bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances on the Catalysts for Hydrogen Production via Ethanol Steam Reforming
Authors: Shao Mingyu , Bi Xueqian , Song Zhe , Wang Zhen , Yang Qian , Huang Chuande , Wang Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

Hydrogen is regarded as an important energy carrier for the global energy transition. Hydrogen production from ethanol steam reforming (ESR) has the advantages of renewable feedstock and high system energy efficiency, which is deemed to be an attractive hydrogen production process. However, the rational design of ethanol steam reforming catalysts remains challenging in terms of enhancing hydrogen selectivity and inhibiting catalyst deactivation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent researches on the reaction mechanism of ESR process and catalyst modification with emphasis on the correlation between the type of active metals, promoters, metal‐support interaction, catalyst structures, preparation strategy and corresponding catalytic performance. This work provides valuable guidance for the optimization of ESR catalysts towards hydrogen production.
Dual‐Doped Graphene Quantum Dots to Promote Long‐Life Aqueous Zn‐ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Qianyi , Chen Anna , Fowler Michael
Published: January 2025

As the next generation of advanced energy storage devices, aqueous Zn ions batteries (AZIBs) still face many challenges, especially dendrites on the Zn metal anode and side reactions. Although an interface modification strategy has been applied to optimize the stability of Zn metal anodes and has shown some improvement, they are still far from meeting the requirements for practical applications. There is a lack of consideration for designing a multifunctional solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) which modifies the solvation/desolvation structure of Zn ion at the interface of Zn metal anodes. Herein, we constructed an amphiphilic SEI with hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties: N, S dual‐doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The N, S dual‐doped GQDs have been synthesized using a one‐step hydrothermal approach and were utilized for Zn anode surface modification. When regulating the solvation structure of the Zn ion interface by N, S dual‐doped GQDs, it also promotes its desolvation kinetics, optimizes the interfacial behavior of Zn ion deposition to prohibit Zn dendrite growth, and suppresses side reactions in the Zn anode surface. The Zn|Zn symmetric cell has achieved a long cycle life of more than 800 h at 5 mA cm−2. The Zn|V2O5 battery has achieved an excellent performance of more than 80% capacity retention after 1400 cycles at 1 A g−1. This provides another novel and cost‐effective path for the SEI design of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries.
Evaluating Evidence‐Based Psychotherapy Utilization Patterns Among Suicide‐Risk‐Stratified Veterans Diagnosed With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Levis Maxwell , Dimambro Monica , Levy Joshua , Platt Henry , Fraade Abby , Shiner Brian
Published: January 2025

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition, particularly among US Veterans. PTSD‐diagnosed patients are more likely to experience suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and death by suicide when compared to non‐PTSD‐diagnosed patients. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) emphasizes evidence‐based psychotherapy (EBP) for PTSD, including prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy. This study focuses on how suicide risk impacts PTSD by evaluating utilization of nondifferentiated psychotherapy and EBP in a national sample of VA patients diagnosed with PTSD who died by suicide in 2017–2018.

The study used a dataset of VA patients diagnosed with PTSD who died by suicide and received psychotherapy in the year before death (cases) and patients who had comparable diagnoses, demographics and received psychotherapy during the same interval and remained alive (controls). Cases and controls were matched on suicide risk (high, moderate and low). The study tracked nondifferentiated psychotherapy and EBP and analyzed cases and control utilization rates across risk‐tiers.

The final sample included high‐risk (cases = 171; controls = 2052), moderate‐risk (cases = 428; controls = 4280) and low‐risk (cases = 53; controls = 529) patients. EBP utilization was markedly low, especially among cases. Higher proportions of moderate‐ and low‐risk controls received EBP and received more sessions than matched cases.

Even with VA efforts to promote EBPs, usage remains limited, particularly among patients who die by suicide. Further research is needed to understand utilization barriers and improve EBP delivery to better support PTSD‐diagnosed patients and reduce their suicide risk.
Emissive Bovine Serum Albumin‐Templated Osmium Nanoclusters: Synthesis and Optical Characterization
Authors: Tavakkoli Yaraki Mohammad , Aarti  , Zenaidee Muhammad A. , Chen Dechao , Shen Chao , Li Qin , Venkatesan Koushik , Wang Yuling
Published: January 2025

Synthesis of new nanomaterials with unique optical properties is of great importance in different fields such as energy, material science, and biomedicine. Here, for the first time, we report the synthesis of the emissive osmium nanoclusters (OsNCs) using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as template and sodium borohydride as strong reducing agent. The as‐synthesized emissive OsNCs had only 31 atoms, with deep‐blue color emission with an emission maximum at 415 nm and a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 2.5 %. The fluorescence emission of OsNCs could be attributed to the smaller number of atoms (31) in the as‐synthesized OsNCs in this work. The optical characterization of the emissive OsNCs revealed that the fluorescence intensity was more sensitive to pH than with temperature of the solution. When pH was increased from 1–12, there was 6‐fold increase in the emission intensity. We believe that the presented synthesis route as well as the results of this work could open new avenues to further investigate the OsNCs as new emissive nanomaterials and their potential applications in biomedical and energy fields.
The Impact of Environmental Regulation Compliance and Market Competitiveness Degree on Performance: The Case of the Portuguese Enterprise Ecosystem
Authors: Silva Sónia
Published: January 2025

The EU Directive 2002/96/EC concerning the re‐use, recycling, and other forms of recovery of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) sets criteria for collecting, treating, and recovering WEEE. In Portugal, since 2006, firms operating in these industries must comply with the WEEE Directive. In this study, we examine the impact of compliance with this environmental regulation on corporate performance across different degrees of market competitiveness. We collected a sample of Portuguese‐based firms from the electrical and electronic equipment industries from the Orbis Europe database between 2003 and 2022 and identified the ones that comply with the law—the treatment group. Our final sample consists of 219 firms, corresponding to 2718 matched pairs formed of treated and control observations. Our results show no differences in performance between firms that comply (the treatment group) and those that do not (the control group), except for firms operating in more competitive markets. In such cases, compliance negatively affects firms' performance. The profitability of treated firms assigned in the group of high market competitiveness is, on average, three percentage points lower than that of their counterparts. This evidence poses a challenge to the EU regulators, who should focus on enforcing EU Directive to create a common ground across member states to avoid free riders from emerging.
Sustainability Reporting Awards and Market Reaction: The Sustainability Awareness of Investors on the Vietnam Stock Market
Authors: Buertey Samuel , Ramsawak Richard , Nguyen Binh Hoang
Published: January 2025

In recent years, the global emphasis on sustainable business practices has grown, driven by the urgent need to address environmental and social challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and inequality. This shift has intensified demands from stakeholders for greater corporate transparency and accountability, leading to the widespread adoption of sustainability reporting to demonstrate organizational commitment to sustainability. In Vietnam, the Sustainability Reporting Award (SRA), launched in 2013 by the stock market regulator and key stakeholders, seeks to enhance the quality of sustainability reporting. Using an event study methodology, this research investigates the impact of the SRA on market reactions in the Vietnamese stock market between 2013 and 2022. The findings reveal that award‐winning companies achieve significantly higher average abnormal returns, particularly within the 5 days following the announcement, reflecting a strong positive market response. However, this effect diminishes post‐COVID‐19, underscoring the pandemic's influence on market dynamics. The study supports signaling theory by demonstrating that sustainability awards act as credible signals of a firm's commitment to sustainable practices, thereby strengthening investor confidence. These results underscore the strategic value of sustainability initiatives for firms and offer actionable insights for policymakers aiming to promote sustainability reporting and drive sustainable growth.
CytoNorm 2.0: A flexible normalization framework for cytometry data without requiring dedicated controls
Authors: Quintelier Katrien L. A. , Willemsen Marcella , Bosteels Victor , Aerts Joachim G. J. V. , Saeys Yvan , Van Gassen Sofie
Published: January 2025

Cytometry is a single cell, high‐dimensional, high‐throughput technique that is being applied across a range of disciplines. However, many elements alongside the data acquisition process might give rise to technical variation in the dataset, called batch effects. CytoNorm is a normalization algorithm for batch effect removal in cytometry data that was originally published in 2020 and has been applied on a variety of datasets since then. Here, we present CytoNorm 2.0, discussing new, illustrative use cases to increase the applicability of the algorithm and showcasing new visualizations that enable thorough quality control and understanding of the normalization process. We explain how CytoNorm can be used without the need for technical replicates or controls, show how the goal distribution can be tailored toward the experimental design and we elaborate on the choice of markers for CytoNorm's internal FlowSOM clustering step.
Personality, space use, and networks directly and indirectly explain tick infestation in a wild population of lizards
Authors: Payne Eric , Sinn David L. , Spiegel Orr , Leu Stephan T. , Wohlfeil Caroline K. , Godfrey Stephanie S. , Gardner Michael G. , Sih Andrew
Published: January 2025

Host personality can markedly affect parasite transmission. Especially for parasites with indirect transmission through the environment, the effects of consistent among‐individual differences in behavior may have both direct and indirect components. For example, personality may mediate both how hosts respond to infected individuals and the likelihood that hosts indirectly interact with infected conspecifics (e.g., by visiting patches infected hosts have previously contaminated). Integrating parasites, personality, and these different kinds of interaction networks constitutes a key step toward understanding transmission in natural systems. We evaluated these elements using a 5‐year field study of a wild population of sleepy lizards, Tiliqua rugosa, and their tick parasites, which transmit among lizards through lizards' shared use of refuges. Using Bayesian models, we evaluated (1) predictors of lizard infestation probability and intensity (i.e., average tick count when infested) and (2) relationships among the predictors. We used the latter set of models to assess indirect relationships between the predictors and the infestation metrics. As predictors, we used lizards' infestation “risk” (derived from a time‐lagged refuge sharing transmission network), traits (sex, mass, and the personality axes aggression and boldness), space use (number of unique refuges used and home range overlap with other lizards), and measures of synchronous social interactions (i.e., edge weight and degree). We found both indirect and direct connections between our predictors and tick infestation. For example, boldness was positively directly associated with infection intensity and indirectly positively associated with both infestation probability and intensity via intermediary connections with social network interaction and risk. Using more unique refuges, on the other hand, was indirectly negatively associated with infestation probability (via reduced risk), but directly positively associated with infestation probability, indicating a potential trade‐off in the anti‐parasite benefits of using more refuges. Our results emphasize that (1) multiple aspects of host behavior may associate with parasite infection, (2) these components may proceed through both direct and indirect pathways, and (3) multiple pathways should be considered together because the pathways may have compounding or counteracting effects.
A Systematic Review of the Strength, Durability, and Microstructure Properties of Concrete Incorporating Glass Powder
Authors: Semmana Oualid , Rihan Mohammed Ali M. , Barrie Zakaria M. , Daniel Chukwuemeka , Abdalla Tareg Abdalla
Published: January 2025

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials worldwide; its primary component, cement, contributes substantially to natural resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative materials are being explored to mitigate these impacts and reduce concrete's environmental footprint. This review focuses on the potential of waste glass powder (GP) as a partial substitute for cement in concrete, examining its influence on mechanical properties, durability, and microstructural performance. Drawing from a wide range of studies published in reputable peer‐reviewed journals (e.g., Wiley, ACI, MDPI, Elsevier), the analysis reveals that an optimal GP substitution level of 10%–20%, offers significant improvements in concrete durability, particularly in resistance to chloride permeability, sulfuric acid attack, and performance under high temperatures. GP contributes through its micro‐filling ability, which reduces porosity and pozzolanic reaction, forming a secondary calcium silicate hydrate (C‐S‐H) gel that enhances binding strength. However, substituting GP above 25%–30% may reduce compressive strength due to decreased flowability and increased porosity. Overall, GP demonstrates considerable potential as an eco‐friendly, cost‐effective additive that improves concrete resilience and supports sustainable construction practices. This review not only consolidates existing research but also highlights GP's dual effects on concrete's microstructure and pozzolanic reactions, suggesting further optimization of GP content and synergies with other materials to enhance resilience across diverse applications. Therefore, future research should optimize GP content and investigate synergies with other materials for broader concrete applications.
Liquid Metals for Advanced Batteries: Recent Progress and Future Perspective
Authors: Zheng Tianrui , Ju Zhengyu , Yu Guihua
Published: January 2025

The shift toward sustainable energy has increased the demand for efficient energy storage systems to complement renewable sources like solar and wind. While lithium‐ion batteries dominate the market, challenges such as safety concerns and limited energy density drive the search for new solutions. Liquid metals (LMs) have emerged as promising materials for advanced batteries due to their unique properties, including low melting points, high electrical conductivity, tunable surface tension, and strong alloying tendency. Enabled by the unique properties of LMs, four key scientific functions of LMs in batteries are highlighted: active materials, self‐healing, interface stabilization, and conductivity enhancement. These applications can improve battery performance, safety, and lifespan. This review also discusses current challenges and future opportunities for using LMs in next‐generation energy storage systems.

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Patient involvement in the development of clinical practice guidelines in Germany—A meta‐research study
Authors: Pfisterer‐Heise Stefanie , Orduhan Clara , Goossen Käthe , Breuing Jessica , Hellbrecht Irma , von Peter Sebastian , Schaefer Corinna , Pieper Dawid
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Patient involvement (PI) is a key element of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). However, PI in CPGs often falls short of quality standards. For evidence‐ and consensus‐based CPGs in Germany, a study in 2018 showed that a mere 58% had included a patient (participation), 56% with voting right. We aimed to provide an update on whether and how patients were involved in CPGs (participation and consultation), on the availability of patient versions (PVGs) (communication) and to investigate whether CPGs in Germany adhere to the RIGHT checklist.

Methods

An electronic search on the Register of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies was performed. Eligibility criteria were defined a priori. We included evidence‐ and consensus‐based CPGs valid on 31 March 2023. A data extraction form including 35 items was designed and piloted. Five researchers independently extracted data from CPGs, methodology reports and PVGs. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results

The search identified 135 CPGs meeting the eligibility criteria. Participation has increased to 79% (107/135 CPGs), in 73% of CPGs (98/135) with voting right. Participation was more common in CPGs for chronic than acute conditions (76/86 CPGs, 88% chronic vs. 23/38 CPGs, 61% acute). Consultation was scarcely employed (3/135 CPGs, 2%). Communication, operationalised as PVGs being available on the internet, increased from 33% (35/105) in 2018 to 43% (58/135) in 2023. 26% of CPGs (28/107) with participation reported on patients' selection as required by the RIGHT checklist.

Discussion

PI has improved, although around 20% of CPGs were still developed without participation. This applies in particular to CPGs on acute conditions where PI should be strengthened. At the same time, innovative and efficient methods for consultation and for evaluating patients' impact are required. Moreover, communication should be expanded. To further improve transparency in CPGs, guideline development groups should specifically report on patients' recruitment and selection.
Contemporaneous Spillovers Across Foreign Exchange Markets
Authors: BenSaïda Ahmed
Published: January 2025

The study of financial shock propagation across markets has motivated numerous researchers to investigate the mechanisms of return and volatility spillovers in order to prevent harmful shock transmission. This article studies the contemporaneous spillovers by employing a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model with Markov switching covariance matrix to solve the identification problem. The proposed method offers a smooth convergence that handles several drawbacks of existing procedures. Moreover, this article develops a new framework to analyse the contemporaneous asymmetric volatility spillovers, which adds a great deal of knowledge by separating the effects of good news and bad news on shock transmissions. Application on major exchange rate returns and volatilities shows that the contemporaneous effects have different intensities for all pairwise currencies. Furthermore, the asymmetric analysis reveals that good (bad) volatility has a contemporaneous positive effect on good (bad) volatility, while the risk due to good (bad) news negatively affects the risk due to an opposite shock.
Use of biosolids as a potential fertilizer for lawn turf
Authors: Sukhu Vighnesh Lakshmana , Zaro Geovanna , Lyons Eric , Gillespie Adam , Jordan Katerina Serlemitsos
Published: January 2025

Ensuring turfgrass health through an effective fertilization program is crucial for stress tolerance and overall vigor. The use of organic fertilizers, in particular biosolids, has emerged as a promising alternative to mitigate the negative impacts associated with traditional inorganic fertilizers and to offer a sustainable and eco‐friendly approach to maintaining turfgrass health. The objective of this research was to investigate the potential of biosolids as a sole or supplemental source of fertilizer to improve turfgrass health. Two field trials were conducted in Guelph, ON, from 2018 to 2020. Fertilizer treatments consisted of a negative control with no fertilizer, two inorganic controls, and three organic fertilizers, two of which were biosolids, applied via topdressing either two or three times per season. The results demonstrated that biosolids were an appropriate form of fertilizer to maintain turfgrass health when used as a supplement to synthetic fertilizers. The biosolids performed similarly to traditional inorganic fertilizers across multiple health parameters, suggesting they are a viable alternative for sustaining high turf quality.
VOICE‐RESPONSE and VISUAL‐DISPLAY TECHNIQUES for ON‐LINE INFORMATION‐HANDLING SYSTEMS
Authors: Avakian Emik A. , Jenison F. Walter
Published: January 2025

Techniques and applications for a voice‐response system currently in operation, and for visual‐display devices currently in production, have been developed to maximize physiological throughput. Physiological throughput is a function of basic psychological as well as physiological factors which are only beginning to be acknowledged in theory and in the design of equipment utilizing man's perceptive, comprehensive, and motor abilities. Visual‐display devices have been incorporated into data‐entry and retrieval subsystems fully adaptable to available data‐processing equipment.

Computer‐assembled messages of prestored audio words, when used in certain on‐line applications, form an efficient presentation of information for substituting for or supplementing of visual displays. The large‐scale, audio‐response system serving the American Stock Exchange since May, 1964, demonstrates a successful system solution to the requirements for an on‐line, non‐lockout, fast‐response system with an audio response via standard telephone circuitry.

The applications for such on‐line equipment when integrated into data‐handling systems include various areas such as transportation, finance, hotels, institutions and industry.
THE JPL SPACE FLIGHT OPERATIONS FACILITY DISPLAY and CONTROL SYSTEM
Authors: Goldstein Albert S.
Published: January 2025

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Space Flight Operations Facility (SFOF) was designed and built to provide a centralized installation for the conduct and control of unmanned space flight operations. The SFOF incorporates integrated communications, data processing, display and control subsystems.

The initial configuration of the SFOF Display Subsystem consists of closed circuit television, manually stimulated electromechanical displays, and large screen projection displays. A study is being conducted to automate the SFOF Display Subsystem. Future operational requirements and display techniques suitable for automation are being investigated in the study.

This paper summarizes the design philosophy leading to the current display subsystem and discusses experience gained from the use of the display subsystem under actual operating conditions. Future SFOF display requirements are also presented along with a summary of the results of a survey of current display techniques and devices. The survey contains information on panel‐type displays, projection devices, and other display techniques with emphasis on their applications and suitability to SFOF display requirements.
Applications Guide to Display Storage Tube Parameters
Authors: Ingham F. N.
Published: January 2025

Display storage tubes are finding wide use in military and commercial applications because of their unique advantages over cathode ray tubes. The parameters used to describe display storage tube performance are defined and the inter‐relations between the different parameters are examined. The three features of display storage tubes: brightness integration, controlled display persistence, and high display brightness are explained in terms of tube parameters and system requirements.
Interactive Displays For Document Retrieval
Authors: Borko H. , Burnaugh H. P.
Published: January 2025

Interactive computer systems establish a dialog between the man and the machine. By means of displays, the user receives immediate feedback of the results of his actions, and he is able to modify his decisions in order to obtain a system response that is most relevant to his needs.

BOLD (Bibliographic On‐Line Display) is an example of a highly automated interactive document storage and retrieval system that is in operation at System Development Corporation. It enables the user to browse through the data base by subject categories or search for specific documents. The response is rapid and the results are satisfying.
Promenade–an interactive graphics pattern‐recognition system
Authors: Hall D. J. , Ball G. H. , Wolf D. E. , Eusebio J. W.
Published: January 2025

This system provides a variety of data analysis processes through man/machine interaction using a high‐performance CRT display and keyboard. These processes allow (1) graphic exploration via dynamic plots. or views of the multivariate data, (2) numeric processes for calculation of statistics, clustering, and pattern classification, and (3) the ability to manipulate large files of data by selecting subsets of samples or variables. The system is convenient and simple to operate and can provide hard‐copy plots, photographs, or movies. This paper gives an example of the use of the system on a well‐known data set, including photographs.
Computer and Microfilm Combined in Phototypesetting
Authors: Haynes H. E.
Published: January 2025

Phototypesetting on microfilm denotes the generation and recording, onto a small‐format medium, of high‐quality text characters of a variety of styles and sizes. At the same time it implies high speed. Therefore, the starting point has to be the electronic generation of character images. In contrast to more conventional electronic phototypesetting, the accent on speed and the small‐image format changes the balance among the factors which influence image quality. This paper discusses the interplay of these factors, describes a useful approach to image‐quality prediction, and presents examples of text copy having known degrees of quality degradation which serve to link numerical descriptions of system performance to the subjective quality levels they represent.
Morphological Abnormalities Classification of Red Blood Cells Using Fusion Method on Imbalance Datasets
Authors: Dhar Prasenjit , Suganya Devi K. , Bhattacharjee Ramanuj , Srinivasan P.
Published: January 2025

Red blood cells (RBCs) or Erythrocytes are essential components of the human body and they transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, regulate balance, and support the immune system. Abnormalities in RBC shapes (Poikilocytosis) and sizes (Anisocytosis) can impede oxygen‐carrying capacity, leading to conditions such as anemia, thalassemia, McLeod Syndrome, liver disease, and so on. Hematologists typically spend considerable time manually examining RBC's shapes and sizes using a microscope and it is time‐consuming. The proposed LSTM based neural network (NN) deep‐learning strategy helps to classify abnormal RBCs automatically and accurately and overcome blood‐related disorders at an early stage. After data processing, traditional and high‐level features are fused to clearly distinguish between abnormal RBC classes. Class imbalance favors the dominant class, resulting in biased forecasts. To address class imbalance, a custom loss function is generated by integrating class weights and loss functions before feeding fused features to the NN classifier. Specifically, the loss function is designed to assign higher penalties to the misclassification of underrepresented classes, ensuring that the model is more sensitive to these classes during training. This is achieved by integrating class weights directly into the cross‐entropy loss calculation, thereby balancing the influence of each class on the model's learning process. The proposed approach's performance is evaluated using the publicly accessible Chula‐PIC‐Lab dataset and privately gathered dataset from the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) in Assam, India. The proposed approach achieves an average of and ‐score and accuracy on the Chula‐PIC‐Lab dataset and an average of and ‐score and accuracy on the CCHRC dataset for and classes and surpasses benchmark models including Custom CNN, Custom LSTM, Efficient Net‐B1, SMOTE, Hybrid NN, and HPKNN.
Assessing Titania Pigment Distribution in Water‐Based Coatings by Image Analysis of Ion Beam Milled Sections
Authors: Chen Qi , Wilbers Arnold , Aloi Antonio , Timmermans Nils , van Meer Mike , Okhuijsen Remco
Published: January 2025

By applying various image analysis methods, the distribution of titania pigments in water‐based paint films is assessed in this work. Cross‐sections of paint films containing titania are prepared using triple ion beam milling, and the milled cross‐sections are imaged using scanning electron microscopy. The obtained morphology of the paint films with known difference in pigment distribution is then determined and quantified by means of image analysis. It is found that the inter‐particle distance which is calculated by determining the distance between each individual particle can serve as good differentiator for assessing the quality of pigment distribution. Furthermore, a comparison is made between 2D (triple ion beam milling) and 3D (focused ion beam with slice and view) imaging methods on the same sample. The 2D method, with its ease of use, short experimental time and artefact free imaging, gives better results in the system studied in this work.
Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma: Characterization of clonal T and B cells and a patient‐derived xenograft study of coexisting T‐ and B‐cell proliferation
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxian , Jagadeesh Deepa , Bodo Juraj , Durkin Lisa , Lindner Daniel J. , Ondrejka Sarah L. , Hsi Eric D.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare and aggressive lymphoma with a poor prognosis. AITL is associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive B cells in most cases, suggesting a possible role for the virus in the pathobiology of AITL. Cell lines from AITL patients do not exist and models of human AITL are needed. We aim to establish such a model and use it for preclinical therapeutic evaluation.

Methods

Primary lymph node tissue from an AITL patient was used for tumor cell isolation and injection to NSG mice. The established patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model was characterized by immunophenotyping, whole‐exome sequencing (WES), and T/B‐cell receptor gene rearrangement studies. In vivo AITL PDX trials were performed with elotuzumab, romidepsin, and rituximab.

Results

An AITL PDX mouse model that includes a coexisting EBV+ B‐cell proliferation was established. We confirmed clonal identity of the engrafted T cells with the primary T‐lymphoma cells. WES on DNA from xenografted sorted T and B cells identified eight and three mutations previously reported in the COSMIC database, respectively. Primary tumor cells could be passaged serially in NSG mice with an increasing percentage of monoclonal B cells that mimic the human condition in which the clonal B‐cell component in some cases may mask an underling T‐cell lymphoma. In this PDX mouse study, single agent elotuzumab or rituximab significantly improved mice survival. Survival was further improved when elotuzumab or romidepsin was combined with rituximab.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first molecular characterization of AITL model coexisting with associated EBV+ B cells, and use of such a PDX model for therapeutic evaluation of agents targeting both malignant T cells and B cells simultaneously.
Preparation and Optimization of Electrospun Nylon‐6 Fiber‐Reinforced High Strength and Toughness Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites for Potential Use in Prosthetic Heart Valves
Authors: Duan Gaigai , Yang Xiuling , Ding Minmin , Wu Qijun , Zhang Chunmei , Jiang Shaohua
Published: January 2025

The interfacial aspects of fiber composites are widely favored. Here, three composite strategies based on hot‐pressing, electrospinning, and impregnation of PA6 fibers are presented for the preparation of PA6 fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (PA6/TPU) composites. The morphologies of the electrospun fiber/matrix interface and the mechanical properties of the PA6/TPU composite are investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and toughness of the H‐PA6/TPU composite are respectively 29.45 ± 1.477 MPa, 47.28 ± 2.61 MPa, and 38.03 ± 1.996 MJ m−3. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and toughness of the E‐PA6/TPU composite are 28.03 ± 1.411 MPa, 73.81 ± 4.16 MPa, and 24.12 ± 1.265 MJ m−3, respectively. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and toughness of the I‐PA6/TPU composite are respectively 29.45 ± 1.477 MPa, 47.28 ± 2.61 MPa, and 38.03 ± 1.996 MJ m−3, and the elongation at break is ≈240%. Moreover, without loss of TPU properties, the impregnation method effectively improves the interface adhesion between the fiber and the matrix, and the mechanical properties of PA6/TPU composite are significantly improved even if the fiber content is low. The impregnation method is simple to operate and can be extended to other thermoplastic polymers and other fiber‐reinforced composites.
Synthesis and Polymerization of Thiophene‐Bearing 2‐Oxazolines and 2‐Oxazines
Authors: Lee Aaron , Heck Julian , Goding Josef , Luxenhofer Robert , Green Rylie A.
Published: January 2025

Intrinsically conductive polymers have garnered a great deal of attention for use in medical and bioelectronic applications. Despite this, challenges associated with the mechanical stability, processability, and fabrication of conducting polymers have limited their utility. To circumvent these limitations, thiophene substituted 2‐oxazolines (2Ox) and 2‐oxazines (2Ozi) are introduced, which can be polymerized to form a thermally stable and potentially melt‐processable polymers as precursors for conductive polymers. A series of such monomers are synthesized and yields above 50% are obtained for gram scale reactions. The monomers can subsequently be polymerized using standard cationic ring‐opening methods to yield thiophene‐bearing poly(2‐oxazoline)s (POx) and poly(2‐oxazine)s (POzi) with narrow to moderate dispersity. The polymers exhibit glass transition temperatures between 50 °C and 100 °C and thermal stability beyond 250 °C. Moreover, random copolymers can be produced by introducing aliphatic 2‐oxazolines during polymer synthesis, which facilitates tailoring of the polymer properties and may enable new applications in melt extrusion printing or electrospinning of precursors for conducting polymer systems. Overall, a facile approach is described for the synthesis of thiophene‐functionalized monomers and polymers, providing covalent integration of thiophenes that opens new avenues toward the generation of functional and stimuli‐responsive biomaterials.
MS‐Based Glycome Characterization of Biotherapeutics With N‐ and O‐Glycosylation
Authors: Oh Myung Jin , Seo Youngsuk , Seo Nari , An Hyun Joo
Published: January 2025

With the increasing FDA approvals of glycoprotein‐based biotherapeutics including monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and enzyme treatments, the significance of glycosylation in modulating drug efficacy and safety becomes central. This review highlights the crucial role of mass spectrometry (MS) in elucidating the glycome of biotherapeutics that feature N‐ and O‐glycosylation, directly addressing the challenges posed by glycosylation complexity and heterogeneity. We have detailed the advancements and application of MS technologies including MALDI‐TOF MS, LC‐MS, and tandem MS in the precise characterization of glycoprotein therapeutics. Emphasizing MS‐based strategies for detecting immunogenic glycans and ensuring batch‐to‐batch consistency, this review highlights targeted approaches for glycoprotein, glycopeptide, and glycan analysis tailored to meet the stringent analytical and regulatory demands of biopharmaceutical development.
Double‐Barreled Vascularized Fibula Free Flap in Pediatric Tibial Bone Defect Reconstruction: A 20‐Year Monocentric Experience
Authors: Thuau François , Hamel Antoine , Duteille Franck
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Reconstructing large bone defects for lower limb salvage in the pediatric population remains challenging due to complex oncological or septic issues, limited surgical options, and lengthy procedures prone to complications. The vascularized double‐barreled fibula free flap is pivotal for reconstructing large bones. In this article, we report our experience with this technique in the surgical management of pediatric tibial bone defects.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients under 18 years of age who underwent tibial reconstruction using a double‐barreled fibula free flap at our center between 2004 and 2023. Collected data included demographic information, operative details, time to bone consolidation and full weight‐bearing, and functional outcomes using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score.

Results

Eight patients (5 females, 3 males) with a mean age of 12.5 years (range 5–17) were included. The average tibial defect length was 11.2 cm (range 7–14 cm), affecting the proximal tibia in 4 cases (50%), the middle third in 3 cases (37.5%), and the distal third in 1 case (12.5%). Reconstruction followed oncologic resection in 7 patients (87.5%) and addressed congenital pseudarthrosis in 1 patient (12.5%).

One patient died of sarcoma. Six patients (75%) achieved full weight‐bearing within a median of 7 months (range 6–16) and a bone consolidation at 9 months in median (range 6–18). One reconstruction (12.5%) failed due to septic pseudarthrosis leading to a below‐knee amputation. The mean MSTS score was 81.65 (range 63.3–100).

Conclusion

This study is the first to focus on pediatric tibial reconstructions using the double‐barreled vascularized fibula free flap. It highlights the technique's reliability for reconstructing tibial defects, particularly in intermediate‐sized cases (7–14 cm). This single‐stage procedure minimizes stress fracture risk, enables earlier weight‐bearing, and is an alternative to the Capanna technique without requiring an allograft.
Large Deviation Principle for a Two‐Time‐Scale Mckean–Vlasov Model With Jumps
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Xu Yong
Published: January 2025

This work focuses on the large deviation principle for a two‐time‐scale McKean–Vlasov system with jumps. Based on the variational framework of the McKean–Vlasov system with jumps, it is turned into weak convergence for the controlled system. Unlike general two‐timescale system, the controlled McKean–Vlasov system is related to the law of the original system, which causes difficulties in qualitative analysis. In solving this issue, employing asymptotics of the original system and a Khasminskii‐type averaging principle together is efficient. Finally, it is shown that the limit is related to the Dirac measure of the solution to the ordinary differential equation.
Chromosomal Aberrations in Fetuses With Isolated Persistent Right Umbilical Vein—A Nationwide Study
Authors: Vedel Cathrine , Farlie Richard , Vase Laura , Nielsen Lise Hald , Jensen Ann Nygaard , Barken Sidsel Svennekjaer , Hjort‐Pedersen Karina , Petersen Olav Bjørn
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of chromosomal aberrations in fetuses with isolated PRUV in a nationwide cohort with 1st‐trimester screening for aneuploidies.

Method

A retrospective study including all pregnancies in Denmark with a due date between 2010 and 2022. We retrieved all cases from patient files, where we searched for “PRUV” in the conclusion field. All retrieved cases were manually assessed to determine if PRUV was present, associated anomalies were present, and genetic tests were performed including results. Additional data on postnatal genetics were retrieved from the Danish Cytogenetic Central Registry.

Results

A total of 262 cases with PRUV were retrieved, of which 19 (7.3%) had associated malformations. Among the isolated cases, 119 (49.0%) had a prenatal invasive genetic test that consisted of CMA, and 5 cases had an NIPT (2.1%): All tests were normal or showed low risk for aneuploidies, respectively. None of the children born with PRUV had a postnatal genetic test performed.

Conclusion

We found no chromosomal aberrations in fetuses with isolated or non‐isolated PRUVs. Isolated PRUV does not seem associated with a higher incidence of chromosomal aberrations, so parents can be reassured. However, since PRUV was associated with other malformations in 7% of cases, thorough scans are needed.
The fabrication of conveyor rubber belt via bio‐oil obtained by rice husk pyrolysis
Authors: Paşa Salih , Gürer Hüseyincan , Alagöz Oğuzhan
Published: January 2025

Bio‐oil, also called pyrolysis oil, bio‐fuel oil, pyrolytic oil, or liquid wood, is produced through biomass pyrolysis at high‐temperature decomposition without added oxygen. In this study, the use of the liquid product (bio‐oil) obtained as a result of the pyrolysis of rice husk was investigated. The aim of the work was the employment of obtained bio‐oil instead of rubber process oil and binder resin in rubber dough mixtures used in the production of conveyor belts. The bio‐oil obtained from pyrolysis of rice husk was used instead of resin and aromatic oil at rates of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in the rubber fabrication. The optimum curing time was initially determined by rheometer tests before the vulcanization process. Then, the adhesion strengths rubber‐cloth (rubber‐weave) and cloth‐cloth (weave‐weave) of belt samples were tested and compared. Furthermore, the appearance and distribution on the surface of rubber samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was found that the bio‐oil derived from rice husk pyrolysis can be effectively utilized in rubber products due to its ability to reduce curing time. Moreover, the torque values also increased as the amount of bio‐oil was increased.

Highlights

Bio‐oil was obtained by pyrolysis of rice husk.

Bio‐oil was employed as rubber process oil and softener oil in rubber dough.

The adhesion and rheometer tests of rubber belt samples were investigated.

Rice husk‐derived bio‐oil decreased the curing time of rubber fabrication.

The cross‐linking feature in the belt structure increased.
Convertibility and Barrier Performance of Novel Bio‐Based Extrusion‐Coated Paperboards
Authors: Lev Roman , Lyytikäinen Johanna , Luoma Enni , Tanninen Panu , Leminen Ville
Published: January 2025

Conventional fossil fuel–based plastics for food packaging currently cause environmental concerns owing to poor recyclability and degradability, and new strategies are being developed to address these issues. One strategy involves the use of bioresources to produce bio‐based plastics that exhibit similar performance with enhanced sustainability. However, the understanding of the properties of these materials remains limited. Consequently, the convertibility and barrier properties of three extrusion‐coated paperboards before and after creasing were examined in this study. Each coating was composed of a partially bio‐based polymer:low‐density polyethylene (Bio‐PE) and two polybutylene succinate (PBS) grades. All materials demonstrated high oil resistance and low water absorbency (Cobb1800). Certain creased samples of Bio‐PE unexpectedly exhibited a higher barrier to oxygen than the unconverted material, whereas the results for the PBS grades were more consistent. In contrast, Bio‐PE provided a superior barrier to water vapour compared with PBS. The tests indicated that conversion did not reduce the material barrier properties, as confirmed by the negligible surface damage observed using scanning electron microscopy. The issues encountered were attributed to deviations in the production quality of Bio‐PE and insufficient adhesion of both PBS films to the substrate. Although further research is required for improving the coating uniformity and adhesion to substrate, the materials exhibit potential to advance the sustainable packaging.
Investigating the spatiotemporal characteristics of motion fields using three‐dimensional radar echoes to construct an ensemble nowcasting system
Authors: Chung Kao‐Shen , Hsu Yu‐Chiao , Tsou Yi‐Hao , Lin Hsin‐Hung
Published: January 2025

In this study, a spatial and temporal analysis of three‐dimensional motion fields was conducted to formulate an ensemble nowcasting scheme. These motion fields were derived from radar data covering the entire volume and were analyzed across space and time for five different weather phenomena in Taiwan, namely, autumn precipitation, Meiyu front, squall line, afternoon thunderstorm and typhoon. Subsequently, perturbations will be introduced into the two‐dimensional motion field to develop an ensemble nowcasting framework. The magnitude of the perturbations will be adjusted based on the spatiotemporal analysis of the three‐dimensional motion fields. The effectiveness of the ensemble nowcasting in forecasting radar echoes and accumulated rainfall will be examined using a variety of verification scores. An evaluation of this ensemble nowcasting method demonstrated its efficacy in accurately predicting precipitation occurrences, with a reliability extending nearly three hours for five afore‐mentioned weather events. Furthermore, the forecasted accumulation of rainfall closely mirrored observed patterns, indicating the scheme's ability to capture precipitation distribution accurately. In summary, the ensemble nowcasting scheme mitigates uncertainties associated with motion field and exhibits superior forecasting capabilities compared with the original extrapolation method.
Impact of lipid asymmetry on membrane biophysical properties: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhang Yong , Lou Jizhong
Published: January 2025

Asymmetry between outer and inner leaflets of cell membrane, such as variations in phospholipid composition, cholesterol (CHOL) distribution, stress levels, and ion environments, could significantly influence the biophysical properties of membranes, including the lateral organization of lipids and the formation of membrane nanodomains. To elucidate the effects of lipid component, lipid number mismatch, CHOL concentration asymmetry, and ionic conditions on membrane properties, we constructed several sets of all‐atom, multi‐component lipid bilayer models. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we investigated how membrane asymmetry modulates its biological characteristics. Our results indicate that CHOL concentration, whether symmetric or asymmetric between the leaflets, is the primary factor affecting membrane thickness, order parameters of the lipid tail, tilting angles of lipid molecules, water permeability, lateral pressure profiles, and transmembrane potential. Both low and high CHOL concentrations significantly alter lipid bilayer properties. Inducing cross‐leaflet stress by mismatching lipid numbers can modify lipid order parameters and the tilting angles but has only mild effect on lateral pressure profiles and membrane thickness. Additionally, we found that transmembrane potential, generated by ions concentration differences across the membrane, can influence water permeability. Our findings expand the current understanding of lipid membrane properties and underscore the importance of considering CHOL and phospholipid asymmetry in membrane biophysics. The membrane models developed in our study also provide more physiological conditions for studying membrane proteins using MD simulations.