bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbulent Flow Structure in a Symmetric Compound Channel With Flexible Emergent Vegetation Over Floodplains
Authors: Rathod Laxman V. , Timbadiya P. V. , Barman Bandita
Published: January 2025

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the influence of emergent flexible floodplain (FP) vegetation on the turbulent flow structure in a symmetric compound channel. The foliage patterns of the artificial flexible vegetation used in our experimental sets were as follows: no vegetation, homogeneous grass and shrubs and a heterogeneous mixture of grass and shrubs arranged in a staggered pattern. An analysis of the velocity data revealed an observable decrease in velocity across the FP owing to the presence of vegetation and a significant increase in the mean streamwise velocity in the middle of the main channel (MC). The effect was higher in the case of heterogeneous vegetation. This indicates that a heterogeneous mixture of grass and shrubs provides a higher resistance than homogeneous grass or shrubs separately. It enhances the lateral momentum transfer owing to the fast‐moving MC flow and low‐velocity FP flow. The turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and Reynolds shear stress (RSS) were higher in the vegetative MC than in the non‐vegetative channel. In contrast, these were lower in the vegetative FP than in the non‐vegetative FP. An octant analysis showed a decrease in ejection events in both FP and MC and an increase in sweep events in the MC owing to FP vegetation. The reduction in ejection events contributed to the breakdown of vortices and reduced turbulence. Meanwhile, the increase in sweep events enhanced the sediment entrainment. These results indicate that heterogeneous FP vegetation significantly affects the flow dynamics and turbulent parameters in a compound channel.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance and Theoretical Insights of Ni‐Intercalated Ti3C2TxMXene
Authors: Mehdi Syed Muhammad Zain , Ghulam Abbas Hafiz , Ali Muzahir , Rizvi Syed Bilal Hasan , Choi Sung Ryul , Goak Jeung Choon , Seo Yongho , Kumar Sunil , Lee Naesung
Published: January 2025

Two‐dimensional MXenes are renowned for their remarkable electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity making them highly promising for electrode applications. However, the restacking of MXene nanosheets impairs their functionality by reducing active sites and obstructing ionic transport. This study presents a facile synthesis approach for nickel‐intercalated MXene, designed to enhance surface reactivity, avoid restacking, and achieve improved electrochemical performance. Electrochemical studies revealed that the nickel‐MXene hybrid showed better cycling stability, retaining 83.7% of its capacity after 10 000 cycles and attaining an energy density of 26 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1872 W kg−1. It also exhibited overpotentials of 109 and 482 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, in the hydrogen evolution reaction. To predict the structural and electrical alterations caused by nickel inclusion, as well as to understand the intercalation mechanism, spin‐polarized density functional theory calculations were carried out. The theoretical results showed an improved carrier concentration for nickel‐MXene. Nickel‐MXene possessed superior electronic characteristics and surplus active sites with hexagonal closed‐packed (hcp) edge sites, which enhanced electrochemical properties. Our results demonstrate that nickel intercalation prevents the restacking of MXene but also significantly improves their electrochemical characteristics, making them ideal for energy storage and catalytic applications.
State of precision medicine for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in a new therapeutic age
Authors: Rasalam Roy , Sindone Andrew , Deed Gary , Audehm Ralph G. , Atherton John J.
Published: January 2025

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is defined by heart failure (HF) with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of at least 50%. HFpEF has a complex and heterogeneous pathophysiology with multiple co‐morbidities contributing to its presentation. Establishing the diagnosis of HFpEF can be challenging. Two algorithms, the ‘Heavy, 2 or more Hypertensive drugs, atrial Fibrillation, Pulmonary hypertension, Elderly age >60, elevated Filling pressures’ (H2FPEF) and the ‘Heart Failure Association Pre‐test assessment, Echocardiography and natriuretic peptide, Functional testing, Final aetiology’ (HFA‐PEFF), can help to determine the likelihood of HFpEF in individuals with symptoms of HF. Phenotype clusters defined largely by the total number and types of co‐morbidities may delineate groups of patients with HFpEF with different management needs. It is important to recognize alternative diagnoses or HFpEF mimics such as infiltrative cardiomyopathies, coronary artery disease, lung disease, anxiety, depression, anaemia, severe obesity, and physical deconditioning, among others. Treatment with sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin and empagliflozin) is recommended for all patients with HFpEF unless contraindicated. Future research should consider alternative approaches to guide the initial diagnosis and treatment of HFpEF, including phenotype clustering models and artificial intelligence, and consider whether LVEF is the most useful distinguishing feature for categorizing HF. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating novel pharmacological and device‐based approaches to address the pathophysiological consequences of HFpEF.
Guaiacylglycerol as an Intermediate in Vanillin Production during Oxidative Conversion of Guaiacyl Lignin under Alkaline Conditions
Authors: Hayashi Takuya , Ishikawa Ayami , Hosoya Takashi , Miyafuji Hisashi
Published: January 2025

Depolymerizing lignin into hydroxybenzaldehydes like vanillin via oxidative degradation is a promising approach for lignin valorization. Alkaline nitrobenzene (AN) oxidation is a highly selective method for oxidative lignin conversion and serves as a benchmark in lignin chemistry, yet its reaction mechanisms are not fully understood. Previously, we proposed a pathway converting a phenolic β‐O‐4 model compound, erythro‐guaiacylglycerol‐β‐guaiacyl ether (GG), into vanillin through enol ether intermediates, E/Z‐2‐methoxy‐4‐[2‐(2‐methoxyphenoxy)‐ethenyl]‐phenol EE. This study extends that work by exploring alternative AN oxidation pathways of GG that bypass EE. Through experiments assessing the impact of OH− concentration and studying deuterium incorporation at the α‐position of vanillin produced from both GG and isolated EE in NaOD/D₂O, we identified guaiacylglycerol (GGL) as a new intermediate in a distinct pathway. GGL forms via β‐ether cleavage of a dianion arising from dual deprotonation of GG′s phenolic and α‐OH groups, a process favored under high OH− concentrations conducive to dianion formation. Subsequent oxidation of GGL yields vanillin, with significant exchange of the α‐hydrogen with solvent molecules. This study elucidates the complex mechanisms of AN oxidation and introduces novel intermediates and pathways, enhancing strategies for efficient lignin conversion into valuable chemicals.
Synthesis of Indole‐Fused Chromane‐Based Spirooxindoles via Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Regioselective [5+1] Annulation
Authors: Ye Le‐Hua , Cheng Xiao , Zhu Zi‐Qi , Shi Feng
Published: January 2025

A regioselective [5+1] annulation of 2‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)phenols with isatins was established by the catalysis of Brønsted acid. Through this strategy, indole‐fused chromane‐based spirooxindoles bearing a quaternary carbon center were synthesized in moderate to good yields (53 % to 99 %) with excellent regioselectivities. Mechanism study demonstrated the importance of hydrogen‐bonding interaction between the N−H group of the substrates and the acid catalyst. Moreover, an indolylmethanol‐type intermediate was possibly generated after the first nucleophilic addition of indole C3‐position to isatins during the reaction process. This transformation not only provided a good example for using 2‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)phenols as 1,5‐C/O‐dinucleophiles in [5+1] annulations under acidic environment, but also achieved the first construction of indole‐fused chromane‐based spirooxindole frameworks.
Circulating Tumor HPV‐DNA in the Management of HPV‐Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Allen M. , Tjoa Tjoson , Armstrong William B.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Blood‐borne, cell‐free DNA has been proposed as a means of individualizing the management of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods and Materials

This study was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Protocols (PRISMA‐P) statement. A comprehensive literature search of peer‐reviewed publications from January 2013 to January 2024 was undertaken to identify prospective studies pertaining to the use of circulating HPV‐DNA for oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Results

A total of 11 prospective studies were identified and differed in their clinical design, methods, and endpoints. Five included patients treated by chemoradiation; 3 by surgery; 2 by both; and 1 not specified. The timing and frequency of HPV‐DNA draws was highly variable. The sample size ranged from 16 to 262 (mean, 99 patients).

Conclusions

While interest is growing with integrating circulating HPV‐DNA into clinical practice, the supporting evidence is limited by the heterogeneity of the evidence.
Nuances in the Treatment of Ewing Sarcoma of the Head and Neck in a Low–Middle‐Income Country Setting: A Multi‐Disciplinary Approach
Authors: Sasi Archana , Ganguly Shuvadeep , Thakar Alok , Sikka Kapil , Agarwala Sandeep , Pushpam Deepam , Kumar Akash , Biswas Bivas , Meel Rachna , Biswas Ahitagni , Barwad Adarsh , Mridha Asit Ranjan , Bakhshi Sameer
Published: January 2025

Background

Ewing sarcoma of the head and neck (ES‐HN) is a rare subsite of ES, where therapeutic outcomes need to be explored further.

Methods

This retrospective study includes ES‐HN patients registered at our center between 2003 and 2019. Demographic details and treatment outcomes were recorded from the hospital database. Prognostic factors for survival were identified by Cox regression.

Results

Eighty‐five patients were included. Metastatic disease was seen in nine patients (10.59%). Local therapy included radiotherapy alone (n = 38; 44.7%), surgery plus radiotherapy (n = 15; 17.6%), or surgery alone (n = 8; 9.4%). The median overall survival (OS) was 37.4 months. On multivariable analysis, osseous primary (HR 0.40; p = 0.009) and male sex (HR 0.43; p = 0.023) were associated with superior OS. Leucocytosis (HR 3.46; p = 0.001) was associated with inferior OS.

Conclusions

ES‐HN has favorable biology with metastases being rare at baseline. However, leucocytosis, extra‐osseous disease, and female sex are poor prognostic factors. In resource‐challenged settings, difficulties in administering local therapy may contribute to inferior outcomes.
Some Challenges of Diffused Interfaces in Implicit‐Solvent Models
Authors: Guerrero‐Montero Mauricio , Bosy Michał , Cooper Christopher D.
Published: January 2025

The standard Poisson‐Boltzmann (PB) model for molecular electrostatics assumes a sharp variation of the permittivity and salt concentration along the solute‐solvent interface. The discontinuous field parameters are not only difficult numerically, but also are not a realistic physical picture, as it forces the dielectric constant and ionic strength of bulk in the near‐solute region. An alternative to alleviate some of these issues is to represent the molecular surface as a diffuse interface, however, this also presents challenges. In this work we analyzed the impact of the shape of the interfacial variation of the field parameters in solvation and binding energy. However we used a hyperbolic tangent function to couple the internal and external regions, our analysis is valid for other definitions. Our methodology, restricted to the linear PB, was based on a coupled finite element (FEM) and boundary element (BEM) scheme that allowed us to have a special treatment of the permittivity and ionic strength in a bounded FEM region near the interface, while maintaining BEM elsewhere. Our results suggest that the shape of the function (represented by ) has a large impact on solvation and binding energy. We saw that high values of induce a high gradient on the interface, to the limit of recovering the sharp jump when , presenting a numerical challenge where careful meshing is key. Using the FreeSolv database to compare with molecular dynamics, our calculations indicate that an optimal value of for solvation energies was around 3. However, more challenging binding free energy tests make this conclusion more difficult, as binding showed to be very sensitive to small variations of . In that case, optimal values of ranged from 2 to 20.
Improved bioethanol production from cocoa agro‐industrial waste optimization based on reaction rate rules
Authors: Aguilar‐López Ricardo , López‐Pérez Pablo A. , Femat Ricardo , Alvarado‐Santos Eduardo
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Bioethanol production was enhanced from cocoa agro‐industrial wastes by optimizing the reaction rate. A lab‐scale set‐up allowed us to show the proof of concept, in which agro‐industrial wastes were fermented by Candida krusei. The goal was to show how a simple equation, based on Euler–Lagrange theory, has a feedback structure to command online from the measured variables related to cell growth and metabolism. The online correction involved computation of the feeding rate Fin from the derived equation.

RESULTS

The proposed improvement resulted in increased bioethanol production. Bioethanol production from exponential and pulse strategies was 61 and 75 g L−1, respectively, but reached 85 g L−1 with the proposed improvement. The initial glucose concentration for the proof of concept was 60 g L−1. The results show that the proposed optimization enhanced bioethanol production by about 24% and 36% with respect to exponential and pulse strategies, respectively. Thus, the Euler–Lagrange theory improves bioethanol production through Fin by optimizing the reaction rate with a very simple real‐time implementation.

CONCLUSION

This contribution provides a solid basis for potential industrial implementation with only the inflow profile as the unique measured variable to produce bioethanol as fuel from agro‐industrial wastes. Thus, the proposed optimization might provide long‐term benefits for economical bioethanol production via industrial ecology in terms of a carbon‐neutral circular economy. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The 2022 ADEA Climate Study in U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools and Allied Dental Programs: Methodological Considerations
Authors: Inglehart Marita R. , West Karen P. , Stolberg Rebecca , Krzanowski Steven , Smith Sonya Gyjuan , Lee Angelo , Ester Todd V. , Tucker‐Lively Felicia L. , Smith Carlos S. , Taylor George W. , Ware Tawana K. , Moran Rosa Chaviano , Garcia M. Nathalia , Hogan Rachel E. , Lopez‐Fuentes Ana N. , Mitchell Dennis A. , Schwartz Scott B.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

From January 2020 to the end of August 2020, preliminary research gathered data about the need for and the feasibility of an ADEA‐led joint Climate Study of dental schools and allied dental programs in the United States and Canada. Informed by these findings, the first ever ADEA‐led joint Climate Study took place in 2022. The objectives of this manuscript were to describe the timeline of this climate study and provide information about its methodology, specifically about (a) who participated in this research, (b) what was assessed, (c) how the study was conducted, and (d) how the results were communicated.

Methods

In 2021, the consulting company Nonprofit HR, members of the ADEA Collaborative on Dental Education Climate Assessment and campus liaisons collaborated on designing the 2022 ADEA‐led Climate Study.

Results

Between January 1 and April 1, 2022, survey data were collected in the United States (N = 16,518), Canada (N = 1042), and Puerto Rico (N = 145) from 10,281 students, 2591 staff, 4026 faculty, 359 administrators, and 443 administrators with faculty positions in dental schools and allied dental programs. Social identity information about the respondents’ gender identity, ethnicity/race, sexual orientation, and ability status was assessed. Survey questions focused on assessing respondents’ perceptions/experiences with their own institutions’ climate and the degree to which it was inclusive. The questionnaire collected information about their well‐being, sense of belonging and cultural competence, their perceptions/experiences with harassment and discrimination, with their institutions’ diversity, equity, and inclusion‐related programming, activities, and leadership practices. Careful attention was given to how the data were collected and how the results were shared with the participating academic institutions and the dental education community at large.

Conclusions

Institution‐specific results of this 2022 ADEA Climate Study were shared with the participating dental schools and allied dental programs to provide them with a better understanding of their own cultural climate. This special issue of the Journal of Dental Education provides dental educators with an overview of the results of this first ever ADEA‐led Climate Study of U.S. and Canadian dental schools and allied dental programs.
Serial Quantitative Evaluation of Load Redistribution and Osteotomy Gap After Medial Open‐Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Cho Jae Woo , Song Yoo Sung , Park Se Jin , Lee Won Woo , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: January 2025

The goal of medial open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW‐HTO) is to redistribute load by realigning the lower limb. This surgery is indicated for mild to moderate medial compartment osteoarthritis with varus deformity in cases unresponsive to conservative treatment. Procedures for accompanying cartilage lesions, such as multiple drilling on the medial femoral condyle (MFC), are often performed simultaneously, potentially affecting bone metabolism along with load redistribution and union progression. This study assessed changes in bone metabolism following MOW‐HTO. Two‐year follow‐up data were collected from 51 knees undergoing MOW‐HTO between March 2019 and December 2020. Single‐photon emission computed tomography and conventional CT (SPECT/CT) were performed on postoperative Day 1, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured in each compartment and the osteotomy gap. At 1 year postoperatively, SUVmax decreased in the medial femur and tibia zones (p < 0.001). SUVmax decreased in the lateral osteotomy gap zones at 1 year (p = 0.001 anterior; p = 0.002 posterior), while medial zones showed a sustained increase. At the posteromedial zone, SUVmax decreased at 2 years (p = 0.012). Subjects were divided into two groups: those with MFC drilling (group one) and those without (group two). SUVmax was higher in group one throughout the 2 years (p < 0.001). Unloading effects were notable in the medial compartment. MFC drilling increased SUVmax, creating different patterns between groups. SUVmax decrease in the osteotomy gap occurred earlier in the lateral zone.
Porphyrin‐Based Covalent Organic Framework Reinforced Hollow Fiber for Solid‐Phase Microextraction of Tebuconazole and Propiconazole
Authors: Kavian Marzieh , Ghani Milad , Raoof Jahan Bakhsh
Published: January 2025

Herein, an amino‐functionalized covalent organic framework was synthesized and accommodated in the pores of porous hollow fiber. In this context, tetra (4‐aminophenyl) porphyrin was synthesized for preparing the desired covalent organic framework as the extracting sorbent and employed for hollow fiber solid‐phase microextraction of tebuconazole and propiconazole. With respect to the amino groups of the as‐synthesized porphyrin‐based covalent organic framework, the extracting device has the ability of establishing a hydrogen bond with the selected model analytes. Under the optimum condition, the linear range of the method for both analytes were estimated in the range of 0.5–200 µg L−1 (the coefficient of determination of 0.9962 for tebuconazole and 0.9990 for propiconazole). The limits of detection of the method for tebuconazole and propiconazole were calculated to 0.02 µg g−1 and 0.03 µg g−1, respectively. The limits of quantification of the method were also estimated for two analytes equal to 0.07 and 0.08 µg g−1, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviations, which fell between 1.8% and 4.7%, were computed to assess the accuracy of the suggested approach. The proposed method was used for the extraction and determination of tebuconazole and propiconazole in tomato, cucumber, apple, cabbage, and carrot, which the obtained results showed the success of the method in extracting and determining of these analytes from the target samples.
Study on Interaction Between 5‐(4 Methoxyphenyl)‐1‐Phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐Triazole with High‐Abundant Blood Proteins and Identification of Low‐Abundant Proteins by Serum Proteomics
Authors: Xie Cong , Duan Hongye , Liu Rongqiang , Si Hongzong , Yao Xiaojun , He Wenying
Published: January 2025

A comprehensive strategy, including spectroscopic, molecular simulation, proteomics, and bioinformatics techniques, was employed to investigate a novel triazole, 5‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole, its interactions with high‐abundance blood proteins, and identification of low‐abundance proteins. The binding constants and thermodynamic parameters of the triazole to two high‐abundance blood globular proteins, human serum albumin, and human immunoglobulin G (HIgG), were obtained by spectroscopic techniques and computational chemistry. The two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis in combination with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was employed to isolate and identify differentially expressed low‐abundance proteins in human blood serum samples following exposure to the triazole. The results indicated that there is strong binding of the triazole to human serum albumin/HIgG and hydrophobic interaction plays a main role in the system. There were 21 highly expressed proteins identified from blood serum samples intervened by the triazole. By bioinformatics analysis, one of the differential proteins, kininogen‐1 protein, was to explore the mechanism of action of 5‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole intervention on the kallikrein–kinin signaling pathways related to HeLa cervical cancer cells. The triazole displayed antiproliferative activity and significantly altered a kallikrein‐10 expression, suggesting a possible antitumor mechanism involving the kallikrein–kinin system. These research findings provide scientific insights for further development and application of the 1,2,3‐triazole compound. The study highlights the potential of the compound as a multifunctional pharmaceutical agent, particularly in cancer therapies, and lays the foundation for its future clinical applications in targeting drug–protein interactions.
Early Motor Signs in Pathologically Verified Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Disease
Authors: Oh Daniel M. , Jiao Jocelyn M. , Wang Xinhui , Ahuja Ashim , Caceres Nenette A. , Clark Kristi A. , Chui Helena , Ringman John M.
Published: January 2025

Background

The neuropathologies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) commonly co‐occur. Parkinsonism is the hallmark feature in LBD but it can be difficult to predict the presence of these co‐pathologies early in the course of clinical disease. Timely diagnosis has crucial implications, especially with the advent of disease‐modifying therapies.

Objectives

We sought to define early motor features that predict the ultimate neuropathological diagnoses of normal, AD, AD with concurrent LB pathology, and pure LB.

Methods

We examined the associations between individuals’ early motor features from their initial visit using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III and their neuropathological diagnoses using the U.S. National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Database.

Results

We included data from participants with neuropathologically normal brains (n = 49), AD (n = 502), AD w/LB (n = 167), and pure LB (n = 51). Total UPDRS Part III scores were increasingly higher with purer LB pathology. Decreased facial expression at baseline differentiated those with AD w/LB pathology from those with AD. Participants having pure LB pathology more often had deficits in speech, facial expression, posture, gait, bradykinesia, and upper extremity rigidity relative to those with AD w/LB.

Conclusion

Diminished facial expression significantly predicted the presence of LBs among those with concurrent AD pathology. Worse early speech, facial expression, posture, gait, bradykinesia, and upper extremity rigidity were suggestive of more pure LB pathology. These findings emphasize the utility of the neurological exam in the clinical assessment of persons with cognitive complaints as it can guide management.
Infinitely Many Positive Nonradial Solutions for the Kirchhoff Equation
Authors: Guo Hui , Tang Boling , Wang Tao
Published: January 2025

We are concerned with the existence of positive nonradial solutions to the following Kirchhoff equation:
where and are radial functions having the following expansions:
with and . By introducing the Miranda theorem and developing some delicate analysis, we construct infinitely many positive nonradial multibump solutions of this equation under suitable numbers via the Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction method, whose maximum points lie on the top and bottom circles of a cylinder close to infinity. These nonradial multibump solutions are different from the ones obtained in a previous study. This result complements and extends the previous results in the literature.
Electrophysiological Abnormalities in Finger Extension Weakness and DOwnbeat Nystagmus Motor Neuron Disease: Three New Patients and Review of the Literature
Authors: Theuriet Julian , Bernard Emilien , Guy Nathalie , Taithe Frédéric , Even Cécilia , Maisonobe Thierry , Sangaré Aude , Lardeux Pierre , Tilikete Caroline Froment , Couratier Philippe , Lenglet Timothée , Pegat Antoine
Published: January 2025

Introduction/Aims

Finger Extension Weakness and DOwnbeat Nystagmus Motor Neuron Disease (FEWDON‐MND) is characterized by motor weakness predominantly affecting finger extension, accompanied by downbeat nystagmus. To date, only 11 patients have been reported. The present study adds a further three and aims to provide a more detailed description of the electrodiagnostic features of these patients.

Methods

We present the clinical and electrophysiological features of three French patients from specialized motor neuron centers and review the electrophysiological findings of previously reported patients.

Results

These three patients presented with pure motor weakness affecting finger extension and downbeat nystagmus. They exhibited a slowly progressive disease course without respiratory involvement. Nerve conduction studies showed decreased compound muscle action potential amplitudes in the extensor indicis muscles. Abnormal spontaneous activity on needle electromyography (EMG) was rare in two patients, absent in one, and otherwise limited to weak muscles. Additionally, chronic motor axon loss features suggestive of motor neuronopathy were seen in our patients. Importantly, they were also detected in distant asymptomatic muscles.

Discussion

The three patients reported here confirm the typical phenotype of FEWDON‐MND, characterized by slowly progressive distal motor weakness initially affecting finger extension, associated with downbeat nystagmus. Although chronic motor axon loss features have been found in all reported patients, our three patients show that active denervation can be absent or rare. Thus, finger drop and diffuse chronic neurogenic changes on EMG should lead clinicians to look for downbeat nystagmus and to consider FEWDON‐MND.
Uncertainty Quantification of the Short‐ and Long‐Term Behavior of COx Claystone and Reliability Analysis of the IL‐LLW Repository's Concrete Liner Based on In Situ Convergence Data
Authors: Do Duc Phi , Vu Minh Ngoc , Nguyen Truong Toan , Hoxha Dashnor , Armand Gilles
Published: January 2025

The excavation‐induced fractured zone (EFZ) and the anisotropic evolution in time of drifts’ convergence, as observed in the Mesue/Haute‐Marne Underground Researche Laboratory (MHM URL), reveal the complex behavior of Callovo‐Oxfordian (COx) claystone, the host formation for geological radioactive waste disposal project (Cigéo) in France. Especially, the dispersion of the in situ convergence monitoring exhibits the non‐negligible uncertainty of the host rock properties that must be quantified and considered in the stability analysis of the repositories’ support systems. In this work, the well‐known Bayesian inference with the transitional Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling technique is chosen to quantify the uncertainty of the short‐ and long‐term behavior of COx claystone and EFZ using the convergence data of a drift excavated in the major horizontal stress direction. An engineering approach is adopted to simulate the anisotropy of drift convergence. To reduce the computational cost of the numerical model prediction during the probabilistic inversion, the artificial neural network–based surrogate is chosen. The uncertainty of the visco‐elastoplastic behavior of COx claystone, as well as the uncertainty of the EFZ shape, is then considered in the reliability analysis of the concrete liner of an intermediate‐level long‐lived radioactive (IL‐LLW) repository. The numerical applications allow verifying the robustness of the current design for the repository support system.
Volume and Mass Conservation in Lagrangian Meshfree Methods
Authors: Suchde Pratik , Leithäuser Christian , Kuhnert Jörg , Bordas Stéphane P. A.
Published: January 2025

Meshfree Lagrangian frameworks for free surface flow simulations do not conserve fluid volume. Meshfree particle methods like SPH are not mimetic, in the sense that discrete mass conservation does not imply discrete volume conservation. On the other hand, meshfree collocation methods typically do not use any notion of mass. As a result, they are neither mass conservative nor volume conservative at the discrete level. In this paper, we give an overview of various sources of conservation errors across different meshfree methods. The present work focuses on one specific issue: inconsistent volume and mass definitions. We introduce the concept of representative masses and densities, which are essential for accurate post‐processing in meshfree collocation methods. Using these, we introduce an artificial compressibility in the fluid to reduce errors in volume conservation. Numerical experiments show that the introduced frameworks significantly improve volume conservation behaviour in meshfree collocation methods, even for complex industrial test cases such as automotive water crossing.
Nurses' Sleep Quality and Its Influencing Factors During the First Explosive COVID‐19 Outbreak in Zhejiang, China, After the Relaxation of Epidemic Prevention and Control Measures: A Multicentre Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Lu Lifen , Sheng Di , Zhu Yaling , Xia Xiaowei , Chen Guanghui , Liang Jiali , Shen Xiulan , Zheng Gui
Published: January 2025

Aim

To investigate the sleep quality and its influencing factors among nurses in hospitals in Zhejiang, China, during the first explosive COVID‐19 outbreak following the relaxation of prevention and control measures.

Design

A multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Between 10 January and 20 January 2023—approximately 1 month after the policy was loosened—a total of 573 nurses from tertiary and community hospitals in Zhejiang participated in an online, self‐administered survey. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling, and the survey was distributed via the WeChat platform. The survey included a general information form; the Self‐Rating Scale of Sleep (SRSS); the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21); the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS); and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.0. Statistical methods employed included t‐tests, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi‐square tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests for comparisons between groups. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to analyse the relationship between the SRSS score and the DASS‐21, PSSS and BRS scores. A multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent influencing factors of sleep quality.

Results

More than 90% of the nurses were infected with COVID‐19, and 60.6% had sleep disorders. The regression analysis revealed that anxiety, the BRS score, comorbidities, hospital grade, clinical front‐line, age and COVID‐19 infection independently predicted sleep quality. The scores for several SRSS items were higher than the Chinese norm, especially for the nurses in tertiary hospitals.

Patient and Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Development of Low‐Viscosity Silicone Rubber With Variable Hardness for Precise Microfabrication
Authors: Kimura Yusuke , Yoshimura Kimio , Omichi Masaaki , Oyama Tomoko G. , Oyama Kotaro , Hoshina Hiroyuki , Seko Noriaki , Kimura Atsushi , Taguchi Mitsumasa
Published: January 2025

Silicone rubbers, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), have been widely used in biotechnology and medical science because of their excellent properties. However, microfabrication of silicone rubbers remains to be problematic because of the high viscosity and adhesiveness (tackiness) of silicone rubber, making it difficult to fill molds and reproduce shapes during soft lithography. Also, the patterns made of soft silicone rubber are prone to pattern collapse. To address these, we designed molecules that can be modified by radiation and whose hardness can be adjusted after microfabrication. By combining materials with different chemical structures and molecular weights, we developed a silicone rubber with low viscosity and adhesiveness suitable for radiation modification. The synthesized silicone rubbers had a high filling ability in micropatterned molds and low adhesiveness, which prevented pattern collapse. Moreover, the elastic modulus of silicone rubbers can be controlled using high‐energy electron beam (EB) irradiation. The radiation‐modified silicone rubber sheet retained its high transparency to visible light, high oxygen permeability, and low drug adsorption and adhesion. By utilizing these characteristics, a new technique was developed that produces microfabricated structures with different hardness and hydrophilicity using imprinting technology followed by EB irradiation. Soft lithography was then performed on the developed silicone rubber to transfer the micropillar structure. Pillar shapes were accurately fabricated with a diameter of 1.0 μm or less along the mold, which is difficult to fabricate with conventional PDMS. This new silicone rubber overcomes the problems associated with conventional silicone rubber and is a promising material for high‐performance medical microdevices.
Extracellular matrix cancer‐associated fibroblasts promote stromal fibrosis and immune exclusion in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lu Xunxi , Gou Zongchao , Chen Hong , Li Li , Chen Fei , Bao Chunjuan , Bu Hong , Zhang Zhang
Published: January 2025

The impact of high heterogeneity of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) on triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) immunotherapy response has not been fully elucidated, restricting progress in precision immuno‐oncology. We integrated single‐cell transcriptomic data from 18 TNBC patients and analyzed fibroblast subpopulations. Extracellular matrix CAFs (ecmCAFs) were identified as a fibroblast subpopulation with distinct ECM‐associated characteristics. The ecmCAFs were significantly enriched in TNBC patients with residual disease after neoadjuvant immunotherapy and contributed to a fibrotic tumor microenvironment and T‐cell exclusion. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) positive macrophages (SPP1+ Mφs) were closely localized to ecmCAFs and produced more transforming growth factor beta (TGFB1), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), and SPP1 under hypoxic conditions. SPP1+ Mφs were found to facilitate the differentiation of normal breast fibroblasts to ecmCAFs, thus promoting ECM remodeling and stromal fibrosis. Our work revealed the critical role of ecmCAFs in generating a desmoplastic architecture and driving immunosuppression in TNBC. © 2025 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Spawning site selection by invasive Asian toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) in eastern Madagascar
Authors: Muller Benjamin J , Harison Rodino Fetraharijaona , Randriamanantena Nomenjanahary Faly , Allen‐Ankins Slade , Schwarzkopf Lin
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity on a global scale. Control strategies for these species could be improved by understanding and exploiting life history vulnerabilities. For example, most invasive anurans require waterbodies with specific characteristics for spawning; therefore, modifying these characteristics could influence spawning success. Asian toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) were accidentally introduced to the east coast of Madagascar around 2010, and have since established and spread across an area exceeding 850 km2. To determine if Asian toads select spawning sites with specific characteristics within their invaded range, we surveyed habitat characteristics at 30 waterbodies used by toads for spawning, and compared these to characteristics at 30 adjacent, unused waterbodies, in urban and rural areas in eastern Madagascar.

RESULTS

Toads selectively oviposited in small waterbodies with gently sloping banks, while the structure of surrounding vegetation, water chemistry (salinity, water temperature), presence of other species, depth of the waterbody, and substrate of the waterbody bank did not appear to influence spawning site selection.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide a pathway to examine modification of potential Asian toad spawning sites as a management strategy for these invasive pests. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
The role of boundary‐layer friction in modulating midlatitude heatwaves
Authors: Russo E. , Wicker W. , Folini D. , Domeisen D. I. V.
Published: January 2025

Heatwaves are among the most harmful extreme events, impacting human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure. Heatwaves are driven and modulated by a range of dynamical and thermodynamic factors, but their relative importance for the characteristics of these extremes, such as intensity, frequency, and location, for example, is not fully resolved. Dynamical models allow for a better understanding of the physical drivers of heatwaves, and idealised models in particular allow us to discriminate between the effects of different components of the climate system on heatwaves. One such factor is the boundary‐layer friction associated with different surface types, which is known to influence the dynamics of the atmosphere. The geography and land cover of continental surfaces, as well as local characteristics in surface roughness, can influence the atmospheric circulation. In this study, we use an idealised general circulation model to conduct sensitivity experiments testing the role of changes in local and global boundary‐layer friction for midlatitude heatwaves. The number of heatwave days and events is found to be larger for areas where the jet stream is strongly decelerated as a consequence of a local increase in boundary‐layer friction. This effect strengthens when increasing the areas of modified friction. Changes in boundary‐layer friction applied over areas with a geographical location and extent similar to those of continental areas of the Northern Hemisphere result in heatwave day differences of up to 20% between different locations at the same latitudes. These findings highlight how the extent, surface properties, and geographic position of continental and smaller land masses influence heatwave occurrence through their frictional effects on atmospheric dynamics.
Finite‐Time Adaptive Tracking Control for Non‐Linear Networked Control Systems With Prescribed Performance Under Unknown Deception Attacks
Authors: Zou Xia , Liu Ruonan , Zong Guangdeng , Wang Wencheng
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the finite‐time adaptive tracking control problem for non‐linear networked control systems with prescribed performance under unknown deception attacks. To mitigate the effects caused by unknown deception attacks, a series of auxiliary signals and attack compensators are reasonably constructed to overcome the unavailability problem of the compromised state variables. Besides, the neural network approximation technique is utilized to address unknown non‐linear terms and actuator deception attacks. Further, an equivalent system model is acquired by introducing the intermediate transformations of the tracking error and the prescribed performance function. Then, a finite‐time adaptive tracking controller is designed based on the neural network and the backstepping techniques. Moreover, it is mathematically rigorously proved that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded and the tracking error converges within the predefined boundary in a finite‐time. Finally, an example application of a single‐link robotic arm system is applied to verify the effectiveness of the designed control algorithm.
Three‐dimensional characterization of particle morphology in natural gravel and blasted rock fragments using SfM‐MVS photogrammetry
Authors: Liu Hongchen , Zhang Zitao , Su Huaizhi , Zhang Xuedong , Hu Jing
Published: January 2025

This study aims to develop a high‐precision and cost‐efficient method for the three‐dimensional reconstruction of large particles in natural gravel and blasted rock fragments, utilizing Structure from Motion (SfM) and Multi‐View Stereo (MVS) techniques. The proposed approach was applied to characterize the three‐dimensional morphology of rockfill dam materials at a real construction site. Particle shape was quantitatively analyzed using shape indices of sphericity, convexity, and angularity. The predominant morphology of natural gravel is characterized as slightly elongated and slightly flat, while rock fragments are slightly elongated and not flat. Probability density distributions of shape indices follow a skewed normal distribution: sphericity and convexity show leftward skewness, whereas angularity is right‐skewed. Skewness parameters of sphericity and angularity are consistent between natural gravel and blasted rock fragments, indicating comparable shape asymmetry. Convexity skewness is significantly higher in natural gravel compared to rock fragments, by approximately an order of magnitude. The relationship between size and particle shape shows that form ratios and associated shape descriptors change linearly with the logarithm of size; larger particles approach spherical or cubic forms. The innovative measurements contribute to the particle shape data set of rockfill dam materials, providing valuable insights into the three‐dimensional and statistical morphological characteristics of relatively large particles in natural gravel and blasted rock fragments. This approach enhances understanding of particle morphology's impact on the mechanical behavior of granular materials.
Reverse Time‐to‐Death as Time‐Scale in Time‐to‐Event Analysis for Studies of Advanced Illness and Palliative Care
Authors: Cheung Yin Bun , Ma Xiangmei , Chaudhry Isha , Liu Nan , Zhuang Qingyuan , Yang Grace Meijuan , Malhotra Chetna , Finkelstein Eric Andrew
Published: January 2025

Incidence of adverse outcome events rises as patients with advanced illness approach end‐of‐life. Exposures that tend to occur near end‐of‐life, for example, use of wheelchair, oxygen therapy and palliative care, may therefore be found associated with the incidence of the adverse outcomes. We propose a concept of reverse time‐to‐death (rTTD) and its use for the time‐scale in time‐to‐event analysis based on partial likelihood to mitigate the time‐varying confounding. We used data on community‐based palliative care uptake (exposure) and emergency department visits (outcome) among patients with advanced cancer in Singapore to illustrate. We compare the results against that of the common practice of using time‐on‐study (TOS) as time‐scale. Graphical analysis demonstrated that cancer patients receiving palliative care had higher rate of emergency department visits than non‐recipients mainly because they were closer to end‐of‐life, and that rTTD analysis made comparison between patients at the same time‐to‐death. In analysis of a decedent cohort, emergency department visits in relation to palliative care using TOS time‐scale showed significant increase in hazard ratio estimate when observed time‐varying covariates were omitted from statistical adjustment (% change‐in‐estimate = 16.2%; 95% CI 6.4% to 25.6%). There was no such change in otherwise the same analysis using rTTD (% change‐in‐estimate = 3.1%; 95% CI ‐1.0% to 8.5%), demonstrating the ability of rTTD time‐scale to mitigate confounding that intensifies in relation to time‐to‐death. A similar pattern was found in the full cohort. Simulations demonstrated that the proposed method had smaller relative bias and root mean square error than TOS‐based analysis. In conclusion, use of rTTD as time‐scale in time‐to‐event analysis provides a simple and robust approach to control time‐varying confounding in studies of advanced illness, even if the confounders are unmeasured.
Constructing Accessible Closed Nanopores in Coal‐Derived Hard Carbon for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fu Weixuan , Zhao Guoqiang , He Shuaijie , Yan Chenyu , Li Song , Tang Aidong , Yang Huaming
Published: January 2025

Hard carbon (HC) materials are suitable anodes for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) but still suffer from insufficient initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE). Promoting sodium storage via the pore filling mechanism is an effective way to improve the ICE, and the key here is regulating the pore structures of HC. In this work, coal‐derived HC is successfully engineered with abundant accessible closed nanopores by treating the coal precursors with a facile destructive oxidation strategy. Investigations demonstrate that the destructive oxidation strategy can not only introduce abundant oxygen‐containing functional groups (OFGs) but also decrease the size of graphitic microcrystals. Thus, the OFGs significantly enhance the crosslinking of small graphitic microcrystals and stimulate the formation of accessible closed nanopores during carbonization, which eventually improves the ICE by promoting the pore filling mechanism. The optimized HC exhibits so far the highest ICE (92.2%) among coal‐derived SIB anode materials, together with a considerable capacity of 328.5 mAh g−1 at 90 mA g−1 and a capacity retention of 95.1% after 150 cycles. The results provide guidelines for developing high‐performance HC materials toward the large‐scale application of SIBs, which is of great significance for future energy storage systems.