bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of ChE in Solea solea and exposure of isoflavones in juveniles of commercial flatfish (Solea solea and Solea senegalensis)
Authors: Albendín María Gemma , Aranda Vanessa , Corrales Alejandro , Ortiz‐Delgado Juan Bosco , Sarasquete Carmen , Arellano Juana María
Published: August 2023

The isoflavones genistein and daidzein are flavonoid compounds mainly found in legumes, especially in soybeans and their derived products. These flavonoids can be present in agricultural, domestic and industrial wastewater effluents as a result of anthropogenic activities and may be discharged in the environment. Due to the large growth of the aquaculture sector in recent decades, new and cost‐effective fish feeds are being sought, but there is also a particular need to determine the effects of exposed flavonoids on fish in the aquatic environment, as this is the main route of exposure of organisms to endocrine disruptors. This study evaluated the possible effects of these isoflavones on juveniles of Solea senegalensis and Solea solea. After 48–96 h of exposure, the acetylcholinesterase activity in the sole head tissues was measured, and the cholinesterase activity in juveniles of common sole (S. solea) was determined. Experiments were carried out to determine the optimal pH, investigate the specificity of three substrates (acetylthiocholine, butyrylthiocholine, propionylthiocholine) on cholinesterase activity and determine the kinetic parameters (Vmax and Km). The results obtained showed that neither genistein nor daidzein exposure to S. senegalensis and S. solea inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase at the tested concentrations (genistein: 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L; daidzein: 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/L).
Inhibition of voltage‐dependent K+ currents of rabbit coronary arterial smooth muscle cells by the atypical antipsychotic paliperidone
Authors: Mun Seo‐Yeong , Zhuang Wenwen , Park Minju , Jeong Junsu , Na Sung Hun , Lee Se Jin , Jung Won‐Kyo , Choi Il‐Whan , Park Hongzoo , Park Won Sun
Published: August 2023

Paliperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, is widely used to treat schizophrenia. In this study, we explored whether paliperidone inhibited the voltage‐dependent K+ (Kv) channels of rabbit coronary arterial smooth muscle cells. Paliperidone reduced Kv channel activity in a concentration‐dependent manner with a half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 16.58 ± 3.03 μM and a Hill coefficient of 0.60 ± 0.04. It did not significantly shift the steady‐state activation or inactivation curves, suggesting that the drug did not affect the gating properties of Kv channels. In the presence of paliperidone, the application of 20 repetitive depolarizing pulses at 1 and 2 Hz gradually increased the inhibition of the Kv current. Further, the recovery time constant after Kv channel inactivation was increased by paliperidone, indicating that it inhibited the Kv channel in a use (state)‐dependent manner. Its inhibitory effects were reduced by pretreatment with a Kv1.5 subtype inhibitor. However, pretreatment with a Kv2.1 or Kv7 inhibitor did not reduce its inhibitory effect. We conclude that paliperidone inhibits Kv channels (mainly Kv1.5 subtype channels) in a concentration‐ and use (state)‐dependent manner without changing channel gating.
AAV1.NT‐3 gene therapy in the SOD1KO mouse model of accelerated sarcopenia
Authors: Tong Lingying , Ozes Burcak , Moss Kyle , Myers Morgan , Ridgley Alicia , Sahenk Zarife
Published: August 2023

Background

Sarcopenia, an age‐related loss of muscle mass, is a critical factor that affects the health of the older adults. The SOD1KO mouse is deficient of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, used as an accelerated aging model. We previously showed that NT‐3 improves muscle fibre size by activating the mTOR pathway, suggesting a potential for attenuating age‐related muscle loss. This study assessed the therapeutic efficacy of AAV1.NT‐3 in this accelerated aging model.

Methods

Twelve 6 months old SOD1KO mice were injected intramuscularly with a 1 × 1011 vg dose of AAV1.tMCK.NT‐3, and 13 age‐matched SOD1KO mice were used as controls. The treatment effect was evaluated using treadmill, rotarod and gait analyses as well as histological studies assessing changes in muscle fibre, and fibre type switch, in tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and triceps muscles, and myelin thickness by calculating G ratio in sciatic and tibial nerves. Molecular studies involved qPCR experiments to analyse the expression levels of mitochondrial and glycolysis markers and western blot experiments to assess the activity of mTORC1 pathway.

Results

Treatment resulted in a 36% (154.9 vs. 114.1; P < 0.0001) and 76% increase (154.3 vs. 87.6; P < 0.0001) in meters ran, with treadmill test at 3 and 6 months post gene delivery. In addition, the treated cohort stayed on rotarod 30% (52.7 s vs. 40.4 s; P = 0.0095) and 54% (50.4 s vs. 32.7 s; P = 0.0007) longer, compared with untreated counterparts at 3 and 6 months post injection. Gait analysis, performed at endpoint, showed that stride width was normalized to wild type levels (29.3 mm) by an 11% decrease, compared with untreated cohort (28.6 mm vs. 32.1 mm; P = 0.0014). Compared with wild‐type, SOD1KO mice showed 9.4% and 11.4% fibre size decrease in tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles, respectively, which were normalized to wild type levels with treatment. Fibre diameter increase was observed prominently in FTG fibre type. G ratio analysis revealed hypomyelination in the tibial (0.721) and sciatic (0.676) nerves of SOD1KO model, which was reversed in the NT‐3 cohort (0.646 and 0.634, respectively). Fibre size increase correlated with the increase in the p‐S6 and p‐4E‐BP1 levels, and in the glycolysis markers in tibialis anterior. Alterations observed in the mitochondrial markers were not rescued with treatment. Overall, response to NT‐3 was subdued in gastrocnemius muscle.

Conclusions

This study shows that AAV1.NT‐3 gene therapy protected SOD1KO mouse from accelerated aging effects functionally and histologically. We further confirmed that NT‐3 has potential to activate the mTOR and glycolytic pathways in muscle.
Complete remission of aggressive Epstein–Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma following withdrawal of tacrolimus and low‐dose anticancer drugs
Authors: Obama Kosuke , Yamamoto Hana , Inoue Hirosaka
Published: August 2023

A 66‐year‐old woman who had received tacrolimus for more than 11 years was admitted with high fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, and persistent gastrointestinal bleeding. Histopathological evaluation of the lymph nodes and colonic mucosa confirmed the diagnosis of Epstein–Barr virus‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. After discontinuation of tacrolimus, the lymphoma did not improve, and low‐dose chemotherapy was introduced, which resulted in a recovery of lymphocyte counts and induction of complete remission. Low‐dose anticancer treatments that suppress tumor growth while awaiting normal lymphocyte recovery for several weeks may be a useful therapeutic option even for aggressive lymphomas that develop during immunosuppressant therapy.
One pot synthesis of 2‐substituted thiobenzoazoles containing α‐sulfenylated aromatic ketones under transition metal‐free conditions
Authors: Cheng Xi , Xu Xiao‐Hu , Dong Zhi‐Bing
Published: August 2023

An efficient synthesis of 2‐substituted thiobenzoazoles in pot manner was reported. Thus, tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) reacted with 2‐aminothiophenol, 2‐aminophenol, or 1,2‐phenylenediamine to form 2‐mercaptobenzo heterocycles through cyclization, and the subsequent C‐S bonding with 2‐bromoacetophenones gave the desired 2‐substituted thiobenzoazoles containing α‐sulfenylated aromatic ketones smoothly. The method features transition metal‐free, simple operation, mild conditions, short reaction time, and good yields, showing potential synthetic value for the synthesis of a variety of biological or pharmaceutically active compounds.
Subtilisin 3 production from Microsporum canis is independent of keratin substrate availability
Authors: Moskaluk Alex E. , Darlington Lauren , VandeWoude Sue
Published: August 2023

Dermatophytes are highly infectious fungi that cause superficial infections in keratinized tissues in humans and animals. This group of fungi is defined by their ability to digest keratin and encompasses a wide range of species. We investigated a critical adhesion protein, subtilisin 3, utilized by Microsporum canis during initial stages of infection, analyzing its production and expression under varying growth conditions. Additionally, as this protein must be expressed and produced for dermatophyte infections to occur, we developed and optimized a diagnostic antibody assay targeting this protein. Subtilisin 3 levels were increased in culture when grown in baffled flasks and supplemented with either l‐cysteine or cat hair. As subtilisin 3 was also produced in cultures not supplemented with keratin or cysteine, this study demonstrated that subtilisin 3 production is not reliant on the presence of keratin or its derivatives. These findings could help direct future metabolic studies of dermatophytes, particularly during the adherence phase of infections.
Sodium fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether carboxylate/cationic surfactant binary system for high‐salt oil reservoir
Authors: Lu Guoqiang , Mu Meng , Liu Heng , Guo Shuang , Tang Xutao , Zhang Yongmin
Published: August 2023

High salinity has been a major challenge in oil recovery. Here, two binary systems composed of sodium fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether carboxylate (AECM) and cationic surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPyCl) were developed. Their fundamental properties; namely, oil/water interfacial tension, wettability, emulsification, adsorption, and oil‐washing were investigated and compared. The results showed that both AECM–CTAB (4:6–7:3, m/m) and AECM–CPyCl (5:5–6:4, m/m) could decrease oil/water interfacial tension below 10−2 mN/m. Even the total salinity was close to 200,000 mg/L after 7 days of quartz sand adsorption, showing a good interfacial activity and excellent anti‐adsorption properties. All these compound drives could effectively change the wettability of the glass surface, which reduced the contact angle to a minimum of 54.76°. In addition, the emulsification time could reach up to 24 h at 85°C, with excellent emulsification performance at high temperatures. The oil washing efficiency could reach 74.68% after 48 h. According to our comprehensive analysis, the best formulation was obtained at AECM/CTAB ratio of 5:5.
The Amazon shelf sediments, a reactor that fuels intense nitrogen cycling at the seabed
Authors: Choisnard Noémie , Burtscher Emma , Forster Stefan , Frey Claudia , Moros Matthias , Voss Maren
Published: August 2023

Large river plumes such as the Amazon River Plume are known as regions of intense biological, chemical, and physical forcing affecting the delivery and speciation of nutrients. On the shelf, sediments may act as a net source or sink of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) for the water column depending on the preservation of organic matter (OM) and its remineralization pathways in benthic environments. Previous studies on sediments of the Amazon shelf suggested that the seabed mainly acted as a sink of DIN, with denitrification as the main loss process. However, the Amazon Basin faced drastic changes over the past decades, with climate change, deforestation, and damming potentially impacting the DIN and OM loads to the estuary. These perturbations might have led to changes in benthic remineralization, calling for updates of previously studied benthic remineralization processes on the Amazon shelf. Our analysis of eight short cores confirmed the occurrence of intense recycling of mostly terrestrial material (> 60%) in the river mouth, and little organic carbon was remaining in shelf sediments. We measured a sediment oxygen demand of ~ 23 mmol m−2 d−1, which can explain the ammonification and nitrification of all the organic nitrogen (N) reaching the sediment, underlining the importance of the seabed as a sink for organic N species. Therefore, in spite of the changes in the Amazon Basin, nitrification still seems to be balanced by denitrification, as, similarly to previous results, no DIN diffused out of the sediment.
Solvability of the symmetric nonlinear functional differential equations
Authors: Dilna Natalia , Fečkan Michal , Rontó András
Published: August 2023

Conditions for the existence of a symmetric solution of nonlinear functional differential equations with symmetries are established.
Recent progress of bio‐printed PEGDA‐based bioinks for tissue regeneration
Authors: Hamedi Elham , Vahedi Negin , Sigaroodi Faraz , Parandakh Azim , Hosseinzadeh Simzar , Zeinali Faezeh , Khani Mohammad‐Mehdi
Published: August 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a promising method for the fabrication of tissue engineering constructs. The bioprintable materials with cells or other biological parts, which are called bioinks, are arranged layer by layer and make multicellular structures. Not all materials can be printed, and a set of requirements should be met to formulate the appropriate bioink. Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEGDA), as a synthetic polymer, is a promising choice for regenerative medicine applications due to its biocompatibility, ease of crosslinking, and adjustability of its mechanical and chemical properties depending on the application. This review aims to guide and familiarize the reader with the PEGDA‐based bioink as a raw material of the 3D‐bioprinting method, its properties, and applications in soft and hard tissue engineering.
ST6GAL1‐mediated aberrant sialylation promotes prostate cancer progression
Authors: Scott Emma , Archer Goode Emily , Garnham Rebecca , Hodgson Kirsty , Orozco‐Moreno Margarita , Turner Helen , Livermore Karen , Putri Nangkana Kyla , Frame Fiona M , Bermudez Abel , Jose Garcia Marques Fernando , McClurg Urszula L , Wilson Laura , Thomas Huw , Buskin Adriana , Hepburn Anastasia , Duxfield Adam , Bastian Kayla , Pye Hayley , Arredondo Hector M , Hysenaj Gerald , Heavey Susan , Stopka‐Farooqui Urszula , Haider Aiman , Freeman Alex , Singh Saurabh , Johnston Edward W , Punwani Shonit , Knight Bridget , McCullagh Paul , McGrath John , Crundwell Malcolm , Harries Lorna , Heer Rakesh , Maitland Norman J , Whitaker Hayley , Pitteri Sharon , Troyer Dean A , Wang Ning , Elliott David J , Drake Richard R , Munkley Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Aberrant glycosylation is a universal feature of cancer cells, and cancer‐associated glycans have been detected in virtually every cancer type. A common change in tumour cell glycosylation is an increase in α2,6 sialylation of N‐glycans, a modification driven by the sialyltransferase ST6GAL1. ST6GAL1 is overexpressed in numerous cancer types, and sialylated glycans are fundamental for tumour growth, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug resistance, but the role of ST6GAL1 in prostate cancer is poorly understood. Here, we analyse matched cancer and normal tissue samples from 200 patients and verify that ST6GAL1 is upregulated in prostate cancer tissue. Using MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐IMS), we identify larger branched α2,6 sialylated N‐glycans that show specificity to prostate tumour tissue. We also monitored ST6GAL1 in plasma samples from >400 patients and reveal ST6GAL1 levels are significantly increased in the blood of men with prostate cancer. Using both in vitro and in vivo studies, we demonstrate that ST6GAL1 promotes prostate tumour growth and invasion. Our findings show ST6GAL1 introduces α2,6 sialylated N‐glycans on prostate cancer cells and raise the possibility that prostate cancer cells can secrete active ST6GAL1 enzyme capable of remodelling glycans on the surface of other cells. Furthermore, we find α2,6 sialylated N‐glycans expressed by prostate cancer cells can be targeted using the sialyltransferase inhibitor P‐3FAX‐Neu5Ac. Our study identifies an important role for ST6GAL1 and α2,6 sialylated N‐glycans in prostate cancer progression and highlights the opportunity to inhibit abnormal sialylation for the development of new prostate cancer therapeutics. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A simultaneous Eigen valued expression to model the three coupled electronic states with triply and doubly degenerate seams together I
Authors: Xavier F. George D
Published: August 2023

The accurate modeling of triply and doubly degenerate seam together while computing the coupled multiple potential energy surfaces globally remains a challenging task due to the unavailability of a suitable model function taking care of this aspect. In this paper, we present such a function capable of predicting many‐fold electronic degeneracies simultaneously as well as the features found away from the vicinity of such degeneracies if present in the coupled surfaces disregarding the symmetry requirements. The basis of the proposed model comes from the analytical diagonalization of a real valued diagonally symmetric diabatic matrix and thus, the resulting three symbolic Eigen valued functions form the basis of model to be used in this work. From the analytical model, an attempt was made to provide an analytical expression for the adiabatic‐diabatic transformation angle. Few applications were considered starting from the simple physical model systems to actual realistic molecule illustrating how the present model function are being applied to them to show the presence of degeneracies among the three electronic states.
Filter‐based robust model‐free adaptive funnel control for discrete‐time nonlinear systems with jumped reference signal
Authors: Cheng Yun , Ren Xuemei , Zheng Dongdong
Published: August 2023

This article proposes a filter‐based robust model‐free adaptive funnel control for discrete‐time nonlinear systems with measurement noise and jumped reference signal. To suppress the effects of measurement noise on the estimated dynamic linearized model, a robust projection algorithm with filtered output is designed to estimate the pseudo‐partial derivative vector. Based on this estimated model, a novel discrete‐time funnel function‐based switching sliding‐mode surface is proposed to cope with the problem of the jumped reference signal. A time‐varying weighting factor‐based cost function is proposed in the controller design to reduce the control consumption whenever the tracking error exceeds the actual performance funnel, and the time‐varying weighting factor is tuned by a designed event‐triggered mechanism. Furthermore, the performance margin, tolerable uncertainties, and parameter selections have been analyzed in detail. Simulations and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed robust control strategy.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Furfural over UiO‐66‐NH2‐derived Ru‐based Catalysts: Precursor Coordination Structure for Enhanced Catalysis
Authors: Zhu Lingyi , Xia Xinxin , Yu Hongyang , Wang Yanyan , Song Hua , Li Cuiqin , Li Feng
Published: August 2023

The −NH2 in UiO‐66‐NH2 was functionally modified with 2‐pyridinecarboxaldehyde to form Schiff base UiO‐66‐Pyr, and hollow nitrogen‐doped porous carbon‐ZrO2 supported Ru (Ru/NC‐ZrO2) was prepared from Ru3+‐coordinated UiO‐66‐Pyr‐Ru. Then the furfural hydrogenation performance of the product was investigated. Compared with single‐tooth‐coordinated UiO‐66‐NH2, the 2‐tooth‐coordinated UiO‐66‐Pyr can improve the stability of Ru3+ coordination and thereby increase the Ru loading and dispersity in the Ru/NC‐ZrO2, showing high furfural hydrogenation activity. The direct hydrogenation with hydrogen as the hydrogen source and the transfer hydrogenation with isopropanol as the hydrogen donor was determined by the furfural hydrogenation of Ru/NC‐ZrO2 under hydrogen or nitrogen.
Effect of Terminal Alkyl Chains for Free Radical Photopolymerization Based on Triphenylamine Oxime Ester Visible‐Light Absorbing Type I Photoinitiators
Authors: Hsieh Jyun‐Bin , Yen Shih‐Chieh , Hammoud Fatima , Lalevée Jacques , Chen Yung‐Chung
Published: August 2023

In order to investigate the photopolymerization properties of the alkyl chain length dependence Type I photoinitiators, in this study, a series of visible‐light‐absorbing triphenylamine oxime esters (Peko‐A‐D, and reference TP‐1M) containing various alkyl chain length in the periphery were synthesized. That is, an alkane segment contains isopropyl for Peko‐A, butyl for Peko‐B, undecane for Peko‐C, pentadecane for Peko‐D and methyl for TP‐1M, respectively. Except for Peko‐D, all of them have good organo‐solubility and can dissolve in testing monomer (trimethylolpropane triacrylate, TMPTA). All the oxime esters give from near UV to visible‐light absorption regions with maximum absorption peaks at around 360 nm and show rather red‐shifted compared to the commercial OXE‐01 compound. Accordingly, the photochemical reaction behavior was studied by cyclic voltammograms (CV), electron spin resonance (ESR) and steady‐state photolysis. In addition, the oxime esters based photoinitiating systems are studied through photo‐DSC experiment based on various light exposure wavelengths (UV lamp, LED@365 nm and LED@405 nm). Under different light source, the penetration affects the final double conversion efficiencies. As a result, all the oxime esters‐based formulation shows better double conversion efficiencies upon LED@405 nm as an irradiation source. Finally, the new oxime ester photoinitiating system was capable applied in direct laser write to generate 3D patterns using a laser diode @405 nm.
Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Depolymerization of Condensation Polymers: A Review
Authors: Chaudhary Anvita , Srivastava Richa
Published: August 2023

Plastic pollution has become a primary environmental concern in recent years that affects not only the environment but also wildlife and human health. Developing new, alternative ways to reduce and recycle plastic waste is an important and pressing challenge for industries, given its significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency improvement, and landfilling reduction. Currently, reuse and mechanical recycling are the most employed routes to exploit post‐consumer plastics, but they have their own limitations. Chemical recycling of plastic is a process that offers a sustainable solution to the growing plastic waste problem. But the depolymerization of condensation polymers poses a lot of challenges in chemical recycling. Ionic liquids (ILs) have recently emerged as depolymerization reagents offering various advancements in polymer recycling and waste management. This review assesses the different recycling conditions using ILs for different condensation polymers such as polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polyethylene terephthalate. It also explores the possibility of using ionic liquid as a catalyst influencing depolymerization efficiency. This review is intended to build on existing knowledge and inform further research in the area of sustainable polymer recycling.
Hydride Locations and Planar σ‐Aromaticity in Hydrido‐Coinage‐Metal Clusters
Authors: Zhang Manli , Zhu Qiyong , Liu Qiman
Published: August 2023

The atomic‐scale analysis of hydrides within metal clusters remains challenging due to the difficulties in performing spatially resolved characterization experiments. One important issue is understanding how hydrogens bond to metal atoms and their positions. The classification of hydride as either a ligand or doped metal is a difficult problem due to its different impacts on electronic structures of coinage metal (Cu, Ag, and Au) clusters. Here, geometric characteristics, stability and electronic properties of MnH (M=Cu, Ag and Au;n=2–9) clusters are investigated in detail. We find that structure transitions of CunH and AgnH occur atn=5, while all AunH are more inclined to planar configurations, where H atoms prefer to be located on the bridge positions of M−M regardless of different sizes and configurations. Among them, the planar M5H clusters have the same structural framework and higher stability than their neighbors. The AIMD simulations demonstrate that these three clusters still show excellent thermal stability at 700 K. The molecular orbitals and AdNDP analyses reveal that the M5H clusters exhibit three six‐center two‐electron σ bonds throughout whole structural spaces and conform to σ aromaticity rule, which are also further confirmed by the ELF, LOL and NICSzz‐scan analyses.
Photo‐Assisted Fenton Reaction for the Oxidative Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water Using a Layered Double Hydroxide of Iron Ion
Authors: Akagi Taisei , Fuku Kojiro , Todoroki Masanobu , Ikenaga Naoki
Published: August 2023

The Fenton reaction is widely known as a promising method for treating organic pollutants. We investigated the photo‐assisted oxidative degradation of pollutants using various layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to develop heterogeneous Fenton catalyst capable of mineralizing organic pollutants. A LDH composed of Fe2+ and Al3+ (Fe2+Al3+‐LDH) under the irradiation of visible‐light (λ>420 nm) resulted in 2.5 times higher performance for the oxidative degradation (mineralization) of phenol as a model compound of organic pollutants compared with that without light irradiation. The ratio of Fe2+/Fe3+ on the surface of the Fe2+Al3+‐LDH after the reaction under the irradiation of visible‐light increased significantly compared with that without light irradiation. These indicated that the Fenton‐catalytic‐cycle was improved by reducing the Fe3+ generated after the Fenton reaction to the Fe2+ species by the photo‐assisted effects of the Fe2+Al3+‐LDH.
Direct Arylation of Thiophenes in Continuous Flow
Authors: Petronilli Alessandro , Carofiglio Tommaso , Zardi Paolo
Published: August 2023

Synthetic methodologies involving direct C−H functionalization are promising to improve sustainability in organic synthesis. However, these newly developed strategies may have a scarce appeal for larger scale applications due to the high catalyst loading, harsh conditions or their typically long reaction times that affect severely the process productivity. Flow chemistry technology is a recognized tool to improve both the efficiency and scalability in organic synthesis that can overcome these issues. In the present paper we studied an “in flow” method for the direct arylation of thiophene derivatives with aromatic bromides to promptly afford heteroaromatic biaryls, which are recurrent motifs both in biologically active molecules and in functional materials. By using a packed‐bed reactor containing potassium carbonate as the solid base and an automated system, we could develop a reliable methodology for thiophene arylation in flow with yields up to 90 % within a residence time of 30–60 minutes. This strategy is suitable for a wide variety of substrates and allowed the reaction to be carried out at gram‐scale reaching a productivity value of 1.1 g h−1.
The Stabilization of CsPbI3−xBrx Phase by Lowering Annealing Temperature for Efficient All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Montecucco Riccardo , Pica Giovanni , Romano Valentino , De Boni Francesco , Cavalli Silvia , Bruni Giovanna , Quadrivi Eleonora , De Bastiani Michele , Prato Mirko , Po Riccardo , Grancini Giulia
Published: August 2023

All‐inorganic perovskites are a promising solution for the fabrication of thermally stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with remarkable performances. However, a high annealing temperature is required for the stabilization of the photoactive phase of CsPbI3, which represents a limiting factor for their potential scaling‐up and manufacturing at industrial scale. This work demonstrates a new process for the stabilization of CsPbI3−xBrx perovskite at lower annealing temperature of 180°, based on a rational halogen substitution enabled by the introduction of dimethylammonium (DMA) additives. Bromide inclusion favors indeed the conversion from the intermediate phases to CsPbI3−xBrx. Standard mesoscopic solar cells prepared with this approach achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.86%, with reduced voltage losses and increased fill factor compared to the reference device. Moreover, this work proves that a rational substitution of the halide in the DMA salt is also beneficial for the devices annealed at higher temperature, achieving an encouraging PCE of 16.23%. By reducing the processing temperature, this new method widens the range of applications of all‐inorganic PSCs toward temperature‐sensitive materials and industrial applications.
B2O3‐Nanoparticles‐Decorated N‐Rich Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites for the Enhanced Visible‐Light‐Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Gusain Rashi , Masukume Mike , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: August 2023

The occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in the environment is a mounting concern due to their detrimental effects on living organisms, including humans. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a regularly used antibiotic detected in wastewater and surface water. Therefore, developing effective, sustainable strategies for its elimination is paramount. Photocatalysis is an efficient approach that has been widely recommended for the removal of CIP from water. However, improved photocatalyst performance, stability, and activation in abundant visible light are essential for better photocatalyst systems. In this study, a novel boron‐oxide‐decorated nitrogen‐rich reduced graphene oxide (B2O3/N‐rGO) nanocomposite is prepared and characterized for its photocatalytic performance toward CIP degradation. The B2O3/N‐rGO nanocomposites are in situ synthesized via wet chemical route, and the morphology and structural properties of nanocomposites are extensively characterized. In the results, it is shown that the B2O3/N‐rGO nanocomposite demonstrated significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance (98%, 3 h) compared to N‐rGO and pure B2O3 toward the degradation of CIP under visible‐light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic benefit of B2O3 and N‐rGO, which improves light absorption, charge separation efficiency, adsorption sites, and delayed electron–hole recombination. In summary, the synthesized B2O3/N‐rGO nanocomposite photocatalyst can potentially be applied for various environmental remediation and energy‐related applications.
N6‐methyladenosine methylation regulator RBM15 promotes the progression of diabetic nephropathy by regulating cell proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis through activating the AGE‐RAGE pathway
Authors: Qin Yongzhang , Wu Suzhen , Zhang Fengxia , Zhou Xueyan , You Cong , Tan Fei
Published: August 2023

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end‐stage renal disease throughout the world, and m6A modification plays a critical role in the progression of DN. We aimed to find m6A‐related genes and their regulatory mechanisms in DN.

Methods

The expression levels of four important m6A‐related genes (METTL16, RBM15, IGF2BP1, and ALKBH5) were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR). RBM15 was chosen and its function was explored. The downstream pathway of RBM15 was screened by transcriptome sequencing. The levels of AGE, inflammation, and oxidative stress were determined with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression of AGE‐RAGE pathway‐related proteins were detected by Western blot (WB). Cell proliferation was assessed by Cell counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8). The levels of pyroptosis‐related proteins were evaluated by RT‐qPCR or WB.

Results

METTL16 and RBM15 were up regulated in the mouse model of DN, in which RBM15 was more significant. Silencing RBM15 recovered cell proliferation, reduced the levels of inflammation factors, and inhibited cell pyroptosis in high glucose‐induced HK‐2 cells. Transcriptome sequencing suggested that the AGE‐RAGE pathway might be downstream of RBM15. RBM15 knockdown reduced AGE level and the expression of AGE‐RAGE pathway‐related proteins. After silencing RBM15, we found that activating the AGE‐RAGE pathway inhibited cell proliferation, increased the levels of inflammation factors, promoted oxidative stress, and induced cell pyroptosis in HK‐2 cell model of DN.

Conclusion

The m6A‐related gene RBM15 inhibited cell proliferation, promoted inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell pyroptosis, thereby facilitating the progression of DN through the activation of the AGE‐RAGE pathway.
Overview of factors influencing consumer engagement with plastic recycling
Authors: Ertz Myriam , Addar Walid , Ouerghemmi Chourouk , Takaffoli Mahdi
Published: August 2023

Many semi‐durable and durable consumer goods are composed of plastic. Yet, plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues as it harms oceans and marine biodiversity. This state of affairs is worsened because plastic recycling rates remain low. Therefore, one commonly proposed solution is to improve plastic waste management to create a circular plastics economy. However, focusing on recycling management alone overshadows the consumption component and how consumers might contribute to recycling efforts. Although not alone in the overall recycling process, consumers are critical stakeholders in this because through their disposal behavior, they determine the responsible discarding of plastic through recycling. The significance of consumer engagement in driving circularity has been strongly emphasized in extant research and practice. Shifting from a linear plastic economy toward a circular one requires the active contribution of all stakeholders, especially the consumer. Hence, given the centrality of consumers' role, this paper provides an overview of the themes related to consumer engagement with plastic recycling. More specifically, the paper reveals three layers of influence on consumer plastic recycling behavior: (1) macroenvironmental factors, (2) situational factors, and (3) individual factors. This review provides scholars, practitioners, and decision‐makers with better insights into the themes to consider in order to spur consumer engagement in plastic recycling.

This article is categorized under:

Human and Social Dimensions > Behavioral Science

Emerging Technologies > Materials

Climate and Environment > Circular Economy
Synthesis and characterization of ternary trielides Na7KTr4 [Tr=In or Tl] including [Tr4]8− Tetrahedra
Authors: Janesch Melissa , Schwinghammer Vanessa F. , Shenderovich Ilya G. , Gärtner Stefanie
Published: August 2023

Two new ternary trielides Na7KTr4 (Tr=In, Tl) have been prepared by classical solid‐state reaction from the elements in tantalum ampoules. Both are isostructural to Na7RbTl4 and therefore crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbam, Pearson symbol oP96 (a=b=16.3283(2)/16.2860(6), c=11.3094(17)/11.2771(4), V=3015.25(8)/2991.07(18), Z=8, R1, wR2=0.0249, 0.0386/0.0447, 0.0608). The trielide subunit is built by two crystallographically independent [Tr4]8− tetrahedra. 23Na‐MAS‐Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) as well as EPR spectroscopy was employed to characterize the compounds further. DOS calculations showed a (pseudo) band gap at EF for both compounds. Dissolution experiments in liquid ammonia were carried out for the two alkali metal indides Na7KIn4 and Na2In according to the chemistry of group 14 and 15 Zintl anions. After evaporating the solvent, the remaining material was analyzed by powder X‐ray diffraction and proved the formation of NaIn and NaNH2.
The Origin and Early History of NOW as It Happened
Authors: Fortelius Mikael , Agustí Jordi , Bernor Raymond L. , de Bruijn Hans , van Dam Jan A. , Damuth John , Eronen Jussi T. , Evans Gudrun , van den Hoek Ostende Lars W. , Janis Christine M. , Jernvall Jukka , Kaakinen Anu , von Koenigswald Wighart , Lintulaakso Kari , Liu Liping , Ataabadi Majid Mirzaie , Mittmann Hans-Walter , Pushkina Diana , Saarinen Juha , Sen Sevket , Sova Susanna , Säilä Laura K. , Tesakov Alexey , Vepsäläinen Jouni , Viranta Suvi , Vislobokova Innessa , Werdelin Lars , Zhang Zhaoqun , Žliobaitė Indrė
Published: August 2023

The NOW database of fossil mammals came to be through a confluence of several initiatives spanning multiple decades. The first public version of NOW database was released in 1996 and the first Advisory Board was established the year after. Originally, NOW stood for Neogene of the Old World but with the gradual expansion of the database the acronym was eventually reassigned to stand for New and Old Worlds. The structure of what would become NOW was originally cloned from the ETE database of the Smithsonian Institution and the first NOW version accessible over the internet was a node of the ETE database. The first standalone, online version of NOW was launched in 2005 and the first formal steering group was established in 2009. During its existence, NOW has been funded, directly or indirectly, by several organizations but fundamentally it has always been an unfunded community effort, dependent on voluntary work by the participants.
Regulatory Support Activities in the Swedish Policy and Practice Nexus: Inclusive Culture of Education Policy in Different Contexts
Authors: Höstfält Gabriella , Johansson Barbro
Published: August 2023

The policy and practice nexus in this chapter aims to investigate how Swedish regulated support activities, inspired by an inclusive approach, are theoretically designed in governance, interpreted in policy documents and put into practice in the classroom. The inclusive culture of education policy face multiple demands which makes it necessary to elaborate with a deeper and more detailed explanation for understanding how inclusive support activities are formed and are presently functioning. Drawing from the characteristics of the culture of policy embodying culturally-bound beliefs, we explore regulatory support activities through three analytical lenses of: (i) the principles for educational governance that guide the agencies that produce national policy, (ii) regulated support activities as problems that have to be solved by policy intervention, and (iii) how teachers guided by subject matter and teaching activities in the classroom end up resisting national policy guidelines. The result indicates that the policy of support activities for students defined with special needs can have various meanings both within and between policy contexts. In the discussion we emphasize that the distance between inclusive policy and practice widens the closer we come to the classroom. It is also concluded that inclusive support activities have to be understood in the context where they appear, which is where they create meaningful content for each actor in the policy and practice nexus of inclusion.
Rethinking Agents of Transformation: Social Mobilizations and Official Knowledge
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: August 2023

Questions of structures and agency are significant in any serious considerations of the possibilities, limits, and effects of educational reforms. But the interrelations between educational policy and practice cannot be answered unless we deal directly with a number of issues: Who are the agents and what are the structures, movements, and identities that might lead to actions that support or resist dominant educational policies and practices. In this chapter, I critically examine three examples of agentic work. Each has its basis in successful struggles over knowledge, over what are considered to be “legitimate” or official understandings, and over the educational mechanisms that make these understandings available. The first two examples direct our attention to a set of agents who are not talked about enough—students as political/epistemological actors. The third asks whether tactical “hybrid” alliances between ideologically different movements can successfully challenge dominant structures and policies. All of them demonstrate the importance of our understanding the nature of collective alliance building and the creation of activist identities. Each of them contributes to the larger questions that I raised above.
‘Research Use’ in Education: Conceptualising the Teaching Profession Within the Policy–Research–Practice Nexus
Authors: Mausethagen Sølvi , Hermansen Hege
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, we examine ‘research use’ as a concept that informs the role of the teaching profession in the policy–research–practice nexus. As a policy construct, research use has gained significant attention over the past decade. However, the concept and particularly its translation to practice are often left undefined, both regarding the meaning of ‘research’ and of ‘use’. In this chapter, we examine how the specification of these terms contributes to producing particular manifestations of the policy–research–practice nexus. We pursue two lines of argument. The first line of argument is that the approaches to defining, operationalising, and discussing research use have implications for the construction of the policy–research–practice nexus. The second line of argument is that the characteristics of this nexus will inform the understanding of the role of the profession in simultaneously relating to education policy, researchers, and the development of professional practice. Finally, we present an analytical framework that aims to advance a multidimensional approach to studies on research use, which provides opportunities for developing more profession-sensitive understandings of research use. The framework also facilitates analytically unpacking relations between policy, research, and practice.
Clothing as an Element of Identity and a Trend of Self-completion in Generation Z in Colombia
Authors: Delgado Eileen , Ocampo Laura Mejía , Robayo Angela Dotor
Published: August 2023

This article presents the synthesis of the research on the clothing practices that are trending in the Z generation or centennials in Colombia, and that communicate with the largest audience represented in likes and downloads and views in the social network TikTok.

The problematic is given by the questions: how are the most relevant trends and identities of young centennials shaped? How are their clothing practices?

This research is qualitative and interpretative, a semiotic perspective was taken to identify tangible or intangible objects that reveal how identities and trends are shaped, as well as their narrative.

In this sense and under the theory of Susan B. Kaiser on identity and the theory of symbolic self-completion of Wicklund and Gollwitzer.

This study analyzed how dressing is an element of self-completion of identity and diffusion of the trend, in this sense, identity is mediated by the interaction that makes an effect that replaces the face-to-face look, so the result or effect of this helps to shape or confirm the aesthetics of identity, reception, revealing the vulnerability, conflict, and influence of this generation of nomadic identity.
Instagram: Digital Behavior in Luxury Fashion Brands
Authors: Torregrosa Marta , Sánchez-Blanco Cristina , SanMiguel Patricia , del Río Pérez Jorge
Published: August 2023

Social media has become an essential brand communication channel for fashion brands through interaction, engagement and personal communication. Instagram is one of the most important social media platforms for communication and marketing for the luxury fashion industry and is a key marketing tool for brand equity, brand loyalty and brand preference. This study examines how luxury fashion brands relate to their consumers on Instagram through seven quantitative variables (engagement, fans, interaction, number of likes, number of comments, number of publications and publications per day) and ten qualitative variables (account description, link analysis, quality of comments, stories, highlights, reels, photos in which they are tagged, feed, texts of publications and integration between Instagram and the webpage). Four luxury brands were selected as case studies: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and Gucci. The results show that luxury fashion brands tend to be somewhat unidirectional in their interaction.
Fashion Shows: The Greatest Show on Earth
Authors: SanMiguel Patricia , Rus-Navas Ana , Sádaba Teresa
Published: August 2023

Fashion shows are one of the most important communication and marketing tools through which fashion brands their brand image, personality, values, and culture. Also, Fashion Shows give brands high visibility online and offline. This study presents the evolution of Fashion Show studies through the literature review and proposes to return to the four elements –model, location, theme, and final– that make up a great show and the spectacle effect explained by Duggan, 2001, with the aim of proposing a systematization of the analysis of Fashion Shows from the perspective of communication and marketing. Therefore, the research presents the analysis of the Balmain Spring Summer 2023 Fashion Show, studying the validity of the four elements and how these elements are developed nowadays.
When Shoe Heritage is on Display
Authors: Stachel Charlotte , Cantoni Lorenzo
Published: August 2023

This paper contributes to the field of digital culture and fashion communication by presenting a comprehensive overview of publicly available shoe museums and collections worldwide, which have an online presence. To the best knowledge of the authors, this listing is the first of its kind on institutions that exhibit shoes. It shows what types of contents and services shoe museums offer online and to what extent they digitally enable access to their collections. Through a content analysis, museums’ websites and their presence on social media are examined. A scattered map shows how much the shoe museums rely on a digitally enhanced access to their collection in comparison to service and institutional information that they provide on their websites.
Detailed Anatomy of Bridging Veins Around the Foramen Magnum: a Multicenter Study Using Three-dimensional Angiography
Authors: Hiramatsu Masafumi , Ozaki Tomohiko , Tanoue Shuichi , Mizutani Katsuhiro , Nakamura Hajime , Tokuyama Kohei , Sakata Hiroyuki , Matsumaru Yuji , Nakahara Ichiro , Niimi Yasunari , Fujinaka Toshiyuki , Kiyosue Hiro
Published: August 2023

Background and Purpose

There has been limited literature regarding the bridging veins (BVs) of the medulla oblongata around the foramen magnum (FM). The present study aims to analyze the normal angioarchitecture of the BVs around the FM using slab MIP images of three-dimensional (3D) angiography.

Methods

We collected 3D angiography data of posterior fossa veins and analyzed the BVs around the FM using slab MIP images. We analyzed the course, outlet, and number of BVs around the FM. We also examined the detection rate and mean diameter of each BV.

Results

Of 57 patients, 55 patients (96%) had any BV. The median number of BVs was two (range: 0–5). The BVs originate from the perimedullary veins and run anterolaterally to join the anterior condylar vein (ACV), inferior petrosal sinus, sigmoid sinus, or jugular bulb, inferolaterally to join the suboccipital cavernous sinus (SCS), laterally or posterolaterally to join the marginal sinus (MS), and posteriorly to join the MS or occipital sinus. We classified BVs into five subtypes according to the draining location: ACV, jugular foramen (JF), MS, SCS, and cerebellomedullary cistern (CMC). ACV, JF, MS, SCS, and CMC BVs were detected in 11 (19%), 18 (32%), 32 (56%), 20 (35%), and 16 (28%) patients, respectively. The mean diameter of the BVs other than CMC was 0.6 mm, and that of CMC BV was 0.8 mm.

Conclusion

Using venous data from 3D angiography, we detected FM BVs in most cases, and the BVs were connected in various directions.