bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining observational and experimental data to estimate environmental and species drivers of fungal metacommunity dynamics
Authors: Nenzén Hedvig Kristina , Moor Helen , O'Hara Robert B. , Jönsson Mari , Nordén Jenni , Ottosson Elisabet , Snäll Tord
Published: February 2025

Understanding the distribution and dynamics of species is central to ecology and important for managing biodiversity. The distributions of species in metacommunities are determined by many factors, including environmental conditions and interactions between species. Yet, it is difficult to quantify the effect of species interactions on metacommunity dynamics from observational data. We present an approach to estimate the importance of species interactions that combines data from two observational presence–absence inventories (providing colonization–extinction data) with data from species interaction experiments (providing informative prior distributions in the Bayesian framework). We further illustrate the approach on wood‐decay fungi that interact within a downed log through competition for resources and space, and facilitate the succession of other species by decomposing the wood. Specifically, we estimated the relative importance of species interactions by examining how the presence of a species influenced the colonization and extinction probability of other species. Temporal data on fruit body occurrence of 12 species inventoried twice were jointly analyzed with experimental data from two laboratory experiments that aimed to estimate competitive interactions. Both environmental variables and species interactions affected colonization and extinction dynamics. Late‐successional fungi had more colonization interactions with predecessor species than early‐successional species. We identified several species interactions, and the presence of certain species changed the probability that later‐successional species colonized by −81% to 512%. The presence of certain species increased the probability that other species went extinct from a log by 14%–61%. Including the informative priors from experimental data added two colonization interactions and one extinction interaction for which the observational field data was inconclusive. However, most species had no detectable interactions, either because they did not interact or because of low species occupancy, meaning data limitation. We show how temporal presence‐absence data can be combined with experimental data to identify which species influence the colonization‐extinction dynamics of others. Accounting for species interactions in metacommunity models, in addition to environmental drivers, is important because interactions can have cascading effects on other species.
Strategies for modification of tryptophan residues: recent advances and future perspectives in photo‐/ electrochemical‐induction, and metal catalysis
Authors: Zhang Chaochao , Huang Jun , Li Shun , Huo Fujin , Weng Yue
Published: February 2025

Recent advancements in tryptophan (Trp) modification have greatly expanded its applications across drug discovery, materials science, and environmental monitoring. Trp, an essential amino acid with a unique indole ring, serves as an ideal target for chemical modification due to its redox‐active nature. Photo‐ and electrochemical methods, which utilize light and electric energy, respectively, offer precise, efficient, and environmentally friendly approaches for Trp modification. Photochemical‐induced transformations improve Trp's optical properties, such as fluorescence, enhancing its utility in bioimaging and sensor applications, while also introducing bioactive functional groups. Electrochemical modifications enable controlled oxidation and reduction, facilitating the selective addition of functional groups like hydroxyl or amino groups, essential for synthesizing Trp derivatives aimed at protein modulation. Additionally, metal‐catalyzed reactions using transition metals such as palladium or copper enable site‐selective modifications through C‐H activation and cross‐coupling, creating Trp derivatives with enhanced properties for optoelectronic and biomedical applications. These advancements highlight the potential of Trp‐based bioconjugation strategies across diverse scientific disciplines.
Study on Multiobjective Path Optimization of Plant Protection Robots Based on Improved ACO‐DWA Algorithm
Authors: Niu Jing , Shen Chuanyan , Zhang Lipeng , Gao Guanghao , Zheng Jiahao
Published: February 2025

The use of large‐scale agricultural machinery for plant protection in nonstandard orchards of mountainous areas is very limited, while small‐wheeled robots have great application prospect. To address the false judgment of visual information caused by the shading of branches and leaves and the difficulty in avoiding obstacles in complex orchard terrain, an operation trajectory optimization approach based on the improved dynamic window algorithm (DWA) with ant colony optimization (ACO) was developed. First, the orchard environment information was acquired by laser radar, and the voxel method was used to reduce the point cloud density of orchard ground. The grid method was used to segment the point clouds. Using the K‐means clustering algorithm to extract navigation lines of the tree row. Second, combining with the kinematic model and the motion path constraints of robots, a series of candidate trace points were generated using the model‐based prediction algorithm (SBMPO). Then, using the improved ACO‐DWA algorithm, the robot access cost was integrated into the objective function of the search node, and the path planning was carried out online based on the environment grid map. Finally, in simulation and orchard validation scenes, the effects of this improved approach were checked through the simulation platform Matlab R2021 and ROS2 operating system. Simulation results on Matlab R2021 show that this improved algorithm has an average of 28%, 16% and 37% reduction in three indicators of the travel path, the number of detours, and the calculation time, respectively. In the orchard real‐time experiment, compared with other excellent algorithms, the navigation distance error is reduced obviously. These experimental results show that this method would obviously improve the robot access effect in the inner area between the tree row, significantly meet the requirements of high safety and speed level of robots in these scenes. Also, it could be applied in the field such as picking and spraying robots.
Experimental investigation and simulation of a helical coil heat exchanger with hematite thermal reservoir
Authors: Pandey Vijay Kumar , Prakash Om
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces an innovative helical coil heat exchanger using Hematite as a heat storage material, enhancing retention and thermal management. Parabolic trough collectors deliver heat to the heat exchanger's shell side using Therminol VP‐1 with Al2O3 nanoparticles, while another collector supplies vapor to the helical coil connected to a turbine. A concentric cylinder serves as a rechargeable heat reservoir. The study presents a control‐oriented modeling methodology for a practical TES tank with a helical immersed heat exchanger. Temperature dynamics of the heat transfer fluid within the tank are discretely modeled for computational efficiency in real‐time simulations. A simulated case with model‐based feedback control demonstrates the efficacy of this approach, validated by comparing simulation results with experimental data. Results show a close correlation between the surface temperature of the heat storage tank and the helical coil temperature, affirming model accuracy and reliability. The system achieves an efficiency of 37%. A case study involving a 1 Kw steam‐operated power plant (150–200°C, 7–10 bar, 50 kg/h) illustrates the practical application and benefits of the methodology in achieving intelligent and efficient TES system operation.
Evaluation and Performance of Menthol–Polyethylene Glycol LTTM in Carbon Dioxide Capture
Authors: Al‐Fazari Fatma R. , Mjalli Farouq S. , Shakourian‐Fard Mehdi , Kamath Ganesh , Naser Jamil , Murshid Ghulam , Ma'awali Suhaib Al
Published: February 2025

Carbon dioxide capture technology, while established, faces operational and economic challenges with current absorbents. Ionic liquids (ILs), though promising for their selectivity and low volatility, often have drawbacks like high toxicity and viscosity. This study explores nonionic low transition temperature mixtures (LTTMs) of menthol (MET) and polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) at various ratios for CO2 uptake. The 1:2 molar ratio showed maximum CO2 loading of 0.599 mol CO2/mol solvent at 303.15 K and 1000 kPa, with water addition boosting CO2 uptake by 25%. This rise in uptake with water could be due to altered hydrogen bonding within the mixture constituents. Molecular dynamics simulations support these findings, indicating experimental results, showing that water disrupts hydrogen bonds, exposing hydroxyl and ether sites for CO2 interaction. This LTTM solvent system presents a promising, low‐toxicity alternative for efficient CO2 capture. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Petrogenesis and Geochronology of the Dagang Muscovite‐Granite in the Central Qinzhou‐Hangzhou Metallogenic Belt, South China: Implications for Lithium‐Enrichment Mechanism of Granite‐Type Lithium Ore Deposit
Authors: Jiang Xingfu , Ding Ting , Pan Bing , Li Tengxin , Han Yifei , Chen Yuzhuo , Zeng Xiangjin
Published: February 2025

The central Qinzhou‐Hangzhou metallogenic belt in south China hosts large to supra‐large hard‐rock type lithium ore deposits. This contribution presents an integrated study of zircon U–Pb geochronology, whole‐rock and in situ Lu‐Hf isotopic geochemistry for the Dagang muscovite‐granite type Lithium ore deposit. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating of five muscovite‐granitic samples yielded weighted average 206Pb/238U ages of 145 ± 3, 143 ± 1, 143 ± 1, 144 ± 3 and 144 ± 6 Ma, respectively, which are interpreted as the intrusion and mineralization ages of the granite. The Dagang granites have high SiO2, Na2O + K2O and Al2O3 contents that are similar to those of strongly peraluminous granites. All the samples are depleted in Ba, Nb and Ti elements, but enriched Rb, Ta, Pb and U elements, as well as they have large negative εHf(t) values of −11 ± 1.3, −8.1 ± 0.6, −6.7 ± 1.5, −8.6 ± 0.9 and −10.3 ± 2.3, which are indicative of dominantly Mesoproterozoic continental crustal metasedimentary in origin. There is no obvious correlation between SiO2 and Li, whereas SiO2/Al2O3 show negative correlation with Li, in combination with positive correlations of LOI, Rb, Cs and Li, as well as consensual genetic views of high‐U zircons, it is proposed that lithium enrichment of the muscovite‐granite type lithium ore deposit occurred late stage of crystallisation differentiation of silicic magmatic system during Al‐rich mineral precipitation, and are superimposed of hydrothermal alteration.
The Age and Provenance of Zaduo Group in the Qiangtang Basin: Constraints From Zircon U–Pb Geochronology and Palynology
Authors: Li Yanbin , Zheng Bo , Dai Jie , Zhang Yanxiong
Published: February 2025

A suite of organic‐carbon‐rich mudstones has been recently identified in the lower Carboniferous Zaduo Group in the eastern North Qiangtang Basin. Fossils from this group suggest an early Carboniferous depositional age. However, an unconformity recognised between the lower clastic rock unit and the upper carbonate unit of the Zaduo Group indicates a sedimentary hiatus. Here, we report detrital zircon U–Pb geochronological and sporopollen fossil data from the lower clastic rock unit of the Zaduo Group to examine its age. All the eight samples contain Triassic zircons and give a maximum depositional age of Late Triassic, which could also be indicated by the sporopollen results. This age revision has been roughly checked over a spatial span of 300 km in the eastern North Qiangtang Basin. The detrital zircon U–Pb age patterns highly resemble those from the Triassic Bagong Formation in the Qiangtang Basin and Upper Triassic flysch deposits in the Songpan‐Garze Terrane. Considering the similarities in organic‐carbon content, detrital zircon age patterns, rock assemblages, and spatial distributions between the lower clastic rock unit of the Zaduo Group and the Bagong Formation, it is quite possible that the lower unit of the Zaduo Group is an extension of the Bagong Formation. Moreover, the mudstones of Bagong Formation are the most important source rocks in the Qiangtang Basin, which requires more details and caution to verify the depositional age of the Zaduo Group. Further, the age revision highlights the need for caution to reevaluate the distribution of source rocks in the Qiangtang Basin.
Transoral Surgery Versus Radiotherapy as Primary Treatment for HPV‐Related Oropharyngeal Cancer in the Elderly
Authors: Costantino Andrea , Haughey Bruce , Zhu Jianbin , Alamoudi Uthman , Magnuson J. Scott
Published: February 2025

Background

This study compares the oncological outcomes of primary transoral surgery (TOS) and primary radiotherapy (RT) in elderly patients with HPV‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with cT1‐2 HPV‐related OPSCC from the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Results

A total of 2566 patients were included, with 73.9% receiving primary RT and 22.3% undergoing primary TOS. Subgroup analysis showed a higher 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate for primary TOS (81.6%; 95% CI: 79.6%–83.6%) compared to primary RT (70.7%; 95% CI: 68.3%–73.1%), with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.50–0.81; p < 0.001) after propensity score matching. Notably, only (13.6%) of patients diagnosed in 2020 underwent primary TOS, with a significant decline over the study period.

Conclusions

This study suggests that primary TOS may offer better survival outcomes for elderly patients with HPV‐related OPSCC compared to primary RT.
CD8+ T cells in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma are susceptible to radiation‐induced damage
Authors: Lin Hanqing , Ma Jingyu , Heng Yu , Zhu Xiaoke , Jin Qiuyan , Ding Xuping , Tao Lei , Lu Liming
Published: February 2025

Radiotherapy (RT) is a commonly used clinical management for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC), which represents the most unfavorable prognosis among all subtypes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, radiation may cause lymphopenia, a significantly adverse event with detrimental prognostic implications for patients. While CD8+ T cells are vital in tumor immunity, the specific effects of RT on CD8+ T cells as well as the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. Here we found that subpopulations of peripheral T lymphocytes exhibited differential profiles in patients with HPSCC compared to healthy individuals both pre‐ and post‐irradiation. Importantly, CD8+ T cells from HPSCC patients showed greater reduction of cytokine production, more severe proliferation defect, and increased apoptosis compared to those from healthy individuals after in vitro irradiation. Mechanistically, the ATM‐Chk2 pathway mediated the enhanced apoptosis of CD8+ T lymphocytes from HPSCC patients upon irradiation. Therefore, our study demonstrated that CD8+ T cells in patients with HPSCC exhibit a higher susceptibility to radiation‐induced damage compared to those in healthy individuals. The ATM‐Chk2 pathway represents a potential immunotherapeutic target for safeguarding CD8+ T cells in HPSCC patients against radiation‐induced apoptosis.
The prevalence, types, and risk factors of urinary incontinence among Bangladeshi women aged 15–49: A study based on a nationally representative survey
Authors: Nahar Quamrun , Alam Anadil , Sheikh Sifat Parveen , Shiblee Shafayatul Islam , Khan Shusmita , Rahman Mizanur
Published: February 2025

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI), its subtypes, and the associated risk factors in women of reproductive age in Bangladesh.

Methods

Data from the 2016 Bangladesh Maternal Mortality and Health Care Survey was analyzed in a nationally representative sample of 298 284 households that used a multistage sample selection procedure. Data on 183 560 ever‐married women aged 15–49 years who had ever given birth were analyzed. Descriptive statistics was used to report the overall prevalence of any UI and its three subtypes: stress, urge, and mixed UI. The wealth index of each household was constructed using principal component analysis. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors associated with each type of UI.

Results

The prevalence of any UI was 15.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]:15.7–16.1). Stress incontinence was the most prevalent UI (8.3%, 95% CI: 8.2–8.4), followed by mixed type (5.5%, 95% CI: 5.4–5.6), and urge incontinence (2.1%, 95% CI: 2.1–2.2). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age, no or less education, younger age at first birth, higher parity, lower wealth status, self‐reported pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and being Muslim had a significant positive association with the presence of UI.

Conclusions

About one in six women reported to have suffered from any type of UI in this study. Several common risk factors were found, which call for targeted policy and programmatic interventions.
Toll‐Like Receptors in Pentachlorophenol‐ and Dibutyltin‐Induced Production of Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines, Interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6, by Human Immune Cells
Authors: Seaton‐Terry Aleshia , Hunter Zinia , Lewis Meaghan , Fisher Sophia , Bray Ellie , Townsend Brian , Gabure Saleban , Daniel Latoya , Whalen Margaret
Published: February 2025

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and dibutyltin dichloride (DBT) contaminate the environment due to their diverse applications. PCP has been found from 0.26 to 5 μM in the serum of exposed individuals and at an average of 0.15 μM in the unexposed. DBT has been detected in human blood at levels up to 0.3 μM. Exposure to these contaminants is linked to pathological conditions including cancer. Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) and IL‐6 are pro‐inflammatory cytokines that when produced inappropriately can cause chronic inflammation, which is linked to pathologies including autoimmune diseases and cancer. PCP and DBT have been shown to increase the production of IL‐1β and IL‐6 by immune cells in a MAP kinase (MAPK) dependent process. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) activate the signaling pathways linked to MAPK that lead to production of these cytokines. This study demonstrates that PCP‐induced production of IL‐1β and IL‐6 is dependent on TLR4 and TLR8, and independent of TLR1/2, TLR2, and TLR3. Additionally, DBT‐induced IL‐6 production depends on TLR1/2, whereas IL‐1β production does not. Blocking the TLR‐linked adapter protein, MyD88, lead to a loss of both PCP and DBT stimulation of IL‐1β and IL‐6. These findings indicate that both PCP and DBT interact with selected TLRs as part of their mechanisms of elevating the levels of critical pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to chronic inflammation and its related pathologies.
3D Characterization of Spatiotemporally Coupled High Harmonic Attosecond Pulses
Authors: Yan Mingdong , Hu Yaodan , Wei Zijuan , Li Zhengyan
Published: February 2025

Manipulation of ultrafast laser fields across the temporal, spatial, and spectral domains can result in a spatiotemporally coupled structure of light, which cannot be mathematically decomposed into the product of spatial and temporal profiles. However, this spatiotemporal coupling effect may degrade the focusability of ultrafast laser pulses at large‐scale laser facilities. As ultrafast science has advanced from femtosecond to attosecond time scales, coherent attosecond optical pulses have become accessible through high harmonic generation, an extremely nonlinear optical process that produces an enhanced spatiotemporal coupling effect. Limited studies have explored the spatiotemporal coupling of high harmonic attosecond pulses owing to the lack of 3D characterization of attosecond optical fields. This study addresses this limitation by providing a 3D characterizing of the spatiotemporal optical field profiles of high harmonic attosecond pulses and investigating their physical spatiotemporal coupling effects. The spatiotemporal coupling of high harmonic attosecond pulses is quantitatively evaluated via a newly defined parameter that incorporates phase contributions in the time‐space domain, which may likely correlate with the inhomogeneous intrinsic atomic dipole phase determined by the driving laser intensity. This physical insight, combined with the 3D optical field metrology, can potentially benefit extreme UV nonlinear optics and attosecond dynamic imaging.
Uniform Haar Wavelet Solutions for Fractional Regular α$$ \alpha $$‐Singular Bvps Modeling Human Head Heat Conduction Under Febrifuge Effects
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Nath Kannaujiya Lok , Kumar Verma Amit
Published: February 2025

In this article, we introduce the nonlinear fractional Lane–Emden equations utilizing the Caputo fractional derivatives of orders and . The fractional Lane–Emden equation adds fractional derivatives to the classical Lane–Emden framework to make it easier to model complicated physical phenomena. We have developed a collocation method, namely, the uniform fractional Haar wavelet collocation method, and used it to compute solutions. The proposed method combines the quasilinearization method with the uniform Haar wavelet collocation method. This approach uses fractional Haar integrations to identify the linear system, which when solved yields the desired solution. Our findings suggest that as the values of approach , the solutions of the fractional and classical Lane–Emden become identical.
Chinese reference population: Open‐source age‐dependent computational phantoms of reference Chinese population
Authors: Huang Siyi , Liu Qian , Xie Tianwu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Computational phantoms have been widely used in radiation protection, radiotherapy, medical imaging, surgery navigation, and digital anatomy. However, current Chinese phantoms lack representation for all sensitive groups including adults, children, and pregnant women. This manuscript aims to address this gap by developing novel open‐access computational phantoms representing the Chinese population.

Acquisition and validation methods

The Chinese reference population (CRP) developed in this study includes 30 phantoms, available in both voxel and nonuniform rational B‐spline (NURBS) formats, with ages in 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18 years, and adult male and female, as well as four pregnant women in early pregnancy, first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester. The development process involved image segmentation, NURBS reconstruction, and voxelization based on whole‐body computed tomography (CT) scans of 22 original individual patients. Reference organ masses were directly obtained from the Chinese Reference Human Anatomical Physiological and Metabolic Data, as well as international commission on radiological protection (ICRP) Publication 89.

Data format and usage notes

Voxelized phantoms are accessible in DAT format as raw data, which can be opened by medical imaging softwares such as a medical image data analysis tool (AMIDE). Excel files contain descriptive information (ages, genders, phantom sizes, voxel sizes, organ masses, densities) and organ absorbed doses on application. All data in this study can be obtained from our official website (https://alldigitaltwins.com) and Zenodo (https://zenodo.org/records/14268606).

Potential applications

This work offers a collection of open‐source age‐dependent phantoms featuring anatomical data specific to the Chinese population. Researchers can utilize this dataset to modify and adapt the phantoms for specific applications, fostering innovation and progress, and enhancing accuracy and applicability in various fields.
Current Controversies in Prenatal Diagnosis 2: Conventional Postmortem Examination Remains the Gold Standard for the Anatomical Examination of Fetal Loss
Authors: Hutchinson J. Ciaran , Potocki Lorraine , Van den Veyver Ignatia B.
Published: February 2025

A comprehensive postmortem examination is an essential component of a work‐up after stillbirth. Its findings can support accurate counseling of parents about causes and risk of recurrence. It also supports providers' decisions about most appropriate testing and management plans for future pregnancy to prevent recurrence. Informing parents about fetal autopsy and obtaining their consent is challenging, and conducting a fetal autopsy requires expertise that is, not universally available. Newer non‐invasive or minimally invasive methods such as postmortem MRI and targeted biopsies can replace or supplement autopsies, but one must recognize that expertise in these methods is likewise not broadly available. This prompts the question whether a conventional postmortem examination should remain the gold standard for the anatomical examination of fetal loss. This report summarizes the “for” and “against” arguments made by two experts during a debate at the 28th International Conference on Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy. Arguments favoring comprehensive fetal autopsy include the need to obtain the most complete and accurate information about the cause of the stillbirth. Arguments in favor of less invasive post‐mortem examinations using other technologies include sufficiency in many instances and a more equitable and cost‐effective approach to postmortem examination. While both debaters weighed the balance of these conflicting arguments differently, they agreed that more research in this area is needed.
Estimation of the Restricted Mean Duration of Response (RMDoR) in Oncology
Authors: Daletzakis Antonios , Roes Kit C. B. , Jonker Marianne A.
Published: February 2025

The duration of response (DoR) is defined as the time from the onset of response to treatment up to progression of disease or death due to any reason, whichever occurs earlier. The expected DoR could be a suitable estimand to measure the efficacy of a treatment but is in practice difficult to estimate, since patients' follow‐up times are often right‐censored. Instead, the restricted mean duration of response (RMDoR) is often used. The RMDoR in a time is equal to the expected DoR restricted to the interval . In this paper, we consider the behaviour of the RMDoR as a function of and its suitability as a measure to quantify the efficacy of a treatment. Besides, we focus on the estimation of the RMDoR. In oncology, the events response to treatment and progression of disease are typically detected through time‐scheduled scans and are therefore interval‐censored. We describe multiple estimators for the RMDoR that deal with the interval censoring in different ways and study the performance of these estimators in single arm trials and randomised controlled trials.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate Promotes Recanalization in Deep Vein Thrombosis by Modulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell Ferroptosis Through the Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Li Da , Mao Youjun , Zhang Xiaosong , Wang Yusheng , Tang Hao , Huang He , Huang Xiaomin , Zhang Honggang
Published: February 2025

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) provide a promising therapeutic choice for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Their number is increased by epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) in patients with diabetes. Although EGCG is effective against doxorubicin‐induced ferroptosis and cardiotoxicity, its efficacy in DVT treatment has not been well studied. This study was aimed at assessing the effects of EGCG on EPC ferroptosis and recanalization in a DVT model. EPCs were treated with EGCG, and their proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis were evaluated using cell counting kit‐8 and colony formation, Transwell, tube formation, and flow cytometry assays. Levels of iron, ferroptosis markers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were measured. Expression of ferroptosis‐related genes and proteins was analyzed using qRT‐PCR and western blotting, respectively. Promoter activation was evaluated using a dual‐luciferase reporter system. Thrombus recanalization was examined in the DVT mouse model via hematoxylin and eosin staining and digital subtraction angiography. EGCG promoted EPC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis and suppressed apoptosis. It attenuated ferroptosis by reducing iron and ROS accumulation, increasing ΔΨm, and regulating the expression of ferroptosis‐related genes and proteins (ALOX15, ACSL4, and FTH1). EGCG enhanced the expression of Nrf2 and its targets, Slc7A11, HO‐1, and GPX4. EGCG inhibited thrombogenesis and promoted recanalization in DVT mice, an effect mediated through the Nrf2 pathway and enhanced upon EPC transplantation. Transplantation of EGCG‐pretreated EPCs facilitates DVT resolution via ferroptosis blockade. EGCG‐pretreated EPC‐based therapy may provide a novel option for patients with DVT.
Refining COVID‐19 Lesion Segmentation in Lung CT Scans Using Swarm Intelligence and Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Gtifa Wafa , Fradi Marwa , Sakly Anis , Machhout Mohsen
Published: February 2025

Background

Accurately identifying lung lesions in CT (Computed Tomography) scans remains crucial during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Swarm intelligence algorithms offer promising tools for this purpose.

Methods

This study compares four swarm intelligence algorithms Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), Bacterial Foraging Optimization Algorithm (BFOA), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for segmenting COVID‐19 lung lesions.

Results

GA, GSA, and BFOA achieved accuracies exceeding 90.5%, while the PSO algorithm further improved segmentation accuracy, reaching 91.45%, with an exceptional F1 score of 95.54%. Overall, the approach achieved up to 99% segmentation accuracy.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of swarm and evolutionary algorithms in segmenting COVID‐19 lesions, contributing to enhanced diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency.
Efficient and Selective Synthesis of Metribuzin and Its Isomer via Simple Acid‐Base Regulation Strategy
Authors: Qi Liang , Li Na , Li Hai‐Yan , Qin Hao‐Yu , Shen Lei‐Lei , Wang Jin , Yu Fan
Published: February 2025

An efficient and highly selective method for the synthesis of metribuzin and its isomer has been outlined. This innovative process affords the precise modulation of the production of either substance through the facile adjustment of pH conditions. By utilizing a straightforward acid‐base regulation, metribuzin and its isomer were effectively synthesized in an outstanding yield of 99%.
State‐of‐the‐Art in Co₃O₄ Nanoparticle Synthesis and Applications: Toward a Sustainable Future
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Kaur Arshdeep , Gaur Jyoti , Singh Pritpal , Kaur Harpreet , Kaushal Sandeep , Dalal Jasvir , Misra Mrinmoy
Published: February 2025

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co₃O₄ NPs) have emerged as highly versatile materials, recognized for their unique physicochemical properties, including superior thermal stability, magnetic characteristics, and exceptional catalytic activity. These properties have driven extensive research into their applications across diverse fields, such as environmental remediation, energy storage, and biomedical treatments. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of Co₃O₄ nanoparticle synthesis, focusing on both conventional physicochemical methods and advanced green synthesis approaches. Each synthesis method is critically assessed for its impact on particle morphology, size, and environmental compatibility, while addressing key challenges in achieving scalable and eco‐friendly production. The functional applications of Co₃O₄ NPs are explored in detail, particularly their roles in photocatalytic pollutant degradation, antibacterial applications, and energy devices, where their distinctive spinel structure is pivotal. This review consolidates recent advancements in the field and emphasizes the innovation potential of Co₃O₄ NPs as a sustainable material solution for next‐generation technologies.
Hierarchical Flower‐Like Cu3BiS3@ppy as High‐Performance Anode for Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhao Zhipeng , Fan Zhaobao , Zheng Jinfeng
Published: February 2025

Bimetallic sulfides (BMSs) with exceptional conductivity and abundant redox active sites are the potential anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, the polypyrrole‐coated hierarchical flower‐like Cu3BiS3 composite (Cu3BiS3@ppy) had been synthesized with the use of hydrothermal method and organic polymerization process. The synergistic effects of hierarchical BMSs and conductive carbon layer provide convenient diffusion channels for Na+, abundant Na+ reaction active sites, and buffering the volumetric variation which reflect in the impressive electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity of 327 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1. Furthermore, the Cu3BiS3@ppy exhibited excellent rate capacity of 331 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1. Kinetic analysis also clarified that Cu3BiS3@ppy possesses ultrafast sodiation property, which revealed the potential to be a promising candidate for electrode material of SIBs.
Ln(HCOO)3 (Ln = Y, Gd, Ce, and La) With Triangular Configuration Exhibits Excellent UV Nonlinear Optical Performance
Authors: Bai Xue , Wen Xin , Lin Chensheng , Yan Yuchen , Shi Xuemei , Cao Xue , Chen Jindong , Yang Guangsai , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Ye Ning , Peng Guang
Published: February 2025

Identifying an ideal structure is essential for developing outstanding nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, which typically involve the selection of microscopic functional building blocks (FBUs) and constructing excellent crystal structures. This often presents significant challenges. Herein, the long‐neglected π‐conjugated [HCOO]− is selected as the UV NLO‐active FBU, and a series of isomorphic anhydrous rare earth formates, Ln(HCOO)3 (Ln = Y, Gd, Ce, and La) with the space group R3m, are synthesized and characterized. This crystal series exhibits a desired delicate balance between strong second‐harmonic generation (SHG) effects (2.41–3.89 × KH2PO4), large band gaps (4.20–5.45 eV), and suitable birefringence (0.064–0.081@1064 nm). Besides, such a unique structure exhibits a significant structure‐property correlation, revealing that the ionic radius of Ln3+ is inversely related to the SHG effect, and a smaller ionic radius corresponds to stronger SHG effects.
Effect of calcined clay reactivity on the risk of restrained shrinkage‐induced early‐age concrete cracking
Authors: Canda Emily , Nguyen Quang Dieu , San Nicolas Rackel , Rasekh Haleh , Castel Arnaud
Published: February 2025

A combination of limestone and calcined clay has emerged as a promising supplementary cementitious material due to its abundant availability to replace traditional supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash or ground‐granulated blast‐furnace slag in reducing concrete's carbon footprint. Although different properties have been considered, very limited attention was paid to the early‐age cracking behavior of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) concretes. This study aims to investigate the influence of calcined clay reactivity on the early‐age cracking potential of LC3 concretes using the restrained ring test. Mechanical properties, time to cracking, tensile creep coefficient, and total shrinkage were measured. Results showed that the reactivity of calcined clay significantly impacted total shrinkage, creep coefficients, and time to cracking. LC3 concretes exhibited higher tensile creep coefficients than pure ordinary Portland cement concrete, which can provide beneficial tensile stress relaxation delaying concrete cracking. An apparent calcined clay reactivity coefficient (Rapp) was proposed correlating well with the time to cracking of the restrained LC3 concrete rings, thus offering practical guidance for the selection of suitable calcined clays and mix designs for specific high‐risk applications.
Learning Computational Thinking Through Unplugged Algorithmic Explanations of Natural Selection
Authors: Peel Amanda , Sadler Troy D. , Friedrichsen Patricia
Published: February 2025

Computational thinking (CT) is becoming increasingly important for K‐12 science education, thus warranting new integrations of CT and science content. This intervention study integrated CT through unplugged, or handwritten, algorithmic explanations of natural selection. As students investigated natural selection in varying contexts (specific and context‐general), students created explanations based on evidence of natural selection by using algorithm concepts and engaging in CT practices. Students' CT learning over time was analyzed through algorithmic explanations created during the unit. Research questions guiding the investigation were: (1) How do students learn CT over the course of a CT and science integrated unit? (2) What are students' perspectives of learning CT in an integrated unit? (3) How do students come to think about CT and its applications? Students' CT competencies significantly increased from pre‐ to post‐unit. Students indicated creating algorithmic explanations helped them learn natural selection and develop CT competencies. At the end of the unit, students recognized the universal application of CT as a way to logically and clearly explain processes. Implications of this work are that CT can be used as a science practice that helps students simultaneously learn science and CT practice competencies. Moreover, these student learning outcomes can be achieved with unplugged, or computer‐free, CT.
Giving Generic Language Another Thought
Authors: Neufeld Eleonore , Bosse Anne , Del Pinal Guillermo , Sterken Rachel
Published: February 2025

According to an influential research program in cognitive science, philosophy, and linguistics, there is a deep, special connection between generics and pernicious aspects of social cognition, such as stereotyping. Specifically, generics are thought to exacerbate our propensity to essentialize, lead us to overgeneralize based on scarce evidence and to other epistemically dubious patterns of inference. Recently, however, several studies have put empirical and theoretical pressure on some of the main tenets of this research program. The goal of this paper is to bring these results together in a comprehensive narrative and systematically evaluate their impact on the hypothesis that generics have a uniquely problematic effect on our social and cognitive capacities.
Storm Lyly, the first storm with observed hurricane‐force winds in Finland
Authors: Laurila Terhi K. , Rantanen Mika , Punkka Ari‐Juhani
Published: February 2025

On 1 November 2024, Storm Lyly set a Finnish record for 10min average wind speeds (33.5ms−1 in Rauma Kylmäpihlaja), marking Finland’s first hurricane‐force winds and causing significant damage. The storm featured a strong pressure gradient over the Gulf of Bothnia and, while the low‐pressure centre was distant from the strong winds, thpotentially a secondary low over the Bothnian Bay. The flow of cold air over relatively warm sea led to steep low‐tropospheric lapse rates. Combined with a strong low‐level jet, this allowed strong and gusty winds in the upper parts of the boundary layer to reach the surface.
Microplastics occurrence in commercial crab Scylla serrata from Kaveri River of Tamil Nadu: An emerging concern for community health
Authors: Ragu Prasath Arunagiri , Selvam Kandasamy , Sudhakar Chinnappan
Published: February 2025

Microplastic (MPs) pollution has engulfed global aquatic systems, and the concerns about MPs translocation and bioaccumulation in fish, crabs, and other marine organisms are now an unpleasant truth. In the past few years, MPs pollution in freshwater systems, particularly rivers, and subsequently in freshwater organisms, especially in crabs, has caught the attention of researchers. Rivers provide livelihood to approximately 40% of the global population through food and potable water. Hence, assessment of emerging contaminants like MPs in waterways and the associated fauna is crucial. This study assessed MPs in crab S. serrata across the largest riverine system of south India, the Kaveri River. The MPs were characterized by optical microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray (FESEM–EDX) analysis for their number, shape, size, and color. Polymer composition was analyzed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were the dominant plastic polymers in the crab intestine. Additionally, the FE‐SEM analysis revealed that the MPs have differential surface morphology with rough surfaces, porous structures, fissures, and severe damage. Most MPs comprised Na, Si, Mg, Cl, K, and Ca, according to EDX analyses. The findings might provide insight into the status of MPs in S. serrata at Kavery river that could help in formulating regulations for MPs reduction and contamination in rivers eventually to protect the environment and human health.

Practitioner Points

The first findings on the identity and properties of MPs in crabs from the Kaveri River at Mettur Dam.

A simple and cost‐effective approach for extracting microplastics from crab samples from Mettur Dam, Kaveri River, Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Microplastics were detected using optical microscopy, ATR‐FTIR, and FE‐SEM.
Investigating the Effects of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery on Systemic Immune‐Inflammation Index and Its Relationship With Smoking
Authors: Toprak Hatice , Toprak Şükrü S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The contribution of obesity to inflammation may play a role in the progression of obesity‐associated medical problems. The systemic immune inflammation index (SII) has recently been identified as a prognostic indicator for many adverse conditions. The primary purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of metabolic and bariatric surgeries on white blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT), lymphocyte (LYN), neutrophil (NEU), neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR), platelet/neutrophil (PLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII). The secondary aim was to evaluate the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GB) surgeries, the most commonly performed metabolic and bariatric procedures, on individual inflammation parameters and their relationship with smoking status.

Methods

The blood inflammatory markers of the participants who underwent surgery were analyzed using the data evaluated during routine clinic follow‐ups in the preoperative period and postoperative 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months.

Results

The primary result was a statistically significant decrease in WBC, NEU, NLR, and SII values in the 3rd postoperative month in those who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) (p values for each parameter: 0.000, 0.000, 0.028, and 0.006, respectively). A statistically significant decrease in WBC, NEU, and SII values in the 3rd postoperative month compared to preoperative values in nonsmoking individuals with obesity who underwent sleeve gastrectomy surgery was presented as our secondary result (p values for each parameter: 0.000, 0.000, and 0.015, respectively).

Conclusion

In our study, MBS provided significant regression in inflammation parameters at 3 months after surgery in people smoking less than 10 cigarettes per day, although this effect did not seem to persist long term.

Clinical Trial Registration

ACTRN12623000162617
Seasonality, Social Structure and Age Predict Conspecific Aggression in Captive Breeding Southern Ground‐Hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
Authors: Koeppel Katja N. , Lubbe Nevanya , Donaldson Ashleigh , Kemp Lucy Valeska
Published: February 2025

Southern Ground‐hornbills (SGHs) are listed as Vulnerable globally, and Endangered in South Africa, Namibia and Swaziland, due to poisoning, habitat loss and persecution. Successful conservation breeding and rearing of redundant second‐hatched chick protocol has been established to supplement natural SGH populations in an attempt mitigate a declining population. However, captive rearing is costly and susceptible to loss of birds through conspecific aggression. Maximising the efficacy of reproductive output in captive settings and ensuring successful reintroductions of captive‐reared birds to wild populations is of paramount importance if this species is to persist. Therefore, it is important to untangle the predictors of what drives mortalities in captive birds, particularly, through conspecific aggression. Using a database of captive SGH mortalities collected over 46 years we investigated whether variables such as season, age, relatedness, sex and husbandry predicted the occurrence of conspecific aggression in SGH. Aggression among adult, non‐related birds particularly during SGH breeding season (austral spring) was the most predictable form of conspecific aggression. It was inferred that aggression is normally directed at non‐related birds outside of already established social groups or at younger, related birds that are not dispersing from groups when reaching sexual maturity. Variables such as season, age, relatedness and husbandry were therefore all useful for predicting the potential and avoidable occurrence of an aggression event. Male birds were most often the aggressors. Making use of such variables to manage birds in a captive setting, move birds before sexual maturity and maintaining birds in known and accepted social structures could greatly improve management in SGH breeding facilities and optimise the efforts for re‐establishing natural SGH populations.
Introduction: Understanding Consent and Legal Consciousness in Sex Work
Authors: Scoular Jane , Gyurko Fanni , Brents Barbara G. , Sanders Teela , Abel Gillian
Published: February 2025

This book examines how sex workers navigate different legal environments—criminalised, partially criminalised, legalised, and decriminalised—and how these contexts influence their experiences and definitions of sexual violence and unwanted sexual contact. In this chapter, we introduce the book’s main goals and foundational concepts. We start by outlining the research aims of the study that informs this book, and the importance of understanding how sex workers navigate legal systems. Next, the chapter explores the varied definitions and interpretations of sexual violence and consent. Following this, we discuss the concept of legal consciousness, focusing on how sex workers perceive, understand, and interact with the law. The chapter differentiates between formal laws, workplace rules, and informal norms, explaining how these distinctions shape the interpretation of our research findings. We then review the research methods used, before concluding with an overview of the chapters for the rest of the book.