bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seafloor bioturbation intensity on the deep sea: More complex than organic matter
Authors: Miguez‐Salas Olmo , Saeedi Hanieh , Brandt Angelika , Riehl Torben 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDeep‐sea benthic communities are strongly controlled by the quantity and quality of organic matter sinking from the ocean surface. The interaction between benthic fauna and seafloor sediments mainly occurs through bioturbation that modifies substrate properties (e.g., geochemical profiles). The intensity of the bioturbation has long been linked with organic matter and measured as a diffusive process by considering the vertical particle reworking (endobenthic bioturbation), disregarding the seafloor horizontal mixing (epibenthic bioturbation). Here, a novel approach to quantify horizontal mixing is presented: Seafloor Bioturbation Intensity (SBI). SBI calculations were based on seafloor image datasets from eight stations that reflected different environmental conditions in the north‐western Pacific (e.g., chlorophyll a, silicate). To calculate SBI, we characterized the area occupied by all different types of traces (i.e., lebensspuren) related to epibenthic bioturbation, trace makers, and their ingested sediment thickness. Our results showed a weak negative correlation between organic matter and SBI. This relationship contrast with the traditionally held view on vertical bioturbation intensity, where a dominant positive correlation is expected. It is demonstrated that lebensspuren morphotypes contributed differently to SBI. Not all morphotypes—and, by extension, their corresponding trace makers—are equally controlled by the same environmental factors. This investigation does not dismiss the importance of organic matter content, but emphasizes the importance of other environmental variables that need to be considered when determining the long‐term relation between epibenthic fauna and bioturbation intensity. Finally, we emphasize the importance of characterizing horizontal bioturbation for approaching global biogeochemical cycles and conservational strategies.
Observation of Polymerization‐Induced Phase Separation During Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate in the Presence of Poly(Ethylene Glycol)
Authors: Onozato Shodai , Kojima Chie , Matsumoto Akikazu , Suzuki Yasuhito 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolymerization‐induced phase separation takes place when a miscible component of the monomer becomes immiscible as the polymer is formed. One example is the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Depending on the initial conditions, microscopic structures, including porous structures, co‐continuous monolith structures, and particle aggregation structures, are obtained. In this study, the phase separation process is analyzed using an optical microscope and fluorescence microscope. The nucleation or spinodal decomposition in the initial stage, subsequent growth in the microscopic domains, and eventual fixation of the structure are observed. The observed images are analyzed using image analysis software. The particle number and the particle size as a function of reaction time are evaluated. Conversion and molecular weight distribution as a function of reaction time are also analyzed.
Triiodothyronine (T3) suppresses hepatic tumorigenesis and development by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK
Authors: Dong Lili , Zhang Nan , Chen Jun , Dong Penghui , Mao Nan , Li Huiling , Wang Aiguo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe effect of triiodothyronine (T3) on the phosphorylation of ERK and the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial and remains to be clarified. In the present study, both in vitro (hepatoma cell lines) and in vivo (wild‐type mice [WT] and mouse models of HCC [HrasG12Vand KrasG12Dtransgenic mice (Hras‐Tg and Kras‐Tg)]) systems were used to investigate the effect of T3 on p‐ERK and hepatocarcinogenesis. The results showed that, in vitro, T3 treatment elevated the levels of p‐ERK in hepatoma cells within 30 min. However, p‐ERK levels returned to normal after 1 h with no significant effects on cellular proliferation or apoptosis. Interestingly, in vivo, T3 induced early rapid and transient activation of ERK and later persistent downregulation of p‐ERK in liver tissues of WT. In Hras‐Tg, liver weight, liver/body weight ratio, hepatic tumor numbers and sizes were significantly reduced withT3treatment compared with the untreated group. Furthermore, the levels of albumin, HrasG12V, and p‐ERK in hepatic precancerous and tumor tissues were all significantly downregulated with T3 treatment; however, the levels of endogenous Hras were not affected. In WT, T3 also induced downregulation of Albumin in liver tissues, but without influence on the expression of endogenous Hras and p‐MEK. Especially, the inhibitory effect of T3 on p‐ERK and hepatic tumorigenesis and development without influence on the levels of KrasG12D and p‐MEK was further confirmed in Kras‐Tg. In conclusion, T3 suppresses hepatic tumorigenesis and development by independently and substantially inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK in vivo.
Development of a genome atlas for discriminating benign, preinvasive, and invasive lung nodules
Authors: Liang Peng , Peng Minhua , Tao Jinsheng , Wang Bo , Wei Jinwang , Lin Lixuan , Cheng Bo , Xiong Shan , Li Jianfu , Li Caichen , Yu Ziwen , Li Chunyan , Wang Jun , Li Hui , Chen Zhiwei , Fan Jian‐Bing , Liang Wenhua , He Jianxing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo tackle misdiagnosis in lung cancer screening with low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT), we aimed to compile a genome atlas for differentiating benign, preinvasive, and invasive lung nodules and characterize their molecular pathogenesis. We collected 432 lung nodule tissue samples from Chinese patients, spanning benign, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma (IA). We performed comprehensive sequencing, examining somatic variants, gene expressions, and methylation levels. Our findings uncovered EGFR and TP53 mutations as key drivers in ‐ early lung cancer development, with EGFR mutation frequency increasing with disease progression. Both EGFR mutations and EGF/EGFR hypo‐methylation activated the EGFR pathway, fueling cancer growth. Transcriptome analysis identified four lung nodule subtypes (G1‐4) with distinct molecular features and immune cell infiltrations: EGFR‐driven G1, EGFR/TP53 co‐mutation G2, inflamed G3, stem‐like G4. Estrogen/androgen response was associated with the EGFR pathway, proposing a new therapy combining tyrosine kinase inhibitors with antiestrogens. Preinvasive nodules exhibited stem cell pathway enrichment, potentially hindering invasion. Epigenetic regulation of various genes was essential for lung cancer initiation and development. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of neoplastic progression and identifies potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer.
Factors influencing the pricing of credit risk mitigation warrants in corporate bond financing
Authors: Yu Qianlong , Zhang Xu , Bai Xiaohan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn 2022, various Chinese regulatory authorities, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the State‐owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), jointly issued documents and convened seminars at the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges to highlight the importance of credit protection tools, particularly credit risk mitigation warrants (CRMWs), to bolster corporate bond market financing. However, empirical research on the factors influencing CRMW prices in the Chinese market remains scarce. This study examines the factors affecting CRMW creation prices using a sample of CRMWs issued between 2018 and 2023 and analyzes the macroeconomic factors, characteristics of the underlying issuers, and related financial instruments. This study employs Shapley decomposition to evaluate the contribution of each variable. The findings reveal that, on the macroeconomic front, the year‐on‐year GDP growth rate from the previous quarter and the loan balance of financial institutions significantly and negatively impact CRMW prices. Regarding the underlying issuers, the issuer's credit rating and return on net assets significantly negatively affect CRMW prices, whereas the asset–liability ratio and issuer age have a significant positive impact. Additionally, related financial instruments such as bond interest rates and the risk mitigation certificate term positively contribute to the coverage of the underlying bond term and have a significant positive impact on CRMW prices.
Perinatal risk factors and neurocognitive outcomes in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease
Authors: Longoria Jennifer N. , Dandar Christina M. , Semko Joshua H. , Liyanage Janaka S. S. , Kang Guolian , McCracken Halle T. , MacArthur Erin , Hoyt Catherine R. , Hankins Jane S. , Takemoto Clifford M. , Heitzer Andrew M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe literature on cognitive and academic outcomes for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) who experience perinatal risk factors is limited. We aimed to evaluate if low birthweight (LBW), gestational age, and history of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were associated with neurocognitive functioning, grade retention, or receipt of early intervention or formal educational support in children with SCD.ProceduresThis prospective birth cohort study included 336 participants, ages 8–18, with SCD, who received cognitive testing as part of standard of care and whose caregivers completed behavioral rating scales. Multivariable generalized linear regression models were used to examine associations between perinatal risks and outcome variables, after adjusting for demographic and medical covariates.ResultsThe prevalence of NICU admission and LBW were 12.03% and 13.50%, respectively. Lower birthweight, earlier gestational age, and NICU admission were associated with worse working memory performance and receipt of early intervention services. Lower birthweight and NICU admission were also associated with slower processing speed. History of NICU admission was associated with caregiver ratings of hyperactivity and emotional dysregulation. The effects of perinatal risk factors on neurocognitive, academic, or educational outcomes were not dependent on SCD genotype.ConclusionsHistory of LBW or NICU admission was associated with worse cognitive outcomes and increased use of early intervention services among children with SCD. Early identification of perinatal risk factors will help identify children who will benefit from formal developmental or neuropsychological evaluations to manage the comorbidity of SCD and perinatal risks and facilitate increased intervention.
Synthesis and properties of new polyimide foams from foaming compositions with flexible segments of aliphatic diamine
Authors: Svetlichnyi Valentin , Polotnyanshchikov Konstantin , Vaganov Gleb , Kamalov Almaz , Ivan'kova Elena , Sukhanova Tatiana , Ivanov Aleksey , Popova Elena , Myagkova Ludmila , Yudin Vladimir 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNew foaming prepolymer compositions based on 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride, 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether, 1,6‐hexamethylenediamine (HMDA), and a surfactant were synthesized. Polyimide (PI) foams containing from 0 to 40 mol% HMDA were prepared. The possibility of controlling the pore sizes in a foam material by selecting different fractions (250–400 μm) of particles of the powdered foam composition for heat treatment was shown. Scanning electron microscopy studies of morphology of the synthesized PI foams (PIFs) showed that all foams exhibited open cellular structures with pore diameters ranging from 50 to 500 μm. The influence of the components of the foaming composition (surfactant and aliphatic diamine) on the structure, thermal, and mechanical properties of the resulting PIFs was traced. The samples of PIFs containing 20% and 30% HMDA were elastic (the corresponding stress–strain curves were almost linear up to the 30% deformation) and able to restore their shape after removing the load. The resulting foams exhibited high thermal stability (the onset of weight loss was observed in the 470–500°C range). It was revealed that the synthesized PIF compositions were incombustible in an open flame. Due to their high heat resistance and nonflammability, the obtained PIFs can be used for thermal insulation applications in the aerospace, transport, construction, and microelectronics industries.Highlights
New, lightweight, flexible, and nonflammable PIFs have been synthesized.
The HMDA additive imparts elasticity to PIFs.
The introduction of a surfactant (KT‐6) makes the PIF homogeneous.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation profile and its function in regulating Vip3Aa tolerance in fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Zou Luming , Liu Zhenxing , Jin Minghui , Wang Peng , Shan Yinxue , Xiao Yutao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDVegetative insecticidal proteins (Vips) are widely used in pest management, but Vip tolerance poses a significant threat. DNA methylation plays important roles in regulating the response of biological organisms to environmental stress, and it may also regulate fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) Vip3Aa tolerance.RESULTSIn this study, a DNA methylation map was developed for FAW, and its function in regulating FAW Vip3Aa tolerance was explored. The FAW genome‐wide DNA methylation map showed that exons were preferred regions for DNA methylation and housekeeping genes were highly methylated. FAW was screened using Vip3Aa for ten generations, and bioassays indicated that Vip3Aa tolerance increased trans‐generationally. A comparison of DNA methylation maps between Vip3Aa‐tolerant and ‐susceptible strains showed that gene body methylation was positively correlated with gene expression level. FAW exhibits significant variation in DNA methylation among individuals, and Vip3Aa screening induces epigenetic variation based on DNA methylation. Moreover, the study demonstrated that a reduction in methylation density within the gene body of a 3′5′‐cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase gene resulted in decreased expression and increased tolerance of FAW to Vip3Aa, which was validated through RNA interference experiments.CONCLUSIONThe DNA methylation map and mechanism of Vip3Aa tolerance improve our understanding of DNA methylation and its function in Lepidoptera and provide a new perspective for developing pest management strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Carbon Micro/Nano Machining toward Miniaturized Device: Structural Engineering, Large‐Scale Fabrication, and Performance Optimization
Authors: Ma Zeyu , Wang Wenwu , Xiong Yibo , Long Yihao , Shao Qi , Wu Leixin , Wang Jiangwang , Tian Peng , Khan Arif Ullah , Yang Wenhao , Dong Yixiao , Yin Hongbo , Tang Hui , Dai Jun , Tahir Muhammad , Liu Xiaoyu , He Liang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of micro/nano machining, there is an elevated demand for high‐performance microdevices with high reliability and low cost. Due to their outstanding electrochemical, optical, electrical, and mechanical performance, carbon materials are extensively utilized in constructing microdevices for energy storage, sensing, and optoelectronics. Carbon micro/nano machining is fundamental in carbon‐based intelligent microelectronics, multifunctional integrated microsystems, high‐reliability portable/wearable consumer electronics, and portable medical diagnostic systems. Despite numerous reviews on carbon materials, a comprehensive overview is lacking that systematically encapsulates the development of high‐performance microdevices based on carbon micro/nano structures, from structural design to manufacturing strategies and specific applications. This review focuses on the latest progress in carbon micro/nano machining toward miniaturized device, including structural engineering, large‐scale fabrication, and performance optimization. Especially, the review targets an in‐depth evaluation of carbon‐based micro energy storage devices, microsensors, microactuators, miniaturized photoresponsive and electromagnetic interference shielding devices. Moreover, it highlights the challenges and opportunities in the large‐scale manufacturing of carbon‐based microdevices, aiming to spark further exciting research directions and application prospectives.
Directed Self‐Assembly of Polystyrene‐Block‐Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Monolayer by Nano‐Trench for Nanopatterning
Authors: Tung Cheng‐Hsun , Ye Feng , Li Wei‐Yi , Nguyen The Anh , Lee Ming‐Chang , Wen Tao , Guo Zi‐Hao , Cheng Stephen Z. D. , Ho Rong‐Ming 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis work pioneers to combine fast self‐assembly of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) nanocage‐based giant surfactants with high etching contrast and directed self‐assembly for reliable long‐range lateral order to create well‐aligned sub‐10 nm line nanopatterns via reactive ion etching (RIE). Polystyrene‐block‐oligo(dimethylsiloxane) substituted POSS (PS‐b‐oDMS7POSS) with seven oligo(dimethylsiloxane) at the corners of the POSS nanocage and one polystyrene (PS) tail is designed and synthesized as a giant surfactant with self‐assembly behaviors like block copolymer (BCP). In contrast to BCP, oDMS7POSS gives a volume‐persistent “nanoatom” particle with higher mobility for fast self‐assembly and higher segregation strength with PS for smaller feature size. By taking advantage of directed self‐assembly using nano‐trench fabricated by electron beam lithography, well‐ordered nanostructured monolayer with well‐aligned parallel oDMS7POSS cylinders can be formed by confined self‐assembly within the nano‐trench. With the optimization of the RIE treatment using O2 as an etchant, the high etching contrast from the oDMS7POSS and PS gives the formation of well‐defined line nanopatterns with sub‐10 nm critical dimension that can serve as a mask for pattern transfer in lithography. These results demonstrate a cost‐effective approach for nanopatterning by utilizing a creatively designed giant surfactant with sub‐10 nm feature size and excellent etching contrast for modern lithographic applications.
Pancreatic cancer screening is effective in individuals at risk with predisposing germline gene variants, but not in gene variant‐negative familial pancreatic cancer families
Authors: Maurer Elisabeth , Lehman Bettina , Matthäi Elvira , Denzer Ulrike , Figiel Jens , Jesinghaus Moritz , Slater Emily P. , Stefenelli Ulrich , Gress Thomas M. , Bartsch Detlef K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic yield of pancreatic cancer screening in individuals at risk (IAR) from familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) families with respect to the presence or absence of pathogenic germline variants predisposing to pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC).DesignIn a 20 years period, IAR from FPC families were enrolled in a prospective screening program of the national case collection for FPC of Germany, including magnet resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The diagnostic yield was analyzed regarding significant pancreatic lesions such as PDAC, high‐grade pancreatic‐intraepithelial‐neoplasia (PanIN3) and intraductal‐papillary‐mucinous‐neoplasia (IPMN) with high‐grade dysplasia. Screening results were compared between carriers of pathogenic variants and variant‐negative IAR.Results337 IAR, including 74 (22%) variant‐carriers and 263 IAR of variant‐negative FPC families (mean age 49; standard deviation [SD] + 8.9) were followed 64 (SD + 55) months. IAR underwent 5.1 (SD + 3.9) screening visits with 1733 MRI (5.1,SD + 3.9 per IAR) and 728 EUS (2.2,SD + 1.7 per IAR). In 12 (4%) cases, significant pancreatic lesions were detected, including 4 PDAC, 3 PanIN3 and 5 high‐grade IPMN. Three of 4 IAR with PDAC died after a mean of 27 months postoperatively, and one IAR is alive without evidence of disease after 31 months. The diagnostic yield for significant lesions was 13.5% (10/74) for variant carriers compared to 0.8% (2/263) for IAR of variant‐negative FPC families (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a negative variant status was almost always accompanied by the absence of a significant lesion over time with a negative predictive value of 99.2% (95% CI 97.3%–99.9%).ConclusionThe diagnostic yield seems to justify PDAC screening in IAR of FPC‐families with pathogenic germline variants in PDAC predisposing genes, not in IAR of variant‐negative families.
Diversified characteristic of carbon nanotube nanoparticles on the entropy minimization for the flow of hybrid nanofluid through a convectively heated surface
Authors: Baithalu Rupa , Agbaje Titilayo M. , Mishra Satya Ranjan , Panda Subhajit 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAn analysis of entropy is essential to determine the heat transfer efficiency characteristics of nanofluids in different applications. Implementation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that is the combined effect of “single‐wall carbon nanotube” (SWCNT) and “multi‐wall carbon nanotube” (MWCNT) in water shows their effective properties in enhancing the heat transport phenomena. In general, these are useful in different industrial processes for the better shape of the product proposed as a coolant, cancer therapy, solar radiation, etc. Based on special characteristics, the current investigation analyses the flow properties of water‐based CNT cross‐hybrid nanofluid past a convectively heated surface. The heat transport characteristic enriches by the insertion of dissipative heat, thermal radiation, and external heat source/sink. The appropriate choice of similarity rules is useful in transforming the governing designed problem in non‐dimensional form and further, a “spectral quasi‐linearization method (SQLM)” is imposed to solve the set of equations. After getting the result, the process of irreversibility due to various factors is obtained, that is, the analysis of entropy is presented briefly. The physical significance of designed factors is deployed graphically and described in the discussion section. However, the validation with the earlier result is projected to show a good correlation.
Ruins
Authors: Höglund Johan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis chapter discusses the depiction of thoroughly eroded, post-apocalyptic worlds where capitalism, the commodity frontiers that have always fed capital, and the economic conditions that make standing armies possible, have disappeared. Much of the fiction considered in this chapter describes a Hobbesian world devoid of the material comforts, securities and privileges previously enjoyed by (white/middle-class) communities. Even so, the heroes of these texts do their best to honour the violent social contract established by extractive and militarized capitalism.
Introduction
Authors: Chanda Chiseni Michael 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAfter independence, there was growing optimism that Sub-Saharan Africa would break free from the shackles of economic stagnation and underdevelopment that had characterized the region for many years. However, the challenges of economic underdevelopment persist, and there are numerous factors that have been invoked to explain Africa’s lagging development. Christian missionaries, as colonial actors, have often been overlooked in attempts to comprehend their influence on the development of post-colonial Africa. These missionaries played a crucial role in introducing and providing Western-style education and healthcare in numerous African countries, which are essential components for both human and economic progress. Among these countries, Zambia stood out as one of the most extensively evangelized by Christian missionaries during the twentieth century. Surprisingly, there has been a lack of comprehensive research that explores the impact of Christian missionaries’ on Zambia’s economic and human development up until now. This chapter serves as an introduction to the key themes addressed in the book.