bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signaling to survive: linear ubiquitination in health and disease
Authors: Celik Gulustan , Weinelt Nadine , van Wijk Sjoerd J. L.
Published: February 2025

Post-translational modification with ubiquitin (Ub) controls protein stability, localization and function and occurs as single entity, or as poly-Ub chains, linked via lysine residues or the N-terminal methionine (M1 poly-Ub). Generated by the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) and counteracted by the deubiquitinating enzymes OTULIN and CYLD, M1 poly-Ub controls immune signaling, survival and cell death. Here, we discuss old and new functions of M1 poly-Ub in health and disease.
Medical plastic waste recyclability potential analysis for the implementation of circular economy: Adama Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia
Authors: Siraj Keredin Temam , Feyie Endale Kebede , Debalke Abbay Gebretsadik , Mergiya Aschalew Tadesse , Eblenkamp Markus , Jodeit Fabian , Mela Petra
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to identify the sources, types, and volumes of medical plastic waste generated at Adama Hospital Medical College and to evaluate its recyclability potential during the 2022–2023 period. Accordingly, 19 plastic items were identified, categorized into 6 classes based on their application and contamination. Mass of identified product was multiplied by the number of the consumed product to determine total consumption. Annual plastic product consumption was calculated for each product and analyzed in terms of polymer composition of the plastic products. Accordingly, 38 tons of medical plastic products were consumed directly from hospital stock while 9.5 tons of plastic medical supplies were brought into the hospital by patients annually. Personal protective equipment ranked first and accounted for 52% of the total medical plastic consumption, followed by IV infusion sets (26%), syringes (15.5%), and tubing’s (4.6%). Composition assessment revealed that, latex ranked first (49.8%) and followed by polyvinyl chloride (30.1%) and polypropylene (16.3%). At the time of the study, the hospital had based on 200 active beds with 92.9% occupancy rate and waste generation rate of 1.23 kg/bed/day. The recyclability potential analysis revealed that IV solution bags ranked first followed by disposable syringes, oxygen masks and nasal oxygen catheters as products with the highest potential and overall representing 31.2% of the medical products consumed in the hospital. Proper source segregation, development of a recycling infrastructure, raising the awareness of hospital staff should be considered in order to increase the recycling potential of medical plastic wastes.
Design and characterization of a magnetorheological elastomer linear actuator for low-frequency applications
Authors: Bellelli Alberto , Vairo Antonio , Spaggiari Andrea
Published: February 2025

This work presents the design and characterization of an innovative linear actuator for low-frequency applications based on a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) disc coupled to an electromagnet. MREs are a class of smart materials in which micrometre-sized magnetic particles are suspended in an elastomeric matrix. Most research works study their applicability as semi-active systems, but less effort is devoted to their applicability in actuators, but their applicability in the field is possible and could lead to potential advantages in terms of integration of the system especially for microactuation. The proposed MRE device relies on a commercial electromagnet which provides linear motion of the MRE element. The stiffness of the elastomeric matrix is exploited to bring the system back to its initial position, so that the system is monostable. The magneto-mechanical behaviour is modelled both analytically and by means of finite element magneto-mechanical simulations, and the models are compared with the experimental tests. Two membrane thicknesses and two different gaps between the membrane and the electromagnetic actuator were manufactured and characterized. The results show the effect of the design variable on the actuator behaviour and confirm that the analytical model provided can predict the actuator’s behaviour with a good approximation in all the configuration analysed. The dynamic range of the proposed system, regardless of the configuration selected, demonstrates that the magnetic contribution is always able to increase the actuator force by 50% and that the provided model can easily be used as a reliable design tool for this kind of smart system.
A Flexible-Integrated Multimodal Hydrogel-Based Sensing Patch
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Guoqing , Sun Guifen , Bao Chenchen , Li Yang , Meng Chuizhou , Yao Zhao
Published: February 2025

Sleep monitoring is an important part of health management because sleep quality is crucial for restoration of human health. However, current commercial products of polysomnography are cumbersome with connecting wires and state-of-the-art flexible sensors are still interferential for being attached to the body. Herein, we develop a flexible-integrated multimodal sensing patch based on hydrogel and its application in unconstraint sleep monitoring. The patch comprises a bottom hydrogel-based dual-mode pressure–temperature sensing layer and a top electrospun nanofiber-based non-contact detection layer as one integrated device. The hydrogel as core substrate exhibits strong toughness and water retention, and the multimodal sensing of temperature, pressure, and non-contact proximity is realized based on different sensing mechanisms with no crosstalk interference. The multimodal sensing function is verified in a simulated real-world scenario by a robotic hand grasping objects to validate its practicability. Multiple multimodal sensing patches integrated on different locations of a pillow are assembled for intelligent sleep monitoring. Versatile human–pillow interaction information as well as their evolution over time are acquired and analyzed by a one-dimensional convolutional neural network. Track of head movement and recognition of bad patterns that may lead to poor sleep are achieved, which provides a promising approach for sleep monitoring.
Digital twins for intelligent cities: the case study of Matera
Authors: De Benedictis Riccardo , Cesta Amedeo , Pellegrini Riccardo , Diez Matteo , Pinto Diego Maria , Ventura Paolo , Stecca Giuseppe , Felici Giovanni , Scalas Andreas , Mortara Michela , Cabiddu Daniela , Pittaluga Simone , Spagnuolo Michela , Silvestri Stefano , Damiano Emanuele , Sicuranza Mario , Ciampi Mario , Tognola Gabriella , Strambini Lucanos , Malvezzi Roberto , Presta Ida G. , Camardelli Marialucia , Castelli Giordana , Campana Emilio Fortunato
Published: February 2025

The digital twin (DT) paradigm provides a purpose-built digital representation of a physical system. DTs are often composed by several interconnected models, which need to be specifically tailored to fit the DT purposes. The objective of this work is the development of an urban digital twin (UDT) for the city of Matera, following urban intelligence (UI) paradigm. The latter leverages the multi-disciplinary integration and optimization of the city systems and subsystems to develop purpose-driven DTs and support the decision-making process. The UDT is intended to support governance, stakeholders, and citizens, integrating morphological data for the city representation, reliable simulation tools and data-driven methods for the city state prediction (e.g., traffic, solar irradiation), optimization algorithms for planning and emergency response, sensors for vehicle and pedestrian traffic volumes and environmental monitoring (e.g., pollutant distributions), and a participatory data collection process from the citizens. A Data Lake is used to make available to the UDT modules the data produced by the morphological representation, simulations/data-driven methods, sensors, and the participatory data. The Data Lake provides a standardized approach for the aggregation and extraction of information. Finally, an Urban Sensing Engine supports the decision-making process with artificial intelligence forms of reasoning, to effectively combine the information produced by the UDT components.
Advancement on the small-scale fabrication of pure copper parts via material extrusion AM: process performance and quality mapping
Authors: Parenti Paolo , Gavazzoni Matteo , Foletti Stefano , Colosimo Bianca Maria
Published: February 2025

The potential of copper 3D printing is being explored in a growing number of applications, many of which involve small geometric products and intricate features. Concerning the pure copper AM printability using material extrusion (MEX) (also known as metal extrusion), it stands out as one of the most promising technologies due to the effective coupling of simple 3D printing by extrusion and the subsequent debinding and sintering processes. Despite its user-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness, this method presents limitations especially when dealing with small specimens and features, where geometrical properties and mechanical strength have not been fully explored in the literature. This study investigates the capabilities of piston-fed MEX technology when millimetric parts/features have to be produced in pure copper. The findings indicate that high-dimensional accuracy can be achieved, providing static material resistance in tensile testing that mirrors that of larger parts. In this scale size, the geometric deviations occur at all stages of the design process—from STL to slicing program, on the green and sintered parts—underscoring the importance of managing error propagation. The roles of process parameters, such as layer height and extrusion speed, are outlined and linked to process outcomes. While their impact is significant on dimensional accuracy, surface quality and final porosity, their influence on the produced parts’ microstructure and static mechanical properties proves limited, highlighting the robustness of this production technique and facilitating the optimal parameters selection.
The clinical and demographic profile of inpatient psychosis admissions in Ireland
Authors: Lovett Harriet Alexandra , Lynn Ena , Daly Antoinette , Corcoran Ciaran , O’Connor Karen
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

To examine the clinical and demographic profile of inpatient psychosis admissions in Ireland.

Methods:

Anonymised data was extracted from the Health Research Board (HRB) National Psychiatric Inpatient Reporting System (NPIRS) from 2013–2022. The NPIRS database is maintained by the HRB and records all admissions to inpatient units and hospitals on the register of approved centres under the Mental Health Act 2001. Data was reviewed and analysed using SPSS V26.

Results:

There were 43,963 psychosis admissions over the 10-year period corresponding to 26% of all psychiatric admissions. Males accounted for 58% of psychosis admissions. The median age at first admission was 36 years of age for males and 42 years of age for females. Median length of stay in days was longer for psychosis admissions (median = 20 days IQR = 8–43) than for other mental health disorders (median = 13 days IQR = 4.0–33).

Conclusions:

Understanding the clinical and demographic profile of psychosis related inpatient psychiatric admissions in Ireland provides insights that can inform effective service planning and care delivery. The findings of this study have particular relevance for the implementation and evolution of the Health Service Executive Early Intervention in Psychosis Clinical Programme.
Crowded Out: The Influence of Mental Load Priming on Intentions to Participate in Public Life
Authors: Helgøy Anna , Weeks Ana Catalano
Published: February 2025

How does cognitive household labour – the ‘mental load’ involved in anticipating, fulfilling, and monitoring household needs – influence decisions about whether and how to participate in public life? Studies suggest women take on the vast majority of this load, yet the impact of these private sector inequalities on participation in public life is underexplored. To make progress on these questions, we contribute new causal evidence about the effect of prompting respondents to think about their own mental loads in a survey experiment fielded to employed British parents. Our main argument is that priming the mental load will crowd out interest in political and labour market participation. In line with expectations, our survey experiment finds a strong negative effect of mental load priming on intentions to engage in politics and at work. Our results offer new insights about the continuing relevance of household-based inequalities to gender equality in public life.
Using local ecological knowledge to identify land-use threats to the last wild population of the Chinese alligator Alligator sinensis
Authors: Lau Erika Y. X. , Hodge Josh A. , Rio Jonathan P. , Pan Tao , Mannion Philip D. , Turvey Samuel T.
Published: February 2025

Conservation management in human-modified landscapes requires information on the sustainability of interactions between people and biodiversity. Wild Chinese alligators Alligator sinensis only persist within the National Chinese Alligator Reserve in south-eastern China, where they live alongside agricultural communities that utilize local terrestrial and wetland habitats. We conducted an interview survey of communities within and around the Reserve to evaluate whether local ecological knowledge can provide a baseline on the species' local status and trends, and to understand the relationships between land-use practices and alligator presence and survival. Respondents within the Reserve were more likely to recognize alligators, report sightings and perceive declines than other respondents. Absolute levels of knowledge and experience of alligators were low, highlighting the species' perilous status, and analysis of correlative patterns between respondents' experiences and associated data on human–environmental interactions provides new conservation-relevant insights. Alligator sightings were more likely to be reported by respondents who did not grow crops, and eggs and nests by those who did not utilize local water sources for irrigation, suggesting that existing environmental pressures associated with agriculture may be unsustainable for alligators. Although respondents who lived outside the Reserve were more likely to use agrochemicals, we found no relationship between pesticide or fertilizer usage and variation in respondent awareness or experience of alligators. Our findings indicate that China's last wild alligators continue to experience negative human pressures, and current land-use practices are probably incompatible with long-term alligator survival.
Consequences of a Global Slowdown in Seafloor Spreading for Sea Level and Mantle Heat Loss
Authors: Dalton Colleen A. , Huber Christian , Herbert Timothy D. , Si Weimin
Published: February 2025

Variations in global mean sea level over millions of years originate from changes in both the climate and solid Earth systems. Most previous studies of the solid Earth contribution to sea level focused on the past 100 Myr or longer with a temporal resolution of 10 Myr or coarser. Here, we consider how sea level was affected by a 35% global slowdown in ocean crust production that occurred during 15–6 Ma, as was recently identified from marine magnetic anomalies. We calculate how the seafloor area‐age distribution evolves over time in response to the slowdown in crust production, exploring how assumptions about the initial condition and crust destruction rate affect the results. The slowdown decreases the proportion of young shallow seafloor relative to older deeper seafloor, which produces a sea‐level fall of 24–30 m if the plate‐cooling model is used to describe the age dependence of bathymetry and a slightly larger fall if the half‐space cooling model is used. The slowdown also increases the prevalence of slow and ultraslow spreading centers, which, by inhibiting mantle melting, causes the ocean crust to thin by 0.5 km, with a concomitant additional 2‐m sea‐level fall. Although an easily interpretable record of sea‐level variations from sequence stratigraphy does not exist for the past 15 Myr, data from coastal New Jersey and offshore Nova Scotia are broadly consistent with our predictions. If the slowdown affects volcanic degassing, atmospheric CO2, and the climate, thermosteric and ice effects can produce additional sea‐level fall of >60 m.
Iterative Helmholtz Surface Wave Tomography Using Generalized Wave Equation Smoothing Splines—Application to Western Europe
Authors: Sergeant A. , Delage K. , Chevrot S.
Published: February 2025

Over the last decade, the expansion and densification of broadband seismic networks has led to an increased interest in tomographic approaches based on gradiometry, which relies on the spatial derivatives of the phase and amplitude of surface wavefronts. Nevertheless, the use of amplitude information remains challenging. In this study, we present a novel approach to Helmholtz tomography based on the use of generalized wave equation smoothing splines. The application of these generalized smoothing splines results in the generation of smooth amplitude and phase fields that satisfy the Helmholtz and transport equations, and hence the wave equation. This enables the direct derivation of phase velocity maps using the Helmholtz equation. We apply this new Helmholtz tomography approach to Rayleigh waves recorded by permanent and temporary networks in Western Europe from 2008 to 2022 to obtain phase velocity maps for periods between 25 and 120 s. These maps reveal the detailed structure of the crust and upper mantle in this region. Compared to eikonal tomography, the phase velocity anomalies obtained by Helmholtz tomography are stronger in amplitude and more sharply defined.
Propagating the Prior From Shallow to Deep With a Pre‐Trained Velocity‐Model Generative Transformer Network
Authors: Harsuko Randy , Cheng Shijun , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: February 2025

Building subsurface velocity models is essential to our goals in utilizing seismic data for Earth discovery and exploration, as well as monitoring. With the dawn of machine learning, these velocity models (or, more precisely, their distribution) can be stored accurately and efficiently in a generative model. These stored velocity model distributions have the potential to be utilized in future applications, such as in regularization and uncertainty quantification in inverse problems. However, most generators, like normalizing flows or diffusion models, treat the image (velocity model) uniformly, not explicitly exploiting the spatial dependencies and resolution changes. To address this weakness, we introduce VelocityGPT, a novel implementation that utilizes Transformer decoders trained autoregressively to generate a velocity model from shallow subsurface to deep. Owing to the fact that seismic data are often recorded on the Earth's surface, a top‐down generator can utilize the inverted information in the shallow as guidance (prior) to generating the deep. Specifically, the distribution of velocity information in the shallow layers guides the predictions deeper. To facilitate the implementation, we use an additional network to compress the velocity model. We also inject prior information, like well or structure (represented by a migration image) to generate the velocity model. Using synthetic data, we demonstrate the effectiveness of VelocityGPT as a promising approach in generative model applications for seismic velocity model building.
Molecularly engineered supramolecular fluorescent chemodosimeter for measuring epinephrine dynamics
Authors: Zhao Yudan , Mei Yuxiao , Liu Zhichao , Sun Jing , Tian Yang
Published: February 2025

Accurately visualizing epinephrine (EP) activity is essential for understanding its physiological functions and pathological processes in brain. However, to the best of our knowledge, reliable, rapid, and specifical measurement of EP dynamics at cellular and in vivo level hasn’t been previously reported. Herein, we report the probe for EP imaging and biosensing in neurons and living brain of freely behaving animals, based on creating a series of supramolecular fluorescent chemodosimeters through host-guest interaction. The optimized chemodosimeter enables real-time imaging and quantifying of EP with high specificity, sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and rapid kinetics (~240 ms) in neurons, brain tissues and zebrafish. More significantly, we demonstrate real-time monitoring of EP in 26 regions within deep brain of freely behaving male mice, unraveling an augmented EP concentration in the amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus and striatum under fear-induced stress. These findings highlight our chemodosimeter as a powerful tool for precise measurements of EP dynamics in diverse model organisms.
Multi-country evidence on societal factors to include in energy transition modelling
Authors: Fisch-Romito Vivien , Jaxa-Rozen Marc , Wen Xin , Trutnevyte Evelina
Published: February 2025

Integrated assessment and energy system models are challenged to account for societal transformation dynamics, but empirical evidence is lacking on which factors to incorporate, how and to what extent this would improve the relevance of modelled pathways. Here we include six societal factors related to infrastructure dynamics, actors and decision-making, and social and institutional context into an open-source simulation model of the national power system transition. We apply this model in 31 European countries and, using hindcasting (1990–2019), quantify which societal factors improved the modelled pathways. We find that, if well-chosen and in most cases, incorporating societal factors can improve the hindcasting performance by up to 27% for modelled installed capacity of individual technologies. Public acceptance, investment risks and infrastructure lock-in contribute the most to model performance improvement. Our study paves the way to a systematic and objective selection of societal factors to be included in energy transition modelling.
TriSpectraKAN: a novel approach for COPD detection via lung sound analysis
Authors: Roy Abhinav , Gyanchandani Bhavesh , Oza Aditya , Singh Anurag
Published: February 2025

This study aims to create an automated, accessible, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Traditional diagnostic methods are expensive, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment. The proposed TriSpectraKAN model leverages audio-based lung sound features to improve early diagnosis. TriSpectraKAN is a hybrid model combining spectral features and the Kolmogorov–Arnold Network (KAN) to analyze lung sounds using Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), chromagram, and Mel spectrograms. Each sub-model focuses on a different audio feature, capturing unique sonic signatures. These features are merged through a hybrid network for comprehensive analysis. The model, trained on a COPD dataset, was deployed on a Raspberry Pi for real-time use. TriSpectraKAN achieved 93% accuracy, an F1 score of 0.98, precision of 0.97, and recall of 0.98. This multimodal approach captured a broad range of lung sound features, improving diagnosis accuracy compared to traditional methods. The integration of multiple audio features in TriSpectraKAN enhances COPD diagnosis, demonstrating the potential of AI and machine learning to transform respiratory disease diagnosis through accessible tools.
Insights into metabolic changes during epidermal differentiation as revealed by multiphoton microscopy with fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Malak Monika , Qian Chen , James Jeemol , Nair Syam , Grantham Julie , Ericson Marica B.
Published: February 2025

Rapid developments in the field of organotypic cultures have generated a growing need for effective and non-invasive methods for quality control during tissue development. In this study, we correlate metabolic changes with epidermal differentiation and demonstrate that multiphoton microscopy with fluorescence lifetime imaging (MPM-FLIM) can be applied to monitor epidermal differentiation of keratinocytes with respect to proliferative and differentiated states. In a 2D keratinocyte tissue culture model, increased expression of differentiation markers keratin-1 and keratin-10 was induced with calcium supplementation. An accompanying shift from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration was detected in metabolic flux assays. Analysis of MPM-FLIM images acquired at 750 nm and 900 nm excitation revealed a decreased relative fraction of intracellular NADH and FAD after high calcium treatment, consistent with increased oxidative phosphorylation. Epidermal differentiation could be monitored over a 96 h period. Discrimination analysis based on k-means clustering generated clusters that correlated well with the duration of high Ca2+ treatment, suggesting that MPM-FLIM can provide useful parameters for monitoring keratinocyte differentiation.
New machine-learning models outperform conventional risk assessment tools in Gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Boros Eszter , Pintér József , Molontay Roland , Prószéky Kristóf Gergely , Vörhendi Nóra , Simon Orsolya Anna , Teutsch Brigitta , Pálinkás Dániel , Frim Levente , Tari Edina , Gagyi Endre Botond , Szabó Imre , Hágendorn Roland , Vincze Áron , Izbéki Ferenc , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Szentesi Andrea , Vass Vivien , Hegyi Péter , Erőss Bálint
Published: February 2025

Rapid and accurate identification of high-risk acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) patients is essential. We developed two machine-learning (ML) models to calculate the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients admitted due to overt GIB. We analyzed the prospective, multicenter Hungarian GIB Registry’s data. The predictive performance of XGBoost and CatBoost machine-learning algorithms with the Glasgow-Blatchford (GBS), pre-endoscopic Rockall and ABC scores were compared. We evaluated our models using five-fold cross-validation, and performance was measured by area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall, we included 1,021 patients in the analysis. In-hospital death occurred in 108 cases. The XGBoost and the CatBoost model identified patients who died with an AUC of 0.84 (CI:0.76–0.90; 0.77–0.90; respectively) in the internal validation set, whereas the GBS and pre-endoscopic Rockall clinical scoring system’s performance was significantly lower, AUC values of 0.68 (CI:0.62–0.74) and 0.62 (CI:0.56–0.67), respectively. ABC score had an AUC of 0.77 (CI:0.71–0.83). The XGBoost model had a specificity of 0.96 (CI:0.92–0.98) at a sensitivity of 0.25 (CI:0.10–0.43) compared with the CatBoost model, which had a specificity of 0.74 (CI:0.66–0.83) at a sensitivity of 0.78 (CI:0.57–0.95). XGBoost and the CatBoost models evaluate the mortality risk of acute GI bleeding better, than the conventional risk assessment tools.
Solid phase thermal conductivity model of alpine meadow soils based on fractal theory
Authors: Huang Wanjun , Mao Xuesong , Wu Qian
Published: February 2025

The determination of thermophysical parameters is crucial in the hydro-thermal coupling calculations of permafrost. Alpine meadows can affect the heat exchange inside and outside the soil due to the well-developed root, which can have an impact on the stability of permafrost. At present, the research on the thermal conductivity of alpine meadows is less, and most of the research focuses on the thermal conductivity of rock and soil. In this paper, according to the distribution and development characteristics of roots in the soil, a theoretical model of thermal conductivity of root-soil in alpine meadow based on thermal resistance is established by using fractal theory. The reliability of the theoretical model was verified by introducing the established solid-phase thermal conductivity model into the geometric mean model. The effects of the ratio of root area to total area(RRATA), tortuosity fractal dimension, and area fractal dimension on thermal conductivity are analyzed. The model constructed in this paper provides a theoretical basis for further research on the physical model of thermal conductivity of meadow porous media.
A primary cilia–autophagy axis in hippocampal neurons is essential to maintain cognitive resilience
Authors: Rivagorda Manon , Romeo-Guitart David , Blanchet Victoria , Mailliet François , Boitez Valérie , Barry Natalie , Milunov Dimitrije , Siopi Eleni , Goudin Nicolas , Moriceau Stéphanie , Guerrera Chiara , Leibovici Michel , Saha Soham , Codogno Patrice , Morselli Eugenia , Morel Etienne , Armand Anne-Sophie , Oury Franck
Published: February 2025

Blood-borne factors are essential to maintain neuronal synaptic plasticity and cognitive resilience throughout life. One such factor is osteocalcin (OCN), a hormone produced by osteoblasts that influences multiple physiological processes, including hippocampal neuronal homeostasis. However, the mechanism through which this blood-borne factor communicates with neurons remains unclear. Here we show the importance of a core primary cilium (PC) protein–autophagy axis in mediating the effects of OCN. We found that the OCN receptor GPR158 is present at the PC of hippocampal neurons and mediates the regulation of autophagy machinery by OCN. During aging, autophagy and PC core proteins are reduced in neurons, and restoring their levels is sufficient to improve cognitive impairments in aged mice. Mechanistically, the induction of this axis by OCN is dependent on the PC-dependent cAMP response element-binding protein signaling pathway. Altogether, this study demonstrates that the PC–autophagy axis is a gateway to mediate communication between blood-borne factors and neurons, and it advances understanding of the mechanisms involved in age-related cognitive decline.
Unveiling the origin of high catalytic activity of WO3/MWCNT nanocomposites for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Dogra Nitesh , Kushvaha Sunil Singh , Dewasi Avijit , Sharma Sandeep
Published: February 2025

The electrocatalytic performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) largely relies on lower Tafel slope and overpotential values.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80 alleviates constipation in mice through modulating the stem cell factor (SCF)/c-Kit pathway and the gut microbiota
Authors: Zhang Zhaochun , Li Jie , Wan Ziyi , Fang Shuguang , Zhao Yunjiao , Li Qian , Zhang Min
Published: February 2025

The mechanisms underlying the alleviation of constipation in mice by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLa80.
Microwave-Assisted Intercalation: Exploring Electronic and Structural Features of Metastable MMo6S8 (M = Ag, Sn)
Authors: Smiley Rose Elizabeth , Mason Konstantina Glorian , Lam Rose , Giem Alice R. , Ingargiola Daniella , Wuille Bille Brian Alan , Prendergast David , Velázquez Jesús M.
Published: February 2025

Presented in this work is a synthetic approach for metastable Type I Chevrel phase sulfides, MMo6S8 (M = Ag, Sn), utilizing rapid microwave-assisted medium temperature intercalation. Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy...
Acid-cleavable poly(oxazoline) surfactants
Authors: Garcia Joseph A. , Zhu Linglan , Vergara Mendez Ashley , Sletten Ellen M.
Published: February 2025

A hydrazone-linked poly(oxazoline) diblock copolymer is reported, enabling pH-sensitive nanoparticles. Hydrazone cleavage and payload release profiles demonstrate its viability for controlled drug delivery in cancer-relevant conditions.
Design, synthesis, molecular docking and anticancer activity of benzothiazolecarbohydrazide–sulfonate conjugates: insights into ROS-induced DNA damage and tubulin polymerization inhibition
Authors: Altwaijry Najla A. , Omar Mohamed A. , Mohamed Hanaa S. , Mounier Marwa M. , Afifi Ahmed H. , Srour Aladdin M.
Published: February 2025

An innovative design strategy for the synthesis of the benzothiazole–sulfonate conjugate 6i.
Effect of size, charge, and spin state on Hückel and Baird aromaticity in [N]annulenes
Authors: Van Nyvel Louis , Alonso Mercedes , Solà Miquel
Published: February 2025

A systematic investigation is carried out for the lowest-lying triplet state of neutral and charged [N]annulenes with N = 12–66. Our aromatic stabilization energies prove that energetic (de)stabilization is important only for small annulenes.
Enhancing Solubility of Anthrarufin by Tethering Alkyl Phosphonate and Mitigating Capacity Decay with Additive in Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Gupta Richa , Mirle Chinmaya , Ramanujam Kothandaraman
Published: February 2025

Aqueous organic redox flow battery is well-known for its high-power density, excellent charge-discharge, and long cycle life. The use of redox-active organic materials benefits from their low cost, vast abundance,...
A short stereodivergent synthesis of (R) and (S)-nicotine
Authors: Dawood Rafid S. , Stockman Robert A.
Published: February 2025

A straightforward and efficient enantioselective synthesis of (S)-nicotine and unnatural (R)-nicotine with high yields is presented.
Correction: Enhancing the thermoelectric figure of merit of BiN via polymorphism, pressure, and nanostructuring
Authors: Remesal Elena R. , Posligua Victor , Mahillo-Paniagua Miguel , Glazyrin Konstantin , Sanz Javier Fdez. , Márquez Antonio M. , Plata Jose J.
Published: February 2025

Correction for ‘Enhancing the thermoelectric figure of merit of BiN via polymorphism, pressure, and nanostructuring’ by Elena R. Remesal et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2025, 13, 220–229, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA05891G.
Lichtblick: Ein Buch, das Erinnerungslücken schließt
Authors: Hohnstein Aileen
Published: February 2025

Dieser Artikel ist nur als PDF-Dokument verfügbar.
Elektronische Patientenakte: Diskussion um die Sicherheit
Authors: Lang Michael
Published: February 2025

Rund 70 Millionen gesetzlich Versicherte sollen eine elektronische Patientenakte (ePA) erhalten. Da die Akten personenbezogene Patientendaten enthalten, muss die ePA sicher vor unerlaubten Zugriffen sein. Beim Treffen des Chaos Computer Clubs (CCC) zum Jahreswechsel stellten Hacker dies jedoch in Frage.
Rechtskolumne: BSG-Urteil – Vorgaben zur Qualitätssicherung verfassungskonform
Authors: Rybak Christian
Published: February 2025

Die Krankenhausreform hat einmal mehr gezeigt, welchen Stellenwert die Qualitätssicherung (QS) im Rahmen der Vergütung haben wird. Das Thema ist keineswegs neu und hat schon in der Vergangenheit für kontroverse Diskussionen gesorgt.
Transformation: Was der neue Krankenhausplan NRW vorsieht
Authors: Erxleben Christiane
Published: February 2025

Nordrhein-Westfalen und seine Krankenhausplanung gilt als Blaupause für den bundesweiten Krankenhausstrukturwandel. Nun hat Gesundheitsminister Karl-Josef Laumann vorgestellt, welche Klinik künftig welches Leistungsportfolio anbieten darf. Ein Blick darauf, wie sich die Krankenhauslandschaft verändern wird.
International Business and Sustainable Development in Asia: Opportunities and Challenges for Firms and Countries
Authors: Iguchi Chie , Giroud Axèle , Zhao Shasha , Zhang Si
Published: February 2025

This article explores the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia, a region characterized by economic dynamism, diverse socio-political contexts, and significant environmental challenges. Since the launch of the SDGs in 2015, MNEs have emerged as key players in fostering sustainable development, notably through their global value chains (GVCs), knowledge transfer, innovation, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. However, their contributions remain uneven, constrained by short-term profitability goals, fragmented regulatory frameworks, or symbolic CSR practices. Drawing on existing literature and empirical insights, this article examines how MNEs integrate sustainability into their strategies, balancing economic imperatives with societal and environmental responsibilities. It highlights the potential of ethical corporate practices, stakeholder collaboration, and policy support to drive transformative change. The article also identifies challenges such as governance gaps and limited stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms. Concluding with recommendations for future research, it underscores the importance of understanding Asia’s unique context to unlock the full potential of MNEs in achieving the SDGs and fostering sustainable development globally.
New axisymmetric equilibria with flow from an expansion about the generalized Solov'ev solution
Authors: Kuiroukidis A. I. , Kaltsas D. A. , Throumoulopoulos G. N.
Published: February 2025

We construct analytic solutions to the generalized Grad–Shafranov equation, which incorporates both toroidal and poloidal flows. This is achieved by adopting a general linearizing ansatz for the free-function terms of the equation and expanding the generalized Solov'ev solution [Ch. Simintzis, G. N. Throumoulopoulos, G. Pantis and H. Tasso, Phys. Plasmas 8, 2641 (2001)]. On the basis of these solutions, we examine how the genaralized Solov'ev configuration is modified as the values of the free parameters associated with the additional pressure, poloidal current, and electric field terms changed. Thus, a variety of equilibria of tokamak, spherical tokamak, and spheromak pertinence are constructed, including D-shaped configurations with positive and negative triangularity and diverted configurations with either a couple of X-points or a single X-point.
On the pseudoelastic-viscoelastic behavior of starch hydrogels at various degrees of gelatinization and retrogradation
Authors: Liao Zisheng , Makrypidis Alexandros , Papathanasiou Maria M. , Charalambides Maria N.
Published: February 2025

Starch, a naturally abundant and widely consumed energy source, is biocompatible and extensively used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Digestion of starch involves both the mechanical breakdown through mastication and peristaltic waves of the gastrointestinal wall as well as chemical breakdown through diffusion and reaction with saliva and gastrointestinal fluids. The mechanical properties of starch hydrogels significantly influence their breakdown and digestion speed, making it essential to investigate these properties. However, the effects of the degree of gelatinization (DOG) and degree of retrogradation (DOR) on the loading-unloading mechanical properties, which are essential for material model development and in silico digestion simulations, remain inadequately investigated. This study performed mechanical experiments to investigate the mechanical properties of starch hydrogels across different degrees of gelatinization and retrogradation, influenced by heating and storage conditions. Gelatinization was observed under optical microscopy by noting the loss of the spherical shape of the starch granules. The degree of retrogradation was measured using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Starch hydrogels exhibit stress-softening behavior and viscoelasticity, varying with different degrees of gelatinization and retrogradation due to the crystallite melting and the recrystallization of the starch molecules. A pseudoelastic-viscoelastic constitutive law was developed to describe the mechanical behavior of the starch hydrogel, and the material parameters were calibrated based on experimental results. Such models are required for the simulation of the digestion of starch hydrogels. This study assists in understanding the influence of cooking and storage conditions on the mechanical behavior of starch hydrogels.
Wave energy evolution during Bragg resonance reflection of waves interaction with submerged semicircular breakwaters through the smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Wu Xin-Ying , Liu Xiao , Chen Yong-Kun , Liu Yong
Published: February 2025

A Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics model is used to examine the wave interaction with the single and double-submerged semicircular breakwaters. The Large Eddy Simulation turbulence model is adopted to consider turbulence effects, and the particle packing technology is introduced into the numerical model to improve the computing accuracy. The numerical results of the free surface elevation in the wave interaction with the submerged breakwaters, the reflection coefficient, and the transmission coefficient of the submerged breakwaters are in good agreement with the experimental data. This indicates that the numerical model can effectively simulate the interaction process between the waves and the semicircular submerged breakwaters. Based on the numerical results, the Bragg reflection and wave energy dissipation generated by the double-submerged semicircular breakwaters (DSCB) are investigated, and the first and second resonances of Bragg reflections are determined. Additionally, the flow fields in various regions near the single-submerged semicircular breakwaters (SCB) are compared with those of the DSCB. It is found that the DSCB can dissipate more wave energy than the SCB, and the wave energy dissipation induced by the DSCB is mainly located at the first bar when Bragg resonance reflections occur.
Dynamic behavior of droplets impacting on wetted cylindrical surfaces
Authors: Dong Shihe , Zhang Qiuyi , Zhuo Jiankun , Wu Yifan , Lin Yongming , Yao Qiang
Published: February 2025

Dynamics of droplets impact on wetted horizontal cylinders were investigated using both experimental and theoretical approaches. Temporal variations of droplet height and film thickness on the impact center were measured. Experimental results indicate three distinct phases, namely the initial droplet deformation phase, the inertia dominated phase, and the viscosity dominated phase. The effects of liquid type, impact velocity, and target-to-droplet size ratio (D*) on the film thickness have been studied. The temporal variation of nondimensional film thickness during the first two phases collapses onto a single curve for different D* and impact velocities, and a new expression was proposed based on this fact. A theoretical model for the film flow in the vicosity dominated phase has been established. A quantitative analysis was further conducted on the gravity driven creeping flow. Based on the theoretical results and experimental data, an empirical expression for film thickness was proposed. Both the theoretical model and the empirical expression show strong agreement with the experimental results.
The effects of single-quantum states and entangled states in quantum information based on fractional time Schrödinger equation
Authors: Huang Hongyin , Luo Maokang , Deng Ke
Published: February 2025

Fractional time quantum mechanics is a method for the description of time evolution of quantum dynamics based on fractional derivatives. In this research, by applying fractional order quantum mechanics to quantum information, we introduced a new fractional time Schrödinger equation (FTSE) and constructed two models for the simulation of single-quantum states and entangled states under noise. We find that the results obtained from the two models are consistent with existing physical phenomena under the influence of the FTSE. We also prove that these two models are stable for fractional order α.
Role of transverse magnetic field on flow of immiscible micropolar fluids through coaxial horizontal cylindrical membrane using cell models
Authors: Maurya Deepak Kumar
Published: February 2025

The current work examines the hydromagnetic flow of two immiscible micropolar fluids through horizontal coaxial cylindrical cells, which are made up of a hypothetical cylindrical cell enclosing a solid impermeable cylindrical core covered in a porous layer. Fluid motion is occurring along the common axis of cylindrical shells, and a uniform magnetic field is employed perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. The appropriate boundary conditions involving the equivalent form of four well-known cell models are employed to analyze the problem. For regions I and II, analytical expressions for the microrotations, stresses, and velocities of micropolar fluids have been established. Additionally, the general (analytical) expression for microrotation and velocity is emphasized. The volume of fluid particles moving through a swarm of porous particles in unit time is calculated using the mathematical expression for hydrodynamic permeability. For a range of flow parameters such as micropolar parameter, conductivity ratio, Hartmann number, and permeability parameter, the graphical exhibition of hydrodynamic permeability, fluid velocity, and microrotation is drawn. At the porous interface, the numerical values of hydrodynamic permeability, tangential stresses, couple stresses, microrotations, and velocities are evaluated. Tables representing different values of the micropolar parameter, conductivity ratio, Hartmann number, and permeability parameter are used to display the numerical data and to validate the graphs. The numerical estimates obtained by the experiments in laboratory are matching with the graphical data. The obtained results are an extension of results reported by Yadav et al. [Micropolar fluid flow through the membrane composed of impermeable cylindrical particles coated by porous layer under the effect of magnetic field, Math. Methods Appl. Sci. 43, 1925–1937 (2020)] and Deo et al. [Influence of magnetic field on micropolar fluid flow in a cylindrical tube enclosing an impermeable core coated with porous layer, Colloid J. 82, 649–660 (2020)].
Numerical investigation of coupled barge motions and wave-induced gap resonance
Authors: Li Yajie , Che Xuhong , Liu Huaxing , Shen Yong , Wang Xikun
Published: February 2025

A numerical wave tank based on the fully nonlinear potential flow theory is built to study the incident wave-induced gap resonance between two freely floating barges. The boundary element method, in conjunction with the coupled auxiliary function approach, is employed to decouple body motions and hydrodynamic forces. The purpose is to analyze how the motions of the bodies affect the resonance (especially the resonance frequency) in the gap and, in turn, how the resonance affects the body motions. The study includes the piston mode in a narrow gap and higher sloshing modes in a wide gap. It is found that: (1) wave resonance in the gap does not occur at the natural frequencies associated with fixed bodies but happens at lower frequencies; (2) second-order resonance can be more easily triggered in a larger gap, and its effects can be more significant than first-order resonance; and (3) when wave resonance occurs, the resulting body motions show a clear dependence on the resonance patterns, especially the horizontal motions.
Toward an understanding of currere as a research method
Authors: Wang Wanying
Published: February 2025

This chapter introduces and explicates currere as a research method as well as a
key concept in curriculum, which was first invoked by William
Pinar during the 1970s to understand how one’s educational experience can contribute to academic study
and vice versa. The method of currere emphasizes the lived experience of curriculum — to run the
course — but also includes the social, political, and cultural enactment of experience through conversation. Employing
psychoanalytical technique, currere allows one to turn inward. As argued by Pinar (2019), the understanding
of lived experience involves working from within as one encounters self, others, and world. The method of
currere renders self knowledge that is never still, self-identical, making oneself a subject in a
recursive process between self and the world, past and future. Pinar delineates four steps (regression, progression, analysis, and synthesis) to engage the individual
in both temporal and reflective movements, thus enabling one’s understanding of what operatives have been at work in
an individual’s educational experience. Eventually, through understanding oneself, the whole world unfolds in front of
us (Wang,
2020).