bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Computational Approach for Designing Potent EGFR‐TK Inhibitors: QSAR, Docking, ADMET and Molecular Dynamics Studies
Authors: Patil Shital , Asgaonkar Kalyani , Bhandari Shashikant , Edake Aishwarya M. , Patel Harun , Patil Bhatu , Ansari Iqrar , Mahadik Indrani , Kamble Omkar , Gavande Navnath
Published: February 2025

Background: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates cell survival and proliferation, making it a key therapeutic target in cancer. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) block EGFR signaling, preventing uncontrolled cell growth. However, current EGFR‐TKIs face resistance and toxicity issues, necessitating optimized pharmacophores and novel chemical entities (NCEs). Objectives: This study aimed to develop a 3D quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) model for pharmacophore optimization and to design NCEs with improved properties. Additionally, ADMET profiling, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations were performed for the NCEs. Methods: Using Schrödinger’s Maestro v13.4, QSAR models were built with 42 thiazolyl‐pyrazoline derivatives, yielding a significant model (R² = 0.7880, Q² = 0.7341). Forty NCEs with favorable drug‐like properties were selected. The QikProp module assessed ADMET, while Desmond facilitated 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. Results: NCE 2 emerged as the top candidate with a docking score of –8.178 kcal/mol, showing strong interaction with Leu 788 in the EGFR binding site. Molecular simulations confirmed the stability of the NCE 2‐EGFR complex, with RMSD values between 2.4 and 2.8 Å. Conclusion: NCE 2, a novel thiazolyl‐pyrazoline derivative, demonstrated significant EGFR inhibitory activity, stability, and favorable ADMET properties, making it a promising candidate for further development.
Adjustability and versatility of molecular packing patterns in asymmetric coumarin liquid crystals supramolecular column structures
Authors: Duan Yuantang , Wu Haixia , Wang Fen , Guo Zilong , Yang Yu , Cheng Xiaohong
Published: February 2025

Coumarin asymmetric multi‐chain liquid crystals (LCs) were synthesized using click reaction, with coumarin core and 1,2,3‐triazole dendritic wings on both sides. The properties of these LCs and the resulting gels were investigated using polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These polycatenars demonstrate the ability to self‐assemble into columnar LCs phases, exhibiting p4mm symmetry in their bulk states. In DMF solvent, ether compounds yield gels with notably more ordered, spherical flower‐like morphologies, while ester compounds produce gels that are less ordered and exhibit a nanosphere morphology. The findings indicate that the polarities of both the linkages and the solvents play a critical role in the formation of supramolecular nanostructures. Interestingly, the IE3/14 was proved as promising imaging probe for latent fingerprints (LFPs) and fluorescent fingerprints images were obtained with high‐resolution, which showed potential practical application for LFPs detection. Additionally, LCs compounds are used as dopants to modify the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene (PEDOT:PSS) injection layer of Organic silicone‐based heterojunction solar cells (HSCs). Finally, Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to theoretically study such as geometric structure, frontier molecular orbitals, molecular electrostatic potential, and dipole moment.
Estimating cancer incidence attributable to physical inactivity in the United States
Authors: Lynch Brigid M. , Bassett Julie K. , Milne Roger L. , Patel Alpa V. , Rees‐Punia Erika , Lee I‐Min , Moore Steven C. , Matthews Charles E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous estimates of the number of cancers attributable to physical inactivity in the United States have typically focused on only three malignancies (colon, endometrial, and postmenopausal breast cancer). Contemporary epidemiologic evidence suggests that physical inactivity could contribute to up to 15 types of cancer, and a dose–response effect has been demonstrated for 13 of these. This study estimated the number of cancers diagnosed in the United States in 2015 due to physical inactivity for these 13 sites.

Methods

Data from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate physical activity prevalence and, with the assumption of a 10‐year latency period, 2015 cancer incidence data from the National Program of Cancer Registries and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Incidence US Cancer Statistics Public Use Database.

Results

The potential impact fraction was estimated to be 4.1%, which meant that 30,951 of 761,625 incident cancers at the 13 sites could have been prevented in the United States in 2015 if adults had increased physical activity by one category in 2005 (approximately 7.5 additional metabolic equivalent task hours per week [MET‐h/week]). Theoretically, 85,415 of 761,625 incident cancers at the 13 sites (population attributable fraction, 11.2%) could have been prevented if all adults had achieved the highest level of physical activity (>30 MET‐h/week).

Conclusions

When estimates are based on updated epidemiologic evidence regarding physical inactivity and cancer risk, substantially more cancers are attributable to physical inactivity than previously reported. A greater focus on physical activity promotion is warranted for cancer control in the United States.
METTL14‐mediated m6A modification of ZFP14 inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression via promoting STAT3 ubiquitination
Authors: Liu Zhuonan , Sun Tianshui , Zhang Zhe , Piao Chiyuan , Kong Chuize , Zhang Xiaotong
Published: February 2025

Therapeutic options for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are currently inadequate. Earlier research has shown that the enzyme methyltransferase‐like 14 (METTL14) can suppress ccRCC development through the modification of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A). This study further explored its complex biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms. Here, we identified zinc finger protein 14 (ZFP14) as a novel target of METTL14‐mediated m6A, and its under‐expression was associated with ccRCC tumourigenesis and progression. Detailed investigations revealed that METTL14 interacted directly with the 3′ untranslated region of ZFP14 mRNA, promoting m6A modification at two specific sites. These modifications were recognised by the protein insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2), which stabilised and enhanced the expression of ZFP14 mRNA. Functionally, the METTL14/ZFP14 axis suppressed in vitro growth, migration and invasiveness and in vivo proliferation and metastasis of ccRCC cells. ZFP14 potentially regulated numbers of transcripts, among which matrix metalloproteinase 1/3 (MMP1/3) were validated to be under‐expressed by ZFP14. Crucially, ZFP14 interacted with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), augmenting its K48‐linked ubiquitination and destabilising it via the proteasome pathway. Moreover, ZFP14 repressed ccRCC cell in vivo growth and metastasis as well as decreasing MMP1/3 levels by under‐expressing STAT3. These observations confirmed that ZFP14 served as both a novel target for METTL14‐mediated m6A modification and a significant tumour suppressor in ccRCC, shedding light on the cellular and molecular operations in ccRCC and opening up possibilities for novel therapeutic strategies.

Key points

ZFP14 under‐expression is associated with ccRCC tumourigenesis and progression.

METTL14‐mediated m6A enhances ZFP14 mRNA stability and expression with IGF2BP2 as the reader in ccRCC.

ZFP14 promotes the degradation of STAT3 by enhancing its K48‐linked ubiquitination, inhibiting ccRCC progression.
Evaluation of Bladder Wash as an Alternative Specimen for Postmortem Toxicology: Comparison to Screening Results of Urine and Kidney Tissue
Authors: Steuer Andrea E. , Brockbals Lana , Poetzsch Sandra N. , Bolliger Stephan A. , Kraemer Thomas
Published: February 2025

Urine specimens represent the gold standard for screening analyses in forensic toxicology, but they are not always available postmortem. In this case, alternative specimens must be considered. The current study aimed to systematically evaluate bladder wash (BW) as an interesting, but largely unexplored specimen for screening in FT, comparing drug detection in BW against urine and kidney tissue (KT) in authentic cases. The study included 60 consecutive postmortem cases. BW was obtained by injecting 10 mL of a 0.9% NaCl solution into the empty bladder and sampling the entire fluid with the same syringe. KT (ca. 5 g, grinded) was placed into a tube of dialysis membrane and left for dialysis against water (3×, 40–80 mL, 24 h), followed by evaporation/reconstitution. All specimens were analyzed by immunoassay, an untargeted LC–MSn screening approach and a targeted LC–MS/MS analysis. In total, 95 different compounds from the drug classes of, among others, stimulants, opiates/opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics could be detected. Sensitivity for drug detection in BW using immunoassay or untargeted MS/MS was lower than for urine but comparable to that of KT, which is in line with much lower drug concentrations in these matrices compared with urine. Applying a targeted LC–MS/MS method or a more concentrated sample preparation workflow could increase detection sensitivity in BW. Given the easier handling of BW in the laboratory (identical to urine), its use proved superior to KT and represents a promising new strategy for cases without available urine samples.
Phylogenetic Relationships of Three Ramaria Species Based on Mitochondrial Genome Analysis
Authors: Wang Xianyi , Guo Zhongyao , Tao Jiawei , Zhang Gongyou , Wang Guoyu , Wang Yaping , Long Yaohang , Liu Hongmei
Published: February 2025

Ramaria has been a remarkable genus throughout the history of macrofungi. However, there is a lack of information on this genus of macrofungi. This study determined the order of nucleotides in the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of three Ramaria species, followed by a detailed investigation of the obtained genetic information. Circular mitogenomes of Ramaria brunnecliacina, R. ichnusensis, and R. flavescens had sizes of 78,960, 61,851, and 81,282 bp, respectively. The genomes exhibited variations in genetic content, gene length, tRNA, and codon usage. Ramaria mitogenomes demonstrated variable evolutionary rates across several protein‐coding genes. The results revealed significant gene rearrangements in Ramaria mitogenomes, including gene displacement and tRNA duplication. Utilizing Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods on a comprehensive set of conserved mitochondrial proteins, we generated a well‐supported phylogenetic tree for Basidiomycota. This analysis revealed that R. brunneciacina and R. flavescens are closely related, while confirming the paraphyletic nature of the Ramaria genus and its genetic affinity with other species of the subclass Phallomycetidae. This study presents a basic structure for understanding the evolutionary dynamics, genetic makeup, and taxonomy categorization of this significant fungal community.
Spatiotemporal Diversification of Global Junipers: Traces of Niche Conservatism and Trait‐Dependent Diversification
Authors: Martínez de León Rodrigo , Moreno‐Letelier Alejandra
Published: February 2025

Speciation rates differ globally across phylogenies and regions, and the complexity of the speciation process makes it difficult to fully understand these variations. It has been suggested that in conifers, the speciation process is primarily influenced by abiotic factors, operating in a local adaptive dynamic. In this study, we investigate changes in the climatic envelopes of conifer species of the genus Juniperus and test their explanatory power in predicting the distribution of speciation rates in space controlling for other explanatory factors such as topography and morphology. Location: Northern Hemisphere. Taxon: Juniperus. We used phylogenetic comparative methods and macroecological methods to evaluate speciation rate shifts, trait‐speciation correlations, trait‐geography correlations, and areas of phylogenetic endemism. Climatic niches in the juniper species follow bimodal trends in temperature and precipitation variables. These trends imply a strong event of divergence or possible adaptation that is trackable to a specific moment and geography. Additionally, we found significant explanatory power for some climatic variables and a heterogeneous response by continent, with morphological changes being the most important in North America, whereas climate is more relevant in the Tibetan Plateau. Centers of diversity follow different trends in phylogenetic diversity and endemism, suggesting different causes of diversity. Overall, junipers exhibit a conserved climatic niche, and their speciation process is marked by the particular history of their distribution rather than by general trends in climatic evolution. Morphological evolution is more important than previously considered and both accumulation of lineages and rapid speciation are supported for hotspot regions.
Molecular Phylogeny of Uropsilus (Talpidae, Eulipotyphla, Mammalia) With a New Species Described From Henan Province, China
Authors: Jiang Haijun , Yang Yaohua , Zhou Yanyan , Tian Jundong , Lu Jiqi
Published: February 2025

Shrew moles (Uropsilus), belonging to subfamily Uropsilinae of family Talpidae, were predominantly found in Myanmar, Vietnam, Bhutan, and Southwestern China. However, the extent distribution range of species within Uropsilus remains unclear. In 2022, we collected 18 specimens of Uropsilus from the western mountains of Henan Province in central China. Based on the mitochondrial (CYT B) and nuclear (RAG1 + RAG2) genes, the phylogenetic relationships, divergence times, and species delimitation of Uropsilus were analyzed. The results showed that the genetic distance of CYT B between new species and other species of Uropsilus ranged from 8.44% to 18.23%; the new species was a distinct valid species and speciated in the early Pleistocene (2.16 Ma, 95% CI = 2.00–2.65) based on phylogenetic analyses. Morphologically, the new species was distinguishable from the other species of Uropsilus by its yellowish–brown dorsum and ash‐black venter, short tail, slender and curved zygomatic arch, upper inward‐curved I1, and lack of a gap between I1 and I2. The combined results of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that the samples from Henan Province represented a new species—Uropsilus funiushanensis sp. nov. The specimens collected from the mountainous area of western Henan Province and Shennongjia in Hubei Province were identified as the same species. We suggested the evolutionary mechanism of the dental formula of U. funiushanensis and U. soricilus groups should be explored in the future.
Transcriptome‐To‐Phenome Response of Larval Eastern Oysters Under Multiple Drivers of Aragonite Undersaturation
Authors: Gurr Samuel J. , Meseck Shannon L. , Bernatchez Genevieve , Redman Dylan , Dixon Mark S. , Guy Lisa , MacDonald Aaron , Stiles Sheila , McFarland Katherine
Published: February 2025

Understanding how interactive environmental challenges affect marine species is critical to long‐term ecological and economic stability under global change. Marine calcifiers are thought to be vulnerable to ocean acidification (OA; elevated pCO2); active dissolution of aragonite (Ωar) is associated with disrupted development, survivorship, and gene expression in bivalve larvae, resulting in an early life‐stage bottleneck. Dynamic carbonate chemistry in coastal systems emphasizes the importance of multiple stressors, e.g., warming and low salinity events may change organismal responses relative to OA alone. We exposed Eastern oyster larvae (Crassostrea virginica) to a full‐factorial experimental design using two temperatures (23°C and 27°C), salinities (17 and 27), and pCO2 levels (~700 μatm and 1850 μatm pCO2), resulting in Ωar conditions 0.3–1.7. Ωar reduced by low salinity, elevated pCO2, and low temperature, each slowed early development and reduced survival. Low salinity × elevated pCO2 was linked to severe Ωar undersaturation (< 0.5) that suppressed expression of bicarbonate transport, biomineralization and augmented expression for ciliary locomotion, proteostasis, and histone modifiers. In isolation and under moderate Ωar intensity (0.5 < Ωar < 1), larvae increased transcription for osmoregulatory activity and endocytosis under low salinity, and suppressed transcription for iron metabolism under elevated pCO2. Although shell growth and survival were affected by Ωar undersaturation, gene expression patterns of D‐stage oyster larvae and oyster juveniles suggests tolerance to dynamic estuarine environments. Genes and expression patterns that confer survival of postmetamorphosed oysters can improve our understanding of environmental‐organismal interactions and improve breeding programs enabling sustainable production.
Genetic Pattern and Demographic History of Orange‐Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides) in the South China Sea by the Influence of Pleistocene Climatic Oscillations
Authors: Chen Yongkun , Luo Zihao , Zhang Zhichao , Luo Zhisen , Ren Manting , He Xiongbo , Lin Hung‐Du , Yan Yunrong
Published: February 2025

Orange‐spotted groupers (Epinephelus coioides) are commercially important fish species that inhabit coral reef areas and are distributed across tropical coastal regions throughout the Indo‐West Pacific Oceans. This study aims to assess the phylogeographic structure of E. coioides by analyzing 180 individuals collected from six locations along the coast of mainland China and Hainan Island, using the mitochondrial Cyt b gene and 17 microsatellite DNA markers. The mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed high haplotype diversity (0.882), while the microsatellite DNA data showed an average of 8.677 alleles among the six populations, indicating that all populations exhibit a high level of genetic diversity. The presence of two distinct evolutionary lineages of E. coioides, along with the lack of significant genealogical structures corresponding to sampling localities, suggests that isolation in marginal seas during glaciation with lower sea levels shaped their phylogeographic distribution patterns. The results from STRUCTURE, PCoA, and pairwise FST revealed significant genetic differentiation in the Lingshui region (LS population) compared to other populations, suggesting that the Lingshui region, adjacent to deep‐sea areas, remained isolated during glacial periods as it was not connected to the continental shelf of mainland China. Analysis of demographic history using ABC revealed that E. coioides experienced historical lineage diversification and admixture due to secondary contact.
New insights into the Scolytus multistriatus, Geosmithia spp., and Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi association
Authors: Pepori Alessia L. , Luchi Nicola , Pecori Francesco , Faccoli Massimo , Santini Alberto
Published: February 2025

Dutch elm disease (DED) is a destructive tracheomycosis caused by Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi, an ascomycete that is devastating natural elm populations throughout Europe, North America, and part of Asia. The fungus is mainly spread by elm bark beetles (EBBs) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) that complete their life cycle between healthy and diseased elms. It has recently been shown that certain fungi of the genus Geosmithia, vectored by bark beetles, are involved in the DED pathosystem. Not only it has been observed that the two fungi share the same habitat in the host plant and during each developmental stage of the insect, but also there appears to be a parasitic association between them. By analyzing the presence and quantity of the two fungi on the bodies of elm beetles by a qPCR duplex TaqMan assay, this work aimed to explore the dynamic of the relationship among the adults of Scolytus multistriatus, O. novo‐ulmi, and Geosmithia spp. at sites characterized by different DED severity levels during the elm growing season. We observed that, regardless of the epidemiological conditions, both fungi are always present on adult flickering insects. The proportion of the two fungal populations varies among sampling sites, with Geosmithia spp. being predominant in the non‐epidemic sites. The hyperparasitism of Geosmithia toward O. novo‐ulmi within this tri‐trophic system should be investigated further for potential use as biological control agent.
Climate‐induced range expansion of cushion plants promotes functional homogenization of soil nematode communities
Authors: Zhang Anning , Franco André L. C. , Chen Shuyan , Song Hongxian , Liu Ziyang , Jiang Xiaoxuan , Xiao Sa , An Lizhe , Cardoso Pedro
Published: February 2025

Global climate change is causing plants and other organisms to naturally expand their ranges to higher latitudes or altitudes. This expansion is leading to a strong reshuffling of biotic interactions with consequent ecosystem functions in the new ranges. We report here that soil fauna communities respond strongly to the cushion plants in a large‐scale latitudinal gradient in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Local taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of soil nematodes increased with the presence of cushion plants independently of the latitudinal gradient, but communities became more functionally similar in the presence of cushion plants and with increasing latitude. This functional homogenization was driven by deterministic processes through which the presence of cushion plants favored some functional traits (i.e., nematode trophic groups: herbivores and bacterivores). Our study reveals functional homogenizations of soil fauna communities in response to climate warming‐induced plant range expansion. Given that soil nematodes represent the most abundant and functionally diverse animal communities in terrestrial ecosystems, these findings indicate important changes in the functional dimension of biodiversity and in the delivery of ecosystem functions under climate change.
Urea as an Amine Source to Synthesize Primary Aromatic Amines via Nickel‐Mediated C−H Amination
Authors: Du Jiahui , Yang Xun , Li Haiyan , Xiao Yuxuan , Yin Ying , Wen Junying , Yang Chan , Tan Ze , Yu Lin
Published: February 2025

A straightforward and efficient method has been developed for the transformation of aromatic CAr−H bond into CAr−NH₂ via nickel‐mediated C−H activation, eliminating the need for additional protection and deprotection steps. This strategy employs 8‐aminoquinoline as a directing group and urea as the nitrogen source, a non‐toxic, inexpensive, and stable bulk chemical. The reaction exhibits high selectivity, exclusively yielding mono‐aminated primary aromatic amines. Furthermore, the protocol is tolerant of a wide range of substrates with various functional groups, producing the corresponding ortho‐aminobenzamides in yields ranging from 38 % to 73 %. The preliminary results indicate the C−H bond cleavage is likely the rate‐determining step in the reaction.
Bed material facies mapping at braided river scale and evidence for trends in fine sediment
Authors: Rogers Justin M. , Brasington James , Hoyle Jo
Published: February 2025

Characterizing the spatial distribution and dynamic nature of bed facies in gravel‐bed braided rivers is challenging but necessary to understand fluvial and ecological processes. Topographic point cloud and image datasets are increasingly used in fluvial geomorphology to compare riverscapes over time and classify substrate facies. However, repeatable and efficient methods that operate at large spatial scales and also resolve bimodal or fine sediments remain underdeveloped. This study collected high‐resolution lidar and optical imagery over a 56‐km reach of the Rangitata River, New Zealand, generating a variety of multiscale lidar‐derived, optical and local morphological predictors. Ensemble machine learning methods were used to classify facies at a 1 m resolution, and a sensitivity analysis incorporating downscaled and reduced‐fidelity datasets was conducted to understand the importance of data acquisition strategies. We report the predictor importance by class, finding that the key predictors for fine sediment were colour and colour complexity, while lidar predictors including reflectance were key in differentiating shallow water. The classification method was found to be robust with decreasing lidar point density but the performance was degraded if either RGB or lidar datasets were removed entirely.

The sole use of spatially local predictors allowed an analysis of trends in fine sediment facies in a large braided river subject to hydrologic pressures. The quantity and proportion of exposed fine sediment increased downstream, indicating a decrease in transport capacity associated with river widening. This new lidar – machine learning – substrate processing pathway offers a synoptic view of river form and composition that can be used to parameterize numerical models and provide distributed insights into sediment transport and sorting processes. The approach is easy to customize and can readily adapted to predict different surface classes, providing a robust basis for change detection in natural scenes.
A New Full‐Scale Method for Ranking Flammability of Ornamental Vegetation
Authors: Muñoz Juan Antonio , Planas Eulàlia , Almeida Miguel , Ribeiro Luís Mário , Vacca Pascale , Pastor Elsa
Published: February 2025

Ornamental vegetation constitutes the main type of natural fuel within the wildland‐urban interface. Its flammability is often the criteria that fire risk managers use to promote certain species against others, with direct repercussions in fire safety. Traditionally, flammability is assessed using four parameters (ignitability, combustibility, sustainability, and consumability), through small‐scale laboratory tests. Although widely used, these techniques fail to reflect the actual burning behaviour of species when they ignite. In our study, we developed an experimental method to classify ornamental vegetation's flammability based on full‐scale burning behaviour. We categorise flammability into three levels: low (resists ignition), medium (acts as ladder fuel), and high (spreads fire). To evaluate this, we model normalised weight loss rate curves as Gaussian functions (flammability bells) and use metrics from these functions (maximum weight loss per second, associated time and standard deviation) as combustibility indicators. Experimental results reveal that these metrics can effectively differentiate between low, medium and high flammability. The method was developed by burning ornamental trees from four typical Mediterranean species (Leyland cypress, Arizona cypress, Northern white‐cedar, and Cherry laurel) with varying spatial configurations, physiological statuses and moisture content. Our method is straightforward, robust, and affordable for implementation in appropriately equipped fire laboratories, offering meaningful insights into vegetation flammability and fire behaviour in the wildland‐urban interface. These experimental results can help reduce fire risk from ornamental vegetation in human settlements.
Skalierungseffekte bei monotoner Scherbeanspruchung von ungebundenen bewehrten Tragschichten
Authors: Bräunig Claudia , Herle Ivo , Schulze Tom , Weisemann Ulrike
Published: February 2025

Durch den Einsatz von Geogittern in ungebundenen Tragschichten können die Tragfähigkeits‐ und Gebrauchstauglichkeitseigenschaften verbessert werden. Um die Tragwirkung dieses Verbundsystems zu analysieren, wurden Triaxial‐ und Rahmenscherversuche durchgeführt, in welchen die Auswirkung der Skalierung der Versuchsmaterialien Tragschichtmaterial und Geogitter unter monotoner Scherbeanspruchung untersucht wurde. Bei der Untersuchung des Systems Tragschicht – Geogitter mittels bodenmechanischer Versuche werden aufgrund der begrenzten Probenabmessungen häufig kleinere Öffnungsweiten des Geogitters und kleinere Korngrößen des Tragschichtmaterials gegenüber denen in der Baupraxis verwendet. Bei der Übertragung der Ergebnisse sind Skalierungseffekte zu beachten, welche in der vorliegenden Arbeit untersucht werden. In den Triaxialversuchen wurde das Verhältnis der Öffnungsweite des Geogitters zur Korngröße beibehalten, es wurden zwei Tragschichtmaterialien untersucht. In beiden Skalierungen führte der Einsatz von Geogittern im Tragschichtmaterial zu einer Verbesserung der Tragfähigkeit durch eine Erhöhung der maximal aufnehmbaren Spannung. In den Rahmenscherversuchen wurde das Verhältnis zwischen Öffnungsweite des Geogitters und Korngröße verändert. Die Versuche mit bewehrten Proben führten bei parallel zur Scherrichtung gewählter Anordnung des Geogitters im Scherspalt zu geringeren aufnehmbaren Scherspannungen.
Decoding Parametric Grip‐Force Anticipation From fMRI Data
Authors: Caccialupi Guido , Schmidt Timo Torsten , Nierhaus Till , Wesolek Sara , Esmeyer Marlon , Blankenburg Felix
Published: February 2025

Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that activity in premotor and parietal brain‐regions covaries with the intensity of upcoming grip‐force. However, it remains unclear how information about the intended grip‐force intensity is initially represented and subsequently transformed into a motor code before motor execution. In this fMRI study, we used multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA) to decode where and when information about grip‐force intensities is parametrically coded in the brain. Human participants performed a delayed grip‐force task in which one of four cued levels of grip‐force intensity had to be maintained in working memory (WM) during a 9‐s delay‐period preceding motor execution. Using time‐resolved MVPA with a searchlight approach and support vector regression, we tested which brain regions exhibit multivariate WM codes of anticipated grip‐force intensities. During the early delay period, we observed above‐chance decoding in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). During the late delay period, we found a network of action‐specific brain regions, including the bilateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS), left dorsal premotor cortex (l‐PMd), and supplementary motor areas. Additionally, cross‐regression decoding was employed to test for temporal generalization of activation patterns between early and late delay periods with those during cue presentation and motor execution. Cross‐regression decoding indicated temporal generalization to the cue period in the vmPFC and to motor‐execution in the l‐IPS and l‐PMd. Together, these findings suggest that the WM representation of grip‐force intensities undergoes a transformation where the vmPFC encodes information about the intended grip‐force, which is subsequently converted into a motor code in the l‐IPS and l‐PMd before execution.
Genomic Differences in Thyroid Cancers From Primary Sites Versus Distant Metastases in Individual Patients: A Clinical Perspective and Preliminary Report
Authors: Lin Yen‐Bo , Hu Hsiang‐Wei , Chung An‐Ko , Lu Jin‐Ying , Wu Wan‐Chen , Chiu I‐Hsuan , Chu I , Lin Chia‐Chi , Lee Jih‐Hsiang , Nien Feng‐Jung , Chen Kuen‐Yuan , Wu Ming‐Hsun , Chen Chun‐Nan , Wang Chun‐Wei , Kuo Ting‐Chun , Lin Chia‐Hung , Cheng Mei‐Fang , Chiu Wei‐Yih , Kuo Shuenn‐Wen , Hsih Wen‐Hui , Wang Chih‐Yuan , Yang Wei‐Shiung , Chen Pei‐Lung , Shih Shyang‐Rong
Published: February 2025

Background

Distant metastasis is a leading cause of thyroid cancer (TC)‐related deaths. Genetic profiling is typically limited to one sample per patient due to cost and sampling‐risk concerns. Differences between samples from thyroid and distant metastasis within individual patients are unclear.

Methods

Patients with TC and distant metastasis were recruited for genetic analysis.

Results

Using a TC‐specific NGS panel, 66 specimens from 29 patients were analyzed, identifying 16 mutations and 4 fusions, including two novel fusions (FGFR2–SHTN1 and RFTN1–BRAF). Genetic alterations differed between primary and metastatic sites in nine patients (31%), predominantly in additional oncogenic alterations (89%). More genetic alterations were found at the primary site in three patients and metastatic sites in four. Distinct mutations were found in two patients. A longer time interval between specimen acquisitions was significantly associated with genetic discrepancies (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Patterns of genetic discrepancies between primary and metastatic TC vary, offering valuable insights for clinical practice.
Different Epidemiology of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Comparison With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Results of a Prospective Multicentric Observational Study of the Rete Ematologica Lombarda
Authors: Cattaneo C. , Bernardi M. , Fracchiolla N. , Pagani C. , Gigli F. , Basilico C. , Masina L. , Borlenghi E. , Bruno A. , Gela G. , Rossi G. , Tucci A. , Bertoli D. , Lussana F. , Todisco E.
Published: February 2025

The negative impact of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is well known whereas its clinical relevance in acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is still unclear. We have carried out a prospective multicentric observational study within the Rete Ematologica Lombarda to describe the incidence of IPA in acute leukemia (AL) patients, focusing on differences between AML and ALL. Between 2018 and 2020, 207 AL patients (AML: 165, ALL: 42) were evaluated. During induction, proven/probable and possible IPA were diagnosed in 32/207 patients (15.4%), equally divided into proven/probable and possible (16 each, 7.7%). IPA diagnosis was made in 23/165 (13.9%) AML and in 9/42 (21.4%) ALL patients (p = 0.2374). Proven/probable IPA were more frequent in ALL than in AML (ALL: 7/42, 16.6% vs. AML: 9/165, 5.4%; p = 0.0235). OS was similar in patients with or without proven/probable IPA (not reached vs. 63 months, p = 0.588), while OS was significantly reduced in possible IPA (22 months vs. not reached, p = 0.0167). More than 15 days of neutropenia duration and lack of antimold prophylaxis were associated with IPA. Achieving complete remission was protective, whereas age over 60 years and, with a borderline significance, possible IPA were associated with risk of death. In conclusion, Ph‐negative ALL should be considered at the same high risk for IPA as AML. Antimold prophylaxis should be probably extended also to ALL.
“You Pretend to Pay Me; I Pretend to Work”: A Multi‐Level Exploration of Quiet Quitting in the Greek Context
Authors: Georgiadou Andri , Vezyridis Paraskevas , Glaveli Niki
Published: February 2025

This study explores quiet quitting—a distinct form of workplace withdrawal—in the Greek context, adopting a multilevel approach to understand how cultural, institutional and individual factors shape this emerging phenomenon. Drawing upon relevant literature, we investigate the macro, meso‐organizational, and micro‐individual level factors that shape the emergence and persistence of quiet quitting. Through a qualitative, interview‐based methodology, we engage with a diverse sample of Greek Human Resource (HR) managers to capture their perceptions and lived experiences of the factors that contribute to quiet quitting. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between societal shifts, cultural norms, organizational practices, and individual coping mechanisms that give rise to and sustain quiet quitting behaviors. We propose a conceptual framework that situates quiet quitting within the unique socio‐cultural, economic, and institutional realities of the Greek context. This framework reveals how quiet quitting manifests as a dynamic process, initiated by psychological contract breaches and perpetuated through cycles of emotional exhaustion and identity rationalization. By providing a holistic understanding of the quiet quitting phenomenon, this study contributes to the advancement of contextualized Human Resource Management (HRM) research and offers valuable insights for practitioners navigating the challenges of the modern workplace.
The Impact of Say‐On‐Pay on Firm Efficiency in Anglo‐Saxon Economies—Do CEO Personal Traits and CG Mechanisms Matter?
Authors: Joura Essam , Gerged Ali Meftah , Xiao Qin , Ullah Subhan
Published: February 2025

In this study, we explore how the personal traits of CEOs and corporate governance mechanisms moderate the link between say‐on‐pay (SOP) votes and various aspects of firm efficiency. Our sample consists of 1931 firms listed in four Anglo‐Saxon economies (i.e., USA, UK, Canada and Australia) during a period of notable regulatory changes. Our findings reveal a significant and positive impact of SOP votes on firm efficiency. This suggests that company executives recognise that lower efficiency leads to lower pay or even job loss. Interestingly, our analysis indicates that younger managers can contribute more to creating value and improving business performance compared with their older counterparts. However, the relationship between gender and firm efficiency remains inconclusive. Furthermore, our study highlights the limited involvement of the board of directors in driving firm efficiency. This could be attributed to inadequate monitoring, cooperation and communication among board members, particularly in the case of audit committees, which seem to have less skilled members. Alternatively, this lack of board engagement may be due to the influence of powerful managers within the company. This paper also offers practical implications to policymakers and practitioners and suggests avenues for future research that can build upon our evidence.
The Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS): Applicability and Utility in a Sample of Japanese Elementary School Children
Authors: Ikeda Yoshifumi , Kita Yosuke , Takagi Riko , Suzuki Kento , Mammarella Irene Cristina , Caviola Sara , Lanfranchi Silvia , Pulina Francesca , Giofrè David
Published: February 2025

Math anxiety negatively affects math performance and future career choices in math‐related fields. Various tools assess math anxiety, but the Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (AMAS) is noteworthy for its ease of administration and good psychometric properties. This study evaluates the AMAS's applicability and utility in a sample of approximately 170 Japanese elementary‐school children. Findings indicate that the Japanese version of the AMAS has very good internal consistency, good test–retest reliability and validity, both convergent and concurrent. Results from a multigroup analysis showed that the scale shows no gender bias, although girls scored higher on the AMAS despite similar performance to boys on a standardised math test. These findings highlight the AMAS's potential as a screening tool for math anxiety in young children.
Economic Inequality Brings About More Inaction Over Climate Change: The Role of Perception, Discussion, and Responsibility
Authors: Wang Changcheng , Chen Xi , Jiang Tianhe
Published: February 2025

Emerging studies on climate change inaction predominantly focused on exploring its psychological roots. To extend this line of research, the present study was conducted to investigate whether, how and when economic inequality relates to climate change inaction taking into account subjective and objective economic inequality simultaneously. Utilising two large independent samples (Study 1: N = 1, 066; Study 2: N = 518), our research demonstrated causal links between higher subjective and objective economic inequality and increased climate change inaction. In societies with greater economic inequality, climate change inaction was more prevalent compared to those with lower economic inequality. Notably, these relations were mediated by climate change perception and moderated by climate change discussion and responsibility attribution, respectively. The findings advance existing research by identifying economic inequality as a novel antecedent of climate change inaction and further elucidating the underlying process and boundary condition. Additionally, these insights provide practical guidance for inaction‐reduction in the context of climate change.
Acute myeloid leukemia with RAM immunophenotype: A report of three patients and comprehensive literature review
Authors: Parisi Xenia , Ghosh Anindita , Medeiros L. Jeffrey
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The RAM immunophenotype (IP) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is defined by blasts with bright CD56 and weak‐to‐negative CD45, HLA‐DR, and CD38 expression. A RAM IP predominantly presents in infants who have “standard‐risk disease” under current criteria but, when treated accordingly, have devastatingly high rates of minimal residual disease and relapse with lower 3‐year and overall survival rates. However, given the relative rarity of this phenotype, it is neither well‐defined nor readily diagnosed.

Methods

We reviewed the electronic medical records of our institution from 1990 to 2024 for cases of AML expressing bright CD56 on flow cytometry and identified three cases with a RAM IP. Further, we performed a thorough literature search and reviewed impactful studies on pediatric AML and case/series reports of patients with a RAM IP, leading to the identification of 38 more cases.

Results

A total of 41 patients were collected. These patients were toddler age (1–3 years) with an equal sex distribution and clinically presented with low circulating blasts and cytopenias. Blasts were typically French–American–British M0 or M7. Immunophenotypically, CD33 and CD117 showed positivity in >90% of cases, with CD19, CD34, CD41, and CD42b, frequently positive. Half of the cases were positive for CD7 and CD61. T‐cell/myeloid markers were rare, except for cytoplasmic CD3, seen in 1/3, apparently correlating with CBFAT2T3:GLIS1 fusions. Gains in chromosomes 21, 13, and 8 and CBFAT2T3::GLIS1 fusions were frequent.

Conclusion

AML with a RAM IP has a poor prognosis. This study offers a detailed characterization of the clinicopathologic patterns associated with this rare entity, which may help formulate the most appropriate diagnostic approach.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Directed Differentiation Methods and Applications in Brain Diseases
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Ziping , Wang Le , Sun Yanping , Song Huijia , Cheng Xiaokun , He Xiaoliang , Gao Zibin , Sun Yongjun
Published: February 2025

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), similar to embryonic stem cells, are a class of pluripotent stem cells with the potential to differentiate into various kinds of cells. Because the application of hiPSCs obtained by reprogramming patients' somatic cells in the treatment of brain diseases bypasses the ethical constraints on the use of embryonic stem cells and mitigates immune rejection, hiPSCs have profound clinical application prospects. In this review, we first summarized the differentiation methods of hiPSCs into different kinds of neurons, and secondly discussed the application of hiPSCs in several brain disease models, so as to provide a reference for the future application of hiPSCs in the studies and treatment of brain diseases.
Pleistocene habitats for proboscideans from five sites in the Japanese archipelago: Insights from isotopic composition of tooth enamel and dentin collagen
Authors: Naito Yuichi I.
Published: February 2025

Megafauna became extinct during the late Quaternary, with climate changes and human activities the two main proposed extinction drivers. Palaeoloxodon naumanni (Naumann's elephant) and Mammuthus primigenius roamed the Japanese archipelago during the Pleistocene. In contrast to the increasing amount of chronological information regarding extinct elephants, stable isotopic composition of these animals is less well studied, despite its potential to reveal foraging ecologies and surrounding paleoenvironments. The isotopic compositions were measured for tooth enamel and dentin collagen of fifteen P. naumanni and five Mammuthus sp. specimens from Lake Nojiri in Honshu and four sites in Hokkaido, Japan. Statistical differences were observed between the carbon isotopic composition of tooth enamel of the Lake Nojiri elephants and those of the two elephant species in Hokkaido, suggesting more open grassland for the former. In Hokkaido, no overlap was observed in the isotopic compositions of the two species, suggesting a separation in foraging behaviors. The specimens had relatively low nitrogen isotopic composition for Late Pleistocene elephants possibly reflecting an environmental stress at the edge of their distributions. The large isotopic variations of Naumann's elephants suggest that their demise was not triggered by inflexibility in their feeding strategies.
Sodium hypochlorite in cleaning products: Effects on surfactant/oil/water formulations calculated from the hydrophilic–lipophilic difference model
Authors: Falk Nancy A.
Published: February 2025

In this short communication, the role of sodium hypochlorite as a salt in a surfactant‐oil–water system is explored through calculations of the hydrophilic–lipophilic difference model. The effect of hypochlorite salt on hydrophilic–lipophilic difference (HLD) is mathematically calculated for anionic (sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium cocoate) and a zwitterionic surfactant (cocoamidopropyl betaine) having different surfactant parameters (sometimes referred to as characteristic curvatures). Model systems typical of hypochlorite cleaning products showed negative HLD values for lipid soils, but near zero for essential oil components and other low‐equivalent alkane carbon number oils.
Effective Knowledge Management and Organizational Performance: Influence on Effective Response of Hospitals to COVID‐19
Authors: Fonseca Gleison Lopes , da Anunciação Pedro Fernandes , Briones Peñalver Antonio Juan
Published: February 2025

This study aims to analyze the influence of effective knowledge management and organizational performance on the effectiveness of hospitals' responses to COVID‐19. Knowledge management is considered a fundamental resource for achieving improvement in health organizations' performance. Supported by this theoretical lens, this paper analyzes the relationship between the effectiveness of responding to crises and organizational performance. Data were collected through research sent to physicians and nurses who worked in hospitals in Brazil and Portugal. We sent the survey using a professional social network, and we have received 248 valid responses. The PLS‐SEM analysis technique was used to test hypotheses. The results showed that there is a positive correlation between effective knowledge management and organizational performance with the effective response to COVID‐19. In addition, the results suggest the need to develop internal programs to increment knowledge transfers among their professionals. As practical implications, our research validates the relationships between effective knowledge management, organizational performance, and hospital response effectiveness, as well as the importance of effective knowledge management for pandemic management. As originality, this work provides hospitals and other healthcare organizations with a direction to manage key resources to improve their effectiveness response to new disease outbreaks.