bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding double perovskite BCNF as a CO2 splitting catalyst for industrial decarbonisation
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Ma Hongkun , Wang Zixuan , Grégoire Benjamin , Lin Ao , Dai Siyuan , Lin Xuefeng , Liang Ting , Chen Jie , Zhang Tongtong , Ding Yulong
Published: February 2025

The foundation industry, particularly the steel sector, is one of the major sources of global CO2 emissions, with each ton of steel produced using iron ores contributing approximately 1.4 (direct reduced iron-based process) to 2 (blast furnace-based process) tons of CO2, with ironmaking accounting for approximately 70% of these emission. Here, we present a study on the potential of using a double perovskite, Ba2Ca0.66Nb0.34FeO6-δ (BCNF), as a CO2 splitting catalyst that converts CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO), a reducing agent in ironmaking, which can be reintegrated into the ironmaking process to enable ‘in-process’ decarbonisation and facilitate close-loop carbon recirculation. The study combines thermodynamic modelling, molecular dynamics simulations, material characterisation, and lab-scale experimental system design, demonstrating the efficiency and practicality of the use of BCNF for CO2 emission reduction at a moderate temperature range. Simultaneous Thermal Analysis and COMSOL-based simulations were employed to optimise reactor design, maximising CO yield. An economic analysis further supports the scalability of this technology for decarbonising the steelmaking industry, which bears significance with the broader applicability to other foundation industrial sectors, including non-ferrous metal smelting, cement, glass, ceramics, and chemicals. This innovation offers a promising pathway towards sustainable industrial practices and contributes to global efforts to address climate change challenges.

Graphical Abstract
An alternative approach to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria: new insights into traditional Chinese medicine monomers combined with antibiotics
Authors: Dai Cunchun , Liu Ying , Lv Fan , Cheng Ping , Qu Shaoqi
Published: February 2025

Antibiotic treatment is crucial for controlling bacterial infections, but it is greatly hindered by the global prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers have shown high efficacy against MDR infections, the inactivation of bacteria induced by TCM is often incomplete and leads to infection relapse. The synergistic combination of TCM and antibiotics emerges as a promising strategy to mitigate the limitations inherent in both treatment modalities when independently administered. This review begins with a succinct exploration of the molecular mechanisms such as the antibiotic resistance, which informs the antibiotic discovery efforts. We subsequently provide an overview of the therapeutic effects of TCM/antibiotic combinations that have been developed. Finally, the factors that affect the therapeutic outcomes of these combinations and their underlying molecular mechanisms are systematically summarized. This overview offers insights into alternative strategies to treat clinical infections associated with MDR bacteria and the development of novel TCM/antibiotic combination therapies, with the goal of guiding their appropriate usage and further development.
Opportunities for collaboration: the synergy between antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship in pediatrics
Authors: Hoyt Brandy M. , Messacar Kevin , Sick-Samuels Anna C. , Jaggi Preeti , Hamilton Stacey L. , Janelle Sarah , Parker Sarah K.
Published: February 2025

Advancement of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) programs requires partnership with clinicians, quality assurance teams, and laboratorians. Inevitably, AS programs also practice diagnostic stewardship (DS), as stewards are aptly placed to connect key stakeholders and help steer processes toward higher value care for pediatric patients. In this review, we illustrate five moments of collaboration between stakeholders in the interplay between AS and DS in pediatrics. These moments include (1) Observation, (2) Reflection, (3) Exploration, (4) Enactment and (5) Evaluation. We offer a targeted narrative of examples in current literature using common relatable scenarios (ie, endotracheal aspirates, blood cultures, gastrointestinal samples, and urine testing) including impact on financial and environmental waste.
Metabolic Aesthetics against Planetary Indigestion
Authors: Mehrwald Manuela , Pomyalova Anna
Published: February 2025

Art is what the body does, not only with its hands, vocal cords or feet in obedience to the commands of the mastermind (which is the conscious mind) but also with its cells and tissues, hormonal networks and glands, as well as, more generally what it does with matter, including the materials from which an inanimate body is, strictly speaking, crafted (Marder 2019).
Why EU revenue matters: A case for an EU digital levy
Authors: Pantazatou Katerina
Published: February 2025

This Article draws upon and connects three different developments: the ‘internationalisation’ of tax law and EU tax law, specifically; the increasing digitalisation of the economy, and the European Union’s need for more revenue to deal with the financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and other policy priorities. It is explained why the taxation of data per se cannot be addressed at the global level at present and why the focus of research has to lie on the taxation of the different business models of the digital economy. In the absence of a global agreement as to how the digital economy should be taxed, the reaction of the European Union to such a fundamental undertaking remains uncertain and politically contingent on the outcomes of negotiation at the OECD level. Most particularly, on the so-called Pillar One agreement. A seemingly temporal solution to the taxation of the digital economy, the so-called DSTs (Digital Services Taxes) have been adopted by Member States of the EU and third countries, but their future remains uncertain. Amidst these developments, the EU has also looked for ways to increase its resources and to finance its post-Covid ambitious recovery plan. This need has led to a reconsideration of whether EU taxes could finance the EU budget (next to the Union’s own resources, which remain for the main part transfers from Member States). In this Article, I argue that beyond tax design considerations and potential constitutional impediments, the EU revenue side should be emphasised in the discussion. Therefore, I suggest that the Union should ensure that at least part of the revenue arising from digital taxation should be channeled to the supranational budget. Whether Pillar One gets adopted or not, the potential introduction of an EU digital levy, ideally by way of an EU tax, could help overcoming several shortcomings of the present tax status quo and could result in an increase of the resources at the disposal of the EU in a fashion compatible with the imperatives of democratic legitimacy.
When turnips bleed: the racial duality of predatory ticket debt
Authors: Henricks Kasey , Ortiz Ruben
Published: February 2025

How do sociolegal scholars who liken monetary sanctions to “bleeding a turnip” or “drawing blood from stones” reconcile these idioms with the fact that fines and fees constitute a growth industry? We take up this puzzle by turning our attention to perhaps the most relatable experience with monetary sanctions among the population: parking tickets. Much of the available law and society literature on fines and fees documents how these sanctions disproportionately impact communities subjugated by race and class. Because parking tickets are adjudicated within a legal domain so fundamentally different from fines and fees that dominate the academic focus, we ask whether these insights extend outside criminal counts to municipal ones. Using Chicago as a case study, our inquiry measures the structural determinants of 11.3 million tickets issued between 2013 and 2017. We use a series of count models to predict the incidence rates of tickets at the tract level as well as how many were subject to reprimands for nonpayment. What we find are disparate patterns of racialization in terms of who is targeted by these sanctions versus who is devastated by them. We synthesize key ideas from empirical critical race theory and developing work on predation theory to make sense of these findings.
Reasonable accommodation for disabled university students: University of Bristol v Dr Robert Abrahart [2024] EWHC 299 (KB)
Authors: De Sabbata Kevin , Pearson Abigail V
Published: February 2025

Natasha Abrahart was a physics student at the University of Bristol. She was suffering from depression and social anxiety disorder, which seriously impacted her ability to partake in oral assessments. Eventually, Natasha sadly took her own life. Her father, Dr Robert Abrahart, as personal representative and estate administrator, sued the University of Bristol for negligence and breach of sections 15, 19 and 20 of the Equality Act 2010, read with section 91(2)(a) and/or (f) of the same Act.1 Under such provisions, universities have a duty to provide reasonable adjustments and support, in educational provision and assessments, to disabled students, defined by section 6(1) of the Equality Act 2010 as ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term adverse effect’ on the ability to ‘carry out normal day-to-day activities’. However, Schedule 13, para 4(2), to the Equality Act 2010 exempts those assessments which constitute a competency standard, defined as ‘an academic, medical or other standard applied for the purpose of determining whether or not a person has a particular level of competence or ability’.2
Évidentialité ou modalité épistémique? Le cas de sans doute, un marqueur évidentiel inférentiel qui peut paraître épistémico-modal
Authors: Dendale Patrick , Vanderheyden Anne
Published: February 2025

This article focuses on the problem of the categorization of the adverb sans doute as an epistemico-modal marker or an evidential marker. Starting from a critical appraisal of an analysis proposed by Bourmayan et Ashino, in which sans doute is considered fundamentally epistemico-modal, three hypotheses are presented, which depart from theirs. First, sans doute has as its main lexical element an inferential evidential value: it signals that the content qualified by the adverb is the result of a defeasible type of inference from clues/premises. Second, due to the defeasibility of the inference, the statement containing the adverb takes on, invariably, a pragmatic value of non-certainty, not lexically coded, however. Sans doute is thus not an epistemico-modal marker by itself in contemporary French. Third, the adverb combines these values with an epistemic value of what we call “posture of certainty”. Different from epistemic modality, which refers to an evaluation in terms of certainty, and/or to the epistemic cognitive state linked to that, posture of certainty refers to what can be called the tone or epistemic behavior of confidence the speaker shows. Sans doute therefore indicates without contradiction, a defeasible and, thus, uncertain hypothesis, presented with a tone of full confidence.
POST-KEYNESIAN ECONOMICS AS DEFENSE MECHANISM: SIDNEY WEINTRAUB AS KNOWN BY E. ROY WEINTRAUB
Authors: Düppe Till
Published: February 2025

This article traces the evolution of Sidney Weintraub’s Post-Keynesian identity during the four decades following WW II, as seen through the eyes of his son E. Roy Weintraub. I explore Roy’s notion that Sidney’s career can be seen as the result of defense mechanisms associated with those of a borderline personality, such as splitting and projection. As Sidney transformed from an aspiring mainstream macroeconomist into a reclusive warrior for ideas, developing a polarized view of the economics profession, his work eventually became subsumed as a branch of Post-Keynesian economics. At the same time, he nudged his son into a symbiotic dependency, standing in for his career as a mathematical economist and coauthor, while also being made complicit in his adultery. Roy’s eventual distancing from this role ultimately led to a rupture prior to Sidney’s death in 1983. It was only then that Roy was able to establish a scholarly profile as a historian of economics and gain the understanding of his father that informs this text.
A survey of provinces in the Anglican Communion that have allowed same-sex blessings or same-sex marriages in church
Authors: Village Andrew
Published: February 2025

In October 2022, the Church of England commissioned a study of the likely impacts of allowing the blessing or marriage of same-sex couples in church. This paper reports on a survey of key informers (bishops or chief executive officers) in dioceses in the seven provinces of the Anglican Communion that had at that time allowed either same-sex blessings (SSB) or same-sex marriages (SSM). Of 183 provinces or dioceses contacted, 62 (31%) replied to an online survey of which 74% had decided to allow SSB and 55% to allow SSM. While all provinces reported some losses of clergy or congregations, these were not as great as some had expected. Smaller provinces that had made spaces and time for those of differing opinions to meet together tended to report more positive outcomes than those where processes were dominated by synodical debates.

Quantitative analysis using two scales of internal (church-facing) and external (society-facing) impact showed that dioceses that allowed SSM rather than just SSB reported more positive external impact. Those that had allowed SSM reported better internal and external impact compared with those who allowed only SSB or neither. Open answers offered critical reflections highlighting important lessons learnt in the process of making decisions.
Gender Differences in Learning Difficulties (LD)
Authors: Poltz Nadine , Ehlert Antje , Wagner Luisa , Kohn Juliane , Kucian Karin , Quandte Sabine , Wyschkon Anne , von Aster Michael , Esser Günter
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Background: Learning difficulties (LD) frequently co-occur with emotional and behavioral problems. Method: We analyzed the prevalence rates of LD (assessed with standardized achievement tests) and psychopathological problems reported by parents regarding the children's gender in a large German epidemiological sample of 1264 second graders (53% boys). Results: The prevalence of LD in one or more learning domains was 19%; psychopathological problems were reported for 8% of the sample. Regarding gender differences, there was a significant overrepresentation of girls with arithmetic difficulties and of boys in spelling and – marginally – combined reading and spelling difficulties. Compared to children without LD, girls with combined spelling difficulties showed significantly higher odds (than boys) for psychopathological problems (odds ratio for combined arithmetic: 1.7; combined reading: 2.8). The odds ratios for conduct problems were particularly higher for girls with isolated arithmetic difficulties (2.9) and combined spelling difficulties (up to 3.7). The probability of comorbid psychopathological problems was three times higher for children with LD than for their unaffected peers. Children with arithmetic disorders (isolated and combined) were the most affected by additional behavioral, emotional, or attentional problems (up to 32%). Discussion: The results highlight the gender-specific odds ratios for learning difficulties and co-occurring behavioral problems. They emphasize the need for psychopathological assessment of children with LD.
Analog parallel processor for broadband multifunctional integrated system based on silicon photonic platform
Authors: Qian Na , Zhou Defu , Shu Haowen , Zhang Ming , Wang Xingjun , Dai Daoxin , Deng Xiao , Zou Weiwen
Published: February 2025

Sharing the hardware platform between diverse information systems to establish full cooperation among different functionalities has attracted substantial attention. However, broadband multifunctional integrated systems with large operating frequency ranges are challenging due to the bandwidth and computing speed restrictions of electronic circuitry. Here, we report an analog parallel processor (APP) based on the silicon photonic platform that directly discretizes and parallelizes the broadband signal in the analog domain. The APP first discretizes the signal with the optical frequency comb and then adopts optical dynamic phase interference to reassign the analog signal into 2N parallel sequences. Via photonic analog parallelism, data rate and data volume in each sequence are simultaneously compressed, which mitigates the requirement on each parallel computing core. Moreover, the fusion of the outputs from each computing core is equivalent to directly processing broadband signals. In the proof-of-concept experiment, two-channel analog parallel processing of broadband radar signals and high-speed communication signals is implemented on the single photonic integrated circuit. The bandwidth of broadband radar signal is 6 GHz and the range resolution of 2.69 cm is achieved. The wireless communication rate of 8 Gbit/s is also validated. Breaking the bandwidth and speed limitations of the single-computing core along with further exploring the multichannel potential of this architecture, we anticipate that the proposed APP will accelerate the development of powerful opto-electronic processors as critical support for applications such as satellite networks and intelligent driving.
Microscale insight into the proton concentration during electrolytic reaction via an optical microfiber: potential for microcurrent monitoring by a dielectric probe
Authors: Huang Yunyun , Liang Jiaxuan , Wu Haotian , Chen Pengwei , Xiao Aoxiang , Guan Bai-Ou
Published: February 2025

Local microcurrent monitoring is of great significance for biological and battery systems, yet it poses a formidable challenge. The current measurement techniques rely on electromagnetic materials which inevitably introduce interference to the system under examination. To address this issue, a promising approach based on a dielectric fiber-optic sensor is demonstrated. The microfiber is capable of detecting microcurrent through monitoring the localized proton concentration signal with a pH resolution of 0.0052 pH units. By sensing the refractive index variation surrounding the sensor induced by the interaction between local proton concentration changes and oxidizer-treated microfiber surface through the evanescent field, this sensing mechanism effectively avoids the interference of the electromagnetic material on the performance of the tested system. This sensor exhibits a limit of detection for microcurrent of 1 μA. The sensing region is a microfiber with a diameter of 8.8 μm. It can get invaluable information that cannot be obtained through conventional electrochemical methods. Examples include photocurrent attenuation in photogenerated carrier materials during illumination, electrical activation in nerve cells, and fluctuations in the efficiency of electrical energy generation during battery discharge. This approach provides a powerful complement to electrochemical methods for the elucidation of microscale reaction mechanisms. The information provided by the prepared dielectric fiber-optic sensor will shed more light on proton kinetics and electrochemical and electrobiological mechanisms, which may fill an important gap in the current bioelectricity and battery monitoring methods.
Visuospatial outcomes of a prospective national cohort of young adults with very low birthweight
Authors: Harris Sarah L. , Woodward Lianne J. , Horwood L. John , Melzer Tracy R. , Bora Samudragupta , Pascoe Maddie , Darlow Brian A.
Published: February 2025

Background

Visuospatial processing is reportedly impaired in children born very preterm (VP) compared with full term (FT) controls but there are few data for VP adults.

Methods

At 26-30 years, 225 very low birthweight (VLBW) adults (70% national cohort survivors) and 100 FT controls were assessed on motor-dependent visuospatial skills using the Block Design subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and nonmotor-dependent skills by the Benton Judgment of Line Orientation and Brixton Spatial Anticipation tests. A composite score was created by summing standardized scores for the three tests. MRI measures of cortical volume, thickness and surface area were obtained for 150 VLBW participants.

Results

VLBW born adults performed less well than controls across all visuospatial measures and their composite score (P < 0.001), with moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s ds = 0.41–0.82). Between group differences were not explained by current vision impairment, cerebral palsy, sex, ethnicity or socio-demographic factors. The unadjusted visuospatial composite score was significantly correlated with reduced cortical surface area and cortical volume, but few correlations remained significant after adjustment for age, sex and intracranial volume.

Conclusion

The visuospatial functioning of adults born VLBW is significantly poorer than their FT peers with only modest associations with cortical brain structure.

Impact

Previous reports have shown very preterm children have impaired visuospatial processing compared with term-born peers but only limited data address whether these impairments persist into adulthood.

Visuospatial functioning, assessed by both motor and non-motor dependent tests, of adults born very low birthweight is significantly poorer than that of term-born peers.

Poorer visuospatial functioning in this very low birthweight cohort is not explained by vision impairment and had only modest associations with cranial MRI brain structure.

Persisting visuospatial impairment in very preterm adults may significantly impact quality of life. Early recognition of these difficulties could facilitate support strategies to improve outcomes.
Overcoming immunotherapy resistance in gastric cancer: insights into mechanisms and emerging strategies
Authors: Luo Dingtian , Zhou Jing , Ruan Shuiliang , Zhang Binzhong , Zhu Huali , Que Yangming , Ying Shijie , Li Xiaowen , Hu Yuanmin , Song Zhengwei
Published: February 2025

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with limited treatment options in advanced stages. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD1/PD-L1, has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach. However, a significant proportion of patients exhibit primary or acquired resistance, limiting the overall efficacy of immunotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance in GC, including the role of the tumor immune microenvironment, dynamic PD-L1 expression, compensatory activation of other immune checkpoints, and tumor genomic instability. Furthermore, the review explores GC-specific factors such as molecular subtypes, unique immune evasion mechanisms, and the impact of Helicobacter pylori infection. We also discuss emerging strategies to overcome resistance, including combination therapies, novel immunotherapeutic approaches, and personalized treatment strategies based on tumor genomics and the immune microenvironment. By highlighting these key areas, this review aims to inform future research directions and clinical practice, ultimately improving outcomes for GC patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Structural basis of inhibition of human NaV1.8 by the tarantula venom peptide Protoxin-I
Authors: Neumann Bryan , McCarthy Stephen , Gonen Shane
Published: February 2025

Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) selectively permit diffusion of sodium ions across the cell membrane and, in excitable cells, are responsible for propagating action potentials. One of the nine human NaV isoforms, NaV1.8, is a promising target for analgesics, and selective inhibitors are of interest as therapeutics. One such inhibitor, the gating-modifier peptide Protoxin-I derived from tarantula venom, blocks channel opening by shifting the activation voltage threshold to more depolarized potentials, but the structural basis for this inhibition has not previously been determined. Using monolayer graphene grids, we report the cryogenic electron microscopy structures of full-length human apo-NaV1.8 and the Protoxin-I-bound complex at 3.1 Å and 2.8 Å resolution, respectively. The apo structure shows an unexpected movement of the Domain I S4-S5 helix, and VSDI was unresolvable. We find that Protoxin-I binds to and displaces the VSDII S3-S4 linker, hindering translocation of the S4II helix during activation.
Nanobody-thioesterase chimeras to specifically target protein palmitoylation
Authors: Kuo Chien-Wen , Gök Caglar , Fulton Hannah , Dickson-Murray Eleanor , Adu Samuel , Gallen Emily K. , Mary Sheon , Robertson Alan D. , Jordan Fiona , Dunning Emma , Mullen William , Smith Godfrey L. , Fuller William
Published: February 2025

The complexity of the cellular proteome is massively expanded by a repertoire of chemically distinct reversible post-translational modifications (PTMs) that control protein localisation, interactions, and function. The temporal and spatial control of these PTMs is central to organism physiology, and mis-regulation of PTMs is a hallmark of many diseases. Here we present an approach to manipulate PTMs on target proteins using nanobodies fused to enzymes that control these PTMs. Anti-GFP nanobodies fused to thioesterases (which depalmitoylate protein cysteines) depalmitoylate GFP tagged substrates. A chemogenetic approach to enhance nanobody affinity for its target enables temporal control of target depalmitoylation. Using a thioesterase fused to a nanobody directed against the Ca(v)1.2 beta subunit we reduce palmitoylation of the Ca(v)1.2 alpha subunit, modifying the channel’s voltage dependence and arrhythmia susceptibility in stem cell derived cardiac myocytes. We conclude that nanobody enzyme chimeras represent an approach to specifically manipulate PTMs, with applications in both the laboratory and the clinic.
D-2-hydroxyglutarate impairs DNA repair through epigenetic reprogramming
Authors: Lang Fengchao , Kaur Karambir , Fu Haiqing , Zaheer Javeria , Ribeiro Diego Luis , Aladjem Mirit I. , Yang Chunzhang
Published: February 2025

Cancer-associated mutations in IDH are associated with multiple types of human malignancies, which exhibit distinctive metabolic reprogramming, production of oncometabolite D-2-HG, and shifted epigenetic landscape. IDH mutated malignancies are signatured with “BRCAness”, highlighted with the sensitivity to DNA repair inhibitors and genotoxic agents, although the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we demonstrate that D-2-HG impacts the chromatin conformation adjustments, which are associated with DNA repair process. Mechanistically, D-2-HG diminishes the chromatin interactions in the DNA damage regions via revoking CTCF binding. The hypermethylation of cytosine, resulting from the suppression of TET1 and TET2 activities by D-2-HG, contributes to the dissociation of CTCF from DNA damage regions. CTCF depletion leads to the disruption of chromatin organization around the DNA damage sites, which abolishes the recruitment of essential DNA damage repair proteins BRCA2 and RAD51, as well as impairs homologous repair in the IDH mutant cancer cells. These findings provide evidence that CTCF-mediated chromatin interactions play a key role in DNA damage repair proceedings. Oncometabolites jeopardize genome stability and DNA repair by affecting high-order chromatin structure.
Retention of locally injected human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes into the myocardium using hydrolyzed gelatin
Authors: Iida Jun , Kotani Kazuki , Murata Kozue , Hakamada Keisuke , Maihemuti Wusiman , Mandai Yoshinobu , Hiraoka Yosuke , Minatoya Kenji , Masumoto Hidetoshi
Published: February 2025

This study explored the impact of hydrolyzed gelatin (HG) concentration on the retention and therapeutic efficacy of human iPS cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) when injected into the myocardium. The solubility of HG allows precise control over its concentration, influencing the distribution and leakage of injected solutions, which may affect therapeutic outcomes. Using both ex vivo and in vivo rat models, we investigated how varying HG concentrations affect the retention of solution and diffusion within the myocardium. In ex vivo static rat hearts, 10% HG minimized leakage but allowed significant diffusion. However, in pulsating in vivo hearts, 20% HG provided the best retention. In a rat myocardial infarction model, hiPSC-CMs suspended in 20% HG resulted in the highest cell retention. Echocardiogram showed a significant increase in the ejection fraction two weeks after transplantation compared to before transplantation. Additionally, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the ejection fraction was significantly higher than that of the sham group four weeks after transplantation. These findings suggest that optimizing HG concentration is crucial for enhancing the retention and therapeutic efficacy of hiPSC-CM transplants in treating heart disease.
Decoding substance use disorder severity from clinical notes using a large language model
Authors: Mahbub Maria , Dams Gregory M. , Srinivasan Sudarshan , Rizy Caitlin , Danciu Ioana , Trafton Jodie , Knight Kathryn
Published: February 2025

Substance use disorder (SUD) poses a major concern due to its detrimental effects on health and society. SUD identification and treatment depend on a variety of factors such as severity, co-determinants (e.g., withdrawal symptoms), and social determinants of health. Existing diagnostic coding systems used by insurance providers, like the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), lack granularity for certain diagnoses, but American clinicians will add this granularity (as that found within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classification or DSM-5) as supplemental unstructured text in clinical notes. Traditional natural language processing (NLP) methods face limitations in accurately parsing such diverse clinical language. Large language models (LLMs) offer promise in overcoming these challenges by adapting to diverse language patterns. This study investigates the application of LLMs for extracting severity-related information for various SUD diagnoses from clinical notes. We propose a workflow employing zero-shot learning of LLMs with carefully crafted prompts and post-processing techniques. Through experimentation with Flan-T5, an open-source LLM, we demonstrate its superior recall compared to the rule-based approach. Focusing on 11 categories of SUD diagnoses, we show the effectiveness of LLMs in extracting severity information, contributing to improved risk assessment and treatment planning for SUD patients.
Mutations in the kinesin KIF12 promote MASH in humans and mice by disrupting lipogenic enzyme turnover
Authors: Etemad Asieh , Tanaka Yosuke , Wang Shuo , Slae Mordechai , Sultan Mutaz , Elpeleg Orly , Hirokawa Nobutaka
Published: February 2025

As a common cause of liver cirrhosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is regarded as a target of therapeutic intervention. However, a successful therapy has not yet been found, partly because the molecular pathogenesis is largely elusive. Here we show that KIF12 kinesin suppresses MASH development by accelerating the breakdown of two lipid biosynthesis enzymes, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) and pyruvate carboxylase (PC), in hepatocytes. We report three familial early-onset liver cirrhosis pedigrees with homozygous KIF12 mutations, accompanying MASH-like steatosis and cholestasis. The mouse genetic model carrying the corresponding Kif12 nonsense mutation faithfully reproduced the phenotypes as early as between 8 and 10 weeks of age. Furthermore, KIF12-deficient HepG2 cells exhibited significant steatosis, which was ameliorated by overexpressing a proline-rich domain (PRD) of KIF12. We found that KIF12-PRD promotes the degradation of ACC1 and PC, and this effect is likely to be through its direct interaction with these enzymes. Interestingly, KIF12 enhanced the ubiquitination of ACC1 by the E3 ligase COP1 and colocalized with these proteins as seen by super-resolution microscopy imaging. These data propose a role for KIF12 in suppressing MASH by accelerating turnover of lipogenic enzymes.
Reprograming of the ubiquitin ligase Ubr1 by intrinsically disordered Roq1 through cooperating multifunctional motifs
Authors: Peters Niklas , Kanngießer Sibylle , Pajonk Oliver , Salazar Claros Rafael , Hubbe Petra , Mogk Axel , Schuck Sebastian
Published: February 2025

One way cells control the speed and specificity of protein degradation is by regulating the activity of ubiquitin ligases. Upon proteotoxic stress in yeast, the intrinsically disordered protein Roq1 binds the ubiquitin ligase Ubr1 as a pseudosubstrate, thereby modulating the degradation of substrates of the N-degron pathway and promoting the elimination of misfolded proteins. The mechanism underlying this reprograming of Ubr1 is unknown. Here, we show that Roq1 controls Ubr1 by means of two cooperating multifunctional motifs. The N-terminal arginine and a short hydrophobic motif of Roq1 interact with Ubr1 as part of a heterobivalent binding mechanism. Via its N-terminal arginine, Roq1 regulates the ubiquitination of various N-degron substrates and folded proteins. Via its hydrophobic motif, Roq1 accelerates the ubiquitination of misfolded proteins. These findings reveal how a small, intrinsically disordered protein with a simple architecture engages parallel channels of communication to reprogram a functionally complex ubiquitin ligase.
Arginine: at the crossroads of nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Fung Tak Shun , Ryu Keun Woo , Thompson Craig B
Published: February 2025

L-arginine is the most nitrogen-rich amino acid, acting as a key precursor for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing metabolites and an essential intermediate in the clearance of excess nitrogen. Arginine’s side chain possesses a guanidino group which has unique biochemical properties, and plays a primary role in nitrogen excretion (urea), cellular signaling (nitric oxide) and energy buffering (phosphocreatine). The post-translational modification of protein-incorporated arginine by guanidino-group methylation also contributes to epigenetic gene control. Most human cells do not synthesize sufficient arginine to meet demand and are dependent on exogenous arginine. Thus, dietary arginine plays an important role in maintaining health, particularly upon physiologic stress. How cells adapt to changes in extracellular arginine availability is unclear, mostly because nearly all tissue culture media are supplemented with supraphysiologic levels of arginine. Evidence is emerging that arginine-deficiency can influence disease progression. Here, we review new insights into the importance of arginine as a metabolite, emphasizing the central role of mitochondria in arginine synthesis/catabolism and the recent discovery that arginine can act as a signaling molecule regulating gene expression and organelle dynamics.
Improved droplet elongation model and value for surface tension of AuSi
Authors: Andersen Christopher Røhl Yskes , Mølhave Kristian Speranza
Published: February 2025

Surface tension is crucial for nanowire Vapor Liquid Solid (VLS) growth models and simulations of growth under external stimuli. A promising method involving imaging droplet deformation under an external electric...
Versatile Functionalization of De-Fluorinated FMOF-1 Towards Enhanced Carbon Capture and Separation: A Predictive Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Yasmeen Rashida , Islam Sheikh M. S. , Du Jincheng , Omary Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Fluorous metal-organic frameworks, FMOFs, represent a superhydrophobic class of MOFs containing -CF3 or -F groups in their pores. The primary objective of this research is to computationally design functionalized FMOF-1...
Nanomaterials for the removal and detection of heavy metals: a review
Authors: De Silva Mahima , Cao Gaili , Tam K. C.
Published: February 2025

An overview on the detection and removal of metallic contaminants in our water systems.
Functional properties amelioration of rosmarinic acid by covalently binding with soybean protein isolate
Authors: Li Ling , Li Zhong-Han , Zhou Jie , Wang Kun-Long , Zhang Ying-Hua , Mu Zhi-Shen
Published: February 2025

The functional properties of RA were improved by the covalent combination of SPI and RA.
Upcycling hazardous waste into high-performance Ni/η-Al2O3 catalysts for CO2 methanation
Authors: Maqbool Qaisar , Aharanwa Hamilton Uchenna , Stöger-Pollach Michael , Rupprechter Günther
Published: February 2025

Converting battery and aluminium waste to efficient Ni/η-Al2O3 methanation catalysts enables sustainable waste management and CO2 reduction.
Smartphones as a platform for molecular analysis: concepts, methods, devices and future potential
Authors: Baker Daina V. , Bernal-Escalante Jasmine , Traaseth Christine , Wang Yihao , Tran Michael V. , Keenan Seth , Algar W. Russ
Published: February 2025

Smartphones have the potential to transform chemical and biological analysis by functioning as portable, versatile, and democratized platforms for molecular diagnostics. Recent advances in optical detection and devices are reviewed.
Towards 1D supramolecular chiral assemblies based on porphyrin–calixarene complexes
Authors: Gaeta Massimiliano , Gangemi Chiara M. A. , Barcellona Matteo , Travagliante Gabriele , Milone Marco , Notti Anna , Fragalà Maria E. , Pisagatti Ilenia , Parisi Melchiorre F. , Purrello Roberto , D'Urso Alessandro
Published: February 2025

This study reveals precise control of stoichiometry, dimensionality, and chirality by UV-vis, CD and SEM on the hierarchical self-assembly of chiral linear noncovalent porphyrins-biscalix complexes in aqueos solution.
Discovery of novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitors through AI-powered structure prediction and high-performance computing-enhanced virtual screening
Authors: Chafer-Dolz Beatriz , Cecilia José M. , Imbernón Baldomero , Núñez-Delicado Estrella , Casaña-Giner Victor , Cerón-Carrasco José P.
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence tools like AlphaFold are already having an impact on drug discovery. It is time now to explore other applications, including the search for safe insecticides.
Ferromagnetically coupled tetranuclear Ni(ii)-2-oxy-aceto- or benzo-phenonate complexes
Authors: Haque Imdadul , Enamullah Mohammed , Jhumur Nisat Taslum , Sidhu Baldeep K. , Herbert David E. , Haj Hassani Sohi Takin , Havlíček Lubomír , Nemec Ivan , Janiak Christoph
Published: February 2025

Reaction of 2-hydroxy-acetophenone/benzophenone (HL/HL′) with nickel(ii) acetate provides ferromagnetically coupled tetranuclear [Ni(L)(μ3-CH3O)(CH3OH)]4 (1) or [Ni(L′)(μ3-CH3O)(H2O)]4·H2O (2) complexes.
Understanding the biochemistry of hormones – message in a bottle
Authors: Lai Dominic C. Y. , Mueller Jonathan Wolf
Published: February 2025

Hormones play pivotal roles in our well-being, and even more so in times of stress or disease. They determine body composition and govern reproductive processes. Hormonal compounds tend to be evolutionarily very old compounds, but only coevolved receptor systems make up powerful biological signals. We will discuss what makes some metabolites good building materials for hormones and how information may be encoded, using these scaffolds. Starting with hormone biosynthesis and regulated release from secreting cells, we will look at different stages of the whole hormone signaling process: the distribution of the hormonal “message-in-a-bottle” throughout the body, the passing of some hormones through membranes, and pre-receptor metabolism. Binding to different classes of receptors is not the end of hormone signaling, but the beginning of a second phase of signaling via second messengers, before hormonal messages are switched off again. Studying hormone biochemistry will produce exciting new findings in the future.
Étude de la diversité génétique du palmier dattier et des facteurs l’influençant dans les palmeraies du Tafilalet au Maroc
Authors: El Bakouri Zineb , Meziani Reda , Bouzelmate Hicham , Rabach Brahim , Jaiti Fatima
Published: February 2025

La présente étude vise à examiner la diversité génétique des palmeraies traditionnelles du Tafilalet, la principale zone de culture du palmier dattier au Maroc. L’étude vise également à déterminer l’impact de la stratégie nationale de développement de la filière palmier dattier sur la préservation et la protection de cette diversité. L’enquête a été réalisée auprès de 226 exploitations agricoles réparties dans l’ensemble des palmeraies du Tafilalet, couvrant une superficie totale de 299 hectares. Pour évaluer cette diversité, l’indice de Shannon-Weaver (H) a été utilisé. En termes de richesse variétale, l’étude a identifié un total de 46 variétés, dont 19 % représentent 73 % de la population, les variétés Boufeggous et Mejhoul étant dominantes. L’étude a révélé des différences significatives entre les valeurs moyennes de l’indice de Shannon-Weaver des palmeraies de Boudnib (2,02), d’Errissani (1,67) et de Jorf (1,65). Un test de corrélation entre l’indice de Shannon et les pratiques agricoles modernes a montré qu’il n’y avait aucune corrélation entre les niveaux de diversité génétique et les pratiques agricoles modernes. Il existe par contre une corrélation significative entre les pratiques modernes et la superficie agricole. La modernisation des pratiques agricoles dans les palmeraies traditionnelles du Tafilalet est assez fortement liée à la taille des exploitations tandis que la diversité génétique dans les palmeraies n’a pas de liens évidents avec les structures ou les pratiques agricoles.
The use of calcium peroxide to clean the oil-contaminated soil
Authors: Kurbangaleeva Milyausha
Published: February 2025

In this paper, a method of cleaning oil-contaminated soil with calcium peroxide is considered. Soils, which are typical for the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan, are taken as the object of study. Calcium peroxide was obtained from still waste liquid i.e. soda production waste. The selected soil samples were artificially contaminated with oil from the Ishimbay field of Bashkortostan. Calcium peroxide was then added to the soil samples in different ratios. After a certain period of time, analyses for the content of petroleum products were carried out to determine the dynamics of soil cleaning from petroleum products. As a result of the studies, the effectiveness of using calcium peroxide to clean the soil of petroleum products has been shown. Proposed method of soil cleaning from oil and petroleum products by calcium peroxide consists in the fact that when this reagent interacts with moisture oxygen is released, which at the moment of its separation is more active in comparison with air oxygen; it promotes intensification of aeration processes and thereby ensures effective soil cleaning from petroleum products.
Application of elementary microwave radiation for intensification of heterogeneous catalytic processes
Authors: Luzina Maria , Minibaev Aydar , Ilyin Vladimir
Published: February 2025

This paper shows the results of study of effect of microwave radiation for effective energy transfer and thermal processes intensification. Big attention is paid to the processes of butene isomerization and hydrogenation of hydrocarbons. Experimental results show a significant increase in the activity of some catalysts when microwave radiation is used, which may lead to optimization of technological processes and increase their efficiency in industry. In addition to increase of catalyst activity, application of microwave radiation leads lead to simplification of flow sheet, since the role of the energy carrier is performed by electromagnetic radiation of the microwave range that can also increase the prospects of using microwave radiation.
Ingredient variation effects on cookie marketability
Authors: Kovaleva Anna , Pyanikova Elvira , Evdokimova Oxana , Galchenko Svetlana , Podieelets Tatiana
Published: February 2025

Complete replacement of wheat flour with oat flour prepared from ground oat flakes “Hercules”, oat flour - with oat flakes “Hercules”, eggs - with apple husk, sugar - with topinambour syrup allows to obtain oatmeal biscuits of dietary orientation. The use of these components in the recipe leads to the appearance of two additional technological operations: the first - preparation of oat flour from oat flakes “Hercules”, the second - preparation of a mixture of apple husk, fat component (butter or vegetable oil) and topinambour syrup. The duration of baking of biscuits, compared to the control sample, increased by 7-12 minutes. At the same time, the baking temperature decreased from 180-240°C to 160°C. The introduced changes in the recipe of oatmeal biscuits influenced the organoleptic quality indicators of the finished product. Addition of apple husk to the recipe gave a pleasant fruity taste and aroma of apple raw material to the biscuits. Replacement of sugar with sugar-containing components allowed to obtain a finished product balanced in sweetness. According to physico- chemical parameters the developed samples correspond to the current normative document for this type of products. The recommended shelf life for dietary oatmeal biscuits is 7 days under the storage conditions.
Efficacy of biological and chemical protection agents in barley cultivation
Authors: Lipshin Alexey , Kozulina Natalia , Vasilenko Albina , Bobrovskiy Alexander , Kryuchkov Alexander
Published: February 2025

The study investigated the efficacy of biological and chemical protection agents in barley cultivation. The experiment was performed on leached chernozem soil, with four replications and 0.1 ha plot sizes. The spring barley variety ‘Oplot’ was sown using an SN-16 seeder at a rate of 4.5 million germinating seeds per hectare. The study compared three treatments: control (no protection agents), biological protection scheme, and chemical protection scheme. Pre-sowing seed treatment with biological and chemical agents reduced spore count on grain by 81.7% and 83.5%, respectively, while increasing laboratory germination rates by 12.3-13.4% compared to the control. Plant survival rates at harvest improved by 15.0% with biological agents and 16.4% with chemical agents. The technological efficacy of the chemical protectant Kolosal PRO, KME was 91.8%, while the biological agent Fitosporin-AS achieved 90.9% efficacy. Results demonstrated that both protection schemes significantly increased barley yield. The biological protection scheme yielded 2.9 t/ha (a 0.5 t/ha increase over the control), while the chemical protection scheme produced 3.1 t/ha (a 0.7 t/ha increase over the control).
Structural challenges and innovative solutions in African agri-food production
Authors: Kuzmina Violetta M. , Parkhomchuk Marina A. , Chernysheva Lyubov A. , Budnikova Angelica S. , Levshakova Sofia
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the multifaceted nature of African food systems, encompassing governance, economic, social, and cultural dimensions. It analyses the varying levels of agricultural transformation across the continent and identifies key productivity challenges. The study highlights six megatrends projected to shape African food systems in the coming decade. Through case studies from Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Tunisia, the research explores innovative agri-food development experiences. The paper identifies factors inhibiting innovation in the agri-food sector and proposes strategies to overcome these barriers. By synthesizing these elements, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future prospects of African agri-food systems, offering insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders.