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A Tailored Quinoline-Locked Covalent Organic Framework for Metal-Free Photocatalytic α-Amino C–H Annulation

X-ray parametric down-conversion reveals EUV-polariton

Abstract Spontaneous parametric down-conversion (PDC) of photons is a gateway into the quantum realm – thoroughly studied in nonlinear optics and ubiquitously used to generate non-classical states of light. Extending PDC from the visible regime towards shorter wavelengths further enables microscopic resolution of electronic structure and quantum-enhanced X-ray detection, but remained challenging due to the process’ inherently low conversion rate. Here, we resolve the full signal cone of non-degenerate down-conversion at X-ray wavelengths and identify imprints of a polariton in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) regime. We confirm our finding of the EUV-polariton with theoretical simulations and establish that our approach directly images the characteristic anti-crossing of polaritonic dispersion branches. This insight could open a pathway to explore strong-coupling phenomena of EUV-light-matter interaction.

Examining equity-related eligibility criteria in clinical trials supporting 2022 US drug approvals

There has been substantial recent attention to the importance of diversity in clinical trials supporting US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approvals, including both Congressional action and FDA guidance. One factor that can contribute to a lack of diverse enrollment is overly strict eligibility criteria not supported by scientific or safety considerations. The aim of this study was to examine equity-related eligibility criteria in pivotal trials supporting all new molecular entities and therapeutic biologics approved by FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research in 2022. We qualitatively coded these criteria, using a codebook developed through inductive and deductive methods. The codebook consisted of categories relevant to equitable inclusion across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, disability, and age; explanations of the potential relevance to equity, as well as potential scientific and regulatory justifications. We found that adolescents, pregnant/lactating individuals, and individuals with limited literacy were most commonly excluded and that about 1 trial in 5 excluded individuals based on weight/obesity, had general exclusions for hepatitis, or excluded adults aged 80 and up. Ultimately, our results indicate that several common eligibility criteria are likely to negatively influence equitable inclusion, especially based on age, pregnancy/lactation, and characteristics associated with race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. To minimize unnecessary equity-related exclusions, eligibility should focus on specific issues expected to influence safety or efficacy (e.g., liver function, drug interaction, uncontrolled comorbid disease), rather than blanket exclusion based on broad diagnoses or characteristics. Investigators, sponsors, institutional review boards, and regulators should scrutinize eligibility criteria with equity in mind.

Quantitative Determination of Electronic Effects in Free Radicals through Open-Shell Hammett Substituent Constants

Enhancing autophagy by redox regulation extends lifespan in Drosophila

Abstract Dysregulation of redox homeostasis is implicated in the ageing process and the pathology of age-related diseases. To study redox signalling by H2O2 in vivo, we established a redox-shifted model by manipulating levels of the H2O2-degrading enzyme catalase in Drosophila. Here we report that ubiquitous over-expression of catalase robustly extends lifespan in females. As anticipated, these flies are strongly resistant to a range of oxidative stress challenges, but interestingly are sensitive to starvation, which could not be explained by differences in levels of energy reserves. This led us to explore the contribution of autophagy, which is an important mechanism for organismal survival in response to starvation. We show that autophagy is essential for the increased lifespan by catalase upregulation, as the survival benefits are completely abolished upon global autophagy knock-down. Furthermore, using a specific redox-inactive knock-in mutant, we highlight the in vivo role of a key regulatory cysteine residue in Atg4a, which is required for the lifespan extension in our catalase model. Altogether, these findings confirm the redox regulation of autophagy in vivo as an important modulator of longevity.

A mixed-methods evaluation of a Polish international researcher mobility grant scheme

This paper examines the quantitative and qualitative effects of the first call of the Bekker Programme, funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange. The program supports the outgoing temporary international mobility of scholars. Its first call funded 152 scholars. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis using the interrupted time series method and qualitative analysis of final reports submitted by Bekker Programme beneficiaries. Quantitative data from the Web of Science database were analyzed to measure the number of papers published, the number of internationally co-authored works, and the number of citations for beneficiaries before and after the program’s implementation. The quantitative findings did not show a statistically significant increase in the number of publications or citations attributable to the program. However, there was a significant positive impact on international collaboration, as evidenced by an increase in internationally co-authored publications. Qualitative analysis of the beneficiary final reports revealed a broader spectrum of impacts, including enhanced scientific competencies, experience of different organizational cultures, networking and collaboration. The contributions of this article to the literature are threefold. First, empirical findings on the impact of a mobility program from a scientific periphery are presented, highlighting its possible transformative benefits. Second, a mixed-methods approach is employed that captures both objective quantitative effects and subjective outcomes, thereby acknowledging the multidimensional impact of mobility grants and offering practical insights for policymakers. Third, an empirical analysis of the eightfold mobility impacts framework is provided through a bottom-up coding analysis of qualitative data, demonstrating the framework’s applicability and robustness in a novel context.

Cation-Driven Modulation of Interfacial Solvation Structures for Enhanced Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Kinetics

How do multimedia and blended learning enhance music elective courses? examining the roles of learning attitudes, styles, and teaching presence

This study aims to explore the possibility of using Internet resources to enhance the educational effect of music elective courses in colleges and universities. Moreover, this study analysed students’ perception of blended learning mode and their continuous learning intention. The study adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the theory of sustained learning intention as theoretical frameworks, combined with factors such as learning attitude and learning style, to explore the impact of these factors on students’ learning outcomes. The study found that learning attitudes and styles are positively correlated with students continuous learning intention via questionnaire surveys and quantitative analysis, supporting the research hypothesis. The research results are of great significance for optimizing the design and teaching methods of music elective courses, providing theoretical support and empirical basis for promoting innovation in music education.

Isomerization of Poly(ethylene glycol): A Strategy for the Evasion of Anti-PEG Antibody Recognition

Responses of candidate intensity measures to different mental and motor load levels using upper limb exergames in typically developing children and adolescents

Background In (pediatric) neurorehabilitation, high-intensity therapy is well-recognized for enhancing rehabilitative outcomes. However, measures that consider the different aspects of therapy intensity are lacking. Therefore, a better understanding of how to measure therapy intensity during upper-limb neurorehabilitation is needed. Objectives To investigate the response of heart rate variability (HRV), skin conductance (SC), activity counts and movement repetitions normalized for the maximal capacity (%ACmax and %MOVmax, respectively), and the NASA-TLX scale to different mental and motor intensity levels of two self-developed upper limb exergames in typically developing children. We also investigate the effects of age on the responses of the measures. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants engaged in one mental and one motor exergame. For each exergame, they played three personalized intensity levels (“very easy,” “challenging,” and “very difficult”), each lasting three minutes. We analyzed the responses of all measures for each intensity level and exergame. Results 21 children and adolescents (9 females) aged 5.2 to 17.9 years participated in the study. HRV, %ACmax, and %MOVmax responded to increased motor intensity. SC did not respond to increases in mental or motor intensity levels. The NASA-TLX responded to increases in motor intensity levels but only partially to increases in mental intensity. Finally, age showed significant effects only on %MOVmax. Conclusion Changes in mental intensity were more challenging to capture than changes in motor intensity. As each measure responded to different aspects of therapy intensity, a combination of measures, e.g., HRV, %ACmax, and NASA-TLX effort, might be the best strategy for assessing therapy intensity multidimensionally. Although the measures hold considerable potential, future studies should determine the responses of the measures and their psychometric properties in the target group.

Rh-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of 3-Amino-4-alkyl/aryl Disubstituted Maleimides

Overlapping social structures behind Brazil’s cesarean section births: A decomposition analysis

Increasing cesarean section (CS) rates worldwide have prompted concern for women’s access to quality care and calls for interventions to reduce unnecessary and risky CS. Brazil, where CS births outnumber vaginal births, has one of the highest CS rates in the world. Brazil is also a large and diverse nation, and CS rates differ widely between race/ethnic groups, social classes, and geographic regions. Residential segregation by race/ethnicity and their associations with social class complicate the picture of how each contributes to CS rates and disparities. This article untangles the intersecting social and contextual factors to identify opportunities for interventions to reduce overall CS rates as well as disparities in Brazil. Using Brazil’s national birth registry data from 2019 (n = 2,567,039), this article quantifies how much socioeconomic, prenatal care, pregnancy risk, and geographic factors contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in CS. We applied the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) decomposition method to multivariate logistic regression models. Our findings show that women’s individual risk factors—educational attainment, social status, age, prenatal care, and pregnancy profile—were significant contributors but did not entirely explain racial and ethnic disparities in CS. Geographic factors—where race/ethnic groups tended to live and the region’s risk for CS—also emerged as strong correlates of CS and partially explained unequal rates. The findings untangle the overlapping social structures that predispose some race and ethnic groups to a greater risk of CS and increase overall CS prevalence in Brazil.

A Nucleic Acid Prodrug That Activates Mitochondrial Respiration, Promotes Stress Resilience, and Prolongs Lifespan

Association of center-level operative volume and acute outcomes following robotic-assisted colectomy for colorectal cancer

Background The adoption of robotic-assisted colectomy (RAC) remains limited due to high costs. There is a paucity of data regarding the impact of institutional robotic experience on costs in patients undergoing RAC for colorectal cancer. Methods All adult patients undergoing RAC for colorectal cancer were identified using the 2016–2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. A multivariable regression to model major adverse events (MAE) was developed with the inclusion of institutional robotic surgery volume as restricted cubic splines. The volume corresponding to the inflection point of the spline was used to stratify hospitals into high- (HVH) or low-volume (LVH). We subsequently examined the association of HVH status with costs, length of stay (LOS), MAE, non-home discharge and 30-day unplanned readmission. Results Among the 39,064 patients undergoing RAC, 65.2% were treated at HVH. Following risk adjustment, RAC at HVH was associated with reduced index hospitalization costs by $2,000 (95%CI $1,500−2,400) and LOS by 0.3 days (95%CI 0.2–0.5 days) as well as decreased odds of MAE (AOR 0.86, 95%CI 0.77–0.96). Both non-home discharge and 30-day unplanned readmission were not associated with hospital volume. In our cross-volume analysis, we found an increase in institutional RAC and overall robotic volumes to be associated with reduced odds of MAE. Conclusion The present study demonstrated higher institutional robotic-assisted operation volume to be associated with reduced MAE and cost in patients undergoing RAC. The findings suggest the potential benefits of increasing expertise and implementing efficient practices in robotic-assisted surgery programs.

Spin–Vibronic Coupling Enhanced Intersystem Crossing beyond El-Sayed Restrictions

The impact of higher education investment on the urban-rural income gap: An analysis of mediating and threshold effects based on data from China’s eight major comprehensive economic zones

Background Since the reform and opening up, China’s urban and rural economic development has exhibited characteristics of imbalance, with the urban-rural income gap being the largest and most noticeable issue facing China’s socio-economic landscape. Alleviating and effectively resolving the urban-rural income disparity is crucial for achieving overall common prosperity. Therefore, this study provides insights for strategically narrowing the urban-rural income gap from the perspective of higher education investment. Methods We employ a panel fixed effects model to examine the basic regression, heterogeneity, mediating effects, and threshold effects. Simultaneously, we address the endogeneity issues in basic regression and mediating effects using the instrumental variable method. Additionally, we adopt the substitution of variables to ensure the robustness of the results. Results This paper selects panel data from China’s eight major comprehensive economic zones from 2003 to 2021 for analysis. The findings reveal that, overall, higher education investment in China’s eight major comprehensive economic zones can narrow the urban-rural income gap. Specifically, higher education investment in 50% of these comprehensive economic zones—namely, the Northern Coastal Comprehensive Economic Zone, Eastern Coastal Comprehensive Economic Zone, Northeast Comprehensive Economic Zone, and Middle Yangtze River Comprehensive Economic Zone—can reduce the urban-rural income disparity. Conversely, higher education investment in the Middle Yellow River Comprehensive Economic Zone, Southern Coastal Comprehensive Economic Zone, Greater Southwest Comprehensive Economic Zone, and Greater Northwest Comprehensive Economic Zone has widened the urban-rural income gap. Additionally, higher education investment can affect the urban-rural income disparity through technological innovation. Overall, the impact of higher education investment on the urban-rural income gap in China’s eight major comprehensive economic zones is also influenced by the level of economic development, exhibiting an “inverted U-shaped” characteristic. This nonlinear impact varies across regions. Conclusions In conclusion, to narrow the urban-rural income gap across China’s eight major integrated economic zones, it is necessary to improve the mechanism for higher education investment in these zones. Strategies should be based on regional differences, tailored to local conditions, and implemented with a differentiated and precise approach to higher education development across regions. Emphasis should also be placed on the research and application of innovative technologies to achieve deep integration between urban and rural areas within China’s eight major integrated economic zones.

Criegee Intermediates Compete Well with OH as a Cleaning Agent for Atmospheric Amides

Glycemic variability and mortality in patients with aortic diseases: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

Background The influence of glycemic variability (GV), defined as blood glucose fluctuations, on short-term mortality in patients with aortic diseases, such as aneurysms and dissections, remains understudied. This study evaluates the association between GV and mortality, explores non-linear patterns, and determines a GV threshold predictive of mortality risk. Methods A retrospective analysis of 2,441 patients with aortic aneurysm or dissection from the MIMIC IV and eICU-CRD databases was performed. Key variables, including demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and treatments, were assessed. Logistic and Cox regression models, smooth curve fitting, and subgroup analyses examined associations between GV and ICU and 30-day mortality. Results ICU mortality occurred in 165 patients (6.8%), and 30-day mortality in 235 patients (9.6%). Increased GV was linearly associated with ICU mortality risk (P for non-linearity = 0.666). For 30-day mortality, a U-shaped relationship was observed, with minimal risk at a GV index of 0.2047 (P for non-linearity = 0.041). Adjusted models confirmed these findings (ICU mortality: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03–1.30, 30-day mortality: HR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.03–1.18). Conclusions GV is significantly associated with short-term mortality in aortic disease patients, with a U-shaped pattern for 30-day mortality and an optimal threshold of 0.2047. These findings underscore the importance of tailored glucose management strategies and call for further research into underlying mechanisms.

Oxyhydride Synthesis through Facile Water Dissociation on the Electride Intermetallic LaScSi

The 2 Sigma Genus Concept in mammalogy: Lessons from Lasiurus

Species concepts are well established and apply across diverse groups of organisms; however, there is no consensus on what defines higher taxonomic groups. The genus rank is important to taxonomists because it comprises part of the scientific name of an organism. A consistent and biologically meaningful method for determining generic status is needed for taxonomic stability and utility. Lasiurine bats are a group for which there is disagreement on how many genera to recognize. Some authors argue for splitting this group into three genera based on morphology, genetic divergence, and time of divergence; others argue that a single genus should be maintained. Here, we use lasiurines to explore generic-level taxonomy and how it is applied. Genetic divergence levels are compared among sister genera and within genera of vespertilionine bats using Cytochrome b (Cytb) sequences. We used Cytb because it is the most sequenced mitochondrial gene in mammals, but other genes might be more appropriate for a different taxon. Future methods will eventually use complete mitogenomes and genomes. We conclude that lasiurine bats are most appropriately divided into three genera to maintain taxonomic consistency within their subfamily. Since Linnaeus, the quarter millennium of progress in the science of mammalogy has provided a binomial nomenclatural basis from which can be extracted an acceptable range of genetic diversity upon which to establish generic level taxonomy. We offer a biologically meaningful operational definition of the genus, which we call the 2 Sigma Genus Concept, based on genetic divergence between a genus and its sister genus or lineage and compared to the divergence between sister pairs of established genera in the same higher taxonomic category. Our method is phylogenetic; sister genera are based on the best phylogeny for the higher taxonomic category. Genera must be monophyletic and differ from their closest relatives by not more than two standard deviations above or below the mean value of genetic distance for the larger taxonomic group in which they are contained. There should be genetic-based characters (e.g., morphology, protein structure, behavior) that are diagnostic for each genus. Our method is novel in that it uses the statistical distribution of sister divergences within a higher category to guide the allocation of generic status to monophyletic lineages. Within Vespertilioninae, the mean genetic distance between sister genera is 20.68% ± 3.89% (K2P) for the Cytb gene. Therefore, a proposed new genus should have >12.90% genetic distance to its sister genus. Genera that are > 2 standard deviations above the mean (>28.46%) are candidates to be recognized as a higher category such as tribe or subfamily. The sister-genus divergence for the monophyletic lineage that includes all lasiurine bats is 31.14% ± 1.64% which qualifies it as a higher category (i.e., tribe), and the sister-genus divergences of the three monophyletic lineages within Lasiurini (i.e., red, yellow and hoary bats) are 21.77% and 22.91% which qualifies them for genera. We show the applicability of the method beyond Vespertilioninae by providing a case study where we apply it in a distantly related subfamily of bats.