bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation Properties of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Modified Interface Charge Density via Dipolar Doping Studied by Displacement Current Measurement
Authors: Takeda Mihiro , Hofmann Alexander , Brütting Wolfgang , Noguchi Yutaka
Published: January 2025

Accumulated charges at the interfaces of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) often induce exciton quenching and lead to device degradation. This work delves into the correlations of the interface charge accumulation and degradation properties of tris(8‐quinolinolato)aluminum (Alq3)‐based OLEDs. The interface accumulated charge density is modified by spontaneous orientation polarization (SOP) induced in the hole transport layer (HTL) by means of dipolar doping, where N,N′‐bis(1‐naphthyl)‐N,N′‐diphenyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐diamine (NPB) or tris(4‐carbazoyl‐9‐ylphenyl) amine (TCTA) is employed as a hole transport material and 2,2′,2″‐(1,3,5‐Benzinetriyl)‐tris(1‐phenyl‐1‐H‐bensimidazole) (TPBi) as a dipolar dopant. It is confirmed that NPB cation acts as an exciton quencher, but TCTA cation does not, depending on the spectral overlap of Alq3 emission and the absorption of the respective cations. On the other hand, the TCTA devices degrade much faster than the NPB devices. Moreover, the device lifetime is similar or even shorter for the doped devices despite less interface charge density. These results suggest that holes accumulated at the interface between the hole transport material and Alq3 due to SOP are not mainly involved in the degradation mechanism. Furthermore, it is found that the charge traps generated due to degradation do not act as exciton quenchers, suggesting that they rather act as nonradiative recombination centers.
Sustainable Release of LiNO3 from a Fluorine‐Decorated Metal–Organic Framework Separator to Enable High‐Performance Li‐Metal Batteries in Carbonate Electrolytes
Authors: Du Mingcong , He Zhuobin , Zhang Yuqiao , Cai Yue‐Peng , Zheng Qifeng
Published: January 2025

High‐voltage Li‐metal batteries hold great prospects for boosting energy density, while the Li‐metal anodes show poor compatibility with high‐voltage tolerant carbonate electrolytes, leading to unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and uncontrolled Li dendrites growth. Herein, a F‐decorated UIO‐66/polyimide (PI) functional separator encapsulated with LiNO3 (LNO@UIO‐66F/PI) is rationally designed to regulate the interfacial chemistry and Li deposition behavior. Specifically, the UIO‐66F nanoparticles in situ grown on the PI fibers form continuous electronegative nanochannels, which promote rapid and uniform Li+ flux while repelling the anion migration. Furthermore, the LiNO3 encapsulated in the UIO‐66F nanopores sustainably releases to form a thin and conductive Li3N‐rich SEI. This synergy effect induces a dense and spherical Li deposition behavior, effectively inhibiting the growth of Li dendrites. Consequently, this LNO@UIO‐66F/PI separator demonstrates highly reversible Li plating/stripping over 1000 h at an extremely high current density of 10 mA cm−2 in carbonate electrolytes, and also enables the stable cycling of Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cell over 1000 cycles under a high cut‐off voltage of 4.5 V, paving the way for practical application of high‐energy‐density Li‐metal batteries.
Site‐Selective C‐Alkylation of Fluoroamides with Active Methylene Compounds
Authors: Liu Shiwen , Du Zhibin , Gong Wenbo , Yang Yuhao , Yao Changguang , Zeng Xiaojun
Published: January 2025

Here, switchable site‐ and chemo‐selectivity was achieved in the α‐ and δ‐C(sp3)−H alkylation of fluoroamides with active methylene compounds by leveraging different activation modes. The α‐alkylation was facilitated by a base‐promoted, catalyst‐free selective activation of fluoroamides, while the δ‐alkylation occurred through copper‐catalyzed formation of C‐centered radicals via HAT from unactivated δ‐C−H bonds by N‐centered radicals. Furthermore, each of these scalable techniques is notable for its good functional group tolerance and a wide substrate scope.
Dissociation–Precipitation Chemistry of Lithium Polysulfides and Its Correlation to Dynamic Evolution of Cathode–Electrolyte Interphase in Highly Solvating Electrolyte
Authors: Chen Luyi , Lai Jiawei , Guan Xiaoxian , Zou Hanqin , Liu Jingwen , Peng Lin , Wang Jian , Cai Yue‐Peng , Zheng Qifeng
Published: January 2025

Lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries has been regarded as one of the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical energy density. However, the practical application of Li−S batteries is still hindered by the unstable cathode‐electrolyte interphase and the early passivation of charge product (Li2S), leading to poor cycling stability and low S utilization. Herein, we propose an electrolyte engineering strategy using highly solvating hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) as a co‐solvent to elucidate the dissociation–precipitation chemistry of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). The multimode optical spectroscopies confirm that this electrolyte engineering is able to effectively regulate the solvation of LiPSs to initiate a radical‐assisted conversion pathway and control three‐dimensional (3D) Li2S electrodeposition to boost sulfur utilization. More importantly, the dynamic evolution of cathode–electrolyte interphase, featuring with S‐/P‐containing species, is also assessed by both distribution of relaxation times technology and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which can suppress the passivation of Li2S to enhance conversion reversibility. As a proof‐of‐concept, a Li−S cell with high S loading mass of 7.75 mg cm−2 demonstrates an extremely high area capacity of 7.86 mAh cm−2 at a current density of 1.30 mA cm−2, representing a significant advancement in promoting the development of practical high‐energy‐density Li−S batteries.
Electrochemistry and Gold Catalysis: Unusual Allies in Redox Mediated Organic Reactions
Authors: Praveen Chandrasekar , Clososki Giuliano C.
Published: January 2025

Devising advanced protocols to avoid harsh oxidants is of paramount interest in gold catalyzed redox reactions. To address this issue, electrochemical oxidation of precatalytic AuI complexes to catalytically active AuIII in situ species has started to emerge as a potential alternative. Such endeavours not only unlocked the possibility of direct anodic oxidation of AuI to AuIII, but also enables stepwise oxidation of AuI to AuII to AuIII through the mediation of electro‐generated organic radicals. Induction of these apt redox events opened the gates for several cross‐coupling and cyclization reactions. Therefore, the prime focus of this review is to summarize the foundational studies laid on electro‐redox strategies for oxidant‐free gold catalyzed reactions. Wherever required, we covered insightful discussions on the limited examples by correlating the role of electrolytes, catalysts, electrodes, and solvents contributing for reactivity as well as selectivity of such reactions.
Toward Safety Protocols for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS): A Computational and Experimental Approach
Authors: Du Jinze , Morales Andres , Kosta Pragya , Martinez‐Navarrete Gema , Warren David J. , Fernandez Eduardo , Bouteiller Jean‐Marie C. , McCreery Douglas C. , Lazzi Gianluca
Published: January 2025

As the clinical applicability of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) expands, the need for PNS‐specific safety criteria becomes pressing. This study addresses this need, utilizing a novel machine learning and computational bio‐electromagnetics modeling platform to establish a safety criterion that captures the effects of fields and currents induced on axons. Our approach is comprised of three steps: experimentation, model creation, and predictive simulation. We collected high‐resolution images of control and stimulated rat sciatic nerve samples at varying stimulation intensities and performed high‐resolution image segmentation. These segmented images were used to train machine learning tools for the automatic classification of morphological properties of control and stimulated PNS nerves. Concurrently, we utilized our quasi‐static Admittance Method‐NEURON (AM‐NEURON) computational platform to create realistic nerve models and calculate induced currents and charges, both critical elements of nerve safety criteria. These steps culminate in a cellular‐level correlation between morphological changes and electrical stimulation parameters. This correlation informs the determination of thresholds of electrical parameters that are found to be associated with damage, such as maximum cell charge density. The proposed methodology and resulting criteria combine experimental findings with computational modeling to generate a safety threshold curve that captures the relationship between stimulation current and the potential for axonal damage. Although focused on a specific exposure condition, the approach presented here marks a step towards developing context‐specific safety criteria in PNS neurostimulation, encouraging similar analyses across varied neurostimulation scenarios. Bioelectromagnetics.
Norfloxacin Fluorescent Probe for the Assessment of Cefepime in Biological Fluids and Pharmaceutical Formulation; Investigation of the Greenness and Blueness Characteristics
Authors: Alshamery Rasmih M. K. , Elnasr Tarek Ahmed Seaf , Hrichi Hajer , Gamal Mohammed , Ali Hazim M. , Hasanin Tamer H. A.
Published: January 2025

In the present study, a norfloxacin (NFX) fluorescent probe was tailored for the spectrofluorometric measurement of cefepime (CFP). The proposed approach measured the quenching effect of CFP on the fluorescence intensity of NFX in acetate buffer solution. The obtained results show that CFP strongly quenches the fluorescence of NFX in a static mechanism. Under the optimal conditions, plotting the fluorescence quenching values (∆F) against CFP concentrations resulted in two ranges varying from 0.8 to 28 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9979) and from 40 to 92 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9929). Furthermore, the limits of quantification and detection were 2.0526 and 0.6773 μg/mL, respectively. In terms of intra‐ and inter‐day recorded precisions (n = 5), the % RSD ranged between 0.31% and 0.6% and 0.55% and 1.02%, respectively. Additionally, practicality/applicability and the green feature of the new method were considered by BAGI and AGREE automated approaches. The new spectrofluorometric approach was positively applied for the quantification of CFP in injection powder and spiked biological fluids, including spiked human urine and plasma samples. According to previously published fluorescence methods, the present method is considered the first fluorescence one for the assay of CFP in human biological fluids with accurate and precise results.
An Extended Institutional Theory Perspective on the Implementation of the Circular Economy: Empirical Insights From New Zealand Food Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Chen Sitong Michelle , Eweje Gabriel
Published: January 2025

In a linear economic model, unsustainable production and consumption patterns are linked to negative environmental impacts. However, there is little empirical research on the performance of manufacturing firms in developing the circular economy (CE) in New Zealand. Accordingly, this study explores how the CE has been implemented in New Zealand's food manufacturing firms and the key factors that drive and prevent their CE practices. Our study used a multiple‐case study of six large food manufacturing firms that engage in CE practices in New Zealand. We found that, although these firms focused on CE principles of reducing, reusing and recycling, the recovering principle is missing. Additionally, they face multiple barriers from the three most salient institutional pillars: regulatory, socio‐cognitive and economic/supply chain. The study contributes to extended institutional theory in the CE literature by establishing an integrated framework. Our practical contribution to the practitioners is to operate the four CE concepts simultaneously by promoting the identified institutional drivers.
One‐Day Online CBT Intervention for Postpartum Depression: Subjective Experiences and Pre‐Post Symptom Severity
Authors: Urban Nadja , Kühne Franziska , Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Bajbouj Malek , Aust Sabine
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects about 17% of parents after childbirth and can have adverse effects on individuals, families and offspring. Parents with PPD frequently encounter significant barriers to tailored health care that make timely access to treatment difficult.

Methods

Twenty‐nine help‐seeking German parents of at least one child (< 1 year old) and with symptoms of depression participated in a synchronous 1‐day online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group intervention. Following a mixed‐methods approach, intervention acceptance and preferences were evaluated using semi‐structured interviews conducted 2 weeks post‐intervention. Analyses were performed via qualitative content analysis. Severity of depressive symptoms were assessed via the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) 1 week before and 4 weeks after the intervention.

Results

Twenty‐one interviews were conducted. Most participants rated the workshop as overall helpful (n = 164, 72.57%), with workshop characteristics, such as the online format (n = 112; 68.29%) and structure (n = 15; 20.55%) being most helpful. Expectations were mostly content‐related (n = 25; 52.08%), and 80% (n = 20) of expectations were met (e.g. regarding self‐help strategies being taught or deepening of existing knowledge). Two weeks after participation, the majority of parents were still applying intervention techniques in their daily lives (n = 42; 77.78%). Depressive symptoms were also significantly reduced at post‐measurement (t = 3159; p = 0.004; d = 0.608).

Conclusions

The 1‐day online CBT group intervention is easily accessible and could support parents after birth by teaching cognitive behavioural strategies to cope with symptoms of PPD.
Did court dismiss student's free speech claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: January 2025

A doctorate student enrolled at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's College of Pharmacy with aspirations of becoming a pharmacist. The student managed social media accounts under the alias “KimmyKasi,” where she shared posts about music lyrics, fashion, and sexuality. She claimed that none of her posts identified her as a student at the College of Pharmacy or suggested any link to the university. Nevertheless, her social media presence soon became the subject of a university investigation.
Unravelling Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti‐Alzheimer and Antimicrobial Potentials of Three Propolis From Northeastern Regions of Algeria: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation
Authors: Zellagui Dina Raouane , Mokrani El Hassen , Allam Aridj , Ozturk Mehmet , Bensouici Chawki , Zellagui Amar
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the pharmaceutical potential both in vitro and in silico of ethanolic propolis extract from three Algerian regions namely Tahir–Jijel (TAH), Oued Athmania–Mila (ATH) and Oued Zhor‐Skikda (OZ). Twenty‐three compounds were identified via a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐diode array detector, with key constituents including caffeic acid, cynarin, chrysin, naringin and hesperetin. Moreover, antioxidant and anti‐Alzheimer activities were assessed by multiple assays. Antimicrobial activity was tested against four pathogens and one yeast. The TAH extract showed the highest antioxidant activity, and ATH exhibited the strongest anticholinesterase activity. Extracts demonstrated potent inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 4698. Docking studies revealed that cynarin was the most potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and quercetin was the most potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor. These compounds were found to bind to both the catalytic site and the peripheral site, showing greater inhibitory potency than galantamine.
Three‐Dimensional Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship, Antimicrobial Activity, and Molecular Docking Studies of C‐14 Chiral Matrine Derivatives as Potential Antibiotics
Authors: Long Yu , Qiu Gan , Kowah Jamal A. H. , Xie Junwei , Jiang Lihe , Wang Lisheng
Published: January 2025

Antibiotic resistance is recognized as one of the top ten global public health threats, posing a significant challenge to human health. The stereochemistry of chiral molecules, alongside their specific interactions with biological targets, provides essential insights for the development of novel antibacterial agents, This study investigated the antibacterial activity of 32 previously synthesized 14‐position chiral matrine derivatives. Among these derivatives, compound Q4 exhibited the strongest activity against Propionibacterium acnes, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.007 mg/mL, surpassing that of the positive control (MIC = 0.016 mg/mL). Additionally, compounds Q20 and Q2 demonstrated antibacterial activities comparable to the positive controls.

The results indicated that R‐configured compounds exhibited significantly greater antibacterial potency than their S‐configured counterparts. A systematic analysis using three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) modeling elucidated the relationship between molecular structure and antibacterial activity, emphasizing the predominance of steric fields over electrostatic fields, in alignment with experimental observations. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed the binding interactions between compound Q4 and the target protein. In conclusion, We identified a series of matrine derivatives with notable antibacterial activity and constructed a 3D‐QSAR model based on their MIC values. Among these, Q4 emerged as a promising antibacterial agent, warranting further development.
Ellagitannins From Pomegranate Flower With Whitening and Anti‐Skin Photoaging Effect
Authors: Ma Chao‐Yan , Hao Peng‐chao , Peng Li‐Yan , Peng Miao‐juan , Li Wen‐yuan , Zhang Sophia Yi , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: January 2025

A new depside glucoside rosarugoside E (1), together with four known compounds punicalagin (2), corilagin (3), granatin B (4), and ellagic acid (5) were isolated from the ethanol extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) flower. Their structures were identified based on careful analysis of various spectral data including ultraviolet, infrared, high‐resolution electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry, and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance. The whitening and anti‐aging effects of all compounds were evaluated based on the levels of protein and gene. The result displayed that all compounds exhibited inhibitory activity for tyrosinase at maximum safe concentration, except for compound 2. Compounds 3 and 5 exhibited significant inhibitory activity for tyrosinase, indicating their whitening efficacy. The anti‐aging activity evaluation assay showed that all compounds could downregulate the expression of the MMP1 gene, decrease the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1, and increase the content of type 1 collagen at the maximum safe concentration compared with negative control (ultraviolet A irradiation treatment).
Transseptal BATMAN Procedure Utilizing a Simplified Technique: “Single Wire Approach for Traversing Tissue” (SWATT)
Authors: Seshiah Puvi , Guddeti Raviteja R. , Alirhayim Zaid , Choo Joseph , Martin William , Bae Richard , Helmy Tarek , Garcia Santiago
Published: January 2025

One of the major issues encountered in patients undergoing evaluation for Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is the risk of Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. LVOT obstruction is a catastrophic complication of TMVR, the result of displacement of the anterior mitral valve leaflet (AML) toward the interventricular septum. Several strategies to mitigate the risk of LVOT obstruction have been described and include percutaneous laceration of the anterior mitral leaflet (LAMPOON), alcohol septal ablation, trans‐atrial leaflet modification (SITRAL) and Balloon Assisted Translocation of Mitral Anterior leaflet to prevent LVOT obstruction (BATMAN). These techniques have certain limitations: procedure complexity for LAMPOON, inconsistent results for alcohol septal ablation, and the need for surgery in SITRAL. While the initial description of BATMAN was through a trans‐apical approach, the evolution of a trans‐septal approach has improved the utility of this technique. These procedures usually require several steps with multiple wire exchanges, snares, and high energy electrocautery. The complexity of these procedures has hindered their widespread adoption. Herein, we describe a simplified technique called the Single Wire Approach for Traversing Tissue (SWATT) utilized to facilitate a trans‐septal BATMAN procedure to traverse the valve leaflets and tissue with minimal exchanges, using the commercially available VERSACROSS transeptal system (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA).
Unmasking Multiple Myeloma: The Importance of Suspecting Malignancy in Atypical Chronic Pain Mimicking Degenerative Conditions—A Case Report
Authors: Mo Bi , Sacks Sandra , Markar Jerry
Published: January 2025

Heightened clinical vigilance for multiple myeloma is essential in patients presenting with atypical chronic pain progression. Symptoms may overlap with degenerative musculoskeletal conditions, frequently leading to misdiagnosis. This underscores the necessity of a thorough evaluation when symptoms are refractory to conventional therapies, in order to facilitate timely diagnosis and effective management of malignancy.
A Drug–Drug Interaction Study of Mobocertinib and Midazolam, a Cytochrome P450 3A Substrate, in Patients With Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hanley Michael J. , Zhang Steven , Pavlakis Nick , Soo Ross A. , van der Wekken Anthonie J. , Ganju Vinod , Piña Adela , Dong Qi , Gupta Neeraj
Published: January 2025

Mobocertinib is a kinase inhibitor designed to selectively target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion (ex20ins) mutations in non‐small cell lung cancer. This drug–drug interaction study assessed the effect of multiple‐dose administration of mobocertinib on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of midazolam, a sensitive cytochrome P450 3A substrate. Patients with locally advanced or metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer refractory/intolerant to standard available therapy were enrolled. In Cycle 1 (Part A; PK cycle), a single 3‐mg oral dose of midazolam was administered on Days 1 and 24, and a single 1‐mg intravenous dose of midazolam was administered on Days 2 and 25. Mobocertinib 160 mg once daily was administered orally on Days 3‐30. After Cycle 1, patients could continue receiving mobocertinib in 28‐day cycles in Part B of the study. The study objective was to characterize the effect of mobocertinib on the single oral‐ and intravenous‐dose PK of midazolam. Safety and exploratory efficacy were also assessed. Twenty‐six patients were enrolled, and 13 patients were PK‐evaluable. Safety findings were consistent with the known safety profile of mobocertinib, and diarrhea was the only Grade 3 or higher treatment‐related adverse event observed in more than 2 patients. Two of 16 patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations were confirmed responders per investigator. Coadministration of mobocertinib decreased the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity of oral and intravenous midazolam by approximately 32% and 16%, respectively (geometric least‐squares mean ratios of 0.676 and 0.837, respectively).
Monitoring and Characterizing GPU Usage
Authors: Weakley Le Mai , Michael Scott , Huber Laura , Thota Abhinav , Fulton Ben , Kusz Matthew
Published: January 2025

For systems with an accelerator component, it is important from an operational and planning perspective to understand how and to what extent the accelerators are being used. Having a framework for tracking the utilization of accelerator resources is important both for judging how efficiently used a system is and for capacity and configuration planning of future systems. In addition to tracking total utilization and accelerator efficiency numbers, some attention should also be paid to the types of research and workflows that are being executed on the system. In the past, the demand for accelerator resources was largely driven by more traditional simulation codes, such as molecular dynamics. But with the growing popularity of deep learning and artificial intelligence workflows, accelerators have become even more highly sought after and are being used in new ways. Provisioning resources to researchers via an allocation system allows sites to track a project's usage and workflow as well as the scientific impact of the project. With such tools and data in hand, characterizing the GPU utilization of deep learning frameworks versus more traditional GPU‐enabled applications becomes possible. In this paper we present a survey of GPU monitoring tools used in sites and a framework for tracking the utilization of NVIDIA GPUs on Slurm‐scheduled HPC systems used at Indiana University. We also present an analysis of accelerator utilization on multiple systems, including an HPE Apollo system targeting AI workflows and a Cray EX system.
Healing Trap States of Anomalous Antisite Defects via Surface Passivation in Lead Iodide Perovskites: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Huang Tongze , Nan Guangjun
Published: January 2025

Undesirable loss of open‐circuit voltage and current of metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cells are closely associated with defects, so theoretical calculations have been often performed to scrutinize the nature of defects in bulk of MHPs. Yet, exploring the properties of defects at surfaces of MHPs is severely lacking given the complexity of the surface defects with high concentrations. In this study, IPb (PbI) antisite defects, namely one Pb (I) site being occupied by one I (Pb) atom at the surfaces of the FAPbI3 (FA=CH(NH2)2) material, are found to create electron (hole) traps when the surfaces with IPb (PbI) antisite defects are negatively (positively) charged. These are in sharp contrast to the conventional viewpoint that electron (hole) traps are induced by positively (negatively) charged defects. The reasons are discovered through Bader charge analysis, suggesting that there is deficient (excessive) electron charge in the vicinity of the IPb (PbI) defects with respect to the case in pristine surface of FAPbI3 material. Such understanding is then used as guidelines for effectively healing the anomalous IPb (PbI) antisite defects according to Lewis acid‐base chemistry, which is exampled by passivating theophylline (C60) molecules on defective surfaces of the FAPbI3 material.
Enzymatic Treatment of Lignin in Alkaline Homogeneous Systems: A Review on Alkaliphilic Laccases
Authors: Delugeau Lou , Grelier Stéphane , Peruch Frédéric
Published: January 2025

This short review explores the enzymatic treatment of lignin in alkaline homogeneous systems, focusing on alkaliphilic laccases. In acidic conditions, native laccases are known to promote lignin polymerization, while the addition of mediators enables depolymerization into valuable small molecules. Alkaliphilic laccases, which remain active in basic pH where the vast majority of industrial lignins are soluble, present an interesting alternative. However, the literature shows varied outcomes – polymerization, depolymerization, or both processes – making it difficult to draw clear trends. This review aims to summarize the current state of the art of the enzymatic treatment of lignin in alkaline conditions.
Artificial Intelligence‐Enabled Fully Echoed Q‐Routing and Adaptive Directional Medium Access Control Protocol for Flying Ad‐Hoc Networks
Authors: Prabhakar Prajith , Yokesh V. , Aruchamy Prasanth , Nanthakumar Sathish
Published: January 2025

In today's world, communication is critical to multi‐UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system design, enabling UAVs to collaborate and operate cohesively. UAVs generally rely on infrastructure‐based communication through ground stations or satellites. However, this approach has numerous limitations, particularly in multi‐UAV systems. Ad hoc networking among UAVs offers a solution by allowing direct communication without needing fixed infrastructure. This work introduces two innovative protocols: Artificial Intelligence‐enabled Fully Echoed Q‐Routing (AI‐FEQ) and Position‐Prediction‐based directional MAC (PPMAC) protocols for improving the performance of multi‐UAV systems. These protocols leverage AI techniques like unsupervised, supervised, and reinforcement learning to make intelligent decisions regarding topology formation, maintenance, and routing management. Furthermore, the proposed AI algorithm will enhance the development and sustainability of Flying Ad Hoc Network (FANET) topologies that help to enlarge the communication efficiency and reliability of multi‐UAV systems. The simulation results reveal that the proposed AI‐FEQ protocol achieves an impressive network density association of 90% and minimal data transmission latency of 4.9 s as compared to the existing protocols.
Clinical decision points for two plasma p‐tau217 laboratory developed tests in neuropathology confirmed samples
Authors: Mammel Anna E. , Hsiung Ging‐Yuek Robin , Mousavi Ali , Hallett Kelsey , Mackenzie Ian R. , Hirsch‐Reinshagen Veronica , Biehl Don , Gill Pradip , Encarnacion Mary , Frykman Hans
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of two commercial plasma p‐tau217 immunoassays compared to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing and neuropathology.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy plasma samples from the University of British Columbia Hospital Clinic for Alzheimer's (AD) and Related Disorders were analyzed for p‐tau217 using Fujirebio and ALZpath assays. Decision points were determined using CSF testing and autopsy findings as the standard.

RESULTS

Fujirebio and ALZpath p‐tau217 had similar overall analytical and clinical performance, with distinct decision points for each assay. Based on autopsy findings, both p‐tau217 assays identified individuals with AD from other neurodegenerative diseases (ALZpath area under the curve [AUC] = 0.94, Fujirebio AUC = 0.90). The ALZpath assay detected AD pathology at milder disease stages compared to the Fujirebio assay.

DISCUSSION

Our study reinforces the clinical utility of plasma p‐tau217 as an AD biomarker. Differences in test performance and clinical decision points suggest an assay‐specific diagnostic approach is required for plasma p‐tau217 in clinical practice.

Highlights

Two commercially available p‐tau217 immunoassays (ALZpath and Fujirebio) showed equal performance based on CSF testing.

ALZpath p‐tau217 showed higher performance compared to Fujirebio p‐tau217 based on AD diagnosis by neuropathology confirmation.

Specific plasma p‐tau217 assays may require distinct decision points for AD screening, diagnosis, and disease progression monitoring.
Multiwell plate integrated with transparent liquid marbles for 3D cell culturing
Authors: Lin Xiao , Duan Mei , Zhang Hui , Jiang Haohao , Liu Heng , Pang Xianglong , Tian Wenjun , Yun Chenxi , Li Xiaoguang
Published: January 2025

The development of 3D cell culturing toward labor saving and versatility is highly desired. Here, we propose a platform consisting of a multiwell plate and liquid marbles (LMs). The inner walls of the plate are covered with particle‐detachable superhydrophobic coatings that serve as both the substrates and particle sources for LM production. A produced LM, which serves as a minireactor for the 3D culture, features a monolayer nanoparticulate shell and naked‐droplet‐like transparency. The LM‐in‐plate platform provides a double‐superhydrophobic environment that increases the stability of the 3D culture and reduces the necessary operational cautions. In addition, both cell observation and high‐throughput applications can be conducted in situ, owing to the high LM transparency and the multiwell structure, respectively. This platform integrates the advantages of naked droplets (transparent and clean), LMs (stable non‐wetting), and multiwell plates (high‐throughput capability) and thus is promising for labor‐saving and versatile 3D culturing.
Similar Conditions With Opposite Effects: Predation‐Risk Effects on Prey Abundance Are Highly Contingent
Authors: Peacor Scott D. , Cressler Clayton E. , Pangle Kevin L. , Rafalski Alexandra V. , Song Chao , Werner Earl E.
Published: January 2025

Experiments have shown that predation‐risk effects on prey fitness can be highly contingent on environmental conditions, suggesting a potential difficulty in generalizing risk effects on prey abundance in natural settings. Rather than study the influence of a particular controlled factor, we examine the problem with a novel approach. We examined the influence of risk effects in multiple experiments performed under similar study conditions. Any differences in the experiments would typically be deemed incidental, that is, they would not be given attention in methodology, nor be presented as factors affecting results or inferences. Therefore, any differences in the magnitude and direction of risk effects among experiments would indicate that risk effects on prey population abundance are strongly influenced by context in natural communities. The multiple experiments were conducted under similar conditions, objectives, measurables and implementation, and captured much of the complexity of natural systems (e.g., they were performed with diverse prey assemblages (≥ 11 taxa) over multiple prey generations). Our results highlight the potentially profound context dependence of risk effects: risk effects on the density of some zooplankton species varied between a significant negative effect in one experiment to a significant positive effect in another, whereas other species showed significant negative or positive effects in one experiment and no effect in another. We review mechanisms that could underlie risk effects having opposite effects on the same prey. Our findings illustrate that risk effects observed in one study may not hold, even for the same species in the same system.
Model‐based variance partitioning for statistical ecology
Authors: Schulz Torsti , Saastamoinen Marjo , Vanhatalo Jarno
Published: January 2025

Variance partitioning is a common tool for statistical analysis and interpretation in both observational and experimental studies in ecology. Its popularity has led to a proliferation of methods with sometimes confusing or contradicting interpretations. Here, we present variance partitioning in a model‐based Bayesian framework as a general tool for summarizing and interpreting regression‐like models to produce additional insight on ecological studies compared with what traditional parameter inference of these models on its own can reveal. For example, we propose predictive variance partitioning as a tool to extend sample‐based analyses to analyses of whole populations or predictive scenarios. We also extend variance partitioning to encompass partitioning of variance within and between ecologically relevant subgroups of the observations, or the whole population of interest, to provide information on how the relative roles of processes underlying the study system may vary depending on the environmental or ecological context. We discuss the role of correlated covariates and random effects and highlight uncertainty quantification in variance partitioning. To showcase the utility of our approach, we present a case study comprising a simple occupancy model for a metapopulation of the Glanville fritillary butterfly. As a result, we demonstrate model‐based variance partitioning as a general and rigorous statistical tool to gain more insight from ecological data.
An experimental test of eco‐evolutionary dynamics on rocky shores
Authors: Longman Emily K. , Sanford Eric
Published: January 2025

A growing body of theoretical studies and laboratory experiments has focused attention on reciprocal feedbacks between ecological and evolutionary processes. However, uncertainty remains about whether such eco‐evolutionary feedbacks have an important or negligible influence on natural communities. Thus, recent discussions call for field experiments that explore whether selection on phenotypic variation within populations leads to contemporaneous effects on community dynamics. To help fill this gap, in this study, we test the hypothesis that selection on consumer traits in a population of predatory drilling snails can drive eco‐evolutionary dynamics in a rocky intertidal community in California, USA. We first conducted a laboratory selection experiment to raise newly hatched dogwhelks (Nucella canaliculata) on four diet treatments encompassing a range of prey species and shell thicknesses. Snails that survived to adulthood under these diet treatments differed in their capacity to drill thick‐shelled mussels. Dogwhelks from these treatment groups were then outplanted to intertidal field cages for 1 year to test whether groups experiencing selection differed in their effects on mussel bed succession. As expected, succession proceeded most rapidly in the reference treatment with dogwhelks excluded. However, successional patterns differed minimally among dogwhelks raised under the different diet treatments. Thus, although our laboratory results suggest that prey can impose selection that leads to rapid adaptation and divergent consumer traits, these feedbacks were not strong enough to result in clear community effects in the field. We propose that a limited range of variation in functional traits within populations, moderate strengths of selection, and a background of substantial abiotic and biotic variation may all act to dampen the potential for strong eco‐evolutionary dynamics in this and many other natural communities.
Ecological and anthropogenic drivers of local extinction and colonization of giant pandas over the past 30 years
Authors: Tang Junfeng , Swaisgood Ronald R. , Owen Megan A. , Zhao Xuzhe , Wei Wei , Hong Mingsheng , Zhou Hong , Zhang Jindong , Zhang Zejun
Published: January 2025

Understanding the patterns and drivers of species range shifts is essential to disentangle mechanisms driving species' responses to global change. Here, we quantified local extinction and colonization dynamics of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) using occurrence data collected by harnessing the labor of >1000 workers and >60,000 worker days for each of the three periods (TP1: 1985–1988, TP2: 1998–2002, and TP3: 2011–2014), and evaluated how these patterns were associated with (1) protected area, (2) local rarity/abundance, and (3) abiotic factors (i.e., climate, land‐use, and topography). We documented a decreased rate (from 0.433 during TP1–TP2 to 0.317 during TP2–TP3) of local extinction and a relatively stable rate (from 0.060 during TP1–TP2 to 0.056 during TP2–TP3) of local colonization through time. Furthermore, the occupancy gains have exceeded losses by a ratio of approximately 1.5 to 1, illustrating an expansion of panda's range at a rate of 1408.3 km2/decade. We also found that pandas were more likely to become locally extinct outside of protected areas, when locally rare in surrounding areas, and when certain biotic conditions were not met (e.g., increased forest cover). Local colonization was less likely in areas with high local rarity, challenging biotic conditions and unprotected area status. As the network of panda reserves expanded and the forest matured, the relative importance of other factors such as climate, biotic factors, and land‐use became more influential in determining patterns of local extinction and colonization. Our findings provide insights into the factors governing the expansion of panda's range and illustrate how the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors can change over time, indicating that effective conservation intervention may be able to mitigate some of the negative impacts of climate change and habitat degradation. This insight extends beyond pandas and highlights the role of conservation interventions can play in building resilience under a changing climate.
Do wood‐boring beetles influence the flammability of deadwood?
Authors: Zhang Shudong , Dekker Francina , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: January 2025

Global warming increases the risk of wildfire and insect outbreaks, potentially reducing the carbon storage function of coarse woody debris (CWD). There is an increasing focus on the interactive effects of wildfire and insect infestation on forest carbon, but the impact of wood‐boring beetle tunnels via their effect on the flammability of deadwood remains unexplored. We hypothesized that the presence of beetle holes, at natural densities, can affect its flammability positively through increased surface area and enhanced oxygen availability in the wood. To test this, wood‐boring beetle holes were mimicked experimentally in decaying logs of two coniferous species, and flammability variables of these treated logs were compared. We found that wood‐boring beetles partly increased the flammability of CWD of both species (via promoting deadwood smoldering combustion) when their holes were parallel with the airflow. Even when accounting for the influences of wood density and cracks, these radial holes continued to have a notable impact on deadwood flammability. While these holes did not make the wildfire more intense, they significantly increased carbon loss during combustion. This suggests that wood‐boring beetles will enhance carbon release from deadwood into the atmosphere during wildfire.
Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production over Mn0.4Cd0.6S/CuS p–n Heterojunction under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zhao Yueqin , Sun Yuxin , Chen Liuyun , Yang Xianjun , Yang Pengfei , Xie Xinling , Qin Zuzeng , Ji Hongbing , Su Tongming
Published: January 2025

Photocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting is a promising technology for overcoming energy and environmental issues. Herein, Mn0.4Cd0.6S/CuS composites were constructed for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The amount of CuS is optimized, and the composition and structure of the Mn0.4Cd0.6S/CuS composite are investigated via various characterization techniques. The formation of a p–n heterojunction between Mn0.4Cd0.6S and CuS and the built‐in electric field improve the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes and enhance the performance of photocatalytic hydrogen production. When the content of CuS is 5 wt%, Mn0.4Cd0.6S/5CuS presents the best photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 22.10 mmol h−1 g−1, which is 3.0 times greater than that of Mn0.4Cd0.6S, and the apparent quantum yield reaches 7.82% at 400 nm. Combined with the activity test and characterization results, the reaction mechanism of photocatalytic hydrogen production over the Mn0.4Cd0.6S/CuS composite is proposed.
Impact of Local Extent of Tumor on the Survival Outcomes for Surgically Treated Tongue Cancers
Authors: Singh Arjun Gurmeet , Sinha Shwetabh , Shetty Rathan , Joshi Poonam , Nair Sudhir Vasudevan , Chaturvedi Pankaj
Published: January 2025

Background

The current classification of tongue cancers does not discriminate stages based on factors of local spread.

Aim

Integrating factors of local spread that impact disease‐specific survival (DSS) in a modified classification to improve prognostication compared with the current staging.

Method

This was a retrospective analysis of 399 previously untreated oral tongue squamous carcinomas operated between 2016 and 2018. Factors related to the local extent of a primary tumor that impacted the DSS were studied. Multivariable analyses adjusted for pT, pN stage, and adjuvant therapy. Candidate staging systems were developed based on factors that significantly impacted DSS, and validated.

Result

Base tongue involvement (p = 0.021), DOI > 20 mm (p value = 0.040), and tumor crossing the midline (p value = 0.047) significantly impacted the DSS. The preferred model included base tongue involvement in T3 stage, and DOI > 20 mm and tumor crossing the midline into T4 stage (Model 2), which was superior to the current classification system in AIC (830.55 vs. 845.43), C‐index (0.65 vs. 0.61), and visual inspection of Kaplan–Meier curves.

Conclusion

Identifying and possibly including these clinical factors in addition to the current T‐stage criteria could result in better prognostication of tongue cancers.

Significance

Integration of proposed classification could improve the discrimination between stages.
Extracellular vesicles from chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells promote leukemia aggressiveness by inducing the differentiation of monocytes into nurse‐like cells via an RNA‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Dubois Nathan , Van Morckhoven David , Tilleman Laurentijn , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Bron Dominique , Lagneaux Laurence , Stamatopoulos Basile
Published: January 2025

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells receive several stimuli from surrounding cells, such as B‐cell receptor (BCR) stimulation, and can manipulate their microenvironment via extracellular vesicle (EV) release. Here, we investigated the small RNA content (microRNA and YRNA) of CLL‐EVs from leukemic cells cultured with/without BCR stimulation. We highlight an increase of miR‐155‐5p, miR‐146a‐5p, and miR‐132‐3p in EVs and in cells after BCR stimulation (p < 0.05, n = 25). CLL‐EVs were preferentially internalized by monocytes (p = 0.0019, n = 6) and able to deliver microRNAs and the hY4 RNA. Furthermore, BCR CLL‐EV induced modifications in monocytes (shape change, microRNA and gene expression, secretome) suggesting nurse‐like cell (NLC) differentiation, the tumor‐associated macrophages of CLL. Functionally, monocytes treated with BCR CLL‐EVs protect CLL cells from spontaneous apoptosis by pro‐survival cytokine production and induce their migration as well as the migration of other immune cells. We finally reported by transfection experiments that hY4 is able to induce the expression of CCL24, a key gene in M2 macrophage differentiation. In conclusion, we showed that BCR stimulation modifies the small RNA content of CLL‐EVs and that the addition of leukemic EVs to monocytes leads to monocyte differentiation into NLCs establishing a protective microenvironment that supports leukemic cell survival.
The Future Hospital in Global Health Systems: The Future Hospital Within the Healthcare System
Authors: Sebire N. J. , Adams A. , Celi L. , Charlesworth A. , Gorgens M. , Gorsky M. , Landeg O. , Nagasawa Y. , Nimako K. T. , Onoka C. , Roder‐DeWan S. , Watts N. , McKee M.
Published: January 2025

Future hospitals must be able to adapt in many ways to the changing demands on their roles and functions within evolving healthcare delivery infrastructures. These include changing population structures and needs, new models of healthcare provision, technological advances, and innovations in design, all while enhancing their environmental sustainability. This article sets out the issues that those determining healthcare policy and designing future hospitals must consider if they are to become and remain fit for purpose within the wider health and social care system. It also examines the need for, and challenges to, strategic healthcare planning, creating future hospitals that are sustainable, net‐zero carbon organisations, and ensuring resilience in the face of a range of potential shocks. Future hospitals play a crucial role in healthcare worldwide, regardless of the country's income level. Hospitals cannot be viewed without broader health system changes, infrastructure, community and cultural factors, staffing and other considerations. We anticipate that future hospitals will enhance population health in all settings and support the move towards more consumer‐centric healthcare. We urge clinical and policy planners to consider the factors discussed carefully to maximise the benefits.