bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical Self‐Assembly of Chiral Nanostructures by a Seed Symmetry‐Breaking Effect
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Zhen‐Ze , Zhou Hong‐Wei , Li Rui‐Fan , Huang Jia‐Tai , Lin Zhu , Chen Qi‐Dai , Wang Lei , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: February 2025

It has been established that assembling chiral nanostructures using a circularly polarized laser is formidable due to their symmetry mismatch. Traditionally, complex light fields or chiral precursors are considered prerequisites for optical chiral self‐assembly. Herein, an unexpected seed symmetry‐breaking (SSB) effect is reported, through which not only are chiral structures readily assembled by circularly polarized light in a controllable manner, but the physical mechanism of chiral assembly reported so far is also clarified. The SSB effect refers to a phenomenon of symmetry reduction in photo‐generated structures—the seed for ensuing structure growth—which inevitably leads to a chiral near field and the formation of resultant chiral structures. As proof of concept, the near fields as well as the process of chiral structure evolution are recorded using a low‐melting‐point film. In this particular case, laser‐induced nanoscale Rayleigh–Taylor instability (nano‐RTI) is responsible for the initial SSB. Consequently, a simple and rapid chiral structure self‐assembly method is developed, and a programmable array with a 15% peak in the circular differential scattering spectrum (CDS) is realized.
Epigenetic modifications in early stage lung cancer: pathogenesis, biomarkers, and early diagnosis
Authors: Bi Lingfeng , Wang Xin , Li Jiayi , Li Weimin , Wang Zhoufeng
Published: February 2025

The integration of liquid biopsy with epigenetic markers offers significant potential for early lung cancer detection and personalized treatment. Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA changes, often precede genetic mutations and are critical in cancer progression. In this study, we explore how liquid biopsy, combined with epigenetic markers, can provide early detection of lung cancer, potentially predicting onset up to 4 years before clinical diagnosis. We discuss the challenges of targeting epigenetic regulators, which could disrupt cellular balance if overexploited, and the need for maintaining key gene expressions in therapeutic applications. This review highlights the promise and challenges of using liquid biopsy and epigenetic markers for early‐stage lung cancer diagnosis, with a focus on optimizing treatment strategies for personalized and precision medicine.
Exponential Behavior and Optimal Control Analysis for a Class of Fractional Stochastic Hemivariational Inequalities of Order r∈(1,2)$$ r\in \left(1,2\right) $$ With Poisson Jumps
Authors: Dineshkumar Chendrayan , Hoon Jeong Jae , Hoon Joo Young
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we deal with the exponential behavior for fractional stochastic neutral hemivariational inequalities of order with sectorial operators and Poisson jumps. Firstly, by using stochastic analysis, fractional calculus, sine and cosine family operators, fixed point theorems of multivalued maps, and generalized Clarke subdifferential, we show the existence of mild solutions for the fractional stochastic systems. Then we establish adequate conditions to guarantee the exponential decay of the mild solution towards zero in the square mean. Next, our results cover problems involving optimal control. Finally, we present theoretical application to support the validity of the study.
Fekete–Szegö Variations for Some New Classes of Analytic Functions Explained Over Poisson and Borel Distribution Series
Authors: Akgül Arzu
Published: February 2025

The motivation of this paper is to explore and generalize Sakaguchi‐type functions, which play a significant role in geometric function theory. In this context, we introduce four new classes of analytic univalent functions: , and . These classes are defined to extend the study of these functions and their applications. First, we define the class , associated with generalized telephone numbers, using the concept of subordination. For functions in this class, we derive initial coefficient estimates and address the Fekete–Szegö functional problem, as well as explore results for the inverse function . Next, we introduce the remaining classes , and which are connected to through convolution and Borel and Poisson distribution series. For these classes, we obtain variations of the Fekete–Szegö inequality and discuss their relationships with previously studied function classes.
A Report of Three Cases With Dissociative Disorder: Some Positive Response to Methylphenidate Extended Release Used for Their Concurrent Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Okano Kenichiro
Published: February 2025

Although no psychotropic medication is specifically effective for dissociative symptoms, certain abusive substances can markedly alter these symptoms. Regarding psychotropic medications, a positive response was observed in certain patients with dissociative symptoms who also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for which methylphenidate extended release (MER) was administered. A is a female in her twenties and has dissociative identity disorder (DID) and ADHD. Primary personality A1 is usually on duty but always on guard, as her other personality, A2, often attempts to disturb A1. A1's job is also hampered by careless mistakes due to her ADHD. After A was put on MER, A1 felt that A2's presence suddenly faded away while on duty and she could focus better on her job as a result. B is a middle‐aged male with DID and ADHD whose life is disturbed by the occasional appearance of a violent and disruptive personality. When MER was administered for his ADHD symptoms, it helped him stay alert, and his violent episodes decreased significantly. C is a young male university student with occasional dissociative “foggy” episodes that leave him with amnesia. He is diagnosed with depersonalization‐derealization disorder (DDD) and ADHD. After MER was administered for his ADHD symptoms, his dissociative episodes diminished markedly, and his job performance improved significantly as a result. When MER is administered for patients with dissociative conditions and comorbid ADHD, it appears to have positive effects on their dissociative symptoms, including increasing the threshold separating different personalities or diminishing depersonalization symptoms.
Enhancing insulation properties of sodium alginate bioaerogel using plant‐based phytic acid
Authors: Abdul Khalil H. P. S. , Giuma Abdussalam , Ahmad Mardiana Idayu , Hosny Khaled M. , Alahmadi Amerh Aiad , Rizg Waleed Y. , Alghamdi Majed A. , Baradwan Mohammed , Yahya Esam Bashir
Published: February 2025

In this study, we present a facile and sustainable approach to developing sodium alginate/phytic acid bioaerogels, aiming to enhance their thermal insulation and flame‐retardant properties. The results reveal that a 1% phytic acid concentration is optimal, resulting in a significant reduction in thermal conductivity to 0.040 W/mK, while also improving specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity. Mechanical tests indicate that at this concentration, the aerogels achieve superior structural integrity, evidenced by enhanced hardness, resilience, and cohesiveness, which are critical for maintaining performance under mechanical stress. Furthermore, the 1% phytic acid bioaerogel exhibited excellent flame retardance, achieving a UL‐94 V‐0 rating and a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 35%, demonstrating its capacity to resist ignition and slow down flame propagation. In contrast, aerogels with higher concentrations of phytic acid, particularly at 2.5%, displayed structural instability, leading to incomplete gelation and failure to maintain a coherent aerogel matrix. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing phytic acid concentration to balance thermal, mechanical, and fire‐retardant properties, thereby enhancing the practical applications of sodium alginate/phytic acid bioaerogels as eco‐friendly insulation materials.

Highlights

Optimized 1% phytic acid boosts bioaerogel thermal insulation to 0.040 W/mK.

Sodium alginate bioaerogels enhanced with phytic acid achieve UL‐94 V‐0 rating.

Phytic acid at 1% concentration ensures mechanical stability and high resilience.

High phytic acid (>1%) leads to reduced porosity and structural instability.

Eco‐friendly sodium alginate/phytic acid bioaerogels show superior flame resistance.
Registration of ‘Georgia‐24NHO’ peanut
Authors: Branch W. D. , Brown N. , Brenneman T. B.
Published: February 2025

‘Georgia‐24NHO’ (Reg. no. CV‐160, PI 706577) is a new high‐yielding, very high‐oleic, Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)‐resistant, and root‐knot nematode (RKN) [Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood]‐resistant, large‐seeded, runner‐type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. subsp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) cultivar that was released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2024. It was developed at the University of Georgia, Tifton Campus. Georgia‐24NHO originated from a cross made between ‘Georgia‐06G’ × GA 122704. Georgia‐06G is a normal‐oleic, TSWV‐resistant, large‐seeded, runner‐type peanut cultivar. GA 122704 is a high‐oleic, RKN‐resistant, advanced Georgia breeding line. Pedigree selection was practiced within the early segregating generations. Performance testing began in the F4:6 generation with the advanced pure‐line selection, GA 192710. During the past 3 years (2021–2023) averaged over 13 multiple location tests without nematode pressure in Georgia, Georgia‐24NHO had significantly less total disease incidence than ‘Georgia‐14N’. Georgia‐24NHO was also found to have a larger runner seed size as compared to the smaller runner‐type check cultivar, Georgia‐14N. Georgia‐24NHO combines high‐yield, TSWV‐resistance, and RKN‐resistance with large seed size and the very high‐oleic trait for longer shelf‐life and improved oil quality of peanut and peanut products.
New Insights into the Intrinsic Transport Properties of Sb2O5 and ZnSb2O6
Authors: Claes Romain , Scanlon David O.
Published: February 2025

Transparent conducting oxides are indispensable in a wide range of technological applications. However, materials that effectively combine high transparency with excellent carrier conductivity remain limited, with the field primarily relying on a few well‐established systems, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO). Recently, Sb(V) oxides have emerged as a promising alternative class of materials, with the potential to compete with these state‐of‐the‐art oxides. Herein, Sb2O5 and ZnSb2O6 are examined using an advanced carrier transport approach based on the exact solution of the Boltzmann transport equation for the electron–phonon scattering. This approach not only reinforces the potential of Sb(V) oxides but also provides deeper insights into the electron–phonon scattering mechanisms in these materials.
Unbreakable in Crisis: A Systematic Review Exploring Nurse Resilience and Contributing Factors During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Kunjavara Jibin , George Rinu J. , L. Manoj Kumar , Sam Shiny T. , Mannethodi Kamaruddeen
Published: February 2025

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) placed an unprecedented burden on the global healthcare system, severely affecting the physical and mental health of healthcare workers, particularly nurses. Nurses faced immense workloads, increased infection risks, uncertainty, and public scrutiny. Despite these challenges, nurses were lauded for their dedication and resilience in confronting the pandemic. Many experienced mortality, morbidity, and post‐COVID sequelae. This review integrates psychological resilience literature from 2020 to 2022, utilizing Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on how nurses demonstrated resilience during the COVID‐19 crisis. Most studies reported a moderate level of resilience, with a mean score of 62.54. Factors such as positive acceptance of change, trust in personal judgment, perceived competence, and spiritual influences were positively associated with resilience, whereas burnout, anxiety, and depressive thoughts negatively impacted it. Resilience was found to mediate the relationships between variables like perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, and quality of life. The literature suggests that healthcare administrations should foster a healthy work environment, maintain an optimistic outlook, and establish strong connections with frontline staff to mitigate the pandemic's impact. Providing supportive environments, resilience training, and mental health interventions will be crucial in enhancing resilience for future crises.
Density Functional Study on the Structures and Adsorption Properties of PtAgn (n = 1–16) Clusters
Authors: Tian Zhimei , He Dongyang , Sun Jingzhe , Zhang Tao , Song Chongfu
Published: February 2025

The structures and properties of PtAgn (n = 1–16) clusters have been studied by density functional theory (DFT). The Tpssh/def2‐TZVP method is chosen in this work. Calculations reveal that the structures of PtAgn (n = 1–16) clusters are planar structures when n = 1–3, while they present three‐dimensional structures when n = 4–16. The coordination number of the Pt atom in PtAgn (n = 1–16) clusters are in the range of 1–11. Pt atoms in PtAgn (n = 1–16) clusters prefer to locate in the centers of the structures. The electronic structures are compared with available experimental and theoretical data. The stability analysis manifests that the clusters have odd‐even stability properties. The study of catalytic properties on PtAgn (n = 1–16) clusters perform similar interactions with one CO molecule. The Pt atom favors interacting with the carbon terminal of the CO molecule. According to the thermodynamic property study, the adsorption reactions of PtAgn (n = 1–16) and CO are all spontaneous. The stability of PtAgnCO (n = 1–16) clusters present odd‐even properties. The projected density of states (PDOS) study reveals that the orbital hybridization phenomenon is present between the Pt and C atoms in the PtAg6CO cluster.
Red Yeast Rice Derived Carbon Dots with Antiviral Activity to Block Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Zhang Zhannuo , Zuo Hanqi , Qiu Shaolong , Zhang Jinyu , Du Ting , Du Xinjun
Published: February 2025

Red yeast rice (RYR), fermented from Monascus purpureus, has demonstrated anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial properties, and potential antiviral activity. However, its low water solubility hampers its broader application. With the growing interest in carbon dots (CDs) for antiviral research, efforts to create new antiviral CDs that are highly compatible with living organisms and have strong antiviral properties have been sped up. In this study, the hydrothermal approach was employed to synthesize highly biocompatible CDs (abbreviated as RYR‐CDs) using red yeast rice as the precursor. Using porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a coronavirus model, RYR‐CDs were shown to reduce PEDV proliferation by two orders of magnitude, as evidenced by virus titers and N protein expression analysis. Further studies have shown that RYR‐CDs can inhibit absorption, while also triggering the antiviral innate immune response. Additionally, RYR‐CDs have antioxidant ability and can inhibit the increase of ROS content caused by viral infection and inhibit cell apoptosis caused by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings suggest that RYR‐CDs exert potent antiviral effects through a multifaceted inhibition mechanism, offering food‐derived materials as promising candidates for the treatment of PEDV infections.
Synergistic Composition and Surface Engineering of Ruthenium‐Cobalt Hydroxide Nanowires for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Jang Young Jun , Choi Jungwoo , Moon Jun Hwan , Lee Hyuck Mo , Kim Young Keun
Published: February 2025

Developing efficient electrocatalysts that improve the rate‐determining step (RDS) kinetics is crucial to addressing the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This study introduces ruthenium (Ru)‐cobalt(II) hydroxide (Co(OH)₂) electrocatalysts for high‐performance OER by combining compositional and thermodynamic surface engineering. Density functional theory (DFT) is employed to identify the ideal composition, with experimental validation conducted through electrodeposition, enabling facile control over a wide range of compositions for nanowire catalyst synthesis. Pourbaix diagram analysis helps establish precise synthesis conditions for developing surface nanostructures. The optimized Ru‐Co(OH)₂ catalyst demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving overpotentials of 189 mV at 10 mA cm⁻2 and 292 mV at 50 mA cm⁻2, significantly outperforming other compositions. The exceptional electrocatalytic performance can be attributed to two key factors: strengthened OH adsorption energy due to optimal composition, which lowers the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step in the OER, and increased specific surface area resulting from surface nanostructure formation.
Bioinspired Cerium Nanozyme Microenvironment Regulation for Efficient Dephosphorylation and Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticides
Authors: Liu Chaoran , Cao Xuetong , Ma Xinyu , Wang Yinchuan , Zhang Meng , Qiu Jianfeng , Chen Jinxing , Xue Hongjin
Published: February 2025

Mimicking the structure of natural enzyme active sites offers a promising strategy for the rational design of nanozymes. However, this biomimetic approach predominantly focuses on replicating the configuration of the metal active center in natural enzymes, often overlooking the critical influence of the catalytic site's microenvironment. Here, inspired by the active center and coordination microenvironment of natural organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH), Ce2O2CN2/NC, a novel cerium‐based nanozyme is first reported to mimic OPH. In Ce2O2CN2/NC, Ce species serve as active sites, while the adjacent N site ([N═C═N]2−) functions as a general base, mimicking histidine in natural enzymes to facilitate the hydrolysis process. Using paraoxon as a model target, Ce2O2CN2/NC demonstrates rapid dephosphorylation of phosphotriester across a wide range of temperatures and pH values, significantly outperforming natural OPH and CeO2 nanoparticles. The systematic experiments and theoretical calculations reveal the underlying mechanisms responsible for the enhanced OPH‐mimicking performance. Capitalizing on its phosphatase‐like activity, Ce2O2CN2/NC nanozyme is successfully employed to develop a colorimetric biosensor for the rapid and selective detection of organophosphorus pesticides. This study holds great promise in developing efficient nanozymes and broadens the range of Ce‐based nanozymes.
Design and Modification of Layered Double Hydroxides‐Based Compounds in Electrocatalytic Water Splitting: a Review
Authors: Li Mingyang , Ma Dandan , Feng Xiangbo , Zhi Chuanqi , Jia Yufei , Zhang Jinfan , Zhang Yi , Chen Yu , Shi Le , Shi Jian‐Wen
Published: February 2025

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibit great potential in electrocatalytic water splitting due to the unique 2D feature and an adjustable structure composed of different metal centers. In addition, LDHs have the advantage of being inherently inexpensive compared to other catalysts and have good stability in electrocatalytic water splitting. Up to now, numerous methods have been put forward to improve the activity of LDHs in electrocatalytic water splitting, a comprehensive introduction and comb to the fabrication methods and modification strategies is helpful for the followers to get a clear vein to carry out efficient manipulation to the development of high promising LDHs catalysts. In this review, the basic principles of water electrolysis, and the evaluation indexes are introduced first, and then the basic properties and commonly utilized methods in the fabrication of LDHs are introduced. After that, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and overall water splitting (OWS) performance of different LDHs‐based catalysts and analyze the merits and shortcomings of LDHs in electrocatalytic water splitting is compared. Based on this, the advanced strategies for improving the performance of LDHs is introduced and give a brief prospect for the development of LDHs‐based materials in electrocatalysis.
Engineering Electron Lifetime for High‐Performance Heterostructured 1D CdS Photocatalyst
Authors: Liu Yan‐Ting , Ma Ming−Yu , Cheng Xiang‐Ze , Zhou Xin , Wang Yu‐Qing , Lee Jinn‐Kye , Zhang Zhengyang , Lu Ming‐Yen , Liu Zheng , Chen Lih‐Juann
Published: February 2025

The development of high‐performance photocatalysts is essential for advancing sustainable hydrogen production. In the present work, an innovative approach to electron lifetime engineering aimed at enhancing the photocatalytic performance of 1D CdS nanowires by strategically incorporating Ni and titanium nitride (TiN) layers. It demonstrates the electron lifetime mechanism of 1D photocatalyst can be optimized through the introduction of uneven surface and heterojunction. The lifetime of electrons is influenced by the interplay between geometry and electronic structure, directly correlating with photocatalytic efficiency in an exponential decay pattern. Time‐correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements provide detailed insights into recombination events and non‐radiative properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) analyses reveal that the prolonged electron lifetime in CdS/Ni/TiN photocatalysts is attributed to the combination of the uneven surface and the passivation of surface energy state on CdS. The single‐molecule surface catalytic sites are also observed from super‐resolution fluorescence imaging. This perspective first illustrates an integrated discussion on hydrogen production, optical properties, electronic structure, and surface‐active sites. The optimal heterostructured CdS achieves a 20.55‐fold improvement in hydrogen production. Electron lifetime engineering offers a promising pathway in high‐performance 1D photocatalysts for hydrogen production and other energy conversion applications.
Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) and Contributing Factors in Bovine Calves in Southern Nepal
Authors: Patel Dharmraj Kumar , Subedi Janak Raj , Dhakal Pitambar , Parajuli Rajendra Prasad
Published: February 2025

Background

In Nepal, cows and buffaloes are common livestock used in subsistence farming and are often afflicted by helminth and protozoan parasites.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and contributing (i.e., previously suggested to be associated with IPIs) factors affecting bovine calves in the Birgunj region, Nepal.

Methods

From June to December 2023, 200 faecal samples (100 from commercial farms and 100 from subsistence farms) were collected and analysed using flotation and sedimentation techniques. Contributing factors were systematically obtained using structured questionnaires and direct field observations.

Results

Overall, 62% of the samples contained oocysts or eggs of intestinal parasites. The identified species included one protozoan (Eimeria spp., 7.5%), five nematodes (Strongyloides spp., 15.5%; Ostertagia spp., 6.5%; Haemonchus spp., 4.5%; Toxocara spp. and 11.5%; Ascaris spp., 4%) and two trematodes (Fasciola spp., 20%; Paramphistomum spp., 13%). The Fasciola spp. prevalence was notably higher in calves from subsistence farms compared to commercial farms (p = 0.015). Buffalo calves presented higher rates of Fasciola spp. and dual infections (p = 0.001), whereas cow calves presented a greater prevalence of Toxocara spp. (p = 0.046). Calves grazing near riverbanks presented significantly higher odds (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.07–7.14]) of any IPIs, even after adjusting for other significant factors in a bivariate model. Factors, such as free‐range rearing, subsistence farming and grazing on riverbank grasses, were linked to higher odds of Fasciola spp. infection in the bivariate model, but only the presence of buffalo calves ([aOR]: 2.64, 95% CI [1.03–6.76]) remained significant after mutual adjustment (i.e., in the multivariate model).

Conclusions

These findings underscore the significant burden of intestinal parasites in young calves, highlighting the need for regular inspections and preventive measures.
Comparison of exterior power operations on higher K-theory of schemes
Authors: Köck Bernhard , Zanchetta Ferdinando
Published: February 2025

Exterior power operations provide an additional structure on K-groups of schemes which lies at the heart of Grothendieck’s Riemann-Roch theory. Over the past decades, various authors have constructed such operations on higher K-theory. In this paper, we prove that these constructions actually yield the same operations, ultimately matching up the explicit combinatorial description by Harris, the first author and Taelman on the one hand and the recent, conceptually clear-cut construction by Barwick, Glasman, Mathew and Nikolaus on the other hand. This also leads to the proof of a conjecture by the first author about composition of these operations in the equivariant context, completing the proof that higher equivariant K-groups satisfy all axioms of a

$$\lambda $$

λ

-ring.
Quantitation of antibiotics in fresh fermentation medium by hydrophilic interaction chromatography mass spectrometry
Authors: Marcon Nadia , Rüdt Mathias , Klein Joachim , Miladinović Saša M.
Published: February 2025

This study presents the development of a sophisticated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approach leveraging hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) for the quantification of kanamycin and spectinomycin in fermentation media. The method was validated per International Council for Harmonisation guidelines, demonstrating robust linearity, precision, and accuracy. To mitigate pronounced matrix effects common to complex fermentation matrices, sample preparation was thoroughly optimized with solid-phase extraction employing MCX sorbent, thereby enhancing recovery rates and minimizing analytical interference. The validated protocol demonstrated high correlation coefficients (R > 0.998), underscoring its robustness and reliability for the accurate quantification of antibiotics in challenging bioprocess environments, providing a valuable analytical tool for bioreactor system monitoring.

Graphical Abstract
Diagnostic utility of deep tendon reflex responses in rectus femoris and triceps brachii in fibromyalgia: a clinical and electrophysiological study
Authors: Coskun Benlidayi Ilke , Deniz Volkan , Ornek Ceren , Sariyildiz Aylin
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to evaluate deep tendon reflex responses and associated electrophysiological parameters of the muscles in patients with fibromyalgia. This cross-sectional study included 38 patients with fibromyalgia and 32 age- and sex-matched controls. Deep tendon reflexes of the rectus femoris and triceps brachii were tested using a reflex hammer. Electromyographic (amplitude and duration of activation), inertial measurement unit (angular velocity, acceleration), and electromechanical (delay) analyses were performed using a surface electromyography (sEMG) device. Comparative analyses were carried out between patients and controls. Additionally, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of hyperreflexia in distinguishing fibromyalgia patients from controls. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes in the right/left rectus femoris and/or triceps brachii were observed in more than 85% (ranging from 86.8 to 94.7%) of the fibromyalgia group. Patients with fibromyalgia exhibited significantly increased deep tendon reflex responses compared to controls (p < 0.001). Patients revealed significantly higher amplitude, longer duration of muscle activation, greater sagittal acceleration and angular velocity, and shorter electromechanical delay. Normalized muscle activation (right and left rectus femoris and right triceps brachii) in response to deep tendon reflex test showed acceptable ability in differentiating fibromyalgia patients from controls (Area under curve (AUC) = 0.890, 0.784 and 0.782, respectively). For the right rectus femoris, values ≤ 28.3 (clinically corresponding to normoactive/hypoactive deep tendon reflexes) appeared to rule-out fibromyalgia with 94.1% sensitivity and 61.3% specificity. Patients with fibromyalgia exhibit increased deep tendon reflex responses. Normal or decreased deep tendon reflex responses may probably be used as a rule-out criterion for fibromyalgia.
Pumping beam shaping for optimized performance of Q-Switched Nd:YAG/V:YAG microchip laser emitting at $$1.44\,\upmu$$m
Authors: Kadlec Kryštof , Šulc Jan , Němec Michal , Jelínková Helena , Nejezchleb Karel
Published: February 2025

We present a longitudinally diode-pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG/V:YAG microchip laser emitting at

$$1.44\,\upmu$$

1.44

μ

m and the optimization of its output parameters in terms of pulse energy and peak power maximization. Optimization was achieved by modifying the size of the pumping beam with four compact focusing systems, each consisting of an aspheric collimator and one of four aspheric focusing lenses. The laser’s emission spectrum, average power, pulse duration, and spatial beam profile were measured for pumping repetition frequencies ranging from 10 to 715 Hz. Using different focusing systems, it was possible to increase the maximum pulse energy and peak power up to

$$91\,\upmu$$

91

μ

J and 14.8 kW, respectively. Thermal effects due to pumping influenced both the laser operation and the parameters of the V:YAG saturable absorber, leading to a decrease in pulse duration from 9.6 to 4.9 ns.
Using balancing weights to compare performance across facilities providing family planning services in Kenya
Authors: Godoy Garraza Lucas , Cardona Carolina , Gichangi Peter , Thiongo Mary , Anglewicz Philip , Alkema Leontine
Published: February 2025

Assessing the extent to which the quality of family planning (FP) delivery in facilities makes a difference for key outcomes such as service satisfaction or contraceptive discontinuation is of key interest to the family planning field. However, assessment of this relationship is methodologically challenging due to differences in populations served across facilities. Furthermore, data that connect facilities to the populations served are limited. We use novel data from the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) project and a new methodological approach to examine the relationship between facility level characteristics and FP outcomes. The PMA data consist of facility surveys and client exit interviews, and capture women’s FP outcomes and include information on characteristics of the individual woman, the facility where the woman obtained her family planning services, and follow-up information on contraceptive use. We use a design-based direct standardization method to balance the distribution of populations served across facilities while controlling for the additional variability induced by the balancing weights. We find significant evidence of variation in FP outcomes across facilities that cannot be accounted for by differences in women characteristics. The type of facility (e.g., dispensary), their size, the proportion of staff present, and whether the facility was public were associated with more positive service satisfaction. A higher ratio of staff to FP visits was predictive of lower contraceptive discontinuation.
Thermo-hydraulic optimization of rectangular duct solar air heaters using equilateral triangular roughness on absorber plates
Authors: Sastry G. R. K. , Raju L. B. Bharath , Gugulothu S. K. , Ağbulut Ümit , Barmavatu Praveen
Published: February 2025

Turbulence promoters are a widely used strategy to improve the working of solar air heaters in many industrial applications. This paper demonstrates the improvement in turbulent air due to the breakage of laminar sublayers by inserting a quadrilateral-shaped solar air heater with turbulence promoters (having an equilateral triangle shape) on the absorber plate. The performance of the proposed solar air heater is evaluated numerically with the computational fluid dynamics for the considered parameters. A comprehensive study is done to determine the impact of rib height (0.021–0.042), rib pitch (10–25), and relative roughness pitch (7.14–35.71) on the heat transfer parameters, as measured by the THPP. The findings demonstrate that the equilateral triangle roughness features create longitudinal vortices and establish areas of flow impingement, which substantially impact the flow and heat transfer properties of the air within the solar air heater. The heat transfer improved by 141% with the use of the turbulence promotors over the simple system without turbulators. The maximum performance characteristics of the system correspond to the e/D of 0.042 with a P/e of 7.14 at a Reynolds number of 15,000. Empirical correlations are employed to find the relation between Nu and f, which predicted the values with an average deviation of 4.25% and 2.45%, respectively.
HorNets: learning from discrete and continuous signals with routing neural networks
Authors: Koloski Boshko , Lavrač Nada , Škrlj Blaž
Published: February 2025

Construction of neural network architectures suitable for learning from both continuous and discrete tabular data is challenging, as contemporary high-dimensional tabular data sets are often characterized by a relatively small set of instances and the request for efficient learning. We propose HorNets (Horn Networks), a neural network architecture with state-of-the-art performance on synthetic and real-life data sets from scarce-data tabular domains. HorNets are based on a clipped polynomial-like activation function, extended by a custom discrete-continuous routing mechanism that decides which part of the neural network to optimize based on the input’s cardinality. By explicitly modeling parts of the feature combination space or combining whole space in a linear attention-like manner, HorNets dynamically decide which mode of operation is the most suitable for a given piece of data with no explicit supervision. This architecture is one of the few approaches that reliably retrieves logical clauses (including noisy XNOR) and achieves state-of-the-art classification performance on 14 real-life biomedical high-dimensional data sets. HorNets are made freely available under a permissive license alongside a synthetic generator of categorical benchmarks.
Urban Suitability for Active Transportation: A Case Study from Coimbra, Portugal
Authors: Zargarzadeh Mehrnaz , Ribeiro Anabela Salgueiro Narciso
Published: February 2025

Growing global awareness of the health risks of physical inactivity has led to policies promoting active transportation, sustainability, inclusivity, and healthier lifestyles. Some of these policies aim to promote walking and cycling, both for short distances within neighbourhoods and to connect to public transport for longer distances. This promotion helps reduce car dependence within new concepts such as the 15-min city, which ensures equitable access to daily needs, fosters social cohesion, and creates healthier, more sustainable urban areas. This study conducts a comprehensive literature review to cross-reference relevant factors influencing walking and biking, using the identified factors to propose a framework for assessing the suitability of urban areas for active modes of transportation. These factors are mainly related to densities, diversity of activities, green areas, and some infrastructural conditions. Using the case study of Coimbra, Portugal, it develops an application of this framework using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approaches and associated spatial analysis techniques. The results highlight the most and least suitable areas for walking and biking and show statistical inference on identifying clustered areas and spatial autocorrelation. This analysis shows whether the city areas are closer to the concept of a 15-min city regarding active modes. Therefore, it is useful for guiding policymakers and urban planners in urban improvement initiatives. Additionally, it helps residents select areas based on their physical abilities and lifestyle preferences.
On approximations of subordinators in $$L^p$$ and the simulation of tempered stable distributions
Authors: Grabchak Michael , Saba Sina
Published: February 2025

Subordinators are infinitely divisible distributions on the positive half-line. They are often used as mixing distributions in Poisson mixtures. We show that appropriately scaled Poisson mixtures can approximate the mixing subordinator and we derive a rate of convergence in

$$L^p$$

L
p

for each

$$p\in [1,\infty ]$$

p
∈
[
1
,
∞
]

. This includes the Kolmogorov and Wasserstein metrics as special cases. As an application, we develop an approach for approximate simulation of the underlying subordinator. In the interest of generality, we present our results in the context of more general mixtures, specifically those that can be represented as differences of randomly stopped Lévy processes. Particular focus is given to the case where the subordinator belongs to the class of tempered stable distributions.
Beyond biological and social normativity: varieties of norm deviation and the justification for intervention
Authors: Evans Andrew
Published: February 2025

The most common theoretical approaches to defining mental disorder are naturalism, normativism, and hybridism. Naturalism and normativism are often portrayed as diametrically opposed, with naturalism grounded in objective science and normativism grounded in social convention and values. Hybridism is seen as a way of combining the two. However, all three approaches share a common feature in that they conceive of mental disorders as deviations from norms. Naturalism concerns biological norms; normativism concerns social norms; and hybridism, both biological and social norms. This raises the following two questions: (a) Are biological and social norms the only sorts of norms that are relevant to considerations of mental disorder? (b) Should addressing norm deviations continue to be a major focus of mental healthcare? This paper introduces several norms that are relevant to mental disorder beyond the biological and social. I argue that mental disorders often deviate from individual, well-being, and regulatory norms. I also consider approaches which question mental healthcare’s focus on addressing norm deviations in the first place, including the neurodiversity paradigm, social model of disability, and Mad discourse. Utilizing these critical approaches, I contend that whether mental health intervention is justified depends, in part, on the type of norm deviation being intervened upon.
Better but Wrong: Assessing Conflicts Between the Deontic and the Evaluative
Authors: Faraci David
Published: February 2025

In recent work, Benjamin Ferguson and Sebastian Köhler take interest in the claim that permissible acts are always morally better than impermissible acts (bop). They argue that bop is both commonsensical and supported by powerful theoretical considerations. They then present a series of cases in which common moral claims appear to conflict with bop. In this paper, I first show that some of the conflicts Ferguson and Köhler identify are merely apparent, as they arise only given theoretical commitments regarding the value of actions that supporters of the relevant claims can and do reject. In the second half of the paper, I address two other cases Ferguson and Köhler discuss. I argue that the conflicts with bop in these cases are genuine, but also to be expected, because these cases involve supererogation, and our best theories of supererogation are in tension with Ferguson and Köhler’s case for bop.
Fabrication of Solar Cells By Tuning the Composition Ratio of AgGaTe2 to Ga-Rich
Authors: Sasaki Tatsuya , Kobayashi Masakazu
Published: February 2025

Silver gallium telluride (AgGaTe2), an environmentally friendly material with a high optical absorption coefficient, was fabricated by the close-spaced sublimation (CSS) method. It was found that stoichiometric AgGaTe2 thin films can be produced by using GaTe as the source material for CSS and controlling the Ga molar concentration. Solar cells based on Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS), which has a similar structure to that of AgGaTe2, have been reported to exhibit conversion efficiencies greater than 20% when the CIGS film is Ga-rich and Cu-poor. By increasing the diffusion/sublimation time during the formation of AgGaTe2 layers and using source materials with a Ga-rich composition, Ga-enriched AgGaTe2 thin films were formed. Optimal Ga-rich AgGaTe2 thin films were produced with extended diffusion/sublimation time, with a Ga mole fraction of 32%. However, Ga-rich Ag-Ga-Te compounds, AgGa5Te8 or Ga2Te3 were developed. Solar cells containing Ga-rich AgGaTe2 films displayed improved current density–voltage characteristics and spectral sensitivity compared with those of cells containing stoichiometric AgGaTe2 films. Under AM 1.5 irradiation, the conversion efficiency of the solar cells was recorded at 1.21%.
Exploratory biomarker analysis from a phase III study of the PI3K inhibitor, copanlisib, in combination with rituximab in patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a retrospective study
Authors: Chaturvedi Shalini , Weispfenning Anke , Descamps Tine , Bellinvia Sara , Bauer David , Du Rong , Lunt Teresa , Soler Lidia Mongay , Childs Barrett H. , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

There has been increased difficulty in developing safe and effective treatment using PI3K inhibitors in heme malignancies, despite the role of PI3K/AKT being well defined in this population. This study was an attempt to conduct exploratory biomarker analysis retrospectively from the phase III CHRONOS-3 trial with the aim to identify a sub-set of patients that could benefit from treatment.

Patients and Methods

Patients with CD20-positive indolent B-cell lymphoma were randomized 2:1 to receive intravenous copanlisib plus rituximab (C + R) or placebo plus rituximab (P + R). Biomarker analyses were performed to examine potential associations between treatment outcome and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein expression, EZH2 and BCL2 mutation status via next-generation sequencing, and plasma cytokine levels.

Results

PTEN presence was associated with significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) for C + R over P + R in patients with iNHL (P = 0.001) and FL (P = 0.012). Both the mutant and wild-type EZH2 FL patients had equal PFS benefits when treated with copanlisib. A significant improvement in PFS was observed for patients with mutant versus wild-type BCL2 FL in the C + R arm (P = 0.002). Overall survival (OS) was significantly improved for patients with iNHL and low or undetectable versus high baseline IL-2 levels in the C + R arm (P < 0.0001, unadjusted).

Conclusions

PTEN presence, BCL2 mutations, and low or undetectable baseline IL-2 levels were associated with improved patient survival following treatment with C + R, supporting a potential role for these biomarkers in guiding treatment selection for patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Neue Regulatoren des Mannose-6-Phosphat-abhängigen Proteintransportwegs
Authors: Chen Zilei , La Rosa Anna , Jabs Sabrina
Published: February 2025

Intracellular sorting of most soluble lysosomal enzymes occurs by tagging with mannose 6-phosphate (M6P) residues in the Golgi apparatus allowing recognition by M6P-receptors and transport to lysosomes. GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase (GNPT) catalyzes the first step in M6P-tagging. Although the M6P sorting pathway is well-studied and was thought to be completely understood, several novel regulators of GNPT localization and stabilization in the cis-Golgi apparatus have been recently identified.
Funktionelle Charakterisierung unbekannter Proteasen des Mikrobioms
Authors: Shakil Nayab , Lakemeyer Markus
Published: February 2025

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, but the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial interactions remain poorly understood. Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) enables functional annotation of uncharacterized enzymes, particularly proteases, using chemical tools. Applying ABPP, Bacteroides fragilis Protease 1 (Bfp1) was identified as an activator of the human protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), modulating intestinal inflammation and barrier integrity.
A tourist tax in a vertically segmented destination with congestion effects
Authors: Calveras Aleix , Sákovics József
Published: February 2025

We present a model of a two-segment tourist destination where there are externalities of congestion, both within and across segments. We show that when intersegment sensitivity to congestion from low to high category is sufficiently large, then a well-designed per-person tourist tax can increase local social welfare, while also increasing industry aggregate profit. In particular, it is profit maximizing to only tax the low segment, until it creates no externality on the high segment. Intervention is more likely to be optimal when the high category segment would be sufficiently more profitable (absent intersegment congestion) than the low category one. While a uniform tax on both segments may increase local welfare, it always decreases aggregate industry profits.
Sub-bituminous coal as a peculiar adsorbent for dye removal from wastewater
Authors: Rada Z. H. , Abid H. R. , Ahmed M. B. , Zargar M.
Published: February 2025

Coal, an abundant and cost-effective adsorbent, is explored for its potential in environmentally friendly greenhouse gas storage. Herein, the adsorption of anionic (methyl orange) and cationic (methylene blue) dyes on sub-bituminous coal was intensively studied. This study is the first application of sub-bituminous coal to examine the removal of different concentrations of dyes from water. The properties of the coal were studied using advanced analytical techniques. The initial dye concentration, solution pH, and adsorbent-adsorbate contact time were investigated for their influence on the adsorption efficiency of the dyes. Adsorption kinetics were then studied by applying common kinetic models and the adsorption isotherms were modeled using relevant isotherm models. The results showed that the sub-bituminous coal was an excellent adsorbent to capture methylene blue dye but less effective for methyl orange dye, with adsorption capacities of 25 mg/g and 15.5 mg/g, respectively. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model showed a higher R2 value (0.999) for the adsorption of methyl orange, while the adsorption of methylene blue on the Pan upper coal was better described by the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.999). Additionally, the Pseudo-first-order kinetic model proved favorable for both adsorbates, indicating that the adsorbate molecules were transported to the solid surface by diffusion, and the adsorption process involved physisorption. This study confirms that sub-bituminous coal is a promising economic adsorbent for removing methylene blue dye.
“Who and how to screen for endogenous hypercortisolism among young women presenting with clinical hyperandrogenism and/or menstrual abnormalities ”
Authors: Ferraù Francesco , Alessi Ylenia , Nista Federica , Roux Anna , Ferone Diego , Arvat Emanuela
Published: February 2025

Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is rare, with an incidence of 0.7–2.4 per million population per year according to population-based studies. However, evaluation of patients presenting disorders potentially related to cortisol excess, and therefore with a ‘high risk of clinical suspicion’ profile, could bring out several unrecognized cases. CS represents one of the most challenging endocrine diseases, with clinical features overlapping with those of common conditions affecting general population, invariably resulting in potential mis- or delayed diagnosis with negative consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality. CS is remarkably prevalent among young females, variably presenting with menstrual irregularities and/or signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism. Herein we briefly reviewed literature on prevalence and clinical impact of menses abnormalities, acne and hirsutism -also coexisting in the context of a polycystic ovary syndrome- in CS, aiming at clarifying if, when and how to screen for hypercortisolism young women with these disorders.