bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking to the past to inform the future: What eDNA from herbarium specimens can tell us about plant–animal interactions
Authors: Waters Christopher , Hurt Carla , Krosnick Shawn
Published: February 2025

Premise

The importance of natural history collections in modern ecological and genetic research cannot be overstated. Herbarium specimens provide historical information that can be used to investigate community ecology, phenology, and population genetics. In this study, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and next‐generation sequencing were used to test the efficacy of detecting historical plant–animal interactions from herbarium specimen flowers.

Methods

A modified eDNA isolation method and standard Illumina sequencing protocols were used. Animal eDNA was amplified using both cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S primers to increase detection probability. The relationship between specimen age (0–69 years) and target taxa read depth was also investigated.

Results

We generated and identified over 1.5 million sequences of animal taxa belonging to 29 clades (families or orders). These methods enabled the detection of taxa including birds, mammals, hymenopterans, lepidopterans, coleopterans, and taxa belonging to “intrafloral” communities. While herbarium specimens overall yielded less identifiable eDNA compared to fresh material, the age of the herbarium specimen negligibly affected the amount of target and/or non‐target eDNA detected in flowers.

Discussion

With careful consideration of the types of data that may be obtained through sampling eDNA from herbarium specimens, these methods could prove valuable to future research on plant–animal interactions.
Ionic Device: From Neuromorphic Computing to Interfacing with the Brain
Authors: Huang Zijia , Mei Tingting , Zhu Xinyi , Xiao Kai
Published: February 2025

In living organisms, the modulation of ion conductivity in ion channels of neuron cells enables intelligent behaviors, such as generating, transmitting, and storing neural signals. Drawing inspiration from these natural processes, researchers have fabricated ionic devices that replicate the functions of the nervous system. However, this field remains in its infancy, necessitating extensive foundational research in ionic device preparation, algorithm development, and biological interaction. This review summarizes recently developed neuromorphic ionic devices into three categories based on the materials states: liquid, semi‐solid, and solid. The neural network algorithms embedded in these devices for neuromorphic computing are introduced, and future directions for the development of bidirectional human‐computer interaction and hybrid human‐computer intelligence are discussed.
Holonomy Observables for the Turaev–Viro Model of Quantum Gravity
Authors: Silveira V. M. G. , Hadjimichef D. , Luna E. G. S. , Zen Vasconcellos César A.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a proposal for the study of holonomy observables for the Turaev–Viro model, a model of three‐dimensional Loop Quantum Gravity with a positive cosmological constant. A review of central aspects of Loop Quantum Gravity and of a categorical formalism for discrete gauge theories is presented with the intent to contextualize the Turaev–Viro model within a more general setting, which clarifies the role of the Hopf algebra in its construction. The key results on spin observables for the Turaev–Viro model and on holonomy observables for the Ponzano–Regge model are presented as an effort to develop a theory of holonomy observables for the Turaev–Viro model.
Stabilizing Cathode‐Electrolyte Interface by Low‐Cost Ethyl Methylsulfone Co‐Solvent for High‐Voltage Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Hu Xinran , Hu Wenxi , Peng Deda , Liu Xiaowei , Zhou Xing , Wang Meilong , Zhou Yongyuan , Han Jin , Liu Tiefeng , You Ya
Published: February 2025

Raising the upper cut‐off voltage of cathode is an effective method to improve the energy density of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, the high upper cut‐off voltage could cause severe side reactions and injure the cycle life of SIBs as the absence of stable cathode‐electrolyte interface. Some fluorinated co‐solvents have been ever employed and proven effective in stabilizing the cathode‐electrolyte interface to support the normal operation of SIBs under a high upper cut‐off voltage. However, the high‐cost of fluorinated co‐solvents would notably improve battery expenses. In this study, a low‐cost co‐solvent called ethyl methylsulfone (EMS) is introduced into the electrolyte for the Na0.67Mn0.8Cu0.2O2 cathode with a high upper cut‐off voltage of 4.5 V. It is found that a stable and uniform cathode‐electrolyte interface (CEI) forms on the cathode, which mitigates the cathode degradation and enhances the cycling stability of cathode. Consequently, this cathode with the designed electrolyte achieves a high capacity retention of 83.2 % after 750 cycles at a current density of 1 C (1 C=110 mAh g−1). This work provides valuable insights into the development of electrolytes for sodium‐ion batteries working at high‐voltage.
Impact of Multimorbidity on Symptom Burden and Symptom Clusters in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Harris Carolyn , Hammer Marilyn J. , Conley Yvette P. , Paul Steven M. , Cooper Bruce A. , Shin Joosun , Oppegaard Kate , Morse Lisa , Levine Jon D. , Miaskowski Christine
Published: February 2025

Background

Detailed information on patient characteristics and symptom burden associated with multimorbidity in oncology patients is extremely limited. Purposes were to determine the prevalence of low (≤ 2) and high (≥ 3) multimorbidity in a sample of oncology outpatients (n = 1343) undergoing chemotherapy and evaluate for differences between the two multimorbidity groups in demographic and clinical characteristics; the occurrence, severity, and distress of 38 symptoms; and the stability and consistency of symptom clusters.

Methods

Using the Self‐Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire, patients were classified into low and high multimorbidity groups. Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess the occurrence, severity, and distress of 38 symptoms prior to the patients' second or third cycle of chemotherapy. For each multimorbidity group, symptom clusters based on occurrence rates were identified using exploratory factor analysis.

Results

Compared to the low group (61.4%), patients in the high group (38.6%) were older, had fewer years of education, were less likely to be married or partnered, less likely to be employed, and had a lower annual income. In addition, they had a higher body mass index, poorer functional status, were a longer time since their cancer diagnosis, and were more likely to have received previous cancer treatments and have metastatic disease. Patients in the low and high groups reported 12.7 (±6.7) and 15.9 (±7.5) concurrent symptoms, respectively. Eight and seven symptom clusters were identified for the low and high groups, respectively. Psychological, gastrointestinal, weight gain, hormonal, and respiratory clusters were stable across multimorbidity groups. Weight gain and respiratory clusters were consistent. Three unstable clusters were identified in the low group and two in the high group.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that higher multimorbidity is associated with various social determinants of health and a higher symptom burden. Differences between multimorbidity groups may be related to aging, treatments, and/or comorbid conditions.
The Combined Prognostic Value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT Metabolic Parameters of Immune Organs and Hematological Immune‐Related Markers in Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Authors: Li Yi , Wang Xin , Li Yuanlin , Li Wanhu , Liu Defeng , Guo Longxiang , Liu Xiuli , Li Zhichao , Liu Ao , Li Minghuan
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) metabolic parameters of immune organs and hematological immune‐related markers for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and to establish prognostic nomograms based on these potential biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 180 patients with LACC undergoing CCRT were retrospectively reviewed and randomly divided into training and validation groups at a 7:3 ratio. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic factors for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from hematological immune‐related markers and 18F‐FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters of the primary tumor, spleen, and bone marrow (BM). Nomograms were developed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, concordance index (C‐index), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships among metabolic parameters.

Results

Multivariable analysis identified International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and spleen maximum standardized uptake value (SUVspleen) as independent prognostic factors for PFS. For OS, the independent prognostic factors were FIGO stage, NLR, metabolic tumor volume, and SUVspleen. The nomograms demonstrated better prognostic performance for PFS (area under curve [AUC]: 0.875 and 0.862; C‐index: 0.809 and 0.775) and OS (AUC: 0.858 and 0.814; C‐index: 0.828 and 0.792) in the training and validation groups. Calibration curves and DCA indicated that the nomograms have good predictive accuracy and clinical utility. Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations among total lesion glycolysis, SUVspleen, SUVBM, and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio.

Conclusion

The nomograms based on metabolic parameters of immune organs and hematological immune‐related markers demonstrated high predictive value for patients with LACC undergoing CCRT. The observed correlations between the metabolic parameters of the primary tumor and immune organs suggest a widespread disturbance of systemic immunity caused by the tumor.
Serum Lipid Biomarkers and the Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancers in a Chinese Population: The Kailuan Prospective Study
Authors: Xiao Ying , Du Xin , Wang Tianjie , Liu Dong , You Hongzhao , Wang Hao , Liang Hanyang , Ba Zhengqing , Liu Yilu , Ren Yu , Zeng Jinghan , Yang Weixian , Wu Shouling , Yuan Jiansong
Published: February 2025

Background

Current evidence on relationships between serum lipid biomarkers and the risk of gastrointestinal cancers remains controversial, with no consensus reached.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study within the Kailuan Cohort wherein 88,225 individuals with baseline information on triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was followed from 2006 to 2021 for the incidence of esophageal cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Increased EC risk was associated with high HDL‐C levels (HRQ4vs.Q1 = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.57–3.98), while a U‐shaped relationship between HDL‐C and EC risk was revealed in the RCS analysis (poverall ≤ 0.0001, pnonlinear = 0.02). No robust association was identified between lipid biomarkers and GC risk. In multivariable analysis, increased CRC risk was positively associated with high TC levels (HRQ4vs.Q1 = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.11–1.83, ptrend = 0.03), dose–responsely negatively associated with LDL‐C levels over quartiles (HRQ2vs.Q1 = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.66–1.02; HRQ3vs.Q1 = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.69–1.07; HRQ4vs.Q1 = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53–0.86, ptrend = 0.02), and showed a diminished negative association with HDL‐C levels over quartiles (HRQ2vs.Q1 = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60–0.94; HRQ3vs.Q1 = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61–0.95; HRQ4vs.Q1 = 0.91, 95% CI 0.74–1.13, ptrend = 0.02). The subsequent RCS analysis revealed a linear negative relationship of LDL‐C (poverall = 0.004, pnonlinear = 0.67) and a U‐shaped relationship of HDL‐C (poverall = 0.05, pnonlinear = 0.02) with CRC risk. Competitive risk analysis and sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of our results.

Conclusion

We observed a U‐shaped relationship regarding HDL‐C levels with EC and CRC risk, and a linear inverse relationship between LDL‐C levels and CRC risk. Relevant serum lipid levels should be properly managed in high‐risk individuals of certain gastrointestinal cancers.
Critical Review of Corrugation in Tubular Heat Exchangers: Focus on Thermal and Economical Aspects
Authors: Nawaz Rab , Kazi Salim Newaz , Chew Bee Teng , Mohd Zubir Mohd Nashrul , Shaikh Kaleemullah , Hasnain Samr Ul , Khan Wajahat Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Heat exchangers (HXs) are crucial in transmitting thermal energy in various industrial and domestic applications. Efforts to improve the design of HXs over the years have resulted in heat transfer enhancement with the penalty of pressure loss (∆P). Researchers have implemented various methods to enhance heat transfer. These methods have been categorized based on the need for external power. Active heat transfer methods require external energy, whereas passive heat transfer methods operate without an external power source. Increasing the effective surface area for heat transfer or inducing turbulence through surface alterations can improve passive heat transfer, leading to secondary flow. Of all the surface alterations, the corrugated tubes are particularly significant for enhancing the heat transfer in a turbulent flow, as they result in a reasonable increase in ΔP. Apart from an increase in ΔP, the initial cost of corrugated tube HX is higher than that of simple HX. Therefore, one should not write off the economic analysis of any passive enhancement technique. Various applications increasingly use corrugation in systems like the primary and secondary heat transport systems of nuclear reactors, refrigeration, and other industries. This paper critically reviews thermal investigations for improving heat transfer and a comprehensive economic analysis of corrugated tube HXs.
Structural Heart Disease Interventions. Year in Review 2023–2024
Authors: Marmagkiolis Konstantinos , Caballero Jaime , Votsis Stefanos , Ninios Vlasis , Cilingiroglu Mehmet , Boudoulas Konstantinos Dean , Iliescu Cezar
Published: February 2025

In 2023–2024, there was a surge in research on structural heart disease. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field for both general and interventional cardiologists, especially those with a keen interest in structural heart interventions. It summarizes the most important randomized controlled trials, meta‐analyses, retrospective analyses, data registries, and noteworthy late‐breaking studies unveiled at prominent cardiology conferences.
Photocatalytic Arylations with Diazonium Salts in Aqueous and Biorelevant Media
Authors: Tomás Gamasa María , Fernández-González Xulián , Miguel-Ávila Joan , Mascareñas José Luis
Published: February 2025

Performing designed, abiotic chemical transformations in live environments represents a powerful approach to interrogate and manipulate biology, and to uncover new types of biomedical tools. Despite significant advances in the area, the list of bioorthogonal reactions so far available is still very short, and mainly restricted to the use of strained reactants, or metal‐promoted processes. En route to further expanding the repertoire of biocompatible reactions, we demonstrate here that aryldiazonium salts, well‐established as radical precursors, can react with unsaturated systems in biologically relevant media under photocatalytic conditions, to give either addition or cycloaddition products, depending on the reactants.
Pt‐O Heterointerface Enhanced the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lu Lanlu , Li Ji , Li Xuewen , Yang Shuai , Mei Bingbao , Jiang Zheng
Published: February 2025

The Pt0 was generally considered the most efficient species for water splitting for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. Recently, platinum oxides have also been demonstrated as potential HER catalysts, but lack observation under the states after the catalytic reaction. In this report, we have constructed the Pt oxides cluster with an average size of 0.94 nm on the surface of hydroxylated carbon nanotubes (PtO‐CNT) through the atomic layer deposition technology. The HER electrocatalytic tests of PtO‐CNT exhibited higher current density and mass activities than commercial Pt/C with 0.10, 0.44, and 1.48 A mg−1 Pt. The quasi‐situ X‐ray absorption fine structure spectrum and theoretical calculation revealed the C‐O‐Pt interfaces modulated the Pt nanoparticle was the real active site was better than metallic Pt.
Co and Cu‐based Mixed Metal Oxides Foster Reduction Of CO And Hydrocarbons Emissions From Small Combustion Devices
Authors: Bilkova Tereza , Pacultová Kateřina , Hrbáč Jan , Fridrichová Dagmar , Koštejn Martin , Troppová Ivana , Górecka Sylwia , Obalová Lucie
Published: February 2025

Residential stoves, commonly used for heating, are a significant source of emissions due to the harmful substances produced during biomass combustion, yet they remain largely unregulated. The use of catalytic systems presents a promising approach for mitigating these emissions. This study investigates the potential of Cu‐Mg‐Mn‐Al and Co‐Mg‐Mn‐Al mixed metal oxides, synthesized from hydrotalcite precursors via coprecipitation and calcination, for reducing emissions of CO, C₃H₈, and CH₄. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were thoroughly characterized using techniques such as AAS, XPS, XRD, H₂‐TPR, CO₂‐TPD, and NH₃‐TPD. Catalytic performance was evaluated over a temperature range of 100–500 °C in both two‐component (CO + C₃H₈ or CO + CH₄) and three‐component (CO + C₃H₈ + CH₄) gas mixtures with oxygen. Results revealed that Co‐based catalysts outperformed Cu‐based ones in catalytic activity. However, in the three‐component mixture, the catalytic activity decreased, likely due to competitive adsorption and interactions with active oxygen species. These preliminary findings underscore the potential of mixed metal oxides for emission control in residential stoves, setting the stage for further optimization and application.
Optimal control of axial dispersion tubular reactors with recycle: Addressing state‐delay through transport PDEs
Authors: Moadeli Behrad , Cassol Guilherme Ozorio , Dubljevic Stevan
Published: February 2025

The optimal control of an axial tubular reactor with a recycle stream is addressed as a key type of setting for distributed parameter systems in chemical engineering. The intrinsic time delay from the recycle process, thus far overlooked in relevant literature, is modelled as a transport partial differential equation (PDE), resulting in a system of coupled parabolic and hyperbolic PDEs. Utilizing Danckwerts boundary conditions, the reactor is boundary‐controlled with the control input at the inlet. A continuous‐time optimal linear quadratic regulator is developed to stabilize the infinite‐dimensional system, employing a late lumping approach in order to preserve the properties of the original infinite dimensional system in controller design. The full‐state feedback regulator is designed by solving the Operator Riccati Equation (ORE), leveraging the system's Riesz‐spectral properties. To address practical limitations of full‐state feedback, a Luenberger observer is also proposed, enabling state reconstruction from boundary measurements. Numerical simulations are conducted to evaluate the proposed control strategies. The results demonstrate that the full‐state feedback regulator effectively stabilizes the system. A comparison is made between two configurations where different numbers of eigenmodes were selected to design the controller. The observer‐based regulator also stabilizes the system successfully using merely output measurements, effectively overcoming the challenge of limited state access.
Cardiovascular Efficacy and Safety of Finerenone: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ahmed Mushood , Ahsan Areeba , Shafiq Aimen , Maniya Muhammad Talha , Jain Hritvik , Iqbal Javed , Naveed Muhammad Abdullah , Ahmed Raheel , Rana Jamal S. , Fudim Marat , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Finerenone, a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, has emerged as a novel therapeutic option for the management of patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure. We seek to summarize the evidence on the drug's effectiveness regarding cardiovascular (CV) outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a literature search of Pubmed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to September 2024. Trials exploring the effects of finerenone on CV outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The results of pooled analyses were presented as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of eight trials, incorporating 21 200 patients, were included. The pooled analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in all‐cause death (RR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–0.99), major adverse CV events (RR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.81–0.90), heart failure‐related hospitalizations or unplanned hospital visits (RR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.76–0.87) with finerenone administration compared to control. Finerenone use was associated with a trend of reduced risk of CV death without reaching statistical significance (RR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81–1.00). The risk of myocardial infarction (RR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.74–1.12), adverse events (RR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.89–1.03), adverse events leading to discontinuation (RR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.96–1.17) remained comparable across both groups. However, an increased risk of hyperkalemia (RR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.88–2.27) was observed with finerenone therapy compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Finerenone administration was associated with improved CV outcomes in the CV‐renmetabolic conditions compared to the control group.
Comparison of Single‐Coil Versus Dual‐Coil Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Efficacy and Extraction‐Related Outcomes
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Fawad , Maryyum Adeena , Mubbashir Zainab , Khan Abdul Moiz , Imam Syed Irtiza , Mustafa Fatima , Hasan Syeda Zahra , Shoaib Umer , Iqbal Areej , Saeed Osama , Purushotham Manisha , Khan Maimoona , Tariq Shahtaj , Larik Muhammad Omar , Anjum Muhammad Umair , Hasanain Muhammad , Ayyalu Tanesh , Changez Mah I. Kan , Iqbal Javed
Published: February 2025

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are battery‐operated devices used to manage irregular heart rhythms and deliver therapeutic shocks to the heart. This updated systematic review and meta‐analysis compares the efficacy and extraction‐related outcomes of single‐coil versus dual‐coil ICDs in view of conflicting data.

Methods

Several databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, were comprehensively explored dating from inception to April 1, 2024. Data were compared using odds ratio (OR), hazard ratio (HR), and mean differences (MD). A value of p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results

Ultimately, 28 studies were included in this quantitative synthesis. Defibrillation threshold (DFT) indicated statistical superiority in the dual‐coil cohort (MD: 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07–1.09; p = 0.03). In addition, all‐cause mortality was significantly elevated in the dual‐coil cohort (HR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.87–0.97; p = 0.001). Furthermore, implant time was significantly lower in the single‐coil group (MD: −7.44; 95% CI: −13.44 to −1.43; p = 0.02). Other outcomes, including first shock efficacy, cardiac mortality, post‐extraction major complications, post‐extraction procedural success, and post‐extraction mortality, did not demonstrate any significant statistical differences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite the desirable safety profile of single‐coil ICDs, the use of dual‐coil ICDs continues to hold merit due to their superior efficacy and advanced sensing capabilities, especially in complex cases. In addition, the perceived risk of a greater adverse profile in dual‐coil lead extraction can be refuted by preliminary aggregate results generated within this meta‐analysis. However, further robust studies are warranted before arriving at a valid conclusion.
Pembrolizumab with chemoradiotherapy followed by pembrolizumab for stage III–IVa cervical cancer: is the ENGOT‐cx11/GOG‐3047/KEYNOTE‐A18 trial practice changing?
Authors: Penninx Bart M. F. , Samson Michael J. , Schnog John‐John B.
Published: February 2025

At the second interim analysis, the ENGOT‐cx11/GOG‐3047/KEYNOTE‐A18 demonstrated an overall survival (OS) benefit after 36 months in stage III–IVa cervical cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy and concurrent pembrolizumab followed by 90 weeks of pembrolizumab as compared to placebo (82.6% vs. 74.8%, hazard ratio for death, 0.67 [confidence interval, 0.50–0.90]). Only 51 of 193 progressing patients in the control arm were exposed to immunotherapy after progressing. The reported OS benefit could be explained by suboptimal post‐progression treatment in the control group. Even if pembrolizumab as administered in the ENGOT‐cx11/GOG‐3047/KEYNOTE‐A18 was efficacious, the treatment duration is excessively long. The associated costs render it unattainable in the regions where burden of cervical cancer is highest. Based on these concerns, the findings at the interim analysis of the ENGOT‐cx11/GOG‐3047/KEYNOTE‐A18 RCT should not change practice.
Numerical Simulation of Fluid–Structure Interaction in Axillary Artery Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Yue Shuai , Yan Haojie , Shao Junjie , Zhou Jingjing , Shi Shujin , Wang Haiming , Hong Xiaoyang , Li Jun , Zhang Ran
Published: February 2025

Although axillary artery venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) has been utilized as a mechanical circulatory support for patients with end‐stage heart failure (HF), there is currently insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness and safety. The objective of this study was to analyze the hemodynamic effects of axillary artery VA‐ECMO. To this end, we obtained CT angiographic imaging data of the aorta from a carefully selected heart failure patient with a cardiac output of 2.1 L/min. These data were used to construct a detailed fluid–structure interaction model of the aorta. Axillary artery VA‐ECMO was then simulated within this model, maintaining a constant flow rate of 3 L/min. The intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) balloon was simulated to inflate and deflate in synchrony with the diastolic and systolic phases of the cardiac cycle. Hemodynamic effects, including left ventricular (LV) pressure afterload, vessel wall stress, perfusion of vital organs, blood flow pulsatility, and the watershed region, were calculated using fluid–structure interaction analysis. We found that axillary artery VA‐ECMO delivers well‐distributed, oxygen‐rich blood flow but may increase left ventricular (LV) afterload and reduce cerebral blood flow. However, when combined with IABP, it unloads LV pressure and increases cerebral blood flow. Integrating axillary artery VA‐ECMO with IABP can promote cardiac function recovery and improve oxygen‐rich blood perfusion to the vital organs of heart failure patients.
DFT Study of the Mechanism of Selective Hydrogenation of Acetylene by Rhodium Single‐Atom Catalyst Supported on HY Zeolite
Authors: Yordanlı Melisa Su , Escobar Roberto , Meza Jessica , Akgül Deniz , Zhao Yuxin , Uzun Alper , Ahu Akin F. , Aviyente Viktorya , Atesin Abdurrahman C. , Ateşin Tülay A.
Published: February 2025

The selectivity of acetylene hydrogenation by the Rh single‐atom catalyst (SAC) supported on HY zeolite was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and a 5/83T quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) embedded cluster model. The calculated activation barrier (ΔG≠) for the oxidative addition of dihydrogen to the Rh metal center (15.9 kcal/mol) is lower in energy than that for the σ‐bond metathesis of dihydrogen to the Rh−C bond (22.7 kcal/mol) and the Rh−O bond (28.4 kcal/mol). The activation barriers of the oxidative addition of subsequent dihydrogen molecules are significantly higher than that of the oxidative addition of the first dihydrogen molecule. These findings align with the experimentally observed activity and selectivity of the atomically dispersed Rh catalyst supported on HY zeolite. Natural bond orbital (NBO), molecular orbital (MO) and fuzzy bond order analyses were used to examine the interaction between the Rh metal center and acetylene versus ethylene ligands. The occupancies of the Rh lone pairs, π‐bonding and π*‐antibonding orbitals of acetylene and ethylene are consistent with the expected stronger interaction between the Rh metal center and acetylene compared to ethylene on the HY zeolite support.
Inorganic Nanoparticles in Reproduction Biology: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Barcikowski Stephan , Kundu Sangita , Rehbock Christoph , Kues Wilfried A.
Published: February 2025

The development of inorganic metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) has attracted significant attention in  biomedical and biotechnological fields. An emerging field in this context is the use of MNPs  in reproduction biology. Here, we review the development of MNPs in the field of reproduction  by focusing on their interactions with highly delicate and specialized germ cells like spermatozoa and oocytes as well as developing embryos. By their unique physicochemical properties, MNPs are good candidates for targeted imaging and delivery of biofunctional molecules  to the specific sites of the gametes and reproductive cells. Furthermore, functionalized MNPs can serve as transfection vectors for the generation of transgenic animals by sperm‐mediated gene transfer (SMGT) in artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. In addition, MNPs have shown great promise in application fields such as semen collection, nano‐purification, cryopreservation, and sex sorting of sperm in the livestock industry. The article includes an in‐depth discussion on the uptake, translocation mechanism, and bioresponse of the MNPs to reproduction‐relevant sites on the clinical, cellular, and molecular levels. Based on these promising achievements, the current challenges and prospects of the development of these functionalized MNPs for clinical research in conjunction with the reproductive system will be discussed.
Photosynthesis‐driven yield gains in global wheat breeding trials
Authors: Ding Qiansu , Zhen Xiaoxing , Sadok Walid
Published: February 2025

Increasing wheat yields is critical to meet the demands of a growing population and ensure socioeconomic stability. Rising photosynthesis is being proposed as a promising avenue to increase wheat yields, but evidence for this is conflicting across studies. To test the viability of this hypothesis, here we report a systematic and quantitative literature review examining the association between historic yield increases due to breeding that occurred over 129 years (1890–2019) across the globe and light‐saturated photosynthesis (Asat) for 273 wheat commercial varieties released to farmers in five continents. A positive and highly significant relationship between trial‐corrected grain yield and cultivars’ year of release (YOR) was found globally (R2 = 0.56), with an annual rate of yield increase of 0.84%. Trial‐corrected seed‐fill Asat increased globally at a pace of 0.58% year−1, and this association was the strongest among the examined four phenological stages. Detrended (from YOR), trial‐corrected grain yield and Asat were found to be correlated, with this association being significant only during seed‐fill. The analysis also suggests that historical yield gains may also have been achieved by an increase in water uptake during seed‐fill, but it points to the need for more standardized protocols for measuring gas exchange in such vintage/era studies. Overall, these insights indicate that breeding for higher wheat yields was accompanied by physiological alterations to improve Asat and, possibly, increase water use during the critical seed‐fill period, two traits that are also likely to enhance wheat climate resilience.
Simplified Analysis and Optimal Design Method for LLC Resonant Converter Based Focusing Magnet DC Power Supply in High Power LINAC Applications
Authors: Gauttam V. K. , Dikshit B. , Kasliwal A. , Sharma A.
Published: February 2025

Soft switching of primary‐side semiconductor switches across the full operational range, high‐frequency transformer nonidealities, and the high reactive energy in the resonant tank circuit is key challenges in the design of focusing magnet DC power supplies (FMDPS). To address these issues, this paper presents a simplified and optimized design method for an LLC resonant converter (LLC‐RC)‐based FMDPS in high‐power linear accelerators (LINACs). The proposed LLC‐RC power converter, with its optimal design approach, effectively resolves these challenges, achieving zero voltage switching (ZVS) at turn‐ON across the entire operational range. Additionally, transformer nonidealities such as leakage inductance and magnetizing inductance are absorbed within the resonant tank and utilized to advantage. The proposed converter is designed with an optimal quality factor (Q), minimizing the total reactive energy in the circuit. The work also presents a steady‐state analysis of the proposed topology, along with derived expressions for voltage gain, input impedance, and resonant frequencies. To validate the concept, a 600‐W experimental prototype (input: 250 V; output: 30 V/20A) featuring soft switching throughout the full operating range was developed, achieving a maximum efficiency of 95.99%. The experimental results closely align with the theoretical design and simulation outcomes.
Cell‐free epigenomes enhanced fragmentomics‐based model for early detection of lung cancer
Authors: Wang Yadong , Guo Qiang , Huang Zhicheng , Song Liyang , Zhao Fei , Gu Tiantian , Feng Zhe , Wang Haibo , Li Bowen , Wang Daoyun , Zhou Bin , Guo Chao , Xu Yuan , Song Yang , Zheng Zhibo , Bing Zhongxing , Li Haochen , Yu Xiaoqing , Fung Ka Luk , Xu Heqing , Shi Jianhong , Chen Meng , Hong Shuai , Jin Haoxuan , Tong Shiyuan , Zhu Sibo , Zhu Chen , Song Jinlei , Liu Jing , Li Shanqing , Li Hefei , Sun Xueguang , Liang Naixin
Published: February 2025

Background

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality, highlighting the need for innovative non‐invasive early detection methods. Although cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) analysis shows promise, its sensitivity in early‐stage lung cancer patients remains a challenge. This study aimed to integrate insights from epigenetic modifications and fragmentomic features of cfDNA using machine learning to develop a more accurate lung cancer detection model.

Methods

To address this issue, a multi‐centre prospective cohort study was conducted, with participants harbouring suspicious malignant lung nodules and healthy volunteers recruited from two clinical centres. Plasma cfDNA was analysed for its epigenetic and fragmentomic profiles using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, reduced representation bisulphite sequencing and low‐pass whole‐genome sequencing. Machine learning algorithms were then employed to integrate the multi‐omics data, aiding in the development of a precise lung cancer detection model.

Results

Cancer‐related changes in cfDNA fragmentomics were significantly enriched in specific genes marked by cell‐free epigenomes. A total of 609 genes were identified, and the corresponding cfDNA fragmentomic features were utilised to construct the ensemble model. This model achieved a sensitivity of 90.4% and a specificity of 83.1%, with an AUC of 0.94 in the independent validation set. Notably, the model demonstrated exceptional sensitivity for stage I lung cancer cases, achieving 95.1%. It also showed remarkable performance in detecting minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, with a sensitivity of 96.2%, highlighting its potential for early detection in clinical settings.

Conclusions

With feature selection guided by multiple epigenetic sequencing approaches, the cfDNA fragmentomics‐based machine learning model demonstrated outstanding performance in the independent validation cohort. These findings highlight its potential as an effective non‐invasive strategy for the early detection of lung cancer.

Keypoints

Our study elucidated the regulatory relationships between epigenetic modifications and their effects on fragmentomic features.

Identifying epigenetically regulated genes provided a critical foundation for developing the cfDNA fragmentomics‐based machine learning model.

The model demonstrated exceptional clinical performance, highlighting its substantial potential for translational application in clinical practice.
Hair EtG Testing in Combination With Measurements of PEth and EtG in Blood to Improve the Assessment of Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Bevan Siân , Tsanaclis Lolita
Published: February 2025

Ethyl glucuronide detection in hair (H‐EtG) effectively diagnoses long‐term abstinence and differentiates between social and chronic excessive alcohol use. However, hair testing does not capture alcohol consumption within the week prior to sample collection. To address this limitation, blood tests like phosphatidylethanol (PEth) and blood ethyl glucuronide (B‐EtG) are used alongside H‐EtG, extending alcohol detection from minutes after drinking up to the period covered by hair. A total of 1205 cases were selected, where H‐EtG was analysed in hair segments over 3 cm long, and concurrent fingertip blood samples in dried blood spots (DBSs) were analysed for PEth and B‐EtG using UPLC/ESI‐MS/MS with cut‐offs: H‐EtG = 5 pg/mg, PEth = 20 ng/mL and B‐EtG = 10 ng/mL. A total of 468 (39%) cases showed H‐EtG, PEth and B‐EtG levels below cut‐off, consistent with abstinence, while 198 (16%) were above cut‐off, indicating continuous alcohol consumption. The remaining cases exhibited various patterns. B‐EtG was negative in 282 cases (23%), with H‐EtG and PEth detected, suggesting alcohol use but not recently. PEth was positive, but H‐EtG and B‐EtG were negative in 149 cases (12%), indicating alcohol use within a month, but not recently. H‐EtG was positive in 78 cases (6%), with PEth and B‐EtG negative, confirming recent abstinence. H‐EtG was negative in 27 cases (2%), indicating no alcohol use for months, but recent consumption was confirmed by the detection of PEth and B‐EtG. Only two cases (0.2%) had positive B‐EtG with negative H‐EtG and PEth, indicating recent alcohol use. The results confirm the value of combining H‐EtG with concurrent blood testing of PEth and B‐EtG, significantly enhancing drinking history assessment.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Symptoms in Adolescent Patients With Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction
Authors: Matherne Camden E. , Watson Hunna J. , Schmidt Ricarda , Zhu Lisa , Pamperin Cassandra , van Tilburg Miranda , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) share clinical characteristics. However, research on the prevalence of ARFID symptoms in youth with DGBI and the clinical presentation of DGBI youth with varying levels of ARFID symptoms is limited.

Method

In this cross‐sectional observational study, 38 adolescents (range 12–17 years; 71% female) with a diagnosed DGBI receiving treatment at a pediatric gastroenterology clinic and a primary caregiver completed the Nine Item ARFID Screen (NIAS). Gastrointestinal (GI), psychiatric, quality of life (QOL), and weight/growth outcomes were assessed via youth‐ and caregiver‐reported questionnaires, anthropometrics, and a water load test. ARFID symptoms were characterized, and their associations with GI, psychiatric symptoms, QOL, and weight/growth outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Clinically significant ARFID symptoms were reported by 42% of youth and 55% of caregivers. ARFID symptoms were associated with more severe GI and psychiatric symptoms, lower QOL, and clinically significant weight loss or faltering growth. While associations became non‐significant after false discovery rate correction, the effect sizes were medium to large, clearly demonstrating meaningful associations. Agreements between youth and caregiver NIAS reports were good to excellent.

Discussion

ARFID symptoms are common in adolescents with DGBI and associated with clinical severity. Further elucidating this common co‐morbidity and developing guidelines for effective co‐management are priorities.
Effect of Forest Management Practices on Water Balance Across a Water–Energy Gradient in the Upper Kings River Basin, USA
Authors: Casirati Stefano , Conklin Martha H. , Nandi Saswata , Safeeq Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Headwater watersheds and forests play a crucial role in ensuring water security for the western United States. Reducing forest biomass from the current overgrown forests can mitigate the severity and impact of wildfires and offer additional competing ecohydrological benefits. A reduction in canopy interception and transpiration following forest treatments can lead to an increase in available water for the remaining trees and runoff. However, the impact of forest management on water balance can be highly variable due to differences in climate, topography, location and vegetation. In this study, we used the Soil Water Assessment Tool Plus model to investigate how decisions regarding location, intensity and scale of forest treatments can affect both evapotranspiration and streamflow in a large watershed such as the upper Kings River Basin (3998 km2). The model was parameterized using a multiobjective calibration of streamflow, snow water equivalent and evapotranspiration. Various forest treatment scenarios were simulated across different years and regions in the landscape. Modelling results show that during dry years, streamflow gains from biomass reduction are primarily originated from energy‐limited regions (i.e., 82% of total streamflow increase in the first year). In water‐limited regions, the water is prioritized for sustaining remaining trees, improving forest health and recharging subsurface storage, rather than increasing streamflow. During wet years, the contribution to streamflow from biomass reduction comes from both energy‐ and water‐limited areas. These findings emphasize the importance of evaluating forest treatments on a larger scale. The competing benefits for forests and downstream users are driven by the energy and water limitations of the vegetation targeted by forest treatments, as well as the climate variability that modulates the water availability and forest recovery time.
A novel method for mapping high‐precision animal locations using high‐resolution imagery
Authors: Axsom Ian J. , Fricker Geoffrey A. , Bean William T.
Published: February 2025

Investigating ecological questions at the scale of individual organisms is necessary to understand and predict the biological consequences of changing environmental conditions. For small organisms, this can be challenging because ecologists need tools with the appropriate accuracy, precision, and resolution to record and quantify their ecological interactions. Unfortunately, many existing tools are only appropriate for medium to large organisms or those that are wide‐ranging, inhibiting our ability to investigate the spatial ecology of small organisms at fine scales. Here, we tested a novel workflow for recording animal locations at very fine (decimeter) spatial scales, which we refer to as high‐resolution orthomosaic location recording (HOLR). The workflow for HOLR combined direct observations with data collection of locations on high‐resolution uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery loaded on smartphones. Observers identified landscape features they recognized in the imagery and estimated positions relative to these visual landmarks. We found HOLR was approximately twice as accurate as consumer‐grade GPS devices, with a mean error of 0.75 m and a median error of 0.30 m. We also found that performance varied across landscape features, with the highest accuracy in areas that had more visual landmarks for observers to use as reference points. In addition to submeter accuracy, HOLR was cost‐effective and practical in the field, requiring no bulky equipment and allowing observers to easily record locations away from their own position. This workflow can be used to record locations in a variety of situations, but it will be particularly cost‐effective when users simultaneously utilize the high‐resolution environmental data contained within UAV imagery. Together, these tools can expand the application of spatial ecology research to smaller organisms than ever before.
Assessment of Biological Age With Conventional Ultrasound Imaging as an Alternative to X‐Ray—A Pilot Study in Youth Soccer
Authors: Widmer Chantal , Busch Jasmin D. , Born Dennis‐Peter , Romann Michael
Published: February 2025

The aim of the study was to evaluate conventional ultrasound (US) as a radiation‐free alternative to X‐ray for determining biological age (BA; indicated by skeletal age). BA, was determined in 24 healthy, male, elite youth soccer goalkeepers around peak height velocity (11–16 years of age) using both X‐ray and conventional US scans of the left hand. X‐ray scans were evaluated using the Tanner–Whitehouse 2 method. Conventional US scans served to determine BA via ossification ratios of 13 hand and wrist bones. The new conventional US method showed very strong correlation with X‐ray r = 0.90 (p < 0.05). However, the agreement for the difference in BA and CA, which accounts for age‐related variance, was classified poor (ICC = 0.48, p < 0.05). Additionally, linear regression analysis and the Bland–Altman plot suggested the presence of a systematic and proportional overestimation of BA in younger players and an underestimation of BA in older players. Furthermore, Cohen's kappa showed a moderate agreement between players' classification into maturity groups for the two assessment methods. In conclusion, our study has shown that using US‐derived ossification ratios did not deliver valid results compared to X‐ray when determining BA in youth soccer goalkeepers.
Vine‐Copula Seismic Functionality Evaluation Method of Medical Room Systems Based on Shaking Table Tests
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhai Changhai , Pei Shunshun , Song Zhuoru , Zhou Bochang
Published: February 2025

A room, as a critical unit of a building, plays a key role in fulfilling functional demands, which relies on the coordinated performance of essential equipment and facilities. Understanding the seismic damage mechanisms and correlations among room components is crucial for assessing the post‐earthquake functionality of the rooms and the entire building. In this study, shaking table tests on a full‐scale medical room model were conducted to investigate these issues. The results revealed the damage correlations of medical equipment within the same room and that the damage patterns were influenced by room layouts and equipment spacing. Based on these findings, a functionality evaluation method for room systems was developed by using mutual information and vine copulas to account for the component correlations. Incorporating the experimental results, the model demonstrated its ability to describe the damage correlations among components. Moreover, the seismic fragility curves of the room system were provided by the proposed model. The proposed vine‐copula‐based method offers a novel tool for linking individual component fragility to the seismic functionality evaluation of building systems, enabling rapid evaluations of building and room system seismic functionality that consider damage correlations among components.