bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acid And Base Catalyzed Reaction Mechanisms in Bio Butadiene Production From 2,3‑Butanediol
Authors: Bekele Beruk A. , Poissonnier Jeroen , Thybaut Joris
Published: February 2025

2,3‐butanediol (2,3‑BDO) dehydration to 1,3‑butadiene (BD) is assessed over a Sc2O3 catalyst calcined at 800°C (Sc2O3_800) and compared with performance of an in‑house prepared ZrO2 (ZrO2_HT_800) catalyst via active sites, activity, product distribution and apparent activation energies to elucidate the reaction mechanism. Sc2O3_800 achieved 40% (mol mol‐1) selectivity towards BD at complete 2,3‑BDO conversion. This is due to its medium strength basic sites and weak acid sites, favoring a base‑dominated mechanism and producing 3‑buten‑2‐ol (3B2OL) as the primary product, suggesting an E1cb‐like mechanism. Conversely, ZrO2_HT_800 favors methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) formation due to relatively similar amounts and strength of acid and base sites, suggesting competing E1 and E2 mechanisms. Apparent activation energies for 3B2OL formation amount to 63 kJ mol‐1 on the Sc2O3_800 catalyst and 38 kJ mol‐1 on the ZrO2_HT_800 catalyst, while MEK formation has an apparent activation energy of 64 kJ mol‐1 in Sc2O3_800 and 80 kJ mol‐1 in ZrO2_HT_800 catalysts. The optimal process conditions for bio‐butadiene production in a single step over Sc2O3_800 are a temperature of 385°C, inlet 2,3‑BDO partial pressure of 0.2 bar and a space time amounting to 1130 kg s mol‑1.
Ru‐doped dual NiCo‐MOF heterostructure as highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting
Authors: Zhang Manting , Wang Chenggong , Zhou Tingting , Wang Yuqiao , Huang Gang , Han Fengyan , Shao Huaiyu , Wang Caiqin
Published: February 2025

Developing efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) to improve the hydrogen production efficiency from water splitting is decisive. In this work, we developed an efficient strategy to obtain NiCoRux trimetal composite catalyst from NiCo‐MOF heterojunction with nano‐flower‐like ZIF‐67 growing on layered Ni‐BDC. The unique dual‐MOF heterointerface creates rich electrochemical surface to anchor ruthenium species; and the synergistic effect among multiple components (Ru, Ni and Co) in NiCoRux improved the catalytic performances in HER and OER processes. As a result, the as‐obtained NiCoRu0.5 exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stability for HER and OER in alkaline media, specially presented the overpotential of 240 mV for OER at 20 mA cm‐2. This work offers a feasible way to optimize the transition metal‐based catalysts for improved electrocatalysis efficiency in overall water splitting.
Aptamer‐Driven Biosensor Technology for the Quantitative Analysis of C‐Reactive Protein
Authors: Oranzie Marlon , January Jaymi L. , Sanga Nelia A. , Leve Zandile D. , Mini Sixolile , Cupido Candice , Douman Samantha F. , Iwuoha Emmanuel I.
Published: February 2025

C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a widely recognized biomarker for early myocardial infarction (MI) detection, released into the bloodstream during heart inflammation. Traditional assays for CRP detection, like ELISA and immunoradiometric assays, are costly, time‐consuming, and require large sample volumes. Aptasensors are becoming increasingly popular for MI diagnosis due to their affordability, simplicity, and potential for point‐of‐care use. In this study, an electrochemical aptasensor incorporating mercaptosuccinic acid‐capped nickel selenide quantum dots (MSA‐NiSe2 QD) were developed for CRP detection. The amine‐modified aptamer was immobilized on the MSA‐NiSe2 QD using EDC/NHS coupling chemistry. Chronocoulometric measurements showed high selectivity towards CRP in phosphate buffer, with a linear range of 10–110 pg/mL and a detection limit of 2.80 pg/mL. Cross‐reactivity experiments confirmed the aptasensor's high selectivity for CRP. Testing in human serum samples demonstrated recovery rates of 94–100.5 %, indicating its suitability for clinical diagnostics. Validation studies with a commercial CRP ELISA kit showed the aptasensor's superior sensitivity in both physiological buffer and human serum.
Abiotic Ribonucleoside Formation in Aqueous Microdroplets: Mechanistic Exploration, Acidity, and Electric Field Effects
Authors: Piejko Maciej , Alfonso‐Ramos Javier E. , Moran Joseph , Stuyver Thijs
Published: February 2025

Aqueous microdroplets have been reported to dramatically increase the rate of chemical reactions. Proposed mechanisms for this acceleration include confinement effects upon droplet evaporation, and Brønsted acid or electric field catalysis at the air‐water interface. However, computational investigations indicate that the operation of these mechanisms is reaction‐dependent, with conclusive evidence for a role for electric field catalysis still lacking. Here, we present a computational investigation of the reported abiotic phosphorylation of ribose and the subsequent formation of ribonucleosides, focusing on acidity and oriented external electric field (OEEF) effects. The most plausible reaction mechanism identified involves the protonation of ribose, followed by carbocation formation and an SN2 substitution step. Without an OEEF, all considered pathways are thermally inaccessible. However, in the presence of a significant OEEF, the SN2‐based pathway, leading to the β‐ribonucleoside isomer, becomes highly stabilized, reducing the energetic span to a thermally accessible 12–13 kcal/mol. Surprisingly, the OEEF‐mediated reaction closely mirrors the enzymatic mechanism of phosphorolysis via SN2 substitution, including a pronounced anomeric selectivity. Our results support the hypothesis that some reactions in aqueous microdroplets are accelerated by electric fields and provide further evidence for the importance of electrostatic catalysis in biological systems, particularly for phosphorylase enzymes.
Dual‐Functional Synthetic Linear and Cyclic Peptides with Anti‐Amyloid and Antimicrobial Activities for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Yang Lujuan , Wang Yao , Shang Peng , Ma Gang
Published: February 2025

Dual‐functional peptides exhibiting both anti‐amyloid and antimicrobial activities have attracted attention as promising candidates for Alzheimer's disease treatment. The advantage of these peptides lies in their ability to simultaneously target both the amyloid cascade hypothesis and the microbial infection hypothesis, in contrast to single‐function inhibitors. However, most of the reported dual‐functional peptides to date are natural peptides, and the development of synthetic peptides in this area remains limited. In this study, we propose two strategies to aid in the discovery of synthetic dual‐functional peptides. We then report four distinct synthetic dual‐functional peptides identified using these strategies, with the Aβ1–40/Aβ1–42 fibrillation system and common bacterial strains serving as a proof‐of‐concept platform. One strategy involves repurposing existing knowledge, while the other breaks from established conventions. Using the first strategy, we discovered a very short dual‐functional linear peptide. With the second strategy, we identified a simple dual‐functional cyclic peptide. Furthermore, by combining these two strategies, we developed a hybrid dual‐functional peptide incorporating both linear and cyclic structures. We hope that our findings will contribute to the future discovery of more synthetic dual‐functional peptides for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Biocatalytic Stereodivergent Synthesis of Substituted Tetrahydro‐Benzo‐(Oxa, Thia, and Di)‐Azepines
Authors: Manna Tanaya , Das Piyal , Rabbani Aniqah , Beyer Frederike , Merten Christian , Masood Husain Syed
Published: February 2025

Benzo‐fused seven‐membered N,O‐, N,S‐ and N,N‐containing heterocyclic moieties are found in several marketed drugs and biologically active molecules. However, the asymmetric synthesis of such heterocycles is limited to the use of transition metal catalysts or chiral phosphoric acids. In the current work, imine reductases (IREDs) are utilized to develop a general biocatalytic method for the stereodivergent synthesis of 5‐substituted tetrahydro‐1,4‐benzoxazepines, 4‐substituted tetrahydro‐1,5‐benzothiazepines, and 2,2,4‐trisubstituted tetrahydro‐1,5‐benzodiazepines in excellent yields (up to 96 %), enantiomeric excess (up to >99 %) and diastereoselectivity (up to >99 %). In addition, imine reductase assisted reductive amination gave facile access to 2,4‐disubstituted tetrahydro‐1,5‐benzodiazepines starting from 1,3‐diketone and 1,2‐diamino benzene with excellent stereoselectivity and high yields. The absolute configuration of the newly synthesized N‐heterocycles was determined using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). The presented methodology has further broadened the scope of IREDs towards the preparation of chiral seven‐membered N‐heterocycles containing another heteroatom.
Peripheral Modification Strategy of Heavy Atom for High‐Performance Multi‐Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Wan Liang , Cheng Zhuang , Ma Xiaobo , Jiang Yixuan , Yan Zhenyu , Yan Yan , Su Zihan , Liu Futong , Lu Ping
Published: February 2025

Organic light‐emitting materials with multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) have shown great potential for realizing highly efficient narrowband organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, the heavy efficiency roll‐off caused by the slow reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) process remains a challenging issue for the further practical application of MR‐TADF materials. Here, we develop two TADF emitters, BNDBT and BNDBF, in which the dibenzothiophene and dibenzofuran substituents are attached at the bottom of the B/N frameworks. They all exhibit the similar high photoluminescence quantum yields of 90 % and 87 %. The sulfur‐containing material BNDBT exhibits a RISC rate (kRISC) of 6.02×104 s−1, which is three‐folded higher than BNDBF (2.09×104 s−1) without heavy atom. The corresponding green OLED based on BNDBT exhibits an improved external quantum efficiency of 35.5 % and lower efficiency roll‐offs at high brightnesses of 100 cd m−2 and 1000 cd m−2, respectively. In addition, the BNDBT‐based OLED maintains high color purity without causing a sharp increase in FWHM as compared with that of BNDBF. This work indicates that introducing the heavy atom at the bottom of the B/N skeleton is an effective strategy to enhance kRISC while maintaining narrow FWHM, thereby achieving high‐performance MR‐TADF emitters.
What influences family satisfaction?
Authors: Neneh Brownhilder N. , Welsh Dianne H. B.
Published: February 2025

Work–family enrichment has attracted interest from the perspective of the individual, entrepreneur, and family business. This study investigates how family–work enrichment (FWE) influences Family satisfaction (FS), the moderating role of family ownership, and the three‐way interaction between FWE, FS and gender, which provides a more synergistic understanding of family businesses. In a sample from four South African provinces, this study shows that FWE has a positive association with FS and that family ownership moderates the association between FWE and FS. The effect is more pronounced in families than in non‐family businesses. The three‐way interaction among FWE, family ownership, and gender is significantly associated with FS, but the effect is more substantial for women in non‐family businesses; only male entrepreneurs in family businesses benefit from family resources. The study concludes with implications for practice.
Study on the pyrolysis characteristics of rolling oil sludge in the iron and steel industry
Authors: Ge Lichao , Mai Longhui , Li Qian , Wang Yang , Li Shangjie , Zha Wentian , Xu Chang
Published: February 2025

Pyrolysis is an effective technology that can recover energy and resources from rolling oil sludge (ROS), a hazardous waste. In this work, thermogravimetric analysis experiments were used to investigate the variation in the thermal weight loss curve of the ROS at different heating rates and then assesses the pyrolysis characteristics of the ROS. Based on the Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (OFW), Friedman (FM), and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) models, the characteristic reaction kinetics of the ROS pyrolysis process were calculated. The apparent activation energy trends calculated by the three models were the same, and in all cases, the apparent activation energy increased with increasing conversion ratio. The thermodynamic function of the pyrolysis process at different heating rates was calculated via the OFW model, and A, ΔH, and ΔS tended to increase with increasing conversion ratio. An experimental tubular furnace study revealed that an increase in the pyrolysis temperature of the ROS had a positive effect on the combustible component content, reducing the component content, iron grade, and metallization ratio of the pyrolysis residue of the pyrolysis gas. Analysis of the pyrolysis behaviour of the ROS revealed that the ROS has the potential for resource utilization.
TRiC Is a Structural Component of Mammalian Sperm Axonemes
Authors: Brown Alan , Leung Miguel Ricardo , Zeev‐Ben‐Mordehai Tzviya , Zhang Rui
Published: February 2025

The TRiC chaperonin is responsible for folding ~5%–10% of the proteome in eukaryotic cells. Our recent cryo‐electron microscopy studies of axonemes from diverse mammalian cell types led to the surprising discovery that a fully assembled TRiC chaperonin is a structural component of mammalian sperm flagella, where it is tethered to the radial spokes of doublet microtubules. In contrast, axoneme‐tethered TRiC is not observed in mammalian epithelial cilia, nor in any of the non‐mammalian sperm flagella studied to date. In this Perspective, we explore several hypotheses for the potential functions of axoneme‐tethered TRiC in mature sperm.
Relationship between pain and nonopioid substance use in two national samples of cancer survivors
Authors: Powers Jessica M. , LaRowe Lisa R. , Rubenstein Dana , Paice Judith A. , Hitsman Brian , Rini Christine M.
Published: February 2025

Pain is related to greater odds of cigarette use, e‐cigarette use, and cannabis use and lower likelihood of alcohol use among cancer survivors in the United States. Current cigarette smoking and pain are also related to greater treatment‐related side effects and worse physical/mental health among cancer survivors.
The Role of Viruses in Cellular Transformation and Cancer
Authors: Damian Donath
Published: February 2025

Background

Viral infections are established contributors to oncogenesis, leading to significant public health challenges. This systematic review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the mechanisms of viral cellular transformation and their association with various cancers.

Recent findings

Studies reveal key mechanisms of oncogenesis, including direct viral integration into the host genome, expression of viral oncogenes, and indirect pathways such as chronic inflammation and immune evasion. Notably, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) was linked predominantly to cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, while Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) was associated with lymphomas. Hepatitis B and C viruses were linked to liver cancer, highlighting the diverse impacts of viral infections on oncogenic processes.

Conclusions

This review underscores the complexity of viral interactions with host cells and their implications for cancer development. Findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as vaccination and antiviral therapies, may play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of virus‐related cancers. Further research is needed to explore novel therapeutic strategies and the role of co‐factors in viral oncogenesis.
A New Multi‐Objective Binary Bat Algorithm for Feature Selection in Intrusion Detection Systems
Authors: Laamari Mohamed Amine , Kamel Nadjet
Published: February 2025

Monitoring network traffic and detecting security threats is a vital task in today's world, and intrusion detection systems (IDS) have become an essential tool for this purpose. However, IDSs have to analyze large volumes of data, which often contain irrelevant and redundant features. This makes the job of IDSs more challenging, as they must sift through all available features to identify attack patterns, leading to longer processing time and reduced detection accuracy. To address this, we propose a new wrapper approach for solving the feature selection (FS) problem. Our proposed approach uses a novel multi‐objective binary bat algorithm (MBBA‐FS) with a decision tree classifier. The MBBA‐FS aims to produce a set of non‐dominated solutions that minimize the number of features used while maintaining a high detection accuracy. Then, we use a frequency ranking method to identify a single subset of relevant features from the resulting set of non‐dominated solutions. We tested the feasibility and performance of our approach against other leading FS methods using various datasets, including KDD CUP 1999, NLS‐KDD, UNSW‐NB15, and several synthetic benchmarks. The experimental results show that MBBA‐FS outperforms existing FS approaches in terms of classification accuracy and number of selected features.
Task Allocation Algorithm and Simulation Analysis for Multiple AMRs in Digital‐Intelligent Warehouses
Authors: Chen Zixia , Gu Tingquan , Chen Zelin , Zhang Bingda
Published: February 2025

In digital‐intelligent warehouses, the heavy handling tasks, complex algorithms with high computational demands, and vast solution spaces pose significant challenges to achieving stable, efficient, and balanced operation of multiple Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for automated cargo handling. This paper focuses on a virtual smart warehouse environment and employs Python software to conduct simulation experiments for multi‐AMR task allocation. The simulated smart warehouse comprises three idle AMRs and 16 task points that require transportation. The experimental simulations demonstrate that the improved genetic algorithm can find the global optimal solution with relatively low computational cost, meeting the fast response requirements in real‐world operations. It enables stable operation, high efficiency, and balanced task allocation for multiple AMRs. The simulation results validate the reliability of the proposed method, effectively addressing the issues of multi‐AMR task allocation and path planning in digital‐intelligent warehouses.
Low‐Light Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on Improved MSRCP With Chromaticity Preservation
Authors: Feng Wenjian , Wang Zhiwen , Wei Chunmiao , Jiang Xinhui , Wang Yuhang , Huang Jiexia
Published: February 2025

In response to the issues of poor sharpness and low information entropy in traditional MSRCP (Multi‐Scale Retinex with Color Restoration) algorithms for image enhancement, we propose an improved MSRCP algorithm for low‐light image enhancement with chromaticity preservation. First, we replaced the extrema calculation method in the color restoration function with a calculation method based on clipped pixel ratios. Then, we combined guided filtering and Gaussian filtering to calculate the incident component. Finally, we conducted experiments using six different low‐light images and compared the results with the traditional MSRCP algorithm, such as SSR, MSR, MSRCR, and MSRCP. The experimental results show that our method improved the sharpness and information entropy values in the five comparison images by 5.6%–35.6% and 0.18%–15.3%, respectively.
Revealing Mechanisms of Lithium‐Mediated Nitrogen Reduction Reaction from First‐Principles Simulations
Authors: Zhou Chengyu , Zhao Qing
Published: February 2025

Recently, lithium‐mediated nitrogen reduction reaction (Li‐NRR) in nonaqueous electrolytes has proven to be an environmentally friendly and feasible route for ammonia electrosynthesis, revealing tremendous economic and social advantages over the industrial Haber‐Bosch process which consumes enormous fossil fuels and generates massive carbon dioxide emissions, and direct electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) which suffers from sluggish kinetics and poor faradaic efficiencies. However, reaction mechanisms of Li‐NRR and the role of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer in activating N2 remain unclear, impeding its further development. Here, using electronic structure theory, we discover a nitridation‐coupled reduction mechanism and a nitrogen cycling reduction mechanism on lithium and lithium nitride surfaces, respectively, which are major components of SEI in experimental characterization. Our work reveals divergent pathways in Li‐NRR from conventional direct electrocatalytic NRR, highlights the role of surface reconstruction in improving reactivity, and sheds light on further enhancing efficiency of ammonia electrosynthesis.
A Computational Design of Covalently Bonded Mixed Stacking Cocrystals
Authors: Nguyen Lam H. , Truong Thanh N.
Published: February 2025

In this study, a computational design of a new type of donor‐acceptor mixed stacking cocrystals is introduced. Our approach involves functionalizing trisilasumanene frameworks with electron‐donating groups (−CH3, −OH, −NH2) and electron‐withdrawing groups (−F, −CN), and then stacking donors and acceptors alternatively while connecting them either by sp3‐ and sp‐carbon chains. Using the B3LYP‐D3/6‐31+G(d) level of theory, we demonstrate that these covalently bonded cocrystals can overcome the issue of thermal and mechanical instabilities observed in the non‐covalently mixed stacking. Furthermore, modifying donor and acceptor groups can vary the bandgaps, approximated by the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gaps, from 1.50 to 3.50 eV. The results also predict the covalently bonded mixed stacking cocrystals having much larger conductance via Yoshizawa model. In addition, variations in bridge lengths were found to have a small effect on the HOMO‐LUMO gaps but allow for a new control parameter regarding the porosity of the materials. These results encourage experimental explorations.
Environment‐Dependent Ultrafast Photodynamics of Aurone Derivatives for the Photoprotection of Agrochemicals
Authors: Hymas Michael , Dalton Jack , Rioux Benjamin , Flourat Amandine L. , Allais Florent , Omidyan Reza , Stavros Vasilios
Published: February 2025

Derivatised aurones, based on phytochemical flavonoids, were synthesized and studied using steady‐state and ultrafast spectroscopy techniques. Aurones’ strong ultraviolet (UV) and visible absorption, in addition to being found in abundance in fruits, vegetables and flowers, makes them ideal photoprotection candidates for agrochemicals. Agrochemicals are well known to exhibit poor photostability, and the addition of photoprotectants to their formulations thus increases their longevity, and thereby environmental sustainability. The results presented here shed light on the complex ultrafast and long term photodynamics of five nature‐inspired derivatives in solution and on a wax surface, the latter designed to mimic the cuticle of a plant leaf. This study finds markedly different relaxation mechanisms between these condensed phase environments, highlighting the importance of studying photoprotectants in their real‐world environments. These findings inspire the development of safe and effective photoprotectants for agrochemicals.
Simultaneous Optimization of Both Electrocyclization and Cycloreversion Reactions of Diarylethene Photoswitches for Solar‐Energy Storage
Authors: Wang Jun , Sukumar Thillaiarasi , Perumalla D. Sravanakumar , Oruganti Baswanth , Durbeej Bo
Published: February 2025

A popular approach to developing molecular solutions for solar‐energy storage is based on exploiting the reactions of molecular photoswitches. However, given that the reactions in question are usually the reverse of one another, it becomes imperative to handle conflicting performance criteria when optimizing the reactions.  Here, studying diarylethene switches operated by electrocyclization (for storing the solar energy) and cycloreversion (for releasing the solar energy) reactions, we show that these processes can be made to simultaneously exhibit the desired characteristics by introducing a tricyclic rather than monocyclic π‐linker as the bridge between the two aryl units. Specifically, we perform quantum chemical calculations to demonstrate that such a scenario is realizable by tailoring, using aromaticity, certain parts of the tricyclic structure for electrocyclization and other parts for cycloreversion. Furthermore, employing this strategy, we identify several diarylethene switches, each with their own unique tricyclic π‐linker, that concurrently meet key performance criteria like large energy‐storage densities and long energy‐storage times. Accordingly, we conclude that there appears to be considerable structural flexibility in implementing the ideas for efficient diarylethene‐based solar‐energy storage put forth in this work.
Off‐label LAI antipsychotics effective for treating bipolar disorder in teens
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

Treating adolescents with long‐acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics which are approved for adults is an effective solution to nonadherence to oral medications, researchers have found. Oral antipsychotics are approved for mania, but adherence is often poor for various reasons, including aversion to side effects, cognitive dysfunction, impulsivity, anosognosia, and substance use. For adolescents with bipolar mania or schizoaffective disorder, the conditions these medications are approved for in adults, the LAI antipsychotics show that bipolar mania in adolescents is effectively treated based on Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) assessments.
Pediatric obesity treatment yields long‐lasting health effects
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

Researchers in Sweden, funded by a pharmaceutical company which makes diabetes and weight‐loss medications, have found that the long‐term effect of pediatric obesity treatment has benefits for critical health outcomes in young adulthood. However, the study also found that the earlier treatment is begun, the better, as adolescents do not have as good outcomes as younger children to obesity treatment.
A Swarm Intelligent–Based Cluster Optimization in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks for ITS
Authors: Y Sandeep. , P Venugopal.
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), leading to the Internet of Vehicles (IOV). VANETs are wireless networks without fixed infrastructure, designed to improve traffic safety in real time, supporting intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Due to their unpredictable nature, VANETs face major challenges like frequent link failures, scalability, reliability, network layout issues, quality of service (QoS), and security, all of which are complex and difficult to solve (NP‐hard problems). Traditional protocols are unsuitable for VANETs due to their unique properties. To accomplish the optimal number of clusters and achieve stability in VANETs within a dynamic environment, we propose a swarm‐based metaheuristic algorithm called the rat swarm optimization (RSO) algorithm. The RSO algorithm employs a clustering technique to optimize the network performance and ensure efficient communication in VANETs. The RSO algorithm optimizes load based on node transmission range (Tx range) through effective resource utilization and coordination. RSO organizes the unstructured network into cluster structures and generates near‐optimal clusters and CHs to reduce network randomness and maintain stability with lower communication costs. By keeping the number of clusters at an optimal level, the RSO algorithm enhances cluster lifetime and overall network performance. To assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the RSO algorithm, numerous experiments are performed by using various grid sizes, Tx ranges, and nodes in the network. The generated results demonstrate that the RSO algorithm stimulates 50.96%, 33.15%, 88.73%, and 96.70% optimal number of clusters when contrasted with the clustering algorithm–based on ant colony optimization (CACONET), moth flame clustering algorithm for IoV (MFCA‐IoV), the whale optimization algorithm for clustering in vehicular ad hoc networks (WOACNET), and grasshoppers' optimization‐based node clustering technique for VANETs (GOA) when the Tx range and nodes are taken into consideration. But, when the grid size is considered, the RSO generates 32.31%, 15.23%, 47.04%, and 58.33% optimal number of clusters when compared to cutting‐edge algorithms. Hence, the quantitative results and the statistical representation show the proposed RSO algorithm's effectiveness over cutting‐edge algorithms under the unpredictable nature of VANETs.
Influence of antiplatelet drugs on gastric ulcer healing after endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with early gastric cancer
Authors: Takahashi Kazuto , Nosaka Takuto , Murata Yosuke , Sugata Ryotaro , Akazawa Yu , Tanaka Tomoko , Naito Tatsushi , Matsuda Hidetaka , Ohani Masahiro , Suto Hiroyuki , Nakamoto Yasunari
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The causes of drug‐induced gastroduodenal injuries primarily include antithrombotic drugs, including low‐dose aspirin, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids. These drugs are suspected to affect gastric ulcer healing after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This study aimed to investigate the effects of these drugs on post‐ESD ulcer healing.

Methods

This study included 170 lesions (149 patients) who had undergone ESD for early gastric cancer. Post‐ESD ulcers were endoscopically measured on the 1st, 28th, and 56th days after ESD and were analyzed to identify potential risk factors for delayed ulcer healing among patients taking antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulant drugs, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and no drugs.

Results

Multivariate analysis for the frequency of scarring on the 56th day after ESD showed that antiplatelet drugs (odds ratio [OR], 3.905; p = 0.017), ulcer size of ≥40 mm on the first day (OR, 4.903; p = 0.006), hemoglobin A1c ≥6.5% (OR 7.659, p = 0.012), and age of ≥75 (OR, 5.227; p = 0.007) were independent risk factors of delayed ulcer healing. Anticoagulant drugs, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids were not significant factors. Among antiplatelet drugs, the ulcer reduction ratio for clopidogrel on the 28th day after ESD was 84.8%, which was significantly lower than the ulcer reduction ratio of 92.8% for no drug (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

As antiplatelet drugs, particularly clopidogrel, may delay gastric ulcer healing after ESD, careful endoscopic follow‐up and drug therapy are suggested for patients taking these drugs.
Individualized assessments for students with disabilities in postsecondary education
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: February 2025

In the final days of the Biden administration, the Department of Education provided guidance in the form of a Fact Sheet for colleges and universities and students with disabilities stating that “[i]ndividualized consideration is a cornerstone” of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (https://bit.ly/3CtQjGj).
Review highlights from OCR's 2024 Annual Report
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2025

The Office for Civil Rights recently released its annual report for the 2024 fiscal year (https://bit.ly/3WCodQi). The report shows that OCR experienced another record number of complaints receiving 22,687 total complaints — an increase from 19,201 in FY 2023 (the previous record). Since 2009, the total volume of complaints has nearly tripled, despite the decline in staffing levels over the same period (629 full‐time equivalent staff in 2009 to 588 employees in 2024).
Tenure
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: February 2025

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
First Records of Wild Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) Preying on Adult Invasive Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus)
Authors: Fernández Julio , Gestoso Ignacio , Juijn Hidde , Cabanellas‐Reboredo Miguel , Hernández‐Urcera Jorge
Published: February 2025

The Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, has rapidly expanded its invasive range ubiquitously in the Mediterranean Sea, posing ecological threats to native ecosystems. In its native habitat, the crab plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, but in invaded areas, it lacks natural predators. This has led to rapid expansion, highlighting the need to monitor and understand biological interactions with the native community. This study reports, for the first time in the wild, the predation of the invasive blue crab by the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris, in the Mediterranean Sea. Three sequences (two videos and a photography series) recorded by two spearfisherman (observation 1 and 2) and a recreational SCUBA diver (observation 3) are described. This article highlights the importance of native predators in influencing the expansion or control of invasive species. Additionally, it showcases the capacity of a versatile predator (the octopus), to serve as an ally alongside the fishing strategy, suggesting a novel perspective for ecologically sustainable management, in a context of low native predators of the blue crab. The collaboration with citizen scientists proves crucial in expanding our understanding of predator–prey dynamics and ecological interactions, underlining the need for continued partnerships between researchers and society for effective invasive species management.
Associating cultivars or species with complementary traits is key for enhancing aphid control through bottom‐up effects
Authors: Tous‐Fandos Alba , Chamorro‐Lorenzo Lourdes , Caballero‐López Berta , Blanco‐Moreno José M. , Bragg Daniel , Casiraghi Alice , Pérez‐Ferrer Alejandro , Sans F. Xavier
Published: February 2025

Organic farming promotes diversification strategies to enhance ecological functions. However, early field studies suggested that not all cereal polycultures confer benefits in terms of pest control. Our research involved a trait‐based field study to evaluate the advantages of different wheat polycultures on aphid control and yield. We also explored the bottom‐up and top‐down effects underlying aphid control. We established 10 treatments replicated in five organic fields: three wheat monocultures (Florence‐Aurora [FA], Montcada [MO], and Forment [FO]), a mixture with similar‐traits cultivars (FAMO), and a mixture with different‐traits cultivars (FAFO), each duplicated with and without a burclover undersowing. We analyzed aphid abundance, number of aphids per tiller, parasitism rate, predatory arthropods' abundance, and crop yield. FAFO and burclover undersowing significantly lowered aphid abundance and the number of aphids per tiller on FA. However, the treatments did not affect the abundance of predators or parasitism rates. Finally, wheat yield was similar across treatments, except in 2021 season when FA yielded significantly less. Our findings suggest that polycultures' benefits on aphid control are cultivar specific. Mixing wheat cultivars with complementary functional traits (height and odor profile) and the association of wheat monoculture with a burclover undersowing enhances aphid control by bottom‐up effects without compromising crop yield. Nevertheless, stacking the cultivar mixtures with burclover undersowing did not outperform the results of a single diversity practices, probably because of functional redundancy of resistant cultivars and burclover cover.
More extinction driven by the Red Queen in smaller habitats
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhang Quan‐Guo
Published: February 2025

Populations in antagonistic coevolutionary interactions may “run or die,” and their fates are determined by their evolutionary potential. The asymmetry of evolutionary speed between coevolving partners, for example, resulting from genetic constraints, can be mitigated in larger populations. We therefore hypothesize more frequent extinction driven by antagonistic coevolution with declining habitat size. In bacterium‐virus systems, viruses (the consumers) typically suffer an evolutionary disadvantage due to constraints of genetic variation; and this pattern may apply to host–parasite interactions in general. Here, in our experiment with the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 and its lytic phage virus SBW25Φ2, the likelihood of viral extinction was greater in smaller habitats. Among viral populations that did persist, those from small habitats showed lower infectivity and their coevolving bacterial populations had greater densities. Therefore, the impact of habitat size reduction on biodiversity could be exacerbated by coevolutionary processes. Our results also lead to a number of suggestions for biocontrol practices, particularly for evolutionary training of phages.
Heart failure decompensation with cardiogenic shock exhibits distinct sequential inflammatory profiles
Authors: Brahmbhatt Darshan H. , Scolari Fernando Luis , Fung Nicole L. , Otsuki Madison , Lawler Patrick R. , Ross Heather J. , Kuzmanov Uros , Gramolini Anthony O. , Luk Adriana C. , Billia Filio
Published: February 2025

Aims

The inflammatory profile of cardiogenic shock (CS) after myocardial infarction affects outcomes; however, little is known about the impact of inflammatory changes in CS caused by acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF‐CS). We measured levels of inflammatory cytokines in patients with ADHF‐CS admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU).

Methods

We identified patients admitted to our CICU with ADHF‐CS who had consented to having biospecimens stored. We identified two comparator groups of patients with HF seen as outpatients with stored biospecimens: firstly, those who had no history of decompensation and did not develop CS during follow‐up after sample acquisition (stable HF), and secondly, a group of patients who developed CS during follow‐up (pre‐CS). All samples underwent 48‐plex cytokine and white blood cell differential testing with the differences between groups analysed by comparing means.

Results

Eighty‐four ADHF‐CS patients were identified who had samples obtained at a median of 2 [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 0–7] days after CICU admission. Thirty‐six pre‐CS outpatients had samples taken 137 (IQR 41–258) days before admission with CS, and 338 stable HF control patients were included. Cytokine profiles differed between ADHF‐CS and stable HF. Patients with CS had higher pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels [including interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8)] and total white cell counts than stable HF patients. Analysis of the pre‐CS outpatient group suggested an intermediate stage in subacute transition to CS.

Conclusions

ADHF‐CS is characterized by high levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and total white count, compared with ambulatory HF. Decompensation from HF has two distinct inflammatory phases that may help identify outpatients at risk of CS.
SGLT2i reduce arrhythmic events in heart failure patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices
Authors: Mariani Marco Valerio , Lavalle Carlo , Palombi Marta , Pierucci Nicola , Trivigno Sara , D'Amato Andrea , Filomena Domenico , Cipollone Pietro , Laviola Domenico , Piro Agostino , Prosperi Silvia , Magliolo Josefina , Myftari Vincenzo , La Fazia Vincenzo Mirco , Severino Paolo , Chimenti Cristina , Badagliacca Roberto , Vizza Carmine Dario
Published: February 2025

Background

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) represent one of the four pillars of heart failure (HF) pharmacological therapy.

Objective

The study aims to clarify SGLT2i antiarrhythmic effect on patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in terms of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (AAs and VAs) reduction.

Methods

HFrEF carriers of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) followed by remote monitoring of Policlinico Umberto I of Rome for 1 year before and after SGLT2i therapy initiation were enrolled in the study. We compared the incidence of AAs and VAs as recorded at remote monitoring during 1 year preceding SGLT2i therapy initiation and after 1 year of SGLT2i therapy.

Results

Among 198 enrolled patients, 135 patients had arrhythmic events before SGLT2i therapy prescription. There were 1353 arrhythmic events recorded in the year before SGLT2i therapy prescription, and 354 events were detected in the year after SGLT2i initiation, with a 73.8% reduction in events number after therapy initiation. After SGLT2i therapy initiation, the median number of total arrhythmic episodes significantly decreased from a median of 7 [3;12] to 1 [0;4] (P value < 0.001), AAs significantly decreased from a median of 4 [3;7] to 1 [0;3] episodes (P value < 0.001) and VAs were reduced from a median of 5.5 [3;10] to 0 [0;2] (P value < 0.001). When considering arrhythmia subtypes, larger reductions were recorded for atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes, reduced from 4 [3;8] to 0 [0;3], non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) that decreased from 4 [2;8.75] to 0 [0;2] (P value < 0.001) and for sustained ventricular tachycardia (SVT) that were reduced from 3 [2;4] to 0 [0;1] (P value < 0.001).

Conclusions

In HFrEF carriers of ICD/CRT‐D, the use of SGLT2i resulted in significant reduction of AA and VA events.
Prevalence and prognostic value of different iron deficiency definitions in light chain cardiac amyloidosis patients
Authors: Li Xinqing , Xin Anran , Huang Yan , Zhou Qiong , Wang Jinxi , Zhou Ping , Anker Stefan D. , Zhang Yuhui
Published: February 2025

Aims

Research on iron deficiency (ID) in patients with light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL‐CM) has been limited in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and its association with prognosis of ID based on different definitions in patients with AL‐CM.

Methods and results

Three different ID definitions were applied: (1) serum ferritin concentration of <100 ng/mL, or 100–299 ng/mL with transferrin saturation (TSAT) < 20% (according to guidelines on heart failure), (2) TSAT < 20% and (3) serum iron <13 μmol/L. The primary outcome measure was all‐cause mortality. Prevalence and outcomes of various ID definitions were evaluated among patients diagnosed with AL‐CM at Heart Failure Center, Fuwai Hospital between September 2017 and October 2023. Overall, 149 patients were included with a mean age of 60.71 ± 10.11 years, of whom 60 (40.3%) patients were female, 127 (85.2%) patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III–IV and 136 (91.3%) patients were in the revised Mayo 2012 stage III–IV. Assessments of iron biomarkers revealed the following results: median ferritin levels were 183.68 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 95.48, 339.01), median TSAT was 21.80% (IQR 16.34, 29.48), and median serum iron was 10.87 μmol/L (IQR 7.38, 13.71). Serum iron were highly correlated with TSAT (r = 0.85, P < 0.0001). Depending on the definition used, 63 (42.3%) patients, 61 (40.9%) patients and 105 (70.5%) patients were defined as ID, respectively (P < 0.0001). ID defined by TSAT and serum iron was associated with the primary outcome [hazard ratio (HR) 2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36–3.37, P < 0.001, and HR 2.16, 95% CI (1.23–3.80), P < 0.01], but the same association was not seen with the guideline definition of ID [HR 1.39, 95% CI (0.88–2.18), P = 0.158]. In the multivariable model adjusting for age, gender, haemoglobin, and revised 2012 Mayo staging, the predictive value of TSAT < 20% [adjusted HR 2.49, 95% CI (1.54–4.05), P < 0.001] and serum iron < 13 μmol/L [adjusted HR 2.24, 95% CI (1.23–4.09), P < 0.01] remained.

Conclusions

Different definitions of ID yield inconsistent results in terms of prevalence and prognosis. ID, as defined by TSAT < 20% or serum iron < 13 μmol/L, rather than the guideline definition, emerged as an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality in patients with AL‐CM.
Bystander Expression of Atypical Chemokine Receptor 2 Protects T Cells from Chemoattraction towards Cancer‐Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Tang Richard , Tay Szun S. , Sharbeen George , Herrmann David , Youkhana Janet , Timpson Paul , Phillips Phoebe A. , Biro Maté
Published: February 2025

Atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) are a subclass of chemokine receptors that internalise and degrade chemokines instead of eliciting chemotaxis. Scavenging by ACKRs reduces the local bioavailability of chemokines and can thus reshape chemokine gradients that direct leukocyte trafficking during inflammation and anticancer responses. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), chemokine axes, such as CXCL12‐CXCR4, are co‐opted by cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) for tumour growth and escape, and immunosuppression. Here, we explore the use of ACKRs to reshape chemokine gradients within the PDAC tumour microenvironment. ACKR2, previously only known to scavenge inflammatory CC chemokines, was recently shown to be able to interact with CXCL10 and CXCL14. Here, using a chemokine binding assay and cytometric bead arrays, we reveal that ACKR2 scavenges additional CXC chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL1. ACKR2 scavenges CXCL12 with reduced efficiency compared to ACKR3, previously reported to bind CXCL12. Finally, we demonstrate that the overexpression of ACKR2 on bystander cells protects primary murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes from PDAC CAF‐mediated chemoattraction. These findings reveal new CXC chemokine ligands of ACKR2 and indicate that ACKR overexpression may protect T cells from misdirection by CAFs.
Recent Advances on Light‐Mediated Nitrene Transfer Reactions: An Emerging Area
Authors: Yao Minghan , Chen Gang , Zhang Xinke , Yusuf Abdulla , Xu Xinfang
Published: February 2025

Nitrogen atoms are fundamental in biological systems and are widely found in approved drugs, natural products, and materials. Thus, catalytic methods for the C‐N bond formation have attracted significant attention in synthetic chemistry. Among the toolbox, nitrene transfer reaction is one of the powerful protocols for the construction of N‐incorporating frameworks with structural diversity. In this field, transition metal‐catalyzed nitrene transfer reactions have been extensively explored using different types of precursors. On the other hand, photochemistry offers a sustainable protocol in synthetic chemistry, which has emerged as an eco‐friendly catalytic method in nitrene chemistry, particularly, with the induction of visible light as the initiator in this area. In the last decade, a variety of visible‐light‐mediated synthetic transformations involving free nitrene species have been reported under mild reaction conditions. Thus, it is timely and highly desirable to summarize the advancements in this area. This review summarized the advances in photo‐mediated nitrene transfer reactions from 1950s to 2024, which is organized into two sections according to the protocols for the nitrene formation: (i) direct photolysis of diverse nitrene precursors and (ii) photocatalytic generation of free nitrenes. The detailed reaction mechanisms and synthetic potential are the main focus in this review article.