bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic electromechanical characterizations of poly(vinylidene fluoride) based nanocomposite films on ultra‐low modulus polymer substrate
Authors: Khan Shehroze Tahir , Mehdi Murtuza , Jamil Tariq , Qadir Abdul
Published: September 2024

This article explores the electromechanical performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films with silver nanoplatelets on smooth polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. PVDF, a semi‐crystalline polymer, shows piezoelectric properties when processed at low temperatures, making it ideal for energy harvesting and sensors. This research addresses a gap by examining high strain rate and complex electromechanical characteristions of PVDF composites, which are underexplored. Films, fabricated using a non‐vacuum rod coating method, underwent dynamic electromechanical tests (strain rate ~ 2 s−1), including stretching, twisting, combined stretching and twisting, and forced vibrations. Results show the films function up to 17% applied strain with a gage factor of 10.57. In twisting tests, the laminates perform up to 387° in slow twisting (gage factor = 28.34) and 341° in fast twisting (gage factor = 7.65). Combined stretching and twisting tests show performance decreases, with functionality up to 6.24% strain at a twist angle of 330.1°. Vibration tests reveal that increased amplitude reduces performance, with the laminates enduring frequencies between 4.35 and 12.14 Hz. The films also exhibit a linear piezoelectric response, with a maximum open circuit voltage of 37.2 V under an impact load of 1112 N, underscoring the potential of PVDF/Ag nanocomposites for advanced MEMS applications.
Preparation of ultraviolet‐cured silicone elastomer reinforced by SH‐POSS crosslinker for light emitting diode encapsulant
Authors: Zeng Yunsheng , Xia Jianhui
Published: September 2024

Stable silicone encapsulants are essential for protecting high‐power light‐emitting diodes (LED) from dust and moisture and extending their service life. Herein, by incorporating thiol‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (SH‐POSS) as a crosslinker into ultraviolet‐curable silicone elastomer (UVSE), a series of new UV‐cured silicone encapsulants (SH‐POSS/UVSE) have been developed through thiol‐ene click chemistry. It was found that SH‐POSS effectively enhanced the mechanical properties of SH‐POSS/UVSE. When 30 mol% SH‐POSS was added, the tensile strength and elongation at break reached 1.01 MPa and 422%, respectively, 2.1 and 1.6 times higher than pure UVSE. This could be ascribed to the more concentrated crosslinking network and the improved interfacial interactions between SH‐POSS and UVSE than physical blending. Moreover, the steric effect of branched and rigid SH‐POSS restricted the movement of UVSE molecular chains. Incorporating SH‐POSS also suppressed UVSE degradation and improved its thermal stability. Additionally, when the LED sample encapsulated by SH‐POSS/UVSE‐30 was immersed in boiling red ink for 2 h, no crack or stain was observed, indicating that SH‐POSS/UVSE‐30 possessed good adhesion to the LED lead frame. This work provides a new approach to fabricating high‐strength and stable silicone composites, which are promising candidates as LED encapsulants.
Effect of Stocking Density on the Growth of the Endangered Amazonian Fish Hypancistrus zebra (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Barros Fábio José Torres de , Bahia Isadora Ribeiro da Silva Lobato , Nascimento Thaís Pereira , Moura Mayllon C. de S. , Torres Rayane A. , Pereira Tatiana da Silva , Sousa Leandro Melo de
Published: September 2024

Stocking density has a significant influence on animal homeostasis, and so is a crucial factor in the management of organisms in captivity and an important role in ex situ conservation of endangered species. Hypancistrus zebra is an endemic fish species from the Xingu River, Brazil—considered Critically Endangered since the early 2000s due to fishing pressure and, more recently, due to habitat changes resulting from the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Dam. The implementation of appropriate management in captivity is of utmost importance for its conservation, particularly in enhancing ex situ breeding techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the growth of juvenile H. zebra in aquaria with three different stocking density levels. The juveniles were distributed between three treatments, each with three replicates. We found no correlation between biomass and aquarium volume. The highest correlation coefficients were found between growth rates and densities related to the number of individuals per shelter area. Mortality rate was directly related to the initial number of fish in the aquariums, with larger populations showing higher mortality rates. The treatment with lower stocking density displayed the highest growth rate, while the treatment with higher density had the lowest growth rate, with a 23.38% difference between them.
Application of RET Approach for Ratiometric Response Enhancement of ICT Fluorescent Hg2+ Probe based on Crown‐containing Styrylpyridinium Dye
Authors: Panchenko Pavel A. , Efremenko Anastasija V. , Polyakova Anna S. , Feofanov Alexey V. , Ustimova Maria A. , Fedorov Yuri V. , Fedorova Olga A.
Published: September 2024

Styrylpyridinium dye bearing azadithia‐15‐crown‐5 ether receptor group SP and 4‐alkoxy‐1,8‐naphthalimide fluorophore were linked using copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition click reaction to afford dyad compound NI‐SP. Chemosensor NI‐SP exhibited selective ratiometric fluorescent response to the presence of Hg2+ in aqueous solution due to the interplay between resonance energy transfer (RET) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) processes occurred upon excitation. The observed switching of the ratio of emission intensities in the blue and red channels R was higher than in the case of monochromophoric styrylpyridine derivative SP showing ratiometric response based on ICT mechanism only. Biological studies revealed that NI‐SP penetrates into human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and accumulates in cytoplasm and lysosomes. When cells were pre‐incubated with mercury (II) perchlorate, the ratio R was increased 2.6 times, which enables detection of intracellular Hg2+ ions and their quantitative analysis in the 0.7–6.0 μM concentration range.
Robust super‐twisting sliding mode control of input‐delayed nonlinear systems using disturbance observers and predictor feedback
Authors: Javadi Ali , Chaichaowarat Ronnapee
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates prediction‐based robust super‐twisting sliding mode controller design for nonlinear systems with input delay and external disturbances. A novel predictor feedback is introduced based on state predictions of the original and transformed models. To cope with the external disturbances, a set of disturbance observers are utilized which estimate the future values of disturbances asymptotically. Super‐twisting sliding mode control is used to avoid chattering phenomenon which is also able to handle external disturbances. Proposed design can handle all external disturbances that their derivatives vanish at infinity. Stability proof of the closed‐loop is given in details ensuring the asymptotic stability of the tracking errors and finite time vanishing of the sliding surface. To illustrate effectiveness and applicability, the proposed design is applied to a two‐link robot and a serial variable stiffness actuator. Simulation results show that input delays of the robot and actuator are compensated, and external disturbances are correctly estimated and attenuated.
Analyzing and Improving Conductive Networks in Commercial High‐Energy Ni‐rich Cathodes
Authors: Lindner Adrian , Both Svenja , Menesklou Wolfgang , Hein Simon , Danner Timo , Latz Arnulf , Krewer Ulrike
Published: September 2024

Nickel‐rich stoichiometries such as NMC811 have gained increasing relevance for lithium‐ion‐batteries in recent years due to their high specific capacity and reduced use of critical resources. However, low intrinsic electronic conductivity of NMC active materials makes the use of carbon‐based additives necessary. Volume fraction and distribution of the carbon‐binder‐domain (CBD) have a significant impact on the electrode performance. This work combines high‐resolution tomography and microstructure‐resolved simulations to characterize the three‐dimensional transport networks of a commercial NMC811 cathode. FIB‐SEM tomography reveals that low CBD volume fractions with suboptimal distribution cause a non‐percolating conductive network in the microstructure and thus unfavourably low electronic conductivity. Increasing the CBD content through virtual electrode design enables percolation and enhances electronic conductivity fundamentally. Simulations on both the real and virtually designed structures demonstrate how percolating CBD networks lead to a significantly improved energy density.
A novel cytoprotective organ perfusion platform for reconstructing homeostasis of DCD liver while alleviating IRI injury
Authors: Lan Tingting , Yu Mingxing , Ming Tao , Wang Hong , Deng Juan , Cheng Shuhan , Shen Zhongyang , Kong Deling
Published: September 2024

Pump is a vital component for expelling the perfusate in small animal isolated organ normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) systems whose flexible structure and rhythmic contraction play a crucial role in maintaining perfusion system homeostasis. However, the continuous extrusion forming with the rigid stationary shaft of the peristaltic pumps can damage cells, leading to metabolic disorders and eventual dysfunction of transplanted organs. Here, we developed a novel biomimetic blood‐gas system (BBGs) for preventing cell damage. This system mimics the cardiac cycle and features an adjustable inspiratory‐to‐expiratory (IE) ratio to mitigate acidosis caused by continuous oxygen inhalation. In our study, adipose stem cells (ADSCs) were cultured within the circulatory system for 10 min, 2, and 4 h. Compared to the peristaltic pump, the BBGs significantly reduced cell apoptosis and morphological injury while enhancing cell proliferation and adhesion. Additionally, when the supernatant from ADSCs was introduced to LPS‐induced macrophages for 24 h, the BBGs group demonstrated a more pronounced anti‐inflammatory effect, characterized by reduced M1 macrophage expression. Besides, with isolated rat livers from donation after circulatory death (DCD) perfusion with ADSCs for 6 h by the BBGs, we detected fewer apoptotic cells and a reduced inflammatory response, evidenced by down‐regulated TNF‐α expression. The development of BBGs demonstrates the feasibility of recreating physiological liquid–gas circulation in vitro, offering an alternative platform for isolated organ perfusion, especially for applications involving cell therapy.
Pax6 expressing neuroectodermal and ocular stem cells: Its role from a developmental biology perspective
Authors: More Shubhangi , Mallick Sumit , P. Sudheer Shenoy , Bose Bipasha
Published: September 2024

Pax‐6 emerges as a critical transcription factor that guides the fate of stem cells towards neural lineages. Its expression influences the differentiation of neural progenitors into diverse neuronal subtypes, glial cells, and other neural cell types. Pax‐6 operates with other regulatory factors to ensure the precise patterning and organization of the developing nervous system. The intricate interplay between Pax‐6 and other signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic modifiers underpins the complicated balance between stem cell maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation in neuroectodermal and ocular contexts. Dysfunction of Pax‐6 can lead to a spectrum of developmental anomalies, underscoring its importance in these processes. This review highlights the essential role of Pax‐6 expression in neuroectodermal and ocular stem cells, shedding light on its significance in orchestrating the intricate journey from stem cell fate determination to the emergence of diverse neural and ocular cell types. The comprehensive understanding of Pax‐6 function gained from a developmental biology perspective offers valuable insights into normal development and potential therapeutic avenues for neuroectodermal and ocular disorders.
Rationale and design of the randomized COmparison of Methods for Pulmonary blood flow Augmentation: Shunt versus Stent (COMPASS) trial: A Pediatric Heart Network study
Authors: Petit Christopher J. , Romano Jennifer C. , Zampi Jeffrey D. , Pasquali Sara K. , McCracken Courtney E. , Chanani Nikhil K. , Les Andrea S. , Burns Kristin M. , Crosby‐Thompson Allison , Stylianou Mario , Kato Bernet , Glatz Andrew C. ,   for the Pediatric Heart Network Investigators
Published: September 2024

Neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) and ductal‐dependent pulmonary blood flow (DD‐PBF) require early intervention. Historically, this intervention was most often a surgical systemic‐to‐pulmonary shunt (SPS; e.g., Blalock–Thomas–Taussig shunt). However, over the past two decades an alternative to SPS has emerged in the form of transcatheter ductal artery stenting (DAS). While many reports have indicated safety and durability of the DAS approach, few studies compare outcomes between DAS and SPS. The reports that do exist are comprised primarily of small‐cohort single‐center reviews. Two multicenter retrospective studies suggest that DAS is associated with similar or superior survival compared to SPS. These studies offer the best evidence to‐date, and yet both have important limitations. The authors describe herein the rationale and design of the COMPASS (COmparison of Methods for Pulmonary blood flow Augmentation: Shunt vs. Stent) Trial (NCT05268094, IDE G210212). The COMPASS Trial aims to randomize 236 neonates with DD‐PBF to either DAS or SPS across approximately 27 pediatric centers in North America. The goal of this trial is to compare important clinical outcomes between DAS and SPS over the first year of life in a cohort of neonates balanced by randomization to assess whether one method of palliation demonstrates therapeutic superiority.
Impact of multiple ballooning on coronary lesions as assessed by optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Kanzaki Yusuke , Ueki Yasushi , Sunohara Daisuke , Okina Yoshiteru , Nomi Hidetomo , Machida Keisuke , Kashiwagi Daisuke , Yoda Hidetsugu , Maruyama Shusaku , Nagae Ayumu , Kato Tamon , Saigusa Tatsuya , Dijkstra Jouke , Ebisawa Soichiro , Kuwahara Koichiro
Published: September 2024

Background

Optimal lesion preparation for coronary lesions has been reappraised in the interventional community, given the increasing use of drug‐coated balloons for de novo lesions; however, whether multiple ballooning could achieve more favorable angiographic results compared with single ballooning remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the incremental effect of multiple ballooning on de novo coronary lesions over single ballooning as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) undergoing PCI were enrolled. Ballooning before stent implantation was repeatedly performed for three times using the same semi‐compliant balloon. OCT and IVUS were performed after each balloon dilatation. Primary outcome measure was the difference in the mean lumen area between post‐1st ballooning (1B) and post‐3rd ballooning (3B) as assessed by OCT.

Results

A total of 32 lesions in 30 patients undergoing PCI between May 2021 and August 2022 were analyzed. Major plaque types of the lesions were fibrous (68.8%) and lipid (28.1%). Mean lumen area by OCT was significantly increased from 1B to 3B (5.9 ± 2.9 mm2 vs. 6.0 ± 2.9 mm2, difference: 0.2 ± 0.4 mm2, p = 0.040). There were significant increases from 1B to 3B in minimum lumen area by OCT (3.1 ± 1.5 mm2 vs. 3.6 ± 1.7 mm2, difference: 0.5 ± 0.6 mm2, p < 0.001) and mean dissection angle by OCT (65.6 ± 24.9° vs. 95.2 ± 34.0°, difference: 29.6 ± 25.5°, p < 0.001). Additionally, mean plaque area by IVUS was significantly decreased (8.0 ± 4.2 mm2 vs. 7.8 ± 4.1 mm2, difference: −0.2 ± 0.2 mm2, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Among CCS patients with mainly non‐calcified lesions, multiple ballooning significantly increased the lumen area and dissection angle compared with single ballooning.
The significance of uterine artery embolization in the treatment of utero‐cervical cancer: A single case report
Authors: Yadav Preeti Kumari , Sharma Abhimanyu , Ali Muhammad , Khan Nida , Al Balushi Jubran , Farooq Hajrah , Purohit Sree Abhilekha , Ali Sofia , Jayan Malavika , Nigam Archit Kumar , Singh Mansi
Published: September 2024

Key Clinical Message

Uterine artery embolization demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of utero‐cervical cancer. This minimally invasive procedure holds promise as a valuable adjunct therapy, potentially offering improved outcomes and reduced morbidity in select cases. Further research is warranted to validate its broader clinical utility.

Vaginal bleeding is a common complication of Cervical cancer that can be considered a critical emergency. Conventional hemostatic treatments may occasionally help reduce the bleeding but are not an effective long‐term solution. Uterine Artery Embolization, a minimally invasive intervention, can halt the bleeding, achieving hemostasis, while removing many of the complications that alternative interventions carry. We outline a case study of a patient with extensive vaginal bleeding who had uterocervical malignancy and talk about the benefits of uterine artery embolisation for therapeutic management.
The Effect of Hyperconjugation and Hydrogen Bonding on the Conformers of Methylated Monosaccharides
Authors: Whiteside Juliette C. , Insausti Aran , Ma Jiarui , Hazrah Arsh S. , Jäger Wolfgang , Xu Yunjie
Published: September 2024

The conformational landscapes of four 1‐O‐methylated monosaccharides—methyl α‐glucose, methyl β‐glucose, methyl α‐galactose, and methyl β‐galactose—were characterized using jet‐cooled broadband rotational spectroscopy, supported by density functional theory calculations. A newly designed, simple pulsed nozzle assembly was used to introduce the sugar samples into a jet expansion without thermal degradation, eliminating the need for a complex and expensive laser ablation system. Ten conformers were experimentally identified by assigning their rotational spectra, and the intricate methyl internal rotation splittings were analysed. Notably, methylation alters the directionality of intramolecular hydrogen bonding of α‐galactose highlighting its impact on structural preference. Natural bond orbital, intrinsic bond strength, and non‐covalent interaction analyses were conducted to explore the interplay between hydrogen bonding and hyperconjugation. A set of σ to σ* neutral hyperconjugative interactions was found to override a strong hydrogen bond, driving a preference for the gauche conformers.
Cascade Reactions of Alkynyl Ketones and Amides to Generate Unsaturated Oxacycles and Aromatic Carbocycles
Authors: Rajapaksa Kumudi J. W. , Yan Wong Hang , Lee Daesung
Published: September 2024

We describe novel amine‐mediated transformation of alkynyl ketones and amides to generate 2‐methylene‐2H‐pyrans, substituted 3‐hydroxy‐9H‐fluoren‐9‐ones, and amine‐incorporated arenes. These cascade processes are initiated by conjugate addition of secondary amine followed by hydrolysis of the enamine/vinylogous amide intermediates. The product distribution is highly sensitive to the steric and electronic effects of the substituents on both the alkyne moieties, the tether structure connecting them, and the nature of the amine. Alkynyl amide participates in the Alder‐ene reaction favorably to generate more reactive allene amide that reacts with amine to generate amine‐incorporated arene products. These metal‐free cascade reactions are a useful synthetic method that can be exploited for the construction of various hetero‐ and carbocyclic systems.
Regioselective Electrochemical Construction of Csp2−Csp2 Linkage at C5−C5’ Position of 2‐Oxindoles via an Intermolecular Anodic Dehydrogenative Coupling
Authors: Shaheeda Saina , Sharma Sulekha , Mandal Nilangshu , Shyamal Pranay , Datta Ayan , Paul Amit , Bisai Alakesh
Published: September 2024

Applying electricity as a reagent in synthetic organic chemistry has attracted particular attention from synthetic chemists worldwide as an environmentally benign and cost‐effective technique. Herein, we report the construction of the Csp2−Csp2 linkage at the C5−C5’ position of 2‐oxindole utilizing electricity as the traceless oxidant in an anodic dehydrogenative homo‐coupling process. A variety of 3,3‐disubstituted‐2‐oxindoles were subjected to dimerization, achieving yields of up to 70 % through controlled potential electrolysis at an applied potential of 1.5 V versus Ag/Ag+ nonaqueous reference electrode. This electro‐synthetic approach facilitates the specific assembly of C5−C5’ (para‐para coupled) dimer of 3,3‐disubstituted‐2‐oxindole without the necessity of any external oxidants or additives and DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations provided confirmation of this pronounced regioselectivity. Furthermore, validation through control experiments and voltammetric analyses substantiated the manifestation of radical‐radical coupling (or biradical pathway) for the dimerization process.
Novel deep‐learning model for chemical process fault detection based onDCWtransformer
Authors: Xie Ying , Hu Fanchao , Zhu Yuan
Published: September 2024

In this study, a double‐channel convolutional neural network and weighted (DCW) transformer model is proposed to address the problem of insufficient extraction of local information and no attention to channel‐step information in the traditional transformer model. First, a double‐channel information extraction method is proposed, so both the channel‐step and time‐step information achieve attention; second, the local information in the time and channel dimension of the data is extracted from deep and multiple scales, improving the feature extraction capability for local information; third, the long distance dependency relationship of the data is preserved by the attention mechanism, hence, the global correlation of the data is extracted effectively; finally, using the Gumbel‐SoftMax function, the weights of the time‐step and channel‐step feature information are assigned, so the extracted feature information has been optimized. The proposed method was applied for the penicillin fermentation process to verify its efficacy. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieved a better fault detection accuracy, outperforming the existing models. Further ablation experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of each component of the proposed model.
CT Texture Analysis of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma—Associations With Tumor Grading, Tumor Markers and Clinical Outcome
Authors: Leonhardi Jakob , Sabanov Arsen , Höhn Anne Kathrin , Sucher Robert , Seehofer Daniel , Mehdorn Matthias , Schnarkowski Benedikt , Ebel Sebastian , Denecke Timm , Meyer Hans‐Jonas
Published: September 2024

Background

Texture analysis derived from computed tomography (CT) may provide clinically relevant imaging biomarkers associated with tumor histopathology. Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant disease with an overall poor prognosis.

Aims

The present study sought to elucidate possible associations between texture features derived from CT images with grading, tumor markers, and survival in extrahepatic, perihilar cholangiocarcinomas tumors.

Methods

This retrospective study included 22 patients (10 females, 45%) with a mean age of 71.8 ± 8.7 years. Texture analysis was performed using the free available Mazda software. All tumors were histopathologically confirmed. Survival and clinical parameters were used as primary study outcomes.

Results

In discrimination analysis, “S(1,1)SumVarnc” was statistically significantly different between patients with long‐term survival and nonlong‐term survival (mean 275.8 ± 32.6 vs. 239.7 ± 26.0, p = 0.01). The first‐order parameter “skewness” was associated with the tumor marker “carcinoembryonic antigen” (CEA) (r = −0.7, p = 0.01). A statistically significant correlation of the texture parameter “S(5,0)SumVarnc” with tumor grading was identified (r = −0.6, p < 0.01). Several other texture features correlated with tumor markers CA‐19‐9 and AFP, as well as with T and N stage of tumors.

Conclusion

Several texture features derived from CT images were associated with tumor characteristics and survival in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinomas. CT texture features could be used as valuable novel imaging markers in clinical routine.
Living With a New Normal: Self‐Identities of Women With Breast Cancer in Nigeria
Authors: Adaranijo Aisha Abimbola , Amzat Jimoh , Abdulrahman Dejo , Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem
Published: September 2024

Background

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer for women in Nigeria, representing 25% of all cancers in women. How do women self‐identify with the new realities of living with breast cancer before, during and after treatment?

Aims

This study aims to examine the self‐identities of 22 women with breast cancer in Nigeria.

Methods

The paper relies on grounded theory research method to collect data, analyse and capture the processes of self‐identity formation.

Results

The qualitative data analysis reveals the basic social process within symbolic interactionism that describes how breast cancer survivors perceive their agency and how new self‐identities emerged from the new normal of living with breast cancer. A framework of three self‐identities emerged from the data: (1) valued self‐identity before breast cancer, (2) dependent and determined self‐identities during treatment and (3) devalued self‐identity post‐treatment.

Conclusion

This study should help caregivers understand the profound perpetual psycho‐emotional impact that breast cancer has on sufferers and survivors.
Expression Characteristics, Immune Signature, and Prognostic Value of the SOCS Family Identified by Multiomics Integrative Analysis in Liver Cancer
Authors: Dong Zhitao , Dai Binghua , Wu Rui , Fang Kunpeng , Sui Chengjun , Geng Li , Yang Jiamei
Published: September 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a high mortality rate worldwide. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family members play important roles in the proliferation, metabolism, and immunity of HCC cells by regulating cytokines and growth factors. However, it remains uncertain whether the level of SOCS family members can affect the prognosis of HCC patients.

Aims

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the role and mechanisms of SOCS family members in the development of HCC and to guide clinical selection.

Methods

We investigated the expression levels of SOCS family genes in HCC patients and their associations with various clinicopathological characteristics. We also utilized a public database to analyze the changes in the expression, potential functions, transcription factors, and immune invasion of SOCS family members. Additionally, we examined the prognostic value of the SOC family for HCC and its correlation with the SOC family and ferroptosis‐related genes.

Results

This study revealed that the expression of SOCS2‐7, and CISH was downregulated in HCC. The SOCS4, SOCS5, and SOCS7 genes were associated with the clinicopathological features of HCC patients. SOCS family genes are mainly related to the PIK3R3, GHR, and TNS4 pathways. Additionally, this study revealed that STAT3, PPAR‐gamma 2, and IRF‐2 are important transcription factors that regulate SOCS family members. The expression levels of SOCS family members are closely related to immune infiltration in liver cancer. The study also indicated that SOCS2 and SOCS4 are risk‐related genes for predicting the prognosis of patients with liver cancer. Finally, this study suggested that the SOCS2 gene may be involved in the development and progression of HCC.

Conclusion

Our study enhances the current understanding of SOCS gene function in liver cancer and can help clinicians select appropriate drugs and predict the prognosis of HCC patients.
Reversible in situ Control over Monolayer Organization
Authors: Mukherjee Neelanjana , Blanchard G. J.
Published: September 2024

Cr2+ and Cr3+ ions are shown to mediate the formation, morphology, and organization of arachidic acid (AA) Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) monolayers. This finding, based on cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) measurements, show that Langmuir monolayer formation depends on subphase pH and metal ion concentration. Following monolayer deposition on indium tin oxide (ITO), the LB monolayer organization can be modified reversibly through control of the Cr oxidation state, which has not been shown before by other monolayers formed with other divalent metal ions. The dynamics and the mobility of a chromophore (perylene) incorporated into the monolayer sense changes in Cr oxidation state‐dependent organization of the LB monolayer. Demonstrating reversible changes in monolayer organization provides an opportunity to control chemical and electron access to the interface support.
Genetic and environmental drivers of legume cover crop performance: Hairy vetch
Authors: Kucek Lisa Kissing , Muller Katherine , Martins Lais Bastos , Moore Virginia M. , Reberg‐Horton Chris , Mirsky Steven B. , Englert John , Drinkwater Laurie E. , Douglas Joel , Eagen Sarah S. , Butler Twain , Ryan Matthew R. , Casey Allen , Clark Kerry , Ehlke Nancy , Hendrickson John , Guretzky John , Johnson Holly , Archer David , McGee Rebecca J. , Ali Shahjahan , Bartow Amy , Bullard Valerie , Burke Allen N. , Barrett Richard , Bernau Christopher , Carr Brandon , Crawford Ryan , Griffin Kimberly , Inoa Esleyther Henriquez , Hillhouse Heidi , Humphrey Mathew , Smither‐Kopperl Margaret , Krogman Sarah , Lee Steven , Marion Annie , McGhee Nicholas , Silvernail Ian , Thevar Prasanna , Wayman Sandra , Wiering Nick P. , Wiggans Dustin , Riday Heathcliffe
Published: September 2024

Among 50 environments in the United States, we screened 35 hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) lines for traits of interest to cover cropping. We analyzed the influence of genotype, environment, and the genotype‐by‐environment interaction (G × E) on biomass, vigor, winter survival, emergence, flowering time, and nitrogen fixation. To explore how environments and G × E impacted each trait, we associated environment predictions and G × E loadings with weather and soil parameters. Environment had the largest influence on all traits, representing more than half of the variance. Environment predictions were significantly associated with weather and/or soil parameters for each trait. Biomass was associated with growing degree days, winter survival with freezing degree days without snow cover, growth stage with shortwave radiation, and emergence with soil texture. The G × E interaction was larger than genotypic variance for all traits except for winter survival and flowering time. The G × E interaction loadings were associated with soil sand content for biomass, air temperature for fall vigor and emergence, and snow cover for winter survival. Although it represented the smallest proportion of total variance, genetic effects were significant for all traits except for emergence, Ndfa, %N, and C:N. New hairy vetch breeding lines were superior to all commercially available lines for biomass and winter survival. Biomass harvest timing did not significantly change line rank, indicating that top‐performing lines can be used in diverse management systems. To select for high nitrogen contribution to subsequent crops, breeding programs can indirectly select for biomass rather than expensively evaluating symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Inheritance of summer patch disease tolerance in hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey)
Authors: Wu Shidi , Grimshaw Austin L. , Qu Yuanshuo , Bonos Stacy A.
Published: September 2024

Hard fescue (Festuca brevipila Tracey) is a cool‐season turfgrass known for exceptional performance under low‐maintenance conditions. However, it is susceptible to summer patch disease. Summer patch is a root disease caused by Magnaporthiopsis poae and Magnaporthiopsis meyeri‐festucae. The objective of this study was to investigate the inheritance of summer patch tolerance in controlled crosses of hard fescue. The experimental populations were full‐sib families created by crossing three tolerant and three susceptible parents in a diallel cross. One hundred progeny from each of the 15 crosses and reciprocals were established in a mowed spaced‐plant trial in 2017 (Trial 1) and 2019 (Trial 2). All progeny and selected parental genotypes were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications and inoculated with a mixture of an M. meyeri‐festucae isolate (SCR9) and an M. poae isolate (C11). The disease severity of hard fescue genotypes was assessed by visual rating during the summers of 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Variation in disease responses among progeny suggests that inheritance is controlled by a few major genes. The progeny phenotypes were correlated to the parental phenotypes. The estimate of narrow‐sense heritability was 0.20 (± 0.01), while the estimate of broad‐sense heritability was 0.67 (± 0.08). The heritability estimates are modest but indicate the potential for summer patch tolerance to be improved via selection and breeding. This is the first report of heritability estimates for summer patch tolerance in any turf species. This research will help to determine the most efficient selection procedures for summer patch tolerance in hard fescue.
Association mapping of mesocotyl and coleoptile length in rice using various genome‐wide association study models
Authors: Li Rui , Wei Zhaoran , Wang Yuetao , Ma Mengjuan , Zhang Qifei , Bai Tao , Li Zichao , Zhang Zhanying , Yin Haiqing , Wang Ya
Published: September 2024

The mechanized direct seeding of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major trend nowadays. The elongation of rice mesocotyl and coleoptile can facilitate the rapid emergence of seedlings under deep mechanized sowing. Currently, most of the cultivated rice accessions have short mesocotyls or coleoptiles, with only a few related genes cloned. However, understanding and enhancing the ability of rice seedlings to rapidly emerge from deep sowing depths is crucial. Herein, we assessed 745 core rice germplasm accessions sown under a soil cover depth of 10 cm and found few long mesocotyl and coleoptile germplasms. We conducted genome‐wide association study using six models to obtain three or more multi‐model co‐localization candidate regions and calculated Fst between the phenotypes of extreme samples to determine genetic differences. The candidate regions associated with mesocotyl and coleoptile lengths were identified by integrating Fst and multi‐model localization results. This multi‐model localization method may accelerate the mining of genes related to the mesocotyl and coleoptile, providing valuable targets for functional validation and marker‐assisted selection in rice breeding programs.
Differential growth, morphological characters, and yield of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) genotypes grown on salt degraded soil
Authors: Gul Mubbashir , Ikram Nabeel Ahmad , Abbas Tasawer , Iqbal Shahid , Hussain Abid , Mubeen Khurram , Ullah Sami , Farooq Naila
Published: September 2024

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a high‐value halophytic crop, is a promising candidate to ensure food security in the scenario of increasing soil salinization due to climate change. In a 2‐year field study (during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020), 18 quinoa genotypes of different origins (Q‐4, Q‐6, Q‐9, Q‐7, Q11, Q‐15, Q‐22, Q‐24, Q‐27, Q‐45, Q‐50, Q‐51, Q‐52, Q‐76, Q‐81, Q82, Q‐124, and Q‐126) were grown at two different locations (salt‐affected and normal soil having electrical conductivity (EC) of 16.24 and 1.76 dS m−1, respectively). Morphological, physiological, and yield parameters were recorded to assess the impact of salinity on different genotypes of quinoa. All the tested genotypes performed better in normal soil (37% more yield) than salt‐affected soils. Under salt‐affected conditions, differential salt tolerance responses of quinoa genotypes were observed. Among tested genotypes, Q‐7 achieved the highest chlorophyll content index, biological mass (7905 kg ha−1), and seed yield (1916 kg ha−1) under salt‐affected conditions, it was followed by Q‐81. Salt stress caused up to 94% reduction of seed yield in the salt‐sensitive genotype (Q‐11), while the salt‐tolerant genotype (Q‐81) showed only 15% reduction in seed yield. Morphological characteristics of quinoa genotypes were differently influenced by salt stress. The salt‐tolerant accessions Q‐7 and Q‐81 exhibited similar morphological characteristics. Based on the findings of this study, salt‐tolerant quinoa genotypes can be successfully grown in salt‐degraded soils (with EC ≤ 16.24 dS m−1) in extreme winter seasons with arid climatic conditions.
Examining the link between CSR perceptions and employee advocacy through organizational justice: Can corporate hypocrisy mitigate?
Authors: Gupta Pragya , Singh Sonali , Broccardo Laura , Alzeiby Ebtesam Abdullah
Published: September 2024

This research aims to understand the relationship between employees' perceptions of corporate social responsibility and employee advocacy behavior through organizational justice. Furthermore, it explores the moderating effect of corporate hypocrisy in the relationship of organizational justice with employee advocacy behavior. Grounded in signaling and cognitive inconsistency theories, the proposed hypotheses were tested on data collected from 360 employees from the hospitality sector. The study followed a time‐lagged approach. In phase 1, the data were collected for demographic variables, corporate social responsibility perceptions, and corporate hypocrisy. In the second phase, data were collected for organizational justice and employee advocacy behavior, using separate survey links. Smart PLS 4.0 was applied to test the relationships proposed in the research model. The study found that employees who positively perceive firms' corporate social responsibility will engage in advocacy behavior. The results suggest a significant mediating effect of procedural justice in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and employee advocacy behavior. However, the mediating effect of distributive justice in this relationship could not be established. Further, the study found evidence that corporate hypocrisy moderates the indirect relationship between corporate social responsibility perceptions and advocacy behavior via procedural justice. Also, to the best of our knowledge, literature has no empirical evidence of the moderating effect of corporate hypocrisy in the indirect association between the perception of corporate social responsibility and employee advocacy behavior via organizational justice. It provides several important implications for advancing theoretical knowledge and practical insights for hospitality industry practitioners.
Of shepherds and sheep: Who sets the agenda for firms' attention to social issues?
Authors: Leonel Ronei , Lee Jae Hwan , Perrault Elise
Published: September 2024

Corporate social responsibility has received much attention regarding how it can benefit firms and why firms voluntarily address social issues. However, little is known about the problems to which firms choose to pay attention and what influences these decisions. We combine the attention‐based view of the firm and media agenda‐setting theories to propose that firms address the most prominent social issues as determined by the media. We analyze the frequency of 64 social issues in the CSR reports of 258 firms from 2006 to 2016 for a total sample of 86,208 issue‐firm‐year observations. We find that the salience of the problems in traditional media influences the social issues firms address in their CSR reports, and over time, the agenda‐setting effect of traditional media on firms has increased, solidifying traditional media's role as curators of social issues.
Carbon Dioxide as a Sustainable Reagent in Circular Hydrometallurgy
Authors: Rivera Rodolfo Marin , Binnemans Koen
Published: September 2024

This review highlights the use of CO2 as a reagent in hydrometallurgy, with emphasis on the new concept of circular hydrometallurgy. It is shown how waste CO2 can be utilised in hydrometallurgical operations for pH control or regeneration of acids for leaching. Metal‐rich raffinate solutions generated after removal of the valuable metals can serve as feedstocks for mineral carbonation, providing alternative avenues for CO2 sequestration. Furthermore, CO2 can also be used as a renewable feedstock for the production of chemical reagents that can find applications in hydrometallurgy as lixiviant, as precipitation reagent or for pH control. Mineral carbonation can be combined with chemical reactions involving metal complexation reagents, as well as with solvent extraction processes for the concurrent precipitation of metal carbonates and acid regeneration. An outlook for future research in the area is also presented.
Synthesis of Benzoic Acids from Electrochemically Reduced CO2 Using Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Phan Ha , Gueret Robin , Martínez‐Pardo Pablo , Valiente Alejandro , Jaworski Aleksander , Slabon Adam , Martín‐Matute Belén
Published: September 2024

A method for the synthesis of benzoic acids from aryl iodides using two of the most abundant and sustainable feedstocks, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water, is disclosed. Central to this method is an effective and selective electrochemical reduction of CO2 (eCO2RR) to CO, which mitigates unwanted dehalogenation reactions occurring when H2 is produced via the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In a 3‐compartment set‐up, CO2 was reduced to CO electrochemically by using a surface‐modified silver electrode in aqueous electrolyte. The ex‐situ generated CO further underwent hydroxycarbonylation of aryl iodides by MOF‐supported palladium catalyst in excellent yields at room temperature. The method avoids the direct handling of hazardous CO gas and gives a wide range of benzoic acid derivatives. Both components of the tandem system can be recycled for several consecutive runs while keeping a high catalytic activity.
Prognostic impact of being underweight in patients undergoing mitral TEER: The OCEAN‐Mitral registry
Authors: Higuchi Ryosuke , Izumo Masaki , Izumi Yuki , Saji Mike , Isobe Mitsuaki , Akashi Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Masanori , Asami Masahiko , Enta Yusuke , Nakashima Masaki , Shirai Shinichi , Mizuno Shingo , Watanabe Yusuke , Amaki Makoto , Kodama Kazuhisa , Yamaguchi Junichi , Naganuma Toru , Bota Hiroki , Ohno Yohei , Yamawaki Masahiro , Ueno Hiroshi , Mizutani Kazuki , Kubo Shunsuke , Otsuka Toshiaki , Hayashida Kentaro ,   the OCEAN‐Mitral Investigators
Published: September 2024

Aims

Mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (M‐TEER) is a valid treatment option for severe mitral regurgitation (MR), necessitating accurate risk stratification of M‐TEER candidates for effective patient selection, optimal periprocedural care and improved long‐term outcomes. The body mass index (BMI) is a simple and practical prognostic index, and the obesity paradox has been widely reported.

Methods and Results

Between April 2018 and June 2021, 2149 patients undergoing M‐TEER were registered in the prospective multicentre registry and classified into three groups: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2) and overweight and obese (25 kg/m2 ≦ BMI) [Correction added on 17 October 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, “18.5 ☆ BMI < 25 kg/m2” and “25 kg/m2 ☆ BMI” have been corrected to “18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2” and “25 kg/m2  ≦  BMI” in this version.] The impact of underweight on the all‐cause, cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular mortality following M‐TEER was evaluated [follow‐up duration: 436 (363–733) days]. The participants (median BMI: 21.1 kg/m2) were categorized as underweight (n = 450, 20.9%), normal weight (n = 1409, 65.6%) and overweight and obese (n = 290, 13.5%). Compared with the other two groups, the underweight group exhibited several negative prognostic factors, including older age, frailty, no dyslipidaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, residual MR and non‐home discharge. Underweight patients had the highest rate of all‐cause, cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular mortality, whereas those in the other two groups were similar. As per the multivariate analysis, underweight itself was associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.17–1.97, P = 0.009) and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio: 1.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–2.01, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

Underweight patients had the highest mortality rate after M‐TEER. Comorbidities, residual MR, discharge disposition and underweight status were correlated with postprocedural outcome.
An Efficient Analytical Method for Determining Transition Temperatures in Core‐Shell Spin Crossover Nanoparticles Described by an Extended Ising‐Like Model
Authors: El Islam Belmouri Nour , Cazelles Catherine , Linares Jorge , Boukheddaden Kamel
Published: September 2024

This contribution is dedicated to the analysis of the size and interaction parameters effects on the thermal properties of square‐shaped cross‐spin transition core‐shell nanoparticles. The present study is carried out by varying the shell size at fixed core size and vice versa. In this problem, the core and shell are active from the spin transition point of view, while having different properties in terms of ligand field (transition temperatures) and interactions. The resulting nanoparticle is described by an Ising‐type model including the three interaction parameters JCC, JSS and JCS coupling core‐core, shell‐shell and core‐shell sites, respectively. The thermodynamic investigations have been carried out in 3 different ways: (i) by Monte Carlo Entropic Sampling (MCES) for small size nanoparticles (
) (ii) by usual Monte Carlo Metropolis for higher dimensions (iii) by an analytical method deducing the equilibrium temperature of the system from the various local environments. We demonstrate that, as long as a clear plateau region occurs in the thermal‐dependence of the high‐spin fraction, an excellent agreement is obtained, allowing to predict analytically the evolution of the transition temperatures. The limitations of the method are discussed in the case of strong interference between the thermal dependences of the core and shell.
Unveiling the Structural Complexity of Lithium Organozinc Alkoxo Clusters and their Applications to Enantioselective Michael Addition Reactions
Authors: Dell'Aera Marzia , Maria Perna Filippo , Vitale Paola , Altomare Angela , Hevia Eva , Capriati Vito
Published: September 2024

We report three novel lithium zincate alkoxo clusters, which can be accessed through a convenient co‐complexation reaction of the corresponding dialkylzinc derivatives with lithium alkoxides of the formula [LiO(CH2)2N(CH3)2], or via a deprotonation process mediated by the higher‐order zincate Li2ZnEt4 and dimethylethanolamine. These complexes have been isolated as colourless crystalline solids and characterised by multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, elemental and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. XRD analysis of the crystal structures, combined with 1H DOSY NMR experiments, was crucial for understanding the chemistry behind these complexes. Furthermore, complexes obtained by mixing ZnEt2 with a chiral nonracemic lithium alkoxide generated from (1R,2S)‐N‐methylephedrine have been explored in promoting an enantioselective Michael addition reaction towards trans‐β‐nitrostyrene, with the corresponding nitroalkane isolated in up to 37.3 % enantiomeric excess.