bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pectin: Structural Characteristics, ADME Profiles, and Their Interrelationship
Authors: Song Haizhao , Zhang Yanhui , Wang Fang , Wang Luanfeng , Xiong Ling , Shen Xinchun
Published: February 2025

Pectin, a plant‐derived polysaccharide, is highly valued for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, with extensive applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of pectin's structure, categorized by its degree of methyl esterification (DM) and key components, including homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonans (RG‐I and RG‐II). The influence of diverse extraction methods, such as subcritical water and microwave‐assisted techniques, on its structure and functionality is critically examined. Furthermore, the review investigates the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiles of pectin, emphasizing how structural factors like molecular weight, DM, and neutral sugars impact bioavailability and interactions with gut microbiota. Notably, this review highlights emerging research methodologies, offering novel insights into pectin's pharmacokinetics. By addressing these interrelationships, the review underscores pectin's potential applications in functional foods, personalized nutrition, and targeted therapeutics and identifies key knowledge gaps for future research.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of 7‐Vinylcoumarin Derivatives as Agrochemicals: Biological Activities and Molecular Docking Insights
Authors: Zhang Jianwen , Gao Longxiang , Lei Zhenlin , Liu Huaxin , Li Jiaomei , Luo Yanping , Wang Lanying
Published: February 2025

The agricultural bioactivity of 7‐alkenylcoumarin derivatives was investigated by synthesizing a series of coumarin derivatives containing 7‐styryl fragments by introducing a styryl group at the 7‐position of the coumarin scaffold through Pechmann cyclization, substitution, bromination, and Wittig reaction. The insecticidal effects and antifungal activities of these compounds against plant pathogenic fungi were evaluated. Bioactivity assessments revealed that compound 5i exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti, with a mortality rate of 96% after 24 h of treatment. Compounds 5i, 5e, and 5a displayed the strongest antifungal activity against Colletotrichum musae, with EC50 values of 0.42, 3.44, and 3.67 mg/L, respectively, outperforming the commercial fungicide bromothalonil (9.31 mg/L) and comparable to chlorothalonil (0.74 mg/L). Structure‐activity relationship analysis indicated that the presence of a chlorine atom at the 4‐position of the phenyl ring was critical for the bioactivity of the compounds. Docking results indicated that compound 5i exhibited the strongest binding affinity for succinate dehydrogenase, providing insights for further mechanistic studies. These findings suggest the significant potential of these compounds as lead candidates for in‐depth research and development.
Antifouling Activity of Xylemin, Its Structural Analogs, and Related Polyamines
Authors: Takamura Hiroyoshi , Yorisue Takefumi , Tanaka Kenta , Kadota Isao
Published: February 2025

Biofouling, which is the accumulation of organisms on undersea structures, poses significant global, social, and economic issues. Although organotin compounds were effective antifoulants since the 1960s, they were banned in 2008 due to their toxicity to marine life. Although tin‐free alternatives have been developed, they also raise environmental concerns. This underscores the need for effective, nontoxic antifouling agents. We previously synthesized N‐(4‐aminobutyl)propylamine (xylemin) and its structural analogs. In this study, we assayed the antifouling activity and toxicity of xylemin, its structural analogs, and related polyamines toward cypris larvae of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite. Xylemin and its Boc‐protected analog exhibited antifouling activities with 50% effective concentrations (EC50) of 4.25 and 6.11 µg/mL, respectively. Four xylemin analogs did not show a settlement‐inhibitory effect at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. Putrescine, spermidine, spermine, and thermospermine, which are xylemin‐related polyamines, did not display antifoulant effects (EC50 > 50 µg/mL). All evaluated compounds were nontoxic at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. These findings indicate that the size and structure of the N‐alkyl group are essential for the antifouling activity of xylemin. Therefore, xylemin and its analogs hold promise as nontoxic, eco‐friendly antifouling agents, offering a sustainable solution to biofouling in marine environments.
Larvicidal Effects of Cymbopogon commutatus Essential Oil and Its Based Nanoformulations on Culex pipiens: Chemical Profiling and Physicochemical Characterization
Authors: Elghonemy Mai M. , Ayoob Fathalla , Abdel‐Ghany Hoda S. M. , Kassem Abdulsalam M. , El‐Gendy Abd El‐Nasser G. , Abdel‐Shafy Sobhy , Abd‐ElGawad Ahmed M. , Imagawa Hiroshi , Elshamy Abdelsamed I.
Published: February 2025

Cymbopogon commutatus has been used as an ingredient in the manufacturing of soap and mosquito repellent. Herein, the chemical profiling of the C. commutatus aerial parts essential oil (CCEO) was constructed on the basis of the multiplex of GC–MS and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Four nanoformulations—EO nanoemulsions (CCEO@NE), chitosan‐coated (CSNPs@NE), silver nanoparticle–loaded (AgNPs@NE), and iron oxide–loaded (Fe2O3NPs@NE)—were formulated. The larvicidal effects of CCEO, its major component, and its nanoformulations were evaluated on Culex pipiens. Twenty‐seven components (99.77%)—including monoterpenes (78.36%) and sesquiterpenes (21.41%)—were tentatively identified, including geraniol (67.49%) and geranyl acetate (3.52%) as predominant constituents. Geraniol was isolated and confirmed via NMR spectroscopic analysis. The nanoformulations exhibited diverse characteristics, with particle sizes spanning from 81.28 ± 6.17 nm (CCEO@NE) to 128.67 ± 6.96 nm (Fe2O3NPs@NE) and encapsulation efficiencies ranging from 72.57% ± 4.05% (Fe2O3NPs@NE) to 83.73% ± 6.69% (CCEO@NE). Zeta potentials ranged from −21.38 ± 5.18 mV (AgNPs@NE) to +14.39 ± 2.19 mV (CSNPs@NE), indicating variations in surface charge stability. CCEO and geraniol showed the highest larvicidal effects, recording LC50 of 263.96 and 226.41 ppm, respectively, after 48 h of exposure. Nanoformulations showed latent effects and inhibitory activity in pupation and fly emergence. Consequently, CCEO and its nanoformulations may present good alternatives for controlling C. pipiens.
Megaprosthesis Infection by Bacteroides fragilis in a Patient With Ewing's Sarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Martínez‐Ysasis Yoleidys , Simonetti Antonella Francesca , Navarro Ferran
Published: February 2025

Bacteroides fragilis, typically linked to intra‐abdominal infections, caused a rare prosthetic infection in a patient with Ewing's sarcoma. Treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics, the patient fully recovered. This case underscores the diverse infections B. fragilis can cause and highlights the need for further research.
Counselor educator and program characteristics: Impacts on student development of therapeutic presence
Authors: Austin Jude , Austin Julius , Bandy Melissa
Published: February 2025

This modified Delphi study identifies counselor educators’ individual and collective faculty unit characteristics that help and hinder students’ development of therapeutic presence. Engaging 15 experts, the findings enhance training approaches and highlight the importance of modeling effective therapeutic dispositions and behaviors in counselor education.
Unraveling Influential Factors of Stainless‐Steel Dissolution in High‐Energy Lithium Ion Batteries with LiFSI‐Based Electrolytes
Authors: Stan Marian Cristian , Yan Peng , Overhoff Gerrit Michael , Fehlings Nick , Kim Hyung‐Tae , Hinz Robert Tobias , Ingber Tjark Thorben Klaus , Guerdelli Rayan , Wölke Christian , Winter Martin , Brunklaus Gunther , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora
Published: February 2025

Leveraging physicochemical advantages over lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) is being investigated as a conducting salt for lithium manganese‐rich cathodes (LMR) and micro‐crystalline silicon anodes (μ‐Si). Nevertheless, its behavior towards the aluminum (Al) current collector and stainless‐steel (SUS) coin cell parts limits its application under operating conditions requiring potentials higher than 3.9 V vs. Li|Li+. Using a mixture of organic carbonate‐based solvents, various functional additives, and LiPF6 lithium salt concentrations up to 1.0 M, the instability issue of the Al current collector in the presence of LiFSI is avoided. However, stainless‐steel dissolution remains, being confirmed by both potentiodynamic measurements and SEM morphology investigations of the coin cell components after linear sweep voltammetry measurements carried out to 5.0 V. The results also indicate that the amount of stainless‐steel dissolution is influenced by both the LiFSI amount in the electrolyte and the quality (grade) of stainless‐steel used. Using Al‐coated SUS 316L coin cell parts and/or high concentration electrolytes (HCE) with LiFSI (≈4 M LiFSI), the observed stainless‐steel dissolution process can be fully avoided, allowing the evaluation of the electrochemical performance of LMR cathodes with μ‐Si anodes in LiFSI‐based electrolytes.
Optimization of Catalytic Soot Oxidation by 3DOM Perovskite‐Type La0.5‐xKxSr0.5CoO3‐δ Catalysts: Structural Insights and K Substitution
Authors: Xiong Jing , Yu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Peng , Li Yuanfeng , Ma Yaxiao , Xu Linsheng , Zhang Sicheng , Gao Jie , Liu Jian , Zhao Zhen , Wei Yuechang
Published: February 2025

A series of 3DOM La0.5‐xKxSr0.5CoO3‐δ catalysts were synthesized using colloidal crystal templating and citric acid complexation methods. The substitution of K ions for A‐site La ions was found to markedly enhance the catalysts’ intrinsic activity, with the La0.4K0.1Sr0.5CoO3‐δ catalyst showing exceptional performance comparable to commercial precious metal catalysts. The La0.4K0.1Sr0.5CoO3‐δ catalyst demonstrated the highest catalytic activity, with T10, T50, and T90 values of 280 °C, 335 °C, and 387 °C, respectively. The enhancement in intrinsic activity is primarily attributed to the electron‐donating effect of K ions which maintains charge conservation and consequently increases the concentration of surface oxygen vacancies, leading to the formation of abundant active oxygen species. Additionally, the catalysts exhibited a highly ordered macroporous structure with interconnected pores, facilitating the diffusion of soot particles and enhancing contact efficiency with active sites. These findings not only advance the understanding of the structure‐performance relationship in perovskite catalysts but also pave the way for the development of cost‐effective catalysts for low‐temperature soot abatement.
Poly(Ferrocenylene Iminoborane) and the Merging of 1,1’‐Ferrocenylene with p‐Phenylene Iminoborane Building Blocks into Alternating Copolymers, Oligomers, and Macrocycles
Authors: Schneider Johannes S. , Zeh Vivien , Klopf Jonas , Schneider Philipp M. , Bachmann Jonas , Krummenacher Ivo , Braunschweig Holger , Helten Holger
Published: February 2025

The combination of redox‐active ferrocene moieties, conjugated B=N units, and p‐phenylene building blocks in linearly concatenated architectural arrangements has been explored. Oligo‐ and poly(ferrocenylene iminoborane)s have been successfully prepared, whereby in the latter case, the formation of linear polymers vs. discrete molecular macrocycles could be largely influenced by the polymerization conditions applied. In addition, a series of well‐defined co‐oligomers composed of ferrocenylene and p‐phenylene moieties bridged by one or two B=N units in all possible combinations have been prepared, many of which have been structurally characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Pendent triisopropylphenyl groups on boron provide pronounced kinetic stabilization. Polycondensation of complementary monomers gave copolymers comprising alternating ferrocenylene and p‐phenylene iminoborane building blocks, which were found to be cyclic in nature. UV‐vis absorption spectroscopic and electrochemical studies provided highly valuable insights into the interaction of the different moieties over the B=N bonds, particularly, the electronic communication between the electroactive ferrocene units.
Aluminum Photosensitizers on Trial: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Photophysical and Photobiological Properties of Tris(Dipyrrinato)Aluminum(III) Complexes with Long‐Lived Triplet States
Authors: Melissari Zoi , Twamley Brendan , Gomes‐da‐Silva Lígia C. , O'Brien John E. , Schaberle Fábio A. , Kingsbury Christopher J. , Williams René M. , Senge Mathias O.
Published: February 2025

Metal coordination compounds are currently a focus of research in developing new photosensitizers for materials and medicinal applications. As an abundant element in the earth's crust aluminum is a suitable target element. However, only limited studies are available on its use in photoactive systems. We now report the facile preparation of a library of homoleptic tris(dipyrrinato)aluminum(III) [AL(DIPY)3] complexes. The majority of complexes was characterized by single crystal X‐ray analysis and their photophysical properties upon photoexcitation and their tendency to react with the molecular oxygen of the microenvironment and generate singlet oxygen ‐ in polar and non‐polar environment was investigated. These studies are complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations to assess the possible electronic distribution on the frontier molecular orbitals within the complexes. As a result of charge transfer states, long‐lived triplet excited states were formed and allowed for singlet oxygen generation. An initial screening of the AL(DIPY)3 complexes via in vitro phototoxicity studies against a mouse colon carcinoma cell line (CT26) was promising as these complexes were able to trigger cell death upon irradiation at nanomolar and micromolar concentrations. The results highlight the potential of aluminum dipyrrin complexes as a broadly applicable class of photosensitizers.
Embedding Coupled Pd/Fe Sites in Electrospun MOF‐Derived Carbon Nanofibers Achieves Efficient and Durable Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Liang Yun , Shi Junyu , Wang Dandan , Li Qiaoxia , Xu Qunjie
Published: February 2025

High costs, poor durability of Pt electrocatalysts, and the low performance of non‐precious metals hinder the large‐scale commercialization of fuel cells. To address these challenges, a bimetallic, highly dispersed catalyst containing Pd and Fe uniformly distributed on porous nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers was developed. This catalyst demonstrated remarkable oxygen reduction catalytic performance. The Pd−Fe−N−C catalyst exhibited catalytic activity 4.6 times higher than that of the JM 20 % Pt/C catalyst, despite containing only 0.62 wt. % Pd. Moreover, it achieved a half‐wave potential (E1/2=0.953 V vs. RHE) that is 40 mV higher than the JM 20 % Pt/C catalyst (0.913 V vs. RHE). Significantly, with a total metal content of just 1.19 wt. %, the E1/2 of Pd−Fe−N−C catalyst decreased by only 1 mV after 10,000 cycles, highlighting its exceptional durability. Furthermore, a stability test revealed a current retention rate of 84.87 % after 50,000 s of operation, with no evidence of agglomeration. These results suggest that combining electrostatic spinning of MOFs with pyrolysis provides an effective and innovative method for synthesizing electrocatalysts with reduced reliance on precious metals.
Regio‐ and Redox Divergent Hydrated Ring Expansion of Butafulvenes
Authors: Zhou Bo‐Chao , Song Ting‐Ting , Chen Bing‐Zhi , Xu Shan‐Tong , Liu Yong , Ji Ding‐Wei , Wan Boshun , Chen Qing‐An
Published: February 2025

By providing highly functionalized building blocks in an efficient approach, catalytic hydration of alkenes plays a significant role in fundamental chemical transformations and pharmaceutical synthesis. However, hydration reactions have predominantly involved addition reactions of water and alkenes double bond. Herein, we developed a regio‐ and redox divergent hydrated ring expansion protocol of butafulvenes. With the aid of PdII or acid catalysis, various highly functionalized and unsaturated cyclopentanone derivatives could be obtained in high regioselectivities under oxidative or redox neutral conditions. Isotope labeling experiments suggest that the carbonylic oxygen atom of target product is derived from water. In addition, the unsaturated cyclopentanone intermediate could undergo divergent transformations and serve as a key molecule to create skeletal editing compounds of butafulvenes via one‐pot protocol, which highlights the potential applications of this strategy.
Future Blast Furnace
Authors: Rosenberg Dominique , Wagner Tom , Hallmann Anne
Published: February 2025

Eisen ist ein zentraler Rohstoff für die Herstellung zahlreicher Alltagsprodukte wie Besteck, Fahrzeuge und Kochtöpfe. Die Eisen‐ und Stahlindustrie stellt daher einen bedeutenden, jedoch energieintensiven Industriezweig in Deutschland dar, der erhebliche Mengen an Kohlenstoffdioxid (CO2) freisetzt. Ein aktuelles Pilotprojekt untersucht den Einsatz von grünem Wasserstoff als alternatives Reduktionsmittel im Hochofenprozess, um die CO2‐Emissionen bei der Eisenproduktion zu senken. Der folgende Kurzartikel stellt ein vereinfachtes Experiment vor, das den Hochofenprozess mit Wasserstoff im Unterricht veranschaulicht und didaktisch aufbereitet integriert.
Comparison of survival outcomes for patients with Lynch vs non‐Lynch syndrome and microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Eslinger Cody , Walden Daniel , McGary Alyssa , Emiloju Oluwadunni , Ahn Daniel , Sonbol Mohamad Bassam , Bekaii‐Saab Tanios , Zhu Mojun , Hubbard Joleen , Wu Christina
Published: February 2025

In a retrospective study of patients with Lynch syndrome vs non‐Lynch syndrome and microsatellite instability high colorectal cancer, there were no observed differences with immune checkpoint inhibitors toward progression‐free survival or overall survival. Univariate analysis of Stage IV patients showed BRAF V600E mutations were associated with decreased survival.
Chemotherapy dose density is prognostic for overall survival in patients with resectable pancreas cancer: A landmark analysis of SWOG 1505
Authors: Patel Sameer H. , Colby Sarah , Sohal Davendra , Guthrie Katherine A. , Kachnic Lisa A. , Chiorean E. Gabriela , Lowy Andrew M. , Rocha Flavio G. , Hochster Howard S. , Philip Philip A. , Ahmad Syed A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Chemotherapy is required to improve the overall survival (OS) of patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Assessing the impact of chemotherapy dose density (DD) on survival is difficult as a result of confounding. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of chemotherapy DD on OS in patients with resectable PDAC.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of SWOG 1505, a randomized phase 2 trial of perioperative chemotherapy in resectable PDAC. DD was defined as the percentage of chemotherapy dose received of the total planned. Two landmark time points for OS were used: after surgery and at 40 weeks (which encompassed the entire treatment period).

Results

Of the 102 eligible patients enrolled, 73 (71%) underwent surgery, and median preoperative chemotherapy DD was 89%. Patients with ≥85% DD had higher OS compared to those with <85% DD (median, 38.1 vs. 17.2 months; p = .039). Of the 82 patients who survived to 40 weeks postrandomization, 67 underwent surgery, and median DD for all perioperative chemotherapy was 67%. In this cohort, DD ≥70% was associated with better OS (median, 32.2 vs. 14.0 months; p = .017). Perioperative DD was not significantly associated with pathologic response, margin status, or lymph node negativity.

Conclusions

This is the first study to identify a prognostic association of chemotherapy DD with OS in patients undergoing perioperative chemotherapy and surgery for resectable PDAC. Patients who received ≥85% DD preoperatively and/or ≥70% DD perioperatively survived longer than those receiving a smaller proportion of protocol therapy.
Basal Forebrain Projections to the Retrosplenial and Cingulate Cortex in Rats
Authors: Kondo Hideki , Zaborszky Laszlo
Published: February 2025

The basal forebrain (BF) plays a crucial role in modulating cortical activation through its widespread projections across the cortical mantle. Previous anatomical studies have demonstrated that each cortical region receives a specific projection from the BF. In this study, we examined BF cholinergic and non‐cholinergic projections to the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) using two retrograde tracers, Fast Blue (FB) and Fluoro‐Gold (FG), in combination with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunostaining in rats. The RSC and ACC receive cholinergic and non‐cholinergic projections mainly from the medial part of the horizontal limb of the diagonal band (HDB) and the vertical limb of the diagonal band (VDB). The main difference of BF projections to the RSC, ACC, and prelimbic cortex (PL) is that the ACC and PL receive projections from the rostral half of the medial globus pallidus (GP), whereas the RSC receives stronger non‐cholinergic projections from the VDB and medial septum (MS). As the injection site shifts from rostral (PL) to caudal (RSC) through the ACC, the strong GP and weak MS/VDB projections of non‐cholinergic neurons are reversed. Cholinergic projection neurons make up a similar proportion of the total projection neurons in both ACC (37%) and RSC (33%) injections. Double retrograde tracer injections in the RSC and ACC revealed a small number of double‐labeled projection neurons in the MS/VDB and HDB. These findings indicate that the ACC and RSC receive both spatially overlapping and differential projections from the BF, with the cholinergic and non‐cholinergic projections varying between BF subregions and different rostrocaudal cortical regions.
N‐, S‐Codoped Porous Carbon With Trace Single‐Atom Fe for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction With Robust Poison Resistance and Efficient Rechargeable Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Sun Yu , Wang Lihui , Li Haibo , Zeng Suyuan , Li Rui , Yao Qingxia , Chen Hongyan , Qu Konggang
Published: February 2025

Pt‐based electrocatalysts in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have severely hindered large‐scale application of relevant energy technologies. Carbon composites codoped with heteroatoms and transition metals are considered the most likely alternatives to Pt, but they still have the limitation of poor tolerance to poisons. Thus, exploration of advanced electrocatalysts with superior activity and high poison resistance is of great significance in practical applications. Herein, a low‐cost lysozyme was first directly used to fabricate single‐atomic Fe anchored on porous N‐, S‐codoped carbon (Fe‐PNSC) using a simple “mix‐and‐pyrolyze” method, which has a honeycomb‐like porous structure with a large surface area of 957.69 m²/g, adequate pores of 0.71 cm³/g, and rich heteroatom doping of 4.66 at.% N, 1.9 at.% S, and 0.18 wt.% single‐atomic Fe. Accordingly, Fe‐PNSC displays an onset potential of 1.08 V and a half‐wave potential of 0.86 V for ORR, strong stability with 96.87% current retention, and robust resistance to methanol and various poisons, all outperforming Pt/C. Additionally, the Fe‐PNSC–based zinc–air battery shows a high peak power density of 122.2 mW cm−2, good specific capacity and energy density of 787 mAh gZn−1 and 975.9 Wh kgZn−1, respectively, and remarkable rechargeable stability for 300 h, superior to Pt/C‐based ones.
Global Sensitivity Analysis of a Novel Signaling Network for Heart Growth With Local IGF1 Production
Authors: Bilas Christian , Kratzer Claus , Hinrichs Arne , Maier Andreas , Wildhirt Stephen , Wolf Eckhard , Gee Michael W.
Published: February 2025

Signaling networks can be used to describe the dynamic interplay of hormonal and mechanical factors that regulate heart growth. However, a qualitative analysis of signaling networks is often difficult due to their complexity and nonlinear behavior. In this work, a global sensitivity analysis of signaling networks is conducted to determine the most influential factors for heart growth over a range of model inputs. Furthermore, the local production of the hormone insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) in response to high mechanical stretches as recently described by Zaman et al.(Immunity, 54, 2057) and Wong et al.(Immunity, 54, 2072) is incorporated. The computational results show that this increases the influence of mechanical stretch on heart growth significantly. Further key influential factors are the hormones norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin II (AngII), and globally produced IGF1 (g‐IGF1). Our sensitivity analysis indicates that the novel consideration of local IGF1 (l‐IGF1) production has to be considered in signaling networks for heart growth.
Microfluidic Generation of Calcium Alginate Hydrogel Beads using External Gelation for Microalgae Cultivation
Authors: Tuan Tran Du , Malekpour Galogahi Fariba , Nguyen Nhat‐Khuong , Roshan Uditha , Singh Yadav Ajeet , Rajan Sreejith Kamalalayam , Nguyen Nam‐Trung
Published: February 2025

Calcium alginate hydrogel beads are spherical polymeric particles with highly crosslinked network structures, known for their excellent monodispersity and retention capabilities. These beads, produced by high‐throughput droplet‐based microfluidic techniques, are widely used for encapsulating and cultivating various microscopic particles such as cells. While internal gelation has been commonly utilized for crosslinking of calcium alginate hydrogel beads in microalgae encapsulation, the use of external gelation remains underexplored. This study utilized droplet‐based microfluidic technology combined with external gelation to produce calcium alginate hydrogel beads for encapsulating the microalgal strain Chlorella vulgaris. Emulsions containing emulsified calcium ions served as the crosslinking phase. Initial geometrical analysis indicated that beads crosslinked with a high concentration of calcium ions (1 g/mL) achieve superior size uniformity and shape consistency. Microalgae cultivation experiments using these beads demonstrated steady growth of Chlorella vulgaris over a 5‐day period, with the beads maintaining their geometric stability until the final day when minor cell leakage was observed. These results provide a foundation for future molecular‐level studies on microalgae cultivation in hydrogel beads and suggest potential applications in fields requiring precisely controlled microalgae growth.
Assessment of Health‐Related Quality of Life in Thai Endometrial Cancer Patients: A Comparative Analysis Using EQ5D Utility Scores Across States
Authors: Poonyakanok Vitcha , Eagjeen Jitra , Kwangngoen Tepnaree , Leelahavarong Pattara , Chitpim Natthakan
Published: February 2025

Background

Rates of endometrial cancer, the sixth most common in women, are rising. HRQoL, reflecting health beyond clinical contexts, includes disabilities and daily functioning impacts. Measured by various tools such as EuroQoL‐5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D‐5L), it aids in economic evaluation of interventions.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to analyze Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), measured by the EQ‐5D‐5L instrument, in different states of endometrial cancer (EC) patients.

Methods and Results

We conducted a cross‐sectional study on EC patients who underwent follow‐up at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand, between January and June 2023. Patients were classified into five groups: early state, advanced state, curative state, locoregional recurrent state, and distant recurrent/progression state. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected. EQ‐5D‐5L and visual analog scale instruments (EQ‐VAS) were used to compared between disease states. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics, and the Mann–Whitney U test (p ≤ 0.05) compared EQ‐5D‐5L scores across groups.

The study included 56 EC patients, with a mean age of 60.1 ± 10.9 years and a mean BMI of 26.8 ± 5.3 kg/m2. The EQ‐5D scores were as follows: 0.9055 (IQR 0.8193–0.9436) for the early state, 0.8308 (IQR 0.7997–0.8611) for the advanced state, 0.9235 (IQR 0.8521–0.9855) for the curative state, 0.9096 (IQR 0.6249–0.9577) for the locoregional recurrent state and 0.5778 (IQR 0.2884–0.8521) for the distant recurrent/progressive state. The median EQ‐VAS for each state was 70, 75, 82.5, 75, and 65, respectively. The EQ‐5D values had significantly deteriorated after distant metastasis/progression compared to curative states (p‐value = 0.003). Mobility and pain/discomfort appeared to be the two main concerns.

Conclusion

The findings show the substantial negative impact of distant metastasis or disease progression on HRQoL. These findings will be used to guide future economic research in the field of endometrial cancer treatment.
Lymph Node Invasion by Melanoma Cells Is Not Required for the Induction of Incomplete Differentiation by Tumor‐Specific CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Hargadon Kristian M. , Goodloe Travis B. , Woodall Stephen L.
Published: February 2025

Background

Lymph node invasion by cancer cells is a poor prognostic factor and is often associated with anti‐tumor CD8+ T cell dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the role of lymph node invasion by melanoma cells in the induction of incomplete differentiation by tumor antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells.

Aims

We aimed to determine whether lymph node invasion by melanoma cells is required for this specific form of anti‐tumor CD8+ T cell dysfunction.

Methods and Results

We assessed lymph node invasion by the B16‐F1 and D5.1G4 murine melanoma cell lines and evaluated tumor antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell responses to these melanomas in the context of tumor‐free versus tumor‐involved lymph nodes. We demonstrate that CD8+ T cells recognizing antigen from established melanomas fail to acquire effector function, regardless of whether the tumor is stable or progressive. This CD8+ T cell dysfunction arises in the context of both tumor‐involved and tumor‐free lymph nodes draining established melanomas.

Conclusions

Lymph node invasion by melanoma cells is not required for the induction of incomplete CD8+ T cell differentiation. These data and their implications for strategies to enhance CD8+ T cell responses against poorly immunogenic melanomas are discussed herein.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy overlap syndrome mimicking a pontine mass: The utility of brainstem biopsy
Authors: Xie Vivien X. , Vezina Gilbert , Myseros John S. , Ramachandran Nair Lakshmi , Wells Elizabeth M. , Siegel Benjamin I.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are high‐grade tumors with a dismal prognosis and are classically diagnosed by radiologic features. DIPG is a critical differential consideration for a pediatric patient presenting with an infiltrative brainstem mass. However, inflammatory and infectious etiologies must also be considered, especially in individuals with atypical radiographic features. In a carefully selected clinical scenario, biopsy can be employed to quickly diagnose and direct treatment for patients with brainstem masses.

Results

This 10‐year‐old girl presented with acute onset of dysarthria, ataxia, left‐sided weakness, hypertonicity, and dysmetria. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an infiltrative pontine lesion with atypical features for that of DIPG or specific inflammatory disease. Due to rapid clinical deterioration, stereotactic brainstem biopsy was performed for diagnostic clarity and showed inflammation but no malignant cells. She was then treated for a presumed antibody‐mediated autoimmune etiology with evaluation later revealing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy overlap syndrome.

Interpretation

We present a novel example of pediatric NMOSD and autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy overlap syndrome originally presenting as an infiltrative pontine mass. Our report highlights the safety and utility of brainstem biopsy for brainstem masses atypical for DIPG.
ONOS Flood Defender: A Real‐Time Flood Attacks Detection and Mitigation System in SDN Networks
Authors: Younis Hussein , Hamarsheh Mohammad M. N.
Published: February 2025

Cybercriminals are constantly developing new and sophisticated methods for exploiting network vulnerabilities. Software‐defined networking (SDN) faces security challenges more than other traditional networks because the controller is a bottleneck device. This necessitates the implementation of robust security systems, including intrusion detection to mitigate the effect of attacks. Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks targeting the centralized controller of an SDN network can disrupt the entire network. If the controller becomes unavailable due to an attack, flow rules (FRs) cannot be deployed at the network switches, affecting data forwarding and network management. This study focuses on the detection and mitigation of synchronized (SYN) and normal transmission control protocol (TCP) DDoS flood attacks. It introduces two enhanced statistical detection and mitigation algorithms that work seamlessly with the open network operating system (ONOS) SDN controller, and sFlow‐RT engine in real‐time. Through a comprehensive set of experiments, our empirical findings demonstrate that the proposed algorithms efficiently detect and mitigate attacks with minimal average detection time, and negligible impact on resource consumption. By utilizing tuned threshold values based on network traffic volume, TCP flood attack detection (TFAD) algorithm and the synchronized TCP flood attack detection (STFAD) Algorithm achieved a minimal average detection time, of 4.032 and 3.430 s, respectively. These algorithms also have high detection accuracy in distinguishing normal traffic when appropriate threshold values are applied. Overall, this research significantly contributes to fortifying SDN networks with robust security measures, enhancing their resilience against evolving cyber threats.
PM2.5 Concentration Prediction Using CNN‐LSTM Model Based on Multi‐Feature Fusion
Authors: Wang Zhiwen , Huang Jiexia , Huang Junlin , Wang Yuhang , Zhang Canlong
Published: February 2025

In order to solve the problem that the existing PM2.5 concentration prediction methods ignore the spatial and temporal influencing factors of PM2.5 concentration, this paper constructs a spatial characteristic factor of PM2.5 concentration based on the maximum information coefficient, and proposes a CNN‐LSTM combined prediction model based on multi‐feature fusion, which transforms the abstract spatial and temporal influencing factors into quantifiable features. The model has good feature extraction ability and strong ability to capture short‐term transient information and long‐range dependent information in time series data, which improves the prediction performance of the model. The experimental results show that the prediction accuracy of CNN‐LSTM model based on multi‐feature fusion is 87.21%, and MAPE is 6.25, 4.84, and 1.29 less than BP, SVR, and LightGBM, and 1.91 and 7.04 less than CNN and LSTM.
Digital Twinning of Interorgan Communications
Authors: Fortnow Lance
Published: February 2025

Recent advances in our ability to collect and process information, particularly through artificial intelligence, opens up some exciting possibilities for understanding interorgan communication and treating conditions that arise from that communication breaking down. We describe a vision of a digital twin of interorgan communication that will give us a testbed for virtually researching, teaching and searching treatments, greatly increasing our capabilities to understand and manage the complex interactions in our bodies.
A Theoretical Investigation on the Structural, Electronic and Photocatalytic Properties of BaTaO2N Adsorbed with Metal Cocatalysts
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhou Keyu , Zhang Huan , Sun Xinyi
Published: February 2025

We have performed DFT calculations to study the adsorption of single metal atoms (M=Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) on both BaO‐ and TaON‐terminated surfaces of cis‐BaTaO2N (001). We have identified the most stable adsorption configuration of each case and explored the relative stability, structural deformations, charge transfer, work function, density of states and mechanism of photocatalytic HER. For BaO termination, all of the adatoms bind covalently on top of the surface oxygens. For TaON termination, the metal atoms are located at the fourfold hollow site. The single metal atoms tend to exist on TaON‐termination while they are apt to aggregate on BaO‐termination. The formation of impurity states in the band gap is mostly originated from the adatom. When electrons are transferred from the adatom to the surface, the conduction band of semiconductor becomes partially occupied. The charge gained from the BaO termination or transferred to the TaON termination reduces with the increase in electronegativity of metal adatoms. The attachment of metal atoms on the BaO termination is favorable to the improvement of HER activity. While the TaON termination adsorbed with Ti, V and Cr may have better or comparable performance of HER compared with the pure surface.
Influence of Therapist Attachment Style on the Working Alliance in Individual Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Marín‐Cavestany María , De la Cruz María Ángeles , Durán Juan I. , Stiles Bryan J. , Lahera Guillermo , Andrade‐González Nelson
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Attachment style and working alliance are two fundamental variables in psychotherapy. This systematic review aims to provide data on the relationship between therapist attachment and alliance in psychotherapy, updating a previous review and providing a quantitative synthesis (meta‐analysis).

Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) Statement recommendations were followed. The databases PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science were searched from June 1, 2016, to May 30, 2024, supplemented by a manual search. A regulated study selection process was performed, followed by data extraction and risk of bias assessment. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the included studies was performed.

Results

Nine studies were selected for the systematic review that included 354 patients and 741 mental health professionals. In five studies, different types of attachment (secure, anxious and avoidant) were related to the alliance. In addition, this relationship was partially mediated by therapeutic optimism, role security, therapeutic commitment or emotional regulation strategy. Of the 23 articles selected from both systematic reviews, 12 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. A systematic correlation between anxious attachment style and the alliance was found only when the assessment of the alliance was performed by therapists (r = −0.31).

Conclusions

There is evidence that therapist attachment may influence the formation and maintenance of a higher‐quality working alliance. However, further studies with more precise measures of both constructs are needed to better understand this relationship and its clinical implications.
IQ Survey Results on Current Industry Practices: Part 2—Quantitative Evaluations of Immunogenicity Assessment
Authors: Richards Susan , Winzenborg Insa , Luedtke Doreen , Niu Tao , Hamuro Lora , Kowalski Karey , Leu Jocelyn H. , Yang Jianning , Ganti Vaishnavi , Bhattacharya Indranil , Gueorguieva Ivelina , Mostafa Nael , Grimaldi Christine , Wu Benjamin
Published: February 2025

All biotherapeutics have the potential to induce an immunogenic response and generate anti‐drug antibodies (ADAs), especially when administered as multiple doses over prolonged periods. However, a clinically meaningful effect of ADAs can be difficult to identify to communicate the impact of immunogenicity on drug exposure, safety and efficacy outcomes in product labels in a way that is useful for health care providers. The immunogenicity working Group, IQ Consortium (Clinical Pharmacology Leadership Group) has conducted a survey to understand the current practices in analyzing immunogenicity data generated during clinical development and its impact on pharmacokinetics, clinically relevant pharmacodynamic biomarkers, safety, and efficacy outcome measures. Information was collected for 93 drugs, spanning multiple drug classes and over the different phases of clinical development, including post‐approval. The predominant drug classes reported included monoclonal antibodies or Fc‐fusion proteins, endogenous protein replacement therapies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody–drug conjugates. The extent of quantitative evaluation varied and was influenced by several factors, including descriptive analyses, statistical approaches, and modeling. In addition to understanding current practices, this survey also highlights areas for future exploration in analyzing clinical relevance of ADAs which can facilitate the use for regulatory submissions and product labels.
Model‐Informed Selection of the Recommended Phase 2 Dosage for Anti‐TIGIT Immunotherapy Leveraging co‐Expressed PD‐1 Inhibitor Target Engagement
Authors: Kareva Irina , Hu Ping , Pierre Vadryn , Kitzing Thomas , Victor Anja , Richter Emilia , Gao Wei , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Zutshi Anup
Published: February 2025

Refining dose projections requires a deep understanding of drug‐target relationships at the site of action, which is often challenging to achieve. Here we present a case study of how one can refine dose projections for a TIGIT‐targeted immunotherapy by leveraging information from the well‐studied PD‐1 pathway since the co‐expression of PD‐1 and TIGIT on immune cells provides a unique opportunity to extrapolate data from one target to inform the dosing strategy for the other. We develop a fit‐for‐purpose mathematical model that captures the experimentally observed relationship between the concentration of a mouse PD‐1 antagonist in the plasma and PD‐1 target engagement within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We then assess the applicability of this PD‐1 model to elucidate the relationship between drug concentration and target engagement for tiragolumab, an anti‐TIGIT antibody, across various doses. This analysis aims to refine our understanding of the dose–response relationship for targeting TIGIT, a critical step in optimizing therapeutic efficacy, without conducting additional experiments. The approach is then extended to project efficacious doses for M6223, another anti‐TIGIT antibody, using the established PD‐1 model, by leveraging the M6223 clinical PK and PD data, as well as virtual population analysis. This work provides a case study of a possible framework for refining dose projections via quantitative estimation of drug‐target relationship at the site of action by leveraging established drug‐target relationships. Through extrapolating information from a well‐characterized pathway, we offer a method to inform dose optimization strategies with limited data using model‐informed drug development.
Plasmon Hot Carriers: Cognizing, Utilizing, and Regulating
Authors: Liang Wenkai , Li Dong , Wang Yawen , Zhao Bo , Liu Chang , Sun Yinghui , Jiang Lin
Published: February 2025

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect can effectively utilize and transform solar energy, which is an ideal candidate to solve the energy crisis. In particular, plasmon hot carriers generated by LSPR effect are the focus of current research because their energy characteristics are higher than the Fermi level, which can easily promote the chemical reaction on the catalysts and improve the photoelectric performance of the optoelectronic devices. In this review, the generation of hot carriers and their decay pathways under different nano‐structured models are discussed, and their unique significance is highlighted. Meanwhile, recent research advances in cognizing the plasmon hot carriers, the role of hot carriers in various applications, and the regulating mechanism of hot carriers in the nanostructure are discussed in depth. In addition, the limitations and challenges of the current research on plasmon hot carriers are presented, and prospects for the future are proposed.
Ultrasonic Hardware Circuit Design and Signal Processing for Measuring Axial Stress of Small‐Sized Bolts
Authors: Liu Enxiao , Chen Yuanlin , Liu Yongmeng , Zheng Jinde , Deng Shuchao
Published: February 2025

The precise measurement of the axial stress of bolts is of great significance for improving the assembly accuracy and performance stability of high‐end equipment such as aeroengines. In response to the problem of low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the echo signal in the measurement of axial stress of small‐sized bolts using the ultrasonic method, this paper optimizes the design of hardware circuits to improve the SNR of the echo signal, thereby achieving accurate measurement of axial stress. The transmission circuit is optimized and designed to reduce clutter interference. To overcome the impact of aliasing between the transmitted signal and the echo signal, the pulse repetition frequency of the ultrasonic transmission circuit is optimized. To suppress the impact of high‐voltage transmitted pulse signals on echo signals, an optocoupler is used to optimize the isolation circuit of ultrasonic transmitted pulses. An experimental system was established based on the axial stress measurement model of small‐sized bolts. The maximum error in axial stress measurement of small‐sized bolts (M6) was 26.50 MPa, with a relative error of 8.8%. The feasibility of the hardware circuit designed in this paper has been verified through measurement experiments. This study provides effective hardware and technical support for precisely measuring the axial stress of small‐sized bolts in high‐end equipment.