bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endometrial scratching before euploid embryo transfer: a case–control study
Authors: Lindekugel Sophia M. K. , Frankel Lexi Rose , Deaton Jeffrey L. , Dong Allan , Lassiter Rebekah , Savaris Ricardo F. , Lessey Bruce A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of endometrial scratching on in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

Methods

Biopsy was performed at oocyte retrieval in cases and compared to those who did not undergo scratching (controls). Endpoints included pregnancy loss, total pregnancy, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), ongoing pregnancy rate/live birth rate (OPR), and the incidence of chronic endometritis (CE).

Results

Women in case and control groups had similar characteristics, such as age, body mass index, and parity. Overall total pregnancy rate was 82.43% following single euploid embryo transfer in cases compared to 85.7% in controls (p = 0.57; OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 0.565 to 2.78). CPR was 73.3% and 76.2% (p = 0.62; OR = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.594 to 2.29), and OPR between groups was 64.8% and 72.3% (p = 0.28; OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 0.74 to 2.7). First trimester loss rate was similar at 16.9%% and 15.5%%, respectively (p = 0.82). Subjects who underwent scratching closer to their frozen embryo transfer (≤ 3 months) had a similar overall pregnancy rate to those with a longer delay between retrieval and frozen embryo transfer (> 3 months 81.4% vs.87.5%; p = 0.56). CE incidence was 10.8% (8 out of 74; 95% CI = 5.5% to 19.9%). The odds of having a second trimester loss were significantly higher in the scratch group compared to controls (p = 0.03; OR = infinity; 95% CI = 1.3 to infinity).

Conclusions

Endometrial scratching before frozen euploid embryo transfer did not influence pregnancy outcome but increased the chances of second trimester loss. CE was a frequent finding in those undergoing endometrial scratching at the time of retrieval.
Co-expression of the RPS6KB1 and PDPK1 genes for production of activated p70S6K1 using bac-to-bac baculovirus expression system
Authors: Bdzhola Anna , Malanchuk Oksana , Palchevskyi Sergii , Gout Ivan , Filonenko Valeriy , Zhyvoloup Alexander
Published: January 2025

Background

Ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (p70S6K1) is a member of the AGC family of serine/threonine kinases which plays a role in various cellular processes, including protein synthesis, cell growth, and survival. Dysregulation of p70S6K1, characterized by its overexpression and/or hyperactivation, has been implicated in numerous human pathologies, particularly in several types of cancer. Therefore, generating active, recombinant p70S6K1 is critical for investigating its role in cancer biology and for developing novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.

Methods

The baculovirus dual expression system was utilized, enabling the co-expression of two recombinant proteins in infected cells: (a) His-tagged S6K1 with a deletion of the C-terminal autoinhibitory motif and a phosphomimetic mutation at the mTORC1 phosphorylation site (T389D), and (b) untagged PDPK1 lacking the PH domain. The high activity of the purified kinase was confirmed by immunoblotting, as well as by Kinase-Glo and AlphaScreen kinase assays.

Results

Efficient expression of both recombinant proteins was achieved, resulting in highly pure preparations of His-tagged p70S6K1. The high activity of the purified kinase was confirmed through multiple kinase assays, demonstrating significantly higher levels of substrate phosphorylation compared to the tested commercial product.

Conclusion

Here, we report a reliable and efficient methodology for the expression and purification of highly active p70S6K1 (His-actS6K1) in quantity and quality that is suitable for biochemical/biophysical studies and high-throughput enzymatic assays. Our developed methodology offers a rapid and cost-effective approach for producing constitutively active His-actS6K1, which can be utilized in academic research and biotechnology.
Eutrophication accelerated the phylogenetic evolution of Daphnia sinensis in Lake Chaohu based on palaeogenetic records
Authors: Wang Wenping , Yang Dongqing , Cao Lei , Zhang Kun , Xu Xiaoxue , Zhang Yu , Deng Daogui
Published: January 2025

Increasing human activity and environmental changes have a complex impact on the evolutionary histories of most biomes. How environmental changes affect genetic evolution of wild populations has become a frequent research theme of biological ecology. Molecular techniques, in conjunction with palaeogenetics, facilitate understanding of the relationship between the genetic structure of wild populations and environmental change. In this study, genes encoding 16S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and Na+/K+ ATPase were used as molecular markers to reconstruct changes in the temporal population genetic structure of Daphnia sinensis based on the analysis of resting eggs from the sediment layers in Lake Chaohu. The genetic variation of the 16S rRNA, COI, ITS, and Na+/K+ ATPase genes of D. sinensis comprised 0–0.7%, 0–2.5%, 0–9.7%, and 0–15.4%, respectively, and was significantly affected by the total nitrogen and total phosphorus contents. The evolutionary molecular clock analysis predicted that sequences in different layers diverged over the time of 1.3–1.6 million years, which greatly exceeded the real age of the sediment (60 years). Phylogenetic analysis showed that genetic variation of the 16S rRNA gene occurred the earliest, and the ITS gene had the highest genetic variation. Up to 32% of the Na+/K+ ATPase gene variation was explained by differences in the total phosphorus content. Moreover, we found evidence that high phosphorus levels may have triggered the directional selection of the Na+/K+ ATPase gene loci. Our results help to understand better the microevolution of cladoceran populations in eutrophic lakes.

Graphic abstract
Insights into VTE risk in trauma patients: an observational study in an Irish trauma patient population
Authors: Bassa Bibi Ayesha , Little Elizabeth , Keefe Francis O. , Áinle Fionnuala Ní , Breslin Tomás , Passos Valeria Lima
Published: January 2025

Background

The rate of VTE in trauma patients varies significantly in the reported literature. We aimed to determine the incidence of VTE in trauma patients in a trauma-receiving hospital over a 7-year period. We sought to evaluate the timing and nature of VTE events and explore the patterns of co-occurrence between PE and DVT, while factoring in clinical care and death outcome.

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive trauma patients ≥ 18 years admitted between January 2014 and December 2020. Data were extracted from the TARN database, picture archiving and communication system, and hospital records. The primary outcome was VTE incidence. Latent class analysis was used to uncover cross combinations of clinical management and VTE outcomes, yielding subgroups of trauma patients. Subgroups were compared for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Findings

Seventy-three VTE were observed—incidence of 0.0036 cases/people-year (95% CI 0.0 to 3.69). VTE ( +) group consisted mostly of males (75%), had an advanced age, had higher injury severity scores, and had increased length of stay. Most patients (64%) developed a PE only. Most DVT (64%) were proximal. Two subgroups had a high probability of PE/low probability of DVT and two a high probability of DVT/low-to-moderate probability of PE. Subgroup comparisons showed differences in the clinical characteristics which were statistically inconclusive.

Conclusion

This is the largest study of VTE incidence in Irish trauma patients and the first to delineate VTE risk in a trauma population. These findings urge reconsideration of VTE risk in trauma patients and implementation of prevention strategies.
Unmasking sentiments: a netnographic exploration of public discourse on facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Costa Sara , Liste Lucía , Carrus Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic was marked by widespread uncertainty, and social media emerged as a dominant form of social interaction during lockdowns and physical distancing. These platforms have become powerful tools for assessing and monitoring macroscale trends in public discourse, offering valuable insights into societal dynamics during this time. This study contributes to the understanding of the evolving public sentiment in Italy during various phases of the COVID-19 crisis. Through a netnographic content analysis of a sample of one thousand Italian tweets, we discerned fluctuating trust in the government, oscillating from low to high and back. We posit that these shifts may not solely be attributed to governmental communication styles (e.g., increases or decreases in transparency and clarity) but may also be influenced by the collectively negotiated psychological states of individuals during varying phases of the crisis. These findings may shed light on the complexities of public sentiment during crises and offer important insights for policymakers and public health officials dealing with future critical events.
Incidental findings from cone-beam computed tomography in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Vogiatzi T. , Papageorgiou S. N. , Silikas N. , Walsh T.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The use of cone-beam computed tomographies (CBCT) in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry is constantly increasing. The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise and summarize evidence from clinical studies on the prevalence of incidental findings from CBCTs of children and adolescents.

Methods

Systematic literature searches without restrictions were undertaken in eight databases from inception up to March 2024 for studies reporting on incidental findings from CBCT images of children and adolescents. After duplicate study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment with a custom tool based on the Joanna Briggs institute’s tool for prevalence studies, qualitative (narrative) data synthesis was performed.

Results

Ten studies covering a total of 1818 patients (48.5% male; average age 12.3 years) were included. The prevalence of incidental findings ranged from 0.4 to 80.3%, but high heterogeneity was seen between studies (I
2 = 99%). Incidental findings were most often related to airways (63.7%), followed by bone (23.6%), teeth (19.2), spine (26.2) and temporomandibular joint (3.8%). However, several methodological issues existed with included studies (incomplete reporting of patient- or CBCT-related details, incomplete categorization and reporting on the severity of findings, small sample sizes, and research transparency issues).

Conclusion

Evidence indicates that incidental findings can be often found in the CBCTs of child and adolescent patients. However, when a CBCT image is justified for children or adolescents, it should be adequately assessed for incidental findings by either a specialist oral and maxillofacial radiologist or a dentist with appropriate training and experience.
The Wiener Index and the Wiener Complexity of the Zero-Divisor Graph of a Ring
Authors: Dolžan David
Published: January 2025

We calculate the Wiener index of the zero-divisor graph of a finite semisimple ring. We also calculate the Wiener complexity of the zero-divisor graph of a finite simple ring and find an upper bound for the Wiener complexity in the semisimple case.
Language and Place
Authors: Carmichael Katie , Reed Paul E.
Published: January 2025

Place has been central to sociolinguistic research from the beginning. How speakers conceptualize and orient to place can influence linguistic productions. Additionally, places can and do have myriad meanings – some strongly contested. Further, place is not static, as people move and the ideologies regarding certain places evolve over time. This Element probes these themes. It begins by reviewing the existing work on language and place within sociolinguistics according to key themes in the literature – place orientation, gentrification, globalization, and commodification, amongst others. Then it introduces key concepts and frameworks for studying place within allied fields such as geography, sociology, architecture, and psychology. Each author then presents a case study of language and place within their respective field sites: rural Appalachia and Greater New Orleans. The authors end by identifying areas for future development of place theory within sociolinguistics. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Finding a Balance in the Exclusive Economic Zone
Authors: Sun Zhen
Published: January 2025

Sun analyses the important and understudied subject of jurisdiction in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) over five groups of activities. It explores whether the basic premises and essential compromises of the EEZ regime established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea still hold true or whether there has been evolution in the regime in terms of accommodating the EEZ regulatory scheme to meet new needs and challenges. Significantly, the analysis of State practice indicates that coastal States have progressively asserted greater authority in defending their rights and jurisdiction in the EEZ, which have been broadly tolerated by the legal regime, and other user States. The stability of the EEZ regime is maintained by two legal doctrines that guide the attribution and exercise of the rights and freedoms of different States. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
A registered report on presentation factors that influence the attraction effect
Authors: Hasan Eeshan , Liu Yanjun , Owens Nicole , Trueblood Jennifer S.
Published: January 2025

Context effects occur when the preference between two alternatives is affected by the presence of an extra alternative. These effects are some of the most well studied phenomena in multi-alternative, multi-attribute decision making. Recent research in this area has revealed an intriguing pattern of results. On the one hand, these effects are robust and ubiquitous. That is, they have been demonstrated in many domains and different choice settings. On the other hand, they are fragile and they disappear or even reverse under different conditions. This pattern of results has spurred debate and speculation about the cognitive mechanisms that drive these choices. The attraction effect, where the preference for an option increases in the presence of a dominated decoy, has generated the most controversy. In this registered report, we systematically vary factors that are known to be associated with the attraction effect to build a solid foundation of empirical results to aid future theory development. We find a robust attraction effect across the different conditions. The strength of this effect is modulated by the display order (e.g., decoy top, target middle, competitor bottom) and mode (numeric vs. graphical) but not display layout (by-attribute vs. by-alternative).
Decoupling Visualization and Testing when Presenting Confidence Intervals
Authors: Armstrong David A. , Poirier William
Published: January 2025

Confidence intervals are ubiquitous in the presentation of social science models, data, and effects. When several intervals are plotted together, one natural inclination is to ask whether the estimates represented by those intervals are significantly different from each other. Unfortunately, there is no general rule or procedure that would allow us to answer this question from the confidence intervals alone. It is well known that using the overlaps in 95% confidence intervals to perform significance tests at the 0.05 level does not work. Recent scholarship has developed and refined a set of tools for inferential confidence intervals that permit inference on confidence intervals with the appropriate type I error rate in many different bivariate contexts. These are all based on the same underlying idea of identifying the multiple of the standard error (i.e., a new confidence level) such that the overlap in confidence intervals matches the desired type I error rate. These procedures remain stymied by multiple simultaneous comparisons. We propose an entirely new procedure for developing inferential confidence intervals that decouples the testing and visualization that can overcome many of these problems in any visual testing scenario. We provide software in R and Stata to accomplish this goal.
Cosmopolitan dramaturgies from contemporary China: Li Jing’s Daxiansheng
Authors: Stecher Anna
Published: January 2025

Since 2013, the female playwright Li Jing has presented to the public a number of dramatic works which number among the most discussed plays in Chinese theatre circles. This article sketches an approach to her first work, Daxiansheng, which is based, thematically, on the life and work of the modern Chinese writer Lu Xun. By focusing on dramaturgical aspects of this play, such as the material and perspective selected for the story; the interweaving of all kinds of texts; the fragmentation and reassembling of the characters; the design of various contrasting modes and atmospheres; as well as the method of participation of both author and audiences, this article foregrounds the aspects of cosmopolitan theatre displayed both by Li Jing’s work and by contemporary Chinese drama more broadly.
Aestheticizing Heroism for an Aesthetic Liberalism: Isaiah Berlin on Heroes and Hero Worship
Authors: Cherniss Joshua L.
Published: January 2025

Among many conundrums in Isaiah Berlin's thought are the apparent tension between a strongly “personalist” approach to ideas and appreciation for Romanticism, and his warnings against the identification of freedom with human perfection and of politics with aesthetic projects, and aversion to any form of excessive “zeal,” as potentially oppressive, callous, and cruel. Berlin the moderate, skeptical liberal coexisted with Berlin the enthusiast and hero-worshipper. This article argues that, over the course of his writing career—both in early, largely unknown writings on contemporary musicians, and in better-known work on the history of ideas and “personal impressions” of contemporaries—Berlin brought these disparate elements of his outlook together through an aesthetizing of heroism, and a close identification of the aesthetic with the ethical. It concludes by suggesting that Berlin's way of understanding heroism may have something to tell us about how commitment to liberalism and appreciation for heroism may coexist and intertwine in ways that contribute to a greater appreciation, and more compelling defense, of liberalism.
Analytical Solutions for Groundwater Response to Earth Tides in Thick Semiconfined Aquifers
Authors: Lu Xunfeng , Sato Kozo , Horne Roland N.
Published: January 2025

The tidal behavior of a well in semiconfined aquifers can be described by a diffusion equation including a leakage term. This approach is valid for thin aquifers, as long as the aquitard has low permeability relative to the aquifer. However, in cases where the aquifer is thick and the permeability of the aquitard is not low, using the existing solutions based on these approximations leads to unsatisfactory outcomes. Alternative solutions for both vertical and horizontal wells were obtained by solving the standard diffusion equation, with leakage expressed as a boundary condition. The solutions can be used to estimate any one of wellbore storage coefficient, skin effect, hydraulic diffusivity, and vertical leakage, given the other three. Furthermore, a nondimensional number, named hydraulic Biot number, was derived mathematically, which forms the basis for a quantitative criterion to assess the applicability of existing solutions. In the case of a vertical well, the existing solution exhibits acceptable error only if the hydraulic Biot number is less than 0.245. The new solution extends this upper limitation to 0.475. However, when the number is greater than 0.475, both the existing solution and new solution are invalid due to the invalid uniform flowrate assumption. For a horizontal well, when the number is less than 0.245, the existing solution is suitable with acceptable error. Our new solution effectively overcomes this limitation. Finally, the new solution was applied to the case of the Arbuckle aquifer to demonstrate the improved validity of the new solution compared to the existing one.
Modeling Non‐Stationary Wind‐Induced Fluid Motions With Physics‐Informed Neural Networks for the Shallow Water Equations in a Polar Coordinate System
Authors: Zhou Zaiyang , Kuai Yu , Ge Jianzhong , van Maren Bas , Wang Zhenwu , Huang Kailin , Ding Pingxing , Wang Zhengbing
Published: January 2025

Physics‐informed neural networks (PINNs) are increasingly being used in various scientific disciplines. However, dealing with non‐stationary physical processes remains a significant challenge in such models, whereas fluid motions are typically non‐stationary. In this study, a PINN‐based method was designed and optimized to solve non‐stationary fluid dynamics with shallow water equations in a polar coordinate system (PINN‐SWEP). It was developed and validated with a classic circular basin case that is well‐documented in scientific literature. In the validation case, the wind‐induced water surface fluctuations are less than 1 cm, posing challenges in modeling. However, our PINN‐SWEP model can accurately simulate such tiny water surface fluctuations and resolve complex fluid motions based on limited and sparse data. A boundary discontinuity problem associated with the use of a polar coordinate system is further discussed and improved, thereby enhancing the applicability of PINN in water research. The methodology can provide an alternative solution for numerical or analytical solutions with high accuracy.
Improving Streamflow Prediction Using Multiple Hydrological Models and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Solanki Hiren , Vegad Urmin , Kushwaha Anuj , Mishra Vimal
Published: January 2025

Streamflow prediction is crucial for flood monitoring and early warning, which often hampered by bias and uncertainties arising from nonlinear processes, model parameterization, and errors in meteorological forecast. We examined the utility of multiple hydrological models (VIC, H08, CWatM, Noah‐MP, and CLM) and machine learning (ML) methods to improve streamflow simulations and prediction. The hydrological models (HMs) were forced with observed meteorological data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and meteorological forecast from the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) to simulate flood peaks and flood inundation areas. We used Multiple Linear Regression, Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) for the post‐processing of simulated streamflow from HMs. Considering the influence of dams is crucial for the effectiveness of HMs and ML methods for improving streamflow simulations and predictions. In addition, ML‐based multi‐model ensemble streamflow from HMs performs better than individual models, highlighting the need for multi‐model‐based streamflow forecast systems. The post‐processing of streamflow simulated by the hydrological models using ML significantly improved overall streamflow simulations, with limited improvement in high‐flow conditions. The combination of physics‐based hydrological models, observed climate data, and ML methods improve streamflow predictions for flood magnitude, timing, and inundated area, which can be valuable for developing flood early warning systems in India.
mtSTAT3 suppresses rheumatoid arthritis by regulating Th17 and synovial fibroblast inflammatory cell death with IL-17-mediated autophagy dysfunction
Authors: Lee Seon-Yeong , Moon Jeonghyeon , Lee A Ram , Moon Young-Mee , Choi Jeong Won , Lee Chae Rim , Jeon Su Been , Sohn Hee Su , Youn Jeehee , Shin Dongyun , Park Sung-Hwan , Cho Mi-La
Published: January 2025

Th17 cells are activated by STAT3 factors in the nucleus, and these factors are correlated with the pathologic progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of STAT3 in mitochondria, but its function is unclear. We investigated the novel role of mitochondrial STAT3 (mitoSTAT3) in Th17 cells and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and analyzed the correlation of mitoSTAT3 with RA. We used a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model to determine the effect of mitochondrial STAT3. We observed changes in the RA mouse model via the use of a mitochondrial STAT3-inducing vector and inhibitor. We observed the accumulation of abnormal autophagosomes, increased inflammatory cell death signaling, and decreased mitoSTAT3 activity in FLSs from both patients with RA and patients with IL-17-treated FLSs. We first discovered that IL-17 increased the accumulation of abnormal autophagosomes and the expression of inflammatory cell death factors in synovial fibroblasts and decreased mitoSTAT3 activation. In a mouse model of CIA, arthritis and joint inflammation were decreased by injection vectors that induced mitoSTAT3 overexpression. The abnormal accumulation of autophagosomes and the expression of inflammatory cell death factors were also decreased in these mice. In mouse and human immune cells, ZnSO4, an inducer of mitochondrial STAT3, decreases the production of reactive oxygen species, the IL-17 concentration, and differentiation into Th17 cells. However, mitoSTAT3 blockade accelerated the development of arthritis, inflammatory cell death, and abnormal autophagosome/autophagolysosome formation. Therefore, this study suggests a novel inhibitory mechanism of RA using mitoSTAT3 via the regulation of autophagy, Th17 differentiation, and inflammatory cell death.
Linking altered neuronal and synaptic properties to nicotinic receptor Alpha5 subunit gene dysfunction: a translational investigation in rat mPFC and human cortical layer 6
Authors: Yang Danqing , Qi Guanxiao , Delev Daniel , Maskos Uwe , Feldmeyer Dirk
Published: January 2025

Genetic variation in the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit of mice results in behavioral deficits linked to the prefrontal cortex (PFC). rs16969968 is the primary Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in CHRNA5 strongly associated with nicotine dependence and schizophrenia in humans. We performed single cell-electrophysiology combined with morphological reconstructions on layer 6 (L6) excitatory neurons in the medial PFC (mPFC) of wild type (WT) rats, rats carrying the human coding polymorphism rs16969968 in Chrna5 and α5 knockout (KO) rats. Neuronal and synaptic properties were determined for the three rat genotypes. Compared with neurons in WT rats, L6 regular spiking (RS) neurons in the α5KO group exhibited altered electrophysiological properties, while those in α5SNP rats remained unchanged. L6 RS neurons in mPFC of α5SNP and α5KO rats differed from WT rats in dendritic morphology, spine density and spontaneous synaptic activity. Galantamine was applied to identified L6 neuron populations to specifically boost the nicotinic responses mediated by α5*nAChRs. Remarkably, it restored nicotinic modulation in neurons of α5SNP rats, while no such effect was observed in α5KO rats. Additionally, galantamine functioned as a positive allosteric modulator of α5*nAChRs in RS neurons, both in rat and human cortical L6, but did not affect burst spiking (BS) neurons. Our findings suggest that dysfunction in the α5 subunit gene leads to aberrant neuronal and synaptic properties, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of cognitive deficits observed in human populations carrying α5SNPs. They highlight a potential pharmacological target for restoring the relevant behavioral output.
Comparative transcriptomics in serial organs uncovers early and pan-organ developmental changes associated with organ-specific morphological adaptation
Authors: Sémon Marie , Mouginot Marion , Peltier Manon , Corneloup Claudine , Veber Philippe , Guéguen Laurent , Pantalacci Sophie
Published: January 2025

Mice have evolved a new dental plan with two additional cusps on the upper molar, while hamsters were retaining the ancestral plan. By comparing the dynamics of molar development with transcriptome time series, we found at least three early changes in mouse upper molar development. Together, they redirect spatio-temporal dynamics to ultimately form two additional cusps. The mouse lower molar has undergone much more limited phenotypic evolution. Nevertheless, its developmental trajectory evolved as much as that of the upper molar and co-evolved with it. Among the coevolving changes, some are clearly involved in the new upper molar phenotype. We found a similar level of coevolution in bat limbs. In conclusion, our study reveals how serial organ morphology has adapted through organ-specific developmental changes, as expected, but also through shared changes that have organ-specific effects on the final phenotype. This highlights the important role of developmental system drift in one organ to accommodate adaptation in another.
Pig nasal and rectal microbiotas are involved in the antibody response to Glaesserella parasuis
Authors: Obregon-Gutierrez Pau , Mahmmod Yasser , Barba-Vidal Emili , Sibila Marina , Correa-Fiz Florencia , Aragón Virginia
Published: January 2025

Vaccination stands as one of the most sustainable and promising strategies to control infectious diseases in animal production. Nevertheless, the causes for antibody response variation among individuals are poorly understood. The animal microbiota has been shown to be involved in the correct development and function of the host immunity, including the antibody response. Here, we studied the nasal and rectal microbiota composition in association with the antibody response against the pathobiont Glaesserella parasuis. The nasal and rectal microbiotas of 24 piglets were sampled in two farms before vaccination and in one unvaccinated farm (naturally exposed to the pathobiont) at similar time. Microbiota composition was inferred by V3V4 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and the antibody response was quantified using the variation between the levels before and after vaccination (normalized per farm). Piglets with higher antibody responses showed more diverse nasal and rectal microbial communities compared to piglets with lower responses. Moreover, swine nasal core microbiota colonizers were associated with higher antibody levels, such as several members from Bacteroidales and Clostridiales orders and genera including Moraxella, Staphylococcus, Fusobacterium and Neisseria. Regarding taxa found in the rectal microbiota, associations with antibody responses were detected only at order level, pointing towards a positive role for Clostridiales while negative for Enterobacteriales. Altogether, these results suggest that the microbiota is associated with the antibody response to G. parasuis (and probably to other pathogens) and serves as starting point to understand the factors that contribute to immunization in pigs.
A scoping review of robustness concepts for machine learning in healthcare
Authors: Balendran Alan , Beji Céline , Bouvier Florie , Khalifa Ottavio , Evgeniou Theodoros , Ravaud Philippe , Porcher Raphaël
Published: January 2025

While machine learning (ML)-based solutions—often referred to as artificial intelligence (AI) solutions—have demonstrated comparable or superior performance to human experts across various healthcare applications, their vulnerability to perturbations and stability to variations due to new environments—essentially, their robustness—remains ambiguous and often overlooked. In this review, we aimed to identify the types of robustness addressed in the literature for ML models in healthcare. A total of 274 eligible records were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and additional sources. Eight general concepts of robustness emerged. Furthermore, an analysis of those concepts across types of data and types of predictive models revealed that the concepts were differently addressed. Our findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to understand and navigate the robustness of machine learning models during their development, validation, and deployment in healthcare settings, where interpretation of robustness may vary.
Ultrasensitive LC-MS/MS quantitation of the N-nitroso-dabigatran etexilate impurity in dabigatran etexilate mesylate using an electrospray ionization technique
Authors: Yadav Anant D. , Alaspure Ashish C. , Lodha Sandesh R. , Prajapat Amrutlal L. , Gore Anil H.
Published: January 2025

A validated and highly sensitive method for quantifying N-nitroso-dabigatran etexilate in dabigatran etexilate mesylate using LC-MS/MS.
Vitrimeric electrolytes – overview and perspectives
Authors: Katcharava Zviadi , Marinow Anja , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: January 2025

Vitrimers, materials with unique physical and chemical properties, offer a promising solution to address the limitations of lithium-ion batteries, enabling advancements in performance, safety, and sustainability.
Rare-earth oxide promoted Pd electrocatalyst for formic acid oxidation
Authors: Xiao Lusheng , Jia Danqi , Chen Chen , Liu Tingting , Zhang Xiaofeng , Huang Qiufeng , Ubaidullah Mohd , Sun Yuzhi , Huang Shengyun , Pu Zonghua
Published: January 2025

The synergistic interaction between rare-earth oxide compounds and Pd nanoparticles significantly enhances the performance of Pd towards formic acid oxidation.
Reversible phase transition and tunable band gap in zinc telluride induced by acoustic shock exposure
Authors: Sekar Oviya , Irine Maria Bincy F. , Suresh Kumar Raju , Perumal Kannappan , Kim Ikhyun , Martin Britto Dhas S. A.
Published: January 2025

Shock-phase profile of ZnTe with respect to the number of shock pulses.
Anodic electrochemical C–C bond cleavage co-catalyzed by ionic liquids and FeNi@C for lignin upgrading
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Zhai Yuqing , Ji Xiaoyan , Wang Hao , Liu Yanrong
Published: January 2025

Electrochemical oxidation of lignin model compounds and lignin using innovative FeNi@C catalysts and ionic liquids significantly enhances the sustainable and selective synthesis of veratraldehyde (VAld) under mild conditions.
High-k organic–inorganic hybrid dielectric material for flexible thin-film transistors and printed logic circuits
Authors: Wang Rixuan , Nhung Le Hong , Jung Cheolmin , Kwon Hyeok-jin , Li Zhijun , Kim Hyungdo , Zhang Zhi Hong , Kim Juyoung , Kim Se Hyun , Tang Xiaowu
Published: January 2025

A new photopolymerizable organic–inorganic (O–I) hybrid sol–gel material, AUP@SiOx-184, has been synthesized and utilized as a gate dielectric in flexible organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs).
Boosting Cu ion capture in high-salinity environments with amino-functionalized millispheres
Authors: Hu Jiaming , Hong Jianheng , Yu Weiting , Wei Xiuzhen , Pan Meilan
Published: January 2025

This study demonstrates the development of amino-functionalized chloromethylated polystyrene (EDA@CMPS) millispheres that exhibit enhanced Cu ion adsorption in saline environments through salt-promoted protonation of amino groups.
Bioderived copolymer alternatives to poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) via RAFT-mediated copolymerization
Authors: Ball Lauren Elaine , Smith Michael-Phillip , Klumperman Bert
Published: January 2025

Poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (SMAnh) is a petroleum-based copolymer that finds utility in both industrial and academic fields. Well-defined bioderived alternatives to SMAnh were synthesized via RAFT-mediated copolymerization.
Magnetic-field enhanced interfacial electron redistribution to promote magnetoelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Chong , Yu Lianqing , Chen Nannan , Tian Gege , Zhu Haifeng
Published: January 2025

The external magnetic field combines the integrating intrinsic driving forces and non-contact field stimulation to further improve the HER performance.
Expression of concern: Visible light driven photocatalytic oxidation of thiols to disulfides using iron phthalocyanine immobilized on graphene oxide as a catalyst under alkali free conditions
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Singh Garima , Tripathi Deependra , Jain Suman L.
Published: January 2025

Expression of concern for ‘Visible light driven photocatalytic oxidation of thiols to disulfides using iron phthalocyanine immobilized on graphene oxide as a catalyst under alkali free conditions’ by Pawan Kumar et al., RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 50331–50337, https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA10128F.
Thermocatalytic synthesis of 2-butanol from biomass-derived levulinic acid using carbon-doped titania-supported ruthenium
Authors: Azzahra Atina Sabila , Rodiansono  , Nata Iryanti Fatyasari , Sembiring Kiky Corneliasari , Adilina Indri Badria , Afandi Ahmad
Published: January 2025

A one-pot synthesis of the (op)Ru@C–TiO2 catalyst for the thermocatalytic conversion of levulinic acid at 200 °C and at an H2 pressure of 30 bar for 3 h afforded a high yield of 2-butanol (up to 87% yield).
Highly hydrophobic MXene/PS@polypropylene fabric for human posture recognition assisted by machine learning
Authors: Zhang Daihui , Yang Chunqing , Wang Jun , Liu Yukun , Shao Jiahui , Zhang Dongzhi
Published: January 2025

MXene/PS@polypropylene fabric pressure sensors can detect yoga movements, and combined with deep belief networks, the accuracy of recognizing different movements exceeds 91%.
Correction: Photocatalytic membranes based on Cu–NH2-MIL-125(Ti) protected by poly(vinylidene fluoride) for high and stable hydrogen production
Authors: Gontarek-Castro Emilia , Pancielejko Anna , Baluk Mateusz Adam , Kroczewska-Gnatowska Malwina , Gnatowski Przemysław , Matus Krzysztof , Łuczak Justyna , Zaleska-Medynska Adriana
Published: January 2025

Correction for ‘Photocatalytic membranes based on Cu–NH2-MIL-125(Ti) protected by poly(vinylidene fluoride) for high and stable hydrogen production' by Emilia Gontarek-Castro et al., Mater. Horiz., 2025, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4mh01397b.
Correction: Accelerating the electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cells using a Ce(Gd, Bi, Yb)O2−δ diffusion barrier layer acting as an oxygen reservoir at high-current loading conditions
Authors: Kim Hye Young , Lee Sang Won , Lee Seok Hee , Lee Younki , Yu Ji Haeng , Shin Tae Ho
Published: January 2025

Correction for ‘Accelerating the electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cells using a Ce(Gd, Bi, Yb)O2−δ diffusion barrier layer acting as an oxygen reservoir at high-current loading conditions’ by Hye Young Kim et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ta06374k.
Entanglement engineering of optomechanical systems by reinforcement learning
Authors: Ye Li-Li , Arenz Christian , Lukens Joseph M. , Lai Ying-Cheng
Published: January 2025

Entanglement is fundamental to quantum information science and technology, yet controlling and manipulating entanglement—so-called entanglement engineering—for arbitrary quantum systems remains a formidable challenge. There are two difficulties: the fragility of quantum entanglement and its experimental characterization. We develop a model-free deep reinforcement-learning (RL) approach to entanglement engineering, in which feedback control together with weak continuous measurement and partial state observation is exploited to generate and maintain desired entanglement. We employ quantum optomechanical systems with linear or nonlinear photon–phonon interactions to demonstrate the workings of our machine-learning-based entanglement engineering protocol. In particular, the RL agent sequentially interacts with one or multiple parallel quantum optomechanical environments, collects trajectories, and updates the policy to maximize the accumulated reward to create and stabilize quantum entanglement over an arbitrary amount of time. The machine-learning-based model-free control principle is applicable to the entanglement engineering of experimental quantum systems in general.
Polarization bistability of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers under Larmor precession of electron spins
Authors: Yokota Nobuhide , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Iba Satoshi , Katayama Takeo , Yasaka Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Polarization bistability of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) is the situation in which two orthogonal linear polarization states can selectively and stably exist for a single operation condition (e.g., injected current and temperature) and provide switching between the two orthogonal linear polarizations and complex polarization dynamics. This is attractive for photonic computing in the sense that the complexity of a nonlinear node can be enhanced. However, polarization bistability is considered inherent to the material properties and cavity structure of VCSELs, which makes it difficult to optimize the complex dynamics to achieve the best computational performance. We show that the polarization bistability of VCSELs can be controlled by manipulating electron spins in the active region. We achieve such manipulation by using the transverse external magnetic field, i.e., Larmor precession of electron spins. We reveal that the control of the Larmor-precession frequency induces a polarization switching and its hysteresis behavior of VCSELs without changing current, heat, and external light, demonstrating that the manipulation of electron spins can control polarization bistability of VCSELs. This finding is a novel phenomenon in spin-controlled VCSELs, which will contribute to the development of interdisciplinary research fields in computing between photonics and spintronics.
A multi-molecular beam/infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy apparatus for probing mechanisms and kinetics of heterogeneously catalyzed reaction from ultrahigh vacuum to near-ambient pressure conditions
Authors: Schröder Carsten , Haugg Philipp A. , Görgens Timo , Romaker Sergej , Gross Henrik , Schauermann Swetlana
Published: January 2025

A novel multi-molecular beam/infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) apparatus is described, which was constructed for studying mechanisms and kinetics of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions following a rigorous surface science approach in the pressure range from ultrahigh vacuum (UHV, 1 × 10−10 mbar) to near-ambient pressure (NAP, 1000 mbar) conditions. The apparatus comprises a preparation chamber equipped with standard surface science tools required for the preparation and characterization of model heterogeneous catalysts and two reaction chambers operating at different pressure ranges: in UHV and in the variable pressure range up to NAP conditions. The UHV reaction chamber contains two effusive molecular beams (flux up to 1.1 × 1015 molecules cm−2 s−1), a quadrupole mass spectrometer, a Fourier-Transform (FT) IRA spectrometer, and a molecular beam monitor for beam aligning. This combination of the methods allows us to independently dose different reactants on the surface in a highly controlled way while simultaneously monitoring the evolution of gaseous products by QMS and recording the evolution of the surface species by FT-IRAS. The second reaction chamber operating in the variable pressure range is equipped with polarization-modulation-IRAS and three gas dosers and is designed as a small reactor, which can be operated in a continuous flow mode. The sample prepared under well-controlled UHV conditions can be in situ transferred between all chambers, thus allowing for investigations of structure–reactivity relationships over model surfaces. In this contribution, we provide a detailed description of the apparatus and the test measurements of the different crucial parts of the apparatus in the variable pressure range.
Obtaining the equation of state for multiphase iron under Earth's core conditions using Bayesian statistics
Authors: Wu Run , Xiang Shikai , Sun Yi , Xian Yunting , Luo Yin , Dai Feifan
Published: January 2025

Iron is the primary constituent element of Earth's core, and its equation of state plays a pivotal role in understanding the thermodynamic properties of the core. However, uncertainties in experimental data have significant effects on the parameters within the iron equation of state. Using Bayesian statistical analysis coupled with Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation methods, we quantified the uncertainties in the equation of state parameters. During the simulation process, we proposed a simple yet efficient computational method for determining the probability of phase boundary data. The equation of state we obtained accurately reproduces various experimental data, including phase boundary experiments, static pressure data under different conditions, shock wave data, and sound velocity data at different states. With 100 posterior parameter samples, we predict that the density deficit of Earth's outer core falls within a range of approximately 9.5%–10.7%.
Phenomenological construction of metal photonic topological insulators based on theory of characteristic modes
Authors: Dai Lili , Meng Jie , Li Weiwen
Published: January 2025

Dielectric photonic crystals are usually used to construct electromagnetic topological insulators, while metal photonic crystals are easier to be manufactured and compatible with microwave circuits. Characteristic mode analysis (CMA) can provide the mode eigenvalue curves of conductor structures, while energy band theory determines the dispersion features of periodic structures. The mode crossing avoidance in the theory of characteristic modes corresponds to the mode reversal at degeneracy points. Thus, in this paper, it is believed that, if the crossing avoidance modes of metal photonic crystal cells are annular, the metal photonic crystal should have the performance of photonic topological phase transitions (TPTs) in this band. Based on CMA, a spoof surface plasmon periodic structure is constructed to achieve electromagnetic TPTs with the photonic valley Hall effect. The CMA of metal photonic topological insulators essentially provides a novel phenomenological explanation for electromagnetic TPTs. We can intuitively construct topological protected edge states based on this phenomenological method.
Study on the mechanical properties and microstructure of PVA fiber-reinforced waste glass powder concrete
Authors: Zhao Yi , Chen Siwen , Yu Shuisheng , Wu Shuai , Bao Yijie
Published: January 2025

The recycling of waste glass as an auxiliary cementitious material in concrete is a sustainable solution. However, it introduces a challenge in terms of the toughness of the resultant concrete. To address this, the present study investigated the enhancement of toughness in waste glass powder concrete through the incorporation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. The research assesses the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of concrete samples containing waste glass powder and PVA fibers that were cured for 7 and 28 days, respectively. In addition, the microstructural characteristics and interfacial transition zones of the concrete were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. These findings indicate that the integration of PVA fibers effectively mitigates the strength reduction in waste glass powder concrete. The optimal fiber concentration was identified as 1%, transitioning the failure mode of the concrete from brittle to ductile. The presence of PVA fibers does not alter the element type at the aggregate–cement matrix interface but influences the element content. The –C–OH groups in PVA fibers form hydrogen bonds with –OH groups in cement hydration products, aided by the non-circular cross section and molecular structure of the fibers, enhancing adhesion at the cement matrix interface. An appropriate amount of PVA fibers increases the Ca/Si ratio in waste glass powder concrete, reducing C–S–H production at the interfacial bond and thereby improving the internal structure of the concrete. However, excessive PVA fiber content diminishes these benefits.