bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sums of squares of polynomials with rational coefficients
Authors: Scheiderer Claus
Published: May 2016

We construct families of explicit (homogeneous) polynomials

f

over

\mathbb Q

that are sums of squares of polynomials over

\mathbb R

, but not over

\mathbb Q

. Whether or not such examples exist was an open question originally raised by Sturmfels. In the case of ternary quartics we prove that our construction yields all possible examples. We also study representations of the

f

we construct as sums of squares of rational functions over

\mathbb Q

, proving lower bounds for the possible degrees of denominators. For deg

(f) = 4

, or for ternary sextics, we obtain explicit such representations with the minimum degree of the denominators.
Symplectic fillings of lens spaces as Lefschetz fibrations
Authors: Bhupal Mohan , Ozbagci Burak
Published: May 2016

We construct a positive allowable Lefschetz fibration over the disk on any minimal (weak) symplectic filling of the canonical contact structure on a lens space. Using this construction we prove that any minimal symplectic filling of the canonical contact structure on a lens space is obtained by a sequence of rational blowdowns from the minimal resolution of the corresponding complex two-dimensional cyclic quotient singularity.
Tenecteplase vs Alteplase for Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Meng Xia , Li Shuya , Dai Hongguo , Lu Guozhi , Wang Weiwei , Che Fengyuan , Geng Yu , Sun Minghui , Li Xiyan , Li Hao , Wang Yongjun
Published: September 2024

Importance

Tenecteplase is a bioengineered variant of alteplase with greater fibrin specificity and a longer half-life, allowing single-bolus administration. Evidence on the treatment effect of tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is limited.

Objective

To establish the noninferiority of tenecteplase to alteplase in patients with AIS within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The ORIGINAL study was a multicenter, active-controlled, parallel-group, randomized, open-label, blinded end point, noninferiority trial conducted between July 14, 2021, and July 14, 2023. Participants were recruited from 55 neurology clinics and stroke centers in China and were eligible if they had AIS with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 1 to 25 with measurable neurologic deficit and were symptomatic for at least 30 minutes without significant improvement.

Interventions

Patients were randomized (1:1) within 4.5 hours of symptom onset to receive intravenous tenecteplase (0.25 mg/kg) or intravenous alteplase (0.9 mg/kg).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 or 1 (no symptoms or no significant disability) at day 90, tested for noninferiority (risk ratio [RR] margin, 0.937). Safety end points included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (per European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III definition) and 90-day all-cause mortality.

Results

Among the 1489 patients randomized, 1465 patients were included in the full analysis set (732 in the tenecteplase group; 733 in the alteplase group) and 446 (30.4%) were female. The primary outcome occurred in 72.7% (532/732) of patients receiving tenecteplase and 70.3% (515/733) receiving alteplase (RR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.97-1.09]; noninferiority threshold met). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 9 patients (1.2%) in each group (RR, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.37-2.70]). The 90-day mortality rate was 4.6% (34/732) in the tenecteplase group and 5.8% (43/736) in the alteplase group (RR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.51-1.23]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with AIS eligible for intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 hours after stroke onset, tenecteplase was noninferior to alteplase with respect to excellent functional outcome (mRS score of 0 or 1) at 90 days and had a similar safety profile. Findings from this study support tenecteplase as a suitable alternative to alteplase in this setting.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04915729
Artificial Intelligence for Language Translation
Authors: Lion K. Casey , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Kim Theresa
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the challenges to implementing artificial intelligence–based translation in clinical settings and what health care organizations can do to mitigate these challenges.
Kidney Outcomes Following Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor vs Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Therapy for Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Li Jianbo , Liu Qinghua , Lian Xingji , Yang Shicong , Lian Rong , Li Wenchuan , Yu Jianwen , Huang Fengxian , Chen Wenfang , He Feng , Chen Wei
Published: September 2024

Importance

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) on kidney biopsy is a pattern of endothelial injury commonly seen in malignant hypertension (mHTN), but treatment strategies are not well established.

Objective

To evaluate the kidney outcomes of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), specifically sacubitril/valsartan, vs angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for patients with mHTN-associated TMA.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center cohort study enrolled consecutive patients in China diagnosed with mHTN-associated TMA through kidney biopsy from January 2008 to June 2023. Follow-up was conducted until the conclusion of the study period. Data were analyzed in September 2023.

Exposures

Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan or ACEI/ARBs during hospitalization and after discharge.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was a composite of kidney recovery: a 50% decrease in serum creatinine level, decrease in serum creatinine levels to the reference range, or kidney survival free from dialysis for more than 1 month. The secondary and tertiary outcomes were a 15% increase in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) relative to baseline and kidney survival free from dialysis, respectively. Propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between sacubitril/valsartan and ACEI/ARB therapy with kidney recovery outcomes.

Results

Among the 217 patients (mean [SD] age, 35.9 [8.8] years; 188 men [86.6%]) included in the study, 66 (30.4%) received sacubitril/valsartan and 151 (69.6%) received ACEI/ARBs at baseline. Sacubitril/valsartan treatment was associated with shorter time to the primary outcome compared with ACEI/ARB treatment (20 of 63 [31.7%] vs 38 of 117 [32.5%]; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.05-3.23). Sacubitril/valsartan treatment was independently associated with shorter time to a 15% increase in eGFR (15 of 46 [32.6%] vs 46 of 83 [55.4%]; aHR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.09-4.17) and kidney survival free from dialysis (11 of 23 [47.8%] vs 16 of 57 [28.1%]; aHR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.15-5.88) compared with ACEI/ARB treatment. These differences remained significant in the PSM comparison.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, sacubitril/valsartan treatment was associated with a potential kidney function benefit in patients with mHTN-associated TMA compared with ACEI/ARB treatment. The findings suggested that sacubitril/valsartan could be a superior therapeutic approach for managing this serious condition in terms of kidney recovery.
Mortality and Function After Widowhood Among Older Adults With Dementia, Cancer, or Organ Failure
Authors: Rodin Rebecca , Smith Alexander K. , Espejo Edie , Gan Siqi , Boscardin W. John , Hunt Lauren J. , Ornstein Katherine A. , Morrison R. Sean
Published: September 2024

Importance

The widowhood effect, in which mortality increases and function decreases in the period following spousal death, may be heightened in older adults with functional impairment and serious illnesses, such as cancer, dementia, or organ failure, who are highly reliant on others, particularly spouses, for support. Yet there are limited data on widowhood among people with these conditions.

Objective

To determine the association of widowhood with function and mortality among older adults with dementia, cancer, or organ failure.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This longitudinal cohort study used population-based, nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study database linked to Medicare claims from 2008 to 2018. Participants were married or partnered community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older with and without cancer, organ failure, or dementia and functional impairment (function score <9 of 11 points), matched on widowhood event and with follow-up until death or disenrollment. Analyses were conducted from September 2021 to May 2024.

Exposure

Widowhood.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Function score (range 0-11 points; 1 point for independence with each activity of daily living [ADL] or instrumental activity of daily living [IADL]; higher score indicates better function) and 1-year mortality.

Results

Among 13 824 participants (mean [SD] age, 70.1 [5.5] years; 6416 [46.4%] female; mean [SD] baseline function score, 10.2 [1.6] points; 1-year mortality: 0.4%) included, 5732 experienced widowhood. There were 319 matched pairs of people with dementia, 1738 matched pairs without dementia, 95 matched pairs with cancer, 2637 matched pairs without cancer, 85 matched pairs with organ failure, and 2705 matched pairs without organ failure. Compared with participants without these illnesses, widowhood was associated with a decline in function immediately following widowhood for people with cancer (change, −1.17 [95% CI, −2.10 to −0.23] points) or dementia (change, −1.00 [95% CI, −1.52 to −0.48] points) but not organ failure (change, −0.84 [95% CI, −1.69 to 0.00] points). Widowhood was also associated with increased 1-year mortality among people with cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08 [95% CI, 1.04 to 1.13]) or dementia (HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.02 to 1.27]) but not organ failure (HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.98 to 1.06]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that widowhood was associated with increased functional decline and increased mortality in older adults with functional impairment and dementia or cancer. These findings suggest that persons with these conditions with high caregiver burden may experience a greater widowhood effect.
Digital Light Processing 3D‐Printed Porous Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia with High‐Thermal Shock Resistance
Authors: Khakzad Moein , Mosadegh Mahdi , Sepasi Zahra , Mehrdad Ehsan , Alsup Zachary , Minary‐Jolandan Majid
Published: September 2024

Advances in vat photopolymerization 3D printing have the potential to significantly improve the production of ceramic materials for electrochemical energy devices. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) necessitate high‐resolution ceramic manufacturing methods, as well as precisely controlled porosity (≈20–40%) for optimal gas transport. Achieving a balance between this porosity and mechanical integrity, especially under thermal stress, remains a challenge. Herein, the successful fabrication of porous yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramics using vat photopolymerization 3D printing is demonstrated, achieving porosities ranging from 6% to 40% and corresponding grain sizes of ≈80–550 nm. It is found that 3D‐printed YSZ with ≈33% porosity exhibited a Weibull modulus of m = 5.3 and a characteristic strength of over 36 MPa. In the investigation, it is further revealed that these ceramics can withstand thermal shock up to 500 °C, retaining over 70% of their flexural strength. This remarkable performance suggests significant potential for 3D‐printed porous YSZ in SOFCs and SOECs, paving the way for potential improved efficiency, reduced fabrication costs, and innovative designs in these next‐generation clean energy technologies.
An All‐Polarized Elastic Topological Metamaterial for Ultrasonic Energy Conveying and Harvesting
Authors: Chen Yafeng , Fan Lei , Zhu Jie , Su Zhongqing
Published: September 2024

Microelastic topological metamaterials (METMs) are of great use in the robust conveying and harvesting of high‐frequency ultrasonic energies. However, current METMs only hold topological edge states of a single flexural mode, restricting their capacity to convey ultrasonic energies of other polarized elastic waves. Moreover, the potential of METMs for ultrasonic energy harvesting remains unexplored. To address these challenges, an all‐polarized elastic topological metamaterial (AETM) is developed, capable of simultaneous conveying and harvesting of ultrasonic energies from elastic waves of all polarizations. This AETM supports broadband topological edge states for both out‐of‐plane and in‐plane modes, enabling the robust conveying of ultrasonic energies from all‐polarized elastic waves. Subsequently, by integrating the AETM with a piezoelectric energy harvester, efficient harvesting of ultrasonic energies conveyed by the AETM is achieved. Notably, the developed AETM with structural simplicity can be easily integrated into micro‐electromechanical systems (MEMSs) for on‐chip ultrasonic wave communication and energy harvesting. This work advances the development of topological metamaterials that can concurrently convey and harvest ultrasonic energies from all‐polarized elastic waves, offering significant potential for various MEMS applications.
Sea Cucumber‐Inspired Polyurethane Demonstrating Record‐Breaking Mechanical Properties in Room‐Temperature Self‐Healing Ionogels
Authors: Xu Fuchang , Li Hongli , Li Yang
Published: September 2024

Practical applications of existing self‐healing ionogels are often hindered by the trade‐off between their mechanical robustness, ionic conductivity, and temperature requirements for their self‐healing ability. Herein, this challenge is addressed by drawing inspiration from sea cucumber. A polyurethane containing multiple hydrogen‐bond donors and acceptors is synthesized and used to fabricate room‐temperature self‐healing ionogels with excellent mechanical properties, high ionic conductivity, puncture resistance, and impact resistance. The hard segments of polyurethane, driven by multiple hydrogen bonds, coalesce into hard phase regions, which can efficiently dissipate energy through the reversible disruption and reformation of multiple hydrogen bonds. Consequently, the resulting ionogels exhibit record‐high tensile strength and toughness compared to other room‐temperature self‐healing ionogels. Furthermore, the inherent reversibility of multiple hydrogen bonds within the hard phase regions allows the ionogels to spontaneously and efficiently self‐heal damaged mechanical properties and ionic conductivity multiple times at room temperature. To underscore their application potential, these ionogels are employed as electrolytes in the fabrication of electrochromic devices, which exhibit excellent and stable electrochromic performance, repeatable healing ability, and satisfactory impact resistance. This study presents a novel strategy for the fabrication of ionogels with exceptional mechanical properties and room‐temperature self‐healing capability.
Mineral Interface Doping: Hydroxyapatite Deposited on Silicon to Trigger the Electronic Properties
Authors: Thissen Peter , Longo Roberto C.
Published: September 2024

Doping silicon wafers without using highly toxic or corrosive chemical substances has become a critical issue for semiconductor device manufacturing. In this work, ultra‐thin films of hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3OH) are prepared by tethering by aggregation and growth (T‐BAG), and further processed by spike annealing. Via in situ infrared (IR), the decomposition of hydroxyapatite and intermixing with the native silicon oxide is observed already at temperatures as low as 200 °C. Phosphate transport through the native silicon oxide is driven by a phase transformation into a more stable thermal oxide. At 700 °C, diffusion of phosphorus into the sub‐surface region of oxide‐free silicon is observed. In situ IR combined with electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements allows to conclude that the phosphorus is: i) transported through the silicon oxide barrier, ii)) diffused inside the oxide‐free silicon, and iii) finally modified the electrical activity of the silicon wafer. To further explain the experimental findings, density‐functional theory (DFT) is used to demonstrate the extent of the effect of phosphorus doping on the electronic nature of silicon surfaces, showing that even small amounts of doping can have a measurable effect on the electrical performance of semiconductor wafers.
Machine‐Learning Analysis of Streptomyces coelicolor Transcriptomes Reveals a Transcription Regulatory Network Encompassing Biosynthetic Gene Clusters
Authors: Lee Yongjae , Choe Donghui , Palsson Bernhard O. , Cho Byung‐Kwan
Published: September 2024

Streptomyces produces diverse secondary metabolites of biopharmaceutical importance, yet the rate of biosynthesis of these metabolites is often hampered by complex transcriptional regulation. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of transcriptional regulation in Streptomyces is key to fully harness its genetic potential. Here, independent component analysis (ICA) of 454 high‐quality gene expression profiles of the model species Streptomyces coelicolor is performed, of which 249 profiles are newly generated for S. coelicolor cultivated on 20 different carbon sources and 64 engineered strains with overexpressed sigma factors. ICA of the transcriptome dataset reveals 117 independently modulated groups of genes (iModulons), which account for 81.6% of the variance in the dataset. The genes in each iModulon are involved in specific cellular responses, which are often transcriptionally controlled by specific regulators. Also, iModulons accurately predict 25 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters encoded in the genome. This systemic analysis leads to reveal the functions of previously uncharacterized genes, putative regulons for 40 transcriptional regulators, including 30 sigma factors, and regulation of secondary metabolism via phosphate‐ and iron‐dependent mechanisms in S. coelicolor. ICA of large transcriptomic datasets thus enlightens a new and fundamental understanding of transcriptional regulation of secondary metabolite synthesis along with interconnected metabolic processes in Streptomyces.
Fracture Behavior of a 2D Imine‐Based Polymer
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Liu Xiaohui , Bodesheim David , Li Wei , Clausner André , Liu Jinxin , Jost Birgit , Dianat Arezoo , Dong Renhao , Feng Xinliang , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Liao Zhongquan , Zschech Ehrenfried
Published: September 2024

2D polymers have emerged as a highly promising category of nanomaterials, owing to their exceptional properties. However, the understanding of their fracture behavior and failure mechanisms remains still limited, posing challenges to their durability in practical applications. This work presents an in‐depth study of the fracture kinetics of a 2D polyimine film, utilizing in situ tensile testing within a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Employing meticulously optimized transferring and patterning techniques, an elastic strain of ≈6.5% is achieved, corresponding to an elastic modulus of (8.6 ± 2.5) GPa of polycrystalline 2D polyimine thin films. In step‐by‐step fractures, multiple cracking events uncover the initiation and development of side crack near the main crack tip which toughens the 2D film. Simultaneously captured strain evolution through digital image correlation (DIC) analysis and observation on the crack edge confirm the occurrence of transgranular fracture patterns apart from intergranular fracture. A preferred cleavage orientation in transgranular fracture is attributed to the difference in directional flexibility along distinct orientations, which is substantiated by density functional‐based tight binding (DFTB) calculations. These findings construct a comprehensive understanding of intrinsic mechanical properties and fracture behavior of an imine‐linked polymer and provide insights and implications for the rational design of 2D polymers.
Densely Imidazolium Functionalized Water Soluble Poly(Ionic Liquid) Binder for Enhanced Performance of Carbon Anode in Lithium/Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Patra Amarshi , Matsumi Noriyoshi
Published: September 2024

The binder's choice holds immense significance in the quest for robust electrochemical performances of lithium/sodium‐ion battery's (LIB/SIB) electrodes. Conventional PVDF binder is a passive polymer lacking the ability to transport Li+/Na+ and facilitate ion kinetics. This limitation poses constraints in achieving high specific capacity, fast charging, and long cycle life. Herein, a novel water‐soluble concentrated imidazolium functionalized poly(ionic liquid), poly(oxycarbonylmethylene 1‐allyl‐3‐methyimidazolium) (PMAI) is synthesized, and evaluated it as binder in LIB/SIB. PMAI‐based anodic‐half cell exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, achieving higher capacities (297 mAhg−1 at 1C for LIBs and 250 mAhg−1 at 60 mAg−1 for SIBs) and good cycle stability (80 % capacity retention after 750 cycles for LIBs; 96% capacity retention after 200 cycles for SIBs), compared to PVDF binder. In addition, PMAI/Gr delivers a higher discharge capacity of 85 mAhg−1 than PVDF/Gr with 47 mAhg−1 at 5C. PMAI‐containing electrodes show better rate capability at different current densities than PVDF binder in LIB/SIB. The enhanced ion diffusion coefficient, lower resistance and decreased activation energy of desolvation, are ascribed to densely polar ionic liquid groups along the polymer and formation of a functionalized SEI via binder reduction. The novel PMAI binder's design and full‐cell examination confirm its potential in secondary‐ion battery applications.
Synthesis and Evaluations of Cleavable Triazene‐Modified Nucleotide for DNA Sequencing
Authors: Wang Pingyang , Tang Bowei , Shen Yumei
Published: September 2024

A fluorescence‐labeled nucleotide with a cleavable triazene linker was designed and synthesized as a potential reversible terminator for DNA sequencing by synthesis (SBS). The key intermediate, a triazene‐modified nucleotide, was successfully synthesized through the triazenylation of an amino‐modified nucleotide, followed by fluorescence labeling to yield the desired product. The synthesized triazene‐modified nucleotide can effectively serve as a substrate for Klenow Fragment (exo−) DNA polymerase and be incorporated into DNA strands. Once the first modified nucleotide is incorporated, no further extension is possible, even with an unblocked 3′‐OH group. After the fluorescent label is completely removed under acidic conditions, the triazene reversible terminator can be incorporated into DNA strands again, thereby enabling the DNA sequencing cycles.
Kinetic Resolution of α‐Allyl‐α‐Cinnamyl Carboxylic Acids Bearing an All‐Carbon Quaternary Stereocenter via Bromolactonization Catalyzed by a Chiral Bifunctional Sulfide
Authors: Okuno Ken , Sumida Sao , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: September 2024

Catalytic kinetic resolutions of racemic carboxylic acids are important methods for preparing chiral carboxylic acids in their optically active forms. While several effective methods for the catalytic kinetic resolution of chiral α‐tertiary carboxylic acids have been reported, the efficient kinetic resolution of α‐quaternary carboxylic acids remains a significant challenge. In this context, we aimed to develop methods for the kinetic resolution of α‐quaternary carboxylic acids. Our approach involves a BINOL‐derived chiral bifunctional sulfide‐catalyzed bromolactonization technique, which was developed by our research group. In this work, we report the kinetic resolution of α‐allyl‐α‐cinnamyl carboxylic acids bearing an α‐quaternary stereocenter via chemo‐ and stereoselective bromolactonizations. The use of a BINOL‐derived chiral bifunctional sulfide catalyst with a hydroxy group was key for the efficient kinetic resolution of racemic α‐allyl‐α‐cinnamyl carboxylic acids.
Cognitive resilience to Alzheimer's disease characterized by cell‐type abundance
Authors: O'Neill Nicholas , Stein Thor D. , Olayinka Oluwatosin A. , Empawi Jenny A. , Hu Junming , Tong Tong , Zhang Xiaoling , Farrer Lindsay A.
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION

The molecular basis of cognitive resilience (CR) among pathologically confirmed Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases is not well understood.

METHODS

Abundance of 13 cell types and neuronal subtypes in brain bulk RNA‐seq data from the anterior caudate, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) obtained from 434 AD cases, 318 cognitively resilient AD cases, and 188 controls in the Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project was estimated by deconvolution.

RESULTS

PVALB+ neuron abundance was negatively associated with cognitive status and tau pathology in the DLPFC and PCC (Padj < 0.001) and the most reduced neuronal subtype in AD cases compared to controls in DLPFC (Padj = 8.4 × 10−7) and PCC (Padj = 0.0015). We identified genome‐wide significant association of neuron abundance with TMEM106B single nucleotide polymorphism rs13237518 in PCC (p = 6.08 × 10−12). rs13237518 was also associated with amyloid beta (p = 0.0085) and tangles (p = 0.0073).

DISCUSSION

High abundance of PVALB+ neurons may be a marker of CR. TMEM106B variants may influence CR independent of AD pathology.

Highlights

Neuron retention and a lack of astrocytosis are highly predictive of Alzheimer's disease (AD) resilience.

PVALB+ GABAergic and RORB+ glutamatergic neurons are associated with cognitive status.

A TMEM106B single nucleotide polymorphism is related to lower AD risk, higher neuron count, and increased AD pathology.
Transforming Element Sulfur to High Performance Closed‐Loop Recyclable Polymer via Proton Transfer Enabled Anionic Hybrid Copolymerization
Authors: Yang Hongjun , Zhang Jikai , Huang Wenyan , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: September 2024

The utilization of sulfur has been a global issue. Copolymerization of element sulfur (S8) with other monomers is a promising route to convert it to useful materials but is limited by the comonomers. Here, we report anionic hybrid copolymerization of S8 with acrylate and epoxide at room temperature, where S8 does not copolymerize with epoxide in the absence of acrylate. Yet, the proton transfer from the methyne in acrylate to the oxygen anion enables the ring‐opening of the cyclic comonomer and hence the copolymerization. The cyclic comonomers can be expanded to lactone and cyclic carbonate. Specifically, the copolymer of S8 with bisphenl A diglycidyl ether and diacrylate displays mechanical properties comparable to those of most common plastics, namely, it has ultimate tensile strength as high as 60.8 MPa and Young's modulus up to 680 MPa. It also exhibits high UV resistance and good transparency. Particularly, it has excellent UV‐induced self‐healing, reprocessability and closed‐loop recyclability due to the abundant dynamic S−S bonds and ester groups. This study provides an efficient strategy to turn element sulfur into closed‐loop recyclable polymer with high mechanical and optical performances.
Screening of Silver‐Based Single‐Atom Alloy Catalysts for NO Electroreduction to NH3 by DFT Calculations and Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Jieyu , Wang Shuoao , Tian Yunyan , Guo Haiqiang , Chen Xing , Lei Weiwei , Yu Yifu , Wang Changhong
Published: September 2024

Exploring NO reduction reaction (NORR) electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity toward NH3 is essential for both NO removal and NH3 synthesis. Due to their superior electrocatalytic activities, single‐atom alloy (SAA) catalysts have attracted considerable attention. However, the exploration of SAAs is hindered by a lack of fast yet reliable prediction of catalytic performance. To address this problem, we comprehensively screened a series of transition‐metal atom doped Ag‐based SAAs. This screening process involves regression machine learning (ML) algorithms and a compressed‐sensing data‐analytics approach parameterized with density‐functional inputs. The results demonstrate that Cu/Ag and Zn/Ag can efficiently activate and hydrogenate NO with small Φmax(η), a grand‐canonical adaptation of the Gmax(η) descriptor, and exhibit higher affinity to NO over H adatoms to suppress the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. The NH3 selectivity is mainly determined by the s orbitals of the doped single‐atom near the Fermi level. The catalytic activity of SAAs is highly correlated with the local environment of the active site. We further quantified the relationship between the intrinsic features of these active sites and Φmax(η). Our work clarifies the mechanism of NORR to NH3 and offers a design principle to guide the screen of highly active SAA catalysts.
Self‐healable corrosion‐protective alkyd resin based on microencapsulated natural tung oil
Authors: Jafarabadi Shakiba , Shakeri Alireza , Kachoei Zahra
Published: September 2024

This article introduces a new method in which tung oil is employed as a bio‐friendly curative substance enclosed within melamine‐urea‐formaldehyde microcapsules. Due to the high reactivity of melamine, particle agglomeration can occur. To tackle this issue, this study focuses on optimizing the quantity of emulsifiers to achieve the best microcapsules with 15% melamine in the shell structure without particle agglomeration. The impact of melamine content and the quantity of emulsifier on the morphology of the synthesized microcapsules, the reaction yield, core content, and the hardness of the microcapsule shell were investigated. The presence of tung oil in melamine‐urea‐formaldehyde microcapsules was proven by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed the spherical morphology of the capsules with a mean diameter of 2.29 μm. UV–vis analysis and nano‐indentation tests were used to evaluate the core content and the hardness of the result microcapsules, respectively. Finally, one sample, as the best microcapsule, was dispersed in an alkyd‐based resin in the amount of 1, 2.5, and 5 wt% and applied on a steel substrate for its ability to prevent corrosion. The study also highlights the adverse effect of excessive capsule usage in the resin, as demonstrated by reduced resin adhesion to the substrate, according to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray tests. The study found that the best long‐term anticorrosion properties are achieved by including 1 wt% of microcapsules in an alkyd resin.
Health‐promoting worms? Prospects and pitfalls of helminth therapy
Authors: Lamminpää Ingrid , Boem Federico , Amedei Amedeo
Published: September 2024

In this manuscript, we explore the potential therapeutic use of helminths. After analyzing helminths’ role in connection with human health from the perspective of their symbiotic and evolutionary relationship, we critically examine some studies on their therapeutic applications. In doing so, we focus on some prominent mechanisms of action and potential benefits, but also on the exaggerations and theoretical and methodological difficulties of such proposals. We conclude that further studies are needed to fully explore the potential benefits of this perspective, and we encourage the scientific community in doing so.
The safety and effectiveness of music medicine as an intervention for depression: A systematic evaluation and re‐evaluation
Authors: Zhong Dayuan , Cheng Hui , Pan Zhenghua , Liu Yumei , Liu Pingwen , Li Jiarong , Chen Jiaqi , Deng Yihui , Ou Xueming , Li Huanjie , Kong Xiangbo
Published: September 2024

Background

As the methodological quality and evidence level of the existing systematic reviews (SRs) on music as an intervention for depression have not been thoroughly evaluated, a systematic evaluation and re‐evaluation (SERE) was conducted.

Methods

Multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, Wanfang, and the VIP database were searched for SRs and meta‐analyses (MAs) on the effectiveness of music as an intervention for depression. The literature screening, evaluation of methodological quality, and assessment of evidence level were carried out by a team of researchers. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) scale in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were utilized to assess the level of evidence.

Results

A total of 18 SRs were included in the analysis. The 2020 PRISMA guidelines were utilized to evaluate various aspects such as search terms, funding sources, statistical methods for missing values, subgroup and sensitivity analyses, certainty assessment, excluded literature citations, assessment of publication bias, protocol information, conflicts of interest, and data availability, which were rarely reported. The evaluation of the studies using the AMSTAR 2 scale revealed that one article was rated as high quality, six were rated as low quality, and 11 were rated as very low quality. Based on the GRADE criteria evaluation, the quality of the evidence was found to be inconsistent, with reports primarily consisting of medium‐quality evidence.

Conclusion

The methodological quality of SRs/MAs of music as an intervention in depression is generally poor, and the level of evidence is generally low.
Pain neuroscience education and motor imagery‐based exercise protocol for patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kircali Selin , Özcan Öznur Özge , Karahan Mesut
Published: September 2024

Background

This study is a randomized controlled, biopsychosocial study investigating the effectiveness of pain neuroscience education (PNE) and motor imagery‐based exercise protocol (MIEP) on fibromyalgia pain.

Methods

Our study has four groups (MIEP n = 12, PNE n = 12, MIEP + PNE n = 14, Control n = 12) and all participants (n = 50) consist of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia with chronic back pain. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity, and secondary outcome measures were beliefs, kinesiophobia, anxiety–depression, cognitive–mood, self‐esteem, and body awareness.

Results

A statistically significant decrease in pain intensity was observed in all experimental groups, without any group being superior (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]: MIEP + PNE p = .003, 95% confidence interval [CI], −4.7078 to −0.9922; MIEP p = .003, 95% CI, −5.4806 to −1.0194; PNE p = .002, 95% CI, −3.6139 to −1.5461). There was a significant improvement in organic beliefs in both groups where PNE was applied (MIEP + PNE: p = .017, 95% CI, −7.8211 to −0.3189; PNE: p = .003, 95% CI, −9.7999 to −0.0401). A significant superiority in organic pain beliefs was detected in the MIEP + PNE group compared to the control group (p = .008, 95% CI, 1.7241–9.4959).

Conclusions

According to this study, in which MIEP and PNE were combined, there was a decrease in pain intensity when both applications were applied together and when they were applied one by one. MIEP has improved her motor imagery ability, improved pain and increased body awareness. PNE has improved people's organic pain beliefs; removed people from fears, catastrophizing, and negative thoughts about pain; improved easier management of psychological processes and cognitive–emotion regulation ability.
C‐reactive protein/albumin ratio as a novel predictor for nutritional status of geriatric patients
Authors: Kaya Tezcan , Ulaş Sena Boncuk , Nalbant Ahmet , Yıldırım İlhan , İşsever Kubilay , Karacaer Cengiz , Bilgin Cahit , Vatan Aslı , Acar Türkan , Acar Bilgehan Atılgan , Aras Yeşim Güzey , Köroğlu Mehmet
Published: September 2024

Background and aims

The C‐reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel parameter that has been reported as a significant prognostic marker in some diseases. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the predictive value of this ratio with regard to nutritional status in geriatric patients.

Methods and results

A total of 154 geriatric patients (age ≥65 years) who consecutively presented to the internal medicine outpatient clinic were included in this cross‐sectional study. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used as a reference to determine the nutritional status of the patients. Based on the MNA results, the patients were divided into two groups: normal nutrition and malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The median CAR of malnourished patients or those at risk of malnutrition was significantly higher than that of patients with normal nutritional status (p = .012). A significant negative correlation was also observed between the MNA score and the CAR (r = −0.196, p = .015). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the CAR was a significant predictor of malnourishment or the risk of malnutrition (p = .012).

Conclusion

The CAR could predict which geriatric patients were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. CAR may be used as a new tool in the nutritional screening of geriatric patients.
Mainstreaming innovative circular economy solutions—A comparative study between entrepreneurs in developed versus emerging markets and developing economies
Authors: Rataj Olga , Kemp René , Mordaszewska Katarzyna
Published: September 2024

This paper aims at enabling the acceleration of CE transitions by offering insights into processes that need to take place to mainstream (or scale from niches to regimes) entrepreneurial solutions in two contexts, i.e., developed versus emerging markets and developing economies. Entrepreneurs play a crucial role in spurring innovation. The emergence of innovative solutions is a prerequisite for unlocking CE transitions. Yet, to sustain the transitions, it is critical that the solutions are mainstreamed. The mainstreaming is facilitated by strategic collective system building activities of entrepreneurs as a necessary but probably not sufficient element of CE transitions. Based on a qualitative approach to assessing such activities, involving an online survey and interviews with entrepreneurs in Austria and Southern Mediterranean, the research results reveal that technological innovation is significantly more important in developed economies in comparison to emerging markets and developing economies, where societal innovation is at the core of CE transitions. Also, raising user awareness and competition with incumbents are significantly more important in emerging markets and developing economies than in developed economies. In both contexts, knowledge development within a company is the key activity enabling mainstreaming of innovative CE solutions.
Serum matrix metalloproteinase‐7, Syndecan‐1, and CA 19‐9 as a biomarker panel for diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yablecovitch Doron , Nadler Moshe , Ben‐Horin Shomron , Picard Orit , Yavzori Miri , Fudim Ella , Duchan Moran Tardio , Sakhnini Emad , Lang Alon , Lahav Maor , Saker Talia , Neuman Sandra , Selinger Limor , Freitz Biana , Dvir Revital , Raitses‐Gurevich Maria , Golan Talia , Levy Idan , Laish Ido
Published: September 2024

Aims and Background

Matrix metalloproteinase‐7 (MMP‐7) and Syndecan‐1 (SDC1) are involved in multiple functions during tumorigenesis. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of these serum proteins, as potential biomarkers, in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and benign pancreatic cysts.

Methods

In this case–control study, patients with newly diagnosed PDAC (N = 121) were compared with the benign cyst (N = 66) and healthy control (N = 48) groups. Serum MMP‐7 and SDC1 were measured by ELISA. The diagnostic accuracy of their levels for diagnosing PDAC and pancreatic cysts was computed, and their association with survival outcomes was evaluated.

Results

MMP‐7 median serum levels were significantly elevated in the PDAC (7.3 ng/mL) and cyst groups (3.7 ng/mL) compared with controls (2.9 ng/mL) (p < 0.001 and 0.02, respectively), and also between the PDAC and cyst groups (p < 0.001), while SDC1 median serum levels were significantly elevated in PDAC (43.3 ng/mL) compared with either cysts (30.1 ng/mL, p < 0.001) or controls (31.2 ng/mL, p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis area under the curve in PDAC versus controls was 0.90 and 0.78 for MMP‐7 and SDC1, respectively, while it was 1.0 for the combination of the two and CA 19‐9 (p < 0.001). The combination of the three biomarkers had a perfect sensitivity (100%).

Conclusions

Due to its high sensitivity, this biomarker panel has the potential to rule out PDAC in suspected cases.
Panax notoginseng Saponins Ameliorate Gamma Radiation‐Mediated Damages in Human Peripheral Blood Monocytes and Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Yang Ming‐Yu , Zhao Xing‐Hua
Published: September 2024

In this study, the protective effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) against gamma radiation‐induced DNA damage and associated physiological alterations in Swiss albino mice were investigated. Exposure to gamma radiation led to a dose‐dependent increase in cytokinesis‐blocked micronuclei (CBMN) double‐strand DNA breaks (DSBs), dicentric aberrations (DC), formation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. However, pretreatment with PNS at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 µg/mL significantly attenuated the frequencies of DC and CBMN in a concentration‐dependent manner. PNS administration before radiation exposure also reduced radiation‐induced DSBs in BL, indicating protection against reactive oxygen species generation and DNA damage. Notably, pretreatment with PNS at 10 µg/mL prevented the overexpression of γ‐H2AX, proteins associated with DNA damage response, in irradiated mice. In addition, in vivo studies showed intraperitoneal administration of PNS (25 mg/kg body weight) for 1 h before radiation exposure mitigated lipid peroxidation levels and restored antioxidant status, countering oxidative damage induced by gamma radiation. Furthermore, PNS pretreatment reversed the decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) content, white blood cell count, and red blood cell count in irradiated mice, indicating preservation of hematological parameters. Overall, PNS demonstrated an anticlastogenic effect by modulating radiation‐induced DSBs and preventing oxidative damage, thus highlighting its potential as a protective agent against radiation‐induced DNA damage and associated physiological alterations. Clinically, PNS will be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, but their pharmacological properties and toxicity profiles need to be studied.
The Application of Metallic Sn in Sn‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Hong , Shen Qing , Hayase Shuzi
Published: September 2024

Nontoxic Sn‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent a promising alternative to Pb‐based PSCs, given their similar electronic properties and an ideal bandgap, accompanied by the highest theoretical efficiency (>33%). However, the performance of Sn‐based PSCs lags significantly behind their Pb‐based counterparts. This disparity arises from the susceptibility of Sn2+ to easy oxidation to Sn4+, an energy level mismatch, and fast crystilization. It is widely acknowledged that the oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+ results in severe P‐type doping, leading to increased recombination, which is a primary factor contributing to the lower device performance. In this perspective article, we summarized the utilization of metallic Sn in Sn‐based PSCs to facilitate the reduction of Sn4+ back to Sn2+. This approach is preferred due to its effectiveness, simplicity in process, and the absence of introducing additional impurities. Moreover, metallic Sn can serve as a source for synthesizing SnI2 and act as hole transport material through transformation from Sn to SnOx. We hope this article serve as a valuable reference for the ongoing development of Sn‐based materials in PSCs technology.
Research advances in molecular mechanisms regulating heat tolerance in cool‐season turfgrasses
Authors: Rossi Stephanie , Huang Bingru
Published: September 2024

Cool‐season turfgrasses widely used on golf courses, athletic fields, and other landscapes are environmentally and economically important, but they are functionally and aesthetically damaged under prolonged exposure to high temperatures because of their sensitivity to heat stress. Because the consequences of climate change include elevated global temperatures, it is necessary to understand mechanisms underlying heat tolerance in cool‐season turfgrasses to improve heat tolerance and maintain high‐quality turf during the summer, when heat stress is most severe. This paper identifies major metabolic pathways associated with genes differentially expressed in heat‐tolerant cultivars or species of different turfgrasses by overviewing research from studies using comparative transcriptomics, proteomics, and biotechnological approaches and provides insight into progress toward elucidating the genetic and molecular factors regulating heat tolerance in cool‐season turfgrasses. Key molecular factors and genes associated with heat tolerance in cool‐season turfgrasses include those in the following cellular and metabolic processes or pathways: (1) cell cycle and DNA synthesis, replication, stability, and binding factors; (2) heat shock proteins for stress protection and protease enzymes controlling protein degradation or turnover; (3) carbohydrate metabolism for chloroplast development, chlorophyll degradation enzymes regulating the stay‐green phenotype, photochemical efficiency, carboxylation, and cytochrome respiratory activities; (4) activation of antioxidant metabolism for oxidation protection; (5) modulation of lipid saturation and composition to maintain cellular membrane integrity; and (6) upregulation of secondary metabolism for stress defense. Understanding how these regulatory mechanisms cohesively operate during heat stress will facilitate the development of cool‐season turfgrass germplasm with greater heat tolerance through breeding and biotechnological methods.
Role of Hydroxyl Groups in Zn‐containing Nanosized MFI Zeolite for the Photocatalytic Oxidation of Methane
Authors: Piva Diógenes , Fang Geqian , Ghojavand Sajjad , Dalena Francesco , AlHajjar Nour , De Waele Vincent , Ordomsky Vitaly , Khodakov Andrei , Tayeb Karima Ben , Fernandes Tiago , Mintova Svetlana
Published: September 2024

The effective conversion of methane to a mixture of more valuable hydrocarbons and hydrogen under mild conditions is a significant scientific and practical challenge. Here, we synthesized Zn‐containing nanosized MFI zeolite for direct oxidation of methane in the presence of H2O and air. The presence of the surface hydroxyl groups on nanosized MFI‐type zeolite and their significant reduction in the Zn‐containing nanosized MFI zeolite were confirmed with Infrared Fourier Transform (FTIR) spectroscopy. Incorporation of zinc atoms into the framework of nanosized MFI zeolite is revealed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, X‐ray Diffraction and UV‐Vis Spectroscopy. Unexpectedly, pure silica MFI zeolite exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance. Our findings demonstrated that large number of isolated silanol groups and silanol nests increase the formation of ⋅OH, and enhance the productivity of oxygenate compounds and C2H6, while the Zn incorporated into the zeolite framework or attached to the silanol nests of the nanosized zeolites are less efficient. A mechanism of photocatalytic methane oxidation is proposed. These findings provide insights into the development of active nanosized zeolite photocatalysts with an extended amount of surface hydroxyl groups that can play a key role in photocatalytic methane conversion.