bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenylbutyric Acid Modulates Apoptosis and ER Stress‐Related Gene Expression in Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ib In Vitro Model
Authors: Parezanovic Marina , Stevanovic Nina , Andjelkovic Marina , Ugrin Milena , Pavlovic Sonja , Stojiljkovic Maja , Skakic Anita
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and increased apoptosis are involved in the pathogenesis of glycogen storage disease Ib (GSD Ib), whereas small molecule phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA) showed the capability of reducing ER stress‐induced apoptosis. The objective was to generate an in vitro system in which capability of small molecules (SMs) to influence ER stress and apoptosis could be screened at the expression level.

Methods

G6PT‐deficient FlpInHEK293 cell line was created and validated using the CRISPR/Cas9 knockout method. Molecular markers of unfolded protein response (ATF4, DDIT3, HSPA5, XBP1s), and apoptosis (BCL2/BAX, CASP3, CASP7) in G6PT‐deficient cells were analyzed using RT‐qPCR method before and upon the treatment with 4‐PBA.

Results

Treatment with the most effective dose of 1 mM 4‐PBA reduced the expression of UPR markers and executioner caspases, while increased BCL2/BAX ratio in G6PT‐deficient cells. Our results proved the concept that 4‐PBA could alleviate markers of ER stress detected in the GSD Ib in vitro model system and prevent cell death.

Conclusion

This cost‐effective in vitro model screens the therapeutic potential of SMs affecting ER stress and apoptosis in G6PT‐deficient kidney cells, offering a first‐line screening assay for promising compounds. 4‐PBA's potential repurposing for GSD Ib patients opens new research directions.
Enhanced Analysis of General Noncontinuous Stochastic Epidemic Model With Vaccination: A Novel Framework and Practical Application to COVID‐19 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sabbar Yassine , Adel Waleed , Elsonbaty Amr
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces an enhanced analysis of a stochastic epidemic model that integrates vaccination and discontinuities. Our methodology initiates with formulating a perturbed model incorporating dual general incidence functions and a thorough distribution for jump components. After confirming the well‐posed nature of this model, we proceed to establish a global threshold criterion that discerns between the persistence and eradication of the infection. The accuracy of this threshold is scrutinized through numerical simulations utilizing real data related to COVID‐19 in Saudi Arabia. A distinctive feature of our approach is its departure from previous studies, as we provide a comprehensive framework and pinpoint optimal conditions for the model.
Do We Have Sufficient Evidence to Derive Innovative Approaches to Assessing Unmet Need, Delivering Education on Bladder and Bowel Continence Health, and Providing a Better Environment for Joint Decision‐Making? ICI‐RS 2024
Authors: Cotterill Nikki , Samarinas Michael , Rantell Angie , Selai Caroline , Arlandis Salvador , Jones Kathryn , Abrams Paul , Robinson D. , Wagg Adrian
Published: January 2025

Context

Improved continence outcomes are reliant on identification of unmet need, education delivery, and shared decision‐making. The evidence base on which to derive innovative approaches in these areas was unclear.

Methods

A debate held at the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society meeting, held in Bristol in June 2024, considered ways to improve research requirements to advance these areas.

Results and Conclusion

Artificial intelligence solutions and digital approaches to healthcare are emerging at pace and offer possibilities to improve these three key areas but this must be driven by person‐centered approaches. Care must be taken to avoid increasing inequality through digital exclusion and language barriers. Research questions are highlighted to derive innovation in these three key areas.
Interpenetrating Polymer Network of Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate and Chitosan as Cryogels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Mishra Tiwari Ruchi , Channey Hareet Singh , Jain Era
Published: January 2025

Tissue engineering is a vast expanding field with applications in areas such as tissue/organ transplantation, drug delivery, in vitro models, and so on. Biomaterials form an essential component in tissue engineering by acting as a template for cellular activity, therefore, novel tissue‐engineered biomaterials with innovative properties are in high demand. Hence, this work proposes an interpenetrating polymer network cryogel of chitosan and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as a tissue‐engineered biomaterial with uniform and high cell seeding throughout the cryogel matrix. The physical analysis of the cryogels demonstrated a highly macroporous structure exhibiting uniform pore size distribution and overall porosity through field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) analysis with pore sizes lying in the range of 50–200 μm and 150–400 μm in horizontal and transverse plane, respectively. The cryogels were also found to be degradable with an average percent degradation of 17.28 ± 1.47% in 4 weeks, and their mechanical properties revealed an average compressive strength of 0.05 MPa and an elastic modulus of 3 MPa. Further, biological characterization of the cryogel through direct contact test depicted an excellent biocompatibility with L929 mouse fibroblast and MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts with negligible presence of dead cells in and around the cryogel. Uniform and high cell seeding with an increasing proliferation trend of MC3T3‐E1 cells was observed on these cryogels through live‐dead staining and MTT assay at day 1, 3, and 7‐time point. Cell adherence studies via FE‐SEM analysis also depicted a similar trend with uniform MC3T3‐E1 cell distribution along with highly flattened morphology and extracellular matrix production. Therefore, based on their promising physico‐chemical and biological properties, HEMA‐Chitosan cryogels exhibit a strong potential application as tissue engineered biomaterials.
Synthesis of a Novel Derivative Containing Phosphaphenanthrene and Phenyl Propargyl Ether Groups Toward Enhanced Flame Retardance and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Luo Qinqin , Sun Yulin
Published: January 2025

To achieve effective flame retardancy and improved toughness in epoxy resin (EP) without compromising strength and modulus, a new derivative containing phosphaphenanthrene and phenyl propyl ether groups (HPMD) has been developed and used as an additive. The structure of HPMD has been fully characterized, and the properties of HPMD and modified EP have been thoroughly studied. The phenyl propyl ether group in HPMD can undergo Claisen type rearrangement to form benzopyran during heat treatment and subsequently polymerize by curing via the CC bond in the benzopyran. The unique rigid and flexible structures of HPMD allow it to disperse in the EP matrix through melting. Dynamic mechanical analysis suggests that HPMD has a high degree of interpenetration in the EP matrix, resulting in a single‐phase structure for the epoxy resins containing HPMD. Notably, incorporating only 4 wt% HPMD content into the polymer matrix yields a flame‐retarded, toughened, and strengthened EP. EP containing 4 wt% HPMD (EP4; phosphorus content of only 0.33%) displays a limiting oxygen index value of 31.1% and exhibits a UL94 V‐0 rating. Compared with that of EP, the combustion of EP4 exhibits a decrease in the peak of heat release rate, maximum average heat rate emission, average heat release rate, and total heat release, along with an increase in the char yield, further indicating that HPMD effectively retards the combustion of EP. Moreover, EP4 displays improvements in tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength of 18.4%, 9.7%, 14.9%, 19.1%, and 26.7%, respectively, compared with unmodified EP. Analysis of HPMD's flame‐retardant action suggests that it exhibits flame‐retardant activity simultaneously in the gas and condensed phases. Significant progress has been demonstrated toward the development of a meltable epoxy resin additive that combines flame‐retardant, toughening, and strengthening functions while avoiding phase separation from the epoxy resin.
Characterizing the Profile of Anhedonia in Individuals With Schizotypal Traits, Subthreshold Depression and Autistic Traits
Authors: Wang Ling‐ling , Gao Yan , Yan Chao , Hu Hui‐xin , Lui Simon S. Y. , Wang Yi , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: January 2025

Anhedonia is believed to be transdiagnostic symptom exist in various disorders including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. However, very few studies attempted to profile subclinical samples with schizophrenia, depressive, and autistic symptoms using measures of anhedonia scales. This study adopted a cluster analytical approach to examine the anhedonia profile in 46 individuals with schizotypal trait (ST), 43 subthreshold depression (SD), 27 autistic trait (AT), and 41 healthy controls. They completed a set of checklists capturing different dimensions of anhedonia including the anticipatory and consummatory interpersonal pleasure scale, the temporal experience of pleasure scale, the motivation and pleasure scale and the belief about pleasure scale. Cluster analysis was conducted on these measures among the merged sample of ST, SD, and AT. To validate the clusters, we administered measures on nonsocial reward processing, self‐reported empathy, and social functioning. A three‐cluster solution was found to be the best fit. Cluster 1 (n = 48) showed high pleasure experience, motivation, and belief about pleasure and spread evenly across three groups. Cluster 2 (n = 31) was characterized by low levels of anticipatory and consummatory pleasure specifically for the social domain, largely comprised of individuals with ST. Cluster 3 (n = 37) showed low levels of consummatory pleasure, motivation, and belief about pleasure, largely comprised of individuals with SD. The resultant clusters differed in social process and functioning. The current findings suggested distinct anhedonia subtypes within different subclinical populations. These findings may have implications for early detection and prevention for anhedonia.
The Impact of Age and Sex on the Expression and Severity of Borderline Symptoms in Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder: An Iranian Study
Authors: Mohajerin Banafsheh , Howard Richard Charles
Published: January 2025

Reports of sex and age differences in the presentation of borderline symptoms have been limited to the Western literature and have not systematically compared adolescents with emerging and older adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This study aimed to examine the impact of age and sex on the expression of borderline symptoms in adolescents, young adults, and older adults with BPD. A sample of 493 Iranian individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of BPD was segregated into 2 age groups: 134 young people aged 12–25 (mean = 17.60), and 142 adults aged 26 and older (mean = 31.69). Young people were divided into: 241 adolescents (mean = 15.59) and 100 young adults (mean = 22.45). Older groups compared with their younger counterparts showed significantly greater severity of borderline symptoms and greater difficulties with emotion regulation, but younger groups showed greater emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Sex differences generally mirrored those reported in the Western literature. Despite being limited by its cross‐sectional design, this study suggests that adolescents, young adults, and older adults differ significantly in the way their borderline symptoms are expressed. The development of gender identity in adolescents with BPD and a disturbed sense of self is a neglected but potentially fruitful area of future research.
Return to sports after pediatric traumatic brain injury: An expert panel survey
Authors: Hansen Colby , Capizzi Allison N. , Gavern Nick , Codden Rachel R. , Millar Morgan M.
Published: January 2025

Background

There are no evidence based guidelines for clinicians to follow in advising pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) on return to play (RTP).

Objective

To understand practice patterns of experts in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) in relation to how they assess severity of TBI and guide return to play (RTP) decisions with their patients who sustain complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI.

Design

Cross‐sectional web‐based survey.

Setting

Not applicable.

Participants

Thirty experts (defined by attesting to their clinical management of children with TBI and demonstrating a history of publication in the area of pediatric TBI including mild TBI) represented by physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, neurosurgery, sports medicine, and neuropsychology. Fifty‐five candidates were invited, 37 responded (67% response rate), and 30 were eligible to participate.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Ratings of agreement as to the relative importance of a variety of factors used to assess initial severity of injury as well as to measure recovery. RTP timelines were measured for different scenarios (adjusted by level of risk of activity returned to and the severity of initial injury sustained). Finally, ratings of agreement with various factors that could influence their RTP decision making as well as a free text option.

Results

Recommendations on RTP timing varied significantly based on risk of activity returned to for all levels of TBI severity (p < .05). There was large variability of RTP timeline for any given level of injury severity. There was no significant association between medical specialty and RTP recommendations. Experts also noted a variety of factors which may inform their RTP decision making, many with high agreement.

Conclusions

These results can inform clinicians who care for these patients in their own RTP decision making. The description of these RTP trends, in combination with the variability seen in both severity determination and recovery assessment, highlight the importance of further study of outcomes related to RTP and the eventual development of standardized guidelines for this patient population.
The ‘Digital Transformation for Development’ Anti‐Politics Machine: A Case Study on Global Digital Development Governance and Public‐Sector Digital Transformation in Uganda
Authors: Kalema Nai Lee
Published: January 2025

Hegemonic digital transformation for development (DX4D) initiatives, global digital development initiatives concerning the public sector, function as a contemporary ‘anti‐politics machine’. This is evidenced by the global extractive and surveillant dynamics surrounding these initiatives' core projects, such as digital public infrastructures. Despite being a global policy initiative focusing on bureaucratic reform and infrastructural development, hegemonic DX4D initiatives are usually presented as technocratic and depoliticised transformations, obscuring the value‐extractive dynamics, network paradigms, infrastructural control mechanisms emerging around them, especially concerning digital sovereignty. The DX4D anti‐politics machine refers to depoliticised and value‐extractive global digital development policy initiatives extending the bureaucratic reach of state and non‐state actors into public systems while obscuring global hegemonic actors' advancement of infrastructural ideologies and use of coercive mechanisms to supplant the strategic interests of powerful global actors over the public value. The ‘DX4D anti‐politics machine' concept examines how infrastructural ideologies are operationalised through global development and humanitarian initiatives with implications for governments, governance, and well‐being. The ‘DX4D anti‐politics machine’ is empirically examined through a qualitative case study of several large‐scale foundational DX4D projects in Uganda. The DX4D anti‐politics machine's coercive dynamics and implications for many Global South countries are examined, and its conceptual contribution is discussed.
Agglomeration Behavior and Kinetics of Polybutadiene Particles in the Polymer Agglomeration Process
Authors: Zhao Li , Lu Shulai , Chen Ming , Wang Yuchao , Ning Lei , Zhao Shicheng
Published: January 2025

The agglomeration of polybutadiene latex (PBL) is a complex process influenced by numerous factors. Up to now, the change of particle size of agglomerated PBL with time under varying conditions remains unclear, and the agglomeration kinetic model of PBL has not been proposed. In this study, the influence of the process parameters on the particle size of agglomerated PBL with time was studied, including the amount of agglomerating agent, temperature, stirring rate, and solid content of PBL. According to the particle size evolution of agglomerated PBL, the agglomeration process of PBL is divided into two stages, including the dispersion of the agglomerating agent and its adsorption and coalescence with PBL (stage I), followed by the shrinkage of agglomerated PBL particles (stage II). It was found that the process of stage I can be accelerated significantly by increasing the amount of agglomerating agent and agglomeration temperature during PBL agglomeration, thereby reducing the total agglomeration time. The mean particle size of agglomerated PBL was also reduced when the agglomeration process reached stability. With the increase of stirring rate, the time required for agglomeration of PBL and the mean particle size of agglomerated PBL decrease. The higher the solid content of pre‐agglomerate PBL, the shorter the time for PBL to complete the agglomeration, but it has no obvious effect on the mean particle size of agglomerated PBL. Based on the experimental results, on the one hand, a novel method for expressing the particle size shrinkage of agglomerated PBL was developed. This analysis was based on the change of mean particle size of agglomerated PBL with time. On the other hand, the Boltzmann equation was used to fit the agglomeration kinetics of the whole process of PBL agglomeration. The results showed that the predicted values were in good agreement with the experimental values when PBL was agglomerated under different process parameters. Knowledge obtained from this study will provide insight into the influence of process parameters on the particle size of agglomerated PBL over time, and the establishment of kinetic models can help the industrial development of PBL agglomeration technology.
Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions in Improving Relationship Functioning Among Couples Coping With Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ma Hongen , Yang Yi , Li Yingna , Cariola Laura , Gillanders David
Published: January 2025

Objective

There is an increasing amount of literature acknowledging the significance of addressing the psychosocial impact of prostate cancer (PCa) on couples' relationship functioning and well‐being. However, research on developing and evaluating psychological interventions for individuals and couples coping with PCa remains limited. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate and synthesise the effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving the relationship functioning of couples affected by PCa and to identify the moderating role of several methodological characteristics of intervention studies.

Methods

Five databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Global Health, and Cochrane Library were searched up to September 2024. Twenty‐three studies with randomised trials and a total sample size of 3333 participants were included. Random effects meta‐analyses for relationship functioning, sensitivity analysis for outliers, and publication bias analysis were conducted.

Results

The results showed that psychological interventions had a non‐significant trivial effect (g = 0.06, p = 0.328) on improving relationship functioning among couples coping with PCa. Subgroup analyses identified two potential moderators: firstly, the intervention format (conjoint vs. individual; p = 0.005), and secondly, the intervention frequency (session number < 6 vs. session number ≥ 6; p = 0.004).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that more high‐quality intervention studies are needed to improve the relationship functioning of those affected by PCa, with screening processes to select more representative samples at entry. The implications for clinical practice highlight the need to tailor interventions to the specific needs of couples coping with PCa.
Anticipatory and Compensatory Postural Adjustments in Sitting and Standing Positions During Functional Activities in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Vasani Priyal , Narayan Amitesh , Nayak Akshatha , Alsulaimani Mohammed , Alzahrani Abdul Rahman
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

Anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) and compensatory postural adjustments (CPA) have played a vital role in postural control since early childhood, which is critical to accomplishing activities in daily life. However, literature indicated dissimilarities and inconsistencies in APA and CPA analysis in sitting and standing positions in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Thus, this study analyzed the changes in postural control (APA and CPA) through the postural muscles [rectus abdominis (RA) and erector spinae (ES)] in both standing and sitting positions during functional activities (grasping a ball) in children with CP.

Methods

Children with CP [N = 21] aged 5–13 years having GMFCS levels I (n = 12) and II (n = 9) participated. Surface electromyography (EMG) was performed for postural muscles (ES and RA) to measure the APA and CPA with two types of loads (heavy and light) in both sitting and standing positions.

Results

Children with CP showed increased EMG amplitude for APA and CPA with a heavier load than light load in sitting and standing positions. The EMG amplitude of CPA in sitting and standing for both load conditions was significantly higher than that of APA.

Discussion

The findings suggest rehabilitation programs should enhance APA and CPA through targeted exercises and load management strategies. These insights have the potential to inform clinical practices, improve postural stability, and ultimately strengthen the ability of children with CP to perform daily activities with greater ease and confidence, thereby significantly impacting the quality of life.
Laser scarecrows reduce avian corn‐foraging propensity but not bout length in aviary trials
Authors: Sieving Kathryn E. , Manz Sean T. , Brown Rebecca N. , Kluever Bryan M.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Behavioral mechanisms underlying avian deterrence by lasers in sweet corn are not known, and we evaluated them in a rigorous aviary experiment. Eighteen flocks of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) foraged on sweet corn for several days in control and laser treated plots with ripe sweet corn while data were collected on where birds were distributed and how long birds foraged on corn. In 16 trials, fresh ears were presented on wooden sticks, and in two trials birds foraged on natural corn grown from seed. Birds were sexed and boldness scores were obtained. We predicted that (a) birds would avoid foraging on ears in laser plots and (b) if they did feed, lasers would reduce foraging bout duration.

RESULTS

Laser treatments reduced the probability that birds would feed on sweet corn ears, and to a striking degree in Natural Trials. We did not detect direct effects of laser exposure on foraging bout duration, but when corn foliage was low, bolder birds foraged longer in laser plots.

CONCLUSION

We provide the first quantification of bird foraging behavior in laser treated corn. The central mechanism underlying the effectiveness of laser scarecrows at reducing sweet corn damage is the prevention of settlement of depredating birds onto ripe ears. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
The Potential Role of Zika and Dengue Virus Infection in the Urogenital System Disorders: An Overview
Authors: Wang Jie , Yu Zongze , Chen Zhigui , Ye Fangdie , Sun Zhou
Published: January 2025

Arboviruses currently are regarded as a major worldwide public health concern. The clinical outcomes associated with this group of viruses may vary from asymptomatic infections to severe forms of haemorrhagic fever characterised by bleeding disorders. Similar to other systemic viral infections, arboviruses can either directly or indirectly affect different parts of the body, such as the urogenital system. The human urogenital system anatomically consists of two major subdivisions: (i) the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, which plays a significant role in osmoregulation, control of blood volume, pressure, and PH, absorption/excretion of different ions, and toxin metabolism, and (ii) the genital system, composed of the prostate, uterus, testes, ovaries, penis, and vagina, which are responsible for reproductive functions. Arboviruses can impair normal urogenital system functions by direct viral pathogen activity, systemic forms of inflammation, haemorrhagic events and related dysfunctions, and the nephrotoxic side effects of specific medications employed for treatment leading to various urogenital disorders. The present review provides an overview of the potential capacity of two main arboviruses, known as Zika and dengue viruses, to affect the urogenital system. Moreover, it addresses Zika virus as a potential therapeutic oncolytic virus for urogenital cancers.
Ultrasound Assisted Domino Strategy for the Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐4‐(indol‐3‐yl)‐4H‐chromenes under Mild Conditions
Authors: Das Priteeparna , Chatterjee Rana , Dandela Rambabu
Published: January 2025

An efficient and practical approach has been developed for the rapid synthesis of indolyl‐chromene derivatives. Ultrasound assisted three component reaction of salicylaldehyde, acetophenone and indole leads to the indolyl 4H‐chromene products in good yields. Pyrrolidine base and ethanol medium are employed to achieve desired compounds within short time and at room temperature. We have also shown the catalytic activity and usefulness of the present method by describing the TOF and TON measurement. Beside the present method includes a metal‐free process, greener solvent, broad range of substrate scope, and mild conditions.
One‐Step Synthesis of CdS/S‐Doped G‐C3N4 Composite Catalyst with Promoted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production Ability
Authors: Yang Wenke , Ji Chunyu , Wang Yanjuan , Zhang Jian , Hu Shaozheng
Published: January 2025

H2O2 is recognized as one of the most significant chemicals, with the extensive applications across various fields. This study presents the in situ synthesis of CdS/S‐doped g‐C3N4 composite photocatalysts (CdS/CNS) via a simple one‐step thermal polymerization method by using thiourea and cadmium nitrate as precursors. The synthesized materials were characterized by using XRD, N2 adsorption, UV–vis, XPS, TEM, ESR, EIS, and PL analysis. Experimental results have indicated that the H2O2 production rate on CdS/CNS composite photocatalyst was 4.2 times higher than that of single CNS under visible light illumination, as well as the commendable catalytic stability. The formed photocatalytic system effectively reduced the recombination rate of photo‐generated electron‐hole pairs, promoted the response range of visible light, and enhanced the specific surface area of the catalyst. A preliminary discussion on potential reaction mechanisms was also provided.
Bioinspired 1D Anisotropic Double‐Spiral Metal Wires for Efficient Fog Harvesting
Authors: Fu Shuangmin , Zhao Jing , Zhou Yongshen , Pei Ke , Guo Zhiguang
Published: January 2025

Innovative design strategies of fog harvesting devices (FHDs) demonstrate promising remedy for water crisis in arid areas. 1D FHDs ensure unimpeded wind circulation and can be manufactured more cost‐effectively for extensive regions. Inspired by cactus thorns, desert beetles, and spider silk, two metal organic frameworks (MOFs) functionalized Cu wires with opposite wettability are double‐twisted by a mechanical twisting machine, forming 1D double‐spiral Cu wires with alternating superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic dual‐MOF patterns. The biomimic integration design, namely conical microneedle, stripe‐patterned contrasting wettability, and double‐spiral geometry, allows for efficient fog water collection due to a collaborative process. Based on such multi‐cooperation theory, the optimal fog collection efficiency of dual‐MOF functionalized double‐spiral Cu wires can reach 0.293 ± 0.013 g cm−2 min−1 by investigating the effect of the composition, the diameter ratio and twisting wavelength λ of the two constituent wires. The double‐spiral metal wires with discrepant wettability not only propose a facile and cost‐effective method for fog harvesting, but also share new physical insight to inspire novel design concepts for efficient fog collection devices, benefitting the fight against the global water crisis.
Optimizing the Coordination Energy of Co‐Nx Sites by Co Nanoparticles Integrated with Fe‐NCNTs for Boosting PEMFC and Zn‐Air Battery Performance
Authors: Zheng Jie , Lai Chunxu , Chen Wenxuan , Liu Chao , Yuan Tenghui , Lv Jieying , Zhao Bote , Dang Dai , Long Guifa , Wang Tiejun , Han Xiaopeng
Published: January 2025

Enhancing the catalytic performance and durability of M‐N─C catalyst is crucial for the efficient operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and Zn‐Air batteries (ZABs). Herein, an approach is developed for the in situ fabrication of a MOFs‐derived porous carbon material, co‐loaded with Co nanoparticles (NPs) and Co‐Nx sites and integrated onto Fe‐doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs), named CoNP/SA‐NC/Fe‐NCNTs. Incorporating polymer‐wrapped CNTs improves MOFs dispersion annealing at high temperature, which amplifies the three‐phase boundary (TPB) by generating much more mesopores and exposing additional active sites within the catalysts layer. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the presence of Co NPs promotes the conversion of oxygen‐containing intermediates for Co‐Nx sites. The optimized catalysts display a half‐wave potential of 0.9 V (vs RHE) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and a low overpotential of 327 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media, which significantly outperforms the counterpart single structure, as well as noble‐metal‐based catalysts. Specifically, the PEMFCs and ZABs derived from CoNP/SA‐NC/Fe‐NCNTs catalyst exhibit power densities of 702 and 192 mW cm−2, respectively. This work offers novel insights into the synthesis of the composited bifunctional carbon materials for ZABs and PEMFCs application.
Sacrificial Layer for Sintering Enhancements of Ceramic, Semiconductor, and Metal Films: A Universal Strategy
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Zhu Jianqin , Tao Zhi , Qiu Lu
Published: January 2025

The manufacturing of thin films through selective laser sintering of micro/nanoparticles is an emerging technology that has been developing rapidly over the last two decades owing to its digitization, efficiency, and good adaptability to various materials. However, high‐quality laser sintering of different materials remains a challenge: ceramic particles are difficult to be sintered due to low absorbance; metallic particles are prone to oxidation; semiconductor particles are difficult to process for performance enhancement due to high stress. In this work, a new approach is proposed that employs an additional Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) sacrificial layer to assist laser sintering of different functional materials, which detaches after sintering without contaminating the target material. As a laser absorber, the ITO layer can raise the sintering temperature up to 2950 K, resulting in well coarsening of ceramic grains. As an oxygen barrier, the ITO layer maintains the oxidation level of the metal die below 25%. As a temperature homogenizer, the ITO layer delays the cracking and improves the performance of the semiconductor material, which in turn increases its Seebeck factor to 1.4‐fold. Therefore, the ITO sacrificial layer is a material‐friendly, purity‐neutral laser sintering strategy, which supports laser sintering of multi‐materials and high‐performance thin‐film devices.
Concrete strengthening with external prestressed metal straps: A critical review
Authors: Ler Kee‐Hong , Ma Chau‐Khun , Chin Chee‐Loong , Goh Yong‐Zheng
Published: January 2025

External confinement can be used to strengthen, repair, and rehabilitate concrete buildings by providing stress laterally. Among various confining techniques, prestressed metal strap (PTMS) stands out as a cost‐effective and eco‐friendly active confining material. Numerous experimental and numerical analyses have been carried out to understand the capabilities of PTMS confinements. To systematically report the current research state of PTMS‐confined concrete, this review collected and analyzed the data obtained from previous research. This paper outlines the effects of PTMS on the strength and ductility of different types of structure elements, as well as the parameters that influence its effectiveness. The durability and seismic resistance of PTMS‐confined concrete are reviewed. This paper also examines the confinement models commonly used or proposed for PTMS‐confined specimens, hybrid techniques applied along with PTMS, and finite element analyses of PTMS‐confined structures. The findings have reached a consensus that PTMS is effective in improving or restoring the strength, ductility, and seismic performance of both intact and damaged concrete structures. More experimental and analytical works, such as durability testing, have to be conducted, and finally, problems of insufficient flexural stiffness improvement and limited effectiveness on prismatic specimens should be addressed to ensure the reliability of PTMS confinements. Additionally, service life estimation and life cycle cost analysis are recommended to assess the practicality of PTMS in real‐world construction.
Overlooked and misunderstood: A morpho‐molecular revision of Ditrichaceae s.str. (Dicranidae, Bryophyta), with a focus on the Holarctic species of Ditrichum
Authors: Fedosov Vladimir , Fedorova Alina , Ignatova Elena , Brinda John C. , Kučera Jan
Published: January 2025

We revised the Holarctic taxa of Ditrichaceae on the basis of both organellar DNA sequence data and morphological traits. After the removal of phylogenetically discordant elements related to Flexitrichum and Rhamphidium, the remaining representatives of the family cluster into three well‐supported lineages, which are recognized here as the reinstated family Ceratodontaceae and a more restricted Ditrichaceae with two subfamilies. Rhamphidium is segregated into a newly described family, Rhamphidiaceae; Aongstroemia gayana, Dicranella vaginata and Symblepharis krausei are combined under Rhamphidium, and the genus Strombulidens is tentatively moved to Rhamphidiaceae. Ceratodontaceae includes the genera Ceratodon, Cheilothela, Trichodon, and a newly described Pseudaongstroemia, which includes a single species, known earlier as Aongstroemia fuji‐alpina. The genus Trichodon is paraphyletically defined to include T. cylindricus, T. oblongus reinstated at specific rank, and a molecularly distinct lineage, which we were unable to distinguish morphologically from T. cylindricus. The monoicous genera of Ditrichaceae and the autoicous taxa of Ditrichum as previously understood are merged into a single genus, Pleuridium, which is segregated to Ditrichaceae subfam. Pleuridioideae stat. nov. A single genus is also accepted within Ditrichaceae subfam. Ditrichoideae, following the transfer of both Aongstroemia julacea s.str. and A. orientalis to Ditrichum. Ditrichum septentrionale is newly described based on material mostly from North Asia. Two ecologically specialized, putatively only locally distributed taxa are synonymized with more widespread taxa. Ditrichum plumbicola is placed into synonymy with D. lineare and similarly D. cornubicum is tentatively synonymized with D. macrorhynchum. The morphological delimitations of D. lineare, D. pusillum and D. macrorhynchum are clarified and emended.
Developing Virtual Classroom Tours With Preservice Teachers: Integrating a Translanguaging Stance and Design
Authors: Seltzer Kate
Published: January 2025

This article describes a project for a university course on teaching language and literacy through a translanguaging lens. Through this project, preservice teachers (PSTs) were invited to design a “Virtual Classroom Tour” for a new multilingual learner (ML). The resulting multilingual, multimodal classroom tours became reflections of PSTs' emerging translanguaging stances and enabled them make important connections between their beliefs and their future pedagogical decisions and practices.
Intellectual Property and Islamic Finance: Opportunities and Challenges for a New Islamic Intellectual Property Finance Framework
Authors: Naim Nadia , Kasri Noor Suhaida
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the intersection of Intellectual Property (IP) and Islamic finance, proposing a policy framework to integrate IP valuation into Sharia‐compliant financing. Focusing on the UK, it also extends to global markets, including ASEAN, GCC, and MENA regions. The paper identifies gaps in current practices, particularly in incorporating IP assets into Islamic financial products, highlighting untapped market potential. It emphasizes the need for regulatory compliance, Sharia board approvals, and robust audit mechanisms to ensure ethical integration. Key recommendations include developing a comprehensive IP framework, fostering international collaboration, and capacity building through education. The framework aims to align economic growth with ethical financing, enhancing transparency and the robustness of Islamic IP financing globally.
Engineering of hierarchical nano‐convex polymer lattice SERS platforms by template replica‐assisted nanoimprinting
Authors: Dar Gohar Ijaz , Xifre‐Perez Elisabet , Santos Abel , Marsal Lluis F.
Published: January 2025

The precise fabrication of arrays of gold and silver nanodots (Au&Ag_NDs) to create plasmonic lattices on different substrates through cost‐effective, scalable approaches remains challenging. The aim of this research is to engineer a new class of hierarchical plasmonic lattices based on Au&Ag_NDs generated on polymer substrates via template replica‐assisted nanoimprinting. This method harnesses a combination of nanopatterning via anodization, magnetron sputtering, and annealing to generate Au&Ag_NDs hierarchical plasmonic lattices with tunable features at the nanoscale. These plasmonic lattices are explored as ultrasensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platforms for the detection of a model organic (rhodamine B [RhB]). These reproducible model platforms achieve remarkable enhancement to detect RhB molecules, with a low limit of detection of 10−8 M. The enhancement field factor of 107 indicates that the developed plasmonic lattices are adequate for efficient and highly sensitive SERS detection.
Diversity of Parasitic Fauna in Semi‐Scavenging Indigenous Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Bangladesh
Authors: Kausar‐A‐Noor  , Hasan Md. Mehadi , Anisuzzaman  , Alam Mohammad Zahangir , Khatun Mst. Sawda , Dey Anita Rani
Published: January 2025

Background

Parasites are a major concern for profitable poultry production worldwide as they impede the health, welfare and production performance of poultry.

Objectives

The present study was designed to detect the diversity of parasitic fauna and associated factors of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths and lice in indigenous chickens.

Methods

A total of 310 indigenous chickens were collected from different villages at Gauripur and Mymensingh Sadar, Mymensingh, and Bangladesh, and various parasites were identified.

Results

Out of 310 indigenous semi‐scavenging chickens, 281 were infected with one or more species of helminths with an overall prevalence of 90.6%. The identified species of helminths were Ascaridia galli (60.6%), Heterakis gallinarum (29.0%) and Cheilospirura hamulosa (14.2%), Catatropis verrucosa (7.7%), Echinostoma revolutum (7.4%), Raillietina spp. (76.5%) and Hymenolepis spp. (5.8%). The prevalence of lice infestations was 74.2%, and identified species were Menopon gallinae (72.6%), Goniodes gigas (11.6%) and Lipeurus caponis (10.3%). Co‐infections with helminths were 65.8% and with lice were 19.4% in chickens. Univariate analysis was performed to measure the association between predictor variables and parasitic infections by considering several biotic and abiotic variables, including age, sex, flock size, farming nature, use of anthelmintic/insecticides and socio‐economic status of owners. No significant (p < 0.05) variation was found in helminth infections but large flock size (87.0%) and mixed farming nature (81.2%) were significantly associated with lice infestations in chickens.

Conclusions

Awareness related to the management system of chickens rearing need to be increased for formulating control strategy against parasitic infections in indigenous chickens in Bangladesh.
Durchführungsrealität der Komplexmethode zur Todeszeiteingrenzung an deutschen rechtsmedizinischen Instituten
Authors: Anders-Lohner Sven , Khostwal Neda , Ondruschka Benjamin , Schröder Ann Sophie
Published: January 2025

Hintergrund

Die Komplexmethode gilt als Goldstandard für die Eingrenzung des Todeszeitintervalls. Hinsichtlich der Durchführungsrealität bezüglich der Nutzung der Teilmethoden liegen keine Daten vor. Ziel der Arbeit ist es, die Nutzung der Teilmethoden in der Praxis darzustellen.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgte eine fragebogenbasierte Erhebung unter den deutschen rechtsmedizinischen Instituten (n = 32).

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Der Fragebogenrücklauf betrug 87,5 %. Während die temperaturbasierten Teilmethoden und die Beurteilung früh postmortaler Phänomene regelhaft durchgeführt werden, zeigt sich ein sehr heterogenes Bild für die Nutzung supravitaler Reaktionen für die Todeszeiteingrenzung. Somit bleibt die Durchführungsrealität hinter der Lehr- und Handbuchrealität sowie der Leitlinie der DGRM (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rechtsmedizin) zurück. Eine Konsensbildung und Harmonisierung wären wünschenswert, um eine Vergleichbarkeit der Ergebnisse in der Praxis zu gewährleisten.
Energy circulation associated with interannual waves in the tropical-subtropical Pacific
Authors: Wu Borui , Aiki Hidenori , Toyoda Takahiro , Ogata Tomomichi , Nagura Motoki
Published: January 2025

The present study has investigated interannual variations in the tropical-subtropical Pacific Ocean by applying Helmholtz decomposition to wave energy fluxes to indicate the direction of group velocity. The main source of energy is located in the central equatorial Pacific Ocean, while the anticyclonic and cyclonic circulation of wave energy appears in the western and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, respectively. In the western basin, the anticyclonic circulation of wave energy is overridden at low and mid-latitude regions by the westward transfer of wave energy associated with the energy flux potential. Regional averages of the energy flux streamfunction and energy-flux potential associated with El Niño and La Niña events are similar to each other and show a quadratic dependence on the observed Niño-3 index. For example, the regional average of the energy-flux potential associated with the wind input in the central Pacific Ocean may be regressed as 0.72 ∆T
2 + 0.31 (in giga watts), where ∆T is the sea surface temperature anomaly (in degrees Celsius) associated with the Niño-3 index. The symmetry between El Niño and La Niña events is owing to the fact that the wave energy quantities do not differentiate between upwelling and downwelling (Kelvin) waves.
First year of in-house forensic neuropathology consultations in Helsinki, Finland
Authors: Oura Petteri , Mäkinen Hilla , Ruotsalainen Roosa , Ruokomäki Miko , Virtanen Antti , Hakkarainen Antti J.
Published: January 2025

In July 2023, an in-house forensic neuropathology consultation pilot was established at the Helsinki office of the Forensic Medicine Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. This offered an alternative to the previous practice of full outsourcing to a hospital neuropathology department. This paper aims to introduce the first year experiences of the pilot. The in-house consultant team comprised two forensic pathologists with special training in neuropathology. In-house consultations were offered for medico-legal autopsy cases with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. The in-house histology laboratory participated in the pilot, implementing beta-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) stain at the end of the pilot year. An electronic database was also developed for data collection and reporting. The characteristics, costs, and duration of the first 25 consultation cases were reviewed. The cases involved mostly male decedents (84.0%) with TBI (84.0%). The median total cost of a pilot case was €624, which was substantially lower compared to the previous outsourced practice (€1013 per case + €38/84 for each microscope slide with special/immunohistochemical stain, respectively). After the implementation of β-APP stain into the in-house laboratory service, the median total cost of a pilot case was reduced further to €94. The median duration of an in-house consultation was 2.3 months. Thanks to a favourable in-house atmosphere, the first year experiences are encouraging. While the costs of the in-house consultation practice appear to be markedly lower than those of an external provider, both alternatives should be available for cases where sufficient expertise cannot be found in-house.
Systematic optimisation of crude buccal swab lysate protocols for use with the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit
Authors: Martin Donna-Lee Pamela , Heathfield Laura Jane
Published: January 2025

The ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit has not been thoroughly tested with crude buccal swab lysates in large-scale population studies using massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Commonly used lysis buffers for swabs intending to undergo direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are SwabSolution™ and STR GO! Lysis Buffers, and these have been successfully used to generate population data using capillary electrophoresis (CE) systems. In this study, we investigated the performance and optimisation of SwabSolution™ and STR GO! lysates with the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep workflow and addressed the challenge of failed MPS profiles in initial trials. To mitigate PCR inhibition in SwabSolution™ lysates, three optimisation methods were evaluated: dilution of lysates, addition of 5X AmpSolution® reagent, and purification with magnetic beads. For STR GO! lysates, we explored spin-column purification using the QIAamp® DNA Investigator kit, magnetic bead purification, and a pH adjustment with 1 M hydrochloric acid. Our findings indicated that the addition of 5X AmpSolution® was effective for overcoming PCR inhibition in SwabSolution™ lysates, thereby maintaining a direct PCR approach. Spin-column purification, however, is recommended for STR GO! lysates to minimise MPS profile failure rates. These improvements enhance first-time success rates of crude swab lysates, and reduce the need for repeat sampling and re-sequencing, making the workflow more suitable for large-scale population studies in forensic laboratories.

Graphical Abstract

Overview of the adaptations made to ensure a high-first time success rate with crude buccal swab lysates using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit workflow