bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulating Polymerase Activity Through Light‐Oxygen‐Voltage Domain Insertion
Authors: Hafki Daniel , Alda Jonas , Pietrus Daniel , Brakmann Susanne 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBiochemical reaction networks adapt to environmental conditions by sensing chemical or physical stimuli and using tightly controlled mechanisms. While most signals come from molecules, many cells can also sense and respond to light. Among the biomolecular structures that enable light sensing, we selected a light‐oxygen‐voltage (LOV) domain in a previous study that tested the engineering of novel regulatory mechanisms into a nucleic acid polymerase. In this follow‐up study, we studied the activities of previously selected variants in kinetic detail, and we generated additional LOV‐polymerase fusion variants based on further insertion criteria. Our results provide mechanistic insights into how LOV domain insertion influences polymerase activity in a light‐responsive manner: All active and photoresponsive enzyme variants studied by us to date were partially inhibited (i. e., “turned off”) after irradiation with blue light at 470 nm, which can be explained by specific obstructions of the polymerase entry or exit structures (substrate entry channels or product exit channels, or both). Although the effects observed are moderate, we anticipate further engineering strategies that could be used to improve the extent of switchability and possibly to develop a “turn‐on mode” insertion.
Sex‐based differences in candidacy for transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention
Authors: Dumitriu Carcoana Allison O. , Scoma Christopher B. , Maletz Sebastian N. , Malavet Jose A. , Bloom Charissa A. , Crousillat Daniela R. , Matar Fadi A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundWomen have a higher prevalence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and present at more advanced stages as compared with men. Given the high operative mortality associated with tricuspid valve (TV) surgery, transcatheter tricuspid valve interventions (TTVI) have emerged as a promising treatment option. We explored sex‐based differences among patients with significant TR who would be expected to be eligible for TTVI.MethodsBetween March 2021–2022, 12,677 unique adult patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram at our tertiary care institution. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected for patients with more than moderate TR. The 2021 European Society of Cardiology valve guidelines were used to retrospectively define sub‐populations who would have been eligible for TTVI, TV surgery, or medical therapy. Patients were grouped by sex and compared using t‐tests, Wilcoxon rank‐sum, Pearson chi‐square, and Cox regression for survival analysis.ResultsOf 569 patients, 52% (296/569) were female. Men had a higher prevalence of left ventricular dysfunction (p < 0.001), mitral regurgitation (p = 0.023), and signs of heart failure (New York Heart Association stage III (p = 0.031)). Women had more isolated TR (p = 0.020) and TR due to severe pulmonary hypertension (p < 0.001). Most patients (74.6% of women, 76.9% of men) were precluded from both transcatheter and surgical intervention due to advanced disease. 10.8% of women and 9.2% of men would have qualified for TTVI (p = 0.511).ConclusionThe majority of patients with significant TR presenting to a tertiary care center are not eligible for TTVI. Sex is not a predictor of eligibility for TTVI among patients with significant TR.
Counterion Exchange Enhances the Brightness and Photostability of a Fluorous Cyanine Dye
Authors: Lin Helen H. , Lim Irene , Sletten Ellen M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFluorofluorophores are a unique class of fluorophores that can be solubilized in perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and used to study biological systems. However, because of the low dielectric constant and high oxygen solubility in the fluorous phase, the brightness and photostability of the fluorofluorophores are significantly diminished. Here, we leveraged the tight ion pairing in the fluorous phase to improve the photophysical properties of a fluorous soluble pentamethine dye (FCy5) via counterion exchange. We found that larger, softer, fluorinated, aryl borate counterions promote the ideal polymethine state where charge delocalization across the polymethine chain increases the brightness (6‐fold) and photostability (55‐fold) of FCy5.
In‐Situ Product Removal for the Enzymatic Depolymerization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) via a Membrane Reactor
Authors: Ayafor Christian , Chang Allen C. , Patel Akanksha , Abid Umer , Xie Dongming , Sobkowicz Margaret J. , Wong Hsi‐Wu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPoly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a common single‐use plastic and a major contributor to plastic waste. PET upcycling through enzymatic depolymerization has drawn significant interests, but lack of robust enzymes in acidic environments remains a challenge. This study investigates in‐situ product removal (ISPR) of protons and monomers from enzymatic PET depolymerization via a membrane reactor, focusing on the ICCG variant of leaf branch compost cutinase. More than two‐fold improvements in overall PET depolymerization and terephthalic acid yields were achieved employing ISPR for an initial PET loading of 10 mgPET mlbuffer−1. The benefit of ISPR was reduced for a lower initial loading of 1 mgPET mlbuffer−1 due to decreased need for pH stabilization of the enzyme‐containing solutions. A back‐of‐envelop analysis suggests that at a modest dilution ratio, ISPR could help achieve savings on caustic base solutions used for pH control in a bioreactor. Our study provides valuable insights for future ISPR developments for enzymatic PET depolymerization, addressing the pressing need for more sustainable solutions towards plastic recycling and environmental conservation.
Investigations on a compact self‐isolated flag‐shaped slotted MIMO antenna for triple‐band applications
Authors: Rekha S. , Let G. Shine , Radha S. , Lavanya P. , Rajasekhar T. , Chand S. Ravi 
Published: September 2024

SummaryA compact flag‐shaped slotted multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna is deliberated in the article for triple‐band applications. The flag‐shaped slotted antenna is built with the help of four radiating patches having rectangular slots and disconnected ground structures. The suggested flag‐shaped slotted antenna can operate in the key frequencies of 2.4, 3.5, and 5 GHz. The antenna elements are oriented orthogonally with each other, such that no external decoupling structures are required to provide isolation. The complete size of the four‐element MIMO is 30*30*1.6 mm3. The minimum isolation between the four flag‐shaped slotted elements is −61, −55, and −47 dB in the operating frequency band of 2.3–2.8 GHz, 3.4–3.9 GHz, and 4.5–5.6 GHz, respectively. The simulated and measured results agree with each other, and they have stable radiation and gain. The MIMO performance parameters are measured, and it is noticed that the envelope correlation coefficient is lower than 0.04 and the diversity gain is 9.99 dB in the considered working frequency bands. The proposed flag‐shaped slotted MIMO is appropriate for WLAN, 5G sub‐6 GHz, and ISM wireless applications.
A comprehensive categorization method for identifying near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions
Authors: Peng Yongbo , Han Renjie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIdentifying near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions from extensive ground motion databases holds paramount importance, as it provides a pivotal foundation for further inquiries into this specific type of ground motions, including the modeling of such stochastic processes as well as thorough analysis of their potential impact on structures and infrastructure systems. Currently, a diverse array of quantitative methods for identifying pulse‐like ground motions have emerged, all of which demonstrate good accuracy within their respective research scopes. However, due to the limitations of each individual method in identifying specific cases, these diverse approaches often yield inconsistent results for certain ground motion records, posing a significant challenge in establishing a reliable classification criterion that relies solely on a single identification method. To address this issue, the present study adopts a multifaceted approach. Instead of improving a single time‐frequency analysis‐based identification method, it carefully conducts a selection of seven baseline methods through a systematic overview of the field. By leveraging the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a comprehensive categorization method is developed that integrates the strengths of each approach, resulting in a more robust and credible classification criterion. According to the devised category indicator, ground motions can be classified into four categories: Category A comprises definitively pulse‐like ground motions; Category B comprises apparently pulse‐like ground motions; Category C consists of probably pulse‐like ground motions; and Category D encompasses ground motions unlikely to exhibit pulse‐like characteristics. It provides a more elaborate classification beyond the binary distinction of pulse‐like and non‐pulse‐like ground motions associated with traditional onefold classification methods. For validation purposes, a basic dataset comprising near‐fault ground motion records from the NGA‐West 2 database has been utilized. To verify the comprehensive categorization method, two datasets of pulse‐like ground motion records suggested by FEMA and PEER and one dataset of ground motion records collected during the 1999 Chi‐Chi earthquake are addressed. Numerical examples illustrate the remarkable effectiveness of the proposed method in identifying near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions based on their varying degrees of pulse‐like characteristics.
Phreatic overgrowths on speleothems (POS) from the Mallorca caves: Morphology, mineralogy, and crystal fabric classification
Authors: Entrena Ana , Auqué Luis F. , Gimeno María J. , Fornós Joan J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPhreatic overgrowths on speleothems (POS) are unique precipitates that are found in a small number of coastal caves around the world, like those in the Mallorca Island. Their growth is directly related to the water level of the brackish lakes connected to the sea characteristic of these caves and, therefore, they can be very reliable indicators of past sea levels. The study presented here characterizes and classifies an important number of POS samples collected in the coastal caves of Mallorca. The characterization includes not only the observations made on 117 handheld samples and on 102 thin sections from POS, but also the study of their mineralogy and their location in the caves. This study has provided the basis for a systematization of all these characteristics, some of which are reported here for the first time in POS samples. The results indicate that (1) most of the POS precipitate on stalactites, (2) calcite POS show branched internal and external texture and their most common crystal fabric is mosaic calcite and (3) aragonite POS show globular external texture and fan‐shaped internal texture, and their principal crystal fabric is needle‐like. All the aragonitic samples have been found above or at the same heights as the current sea level, which indicates that they have probably formed during warmer climates. The calcite POS have been found at heights above and below the present sea level and are interpreted as to have formed during cold and rainy periods. The systematization proposed in this paper could be applied and checked in other POS worldwide. Additionally, the combination of these results with the information obtained from studies on the present precipitation of these phreatic speleothems in some Mallorca caves has provided an insight on their formation conditions which will enlarge the utility of these speleothems as palaeoenvironmental indicators.
Increasing student science, technology, engineering and mathematics engagement through phyphox activities: Three practical examples
Authors: Milner‐Bolotin Marina , Milner Valery 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFor decades, educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have strived to break the vicious circle of student disengagement at both secondary and post‐secondary levels. Despite the widespread availability of technologies like smartphones, STEM pedagogies have largely remained unchanged. Too often, students learn STEM theoretically with little hands‐on experience or opportunities to engage in authentic, research‐like activities. Modern smartphones can offer unprecedented opportunities for active STEM learning, but can also serve as distractors. Therefore, it is essential for teachers to acquire the pedagogical knowledge to harness these powerful tools effectively. This paper explores the potential of integrating smartphones into physics labs to enrich STEM learning. By leveraging smartphones' advanced capabilities for experimental design, data collection, and analysis, we have implemented a smartphone‐enhanced pedagogical approach in secondary physics classes and province‐wide Physics Olympics. We also implemented smartphone‐enhanced STEM pedagogies in teacher education. Our initial pilot study has yielded promising outcomes: enhanced student engagement in physics and deeper conceptual understanding. To advance this initiative, we propose structured teacher mentorship and professional development, empowering STEM educators to seamlessly integrate smartphones into their teaching. By embracing these modern educational tools, adopting evidence‐based pedagogical approaches, and supporting future and practicing educators we can make STEM learning more engaging and relevant for all students.
Do equity method investments moderate the financial performance benefits of CSR?
Authors: Farnsel Curtis 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCorporate social responsibility is increasingly considered a business imperative, with research routinely finding a positive relation between CSR and future financial performance. This study furthers this line of research by considering the role equity method investments play as a moderating factor in the firm's ability to derive financial performance benefits from CSR. I find that the extent of equity method investments as a percentage of a firm's asset mix moderates the overall positive relation between CSR and future financial performance. Further, while CSR strengthens the link between consolidated earnings and future earnings, CSR does not significantly impact the link between equity method earnings and future earnings. These results are consistent with CSR being associated only with the operations of the parent company that directly engages in the CSR activities and the reputational benefits not extending to the parent company's equity method investments. Firms and investors deciding whether there is a business case for CSR activities should consider that the extent of their equity method investments moderates the positive financial performance benefits the firm may receive from CSR and adjust expectations accordingly.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals microenvironmental infiltration in non‐small cell lung cancer with different responses to immunotherapy
Authors: Hu Xinnan , Wu Yonghui , Wang Lixin , Yang Fujun , Ye Lingyun , Chen Xiaoxia , Song Xiao , Wei Ping 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundImmunotherapy represents a groundbreaking and monumental achievement in the field of cancer therapy, marking a significant advancement in fighting against this devastating disease. Lung cancer has showed consistent clinical improvements in response to immunotherapy treatments, yet, it is undeniable that challenges such as limited response rates acquire resistance, and the unclear fundamental mechanisms were inevitable problems.MethodsThe cellular composition was defined and distinguished through single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis of MPR (major pathologic response) and NMPR (non‐major pathologic response) samples in GSE207422, including four primary MPR samples and eight primary NMPR samples.ResultsWe found obvious difference in CD8+ T cell population between MPR and NMPR samples, with high expression of TYMS, RRM2, and BIRC5 in NPMR samples. Meanwhile, the proportion of macrophages and tumor epithelial cells infiltration increased in the NMPR samples. We discovered biomarkers (ACTN4, ATF3, BRD2, CDKN1A, and CHMP4B) in epithelial cells which were potentially represented worse outcomes.ConclusionsBy exploring the difference of tumor microenvironment (TME) in samples with different corresponding degrees of neoadjuvant immunotherapy, this research introduces a number of novel biomarkers for predicting the response of treatment and a theoretical basis for overcoming immunotherapy resistance.
Delayed Ferumoxtran‐10‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Neurography of the Lumbosacral Plexus: Impact on Vascular Suppression and Image Quality
Authors: Kaniewska Malwina , Deininger‐Czermak Eva , Ensle Falko , Donati Olivio F. , Guggenberger Roman 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIntravenous Ferumoxtran‐10 belongs to ultra‐small superparamagnetic iron oxide particles and can be used for magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) as an alternative to other imaging methods which use contrast agents.PurposeTo examine the impact of intravenous Ferumoxtran‐10 on vascular suppression and compare image quality to gadolinium (Gd)‐enhanced image acquisition in MRN of lumbosacral plexus (LS).Study TypeProspective.Population/Subjects17 patients with Ferumoxtran‐10‐enhanced MRN, and 20 patients with Gd‐enhanced MRN.Fieldstrength/Sequence3T/3D STIR sequence.AssessmentImage quality, nerve visibility and vascular suppression were evaluated by 3 readers using a 5‐point Likert scale.Statistical TestsInter‐reader agreement (IRA) was calculated using intraclass coefficients (ICC). Quantitative analysis of image quality was performed by signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) measurements and compared using Student's t‐testing.ResultsImage quality, nerve visibility and vascular suppression were significantly higher for Ferumoxtran‐10‐enhanced MRN compared to Gd‐enhanced MRN sequences (p < 0.05). IRA for image quality of nerves was good in Gd‐enhanced and Ferumoxtran‐10 MRN with ICC values of 0.76 and 0.89, respectively. IRA for nerve visibility was good in Gd‐ and Ferumoxtran‐10 enhanced MR neurography (ICC 0.72 and 0.90). Mean SNR was significantly higher in Ferumoxtran‐10‐enhanced MRN for all analyzed structures, while mean CNR was for significantly better for S1 ganglion and femoral nerve in Ferumoxtran‐10‐enhanced MRN (p < 0.05).Data ConclusionFerumoxtran‐10‐enhanced MRN of the LS plexus showed significantly higher image quality and nerve visibility with better vascular suppression as compared to Gd‐enhanced MRN.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 3
Investigating job characteristics of generations Y and Z: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Plakhotnik Maria S. , Volkova Natalia V. , Shahzad Muhammad Babar 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to understand job characteristics of generations Y and Z who present a new workforce demographic challenge for organizations. Using the Work Design Questionnaire, data were collected from 582 representatives of these generations residing in Pakistan and Russia and analyzed using a latent profile analysis and a multinomial logistic regression. The analysis resulted in three profiles across both generations that point to weak, moderate, and strong preference for job characteristics. The results indicate generation Z have higher preferences for feedback from others and from the job than generation Y while generation Y have higher preferences for work conditions than generation Z. Specifically, we examine the effects of generation and work experience on the membership in job characteristics profiles. The results could assist organizations in re‐calibrating their work design approaches and practices to better integrate, motivate, and retain these cohorts of employees. Adjustments should be made to the attraction, recruitment, selection, and onboarding strategies for new employees and motivation, communication, and retention practices for current employees.
Intermarriage amid immigration status uncertainty: Evidence from DACA
Authors: Amuedo‐Dorantes Catalina , Wang Chunbei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn 2012, the Obama administration issued the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by executive order. Since then, more than 800,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived as children have benefited from renewable 2‐year reprieves from deportation and work permits. In 2017, the Trump administration announced it would end DACA—an announcement immediately followed by court challenges. We examine how the temporary nature of DACA's granted benefits and the uncertainty regarding the program's fate after 2017 might have shaped DACA‐eligible migrants’ decision to marry a U.S. citizen—presumably to secure permanent residence amid an increasingly unclear policy environment. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach that exploits the discontinuity in DACA eligibility criteria cutoffs to construct akin treatment and control groups, we show that DACA‐eligible immigrants became 20% more likely than similar DACA‐ineligible undocumented migrants to marry U.S. citizens after the program came under siege. The findings are illustrative of the implications of policy changes that increase the uncertainty surrounding migrants’ legal status, as in the case of intermarriage with potentially long‐term consequences on migrant integration and the welfare of subsequent generations.
Base‐Catalyzed Nucleophilic Addition of Oxindoles to 3‐Diazo Oxindoles: An Efficient Approach for the Synthesis of Functionalized Isatin‐Hydrazones
Authors: Hu Bowen , Zhou Mi , Song Liu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA highly efficient catalytic nucleophilic addition of 3‐substituted oxindoles to 3‐diazo oxindoles has been achieved. This method relies on an organic base catalysis system, which can simultaneously activate 3‐substituted oxindoles as a nucleophile and the diazo compounds as a strong N‐terminal electrophile. Importantly, this approach could yield a broad array of functionalized isatin‐hydrazones featuring an adjacent tetrasubstituted carbon centre of the N(sp3) atom.
Dillenia indica (Elephant Apple) Fruit Decoction: A Green Catalyst for the Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo(b)pyran and Spirooxindole Derivatives
Authors: Choudhury Gitashree , Kakoty Bhaskar , Chandra Deka Dibakar 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this research, we endeavour to demonstrate the potential of Aqueous Extract of Dillenia indica (AEDI) pseudosepals in catalyzing tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and spirooxindole derivatives, thereby paving the way for greener and more sustainable chemical synthetic strategies. The reactions proceed smoothly with AEDI as the catalyst in water at room temperature to afford high to near quantitative yields in a short duration of 15–45 minutes, making it a green and environmentally friendly alternative to existing protocols. This synthetic pathway satisfies several green chemistry principles such as avoiding the use of any toxic or hazardous metal catalyst and other external additives/promoters, the use of a biodegradable catalyst obtained from natural resources, auxiliary solvent conditions, and reusability of the catalyst. The protocol reported here offers remarkable attributes like wide substrate scope, high to near quantitative yields of products and the scale up viability along with ecological safety, straightforward work‐up procedure and excellent values of green chemistry metrics as compared to other reported approaches.