bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the role played by ELMO1, GPR141 and the intergenic polymorphism rs918980 in Fuchs' dystrophy in the Indian population
Authors: Sharma Susmita , Basak Samar Kumar , Das Sujata , Alone Debasmita Pankaj
Published: February 2025

Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the most common type of primary corneal dystrophy and can result in corneal transplantation. Here, we investigated the genetic association of SNP rs918980 (A>G) with FECD and the role of its surrounding genes ELMO1 and GPR141. First, 128 patients and 379 controls were genotyped by Sanger sequencing. Our results show that rs918980 is significantly associated with FECD in the Indian population. Furthermore, in silico analysis suggested that rs918980 and its surrounding 150 bp region could regulate the transcriptional activities of nearby genes. Thus, we assessed whether ELMO1 and GPR141 were differentially expressed in FECD patients and in the corneal tissue of a UVA‐induced FECD mice model. Both genes were significantly upregulated and western blots studies concluded that protein levels of ELMO1 and GPR141 were also higher in the corneal endothelium of the UVA‐exposed eye compared to the control eye. Taken together, our results suggest that ELMO1 and GPR141 might play a significant role in FECD progression. However, further studies are required to better characterize the possible role of rs918980 and its nearby region in the regulation of ELMO1 and GPR141.
Alternative Currencies
Authors: Carroll John Millar
Published: February 2025

The development of money – manufactured coins – led to pervasive changes in economic exchange and in the structure of society. Coinage was a successful response to problems of earlier economic paradigms – barter and commodity money – but entrained problems of its own, including hoarding and disinvestment, and diminished social capital through weak ties. Contemporary alternative currencies, including recognition‐based currencies, community currencies, and cryptocurrencies, can be seen as emergent responses to the problems of money.
Infodemics
Authors: Blum Dinur , Smith Stacy L. , Sanford Adam G.
Published: February 2025

The term “infodemic” is defined by the World Health Organization as “too much information including false or misleading information in digital and physical environments during a disease outbreak.” This entry explores the evolution of an infodemic as a concept and critiques of it, who benefits from the deliberate spread of misinformation, the consequences of infodemics during COVID‐19, and ways of managing them.
Environmental Problems
Authors: Dunlap Riley E.
Published: February 2025

The entry provides an overview of the nature of environmental problems, including their historical progression, in the USA and worldwide. A simple model of the three major functions that the environment, or more specifically ecosystems, serve for humans and other species is presented: supply depot, waste repository, and living space. When humans overuse these functions, it leads to resource shortages and scarcities, pollution, and overcrowding or overpopulation. Furthermore, the use of a given environment for one function diminishes its ability to serve the other two, and wealthy nations not only overuse their own environments but those of other nations as well as the global ecoystem. The total human load represented by ecological footprints is exceeding the long‐term carrying capacity of the global ecosystem, and reducing it in an equitable manner that is fair to poor nations is proving to be difficult.
Rape Culture
Authors: Williams Joyce E.
Published: February 2025

The words “rape” and “culture” link learned behavior and attitudes, as well as institutional supports, in a causal way to nonconsensual sex. The use of the term “rape” to describe a culture implies a pattern of behavior created, organized, and transmitted from generation to generation as part of the expectations associated with being male and being female. This entry traces the evolution of the concept of rape culture through the use of the term by the women's movement and, subsequently, by social scientists and the media. Clearly, rape culture is not an either/or phenomenon but exists to varying degrees from the institutionalization of rape to its perfunctory punishment as a crime. A rape culture is characterized by a high frequency of rape and other forms of violence against women, the full extent of which is unknown. There is no shortage of statistics to support the existence of a rape culture in the USA. Generated by various government agencies and by social scientists, these vary according to population base, definition, and methodology. All, however, depict a high frequency of rape, a low incidence of reporting to police, and a yet lower incidence of prosecution.
Science and the Measurement of Risk
Authors: Beamish Rob
Published: February 2025

The relationship between science and the measurement of risk seems to be straightforward. How scientists measure risk and whether they can measure it accurately appear to be the two main issues. Fundamentally, it is a question of expert knowledge and accuracy. But other issues quickly arise: What type of risk? What type of science – pure or applied, natural, or social? Using the COVID‐19 pandemic as a focal point, this entry examines science and the measurement of risk by looking at issues such as the risks scientists identified and sought to scientifically mitigate, social media use, and its sociologically and politically assessed impact on vaccine hesitancy. Crucial to the analysis is a full understanding of the complex nature of the scientific enterprise and the bases for trust in scientific knowledge.
Workplace Diversity
Authors: Nkomo Stella , Giappone Krista Bonello Rutter
Published: February 2025

Workplace diversity would appear to have a rather short history as a field in organization studies if its emergence were located only within contemporary scholarship. Issues that commonly fall within the study of workplace diversity have always existed. This entry gives a brief history and review of the scholarship on workplace diversity, outlining key debates around defining diversity and adjacent concerns, and identifying different theoretical trajectories (such as social identity theory and organizational demography) and critical perspectives. It goes on to offer a glimpse into the continuing challenges and possible future directions indicated by the literature.
Does dose calculation algorithm affect the dosimetric accuracy of synthetic CT for MR‐only radiotherapy planning in brain tumors?
Authors: Lui Jeffrey C. F. , Lee Francis K. H. , Law C. C. , Chow James C. H.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study compares the dosimetric accuracy of deep‐learning‐based MR synthetic CT (sCT) in brain radiotherapy between the Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) and AcurosXB (AXB). Additionally, it proposes a novel metric to predict the dosimetric accuracy of sCT for individual post‐surgical brain cases.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 post‐surgical brain tumor patients treated with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). sCT and planning CT images were obtained for each patient. Treatment plans were optimized on sCT and recalculated on planning CT using both AAA and AXB. Dosimetric parameters and 3D global gamma analysis between sCT and planning CT were recorded. The bone volume ratio, a novel metric, was calculated for each patient and tested its correlation with gamma passing rates.

Results

For AAA, the mean differences in Dmean and Dmax of PTV between sCT and planning CT were 0.2% and −0.2%, respectively, with no significant difference in PTV (p > 0.05). For AXB, mean differences in Dmean and Dmax of PTV were 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively, with significant differences in Dmean (p = 0.016). Mean gamma passing rates for AXB were generally lower than AAA, with the most significant drop being 9.3% using 1%/1 mm analyzed in PTV. The bone volume ratio showed significant correlation with gamma passing rates.

Conclusions

Compared to AAA, AXB reveals larger dosimetric differences between sCT and planning CT in brain photon radiotherapy. For future dosimetric evaluation of sCT, it is recommended to employ AXB or Monte Carlo algorithms to achieve a more accurate assessment of sCT performance. The bone volume ratio can be used as an indicator to predict the suitability of sCT on a case‐by‐case basis.
Dose rate correction of a diode array for universal wedge field dosimetric verification
Authors: Shen Linyi , Li Mengyang , Li Guiyuan , Chen Xinyuan , Xu Shouping , Dai Jianrong , Tian Yuan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To study the performance of MapCHECK 3 (MC3) in measuring universal wedge fields and propose a dose rate correction strategy to improve MC3 measurement accuracy.

Materials and methods

Universal wedge fields with different wedge angles and field sizes were measured at different depths using MC3. Considering the more prominent dose rate dependence of type 4 diodes equipped by MC3, a program was developed to automatically correct the measurements based on the instantaneous dose rate (IDR) correction curve. Central axis (CAX) doses and off‐axis doses along the wedge direction, with and without the correction, were compared with those measured by an ion chamber under the same condition. Measurements using MC3 with and without correction were also compared with the planned doses calculated by the treatment planning system (TPS).

Results

If MC3 was used for universal wedge field measurement with the dose calibration factor (DCF) derived from a reference open field, an error of up to −2.4% would be introduced into the CAX dose. Other factors (field size and measurement depth) would also affect the accuracy of measurement when they differed from the absolute dose calibration and the maximum error was up to −2.9%. While greater errors were observed in the off‐axis doses at the heel side of the wedge compared to the toe side due to the greater effective thickness of the wedge inserted into the beam. After dose rate correction, the deviations in the CAX dose were reduced to within ± 1.5%. The average gamma pass rate was also improved to over 99.5%.

Conclusion

Because of the more prominent dose rate dependence of type 4 diodes, MC3 is not suitable for universal wedge field measurement using the methodology for open field measurement. The correction strategy proposed in this study is convenient and can improve the accuracy of universal wedge field measurement using MC3.
Self‐Powered Biosensor‐Based Multifunctional Platform for Detection and In Situ Elimination of Bacteria
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Hai Xin , Yan Yongcun , Zhi Shuangcheng , Bi Sai
Published: February 2025

Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) have been widely applied in self‐powered biosensing. However, the relatively low catalytic activity and poor stability of enzymes during immobilization limit their applications. Herein, hollow porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are synthesized to encapsulate glucose oxidase (GOx), which is applied to modify the bioanode of an EBFC‐based self‐powered biosensor to reduce interfacial interactions and improve the enzyme catalytic activity and stability. Based on aptamer recognition of the target Escherichia coli (E. coli), a cascade reaction is triggered on the bioanode, followed by the catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) on the biocathode for signal amplification. This self‐powered biosensing platform exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for E. coli detection in the range of 10 to 1.0 × 107 CFU mL−1 (S/N = 3) with a detection limit of 3 CFU mL−1. Moreover, owing to the generation of Ag+ during the cascade reaction, the in situ elimination of E. coli is realized. This study provides a new perspective for integrating the detection and in situ elimination of pathogenic environmental bacteria.
Carrier Dynamics of Facet‐Dependent Heterogeneous Interfaces in High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Pengxiang , Zhu Cheng , Su Wenli , Wang Shihao , Xu Zipeng , Wang Shanshan , Qi Mingxuan , Bao Xiaotian , Kang Fenglong , Hao Tongtong , Chen Qi , Bai Yang , Liu Xinfeng , Tang Gang , Zhang Wenkai
Published: February 2025

Understanding carrier dynamics at interfaces and the interplay of surface structures is critical for improving perovskite solar cells. However, the competitive impact of facet‐dependent terminations and defects on carrier behavior remains unclear. Herein, carrier dynamics at all interfaces of quasi‐single‐crystal films with (001) and (111) preferred orientation are investigated. The carrier extraction time of the (001) top interface is the shortest (0.57 ns), followed by that of the (111) top interface (1.32 ns), while the (001)/(111) buried interfaces take longer times (3.61 and 5.87 ns), respectively. Carrier extraction at the top interface is observed to be markedly more efficient than that at the buried interface, attributed to the strong interfacial dipole and favorable band alignment induced by heterostructures involving phosphate group interactions. Moreover, the carrier extraction at the top interface of the (111) film is much lower than that of the (001) film due to severe defect‐assisted nonradiative recombination. It reveals that exposed surface terminations can influence the formation energy of interfacial defects, leading to the deep‐level defects. Ultimately, the (001)‐oriented device with excellent carrier extraction obtains a champion power conversion efficiency of 25.26% and a T90 lifetime of 400 h during maximum power point tracking.
Hot‐Injection Synthesis of Metal Organochalcogenide Nanocrystals with Tunable Compositions and Competitive Hole Mobility
Authors: Leangtanom Pimpan , Khamlue Rattapon , Dangkongko Achawee , Chatsiri Petcharaphorn , Paritmongkol Watcharaphol
Published: February 2025

2D metal organochalcogenides (MOCs) are emerging hybrid organic–inorganic semiconductors with exciting properties, including strong exciton binding energy, polarized luminescence, in‐plane anisotropy, and record‐high exciton‐polariton coupling. However, existing synthesis methods struggle to deliver high‐quality materials with fast reaction time, high yield, and easy device integration. Herein, hot‐injection synthesis is introduced to produce silver phenylselenide (AgSePh) nanocrystals, a prototypical MOC, in 15 s, with a ≈70% yield and scalability of 0.4 grams. These nanocrystals remain colloidally stable in polar solvents for >4 weeks and can be spin‐coated into films for device applications. High‐resolution electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction confirm their crystallinity and purity, while optimization of solvent viscosity, time, concentration, and temperature allow control of nanocrystal size from 50 nm to 10 µm. This synthesis approach is extendable to MOCs with other chalcogen compositions, enabling bandgap tuning across the visible spectrum. Thermogravimetric analysis shows thermal stability above 200 °C, and 77Se nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggests a nucleophilic substitution reaction. UV–vis absorption, photoelectron yield, and Kelvin probe measurements indicate p‐type behavior, and AgSePh exhibits a hole mobility of 4.88 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, outperforming many organic and hybrid materials and rivaling commonly used inorganic hole‐transporting materials like CuSCN and NiOx in thin‐film electronics.
All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries with Microdomain‐Regulated Polycationic Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Ye Guo , Hong Xufeng , He Mengxue , Song Junjie , Zhu Lujun , Zheng Chengxi , Ma Yue , An Yun , Shen Kaier , Shi Weize , Jia Yongfeng , Shafqat Muhammad Burhan , Gao Peng , Xia Dingguo , Chen Fangfang , Pang Quanquan
Published: February 2025

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are promising for high‐energy and high‐safety solid‐state lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Here, a polycationic solid electrolyte (PCSE) is described that leverages the inherent high thermal/chemical stability of the polycationic domain and the anion trapping (FMAT) effect of another fluorinated microdomain for stable and fast‐charging high‐voltage LMBs. Specifically, while the polycationic imidazolium backbone ensures high segmental flexibility facilitating the Li+ mobility, the fluorinated microdomain effectively traps the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions by strong dipole interactions, imparting localized solvation and restricted mobility of the anions, as well as improved oxidation stability. As a result, the PCSE exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.4 mS cm−1, a high Li+ transference number of 0.50, and a wide electrochemical window of ∼5.5 V at 25 °C. By way of in situ thermal polymerization of the electrolyte within assembled cells, the PCSE enables ultra‐stable cycling of Li|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cells with a capacity retention of 98.1% after 500 cycles at 0.2 C at ambient temperatures. The work on the molecular design of PCSEs represents a fundamentally unique perspective for the rational design of SPEs with balanced properties that are historically challenging for high‐energy, long‐life, ambient‐temperature solid‐state LMBs.
High‐Performance Three‐Dimensional Go‐Frame Electrode Design for Capacitive Humidity Sensors in Real‐Time Human Respiration Monitoring
Authors: Song Saegyoung , Kim Woo Jong , Seo Jeongwoo , Kim Dong Il , Sim Byeongchan , Lee Huigu , Kim Minju , Hong Jin Pyo
Published: February 2025

The increasing need of environmental and physiological monitoring propels the development of humidity sensors, especially for applications aimed at personal health detection. Among the various types of humidity sensors, capacitive humidity sensors are particularly noted for their rapid response, low power consumption, and high sensitivity. However, conventional capacitive humidity sensors, including widely used planar interdigitated electrodes (IDE) and parallel plate (PP) structures, face challenges with achieving high sensitivity and producing stable output signals. Thus, this work introduces a novel 3D electrode configuration called the “Go‐frame (GF),” designed to surmount these limitations by enhancing linearity, sensitivity, and stability. The GF humidity sensor consists of a pin structure on the bottom electrode, which is coated with a sensing material, and capped with a grid‐shaped top electrode. The experimental findings demonstrate that the GF humidity sensor outperforms both IDE and PP structures, achieving a sensitivity of 65.27 fF/%RH, low hysteresis of 4.06%, and enhanced signal stability. Additionally, the 3D‐structured humidity sensor exhibits high repeatability and long‐term stability over a week. This advancement in electrode design represents a significant innovation in capacitive humidity sensing technology, promising widespread adoption in critical applications, including real‐time human respiration monitoring.
Silver‐mediated in‐situ generation of alkynyl selenium intramolecular AAC click reactions
Authors: Cao Jian-Long , Zhou Yi-Huan , Gong Xi-Rui , Ren Mei-Lin , Chen Yan-yan , Xu Yan-Li
Published: February 2025

A simple and eﬃcient Ag‐catalyzed tandem selanylation/cyclization of o‐alkynyl benzylazides/o‐alkynyloxy benzylazides with diselenides has been developed. The reaction afforded a series of 3‐seleno‐8H‐[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1‐a]isoindoles and 3‐seleno‐4H,10H‐benzo[f][1,2,3]triazolo[5,1‐c][1,4]oxazepanes in moderate to good yields. The mechanistic study revealed that the intramolecular AAC reaction of an alkynyl selenium intermediate occurred. The synthesized compound 3k showed potent cancer cell‐growth inhibition activities.
Application of Cellulose‐Polyaniline Blends as Electrolytes of Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Safavi‐Mirmahalleh Seyedeh‐Arefeh , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: February 2025

Natural polymers offer several benefits as battery components, such as wide availability, biodegradability, non‐leakage, stability in solid form, ease of processing, electrochemical stability, and low production costs. On the contrary, conductive polymers can enhance the battery's electrochemical performance, improving factors like energy storage capacity, cycling stability, and charge/discharge rates. Thus, combining these two types of materials can yield desirable properties. In this research, thin polymer films are produced based on cellulose using the solution casting method. Polyaniline (PANI) is then mixed with cellulose in various weight ratios. The electrochemical characteristics of the prepared electrolytes are analyzed, revealing that the addition of PANI increases ionic conductivity through creating voids and benefiting from the conductive polymers’ high dielectric constant. The prepared electrolytes demonstrate impressive ionic conductivity (≈10−3 S cm−1 upon incorporating PANI), remarkable discharge capacity, consistent cycling stability, outstanding electrochemical performance with a stability window exceeding 4.5 V, and a good Li+ transference number spanning from 0.44 to 0.76.
Using soybean historical field trial data to study genotype by environment variation and identify mega‐environments with the integration of genetic and non‐genetic factors
Authors: Krause Matheus D. , Dias Kaio Olimpio G. , Singh Asheesh K. , Beavis William D.
Published: February 2025

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] provides plant‐based protein for global food production and is extensively bred to create cultivars with greater productivity in distinct environments through multi‐environment trials (MET). The application of MET assumes that trial locations provide representative environmental conditions that cultivars are likely to encounter when grown by farmers. A retrospective analysis of MET data spanning 63 locations between 1989 and 2019 was conducted to identify mega‐environments (ME) for soybean seed yield in the primary production areas of North America. ME were identified using data from phenotypic values, geographic, soil, and meteorological records at the trial locations. Results indicate that yield variation was mostly explained by location and location by year interaction. The phenotypic variation due to genotype by location interaction effects was greater than genotype by year interaction effects. The static portion of the genotype by environment interaction variance represented 26.30% of its total variation. The observed locations sampled from the target population of environments can be divided into two or three ME, thereby suggesting that improvements in the response to selection can be achieved when selecting directly within clusters (i.e., regions and ME) versus selecting across all locations. In addition, we published the R package SoyURT that contains the datasets used in this work.
Sepsis in Global Health: Current global strategies to fight against sepsis
Authors: Saito Hiroki
Published: February 2025

Sepsis is prevalent globally, causing a significant disease burden in global health. Sepsis is a complex disease condition, and therefore, the effective strategies to overcome sepsis need to be set up in layers across different sectors and populations. Over the years, the global society has been making progress in addressing sepsis as a public health threat. This review aims to examine and describe the current sepsis strategies globally and to sustain the fight against sepsis in the context of global health.
Cascade Lanthanide‐Triplet Energy Transfer for Nanocrystal‐Sensitized Organic Photon Upconversion
Authors: Ju Zhijie , Deng Renren
Published: February 2025

Sensitized organic photon upconversion via triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA) shows significant potential for energy conversion and photocatalysis, but achieving efficient upconversion across multiple wavelengths with single‐wavelength near‐infrared (NIR) excitation remains a daunting challenge. Here, we report a strategy utilizing lanthanide‐doped nanocrystals (LnNCs) to sensitize TTA upconversion in multiple organic emitters under NIR excitation, achieving an anti‐Stokes shift of up to 1.1 eV. This approach leverages a cascade lanthanide‐triplet energy transfer design, adopting an interfacial energy transfer pathway via lanthanide ions to surface energy relay molecules for extended triplet sensitization. It allows consecutive transfer of photon energy from LnNCs to TTA emitters, mitigating energy mismatch between the triplet levels of emitters and excitation photon energies. The use of LnNCs enhances energy transfer efficiency through the unique spin‐orbital coupling and narrow‐band absorption properties of lanthanide ions. Our approach offers tunable upconversion emission, minimized energy loss during sensitization, and improved chemical stability of LnNCs. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of this system in NIR‐induced photopolymerization, showcasing its potential for applications such as 3D printing and photocatalysis.
Trade‐Off Between Toxicity and Efficiency in Tin versus Lead Based Halide Perovskites
Authors: Zhang Xie , Shen Jimmy-Xuan , Turiansky Mark E. , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: February 2025

Toxicity remains one of the major challenges that prevent Pb‐based halide perovskites from widespread utilization. Ideally, non‐toxic alternatives can be identified while still maintaining the superior power conversion efficiency of the Pb‐based perovskite solar cells. Using the currently most promising candidate, the Sn‐based halide perovskites, as an example, we show that a trade‐off exists between toxicity and efficiency in the Sn‐ versus Pb‐based halide perovskites. Indeed, the dominant nonradiative recombination center in the Sn‐based halide perovskites differs from the one in its Pb‐based counterparts, resulting in the nonradiative capture coefficient in CsSnI3 being an order of magnitude higher than that in CsPbI3. We attribute this difference to the band alignment. Our results indicate that development of halide perovskites beyond the Pb and Sn bases is essential for efficient yet environmentally friendly perovskite solar cells.
Reactivity and Magnetic coupling of Triangulene Dimers linked via para‐Biphenyl Units
Authors: Pérez-Elvira Elena , Lozano Marco , Huang Qiang , Ma Ji , Gallardo Aurelio , Barragán Ana , Lauwaet Koen , Gallego José María , Miranda Rodolfo , Jelínek Pavel , Écija David , Soler-Polo Diego , Feng Xinliang , Urgel José Ignacio
Published: February 2025

Triangulene and its homologues are promising building blocks for high‐spin low‐dimensional networks with long‐range magnetic order. Despite the recent progress in the synthesis and characterization of coupled triangulenes, key parameters such as the number of organic linking units or their dihedral angles remain scarce, making further studies crucial for an essential understanding of their implications. Here, we investigate the synthesis and reactivity of two triangulene dimers linked by two (Dimer 1) or one (Dimer 2) para‐biphenyl units, respectively, on a metal surface in an ultra‐high vacuum environment. First‐principle calculations and model Hamiltonians reveal how spin excitation and radical character depend on the rotation of the para‐biphenyl units. Comprehensive scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the successful formation of Dimer 1 on Au(111). Non‐contact atomic force microscopy (nc‐AFM) measurements resolve the twisted conformation of the linking para‐biphenyl units for Dimer 1. On the contrary, the inherent flexibility of Dimer 2 induces the planarization of the para‐biphenyl, resulting in the spontaneous formation of two additional five‐membered rings per dimer connected by a single C‐C bond (Dimers 2´).
Application Potential of UHMWPE Based Composite Materials With MWCNTs and ZnO Addition in Acetabular Cup Prostheses
Authors: Wang Songquan , Yu Lu , Bo Yun , Jia Jiaqi , Dong Yudie , Cui Yuming , Li Haiquan , Hang Wenlu
Published: February 2025

In order to improve the wear and aging resistance of UHMWPE based polymer acetabular cup prosthesis, the hot‐embossing method is used to prepare multi‐component MWCNTs/ZnO added UHMWPE based composite materials in this article. The research results found that the diffusion characteristics of MWCNTs/ZnO additives in composite materials have a significant impact on their wear resistance. Under the condition of 25% NBS, the wear rate of the UMZ‐3 sample was 13.94% lower than that of the pure U sample. Although MWCNTs can play a role in reducing friction to a certain extent, their high hardness characteristics may lead to the release of the composite material as a third body during friction. The optimization of heat transfer performance of MWCNTs/ZnO composite materials has alleviated the aging process to a certain extent and suppressed the softening phenomenon. Compared with the OI value of the pure U sample, which is in the range of 1.4–5.1, the OI value of the UMZ‐3 sample is in the range of 2.62–3.06. In addition, the synergistic effect of MWCNTs/ZnO effectively inhibits the oxidation process while also having a positive impact on cell proliferation, demonstrating its potential as an additive to enhance the service life of polymer acetabular cups.
Variability of jaw muscles in Tunisian street dogs and adaptation to skull shape
Authors: Brassard Colline , Wertani Lobna , Herrel Anthony , Jerbi Hassen
Published: February 2025

The impact of artificial selection on the masticatory apparatus of dogs has been poorly studied, and comparative data with dogs subjected to more natural constraints are lacking. This study explores the jaw musculature of Tunisian street dogs, which are largely free from the influence of breed‐specific selection. The masticatory muscles (digastric, masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid) of 27 adult dogs were dissected and muscle mass and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) were quantified, providing a baseline for comparisons between dogs from more natural versus more controlled environments. Our findings reveal that the morphology of the jaw adductor muscles is remarkably conserved among dogs, despite significant variation in skull shape. Additionally, all masticatory muscles scale isometrically with body mass. Notably, females exhibit functional adaptations that optimize muscle strength, particularly in the temporalis muscle, despite showing smaller overall muscle volumes compared to males. This could be linked to differences in predation, competition for food, or factors related to sexual behavior. Preliminary evidence suggests that captivity may limit the development of muscle mass and PCSA in the temporalis muscle, likely due to changes in lifestyle and diet. Significant relationships were also observed between skull shape and muscle data, particularly in the mandible, indicating that skull variability reflects jaw adductor muscle anatomy to some degree. This study enhances our understanding of jaw muscle morphology and function in feral dog populations and offers insights into the adaptation of the masticatory apparatus in dogs.
Evaluating the Potential Immunostimulatory Effects of Cryptomeria japonica Leaf Essential Oil on Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Wang Hao‐Yung , Chen Ying‐Yu , Liu Chin‐Jung , Huang Shih‐Wei , Ho Shang‐Tse
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the effects of Cryptomeria japonica leaf essential oil (CjLEO) on honey bee health, focusing on both toxicity and gene expression modulation. Initial toxicity assessments revealed that high concentrations of CjLEO (75 and 100 ppm) were lethal to honey bees, resulting in complete mortality within a short period. Conversely, a lower concentration of 10 ppm exhibited no significant toxic effects, prompting further investigation into its sublethal impacts. Transcriptome analysis via next‐generation sequencing demonstrated that CjLEO at 10 ppm induced significant changes in honey bee gene expression compared to the control group. Principal component analysis (PCA) and differential gene expression (DEG) analysis identified more than 9,000 genes, with notable upregulation of immune‐related genes, including hymenoptaecin, abaecin, and apidaecin1. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes were primarily associated with immune responses, such as defense and innate immune pathways. The chemical composition of CjLEO, characterized by GC–MS, identified 16 compounds, with major components including α‐pinene, elemol, α‐eudesmol, and kaur‐16‐ene. These compounds are known for their antimicrobial properties, which likely contribute to the observed immunomodulatory effects. CjLEO at a concentration of 10 ppm enhances honey bee immunity without exhibiting significant toxicity, positioning it a promising candidate for improving honey bee resilience against pathogens. Future research should investigate the mechanisms of immune activation and optimize application methods for practical beekeeping, aiming to improve colony health while reducing dependence on synthetic chemicals.
NiCo2S4 Nanotube Decorated on Tea‐Waste Derived Porous Carbon: A Dual‐Purpose Nanocomposite for High‐Performance Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitor and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Karmur Rajeshvari Samatbhai , Gogoi Debika , Das Manash R. , Ghosh Narendra Nath
Published: February 2025

Water splitting is one of the cleanest ways to produce H2, considered a reliable, next‐generation fuel, and supercapacitors are one of the most efficient energy devices for myriad technologies. Herein, we designed and synthesized NiCo2S4 nanotubes‐porous carbon (NCS‐PCTW) nanocomposite. Porous carbon was synthesized from abundant and cheap tea leaf waste (i.e., tea leaves obtained after brewing). The performances of NCS‐PCTW nanocomposite have been assessed for two applications: (i) as an active cathode material in an all‐solid‐state flexible asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device and (ii) as an electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The asymmetric supercapacitor NCS‐PCTW//PCTW device exhibited its high performance, such as a specific capacitance of 188.75 F g‐1 at 1 A g‐1, a high energy density of 72.4 W h kg‐1 at a power density of 863 W kg‐1, and a long cyclic stability. NCS‐PCTW nanocomposite also demonstrated its excellent efficiency as an electrocatalyst for OER with a low onset potential of 1.48 V, low overpotential of 267 mV at 10 mA cm‐2, a Tafel slope of 82.53 mV dec‐1, and stability till 20 h at 50 mA cm‐2. This work illustrates the great potential of NiCo2S4‐porous carbon nanocomposite in clean energy generation and efficient energy storage technologies.
High‐Dimensional Variable Selection With Competing Events Using Cooperative Penalized Regression
Authors: Burk Lukas , Bender Andreas , Wright Marvin N.
Published: February 2025

Variable selection is an important step in the analysis of high‐dimensional data, yet there are limited options for survival outcomes in the presence of competing risks. Commonly employed penalized Cox regression considers each event type separately through cause‐specific models, neglecting possibly shared information between them. We adapt the feature‐weighted elastic net (fwelnet), an elastic net generalization, to survival outcomes and competing risks. For two causes, our proposed algorithm fits two alternating cause‐specific models, where each model receives the coefficient vector of the complementary model as prior information. We dub this “cooperative penalized regression,” as it enables the modeling of competing risk data with cause‐specific models while accounting for shared effects between causes. Coefficients that are shrunken toward zero in the model for the first cause will receive larger penalization weights in the model for the second cause and vice versa. Through multiple iterations, this process ensures stronger penalization of uninformative predictors in both models. We demonstrate our method's variable selection capabilities on simulated genomics data and apply it to bladder cancer microarray data. We evaluate selection performance using the positive predictive value for the correct selection of informative features and the false positive rate for the selection of uninformative variables. The benchmark compares results with cause‐specific penalized Cox regression, random survival forests, and likelihood‐boosted Cox regression. Results indicate that our approach is more effective at selecting informative features and removing uninformative features. In settings without shared effects, variable selection performance is similar to cause‐specific penalized Cox regression.
Polysulfone Membrane Embedded With Chiral Condensation Product: A Dual Approach of Experimental Validation and Theoretical Prediction for Enantiomeric Separation of Racemic Alanine
Authors: Gogoi Monti , Goswami Rajiv , Hazarika Swapnali
Published: February 2025

The precise separation of enantiomers is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of single enantiomer drugs. In this study, a novel chiral composite membrane was developed by embedding L‐alanine glutaraldehyde condensation product (L‐AGCP) onto a polysulfone (PSf) matrix for enantioselective separation. The PSf‐L‐AGCP membranes were systematically characterized using spectroscopic techniques to confirm the successful incorporation of L‐AGCP and to evaluate the structural properties. Permeation studies using DL‐alanine demonstrated that the membrane achieved an enantiomeric excess (ee) of 94% for D‐alanine, with a flux of 68.1 mmol·m−2·h−1 under optimal conditions of 4 bar of transmembrane pressure and 25 mL·min−1 flow rate. The enantioselective performance of the membrane was influenced by varying in feed concentration, transmembrane pressure, and flow rate, achieving the highest ee at lower feed concentrations and moderate pressures. Computational study using density functional theory (DFT) revealed a significant interaction energy difference between L‐AGCP and the alanine enantiomers, with values of −32.63 kJ·mol−1 for L‐alanine and −16.94 kJ·mol−1 for D‐alanine, explaining the selective retention of L‐alanine on the membrane. This study demonstrates the potential of L‐AGCP embedded PSf membranes in overcoming the permeability‐selectivity trade‐off in enantioselective separations, offering a promising avenue for scalable, efficient chiral separations in pharmaceutical applications.
How ESG Performance Promotes Organizational Resilience: The Role of Ambidextrous Innovation Capability and Digitalization
Authors: Deng Qining , Karia Noorliza
Published: February 2025

Enterprises are increasingly under pressure to respond to volatile market environments and uncertainties. Although higher environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance facilitates the stabilization of corporate operations, studies provide limited understanding on how ESG performance affects organizational resilience. By analyzing dataset from China's listed enterprises from 2010 to 2023, this research examines the connection between ESG performance and organizational resilience, as well as its influence mechanism. Results evidence that ESG performance significantly increases organizational resilience. In addition, ESG performance promotes organizational resilience by improving ambidextrous innovation capability (AIC). Further analysis indicated that digitalization amplified the positive influence of ESG on financial volatility. Our research determines the value of ESG, AIC, and digitalization in assisting enterprises to develop a resiliency capability to cope with threat and stressful environment. This research offers a novel theoretical perspective through the integration of stakeholder theory and dynamic capability view (DCV) to explore how ESG promotes organizational resilience by releasing the value of its own, AIC and digitalization. It offers practical implications for practitioners to shape strategies to actively embracing ESG practices, nurturing dynamic capabilities, such as AIC and higher degree of digitalization to effectively promote organizational resilience to respond to crises and uncertainty.
Water Disclosure and Firm Value: A Pathway to Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Santoso Arif , Setiawan Doddy , Brahmana Rayenda Khresna
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the relationship between water disclosure and firm value within the stakeholder framework. Data were collected from non‐financial companies listed on the FTSE Emerging Asia Pacific index from 2018 to 2022, encompassing 779 observations from seven countries. Using a robust panel regression model, our results indicate that water disclosure positively impacts firm value. Transparent water disclosure not only enhances corporate reputation but also fulfills stakeholders' growing demand for environmental accountability. This study provides empirical evidence that companies' transparent water management enhance their market value, supporting Stakeholder Theory. We also tested the robustness of our findings using sub‐sampling, alternative measurements, and address potential endogeneity issues. Our study uniquely focuses on the specific impact of water disclosure, contrasting previous research on overall corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure. This research offers significant theoretical, empirical, and managerial insights into the role of environmental disclosure in business ethics and firm valuation.
Detergent/surfactant retention during ultrafiltration in the formulation of biotherapeutics
Authors: Chu Liang‐Kai , Du Zhuoshi , Billups Matthew , Oh Hee Jeung , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: February 2025

Surfactants like polysorbate (Tween®) are commonly used as excipients in the production of monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant proteins. The retention behavior of these excipients in the final ultrafiltration step can be difficult to predict due to the presence of both monomers and micelles. This study examined the retention of polysorbate during ultrafiltration through cellulose and polyethersulfone membranes with nominal molecular weight cutoffs of 10, 30, and 100 kDa. Novel flux stepping experiments were performed to examine the effects of concentration polarization on surfactant transmission. Polysorbate 20 transmission through the 30 kDa membrane was a strong function of the surfactant concentration, decreasing from nearly 100% for a 2.5 mg/L solution to <10% for a 50 mg/L solution due to high retention of the micelles. Polysorbate transmission was lower for the polyethersulfone membrane due to polysorbate adsorption. A simple mathematical model was developed to describe the polysorbate transmission accounting for the effects of concentration polarization as well as the presence of surfactant monomers and micelles. Model calculations were in good agreement with the experimental data, providing a framework for the analysis and design of ultrafiltration/diafiltration processes for biopharmaceutical formulations containing surfactants.
Multi‐Institutional MR‐Derived Radiomics to Predict Post‐Exenteration Disease Recurrence in Patients With T4 Rectal Cancer
Authors: O'Sullivan Niall J. , Tohidinezhad Fariba , Temperley Hugo C. , Ajredini Mirac , Sokmen Bedirye Koyuncu , Atabey Rumeysa , Ozer Leyla , Aytac Erman , Corr Alison , Traverso Alberto , Meaney James F. , Kelly Michael E.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Local recurrence and distant metastasis remain a concern in advanced rectal cancer, with up to 10% and 20%–30% of patients suffering local and distal progression, respectively. Radiomics refers to a novel technology that extracts and analyses quantitative imaging features from images, which can be subsequently used to develop and test clinical models predictive of outcomes. We aim to develop and test an MRI‐based radiomics nomogram predictive of disease recurrence in patients with T4 rectal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐institutional retrospective analysis of 55 patients with T4 rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by exenterative surgery. Radiomic features were extracted from pre‐treatment T2‐weighted MRI scans and used to construct predictive models. The top‐performing radiomic signatures were identified, and internal validation with 1000 bootstrap samples was performed to calculate optimism‐corrected performance measures.

Results

Two radiomic signatures were identified as strong predictors of post‐operative disease recurrence. The best‐performing model achieved an optimism‐corrected AUC of 0.75, demonstrating good discriminative ability. Calibration plots showed a satisfactory fit of the predictions to the actual rates, and decision curve analyses confirmed the positive net benefit of the models.

Conclusion

The MRI‐based radiomics nomogram provides a promising tool for predicting disease recurrence in T4 rectal cancer patients post‐exenteration. This model could improve risk stratification and guide more personalized treatment strategies. Further studies with larger cohorts and external validation are needed to confirm these findings and enhance the model's generalizability.
“When Too Many Become Too Much”: Social Crowding and Its Consequences for Social Exclusion
Authors: Zhang Junnan , Wang Yixiang , Wang Wuyu , Feng Guo
Published: February 2025

Given the dearth of research on the psychological mechanisms underlying social exclusion behaviour in crowded environments, the present study delves into the psychological implications of social crowding, examining its consequential effects on social exclusion behaviour. Utilising a stigmatisation induction Cyberball paradigm, two experiments were conducted to explore how social crowding affects exclusionary actions and the moderating role of group type. Experiment 1 revealed that social crowding significantly increases both the frequency of exclusions and the subjective sense of exclusion, with perceived control and negative emotions mediating this relationship in a sequential chain. Experiment 2 extended these findings by demonstrating that the crowding‐induced increase in social exclusion behaviour is moderated by the type of group; specifically, the effect was pronounced when the crowd consisted of strangers but not when composed of acquaintances. These results provide a clearer understanding of how environmental factors can influence social dynamics, suggesting potential interventions to reduce social exclusion in crowded environments. Please refer to the section to find this article's community and social impact statement.
GC‐MS Profiling of Crateva magna Leaf Lipophilic Extract and Evaluation of its Anti‐Alzheimer and Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: Singab Abdel Nasser B. , Talaat Aya , Ibrahim Nehal , Ayoub Iriny , Labib Rola
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common types of dementia, is an urgent and growing global challenge. AD pathogenesis is associated with increased activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) and the β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (β‐secretase, BACE1). This study aimed to evaluate the AChE and BACE1 inhibitory activities of the n‐hexane soluble fraction of Crateva magna leaf extract (CMHF) and its cytotoxic properties against cancer and normal cell lines using MTT assay, also this study aimed to identify the volatile constituents of CMHF by GC‐MS analysis. GC‐MS analysis revealed a total of 13 metabolites which represent 92.42% of the detected compounds. Phytol was the major constituent of CMHF, representing 20.52% followed by (Z, Z, Z)‐9,12,15‐octadecatrienoic acid ethyl ester (19.04%), γ‐sitosterol (13.71%), hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (12.63%) and others. CMHF revealed potent AChE and BACE1 inhibitory activities with IC50= 0.114 ± 0.006 µg/mL and 1.723 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, these findings indicate that CMHF may possess anti‐Alzheimer efficacy. Furthermore, the absence of cytotoxicity against HepG‐2, HCT‐116, MCF‐7, and WISH cell lines reinforces its safety profile. Therefore, CMHF could be considered a natural and safe alternative for managing AD.