bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial-cytochrome c oxidase II promotes glutaminolysis to sustain tumor cell survival upon glucose deprivation
Authors: Yi Yong , Wang Guoqiang , Zhang Wenhua , Yu Shuhan , Fei Junjie , An Tingting , Yi Jianqiao , Li Fengtian , Huang Ting , Yang Jian , Niu Mengmeng , Wang Yang , Xu Chuan , Xiao Zhi-Xiong Jim
Published: January 2025

Glucose deprivation, a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment, compels tumor cells to seek alternative energy sources for survival and growth. Here, we show that glucose deprivation upregulates the expression of mitochondrial-cytochrome c oxidase II (MT-CO2), a subunit essential for the respiratory chain complex IV, in facilitating glutaminolysis and sustaining tumor cell survival. Mechanistically, glucose deprivation activates Ras signaling to enhance MT-CO2 transcription and inhibits IGF2BP3, an RNA-binding protein, to stabilize MT-CO2 mRNA. Elevated MT-CO2 increases flavin adenosine dinucleotide (FAD) levels in activating lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) to epigenetically upregulate JUN transcription, consequently promoting glutaminase-1 (GLS1) and glutaminolysis for tumor cell survival. Furthermore, MT-CO2 is indispensable for oncogenic Ras-induced glutaminolysis and tumor growth, and elevated expression of MT-CO2 is associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Together, these findings reveal a role for MT-CO2 in adapting to metabolic stress and highlight MT-CO2 as a putative therapeutic target for Ras-driven cancers.
A dataset of gridded precipitation intensity-duration-frequency curves in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Ren Zhihui , Sang Yan-Fang , Cui Peng , Chen Fei , Chen Deliang
Published: January 2025

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), a high mountain area prone to destructive rainstorm hazards and inducing natural disasters, underscores the importance of developing precipitation intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves for estimating extreme precipitation characteristics. Here we introduce the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Precipitation Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves (QTPPIDFC) dataset, the first gridded dataset tailored for estimating extreme precipitation characteristics in QTP. The generalized extreme value distribution is chosen to fit the annual maximum precipitation samples at 203 weather stations, based on which the at-site IDF curves are estimated; then, principal component analysis is done to identify the southeast-northwest spatial pattern of at-site IDF curves, and its first principal component gives a 96% explained variance; finally, spatial interpolation is done to estimate gridded IDF curves by using the random forest model with geographical and climatic variables as predictors. The dataset provides precipitation information within 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours and 5, 10, 20, 50,100 return years, with a 1/30° spatial resolution. The QTPPIDFC dataset can solidly serve for hydrometeorological-related risk management and hydraulic/hydrologic engineering design in QTP.
Carboxylated nanocellulose from quinoa husk for enhanced protease immobilization and stability of protease in biotechnological applications
Authors: Ariaeenejad Shohreh , Motamedi Elaheh
Published: January 2025

Herein, an efficient and feasible approach was developed to oxidize low-cost agricultural waste (quinoa husk, QS) for the synthesis of carboxylated nanocellulose (CNC). The as-prepared rod-like CNCs (average diameter of 10 nm and length of 103 nm) with a high specific surface area (173 m2/g) were utilized for the immobilization of a model protease enzyme (PersiProtease1) either physically or via covalent attachment. For chemical immobilization, CNCs were firstly functionalized with N, N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) to provide DCNCs nanocarrier which could covalently bond to enzyme trough nucleophilic substitution reaction and formation of the amide bond between DCNCs and enzyme. The immobilization efficiency, activity, stability, kinetic parameters, and reusability of covalently attached and physically immobilized PersiProtease1 were similar to those of the free enzyme. Enzyme immobilization resulted in higher thermal stability of the enzyme at elevated temperatures (> 80 °C), and the covalently immobilized enzyme displayed higher reusability than its physically immobilized form (56% vs. 37% activity, after 15 consecutive cycles), which would be rooted in a more tightly attached and less leached enzyme in the case of PersiProtease1/DCNCs. This study demonstrates the significance of using agricultural by-products and the enhanced performance and stability of immobilized proteases.
Affordability of family foods is associated with Nutritional Status of women with pre-school children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdelmenan Semira , Worku Alemayehu , Berhane Hanna Y. , Berhane Yemane , Ekström Eva-Charlotte
Published: January 2025

Malnutrition among women of reproductive age is a critical public health issue in LMICs, where undernutrition coexists with rising overweight and obesity rates. In Ethiopia, particularly among urban women, maternal and child undernutrition remains high despite efforts to combat poverty and food insecurity. This study examined the relationship between food affordability and the nutritional status of 4797 women in Addis Ababa. Using repeated cross-sectional surveys, body mass index was calculated, and women’s nutritional status was categorized. Data on the affordability of 11 healthy family food groups were collected and categorized into terciles. Multinomial logistic regression models analyzed the association between food affordability and nutritional status, adjusting for confounding factors. The prevalence of underweight among women was 7.3%, while 39.1% were overweight or obese. On average, families could afford 6.1 out of the 11 food groups. Women with higher food affordability had increased odds of being overweight (AOR: 1.32; 95% CI 1.09, 1.60) or obese (AOR: 1.50; 95% CI 1.14, 1.97). The findings highlight that two out of five women are either overweight or obese, with obesity more likely in those with greater perceived food affordability. Addressing food choices as food affordability improves is crucial, as better food affordability is associated with an increased risk of becoming overweight and obese.
Effect of gabapentin on solution surface properties and micellization behavior of betaine-based surfactant ionic liquids
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Shima , Bagheri Mohammad , Shekaari Hemayat , Golmohammadi Behrang
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the surface properties, micellization, and electrical conductivity of betaine-based ionic liquids (ILs) composed of [R-bet][Br] where R represents the C4, C6 and C8 (specifically [C4bet][Br], [C6bet][Br], and [C8bet][Br]) in aqueous gabapentin solutions at concentrations of (0.0000, 0.0100, 0.0300, and 0.0500) mol kg−1 at 298.15 K. The surface tension measurements revealed that increasing gabapentin concentration and alkyl chain length decrease surface tension, indicating significant hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. The related thermophysical micellization parameters, including critical micelle concentration (CMC) and minimum surface area per molecule (Amin), exhibited improved micellization and interfacial efficiency with longer alkyl chains. Thermodynamic analysis confirm the spontaneous nature of micelle formation, with more negative Gibbs free energy values for SAILs with longer alkyl chains. The electrical conductivity studies indicate lower limiting molar conductivity (Λ0) at higher gabapentin concentrations, due to increased viscosity and ion-ion interactions. Ion association constants (KA) and DFT-COSMO calculations support stronger hydrophobic interactions and molecular packing influenced by alkyl chain length and gabapentin.
Validation of musculoskeletal segmentation model with uncertainty estimation for bone and muscle assessment in hip-to-knee clinical CT images
Authors: Soufi Mazen , Otake Yoshito , Iwasa Makoto , Uemura Keisuke , Hakotani Tomoki , Hashimoto Masahiro , Yamada Yoshitake , Yamada Minoru , Yokoyama Yoichi , Jinzaki Masahiro , Kusano Suzushi , Takao Masaki , Okada Seiji , Sugano Nobuhiko , Sato Yoshinobu
Published: January 2025

Deep learning-based image segmentation has allowed for the fully automated, accurate, and rapid analysis of musculoskeletal (MSK) structures from medical images. However, current approaches were either applied only to 2D cross-sectional images, addressed few structures, or were validated on small datasets, which limit the application in large-scale databases. This study aimed to validate an improved deep learning model for volumetric MSK segmentation of the hip and thigh with uncertainty estimation from clinical computed tomography (CT) images. Databases of CT images from multiple manufacturers/scanners, disease status, and patient positioning were used. The segmentation accuracy, and accuracy in estimating the structures volume and density, i.e., mean HU, were evaluated. An approach for segmentation failure detection based on predictive uncertainty was also investigated. The model has improved all segmentation accuracy and structure volume/density evaluation metrics compared to a shallower baseline model with a smaller training database (N = 20). The predictive uncertainty yielded large areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves (AUROCs ≥ .95) in detecting inaccurate and failed segmentations. Furthermore, the study has shown an impact of the disease severity status on the model’s predictive uncertainties when applied to a large-scale database. The high segmentation and muscle volume/density estimation accuracy and the high accuracy in failure detection based on the predictive uncertainty exhibited the model’s reliability for analyzing individual MSK structures in large-scale CT databases.
Study of the spatial strength distribution patterns and microstructure characteristics of ultra-fine tailings cemented paste backfill
Authors: Tan Yuye , Li Yiding , Yu Xin , Deng Yuchao , Song Zepu , Kou Yunpeng
Published: January 2025

In this study, the spatial distribution of the mechanical strength of ultra-fine tailings cemented paste backfill (UCPB) in underground stopes was examined, and the micro-mechanism responsible for differences in spatial strength performance via changes in particle deposition was elucidated. To better understand this phenomenon, we constructed a similar backfilling stope model using the ultra-fine tailings of a gold mine. We manufactured specimens at different spatial locations and conducted a novel series of tests, including uniaxial compressive strength, shear strength, and conventional triaxial tests, to obtain the strength parameters in different spatial distributions. The strength parameters for the different UCPB locations in this model were revealed and examined along with the original pore and particle size distributions. Computer tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations before and after the UCPB failed revealed that the particle deposition effect at different positions was the primary cause of the size effect. The strength distribution pattern demonstrated that the UCPB material has an apparent spatial effect. Consequently, considering the position relationship between the stope and filling mouth is crucial when designing the strength of adjacent mining rooms. This research may guide both backfill study and design.
Risk factors for photic phenomena in two different multifocal diffractive intraocular lenses
Authors: Ukai Yuki , Mito Tsuyoshi , Nakatsugawa Yui , Seki Yusuke , Mita Norihiro , Shibuya Eri , Yamazaki Mai , Kubo Eri , Sasaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2025

Photic phenomena are more pronounced in presbyopia-corrected than in monofocal intraocular lens (IOL), causing dissatisfaction after cataract surgery. Photic Phenomena Test (PPT) quantifies photic phenomena in eyes with two types of presbyopia-corrected IOL. We examined the relationship between preoperative eye shape and pupil diameter. We included patients with PanOptix IOLs (PanOptix group, n = 38; 65.7 ± 9.2 years old) and Synergy IOLs (Synergy group, n = 39; 61.9 ± 9.6 years old), who underwent the PPT between 1 and 3 months after cataract surgery, from January 2021 to April 2023. The relationships between age, sex, pupil diameter, and higher-order corneal aberrations were examined and mean values for PPT measurements were compared between the groups. There was no difference in glare between the two groups. The halo was larger and thicker, and the starburst was larger and stronger in the Synergy group (P < 0.01). Postoperative halo brightness was positively correlated with the corneal coma aberration in the PanOptix group (P < 0.05). The Synergy group showed a positive correlation between the size and brightness of the postoperative halo and starburst and pupil diameter (P < 0.01). PPT, thus, revealed risk factors in eyes with two types of presbyopia-corrected IOL, which can be examined before cataract surgery to provide critical information for IOL selection.
Raiding nature’s genetic toolbox for UV-C resistance by functional metagenomics
Authors: Roberts Kingman Garrett A. , Kipness Justin L. , Rothschild Lynn J.
Published: January 2025

As we assess the habitability of other worlds, we are limited by being able to only study terrestrial life adapted to terrestrial conditions. The environments found on Earth, though tremendously diverse, do not approach the multitude of potentially habitable environments beyond Earth, and so limited terrestrial adaptive capabilities tell us little about the fundamental biochemical boundaries of life. One approach to this problem is to use experimental laboratory evolution to adapt microbes to these novel environmental conditions. This approach can be dramatically improved through functional metagenomics, large-scale introduction of foreign genetic material to screen for phenotypes in a new host organism. This takes advantage of Earth’s immense biological diversity with high-throughput screening for genetic tools that can facilitate adaptation. We address a key gap in functional metagenomics work by exploring the impact of the experimental parameters chosen for functional metagenomics libraries. Experimental design dictates both fragment size and copy number, and we show that both can have outsized effects on the resultant phenotypes in non-intuitive ways. These results highlight the potential of functional metagenomics for adapting life rapidly to challenging new environments, with important implications in both astrobiology and bioindustry, while also emphasizing the impacts of decisions in experimental design.
SAILOR: perceptual anchoring for robotic cognitive architectures
Authors: González-Santamarta Miguel Á. , Rodrıguez-Lera Francisco J. , Matellan-Olivera Vicente , del Castillo Virginia Riego , Sánchez-González Lidia
Published: January 2025

Symbolic anchoring is an important topic in robotics, as it enables robots to obtain symbolic knowledge from the perceptual information acquired through their sensors and maintain the link between that knowledge and the sensory data. In cognitive-based robots, this process of transforming sub-symbolic data generated by sensors to obtain and maintain symbolic knowledge is still an open problem. To address this issue, this paper presents SAILOR, a framework for symbolic anchoring integrated into ROS 2. SAILOR aims to maintain the link between symbolic data and perceptual data in real robots over time. It provides a semantic world modeling approach using two deep learning-based sub-symbolic robotic skills: object recognition and matching function. The object recognition skill allows the robot to recognize and identify objects in its environment, while the matching function enables the robot to decide if new perceptual data corresponds to existing symbolic data. This paper describes the proposed method and the development of the framework, as well as its integration in MERLIN2 (a hybrid cognitive architecture fully functional in robots running ROS 2) and the validation of SAILOR using public datasets and a real-world scenario.
Corporate genome screening India (CoGsI) identified genetic variants association with T2D in young Indian professionals
Authors: Husami Shah Fahad , Kaur Tavleen , Gupta Love , Rastogi Garima , Singh Lakhvinder , Meena Pooja , Sharma Indu , Singh Hemender , Sharma Varun
Published: January 2025

Rising cases of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in India, especially in metropolitan cities is an increasing concern. The individuals that were most affected are young professionals working in the corporate sector. However, the corporate sector has remained the least explored for T2D risk predisposition. Considering corporate employees’ lifestyles and the role of gene-environment interaction in T2D susceptibility, the study aims to find genetic variants associated with T2D predisposition. In this first kind of study, 680 young professionals (284 T2D cases, and 396 controls) were diagnosed and screened for 2658 variants on an array designed explicitly for the CoGsI study. The variant filtering was done at Bonferroni p-value of 0.000028. The genetic data was analysed using PLINK v1.09, SPSS, R programming, VEP tool, and FUMA GWAS tool. Interestingly, 42 variants were associated with the T2D risk. Out of 42, three missense variants (rs1402467, rs6050, and rs713598) in Sulfotransferase family 1 C member 4 (SULT1C4), Fibrinogen Alpha Chain (FGA), and Taste 2 Receptor Member 38 (TAS2R38) and two untranslated region (UTR) variants (rs1063320 and rs6296) in Major Histocompatibility Complex, Class I, G (HLA-G) and 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 1B (HTR1B) were associated with the T2D risk. CoGsI identified potential genomic markers increasing susceptibility to the early onset of T2D. Present findings provide insights into mechanisms underlying T2D manifestation in corporate professionals due to genetics interacting with occupational stress and urban lifestyles.
Aboveground and belowground trait coordination across twelve boreal forest tree species
Authors: Spitzer Clydecia M. , Jämtgård Sandra , Larsson Marcus J. , Gundale Michael J.
Published: January 2025

The existence of trait coordination in roots and leaves has recently been debated, with studies reaching opposing conclusions. Here, we assessed trait coordination across twelve boreal tree species. We show that there is only partial evidence for above-belowground coordination for “fast-slow” economic traits across boreal tree species, i.e., while N content in leaves and roots were positively correlated, as well as dry matter content, root dry matter content and leaf N had no significant relationship. For resource acquisition traits (i.e. related to light capture and nutrient uptake) we did not find strong evidence for trait coordination, as specific root length and specific leaf area were not positively correlated. We further show that site only explained between 0 and 7% of the total trait variation, while within-site variation contributed substantially to the total trait variation for a large number of traits (1.6–96%), and more so for morphological root traits than leaf traits. This likely influences the strength of above-belowground trait coordination found across species in our study. Understanding sources of trait variation and above-belowground trait relationships can contribute to improving global and regional C cycling models. However, fine-scale environmental variability should be accounted for given its importance for driving trait variation.
Evaluation of ovarian stiffness and its biological mechanism using shear wave elastography in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: He Yifang , Deng Shuangping , Wang Yanli , Wang Xiali , Huang Qingqing , Cheng Jing , Wang Dandan , Lyu Guorong
Published: January 2025

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder with various contributing factors. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a contemporary noninvasive imaging technique that reports on the elasticity of tissues. This study aimed to evaluate ovarian stiffness in patients with PCOS using transvaginal SWE, and investigate the potential biological mechanisms underlying increased ovarian stiffness. Patients with PCOS and healthy controls underwent transvaginal 2D ultrasound and SWE to measure the number of follicles, ovarian volume, and ovarian elasticity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for PCOS. A rat model of PCOS was established to further investigate the biological basis of increased ovarian stiffness. Histological analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, transcriptomics, and proteomics were performed to assess alterations in fibrosis and basement membrane (BM) gene expression. The results demonstrated that patients with PCOS (n = 59) showed an increased number of follicles, ovarian volume, and SWE (mean and max) compared with controls (n = 56; P < 0.001). The number of follicles, ovarian volume, and SWE_mean were identified as independent risk factors for PCOS (P < 0.05). SWE_mean ≥ 12.5 kPa demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.816 for PCOS diagnosis and was positively correlated with AMH levels (r = 0.6776, P < 0.0001). In the rat model, increased ovarian stiffness was associated with significant fibrosis and altered expression of fibrosis-related markers. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that BM gene alterations were correlated with ovarian stiffness, which was further validated using PCOS patient data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. In conclusion, SWE is a valuable technique for diagnosing PCOS by detecting increased ovarian stiffness, which may be associated with alterations in the expression of BMs, thereby mediating ovarian fibrosis.
Superconductivity in ordered Li–Al–B compounds
Authors: Hussain K. , Donaldson S. J. , Karaca E. , Byrne P. J. P. , Hasnip P. J. , Probert M. I. J.
Published: January 2025

Using first principles calculations, we show that $$\hbox {Li}_x\hbox {Al}_y\hbox {B}_{2(x+y)}$$ materials have strong electron-phonon coupling, with many having a superconducting critical temperature ($$T_c$$) that exceeds that of the more familiar $$\hbox {MgB}_2$$ at ambient pressure. In particular, we find that $$\hbox {LiAlB}_4$$ is the most stable member of the family, with $$T_c > 44\,\hbox {K}$$ whilst the peak $$T_c$$ is with $$\hbox {Li}_3\hbox {AlB}_8$$ which has $$T_c > 77\,\hbox {K}$$. Our results reveal that these materials are both thermodynamically and dynamically stable, with strong electron-phonon coupling, indicating significant potential for practical superconducting applications.
Development of the membrane ceiling method for in vitro spermatogenesis
Authors: Kamoshita Maki , Shirai Hiroki , Nakamura Hiroko , Kishimoto Tetsuya , Hatanaka Yuki , Mashiko Daisuke , Esashika Katsuhiro , Yang Jingjing , Yamasaki Satoshi , Ogawa Takehiko , Kimura Hiroshi , Ikawa Masahito
Published: January 2025

Spermatogenesis is one of the most complex processes of cell differentiation and its failure is a major cause of male infertility. Therefore, a proper model that recapitulates spermatogenesis in vitro has been long sought out for basic and clinical research. Testis organ culture using the gas-liquid interphase method has been shown to support spermatogenesis in mice and rats. However, the conventional method using agarose gel has limitations including medium replacement efficiency and live imaging because agarose absorbs medium and is not transparent. To overcome this issue, we developed a new device using microporous membranes and oxygen-permeable materials. Mouse testes sandwiched between a microporous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membrane on top and an oxygen-permeable 4-polymethyl-1-pentene polymer (PMP) membrane base maintained spermatogenesis over months. The chamber volume was minimized to 0.1% of the culture medium. Weekly time-lapse live imaging enabled us to observe transgenically fluorescent acrosome and nuclear shape formation throughout spermatogenesis. Finally, we obtained healthy fertile offspring from spermatozoa generated in our system. The device could be used not only for basic research to understand spermatogenesis but also for applied research, such as diagnosing and treating male infertility.
A review of deep learning for brain tumor analysis in MRI
Authors: Dorfner Felix J. , Patel Jay B. , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Gerstner Elizabeth R. , Bridge Christopher P.
Published: January 2025

Recent progress in deep learning (DL) is producing a new generation of tools across numerous clinical applications. Within the analysis of brain tumors in magnetic resonance imaging, DL finds applications in tumor segmentation, quantification, and classification. It facilitates objective and reproducible measurements crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease monitoring. Furthermore, it holds the potential to pave the way for personalized medicine through the prediction of tumor type, grade, genetic mutations, and patient survival outcomes. In this review, we explore the transformative potential of DL for brain tumor care and discuss existing applications, limitations, and future directions and opportunities.
Impaired arbitration between reward-related decision-making strategies in Alcohol Users compared to Alcohol Non-Users: a computational modeling study
Authors: Ramakrishnan Srinivasan A. , Shaik Riaz B. , Kanagamani Tamizharasan , Neppala Gopi , Chen Jeffrey , Fiore Vincenzo G. , Hammond Christopher J. , Srinivasan Shankar , Ivanov Iliyan , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa , Kool Wouter , Parvaz Muhammad A.
Published: January 2025

Reinforcement learning studies propose that decision-making is guided by a tradeoff between computationally cheaper model-free (habitual) control and costly model-based (goal-directed) control. Greater model-based control is typically used under highly rewarding conditions to minimize risk and maximize gain. Although prior studies have shown impairments in sensitivity to reward value in individuals with frequent alcohol use, it is unclear how these individuals arbitrate between model-free and model-based control based on the magnitude of reward incentives. In this study, 81 individuals (47 frequent Alcohol Users and 34 Alcohol Non-Users) performed a modified 2-step learning task where stakes were sometimes high, and other times they were low. Maximum a posteriori fitting of a dual-system reinforcement-learning model was used to assess the degree of model-based control, and a utility model was used to assess risk sensitivity for the low- and high-stakes trials separately. As expected, Alcohol Non-Users showed significantly higher model-based control in higher compared to lower reward conditions, whereas no such difference between the two conditions was observed for the Alcohol Users. Additionally, both groups were significantly less risk-averse in higher compared to lower reward conditions. However, Alcohol Users were significantly less risk-averse compared to Alcohol Non-Users in the higher reward condition. Lastly, greater model-based control was associated with a less risk-sensitive approach in Alcohol Users. Taken together, these results suggest that frequent Alcohol Users may have impaired metacontrol, making them less flexible to varying monetary rewards and more prone to risky decision-making, especially when the stakes are high.
Urban growth strategy in Greater Sydney leads to unintended social and environmental challenges
Authors: Ríos-Ocampo Juan Pablo , Gary Michael Shayne
Published: January 2025

Cities have advanced in terms of economic and social status over the past five decades, improving the living conditions of hundreds of millions of people. However, population growth and urban expansion have put pressure on social and environmental conditions. This study examines urban policymakers’ perceptions about causal relationships in the urban system as revealed in urban planning reports. Here we analyzed 500 pages from published urban plans of Greater Sydney between 1968 and 2018 and coded the text into causal maps. The findings show that policymakers adopted a dominant urban development strategy over the past 50 years to pursue economic and public infrastructure growth. Over time, this growth strategy resulted in a number of social and environmental challenges that negatively impacted societal well-being. Although policymakers eventually recognized the seriousness of social and environmental challenges, they never attempted to fundamentally change the dominant growth strategy. Instead, policymakers sought to address the challenges (that is, symptoms) by responding to each issue piecemeal.
Hydration-induced dynamical changes in lyophilised and weakly hydrated apoferritin: insights from molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Bassotti Elisa , Paradossi Gaio , Chiessi Ester , Telling Mark
Published: January 2025

In this paper, mechanisms for hydration-induced protein mobility changes at high and low temperatures are proposed.
Ferroelectricity and piezoelectric energy harvesting of an A3M2X9-type 0D bromobismuthate hybrid with a bulky organic quaternary amine
Authors: Meena Namonarayan , Sahoo Supriya , Deka Nilotpal , Gadagin Vinayak B. , Zaręba Jan K. , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy
Published: January 2025

A new halobismuthate(iii) compound, [BPMBDMA]·[Bi2Br9], was synthesized and found to exhibit excellent ferroelectric polarization. Its polymer composite devices show piezoelectric energy harvesting application with high output performance values.
Extraction of metal ions from water using a novel liquid membrane containing ZIF-8 nanoparticles, an ionic liquid, and benzo-18-crown-6
Authors: Adhami Arash , Towfighi Jafar , Kazemzadeh Hamid , Kazemzadeh Vahid
Published: January 2025

As a promising type of separation membrane, liquid membranes have been broadly studied.
Impact of counterion and salt form on the properties of long-acting injectable peptide hydrogels for drug delivery
Authors: Moore Jessica Victoria , Cross Emily , An Yuming , Pentlavalli Sreekanth , Coulter Sophie M , Sun Han , Laverty Garry
Published: January 2025

Modifying the salt form of active pharmaceutical ingredients is a common method to enhance their physicochemical and biological properties, whilst improving their abiliy to be formulated into medicines that can...
Non-invasive quantitative chemical measurements of liposomal formulations using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Legge Elizabeth J , Coones Ryan T , Lee William , Pei Yiwen , Belsey Natalie , Minelli Caterina
Published: January 2025

With a growing interest towards low batch-volume personalised medicines and continuous manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, the need for robust non-invasive quality control analytical methods is becoming increasingly important. Current methods for...
Ethylenediamine assist preparation of carbon dots with novel biomass for highly sensitive detection of levodopa
Authors: Huang Zongmei , Li Jing , Li Lu-Shuang
Published: January 2025

A highly sensitive sensor for levodopa detection was developed based on novel biomass-derived carbon dots.
Synthesis and properties of ionic photoacid generators based on iodonium salts
Authors: Liu Rihong , Feng Baicheng , Yu Fanuan , Xin Huifen , Qu Rong , Jin Yan
Published: January 2025

This paper presents the design and synthesis of nine ionic photoacid generators (PAGs) based on iodonium salts.
Entropy stabilized form chirality in curved rod nematics: structure and symmetries
Authors: Vanakaras Alexandros G. , Samulski Edward T. , Photinos Demetri J.
Published: January 2025

A polar-twisted nematic NPT forms in coarse-grain Monte Carlo simulations using generalized Onsager particles (achiral bent rods). Entropy stabilizes a roto-translating polar director m̂ ≠ −m̂ with a ∼ 3L twist modulation of the local C2 symmetry.
A comprehensive review of laser-induced-graphene for sensor applications: fabrication, properties, and performance evaluation
Authors: Hu Xuanran , Wang Junke , Feng Chenyin , Yuan Jun , Wei Qiangmin , Wang Hao
Published: January 2025

This paper reviews the research, application and working principle of laser-induced graphene (LIG) in four fields: energy storage devices, mechanical sensors, gas sensors and biosensors.
Photochromism and efficient photothermal conversion of B ← N Lewis adducts induced by intramolecular electron transfer
Authors: Kusumoto Sotaro , Mio Takuma , Rakumitsu Kenta , Shimabukuro Masaya , Kobayashi Mamiko , Fukui Tomoya , Hamamoto Nobutsugu , Ishizaki Toshiharu , Kim Yang , Koide Yoshihiro
Published: January 2025

The B ← N Lewis adducts, a series of compounds composed of triphenylborane and pyridine/pyrazine derivatives, was investigated, which exhibited both photochromism and high-efficiency photothermal conversion, as well as being easy to prepare.
BPA and its analogues in thermal papers: an assessment of presence and dermal exposure
Authors: Ozkaleli Akcetin Merve , Gul Hatice Kubra , Goren Ismail Ethem , Daglioglu Nebile , Kurt-Karakus Perihan Binnur
Published: January 2025

Thermal papers are a significant source of exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and other phenolic compounds (PCs), absorbed through the skin via dermal contact.
Evidenzbasierte Mund-, Zahn- und Tubuspflege
Authors: Stangor Saskia , Drosten Robin
Published: January 2025

Ein schlechter Zustand des Mundes samt Zähnen, Zunge und Schleimhäuten birgt ein hohes Risiko für Entzündungen und infolgedessen Infektionen, die schwerwiegende gesundheitliche Folgen haben können. Gerade bei Intensivpatienten und insbesondere, wenn sie intubiert sind, spielt die Mundpflege eine entscheidende Rolle. Der folgende Beitrag stellt ausführlich die evidenzbasierte Mundpflege bei intubierten Patienten auf einer Intensivstation vor. Die Autoren haben damit beim 27. intensiv-Pflegepreis 2023 den 1. Platz belegt.
Entscheidungsunterstützungssysteme – der Weg zu mehr Evidenz am Patientenbett?
Authors: Kücking Florian
Published: January 2025

Auf Intensivstationen ist die evidenzbasierte Pflege von zentraler Bedeutung, um die Patientensicherheit und eine stets gute Behandlungsqualität zu gewährleisten. Klinische Entscheidungsunterstützungssysteme könnten hierbei als wertvolles Vehikel dienen, indem sie aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse und praktische Evidenz direkt in den Pflegeprozess integrieren. Aber was gilt es bei der Implementierung zu beachten?
Center of Rotation and Hysteresis Quantification in the Wrist Utilizing Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography
Authors: Norman Elizabeth , Robinson Sydney , Chambers Spencer , Rainbow Michael , Suh Nina , Lalone Emily
Published: January 2025

Background Wrist injuries limit function and can lead to long-term pain and disability. Current interventions aim to decrease pain and restore healthy function; however, healthy function during dynamic motion has not been fully characterized. Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) can capture dynamic bony motion providing new insight to the dynamic wrist joint.

Materials and Methods Ten young healthy participants were scanned using a 4DCT scanner and three-dimensional (3D) models were made of the radius and carpal bones. Using helical axes and local coordinate systems for the radius, rotations of each bone were measured, and center of rotation was determined. In addition, hysteresis was quantified by measuring hysteresis area, the area between the curves of the forward and reverse motion of the wrist joint.

Results The results showed that the wrist axis of rotation was located more proximal (−15.2 ± 1.3 mm distal) and dorsal (−0.8 ± 2.6 mm dorsal) in extension as compared with the flexion positions (−20.4 ± 1.6 mm distal; 3.9 ± 2.5 mm volar). In addition, no statistical differences were identified between the different directions of motion at each angle of wrist motion, with the exception of the trapezium at 30 degrees of extension. The largest hysteresis effect was noted in the trapezoid (112.8 deg2) and the smallest effect identified in the lunate (46.0 deg2).

Conclusion The results of this study may provide a better understanding of the dynamic nature of the wrist joint for identification of ligamentous injuries and replication of joint motion after surgical intervention.
Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in China
Authors: Zhao Angel , Xiao Yuehai
Published: January 2025

Globalization has given rise to a new generation of English language teachers, including transnational teachers, who have complex teacher identities that the traditional “native” versus “non-native” English teacher dichotomy fails to capture adequately. Researchers have problematized this dichotomy by applying theories such as poststructuralism. However, there is a lack of consensus on a theory that can challenge the monolingual model and the language hierarchy to support the development of teacher identity. Consequently, this case study draws on the theory of hybridity from sociology and uses narrative inquiry and interviews to explore the evolution of a Chinese-Canadian English teacher, Sally, in constructing her teacher identity, which includes both achievements and challenges. The study contributes to the literature by attempting to lessen the impact of the language hierarchy and the “native” versus “non-native” dichotomy through empirical evidence supporting hybridity theory. The findings reveal the complexity of Sally’s teacher identity development across various contexts, resulting in numerous struggles. This complexity aligns with hybridity theory. Moreover, Sally outlines her coping strategies, which could help transnational teachers overcome obstacles and successfully broaden their teacher identities. The study discusses theoretical and pedagogical implications for the development of English language teacher identity and teacher training.
Smearing of resistive transitions in thin superconducting films of transition metals in a parallel magnetic field
Authors: Cherkasova V. G. , Tishchenko L. P. , Fogel’ N. Ya.
Published: January 2025

Resistive junctions of thin superconducting films of transition metals (vanadium, niobium) in a parallel magnetic field in the region of strong fluctuations of the order parameter were studied. It was found that near Tc0 the width of the transitions decreases according to the law ΔH‖∼(1−T/Tc0)−1/2, while the magnetic Ginzburg number GiH‖ = [H − Hc‖(T)]/Hc‖(T), characterizing the width of the critical region for a phase transition in a parallel field is proportional to the inverse electron mean-free path length. The results obtained are explained on the basis of the fluctuation theory for two-dimensional superconductors.
Influence of pressure on the magnetic (H−T) phase diagram of the rhombic antiferromagnet (C2H5NH3)2CuCl4
Authors: Bogdanov A. N. , Puzynya A. I. , Telepa V. T. , Shatskiĩ P. P.
Published: January 2025

The effect of hydrostatic pressure (up to 10 kbar) on the magnetic properties of the rhombic antiferromagnet (C2H5NH3)2CuCl4 has been studied. The pressure dependences of the Néel temperature and also of the spin-flop and spin-flip transitions have been obtained. A phase transition of the Morin type was found in the region of pressure 6−7 kbar, induced by external pressure. It is shown that the law of corresponding states holds for the H−T diagram of (C2H5NH3)2CuCl4.
Critical behavior at phase transitions of the spin-reorientation type in rare-earth magnets
Authors: Vitebskiĭ I. M. , Lavrinenko N. M.
Published: January 2025

The role of fluctuation effects accompanying phase transitions of the spin-reorientation type in rare-earth magnets (orthoferrites, ferrites-garnets, etc.) is analyzed. It is shown that the most significant and observable fluctuation correction to the thermodynamic quantities in the critical region is nonsingular and is determined by magnetic interactions in the rare-earth subsystem.
New micro-drum device overcomes traditional challenges to ultrasensitive detection in liquids
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: January 2025

A sub-millimeter resonator moves particles using acoustic waves to enhance detection by their mass.
Symbolic dynamics of joint brain states during dyadic coordination
Authors: Lima Dias Pinto Italo Ivo , Zhou Zhibin , Garcia Javier Omar , Srinivasan Ramesh
Published: January 2025

We propose a novel approach to investigate the brain mechanisms that support coordination of behavior between individuals. Brain states in single individuals defined by the patterns of functional connectivity between brain regions are used to create joint symbolic representations of brain states in two or more individuals to investigate symbolic dynamics that are related to interactive behaviors. We apply this approach to electroencephalographic data from pairs of subjects engaged in two different modes of finger-tapping coordination tasks (synchronization and syncopation) under different interaction conditions (uncoupled, leader–follower, and mutual) to explore the neural mechanisms of multi-person motor coordination. Our results reveal that dyads exhibit mostly the same joint symbols in different interaction conditions—the most important differences are reflected in the symbolic dynamics. Recurrence analysis shows that interaction influences the dwell time in specific joint symbols and the structure of joint symbol sequences (motif length). In synchronization, increasing feedback promotes stability with longer dwell times and motif length. In syncopation, leader–follower interactions enhance stability (increase dwell time and motif length), but mutual interaction dramatically reduces stability. Network analysis reveals distinct topological changes with task and feedback. In synchronization, stronger coupling stabilizes a few states, preserving a core-periphery structure of the joint brain states while in syncopation we observe a more distributed flow amongst a larger set of joint brain states. This study introduces symbolic representations of metastable joint brain states and associated analytic tools that have the potential to expand our understanding of brain dynamics in human interaction and coordination.
Effect of self-generated magnetic fields on x-ray emission in Kr-filled targets at the National Ignition Facility
Authors: Leal L. S. , Kemp G. E. , Poole P. L. , Campos A. , Farmer W. A. , Walsh C. A. , Liedahl D. , Ping Y. , Widmann K. , May M. J.
Published: January 2025

We examine the effects of self-generated magnetic fields in a Kr gas pipe x-ray source platform. X-ray emission from Kr plasma is dependent on the plasma conditions, as the ionization state is largely a function of temperature. Magnetic fields are known to limit heat conduction, which increases temperature. We show that the emission in simulations of the gas pipe x-ray source is dependent on how self-generated magnetic fields are modeled. The inclusion of self-generated magnetic fields in simulations more accurately captures the emission of lower energy x-ray emission (L-shell), bringing results closer to experiments. The modeled x-ray emission and self-generated magnetic fields are shown to be particularly sensitive to the inclusion of the Nernst effect in simulations. Severely limiting the Nernst effect leads to a hotter Kr plasma, which can account for the discrepancy seen in earlier studies. By modifying the Nernst effect multiplier, we can achieve better experimental agreement in x-ray emission from gas pipes; the value of the multiplier that leads to the best agreement is dependent on the laser power of the drive. Currently, the suppression factor of the Nernst effect needed for high power drives (PL>200  TW) is more restrictive than what is currently put forward by non-local models.
Efficiency of machine learning optimizers and meta-optimization for nanophotonic inverse design tasks
Authors: Morrison Nathaniel , Ma Eric Y.
Published: January 2025

The success of deep learning has driven the proliferation and refinement of numerous non-convex optimization algorithms. Despite this growing array of options, the field of nanophotonic inverse design continues to rely heavily on quasi-Newton optimizers such as L-BFGS and basic momentum-based methods such as Adam. A systematic survey of these and other algorithms in the nanophotonics context remains lacking. Here, we compare 24 widely used machine learning optimizers on inverse design tasks. We study two prototypical nanophotonics inverse design problems—the mode splitter and wavelength demultiplexer—across various system sizes, using both hand-tuned and meta-learned hyperparameters. We find that Adam derivatives, as well as the Fromage optimizer, consistently outperform L-BFGS and standard gradient descent, regardless of system size. While meta-learning has a negligible-to-negative impact on Adam and Fromage, it significantly improves others, particularly AdaGrad derivatives and simple gradient descent, such that their performance is on par with Adam. In addition, we observe that the most effective optimizers exhibit the lowest correlation between initial and final performance. Our results and codebase (github.com/Ma-Lab-Cal/photonicsOptComp) provide a valuable framework for selecting and benchmarking optimizers in nanophotonic inverse design.
Oxygenates production in a microfluidic dielectric barrier discharge device sustained in Ar/CH4/O2
Authors: Meyer Mackenzie , Hartman Ryan , Kushner Mark J.
Published: January 2025

Reforming of methane (CH4) is a process to produce syngas (CO/H2) and other value-added chemicals including oxygenates such as methanol (CH3OH). Atmospheric pressure plasmas have the potential to be more energy efficient than traditional reforming methods as value-added chemicals can be synthesized directly in the plasma without requiring an additional step. In this paper, we discuss the results from a computational investigation of the formation of oxygenates by CH4 oxidation in the presence of Ar, including CH3OH and CH2O, in a nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge. The plasma is formed in a microfluidic channel whose small dimensions are ideal for plasma formation at atmospheric pressure. The production and consumption mechanisms of dominant radicals and long-lived species are discussed in detail for the base case conditions of Ar/CH4/O2 = 50/25/25. CH3OH is produced primarily by CH3O reacting with CH3O and CH3O2 reacting with OH, while CH2O formation relies on reactions involving CH3O and CH3. The most abundant oxygenate formed is CO (produced by H abstraction from CHO). However, the greenhouse gas CO2 is also formed as a by-product. The effects of gas mixture are examined to maximize the CH3OH and CH2O densities while decreasing the CO2 density. Increasing the Ar percentage from 0% to 95% decreased the CH3OH and CH2O densities. At low Ar percentages, this is due to an increase in consumption of CH3OH and CH2O, while at high Ar percentages (>40% Ar), the production of CH3OH and CH2O is decreased. However, both CO and CO2 reached peak densities at 70%–90% Ar. Changing the CH4/O2 ratio while keeping 50% Ar in the discharge led to increased CH3OH and CH2O production, reaching peak densities at 35%–40% CH4. The CO and CO2 densities decreased beyond 20% CH4, indicating that a CH4 rich discharge is ideal for forming the desired oxygenates.