bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nachhaltigkeitsbetrachtungen zur Verstärkung und Instandsetzung von Brücken mit UHFB‐Aufbeton
Authors: Wilkening Marvin , Buitelaar Peter , Oettel Vincent
Published: February 2025

In Europa sind zahlreiche Brücken marode und der Straßenverkehr hat in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten signifikant zugenommen. Ein Ersatzneubau ist aus ökonomischer und ökologischer Sicht jedoch stets das letzte Mittel der Wahl. Die optimalste Lösung für defizitäre Bestandsbrücken ist nahezu immer deren Erhalt durch Verstärkung und Instandsetzung. Eine effektive und kostengünstige Maßnahme stellt die nachträgliche Aufbetonergänzung mit ultrahochfestem Stahlfaserbeton (UHFB) dar. Dies wurde bereits in zahlreichen Projekten im Ausland nachgewiesen. Um die Nachhaltigkeit dieser Maßnahme zu bewerten, wird in diesem Beitrag eine Ökobilanz für die mit UHFB‐Aufbeton verstärkte und instand gesetzte Voorster Brücke in den Niederlanden unter Berücksichtigung aller Lebenszyklusphasen einschließlich der Auswirkungen von Verkehrsbehinderungen während der Ertüchtigungsmaßnahme durchgeführt. Zum Vergleich der Ergebnisse wird ein äquivalenter Ersatzneubau herangezogen, um die ökologischen Vorteile der UHFB‐Verstärkungsmaßnahme gegenüber einem Ersatzneubau aufzeigen zu können. Zusätzlich wird eine Nachweisführung im Grenzzustand der Klimaverträglichkeit vorgenommen. Die durchgeführten Untersuchungen und erzielten Ergebnisse belegen die enorme Überlegenheit der Erhaltung von Bestandsbrücken mit UHFB‐Aufbeton gegenüber einem Ersatzneubau hinsichtlich Ressourcenschonung und Einsparung von CO2‐Emissionen und zeigen damit eindrucksvoll deren extreme Nachhaltigkeit.
Betriebsfestigkeitsbasierter Ermüdungsnachweis mit bauwerksspezifischen Wöhlerlinien
Authors: Heußner Lukas , Ahrens Mark Alexander , Mark Peter
Published: February 2025

Ermüdungsgefährdete Spannbetonbrücken bedürfen besonderer Aufmerksamkeit. Sie sind hinsichtlich ihrer Sicherheit zu bewerten und ggf. kontinuierlich zu überwachen. Geeignet erscheint ein Indikator, der ein Versagen stets rechtzeitig ankündigt. Die höchste Nachweisstufe nach DIN EN 1992‐1‐1 (EC2) sieht einen expliziten Betriebsfestigkeitsnachweis vor. Die verfügbaren Wöhlerlinien sind dazu jedoch wenig geeignet. Sie gelten integral für alle zugelassenen Spannstähle und ‐systeme und erfassen spezifische Anwendungsfälle nur unzureichend. Es wird vorgeschlagen, ersatzweise Ermüdungsversuche an freischwingendem Spannstahl durchzuführen, der dem verbauten Material weitgehend entspricht. Dann verbleibt lediglich die Übertragung auf im Verbund liegende Spannglieder, wofür eine Lösung erarbeitet wird. Durch das interaktive Verfahren werden experimentelle Bruchlastspielzahlen in eine Wöhlerlinie mit Wendepunkt überführt, dann in einen bilinearen Verlauf affin dem EC2 transformiert und mit einer allgemeinen Referenz für freischwingende Spannstähle verglichen. Ihr Lageversatz zur Wöhlerlinie gerader Spannglieder im nachträglichen Verbund wird auf die spezifische Linie übertragen, um sie für das Referenzbauwerk nutzbar zu machen. Sie liegt weit günstiger als die normative und verlängert die Restlebensdauer signifikant. Es erscheint überlegenswert, die Ergebnisse von Ermüdungsversuchen im Zuge von Zulassungen zukünftig verbindlich in der Bauwerksdokumentation zu hinterlegen.
Selective Diversity in RNA Viruses: Do They Know How to Evolve? A Hypothesis
Authors: Nemchinov Lev G.
Published: February 2025

Genetic diversity of viral populations is almost unanimously attributed to the build‐up of random mutations along with accidental recombination events. This passive role of viruses in the selection of viable genotypes is widely acknowledged. According to the hypothesis presented here, populations of steady‐state error copies of a master viral sequence would have a dominant mutant rather than a random pool of heterogeneous viral genomes with changes scattered uniformly without any preferential distribution. It would let viruses face the selection stage of host surveillance having a preceding set of potential survivors or “guard” genomes among an ordinary cloud of random quasispecies.
One‐Pot Hetero‐Di‐C‐Glycosylation of the Natural Polyphenol Phloretin by a Single C‐Glycosyltransferase With Broad Sugar Substrate Specificity
Authors: Li Tuo , Borg Annika J. E. , Krammer Leo , Breinbauer Rolf , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: February 2025

The structural motif of hetero‐di‐C‐glycosyl compound is prominent in plant polyphenol natural products and involves two different glycosyl residues (e.g., β‐d‐glucosyl, β‐d‐xylosyl) attached to carbons of the same phenolic ring. Polyphenol hetero‐di‐C‐glycosides attract attention as specialized ingredients of herbal medicines and their tailored synthesis by enzymatic C‐glycosylation is promising to overcome limitations of low natural availability and to expand molecular diversity to new‐to‐nature glycoside structures. However, installing these di‐C‐glycoside structures with synthetic precision and efficiency is challenging. Here we have characterized the syntheses of C‐β‐galactosyl‐C‐β‐glucosyl and C‐β‐glucosyl‐C‐β‐xylosyl structures on the phloroglucinol ring of the natural polyphenol phloretin, using kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia) C‐glycosyltransferase (FcCGT). The FcCGT uses uridine 5'‐diphosphate (UDP)‐galactose (5 mU/mg) and UDP‐xylose (0.3 U/mg) at lower activity than UDP‐glucose (3 U/mg). The 3'‐C‐β‐glucoside (nothofagin) is ~10‐fold less reactive than non‐glycosylated phloretin with all UDP‐sugars, suggesting the practical order of hetero‐di‐C‐glycosylation as C‐galactosylation or C‐xylosylation of phloretin followed by C‐glucosylation of the resulting mono‐C‐glycoside. Each C‐glycosylation performed in the presence of twofold excess of UDP‐sugar proceeds to completion and appears to be effectively irreversible, as evidenced by the absence of glycosyl residue exchange at extended reaction times. Synthesis of C‐β‐glucosyl‐C‐β‐xylosyl phloretin is shown at 10 mM concentration in quantitative conversion using cascade reaction of FcCGT and UDP‐xylose synthase, allowing for in situ formation of UDP‐xylose from the more expedient donor substrate UDP‐glucuronic acid. The desired di‐C‐glycoside with Xyl or Gal was obtained as a single product of the synthesis and its structure was confirmed by NMR.
Investigating the Role of Smart and Resilient Supplier Management Practices in Circular Economy: A Supply Chain Practice View Perspective
Authors: Bag Surajit , Kumar Mangla Sachin
Published: February 2025

This study aims to understand how industrial firms manage smart and resilient supplier management practices within a circular economy context to enhance smart and resilient circular supply chain performance. We employed a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods research design. Using the supply chain practice view, the study develops five research hypotheses. Primary data were collected through surveys, and structural equation modeling was used to test the model in study one. In study two, a qualitative study using semistructured interviews was performed. Our study shows that smart and resilient supplier management practices affect circular supply chain performance, making it a unique and significant contribution. This influence is due to two critical intermediate outcomes: (a) friction reduction and (b) the development of smart and resilient circular supply chain innovations. These intermediate outcomes contribute to enhanced smart and resilient circular supply chain performance. Our study provides a perspective by addressing the “how” of the impact. The study demonstrates how firms can leverage smart and resilient supplier management practices to improve circular supply chain performance. This comprehensive approach enriches the understanding of smart and resilient supplier management practices, emphasizing their strategic importance in achieving superior circular supply chain outcomes.
Assessment of Treatment Outcome in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Patients on Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Insight From a Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Awlachew Wude Yewondwosen , Tasamma Abel Tenaw , Mengistie Firehiwot Abebe , Alemineh Zekarias Tadele , Tefera Samuel Tesfaye
Published: February 2025

Background

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11.2), which results in a constitutively active tyrosine kinase. The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has significantly altered the disease course for patients with BCR‐ABL1+ CML globally.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of CML patients in Ethiopia.

Methodology

This was a single‐center, cross‐sectional study conducted on 330 patients diagnosed with CML, who were on TKI therapy and receiving follow‐up at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). Data were collected from electronic medical records using a structured data abstraction tool. Chi‐square statistics and binary logistic regression were employed to examine the associations between categorical variables, with statistical significance set at a p value < 0.05. A 95% confidence interval was used.

Results

The median age of patients was 37.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 29.0–49.3), and 185 (56.1%) of the patients were male. At diagnosis, 92.1% were in the chronic phase of CML, while 9 (2.7%) were in blast crisis. The complete hematologic response (CHR) rate at 3 months was 90.9% (291/320), while the CHR rate beyond 3 months was 90.2% (258/286). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of not achieving a complete/partial hematologic response was higher among those diagnosed in the advanced phase of CML (AOR: 6.114, 95% CI: 2.210, 16.910) and among patients requiring a treatment change (AOR: 5.765, 95% CI: 2.460, 13.512).

Conclusion

The median age of CML patients in our study was notably young. The 3‐month and overall hematologic responses were excellent. The initial phase of CML at diagnosis and treatment switch was associated with the 3‐month CHR, while only treatment switch was associated with the overall CHR.
Nodal Downstaging of Esophageal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Cohort Study and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Su Feng , Huang Xu , Yin Jun , Tang Hang , Tan Lijie , Shen Yaxing
Published: February 2025

Background

In esophageal cancer, the ypN0 status after induction therapy could be categorized into two primary groups: “natural N0” (cN0/ypN0) and “down‐staged N0” (cN+/ypN0). The assessment of cN status is typically based on clinical imagination or pathological regression. However, there is no standardized method for evaluating cN/ypN status. This study aims to investigate the prognosis of patients with cN+/ypN0 using both assessment methods through a cohort study and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database encompassing esophageal cancer patients undergoing induction therapy followed by radical esophagectomy was comprehensively reviewed. The prognostic significance of cN+/ypN0 across two evaluation methods was quantified. Additionally, a meta‐analysis using data from previous studies was conducted.

Results

578 patients were identified from the cohort analysis, with 342 classified as ypN0 and 236 as ypN+. When evaluated with clinical imagination, patients with cN+/ypN0 had survival outcomes comparable to those with natural N0 but significantly better than those with ypN+ (p < 0.001). Using pathological nodal regression, cN+/ypN0 patients showed superior overall survival compared to ypN+ patients (p = 0.0043), although their disease‐free survival was notably inferior to that of natural N0 patients (p = 0.0088). A meta‐analysis of 20 previous studies confirmed the prognostic value of cN+/ypN0 status in both clinical imagination and pathological regression.

Conclusions

For esophageal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant, cN+/ypN0 status, assessed through both clinical imagination and pathological regression, serves as a significant prognostic factor. It holds precedence over ypN+ yet falls short of the natural N0. The pre‐treatment categorizations warrant recognition as a novel and pertinent staging metric.
Rise of the Machines: Customer Preference for Service Robots Across Different Settings
Authors: Wen Jutong , Breazeale Michael , Collier Joel E.
Published: February 2025

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence in service economies, service robots play an increasingly important role in frontline service across various industries. However, it remains uncertain whether customers actually prefer service robots across different frontline service settings. Therefore, this exploratory research empirically compares customers' attitudes toward service robots to their attitudes toward human employees, to determine whether customers' preference for service robots is contingent on service settings. Study 1 was conducted in a high‐touch setting (i.e., hotel check‐in), and Study 2 was conducted in a low‐touch setting (i.e., fast‐food ordering). It was found that while customers enjoy interaction with a service robot more than with a human employee in both settings, they tend to accept and recommend service robots more readily in a low‐touch setting. This research provides implications regarding the adoption of service robots and some promising avenues for future marketing research on service robots.
Engineering MoFe Nanostructures on Carbon Cloth for Sustainable Ammonia Production via Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Kweon Shinyoung , Qureshi Nilam , Shim Jun Ho
Published: February 2025

Ammonia (NH3) is pivotal for agriculture and energy storage, yet its efficient synthesis under ambient conditions remains challenging. This study presents an innovative method for NH3 synthesis, utilizing molybdenum and iron nanostructures on carbon cloth (MoFe/CC) as catalysts for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Superior catalytic performance is achieved by optimizing the molar ratio of molybdenum (Mo) to iron (Fe) and adjusting the synthesis parameters. The catalytic activities are assessed under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions to ascertain the optimal pH for NH3 production. Comprehensive characterization of the MoFe composite is conducted using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming strong Fe‐Mo interactions. Electrochemical assays in nitrogen‐saturated electrolytes highlight MoFe(7:3)/CC catalyst’s exceptional performance, yielding 34.32 µg h⁻1 mg⁻1 of NH3 with a Faradaic efficiency of 57.6% at ‐0.35 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M phosphate‐buffered solution (PBS). Stability tests conducted over 20 h demonstrate over 95% retention of the initial current density, with no detectable hydrazine byproducts. This optimized MoFe/CC catalyst significantly improves the selectivity of the NRR, rendering it a viable candidate for scalable, sustainable ammonia production in future industrial applications.
Balancing the Aggregation of Cobalt Phthalocyanine on Carbon Nanohorn for Efficient H2O2 electrosynthesis in Neutral Electrolyte
Authors: Ding Yiqi , Xing Zhuo , Kuai Chunguang , Wang Feng Ryan , Guo Yuzheng
Published: February 2025

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) driven by renewable electricity in neutral electrolyte presents a promising way for generating H2O2, which is suitable for daily sanitation and hygiene management. Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) serves as an effective molecular electrocatalyst, providing active sites to facilitate H2O2 generation during ORR through a uniform distribution on carbon supports. However, the catalytic performance currently falls short of industrial application requirements. Herein, we employed carbon nanohorns with abundant oxygen functional groups (CNH(O)) to support CoPc, thereby optimizing the distribution of CoPc and enhancing the generation of active sites with electron‐deficient Co centres. Control experiments and characterizations demonstrate the electron‐deficient of Co centres is dependent on the degree of CoPc aggregation, highlighting a trade‐off between loading weight and distribution of CoPc. Then, a 4% loading weight of CoPc on CNH(O) exhibited the optimal performance of H2O2 generation, achieving a H2O2 current density of 483 mA cm−2 at a potential of 0.3 V vs RHE with a Faradaic efficiency of 64 %.
Ultrafast Photoinduced Electron Transfer Between Donor (Eosin‐Y) and Acceptor (Naphthoquinone) in a Supramolecular Array Based on a Coordination Cage Host
Authors: Tipping Max B. , Woolley Jack M. , Williams James R. , Ward Michael D.
Published: February 2025

An octanuclear M8L12 coordination cage host (HPEG ⋅ M) in aqueous solution binds neutral electron‐accepting guests such as naphthoquinone (NQ) in its central cavity via the hydrophobic effect, and multiple anionic photosensitisers such as Eosin‐Y (EY2−) around the exterior surface due to 16+ charge on the complex cation: this is confirmed by both solution titration experiments and X‐ray crystallography. In the three‐component assembly HPEG ⋅ Cd/EY2−/NQ, photoexcitation of EY2− at 525 nm results in ultrafast (ca. 1 ps) photoinduced EY2−→NQ electron transfer from surface‐bound EY2− to cavity‐bound NQ (which have been brought into close proximity by their interactions with different sites on the host cage) to give the charge‐separated pair EY⋅−/NQ⋅−, identified by transient absorption spectroscopy: back‐ET results in charge recombination in ≈70 ps. The assembly of donor and acceptor components via orthogonal interactions using the host cage as a scaffold presents a promising route into spatial control of multiple components in supramolecular arrays for photophysical applications.
The ash deposition and structure characteristics for radiant syngas cooler based on the fluid‐thermal‐structure method using numerical simulation
Authors: Zhang Guoyu , Gong Yan , Xu Jianliang , Guo Qinghua , Yu Guangsuo
Published: February 2025

The radiant syngas cooler (RSC) has the potential to significantly enhance energy efficiency as a critical heat recovery device in entrained‐flow coal gasification technology. The dimensions of the RSC have a direct impact on the flow and heat transfer processes. In this study, an analysis was conducted to evaluate the heat transfer, ash deposition, and thermal structural deformation characteristics based on the fluid‐thermal‐structure interaction method of the RSC. The simulation results exhibit a high degree of correlation with the industrial data. The results indicate that the increase in length‐diameter ratios decreases the area of the recirculation zone. Ash deposition thickness increases with the increase of length–diameter ratios. A maximum ash deposition thickness of 15.2 mm while the length‐diameter ratio is 9. The effect of ash deposition is amplified with an increase in length–diameter ratios on heat transfer. The thermal deformation of top and bottom structures is observed to increase with an increase in length–diameter ratios without ash deposition while decreasing with ash deposition. For the optimized RSC structure, an increase in inlet temperature and load results in a corresponding increase in ash layer thickness, while the effect on thermal deformation is limited. The current results can serve as a reference for the integral structural optimal design of industrial RSC.
A hidden chemical assembly mechanism: reconstruction‐by‐reconstruction cycle growth in HKUST‐1 MOF layer synthesis
Authors: Marlow Frank , Koehler Tillmann , Schmeink Jennifer , Schleberger Marika
Published: February 2025

Thin metal‐organic framework films grown in a layer‐by‐layer manner have been the subject of growing interest. Herein we investigate one of the most popular frameworks, the type HKUST‐1. Firstly, we show a special synthesis procedure resulting in quick but optically perfect growth. This enables the synthesis of films of excellent optical quality within a short timeframe. Secondly and most importantly, we address the known, but not fully understood observation that the expected growth rate of one monolayer per cycle is strongly exceeded, e.g. by a factor of 4. This is an often‐ignored inconsistency in the literature. We offer a growth model using a reconstruction process in every cycle leading to a deterministic reconstruction‐by‐reconstruction (RbR) cycle growth with a 4‐times higher growth rate. It represents an up‐to‐now hidden chemical assembly mechanism.
An 80‐MS/s 60.9‐dB SNDR Fully Differential Ring Amplifier‐Based SAR‐Assisted Pipelined ADC With Dual Redundancy in 65‐nm CMOS
Authors: Chen Hao , Jian Mingchao , Wang Zhenyu , Xie Huanlin , Sun Bo , Guo Chunbing
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a single‐channel, 12‐bit, 80‐MS/s SAR‐assisted pipelined ADC. A ring amplifier is used as the inter‐stage residue amplifier, employing dynamic biasing to enhance PVT stability. Additionally, the drain‐source voltage of the MOS transistor is utilized to generate a dead‐zone voltage, which reduces the impact on the secondary pole frequency and further improves stability. A non‐binary weighted capacitor array is employed in the two‐stage sub‐ADC to provide redundancy, reduce settling time, improve speed, and work in conjunction with the common‐mode stable switching timing. This approach solves the problem that traditional switching timing can only correct one‐sided settling errors, thereby fully exploiting the redundancy's correction capability. The prototype ADC was fabricated in a 65‐nm CMOS process and consumes 5.85 mW from a 1.1‐V power supply at 80 MS/s. The SNDR and SFDR are 53.93 and 70.33 dB, respectively, with a Nyquist input, achieving a Walden figure‐of‐merit (FoM) of 179 fJ/conversion‐step.
Efficient Computation Offloading and Data Transmission Strategy for 3D Object Detection in Edge Computing Networks
Authors: Guo Yu , Zhang Ruiheng , Song Tingting , Ban Xiaojuan
Published: February 2025

3D object detection leverages sensors like LiDAR and cameras to capture scene information, enabling precise determination of objects' spatial positions and orientations. This technology finds extensive applications in autonomous driving, smart homes, industrial automation, and intelligent security systems. However, high‐precision 3D object detection algorithms often require substantial computational resources, posing limitations for deployment on resource‐constrained devices. In this paper, we devise an efficient computation offloading and data transmission framework specifically tailored for edge computing networks to address this challenge. Our framework takes into account both the computing and communication capabilities of terminal devices and network conditions, offloading suitable computation tasks to the edge for processing. This approach mitigates the algorithm's performance requirements on terminal devices. Furthermore, we propose a data transmission scheme that incorporates attention mechanisms and hardware‐accelerated coding. This scheme effectively reduces detection time and enhances overall system performance. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed framework significantly enhances the efficiency of 3D object detection on resource‐constrained devices within edge computing networks, while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Screening and Quantification of the Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist 5F‐MDMB‐PINACA From Seized Prison Paper Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Approaches
Authors: Vaccaro Giorgia , Stair Jacqueline L. , Kirton Stewart B. , Baker Daniel , Guirguis Amira
Published: February 2025

Infusing synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists on paper quickly became a main route for illicit entry into prisons (i.e., mail correspondence) in the last decade. So far, there are limited data on validated detection methods and typical concentration profiles of these substances on paper to inform interventions. An approach to quantify and map the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist (SCRA) 5F‐MDMB‐PINACA on a seized paper sample from a UK Prison was determined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The seized paper sample was initially screened using ultraperformance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry that confirmed the presence of 5F‐MDMB‐PINACA. A quantification method was then optimised and validated for the SCRA using a simple liquid chromatography–quadrupole Dalton–mass spectrometry system. Percentage recovery studies were carried out on paper spiked with 1, 5 and 20 mg/cm2 of 5F‐MDMB‐PINACA with five consecutive MeOH extractions. Results showed that one extraction recovered 83%–86%, while three extractions resulted in 98%–99% 5F‐MDMB‐PINACA recovery. Finally, the method was used to determine the concentration profile across the seized paper sample; 5F‐MDMB‐PINACA was in detectable amounts on all the paper subunits (n = 39) ranging between 0.26 and 55.13 μg/cm2, displaying a wide distribution of concentrations. Concentration profiles of SCRAs on seized paper samples are informative for interventions for those who are abusing or handling these substances in custodial settings but also provide key concentration ranges for those developing advanced methods of analysis in this area.
Insect hosts are nutritional landscapes navigated by fungal pathogens
Authors: De Fine Licht Henrik H. , Csontos Zsuzsanna , Nielsen Piet Jan Domela Nijegaard , Langkilde Enzo Buhl , Kjærgård Hansen August K. , Shik Jonathan Z.
Published: February 2025

Nutrition can mediate host–pathogen interactions indirectly when specific deficiencies (e.g., iron or glutamine) constrain host immune performance. Nutrition can also directly govern these interactions as invading pathogens colonize finite landscapes of nutritionally variable host tissues that must be optimally foraged during pathogen development. We first used a conceptual framework of nutritional niches to show that insect‐pathogenic Metarhizium fungi navigate host landscapes where different tissues vary widely in (protein [P] and carbohydrates [C]). We next tested whether host‐specific Metarhizium species have narrower fundamental nutritional niches (FNNs) than host‐generalists by measuring pathogen performance across an in vitro nutritional landscape simulating a within‐host foraging environment. We then tested how developing pathogens navigate nutritional landscapes by developing a liquid‐media approach to track pathogen intake of P and C over time. Host‐specificity did not govern FNN dimensions, as the three tested Metarhizium species: (1) grew maximally across C treatments assuming P was present above a lower threshold, and (2) similarly initiated dispersal behaviors and sporulated when either C or P became depleted. However, specialist and generalist pathogens navigated nutritional landscapes differently. The host specialist (M. acridum) first prioritized C intake, but generalists (M. anisopliae, M. robertsii) prioritized P and C according to their availability. The numbers of known hosts may be insufficient to delimit pathogens as specialists or generalists as diverse hosts do not necessarily comprise diverse nutritional landscapes. Instead, the immune responses of hosts and nutritional niche breadth of pathogens are likely co‐equal evolutionary drivers of host specificity.
Ibudilast Protects Retinal Bipolar Cells From Excitotoxic Retinal Damage and Activates the mTOR Pathway
Authors: Hamadmad Sumaya , Heisler‐Taylor Tyler , Goswami Sandeep , Hawthorn Evan , Chaurasia Sameer , Martini Dena , Summitt Diana , Zatari Ali , Shalash Rahaf , Sohail Misha , Urbanski Elizabeth G. , Bernstein Kayla , Racine Julie , Satoskar Abhay , El‐Hodiri Heithem M. , Fischer Andy J. , Cebulla Colleen M.
Published: February 2025

Ibudilast, an inhibitor of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and phosphodiesterase (PDE), has been recently shown to have neuroprotective effects in a variety of neurologic diseases. We utilize a chick excitotoxic retinal damage model to investigate ibudilast's potential to protect retinal neurons. Using single cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq), we find that MIF, putative MIF receptors CD74 and CD44, and several PDEs are upregulated in different retinal cells during damage. Intravitreal ibudilast is well tolerated in the eye and causes no evidence of toxicity. Ibudilast effectively protects neurons in the inner nuclear layer from NMDA‐induced cell death, restores retinal layer thickness on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), and preserves retinal neuron function, particularly for the ON bipolar cells, as assessed by electroretinography. PDE inhibition seems essential for ibudilast's neuroprotection, as AV1013, the analogue that lacks PDE inhibitor activity, is ineffective. scRNA‐seq analysis reveals upregulation of multiple signaling pathways, including mTOR, in damaged Müller glia (MG) with ibudilast treatment compared to AV1013. Components of mTORC1 and mTORC2 are upregulated in both bipolar cells and MG with ibudilast. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin blocked accumulation of pS6 but did not reduce TUNEL positive dying cells. Additionally, through ligand‐receptor interaction analysis, crosstalk between bipolar cells and MG may be important for neuroprotection. We have identified several paracrine signaling pathways that are known to contribute to cell survival and neuroprotection and might play essential roles in ibudilast function. These findings highlight ibudilast's potential to protect inner retinal neurons during damage and show promise for future clinical translation.
Attenuation of High Gamma Activity by Repetitive Motor Tasks
Authors: Sanada Takahiro , Kapeller Christoph , Jordan Michael , Miyauchi Masaharu , Fukuyama Shusei , Kimura Teruo , Hiroshima Satoru , Kinoshita Manabu , Nakano Naoki , Guger Christoph , Tsuyuguchi Naohiro
Published: February 2025

High gamma activity (HGA) is a crucial biomarker for functional brain mapping, particularly in sensorimotor areas, to preserve functionality after brain surgeries. HGA mapping paradigms typically involve multiple task blocks alternating with resting (R) conditions, where each block comprises consecutive tasks under nonresting (NR) conditions. However, the repetitive nature of these tasks may lead to attenuation due to repetition suppression, potentially compromising the accuracy of HGA mapping. This study tests the hypothesis that repetitive grasping paradigms result in attenuated HGA over time in sensorimotor areas. It explores the temporal and spatial characteristics of this attenuation to optimize electrocorticography (ECoG) HGA protocols and enhance result interpretation. Eleven consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment of intractable epilepsy or malignant glioma were included in this study. Intracranial electrode locations on the pre‐ and postcentral gyrus were considered regions of interest (ROI). Each patient performed ten blocks of ten consecutive grasping trials. The mean z‐scored HGA (60–170 Hz) across these trials was calculated, and attenuation was analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Obtained signals were also divided into three grouped periods for R and NR groups to assess short‐term attenuation within movement blocks and long‐term attenuation over multiple blocks. Electrode locations were mapped to the MNI152 (Montreal Neurological Institute) brain template to investigate the spatial distribution of attenuation. Distances from each electrode to the hand‐knob region were compared between attenuated and nonattenuated electrodes. A total of 568 electrodes from 11 patients were analyzed, including 139 electrodes within the ROI. Thus, 60 electrodes demonstrated significant HGAs during the grasping task (p < 0.05). Sensorimotor HGA z‐scores significantly attenuated over time during both consecutive grasping trials and repeated blocks. Short‐term attenuation (25%, 15/60 electrodes in ROI) was more pronounced than long‐term attenuation (15%, 9/60 electrodes in ROI). Notably, three patients undergoing intraoperative mapping demonstrated less short‐term attenuation compared to long‐term attenuation. Spatially, attenuated electrodes clustered around the hand‐knob region of the precentral gyrus and adjacent areas of the postcentral gyrus. However, no significant differences were observed in the distances from electrodes to the hand‐knob region between attenuated and nonattenuated electrodes. The present study showed that repetitive grasping tasks attenuated the HGA of significant electrodes in the sensorimotor area over time. Considering the findings with the characteristics can further improve the usability of ECoG mapping in terms of more precise results in the most reasonable mapping time.
Metagenomic Analysis of Lung Microbiome in Patients With Interstitial Lung Diseases and Sarcoidosis: An Experimental Study
Authors: Takeuchi Suguru , Kawada Jun‐ichi , Suzuki Atsushi , Sakamoto Koji , Fukuda Yuto , Horiba Kazuhiro , Suzuki Takako , Torii Yuka , Shindo Yuichiro , Ito Yoshinori
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

Interactions between the lung microbiome and pulmonary epithelium plays a pivotal role in shaping immunity in the lung. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common interstitial lung disease (ILD). Some patients with IPF develop episodic acute exacerbations often associated with microbial dysbiosis in the lungs. This study aimed to investigate etiologic agents as well as the lung microbiome in patients with ILDs and sarcoidosis.

Methods

This study analyzed 31 patients divided into the IPF (IPF‐stable, n = 12), acute exacerbation of ILDs (AE‐ILDs, n = 6), and sarcoidosis (n = 13) groups. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were analyzed by RNA‐based metagenomic next‐generation sequencing (NGS) on an Illumina platform.

Results

In total, 87 pathogens were detected using metagenomic NGS at the genus level. Prevotella, Streptococcus, and Veillonella dominated the BALF microbial communities, and sequence reads of these bacteria were abundant, especially in the sarcoidosis group. Conversely, only a small number of bacterial reads were detected in the AE‐ILDs group, and the overall proportion of microbial composition differed from that of the other groups. No significant difference was found in community diversity (α‐diversity) among the groups, whereas the structural similarity of the microflora (β‐diversity) differed significantly between the AE‐ILDs and sarcoidosis groups.

Conclusions

Bacterial sequence reads in BALF were smaller in both the IPF‐stable and AE‐ILD groups than in the sarcoidosis group. Dysbiosis in the lung microbiome has been observed in patients with AE‐ILD and may be related to the progression of inflammation.
Impact of Settling and Resuspension on Plastic Dynamics During Extreme Flow and Their Seasonality in Global Major Rivers
Authors: Nakayama Tadanobu
Published: February 2025

Environmental contamination by plastics has been receiving considerable attention from scientists, policymakers and the public over the last few decades. Though some of the models have succeeded in simulating the transport and fate of plastic debris in freshwater systems, a complete model is now being developed to clarify the dynamic characteristics of the plastic budget on a continental scale. Recently, the author linked two process‐based eco‐hydrology models, NICE (National Integrated Catchment‐based Eco‐hydrology) and NICE‐BGC (BioGeochemical Cycle), to a plastic debris model that accounts for both the transport and fate of plastic debris (advection, dispersion, diffusion, settling, dissolution and biochemical degradation by light and temperature), and applied this new model on a regional scale and also for global major rivers. The present study newly incorporated resuspension and bedload transport by extending the author's previous investigations. The simulated results showed that large‐sized micro‐plastics were distributed more in riverbeds than in river water. Although small‐sized micro‐plastics are suspended in the water and large‐sized micro‐plastics settle in the riverbed under normal flow, floods disturb this equilibrium completely and resuspend large‐sized micro‐plastics in the water. Because the percentage of exported micro‐plastic load stored in the riverbed during flood periods is relatively high in some global major rivers, the amount of plastic deposited in riverbeds might be smaller than in lakes and dams. The riverine plastic transport to the ocean revised in the present study was 1.218 ± 0.393 Tg/yr, with macro‐plastic flux 0.793 ± 0.305 Tg/yr and micro‐plastic flux 0.426 ± 0.248 Tg/yr, being within the range of previous values, that is, 0.41–4.0 Tg/yr. These results aid the development of solutions and measures for the reduction of plastic input to the ocean, and help to quantify the magnitude of plastic transport under climate change.
Enhanced Photothermal Tumor Ablation Using Polypyrrole‐Gold Nanocomposites Activated by Polarized Polychromatic Low‐Energy Light: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Ibrahim Jilan S. , Hanafi Neamat , Sliem Mahmoud A. , El‐Tayeb Tarek A.
Published: February 2025

Photothermal therapy (PTT) offers a minimally invasive approach for cancer treatment, using light energy to selectively heat and destroy cancer cells. Success in PTT depends on efficient, stable, and biocompatible photothermal agents. This study investigates polypyrrole@gold nanocomposites (PPy@Au NCs) as photothermal agents combined with polarized polychromatic low‐energy light (PPLEL) to target tumors and limit disease progression. In vivo experiments on Ehrlich carcinoma‐bearing female Swiss albino mice demonstrated that PPy@Au NCs selectively accumulated in tumor tissue and, when activated by PPLEL, generated sufficient heat for effective tumor ablation. This approach enhanced treatment efficacy and presented a cost‐effective solution due to the affordability of both the nanocomposite and light source. Histopathological analysis confirmed significant tumor reduction, suggesting that this synergistic combination offers a promising cancer treatment strategy. Findings support further research and potential clinical applications in photothermal cancer therapy.
Gold Nanorods (GNRs): A Golden Nano Compass to Navigate Breast Cancer by Multimodal Imaging Approaches
Authors: Varma Sanjana , Bamb Aagam Lalit , Haldar Niladri , Gajbhiye Virendra , Amalnerkar Dinesh , Chaudhari Bhushan Pradosh
Published: February 2025

The ongoing rise in the incidences of breast cancer cases has concerned medical and scientific personnel around the world. Adequate treatment of cancer predominantly relies on the pertinent diagnosis of the type of cancer as well as other molecular and cellular details at the initial stage only. Surprisingly, up till now, there is no single, self‐reliant imaging modality that helps to systematically find out the anatomical and functional events taking place inside the body. This resulted in the advent of the multimodal imaging concept, which encompasses the integration of complementary imaging modalities by designing multimodal imaging probes. Gold nanorods (GNRs) are extremely popular and effective nanoparticles for multimodal bioimaging due to their unique properties. Researchers have designed varieties of stable and biocompatible GNR‐based probes for targeted and nontargeted multimodal imaging of breast cancer. However, there is a lack of investigations on the in vivo fate and the toxicity of GNRs. Thus, their preclinical to clinical translation can be attained by comprehensively determining the in vivo fate and toxicity of GNRs. The review provides details about the GNRs‐based nanoprobes fabricated so far for breast cancer imaging, which, by consequent studies, can be taken up to clinical usage.
Allergic Reaction to Alteplase Dwell in Chronic Automated Red Cell Exchange Patient
Authors: Jacob R. , Tran M. , Sommers T. , Lee T.
Published: February 2025

Allergic reactions to intravenous, alteplase have been reported, usually in doses utilized for thrombolysis. Alteplase is also widely used for clearance of occluded catheter lumens, but allergic reactions have not been reported for this route of administration. A 14‐year‐old patient with sickle cell disease presented with an occluded apheresis port. During alteplase dwell for port occlusion, he developed an initial reaction concerning for anaphylaxis prior to automated red cell exchange, resulting in hospitalization. Findings included angioedema to the tongue and lip as well as urticaria on his abdomen and over a previous port scar, which became warm and firm. Of note, the patient also has a history of severe atopy, uncontrolled eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and elevated eosinophils. The patient was referred to allergy and a skin test to alteplase was negative. The patient underwent an alteplase challenge through his catheter where he experienced anaphylaxis. Despite appropriate treatment, he again required inpatient admission. Post reaction serum tryptase level was not elevated. A clear temporal relationship to alteplase exposure and subsequent allergic reaction was documented in this case. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of allergic reaction to intraluminal alteplase used for clearance of an occluded apheresis port. The non‐elevated tryptase level suggests a non‐IgE mediated reaction. Allergic reaction to alteplase dwell for clearance of occluded lumens can occur and is an entity apheresis providers should be aware of. Additionally, traditional skin testing may not be entirely predictive of safety upon rechallenge.
Green synthesis of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide via oxidation of tert‐butanol in various reactors
Authors: Shiue Angus , Jeng Jyh‐Cheng , Chin Kai‐Yen , Chen Jie‐An , Lin Ming‐Hao , Chang Shu‐Mei , Leggett Graham
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

In this study, tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was prepared by the oxidation of TBA via the catalysis of sulfuric acid by the green and environmentally‐friendly hydrogen peroxide oxidant sustainable method using micro‐channel reactor ‐ Corning Advanced‐Flow Reactors (AFR), AFR connected pipe, tubular reactor, and batch reactor. The effects of process parameters such as temperature, molar ratio of catalyst, molar ratio of oxidant, and residence time to TBHP on the reaction performance were systematically investigated to explore the conversion and the ratio of main and by‐products. The reliability of this method at a certain temperature was verified with a kinetic study.

RESULTS

The reaction temperature was 70 °C, the optimum molar ratio of TBA to H2SO4 was determined to be 1:1, and the optimum molar ratio of H2O2 to TBA was determined to be 0.8. AFR and AFR connected pipe process significantly improved the efficiency and safety of the reaction and greatly increased TBA conversion and TBHP yield compared with the tubular and batch reactor. In the range of 60 to 70 °C, a second order kinetic expression characterizes the tert‐butyl alcohol conversion well (R2 = 0.9499).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed that the observed correlation is a practical tool to figure the TBA conversion and TBHP and di‐tert‐butyl peroxide (DTBP) production. The activation energies of the corresponding reactions AFR and AFR external pipeline were 45.26 and 86.98 kJ mol−1, respectively. The overall heat transfer coefficient achieved in the Corning AFR was validated as scalable. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Dissolved Organic Matter Within Soil Aggregates in Forest Restoration: Insights From Optical Properties
Authors: Zhang Gui‐bang , Zhang Qing‐wei , Kuan Wen‐xuan , Wang Jian , Liu Jun'e , Wang Hao , Li Ming
Published: February 2025

Forest restoration with Robinia pseudoacacia L. has many benefits, and dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) might provide insight into soil restoration. Nevertheless, studies regarding the changes in the DOM within soil aggregates during artificial forest restoration are relatively limited in semiarid regions. Soil aggregates were collected from the topsoil, middle soil, and subsoil layers (i.e., 0–20, 30–50, and 80–100 cm) at six forests (i.e., R. pseudoacacia L.) lands with various restoration ages in a typical semiarid region. The variations of DOM properties in silt + clay size classes, microaggregates and macroaggregates (i.e., < 0.053 mm, 0.053–0.25 mm, and > 0.25 mm) were explored by UV–visible and three‐dimensional excited emission matrix spectral. Overall, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content (41.24–119.82 mg kg−1) of soil aggregates generally increased with restoration age. The DOC content in topsoil aggregates was 3.11–7.13 times larger than those from the other two soil layers. The molecular weight, aromaticity degree, and humification degree had the same trends as that of DOC content with soil depth. The DOC content and aromaticity degree of DOM in macroaggregates were 1.26–4.27 times and 1.01–1.18 times higher than those in microaggregates and silt + clay size classes at most soil layers, respectively. These variations in DOM within soil aggregates were primarily attributed to the changes in soil texture and the densities of plant roots and litter during the forest restoration. The study reveals the positive impact of forest restoration on the increase of DOC content, providing scientific evidence for soil management.
“I Really Try to Model Good Practices”: Reflecting on Journal Article Publication From Mid‐Career
Authors: Merga Margaret K. , Mason Shannon , Morris Julia
Published: February 2025

Publishing research in scholarly journals takes up much time and energy for many academics, and the early career phase may be particularly challenging, as researchers navigate the processes and politics of academic publishing for the first time. We previously explored these challenges as early‐career researchers in a collaborative autoethnographic study in 2018. Now, 6 years later, we have once again reflected on our shared and divergent experiences, this time from our positions as mid‐career researchers, socialised into the world of scholarly publishing and with longer histories of success and failure in scholarly publication. Our critical discussions revealed a continued commitment to publishing work in high‐impact journals, but also tensions in engaging with biased systems, and systemic resistance to challenging inequalities in academic publishing. Our motives for publishing are still influenced by institutional expectations, but are increasingly shaped by a desire to extend the impact of our work to individuals and communities as our knowledge mobilisation endeavours come to fruition, and new external partnerships are formed. This article is responsive to our ongoing efforts to support the next generation of novice researchers in their own publishing journeys, while also critically reflecting on tensions and opportunities encountered when expanding our publication mentoring skillset.
Stability and Accuracy of a Meshless Finite Difference Method for the Stokes Equations
Authors: Westermann Alexander , Davydov Oleg , Sokolov Andriy , Turek Stefan
Published: February 2025

We study the behavior of the meshless finite difference method based on radial basis functions applied to the stationary incompressible Stokes equations in two spatial dimensions, with the velocity and the pressure discretized on their own node sets. We demonstrate that the main condition for the stability of the numerical solution is that the distribution of the pressure nodes has to be coarser than that of the velocity both globally and locally in the domain, and there is no need for any more complex assumptions similar to the Ladyzhenskaya‐Babuška‐Brezzi condition in the finite element method. Optimal stability is achieved when the relative local density of the velocity to pressure nodes is about 4:1. The convergence rates of the method correspond to the convergence rates of numerical differentiation for both low and higher order discretizations. The method works well on both mesh‐based and irregular nodes, such as those generated by random or quasi‐random numbers and on nodes with varying density. There is no need for special staggered arrangements, which suggests that node generation algorithms may produce just one node set and obtain the other by either refinement or coarsening. Numerical results for the benchmark Driven Cavity Problem confirm the robustness and high accuracy of the method, in particular resolving a cascade of multiple Moffatt Eddies at the tip of the wedge by using nodes obtained from the quasi‐random Halton sequence.