo , Lu Yanqing , Zhu Shining , Ma Xiao-Song
Published: November 2023

Quantum storage and distribution of entanglement are the key ingredients for realizing a global quantum internet. Compatible with existing fiber networks, telecom-wavelength entangled photons and corresponding quantum memories are of central interest. Recently, 167Er3+ ions have been identified as a promising candidate for an efficient telecom quantum memory. However, to date, no storage of entangled photons, the crucial step of quantum memory using these promising ions, 167Er3+, has been reported. Here, we demonstrate the storage and retrieval of the entangled state of two telecom photons generated from an integrated photonic chip. Combining the natural narrow linewidth of the entangled photons and long storage time of 167Er3+ ions, we achieve storage time of 1.936 μs, more than 387 times longer than in previous works. Successful storage of entanglement in the crystal is certified using entanglement witness measurements. These results pave the way for realizing quantum networks based on solid-state devices.
Hepatocyte FBXW7-dependent activity of nutrient-sensing nuclear receptors controls systemic energy homeostasis and NASH progression in male mice
Authors: Xia Hui , Dufour Catherine R. , Medkour Younes , Scholtes Charlotte , Chen Yonghong , Guluzian Christina , B’chir Wafa , Giguère Vincent
Published: November 2023

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is epidemiologically associated with obesity and diabetes and can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. The intricate signaling pathways that orchestrate hepatocyte energy metabolism and cellular stress, intrahepatic cell crosstalk, as well as interplay between peripheral tissues remain elusive and are crucial for the development of anti-NASH therapies. Herein, we reveal E3 ligase FBXW7 as a key factor regulating hepatic catabolism, stress responses, systemic energy homeostasis, and NASH pathogenesis with attenuated FBXW7 expression as a feature of advanced NASH. Multiomics and pharmacological intervention showed that FBXW7 loss-of-function in hepatocytes disrupts a metabolic transcriptional axis conjointly controlled by the nutrient-sensing nuclear receptors ERRα and PPARα, resulting in suppression of fatty acid oxidation, elevated ER stress, apoptosis, immune infiltration, fibrogenesis, and ultimately NASH progression in male mice. These results provide the foundation for developing alternative strategies co-targeting ERRα and PPARα for the treatment of NASH.
The potential of CO2-based production cycles in biotechnology to fight the climate crisis
Authors: Bachleitner Simone , Ata Özge , Mattanovich Diethard
Published: November 2023

Rising CO2 emissions have pushed scientists to develop new technologies for a more sustainable bio-based economy. Microbial conversion of CO2 and CO2-derived carbon substrates into valuable compounds can contribute to carbon neutrality and sustainability. Here, we discuss the potential of C1 carbon sources as raw materials to produce energy, materials, and food and feed using microbial cell factories. We provide an overview of potential microbes, natural and synthetic C1 utilization pathways, and compare their metabolic driving forces. Finally, we sketch a future in which C1 substrates replace traditional feedstocks and we evaluate the costs associated with such an endeavor.
Kinetically matched C–N coupling toward efficient urea electrosynthesis enabled on copper single-atom alloy
Authors: Xu Mengqiu , Wu Fangfang , Zhang Ye , Yao Yuanhui , Zhu Genping , Li Xiaoyu , Chen Liang , Jia Gan , Wu Xiaohong , Huang Youju , Gao Peng , Ye Wei
Published: November 2023

Chemical C–N coupling from CO2 and NO3–, driven by renewable electricity, toward urea synthesis is an appealing alternative for Bosch–Meiser urea production. However, the unmatched kinetics in CO2 and NO3– reduction reactions and the complexity of C- and N-species involved in the co-reduction render the challenge of C–N coupling, leading to the low urea yield rate and Faradaic efficiency. Here, we report a single-atom copper-alloyed Pd catalyst (Pd4Cu1) that can achieve highly efficient C–N coupling toward urea electrosynthesis. The reduction kinetics of CO2 and NO3– is regulated and matched by steering Cu doping level and Pd4Cu1/FeNi(OH)2 interface. Charge-polarized Pdδ–-Cuδ+ dual-sites stabilize the key *CO and *NH2 intermediates to promote C–N coupling. The synthesized Pd4Cu1-FeNi(OH)2 composite catalyst achieves a urea yield rate of 436.9 mmol gcat.–1 h–1 and Faradaic efficiency of 66.4%, as well as a long cycling stability of 1000 h. In-situ spectroscopic results and theoretical calculation reveal that atomically dispersed Cu in Pd lattice promotes the deep reduction of NO3– to *NH2, and the Pd-Cu dual-sites lower the energy barrier of the pivotal C–N coupling between *NH2 and *CO.
Epigenetic regulation during cancer transitions across 11 tumour types
Authors: Terekhanova Nadezhda V. , Karpova Alla , Liang Wen-Wei , Strzalkowski Alexander , Chen Siqi , Li Yize , Southard-Smith Austin N. , Iglesia Michael D. , Wendl Michael C. , Jayasinghe Reyka G. , Liu Jingxian , Song Yizhe , Cao Song , Houston Andrew , Liu Xiuting , Wyczalkowski Matthew A. , Lu Rita Jui-Hsien , Caravan Wagma , Shinkle Andrew , Naser Al Deen Nataly , Herndon John M. , Mudd Jacqueline , Ma Cong , Sarkar Hirak , Sato Kazuhito , Ibrahim Omar M. , Mo Chia-Kuei , Chasnoff Sara E. , Porta-Pardo Eduard , Held Jason M. , Pachynski Russell , Schwarz Julie K. , Gillanders William E. , Kim Albert H. , Vij Ravi , DiPersio John F. , Puram Sidharth V. , Chheda Milan G. , Fuh Katherine C. , DeNardo David G. , Fields Ryan C. , Chen Feng , Raphael Benjamin J. , Ding Li
Published: November 2023

Chromatin accessibility is essential in regulating gene expression and cellular identity, and alterations in accessibility have been implicated in driving cancer initiation, progression and metastasis1–4. Although the genetic contributions to oncogenic transitions have been investigated, epigenetic drivers remain less understood. Here we constructed a pan-cancer epigenetic and transcriptomic atlas using single-nucleus chromatin accessibility data (using single-nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin) from 225 samples and matched single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-sequencing expression data from 206 samples. With over 1 million cells from each platform analysed through the enrichment of accessible chromatin regions, transcription factor motifs and regulons, we identified epigenetic drivers associated with cancer transitions. Some epigenetic drivers appeared in multiple cancers (for example, regulatory regions of ABCC1 and VEGFA; GATA6 and FOX-family motifs), whereas others were cancer specific (for example, regulatory regions of FGF19, ASAP2 and EN1, and the PBX3 motif). Among epigenetically altered pathways, TP53, hypoxia and TNF signalling were linked to cancer initiation, whereas oestrogen response, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and apical junction were tied to metastatic transition. Furthermore, we revealed a marked correlation between enhancer accessibility and gene expression and uncovered cooperation between epigenetic and genetic drivers. This atlas provides a foundation for further investigation of epigenetic dynamics in cancer transitions.
Dropsonde observations during the Aerosol Cloud meTeorology Interactions oVer the western ATlantic Experiment
Authors: Vömel Holger , Sorooshian Armin , Robinson Claire , Shingler Taylor J. , Thornhill Kenneth Lee , Ziemba Luke D.
Published: November 2023

The Aerosol Cloud meTeorology Interactions oVer the western ATlantic Experiment (ACTIVATE) field campaign provides accurate data for aerosol characterization and trace gas profiles, and establishes knowledge of the relationships between aerosols and water. The dropsonde dataset provides an in situ characterization of the vertical thermodynamic structure of the atmosphere during 165 research flights by NASA Langley’s King Air research aircraft between February 2020 and June 2022 and four test flights between December 2019 and November 2021. The research flights covered the western North Atlantic region, off the coast of the Eastern United States and around Bermuda and covered all seasons. The dropsonde profiles provide observations of temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and horizontal and vertical winds between the surface and about 9 km. 801 dropsondes were released, of which 796 were processed and 788 provide complete profiles of all parameters between the flight level and the surface with normal parachute performance. Here, we describe the dataset, the processing of the measurements, general statistics, and applications of this rich dataset.