bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the polycultural identity scale
Authors: Virgona Ariane , Ruby Matthew B. , Kashima Emiko S.
Published: August 2024

While globalisation brings opportunities for cultural enrichment, it may also present challenges as individuals attempt to make sense of and integrate fragmented and often conflicting cultural influences into a coherent self‐concept. A qualitative inquiry into contemporary Australians' cultural identity experiences indicated that some people perceive themselves as a product of multiple influences from diverse contacts and learnings, and they mix and reconcile these influences into their self‐concept. Building on this prior work, the current study developed and tested a new quantitative measure of polycultural identity. Using two diverse Australian samples (N = 301; N = 525) recruited from Prolific, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a single‐factor structure and a high Cronbach's α among the final 10 items. Correlational analyses revealed that, as expected, the Polycultural Identity Scale (PIS) was more strongly linked with the endorsement of polycultural ideology than multicultural ideology and was uncorrelated with colourblind ideology. Also, as expected, the PIS correlated moderately with generalised identity blendedness, interest in diverse contact and endorsement of global citizenship but not with identity compartmentalisation or generalised identity harmony. The PIS has the potential to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of multifaceted cultural identity and how individuals organise and synthesise a breadth of cultural influences into a meaningful self‐concept.
ABCC2 induces metabolic vulnerability and cellular ferroptosis via enhanced glutathione efflux in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Yiding , Gan Xuejun , Cheng Xiaojing , Jia Yongning , Wang Gangjian , Tang Xiaohuan , Du Hong , Li Xiaomei , Liu Xijuan , Xing Xiaofang , Ji Jiafu , Li Ziyu
Published: August 2024

Background

Although it is traditionally believed that ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 2 (ABCC2) is a multidrug resistance‐associated protein correlated with a worse prognosis, our previous and several other studies demonstrated the contrary to be true in gastric cancer (GC). We aim to explore the underlying mechanism of this discovery.

Methods

Our study utilized whole‐exome sequencing (WES), RNA sequencing, and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) analysis of 80 gastric cancer samples, along with comprehensive immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of 1044 human GC tissue samples.By utilizing CRISPRCas9 to genetically modify cell lines with the ABCC2‐24C > T (rs717620) point mutation and conducting dual‐luciferase reporter assays, we identified that transcription factors SOX9 and ETS1 serve as negative regulators of ABCC2 expression. Seahorse assay and mass spectrometry were used to discover altered metabolic patterns. Gain and loss‐of‐function experiments in GC cell lines and preclinical models were carried out to validate ABCC2 biological function.

Results

ABCC2 high expression correlated with better prognosis, and rs717620 can influence ABCC2 expression by disrupting the binding of ETS1 and SOX9. Gain and loss‐of‐function experiments in GC cell lines demonstrated amino acid deprivation reduces proliferation, migration, and drug resistance in ABCC2‐high GC cells. ABCC2 leads to reduced intracellular amino acid pools and disruption of cellular energy metabolism. This phenomenon depended on ABCC2‐mediated GSH extrusion, resulting in alterations in redox status, thereby increasing the cell's susceptibility to ferroptosis. Furthermore, patient‐derived organoids and patient‐derived tumor‐like cell clusters were used to observe impact of ABCC2 on therapeutic effect. In the xenograft model with high ABCC2 expression, we observed that constricting amino acid intake in conjunction with GPX4 inactivation resulted in notable tumor regression.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a significant role of ABCC2 in amino acid metabolism and ferroptosis by mediating GSH efflux in GC. This discovery underlines the potential of combining multiple ferroptosis targets as a promising therapeutic strategy for GC with high ABCC2 expression.

Highlights

ABCC2 plays a crucial role in inducing metabolic vulnerability and ferroptosis in gastric cancer through enhanced glutathione efflux.

The ABCC2 24C > T polymorphism is a key factor influencing its expression.

These results highlight the potential of ABCC2 as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
Structural, Functional, and Bioactive Properties of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Skipjack Tuna Skin as a Function of Drying Techniques
Authors: Naghdi Shahab , Rezaei Masoud , Alboofetileh Mehdi , Tabarsa Mehdi , Abdollahi Mehdi , Moghaddam Jamshid Amiri
Published: August 2024

The study aims to investigate the impact of various drying techniques on the quality of sulfated polysaccharides (SP) extracted from Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) skin. Three drying methods, namely microwave drying (M‐KPP), freeze‐drying (F‐KPP), and hot air drying (HA‐KPP), are examined. The chemical and monosaccharide compositions of SP are significantly affected by the drying methods. The extraction yields for M‐KPP, F‐KPP, and HA‐KPP are 3.30%, 3.11%, and 2.50%, respectively (P < 0.05). Additionally, HA‐KPP, with 10.67% moisture content, exhibits the lowest moisture level among the dried samples (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the structural properties of SP remain consistent across different drying methods, as indicated by FTIR, XRD, and DSC analyses. F‐KPP demonstrates the highest antioxidant properties. The functional and antimicrobial activities of SP are significantly influenced by the drying technique, with hot air drying resulting in increased foaming capacity and microwave drying showing enhanced antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that the functionality and bioactivity of SP from tuna skin are greatly influenced by the drying technique employed, suggesting that the selection of the optimal method should be tailored to the desired properties of the SPs and given careful consideration.
Population‐based in silico modeling of anatomical shape variation of the knee and its impact on joint loading in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Willems Miel , Killen Bryce A. , Di Raimondo Giacomo , Van Dijck Christophe , Havashinezhadian Sara , Turcot Katia , Jonkers Ilse
Published: August 2024

Anatomical knee joint features and osteoarthritis (OA) severity are associated, however confirming causals link to altered knee loading is challenging. This study leverages statistical shape models (SSM) to investigate the relationship between joint shape/alignment and knee loading during gait in knee OA (KOA) patients to understand their contribution to elevated medial knee loading in OA. Musculoskeletal (MSK) models were created for the mean as well as the first eight SSM principal modes of variation (−3,−2,−1, +1, +2, +3 standard deviations for each mode) and used as input to a MSK modeling framework. Using an identical KOA gait pattern (i.e., joint kinematics and ground reaction forces), we ran simulations for each MSK model and evaluated medial compartment loading magnitude and contact distribution at the instant of first and second peak of knee joint loading. An increase in external rotation, posterior tibia translation and a decrease in medial joint space and medial femoral condylar size predisposed the medial compartment knee joint to overloading during gait. This was coupled with an anterior and medial shift in contact location with increasing external rotated tibial position and increasing posterior tibial translation with respect to the femur. Next, results also highlighted a posterior shift of the medial compartment loading location with decreasing medial joint space. This study provides important population‐based insights on how knee shape and alignment predispose individuals with KOA to elevated medial compartmental knee loading. This information can be crucial in assessing the risk for medial KOA development and progression.
Financial analysis of rural tourism in Catalonia and Galicia pre‐ and post COVID‐19
Authors: Saus‐Sala Elisabet , Farreras‐Noguer M. Àngels , Arimany‐Serrat Núria , Coenders Germà
Published: August 2024

This article analyses the financial health of Catalan and Galician rural tourism businesses between 2019 and 2021 by examining their profitability and solvency, in order to assess their survivability over the period affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic. To this end, we classify firms into groups with similar financial health. The article uses accounting data from the SABI (Iberian Balance Sheet Analysis System) database and the Compositional Data (CoDa) methodology, which offers a reliable analysis of sectoral financial statements, and is immune to the statistical problems of classical ratios (skewness, non‐normality, non‐linearity, and outliers, among others). The classification with the k‐means method reveals three groups with distinct financial profiles. None have a positive return on equity. One cluster is under special financial distress, with high indebtedness, low liquidity and an extremely negative margin. The size of this cluster increases during the 2020 lockdown but returns to normal in 2021.
Ytterbium as the Energy Regulator to Enhance the NIR‐IIb Luminescence of Er3+‐Rich Sub‐20 nm Nanocrystals for Ratiometric Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Wang Wang , Yang Jinqiu , Ma Bolin , Zhu Haoyu , Zhu Yaqi , Yi Yuexi , Li Xiaodan , Li Qiqing , Chen Haoran , Li Bin , Kong Xianggui , Chang Yulei
Published: August 2024

Fluorescence/luminescence bioimaging, utilizing rare‐earth doped nanocrystals (RENCs) within the NIR‐IIb (1500–1700 nm) sub‐window, has drawn interest for its deep penetration depth and superior resolution. Herein, Er3+/Yb3+ couple is rationally designed in topologically arranged RENCs that facilitate a boosted 1530 nm emission of Er3+ via premeditated Yb3+‐mediated energy transfer processes under 808 nm excitation. To maximize this modulation effect for boosting 1530 nm emission, a regional active ions concentration and spatial regulation strategy is explored in the optimized concentration and core–shell–shell structure (NaErF4:20%Yb@NaYbF4:20%Er@NaYF4 with a quantum yield of 16.46% in NIR‐IIb region). Leveraging the superior emission and multi‐wavelength excitation characteristics of the as‐obtained nanocrystals, a NIR‐IIb‐based ratiometric fluorescence imaging measurement is achieved under 808 and 980 nm excitation, which cannot only show the 2D distribution of probes but also provide spatial depth information (range from 0 to 2.8 mm with a tissue depth resolution of 66 µm). The findings hold significant potential for advancing both vascular science and clinical medicine.
Six‐minute walk test as outcome measure of fatigability in adults with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen
Authors: Govoni Alessandra , Ricci Giulia , Bonanno Silvia , Bello Luca , Magri Francesca , Meneri Megi , Torri Francesca , Caponnetto Claudia , Passamano Luigia , Grandis Marina , Trojsi Francesca , Cerri Federica , Gadaleta Giulio , Capece Giuliana , Caumo Luca , Tanel Raffaella , Saccani Elena , Vacchiano Veria , Sorarù Gianni , D'Errico Eustachio , Tramacere Irene , Bortolani Sara , Rolle Enrica , Gellera Cinzia , Zanin Riccardo , Silvestrini Mauro , Politano Luisa , Schenone Angelo , Previtali Stefano Carlo , Berardinelli Angela , Turri Mara , Verriello Lorenzo , Coccia Michela , Mantegazza Renato , Liguori Rocco , Filosto Massimiliano , Maioli Maria Antonietta , Simone Isabella Laura , Mongini Tiziana , Corti Stefania , Manca Maria Laura , Pegoraro Elena , Siciliano Gabriele , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Maggi Lorenzo
Published: August 2024

Introduction/Aims

Fatigue (subjective perception) and fatigability (objective motor performance worsening) are relevant aspects of disability in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The effect of nusinersen on fatigability in SMA patients has been investigated with conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate this in adult with SMA3.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study, including adult ambulant patients with SMA3, data available on 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) and Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale—Expanded (HFMSE) at baseline and at least at 6 months of treatment with nusinersen. We investigated fatigability, estimated as 10% or higher decrease in walked distance between the first and sixth minute of the 6MWT, at baseline and over the 14‐month follow‐up.

Results

Forty‐eight patients (56% females) were included. The 6MWT improved after 6, 10, and 14 months of treatment (p < 0.05). Of the 27 patients who completed the entire follow‐up, 37% improved (6MWT distance increase ≥30 m), 48.2% remained stable, and 14.8% worsened (6MWT distance decline ≥30 m). Fatigability was found at baseline in 26/38 (68%) patients and confirmed at subsequent time points (p < 0.05) without any significant change over the treatment period. There was no correlation between fatigability and SMN2 copy number, sex, age at disease onset, age at baseline, nor with 6MWT total distance and baseline HFMSE score.

Discussion

Fatigability was detected at baseline in approximately 2/3 of SMA3 walker patients, without any correlation with clinical features, included motor performance. No effect on fatigability was observed during the 14‐month treatment period with nusinersen.
Generating microstructures of long fiber reinforced composites by the fused sequential addition and migration method
Authors: Lauff Celine , Schneider Matti , Montesano John , Böhlke Thomas
Published: August 2024

We introduce the fused sequential addition and migration (fSAM) algorithm for generating microstructures of fiber composites with long, flexible, nonoverlapping fibers and industrial volume fractions. The proposed algorithm is based on modeling the fibers as polygonal chains and enforcing, on the one hand, the nonoverlapping constraints by an optimization framework. The connectivity constraints, on the other hand, are treated via constrained mechanical systems of d'Alembert type. In case of straight, that is, nonflexible, fibers, the proposed algorithm reduces to the SAM (Comput. Mech., 59, 247–263, 2017) algorithm, a well‐established method for generating short fiber‐reinforced composites. We provide a detailed discussion of the equations governing the motion of a flexible fiber and discuss the efficient numerical treatment. We elaborate on the integration into an existing SAM code and explain the selection of the numerical parameters. To capture the fiber length distributions of long fiber reinforced composites, we sample the fiber lengths from the Gamma distribution and introduce a strategy to incorporate extremely long fibers. We study the microstructure generation capabilities of the proposed algorithm. The computational examples demonstrate the superiority of the novel microstructure‐generation technology over the state of the art, realizing large fiber aspect ratios (up to 2800) and high fiber volume fractions (up to for an aspect ratio of 150) for experimentally measured fiber orientation tensors.
Balance Error Scoring System in the assessment of chronic ankle stability: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Shanshan , Xue Xiao'ao , Yu Le , Tao Weichu , Wang Ru , Sun Yang , Hua Yinghui
Published: August 2024

Objective

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common musculoskeletal injury associated with static balance deficits. The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is commonly used to assess static balance in individuals with CAI. However, the sensitivity of BESS in detecting balance deficits in CAI is unknown. This study compared BESS performance between people with CAI and controls and investigated which stances most effectively identified balance deficits in individuals with CAI.

Literature Survey

Seven electronic databases (Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library) were searched from July 13, 2023, to September 10, 2023, using the ankle instability and balance related terms as keywords to search original studies and perform a systematic review.

Methods

Studies that compared BESS scores between individuals with CAI and healthy controls were systematically identified. Extracted data included study characteristics, participant demographics, and assessment details. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as effect sizes to compare groups for the BESS components used to assess CAI.

Results

Six studies met the eligibility criteria. The double‐leg foam stance yielded an SMD of −0.02 (95% CI: −0.32 to 0.29), with an I2 value of 3.5%. Significant differences between groups were noted in the single foam (SMD = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.33–1.45; I2 = 78.3%) and single firm (SMD = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.14–1.10; I2 = 72.1%) performances, although both demonstrated high heterogeneity. Conversely, the tandem foam (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.51–1.02; I2 = 0.0%) and tandem firm (SMD = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.11–0.68; I2 = 23.8%) performances showed small to moderate between‐group differences with considerably lower heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This review indicates that tandem stances on foam and firm surfaces in the BESS are reliable indicators of static balance deficits in individuals with CAI.
Fabrication of emulsion‐templated open‐cell polymethacrylimide foam
Authors: You Yijing , Liu Qi , Li Zhiwei , Cai Ruiyun , Zhu Yun , Zhang Shengmiao
Published: August 2024

In this work, the emulsion‐templating technique is proposed to fabricate polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam for the first time. Different from those PMI foam reported in the literature, having a closed‐cell structure with submillimeter‐sized voids, the emulsion‐templated PMI foam has an obvious open‐cell structure with micrometer‐sized voids. The pore structure, density, and porosity of the PMI foam herein could be tuned by simply changing the internal phase volume fraction and/or the surfactant concentration of the emulsion template. The density of PMI foam is varied between 0.174 and 0.350 g·cm−3. The prepared PMI foam exhibited excellent mechanical properties, the compressive strength and compressive modulus ranged from 4.87 to 7.48 MPa and from 58.67 to 124.67 MPa, respectively, which are both much higher than the traditional closed‐cell PMI foams with similar density. The prepared PMI foam has excellent thermal resistance with its initial thermal decomposition temperature of 325°C in nitrogen and 253°C in air. The novel porous structure combined with its high strength and high heat resistance would expand the application of PMI foam.
Protein Network Alterations in G‐CSF Treated Severe Congenital Neutropenia Patients and Beneficial Effects of Oral Health Intervention
Authors: Bao Kai , Silbereisen Angelika , Grossmann Jonas , Nanni Paolo , Gehrig Peter , Emingil Gülnur , Erguz Merve , Karapinar Deniz Yilmaz , Pekpinarli Burç , Belibasakis Georgios N. , Tsilingaridis Georgios , Zaura Egija , Bostanci Nagihan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a raredisorder characterized by diminished neutrophil levels. Despite granulocytecolony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) treatment, SCN patients remain still prone tosevere infections, including periodontal disease—a significant oral healthrisk. This study investigates the host proteome and metaproteome in saliva andgingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of G‐CSF‐treated patients.

Experimental Design

We used label‐free quantitative proteomics on saliva and GCF samples from SCN patients before (n = 10, mean age: 10.7 ± 6.6 years) and after a 6‐month oral hygiene intervention (n = 9,mean age: 11.6 ± 5.27 years), and from 12 healthy controls.

Results

We quantified 894 proteins in saliva (648 human,246 bacterial) and 756 proteins in GCF (493 human, 263 bacterial). Predominant bacterial genera included Streptococcus, Veillonella, Selenomonas, Corynebacterium, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella. SCN patients showed reduced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and elevated complement proteins compared tohealthy controls. Oral hygiene intervention improved oral epithelial conditionsand reduced both AMPs and complement proteins.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

SCN patients have aunique proteomic profile with reduced AMPs and increased complement proteins, contributing to infection susceptibility. Oral hygiene intervention not onlyimproved oral health in SCN patients but also offers potential overall therapeuticbenefits.
Behavioral and electrophysiological responses of the male medfly, Ceratitis capitata, to thymol and carvacrol ethers
Authors: Tabanca Nurhayat , Cloonan Kevin R , Nesterkina Mariia , Gill Micah A , Montgomery Wayne S , Kravchenko Iryna , Kendra Paul E
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, is one of the most economically important insect pests attacking fruits and vegetables in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Semiochemical‐based pest management programs are being used to provide environmentally friendly control methods for medflies. The goals of the current study were to discover potential new, attractive, kairomones by designing, synthesizing, and testing simplified ethers of thymol and carvacrol along with their ether derivatives in short‐range attraction assays and electroantennogram (EAG) assays with male C. capitata. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation of thymol and carvacrol, and their respective ethers for attractancy to C. capitata, a major agricultural pest worldwide.

RESULTS

In short‐range attraction bioassays, parent compounds, thymol and carvacrol, along with their propyl, butyl, benzyl, and octyl ethers captured the most male C. capitata. The attraction patterns changed over time and captures were only significant if they were greater than the positive control tea tree oil (TTO) at 90 min. In EAG assays, thymol benzyl, octyl ethers, and carvacrol benzyl ether evoked significantly greater antennal responses than their parent compounds. The EAG responses did not correlate with short‐range male attraction. The aliphatic side chains of thymol and carvacrol had a small effect on the activity. Future studies will investigate the long‐range attraction of the ethers that elicited large EAG responses.

CONCLUSION

This report provides new information for discovering potential kairomones through synthesis and structure–activity studies for sterile male medflies. Thymol, carvacrol, and several of their ether derivatives displayed improved longevity of attraction compared with TTO (a strong medfly attractant), with significantly higher captures than TTO observed at 90 min in laboratory bioassays. Further chemical synthesis of thymol and carvacrol ethers within this series may lead to the development of ethers that are more attractive or persistent than their parent compounds, thymol and carvacrol. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Traditional matric potential thresholds underestimate soil moisture at field capacity across Oklahoma
Authors: Krueger Erik S. , Ochsner Tyson E.
Published: August 2024

Field capacity is a dubious soil physical property, but its use continues because of its perceived value for representing a soil's capacity to store water. Appropriate field capacity estimates can be useful for interpreting data from soil moisture sensors, including those in large‐scale monitoring networks, but suitable methods for defining field capacity in this context are unclear. Motivated by the desire to determine optimal field capacity values for the Oklahoma Mesonet, our objectives were (1) to develop and apply an automated time series analysis algorithm to estimate volumetric soil water content at field capacity and corresponding matric potential and (2) to compare the resulting water contents to those calculated from traditional matric potential thresholds (−33 and −10 kPa). Across 118 Oklahoma Mesonet sites and three soil depths (5, 25, and 60 cm), a matric potential threshold of −10 kPa underestimated field capacity water content by 0.010–0.014 cm cm−3 (3–4%) on average, and a threshold of −33 kPa underestimated it for every site and depth by 0.055–0.078 cm cm−3 (16%−22%) on average. Median matric potentials corresponding to field capacity were −7.6 kPa at the 5‐cm depth, −7.2 kPa at the 25‐cm depth, and −7.3 kPa at the 60‐cm depth. The algorithm developed here can be used to estimate field capacity wherever adequate data are available, and for sites where soil water retention properties are known, matric potentials at field capacity can also be estimated. Using a matric potential of −33 kPa as a standard threshold to represent field capacity is not scientifically justified and should be discontinued.
Establishing a standard protocol for soil texture analysis using the laser diffraction technique
Authors: Scott Isis S. P. C. , Nouwakpo Kossi , Bjorneberg Dave , Rogers Christopher , Vitko Lauren
Published: August 2024

Optical methods including laser diffraction have been increasingly used to measure soil texture and particle size distribution. However, they have not been adopted yet as a routine methodology mainly due to the difficulties in comparing their results to more commonly used techniques (i.e., sedimentation methods). Many attempts exist in the literature to find an agreement between methodologies with relative success. In this work, we aim to improve the agreement between methodologies by adjusting parameters of the laser diffraction analysis, including sample treatment (chemical dispersion, carbonate removal, and sand separation), mode of sample addition (subsampling vs. transmittance matching), and analysis parameters (time of sonication and refractive index). Soil texture class determined by laser diffraction agreed with the sieve–hydrometer method in 78% of the runs when the following parameters were used: (1) Refractive index of 1.44 ‐ 0.100i, (2) 180 s of sonication, (3) sand sieving prior to analysis, and (4) sample dispersion by shaking the sample for 1 h with 5% sodium hexametaphosphate. We observed that adding the entire sample to the analyzer (1 g of soil in 100 mL of dispersant) while keeping the appropriate levels of transmittance through dilution (transmittance matching) is a better way of sample addition in comparison to subsampling, especially for coarser soil samples. This work proposes a standard operation procedure that may broaden the adoption of laser diffraction analysis as a routine soil texture methodology.
Being a focused employee: Effects of job reattachment on cyberloafing
Authors: Liu Mengjun , Sun Yicong , Liu Tour , Qi Liya
Published: August 2024

Cyberloafing, the use of the Internet for non‐work‐related activities while at work, has become a growing problem in the workplace. Since cyberloafing is commonly regarded as counterproductive, anticipating and controlling employees' cyberloafing behaviour is becoming increasingly important. Previous research suggests that individuals who engage in cyberloafing may have difficulties regulating their attention to important tasks. Based on self‐regulation theory, our study examines the influence of job reattachment on cyberloafing through the mediating role of mindfulness and the moderating role of goal commitment. Data for this study were collected in China through surveys conducted with 275 employees at three different time points. The results showed that: (1) job reattachment was significantly negatively associated with cyberloafing; (2) mindfulness mediated this relationship between job reattachment and cyberloafing; and (3) goal commitment moderated the direct effect of job reattachment on mindfulness as well as the indirect effect of job reattachment on cyberloafing through mindfulness. Overall, our research findings emphasize the importance of the impact of job reattachment on cyberloafing through mindfulness. Theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.
The Role of Luminescent Coupling in Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Nguyen Khoa , Fischer Oliver , Messmer Christoph , Zhu Yan , Nguyen Dang‐Thuan , Bui Anh Dinh , Hameiri Ziv , Schindler Florian , Schubert Martin C. , Shen Heping , Weber Klaus , Catchpole Kylie , Macdonald Daniel , Nguyen Hieu T.
Published: August 2024

Luminescent coupling (LC) is a key phenomenon in monolithic tandem solar cells. This study presents a nondestructive technique to quantitatively evaluate the LC effect, addressing a gap in the existing predictions made by optical modeling. The method involves measuring the ratio of photons emitted from the high bandgap top cell that escape through the rear, contributing additional current to the bottom cell, and to those escaping from the front side of top cell. The findings indicate that in the analyzed monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, more than 85% of the emitted photons escaping from the perovskite top cell are used to generate additional current in the bottom cell. This process notably reduces the mismatch in the generated current between each subcell, particularly when the current is limited by the low bandgap subcell. The presented method is applicable to a variety of monolithic tandem structures, providing vital information for subcell characterization, providing vital information for predicting energy output and optimization for outdoor applications.
Regulating Local Electron Density of Cyano Sites in Graphitic Nitride Carbon by Giant Internal Electric Field for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction to Hydrocarbons
Authors: Gao Qiong , Qi Wenjie , Li Yuxin , Wei Yu , Wu Yongpeng , Liang Xiaoqian , Zhang Yuan , Hu Yuzhu , Wang Peng , Chen Qian , Chen Xianjie , Zhu Yongfa
Published: August 2024

Selective photocatalytic CO2 reduction to high‐value hydrocarbons using graphitic carbon nitride (g–C3N4) polymer holds great practical significance. Herein, the cyano‐functionalized g–C3N4 (CN–g–C3N4) with a high local electron density site is successfully constructed for selective CO2 photoreduction to CH4 and C2H4. Wherein the potent electron‐withdrawing cyano group induces a giant internal electric field in CN–g–C3N4, significantly boosting the directional migration of photogenerated electrons and concentrating them nearby. Thereby, a high local electron density site around its cyano group is created. Moreover, this structure can also effectively promote the adsorption and activation of CO2 while firmly anchoring *CO intermediates, facilitating their subsequent hydrogenation and coupling reactions. Consequently, using H2O as a reducing agent, CN–g–C3N4 achieves efficient and selective photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CH4 and C2H4 activity, with maximum rates of 6.64 and 1.35 µmol g‐1 h‐1, respectively, 69.3 and 53.8 times higher than bulk g–C3N4 and g–C3N4 nanosheets. In short, this work illustrates the importance of constructing a reduction site with high local electron density for efficient and selective CO2 photoreduction to hydrocarbons.
Clinical utility of sarcopenia dynamics assessed by psoas muscle volume in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Kumamoto Tomotaka , Takamizawa Yasuyuki , Miyake Mototaka , Inoue Manabu , Moritani Konosuke , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Eto Ken , Kanemitsu Yukihide
Published: August 2024

Background

Sarcopenia affects the postoperative prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, it has become possible to measure psoas volume from computed tomography images, and an index called psoas volume index (PVI) has been reported. However, it is unclear whether the dynamics of PVI before and after surgery is associated with clinical outcomes after CRC surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the association between pre‐ and postoperative PVI dynamics and clinical outcomes after CRC surgery.

Methods

This study analyzed 1115 patients diagnosed with primary CRC and operated on for treatment between January 2014 and December 2017. Sarcopenia was defined as PVI below the lowest tertile in the preoperative assessment for each sex. The overall population was divided into four groups according to the dynamics of sarcopenia from preoperative to postoperative: group 1 (pre‐to postoperative sarcopenia), group 2 (preoperative nonsarcopenia to postoperative sarcopenia), group 3 (pre‐to postoperative nonsarcopenia), and group 4 (pre‐to postoperative nonsarcopenia).

Results

Based on pre‐ and postoperative sarcopenia dynamics, 343 patients (29.7%) were classified into group 1, 105 patients (9.1%) into group 2, 42 patients (3.6%) into group 3, and 665 patients (57.6%) into group 4. Comparison of overall survival (OS) by the Kaplan–Meier method showed that Group 2 tended to have the worst prognosis (p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis showed an increased OS risk in Group 2 in sarcopenia dynamics (Hazard ratio: 2.103, 95% CI: 1.202–3.681, p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia dynamics using PVI is an independent prognostic predictor of OS in patients with CRC.
Light-ray sum rules and the c-anomaly
Authors: Hartman Thomas , Mathys Grégoire
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In a four-dimensional quantum field theory that flows between two fixed points under the renormalization group, the change in the conformal anomaly ∆a has been related to the average null energy. We extend this result to derive a sum rule for the other anomaly coefficient, ∆c, in terms of the stress tensor three-point function. While the sum rule for ∆a is an expectation value of the averaged null energy operator, and therefore positive, the result for ∆c involves the off-diagonal matrix elements, so it does not have a fixed sign.
FEniTop: a simple FEniCSx implementation for 2D and 3D topology optimization supporting parallel computing
Authors: Jia Yingqi , Wang Chao , Zhang Xiaojia Shelly
Published: August 2024

Topology optimization has emerged as a versatile design tool embraced across diverse domains. This popularity has led to great efforts in the development of education-centric topology optimization codes with various focuses, such as targeting beginners seeking user-friendliness and catering to experienced users emphasizing computational efficiency. In this study, we introduce , a novel 2D and 3D topology optimization software developed in Python and built upon the open-source library, designed to harmonize usability with computational efficiency and post-processing for fabrication. employs a modular architecture, offering a unified input script for defining topology optimization problems and six replaceable modules to streamline subsequent optimization tasks. By enabling users to express problems in the weak form, eliminates the need for matrix manipulations, thereby simplifying the modeling process. The software also integrates automatic differentiation to mitigate the intricacies associated with chain rules in finite element analysis and sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, provides access to a comprehensive array of readily available solvers and preconditioners, bolstering flexibility in problem-solving. is designed for scalability, furnishing robust support for parallel computing that seamlessly adapts to diverse computing platforms, spanning from laptops to distributed computing clusters. It also facilitates effortless transitions for various spatial dimensions, mesh geometries, element types and orders, and quadrature degrees. Apart from the computational benefits, facilitates the automated exportation of optimized designs, compatible with open-source software for post-processing. This functionality allows for visualizing optimized designs across diverse mesh geometries and element shapes, automatically smoothing 3D designs, and converting smoothed designs into STereoLithography (STL) files for 3D printing. To illustrate the capabilities of , we present five representative examples showcasing topology optimization across 2D and 3D geometries, structured and unstructured meshes, solver switching, and complex boundary conditions. We also assess the parallel computational efficiency of by examining its performance across diverse computing platforms, process counts, problem sizes, and solver configurations. Finally, we demonstrate a physical 3D-printed model utilizing the STL file derived from the design optimized by . These examples showcase not only ’s rich functionality but also its parallel computing performance. The open-source is given in Appendix B and will be available to download at https://github.com/missionlab/fenitop.
Estimation of cost reduction by tolerance optimization
Authors: Armillotta Antonio
Published: August 2024

Tolerance allocation is a design task with a strong potential impact on manufacturing choices. In practice, however, it is often carried out with simple heuristics rather than with an optimization approach like those available in research literature. One reason could be the difficulty in predicting the economic benefits resulting from optimization. To allow for such considerations, the paper proposes a procedure to estimate the cost reduction that optimization allows compared to three traditional allocation methods (equal tolerances, precision factor, proportional to nominal). The chosen optimization method is based on the closed-form solution of a problem of cost minimization with a stackup constraint, using the extended reciprocal power cost-tolerance function. Compared to other methods, it provides analytical expressions of both the allocated tolerances and the associated costs. When applied to specific cases, these help recognize the conditions in which optimization allows a significant reduction in manufacturing costs. The results show that this occurs when the features of the same dimension chain have very different properties regarding a set of design variables with particular influence on the amount of machining required.
Leveraging integrative toxicogenomic approach towards development of stressor-centric adverse outcome pathway networks for plastic additives
Authors: Sahoo Ajaya Kumar , Chivukula Nikhil , Madgaonkar Shreyes Rajan , Ramesh Kundhanathan , Marigoudar Shambanagouda Rudragouda , Sharma Krishna Venkatarama , Samal Areejit
Published: August 2024

Plastics are widespread pollutants found in atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to their extensive usage and environmental persistence. Plastic additives, that are intentionally added to achieve specific functionality in plastics, leach into the environment upon plastic degradation and pose considerable risk to ecological and human health. Limited knowledge concerning the presence of plastic additives throughout plastic life cycle has hindered their effective regulation, thereby posing risks to product safety. In this study, we leveraged the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework to understand the mechanisms underlying plastic additives-induced toxicities. We first identified an exhaustive list of 6470 plastic additives from chemicals documented in plastics. Next, we leveraged heterogenous toxicogenomics and biological endpoints data from five exposome-relevant resources, and identified associations between 1287 plastic additives and 322 complete and high quality AOPs within AOP–Wiki. Based on these plastic additive–AOP associations, we constructed a stressor-centric AOP network, wherein the stressors are categorized into ten priority use sectors and AOPs are linked to 27 disease categories. We visualized the plastic additives–AOP network for each of the 1287 plastic additives and made them available in a dedicated website: https://cb.imsc.res.in/saopadditives/. Finally, we showed the utility of the constructed plastic additives–AOP network by identifying highly relevant AOPs associated with benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), bisphenol A (BPA), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and thereafter, explored the associated toxicity pathways in humans and aquatic species. Overall, the constructed plastic additives–AOP network will assist regulatory risk assessment of plastic additives, thereby contributing towards a toxic-free circular economy for plastics.
Coderived and contraderived categories of locally presentable abelian DG-categories
Authors: Positselski Leonid , Št’ovíček Jan
Published: August 2024

The concept of an abelian DG-category, introduced by the first-named author in Positselski (Exact DG-categories and fully faithful triangulated inclusion functors. arXiv:2110.08237 [math.CT]), unites the notions of abelian categories and (curved) DG-modules in a common framework. In this paper we consider coderived and contraderived categories in the sense of Becker. Generalizing some constructions and results from the preceding papers by Becker (Adv Math 254:187–232, 2014. arXiv:1205.4473 [math.CT]) and by the present authors (Positselski and Št’ovíček in J Pure Appl Algebra 226(#4):106883, 2022. arXiv:2101.10797 [math.CT]), we define the contraderived category of a locally presentable abelian DG-category $$\textbf{B}$$
B
with enough projective objects and the coderived category of a Grothendieck abelian DG-category $$\textbf{A}$$
A
. We construct the related abelian model category structures and show that the resulting exotic derived categories are well-generated. Then we specialize to the case of a locally coherent Grothendieck abelian DG-category $$\textbf{A}$$
A
, and prove that its coderived category is compactly generated by the absolute derived category of finitely presentable objects of $$\textbf{A}$$
A
, thus generalizing a result from the second-named author’s preprint (Št’ovíček in On purity and applications to coderived and singularity categories. arXiv:1412.1615 [math.CT]). In particular, the homotopy category of graded-injective left DG-modules over a DG-ring with a left coherent underlying graded ring is compactly generated by the absolute derived category of DG-modules with finitely presentable underlying graded modules. We also describe compact generators of the coderived categories of quasi-coherent matrix factorizations over coherent schemes.
A piece-wise reconstruction of some mechanistic steps in Pickering emulsion polymerization: a semicontinuous styrene montmorillonite-supported process as a case example
Authors: Saldaña Rodriguez Diego , Fouconnier Benoit , López-Serrano Francisco
Published: August 2024

Building on traditional emulsion polymerization research, which continues to yield results up to the present day, techniques have emerged to produce hybrid materials. One such technique is Pickering emulsion polymerization, with numerous industrial applications. Despite a growing interest in Pickering emulsion polymerization, the intrinsic mechanisms involved have been based mainly on the findings of classical emulsion polymerization. In this work, by relying on a minimum of assumptions and using a simple model and experimental data on conversion and particle size, we obtain information about the prevailing mechanisms. More specifically, we present four main findings based on data reported previously in the literature. First, in contrast to the three rate-of-reaction intervals reported in classical emulsion polymerization, the integro-differential method yielded only two rate-of-reaction intervals against conversion. Second, a master curve is constructed by plotting the reaction rate against overall conversion, showing a maximum of approximately 55% conversion. Third, despite having a semicontinuous process, monomer concentration inside the particles is not constant. Finally, particle density is a strong function of the Pickering agent concentration, where two fitting parameters (nucleation and coagulation) allowed an accurate description for the particle number time evolution. Both parameters showed a power-law dependence with clay concentration.
Intraoperative pelvic neuromonitoring based on bioimpedance signals: a new method analyzed on 30 patients
Authors: Kalev Georgi , Schuler Ramona , Langer Andreas , Goos Matthias , Konschake Marko , Schiedeck Thomas , Marquardt Christoph
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Increasing importance has been attributed in recent years to the preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves during rectal resection to achieve better functional results. In addition to improved surgical techniques, intraoperative neuromonitoring may be useful.

Methods

This single-arm prospective study included 30 patients who underwent rectal resection performed with intraoperative neuromonitoring by recording the change in the tissue impedance of the urinary bladder and rectum after stimulation of the pelvic autonomic nerves. The International Prostate Symptom Score, the post-void residual urine volume and the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS score) were assessed during the 12-month follow-up period.

Results

A stimulation-induced change in tissue impedance was observed in 28/30 patients (93.3%). In the presence of risk factors such as low anastomosis, neoadjuvant radiotherapy and a deviation stoma, an average increase of the LARS score by 9 points was observed 12 months after surgery (p = 0,04). The function of the urinary bladder remained unaffected in the first week (p = 0,7) as well as 12 months after the procedure (p = 0,93).

Conclusion

The clinical feasibility of the new method for pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring could be verified. The benefits of intraoperative pelvic neuromonitoring were particularly evident in difficult intraoperative situations with challenging visualization of the pelvic nerves.
Surgical options in retrosternal oesophageal reconstruction
Authors: Kollmann Lars , Flemming Sven , Lock Johan Friso , Wiegering Armin , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Seyfried Florian
Published: August 2024

Background

Retrosternal oesophageal reconstructions with collar anastomoses can become necessary when the stomach is either unavailable for oesophageal replacement, or orthotopic reconstruction is deemed impractical. Our aim was to analyse our results regarding technical approaches and outcomes.

Materials and methods

All patients undergoing primary and secondary oesophageal retrosternal reconstructions with collar anastomoses at our centre (2019–2023) were retrospectively analysed and individual surgical reconstruction options were presented.

Results

Overall, twelve patients received primary (n = 5; 42.7%) or secondary (n = 7; 58.3%) reconstructions; ten with colonic interposition and two with gastric pull-up. Male/female ratio was 4:8; median age 66 years (30–87). Charlson-Comorbidity-Score (CCS) was 5 (1–7); 8/12 patients (67%) had ASA-classification score ≥ 3. We observed no conduit necrosis, but one patient (8.3%) with a leakage of the oesophago-colonostomy which was successfully treated by endoscopic vacuum therapy. Four patients (33.3%) acquired nosocomial pneumonia. Additional drainages for pleural fluid collections were necessary in three patients (25%). Overall comprehensive-complication-index (CCI) was 26.2 (0–44.9). Length-of-stay (LOS) was 22 days median (15-40). There was no 90-days mortality. Overall, CCI during the follow-up (FU) period at median 26 months (16–50) was 33.7 (0–100). 10 out of 12 patients were on sufficient oral nutrition at 12 months FU.

Conclusion

Primary and secondary oesophageal retrosternal reconstructions encompass diverse entities and typically requires tailored decision-making. These procedures, though rare, are feasible with acceptable complication rates and positive functional outcomes when performed in experienced hands.