bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Content of the concept of house in preschool children expressed in words and drawings
Authors: Gasic-Pavisic Slobodanka , Lazarevic Dusanka
Published: February 2006

The aim of the study was to investigate verbal and pictorial representation of the concept of house. Children belonging to different cultures and different generations draw identical canonical appearance of the house, and the word 'house' is one of the most frequently used words in a children's vocabulary (Lukic, 1982). Starting from findings of many authors that by the age from 7-8 children draw what they know about objects and not what they see (intellectual realism, see Koks, 2000) and from Arnheim's (1969) view of visual thinking, we have compared the content of the concept of house in children's drawings with that in their verbal definitions. Sixty urban children, age 6, were given the instructions: 'Draw a house.' 'Say, what is a house?' The drawings and definitions were analyzed in terms of containing elements, and the distribution of some types of verbal definitions was determined. The results confirmed that there is a universal pattern in children's drawing a house - drawing of equivalents. The question is open whether it is a conventional sign taken over from adults or children develop it for themselves. The drawings contain the defining characteristics of the concept of house but also the characteristics specific for a child's spontaneous concept based on immediate experience. Verbal and pictorial definitions comprise identical essential elements of the concept of house pictorial definitions being richer and provide a better insight into child's personal experience. Verbal definitions more successfully determine the function of a house, while pictorial ones its appearance. Drawings are more suitable than words for specifying various meanings of the word 'house', (house/building).
The concept and institutions of education for democracy
Authors: Avramovic Zoran
Published: February 2006

The paper comprises three sections: (a) the concepts and institutions of democracy, (b) the concept of education for democracy, and (c) the role of school in democratic education. The concept of 'open society' is critical to the strategy of education for democracy. In addition to general conditions for establishing and functioning of democracy, the author points to some of its basic institutions: structured social groups, political parties, leader elections. The concept of 'education' is considered from the standpoint of goals - social, national and individual. It is pointed to tolerance as a key concept of the theory of education for democracy. School, being the most prominent institution in the process of education for democracy, places student and development of his/he; democratic characteristics and capacities in the focus of its strategy. All elements of teaching: curriculum, methods teacher, student, textbook are in the function of the basic idea of democratic education - tolerance and crisscrossed influences (practicing of getting used to differences). Apart from the development and acquisition of thinking in concepts about democracy, education for democracy should encompass knowledge for life at state and social institutions, for private and public life, acquisition of national values, rational decision-making discussion. The framework of strategy in question is certainly exercising of tolerance and getting used to crisscrossed influences.
A child's question in school as an expression of active attitude towards the environment
Authors: Pavlovic Branka
Published: February 2006

The paper discusses the importance and role of a child's question in school and developing of children and adolescents' active attitude towards social environment. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a child's question for developing civic participation in social community. Considerations start from 'humanocentric' strategy of social development, oriented primarily to local community and man as a focal point of development, his potentials being in the focus of all development interests. Potentially, school as a part of local and broader social community has very large but in reality a modest role in developing civic conscious and participation. The paper points to some causes for such state-of-the-arts but also to some possibilities of improving school's role, without in-depth reforms, by introducing changes in methods of work and attitudes towards child's spontaneous questions and curiosity as a development phenomenon. Let us remind you of the improperly used classes of a class head teacher or students' class community. As a part of a school system development strategy, it is also necessary to stimulate more active attitude of school towards social reality. One of the ways of integrating school into social community is to nurture culture of asking questions in school as an educational institution and then through all institutions of social life.
Peer relationships and academic achievement
Authors: Krnjajic Stevan
Published: February 2006

After their childhood, when children begin to establish more intensive social contacts outside family, first of all, in school setting, their behavior i.e. their social, intellectual, moral and emotional development is more strongly affected by their peers. Consequently, the quality of peer relationships considerably affects the process of adaptation and academic achievement and their motivational and emotional attitude towards school respectively. Empirical findings showed that there is bi-directional influence between peer relationships and academic achievement. In other words, the quality of peer relationships affects academic achievement, and conversely, academic achievement affects the quality of peer relationships. For example, socially accepted children exhibiting prosocial, cooperative and responsible forms of behavior in school most frequently have high academic achievement. On the other hand, children rejected by their peers often have lower academic achievement and are a risk group tending to delinquency, absenteeism and drop out of school. Those behavioral and interpersonal forms of competence are frequently more reliable predictors of academic achievement than intellectual abilities are. Considering the fact that various patterns of peer interaction differently exert influence on students' academic behavior, the paper analyzed effects of (a) social competence, (b) social acceptance/rejection, (c) child's friendships and (d) prosocial behavior on academic achievement.
Praise and reward in school
Authors: Lalic Natasa
Published: February 2006

Pedagogic literature points out that rewarding is desirable in the process of education and is a constituent part of teacher's work in school. However it is of importance to determine the type of behavior that deserves praise and reward as well as 'the situations' where praise and reward may have adverse effects. Praise and reward practiced in school are quite specific compared to those applied in a family, because rewards for a desirable behavior, as well as praises, are formally and officially prescribed. The meaning of rewarding is often restrictive and simplified thus being a kind of teacher's mechanical response to student's behavior. Consequently rewarding, especially when praise is in question, is deprived of encouraging features that, if they imply support and encouragement, contribute to child's developing self-confidence and positive self-image. That is why we have presented herein the types of rewards and their effects by using a -survey of studies carried out in our country and abroad, and all this to highlight some aspects of rewarding procedures, whereby we can check how important they are for the outcomes of education and student's personality development. A material reward is considered to have a more expressive control role, whilst verbal encouragement and praise mean information about achievement. Furthermore, considerations are given to some factors essential to a more efficient application of praise and reward in concrete educational situations as well as to their motivational advantages for teacher's educational practice. Lastly, possibilities of more successful application of praise and reward in school are suggested.
Reflections on the Successes of Pediatric Vaccines
Authors: Edwards Kathryn M.
Published: February 2025

This Viewpoint discusses the importance of early and continued vaccine use in the US.
The Role and Molecular Pathways of SIRT6 in Senescence and Age‐related Diseases
Authors: Lu Yi , Yang Junye , Wu Qiuju , Wang Xiaobo
Published: February 2025

SIRT6 is a NAD+‐dependent histone deacetylase with crucial roles in controlling DNA damage repair, telomere homeostasis, oxidative stress, autophagy, and other cellular processes, and it has long been recognized as a longevity‐associated protein. This review details its anti‐aging‐related mechanisms. First, SIRT6 facilitates DNA repair pathways and maintains genome stability by deacetylating histone H3 at K56, K9, and K18 residues, in addition to participating in DNA damage repair through mono‐ADP‐ribosylation and other mechanisms. Second, SIRT6 preserves telomere integrity and mitigates cellular senescence by reducing oxidative stress‐induced damage through the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of inflammation, and other pathways. Furthermore, SIRT6 promotes autophagy, slowing cellular senescence via the modulation of various signaling pathways, including AMPK, IGF‐Akt‐mTOR, H133Y, IL‐1β, and mitochondrial autophagy‐related proteins. Finally, SIRT6 regulates multiple signaling pathways, such asNF‐κB, FOXO, and AMPK, to counteract the aging process. This review particularly delves into the interplay between SIRT6 and various diseases, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases (e.g., atherosclerosis, heart failure), metabolic diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, gluconeogenesis, osteoporosis), and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). Moreover, recent advancements in SIRT6‐regulated compounds (e.g., C3G, BZBS, Fisetin, FNDC5, Lycorine hydrochloride, and Ergothioneine) are discussed as potential therapeutic agents for these mediated diseases.
A Functionalized 3D‐Printed Ti6Al4V “Cell Climbing Frame” Inspired by Marine Sponges to Recruit and Rejuvenate Autologous BMSCs in Osteoporotic Bone Repair
Authors: Lei Haoyuan , Cao Hongfu , Chen Xi , Su Zixuan , Deng Siyan , Hu Yuxin , Wu Lina , Gui Xingyu , Gao Canyu , Jia Xibiao , Pei Xuan , Tan Zhen , Yuan Tun , Wang Qiguang , Zhou Changchun , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong
Published: February 2025

Osteoporosis, characterized by low bone mass and high fracture risk, challenges orthopedic implant design. Conventional 3D‐printed Ti6Al4V scaffolds are mechanically robust but suffer from poor bone regeneration in osteoporotic patients due to stress shielding and cellular senescence. In this study, a functionalized 3D‐printed Ti6Al4V “Cell Climbing Frame” is developed, aiming to adapt to the mechanical microenvironment of osteoporosis, effectively recruit and support the adhesion and growth of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), while rejuvenating senescent cells for improved bone regeneration. Inspired by marine sponges, the processing accuracy limitations of selective laser melting (SLM) technology is broke through innovatively constructing a hierarchical porous structure with macropores and micropores nested within each other. Results demonstrate that the unique hierarchical porous scaffold reduces the elastic modulus, facilitates blood penetration, and enhances cell adhesion and growth. Further surface functionalization with E7 peptides and exosomes promotes the attraction and rejuvenation of BMSCs and boosts migration, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. In vivo, the functionalized “Cell Climbing Frame” accelerates bone repair in osteoporotic rats, while delaying surrounding bone loss, enabling robust multi‐stage osseointegration. This innovation advances 3D‐printed regenerative implants for osteoporotic bone repair.
Colloidal Ink Engineering for Slot‐Die Processes to Realize Highly Efficient and Robust Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Sangale Sushil Shivaji , Son Hyeonsu , Park Sang Wook , Patil Pramila , Lee Tae Kyung , Kwon Sung‐Nam , Na Seok‐In
Published: February 2025

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative to silicon solar cells, but challenges remain in developing perovskite inks and processes suitable for large‐scale production. This study introduces a novel approach using colloidal inks incorporating toluene and chlorobenzene as co‐antisolvents for PSC fabrication via slot‐die process. It is found that colloidal inks that are strategically engineered can significantly improve the rheological properties of perovskite inks, leading to enhanced wettability and high‐quality film formation. The formation of large colloids such as α cubic perovskite, δ hexagonal perovskite and transition intermediate phases promotes heterogeneous nucleation and lowers activation energy for crystallization, resulting in superior crystal growth and improved film morphology. Notably, the co‐solvent enhances the FA‐PbI3 binding energy and weakens the dimethyl sulfoxide coordination, which is more thermodynamically favorable for perovskite crystallization. This colloidal strategy yields devices with a maximum efficiency of 21.32% and remarkable long‐term stability, retaining 77% of initial efficiency over 10115 h. The study demonstrates the scalability of this approach, achieving 20.26% efficiency in lab‐scale minimodules and 19.15% in larger convergence minimodules. These findings provide an understanding of the complex relationship between ink composition, rheological properties, film quality, crystallization kinetics, and device performance.
Highly Stable Electronics Based on β‐Ga2O3 for Advanced Memory Applications
Authors: Li Xiaoxi , Li Yu‐Chun , Yang Yingguo , Dong Bitao , Liu Yuhang , Li Lina , Pan Linfeng , Chen Gengsheng , Hao Yue , Han Genquan
Published: February 2025

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) semiconductors are at the forefront of driving innovations in electronic technology, perpetuating Moore's Law and opening up new avenues for electronic devices. Although β‐Ga2O3 has attracted extensive research interest in advanced electronics, its high‐temperature and high‐speed volatile memory applications in harsh environment has been largely overlooked. Herein, a high‐performance hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN)/β‐Ga2O3 heterostructure junction field‐effect transistor (HJFET) is fabricated, exhibiting an off‐state current as low as ≈10 fA, a high on/off current ratio of ≈108, a low contact resistance of 5.6 Ω·mm, and an impressive field‐effect electron mobility of 156 cm2  （Vs）−1. Notably, the current h‐BN/β‐Ga2O3 HJFET exhibits outstanding thermal reliability in the ultra‐wide temperature range from 223 to 573 K, as well as long‐term environmental stability in air, which confirms its inherent capability of operation in harsh environments. Moreover, the h‐BN/β‐Ga2O3 HJFET demonstrates successful applications for accelerator‐in‐memory computing fields, including dynamic random‐access memory structure and neural network computations. These superior characteristics position β‐Ga₂O₃‐based electronics as highly promising for applications in extreme environments, with particular relevance to the automotive, aerospace, and sensor sectors.
Dominant Role of Coexisting Ruthenium Nanoclusters Over Single Atoms to Enhance Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Baek Jae‐Hoon , Kweon Seong Hyeon , Noh Hyuk‐Jun , Kweon Do Hyung , Seo Jeong‐Min , Lee Se Jung , Kwak Sang Kyu , Baek Jong‐Beom
Published: February 2025

Developing efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalysts to replace expensive carbon‐supported platinum nanoparticles for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction remains an important challenge. Recently, an innovative catalyst, composed of ruthenium single atoms (Ru1) integrated with small Ru nanoclusters (RuNC), has attracted considerable attention from the scientific community. However, because of its complexity, this catalyst remains a topic of some debate. Here, a method is reported of precisely controlling the ratios of Ru1 to RuNC on a nitrogenated carbon (NC)‐based porous organic framework to produce Ru/NC catalysts, by using different amounts (0, 5, 10 wt.%) of reducing agent. The Ru/NC–10 catalyst, formed with 10 wt.% reducing agent, delivered the best performance under alkaline conditions, indicating that RuNC played a significant role in actual alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). An anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) system using the Ru/NC–10 catalyst required a significantly lower operating voltage (1.72 V) than the commercial Pt/C catalyst (1.95 V) to achieve 500 mA cm−2. Moreover, the system can be operated at 100 mA cm−2 without notable performance decay for over 180 h. Theoretical calculations supported these experimental findings that Ru1 contributed to the water dissociation process, while RuNC is more actively associated with the hydrogen recombination process.
Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Tribovoltaic Textile for Human Body Signal Monitoring
Authors: Li Yuanlong , Wu Yinghong , Shokurov Alexander V , Menon Carlo
Published: February 2025

The pursuit of sustainable and portable direct current (DC) energy suppliers has ignited considerable interest in tribovoltaic nanogenerators (TVNGs), devices that harvest mechanical energy from the surrounding environment. However, the predominant focus in TVNG research has centered on rigid and silicon‐based semiconductors that lack flexibility and are thus ill‐suited for integration into common fabrics. Herein, a fully‐textile TVNG with a simple design is introduced that enables the real‐time monitoring of human physiological signals. The utilization of copper‐benzenehexathiol (Cu‐BHT), a conductive 2D metal‐organic framework is proposed as a p‐type semiconductor grown on fabric surfaces. The developed tribovoltaic textile (TVT) consists of Cu‐BHT‐modified cotton and metallic aluminum textile producing pure DC output due to self‐rectification. With excellent flexibility and stability, Cu‐BHT TVT is seamlessly integrated into textile‐based accessories for continuous monitoring of human motion and respiration.
Massive changes in gene expression and their cause(s) can be a unifying principle in the pathobiology of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Coleman Paul D. , Delvaux Elaine , Kordower Jeffrey H. , Boehringer Ashley , Huseby Carol J.
Published: February 2025

Understanding of the biology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has long been fragmented, with various investigators concentrating on amyloid beta (Aβ) or tau, inflammation, cell death pathways, misfolded proteins, glia, and more. Yet data from multiple authors has repeatedly shown altered expression of myriad genes related to these seemingly disparate phenomena. In 2022, Morgan et al. organized the massive data on changes in AD in a meticulous survey of the literature and related these changes to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Their data showed that 91% of the known KEGG pathways are involved in AD and that many of these pathways are represented by the known cellular/molecular phenomena of AD. Such data then raise the fundamental question: What mechanism(s) may be responsible for such widespread changes in gene expression? We review evidence for a unifying model based on sequestrations in stress granules and alteration of nucleocytoplasmic transport in AD.

Highlights

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), critical changes take place in neurons before the appearance of plaques or tangles.

Addressing these early changes provides a path to early detection and effective intervention in AD.
Inflammatory/Immune Adverse Events in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients During Treatment With Bosutinib
Authors: Agostani E. , Tassistro E. , Antolini L. , Gambacorti‐Passerini C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Bosutinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is effective in treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients resistant or intolerant to previous TKIs. Unlike other TKIs, bosutinib's lack of inhibition of c‐KIT and PDGFR may contribute to its unique tolerability profile. Similar to dasatinib, it targets Bcr/Abl and SRC kinases, particularly Lyn, raising safety concerns. In fact, the susceptibility of Lyn −/− mice to autoimmune disorders and the deregulation of Lyn‐dependent pathways in patients with lupus were previously shown.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the time‐adjusted rate (TAR) of inflammatory/immune‐related adverse events in bosutinib‐treated patients.

Methods

We analyzed clinical data from 60 patients with a minimum follow‐up of three months. We used the CTCAE dictionary to identify immune‐related adverse events (irAEs).

Results

Patients had a median treatment duration of 47.9 months (IQR: 38.4–121.8), totaling 592.7 person‐months. Among 33 patients (55% of the sample), we detected 94 irAEs (2.3% of total adverse events), including giant cell arteritis, psoriasis, erythema nodosum, articular pain, pleural and pericardial effusion, and three cases of recurrent sterile pneumonia. The estimated TAR of the first irAEs was 14.7 (95% CI: 10.4–20.7) events per 100 person‐years; considering repeated irAEs, the TAR was 28.4 (95% CI: 23.2–34.8) events per 100 person‐years. The median time to the first irAE was 14.8 months (IQR: 7.1–42). These rates are higher than those observed in imatinib‐treated patients.

Conclusions

Our findings support the clinical impression of a high incidence of irAEs in bosutinib‐treated patients and may lead to an enhanced understanding of bosutinib's safety profile and mechanism of action.
Engineering Gizmos for Short Cancer Genetic Fragments Discrimination
Authors: Yuk Jisoo , Kim Jeonghun , Jung Sunghwan , Um Soong Ho
Published: February 2025

Currently, mankind is fiercely struggling with cancer. Recently, we have been winning the battle against cancer through precision medicine and accompanying diagnostic methods, and we are raising many hopes with blockbuster drugs. It would be even better if we could read the cancer nucleotide sequence, identify them in advance, and suggest treatments simultaneously. However, this may be an impossible dream because it takes a lot of time and effort to diagnose and ensure all the long gene sequences of cancer at once. Thus, victory will be even closer if a rapid and accurate diagnosis of the cancer‐specific gene biomarkers that will soon be imprinted can be made. With the advent of nanotechnology, a new short cancer diagnostic toolkit has been proposed to achieve the goal. This review presents a small diagnostic device that detects certain cancers′ genetic fragments (simply ‘Gizmo’). The development of numerous diagnostic methods has focused on (1) directly detecting pre‐selectively targeted genes using novel diagnostic systems, and (2) indirectly detecting substantial improvements in diagnostic sensitivity only through detection signal amplification without existing gene amplification steps. Our fight against cancer is not a dream, but the result of success, and it is assumed that victory will accelerate as soon as possible.
Covalently Mercurated 6‐Phenylcarbazole Residues Promote Hybridization of Triplex‐Forming Oligonucleotides
Authors: Uttam Ukale Dattatraya , Lönnberg Tuomas
Published: February 2025

Homothymidine DNA oligonucleotides bearing a 3'‐terminal 6‐phenyl‐9H‐carbazole C‐nucleoside, mercurated at position 1, 8 or both, were synthesized and tested for their potential to form triple helices with homoadenine ⋅ homothymine duplexes. The monomercurated triplex‐forming oligonucleotides favored hybridization with fully matched double helices and in some cases considerable increase of the melting temperature could be attributed to Hoogsteen‐type Hg(II)‐mediated interaction with the homoadenine strand. The dimercurated one, on the other hand, favored hybridization with double helices placing a homo mispair opposite to the carbazole residue, suggesting that simultaneous coordination of each of the two Hg(II) ions to a different strand is only possible in the absence of competition from Watson–Crick base pairing.
Unmasking Aspergillosis: A Rare Cause of Facial Palsy and Vision Loss in an Immunocompetent Patient—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Rehman Abdur , Farooqi Hafiz Anzal , Khan Imran , Akram Fatima , Khan Basit Ali , Ihtesham Arham , Maqbool Shahzaib , Iqbal Javed
Published: February 2025

We present a case report of a 45‐year‐old female with acute onset right‐sided facial weakness, worsening vision, and diplopia. Upon evaluation, the patient exhibited total right‐side facial palsy (House‐Brackmann grade IV) with III, IV, and VI Cranial Nerve Ophthalmoplegia. There was no perception of light associated with optic atrophy on ocular examination. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a sizeable sphenoid sinus mass compressing the right optic nerve, consistent with neoplasia or invasive fungal infection. Eventually, we removed the mass endoscopically through a transnasal approach and diagnosed it as invasive Aspergillosis on histopathological examination, even though no previous record of immunodeficiency existed. The patient received intravenous followed by oral voriconazole. Postoperatively, there was partial recovery of her facial nerve function. This case highlights the importance of considering invasive fungal infections, even in immunocompetent patients, when managing space‐occupying lesions with neuro‐ophthalmic involvement.
Winter hay‐feeding effects on soil properties in a rotationally grazed pasture system in the Ozark Highlands
Authors: Berry Larry , Brye Kristofor R. , Sharpley Andrew , Morrow Ron , Phillipp Dirk , Glover Tim A. , Burke James M. , Daniels Mike B.
Published: February 2025

Soil nutrient management for pastures in Arkansas often ignores nutrients applied from feeding hay to cattle. Discounting nutrient contributions from hay may increase the likelihood of unnecessary fertilizer over‐application. This study evaluated the effects of unrolling bales (unroll fed, UF) and using a ring feeder (ring fed, RF), compared to an unamended control, on changes in soil properties in the top 4 inches in a rotationally grazed, beef [red angus (Bos taurus)] pasture on silt‐loam soils in northwest Arkansas. Forty‐six cow–calf pairs were fed hay at 6.6 tons acre−1 year−1 (14.8 Mg ha−1 year−1; dry‐weight basis) from December to February during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 winters. Over the study period, extractable soil K and Mg concentrations increased (P < 0.05) by 83% and 33% for RF and by 126% and 51% for UF treatments, respectively. Soil bulk density (BD) decreased (P < 0.1) by 3.9% from 2015 to 2017 for the UF, while soil BD in the unamended control and RF treatments did not change over time. Mean overall infiltration was three times greater (P < 0.05) for the UF (1.76 mm min−1) than RF (0.56 mm min−1) treatment, while overall infiltration rate into the unamended control (1.1 mm min−1) did not differ from the UF or RF treatments. Results demonstrated that hay‐feeding strategies can impact soil BD and infiltration and that nutrients in winter‐fed hay impart benefits to pasture soil fertility that should be accounted for in a soil fertility management scheme in a rotationally grazed, pasture system.
Implicating the Role of Au‐H Bonds in Photochemical N2 Fixation by Ruthenium Doped Gold Clusters
Authors: Sultana Munia , Paul Sayan , Mondal Amit , Paul Ankan
Published: February 2025

Dinitrogen fixation through the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction (NRR) under mild conditions without the use of sacrificial agents has its share of formidable hurdles. It has been shown recently that Ru‐doped Au nanoclusters can reduce N2 molecule to NH3 only in the presence of UV‐Vis light in aqueous medium. Herein, using theoretical techniques (Density Functional Theory) we shed light on the mechanistic avenues traversed for achieving this prodigious chemical feat. Our findings suggest that the bimetallic Au22Ru6 cluster successfully accomplishes the NRR process under ambient pressure and temperature conditions by the very virtue of its bifunctional nature. Contrary to the existing views, we find that NRR propagates through an alternative associative pathway, where the Ru dopant assists in N2 adsorption while the Au‐H bonds formed from Au assisted water splitting is implicated for facilitating NRR.
Pericardial fluid evaluation: Diagnostic yield and cytology–histology correlation
Authors: Tannous Elie , Malik Sana , Gilani Syed M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Pericardial effusion can be due to any etiology but may cause significant morbidity and mortality; however, malignant effusions are rare, and accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for appropriate further management. Data on the actual comparison of pericardial cytology and surgical specimens are limited, and this study was conducted to evaluate an institutional cohort and compare these two samples.

Methods

The institutional electronic database system was retrospectively searched between January 2019 and December 2023 for pericardial biopsies/surgical specimens (PSSs) and cytology.

Results

A total of 202 surgical specimens of the pericardium were identified from patients with a median age of 67 years and a range of 18–97 years. Of these 202 cases, 190 specimens also underwent cytological evaluation, which included 153 cases that were negative for malignancy, nine cases that were indeterminate/atypical, and 28 cases that were positive for malignancy. Agreement between cytology and PSSs was reached in 172 cases, with 153 being benign and 19 being malignant. However, a cytology–histology discrepancy was found in 18 cases. Of these 18 cases, nine showed positive cytology but all had negative concurrent PSSs except for one with focal atypia, and the remaining nine were indeterminate/atypical on cytology. Eight of these nine indeterminate cases were negative on the PSS, whereas one atypical cytology case with low cellularity showed a positive PSS.

Conclusions

If atypical cases are excluded, cytology demonstrates a better diagnostic yield for detecting malignancy compared to surgical specimens (n = 28 cases vs. n = 20 cases, respectively).
An Anatomic Study of the Lingual Nerve and Associated Branches
Authors: Human‐Baron René , Procos Alexander , Uys André
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the course and anatomy of the lingual nerve (LN) to minimize the risk of iatrogenic damage during dental procedures.

Material and Methods

The LN was dissected in 25 cadavers (dentulous and edentulous). The intersection of the LN and submandibular duct (SMD), the bifurcation location from the mandibular nerve, the branching patterns of the main trunk, and the number of terminal branches were recorded.

Results

In dentulous females, LN distances to the third, second, and first molars were 11.46 ± 2.51, 15.50 ± 5.24, and 18.75 ± 5.91 mm, while in dentulous males, they were 10.98 ± 1.27, 15.75 ± 2.61, and 19.65 ± 4.50 mm, respectively. For edentulous mandibles, all distances were shorter compared to the dentulous group. In 39.13%, the LN passed superior to the SMD. The LN is bifurcated above the mandibular notch in all cases. The number of branches entering the tongue ranged from 2 to 9, with a Type 1 branching pattern found to be the most prevalent.

Conclusions

The study incorporated both dentulous and edentulous cadavers from a South African population. The findings hold significance for surgical procedures, providing valuable insights into minimizing potential damage.
One‐step Synthesis, Characterization and Ammonia‐selective Catalytic Reduction Performance of Cu‐SAPO‐34 Catalyst
Authors: Ren Yumeng , Chen Geng , Lu Yudong , Li Kun , Li Zhaoyang , Zhu Yingying
Published: February 2025

The Cu‐SAPO‐34 catalyst, a promising selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst for the denitration of mobile sources, has attracted widespread research interest due to its wide temperature window, remarkable catalytic performance and good stability. In this study, a series of Cu‐SAPO‐34 catalysts with varying Cu contents were synthesized by the one‐step hydrothermal method. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were investigated by characterizations, and the reasons for the well‐activity catalysts were analyzed. The acidic sites on the SAPO‐34 zeolite can adsorb and activate NH3, while the copper active sites can promote the activation and reduction of NOx, accelerating the reaction process of SCR. In this study, Cu‐SAPO‐34 with Cu content of n(Cu)/n(C9H21AlO3)=0.075 has good framework stability, which produced more free Cu2+ ions and the Cu species are evenly distributed on the carrier surface, and the appropriate amount of acid sites. Therefore, the Cu0.075‐SAPO‐34 catalyst exhibits the highest NO conversion performance, maintaining a NO conversion rate above 90 % within the temperature range of 165–450 °C.
Recent Advances in the Photochemical Synthesis of Esters
Authors: Li Jie , Zhu Da‐Liang , Young David James , Wang Yanqing , Li Hong‐Xi
Published: February 2025

Photocatalysis has recently emerged as a powerful synthetic tool for making a variety of carbon‐carbon and carbon‐heteroatom bonds. The development of esterification reactions induced by light is an atom economical and energy efficient alternative to traditional methods for the synthesis of esters, with benefits including mild reaction conditions, high chemical yields, and wide functional group tolerance. This review summarizes recent progress made in this green methodology, including mechanisms of action, substrate scope, limitations and future prospects.
No Effect of Acute or Chronic New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Cycling Performance or Physiological Responses in Trained Cyclists
Authors: Morton Lillian C. , Paton Carl D. , Aberkane Ryan , Braakhuis Andrea J.
Published: February 2025

Previous research examining the ergogenic benefits of blackcurrant supplementation (BC) on exercise performance is contradictory. The BC supplementation period in many studies has typically been chronic (> 6‐days), with a final dose taken hours before testing. Whether any observed performance benefits are from the acute dose or chronic supplementation is unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects on cycling performance of a single‐acute dose and 7‐day supplementation with BC extract. This study was a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomised, cross‐over trial. Sixteen cyclists (mean ± SD: age 37 ± 11 years; height 175.8 ± 7.6 cm; body mass 73.2 ± 12.5 kg; V̇O2peak 3.8 ± 0.7 L·min−1) completed a total of six experimental sessions (2 × 3 treatment blocks). Each treatment block consisted of a no‐supplement baseline trial, a single dose (acute) and a 7‐day (chronic) supplementation trial. During each trial, subjects completed a maximal incremental test and 4 km time trial, separated by 15 min of recovery. Respiratory data, heart rate, muscle oxygenation and performance power were measured continuously in each trial, and differences between treatments were determined using RM‐ANOVA and effect size analysis. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in cycling performance between experimental and placebo treatments following acute or chronic supplementation periods. There were no significant effects on measured physiological and metabolic parameters, and any observed differences in performance or physiology were trivial to small. Blackcurrant supplementation delivered either acutely or over a period of 7 days had no significant effect on cycling performance or physiology.

Trial Registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12622001277730
Model Development and Validation for a Seismic Isolation System for Lightweight Structures
Authors: Restrepo Sebastian Lopez , Constantinou Michael C.
Published: February 2025

A low‐cost seismic isolation system for lightweight structures, consisting of concrete concave plates and elastomeric deformable rolling balls, has been recently tested on a shake table using test models with realistic mass distribution and high‐intensity tri‐axial ground motions. The tests demonstrated that the system is very effective in the horizontal direction, whereas it does not isolate vertically, and it may magnify the vertical ground motion. The tests showed that these isolators exhibit a complex behavior with fluctuating shear stiffness and strength due to changes in the rolling ball's shape caused by the gravity load and the additional dynamic axial load due to the overturning moment and vertical ground motion. A model of the behavior of the isolator is presented in this paper. The model uses a combination of mechanics‐based and phenomenological elements and requires calibration based on individual isolator testing. In the vertical direction, the model employs a phenomenological Kelvin–Voigt element with velocity‐dependent damping and displacement‐dependent stiffness. A biaxial hysteretic element with displacement‐dependent elastic force derived from a mechanical analog of the rolling oval‐shaped ball is used in the horizontal direction. The mechanical analog uses an initially assumed shape of the rolling ball to obtain the force when the ball rocks and rolls. The model emulates reasonably well the behavior observed during testing, including the fluctuating stiffness and strength, stiffening at large displacements, uplift, and horizontal and vertical impact. Comparisons of analytical and experimental results show that the analytical model predicts horizontal isolator displacements and structural accelerations with acceptable accuracy.
Comprehensive Investigations on Split Injection System Using Diesel/Biodiesel Blends Powered Common Rail Direct Injection Engine: Multi‐Objective Optimization
Authors: Saba Gowthaman , Paramasivam Prabhu , Kandasamy Thangavel , Swaghatha Anu Karthi , Majdi Hasan Sh. , Alfaisal Faisal M. , Alam Shamsad , Ayanie Abinet Gosaye
Published: February 2025

A combined effect of injection pressure (IP) and split injection mechanism (SIM) on performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of a CRDI engine operated with diesel‐lemongrass biodiesel (LGB20) blend was analyzed and optimized the IP from the experimental results using RSM and ANOVA. The CRDI engine was tested under SIM conditions at various injection pressures (IPs) of 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 bar, with limitations observed concerning specific engine characteristics. The SIM is accomplished by splitting the injection into two phases during the compression stroke. It was noted that the engine characteristics were improved concerning IPs in SIM by minimizing the intensity of heterogeneity of the mixture. The CRDI engine with 600 bar pressure registered higher in‐cylinder pressure, heat release rate, and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) with lower specific fuel consumption (SFC) when compared to the engine operated with other IPs. It also registered lower exhaust pollutants except oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and carbon dioxides (CO2) due to better combustion at 600 bar pressure. The CRDI engine was operated efficiently at 64.61% load with 600 bar IP and recorded engine parameters as 29.94% of BTE, 0.373 kg/kWh of SFC, 0.64% of CO, 4.55% of CO2, 244 ppm of NOx, 37.2 ppm of HC, and 64.58 HSU of smoke emissions. This study concluded that 600 bar IP is the optimum for better engine characteristics of CRDI engines operated with LGB20 fuel.
Australia's National Lung Cancer Screening Program—It's Time to Address the Stigma in the Room
Authors: Rose Shiho , McFadden Kathleen , Harrison Nathan J. , Dodd Rachael H. , Onwuka Shakira , Paul Christine , Carter‐Bawa Lisa , Brooke Mark , Weber Marianne
Published: February 2025

The National Lung Cancer Screening Program is commencing in Australia in July 2025. This significant public health initiative will maximise earlier detection of lung cancer and improve outcomes for many Australians. However, the adoption of a screening program for a disease that is stigmatised, given the known links between tobacco smoking and lung cancer, creates barriers for participation. In this perspective, we argue the need to challenge public rhetoric around smoking being a ‘choice’ and the importance of dialogue that is free of judgement and blame towards individuals. We briefly examine initiatives that have been implemented to reduce public stigma and highlight the multi‐level considerations to ensure that everyone, regardless of having smoked or not, receives the quality care and support that they deserve.
Household Portfolios and Monetary Policy
Authors: Alzuabi Raslan , Brown Sarah , Kontonikas Alexandros , Montagnoli Alberto
Published: February 2025

We show that expansionary monetary policy is positively (negatively) associated with household portfolio allocation to high‐risk (low‐risk) assets, in line with ‘reaching for yield’ behaviour. Our main findings are based on an analysis of US household‐level data using alternative measures of monetary policy shifts over the period 1999–2007. Using the two‐part Fractional Response Model, we show that changes in the Federal Funds Rate (FFR) have a stronger impact on the decision to hold high‐risk assets relative to the impact on the decision to hold low‐risk assets. In addition, our findings indicate that the impact of FFR changes is stronger for active investors. Finally, our findings are robust over an extended time period (1999–2019) that includes the global financial crisis using a monetary policy measure that accounts for the post‐crisis ZLB period.
SCABNet: A Novel Polyp Segmentation Network With Spatial‐Gradient Attention and Channel Prioritization
Authors: ELKarazle Khaled , Raman Valliappan , Chua Caslon , Then Patrick
Published: February 2025

Current colorectal polyps detection methods often struggle with efficiency and boundary precision, especially when dealing with polyps of complex shapes and sizes. Traditional techniques may fail to precisely define the boundaries of these polyps, leading to suboptimal detection rates. Furthermore, flat and small polyps often blend into the background due to their low contrast against the mucosal wall, making them even more challenging to detect. To address these challenges, we introduce SCABNet, a novel deep learning architecture for the efficient detection of colorectal polyps. SCABNet employs an encoder‐decoder structure with three novel blocks: the Feature Enhancement Block (FEB), the Channel Prioritization Block (CPB), and the Spatial‐Gradient Boundary Attention Block (SGBAB). The FEB applies dilation and spatial attention to high‐level features, enhancing their discriminative power and improving the model's ability to capture complex patterns. The CPB, an efficient alternative to traditional channel attention blocks, assigns prioritization weights to diverse feature channels. The SGBAB replaces conventional boundary attention mechanisms with a more efficient solution that focuses on the spatial attention of the feature map. It employs a Jacobian‐based approach to construct learned convolutions on both vertical and horizontal components of the feature map. This allows the SGBAB to effectively understand the changes in the feature map across different spatial locations, which is crucial for detecting the boundaries of complex‐shaped polyps. These blocks are strategically embedded within the network's skip connections, enhancing the model's boundary detection capabilities without imposing excessive computational demands. They exploit and enhance features at three levels: high, mid, and low, thereby ensuring the detection of a wide range of polyps. SCABNet has been trained on the Kvasir‐SEG and CVC‐ClinicDB datasets and evaluated on multiple datasets, demonstrating superior results. The code is available on: https://github.com/KhaledELKarazle97/SCABNet.
Oxidative Stress in Kidney of Zebrafish due to Individual and Combined Exposure to Amoxicillin, Arsenic, and Fluoride: Involving Nrf2‐Keap1‐ARE Pathway
Authors: Mukherjee Sunanda , Islam Shehnaz , Sarkar Olivia , Chattopadhyay Ansuman
Published: February 2025

Toxic manifestations of different antibiotics and metal compounds have been studied comprehensively in the last decades; however, their co‐toxicity on aquatic organisms is poorly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress imposed on zebrafish kidney tissue when exposed to amoxicillin (AMX, 10 μg/L) alone or in combination with 50 μg/L of As2O3 (equivalent to 37.87 μg/L of As) and/or 15 mg/L of NaF (equivalent to 6.8 mg/L of F) for 15 days. We observed increased levels of cellular ROS, MDA, and GSH along with increased activity of CAT enzyme in all the treated groups. Disrupted histoarchitecture, including degeneration of tubular cells, vacuolation, and necrotic spots, was indicative of oxidative damage. mRNA expression of stress responsive genes like nrf2, gpx1, hsp70, keap1, nqo1, cat, and ho1 corroborated the data. Translocation of Nrf2 from cytoplasm to nucleus and its subsequent expression was higher for all the treated groups. Moreover, the mixture effects of AMX + As + F were more severe than the other combinations, while unique exposure with AMX had minimum effects. Highlighting the involvement of the Nrf2‐Keap1‐ARE pathway, these findings make us aware of the synergistic response of AMX, As, and F in the ecosystem, putting forward a great threat to humankind.
Comparative Study Into the Effect of Detector Noises and Sensitivity on the Serum SERS Analysis: Example of Non‐Communicable Diseases Discrimination
Authors: Bratchenko Lyudmila A. , Khristoforova Yulia A. , Pimenova Irina A. , Snegerev Mikhail S. , Kupaev Vitaly I. , Lebedev Petr A. , Kistenev Yuri V. , Bratchenko Ivan A.
Published: February 2025

The aim of the study is to compare the performance of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis of serum using a non‐cooled detector (EnSpectr R785) and a high spectral resolution detector (Renishaw) in the task of discrimination between the patients with chronic heart failure and the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The SERS‐based solution of the classification problem demonstrates an insignificant relationship between the disease classification accuracy and detector quality (classification accuracy for the high‐resolution setup is 0.84 and for the low‐cost setup is 0.81). In the data recorded on Renishaw setup, the most significant bands are 611, 675, 720, 804, 1187, 1495, and 1847 cm−1; for the EnSpectr setup—721, 1051, and 1665 cm−1. The results have revealed equal discrimination capabilities in the EnSpectr and the Renishaw setups; however, the Renishaw setup has more prospects for identifying the spectral contribution of pathologically associated analytes.