bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High mobility group box 1 knockdown inhibits EV71 replication and attenuates cell pyroptosis through TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 axis
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Li Jing , Deng Huiling , Wan Han , Xu Pengfei , Wang Jun , Liu Ruiqing , Tang Tiantian
Published: January 2024

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children. Nowadays, there are still no effective antiviral drugs for EV71 infection. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is reported to be highly expressed in HFMD patients. However, the role and underlying mechanism of HMGB1 in EV71‐associated HFMD are still unclear. HMGB1 expression was detected using RT‐qPCR and western blot assays. Loss‐ and gain‐function experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of HMGB1 on EV71‐infected cells. The virus titer was examined by TCID50. CCK‐8 and flow cytometry assays were applied to detect the cell viability and cell cycle. Oxidative stress was determined by relative commercial kits. HMGB1 level was elevated in the serum of EV71‐infected patients with HFMD and EV71‐induced RD cells. EV71 infection induced the transfer of HMGB1 from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. HMGB1 knockdown inhibited virus replication, viral protein (VP1) expression and promoted antiviral factor expression. In addition, the inhibition of HMGB1 improved cell viability, protected against S phase arrest, and inhibited EV71‐induced cell injury and oxidative stress, whereas HMGB1 overexpression showed the opposite effects. In terms of mechanism, HMGB1 overexpression activated the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and promoted cell pyroptosis. The inhibition of TLR4 and NF‐κB reversed the effects of HMGB1 overexpression on virus replication, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis. In conclusion, HMGB1 knockdown inhibits EV71 replication and attenuates pyroptosis through TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 axis.
Synthesis, biological evaluation, and In silico molecular docking of N‐(4‐(4‐substitutedphenyl)‐6‐(substituted aryl) pyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐2‐(2‐isonicotinoyl hydrazinyl) acetamide
Authors: Soni Hetal I. , Patel Navin B. , Ahmad Iqrar , Patel Harun , Rivera Gildardo
Published: January 2024

Isonicotinohydrazide is the first‐line medication in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. Antitubercular, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti‐inflammatory, antimalarial activity, anticancer, antineoplastic activity, and anti‐HIV activity are all demonstrated by drugs with a pyrimidine ring. The current study focuses on the synthesis of N‐(4‐(substituted‐phenyl)‐6‐(substituted‐aryl) pyrimidin‐2‐yl)‐2‐(2‐isonicotinoylhydrazinyl) acetamide from isonicotinohydrazide. Newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral studies (IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectroscopy). They were screened for their antituberculosis, antimalarial, and antiprotozoal activities and compared with standard drugs. Molecular docking of isonicotinohydrazide‐bearing pyrimidine motifs was also done for some of the active compounds.
Melatonin attenuates liver injury in arsenic‐treated rats: The potential role of the Nrf2/HO‐1, apoptosis, and miR‐34a/Sirt1/autophagy pathways
Authors: Barangi Samira , Mehri Soghra , Moosavi Zahra , Yarmohammadi Fatemeh , Hayes A. Wallace , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: January 2024

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid found in the environment in different organic and inorganic forms. Molecular mechanisms implicated in arsenic hepatotoxicity are complex but include oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. The current study focused on the potential protective capacity of melatonin against arsenic‐induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty‐six male Wistar rats were allocated into control, arsenic (15 mg/kg; orally), arsenic (15 mg/kg) plus melatonin (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg; intraperitoneally), and melatonin alone (30 mg/kg) groups for 28 days. After the treatment period, the serum sample was separated to measure liver enzymes (AST and ALT). The liver tissue was removed and then histological alterations, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant capacity, the levels of Nrf2 and HO‐1, apoptosis (Bcl‐2, survivin, Mcl1, Bax, and caspase‐3), and autophagy (Sirt1, Beclin‐1, and LC3 II/I ratio) proteins, as well as the expression level of miR‐34a, were evaluated on this tissue. Arsenic exposure resulted in the enhancement of serum AST, ALT, and substantial histological damage in the liver. Increased levels of malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation marker, and decreased levels of physiological antioxidants including glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were indicators of arsenic‐induced oxidative damage. The levels of Nrf2, HO‐1, and antiapoptotic proteins diminished, while proapoptotic and autophagy proteins were elevated in the arsenic group concomitant with a low level of hepatic miR‐34a. The co‐treatment of melatonin and arsenic reversed the changes caused by arsenic. These findings showed that melatonin reduced the hepatic damage induced by arsenic due to its antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties as well as its regulatory effect on the miR‐34a/Sirt1/autophagy pathway.
An analysis of coordinated responding of pigeons
Authors: Katz Brian R. , Lattal Kennon A.
Published: January 2024

Experimental analyses of coordinated responding (i.e., cooperation) have been derived from a procedure described by Skinner (1962) in which reinforcers were delivered to a pair of subjects (a dyad) if both responded within a short interval, thus satisfying a coordination contingency. Although it has been suggested that this contingency enhances rates of temporally coordinated responding, limitations of past experiments have raised questions concerning this conclusion. The present experiments addressed some of these limitations by holding the schedule of reinforcement (Experiment 1: fixed ratio 1; Experiment 2; variable interval 20 s) constant across phases and between dyad members and by varying, in different conditions, the number of response keys (one to three) across which coordination could occur. Greater percentages of coordinated responding occurred under the coordinated‐reinforcement phases than under independent‐reinforcement phases in most conditions. The one exception during the one‐key condition of Experiment 1 appeared to be a consequence of variability introduced by the independent‐reinforcement phase procedure. Furthermore, coordination percentages decreased with increasing response options under both schedules. These results confirm and extend the finding that coordination contingencies control higher rates of temporally coordinated responding than independent‐reinforcement contingencies do.
The size distribution of the agitated saline microbubbles for contrast transcranial Doppler generated using standard manual methods
Authors: Pan Zhengbin , Xiao Yiting , Wang Zhiyue , Kong Bo , Liang Yiyi
Published: January 2024

Agitated saline microbubbles (MBs) are a common contrast agent for determining right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) by the contrast transcranial Doppler (c‐TCD). The size of the generated bubbles is not standardized in clinical practice. MBs were generated using the recommended manual method by reciprocating motion through two syringes. The bubble size distributions (BSD) were measured using the microscopic shadow imaging technique. The results show that the diameter of MBs is mainly distributed between 10 and 100 μm, the mean bubble size is between 21 and 34 μm, the Sauter mean diameter (D32) is primarily between 50 and 300 μm, and the standard deviation (SD) is between 6 and 17 μm in 80 experiments. It provides a more accurate basis for the recommended manual method instability. The high variance values of the BSD indicate that the manual method has low stability and repeatability. The results of this study can be useful for further improvement of the reliability of c‐TCD in detecting RLS.

Research Highlights

This study provided the first detailed descriptions of the MBs size distribution in a flowing contrast agent by the microscopic shadow imaging technique.

It reveals significant differences in the bubble size of manual foaming during repeated manipulations for each individual and between individuals.
Visible light‐mediated photocatalyzed synthesis of oxazole via intermolecular CN and CO bond formation
Authors: Beg Mohd Zaheeruddin , Tivari Shraddha , Kashyap Akanksha , Singh Pravin K. , Singh Praveen P. , Nainwal Pankaj , Srivastava Vishal
Published: January 2024

An efficient visible light‐mediated, eosin Y‐catalyzed synthesis of oxazole has been developed from benzil with primary amines, that providing a straightforward, green, and environmentally benign access to a wide variety of substituted oxazole‐2‐amines under mild reaction conditions.
Does emotional intelligence contribute to career success? Evidence from a systematic literature review
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Tiwari Vivek
Published: January 2024

The relationship between career success and emotional intelligence has garnered substantial academic attention, prompting this systematic literature review to critically assess its impact. Spanning from 1995 to 2022, this review adopts the PRISMA and TCCM frameworks to examine 36 studies, focusing on the role of emotional intelligence as a predictor, mediator, moderator, and criterion in career success. The evidences predominantly indicate that emotional intelligence is a critical antecedent for various career‐related outcomes including objective and subjective career success. Further, emotional intelligence serves as a pivotal mediator in linking personality traits, career planning, and self‐efficacy to career outcomes, as elucidated in few studies. Moreover, some studies reveal its moderating role between career commitment and both objective and subjective career success. Additionally, emotional intelligence emerges as an outcome influencing emotional exhaustion and balance. The review synthesizes findings from nine theoretical frameworks, establishing a robust link between emotional intelligence and career success. This review not only affirms emotional intelligence as a substantial contributor to career advancement but also opens avenues for future research and practical applications in organizational contexts.
Drain‐free mastectomy and flap fixation: The interim analysis of a randomized controlled noninferiority trial
Authors: Spiekerman van Weezelenburg Merel A. , de Rooij Lisa , Aldenhoven Loeki , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , van Haaren Elisabeth R. M. , Janssen Alfred , Vissers Yvonne L. J. , Beets Geerard L. , van Bastelaar James
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Flap fixation after mastectomy has proven to be one of the most promising solutions to reduce seroma formation. Drain placement remains standard practice in many clinics, even though this may be redundant after flap fixation.

Methods

This is a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing mastectomy and wound closure using flap fixation with or without drain placement. The primary outcome measure was clinically significant seroma (CSS) incidence. The aim of this interim analysis was to assess the assumptions for the sample size calculation and to provide preliminary results.

Results

Between July 2020 and January 2023, 112 patients were included. CSS incidence was 9.1% in the drain group and 21% in the no‐drain group. In total, 10 patients were lost to follow‐up. These numbers are similar to the ones used for the sample size calculation. In the drain group, three patients required interventions for wound complications compared to nine in the no‐drain group (odds ratio: 3.612 [95% confidence interval: 0.898−14.537]).

Conclusion

The sample size calculation seems to be correct and no protocol amendments are necessary. Current preliminary results show no significant differences in CSS incidence. Complete results should be awaited to draw a well‐powered conclusion regarding drain policy after mastectomy.
Minimally invasive versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A pooled analysis of two European randomized controlled trials
Authors: van der Wielen Nicole , Brenkman Hylke , Seesing Maarten , Daams Freek , Ruurda Jelle , van der Veen Arjen , van der Peet Donald L. , Straatman Jennifer , van Hillegersberg Richard ,   STOMACH and LOGICA study group
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Minimally invasive techniques have shown better short term and similar oncological outcomes compared to open techniques in the treatment of gastric cancer in Asian countries. It remains unknown whether these outcomes can be extrapolated to Western countries, where patients often present with advanced gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods

A pooled analysis of two Western randomized controlled trials (STOMACH and LOGICA trial) comparing minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG) and open gastrectomy (OG) in advanced gastric cancer was performed. Postoperative recovery (complications, mortality, hospital stay), oncological outcomes (lymph node yield, radical resection rate, 1‐year survival), and quality of life was assessed.

Results

Three hundred and twenty‐one patients were included from both trials. Of these, 162 patients (50.5%) were allocated to MIG and 159 patients (49.5%) to OG. A significant difference was seen in blood loss in favor of MIG (150 vs. 260 mL, p < 0.001), whereas duration of surgery was in favor of OG (180 vs. 228.5 min, p = 0.005). Postoperative recovery, oncological outcomes and quality of life were similar between both groups.

Conclusion

MIG showed no difference to OG regarding postoperative recovery, oncological outcomes or quality of life, and is therefore a safe alternative to OG in patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Approximately half of pediatric or adolescent patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction return to the same level of sport or higher: A systematic review
Authors: Sun Bryan , Vivekanantha Prushoth , Khalik Hassaan A. , Slawaska‐Eng David , Kay Jeffrey , Johnson Jansen , de SA Darren
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To summarise the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes in paediatric and adolescent patients undergoing revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (r‐ACLR).

Methods

Three databases (MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE) were searched from inception to 29 July 2023. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R‐AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, surgical details, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), rates of instability, rupture and return to sport (RTS) were extracted.

Results

Eight studies comprising 706 (711 knees) patients were included (48.7% female). The mean age at r‐ACLR was 17.1 years (range: 16.5–18.0). Autografts (67.5%) were more common than allografts (32.2%) in revision, with bone‐patellar tendon‐bone (BPTB) being the most prevalent autograft source (59.6%). Bone grafts were used in seven patients (4.8% of 146 patients). The most common femoral and tibial fixation techniques were interference screws (37.6% and 38.1%, of 244 patients, respectively). The most common tunnelling strategy was anatomic (69.1% of 236 patients), and meniscus repairs were performed in 39.7% of 256 patients. The re‐rupture rate was 13.0% in 293 patients. RTS at the same level or higher was 51.6% in 219 patients. The mean (SD) Lysholm score was 88.1 (12.9) in 78 patients, the mean (SD) Tegner score was 6.0 (1.6) in 78 patients, and the mean (SD) IKDC score was 82.6 (16.0) in 126 patients.

Conclusion

R‐ACLR in paediatric and adolescent patients predominantly uses BPTB autografts and interference screw femoral and tibial fixation with concomitant meniscal procedures. Rates of re‐rupture and RTS at the same level or higher were 13.0% and 51.6%, respectively. Information from this review can provide orthopaedic surgeons with a comprehensive understanding of the most commonly used operative techniques and their outcomes for revision ACLR in this population.

Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Group A Streptococcus strains causing meningitis without distinct invasive phenotype
Authors: Marquardt Laura , Andreoni Federica , Boumasmoud Mathilde , Schweizer Tiziano A. , Heuberger Dorothea M. , Parietti Elena , Hertegonne Sanne , Epprecht Jana , Mattle Dario , Raez Anna K. , Marques‐Maggio Ewerton , Schuepbach Reto A. , Hasse Barbara , Mairpady‐Shambat Srikanth , Brugger Silvio D. , Zinkernagel Annelies S.
Published: January 2024

Group A streptococcal (GAS; aka Streptococcus pyogenes) meningitis is a fulminant disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the invasiveness of GAS in meningitis, we compared GAS isolates derived from five cases of meningitis to otitis and colonizing isolates. We did not observe differences in adherence to and invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells, virulence factors activity, or barrier disruption. Whole genome sequencing did not reveal particular invasiveness traits. Most patients previously suffered from otitis media suggesting that meningitis likely resulted from a continuous spread of the infection rather than being attributable to changes in the pathogen's virulence.
Temperature lowering of liquid nitrogen via injection of helium gas bubbles improves the generation of parahydrogen‐enriched gas
Authors: Daley James , Siciliano Joseph , Ferraro Vincent , Sutter Elodie , Lounsbery Adam , Whiting Nicholas
Published: January 2024

The para spin isomer of hydrogen gas possesses high nuclear spin order that can enhance the NMR signals of a variety of molecular species. Hydrogen is routinely enriched in the para spin state by lowering the gas temperature while flowing through a catalyst. Although parahydrogen enrichments approaching 100% are achievable near the H2 liquefaction temperature of 20 K, many experimentalists operate at liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K) due to the lower associated costs and overall simplicity of the parahydrogen generator. Parahydrogen that is generated at 77 K provides an enrichment value of ~51% of the para spin isomer; while useful, there are many applications that can benefit from low‐cost access to higher parahydrogen enrichments. Here, we introduce a method of improving parahydrogen enrichment values using a liquid nitrogen‐cooled generator that operates at temperatures less than 77 K. The boiling temperature of liquid nitrogen is lowered through internal evaporation into helium gas bubbles that are injected into the liquid. Changes to liquid nitrogen temperatures and parahydrogen enrichment values were monitored as a function of helium gas flow rate. The injected helium bubbles lowered the liquid nitrogen temperature to ~65.5 K, and parahydrogen enrichments of up to ~59% were achieved; this represents an ~16% improvement compared with the expected parahydrogen fraction at 77 K. This technique is simple to implement in standard liquid nitrogen‐cooled parahydrogen generators and may be of interest to a wide range of scientists that require a cost‐effective approach to improving parahydrogen enrichment values.
Advancing arts philanthropy practices for well‐being
Authors: Addis Michela , Rurale Andrea
Published: January 2024

Individual and collective well‐being is a global priority. Arts philanthropy can play a significant role in enhancing well‐being, both due to the direct impact of the arts on well‐being and the contribution of philanthropy to the well‐being of both donors and recipients. Despite this widely held belief, the current state of arts philanthropy highlights the need for advancements in its practices for the benefit of both givers and receivers. Through a review of previous studies, we propose a conceptual model to support the success of arts philanthropy by addressing four key elements: who, what, how, and why. Arts philanthropic practices should: (1) Identify the involved stakeholders and their interests within the context of multi‐sided markets; (2) Design and execute engaging cultural experiences as part of their offerings; (3) Incorporate the four ethical principles—namely, “Do no harm,” “Do as much good as possible,” “Respect people's autonomy,” and “Treat people with fairness”—into their decision‐making processes; (4) Utilize valid and reliable measures of well‐being.
Telegenetics to provide comprehensive prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Adams April D. , Ball Robert , Darilek Sandra
Published: January 2024

Telehealth is an effective way to increase access to genetic services and can address several challenges, including geographic barriers, a shortage of interpreter services, and workforce issues, especially for prenatal diagnosis. The addition of prenatal telegenetics to current workflows shows promise in enhancing the delivery of genetic counseling and testing in prenatal care, providing accessibility, accuracy, patient satisfaction, and cost‐effectiveness. Further research is needed to explore long‐term patient outcomes and the evolving role of telehealth for prenatal diagnosis. Future studies should address the accuracy of diagnoses, the impact of receiving a diagnosis in a virtual setting, and patient outcomes in order to make informed decisions about the appropriate use of telemedicine in prenatal genetics service delivery.
Transition in solution dynamics of polyacrylic acid: An interplay between nonergodicity and triple mode relaxation
Authors: Mishra Banani , Jena Sidhartha S.
Published: January 2024

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements have been performed on the polyacrylic acid (PAA) to investigate the polyelectrolyte effect on its solution dynamics. Viscosity measurements confirm the solution to be in the nondilute regime. The polyelectrolyte impacts are contrasted by using two solution pHs, five electrolyte concentrations, and in each with four different polymer concentrations. An interesting ergodic nonergodic ergodic transitions are being observed with variation in solution pH and electrolyte concentrations, which is directly coupled to a similar transition between bi‐modal and triple mode relaxation. The partial heterodyne method is used to analyze the DLS data exhibiting nonergodicity; otherwise, the standard Siegert relation is being employed. For the new third mode of relaxation, in addition to the conventional fast and slow mode, a novel term of nonergodic mode being coined because of a direct association between its presence with the sample becoming nonergodic. The fast relaxation time being analyzed through Rouse model and both the nonergodic and slow relaxation time show a monotonous increase with rise in polymer concentration. The stretched exponent , a measure of inhomogeneity, decreases with increase in solution pH and polymer concentration while increases with the addition of salt to the solution.
Diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: de Kouchkovsky Ivan , Chan Emily , Schloss Charles , Poehlein Christian , Aggarwal Rahul
Published: January 2024

Background

Although most patients with prostate cancer (PC) respond to initial androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), castration‐resistant disease invariably develops. Progression to treatment‐emergent neuroendocrine PC (t‐NEPC) represents a unique mechanism of resistance to androgen receptor (AR)‐targeted therapy in which lineage plasticity and neuroendocrine differentiation induce a phenotypic switch from an AR‐driven adenocarcinoma to an AR‐independent NEPC. t‐NEPC is characterized by an aggressive clinical course, increased resistance to AR‐targeted therapies, and a poor overall prognosis.

Methods

This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of NEPC, with a focus on the unmet needs, diagnosis, and clinical management of t‐NEPC.

Results

Evidence extrapolated from the literature on small cell lung cancer or data from metastatic castration‐resistant PC (mCRPC) cohorts enriched for t‐NEPC suggests an increased sensitivity to platinum‐based chemotherapy. However, optimal strategies for managing t‐NEPC have not been established, and prospective clinical trial data are limited. Intertumoral heterogeneity within a given patient, as well as the lack of robust molecular or clinical biomarkers for early detection, often lead to delays in diagnosis and prolonged treatment with suboptimal strategies (i.e., conventional chemohormonal therapies for mCRPC), which may further contribute to poor outcomes.

Conclusions

Recent advances in genomic and molecular classification of NEPC and the development of novel biomarkers may facilitate an early diagnosis, help to identify promising therapeutic targets, and improve the selection of patients most likely to benefit from NEPC‐targeted therapies.
Utilization trend of prebiopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and its impact on prostate cancer detection: Real‐world insights from a high‐volume center in southwest China
Authors: Zhang Chichen , Tu Xiang , Dai Jindong , Zhang Zilong , Shen Chenlan , Wu Qiyou , Liu Zhenhua , Lin Tianhai , Qiu Shi , Yang Lu , Yang Ling , Zhang Mengni , Cai Diming , Bao Yige , Zeng Hao , Wei Qiang
Published: January 2024

Background

Data on the utilization and effects of prebiopsy prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to support its routine use in real‐world setting are still scarce.

Objective

To evaluate the change of clinical practice of prebiopsy mpMRI over time, and assess its diagnostic accuracy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We retrospectively analyzed data from 6168 patients who underwent primary prostate biopsy (PBx) between January 2011 and December 2021 and had prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) values ranging from 3 to 100 ng/mL.

Intervention

Prebiopsy MRI at the time of PBx.

Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis

We performed general linear regression and to elucidate trends in the annual use of prebiopsy mpMRI and conducted multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the potential benefits of incorporating prebiopsy mpMRI for prostate cancer (PCa) detection.

Results and Limitations

The utilization of prebiopsy mpMRI significantly increased from 9.2% in 2011 to 75.0% in 2021 (p < 0.001). In addition, prebiopsy mpMRI significantly reduced negative PBx by 8.6% while improving the detection of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) by 7.0%. Regression analysis showed that the utilization of prebiopsy mpMRI was significantly associated with a 48% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–1.84) and 36% (95% CI: 1.12–1.66) increased PCa detection rate in the PSA 3–10 ng/mL and 10–20 ng/mL groups, respectively; and a 34% increased csPCa detection rate in the PSA 10–20 ng/mL group (95% CI: 1.09–1.64). The retrospective design and the single center cohort constituted the limitations of this study.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated a notable rise in the utilization of prebiopsy mpMRI in the past decade. The adoption of this imaging technique was significantly associated with an increased probability of detecting prostate cancer.

Patient Summary

From 2011 to 2021, we demonstrated a steady increase in the utilization of prebiopsy mpMRI among biopsy‐naïve men. We also confirmed the positive impact of prebiopsy mpMRI utilization on the detection of prostate cancer.
Interfacial Effects on the Photoluminescence Properties of Epitaxial Monolayer MoS2 on MoO2 on C‐Sapphire
Authors: Yang Dingbang , Guo Xiao , Jiang Junjie , Wang Yongsong , Wang Yuedong , Bai Jindong , Xie Haipeng , Li Jin , Ouyang Fangping , Huang Han
Published: January 2024

Interfacial interactions, including interfacial charge transfer and strain, play important roles in the applications of 2D layered materials. Recently, MoO2 have been widely used as precursors or substrates for growth of high‐quality MoS2. Herein, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy are used to investigate the dependence of epitaxial monolayer MoS2 PL properties on MoO2 nanoflakes in different thicknesses on c‐sapphire. On all MoO2 nanoflakes, the trion exciton of MoS2 disappears due to the interfacial charge transfer from MoS2 to MoO2. The neutral exciton of MoS2 exhibits a ≈60 meV redshift on thick MoO2 nanoflakes compared to those either on c‐sapphire or on thin MoO2 nanoflakes, which is attributed to the relaxation of c‐sapphire‐induced compressive strain in MoO2 over a critical thickness. Temperature‐dependent PL measurements reveal a stronger electron–phonon interaction in MoS2 on MoO2 than on c‐sapphire. The findings provide an easy way to tune the properties of MoS2 via tuning the thickness of MoO2 buffer layer on c‐sapphire.
Enhanced optoelectronic properties with aromatic bridges: A computational study on N‐methyl pyridinium and phenolate types of push‐pull zwitterions
Authors: Pant Divya , Sitha Sanyasi
Published: January 2024

A series of zwitterions with varying bridges, connecting N‐methyl pyridinium acceptor, with phenolate donor, are investigated using various methodologies like, HF, B3LYP, CAM‐B3LYP and ωB97xD. In this systematic study effects of various mono aromatic rings as bridges, on the response properties like, the dipole moments (μ), polarizabilities (α), hyperpolarizabilities (β) and adiabatic absorptions were analyzed using CPHF and TDDFT (or TDHF) theories. Compared to many traditional bridges, as well as without a bridge, enhanced nonlinear optical (2ND order NLO) responses were observed for these aromatically bridged zwitterions (with benzene ring as bridge ~5.3 times and ~7.9 times enhanced hyperpolarizabilities were observed compared to either the ethylene bridge or without any bridge cases, respectively). Also, many significant differences and large enhancements in response properties were observed compared to our earlier works on non‐zwitterionic system (~4.3 times enhanced hyperpolarizability—benzene as bridge case). For some bridge cases, 10‐ to 15‐fold enhanced hyperpolarizabilities were observed compared to without any bridge case. This work reports a class of non‐TICT chromophores, promoting bridge aromaticity control on structure–property correlation, as a suitable and efficient chromophore design strategy to create a wide range of function molecular chromophores. Also, unidirectional natures of response properties and large dipole moments can make these zwitterions suitable 1D‐molecular materials for various contemporary technological applications, as poled polymer‐based materials.
Decentralized model reference adaptive control for interconnected systems with time‐varying delays and unknown dead‐zone inputs
Authors: Yang Chen , Xu Shengyuan , Zhang Zhengqiang
Published: January 2024

In this study, the decentralized model reference adaptive control (DMRAC) problem is tackled for a class of time‐varying delay interconnect systems that comprise unknown system matrices and unknown dead‐zone inputs. Two robust adaptive control methods are proposed for state tracking based on the moderate matching time‐varying delay nonlinear assumptions and the matching between the controlled system and reference model matrices, respectively. The control gain function is explicitly expressed, and it is applied to the adaptive law gains simultaneously. Moreover, a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional with two integral functions is developed. Besides the properties of the type‐B Nussbaum function, the circumstance where the system parameters are fully unknown is considered. As indicated by the results, all signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded while fulfilling asymptotically tracked control objectives. The simulation example of this study verifies the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed design method.
Associations among posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and reward discounting
Authors: McManimen Stephanie L. , Hay Jarrod , Long Cameron , Bryan Craig J. , Aase Darrin M.
Published: January 2024

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Decision‐making processes and risk‐taking are prominent for coping in both, but the implications for guaranteed and probabilistic reward discounting, important components in behavioural decision‐making processes, are unclear. This study explored the relationships between PTSD and suicide risk with tendencies towards devaluing guaranteed rewards that are larger but delayed (i.e., delay discounting; DD) and devaluing larger but uncertain rewards (i.e., probability discounting; PD) for immediate but smaller rewards. The current study evaluated 498 participants (majority male [51.4%] and white [63.8%]; 33.3% screening positive for probable PTSD; 19.2% with lifetime suicide attempts; 30.8% with recent suicide ideation) on both delayed discounting and PD tasks. Provisional PTSD diagnosis, but not suicide attempts or ideation, was associated with increased PD (i.e., more devaluation of uncertain rewards). Conversely, PTSD interacted with both attempt history and ideation to predict increased delayed discounting (i.e., more devaluing of greater but delayed rewards). These results highlight how those with PTSD symptoms assign valuations to rewards, as well as how the addition of suicide risk interacts to impact these decision‐making processes. While further research is needed, this suggests potential implications for treatment as they may benefit from structuring progress in smaller, more immediate goals.
Dual Activation for Tuning N, S Co‐Doping in Porous Carbon Sheets Toward Superior Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Dingyue , Zhang Hao , Gao Fan , Huang Gang , Shang Zhoutai , Gao Caiqin , Chen Xianchun , Wei Jingjiang , Terrones Mauricio , Wang Yanqing
Published: January 2024

Porous carbon has been widely focused to solve the problems of low coulombic efficiency (ICE) and low multiplication capacity of Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) anodes. The superior energy storage properties of two‐dimensional(2D) carbon nanosheets can be realized by modulating the structure, but be limited by the carbon sources, making it challenging to obtain 2D structures with large surface area. In this work, a new method for forming carbon materials with high N/S doping content based on combustion activation using the dual activation effect of K2SO4/KNO3 is proposed. The synthesized carbon material as an anode for SIBs has a high reversible capacity of 344.44 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1. Even at the current density of 5 Ag−1, the capacity remained at 143.08 mAh g−1. And the ICE of sodium‐ion in ether electrolytes is ≈2.5 times higher than that in ester electrolytes. The sodium storage mechanism of ether/ester‐based electrolytes is further explored through ex‐situ characterizations. The disparity in electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the discrepancy in kinetics, wherein ether‐based electrolytes exhibit a higher rate of Na+ storage and shedding compared to ester‐based electrolytes. This work suggests an effective way to develop doubly doped carbon anode materials for SIBs.
A Mott–Schottky Heterojunction with Strong Chemisorption and Fast Conversion Effects for Room‐Temperature Na–S Batteries
Authors: Wang Ting , Li Wenqi , Fu Yujun , Wang Dongjiao , Wu Liang , Sun Kai , Liu Dequan , Ma Runze , Shi Yujie , Yang Gang , Wu Ying , He Deyan
Published: January 2024

The practical application of the room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries is currently limited by low reversible capacity and serious capacity decay due to the sluggish reaction kinetics and shuttle effect. It is necessary to design a suitable sulfur host integrated with electrocatalysts to realize effective chemisorption and catalysis of sodium polysulfides (NaPSs). Herein, under the guidance of theoretical calculation, the Mott–Schottky heterojunction with a built‐in electric field composed of iron (Fe) and iron disulfide (FeS2) components anchored on a porous carbon matrix (Fe/FeS2‐PC) is designed and prepared. The enhanced chemisorption effect of Fe, the fast electrocatalytic effect of FeS2, and the fast transfer effect of the built‐in electric field within the Fe/FeS2 heterojunction in the cathode of RT Na–S batteries work together to effectively improve the electrochemical performance. As a result, the Fe/FeS2‐PC@S cathode exhibits high reversible capacity (815 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.2 A g−1) and excellent stability (516 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at 5 A g−1, with only 0.07% decay per cycle). The design of the Fe/FeS2 heterojunction electrocatalyst provides a new strategy for the development of highly stable RT Na‐S batteries.
Comparison of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a High‐Carbon Bainitic Steel Treated by Long‐Time Bainitic Austempering and Short‐Time Austempering Plus Tempering Processes
Authors: Wang Kun , Gao Guhui , Gui Xiaolu , Bai Bingzhe , Feng Chun
Published: January 2024

Herein, the microstructure and mechanical properties of a high‐carbon bainitic steel treated by long‐time bainitic austempering and short‐time austempering plus tempering processes are compared. The multiphase microstructures are characterized by dilatometry, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to correlate with mechanical properties. Results show that although long‐time austempering treatment can reduce the volume fraction of brittle martensite, no significant improvement is observed in fracture damage resistance. Besides, the cementite is prone to precipitation from the austenite at the later period of the long‐time austempering process. The cementite precipitation in austenite decreases the carbon content in retained austenite (RA) and consequently reduces the mechanical stability of RA. In contrast, the cementite has not been able to precipitate from austenite after short‐time austempering treatment, whereas the martensite is softened and the stability of RA is improved during subsequent tempering. Therefore, excellent mechanical properties are obtained in the samples treated by short‐time austempering plus tempering process: ultimate tensile strength, 1489 MPa, yield strength, 1014 MPa, total elongation, 33.2%, and the product of strength and elongation (PSE) of 48.4 GPa%, where PSE is increased by 27% compared with the sample after long‐time bainitic austempering.
RETRACTED: Integrated RNA expression and alternative polyadenylation analysis identified CPSF1‐CCDC137 oncogenic axis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xudong Xiang , Heng Li , Benchao Chen , Wenjie Chen , Bao Lei , Gaofeng Li
Published: January 2024

This study aims to analyze the RNA expression and alternative polyadenylation (APA) events and identify APA tuned genes with prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Genome‐wide RNA expression profile and APA events were acquired in LUAD cancer and normal samples in GSE197346. Comparative analysis screened common deregulated genes and transcripts. All 11 and 19 transcripts were up and down expressed and polyadenylated in cancer samples, respectively. Clinical analysis found eight genes with prognostic significance, such as coiled‐coil domain containing 137 (CCDC137). Role of CCDC137 in LUAD was first reported in this study. The cellular and animal experiments indicated that downregulated CCDC137 suppressed the malignant tumor phenotype and tumor growth in LUAD. Then, to identify APA regulators for elevated CCDC137, we analyzed the expression of 26 APA regulators in GSE197346 and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and found 4 differential regulators: CPSF1, CELF2, NUDT21, and ELAVL1. At last, the correlation of eight genes with four differential APA regulators was analyzed, and CPSF1 showed a strong positive correlation with CCDC137. Based on the above results, we propose an oncogenic axis of CPSF1‐CCDC137 in LUAD. This study first constructed a polyadenylation tuned RNA expression map in LUAD, and the proposed oncogenic axis of CPSF1‐CCDC137 would shed light on the pathogenesis of LUAD.
Epstein‐Barr virus in tonsillar tissue of Iranian children with tonsillar hypertrophy: Quantitative measurement by real‐time PCR
Authors: Kalantari Shirin , Zadheidar Sevrin , Heydarifard Zahra , Nejati Ahmad , Sadeghi Kaveh , Shatizadeh Malekshahi Somayeh , Ghavami Nastaran , Mokhtari‐Azad Talat , Shafiei‐Jandaghi Nazanin‐Zahra
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is ubiquitous all around the world. Tonsils seem to be candidate replication sites for EBV, and these tissues can be infected acutely or chronically. Some studies reported an association between EBV infection and tonsillar hypertrophy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the presence and copy number of the EBV genome in tonsil tissue specimens of patients with tonsillar hypertrophy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed on 50 fresh tonsil tissue samples from children, who underwent tonsillectomy because of tonsillar hypertrophy. Patients' tonsil tissues were evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction for EBV genome and viral load. Finally, the results were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

EBV genome was detected in 58% (29/50) of tonsillar tissues. The relationship between EBV genome detection rate and age groups was in the statistical significance range (P = 0.051). Among 29 positive cases, the average EBV viral load was (3.1 × 105) copy/g ± (0.5 × 105) copy/g. No significant difference was observed among different sex and age groups for EBV viral load.

Conclusion

Herein, EBV genome detection could support the colonization of EBV in the tonsils, which may have a direct or indirect association with the pathogenesis of tonsillar hypertrophy.
The Marine Carbon Footprint: Challenges in the Quantification of the CO2 Uptake by the Biological Carbon Pump in the Benguela Upwelling System
Authors: Rixen Tim , Lahajnar Niko , Lamont Tarron , Koppelmann Rolf , Martin Bettina , Meiritz Luisa , Siddiqui Claire , Van der Plas Anja K.
Published: January 2024

Quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is essential for mitigating global warming, and has become the task of individual countries assigned to the Paris agreement in the form of National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reports (NIR). The NIR informs on GHG emissions and removals over national territory encompassing the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). However, apart from only a few countries, who have begun to report on coastal ecosystems, mostly mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows, the NIR does not cover or report on GHG sources and sinks of the 200-mile exclusive economic zone which, for Namibia and South Africa includes the Benguela Upwelling System (BUS). Based on our results, we estimated a CO2 uptake by the biological carbon pump of 18.5 ± 3.3 Tg C year−1 and 6.0 ± 5.0 Tg C year−1 for the Namibian and South African parts of the BUS, respectively. Even though it is assumed that the biological carbon pump already responds to global change and fisheries, uncertainties associated with estimates of the CO2 uptake by the biological carbon pump are still large and hamper a thorough quantification of human impacts on the biological carbon pump. Despite these uncertainties, it is suggested to include parameters such as preformed nutrient supply, carbon export rates, Redfield ratios, and CO2 concentrations measured at specific key sites into the NIR to stay focussed on the biological carbon pump and to support research addressing open questions, as well as to improve methods and observing concepts.
Extensions of a scale-separated AdS4 solution and their mass spectrum
Authors: Andriot David , Tringas George
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We consider two extensions of the so-called DGKT solution, a 4d scale-separated anti-de Sitter (AdS) solution obtained as a compactification on a 6d torus orbifold. Each extension consists in a specific large n expansion beyond the DGKT solution, where n is the unbounded F4-flux parameter. One of the extensions considered generalizes the known warped, partially backreacted solution. We analyse the two extensions in 10d massive type IIA supergravity as well as in a 4d effective theory, using a general warped compactification formalism, including axions. On top of known corrections to DGKT, we mainly get new ones from F4; other fluxes are very constrained by flux quantization. In each extension, one would expect corresponding corrections to the mass spectrum, before reaching contributions from α′-corrections. But the mass spectrum turns out to be robust, and conformal dimensions remain unchanged.
Dyonic black strings and the charge lattice in Salam-Sezgin model
Authors: Ma Liang , Pang Yi , Lü H.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We obtain a class of dyonic black string solutions in 6D Salam-Sezgin model. We then calculate various thermodynamic quantities associated with this solution. Interestingly, for the thermodynamic quantities to be well defined, the temperature is bounded from above. However, the mass and entropy can still grow without any upper bound, reaching infinity at the maximal temperature. The quantization condition obeyed by various charges is also analyzed. In particular, we find that the Dirac quantization condition selects one particular sign choice for the magnetic string charges.
AdS3/RMT2 duality
Authors: Di Ubaldo Gabriele , Perlmutter Eric
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We introduce a framework for quantifying random matrix behavior of 2d CFTs and AdS3 quantum gravity. We present a 2d CFT trace formula, precisely analogous to the Gutzwiller trace formula for chaotic quantum systems, which originates from the SL(2, ℤ) spectral decomposition of the Virasoro primary density of states. An analogy to Berry’s diagonal approximation allows us to extract spectral statistics of individual 2d CFTs by coarse-graining, and to identify signatures of chaos and random matrix universality. This leads to a necessary and sufficient condition for a 2d CFT to display a linear ramp in its coarse-grained spectral form factor.

Turning to gravity, AdS3 torus wormholes are cleanly interpreted as diagonal projections of squared partition functions of microscopic 2d CFTs. The projection makes use of Hecke operators. The Cotler-Jensen wormhole of AdS3 pure gravity is shown to be extremal among wormhole amplitudes: it is the minimal completion of the random matrix theory correlator compatible with Virasoro symmetry and SL(2, ℤ)-invariance. We call this MaxRMT: the maximal realization of random matrix universality consistent with the necessary symmetries. Completeness of the SL(2, ℤ) spectral decomposition as a trace formula allows us to factorize the Cotler-Jensen wormhole, extracting the microscopic object ZRMT(τ) from the coarse-grained product. This captures details of the spectrum of BTZ black hole microstates. ZRMT(τ) may be interpreted as an AdS3 half-wormhole. We discuss its implications for the dual CFT and modular bootstrap at large central charge.
Radiation from a gluon-gluino colour-singlet dipole at N3LO
Authors: Chen Xuan , Jakubčík Petr , Marcoli Matteo , Stagnitto Giovanni
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We compute the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) corrections to the decay of a neutralino to gluinos and partons at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) in the strong coupling constant αs, integrated separately over the phase-space of two, three, four or five particles in the final state. The resulting matrix elements are related to the quark-gluon antenna functions, completing the set of integrated antenna functions in final-final kinematics required for the extension of the antenna subtraction scheme to N3LO. For a model with massless partons (quarks and gluons) and an arbitrary number of adjoint fermions, we obtained the following new results to $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^3\right) $$
O

α
s
3

: the inclusive cross section for the decay of a neutralino, the renormalization of the effective coupling of a neutralino to a gluino and gluon(s), the gluino collinear anomalous dimension, the gluino contribution to the parton collinear anomalous dimensions and the neutralino-gluino-gluon(s) vertex form factors. A special case of this model is the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 super Yang-Mills theory, where we can relate some of our findings to known results.