bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a New Structural Transformation Reaction in Cr‐based MOFs Induced by Fluoride
Authors: Tanaka Shintaro , Miyata Ryoya , Teramoto Reon , Sugimoto Junya , Tsuruoka Takaaki , Akamatsu Kensuke , Takashima Yohei
Published: February 2025

The phenomenon of structural transformation in metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), characterized by a phase transition from one structure to another through the dissociation and recombination of coordination bonds, is well recognized. In this study, we successfully developed a new structural transformation from MIL‐101(Cr) to MIL‐53(Cr) using fluoride as an additive. In addition, the structural transformation proceeds without additives in the case of MIL‐101(Cr) with electron‐withdrawing groups. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a structural transformation system using kinetically inert Cr‐based MOFs.
Benzothiazole Derived Ether Hybrids as Potent Anti‐Thymidine Phosphorylase Agents: Synthesis, In Vitro and Computational Investigations
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Alam Aftab , Zainab Zainab , Khan Majid , Tüzün Burak , Ayaz Muhammad , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Latif Abdul , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Hussain Humaira , Ali Mumtaz , Ahmad Manzoor
Published: February 2025

This work is based on the synthesis of new ether derivatives bearing benzothiazole scaffold through multi‐step reaction process. Initially, benzothiazole was prepared by refluxing 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde with amino thiophenol having sodium metabisulfite in DMF; subsequently the product was further refluxed with different substituted benzyl and alkyl bromide in acetone to get ether hybrids of benzothiazole in good yields. Structurally, these compounds were confirmed by means of 1H, 13C‐NMR and mass spectrometry and evaluated for in vitro thymidine phosphorylase inhibitory activity. In the series, seven compounds attributed excellent inhibition against thymidine phosphorylase enzyme better than the standard. Similarly, three compounds showed good activity while two compounds were found inactive. Moreover, all these compounds showed no toxicity to normal human fibroblast cell line (BJ Cell Line). In addition, Gaussian calculations were performed on the 6‐31++g(d,p) basis set to examine the 13 synthesized compounds at the B3LYP, HF, and M062X levels. Additionally, molecular docking calculations were performed on thymidine phosphorylase enzyme proteins (PDB IDs: 4EAD, 2WK6, and 4LHM), and ADME/T calculations were performed to investigate the effects and responses of these compounds in human metabolism.
Computational Study of Alkyne‐Acid Cycloisomerization in Gold‐Functionalized Resorcinarene Cavitand
Authors: Peters Joannes , Himo Fahmi
Published: February 2025

Herein, we report density functional theory calculations to investigate the reaction mechanism and the selectivity of the cycloisomerization of alkynoic acids inside a gold‐functionalized resorcinarene‐based cavitand. This cavitand has experimentally been shown to catalyze the cycloisomerization of a number of substituted alkynoic acids to give the corresponding γ‐lactones. Three representative substrates, with different substitution patterns, are considered in the calculations, and for each of them, the geometries and energies of various binding modes are first characterized. Next, the cycloisomerization reaction mechanism is evaluated, which is shown to consist of an intramolecular addition of the carboxylic acid to the gold‐activated alkyne triple bond, followed by a protodeauration step. Both 5‐exo­‐dig and 6‐endo‐dig cyclizations were considered, leading to γ‐ or ẟ‐lactones, respectively, and the involvement of the triflate counterion in the cyclization step is discussed. Finally, the influence of the cavitand walls on the reactivity is evaluated by using a model catalyst in which the walls were removed.
To Transport or Not to Transport: Post‐Growth Avenues for Transport Infrastructure Planning
Authors: Verweij Stefan , Lamker Christian , de Groot Bert
Published: February 2025

Post‐growth literature has recently raised attention to the role of transport infrastructure planning in relation to global sustainability challenges and human wellbeing. Transport infrastructure can be a major obstacle to change, due to sunk costs, material intensity, and historical path dependencies. At the same time, it is a foundation for quality‐of‐life, basic services, and fulfilling human needs. At the crossroads of major societal, spatial, and economic transformations, it is timely to explore what post‐growth perspectives offer to transport infrastructure planning. We develop six propositions that we identify as crucial to connect post‐growth thought with transport infrastructure planning more effectively. Concluding from the six propositions, we underline the need for open political discussions about crucial trade‐offs and the strategic and integrative interfaces between sustainability, socio‐spatial transformations, and transport infrastructures.
Home‐based collaborative management of bullous pemphigoid with delayed seropositive conversion of anti‐BP180‐NC16a antibody
Authors: Yamashita Hiromitsu , Ando Takayuki , Fujikawa Hirohisa , Shiota Masayoshi
Published: February 2025

We report the case of an 82‐year‐old male with a history of multiple cerebral infarctions who developed bullous pemphigoid while receiving home‐based care. Anti‐BP180‐NC16a antibody was initially negative, but later became positive as the disease severity worsened. The patient was successfully managed at home through a collaborative effort between a home‐visiting physician (general practitioner), dermatologist, nursing staff, and pharmacists. This case highlights the value of reevaluating anti‐BP180‐NC16a antibody levels and the feasibility of home‐based care for severe bullous pemphigoid in bedridden patients.
Coherence Awareness in Diffractive Neural Networks
Authors: Kleiner Matan , Michalei Lior , Michalei Tomer
Published: February 2025

Diffractive neural networks hold great promise for applications requiring intensive computational processing. Considerable attention is focused on diffractive networks for either spatially coherent or spatially incoherent illumination. Here, it is illustrated that, as opposed to imaging systems, in diffractive networks the degree of spatial coherence has a dramatic effect. In particular, it is showed that when the spatial coherence length on the object is comparable to the minimal feature size preserved by the optical system, neither the incoherent nor the coherent extremes serve as acceptable approximations. Importantly, this situation is inherent to many settings involving active illumination, including reflected light microscopy, autonomous vehicles and smartphones. Following this observation, a general framework is proposed for training diffractive networks for any specified degree of spatial and temporal coherence, supporting all types of linear and nonlinear layers. Using this method, networks are numerically optimized for image classification, and the dependence of their performance on the coherence properties of the illumination is thoroughly investigated. The concept of coherence‐blind networks is further introduced, enabling networks, which have enhanced resilience to changes in illumination conditions. These findings serve as a steppingstone toward adopting all‐optical neural networks in real‐world applications, leveraging nothing but natural light.
Floquet Engineering and Harnessing Giant Atoms in Frequency‐Comb Emission and Bichromatic Correlations in Waveguide QED
Authors: Qiu Qing‐Yang , Zheng Li‐Li , Wu Ying , Lü Xin‐You
Published: February 2025

The capability to design spectrally controlled photon emission is not only fundamentally interesting for understanding frequency‐encoded light–matter interactions, but also is essential for realizing the preparation and manipulation of quantum states. Here, a dynamically modulated qubit array is considered, and realize frequency‐controlled single‐photon emission focusing on the generation of a frequency comb constituted solely of even‐parity or anti‐Stokes sidebands. This system also offers parity‐dependent bunching and antibunching in frequency‐filtered quantum correlations. In particular, the waveguide quantum electrodynamics (QED) setup is extended to include chiral and non‐local coupling architectures, thereby enhancing its versatility in Floquet engineering. This proposal also supports the predictable generation of high‐dimensional entangled quantum states, where the corresponding effective Hilbert space dimension is well controlled by energy modulation. Moreover, the utilisation of sophisticated numerical tools, such as the matrix product states (MPSs) and the discretization approach, enables the efficient simulation of multi‐photon dynamics, in which the non‐Markovian Floquet steady states emerge. This work fundamentally broadens the fields of collective emission, and has wide applications in implementing frequency‐encoded quantum information processing and many‐body quantum simulation.
Selective Effects of Substantia Nigra and Locus Coeruleus Degeneration on Cognition in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sun Sophie , Madge Victoria , Djordjevic Jelena , Gagnon Jean‐François , Collins D. Louis , Dagher Alain , Sharp Madeleine
Published: February 2025

Background

The substantia nigra (SN) and locus coeruleus (LC) are among the first brain regions to degenerate in Parkinson's disease (PD). This has important implications for early cognitive deficits because these nuclei are sources of ascending neuromodulators (i.e., dopamine and noradrenaline) that support various cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and executive function.

Objective

Our aim was to investigate the selective and independent contributions of SN and LC degeneration to cognitive deficits in PD.

Methods

We ran a cross‐sectional study testing patients with PD and older adults on tasks of positive reinforcement learning, attention/working memory, executive function, and memory to measure cognitive performance in domains thought to be related to dopaminergic and noradrenergic function. Participants also underwent neuromelanin‐sensitive magnetic resonance imaging as a measure of degeneration.

Results

Reduced SN neuromelanin signal in PD was independently associated with impaired positive reinforcement learning (β = 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08, 0.74) controlling for changes in the LC. In contrast, reduced LC neuromelanin signal was independently associated with impairments in attention/working memory (β = 0.20, 95% CI [−0.47, −0.10]) and executive function (β = 0.22, 95% CI: −0.57, −0.24), controlling for changes in the SN.

Conclusions

These results suggest that SN and LC degeneration may contribute to different cognitive deficits, potentially explaining the heterogeneity that exists in the cognitive manifestations of PD. These results also highlight the potential value of leveraging brain‐behavior relationships to develop performance‐based measures of cognition that could be used to characterize the phenotypic differences associated with underlying patterns of neurodegeneration. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Bacteriome of the Middle Ear in Children and Young Adults With Cholesteatoma and Retraction Pocket: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bartos Michal , Urik Milan , Buresova Lucie , Holochova Pavla , Budinska Eva , Linhartova Petra Borilova
Published: February 2025

Objective

Chronic otitis media (COM) is a common middle ear disease in children and young adults. Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube and bacterial infection are the main causes. This pilot study aimed to describe and compare bacteriomes of the middle ear in children and young adults with serious forms of COM, such as cholesteatoma and retraction pocket (RP) of the tympanic membrane, with bacteriomes in healthy middle ears.

Study Design

Observational study.

Setting

Clinical practice in a tertiary center. From January 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022. Patients aged 0 to 20 years.

Methods

In this case‐control study, middle ears were swabbed during surgery on children with cholesteatoma (N = 23) or RP (N = 26) and on children indicated for cochlear implant (N = 15, controls). Genomic DNA extraction was followed by creation of a 16S ribosomal DNA gene library and sequencing on a MiSeq instrument. Samples with relative abundance of at least one bacterial genus >20% were considered positive for the specific genus.

Results

Bacterial diversity was generally low in the middle ear samples from patients with COM, with DNA content from 1 or 2 bacteria usually dominating in the sample. A significant difference in positivity for one or more bacterial genera was observed between patients with cholesteatoma or RP (38.8%) versus patients indicated for cochlear implants (6.7%).

Conclusion

While middle ear bacteriomes in cases of cholesteatoma and RP differed from those of controls, findings in the 2 pathological conditions were similar. These results support the statement that the RP could be a precholesteatoma stage.
Tunable Reactive Metamaterials for Enhanced Explosive Corner Turning
Authors: Ichiyama Robert T. , Stanisha Madeleine , Scarpelli Noah P. , Smith James L. , Stewart D. Scott , Oxley Jimmie C.
Published: February 2025

Simulations and experiments were conducted to control energy release4d during detonation using high impedance additively manufactured geometric arrays. These arrays enabled the control of explosive corner turning within nitromethane. These localized geometries were tuned based on simulations carried out in ALE3D. High explosive ignition and growth reactive flow modeling identified specific high impedance inclusion geometries for given donor‐acceptor charge geometries that would induce corner turning when present. Synthetic, pressure‐dependent streak camera images were generated in simulations to inform experimental results. Experiments were conducted using Fritz plane wave lenses to drive planar input shocks into the system. Ultra‐high‐speed framing and streak camera imaging were used to view the shock time of arrivals within manufactured metamaterials. Framing camera images revealed localized instabilities within the nitromethane that were not present in untuned experiments. Streak camera imaging was used to measure the corner turning time of arrival at the boundaries of the experimental geometry. Corner turning did not occur in simulations or experiments that did not include the tuned inclusions. These results suggest that it is possible to localize sensitivity to detonation within an insensitive material increasing the overall safety of fielded energetic materials.
The Single Atom Anchoring Strategy: Rational Design of MXene‐Based Single‐Atom Catalysts for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Lixiang , Dou Yuhai , Gan Rong , Zhao Qin , Ma Quanlei , Liao Yijing , Cheng Guidan , Zhang Yan , Wang Dingsheng
Published: February 2025

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are a class of catalysts with low dosage, low cost, and the presence of metal atom‐carrier interactions with high catalytic activity, which are considered to possess significant potential in the field of electrocatalysis. The most important aspect in the synthesis of SACs is the selection of suitable carriers. Metal carbides, nitrides, or carbon‐nitrides (MXenes) are widely used as a new type of 2D materials with good electrical conductivity and tunable surface properties. The abundance of surface functional groups and vacancy defects on MXenes is an ideal anchoring site for metal single atoms and is therefore regarded as a good carrier for single‐atom loading. In this work, the preparation method of MXenes, the loading mode of SACs, the characterization of the catalysts, and the electrochemical catalytic performance are described in detail, and some of the hot issues of the current research and future research directions are also summarized. The aim of this work is to promote the development of MXene‐based SACs within the realm of electrocatalysis. With ongoing research and innovation, these materials are expected to be crucial in the future of energy conversion and storage solutions.
Edge‐Localized Plasmonic Resonances in WS2 Nanostructures from Electron Energy‐Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Brokkelkamp Abel , van Heijst Sabrya E. , Conesa‐Boj Sonia
Published: February 2025

Localized plasmon resonances in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) offer a powerful means to enhance light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, making them ideal candidates for advanced optoelectronic applications. However, disentangling the complex plasmonic interactions in these materials, especially in the low‐energy regime, presents significant challenges. Herein, localized plasmon resonances in chemical vapor deposition‐grown tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanotriangles, using a combination of advanced spectral analysis and simulation techniques, is investigated. By combining non‐negative matrix factorization with electron energy loss spectroscopy, distinct plasmonic modes to provide a comprehensive analysis of the plasmonic landscape of individual and stacked WS2 nanotriangles are identified and characterized. Furthermore, the dispersion relation of these localized plasmon resonances is quantified and their evolution across different WS2 triangular geometries is evaluated. Experimental characterization of plasmonic resonances in WS2 through dedicated numerical simulations based on the PyGDM package is validated. The findings highlight the critical role of localized plasmon resonances in modulating the electronic and optical properties of WS2, offering new insights into the design and optimization of TMD‐based devices for optoelectronic and nanophotonic applications.
Enabling Charge Trapping with Quasi‐Magnetization through Transition Metal Ion‐Chelated Mesoporous Silica Particles for Wearable Antibacterial Self‐Powering Sensors
Authors: Han Seunghye , Park Jungchul , Sun Jingzhe , Ren Bingqi , Lee Jiwoo , Bae Jihyun , Chang Jeong Ho , Park Jong‐Jin
Published: February 2025

Wearable self‐powering sensors based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) emerging as a promising strategy for a wide range of applications, such as self‐powering and energy‐harvesting systems, are widely used in healthcare and displacement current are utilized as the driving force. Although the TENG theory is rooted in the displacement current equation proposed by Maxwell, the magnetic field created by this current is often overlooked in TENG research. In this work, an effective charge‐trapping method based on the magnetization current induced by transition metal ion chelation is reported. The experimental results, along with a theoretical analysis of the Maxwell equation and a discussion of the charge‐trapping mechanism, demonstrate that magnetic materials provide enhanced charge‐trapping performance. Transition metal ions chelated to mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) can slightly assign weak paramagnetic properties owing to the formation of ligand complexes. As a result, they can generate a feeble quasi‐magnetization current during the TENG cycle, which enhances the surface charge density of the Co‐MSPs‐based polyvinyl alcohol TENG (PVA‐TENG) by 68%. In addition, it is confirmed that the MSPs chelated with transition metal ions exhibit antibacterial properties, thereby providing promising synergistic effects from the perspective of application as a wearable TENG‐based antibacterial sensor system.
Reliability assessment of deflection limitation methods in reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Way Andrew , De Koker Nico , Viljoen Celeste
Published: February 2025

The depth of reinforced concrete (RC) beams and slabs is typically governed by the limitation of deflections. The minimisation of beam and slab depths thus notably reduces the material cost of RC structures. Semi‐empirical slenderness ratio methods to initially size member depths are often simplified for ease of use, time efficiency and due to the limited knowledge available at preliminary design stage. These methods often contain considerable uncertainty and the serviceability limit state (SLS) reliability performance implied by using these methods is currently unknown. This research aims to quantify and compare the SLS deflection reliability performance of slenderness ratio (also called span‐to‐effective depth or ) methods to other analytical methods. A database of experimental samples from existing research is used to determine model factors for the methods. The SLS reliability performance of each method is evaluated for a simulated database of beams, considering both hinged and partially restrained supports. Analytical methods were found to achieve satisfactory reliability, whereas slenderness ratio methods produce conservative reliability values and especially so for longer beams. The preferential use of analytical over slenderness ratio methods may therefore promote a more sustainable use of materials and reduce structural costs while still providing adequate SLS reliability.
On the Minimization of the Willmore Energy Under a Constraint on Total Mean Curvature and Area
Authors: Scharrer Christian , West Alexander
Published: February 2025

Motivated by a model for lipid bilayer cell membranes, we study the minimization of the Willmore functional in the class of oriented closed surfaces with prescribed total mean curvature, prescribed area, and prescribed genus. Adapting methods previously developed by Keller–Mondino–Rivière, Bauer–Kuwert, and Ndiaye–Schätzle, we prove the existence of smooth minimizers for a large class of constraints. Moreover, we analyze the asymptotic behaviour of the energy profile close to the unit sphere and consider the total mean curvature of axisymmetric surfaces.
Vertical federated learning: a structured literature review
Authors: Khan Afsana , ten Thij Marijn , Wilbik Anna
Published: February 2025

Federated learning (FL) has emerged as a promising distributed learning paradigm with an added advantage of data privacy. With the growing interest in collaboration among data owners, FL has gained significant attention from organizations. The idea of FL is to enable collaborating participants train machine learning (ML) models on decentralized data without breaching privacy. In simpler words, federated learning is the approach of “bringing the model to the data, instead of bringing the data to the model”. Federated learning, when applied to data which is partitioned vertically across participants, is able to build a complete ML model by combining local models trained only using the data with distinct features at the local sites. This architecture of FL is referred to as vertical federated learning (VFL), which differs from the conventional FL on horizontally partitioned data. As VFL is different from conventional FL, it comes with its own issues and challenges. Motivated by the comparatively less explored side of FL, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of existing methods and developments in VFL, covering various aspects such as communication, learning, privacy, and applications. We conclude by identifying gaps in the current literature and proposing potential future directions for research in VFL.
Building Community Resilience Through Trauma-Informed Solutions: Lessons Learned from a Social Accelerator in Rural North Carolina
Authors: Elliott Alison M. , Jana Bethany , Vu Thi , Rush Macie , Belk Aaliyah , Emmerling Dane , Jagannathan Vichi , Saeugling Seth , Hatcher Abigail
Published: February 2025

Adverse childhood experiences and intergenerational trauma are associated with a variety of negative health outcomes and are particularly prevalent among people of color and those living in rural communities. The social accelerator model offers a novel means of assisting organizations in scaling up their initiatives and increasing their impact. This study investigates the lessons learned from adapting the social accelerator model to address community-level trauma and build resilience in a rural setting. We conducted qualitative interviews with program staff and the initial cohort of participants of the Resilient Leaders Initiative: a trauma-informed social accelerator designed for public institutions in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. Participating community organizations included a local high school, church, and courthouse. In-depth interviews (n = 23) explored strengths, challenges, and perceived outcomes of the program and were thematically analyzed. The program’s deep community ties generated strong relationships among the cohort and created a safe space for participants to address trauma. Those interviewed identified the virtual program’s flexible structure as a key strength, but also reported experiencing confusion around roles, outcomes, and program language. A shared passion for building community resilience among participants and staff served as a key motivator throughout the program. Findings indicate that a flexible environment, strong interpersonal relationships, and deep community roots are essential to facilitating the creation of trauma-informed solutions among community organizations via the social accelerator model.
The effect of Education 4.0 tools on 7th grade students’ learning outcomes and attitudes in the electrical circuits unit
Authors: Başgül Melek , Coştu Bayram
Published: February 2025

Education 4.0 represents a visionary approach to the future of education, aiming to enhance teaching and learning through advanced technologies. The aim of this research is to determine student attitudes toward the use of Education 4.0 tools in the 7th-grade Science course Electrical Circuits unit. To achieve this, an attitude test was developed to evaluate the integration of Education 4.0 tools into the Science curriculum, and student attitudes were assessed using this test. A "quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control group," one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the study. The research involved 41 seventh-grade students from one public secondary schools in Turkey, with 21 students in the experimental group and 20 in the control group. The "Attitude Scale toward the Use of Education 4.0 Tools in Science Teaching," developed by the researchers, was used as the data collection instrument. The experimental phase lasted four weeks (16 lesson hours), during which the experimental group engaged in activities involving Education 4.0 tools, while the control group followed the curriculum-prescribed activities. The t-test results of the collected data revealed a statistically significant difference between the post-test scores of the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group showing more favorable outcomes. The research findings reveal that students exhibit a positive attitude toward the use of Education 4.0 tools in science education. These results suggest that the integration of Education 4.0 into science education enhances students’ understanding of abstract electrical concepts such as electric current, potential difference, resistance, and Ohm’s Law, improves knowledge retention, and transforms the learning process into an interactive and discovery-oriented experience. Furthermore, Education 4.0 tools have contributed to the improvement of learning outcomes by promoting student engagement and make learning processes more efficient by improving students’ ability to use technology effectively.
Multiplex Biosensor Interface Utilizing PANI-AgNP Nanocomposite for Glucose and Urea Detection
Authors: Pal Sweety , Kumar Dharmesh , Pillay Shandre , Shukla Sudheesh K. , Hussain Chaudhery Mustansar
Published: February 2025

The present work describes the chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticle (AgNP), polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline-silver nanoparticle (PANI-AgNP) nanocomposite were used to modify the platinum screen printed electrode (PSPE). We developed a non-enzymatic multiplexed electrochemical biosensor using a PANI-AgNP nanocomposite for the detection of glucose and urea and facilitated the simultaneous detection of glucose and urea molecules using redox reaction on the electrode surface and electroactive areas were calculated using Randles–Sevick equation. Validation and sensing performance of synthesized nanocomposites have been evaluated by the optical and electrochemical methods. The Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of urea at 50 mV showed a linear response with R

2
of 0.989. The detection limit (1.9 µM/0.021 µM) and quantification limit (5 µM/0.652 µM) towards glucose & urea detection. This approach could be useful for diagnosing diabetes, liver and kidney issues.
Alte Wurzeln, neue Wurzeln? Zum Einfluss früherer rechtsradikaler Unterstützung auf den AfD-Wahlerfolg bei der Europawahl 2024
Authors: Kölzer Julius , Debus Marc , Stecker Christian
Published: February 2025

Trotz laufender Gerichtsverfahren und der Einstufung durch zahlreiche Verfassungsschutzämter als gesichert rechtsextrem konnte die AfD bei der vergangenen Europawahl erhebliche Zugewinne erzielen. Auch wenn die Partei mit 15,9 % das bislang höchste Ergebnis einer rechtsradikalen Partei bei einer bundesweiten Wahl erzielt hat, ist der elektorale Nährboden des Rechtsradikalismus in Deutschland historisch verwurzelt. Schon in den 1990er- und 2000er-Jahren bildete ein räumlich verwurzeltes rechtsautoritäres und nativistisches Wählerreservoir Grundlage für Wahlerfolge von rechtsradikalen und rechtsextremen Parteien wie DVU, NPD und Republikanern. Wir gehen in diesem Beitrag der Frage nach, inwiefern sich der geografisch variierende Wahlerfolg der AfD auch bei der Europawahl 2024 durch die frühere Unterstützung dieser Parteien erklären lässt. Neben einer Analyse auf Ebene der 400 Landkreise und kreisfreien Städte blicken wir gesondert kleinräumlich auf Sachsen und Baden-Württemberg. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die AfD dort eine deutlich höhere Unterstützung erhält, wo in früheren Zeitperioden rechtsradikale Parteien überdurchschnittlich gut abschnitten. Allerdings erreicht die AfD in diesen Regionen anders als bei früheren Wahlen kaum signifikante Zugewinne. Dies könnte darauf hindeuten, dass die AfD ihr rechtsautoritäres und nativistisches Wählerreservoir inzwischen ausgeschöpft hat. Darüber hinaus deuten die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass die AfD insbesondere in Gegenden mit größerem Anteil an Beschäftigten ohne akademischen Abschluss hohe Stimmengewinne einfahren konnte.
Haunted Aspirations and Youth Transitions in the Contemporary Context
Authors: McPherson Charlotte
Published: February 2025

Contemporary generations of youth are undertaking their “transitions” to adulthood in a period marked by considerable temporal precarity and anxiety. A range of intersecting socio-structural changes and crises have not only made it more difficult for contemporary young people to achieve historically conventional markers of adulthood but have also undermined the previously taken-for-granted sense of continuity between the present and future. Youth studies have been alert to how these shifts have reshaped young people’s lives in the present and their dispositions towards uncertain futures. Significantly less attention has been paid to how this temporal uncertainty evokes the past, present and future in young people’s own perceptions and navigations of the contemporary context. Using the concept of hauntology and drawing on the narratives of 11 working-class young people as they reflect on their transitions to adulthood, this paper provides insights into how young people’s experiences and dispositions in the present are powerfully haunted by losses from both the past and the future.
The potential of Deception Island, Antarctica, as a multifunctional Martian analogue of astrobiological interest
Authors: Leal Leal María Angélica , Tovar Rodríguez David , de Pablo Hernandez Miguel Ángel , Bonilla Gómez María Argenis , Leone Giovanni , Tchegliakova Nikolaevna Nadejda , Sánchez Nieves Jimena , Molina Jurado Antonio , San Martín Lobos José Tomás
Published: February 2025

The establishment of the possible presence of life on Mars (past or present) is based on the study of planetary analogues, which allow in situ analysis of the environments in which living organisms adapt to often extreme conditions. Although Mars has been a candidate for hosting life, based on observations made decades ago, it is thanks to the characteristics identified in environments, mainly volcanic, that it has been possible to calibrate instruments and detail the features of the red planet. In this paper, we present a review of the main characteristics of different planetary analogues, particularly deepening the study of Antarctica, to later expose the factors studied in Deception Island that have contributed to considering it as an analogue of Mars from different perspectives. Although geological and geomorphological studies on the analogies of the island already exist, detailed analyses that present the approach of astrobiological analogues are required, thus allowing further research.
Atmospheric Response to Mesoscale Ocean Eddies in the Maritime Continent
Authors: Aslam Ashar A. , Schwendike Juliane , Peatman Simon C. , Matthews Adrian J. , Birch Cathryn E. , Bollasina Massimo A. , Barrett Paul A. , Azaneu Marina V. C.
Published: February 2025

Mesoscale ocean eddies contribute to the mixing and transport of water properties throughout the global ocean. Sea surface temperature anomalies associated with these eddies can influence atmospheric boundary layer stability, and thus the formation of clouds. The Maritime Continent experiences the modulation of convection and precipitation by processes operating over multiple spatial and temporal scales. However, mesoscale air‐sea interactions, such as those associated with the eddies the region generates, remain understudied. Applying a sea surface height‐based eddy detection and tracking algorithm, we show that lower latitude eddies, such as those in the Maritime Continent, are generally fewer in number, weaker, and shorter‐lived, but larger and faster‐propagating, compared to those at higher latitudes. Crucially, we highlight that eddies in the Maritime Continent can significantly modify air‐sea heat exchange and the near‐surface wind field. However, changes to column water vapor, cloud, and rainfall are less distinct. Compared to the Kuroshio Extension, a representative case study for the extratropics, atmospheric anomalies associated with eddies in the Maritime Continent are weaker, and decreasing in magnitude toward the lower latitudes. We hypothesize that weaker sea surface temperature anomalies associated with eddies in the Maritime Continent, coupled with their faster propagation and intraseasonal variability in convection over the region, reduce the likelihood and intensity of the instantaneous atmospheric imprint. This study therefore emphasizes the importance of the spatial and temporal scales with regard to air‐sea interactions and their influence on cloud and rainfall across the Maritime Continent.
PDO Dynamics Shape the Fire Regime of Boreal Subarctic Landscapes in the Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Ryzhkova Nina , Asselin Hugo , Ali Adam A. , Kryshen Alexander , Bergeron Yves , Robles Daniela , Pineda‐Zapata Sara , Drobyshev Igor
Published: February 2025

Spatially explicit reconstructions of fire activity in northwestern boreal Canada are rare, despite their importance for modeling current and future disturbance regimes and forest dynamics. We provide a dendrochronological reconstruction of historical fire activity along Highway 3 in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, within the boreal subarctic zone. We dated 129 fires that occurred between 1202 and 2015 CE, using samples from 479 fire‐scarred living and dead jack pine trees (Pinus banksiana Lamb.). Three distinct periods can be distinguished in terms of historical fire cycle (FC) and fire occurrence. Initially (1340–1440 CE), fire activity was low (FC = 572 years; 1 fire/decade), before increasing notably between 1460 and 1840 (FC = 171 years; 4.45 fires/decade), and even more in recent times (1860–2015 CE; FC = 95 years; 7.63 fires/decade). Climate has been an important factor controlling changes in fire frequency and FC in the NWT since the 1300s. The 1440s and 1850s correspond with periods of increased fire activity synchronized with shifts from negative to positive Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) phases. Since the mid‐1800s, human activities may have contributed to the increase in fire activity, but climate remained the leading factor. During the 20th century, years with increased area burned corresponded to periods with drier‐than‐average conditions associated with positive PDO, suggesting fire activity in the study region is still influenced by climate. Spatial teleconnection patterns among PDO, drought, and large fire years (LFYs) in the NWT reveal persistent relationships between ocean‐atmosphere circulation patterns and fire activity. PDO dynamics hold strong potential for predicting regional fire hazards across northwestern North America.
Expanding tracer space for positron emission tomography with high molar activity 18F-labeled α,α-difluoromethylalkanes
Authors: Zhao Qunchao , Telu Sanjay , Lu Shuiyu , Pike Victor W.
Published: February 2025

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an advanced biomedical imaging modality that relies on well-designed radiotracers to report on specific protein targets and processes occurring in living animals and humans. Cyclotron-produced short-lived fluorine-18 (t
1/2 = 109.8 min) is widely used to radiolabel tracers for PET. Herein we aim to expand the chemical space available for PET tracer development to include structures with 18F-labeled α,α-difluoromethylalkyl groups. We report an efficient and broad-scope method for labeling such groups with high molar activities based on a single-step radiofluorination of α-bromo-α-fluoroalkanes. The method is applicable to bioactive compounds and drug-like molecules, and is readily automated for radiotracer production. The unique physical and biochemical features of the α,α-difluoromethyl group can now be exploited in the design of new PET tracers.
Carbon risk and labor investment efficiency
Authors: Luo Tingwei , Luo Fubi , Guo Xu
Published: February 2025

Labor capital plays a critical role in shaping enterprise competitiveness and in the allocation of macroeconomic resources, while the prominent of carbon risk significantly influences corporate labor allocation patterns. In this paper, utilizing data sampled from China’s A-share listed companies between 2012 and 2021, the impact and mechanism of corporate carbon risk on labor investment efficiency have been examined. The results reveal that carbon risk significantly inhibits labor investment efficiency. Moreover, environmental uncertainty, agency problems, and managerial ability are the primary channels through which carbon risk can affect corporate labor investment efficiency. Additional tests reveal that the impact of carbon risk on labor investment efficiency is more pronounced in firms with lower competitive positions and more severe financing constraints. The detrimental effect of carbon risk on labor investment efficiency is particularly evident in firms characterized by labor underinvestment, high labor intensity, high pollution, and non-high-tech industries. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for policymakers to improve carbon risk management, enhance labor investment efficiency, and optimize the institutional mechanisms for factor market allocation.
Histone demethylase inhibitor KDM5-C70 regulates metabolomic and lipidomic programming during an astrocyte differentiation of rat neural stem cell
Authors: Shim Minki , San Thin Thin , Shin Bohyun , Lee Hyojeong , Han Sang Beom , Lee Dong-Kyu , Kim Hyun-Jung
Published: February 2025

Lysine-specific histone demethylase (KDM) 5 inhibition by KDM5-C70 induces astrocytogenesis and highlights the importance of modulation of histone methylation in cell fate specification. This study investigated the role of the histone demethylase inhibitor KDM5-C70 in modulating the metabolic and lipidomic landscape during astrocyte differentiation of rat neural stem cells (NSCs). Using chemical derivatisation combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 42 metabolites were detected, indicating potential regulation of phospholipid metabolism. Subsequent lipidomic analysis, employing reverse-phase liquid chromatography with high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, identified 180 lipid species and 9 lipid subclasses. Integrative analysis revealed that KDM5-C70 promoted astrocytogenesis through epigenetic changes linked to the attenuation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) biosynthesis pathways. The reduced expression of transcripts related to PE highlighted the significance of the PE pathway in influencing cell fate decisions. These quantitative metabolomic and lipidomic analyses not only advance our understanding of NSC differentiation but also lay the groundwork for potential therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic pathways in neurodegenerative diseases and neural injuries.
Functionally characterizing obesity-susceptibility genes using CRISPR/Cas9, in vivo imaging and deep learning
Authors: Mazzaferro Eugenia , Mujica Endrina , Zhang Hanqing , Emmanouilidou Anastasia , Jenseit Anne , Evcimen Bade , Metzendorf Christoph , Dethlefsen Olga , Loos Ruth JF , Vienberg Sara Gry , Larsson Anders , Allalou Amin , den Hoed Marcel
Published: February 2025

Hundreds of loci have been robustly associated with obesity-related traits, but functional characterization of candidate genes remains a bottleneck. Aiming to systematically characterize candidate genes for a role in accumulation of lipids in adipocytes and other cardiometabolic traits, we developed a pipeline using CRISPR/Cas9, non-invasive, semi-automated fluorescence imaging and deep learning-based image analysis in live zebrafish larvae. Results from a dietary intervention show that 5 days of overfeeding is sufficient to increase the odds of lipid accumulation in adipocytes by 10 days post-fertilization (dpf, n = 275). However, subsequent experiments show that across 12 to 16 established obesity genes, 10 dpf is too early to detect an effect of CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutations on lipid accumulation in adipocytes (n = 1014), and effects on food intake at 8 dpf (n = 1127) are inconsistent with earlier results from mammals. Despite this, we observe effects of CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutations on ectopic accumulation of lipids in the vasculature (sh2b1 and sim1b) and liver (bdnf); as well as on body size (pcsk1, pomca, irs1); whole-body LDLc and/or total cholesterol content (irs2b and sh2b1); and pancreatic beta cell traits and/or glucose content (pcsk1, pomca, and sim1a). Taken together, our results illustrate that CRISPR/Cas9- and image-based experiments in zebrafish larvae can highlight direct effects of obesity genes on cardiometabolic traits, unconfounded by their – not yet apparent – effect on excess adiposity.
Modulation of tumor inflammatory signaling and drug sensitivity by CMTM4
Authors: Xu Yitian , Kang Kyeongah , Coakley Brian A , Eisenstein Samuel , Parveen Arshiya , Mai Sunny , Wang Yuan Shuo , Zheng Junjun , Boral Debasish , Mai Junhua , Pan William , Zhang Licheng , Aaronson Stuart A , Fang Bingliang , Divino Celia , Zhang Bin , Song Won-Min , Hung Mien-Chie , Pan Ping-Ying , Chen Shu-Hsia
Published: February 2025

Although inflammation has been widely associated with cancer development, how it affects the outcomes of immunotherapy and chemotherapy remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing member 4 (CMTM4) is highly expressed in multiple human and murine cancer types including Lewis lung carcinoma, triple-negative mammary cancer and melanoma. In lung carcinoma, loss of CMTM4 significantly reduces tumor growth and impairs NF-κB, mTOR, and PI3K/Akt pathway activation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CMTM4 can regulate epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling post-translationally by promoting EGFR recycling and preventing its Rab-dependent degradation. Consequently, CMTM4 knockout sensitizes human lung tumor cells to EGFR inhibitors. In addition, CMTM4 knockout tumors stimulated with EGF show a decreased ability to produce inflammatory cytokines including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), leading to decreased recruitment of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and therefore establishing a less suppressive tumor immune environment in both lung and mammary cancers. We also present evidence indicating that CMTM4-targeting siRNA-loaded liposomes reduce lung tumor growth in vivo and prolong animal survival. Knockout of CMTM4 enhances immune checkpoint blockade or chemotherapy to further reduce lung tumor growth. These data suggest that CMTM4 represents a novel target for the inhibition of tumor inflammation, and improvement of the immune response and tumor drug sensitivity.
Symbiotic strategy of exogenous carbon and NiCo-MOFs for intelligent switching of low/medium electromagnetic response bands
Authors: Yang Hanyu , Wang Honghan , Dong Xiaoling , Zhu Kairuo , Zhou Xinghai , Zhai Shangru
Published: February 2025

The intelligent regulation of the electromagnetic wave absorption band was achieved by incorporating NiCo-MOF into 1D carbon fibers and 3D alginate-derived carbon networks.
A controllable doping method for Ga2O3 film construction and optimized density for high-performance photodetectors
Authors: Hu Yubin , Xu Degao , Li Xiaoyan , Jiang Nan , Wang Fangjun , Hong Jun , Ouyang Gang , Hu Wei
Published: February 2025

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3), a wide bandgap semiconductor, has been extensively studied for its potential applications in deep ultraviolet photodetectors and next-generation power electronic devices. To enhance the optoelectronic properties of Ga2O3 films, a controllable doping strategy is proposed in this work. Using a sol-gel method, Ga2O3 films doped with magnesium (Mg) are prepared, with the Mg concentration adjustable through the precursor solution. The results indicate that the bandgap of Ga2O3 increases with higher doping levels, while the electrical conductivity decreases proportionally. To evaluate their optoelectronic characteristics, a series of photodetectors with Mg-doped Ga2O3 active layers are fabricated. Under a 254 nm incident light, the device with an optimal doping concentration of 4.2% demonstrates the best performance, achieving the highest responsivity (R) of 1.97 A/W and a photo-dark current ratio of 2.6 × 103. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations are employed to provide a detailed analysis of the fundamental mechanisms behind the enhanced optoelectronic properties. This approach to controllable and optimized doping in Ga2O3 films shows promise for future applications in semiconductor devices.
Transport coefficients from equilibrium molecular dynamics
Authors: Pegolo Paolo , Drigo Enrico , Grasselli Federico , Baroni Stefano
Published: February 2025

The determination of transport coefficients through the time-honored Green–Kubo theory of linear response and equilibrium molecular dynamics requires significantly longer simulation times than those of equilibrium properties while being further hindered by the lack of well-established data-analysis techniques to evaluate the statistical accuracy of the results. Leveraging recent advances in the spectral analysis of the current time series associated with molecular trajectories, we introduce a new method to estimate the full (diagonal as well as off-diagonal) Onsager matrix of transport coefficients from a single statistical model. This approach, based on the knowledge of the statistical distribution of the Onsager-matrix samples in the frequency domain, unifies the evaluation of diagonal (conductivities and viscosities) and off-diagonal (e.g., thermoelectric) transport coefficients within a comprehensive framework, significantly improving the reliability of transport coefficient estimation for materials ranging from molten salts to solid-state electrolytes. We validate the accuracy of this method against existing approaches using benchmark data on molten cesium fluoride and liquid water and conclude our presentation with the computation of various transport coefficients of the Li3PS4 solid-state electrolyte.