bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N‑Heterocyclic Carbene Based Pt(II) Complexes with d‐p Transition for Highly Performable Green Phosphorescent Electroluminescence
Authors: Fu Tiliang , Cheng Shuo , Chen Yuwei , Chang Yu , Jiao Xueting , Zhang Cong , Xia Qinghua , Sun Zhengyi , Hang Xiao‐Chun
Published: August 2023

Novel carbene‐based tetradentated Pt(II) complexes, namely Pt(pibOppy) and Pt(ppbOppy), are developed and found to exhibit radiative metal‐centered (MC) d‐p triplet transition, resulting in highly efficient and configurational‐rigid phosphorescence. The Pt(II) complexes emit green light with peak wavelengths of 512–526 nm. Pt(ppbOppy), with enhanced carbene‐Pt interaction, achieves a high photoluminescent quantum yield of 99% in thin film, better thermo‐ and photo‐stability, and a structured emission spectrum. Device B1, by incorporating Pt (ppbOppy), shows a narrow green emission with Commission Internationale de l'Elcairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.306, 0.633), a long working lifetime of LT95 = 111 h at 1000 cd m−2, and high maximum values of the external quantum efficiency, power efficiency, and current efficiency of 20.4%, 74.1 lm W−1, and 72.1 cd A−1, respectively. The exceedingly flawless device performance highlights the immense potential of Pt(II) complexes with d‐p transition for organic electroluminescence.
A Bioinspired Self‐Healing Conductive Hydrogel Promoting Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Xuan Hongyun , Wu Shuyuan , Jin Yan , Wei Shuo , Xiong Feng , Xue Ye , Li Biyun , Yang Yumin , Yuan Huihua
Published: August 2023

The development of self‐healing conductive hydrogels is critical in electroactive nerve tissue engineering. Typical conductive materials such as polypyrrole (PPy) are commonly used to fabricate artificial nerve conduits. Moreover, the field of tissue engineering has advanced toward the use of products such as hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels. Although HA‐modified PPy films are prepared for various biological applications, the cell–matrix interaction mechanisms remain poorly understood; furthermore, there are no reports on HA‐modified PPy‐injectable self‐healing hydrogels for peripheral nerve repair. Therefore, in this study, a self‐healing electroconductive hydrogel (HASPy) from HA, cystamine (Cys), and pyrrole‐1‐propionic acid (Py‐COOH), with injectability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nerve‐regenerative capacity is constructed. The hydrogel directly targets interleukin 17 receptor A (IL‐17RA) and promotes the expression of genes and proteins relevant to Schwann cell myelination mainly by activating the interleukin 17 (IL‐17) signaling pathway. The hydrogel is injected directly into the rat sciatic nerve‐crush injury sites to investigate its capacity for nerve regeneration in vivo and is found to promote functional recovery and remyelination. This study may help in understanding the mechanism of cell–matrix interactions and provide new insights into the potential use of HASPy hydrogel as an advanced scaffold for neural regeneration.
Partial penetrance and phenotypic variability of aplasia of lacrimal and salivary glands caused by a novel FGF10 donor splice‐site mutation
Authors: Freund Ofek , Elsana Baker , Agam Nadav , Jean Matan M. , Safran Amit , Poleg Tomer , Roguin Nir , Gradstein Libe , Tsumi Erez , Birk Ohad S.
Published: August 2023

Thirteen affected individuals of six generations of a single kindred presented with epiphora evident from infancy. Physical exam and Schirmer test revealed variable expression of tear deficiency, congenital punctal atresia, and dry mouth with multiple caries, without concomitant abnormalities of the ears or digits, commensurate with a diagnosis of aplasia of the lacrimal and salivary glands (ALSG). Reconstruction of the upper lacrimal drainage system was performed in some of the affected individuals. Genetic analysis, testing six affected individuals and three non‐affected family members, identified a single novel heterozygous splice‐site variant, c.429 + 1, G > T in fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) (NM_004465.1), segregating throughout the family as expected for dominant heredity. RT‐PCR assays of HEK‐293 cells transfected with wild type or mutant FGF10 demonstrated that the variant causes skipping of Exon 2. Notably, individuals sharing the same variant exhibited phenotypic variability, with unilateral or bilateral epiphora, as well as variable expression of dry mouth and caries. Moreover, one of the variant carriers had no ALSG‐related clinical findings, demonstrating incomplete penetrance. While coding mutations in FGF10 are known to cause malformations in the nasolacrimal system, this is the second FGF10 splice‐site variant and the first donor‐site variant reported to cause ALSG. Thus, our study of a unique large kindred with multiple affected individuals heterozygous for the same FGF10 variant highlights intronic splice‐site mutations and phenotypic variability/partial penetrance in ALSG.
Sustainable entrepreneurship on digital platforms and the enactment of digital connectivity through business models
Authors: Gregori Patrick , Holzmann Patrick , Audretsch David B.
Published: August 2023

This article investigates how sustainable entrepreneurship on digital platforms enacts digital connectivity to capture and create value. By complementing the business model lens with sociomateriality, we theorize digital technologies as key actors that participate in the enactment of business models. We analyze visual and textual data from 19 entrepreneurial initiatives for sustainability established on the social media platform YouTube. Our findings demonstrate novel business model configurations enacted by a web of human and nonhuman (digital) actors: connecting for sustainability as part of the value proposition, forming connective spaces for socioenvironmental value creation, and leveraging connectivity for multidimensional value capture. These findings have two major contributions. First, we offer novel insights on the practices that configure business model elements of sustainable entrepreneurship on platforms. We especially draw attention to how digital connectivity of platforms is achieved and made durable by human and digital actors. Second, we elaborate on how digital agencies intervene in entrepreneurial efforts to make sustainability visible and how this affects the business models. Thus, the study contributes to and further develops the intersection of digital technologies, sustainable entrepreneurship, and business models.
Stabilizing Decavanadate Cluster as Electrode Material in Sodium and Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Ghosh Meena , Sorsche Dieter , Binte Ahmed Rezwana , Anjass Montaha
Published: August 2023

Decavanadate ([V10O28]6−, {V10}) clusters are a potential electrode material for lithium and post‐lithium batteries; however, their low stability due to the solubility in liquid organic electrolytes has been challenging. These molecular clusters are also prone to transform into solid‐state oxides at a moderate temperature needed in the typical electrode fabrication process. Hence, controlling the solubility and improving the thermal stability of compounds are essential to make them more viable options for use as battery electrodes. This study shows a crystal engineering approach to stabilize the cluster with organic guanidinium (Gdm+) cation through the hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the amino groups of the cation and the anion. The comparison of solubility and thermal stability of the Gdm{V10} with another cluster bearing tetrabutylammonium (Tba+) cation reveals the better stability of cation‐anion assembly in the former than the latter. As a result, the Gdm{V10} delivers better rate capability and cycling stability than Tba{V10} when tested as anode material in a half‐cell configuration of a sodium‐ion battery. Finally, the performance of the Gdm{V10} anode is also investigated in a lithium‐ion battery full cell with LiFePO4 cathode.
Synthesis of Benzyl Thioethers by C−S Coupling of Benzylic Trimethylammonium Salts and Sulfonyl Chlorides
Authors: Ma Xiujuan , Jin Haoyu , Zeng Min , Qin Yiman , Tan Lili , Miao Tingting , Feng Yu , Shi Qian
Published: August 2023

A facile and efficient method to synthesize thioethers from sulfonyl chlorides and benzylic trimethylammonium salts is presented. This protocol provides a simple and direct approach to realize the reductive coupling reaction of readily available sulfonyl chlorides with benzyl ammonium salts in the presence of triphenylphosphine along with base via C−N cleavage of benzyl ammonium salts. This reaction features mild conditions and good substrate compatibility to afford thioethers in moderate to good yields.
3D petroleum reservoir modelling using seismic and well‐log data to assess hydrocarbon potential in Abu Roash (G) Member, Karama Oil Field, North‐Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Mamdouh Mahmoud , Reda Mohamed , Din M. Y. Zein El , Abdelhafeez Tharwat H.
Published: August 2023

Since 2002, the Upper Cretaceous Abu Roash (G) Member in the Karama Oil Field has been considered to be one of the most important reservoirs in the Abu Gharadig Basin in the North‐Western Desert. This member is located in the Karama Oil Field. For the purpose of increasing oil production, a three‐dimensional reservoir model was developed, and the area's oil resource was determined by employing thirty two‐dimensional seismic lines dispersed in the north–south and east–west directions, in addition to five well logs. Within the Abu Roash Formation, which conformably overlies the Bahariya Formation and unconformably underlies the Khoman Formation, there are seven normal faults that allow for three‐way dip closure for oil accumulation. These faults cut through the Abu Roash Formation. The Abu Roash (G) Member is mostly composed of limestone, shale and intercalated siltstone and sandstone, and it ranges in thickness from 54 to 168 feet (16.5 to 51.2 m) in terms of its net pay. Effective porosity ranges anywhere from 20% to 30%, shale content can be anywhere from 13% to 24%, water saturation can be anywhere from 40% to 55% and hydrocarbon saturation can be as high as 60%. Through the integration of the constructed structural and property models, two new prospect areas have been presented (in the northern part of the study area). In these areas, the petrophysical parameters are good, and the Original oil in place (OOIP) is predicted to be 1107 × 106 Stock Tank Barrels (STB), which will help with the development plans for the study area.
Compulsory Research in Learning Health Care: Against a Minimal Risk Limit
Authors: Steel Robert
Published: August 2023

Existing calls to implement learning health care systems have tended to stipulate a minimal or near‐minimal risk limit for compulsory learning activities. I argue to the contrary that such a limit cannot be defended. So long as the way in which patients are compelled to participate in learning activities is solely through the withholding of nonresearch options for receiving care, compelling participation does not violate any individual's rights and can be both efficient and adequately fair. Because the decision to compel participation in this way is relevantly similar to the decision to ration care, theories of justice in cost‐effectiveness rationing can be used to further specify when it is appropriate to use this method to compel research participation. When applied, these theories will not support a minimal risk limit for compulsory research.
Learning Health Care and the Obligation to Participate in Research
Authors: Faden Ruth R. , Kass Nancy E.
Published: August 2023

This commentary responds to the article “Compulsory Research in Learning Health Care: Against a Minimal Risk Limit,” by Robert Steel. Steel acknowledges that our ethics framework for a learning health care system, published in the 2013 special reportEthical Oversight of Learning Health Care Systems ,includes an obligation on the part of patients to participate in learning activities, but he argues that this obligation does not go far enough. Steel, who provides an interesting justification for compulsory research participation in learning health care, claims that our obligation is limited to only minimal risk research. We take exception to that characterization insofar as it detracts from what we believe is most relevant for assessing learning activities, which is how much additional risk and burden a learning activity poses compared to clinical care alone. We also clarify that the level of additional risk is not the only morally relevant consideration in determining if a learning activity should be compulsory. Also important is whether the learning activity includes interventions or choices that engage values of importance to patients.
Remote modulation of WWOX by an intronic variant associated with survival of Chinese gastric cancer patients
Authors: Cheng Lei , Chang Yuanyuan , Xia Zuguang , Liu Yizhen , Liu Xiao , Xiong Liwen , Liu Chenchen , Zhu Xiaodong , Wang Mengyun , Qiu Lixin
Published: August 2023

The protein WWOX was reported to be involved in cancer progression via interaction with mTOR and DNA repair pathway. We previously reported noteworthy association of some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mTOR and DNA repair pathways with gastric cancer (GCa) patients' survival. We hypothesized that genetic variants in WWOX gene could predict the survival of GCa patients. By extracting WWOX genetic variants from our ongoing genome‐wide association study including 796 GCa patients from an Eastern Chinese population, we identified 51 out of 1913 SNPs to be significantly associated with survival of GCa patients, which passed the false positive probability tests. In particular, the intronic variant rs9922483, a G>T change, was associated with 21% increased death risk for GCa patients (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.04‐1.42, P = .015). This locus was predicted to be involved in potential enhancer by bioinformatics analysis. Genotype‐phenotype correlation analysis revealed decreased expression of WWOX by rs9922483 G>T change. Mechanistically, rs9922483 locus may exhibits long‐range interaction with WWOX promoter, and the G>T change inhibited the transcriptional activity driven by WWOX promoter in luciferase reporter system. Especially, the G>T change had an allele‐specific negative effect on NR3C1 binding, and NR3C1 promoted the expression of WWOX in GCa cells. Further functional analysis indicated an increase in proliferation, migration and invasion of GCa cells by knockdown of WWOX. In conclusion, WWOX genetic variants may modulate survival of Chinese GCa patients by exerting remote regulatory effect on WWOX expression. Our results highlight the cis‐regulatory effect of genetic variants on genes and survival modulation for GCa patients.
Genetic Correlation, Shared Loci, and Causal Association Between Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and Bone Mineral Density: Insights From a Large-Scale Genomewide Cross-Trait Analysis
Authors: Qu Yang , Xiao Changfeng , Wu Xueyao , Zhu Jingwei , Qin Chenjiarui , He Lin , Cui Huijie , Zhang Li , Zhang Wenqiang , Yang Chunxia , Yao Yuqin , Li Jiayuan , Liu Zhenmi , Zhang Ben , Wang Wenzhi , Jiang Xia
Published: August 2023

Although the impact of sex hormones on bone metabolism is well-documented, effect of their primary modulator, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), remains inconclusive. This study aims to elucidate the genetic overlap between SHBG and heel estimated bone mineral density (eBMD), a widely-accepted tool for osteoporosis management and fracture risk assessment. Using summary statistics from large-scale genomewide association studies conducted for SHBG (N = 370,125), SHBG adjusted for body mass index (SHBGa, N = 368,929), and eBMD (N = 426,824), a comprehensive genomewide cross-trait approach was performed to quantify global and local genetic correlations, identify pleiotropic loci, and infer causal associations. A significant overall inverse genetic correlation was found for SHBG and eBMD (rg = −0.11, p = 3.34 × 10−10), which was further supported by the significant local genetic correlations observed in 11 genomic regions. Cross-trait meta-analysis revealed 219 shared loci, of which seven were novel. Notably, four novel loci (rs6542680, rs8178616, rs147110934, and rs815625) were further demonstrated to colocalize. Mendelian randomization identified a robust causal effect of SHBG on eBMD (beta = −0.22, p = 3.04 × 10−13), with comparable effect sizes observed in both men (beta = −0.16, p = 1.99 × 10−6) and women (beta = −0.19, p = 2.73 × 10−9). Replacing SHBG with SHBGa, the observed genetic correlations, pleiotropic loci and causal associations did not change substantially. Our work reveals a shared genetic basis between SHBG and eBMD, substantiated by multiple pleiotropic loci and a robust causal relationship. Although SHBG has been implicated in preventing and screening aging-related diseases, our findings support its etiological role in osteoporosis. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Apoptosis in the neuroprotective effect of α7 nicotinic receptor in neurodegenerative models
Authors: Mugayar Amanda Amorim , da Silva Guimarães Giovanna , de Oliveira Paulo Henrique Tavares , Miranda Renan Lyra , dos Santos Aline Araujo
Published: August 2023

The α7 subtype of nicotinic receptors (α7 nAChRs) is one of the most abundant nicotinic receptor subtypes in the central nervous system (CNS) and both neurons and nonneuronal cells express α7 nAChRs. When activated, α7 nAChRs become permeable to cations and promote cellular responses such as anti‐apoptotic signaling by modulating the caspases and proteins of the Bcl‐2 family. Neuroprotection is an important function of these receptors, promoting neuronal survival under pathological conditions, including situations of stress and neuronal degeneration. Studies have demonstrated the relationship between the activation of these receptors and the reduction of neuronal or glial cell injury, by controlling apoptotic processes in different models, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, one of the most important signaling pathways activated by α7 nAChRs is the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade, which promotes the stimulation of anti‐apoptotic molecules of the Bcl‐2 family, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl, and reduces the expression of caspases and proapoptotic molecules, resulting in cell survival. In Alzheimer's models, the literature shows that α7 nAChR activation attenuates Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity through modulation of different intrinsic apoptotic pathways via PI3K/Akt and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). In this review, we provide an up‐to‐date summary of the current evidence on the relationship between the activation of α7 nAChRs, a subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and its role in neuroprotection by modulating apoptotic pathways.
Two‐level multiscale enrichment finite volume method based on the Newton iteration for the stationary incompressible magnetohydrodynamics flow
Authors: Shen Xiaorong , Chen Chuanjun , Bian Huanying , Zhang Tong
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we propose a stabilized finite volume method based on the Newton's type iteration for the steady incompressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) problem. In order to reduce the computational complexity, the lowest order mixed finite element pair (
‐
‐
) is adopted to approximate the velocity, pressure and magnetic fields, and the multiscale enrichment method is introduced to overcome the restriction of discrete inf‐sup (LBB) condition. We firstly solve the incompressible MHD equations by the
Newton iterations on a coarse mesh with the mesh size
, stability and convergence results of numerical solutions are provided. Secondly, the combination of the two‐level method with the Newton iteration is used to approximate the considered problem, a coupled nonlinear problem is solved on the coarse mesh
, then the Stokes and Maxwell equations are considered on a fine mesh with the mesh size
, the uniform stability and optimal error estimates of two‐level Newton iterative method are provided. Theoretical findings show that the two‐level method has the same order as the one‐level method in
‐norm as long as the mesh sizes satisfy
. However, the two‐level method involves much less work than the one‐level method. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the considered numerical schemes.
Asynchronous secure control for singular nonhomogeneous Markov jump cyber‐physical systems against dual cyber‐attacks
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Wang Yanqian , Zhuang Guangming , Lv Chengxing
Published: August 2023

In this article, based on the dynamic event‐triggered transmission protocol, the issue of asynchronous secure control for singular nonhomogeneous Markov jump cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) is studied. The matrix that is governed by the time‐varying transition rates lies in a convex polyhedron. To further degrade the transmission percentage over the network, the dynamic event‐triggered transmission protocol is developed. Besides, owing to the vulnerability of the network, the replay attack and deception attack are both considered, the occurrences of which are modelled by mutual independent random variables satisfying Bernoulli distribution. By constructing a parameter dependent and an auxiliary dynamic variable dependent Lyapunov functional, sufficient conditions of stochastic admissible for singular nonhomogeneous Markov jump CPSs are derived by parameter dependent matrix inequalities, which can be converted into the finite linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Crosslinking networks in epoxidized natural rubber/hemp hurd bio‐composites for the enhancement of thermal, mechanical, and water repellence properties
Authors: Chen Guowei , Adibi Azin , Jubinville Dylan , Mekonnen Tizazu H.
Published: August 2023

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) bio‐composites filled with hemp hurd were fabricated via reactive batch‐mixing and vulcanization. The effect of the ENR‐hemp hurd grafting, silane modification, sulfur vulcanization, and the built‐up crosslinking networks on the thermomechanical and physical properties were analyzed. It was observed that the reactive mixing of ENR and hemp hurd caused epoxy ring opening followed by ether bonding of ENR onto the hemp hurd. There was evidence showing that the hemp fillers were also involved in the sulfur vulcanization. The sulfur vulcanized ENR bio‐composites displayed a low swelling index, homogeneous filler dispersion, and superior thermomechanical properties. The vulcanized bio‐composites with silane‐modified hemp hurd showed slightly less grafting but substantially reduced water absorption. The hardness, tensile strength, and modulus of the optimized formulation displayed a 300%, 1030%, and 960% enhancement as compared to the ENR baseline, respectively.

Highlights

ENR bio‐composites with hemp hurd were fabricated.

Crosslinking networks were built‐up within the ENR/hemp bio‐composites.

SiHemp show similar reinforcement but more water repellence.

The synthesized composites had enhanced thermal and mechanical properties.
PROTAC for agriculture: learning from human medicine to generate new biotechnological weed control solutions
Authors: Leon Ramon G. , Bassham Diane C.
Published: August 2023

Weed control has relied on the use of organic and inorganic molecules that interfere with druggable targets, especially enzymes, for almost a century. This approach, although effective, has resulted in multiple cases of herbicide resistance. Furthermore, the rate of discovery of new druggable targets that are selective and with favorable environmental profiles has slowed down, highlighting the need for innovative control tools. The arrival of the biotechnology and genomics era gave hope to many that all sorts of new control tools would be developed. However, the reality is that most efforts have been limited to the development of transgenic crops with resistance to a few existing herbicides, which in fact is just another form of selectivity. Proteolysis‐targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a new technology developed to treat human diseases but that has potential for multiple applications in agriculture. This technology uses a small bait molecule linked to an E3 ligand. The 3‐dimensional structure of the bait favors physical interaction with a binding site in the target protein in a manner that allows E3 recruitment, ubiquitination and then proteasome‐mediated degradation. This system makes it possible to circumvent the need to find druggable targets because it can degrade structural proteins, transporters, transcription factors, and enzymes without the need to interact with the active site. PROTAC can help control herbicide‐resistant weeds as well as expand the number of biochemical targets that can be used for weed control. In the present article, we provide an overview of how PROTAC works and describe the possible applications for weed control as well as the challenges that this technology might face during development and implementation for field uses. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Mesohabitat and macroecological correlates for blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) occurrence in regulated rivers
Authors: Evans Hannah A. , Booknis Meghan I. , Santee Noah S. , Mangold Rebecca D. , Roberts Hayden C. , Wolff Jacob P. , Ellard Johnathan K. , Smith David , Perkin Joshuah S.
Published: August 2023

Blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) populations occur in the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico drainages of North America and are negatively affected by habitat fragmentation and flow regime alteration caused by dams. During fish assemblage surveys in August of 2022, we collected five juvenile blue suckers (312–428 mm total length) in the Angelina River upstream of Sam Rayburn Reservoir in East Texas (46,335 ha surface area) where the occurrence of the species was previously unconfirmed. Given this unexpected finding, we (1) analyzed mesohabitat associations to compare habitats we sampled with reports in the literature and (2) reviewed blue sucker occurrences in state, national, and global databases across historical (1950–1980) and contemporary (1981–2022) time periods to assess occurrence across gradients of habitat fragmentation and streamflow regulation. The blue sucker population in the Angelina River upstream of Sam Rayburn Reservoir was previously unconfirmed but is within the native range. Mesohabitats occupied by blue suckers were consistent with literature reports, including fast velocity, shallow depth, and coarse substrates. The low degree of regulation (19% of natural runoff stored by upstream reservoirs) and a high degree of habitat connectivity (287 rkm of unfragmented mainstem habitat) for the Angelina River upstream of Sam Rayburn Reservoir matched range‐wide patterns of persistence within relatively intact (unfragmented and unregulated) or remnant (fragmented but unregulated) riverscapes. Our review reveals that blue sucker populations might persist (1) in remnant river fragments where local habitat conditions are appropriate and (2) where effects of habitat fragmentation and flow regulation are not coupled.
Developing a decision‐making tree for circular economy
Authors: Lozano Rodrigo , Lozano Francisco Jose
Published: August 2023

Circular economy (CE) is aimed at redressing the negative impacts on the environment from linear economic models. CE should consider the economic and environmental dimensions; however, in most cases, these have been addressed separately. CE discourses have focused mainly on the environmental dimension and assumed that all material loops must be closed. Despite the calls to engage with CE, there has been extremely limited research on decision‐making for CE. The following steps were followed in the decision‐making for CE framework construction and design: (1) reviewing the literature; (2) considering economic data approaches; (3) accounting for material flows; (4) modifying the fungibility approach to focus on the environmental dimension; (5) considering environmental impacts; and, (6) selecting a decision tree format. This paper combines the economic fungibility (probability of recovery and price), environmental impacts fungibility (probability of recovery and environmental impacts) to develop the ‘Decision‐making tree for circular economy’ framework. The decision‐making tree for circular economy is aimed at providing guidance on which and how to close loops depending on economic considerations, environmental impact, and probability of recovery of materials. The CE decision‐making tree provides eight options to help decide which and how to close such loops, and help decide which material loops should be eliminated, closed, or remain open. Decision‐making is key to deciding which loops to close to engage with CE more efficiently.
Ultrahigh Piezocatalytic Performance of Perovskite Ferroelectric Powder via Oxygen Vacancy Engineering
Authors: Liu Xuechen , Wang Mingwen , Zhou Yuanyi , Li Tao , Duan Hongxu , Li Jinglei , Wang Linghang , Li Yang , Yang Shuai , Wu Jie , Wang Chao , Feng Xinya , Li Fei
Published: August 2023

Piezocatalysis has increasingly gained prominence due to its enormous potential for addressing energy shortages and environmental pollution issues. Nonetheless, the low piezocatalytic activity of state‐of‐the‐art materials seriously inhibits the practical applications of piezocatalysis. Here, it is proposed to greatly enhance the piezocatalytic activity for a perovskite ferroelectric, i.e., Sm‐doped 0.68Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)‐0.32PbTiO3 (Sm‐PMN‐PT, a solid solution with ultrahigh piezoelectricity), by introducing oxygen vacancies (OVs). The results show that the presence of OVs promotes the production of reactive oxygen species while enhancing the adsorption and activation of organic pollutants to improve piezocatalytic performance. The OV‐Sm‐PMN‐PT is found to possess a superior piezocatalytic degradation rate constant of 0.073 min−1 under ultrasonic vibration, which is ≈4.9 times higher than that of pristine Sm‐PMN‐PT. Furthermore, the OV‐Sm‐PMN‐PT can efficiently remove RhB under 400 rpm stirring, making it a promising candidate for water purification using low‐frequency mechanical energy from nature. This research sheds light on the design of piezocatalytic materials via defect engineering.
Composite topological solitons consisting of domain walls, strings, and monopoles in O(N) models
Authors: Eto Minoru , Hamada Yu , Nitta Muneto
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We study various composites of global solitons consisting of domain walls, strings, and monopoles in linearO(N) models withN= 2 and 3. Spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) of theO(N) symmetry down toO(N– 1) results in the vacuum manifoldSN−1, together with a perturbed scalar potential in the presence of a small explicit symmetry breaking (ESB) interaction. TheO(2) model is equivalent to the axion model admitting topological global (axion) strings attached byNDWdomain walls. We point out for theNDW= 2 case that the topological stability of the string with two domain walls is ensured by sequential SSBs (ℤ2)2→ ℤ2→ 1, where the first SSB occurs in the vacuum leading to the topological domain wall as a mother soliton, only inside which the second SSB occurs giving rise to a subsequent kink inside the mother wall. From the bulk viewpoint, this kink is identical to a global string as a daughter soliton. This observation can be naturally ex- tended to theO(3) model, where a global monopole as a daughter soliton appears as a kink in a mother string or as a vortex on a mother domain wall, depending on ESB interactions. In the most generic case, the stability of the composite system consisting of the monopole, string, and domain wall is understood by the SSB (ℤ2)3→ (ℤ2)2→ ℤ2→ 1, in which the first SSB at the vacuum gives rise to the domain wall triggering the second one, so that the daughter string appears as a domain wall inside the mother wall triggering the third SSB, which leads to a granddaughter monopole as a kink inside the daughter vortex. We demonstrate numerical simulations for the dynamical evolution of the composite solitons.
Brane-jet stabilities from Janus and Sasaki-Einstein
Authors: Suh Minwoo
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We show that there are certain perturbatively stable non-supersymmetric AdS vacua which are also brane-jet stable. Also we extend the analysis of brane-jets to the AdS vacua from curved domain walls like Janus solutions. First, we apply the brane-jet analysis to the non-supersymmetric Janus solutions of type IIB supergravity found by Bak, Gutperle and Hirano. Second, we study the brane-jet of AdS4 vacua from eleven-dimensional supergravity on Sasaki-Einstein manifolds: the supersymmetric and the skew-whiffed Freund-Rubin, the Pope-Warner, and the Englert solutions. Third, we examine the non-supersymmetric AdS4 vacua from Q1,1,1 and M1,1,1 manifolds discovered by Cassani, Koerber and Varela. It turns out that all the AdS vacua we consider in this work are brane-jet stable. Especially, the Janus, the skew-whipped Freund-Rubin, and the AdS4 vacua from Q1,1,1 and M1,1,1 are perturbatively stable within known subsectors of truncations and also brane-jet stable.
An Existence Result for a Fractional Critical (p, q)-Laplacian Problem with Discontinuous Nonlinearity
Authors: Ambrosio Vincenzo , Di Donato Daniela
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we establish the existence of a nonnegative nontrivial weak solution for a fractional critical (p, q)-Laplacian problem with discontinuous nonlinearity. The approach is based on suitable variational methods.
Quit bugging me: phorid fly parasitoids affect expression of an immune gene in foraging fire ant workers
Authors: King J. T. , Starkey J. , Holmes V. R. , Puckett R. T. , Vargo E. L.
Published: August 2023

Host-parasitoid interactions are complex. A parasitoid can change its host’s behavior by direct infection or simply by its presence in the shared environment. In the red imported fire ant (RIFA,Solenopsis invicta), workers display defensive postures to avoid potential parasitism when fire ant decapitating flies (Pseudacteonspp.) hover above them. In addition to changes in the behavior of individual ants, RIFA colonies limit their foraging when decapitating flies are present. To further understand these interactions, we investigated the molecular basis of changes in foraging behavior at the colony level. By quantifying expression of theS. invicta foraginggene (Sifor),odorant binding protein 11, and immune genes of workers of unknown infection status in colonies exposed to decapitating flies and control colonies over a 48-h period, we aimed to provide information on the molecular processes related to change in foraging behavior of RIFA. We found upregulation of an immune gene,defensin-2, in colonies exposed to decapitating fly parasitoids. However, we did not detect significant differences in expression levels of three other genes related to immune function:abaecin, cytochrome P450 4C1-like, andhymenoptaecin.Although colonies exposed to parasitoids foraged less than control colonies (flies absent), they did not experience significant changes inSifor, a gene correlated with worker caste performance, orodorant binding protein 11, a gene upregulated in foragers. These results show that molecular processes associated with diminished foraging activity are set into place by the mere presence of the flies or by early stages of phorid fly infection.
Implicit signatures of voluntary action reduce with repeated motor practice
Authors: Dempsey-Jones Harriet , Majchrowicz Bartosz , Haggard Patrick
Published: August 2023

The sense of controlling one’s actions and their consequences is a critical aspect of successful motor activity. While motor performance typically improves with learning, it is unclear whether, how, and why higher order aspects of motor cognition are also affected. Here, we used an implicit measure of sense of agency—the ‘intentional binding’ effect—as participants learned to make a skilled action involving precise control of thumb adduction. These actions were predictably followed by a tone (the outcome). At pre-test, we showed the perceived time of the tone was shifted towards the thumb action, compared to a control condition in which tones occurred without actions. Next, a relevant training group learned to refine the direction of the thumb movement, while an irrelevant training group was trained on another movement. Manipulation checks demonstrated that, as expected, the relevant training group improved performance of the trained movement, while the irrelevant training group did not. Critically, while both groups still showed binding of the tone towards the thumb action at post-test, the relevant training group showed less binding than the irrelevant training group. Given the link between intentional binding and volitional control of action, we suggest our result demonstrates subjective agency over the outcome of a skilled action decreases as practice makes the skilled action more fluent. We suggest that this reduction in sense of agency over movement outcomes is consistent with the decreasing cognitive engagement, or automatization, that occurs during skill learning.
Development and validation of nomogram prognostic model for predicting OS in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a cohort study in China
Authors: Li Xiaosheng , Xu Qianjie , Gao Cuie , Yang Zailin , Li Jieping , Sun Anlong , Wang Ying , Lei Haike
Published: August 2023

This study comprehensively incorporates pathological parameters and novel clinical prognostic factors from the international prognostic index (IPI) to develop a nomogram prognostic model for overall survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aim is to facilitate personalized treatment and management strategies. This study enrolled a total of 783 cases for analysis. LASSO regression and stepwise multivariate COX regression were employed to identify significant variables and build a nomogram model. The calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve were utilized to assess the model’s performance and effectiveness. Additionally, the time-dependent concordance index (C-index) and time-dependent area under the ROC curve (AUC) were computed to validate the model’s stability across different time points. The study utilized 8 selected clinical features as predictors to develop a nomogram model for predicting the overall survival of DLBCL patients. The model exhibited robust generalization ability with an AUC exceeding 0.7 at 1, 3, and 5 years. The calibration curve displayed evenly distributed points on both sides of the diagonal, and the slopes of the three calibration curves were close to 1 and statistically significant, indicating high prediction accuracy of the model. Furthermore, the model demonstrated valuable clinical significance and holds the potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice. The novel prognostic model developed for DLBCL patients incorporates readily accessible clinical parameters, resulting in significantly enhanced prediction accuracy and performance. Moreover, the study’s use of a continuous general cohort, as opposed to clinical trials, makes it more representative of the broader lymphoma patient population, thus increasing its applicability in routine clinical care.
The value of baseline 18F-sodium fluoride and 18F-choline PET activity for identifying responders to radium-223 treatment in castration-resistant prostate cancer bone metastases
Authors: Donners Ricardo , Tunariu Nina , Tovey Holly , Hall Emma , Chua Sue , Cook Gary , Du Yong , Blackledge Matthew D. , Parker Christopher C. , Koh Dow-Mu
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To investigate whether baseline 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) and 18F-choline PET activity is associated with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) global and individual bone metastases’ DWI MR imaging response to radium-223 treatment.

Methods

Thirty-six bone-only mCRPC patients were prospectively recruited from three centers. Whole-body (WB)-MRI with DWI and 18F-NaF and 18F-choline PET/CT were performed at therapy baseline and 8-week intervals. In each patient, bone disease median global (g)ADC change between baseline and follow-up was calculated. Additionally, up to five bone target lesions per patient were delineated and individual median ADC change recorded. An ADC increase > 30% defined response per-patient and per-lesion. For the same targets, baseline 18F-NaF and 18F-choline PET SUVmax were recorded. Mean SUVmax across patient targets was correlated with gADC change and lesion SUVmax with per-lesion ADC change.

Results

A total of 133 lesions in 36 patients (14 responders) were analyzed. 18F-NaF PET per-patient mean SUVmax was significantly higher in responders (median = 56.0 versus 38.7 in non-responders; p = 0.008), with positive correlation between SUVmax and gADC increase (rho = 0.42; p = 0.015). A 48.7 SUVmax threshold identified responders with 77% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Baseline 18F-NaF PET per-lesion SUVmax was higher in responding metastases (median = 51.6 versus 31.8 in non-responding metastases; p = 0.001), with positive correlation between baseline lesion SUVmax and ADC increase (rho = 0.39; p < 0.001). A 36.8 SUVmax threshold yielded 72% sensitivity and 63% specificity. No significant association was found between baseline 18F-choline PET SUVmax and ADC response on a per-patient (p = 0.164) or per-lesion basis (p = 0.921).

Conclusion

18F-NaF PET baseline SUVmax of target mCRPC bone disease showed significant association with response to radium-223 defined by ADC change.

Clinical relevance statement

18F-sodium fluoride PET/CT baseline maximum SUV of castration-resistant prostate cancer bone metastases could be used as a predictive biomarker for response to radium-223 therapy.

Key Points

• 18F-sodium fluoride PET baseline SUVmax of castration-resistant prostate cancer bone metastases showed significant association with response to radium-223.

• Baseline 18F-sodium fluoride PET can improve patient selection for radium-223 therapy.

• Change in whole-body DWI parameters can be used for response correlation with baseline 18F-sodium fluoride PET SUVmax in castration-resistant prostate cancer bone metastases.
MERCURY-3: a randomized comparison of netarsudil/latanoprost and bimatoprost/timolol in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension
Authors: Stalmans Ingeborg , Lim Kin Sheng , Oddone Francesco , Fichtl Marek , Belda Jose I. , Hommer Anton , Laganovska Guna , Schweitzer Cédric , Voykov Bogomil , Zarnowski Tomasz , Holló Gábor
Published: August 2023

Purpose   

To compare the efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of netarsudil 0.02%/latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution (NET/LAT; Roclanda®) with bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol maleate 0.5% (BIM/TIM; Ganfort®) ophthalmic solution in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT).

Methods

MERCURY-3 was a 6-month prospective, double–masked, randomized, multicenter, active-controlled, parallel-group, non-inferiority study. Patients (≥ 18 years) with a diagnosis of OAG or OHT in both eyes that was insufficiently controlled with topical medication (IOP ≥ 17 mmHg in ≥ 1 eye and < 28 mmHg in both eyes) were included. Following washout, patients were randomized to once-daily NET/LAT or BIM/TIM for up to 6 months; efficacy was assessed at Week 2, Week 4, and Month 3; safety was evaluated for 6 months. Comparison of NET/LAT relative to BIM/TIM for mean IOP at 08:00, 10:00, and 16:00 h was assessed at Week 2, Week 6, and Month 3. Non-inferiority of NET/LAT to BIM/TIM was defined as a difference of ≤ 1.5 mmHg at all nine time points through Month 3 and ≤ 1.0 mmHg at five or more of nine time points through Month 3.

Results

Overall, 430 patients were randomized (NET/LAT, n = 218; BIM/TIM, n = 212), and all received at least one dose of study medication. Efficacy analyses were performed at Month 3 on 388 patients (NET/LAT, n = 184; BIM/TIM, n = 204). NET/LAT demonstrated non-inferiority to BIM/TIM, with a between-treatment difference in IOP of ≤ 1.5 mmHg achieved at all time points and ≤ 1.0 mmHg at the majority of time points (six of nine) through Month 3. Mean diurnal IOP during the study ranged from 15.4 to 15.6 mmHg and 15.2 to 15.6 mmHg in the NET/LAT and BIM/TIM groups respectively, with no between-group statistically significant difference. No significant differences were observed in key secondary endpoints. No serious, treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were observed, and AEs were typically mild/moderate in severity. The most common treatment-related AEs were conjunctival hyperemia (NET/LAT, 30.7%; BIM/TIM, 9.0%) and cornea verticillata (NET/LAT, 11.0%; BIM/TIM, 0%).

Conclusions

Once-daily NET/LAT was non-inferior to BIM/TIM in IOP reduction in OAG and OHT, with AEs consistent with previous findings. NET/LAT offers a compelling alternative FDC treatment option for OAG and OHT.
Is happier music groovier? The influence of emotional characteristics of musical chord progressions on groove
Authors: Kawase Satoshi
Published: August 2023

Specific rhythmic patterns in music have been reported to induce an urge to move with feelings of pleasure or enjoyment, called “groove.” However, it is unclear how the emotional characteristics of music (e.g., happiness or sadness) affect groove. To address this issue I investigated the effects of the emotional characteristics of music on groove by altering the chord progressions accompanying drum breaks composed by a professional composer while manipulating independent tempo and rhythmic patterns. An online listening experiment was conducted using pieces composed by a professional composer but comprising different types of chord progressions that lead to happiness or sadness. Participants evaluated the nine items on a 7-point scale, including urge to move (i.e., groove), felt emotions, nori, and liking. The experiment found that: (1) chord progressions that evoke happiness were more likely to induce groove, (2) emotional characteristics did not interact with tempi and syncopation in terms of groove ratings, and (3) the accompaniment of drum breaks enhanced groove in both happy and sad chord progressions. Musical pieces with chord progressions that induce happiness were more likely to evoke groove, namely the urge to move. This implies that considering the emotional characteristics of musical pieces and rhythms is crucial when creating music for movement during rehabilitation, therapy, or dance.
The effect of cyclic loading on the fracture resistance of 3D-printed and CAD/CAM milled zirconia crowns—an in vitro study
Authors: Refaie Ashraf , Bourauel Christoph , Fouda Ahmed Mahmoud , Keilig Ludger , Singer Lamia
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyclic mechanical loading on the fracture resistance of 3D-printed zirconia crowns in comparison to milled zirconia crowns.

Materials and methods

Monolithic zirconia crowns (n = 30) were manufactured using subtractive milling (group M) and 3D additive printing (group P). Nine samples of each group were fractured under one-time loading while the other 6 samples were subjected to cyclic loading for 1.2 million cycles before being subjected to one-time loading until fracture. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractographic analysis was carried out on fractured fragments of representative samples.

Results

The mean for fracture resistance of group M was 1890 N without cyclic loading and 1642 N after being subjected to cyclic loading, and they were significantly higher than that of group P (1658 N and 1224 N respectively).

Conclusions

The fabrication technique and cyclic loading affect the fracture resistance of zirconia crowns. Although the fracture resistance values for the 3D-printed crowns were lower than those of the milled, still they are higher than the masticatory forces and thus could be considered being clinically acceptable.

Clinical relevance

Concerning fracture resistance, 3D-printed crowns can withstand the masticatory forces for the long term without any cracks or failure.