bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide to 2023—an update
Authors: Ginn Samantha L. , Mandwie Mawj , Alexander Ian E. , Edelstein Michael , Abedi Mohammad R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTo date, 3,900 gene therapy clinical trials have been completed, are ongoing or have been approved worldwide. Our database brings together global information on gene therapy clinical activity from trial databases, official agency sources, published literature, conference presentations and posters kindly provided to us by individual investigators or trial sponsors. This review presents our analysis of clinical trials that, to the best of our knowledge, have been or are being performed worldwide. As of our March 2023 update, we have entries on 3,900 trials undertaken in 46 countries. We have analyzed the geographical distribution of trials, the disease indications (or other reasons) for trials, the proportions to which different vector types are used, and which genes have been transferred. Details of the analyses presented, and our searchable database are on The Journal of Gene Medicine Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Worldwide website at https://a873679.fmphost.com/fmi/webd/GTCT. We also provide an overview of the progress being made around the world, and discuss key trends since the previous review, namely the unprecedented increase in gene therapy clinical trial activity, including the implementation of genome editing technology with the potential to transform the field moving forward.
Cold shock treatment alleviates pitting in sweet cherry fruit by enhancing antioxidant enzymes activity and regulating membrane lipid metabolism
Authors: Yang Qingzhen , Hou Jie , Wang Feng , Qi Yingjian , Zhao Qifeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn order to comprehend the regulatory mechanisms that result in the alleviation of sweet cherry pitting disorder through cold shock (0 °C ice–water mixture for 10 min), an investigation was conducted into the impacts of cold shock treatment (CST) on membrane lipid metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as pitting of cold‐stored sweet cherry fruit.RESULTSCST significantly inhibited the increase in pitting incidence, pitting index, and decay incidence. The CST treatment provided greater titratable acidity, firmness as well as total content of soluble solids. The use of CST prevented the build‐up of superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and reduced permeability of cell membranes. When in contrast to control group, the CST also raised the expression levels along with activity of the antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, CST reduced the amount of fruit cell membrane peroxidation, suppressed the activity of phospholipase and lipoxygenase, postponed the rise in saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and decrease in unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs), ultimately keeping a high ratio of USFAs to SFAs.CONCLUSIONCST can alleviating pitting disorder in sweet cherry fruit via preventing peroxidation of membrane lipid and elevating the antioxidant enzymes activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
How Did the COVID‐19 Pandemic Change Cigarette Smoking Behavior?
Authors: Semprini Jason 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundCigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Although smoking rates have been declining, it is unclear how the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted smoking behaviors.MethodsWith population‐based data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2010–2023), we will analyze four outcomes: (1) currently smoking, (2) started smoking in the past year, (3) number of cigarettes per day, and (4) quit smoking in the past year. By estimating a two‐way fixed effect regression model to account for state‐level factors and temporal trends, this study identifies the effect of exposure to the COVID‐19 pandemic by comparing the change over time in an unexposed group (interviewed January 1–March 20, 2020) to the change over time in the exposed group (interviewed January 1–March 31, 2021–2023). This stage 1‐registered report conducts a Power and pilot analysis with an exploratory outcome: being uninsured.Pilot ResultsOur power analysis calculates a minimum detectable effect size = 0.7%. The pilot analysis indicates that exposure to the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with a statistically significant decline in the probability of being uninsured (Est. = −2.2%; CI = −3.5, −1.1). There is little evidence that the early and late survey wave cohorts differed before the pandemic.ImplicationsThis registered report outlines a study aimed at investigating the direct impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on smoking behaviors related to prevalence, initiation, intensity, and cessation. The findings will provide valuable insights into the effects of public health crises on health‐related behaviors and inform future public health interventions. The preregistration of the study design and analysis plan ensures transparency, trust, and replicability of the results. Quantifying whether and how smoking behaviors changed, and in whom, can inform ongoing tobacco control efforts to continue the downward trend in cigarette smoking.Preregistrationhttps://osf.io/vq8m4
Exploring the resilience and stability of a defined human gut microbiota consortium: An isothermal microcalorimetric study
Authors: Kattel Anna , Aro Valter , Lahtvee Petri‐Jaan , Kazantseva Jekaterina , Jõers Arvi , Nahku Ranno , Belouah Isma 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe gut microbiota significantly contributes to human health and well‐being. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability and resilience of a consortium composed of three next‐generation probiotics (NGPs) candidates originally found in the human gut. The growth patterns of Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were studied both individually and consortium. The growth kinetics of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (B. thetaiotaomicron), and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) were characterized both individually and in consortium using isothermal microcalorimetry and 16S ribosomal RNA next‐generation sequencing. The consortium reached stability after three passages and demonstrated resilience to changes in its initial composition. The concentration of butyrate produced was nearly twice as high in the consortium compared to the monoculture of F. prausnitzii. The experimental conditions and methodologies used in this article are a solid foundation for developing further complex consortia.
Open‐source hardware and software for the measurement, characterization, reporting, and correction of geometric distortion in MRI
Authors: Whelan Brendan M. , Liu Paul Z. Y. , Shan Shanshan , Waddington David E. J. , Dong Bin , Jameson Michael G. , Keall Paul J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundGeometric distortion is a serious problem in MRI, particularly in MRI guided therapy. A lack of affordable and adaptable tools in this area limits research progress and harmonized quality assurance.PurposeTo develop and test a suite of open‐source hardware and software tools for the measurement, characterization, reporting, and correction of geometric distortion in MRI.MethodsAn open‐source python library was developed, comprising modules for parametric phantom design, data processing, spherical harmonics, distortion correction, and interactive reporting. The code was used to design and manufacture a distortion phantom consisting of 618 oil filled markers covering a sphere of radius 150 mm. This phantom was imaged on a CT scanner and a novel split‐bore 1.0 T MRI magnet. The CT images provide distortion‐free dataset. These data were used to test all modules of the open‐source software.ResultsAll markers were successfully extracted from all images. The distorted MRI markers were mapped to undistorted CT data using an iterative search approach. Spherical harmonics reconstructed the fitted gradient data to 1.0 ± 0.6% of the input data. High resolution data were reconstructed via spherical harmonics and used to generate an interactive report. Finally, distortion correction on an independent data set reduced distortion inside the DSV from 5.5 ± 3.1 to 1.6 ± 0.8 mm.ConclusionOpen‐source hardware and software for the measurement, characterization, reporting, and correction of geometric distortion in MRI have been developed. The utility of these tools has been demonstrated via their application on a novel 1.0 T split bore magnet.
Animals' paleopathology: Implications on human–animal interaction during the intensification of farming in the Southern Levant
Authors: Namdar Linoy , Bartosiewicz László , May Hila , Sapir‐Hen Lidar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAnimal domestication led to changes in the interaction between animals and humans, including new ways of exploitation, which could potentially leave lesions on the animals' bones. This study aims to examine changes in the prevalence of pathological manifestation following changes in human‐animal interactions as a result their domestication. For this purpose, we studied 19,565 animal remains recovered from archaeological excavations, dated from the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic period to historical periods and assigned the pathologies into types. Of these, 60 animal remains presented pathological lesions. The suspected pathological cases were validated using a microscope, X‐ray, and/or micro‐CT scan. Lesions were divided into four categories: trauma, aging/musculoskeletal stress marks (MSM), periodontal diseases, and inflammatory processes. Then, our database was combined with previously published data to a total of 26,596 animal remains, out of which 128 demonstrated pathological lesions. We found that the prevalence of lesions in animals was higher in the historical periods compared with prehistoric periods. Moreover, based on a comparison between recent gazelles living in captivity and those living in the wild, we found that captivity resulted in the deterioration of the animals' health. We concluded that pathologies were more frequent in livestock in historic periods, in comparison with wild species and livestock from earlier periods. Such lesions were common not only in working livestock (cattle and donkeys) but also in non‐working domesticates (caprines and chickens) and companion animals (dogs and cats). Variations in the pathological frequencies between these three categories may be attributed to differences in exploitation, including the intensification of farming and herding. Finally, this study provides a unique reference dataset for zooarchaeologists when studying ancient animal assemblages.
Low dielectric polyimide microsphere/polyimide composite films based on porous polyimide microsphere
Authors: Li Ke , Yang Lin , Yang Lin , He Liu , Du Juan , Li Xinyue 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA low dielectric polyimide/polyimide microsphere (PI/PM) composite film was constructed by thermal imidization of polyamic acid from pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) in the presence of porous PM. The PM particles with particle size of about 2 μm were prepared via the solvothermal method using 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and ODA as monomers through thermal imidization. Due to the favorable compatibility between the porous PM and PI matrix, the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and dielectric properties of the obtained composite films were significantly improved. The PI/PM composite films had a tensile strength of 44.18–64.32 MPa, and the corresponding elongation at break of 6.21%–11.7%. Furthermore, the thermogravimetric temperatures of T5% were 538.9–563.7°C. The dielectric constants of the composite films at 1 MHz were 2.59–3.68, and the corresponding dielectric loss were only 0.0119–0.00405. Thus, the combination of excellent mechanical properties, high thermal stability, extremely low dielectric constant, and dielectric loss make the composite films ideal for deployment as high‐performance materials for 5G applications.Highlights
Low dielectric polyimide composite film was prepared by thermal imidization of polyamic acid in the presence of porous polyimide microspheres.
Porous polyimide microspheres were prepared by thermal using the imidization solvothermal method.
Low dielectric polyimide composite film with good comprehensive properties.
Constructing sympatry networks to assess potential introgression pathways within the major oak sections in the contiguous US states
Authors: Cannon Charles H. , Kartesz John , Hoban Sean , Loza M. Isabel , Bruns Emily Beckman , Hipp Andrew L. 
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact StatementIncreasing evidence indicates gene flow commonly occurs between closely related species in diverse plant genera and can involve numerous species. Here, we present a simple method to quantify and characterize the potential for gene flow among “sympatric” species (they share some part of their geographic distribution), using oaks as a case study. The resulting sympatry networks provide insight into potential interspecific gene flow, from the perspective of each species and across the entire suite of interfertile species. In a rapidly changing world, interspecific gene flow will play an increasingly important role in the conservation of endangered species, both positive and negative.Summary

We provide a simple method, using geographic distribution data, to quantify and characterize sympatry networks among a suite of interfertile species to assess potential routes for introgressive hybridization (IH). Sympatry is a necessary condition for IH and is easily determined from widely available geographic distribution data.
Oaks, famous for hybridization, present an excellent case study. We use county‐level data for 94 oak species in the contiguous US states to determine patterns of sympatry of species within the four sections, assumed to be interfertile. The pairwise sympatry relationships can generate species‐centric local networks or a syngameon‐wide network. Two different measures of sympatry are used: proportional and relative.
Most oak species are exposed to IH from many species, with red oaks having slightly higher local levels of sympatry (5.7 vs. 3.8 spp per county) than white oaks but lower total numbers of sympatric species (13.7 vs. 14.8). The nature of potential IH generally differs for threatened species, which are often embedded in the much larger distributions of widespread species.
Potential IH within oak sections is widespread and disproportionately affects rare species. Given that IH has potentially positive or negative impacts on species cohesion, persistence, and adaptation, the geographic connections among species and the ‘local sympatry effect’ can serve as a springboard for hypothesis generation and genetic investigation of introgression patterns.
Applying the Estimand Framework to Non‐Inferiority Trials
Authors: Lynggaard Helle , Keene Oliver N. , Mütze Tobias , Rehal Sunita 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTMost published applications of the estimand framework have focused on superiority trials. However, non‐inferiority trials present specific challenges compared to superiority trials. The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use notes in their addendum on estimands and sensitivity analysis in clinical trials that there may be special considerations to the implementation of estimands in clinical trials with a non‐inferiority objective yet provides little guidance. This paper discusses considerations that trial teams should make when defining estimands for a clinical trial with a non‐inferiority objective. We discuss how the pre‐addendum way of establishing non‐inferiority can be embraced by the estimand framework including a discussion of the role of the Per Protocol analysis set. We examine what clinical questions of interest can be formulated in the context of non‐inferiority trials and outline why we do not think it is sensible to describe an estimand as ‘conservative’. The impact of the estimand framework on key considerations in non‐inferiority trials such as whether trials should have more than one primary estimand, the choice of non‐inferiority margin, assay sensitivity, switching from non‐inferiority to superiority and estimation are discussed. We conclude by providing a list of recommendations, and important considerations for defining estimands for trials with a non‐inferiority objective.
Nonlocality Enhanced Precision in Quantum Polarimetry via Entangled Photons
Authors: Pedram Ali , Besaga Vira R. , Setzpfandt Frank , Müstecaplıoğlu Özgür E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA nonlocal quantum approach is presented to polarimetry, leveraging the phenomenon of entanglement in photon pairs to enhance the precision in sample property determination. By employing two distinct channels, one containing the sample of interest and the other serving as a reference, the conditions are explored under which the inherent correlation between entangled photons can increase measurement sensitivity. Specifically, the quantum Fisher information (QFI) is calculated and compare the accuracy and sensitivity for the cases of single sample channel versus two channel quantum state tomography measurements. The theoretical results are verified by experimental analysis. The theoretical and experimental framework demonstrates that the nonlocal strategy enables enhanced precision and accuracy in extracting information about sample characteristics more than the local measurements. Depending on the chosen estimators and noise channels present, theoretical and experimental results show that noise‐induced bias decreases the precision for the estimated parameter. Such a quantum‐enhanced nonlocal polarimetry holds promise for advancing diverse fields including material science, biomedical imaging, and remote sensing, via high‐precision measurements through quantum entanglement.
Synthesis of Benzoxazinones via DIPEA‐Promoted Condensation of Benzoxazoles with α‐Keto Acids
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Yan Jiaqi , Guo Jing , Chen Ping 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAn efficient and environmental protocol for the synthesis of 3‐aryl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐2‐ones under mild benign conditions has been developed. This facile one‐pot approach to 3‐aryl‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐2‐ones from commercially available benzoxazoles and α‐keto acids which only promoted by DIPEA. The protocol exhibits a wide range of applicability in terms of benzoxazoles and α‐keto acids. Notably, the 2‐aryl benzothiazoles can be produced under the similar reaction conditions.
Political competition and the rechanneling of corporate bribery into politically connected charity donations: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Jeong Yujin , Siegel Jordan I. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryWe examine the relationship between political competition, corporate bribery, and corporate contributions to politically connected charities, and whether there is a shift from covert to concealed corporate nonmarket action as political competition increases. Panel analysis using rare corporate bribery and charity donations panel data from South Korea reveals that as political competition increases, corporate bribery decreases, whereas corporate contributions to politically connected charities increase. Subsequent panel analysis uncovers that amid increased political competition, firms that made larger bribes in the prior year contribute more to politically connected charities in the subsequent year, and that this form of rechanneling is more pronounced for smaller business groups. Implications are discussed.Managerial SummaryThis study argues that the field of strategy needs to do more to analyze firms' illegal strategic behavior, both to gain a deeper understanding of business practices in the corporate world and to develop recommendations for policymakers on how to curb such behavior over time. Using comprehensive and rare firm‐level data on bribery of high‐level government officials and donations to politically connected charities from South Korea, this study analyzes how businesses rechannel their bribery of senior‐level politicians to contributions to politically connected charities as the country's level of political competition becomes stronger. This study proposes a theory of rechanneling and demonstrates support for the theory using the extensive data set on bribery and politically connected charity donations from South Korea.
Counterintuitive Trend of Intrusion Pressure with Temperature in the Hydrophobic Cu2(tebpz) MOF
Authors: Merchiori Sebastiano , Donne Andrea Le , Bhatia Ribhu , Alvelli Marta , Yu Jiang‐Jing , Wu Xu‐Dong , Li Mian , Li Dan , Scheller Lukasz , Lowe Alexander R. , Geppert‐Rybczynska Monika , Trump Benjamin A. , Yakovenko Andrey A. , Chorążewski Mirosław , Zajdel Paweł , Grosu Yaroslav , Meloni Simone 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLiquid porosimetry experiments reveal a peculiar trend of the intrusion pressure of water in hydrophobic Cu2(3,3′,5,5′‐tetraethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazolate) MOF. At lower temperature (T) range, the intrusion pressure (Pi) increases with T. For higher T values, Pi first reaches a maximum and then decreases. This is at odds with the Young–Laplace law, which for systems showing a continuous decrease of contact angle with T predicts a corresponding reduction of the intrusion pressure. Though the Young–Laplace law is not expected to provide quantitative predictions at the subnanoscale of Cu2(tebpz) pores, the physical intuition suggests that to a reduction of their hydrophobicity corresponds a reduction of the Pi. Molecular dynamics simulations and sychrothron experiments allowed to clarify the mechanism of the peculiar trend of Pi with T. At increasing temperatures the vapor density within the MOF’ pores grows significantly, bringing the corresponding partial pressure to ≈5 MPa. This pressure, which is consistent with the shift of Pi observed in liquid porosimetry, represents a threshold to be overcame before intrusion takes place. Beyond some value of temperature, the phenomenon of reduction of hydrophobicity (and water surface tension) dominated over the opposite effect of increase of vapor pressure and Pi inverts its trend with T.
Achieving Efficient Oxygen Evolution on High‐Entropy Sulfide Utilizing Low Electronegativity of Al
Authors: Wan Yi , Wei Wenrui , Ding Shengqi , Wu Liang , Yuan Xianxia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractEfficient and stable catalysts are in high demand for accelerating the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a high‐entropy sulfide (HES) of (FeCoNiCrCuAl)S@HCS with a 3D structure is successfully prepared by utilizing a simple one‐step solvothermal method and employed as catalyst toward OER. The lower electronegativity of Al compared to the other metal elements and its anti‐corrosion character enable an outstanding OER performance of (FeCoNiCrCuAl)S@HCS with an overpotential of 253 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and an excellent durability after 20 000 CV cycles, outperforming the commercial RuO2 and most reported metal‐sulfide catalysts. Experiments coupled with theoretical calculations reveal that Al atom primarily serves as electron donor and promotes a redistribution of local electrons from Co and Cr toward adjacent Fe, Ni, and Cu sites. As a result, the Cr‐Al site possesses a lowest energy barrier during the rate‐determining step and works as the dominant active site for OER process. This study provides a novel insight and strategy into structural design and performance enhancement for HES materials.