bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Trastuzumab and Lonidamine‐Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles (LNP) on HER2+ Breast Cancer
Authors: Ozlem Zurnaci Fatma , Ozdatli Kurtulus Sukran , Sengel Turk Ceyda Tuba , Hascicek Canan , Guzel Mustafa
Published: June 2024

Our study involves inhibition of glycolysis and inhibition of the HER2 pathway, which is highly expressed in many types of cancer. Decreased survival, negative metastasis, and induced apoptosis are expected due to the combined inhibition of these two targets. Trastuzumab was used as the HER2 inhibitor and lonidamine was used as the HK2 inhibitor. Lonidamine (LND) was delivered to cells as hybrid nanoparticles to enhance the effect of lonidamine and make it target specific. Separate cytotoxicity studies were conducted for LND, LND‐NP and Tmab. While application of lonidamine alone gave an IC50 value of 124.6 μM, application in NP reduced the IC50 value to 44.18 μM. In addition, the combination of Tmab and LND‐NP showed synergistic effects compared to treatments alone in other analyses. On the aspect of apoptosis, this combination showed a 14‐fold increased apoptosis compared to the control group. This combination therapy can prevent drug resistance. In addition, the hybrid nanoparticle structure used will prevent the formation of toxicity as it will ensure that LND is administered to the body with less repetition. Our study aims to minimize the negative effects of the chemotherapy process by improving it with various variations in future studies.
Post‐Synthetic Modification of Mixed‐Metal UiO‐66 Framework for Rapid Neutralization of Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Banerjee Shaibal
Published: June 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of materials for catalysis, offering unique opportunities for designing efficient and selective catalysts. In this study, we have focused on the synthesis and catalytic activity of a novel mixed metal MOF, Ce/Zr−UiO‐66@LiOtBu, designed for the rapid hydrolysis of chemical warfare agents simulants: dimethyl 4‐nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP) and 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). This MOF was thoroughly characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), BET surface area, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). The catalytic performance of Ce/Zr−UiO‐66@LiOtBu was monitored in the hydrolysis of DMNP and CEES by using 31P NMR and GC‐MS respectively. Remarkably, the MOF demonstrated rapid and efficient catalytic activity, breaking the P−O bond in DMNP with 2 min and the hydrolysis of CEES was observed in less than 45 min The results suggest the potential application of Ce/Zr−UiO‐66@LiOtBu as a robust catalyst in the detoxification of chemical warfare agent simulants. Our findings highlight the novelty of Ce/Zr−UiO‐66@LiOtBu as a catalytically active MOF, showcasing the successful integration of cerium ions and lithium tert‐butoxide to enhance basicity.
Antibacterial Effect, ADMET Properties, and Molecular Docking of Morpholine Derivatives with Varying Alkyl Chain Length Against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Isolates
Authors: Ahumada‐Santos Yesmi Patricia , Sánchez‐Lugo Yesenia , Romero‐Ávila Margarita , Maldonado‐Domínguez Mauricio , López‐Angulo Gabriela , Báez‐Flores María Elena , Díaz‐Camacho Sylvia Paz , Nieto‐López María Mercedes , Valenzuela‐Ramirez Gladymar Guadalupe , Pérez Blas Flores , Parra‐Unda Jesús Ricardo
Published: June 2024

In this work, we synthesized a series of nine tetraalkylammonium salts derived from N‐methyl morpholine and assessed their antibacterial efficacy against Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The investigated morpholinium cations differ by the length of one linear alkyl chain, which ranges from 1 to 18 carbon atoms. We found that compounds with alkyl chains in the n‐C12H25‐(n‐dodecyl) to C16H33‐(n‐hexadecyl) display the highest bactericidal effects, exhibiting Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values of 3.9 μg/mL – surpassing the effectiveness of the commercial drug Linezolid. Conversely, compounds with shorter chains (<5 carbon atoms) are inactive against MRSA, establishing a clear structure‐activity relationship. Assays on A. salina reveal that short‐alkyl‐chain morpholinium derivatives, inactive against MRSA), are moderately toxic, while the strongest bactericides of our set demonstrate high or extreme toxicity to A. salina. Our findings underscore the potential of morpholine derivatives as a means to control Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and pinpoint the need to develop safe applications for these compounds given their potential toxicity.
Effects of Br Substitution on Inorganic Rudorffite AgBiI4 for Stable, Pb‐Free Solar Cells
Authors: Jeon Byeong‐Cheol , Kim Jinhyun , Moon Taeho
Published: June 2024

Despite the rapid development of Pb‐based perovskites, the presence of toxic Pb and insufficient stability remain discouraging factors for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Therefore, research on Pb‐free absorbers exhibiting long‐term stability is required. Herein, AgBi(I1−xBrx)4 thin films having a hexagonal rudorffite structure were fabricated using a solution process in ambient atmosphere for cost‐effective and environmentally benign photovoltaics. Br substitution increases the grain size and results in a pinhole‐free morphology. Furthermore, photoluminescence analyses confirm that Br substitution reduces the trap‐state density. Consequently, device efficiency is enhanced through Br substitution. Importantly, Br substitution results in considerably improved device stability, with devices maintaining 80 % of their initial efficiency for 26 days in ambient atmosphere without encapsulation.
The Role of Catechol in Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Derivatives for Neuroprotective Effects
Authors: Hao Yameng
Published: June 2024

Neurodegenerative disorders are chronic, progressive neurological diseases characterized by damage to neuron cells. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play crucial roles in inducing these disorders. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and its sulfone derivatives have demonstrated antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, suggesting their potential as neuroprotective agents. In this study, 8 sulfone derivatives were designed and synthesized to explore the importance of catechol and structure–activity relationship of CAPE sulfone derivatives. Hydroxyl groups in catechol were replaced by ‐NO2, ‐NH2 or ‐H, and their free radical scavenging, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory abilities were evaluated. It was found that the antioxidant activitiy was dominated by the catechol moiety in CAPE derivatives, while the anti‐inflammtory activity was not. Furthermore, the stabilization of catechol after affording H⋅ to eliminate free radicals possibly occurred through hydrogen bond ranther than electron transfer via p‐π conjugation. After the analysis, all the target compounds lost antioxidant properties at cellular level, and among them, the target compound (E)‐2‐amino‐4‐(2‐(phenethylsulfonyl)vinyl) phenol with p‐NH2 and m‐OH showed the best free radical scavaging acivitity and retained anti‐inflammatory activity.
Molybdenum (VI) Complexes and their Dual Role as Antidiabetic and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Saravanan Tharani , Sheela Angappan
Published: June 2024

Two molybdenum complexes, MoHL1 and MoHL2, are prepared from the corresponding tetradentate salen type (ONNO) ligands, HL1 and HL2, obtained from 3, 5‐dichloro salicylaldehyde, and substituted o‐phenylenediamines. The complexes are characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, HRMS, and UV‐visible spectral techniques. The DFT studies provide insight into their structural parameters. The band gap energy and molecular orbital energies influence the charge transfer interactions within the molecule. Further, the complexes are assessed for their antioxidant efficacy, α–amylase inhibitory potential, binding propensity with deoxyribonucleic acid, and cytotoxicity studies against breast cancer cell line, MCF7. The DPPH assay demonstrates high radical scavenging ability, as evidenced by the IC50 value of 133.85±1.18 μg/mL, higher than ascorbic acid. From the results of α–amylase inhibitory assay, MoHL1 shows good inhibitory action with the IC50 value of 32.72±2.49 μg/mL higher than that of the standard acarbose. The absorption titration method, to track the binding interactions of the metal complexes with DNA, shows a marked hyperchromic effect indicating preferential binding of the complexes to the grooves of DNA helical structure. MoHL2 exerts higher cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines than MoHL1. Thus, the complexes have the potential to be developed as antidiabetic and anticancer agents.
A Theoretical and Computational Study of Structure‐Property Relationship in Five Binary Liquid Alloys
Authors: Singh Arvind , Patel Raj Kumar , Mishra Raj Kumar , Lalneihpuii R.
Published: June 2024

A theoretical model is proposed in this work for the evaluation of composition‐dependent thermophysical properties such as the isothermal compressibility, velocity of sound and Debye temperature of liquid binary alloys. Using a square‐well (SW) model potential function under mean spherical model approximation, the composition‐dependent atomic‐level structural functions of Al1‐xCux, Ag1‐xCux, Au1‐xCux, Ag1‐xAlx, and Au1‐xAgx alloys have been determined and compared with available experimental data. An extensive computation was done to calculate the composition‐dependent isothermal compressibility through the structure factor in the long wavelength limit (k→0), and then we employed this data to investigate the velocity of sound in the considered melts. This yields the fundamental maximum frequency with which the constituent particles are vibrating in the melts and is used to determine the composition‐dependent Debye temperature, ΘD. The computed Debye temperature of considered melts using the Square‐well potential function is found to be in satisfactory agreement with the available DFT and MD simulation results.
Fly‐Ash Cenosphere as Non‐Porous Ag‐Nanoparticle Support for Epoxidation of Styrene
Authors: Tarasova N. , Khanov M. , Vorobiev D. , Abramyan A. , Uchaev D. , Sozykin S. , Bol'shakov O.
Published: June 2024

The global strategy to reduce waste production implies development of recycling technologies and conversion of various waste into value‐added products. Fly ash is an industrial waste produced in a large amount. It comprised an aluminosilicate cenosphere, which seems perspective as a support for heterogeneous catalysts. Here we report the preparation and application of heterogeneous silver nanocatalysts deposited on cenosphere in the epoxidation reaction, a relevant process for preparation of valuable organic precursors and target chemicals. Reductive wet deposition method yields Ag nano‐dispersed coating of improved quality represented by Ag particles of about 2.7 nm on the surface of the microspheres size of 50–250 microns for catalytic synthesis of styrene‐oxide. The 0.1 mmol/g Ag/cenosphere provided best catalytic results with threefold excess oftret‐butyl hydroperoxide in acetonitrile at 80 °C. Comparison of fly ash cenosphere with other supports suggests that low porosity of microspherical support allows for an easier access of reagents to active sites of the catalyst and significantly increases the yield of epoxide and selectivity of the reaction.
Cu‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Coumarin‐1,2,3‐Triazole Hybrids connected with Quinoline or Pyridine Framework**
Authors: Douka Matina D. , Sigala Ioanna M. , Nikolakaki Eleni , Prousis Kyriakos C. , Hadjipavlou‐Litina Dimitra J. , Litinas Konstantinos E.
Published: June 2024

Coumarin‐1,2,3‐triazole hybrids connected to quinoline or pyridine framework have been synthesized in good to excellent yield by the 1,3‐dipolar azide alkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuACC) of 4‐azidocoumarin with propargyl quinoline or propargyl pyridine derivatives in the presence of CuSO4.5H2O or CuI as catalyst. Similar reaction of 4‐azidocoumarin or tetrazolo[1,5‐a]pyridine with 4‐propargyloxycoumarin and 4‐propargylaminocoumarin resulted in the synthesis of the corresponding coumarin‐1,2,3‐triazole hybrids. Some preliminary screening test for some biological activities of new compounds have been performed.
Evaluating the impact of metabolic and cognitive stress on ghrelin and nesfatin‐1 hormones in patients with diabetes and diabetic depression
Authors: Algul Sermin , Ozcelik Oguz
Published: June 2024

Nesfatin‐1 and ghrelin, initially recognised as hormones involved in regulating energy, have emerged as crucial players with vital functions in various human body systems. In this study, we conducted a comparative assessment of nesfatin‐1 and ghrelin responses in individuals experiencing metabolic stress due to diabetes, those with depressive diabetes characterised by both metabolic and mental stress, and healthy controls. We collected blood samples from a total of 90 participants, consisting of 30 people with type II diabetes mellitus (DM), 30 people with type II DM and major depressive disorders, and 30 healthy individuals. Diabetes was diagnosed based on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, while depression was assessed using DSM‐V criteria. Insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated, and serum ghrelin and nesfatin‐1 levels were measured using ELISA kits. We observed statistically significant decreases in nesfatin‐1 and ghrelin levels in the diabetic group (p < 0.0001). However, in the depressive diabetic group, nesfatin‐1 levels increased significantly, while ghrelin levels decreased further. The nesfatin‐1 to ghrelin ratio decreased in the diabetic group but increased significantly in the depressive diabetic group (p < 0.0001). Nesfatin‐1 and ghrelin hormones exhibit parallel impacts in response to metabolic stress, but nesfatin‐1 demonstrates contrasting actions compared to ghrelin when mental stress is added to metabolic stress. The findings of this study suggest that nesfatin‐1 and ghrelin hormones may play active roles as protective, prognostic, and even etiological factors in various stress situations, particularly those involving mental stress, in addition to their known functions in regulating energy.
Leaf‐Inspired Hetero‐Structure WS2/WO3 In Situ Embedded on Pomelo Peel Derived Carbon for Supercapacitor and Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Zheng Yujing , Lian Yue , Zhao Jing , Hu Yong Feng , Zhang Huaihao
Published: June 2024

Composite materials have occupied a reliable position in electrochemical energy storage and conversion due to their double electric layer and pseudocapacitance. In this work, a leaf‐like heterostructure composite, obtained by peeling – carbonizing – in situ sulfuration/oxidation approach for the first time, is investigated as electrode material for electrochemical capacitance behavior. The thin and highly active transition metal WS2 acts as an energetic “blade” to trap free ions, which are then transported across the material through a strong “tendon skeleton” WO3. The derived carbon PPC with a large aspect ratio holds up the overall leaf structure, also as a “warehouse” for ion storage, thus enhancing the conductivity and wettability of the material. The above three (WS2+WO3+PPC) synergistically provide outstanding double‐layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance. In particular, the vacancy defects, constructed at the heterogenous interface from WS2‐WO3 in situ growth, can still achieve superior ion absorption/desorption ability even under large current density and high concentration brackish solution.
Stabilizing High‐Valence Copper(I) Sites with Cu–Ni Interfaces Enhances Electroreduction of CO2 to C2+ Products
Authors: Du Yi‐Ran , Li Xiao‐Qiang , Yang Xian‐Xia , Duan Guo‐Yi , Chen Yong‐Mei , Xu Bao‐Hua
Published: June 2024

In this study, the copper‐nickel (Cu–Ni) bimetallic electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction(CO2RR) are fabricated by taking the finely designed poly(ionic liquids) (PIL) containing abundant Salen and imidazolium chelating sites as the surficial layer, wherein Cu–Ni, PIL–Cu and PIL–Ni interaction can be readily regulated by different synthetic scheme. As a proof of concept, Cu@Salen‐PIL@Ni(NO3)2 and Cu@Salen‐PIL(Ni) hybrids differ significantly in the types and distribution of Ni species and Cu species at the surface, thereby delivering distinct Cu–Ni cooperation fashion for the CO2RR. Remarkably, Cu@Salen‐PIL@Ni(NO3)2 provides a C2+ faradaic efficiency (FEC2+) of 80.9% with partial current density (jC2+) of 262.9 mA cm−2 at −0.80 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) in 1 m KOH in a flow cell, while Cu@Salen‐PIL(Ni) delivers the optimal FEC2+ of 63.8% at jC2+ of 146.7 mA cm−2 at −0.78 V. Mechanistic studies indicates that the presence of Cu–Ni interfaces in Cu@Salen‐PIL@Ni(NO3)2 accounts for the preserve of high‐valence Cu(I) species under CO2RR conditions. It results in a high activity of both CO2‐to‐CO conversion and C–C coupling while inhibition of the competitive HER.
Carbon Macrosegregation Pattern in 30Cr15Mo1N Ingot: Impact of Pouring Rate
Authors: He Zhi‐Yu , Zhu Hong‐Chun , Li Hua‐Bing , Ni Zhuo‐Wen , Luo Han‐Xun , Feng Hao , Zhang Shu‐Cai , Jiang Zhou‐Hua
Published: June 2024

The effect of the pouring rate on the carbon macrosegregation in 30Cr15Mo1N ingots has been clarified by investigating changes in the content of carbon‐containing precipitated phases, cooling rate, secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) and the flow characteristics of molten steel. During the solidification process, the solute‐enriched liquid steel migrates toward the center of the ingot under the action of convection, resulting in an increasing segregation ratio from the edge to the center. However, the growth of equiaxed grains partially restricts the flow of solute‐enriched liquid steel, which leads to a maximum segregation ratio not at the center but at approximately a quarter radius from the center. Furthermore, due to the upward flow of molten steel in the center, positive segregation occurs at the top. An increment in the pouring rate reduces the SDAS by enhancing the cooling rate, and thus the permeability decreases. It aggravates the carbon macrosegregation horizontally. However, increasing the pouring rate decreases the carbon macrosegregation vertically. This is due to the more intense flow of molten steel and the larger liquid phase region at higher pouring rate, which reduces the solute enrichment degree and promotes compositional homogeneity above and below the ingot.
Study on Grain Growth Tendency and Its Correlation with Recrystallization and Precipitation in High‐Nb 444‐Type Ferritic Stainless Steel during Brazing
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Wang Xiaoya , Su Wenjuan , Xie Zhenjia , Zhang Wei , Zhou Jie , Li Yufeng , Wang Changbo , Lu Qingsong , Shang Chengjia
Published: June 2024

This study elucidates the determining role of initial recrystallization degree on grain growth tendency during the brazing process (heat treated at 1100 °C and held for 15 min) of high‐Nb 444‐type ferritic stainless steel used in automotive exhaust systems. The incomplete recrystallized grains induced by insufficient annealing of cold rolled stainless steel plate are more likely to promote abnormal grain growth in the actual brazing process. The simulation experiment results of grain growth tendency show that a matrix with 3.7% deformed grains and nonuniform grain size causes abnormal grain growth during reheating, and the starting temperature of grain coarsening decreases from 1100 to 1000 °C. During reheating, the deformed grains induces a rapid precipitation of Nb‐rich particles at low temperature, and the volume fraction is higher than that of the sample with more completed recrystallization. In addition, the study also finds that an increase in Nb content can increase the precipitation temperature of Laves phase, induce the formation of Laves phase distributed along ferrite grain boundaries in high‐Nb sample during brazing, and inhibit the coarsening of ferrite grains.
Effect of Heat‐Treatment and NiB–TiO2 Composite Coating on the Tribological Performance of AISI P20 Steel
Authors: Kallel Mouna , Yangui Wissal , Bahri Amir , Ellouz Manel , Elleuch Khaled , Klöcker Michaela , Kordisch Thomas
Published: June 2024

American iron and steel institute (AISI) P20 steel, commonly used in plastic mold production, frequently faces significant wear challenges during service. Industries continually seek efficient and cost‐effective solutions to mitigate these issues. Herein, heat‐treatment and sol‐enhanced NiB–TiO2 coating are applied separately or in combination to exclusively assess the wear resistance improvement of as‐received P20 steel. To this end, wear tests are conducted under different loads using a pin‐on‐disk test, and the worn surfaces are evaluated through a laser scanning microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In the findings, it is revealed that the heat treatment significantly enhances the wear resistance of AISI P20 steel, reducing the wear rate by almost half due to microstructure modification and surface hardening. In addition, NiB–TiO2 coating provides further enhancement of wear endurance. It seems to be sufficient to provide excellent wear resistance to steel since the wear rate decreases by approximately 61% and 65% when the coating is applied to the as‐received and heat‐treated P20, respectively. Based on SEM–EDS analysis, the wear mechanism of steel is similar for both steel conditions, involving abrasive wear and delamination. However, the NiB–TiO2 coating intensively modifies the wear mechanism of the steel, leading to a combination of abrasive, adhesive, and fatigue wear.
Pore unit cell network modeling of the thermal conductivity dynamics in unsaturated sandy soils: Unveiling the role of spanning‐wetting phase cluster
Authors: Mirghafari Rasoul , Helforoosh Amir Hossein , Nikooee Ehsan , Habibagahi Ghassem , Raoof Amir , van Genuchten Martinus Theodorus
Published: June 2024

As the world struggles with climate change and energy crises, understanding the role of soil in the food–water–energy nexus becomes increasingly critical. Accurately estimating the soil thermal conductivity drying curve is essential for assessing the impacts of temperature on soil biota and crop growth, environmental changes due to forest fires and global warming, and for designing geo‐energy extraction techniques such as geothermal energy piles. Existing empirical models often fail to accurately estimate the soil thermal conductivity (TC), particularly in pendular soil moisture regimes where they do not capture sharp changes in TC. This study introduces a novel approach using a pore unit cell network model to more accurately describe the dynamics of TC in variably saturated soils. A quadratic parallel scheme within each soil pore unit cell links the TCs of solid, water, and air to the overall effective conductivity. By modeling air invasion in the pore network model and employing the proposed equation, we determined the unsaturated soil TC based on varying local conductivities. The model effectively captures the significant decrease in conductivity in the pendular saturation regime, associated with the shrinkage of the spanning‐wetting cluster. Quantitative analyses showed a substantial improvement in prediction accuracy compared to existing models, especially under varying moisture conditions. Our findings have significant implications for better characterizing soil thermal and hydraulic properties, which are crucial for resource management in a changing climate and advancing geo‐energy technologies.
Digitizing operating theater data in resource‐limited settings: Understanding surgical care delivery post‐implementation at Tanzanian referral hospital
Authors: Osebo Cherinet , Razek Tarek , Grushka Jeremy , Deckelbaum Dan , Khwaja Kosar , Munthali Victoria , Boniface Respicious
Published: June 2024

Background

Digitizing surgical data infrastructure is critical for policymakers to make informed decisions. The implementation of the first web‐based operating theater (OT) recordings at Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI) represents significant advancements in data management for Tanzania. This study aims to share post‐platform implementation outcomes, challenges, and insights gained offering guidance to settings facing similar data repository challenges.

Methods

In July 2023, after training clinicians, the platform was deployed at MOI operating theaters (OTs) to facilitate prospective data entry following procedures, ensuring timely updates of perioperative outcomes. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to gather insights into the platform's functionality and efficient data management systems. We presented data from August 2023 to February 2024 along with platform insights.

Results

Over 4449 procedures were conducted, comprising 1321 emergencies and 3128 electives, with orthopedics/trauma accounting for the majority (3606). Trauma‐related emergencies (921) predominate among interventions. General anesthesia was prevalent; 60.56% in emergencies and 44.51% in electives. Orthopedics/trauma utilized 90.91% of assigned operating days in electives, while neurosurgery utilized 93.39% (p < 0.011). The cancellation rate was 7.5%, primarily due to emergency interferences (32%). Of procedures, 96.76% were discharged, while 2.81% died. Challenges encountered during platform implementation included securing local support, integrating technology, and navigating administrative adjustments. Lessons learned emphasized continuous communication for stakeholder buy‐in and training for platform familiarity.

Conclusion

The web‐based OT recordings at MOI succeeded with local support and showed promise for wider scalability. To ensure sustainability, ongoing follow‐up, monitoring of platform functionality, local funding establishment, and strengthening global partnerships are recommended.
Abdominal injuries: Online team‐based training of senior medical students is preferred over online class‐based training
Authors: Wu Ping , Zhou Yiman , Lv Wenjie
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore the application and effect of team‐based learning (TBL) based on network platform in teaching surgical abdominal emergency.

Methods

A total of 80 fourth‐year medical students from our university's 5‐year clinical medicine program were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group (n = 40) used the online large class teaching method and the experimental group (n = 40) used the online TBL. The teaching effect of web‐based TBL was evaluated by collecting the subjective evaluation of the experimental group and the objective test results of both groups through a questionnaire.

Results

Online TBL was well‐received by most students. More than 80% of them found the teaching method interesting, and more than 90% of them gave a high rating to the improvement of their learning ability with online TBL. The experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group in the objective tests (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The network‐based TBL is preferred by most students. TBL curricula are more conducive to medical student learning and engagement and have better learning outcomes.
Spathaspora marinasilvae sp. nov., a xylose‐fermenting yeast isolated from galleries of passalid beetles and rotting wood in the Amazonian rainforest biome
Authors: Barros Katharina O. , Batista Thiago M. , Soares Rafaela C. C. , Lopes Mariana R. , Alvarenga Flávia B. M. , Souza Gisele F. L. , Abegg Maxwel A. , Santos Ana Raquel O. , Góes‐Neto Aristóteles , Hilário Heron O. , Moreira Rennan G. , Franco Glória R. , Lachance Marc‐André , Rosa Carlos A.
Published: June 2024

Four yeast isolates were obtained from rotting wood and galleries of passalid beetles collected in different sites of the Brazilian Amazonian Rainforest in Brazil. This yeast produces unconjugated allantoid asci each with a single elongated ascospore with curved ends. Sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer‐5.8 S region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene showed that the isolates represent a novel species of the genus Spathaspora. The novel species is phylogenetically related to a subclade containing Spathaspora arborariae and Spathaspora suhii. Phylogenomic analysis based on 1884 single‐copy orthologs for a set of Spathaspora species whose whole genome sequences are available confirmed that the novel species represented by strain UFMG‐CM‐Y285 is phylogenetically close to Sp. arborariae. The name Spathaspora marinasilvae sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the novel species. The holotype of Sp. marinasilvae is CBS 13467 T (MycoBank 852799). The novel species was able to accumulate xylitol and produce ethanol from 
d‐xylose, a trait of biotechnological interest common to several species of the genus Spathaspora.
Decay constants of $$ c\overline{b} $$ mesons involving the ten heavy flavor-changing currents at N3LO QCD
Authors: Tao Wei , Xiao Zhen-Jun
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Within the nonrelativistic QCD (NRQCD) framework, we complete the three-loop calculations of the NRQCD renormalization constants and the matching coefficients, for the heavy flavor-changing temporal vector, spatial-spatial tensor, spatial-temporal axial-tensor currents, which are coupled to theP-wave$$ c\overline{b} $$cb¯mesons. We further study the ten decay constants for the$$ c\overline{b} $$cb¯mesons (Bc,$$ {B}_c^{\ast } $$Bc∗,$$ {B}_{c0}^{\ast } $$Bc0∗,Bc1) coupled with the ten heavy flavor-changing currents involving (pseudo-)scalar, (axial-)vector and (axial-)tensor up to the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) ofαs. We obtain the six ratios of decay constants by approximating them to the corresponding ratios of matching coefficients. We find the N3LO perturbative QCD results for the six ratios of decay constants have good convergence and weak scale-dependence. We finally predict the hierarchical relationship among the ten decay constants for the$$ c\overline{b} $$cb¯mesons coupled with the ten currents.
Strongly-ordered infrared counterterms from factorisation
Authors: Magnea Lorenzo , Milloy Calum , Signorile-Signorile Chiara , Torrielli Paolo
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In the context of infrared subtraction algorithms beyond next-to-leading order, it becomes necessary to consider multiple infrared limits of scattering amplitudes, in which several particles become soft or collinear in a strongly-ordered sequence. We study these limits from the point of view of infrared factorisation, and we provide general definitions of strongly-ordered soft and collinear kernels in terms of gauge-invariant operator matrix elements. With these definitions in hand, it is possible to construct local subtraction counterterms for strongly-ordered configurations. Because of their factorised structure, these counterterms cancel infrared poles of real-virtual contributions by construction. We test these ideas at tree level for multiple emissions, and at one loop for single and double emissions, contributing to NNLO and N3LO distributions, respectively.
Heavy quark fragmentation in e+e− collisions to NNLO+NNLL accuracy in perturbative QCD
Authors: Bonino Leonardo , Cacciari Matteo , Stagnitto Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Fragmentation of heavy quarks into heavy-flavoured hadrons receives both perturbative and non-perturbative contributions. We consider perturbative QCD corrections to heavy quark production in e+e− collisions to next-to-next-to-leading order accuracy in QCD with next-to-next-to-leading-logarithmic resummation of quasi-collinear and soft emissions. We study multiple matching schemes, and multiple regularisations of the soft resummation, and observe a significant dependence of the perturbative results on these ingredients, suggesting that NNLO+NNLL perturbative accuracy may not lead to real gains unless the interface with non-perturbative physics is properly analysed. We confirm previous evidence that D*+ experimental data from CLEO/BELLE and from LEP are not reconcilable with perturbative predictions employing standard DGLAP evolution. We extract non-perturbative contributions from e+e− experimental data for both D and B meson fragmentation. Such contributions can be used to predict heavy-quark fragmentation in other processes, e.g. DIS and proton-proton collisions.
Duality transformations and the entanglement entropy of gauge theories
Authors: Bulgarelli Andrea , Panero Marco
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The study of entanglement in gauge theories is expected to provide insights into many fundamental phenomena, including confinement. However, calculations of quantities related to entanglement in gauge theories are limited by ambiguities that stem from the non-factorizability of the Hilbert space. In this work we study lattice gauge theories that admit a dual description in terms of spin models, for which the replica trick and Rényi entropies are well defined. In the first part of this work, we explicitly perform the duality transformation in a replica geometry, deriving the structure of a replica space for a gauge theory. Then, in the second part, we calculate, by means of Monte Carlo simulations, the entropic c-function of the ℤ2 gauge theory in three spacetime dimensions, exploiting its dual description in terms of the three-dimensional Ising model.
Ghost problem, spectrum identities and various constraints on brane-localized gravity
Authors: Miao Rong-Xin
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the brane-localized interactions, including DGP gravity and higher derivative (HD) gravity localized on the brane. We derive the effective action on the brane, which suggests the brane-localized HD gravity suffers the ghost problem generally. Besides, we obtain novel algebraic identities of the mass spectrum, which reveal the global nature and can characterize the phase transformation of the mass spectrum. We get a powerful ghost-free condition from the spectrum identities, which rules out one type of brane-localized HD gravity. We further prove the mass spectrum is real and non-negative m2 ≥ 0 under the ghost-free condition.

Furthermore, we discuss various constraints on parameters of brane-localized gravity in AdS/BCFT and wedge holography, respectively. They include the ghost-free condition of Kaluza-Klein and brane-bending modes, the positive definiteness of boundary central charges, and entanglement entropy. The ghost-free condition imposes strict constraint, which requires non-negative couplings for pure DGP gravity and Gauss-Bonnet gravity on the brane. It also rules out one class of brane-localized HD gravity. Thus, such HD gravity should be understood as a low-energy effective theory on the brane under the ghost energy scale. Finally, we briefly discuss the applications of our results.
Astrophysical constraints on decaying dark gravitons
Authors: Law-Smith Jamie A. P. , Obied Georges , Prabhu Anirudh , Vafa Cumrun
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In the dark dimension scenario, which predicts an extra dimension of micron scale, dark gravitons (KK modes) are a natural dark matter candidate. In this paper, we study observable features of this model. In particular, their decay to standard matter fields can distort the CMB and impact other astrophysical signals. Using this we place bounds on the parameters of this model. In particular we find that the natural range of parameters in this scenario is consistent with these constraints and leads to the prediction that the mean mass of the dark matter today is close to a few hundred keV and the effective size of the extra dimension is around 1–30 μm.
Leptogenesis in parity solutions to the strong CP problem and Standard Model parameters
Authors: Carrasco-Martinez Juanca , Dunsky David I. , Hall Lawrence J. , Harigaya Keisuke
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We study the simplest theories with exact spacetime parity that solve the strong CP problem and successfully generate the cosmological baryon asymmetry via decays of right-handed neutrinos. Lower bounds are derived for the masses of the right-handed neutrinos and for the scale of spontaneous parity breaking, vR. For generic thermal leptogenesis, vR ≳ 1012 GeV, unless the small observed neutrino masses arise from fine-tuning. We compute vR in terms of the top quark mass, the QCD coupling, and the Higgs boson mass and find this bound is consistent with current data at 1σ. Future precision measurements of these parameters may provide support for the theory or, if vR is determined to be below 1012 GeV, force modifications. However, modified cosmologies do not easily allow reductions in vR — no reduction is possible if leptogenesis occurs in the collisions of domain walls formed at parity breaking, and at most a factor 10 reduction is possible with non-thermal leptogenesis. Standard Model parameters that yield low values for vR can only be accommodated by having a high degree of degeneracy among the right-handed neutrinos involved in leptogenesis. If future precision measurements determine vR to be above 1012 GeV, it is likely that higher-dimensional operators of the theory will yield a neutron electric dipole moment accessible to ongoing experiments. This is especially true in a simple UV completion of the neutrino sector, involving gauge singlet fermions, where the bound from successful leptogenesis is strengthened to vR ≳ 1013 GeV.
Disconnected gauge groups in the infrared
Authors: Arias-Tamargo Guillermo , De Marco Mario
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Gauging a discrete 0-form symmetry of a QFT is a procedure that changes the global form of the gauge group but not its perturbative dynamics. In this work, we study the Seiberg-Witten solution of theories resulting from the gauging of charge conjugation in 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theories with SU(N) gauge group and fundamental hypermultiplets. The basic idea of our procedure is to identify the ℤ2 action at the level of the SW curve and perform the quotient, and it should also be applicable to non-lagrangian theories. We study dynamical aspects of these theories such as their moduli space singularities and the corresponding physics; in particular, we explore the complex structure singularity arising from the quotient procedure. We also discuss some implications of our work in regards to three problems: the geometric classification of 4d SCFTs, the study of non-invertible symmetries from the SW geometry, and the String Theory engineering of theories with disconnected gauge groups.
Attitudes toward artificial intelligence: combining three theoretical perspectives on technology acceptance
Authors: Koenig Pascal D.
Published: June 2024

Evidence on AI acceptance comes from a diverse field comprising public opinion research and largely experimental studies from various disciplines. Differing theoretical approaches in this research, however, imply heterogeneous ways of studying AI acceptance. The present paper provides a framework for systematizing different uses. It identifies three families of theoretical perspectives informing research on AI acceptance—user acceptance, delegation acceptance, and societal adoption acceptance. These models differ in scope, each has elements specific to them, and the connotation of technology acceptance thus changes when shifting perspective. The discussion points to a need for combining the three perspectives as they have all become relevant for AI. A combined approach serves to systematically relate findings from different studies. And as AI systems affect people in different constellations and no single perspective can accommodate them all, building blocks from several perspectives are needed to comprehensively study how AI is perceived in society.
Working from home, commuting, and gender
Authors: Nagler Markus , Rincke Johannes , Winkler Erwin
Published: June 2024

Work from home (WFH) arrangements may provide an opportunity to reduce gender gaps in labor market outcomes by reducing the gender differences in the willingness to commute. Using a stated-preference experiment among German employees, we estimate workers’ valuation of working from home and its impact on willingness-to-pay to avoid commuting by gender after the end of the COVID pandemic. We show that workers are willing to give up 7.7% of their earnings for full WFH and 5.4% for 2-day WFH on average. The willingness-to-pay for WFH steeply increases with commuting distance, in line with WFH reducing the need for long commutes for many workers. Importantly, we find that WFH reduces, but does not close, the gender gap in willingness-to-pay to avoid commuting. This result is unaffected by accounting for underage children in the household. This suggests that hopes of technology closing the gender wage gap are premature.
Bounded Fatou and Julia components of meromorphic functions
Authors: Martí-Pete David , Rempe Lasse , Waterman James
Published: June 2024

We completely characterise the bounded sets that arise as components of the Fatou and Julia sets of meromorphic functions. On the one hand, we prove that a bounded domain is a Fatou component of some meromorphic function if and only if it is regular. On the other hand, we prove that a planar continuum is a Julia component of some meromorphic function if and only if it has empty interior. We do so by constructing meromorphic functions with wandering compacta using approximation theory.
Factors affecting protein recovery during Hsp40 affinity profiling
Authors: Montoya Maureen R. , Quanrud Guy M. , Mei Liangyong , Moñtano José L. , Hong Caleb , Genereux Joseph C.
Published: June 2024

The identification and quantification of misfolded proteins from complex mixtures is important for biological characterization and disease diagnosis, but remains a major bioanalytical challenge. We have developed Hsp40 Affinity Profiling as a bioanalytical approach to profile protein stability in response to cellular stress. In this assay, we ectopically introduce the Hsp40 FlagDNAJB8H31Q into cells and use quantitative proteomics to determine how protein affinity for DNAJB8 changes in the presence of cellular stress, without regard for native clients. Herein, we evaluate potential approaches to improve the performance of this bioanalytical assay. We find that although intracellular crosslinking increases recovery of protein interactors, this is not enough to overcome the relative drop in DNAJB8 recovery. While the J-domain promotes Hsp70 association, it does not affect the yield of protein association with DNAJB8 under basal conditions. By contrast, crosslinking and J-domain ablation both substantially increase relative protein interactor recovery with the structurally distinct Class B Hsp40 DNAJB1 but are completely compensated by poorer yield of DNAJB1 itself. Cellular thermal stress promotes increased affinity between DNAJB8H31Q and interacting proteins, as expected for interactions driven by recognition of misfolded proteins. DNAJB8WT does not demonstrate such a property, suggesting that under stress misfolded proteins are handed off to Hsp70. Hence, we find that DNAJB8H31Q is still our most effective recognition element for the recovery of destabilized client proteins following cellular stress.

Graphical Abstract
Quantifying variation across 16S rRNA gene sequencing runs in human microbiome studies
Authors: Hoisington Andrew J. , Stamper Christopher E. , Ellis Joseph C. , Lowry Christopher A. , Brenner Lisa A.
Published: June 2024

Recent microbiome research has incorporated a higher number of samples through more participants in a study, longitudinal studies, and metanalysis between studies. Physical limitations in a sequencing machine can result in samples spread across sequencing runs. Here we present the results of sequencing nearly 1000 16S rRNA gene sequences in fecal (stabilized and swab) and oral (swab) samples from multiple human microbiome studies and positive controls that were conducted with identical standard operating procedures. Sequencing was performed in the same center across 18 different runs. The simplified mock community showed limitations in accuracy, while precision (e.g., technical variation) was robust for the mock community and actual human positive control samples. Technical variation was the lowest for stabilized fecal samples, followed by fecal swab samples, and then oral swab samples. The order of technical variation stability was inverse of DNA concentrations (e.g., highest in stabilized fecal samples), highlighting the importance of DNA concentration in reproducibility and urging caution when analyzing low biomass samples. Coefficients of variation at the genus level also followed the same trend for lower variation with higher DNA concentrations. Technical variation across both sample types and the two human sampling locations was significantly less than the observed biological variation. Overall, this research providing comparisons between technical and biological variation, highlights the importance of using positive controls, and provides semi-quantified data to better understand variation introduced by sequencing runs.

Key points

• Mock community and positive control accuracy were lower than precision.

• Samples with lower DNA concentration had increased technical variation across sequencing runs.

• Biological variation was significantly higher than technical variation due to sequencing runs.
Do Mesocarnivores Respond to the Seasonality in Management Practices in an Agroforestry Landscape?
Authors: Barros Ana Luísa , Raposo Diogo , Almeida João David , Alcobia Sandra , Oliveira Maria Alexandra , MacKenzie Darryl I. , Santos-Reis Margarida
Published: June 2024

In the Mediterranean, we find a mosaic of natural and cultural landscapes, where a variety of forest management practices created intermediate disturbance regimes that potentially increased biodiversity values. Nonetheless, it is essential to understand the species’ long-term response to the dynamic management in agroecosystems, since the species tolerance to disturbance can change throughout the life cycle. Mammalian carnivores can be sensitive to human disturbance and are an essential part of ecosystems due to their regulatory and community structuring effects. We investigated the spatial response of five mesocarnivores species to spatially- and temporally- varying management practices in an agroforestry landscape. More specifically, we assessed the mesocarnivores’ temporal changes in space use by implementing multi-season occupancy models in a Bayesian framework, using seasonal camera-trapping surveys for a 2-year period. All species had a weak response of local extinction to forestry management and livestock grazing pressure. For forest-dwelling species, occupancy was higher where productivity of perennial vegetation was high, while colonization between seasons was positively associated with vegetation cover. For habitat generalist species, we found that occupancy in the wet season increased with the distance to cattle exclusion plots. Most of these plots are pine stands which are subject to forestry interventions during winter. During the 2-year period we found seasonal fluctuations in occupancy for all species, with an overall slight decrease for three mesocarnivore species, while for the two forest-dwelling species there was an increase in occupancy between years. The weak species response to management practices supports the importance of traditional management for upholding a diverse mesocarnivore community in agroforestry systems but could also reflect these species’ ecological plasticity and resilience to disturbance.