bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poor governance, good corruption: an overview of Serbia’s government’s affair-ridden governance (2012-2018)
Authors: Jovanović Srđan Mladenov
Published: August 2019

Ever since the end of the wars of the nineties, as well as the declaration of independence of Kosovo, Serbia has fallen of the radar, both within the international political community, as well as within the academia. Yet, in the meantime, the societal and political situation within the country has changed drastically, with the former warmonger of the nineties, Aleksandar Vučić, having taken hold of seemingly unlimited power. Serbia has, during his reign, become entrenched in corruption, the multitude of affairs being produced on a regular level serving as proof. Drawing on existing theories of political corruption, we shall tackle Serbia’s political corruption via the examination of the most prominent affairs, coming to the conclusion that Alatas’ designation of “tidal corruption” fits contemporary Serbia best, as well as classifying most prominent instances of corruption.
Institution of Impeachment (Juicio Político) in selected states of Latin America
Authors: Składowska Joanna
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the article is to analyse the legal institution of juicio politico (impeachment) in the LatinAmerican presidential system, regarding the regulation adopted in Argentina, Brazil, Honduras and Paraguay. The hypothesis assumes that the impeachment in Latin America turns from the instrument of pure control character into the tool dedicated to resolve the political crisis by mean of “legislative coup d’état”. The author will search for the answers for the following questions: 1) what is the legal character of LatinAmerican impeachment? 2) what makes the impeachment more common in Latin America that in United States or European countries? 3) why does it become an attractive alternative for other methods to resolve political crises? The legal, institutional as well as the comparative method will be adopted in the article.
Verfassungsänderung und Normenkontrolle in der Ukraine
Authors: Wieser Bernd
Published: August 2019

The Constitution of Ukraine has been amended several times since its adoption in 1996. The relevant procedure is regulated in Articles 154-159 of the Constitution. In principle, these provisions are characterised by the fact that two different procedures - one is “normal”, while the other is more difficult - are provided for the amendment of constitutional provisions. It can also be deduced from Article 157 of the Constitution that the Ukrainian Constitution also contains so-called unchangeable constitutional law. This system is further superseded by the provision of Article 159 of the Constitution according to which a constitutional amendment project may only be considered by the Verchovna Rada if an opinion of the Constitutional Court on the compatibility of the draft with Articles 157 and 158 of the Constitution is provided; the constitutional amendment is thus connected with an obligatory preventive review of norms. Whether violations of these provisions can also be taken up in a subsequent review procedure is another important aspect of the entire regulatory complex. The Constitutional Court has indeed recognized this competence; of course, the relevant Decision of 30 September 2010 is not without errors and criticisms in legal doctrine. The subject of this article is to examine all these questions and to put them into a system. Also, the article shows the factual constitutional development over the last ten years and on this basis demonstrates the highly complex constitutional situation in which Ukraine finds itself today.
Das Phänomen "Arbeitgeberzusammenschlüsse" als Arbeitnehmerüberlassung
Authors: Petri Ricardo
Published: August 2019

Micro enterprises in economically underdeveloped areas face increasing difficulties relating to long-term employment of qualified workers. Unlike medium-sized and large companies, they do not have an internal labour market, which means it is difficult for them to offer secure and sustainable employment with good standards, and still receive the necessary flexibility. Employers’ alliances (Arbeitgeberzusammenschlüsse—AGZ) are a form of organisation that can compensate for these disadvantages. However, the legal uncertainties associated with this form of employment pose an obstacle to its development. In this light, this work addresses the legal issue of whether the German Temporary Employment Act (Arbeitnehmerüberlassungsgesetz—AÜG) can be applied to this form of employer cooperation and where proposals for reform could be adopted in order to make the AÜG a suitable legal framework for this type of employer cooperation.
Deutsche Unternehmen und die US-amerikanische Discovery
Authors: Doughan Manuela F.
Published: August 2019

Pre-trial discovery is of central importance in US civil proceedings and often causes considerable costs for the party facing it. The American Rule generally requires each party to bear these costs themselves. In this study, the author analyses how a party facing unwarranted production requests for documents located in Germany could have the costs they incur in that discovery procedure reimbursed in follow-up proceedings in German courts from both a practical and a theoretical perspective. After a comparative analysis of both the German and US civil procedural systems, the author examines to what extent the party facing production requests for documents located in Germany must comply and the possible objections they could rely on. The author then analyses potential grounds for the reimbursement of the document production costs under German substantive law, as well as practical issues such as international jurisdiction and the impact of the prior proceedings in the US on potential reimbursement claims.
Faith and Repetition in Kierkegaard and Deleuze
Authors: Jampol-Petzinger Andrew ,   DePaul University
Published: August 2019

In this paper, I compare Gilles Deleuze’s and Søren Kierkegaard’s concepts of “repetition.” Although Deleuze (and interpreters after him) have argued that Kierkegaard’s use of this concept valorizes the role of unity in selfhood, I claim that, in Kierkegaard’s pseudonymous works, repetition in fact serves as a practical task linked to self-overcoming and rebirth. From this perspective, I argue that Kierkegaard’s conception of repetition as a function of “faith” can helpfully inform an understanding of Deleuze: self-overcoming in Deleuze will have many features in common with a Kierkegaardian conception of acting out of faith.
“Você é viado? Você gosta de homem?”: Professores/as homossexuais e o dispositivo de sexualidade na escola
Authors: França Filipe Gabriel Ribeiro
Published: August 2019

Neste texto, são apresentadas narrativas produzidas durante uma pesquisa de mestrado a partir dos encontros com sete professores/as que se auto identificaram como homossexuais. Foi utilizado como referencial teórico-metodológico a perspectiva pós-estruturalista. Por meio dessa perspectiva puderam ser problematizadas as formas pelas quais os/as professores/as vão se constituindo enquanto docentes homossexuais e discutir como esses/as professores/as vão se produzindo nas relações de poder, nas relações com o outro e, sobretudo, como se relacionam com a instituição escolar. As narrativas obtidas apontam que assumir-se enquanto professor/a homossexual organiza a forma com que o sujeito se comporta dentro escola, vivenciando um contínuo processo de negociação com o outro e consigo mesmo. Além disso, esses/as professores/as vão corajosamente criando suas próprias existências e se distanciando do padrão heteronormativo de ser. Isso é significativo, pois eles e elas rompem com a heteronormatividade, colocam em suspensão as crenças e as lógicas binárias que estão ao nosso redor nos cerceando da experienciação de diferentes modos de vida.
Characteristics of wheat varieties of Poltava State Agrarian Academy breeding with gene markers that determine important agronomical traits
Authors: Chebotar G. O. , Chebotar S. V. , Toporash M. K. , Bakuma A. O. , Tyshchenko V. M.
Published: August 2019

The aim of the work was to determine alleles of Ppd-A1, Ppd-B1, Ppd-D1, Rht8c, Rht-B1, Rht-D1, Pina-D1, Pinb D1, Wx-A1, Wx-B1, Wx-D1 genes of wheat varieties from the Poltava State Agrarian Academy (PSAA). Methods. DNA extraction, allele-specific and SSR-PCR, electrophoresis in agarose and polyacrilamide gels. Results. The vast majority of varieties (9) can be characterized as Ppd-A1b, Ppd-B1b, Ppd-D1a, Rht8c, Rht-B1a, Rht-D1a, Pina-D1a, Pinb-D1b, Wx-A1a, Wx-B1a, Wx-D1a. Levada, Tsarychanka, Lyutenka and Orzhytsia varieties were carriers of Ppd-A1b, Ppd-B1b, Ppd-D1a, Rht8c, Rht-B1a, Rht-D1b, Pina-D1a, Pinb D1b, Wx-A1a, Wx-B1a, Wx-D1a alleles, and the cultivar Sydor Kovpak — Ppd-A1b, Ppd-B1b, Ppd-D1a, Rht8c, Rht-B1a, Rht-D1a, Pina-D1a, Pinb-D1A/b, Wx-A1a, Wx-B1a/b, Wx-D1a — was heterogeneous by genes, which are responsible for the quality of the grain. Conclusions. PSAA winter wheat varieties are characterized by a high degree of homogenity in the alleles of genes that determine important economic and agronomical traits. This fact could be explained by the needs of a certain growing zone and traditional breeding approaches of wheat in the PSAA.Keywords: Allele-specific markers; winter bread wheat; dwarfing genes; sensitivity to photoperiod; Wx; Pina and Pinb.
Cognitive evolution or cognitive ontogenesis?
Authors: Mikhyeyev A. N.
Published: August 2019

The article develops the idea that the human brain neuroevolution can become a universal object for the study of biological evolution. The main in neuroevolution person was the emergence of consciousness, i. e. ability to generate information about information, i.e. ability to generate information about information. Intellectual development of the individual is a process and the result of intellectual adaptation — the greater the number of layers of management hierarchy uses the individual, the higher his intellectual level. It substantiates the idea that the actual cognitive evolution of the human brain has been replaced or reduced to cognitive ontogenesis. Redundancy allows the brain to form and restructure neural networks, reflecting a particular mental experience of the individual. In the adult nervous system in process of learning the gene expression, unlike embryonic included in the behavioral mechanisms of self-functional systems, which puts morphogenesis in the brain during learning under control cognitive processes. Probably the greatest ability to epigenetic rearrangements has mirror neurons discussed above. Ultimately, there is a specialization of (secondary «cognitive» differentiation) of neurons, allowing the individual to adapt to the social mental manifestations of other people and yourself.Keywords: neuroevolution, cognitive ontogenesis, mental adaptation, mirror neurons.
Complex landscape topography can facilitate local adaptation during a range shift
Authors: Fitt Robert N. , Lancaster Lesley T.
Published: August 2019

Warming climates provide many species the opportunity to colonise newly-suitable regions at higher latitudes and elevations. Despite becoming warmer, higher latitudes and elevations nevertheless offer novel climatic challenges, such as greater thermal variability and altered frequency of weather events, and these challenges exert selection on expanding populations. However, high gene flow and genetic drift during the expansion phase may limit the degree to which species can adapt to novel climatic conditions at the range front. Here we examine how landscape topographic complexity influences the opportunity for local adaptation to novel conditions during a range shift. Using RAD-seq data, we investigated whether elevation, latitude, climatic niche differentiation, and gene flow across a complex landscape were associated with signatures of adaptation during recent range expansion of the damselfly Ischnura elegans in Northeast Scotland. Our data revealed two distinct routes of colonisation, with admixture between these routes resulting in increased heterozygosity and population density. Expansion rates, assessed as directional rates of gene flow, were greater between more climatically similar sites than between climatically divergent sites. Significant genetic structure and allelic turnover was found to emerge near the range front at sites characterised by high elevation, low directional gene flow, and high spatial differentiation in climate regimes. This predictive combination of factors suggests that landscape complexity may be a prerequisite for promoting differentiation of populations, and providing opportunities for local adaptation, during rapid or contemporary range shifts.
Molecular and anatomical organization of the dorsal raphe nucleus
Authors: Huang Kee Wui , Ochandarena Nicole E , Philson Adrienne C , Hyun Minsuk , Birnbaum Jaclyn E , Cicconet Marcelo , Sabatini Bernardo L
Published: August 2019

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an important source of neuromodulators and has been implicated in a wide variety of behavioral and neurological disorders. The DRN is subdivided into distinct anatomical subregions comprised of multiple cell types, and its complex cellular organization has impeded efforts to investigate the distinct circuit and behavioral functions of its subdomains. Here we used single-cell RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization, anatomical tracing, and spatial correlation analysis to map the transcriptional and spatial profiles of cells from the mouse DRN. Our analysis of 39,411 single-cell transcriptomes revealed at least 18 distinct neuron subtypes and 5 serotonergic neuron subtypes with distinct molecular and anatomical properties, including a serotonergic neuron subtype that preferentially innervates the basal ganglia. Our study lays out the molecular organization of distinct serotonergic and non-serotonergic subsystems, and will facilitate the design of strategies for further dissection of the DRN and its diverse functions.
Application of the Ostrom framework in the analysis of a social-ecological system with multiple resources in a marine protected area
Authors: Palomo Leopoldo E. , Hernández-Flores Alvaro
Published: August 2019

The framework proposed by Ostrom (2009) has become one of the most utilized tools to address the complexity of social-ecological systems. Most cases use this framework to analyze the systems from the perspective of a single resource unit. However, the livelihoods in several coastal communities are diverse, so that the users interact with multiple common-pool resources, which makes their analysis difficult. In this sense, it is important to identify the key elements of management to achieve the sustainable use of the resources. In this study, we were able to do this in a coastal community where commercial fishing, ecotourism, and recreational fishing coexist. The system of interest, located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, was subdivided by resource type using a multi-method approach to data collection including surveys, interviews, and records review. A conceptual map was developed that shows how the second-tier variables are integrated through the governance and actors with the biophysical system. The actors involved in lobster fishing achieved a more complex governance system, followed by the ecotourism and recreational fishing; the complexity of the governance was related with the equity level of the actors. The analysis revealed the research gaps to develop management strategies and improve the sustainability of the system.
Latitudinal variation in phlorotannin contents from Southwestern Atlantic brown seaweeds
Authors: Ank Glaucia , da Gama Bernardo Antônio Perez , Pereira Renato Crespo
Published: August 2019

Phlorotannins are primary and/or secondary metabolites found exclusively in brown seaweeds, but their geographic distribution and abundance dynamic are not very well understood. In this study we evaluated the phlorotannin concentrations among and within-species of brown seaweeds in a broad latitudinal context (range of 21°) along the Brazilian coast (Southwestern Atlantic), using the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method. In almost all species (16 out of 17) very low phlorotannin concentrations were found (<2.0%, dry weight for the species), confirming reports of the typical amounts of these chemicals in tropical brown seaweeds, but with significantly distinct values among seven different and probably highly structured populations. In all 17 seaweed species (but a total of 25 populations) analyzed there were significant differences on the amount of phlorotannins in different individuals (t-test, p < 0.01), with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 5.2% to 65.3%. The CV, but not the total amount of phlorotannins, was significantly correlated with latitude, and higher values of both these variables were found in brown seaweeds collected at higher latitudes. These results suggest that brown seaweeds from higher latitudes can produce phlorotannins in a wider range of amounts and probably as response to environmental variables or stimuli, compared to low latitude algae.
Socio-economic Characteristics of the Adopters and Non-adopters of Inter-cropping in Areca Nut Plantation in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya
Authors: Sancley Dasiewdorshisha , H. Mazhar Syed
Published: August 2019

The socio-economic status of farmers plays a vital role in Agriculture. It is observed from the present study that the farmers economic level affect the livelihood of the farmers in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya. The farmers have tried to change their way of cropping by introducing inter-crops with the main crops to increase their income level. The purposed of this finding was to compare the difference in the socio-economic characteristics of the adopter and non-adopter of inter-cropping in areca nut plantation in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya. Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya is therefore selected for the study. Since time immemorial, areca nut has been grown in Meghalaya as an important commercial crop. Ex-Post Facto research design was used for this study. The sample study was selected through multistage sampling method in the selected study area of the respondents. Number of respondents was selected using a simple random method based on the criteria of practicing areca nut plantation and those who practiced both areca nut plus inter-cropping. A survey of 310 adopters and 310 non-adopters of intercropping in areca nut plantation were selected for the study. Collection of primary data was done by interview schedule and appropriate statistical tools were used for interpretation of the data. Independent variables included in this were gender, age, marital status, educational level, type of house, family size, family type, social category, annual income, information seeking behaviour, participation in extension activities, social participation, innovativeness, scientific orientation, economic motivation and risk orientation. Based on the study it is observed there are few variables contributing to the significant difference between the adopters and the non-adopters in related to their socio-economic characteristics.
Almost Periodic Sequence in a Discrete Logistic Equation
Authors: Zhang Tianwei
Published: August 2019

This paper is concerned with an almost periodic discrete logistic equation. By using thecontinuation theorem of Mawhin’s coincidence degree theory, this paper investigates theexistence and stability of a unique positive almost periodic sequence solution of the equation.These results generalize and improve the previous works, and they are easy to check. An examplewith a numerical simulation is also given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results in this paper.
The Combine Effect of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) Manure and NPK Fertilizer on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota)
Authors: Atakora K. , Agyarko K. , Dapaah H. K. , Asiedu E. K. , Baayim A. J. , Osei B. Y. , Kyere K.
Published: August 2019

The use of inorganic fertilizer to produce most vegetables in Ghana like carrot is in ascendency in Asante Mampong and its environs and its continuous use has a rippling effect on soil health and productivity and the high cost of these fertilizers is a challenge to most poor resourced farmers in Ghana. A field experiment was conducted during the major raining season in 2010 at the University of Education Winneba, Faculty of Agriculture Education research field at Mampong in the forest-transitional zone of Ghana on the Bediase series. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of grasscutter manure in combination with NPK fertilizer on soil physical and chemical properties, growth and yield of carrot.  The treatments were 300 kgNPK/ha, combination of half rate NPK fertilizer and different rates of grasscutter manure (GM) thus; (5tGM1/ha+150 kgNPK, 7.5tGM2/ha+150 kgNPK and 10tGM3/ha+150 kgNPK/ha) and control (without amendment) and the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Results indicates that application of grasscutter manure in combination with NPK fertilizer significantly improved the soil physical conditions particularly, soil bulk density, total porosity, and gravimetric moisture content than the NPK alone and the control. Compared with the control, the treatment combinations significantly increased soil organic carbon, N, organic matter concentrations and exchangeable cations. Plant height, number of leaves, tap root length and root yield of treatment combinations were higher than NPK and the control. Also the treatment combinations significantly reduced nematode presence and number of roots deformed. For good soil health, grasscutter manure in combination with NPK would be better than either manure or NPK alone.
The Validity of Wagner’s Law in India: A Post-liberalisation Analysis
Authors: Sharma Suraj , Singh Surendra
Published: August 2019

Aims: The present study attempts to analyse the behavior of government expenditure in relation to national income using most appropriate advanced econometric techniques to test the Wagner’s law of increasing State’s activity in Indian scenario during the post-liberalisation period of 1988 to 2017.

Data: The study uses the IMF database entitled “International Financial Statistics” and World Bank database entitled “World Development Indicators” for testing Wagner’s law for the Indian economy.

Methodology: The study employs appropriate econometric techniques to our model where government expenditure is used as regressand and gross domestic product and urbanisation is used as regressors. The study first investigates for unit roots in data using ADF and PP tests. Further, to investigate any co-integration among variables the study employed Johansen co-integration test. Once co-integration is confirmed, a vector error correction model has been estimated and lastly, Granger causality test is applied to check for any causality.

Results: The results of Vector Error Correction Model reveal that both the Gross Domestic Product and the urban population have a positive and statistically significant effect on government expenditure in the long-run. Ceteris paribus, every 1.0 percent increase in GDP leads 0.36 percent increase in government expenditure. On the other hand, 1.0 percent increase in urban population leads to a 3.75 percent increase in government expenditure. The Granger causality results divulge that there is unidirectional causality running from urban population to government expenditure, whereas neither unidirectional nor bidirectional causality was found between GDP and public expenditure. In short-run, neither GDP nor urban population influences public expenditure.

Conclusion: To sum up, the present investigation provides support for Wagner’s law in case of India in the long run only. It has been found that urbanisation has a greater impact on public expenditure than the national income (GDP) and which is also supported by Granger causality test showing significant unidirectional causality running from level of urbanisation to government expenditure.
Psychological Interventions for Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Hoppen Thole H. , Wessarges Lena , Jehn Marvin , Mutz Julian , Kip Ahlke , Schlechter Pascal , Meiser-Stedman Richard , Morina Nexhmedin
Published: December 2024

Importance

Pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and debilitating mental disorder, yet a comprehensive network meta-analysis examining psychological interventions is lacking.

Objective

To synthesize all available evidence on psychological interventions for pediatric PTSD in a comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Data Sources

PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PTSDpubs were searched from inception to January 2, 2024, and 74 related systematic reviews were screened.

Study Selection

Two independent raters screened publications for eligibility. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trial (RCT) with at least 10 patients per arm examining a psychological intervention for pediatric PTSD compared to a control group in children and adolescents (19 years and younger) with full or subthreshold PTSD.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

PRISMA guidelines were followed to synthesize and present evidence. Two independent raters extracted data and assessed risk of bias with Cochrane criteria. Random-effects network meta-analyses were run.

Main Outcome and Measures

Standardized mean differences (Hedges g) in PTSD severity.

Results

In total, 70 RCTs (N = 5528 patients) were included. Most RCTs (n = 52 [74%]) examined trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapies (TF-CBTs). At treatment end point, TF-CBTs (g, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26; P < .001), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR; g, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.54-1.18; P < .001), multidisciplinary treatments (MDTs) (g, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.53-1.23; P < .001), and non–trauma-focused interventions (g, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.62-1.28; P < .001) were all associated with significantly larger reductions in pediatric PTSD than passive control conditions. TF-CBTs were associated with the largest short-term reductions in pediatric PTSD relative to both passive and active control conditions and across all sensitivity analyses. In a sensitivity analysis including only trials with parent involvement, TF-CBTs were associated with significantly larger reductions in pediatric PTSD than non–trauma-focused interventions (g, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.04-0.66; P = .03). Results for midterm (up to 5 months posttreatment) and long-term data (6-24 months posttreatment) were similar.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results from this systematic review and network meta-analysis indicate that TF-CBTs were associated with significant reductions in pediatric PTSD in the short, mid, and long term. More long-term data are needed for EMDR, MDTs, and non–trauma-focused interventions. Results of TF-CBTs are encouraging, and disseminating these results may help reduce common treatment barriers by counteracting common misconceptions, such as the notion that TF-CBTs are harmful rather than helpful.
Impact of IVF Restriction on Patients With Cancer and Surgeons
Authors: Glencer Alexa C. , Esserman Laura J.
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint details the potential impacts that the 2024 Alabama Supreme Court decision defining cryopreserved embryos as “children” and restricting in vitro fertilization could have on patients with cancer and surgeons.
Engineering Semiconducting Polymeric Nanoagonists Potentiate cGAS‐STING Pathway Activation and Elicit Long Term Memory Against Recurrence in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yuan Haitao , Qiu Chong , Wang Xiaoxian , Wang Peili , Yi Letai , Peng Xin , Xu Xiaolong , Huang Wei , Bai Yunmeng , Wei Jinxi , Ma Jingbo , Wong Yin Kwan , Fu Chunjin , Xiao Wei , Chen Chunbo , Long Ying , Li Zhijie , Wang Jigang
Published: December 2024

Triple‐negative breast cancer has an immunologically “cold” microenvironment, which leads to resistance to current immunotherapy. The activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has been thought a promising strategy to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. In this study, we adopted a comprehensive strategy that integrates innate immune responses with tumor‐targeting photothermal therapy (PTT) to simultaneously tackle multiple immune‐suppressive mechanisms in breast cancer. This semiconducting polymeric nanoagonists (DPTT‐Mn Lipo NPs) mediated PTT can effectively initiate tumor cell apoptosis and induce ICD, thereby reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME and activating STING. We confirmed the modulation of the TME through the PTT‐mediated ICD effect and the transactivation of the cGAS‐STING pathway in immune cells of the TME due to the released dsDNA via ICD, such as macrophages and DCs. Indeed, DPTT‐Mn Lipo NPs‐mediated PTT promoted M1 polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages, augmented T‐cell infiltration, facilitated dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and regulated type I interferon factor secretion, leading to efficient tumor suppression. Most importantly, the combination of DPTT‐Mn Lipo NPs‐based PTT with a checkpoint blockade therapy (anti‐PD‐1) can elicit long‐term immune memory besides tumor eradication. Collectively, this nano‐system can systemically activate antitumor immunity through STING activation and potentially establish long‐term memory against tumor recurrence.
Capture of Totipotency in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in the Absence of Pdzk1
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Zhao Yiding , Yang Zhe , Yan Jing , Wang Haisong , Nie Shaochen , Jia Qingshen , Ding Dan , Tong Chao , Zhang Xiao‐Ou , Gao Qian , Shuai Ling
Published: December 2024

Totipotent cells can differentiate into three lineages: the epiblast, primitive endoderm, and trophectoderm. Naturally, only early fertilized embryos possess totipotency, and they lose this ability as they develop. The expansion of stem cell differentiation potential has been a hot topic in developmental biology for years, particularly with respect to the generation totipotent‐like stem cells. Here, the study describes the establishment of totipotency in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) via the deletion of a single gene, Pdzk1. Pdzk1‐knockout (KO) ESCs substantially contribute to the fetus, placenta, and yolk sac in chimera assays but can also self‐organize to form standard blastocyst‐like structures containing the three lineages efficiently; thus, they exhibit full developmental potential as early blastomeres. Single‐cell transcriptome and bulk RNA‐seq comprehensive analyses revealed that Pdzk1‐KO activates several lineage inducers (C1qa, C1qb, Fgf5, and Cdx2) to break down barriers between embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, making these lineages switch smoothly and resulting in a totipotent‐like state. This versatile and scalable system provides a robust experimental model for differentiation potency and cell fate studies.
A Novel “Three‐in‐One” Copper‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework Nanozyme Eradicates Colorectal Cancer and Overcomes Chemoresistance for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Dong Shuohui , Cao Haolin , Yuan Ye , Liang Shuo , Fu Zhendong , Shi Wei , Xu Qian , Zhao Xiang , Shi Jingnan , Guo Xiaoxiao , Guo Kaili , Hu Sanyuan , Zhang Guangyong , Gao Lizeng , Chen Lei
Published: December 2024

Despite considerable advancements in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), the overall survival rate for patients with advanced CRC remains below 50%, primarily due to challenges posed by drug resistance and metastasis. Here, a novel “Three‐in‐One” Cu‐based metal‐organic framework nanozyme with peroxidase‐like (POD‐like) activity has been successfully developed, aiming to promote CRC cell death by dual targeting of oxidative stress and copper ion homeostasis, which could promote CRC cell death via apoptosis and cuproptosis, and facilitate hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) degradation, leading to the reversal of chemoresistance in tumor therapy. These nanozymes, composed of copper and 2‐propylimidazole (Cu‐PrIm), feature a distorted Cu‐N4 catalytic active center that mimics natural enzyme structures consisting of copper and histidine residues, endowing them with enzyme‐like activities. The antitumor efficacy of Cu‐PrIm nanozymes is validated in various in vivo models of CRC. Especially Cu‐PrIm nanozymes exhibit excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and a tolerable toxicity profile in mouse models, making them a strong candidate for clinical translation. Taken together, the study introduces a novel therapeutic paradigm in CRC treatment by targeting these vulnerabilities and leveraging the potential using “Three‐in‐One” Cu‐PrIm nanozymes to address multiple pathways simultaneously.
When should wheat phosphorus recommendations be based on build‐maintenance rather than sufficiency? An economic analysis
Authors: Cho Whoi , Brorsen B. Wade , Arnall D. Brian
Published: December 2024

This article presents an economic analysis of two phosphorus (P) fertilizer recommendation approaches, sufficiency and build‐maintenance, in the context of Kansas and Oklahoma wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Sufficiency seeks to meet crop needs rather than build soil fertility. Build‐maintenance, however, builds P levels to a target level of soil test phosphorus (STP) and then maintains that level by replacing the P removed by the crop. The Oklahoma and Kansas sufficiency approaches recommend less P than their build‐maintenance alternatives. The research objective was to determine when one approach is preferred over the other. Through dynamic simulation, the net present value (NPV) of these two alternatives was estimated under alternative scenarios. A meta‐analysis of previous experiments supported the assumption that with Mehlich‐3 STP levels of 15 mg kg‒1, yield would be 90% of maximum yield even when the recommended sufficiency levels were applied. The estimate from the meta‐analysis was a 9% yield loss, and the null hypothesis of no yield loss was rejected (p < 0.0001). The scenarios considered varied initial STP, yield potential, and prices. Sufficiency had a higher NPV under almost all 4‐year planning horizons. With a longer 20‐year planning horizon, build‐maintenance was always preferred. With an 8‐year planning horizon, the preferred system varied depending on assumptions with build‐maintenance preferred more often. The finding of build maintenance being more competitive in the long run should hold for other crops and locations using approaches like those in Oklahoma and Kansas.
Experimental analysis of a rotating cylinder electrode reactor: Hydrodynamics and mass transport
Authors: Vazquez A. , Cadena A. , Frontana C. , Morales‐Hernandez J. , Gonzalez L. , Rivera F. F.
Published: December 2024

This report deals with the hydrodynamic and mass transport characterization in an rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) in continuous and batch configuration employing relatively simple techniques like obtaining the mixing time, polarization, and residence time distribution (RTD) curves. For batch configuration, the limiting current and Sh values were higher than for continuous configuration, indicating that the mixing pattern is influenced by possible flow inhomogeneities during the operation as a continuous mixing stirrer. This could diminish the amount of electroactive reactant that reaches the electrode surface, due to the possible shrinking of recirculation zones during the rotation of the cylindrical stirrer, forming channeling and by‐pass flow zones. These results could evidence the existence of slight deviations from the ideal mixer and other non‐ideality flow zones associated with the width of curves upon analyzing age function through RTD curves, at the different flow rates employed in continuous configurations.
Fast Seawater Desalination Integrated with Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Hu Huiling , Han Minxian , Lin Huan , Dai Jinhong , Shen Kaixiang , Li Minzhang , Chen Xuncai , Zarifzoda Afzalshoh Qahramon , Liu Fangzhou , Chen Yuan , Chen Fuming
Published: December 2024

Coupling desalination with electrocatalytic reactions is an emerging approach to simultaneously addressing freshwater scarcity and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the salt removal rate in such processes is slow, and the applicable water sources are often limited to those with high salt concentrations. Herein, we show high‐performance electrocatalytic desalination by coupling with electrochemical CO2 reduction using a carbon catalyst. A ZIF‐8‐derived carbon catalyst embedded with Cu nanoparticles delivers a high Faradaic efficiency of 94.3 % for CO production at 288 μmol cm−2 h−1. The efficient CO2 electroreduction generates high current densities, which drive fast salt ion transfer across ion exchange membranes. The integrated device enables one of the highest salt removal rates of 1043.49 μg cm−2 min−1 among various desalination methods. Drinking water can be obtained with an ion removal rate of 99 % when natural seawater is used as the water source.
Modular Synthesis of Dehydroprolines by an Energy‐Transfer Enabled Cloke‐Wilson Rearrangement
Authors: Marchese Austin D. , Rovis Tomislav
Published: December 2024

A one‐pot photocatalytic method is reported for the generation of dehydroprolines, valuable precursors to 5‐aryl prolines. Imines, obtained via simple condensation of aminocyclopropane carboxylates (ACPC) with a broad range of aldehydes, were employed in this transformation without purification. We demonstrate this energy‐transfer (EnT) enabled Cloke‐Wilson‐type rearrangement affords both the rare 1,2‐dehydroprolines or the more thermodynamically favored 1,5‐isomers with up to >20 : 1 selectivity in both directions, using an identical catalytic system from the same starting material. Syntheses of intermediates of bioactive molecules in high yields and selectivity highlight this enabling transformation. Mechanistic studies support the proposed triplet‐triplet EnT mode of activation, distinct from the previously developed singlet excited states accessed via UV excitation.
Mn Doping at High‐Activity Octahedral Vacancies of γ‐Fe2O3 for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysis in Metal‐Air Batteries
Authors: Qiu Liuzhe , Wu Zhong , Liu Yingjie , Qin Zhenbo , Liu Yichun , Zhang Jinfeng , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: December 2024

γ‐Fe2O3 with the intrinsic cation vacancies is an ideal substrate for heteroatom doping into the highly active octahedral sites in spinel oxide catalysts. However, it is still a challenge to confirm the vacancy location of γ‐Fe2O3 through experiments and obtain enhanced catalytic performance by preferential occupation of octahedral sites for heteroatom doping. Here, a Mn‐doped γ‐Fe2O3 incorporated with carbon nanotubes catalyst was developed to successfully achieve preferential doping into highly active octahedral sites by employing γ‐Fe2O3 as the precursor. Further, the vacancy in γ‐Fe2O3 was only located on octahedral sites rather than tetrahedral ones, which was first proved by direct experimental evidence through the clarification doping sites of Mn. Notably, the catalyst shows outstanding activity towards oxygen reduction reaction with the half‐wave potential of 0.82 V and 0.64 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode in alkaline and neutral electrolytes, respectively, as well as the maximum power density of 179 mWcm−2 and 403 mWcm−2 for Mg‐air batteries and Al‐air batteries, respectively. It could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the doping Mn on octahedral sites and the substrate γ‐Fe2O3 along with the modification of the adsorption/desorption properties for oxygen‐containing intermediates as well as the optimization of the reaction energy barriers.
Artificial Gold Enzymes Using a Genetically Encoded Thiophenol‐Based Noble‐Metal‐Binding Ligand
Authors: Veen Mathijs J. , Aalbers Friso S. , Rozeboom Henriëtte J. , Thunnissen Andy‐Mark W. H. , Sauer Daniel F. , Roelfes Gerard
Published: December 2024

Incorporating noble metals in artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) is challenging due to the lack of suitable soft coordinating ligands among natural amino acids. We present a new class of ArMs featuring a genetically encoded noble‐metal‐binding site based on a non‐canonical thiophenol‐based amino acid, 4‐mercaptophenylalanine (pSHF), incorporated in the transcriptional regulator LmrR through stop codon suppression. We demonstrate that pSHF is an excellent ligand for noble metals in their low oxidation states. The corresponding gold(I) enzyme was characterised by mass spectrometry, UV/Vis spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography and successfully catalysed hydroamination reactions of 2‐ethynyl anilines with turnover numbers over 50. Interestingly, two equivalents of gold(I) per protein dimer proved to be required for activity. Up to 98 % regioselectivity in the hydroamination of an ethynylphenylurea substrate was observed, yielding the corresponding phenyl‐dihydroquinazolinone product, consistent with a π‐activation mechanism by single gold centres. The ArM was optimized by site saturation mutagenesis using an on‐bead screening protocol. This resulted in a single mutant that showed higher activity for one class of substrates. This work brings the power of noble‐metal catalysis into the realm of enzyme engineering and establishes thiophenols as alternative ligands for noble metals, providing new opportunities in coordination chemistry and catalysis.
Enhancing pectin's antioxidant properties through ferulic acid grafting: Application in olive oil‐in‐water emulsion
Authors: Feng Simin , Bi Ming , Yu Jiahao , Lin Yang , Hileuskaya Kseniya , Shao Ping
Published: December 2024

In order to improve pectin antioxidant properties and enlarge the field of its potential applications, ferulic acid grafted pectin conjugates (PE‐g‐FA) were prepared using laccase as the catalyst at 30°C in an aqueous medium. The structures of PE‐g‐FA were characterized using UV–vis, FTIR, and NMR (1H and 13C). In addition, the antioxidant activity of PE‐g‐FA was evaluated according to the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging ability. Olive oil in water emulsions, containing emulsifiers WPI and PE‐g‐FA, were assessed for their physical and oxidative stability through particle size, zeta‐potential, peroxide value (POV), and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation. The results indicated that the formation of covalent bonds between the pectin carboxymethyl groups and FA hydroxyl group. The determination of the total phenolic content showed that PE‐g‐FA contained seven times more polyphenols than native PE. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rate of 0.5HMP‐g‐FA were increased by 56.83% and 18.90% compared with HMP, respectively. In addition, the emulsion stabilized by WPI and 0.5HMP‐g‐FA showed smallest and uniform average particle size (855.9 ± 51.13 nm) on the 1st day. Although its POV value was slightly higher than that of emulsion stabilized by WPI and HMP, it was much lower than that of control groups. Overall, these results have important implications for enzymatic modification of pectin to obtain high antioxidant products and their application in pectin‐based emulsions.
Post‐Print Processing to Minimize Cytotoxicity of 3D‐Printed Photopolymer Resins for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Brooks Anne Katherine , Yadavalli Vamsi K.
Published: December 2024

Light‐based 3D printing techniques, including stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP), are of great utility owing to their ability to create complex geometries with high speed, high spatial resolution, and often, optical transparency. These are useful for fabricating custom components and structures for various biomedical applications—scaffolds, implants, microfluidic devices, in vitro cellular experiments, etc. However, a drawback of light‐based methods is that uncured resin monomers and other additives have the potential for cytotoxic effects, adversely impacting cells and tissues. In this study, we investigate a facile method to process light‐based 3D printing to mitigate cytotoxicity. Three optically clear, photocurable resins—a commercially available acrylate‐based resin, BioMed Clear, and an ecoresin derived from soybean oil—are subjected to various post‐treatment protocols. These involve combinations of isopropanol (IPA) washing, UV curing, and water or IPA agitation. The in vitro cytotoxicity and effect on cell proliferation are characterized using two cell lines (myoblasts and fibroblasts). Compared to untreated controls, IPA or water wash, and cleaning with a commercial developer, the results indicate that a short postprint cure with double IPA wash effectively reduces cytotoxicity across all resins, particularly BioMed Clear and ecoresin, maintaining nearly 100% cell viability after 7 days and avoiding material cloudiness or brittleness. The study therefore highlights a low‐cost postprint treatment method applicable to existing commercial resins and 3D printers. The minimization in leachate and cytotoxicity of optically clear 3D‐printed parts can pave the way for broader adoption in resource‐limited settings and safer use in cell studies, microfluidics, and other biomedical applications.
Safe diagnosis of pattern faults of stochastic discrete‐event systems and verification algorithm
Authors: Zhu Hongzhen , Liu Fuchun
Published: December 2024

In many real‐world applications, faults often result from specific events occurring in succession (i.e., pattern faults) rather than from a single failure event. This paper investigates the safe diagnosis of pattern faults in stochastic discrete‐event systems (SDESs). First, the notions of
‐type and
‐type pattern safe diagnosability for SDESs are formalized. Roughly speaking, a stochastic automaton is called
‐type (or
‐type) pattern safe diagnosable if the detection of
‐type (or
‐type) pattern faults is achieved with high probability (i.e., the probability of not detecting pattern faults is sufficiently low) before the system performs risky actions. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the pattern safe diagnosability of SDESs are then presented after constructing a pattern safe diagnoser and recognizer of a forbidden language from a given stochastic system. Consequently, an algorithm for verifying the pattern safe diagnosability of SDESs is proposed, demonstrating how the pattern‐safe diagnoser can be used for the safe diagnosis of pattern faults.
Visible‐Light‐Induced C(sp2)─P Cross‐Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Boron Carbonitride
Authors: Wang Rong , Liu Xin , Hou Hao , Zheng Meifang
Published: December 2024

A visible‐light‐induced protocol has been developed for the construction of C(sp2)─P bonds with heterogeneous boron carbonitrides (BCN). The system features with broad scope and mild reaction conditions, providing various aryl phosphates in moderate to good yields from arenes and aryl halides. Mechanism studies verify a radical process, and C─H bond cleavage is not involved in the rate‐determined step. Furthermore, the strategy allows the late‐stage phosphonation of biologically active compounds and facilitates gram‐scale synthesis, which offers a metal‐free arene for valuable phosphorus‐containing compounds.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Advanced Electrochemical Ammonia Production in Water
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Yang Zeying , Otake Ken‐ichi , Guo Jiahui , Yang Xuetong , Xue Ziqian , Yao Ming‐Shui , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: December 2024

Sustainable ammonia synthesis, a key focus in electrochemistry, has seen significant advancements with the emergence of Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs). This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent strides in MOF‐based materials for green ammonia production, reflecting the urgency to develop eco‐friendly and energy‐efficient chemical commodities. It explores the reaction mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of structure‐performance relationships in MOF optimization and the design of MOF‐based electrocatalysts, including metal node engineering and hybrid materials. The review also highlights in‐situ characterization techniques that are crucial for understanding MOF catalytic activity. It establishes a correlation between MOF features, synthesis methods, and material performance, showcasing their potential in catalysis. Finally, it identifies challenges and future directions for MOFs in green ammonia production, aiming to inspire innovation towards sustainable and economically viable processes.