bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of a CRISPR‐Cas9‐Based Genetic Editing Tool for Serratia marcescens Using a Stationary Phase Promoter and Its Application in Putrescine Production
Authors: Gou Linbo , Liu Di , Fan Tai‐Ping , Deng Huaxiang , Cai Yujie
Published: February 2025

Putrescine plays a significant role in green food production and agriculture by promoting plant growth and enhancing crop quality. Its application reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby supporting the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices. This study achieved efficient production of putrescine in Serratia marcescens. S. marcescens has been extensively used to synthesize antimicrobial substances and express proteins, but its application has been limited by the lack of efficient genome‐editing tools. This study presents a CRISPR‐Cas9‐based tool for gene editing in S. marcescens. A dual‐plasmid system was constructed, incorporating an editing template into the plasmid pEdit with target‐specific sgRNA. A stationary phase promoter was used to express Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes protein, avoiding the need for additional inducers and ensuring efficient one‐step gene knockout and integration. The tool demonstrated over 80% editing efficiency across various S. marcescens strains and enabled successful single‐base mutations. Using this tool, we enhanced putrescine production in S. marcescens HBQA7, optimizing the expression of ornithine decarboxylase from Clostridium aceticum DSM1496 with the P2 promoter and identifying the optimal integration site. Putrescine production reached 8.46 g/L within 48 h. This study significantly advances S. marcescens gene editing and metabolic engineering.
Pathways to Circularity: Engagement Patterns of European SMEs in the Circular Economy
Authors: Lopes João M. , Gomes Sofia , Nogueira Elisabete
Published: February 2025

Compliance with the 2030 agenda is forcing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union (EU) to transition from linear to circular business models, boosting the adoption of circular economy (CE) activities. More information is needed to know the transition stage of these companies. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the implementation patterns of nine CE activities by EU SMEs and explore the relationships between the implementation of CE activities and the characteristics of these companies in terms of economic activity and ownership. To this end, we used a sample of 13,322 SMEs from the EU, using the Latent Class Model to identify the implementation patterns of CE activities and correspondence analysis to relate the implementation of CE activities with the characteristics of the SMEs. The results show that in the implementation of CE activities, five patterns of SMEs involvement can be identified, with CE activities being systematically independent in each pattern. It was also demonstrated that the SMEs with the highest probability of engagement are those dedicated to service activities, medium‐sized companies established more years ago, with high and growing turnover, which invest most of their turnover annually in CE activities, and those that sell products or services to multiple final destinations. This study contributes to demonstrating that the essential dynamic capabilities of SMEs to become circular must be incorporated into a pattern of implementation of CE activities and that in their implementation, CE activities are not independent of each other but follow a specific pattern of involvement, in which activities are invariably interdependent in relation to other patterns.
How Can Religion Shape Pro‐Environmental Behavior in a Materialistic World? Contrasting Idealism With Realism Religious Epics
Authors: Das Manish , Lim Weng Marc , Paul Subhrajit , Roy Abhirupa , Purohit Sonal
Published: February 2025

Despite extensive research on the influence of religion on pro‐environmental behavior, little attention has been paid to the role of religious epics—that is, narratives that embody the core beliefs and moral values of religious traditions—as a mechanism for promoting such behavior. Using Hinduism as a case, this research seeks to bridge this gap by contrasting the orientations of idealism in the Ramayana with realism in the Mahabharata, offering a better understanding of how these distinct orientations in religious epics can shape pro‐environmental behavior. Utilizing belief congruence theory as a theoretical framework, this four‐study research examines altruism as a mediator and materialism as a moderator in understanding the role of religious epics in shaping pro‐environmental behavior. The findings suggest that the idealistic orientation of the Ramayana fosters stronger pro‐environmental behavior through heightened altruistic values, whereas the realistic orientation of the Mahabharata shows a less pronounced effect, which is further attenuated by materialism. These insights not only contribute to the theoretical discourse on consumer behavior, ethics, religion, and sustainability, but also offer practical implications for leveraging religious epics in fostering pro‐environmental behavior in a materialistic world.
AKR1B1 Inhibits Ferroptosis and Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression via Interacting With STAT3 to Activate SLC7A11
Authors: Yang Kaiyan , Zhang Xin , Long Fei , Dai Jing
Published: February 2025

Gastric cancer (GC) is a frequently diagnosed malignant tumor in clinical settings; however, the mechanisms underlying its tumorigenesis remain inadequately understood. In this study, we identified significantly elevated expression levels of AKR1B1 in GC tissues through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting assays. Furthermore, a negative correlation was established between patient survival probability and AKR1B1 expression levels. Functionally, our experiments, including colony formation, transwell migration, and xenograft assays, demonstrated that the depletion of AKR1B1 inhibited the proliferation and progression of GC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial morphology confirmed that AKR1B1 depletion induces ferroptosis. Mechanistically, we found that AKR1B1 interacts with STAT3, which subsequently activates SLC7A11. Notably, the ferroptosis induced by AKR1B1 depletion could be reversed by the overexpression of SLC7A11, thereby substantiating these interactions. In conclusion, our findings identify AKR1B1 as a novel oncogene in GC and elucidate the mechanism involving the AKR1B1‐STAT3‐SLC7A11 pathway and ferroptosis, providing new insights for potential therapeutic strategies in the treatment of GC.
Electronic Interactions in Coulombic Associated Photoactive Macrocycles to Chemically Modified MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Tsigkou Marina , Nikoli Eleni , Sideri Ioanna K. , Kardaras Michalis , Galvan Hiram Joazet Ojeda , Quintana Mildred , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: February 2025

Whilst functionalization of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and more specifically MoS2, has flourished the past decade, the accommodation of photoactive molecules on their lattice has unlocked the potentiality of this family of materials in a series of optoelectronic and energy related applications. The electronic communication between the chromophore and MoS2, in such systems, has been thoroughly studied, in cases where the grafting of the former on the latter is secured through covalent bonding. However, comparatively less attention has been drawn in cases where the chromophore is electrostatically anchored on MoS2, a means that potentially provides alternative ways of spatially accommodating the ligand on the TMD's extended environment, which directly affects the electronic communication between the two entities. In this work, we comparatively study the photophysical characteristics of three separate nanoensembles, where MoS2 is electrostatically hosting a Zn‐phthalocyanine, a Zn‐porphyrin, and a boron‐dipyrromethene, that complementary cover a wide range of visible absorption, via UV‐Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results highlight the strong interactions in the excited state across all chromophores, while the ground‐state interactions vary from chromophore to chromophore, indicating a distinct energy exchange dependent on the specific nanoensemble.
KOH‐Activated Pinecone Biochar for Efficient Chloramphenicol Removal From Aqueous Solutions
Authors: He Xiaoran , Islam Md. Amirul , Zhao Taibao , Eljamal Osama , Saha Bidyut Baran
Published: February 2025

The emerging pollutant chloramphenicol (CAP) is highly environmentally persistent and biotoxic, causing extreme environmental harm. This study investigates the removal of CAP from aqueous solutions using biochar derived from pinecones. The biochars were activated at 800°C using KOH with different mass ratios to the carbonized sample (2:1, 4:1, and 6:1). Among them, the biochar with a KOH ratio of 4:1 (PCK4‐800) exhibits the highest pore volume (1.8 cm3 g−1) and a specific surface area (3131.6 m2 g−1). Batch experiments reveal that the CAP adsorption capacity of the biochar is positively correlated with its specific surface area. At pH 7, PCK4‐800 achieves a removal efficiency of up to 92% for a 100 mg L−1 CAP solution using a dosage of just 0.1 g L−1. This performance surpasses that of recently reported adsorbents. Kinetic and thermodynamic model fitting results indicate that chemical adsorption within a monomolecular layer dominates physical adsorption. The primary adsorption mechanisms involve pore filling and π‐π interactions, while secondary mechanisms include electrostatic effects and hydrogen bonding. Thermodynamic parameters confirm that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. Moreover, the removal efficiency of PCK4‐800 remains above 80% after five regeneration cycles. In summary, the high removal efficiency and excellent regeneration potential of PCK4‐800 demonstrate its suitability as an effective adsorbent for antibiotic removal.
The Roles of Hydroxyl Radicals and Superoxide in Oxidizing Aqueous Benzyl Alcohol under Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Fischer Ari F. , Bahry Teseer , Xie Zhangyue , Batista da Silva Junior Roberto , Qian Kaicheng , Li Renhong , Kwan James , Jerome François , Valange Sabine , Liu Wen , N. Amaniampong Prince , Choksi Tej S
Published: February 2025

The abatement of aromatic pollutants in water requires their oxidation to nontoxic products by resource‐intensive reactions with hydroxyl radicals (•OH). We elucidate the mechanisms of •OH‐induced aromatic ring degradation by combining kinetic measurements, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and kinetic modelling. We demonstrate that benzyl alcohol, a model aromatic compound, is oxidized by •OH radicals, generated by ultrasonic irradiation in an O2‐rich environment, into aromatic compounds (benzaldehyde and phenol derivatives) and C1‐C2 oxygenates (formic acid, glyoxal, and oxalic acid). Through pathways akin to atmospheric chemistry, these •OH radicals de‐aromatize and fragment benzyl alcohol, producing 5‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐pentenal and other dicarbonyl products. Unique to the aqueous phase, however, superoxide (•O2–) forms by •OOH deprotonation, which is generated by ultrasound (alongside •OH) and as a byproduct of •OH‐benzyl alcohol reactions. •O2– acts as a nucleophile, oxidizing 5‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐pentenal into oxalic acid and C1 oxygenates via aldehyde and ketone intermediates. This process regenerates •O2– and does not consume •OH, thereby further degrading ring fragmentation products while preserving •OH to activate the refractory aromatic ring of benzyl alcohol. These nucleophilic •O2–reactions can therefore reduce the energy and number of chemical initiators needed to degrade aromatic compounds, thus advancing •OH‐based oxidation processes in water treatment.
Facet‐Dependent Performance of Microstructured SrTiO3 Particles in Photocatalytic Oxidation of Acetone
Authors: Costa Nathália Tavares , Cunha Daniel Monteiro , Zhu Kaijian , Huijser Annemarie , Katsoukis Georgios , Wenderich Kasper , Flapper Jitte , Mul Guido
Published: February 2025

Photocatalysis is a promising technology for purification of indoor air by oxidation of volatile organic compounds. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the adsorption and photo‐oxidation of surface‐adsorbed acetone on three SrTiO3 morphologies: cubes (for which exclusively {100} facets are exposed), {110}‐truncated cubes, and {100}‐truncated rhombic dodecahedrons, respectively, all prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. In situ Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy shows that cubic crystals contain a high quantity of surface –OH groups, enabling significant quantities of adsorbed acetone in the form of η1‐enolate when exposed to gas phase acetone. Contrary, {110} facets exhibit fewer surface –OH groups, resulting in relatively small quantities of adsorbed η1‐acetone, without observable quantities of enolate. Interestingly, acetate and formate signatures appear in the spectra of cubic, surface η1‐enolate containing, SrTiO3 upon illumination, while besides acetate and formate, the formation of (surface) formaldehyde was observed on truncated cubes, and dodecahedrons, by conversion of adsorbed η1‐acetone. Time‐Resolved Photoluminescence studies demonstrate that the lifetimes of photogenerated charge carriers vary with crystal morphology. The shortest carrier lifetime (τ1 = 33 ± 0.1 ps) was observed in {110}‐truncated cube SrTiO3, likely due to a relatively strong built‐in electric field promoting electron transport to {100} facets and hole transport to {110} facets. The second lifetime (τ2 = 259 ± 1 ps) was also the shortest for this morphology, possibly due to a higher amount of surface trap states. Our results demonstrate that SrTiO3 crystal morphology can be tuned to optimize performance in photocatalytic oxidation.
Effect of Substituents on the Tautomerism of Pyridone Nucleoside Analogs
Authors: Stark Leon , Zielinski Patrik , Miehlich Burkhard , Yang Shangqing , Frey Wolfgang , Bartenschlager Ralf , Köhn Andreas , Richert Clemens
Published: February 2025

Nucleobase analogs are important tools in medicine and chemical biology, as they offer molecular targeting options for the intervention in genetic processes. Pyridone C‐nucleosides have been shown to pair with adenine in complementary strands, but a switch from the lactam to lactim form may change their base pairing preference. We synthesized 6‐fluoropyridone analogs of aciclovir and cidofovir, which we assumed to be in the lactam form, but were found to lack activity against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Spectroscopic data then indicated that they are predominantly in the lactim form, with a hydrogen bonding pattern suitable for G. The tautomerism of fluoropyridones was then studied by UV‐spectroscopy and quantum‐chemical calculations. The UV spectroscopic pattern for either tautomer was corroborated by synthesizing N‐ and O‐methylated model compounds, and measuring their spectra. The tautomeric equilibrium of selected other substituted pyridones is predicted, based on density‐functional theory calculations.
Immunoglobulin‐like transcript 5 polarizes M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophages for immunosuppression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Huijun , Fu Xuebing , Wang Shuyun , Ge Yihui , Zhang Lu , Li Juan , Zhang Fang , Yang Yang , He Yifu , Sun Yuping , Gao Aiqin
Published: February 2025

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shifted the treatment paradigm of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) over the last decade. Despite notable therapeutic advancements in responders, the response rate remains limited owing to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, to improve the efficacy of ICIs, it is essential to explore alternative targets or signals that mediate immunosuppression. Immunoglobulin‐like transcript (ILT) 5 is a negative regulator of immune activation in myeloid cells. However, the expression and function of ILT5 in NSCLC remain unknown. Here, we found that ILT5 was highly expressed in tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) of NSCLC tissues and predicted poor patient survival. Functionally, ILT5 induces the M2‐like polarization of TAMs, which subsequently decreases the density of T cells, and increases FOXP3+T cell accumulation, leading to an immunosuppressive TME. The combination of ILT5 expression with M2‐like TAM density is a more reliable biomarker of patient survival than ILT5 expression alone. ILT5 knockout mitigates the reprogramming of TAM and T cell subsets toward immunosuppressive phenotypes and inhibits tumor growth in vivo. These findings highlight that ILT5 is a potential immunotherapeutic target and a promising prognostic biomarker for NSCLC.
Measuring Currency Risk Premium: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Akdogan Idil Uz , Halicioglu Ferda , Demir Ishak
Published: February 2025

This study examines the determinants of a change in currency expectations for the Turkish Lira (TL) versus the US dollar with different maturities (1 month, 3 months and 1 year). The risk premium is estimated using the interest rate differential and a latent component called the missing risk premium. The empirical model is extended to break down the risk component by introducing other explanatory variables, such as currency swap agreements, credit default swap (CDS), foreign reserves and the volatility index (VIX). A state‐space model is employed to explain the behaviour of an unobserved variable over the period between January 2005 and March 2023 with daily and weekly data frequencies. Our findings suggest that the uncovered interest parity (UIP) condition does not hold consistently in Turkey during this period. Deviations from UIP can be attributed to a time‐varying risk premium as outlined in Fama's framework. Additionally, our analysis also shows that interest rates and swaps play a significant role in explaining the variations in the TL's risk premium. Moreover, we found a substantial increase in both the level and volatility of the missing risk premium for longer maturities after 2018. Incorporating observable variables substantially reduces both the magnitude and the long‐lasting impact of the missing risk premium shocks on expectations. Overall, this study sheds light on the intricate relationship between monetary policy changes, exchange rates and risk premia in the context of an emerging market.
The effect of magnitude on the displacement of leisure items by edible items
Authors: Miller Sydney B. , Snyder Sara K. , Ayres Kevin M. , Cagliani Rachel R.
Published: February 2025

Previous research has demonstrated the displacement of leisure items by edible items in the context of preference assessments. Recent research has further evaluated this phenomenon by manipulating the magnitude of access to leisure items and evaluating the effect on preference when given the option between leisure and edible items (e.g., Clark et al., 2020). The current study replicated and extended Clark et al. (2020) by including a reversal design to evaluate the effects of differential magnitudes on participants' selection of a leisure item relative to an edible item. Increases in the duration of access to the leisure item resulted in participants choosing the leisure item over the edible item. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Does increasing absolute conditioned reinforcement rate improve sensitivity to relative conditioned reinforcement rate?
Authors: Morris Samuel L. , Blakemore Edward T.
Published: February 2025

Previous research has demonstrated several procedural modifications that improve the sensitivity of human behavior to relative rates of conditioned reinforcement or S+ production. Denser rates of reinforcement have proved useful in related human operant research, but the influence of denser rates of S+ production has yet to be evaluated. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate how the absolute S+ production rate influenced sensitivity to relative S+ production rate. Thirty undergraduate students were randomly assigned to three groups for which the absolute rate of S+ production varied but the programmed relative rate of S+ production was held constant across groups. Results similar to those of previous research were obtained with many participants; however, the absolute rate of S+ production exerted no systematic effect on sensitivity or the quality of fits of the generalized matching equation. Exploratory analyses suggest that methods ensuring steady‐state responding and improving the predictive value of S+ are important directions for future research.
The use of computer‐aided design and manufacture for foot orthoses: A cross‐sectional study of orthotic services in the UK
Authors: Barr Laura , Richards Jim , Chapman Graham J.
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to identify how computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) technologies are currently being used for insole production by UK orthotic services in the National Health Service (NHS), including any variation in the specific processes and identify barriers to implementation.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken using freedom of information requests sent to all 214 NHS Trusts and Health Boards (HBs) across the UK. The request comprised 22 questions relating to CAD/CAM for insole production by UK NHS orthotic services during the 2021/22 financial year.

Outcome Measures

Analysis was undertaken and presented in terms of response rate to individual questions. Where free text responses were provided, thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Responses were received from 186 (86.9%) Trusts/HBs, those who did not have an orthotic service were excluded, and 131 responses were included in the final analysis. 70.5% (91/129) of Trusts/HBs used CAD/CAM to manufacture bespoke insoles. The most common workflow associated with CAD/CAM insole production was foot‐shape capture with a foam box impression cast (86.8% (79/91)); casts transported to another site (90.8% (79/87)); foam boxes scanned into a CAD/CAM system (81.6% (71/87)); insoles designed by a technician (73.6% (67/91)) and insole produced with reduction milling (59.1% (SD 37.92)). The greatest barriers to the use of CAD/CAM were those of equipment costs and staff experience and training.

Conclusions

UK orthotic services have widely adopted CAD/CAM insole production, but fully‐digital workflow is uncommon. Hybrid‐digital workflow involves physical casts and their transportation, generating waste and impacting sustainability. Further research is required to understand how hybrid‐digital and fully‐digital workflow affect patient treatment outcomes, costs and sustainability. Barriers to CAD/CAM including costs and staff training which should be considered alongside the growing body of research around CAD/CAM technologies.
The Frequencies of Different Inborn Errors of Metabolism in Adult Metabolic Centres: 10 Years Later, Another Report From the SSIEM Adult Metabolic Physicians Group
Authors: Tchan Michel , Lehman Anna , van Dussen Laura , Langendonk Janneke G. , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Langeveld Mirjam , Murphy Elaine , Ryder Bryony , Glamuzina Emma , Merkel Martin , Sechi Annalisa , Arnoux Jean‐Baptiste , Mochel Fanny , Alkemade Gonnie , Maillot Francois , Kaphan Elsa , Mazodier Karin , Thomas Quentin , Leguy‐Seguin Vanessa , Marelli Cecilia
Published: February 2025

There are still few centres, which specialise in the care of adults with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). All physicians who participated in the SSIEM adult metabolic physicians group paper in 2014 were contacted to provide updated data on their IEM patients. Fifteen adult centres responded to our survey with information on their patients. Nine thousand, six hundred fifty‐one patients were included in the final cohort, compared with 6 182 in the previous analysis. There were 394 separate diagnoses. The most common diseases were phenylketonuria (19.6%), mitochondrial disorders (12.3%) and lysosomal storage disorders such as Fabry disease (20.1% of LSD's), Pompe disease (3.1%), and Gaucher disease (2.8%). Among the disorders that can present with acute metabolic decompensation, the urea cycle disorders (4.0%), were most common (ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency 2.6%), followed by maple syrup urine disease (1.1%) and glycogen storage disease type I (0.7%). Patients were frequently diagnosed as adults, particularly those with mitochondrial disease and lysosomal storage disorders. Many patients are only diagnosed in adulthood (> 40%) and the cohort is increasing substantially with 9 651 patients included in the final analysis (34% increase compared to our original paper). Thus reinforcing the need for adult specialists to be trained in this area.
Understanding Evapotranspiration Driving Mechanisms in China With Explainable Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Wang Guojie , Li Shijie , Cabral Pedro
Published: February 2025

Evapotranspiration (ET) is the second component of the water cycle, serving as a critical link among surface water, energy and carbon cycles. In general, ET mechanism studies mainly use statistical regression and numerical model sensitivity experiments. However, the use of a nonlinear explainable machine learning algorithm, which has become an effective tool for studying earth science, remains unexplored to study the ET mechanism. Thus, this study employs various explainable methods to quantify the effects of different climatic variables on ET changes across China and four sub‐regions (Arid, humid, transition and Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau regions). It was found that precipitation, temperature and leaf area index contributed the most to ET changes between 1981 and 2018. There was a clear spatial distribution of the dominant factor: Precipitation was the primary driver of ET changes over water‐limited regions, while air temperature dominated ET changes over energy‐limited regions. Meanwhile, we also compared the effect of each variable on ET with the changes of the respective variable and remaining variables. Air temperature would increase the effects of precipitation on ET changes, and air temperature's contribution was also amplified by precipitation. Our results confirm the effectiveness of using the explainable machine learning algorithm to study the hydrological cycle.
An Attempt of Combining Oak and Pine Trees to Enhance Monsoonal Precipitation Reconstruction in the East Qinling Mountains
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Jiachuan , Yan Yalan , Pang Wenxuan , Xu Yang , Liu Yu , Song Huiming , Sun Changfeng , Jia Zichun , Wu Yifan , Cheng Hai
Published: February 2025

Short‐term meteorological observations often limit our understanding of regional climate change over historical periods. Dendroclimatology provides an effective means for overcoming this limitation by extending the climate record. In China, most tree‐ring studies focus on coniferous species. But this study innovatively combines both Liaodong oak and Chinese pine trees to establish a new synthesis chronology in the East Qinling Mountains. The new synthesis chronology showed a significantly high correlation with observed April–June precipitation (r = 0.747, n = 41, p < 0.001), while the individual chronology of oak or pine trees failed to meet the threshold for quantitative climate reconstruction (R2 > 40%). Using this synthesis chronology, we reconstructed a 163‐year precipitation series that offers a robust spatiotemporal representation of the marginal East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) region through spatial correlation analysis and comparison with surrounding hydroclimate reconstructions. The several extreme drought periods (1871–1881, 1917–1931, and 1957–1973) and extreme wet periods (1888–1899, 1906–1916, and 1985–1995) were detected from the reconstruction. Additionally, it showed significant synchronisation with the EASM indices (p < 0.02) at interannual time scales, while PDO and AMO influenced precipitation variability at multidecadal scales. These findings demonstrate that combined broad‐leaved and coniferous tree‐ring chronologies can effectively capture large‐scale atmospheric circulations.
Self‐assessment with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease endoscopy scoring tools: A quality improvement pilot study
Authors: Hudson Alexandra S. , Wahbeh Ghassan , Lee Dale , Francis Kendra L. , Suskind David , Zheng Hengqi Betty
Published: February 2025

Endoscopy is a fundamental component pediatric gastroenterology (GI), with one of its primary applications being the evaluation and management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there is variation in education and experience of gastroenterologists with pediatric IBD endoscopy, which can affect the quality of patient care. This quality improvement pilot study assessed familiarity and comfort with key endoscopic assessment tools (13 questions) pre‐ and post‐ an evidence‐based group presentation. Both fellow and attending pediatric gastroenterologists had low levels of comfort with endoscopic Crohn's disease scoring, IBD phenotype classification, postoperative IBD scoring, and IBD dysplasia screening. The review presentation significantly enhanced their comfort, with this effect persisting for several months among fellows. To improve the quality of care for IBD patients, it would be beneficial to periodically review endoscopic guidelines in continuing medical education for pediatric gastroenterologists providing IBD care.
Effects of Montelukast on Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease: An Open Label Safety and Tolerability Trial with CSF Markers and [11C]PBR28 PET
Authors: Wallin Johan , Forsberg Anton , Svenningsson Per
Published: February 2025

Background

Dysregulated leukotriene signaling is proposed to be involved in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

The objective was to examine the safety and tolerability of montelukast, a cysteinyl‐leukotriene receptor1 and GPR17 antagonist, in patients with PD. Secondary outcomes were target engagement, effects on PD signs/symptoms, and central neuroinflammation.

Methods

Fifteen PD patients were recruited to a 12‐week open‐label trial of 20 mg bi‐daily montelukast treatment. Patients underwent ratings with the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39 (PDQ‐39), [11C]PBR28‐PET, and lumbar punctures before and during montelukast treatment.

Results

All patients completed the study. Three patients reported loose stool. No serious adverse events related to treatment were reported. MDS‐UPDRS‐Total scores improved by 6.9 points. Very low levels of montelukast were detected in all cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and resulted in a reduction in inflammation/metabolism markers. [11C]PBR28 binding was lowered in high, but not mixed, affinity binders after montelukast.

Conclusions

Montelukast crosses the blood–brain barrier at very low levels and is well tolerated and safe in PD patients. Preliminary effects on neuroinflammation and clinical scores motivate a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) in PD. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Performance of Ritz‐Piecewise Gegenbauer Approach for Two Types of Fractional Pantograph Equations Including Piecewise Fractional Derivative
Authors: Dehestani Haniye
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a novel numerical algorithm for solving pantograph differential equations and Volterra functional integro‐differential equations including the piecewise fractional derivative. The proposed algorithm combines the piecewise Gegenbauer functions, the Ritz method, and operational matrices. These functions have great flexibility to match the problems containing piecewise fractional derivatives. Due to the problems, we calculate the operational matrix of derivatives, the operational matrix of the piecewise fractional derivative, and the pantograph operational matrix. By employing the proposed numerical algorithm, we transform the problems into a system of algebraic equations. Moreover, we discuss the error estimation of the approximate solution and residual error. Finally, we provide details on the implementation of this technique through several numerical examples to demonstrate its applicability.
Large Constant‐Sign Solutions for Bvps of the Partial Difference Equation Involving (p,q)$$ \left(p,q\right) $$‐Laplacian
Authors: Xiong Feng , Xia Yonghui
Published: February 2025

Large constant‐sign solutions for boundray value problems (Bvps) of the partial difference equation involving ‐Laplacian are investigated in this paper. It is the first time to consider such problem based on critical point theory and truncation techniques. Even reducing to the ordinary difference equations, our results generalize and significantly improve some existing ones. In the end, the obtained results are exemplified based on two examples.
Monolayer WSe2 Film as Saturable Absorbers for Mid‐Infrared Passive Q‐Switching
Authors: Zheng Jie , Zong Mengyu , Ye Kun , Feng Xiaoyue , Liu Jingjing , Liu Jie , Liu Danhua , Liu Zhongyuan
Published: February 2025

The monolayer WSe2 material was utilized for a saturable absorber to create a 2.7 μm passively Q‐switched pulse laser. The maximal single pulse energy was 2.75 µJ, and the highest peak power was measured approximately 2.53 W. As far as we know, this is the first instance of monolayer WSe2 being used for passive Q‐switching operation in mid‐infrared. The results provide favorable evidence for monolayer WSe2 as a mid‐infrared Q‐switcher and show the promise of monolayer two‐dimensional materials for ultrafast pulsed laser applications.
Enhancing gamma‐ray detection: Processing grooved microstructures on LYSO crystal with femtosecond laser
Authors: Zhang Xi , Yu Xin , Cheng Hua , Wang Yuli , Sabet Hamid , Xie Siwei , Xu Jianfeng , Peng Qiyu
Published: February 2025

Background

Gamma‐ray detection plays a crucial role in the fields of biomedicine, space exploration, national defense, and security. High‐precision gamma photon detection relies on scintillation crystals, which attenuate gamma rays through mechanisms such as photoelectric effect and Compton scattering. These interactions generate light signals within the scintillation crystal, which are subsequently converted into electronic signals using photodetectors, enabling accurate readout, and analysis.

Purpose

Improving the readout efficiency of visible photons in crystal detectors can significantly improve the efficiency of gamma‐ray detection. Scintillator crystals are usually hard and brittle materials, which are difficult to process. In this paper, we innovatively propose the method of using a femtosecond laser to process grooved microstructures on the light output surface of scintillator crystals to improve the detection efficiency, and thus enhance the comprehensive performance of gamma‐ray detection.

Methods

Optical simulation software is first used to explore the enhancement of the light output performance by the grooved microstructures. Subsequently, a 5‐dimension system for femtosecond laser processing of scintillator crystals was constructed, which can achieve accurate processing of grooved structures. Finally, the feasibility of the study was verified by applying grooved microstructure on crystal bars and crystal arrays.

Results

TracePro simulation results showed an average efficiency improvement in light output of 33.56% within the groove parameters: spacing from 20 to 140 µm, depth from 8 to 28 µm, and width from 10 to 30 µm. A custom‐designed readout electronic system for gamma detection and a laser processing platform was then constructed to evaluate the feasibility of applying grooved structures to the lutetium‐yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) crystal surface. According to the simulation results, 12 groups of crystal bars were fabricated with spacings from 60 to 140 µm, depths from 7 to 16 µm, and widths from 11 to 14 µm. Experimental results showed an average improvement of 20.4% in light output for the crystal bars, and that of the crystal arrays can be improved by 6.85% on average.

Conclusions

This study introduces a method of using femtosecond lasers to fabricate grooved microstructures on LYSO crystal surfaces, which has demonstrated a significant improvement in light output in both simulation and experimentation. This method can be applied to the production of crystal arrays at a low cost and on a large scale, showing promising potential for common gamma detection applications, such as medical imaging, industry, and astrophysics.
Assessment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients With Wrist Involvement During the Course of Inflammatory Arthritis. A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Perrotta Fabio Massimo , Antenucci Marcella , Zappia Marcello , Lubrano Ennio
Published: February 2025

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic (United States) alterations of the median nerve, the performance of the Kamath screening questionnaire and the clinical examination (Tinel and Phanel test) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with previous or present inflammatory involvement of the radio‐ulno‐carpal joint.

Patients and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out. Patients with RA and PsA and clinical symptoms suggestive of CTS were consecutively recruited. The main clinical‐demographic characteristics were collected in all patients. The Kamath questionnaire was administered to all patients during the clinic visit. The US examination was used as a ‘gold‐standard’ for the diagnosis of CTS (transverse nerve area > 12 mm2 and morpho‐structural alterations) and was used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Kamath questionnaire and the Tinel and Phanel clinical tests.

Results

44 patients, 34 patients with RA and 10 patients with PsA were evaluated. 7 (16%) patients had a median nerve cross‐sectional area > 12 mm2, associated with US abnormalities of the nerve. The Kamath questionnaire showed moderate sensitivity values (71.4%) but low specificity (56.7%) for ultrasonographic diagnosis of CTS with a negative predictive value of 91.3%. Clinical tests show low sensitivity but high specificity. No statistically significant correlations were found with the main clinical variables.

Conclusions

The screening questionnaire showed moderate sensitivity but low specificity compared to the ultrasound ‘gold standard’. Clinical tests may support the diagnosis of CTS in these conditions.
Can ChatGPT Implement Finite Element Models for Geotechnical Engineering Applications?
Authors: Kim Taegu , Yun Tae Sup , Suh Hyoung Suk
Published: February 2025

This study assesses the capability of ChatGPT to generate finite element code for geotechnical engineering applications from a set of prompts. We tested three different initial boundary value problems using a hydro‐mechanically coupled formulation for unsaturated soils, including the dissipation of excess pore water pressure through fluid mass diffusion in one‐dimensional space, time‐dependent differential settlement of a strip footing, and gravity‐driven seepage. For each case, initial prompting involved providing ChatGPT with necessary information for finite element implementation, such as balance and constitutive equations, problem geometry, initial and boundary conditions, material properties, and spatiotemporal discretization and solution strategies. Any errors and unexpected results were further addressed through prompt augmentation processes until the ChatGPT‐generated finite element code passed the verification/validation test. Our results demonstrate that ChatGPT required minimal code revisions when using the FEniCS finite element library, owing to its high‐level interfaces that enable efficient programming. In contrast, the MATLAB code generated by ChatGPT necessitated extensive prompt augmentations and/or direct human intervention, as it involves a significant amount of low‐level programming required for finite element analysis, such as constructing shape functions or assembling global matrices. Given that prompt engineering for this task requires an understanding of the mathematical formulation and numerical techniques, this study suggests that while a large language model may not yet replace human programmers, it can greatly assist in the implementation of numerical models.
Delivery of Timely Adjuvant Radiation Among Veterans With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Gulati Jasmine , Shah Anuja , Shah Veranca , Haupt Thomas , Walsh Amanda , Maxwell Jessica H.
Published: February 2025

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the rate at which veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) received care adhering to National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) guidelines for postoperative radiation and to identify factors associated with non‐adherence. The guidelines recommend initiation of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) within 6 weeks of surgery.

Study Design

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of a pre‐existing database.

Setting

This study, performed at the DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, identified patients with HNSCC who underwent surgery with curative intent followed by adjuvant radiation ± chemotherapy between 1991 and 2021.

Methods

Variables assessed included patient demographics, cancer stage and site, treatment type, dates of treatment initiation and completion, and adherence to the NCCN guidelines for PORT initiation. Fisher exact test was used to identify factors associated with delays >6 weeks.

Results

Among the 132 veterans identified, 72 (54.5%) underwent surgery followed by adjuvant PORT. Only 18 veterans (25%) started radiation within 6 weeks of surgery. Patients who underwent a neck dissection at the time of the index surgery (P = .028), dental extraction (P = .032), or gastrostomy tube placement (P = .041) were more likely to experience delays.

Conclusion

Only 25% of veterans initiated PORT within 6 weeks. Identifying causes of delays provides an important step in addressing discrepancies between guideline‐directed care and actual care delivered. Development of efficient care pathways to increase guideline‐congruent initiation of PORT should be considered.
Fabrication and reinforcement‐toughening mechanisms of carbon/glass super‐hybrid composites
Authors: Zhao Qitong , Chen Wenguang , Zhang Na , Huang Ming , Mi Liwei , Liu Chuntai , Gao Guoli
Published: February 2025

Obtaining thinner and wider unidirectional tows of fibers is key to achieving a high degree of hybridization, however it remains a significant challenge. Here, an efficient method is developed to produce highly dispersive fiber tows by the synergistic effect of mechanical vibration and airflow disturbance. It is commonly believed that interlaminar hybridization of carbon fiber composites with other fibers shows excellent strength. There is no denying that it still suffers from limited design flexibility, insufficient carbon‐glass hybridization, and suboptimal toughening effects. In this study, we have innovatively designed and fabricated super‐hybrid composites with a higher degree of fiber compounding. As a result, we demonstrated that the tensile modulus and extreme strain of the super‐hybrid composite increased by 19.5% and 26.3%, compared to the interlaminar hybrid composite. Meanwhile, the super‐hybrid fiber composites exhibit excellent dynamic mechanical and impact resistance properties. In addition, based on the impact test, a VUMAT subroutine stem from the 3D Hashin damage model was developed to simulate the impact process. The error between the experimental data and the simulated energy absorption performance is about 10%, indicating that the existing 3D Hashin damage model is still suitable for the prediction of impact performance of hybrid fiber composites.

Highlights

A fiber tow spreading method with the synergistic effect of mechanical vibration and airflow disturbance was proposed.

This paper presents a fabrication method of carbon/glass super‐hybrid composites.

A VUMAT subroutine stem from the 3D Hashin damage model was developed to simulate the impact process.
Sustainable optimization of compression molding parameters for high‐performance titanium‐based fiber metal laminates with graphene‐enhanced Kevlar/jute fibers
Authors: Naveen Michael Roger , Kamaraj Logesh , Ponnarengan Hariharasakthisudhan
Published: February 2025

This study explores the design and optimization of titanium‐based fiber metal laminates (Ti‐FMLs) reinforced with a hybrid core of Kevlar and jute fibers, bonded using a graphene‐enhanced epoxy adhesive. The research systematically investigates the effects of graphene content (0, 1, and 2 wt%), molding pressure (0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 MPa), and curing temperature (250°C, 300°C, and 350°C) on mechanical properties, including tensile strength, Young's modulus, failure strain, flexural strength, impact energy absorption, and peel strength. Using advanced multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) techniques, specifically SWARA (stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis) and CoCoSo (combined compromise solution), the optimal processing parameters were identified. The results reveal that the inclusion of 2 wt% graphene, combined with a curing temperature of 300°C and a molding pressure of 1 MPa, provides superior mechanical performance. The optimized configuration (Kevlar, 2 wt% graphene, 1 MPa, 300°C) achieved the highest tensile strength of 845.3 MPa, Young's modulus of 136.34 GPa, and peel strength of 15 N/mm, while exhibiting improved interfacial bonding and delamination resistance. The Kevlar/jute laminates demonstrated enhanced ductility and impact energy absorption, reaching a peak energy absorption of 16.3 J, making them suitable for applications requiring both high performance and sustainability. The findings emphasize the critical role of graphene nanofillers in improving interfacial adhesion and matrix toughness, while the inclusion of jute fibers highlights the potential for environmentally friendly hybrid composites. This study provides a robust framework for optimizing FMLs for advanced structural applications in aerospace, automotive, and defense industries, for further exploration of sustainable materials and durability.

Highlights

Titanium‐based FMLs with graphene‐enhanced Kevlar/jute fibers were developed

2 wt% graphene improved interfacial bonding, boosting strength and modulus

Graphene filler restricted crack growth, improving fiber‐matrix load transfer

Kevlar/jute laminate increased ductility, balanced strength, and sustainability

Optimized molding pressure and temperature‐enhanced mechanical properties
Conductive 1D Metal–Organic Frameworks DDA‐X (DDA = Hexacoordinated 1,5‐Diamino‐4,8‐Dihydroxy‐9,10‐Anthraceneedione, X = Co, Ni, and Cu) for Highly Efficient Sulfur Redox Kinetics in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: A Density‐Functional Theory Study
Authors: Yan Yu‐chun , Zhang Bao‐min , Ji Wei‐xiao , Li Ping , Li Feng , Zhang Chang‐Wen
Published: February 2025

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LiSBs) are considered as the prominent candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the commercial applications of LiSBs are impeded by shuttling effect and sluggish conversion kinetics of the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Herein, it is proposed that the 1D metal–organic framework (1D MOF) DDA‐X (DDA = hexacoordinated 1,5‐diamino‐4,8‐dihydroxy‐9,10‐anthraceneedione, X = Co, Ni, and Cu) can be a potential sulfur host material for LiSBs. Through the first‐principles calculations, it is revealed that the DDA‐X with excellent electronic conductivity mitigates the insulating properties of S‐based electrodes. Because of the significant synergistic effect based on the XS bond and the LiN bond, the DDA‐X can intensely interact with LiPSs and substantially prevent soluble LiPSs species into the electrolyte. Particularly, the battery with the DDA‐Co cathode has excellent electrocatalytic activity for the redox reaction of LiPSs, which has low Gibbs free energy barriers (0.398 eV) and Li2S decomposition energy barriers (1.45 eV) during the charge–discharge cycle, and it is due to the upshift of the d‐band center of Co in DDA‐Co. Through these findings, the application of the 1D MOF materials in high‐performance LiSBs is facilitated.