bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disco‐Interacting Protein 2 Homolog B CGG Repeat Expansion in Siblings with Neurodevelopmental Disability and Progressive Movement Disorder
Authors: Théberge Emilie T. , Durbano Kate , Demailly Diane , Huby Sophie , Mitina Aleksandra , Yin Yue , Mohajeri Arezoo ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, van Karnebeek Clara , Horvath Gabriella A. , Yuen Ryan K.C. , Usdin Karen , Lehman Anna , Cif Laura , Richmond Phillip A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Trinucleotide repeat expansions are an emerging class of genetic variants associated with various movement disorders. Unbiased genome‐wide analyses can reveal novel genotype–phenotype associations and provide a diagnosis for patients and families.

Objective

The aim was to identify the genetic cause of a severe progressive movement disorder phenotype in 2 affected brothers.

Methods

A family of 2 affected brothers and unaffected parents had extensive phenotyping since birth. Whole‐genome and long‐read sequencing methods characterized genetic variants and methylation status.

Results

Two male siblings with a CGG repeat expansion in the 5′‐untranslated region (UTR) of disco‐interacting protein 2 homolog B (DIP2B) presented with a novel DIP2B phenotype, including neurodevelopmental disability, dysmorphic traits, and a severe progressive movement disorder (chorea, dystonia, and ataxia).

Conclusions

This is the first report of a severe progressive movement disorder phenotype associated with a CGG repeat expansion in the DIP2B 5′‐UTR. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
The Effect of Nonlinearities With Arbitrary‐Order Derivatives on Dynamic Transitions
Authors: Şengül Taylan , Tiryakioglu Burhan
Published: January 2025

The primary objective of this paper is to classify the first transitions of a general class of one spatial dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations on a bounded interval. The linear part of the equation is assumed to have a real discrete spectrum with a complete set of eigenfunctions, which are of the form or . The nonlinear operator consists of arbitrary finite products and sums of the unknown function and its derivatives of arbitrary order. The equations allow for a trivial steady‐state solution that becomes unstable when a control parameter exceeds a certain threshold. Unlike most of the previous research in this direction that considers specific equations, this general framework is suitable for extension in several directions such as the higher spatial dimensions and different basis vectors. Under a set of assumptions that are often valid in many interesting applications, we derive two numbers called the transition number and the critical index which completely describe the first dynamic transition. We make detailed numerical computations that reveal the properties of the transition numbers. To show the applicability of our theoretical results, we determine the first transitions of several well‐known equations including the Cahn–Hilliard, thin film, Harry Dym, Kawamoto, and Rosenau–Hyman equations.
Treatment Utilisation and Satisfaction With Management in Individuals With Osteoarthritis and Metabolic Multimorbidity: A Cross‐Sectional Multi‐Country Study
Authors: Recenti Filippo , Dell'isola Andrea , Giardulli Benedetto , Testa Marco , Pchelnikova Polina , Ndosi Mwidimi , Battista Simone
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To compare treatment utilisation for osteoarthritis (OA) and satisfaction with OA management between individuals with and without comorbid metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension).

Methods

Secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional international survey study (Italy, Russia, Sweden) on people ≥ 40 years old with knee/hip OA. Metabolic comorbidity was self‐reported. We used direct standardisation with prevalence ratios and mixed‐effect models to estimate the associations between comorbidity with treatment utilisation and satisfaction (score 0–100).

Results

We analysed 401 individuals (48% Sweden, 28% Italy, 24% Russia; 53% with ≥ 1 metabolic condition). Those with and without comorbid metabolic conditions showed similar prevalence for first‐line interventions (exercise, education, and weight management). Metabolically unhealthy individuals showed higher use of opioids (prevalence ratio [95% CI] 1.9 [1.3–2.4]), antidepressants (1.8 [1.1–2.5]), corticosteroid injections (1.4 [1.0−1.8]), and homoeopathic products (2.1 [1.2–3.0]). Satisfaction with care (adjusted difference: −3.9 [95% CI: −8.5 to 2.4]) and information received about treatments (−4.0 [−9.7 to 1.7]) were similar.

Conclusions

While first‐line OA interventions were similarly used, those with metabolic conditions relied more on second‐line and non‐recommended treatments, showing comparable satisfaction. More effort is needed to increase the adoption of lifestyle‐focused treatments in OA and to minimise the use of less recommended options among individuals with metabolic comorbidities.
Prophylactic Use of Cardiac Medications and Survival in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Conway Kristin M. , Thomas Shiny , Neyaz Tahereh , Ciafaloni Emma , Mann Joshua R. , Staron‐Ehlinger Michelle , Beasley Gary S. , Romitti Paul A. , Mathews Katherine D. ,   the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet)
Published: January 2025

Introduction/Aims

Prophylactic treatment of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) delays onset of LVD, but there is limited data showing impact on survival. Our aim was to describe survival among treated and untreated individuals with DMD.

Methods

Retrospective, population‐based surveillance data from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet) were used. We analyzed 327 males with DMD born between 1982 and 2009 who were at least 6 years old at the last visit and who initiated cardiac prophylactic medication before age 14 years. Death status was ascertained through vital record linkages and medical record review. Prophylaxis was defined as cardiac medication use at least 1 year before LVD onset (ejection fraction < 55% or shortening fraction < 28%). Age at first visit, corticosteroid use, scoliosis surgery, initiation of noninvasive ventilation, and loss of ambulation were also coded. Cox Proportional Hazard modeling with time‐varying covariates describes associations.

Results

Prophylactic cardiac treatment was documented for 27.7% (n = 90); corticosteroids were used by 60.9% (n = 157). Adjusting for age at first visit and MD STARnet site, prophylactic treatment was associated with a 54% lower hazard of death (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.22–0.93) compared to no prophylaxis. Adjusting for selected clinical covariates did not appreciably change the estimate (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.22–0.99).

Discussion

Initiation of cardiac medication when left ventricular function is normal was associated with prolonged survival in this study of males with DMD. Only one‐quarter of individuals received this treatment, however, indicating a topic of focus for improving care.
Thoracic Electric Impedance Tomography Detects Lung Volume Changes in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Hansen Gregory , Shaw Adam , Bolt Kala , Verity Ryan , Nataraj Richard T. , Schellenberg Kerri Lynn
Published: January 2025

Introduction/Aims

Spirometry is the conventional means to measure lung function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but is dependent on patient effort and bulbar strength. We aimed to use electric impedance tomography (EIT), an emerging non‐invasive imaging modality, to measure dynamic lung volume changes.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with ALS underwent sitting and supine spirometry for forced vital capacity (FVC), and sitting and supine EIT. There were 13 patients in the high FVC group (FVC ≥ 80% predicted) and 8 in the low FVC group (FVC < 80% predicted). Additional demographic and clinical data were collected from clinical records.

Results

Only the low FVC group had significant loss of lung volumes in the supine position (R2 = 0.89 and p < 0.001). The supine volume loss measurement at 10 min correlated with sitting (r2 = 0.47) and supine FVC (r2 = 0.36), maximum inspiratory (r2 = −0.44) and expiratory pressures (r2 = 0.36) (MIP and MEP), and the ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R) dyspnea subscore (r2 = 0.36).

Discussion

EIT is an emerging alternative to existing measures of lung function in ALS, but without need for patient effort or bulbar strength. Significant losses in lung volume are seen on supine compared to upright position in patients with respiratory dysfunction. Further study is needed to determine relationships to existing clinical measures.
Sub‐Tree Scheduling for Wireless Sensor Networks With Partial Coverage: Complexity and Polynomial‐Size Formulations
Authors: Barbato Michele , Bianchessi Nicola
Published: January 2025

Given an undirected graph whose edge weights change over time slots, the sub‐tree scheduling for wireless sensor networks with partial coverage asks to partition the vertices of in non‐empty trees such that the total weight of the trees is minimized. In this article, we show that the problem is NP‐hard in both the cases where is part of the input and is a fixed instance parameter. In both our proofs we reduce the cardinality of the Steiner tree problem. Then, in order to provide easy‐to‐implement and effective computational tools to benchmark heuristics, we introduce new polynomial‐size integer linear programming formulations for the problem. Being defined by a polynomial number of variables and constraints, the formulations can be used to address instances of the problem by means of off‐the‐shelf mixed‐integer linear programming solvers with minimum implementation efforts. All proposed formulations share the property that the integrality requirement can be relaxed on subsets of variables. This enables several algorithmic choices to solve the models, including Benders' decomposition approaches and branch‐and‐bound with specific branching priorities. We experimentally identify the best resolution method for each formulation. Moreover, the experimental results obtained on benchmark instances of the problem, compared against those reported in the literature, support the effectiveness arising from using the new proposed formulations.
Dynamic Properties and Vibration Response of Polymer Matrix Composites: Mechanisms, Influences, and Applications in Engineering
Authors: Kumar Jeetesh , Panchore Vijay , Rajak Dipen Kumar , Joshi Tilak
Published: January 2025

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are critical materials in vibration‐intensive applications, including aerospace, automotive, naval, and sports sectors, where understanding their dynamic behavior is essential for reliable performance. This study comprehensively reviews PMCs' dynamic properties, focusing on their vibration response and damping characteristics. It explores the influence of material parameters, such as matrix composition, fiber orientation, stacking sequence, and nanoparticle incorporation, on natural frequencies and damping ratios. Experimental techniques like dynamic mechanical analysis and fast Fourier transform, alongside computational and analytical methods, including finite element analysis and classical theory, are utilized to evaluate these properties. Key findings reveal that natural fibers like kenaf and hamp enhance damping for eco‐friendly applications, while synthetic fibers and nanoparticles, such as multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, improve frequency response but may reduce damping. The effects of temperature sensitivity and chemical treatments are also discussed, emphasizing their role in optimizing vibrational performance. Analytical models and numerical simulations validate these findings, providing insights into structural design. This work bridges knowledge gaps by integrating experimental and theoretical approaches and offers practical strategies for developing lightweight, vibration‐resistant PMCs tailored for critical engineering applications. Future research should focus on optimizing material–environment interactions for advanced applications.
Stimuli‐Responsive Hybrid Microgels for a Sustainable Future: A Comprehensive Review of Classification, Synthesis, and Multifaceted Applications
Authors: Sudharsan Meenambiga Setti , Praveen Kumar M. , Gokul V. , Pazhamalai Vivek , Hariharan N. M. , Saravanan Muthupandian
Published: January 2025

Recently, there has been an increase, in investigating novel materials to support renewable energy and tackle environmental issues due to the pressing demand, for sustainable solutions. Hybrid microgels possess unique characteristics that allow for tailoring to suit needs, in environmental applications and energy harvesting making them a highly promising group of materials. Microgel, nanogel, microsphere, and macrogel are the terms often used alternately to refer to a range of particles that vary significantly in their structure, physicochemical characteristics, manufacturing process and applications. Several investigations have been conducted to identify the distinct uses of the various gel types that are classified under nano/micro particle category. This review primarily focuses the discussion, around microgel particles that are colloidal in size, ability to alter its shape in response to external factors due to polymerization processes they undergo during production, and its classification, synthesis as well. A selected range of applications and the economic implications of expanding microgel production are discussed. Applications including enhanced oil recovery, biomaterials, and catalysis are covered, along with a brief description of the synthesis and characteristics of microgel particles. The advancements in hybrid microgels are now considered as an essential element in the creation of green technology, providing scalable and sustainable solutions for energy management, biomedical applications and environmental remediation.
A comprehensive review on modified phenolic resin composites for enhanced performance across various applications
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Yande , Jiang Dawei , Shalash Marwan , El‐Bahy Salah M. , Wu Zijian , Ren Juanna , Guo Zhanhu , El‐Bahy Zeinhom M.
Published: January 2025

Phenolic resin (PR), renowned for its strong adhesive properties, superior heat resistance, and excellent chemical stability, finds extensive applications in industries, such as electronics, coatings, and textiles. However, with the advancement of technology, the need to modify PR to meet higher standards in specialized fields has become a significant research focus. Current research on PR modification emphasizes both physical methods, including filler enhancement and fiber reinforcement, and chemical methods, such as copolymerization, grafting, and cross‐linking. This review provides an in‐depth examination of the progress in PR modification research from both physical and chemical perspectives, highlighting the improved performance post‐modification. Additionally, we summarize the latest advancements in the application of PR composites and predict future trends and growth prospects. This review aims to guide the design and implementation of modified PR composites for enhanced performance across various domains.

Highlights

Physical/chemical modifications enhance PR composites for high‐end use.

Advancements in PR composites guide future material design trends.

Modifications improve mechanical, thermal and corrosion resistance properties.
Thermal buckling of composite laminates with elastic boundaries
Authors: Changfu Hu , Weicheng Gao
Published: January 2025

The investigation of thermal buckling in composite laminates holds significant theoretical and practical implications. For the commonly encountered rectangular thin plate structures in engineering, this study aims to explore their buckling characteristics under thermal loads in arbitrary elastic boundary conditions. To achieve this, a method based on the principle of minimum potential energy for calculating the buckling load during elastic instability is presented. Initially, transverse constraint springs and rotational constraint springs are set at the four boundaries of the plate structure model, with the stiffness values of these two types of elastic springs designated to simulate arbitrary elastic boundary conditions. The improved Fourier series is employed to address potential discontinuities in the boundary derivatives of displacement functions that may arise with the classical Fourier series form. Subsequently, the potential energy expression for the rectangular plate system is established. By combining this with the principle of minimum potential energy, a system of linear equations is derived through partial differentiation of the unknown Fourier coefficients. Finally, the critical buckling load and other parameters of the rectangular plate are obtained, with reasonable values for the spring stiffness under different boundary conditions provided. The critical buckling temperatures derived from the proposed method are compared with those obtained via finite element analysis. The results indicate that the buckling loads obtained using this method align closely with those from finite element analysis, affirming the validity and convergence of the research methodology.

Highlights

This study investigates the thermal buckling of composite laminate plates with elastic boundary conditions.

Improved Fourier series techniques are employed to analyze thermal buckling in these laminates.

The impact of intermediate stiffness on the thermal buckling response of composite materials is examined.
Development, characteristics, and potential applications of green composites from bio‐derived polybenzoxazine and glass fiber
Authors: Mora Phattarin , Rimdusit Sarawut , Jubsilp Chanchira
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to develop green composites prepared from bio‐derived polybenzoxazine (PBz) and glass fiber (GF). The effects of GF contents (22.7, 30.6, 39.8, 50.7, and 63.8 vol%) on mechanical, thermal and surface properties, self‐healing behavior and UV‐protection property were evaluated. Flexural properties, thermal stability and flame resistant of the composite samples was substantially improved by the presence of GFs, while the thermal expansion and water contact angle was progressively reduced with the GF content. The self‐healing efficiency assessed through self‐healing percentage under flexure content confirm that the composite samples showed good self‐healing performance with the self‐healing percentage within 59.5–83.8. In addition, reinforcing GF also exhibits an enhanced ultraviolet shielding efficiency of the composite samples closed to 100%. Based on the composite's mechanical and thermal properties, self‐healing efficiency, flame resistant and UV‐protection property, its potential usage is suggested in advanced application such as structural materials with associated requirements of significant self‐healing, self‐extinguishing and ultraviolet‐shielding property.

Highlights

Green GF/bio‐derived polybenzoxazine composites was successfully developed.

The GF/poly(E‐fa) composite showed substantial self‐healing performance.

LOI values of the composite were suitable for self‐extinguishing materials.

The reinforcement with GF into composites improved comprehensive properties.

The composite represents a promising new candidate for structural materials.
Biodegradable PLA films incorporating GO‐ZnO hybrid and Mentha Longifolia oil: Fabrication and characterization
Authors: Dehghan Fatemeh , Dadashi Parsa , Babaei Amir , Partovi Razieh
Published: January 2025

The study investigates the effects of graphene oxide/zinc oxide (GO‐ZnO) nanohybrids, combined with Mentha longifolia essential oil, on the mechanical, UV resistance, antibacterial, and rheological properties of polylactic acid (PLA). GO‐ZnO nanohybrids were prepared at ZnO‐to‐GO ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 and incorporated into PLA at various concentrations. The addition of GO‐ZnO significantly enhanced the tensile strength and modulus of PLA composites due to strong interactions between PLA and the functionalized nanohybrids. Hydrolytic degradation tests revealed accelerated PLA degradation with GO‐ZnO, attributed to the catalytic effects of ZnO. Rheological analysis showed reduced elasticity with higher nanohybrid content, attributed to thermal degradation. UV absorption tests demonstrated improved UV protection with GO‐ZnO and essential oil. Antibacterial tests indicated higher inhibition percentages against E. coli and Listeria, highlighting a synergistic antibacterial effect of the hybrid system. These findings suggest PLA/GO‐ZnO/oil composites are promising candidates for antibacterial packaging applications.

Highlights

PLA hydrolytic degradation enhanced by GO‐ZnO nanohybrids, M. longifolia oil.

GO‐ZnO and M. longifolia oil catalyze PLA thermal degradation during scission.

PBS mechanical properties improved via GO‐ZnO interaction with PLA and oil.

GO‐ZnO and M. longifolia oil provide synergistic antibacterial effects in PLA.

Thermal degradation of PLA with GO‐ZnO and oil analyzed through rheology.
Synthesis and optical properties of monomers and polymers with high refractive indexes based on piperidone thioacetals
Authors: Vasiliev Evgenii , Bukhtoyarova Alexandra , Shelkovnikov Vladimir , Berezhnaya Viktoria , Shundrina Inna
Published: January 2025

A series of dithioazaspiroacrylamide monomers containing sulfur atoms in the cyclic structure and having high refractive indices have been synthesized. Transparent polymer films were obtained from these monomers. The refractive indices of monomers and polymers obtained from them were measured (  = 1.52–1.67) and their Abbe numbers were also measured (VD = 26–55). The glass transition temperatures of polymers were measured Tg = 45–155°C. Polymers consisting of spirocyclic unbranched units showed the highest refractive indices and high transparency, which seems promising for use in photolithography, holography, elements of polymer, and waveguide optics.

Highlights

From 4‐piperidone, dithioazaspiroacrylae monomers was obtained.

Transparent polymer films with high refractive indices are obtained.

Polymer with spirocyclic units showed high refractive index and Abbe number.
Tips and Tricks for a Good Encapsulation for Perovskite‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Emery Quiterie , Dagault Lea , Khenkin Mark , Kyranaki Nikoleta , de Araújo Wander Max Bernardes , Erdil Ulas , Demuylder Matthias , Cros Stephane , Schlatmann Rutger , Stannowski Bernd , Ulbrich Carolin
Published: January 2025

Encapsulation is a critical topic to ensure the successful implementation of perovskite photovoltaics. Recently, vacuum lamination has been shown as a promising approach that combines compatibility with current industrial processes in conventional photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing and suitability to achieve good results with perovskites. Here, we explore some of the attractive encapsulation materials in terms of their ability to prevent moisture ingress, withstand elevated temperatures, and have suitable mechanical properties to avoid thermomechanical issues. We utilized the previously suggested concept of the “perovskite test,” an optical test with simple sample fabrication, for evaluating encapsulation quality and validated the findings with the full solar cell stack. Unsurprisingly, encapsulants without an edge sealant showed insufficient protection from moisture. Ionomer in combination with butyl edge seal showed the best barrier properties; however, this stack led to rapid delamination of the cell layers in thermal cycling tests. Configuration with only edge sealant does not have such an issue in principle (no mechanical stress applied), but an absence of the polymer in the stack is unfavorable in terms of optical design and sometimes showed perovskite degradation that we assign to trapped moisture in the butyl itself. Polyolefin with butyl edge sealant is not free of degradation but showed the most promising compromise by passing the damp heat test and showing fewer issues in the thermal cycling experiments. In general, our material study and optimization presented in this manuscript show that a holistic approach is needed when choosing an optimal encapsulation scheme for perovskite devices.
Effects of mirror therapy on motor and functional recovery of the upper extremity in subacute stroke: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hsieh Yuan‐Lun , Yang Tzu‐Ying , Peng Zi‐You , Wang Ray‐Yau , Shih Hui‐Ting , Yang Yea‐Ru
Published: January 2025

Objective

To review and synthesize existing evidence on the effect of mirror therapy (MT) on motor and functional recovery and the effect of unimanual and bimanual MT in individuals with subacute stroke.

Methodology

PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane, and Airiti Library were searched for relevant studies. Randomized and pilot randomized controlled trials comparing MT with sham MT or conventional therapy were included. Three researchers independently reviewed eligible studies for study design, participants' characteristics, intervention, and outcome measures and assessed study quality. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

Synthesis

Fifteen studies with 546 participants were included. An overall effect of MT was found for motor impairment (effect size [95% confidence interval]: 0.473 [0.274–0.673], p < .001), motor function (0.266 [0.059−0.474], p = .012), and activities of daily living (ADL) (0.461 [0.25–0.671], p < .001), compared with controls. There was a significant difference in motor impairment (0.39 [0.134–0.647], p = .003), motor function (0.298 [0.003–0.593], p = .048), and ADL (0.461 [0.157–0.766], p = .003) in favor of bimanual MT compared with controls. No significant effect was found for unimanual MT.

Conclusion

MT, specifically bimanual MT, is an effective intervention for improving motor recovery, motor function, and ADL in individuals with subacute stroke, whereas unimanual MT does not show significant benefits in these areas.
Quantifying Permafrost Degradation Processes: Real‐Time Analysis Using Environment‐Based Particle Image Velocimetry and Weather Data
Authors: Waqas Khan Muhammad , Lim Michael , Martin James , Lee Rebecca , Lynn Pokiak Deva , Whalen Dustin
Published: January 2025

We present an innovative approach to understanding permafrost degradation processes through the application of new environment‐based particle image velocimetry (E‐PIV) to time‐lapse imagery and correlation with synchronous temperature and rainfall measurements. Our new approach to extracting quantitative vector movement from dynamic environmental conditions that can change both the position and the color balance of each image has optimized the trade‐off between noise reduction and preserving the authenticity of movement data. Despite the dynamic polar environments and continuous landscape movements, the E‐PIV provides the first quantitative real‐time associations between environmental drivers and the responses of permafrost degradation mechanism. We analyze four event‐based datasets from an island southwest of Tuktoyaktuk, named locally as Imnaqpaaluk or Peninsula Point near Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, Canada, spanning a 5‐year period from 2017 to 2022. The 2017 dataset focuses on the interaction during a hot dry summer between slope movement and temperature changes, laying the foundation for subsequent analyses. In 2018, two datasets significantly expand our understanding of typical failure mechanisms in permafrost slopes: one investigates the relationship between slope movement and rainfall, while the other captures an overhang collapse, providing a rare quantitative observation of an acute landscape change event. The 2022 dataset revisits the combination of potential rain and air temperature‐related forcing to explore the environment–slope response relationship around an ice wedge, a common feature of ice‐rich permafrost coasts. These analyses reveal both a direct but muted association with air temperatures and a detectable delayed slope response to the occurrence of rainfall, potentially reflective of the time taken for the warm rainwater to infiltrate through the active layer and affect the frozen ground. Whilst these findings also indicate that other factors are likely to influence permafrost degradation processes, the associations have significant implications given the projections for a warmer, wetter Arctic. The ability to directly measure permafrost slope responses offers exciting new potential to quantitatively assess the sensitivity of different processes of degradation for the first time, improving the vulnerability components of hazard risk assessments, guiding mitigation efforts, and better constraining future projections of erosion rates and the mobilization of carbon‐rich material.
Photoluminescence Monitored Sustainable Digital Photocorrosion of GaAs/Al0.35Ga0.65As Quantum Well Microstructures
Authors: St‐Onge René , Hassen Mohamed Walid , Moteshareie Houman , Tayabali Azam F. , Dubowski Jan J.
Published: January 2025

Digital photocorrosion (DIP) of GaAs/AlGaAs nanoheterostructures is an attractive method for detecting surface‐immobilized electrically charged biomolecules such as bacteria. The process is normally carried out in ammonia‐ or phosphate‐buffered saline and monitored in situ to reveal photoluminescence (PL) intensity maximum (PLmax) when the photocorrosion front crosses the GaAs‐AlGaAs interface. The temporal position of PLmax plotted as a function of the concentration of surface‐immobilized biomolecules allows calibration of the process and detection of unknown concentrations of bacteria. Successive employment of numerous GaAs‐AlGaAs interfaces in a stack of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells (QWs) for biosensing is drastically restricted due to the diminishing PL intensity related to accumulation of Al oxides and other byproducts on the surface of processed samples. Herein, the application of a cyclic injection of NaOH solution for chemical “sweeping” of the AlGaAs surface to maintain a sustainable DIP process manifested by nonvanishing amplitude of the PL signal is reported. The successful measurement of eleven PLmax with comparable amplitudes from the same GaAs/AlGaAs QW microstructure paves the way to the development of an advanced biochip delivering a large number of data points.
A bibliometric analysis of the SCOPUS‐indexed research on written peer feedback
Authors: Saeli Hooman , Rahmati Payam , Koltovskaia Svetlana
Published: January 2025

The present study aimed to explore the major patterns in the available scholarship on peer feedback in the writing classroom. In doing so, a bibliometric approach was utilised, where a nearly exhaustive search was conducted on the SCOPUS‐indexed documents on peer feedback. After compiling a database, the scholarship on peer feedback was divided into three timelines: 2000–2010, 2011–2020 and 2021–2024. The subsequent analysis highlighted the salient research trends in the number of documents published on the topic of peer feedback, the most prolific authors and venues (e.g., academic journals), the most influential institutions and countries, and the most highly researched topics. The results, for example, showed a substantial increase in the number of documents published on peer feedback. The higher number of documents on peer feedback in recent years is probably caused by the increasing attention paid to such notions as learner autonomy, learner engagement with feedback, and more learner‐centred methods of providing feedback.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study: This study is the first bibliometric analysis of peer feedback research, providing a comprehensive overview of trends and developments in peer feedback research over the past three decades.

Why the new findings matter: Our findings provide quantitative insights into research trends on peer feedback in second language writing studies.

Implications for researchers and practitioners: Our research findings indicate a steady growth in peer feedback studies over the past three decades. We believe future research will likely focus on digital and multimodal peer feedback, driven by the ubiquity of digital platforms. Researchers should explore how these platforms can enhance peer feedback practices and improve learner engagement. Additionally, we recommend that researchers conduct empirical studies within multimodal spaces, focusing on learners as both providers and receivers of feedback. These studies can offer practical insights that can be directly applied by teachers to improve feedback practices in the classroom.
Autoethnography in medical education: Ethical and legal considerations
Authors: Seah K. T. Matthew
Published: January 2025

For medical educators, autoethnography as a research methodology provides a means of active engagement in reflective practice, ranging from teaching and educational innovation to interactions with patients and colleagues. In this way, they may benefit from the systematic reflexivity required, improve their interactions with the people around them, as well as demonstrate ongoing personal development and improve their skillset as an educator. On a wider level, autoethnography has the potential to study a culture or a phenomenon as it is directly and personally experienced by the author, thereby providing unique insight into medical education theories and/or the patient‐physician relationship. As autoethnography often examines sensitive issues, hidden aspects of our lives or untold stories, it is clear that autoethnography poses several ethical and moral challenges which must be considered when the relevant research is planned. In this essay, I will discuss some of the ethical considerations of autoethnography which are relevant in the medical education context, and highlight potential legal considerations of these published personal reflections. To do this, I will discuss issues of validity with autoethnography, ownership of the stories, the tension between authenticity and anonymity, ethics of representation of study participants and relevant legal issues which may impact the use of autoethnography in the healthcare setting.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study: Autoethnography as a research methodology provides a means of active engagement in reflective practice, and should lend itself to research in medical education and healthcare research.

Why the new findings matter: As this is a relatively new methodology in the context of medical education, there are several challenges to adoption and researchers should be aware of some of the ethical and legal considerations.

Practical implications: This article aims to highlight some of the issues for researchers who are considering autoethnography as a research methodology in the healthcare setting.
Molecular and cellular regulators of embryo implantation and their application in improving the implantation potential of IVF‐derived blastocysts
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Fukui Emiko , Matsumoto Hiromichi
Published: January 2025

Background

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) are widely used in reproductive biology. Despite the transfer of high‐quality blastocysts, the implantation rate of IVF‐derived blastocysts remains low after ET.

Methods

This article provides a comprehensive review of current research on embryo implantation regulators and their application to improve the implantation potential of IVF‐derived blastocysts.

Main Findings

The in vivo mouse model revealed selective proteolysis immediately after expression in activated blastocysts, that is, degradation of ERα expression in activated blastocysts regulated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway, followed by completion of blastocyst implantation. Treatment of blastocysts to induce appropriate protein expression during in vitro culture prior to ET is a useful approach for improving implantation rates. This approach showed that combined treatment with PRL, EGF, and 4‐OH‐E2 (PEC) improved the blastocyst implantation rates. Furthermore, arginine and leucine drive reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated integrin α5β1 expression and promote blastocyst implantation.

Conclusion

Findings based on analysis of molecular and cellular regulators are useful for improving the implantation potential of IVF‐derived blastocysts. These approaches may help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the completion of the blastocyst implantation, although further investigation is required to improve the success of implantation and pregnancy.
Observer‐Based Containment Control for Linear Parameter‐Varying Multi‐Agent Systems
Authors: Liu Yanjie , Li Zhi
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the observer‐based containment control problem of linear parameter‐varying (LPV) multi‐agent systems (MASs) with zero or nonzero leaders' inputs under both fixed and switching directed communication topologies. The corresponding distributed observer‐based containment control protocols are proposed for the system. The containment control problem of open‐loop LPV MASs is transformed into the stability problem of the closed‐loop systems. The sufficient conditions for the stability of the closed‐loop system are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to realize the containment control of LPV MASs. Finally, simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protocols.
Semi‐Parametric Least‐Area Linear‐Circular Regression Through Möbius Transformation
Authors: Biswas Surojit , Banerjee Buddhananda
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces a novel regression model designed for angular response variables with linear predictors, utilizing a generalized Möbius transformation to define the regression curve. By mapping the real axis to the circle, the model effectively captures the relationship between linear and angular components. A key innovation is the introduction of an area‐based loss function, inspired by the geometry of a curved torus, for efficient parameter estimation. The semi‐parametric nature of the model eliminates the need for specific distributional assumptions about the angular error, enhancing its versatility. Extensive simulation studies, incorporating von Mises and wrapped Cauchy distributions, highlight the robustness of the framework. The model's practical utility is demonstrated through real‐world data analysis of Bitcoin and Ethereum, showcasing its ability to derive meaningful insights from complex data structures.
Reference‐Based Multiple Imputation for Longitudinal Binary Data
Authors: Cro Suzie , Quartagno Matteo , White Ian R. , Carpenter James R.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In clinical trials, a treatment policy strategy is often used to handle treatment nonadherence. However, estimation in this context is complicated when data are missing after treatment deviation. Reference‐based multiple imputation has been developed for the analysis of a longitudinal continuous outcome in this setting. It has been shown that Rubin's variance estimator ensures that the proportional loss of information due to missing data is approximately the same as that seen in analysis under the missing‐at‐random assumption for a broad range of commonly used reference‐based alternatives; that is it is information anchored. However, the best way to implement reference‐based multiple imputation for longitudinal binary data is unclear.

Methods

We formulate and describe two algorithms for implementing reference‐based multiple imputation for longitudinal binary outcome data using: (i) joint modeling with the multivariate normal distribution and an adaptive rounding algorithm and (ii) joint modeling with a latent multivariate normal model. A simulation study was performed to compare the properties of the two methods.

Results

Across the broad range of scenarios evaluated, the latent normal approach typically gave slightly less bias; both methods provided approximately information anchored inference. The advantage of the latent normal approach was more marked with a rarer outcome. However, both approaches may not perform satisfactorily if the outcome prevalence is very rare, that is, .

Discussion

Reference‐based multiple imputation provides a practical information anchored tool for inferences about the treatment effect for a treatment policy estimand with a longitudinal binary outcome. The latent multivariate normal model is the preferred implementation.
A Varying‐Coefficient Additive Hazard Model for Recurrent Events Data
Authors: Da Zhao , Xiaochao Xia , Jialiang Li
Published: January 2025

The additive hazard model, which focuses on risk differences rather than risk ratios, has been widely applied in practice. In this paper, we consider an additive hazard model with varying coefficients to analyze recurrent events data. The model allows for both varying and constant coefficients. We first propose an estimating equation‐based approach with spline basis smoothing for all functional coefficients. Then, we provide theoretical justifications for the resulting estimates, including consistency, rate of convergence, and asymptotic distribution. Furthermore, we construct a Cramér–von Mises test procedure to investigate whether the functional coefficients should be treated as constant, and its asymptotic null distribution is also derived. Extensive simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the finite‐sample performance of the proposed approaches. A Chronic Granulotamous Disease data set was analyzed to illustrate our methodology.
Bioequivalence Design With Sampling Distribution Segments
Authors: Hagar Luke , Stevens Nathaniel T.
Published: January 2025

In bioequivalence design, power analyses dictate how much data must be collected to detect the absence of clinically important effects. Power is computed as a tail probability in the sampling distribution of the pertinent test statistics. When these test statistics cannot be constructed from pivotal quantities, their sampling distributions are approximated via repetitive, time‐intensive computer simulation. We propose a novel simulation‐based method to quickly approximate the power curve for many such bioequivalence tests by efficiently exploring segments (as opposed to the entirety) of the relevant sampling distributions. Despite not estimating the entire sampling distribution, this approach prompts unbiased sample size recommendations. We illustrate this method using two‐group bioequivalence tests with unequal variances and overview its broader applicability in clinical design. All methods proposed in this work can be implemented using the developed dent package in R.
Supervised Functional Principal Component Analysis Under the Mixture Cure Rate Model: An Application to Alzheimer'S Disease
Authors: Feng Jiahui , Shi Haolun , Ma Da , Faisal Beg Mirza , Cao Jiguo
Published: January 2025

Brain imaging data is one of the primary predictors for assessing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aims to extract image‐based features associated with the possibly right‐censored time‐to‐event outcomes and to improve predictive performance. While the functional proportional hazards model is well‐studied in the literature, these studies often do not consider the existence of patients who have a very low risk and are approximately insusceptible to AD. We introduce a functional mixture cure rate model that extends the proportional hazards model by allowing a proportion of event‐free patients. We propose a novel supervised functional principal component analysis (sFPCA) method to extract image features associated with AD risk while accounting for the complexity arising from right censoring. The proposed method accommodates the irregular boundary issue inherent in brain images with bivariate splines over triangulations. We demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method through extensive simulation studies and provide an application to the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study.
Semiconducting Overoxidized Polypyrrole Nano‐Particles for Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Yuan Xiaojiao , Lopez Girlie Eunice , Duong Viet‐Dung , Remita Samy , Dragoe Diana , Ihiawakrim Dris , Ersen Ovidiu , Dappe Yannick , Leibl Winfried , Remita Hynd , Aukauloo Ally
Published: January 2025

Capturing sunlight to fuel the water splitting reaction (WSR) into O2 and H2 is the leitmotif of the research around artificial photosynthesis. Organic semiconductors have now joined the quorum of materials currently dominated by inorganic oxides, where for both families of compounds the bandgaps and energies can be adjusted synthetically to perform the Water Splitting Reaction. However, elaborated and tedious synthetic pathways are necessary to optimize the photophysical properties of organic semiconductors. This study reports here, that when pyrrole dissolved distilled water is exposed to high energy radiation, this leads to the formation of nanostructured spherical polypyrrole (Nano‐PPy) particles that are characterized as overoxidized polypyrrole. Electrochemical studies and Tauc's plot highlight the production of a semiconducting material with a bandgap of ≈1.8 eV with the conduction band at ≈−0.5 V and a valence band at ≈+1.3 V vs NHE. When suspended in water and under irradiation at wavelengths higher than 420 nm, Nano‐PPy materials lead to O2 evolution, while electrons and protons can be recovered in the form of reduced quinone. Interestingly, upon intermittent visible irradiation and dark phases, a consumption of the evolved O2 from oxidation of water is observed. This concomitant O2 reduction is found to produce H2O2.
Systematic Study of the Synthesis of Monodisperse CsPbI3 Perovskite Nanoplatelets for Efficient Color‐Pure Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Litvin Aleksandr P. , Guo Jie , Wang Jianxun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Weitao , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: January 2025

Metal halide perovskite nanoplatelets (NPls) possess ultra‐narrow photoluminescence (PL) bands tunable over the entire visible spectral range, which makes them promising for utilization in light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with spectrally pure emission colors. This calls for development of synthetic methods toward perovskite NPls with a high degree of control over both their thickness and lateral dimensions. A general strategy is developed to obtain such monodisperse CsPbI3 NPls through the control over the halide‐to‐lead ratio during heating‐up reaction. The excess of iodine precursor changes the chemical equilibrium, thus yielding monodisperse (3 monolayers in thickness) CsPbI3 NPls whose PL width constitutes ≈22 nm, while the lateral dimensions of NPls are determined by choice of precursor and by the reaction temperature. Postsynthetic cation exchange on the A‐site of the perovskite lattice allows for the tuning of the PL peak position, while simultaneous removal of the excess ligands and the surface passivation allows for improvement of the PL quantum yield to 96% and ensures superior stability of optical properties upon storage. Electroluminescent LEDs with the peak values are fabricated for the external quantum efficiency and luminance being 9.45% and 29800 cd m−2, respectively, and a narrow (≈26 nm) electroluminescence peak at 601 nm.