bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineered Microneedle System Enables the Smart Regulation of Nanodynamic Sterilization and Tissue Regeneration for Wound Management
Authors: Lin Shiyang , Cui Zhongqi , Luo Qingqiong , Li Chen , Zhang Yue , Yang Fengjiao , Chen Yichuan , Xu Chuansheng , Gao Yan , Zhao Shasha , Sun Fenyong , Shen Dandan , Wu Qi , Shi Shuo
Published: January 2025

The healing of bacterial biofilm‐infected wounds is a complex process, and the construction of emerging therapeutic modalities that regulate the microenvironment to magnify therapeutic effects and reduce biotoxicity is still highly challenging. Herein, an engineered microneedle (MN) patch is reported to mediate the efficient delivery of black phosphorus nanosheets (BP NSs) and copper peroxide nanodots (CP NDs) for dual nanodynamic sterilization and methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)‐infected wound healing. Results demonstrate that the system can eliminate biofilm, reduce cytotoxicity, promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration by the multiple advantages of chemodynamic therapy (CDT), enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT), and improved degradation process from BP NSs to phosphate for promoting cell proliferation. Notably, the balance between excellent photodynamic stability and rapid degradability of BP NSs is maintained, and the improved degradation mechanism of BP NSs is vividly elucidated by density functional theory (DFT)‐based molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. Furthermore, the transcriptional changes of treated MRSA‐infected skin are studied using RNA‐seq technology to reveal the potential therapeutic mechanism. As envisaged, the proposed MN patch provides a safe, easy, also highly effective approach to achieve the temporal regulation of sterilization and tissue regeneration for bacterial biofilm‐infected wounds.
N‐oxide‐Functionalized Bipyridines as Strong Electron‐Deficient Units to Construct High‐Performance n‐Type Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Li Mingwei , Li Wenhao , Zhou Junkang , Tian Xiaowen , Li Hongxiang , Jiang Zhen , Liu Di , Liu Yunqi , Wang Yang , Shi Yongqiang
Published: January 2025

Developing low‐cost unipolar n‐type organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) is necessary for logic circuits. To achieve this objective, the usage of new electron‐deficient building blocks with simple structure and easy synthetic route is desirable. Among all electron‐deficient building units, N‐oxide‐functionalized bipyridines can be prepared through a simple oxidized transformation of bipyridines. However, employing N‐oxide‐functionalized bipyridines as the building unit to construct efficient N‐type polymers has been overlooked. This gap strongly encourages us to design and synthesize two new N‐oxide building blocks, 5,5'‐dibromo‐[2,2'‐bipyridine] 1‐oxide (BPyO) and 5,5'‐dibromo‐[2,2'‐bipyridine] 1,1'‐dioxide (BPyDO), through the oxidation of sp2‐N in 2,2ʹ‐bipyridine. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction shows that BPyO and BPyDO possess planar structure with strong π‐stacking, which is beneficial for charge transport. Incorporation of these building blocks into acceptor–acceptor backbones leads to two new polymers, namely P(DPP‐BPyO) and P(DPP‐BPyDO). Both P(DPP‐BPyO) and P(DPP‐BPyDO) possess lower frontier molecular orbital energy levels than the non‐oxide polymer P(DPP‐BPy). Consequently, the transition from P(DPP‐BPy) (without oxide group) to P(DPP‐BPyO) (mono‐oxide group) and then to P(DPP‐BPyDO) (dioxide group) can decrease hole‐transport performance and gradually switch the transport nature from p‐type to n‐type via ambipolar. These results prove that the introduction of sp2‐N oxide groups in building units would be a promising strategy to approach high‐performance n‐type polymers.
Boosting the Hydrogen Evolution Activity of a Low‐Coordinated Co─N─C Catalyst via Vacancy Defect‐Mediated Alteration of the Intermediate Adsorption Configuration
Authors: Song Qianwei , Gong Zhichao , Liu Jianbin , Huang Kang , Ye Gonglan , Niu Shuwen , Fei Huilong
Published: January 2025

The cobalt‐nitrogen‐carbon (Co─N─C) single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are promising alternatives to precious metals for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and their activity is highly dependent on the coordination environments of the metal centers. Herein, a NaHCO3 etching strategy is developed to introduce abundant in‐plane pores within the carbon substrates that further enable the construction of low‐coordinated and asymmetric Co─N3 sites with nearby vacancy defects in a Co─N─C catalyst. This catalyst exhibits a high HER activity with an overpotential (η) of merely 78 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 45.2 mV dec−1, and a turnover frequency of 1.67 s−1 (at η = 100 mV). Experimental investigations and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the vacancy defects neighboring the Co─N3 sites can modulate the electronic structure of the catalyst and alter the adsorption configuration of the H intermediate from the typical atop mode to the side mode, resulting in weakened H adsorption strength and thus improved HER activity. This work provides an efficient strategy to regulate the coordination environment of SACs for improved catalytic performance and sheds light on the atomic‐level understanding of the structure‐activity relationships.
Performance, adaptability, and multi‐trait stability of rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) in rainfed conditions
Authors: Nadim Md. Kawsar Alam , Rahman Motabber , Sikder Md. Rayhan , Adhikary Sourav , Atiq Nusrat Binta , Alam Md. Mahbubul , Mitu Mariom , Khan Tasnim Zerin , Islam Md. Rashedul , Alam Zakaria , Akter Sanjida
Published: January 2025

Rainfed rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation is crucial for meeting food demand in regions like Bangladesh, where irrigation resources are scarce. A study was conducted in five rainfed districts during the 2022 Aman season. The objective was to assess grain yield performance, adaptation patterns, and identify a stable rice variety using multiple trait evaluations. The results showed that Binadhan‐17 produced the highest grain yield, reaching 5.58 t/ha, with its maximum yield recorded in Gopalganj at 6.12 t/ha. Heritability estimates from a linear mixed model were high for plant height (0.93) and grain yield (0.65), with genotypic variance contributing 92.70% and 64.84% to these traits, respectively. A negative correlation (r = −0.43) indicated that shorter varieties tend to perform better for grain yield. Stability analysis using weighted average absolute scores and best linear unbiased prediction identified Binadhan‐17 as the most stable for grain yield, while the genotype–genotype environment biplot confirmed its adaptability across all locations. Factor analysis of the multi‐trait stability index showed stability across traits, with selection gains from 1.49% to 6.99%. Binadhan‐22 was identified as the most stable for average performance and multi‐trait stability. Given its high yield and consistent performance across environments, Binadhan‐17 is recommended for large‐scale cultivation, while Binadhan‐22 offers a reliable, stable alternative across various traits.
1.5D Chiral Perovskites Mediated by Hydrogen‐Bonding Network with Remarkable Spin‐Polarized Property
Authors: Sun Shuo , Jiang Jiawei , Jia Menghui , Tian Yunfei , Xiao Yin
Published: January 2025

In this study, we developed new chiral hybrid perovskites, (R/S‐MBA)(GA)PbI4, by incorporating achiral guanidinium (GA+) and chiral R/S‐methylbenzylammonium (R/S‐MBA+) into the perovskite framework. The resulting materials possess a distinctive structural configuration, positioned between 1D and 2D perovskites, which we describe as 1.5D. This structure is featured by a hydrogen‐bonding‐network‐induced arrangement of zigzag inorganic chains, further forming an organized layered architecture. The structural dimensionality affects both electronic and spin‐related properties. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal Rashba splitting induced by the inversion asymmetry of the crystal structure, while circularly polarized transient absorption spectroscopy confirms spin lifetime on the nanosecond timescale. Magnetic conductive‐probe atomic force microscopy (mCP‐AFM) measurements demonstrate exceptional chiral‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) with maximum spin polarization degrees of (92±1)% and (−94±2)% for (R‐MBA)(GA)PbI4 and (S‐MBA)(GA)PbI4, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of (R/S‐MBA)(GA)PbI4 as promising candidates for next‐generation spintronic devices, also highlight the critical role of chemical environment in sculpturing the structural dimension and spin‐polarized property of chiral perovskites.
CeO2 Modification Promotes the Oxidation Kinetics for Adipic Acid Electrosynthesis from KA Oil Oxidation at 200 mA cm−2
Authors: Guo Shuoshuo , Wang Changhong , Li Huizhi , Li Tieliang , Liu Cuibo , Gao Ying , Zhao Bo‐Hang , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2025

Electrocatalytic oxidation of cyclohexanol/cyclohexanone in water provides a promising strategy for obtaining adipic acid (AA), which is an essential feedstock in the polymer industry. However, this process is impeded by slow kinetics and limited Faradaic efficiency (FE) due to a poor understanding of the reaction mechanism. Herein, NiCo2O4/CeO2 is developed to enable the electrooxidation of cyclohexanol to AA with a 0.0992 mmol  h−1 cm−2 yield rate and 87 % Faradaic efficiency at a lower potential. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that cyclohexanol electrooxidation to AA is a gradual oxidation process involving the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone, the generation of 2‐hydroxy cyclohexanone, and subsequent C−C cleavage. Theoretical calculations reveal that electronic interactions between CeO2 and NiCo2O4 decrease the energy barrier of cyclohexanone oxidation to 2‐hydroxy cyclohexanone and inhibit the *OH to *O step, leading to AA electrosynthesis with a high yield rate and FE. Kinetic analysis further elucidates the effect of CeO2 on promoting cyclohexanone adsorption and activation on the electrode surface, thus facilitating the reaction kinetics. Moreover, a two‐electrode flow reactor is constructed to produce 72.1 mmol AA and 10.4 L H2 by using KA oil as the anode feedstock at 2.5 A (200 mA cm−2), demonstrating promising potential.
Discovery and Total Synthesis of a New Class of Minor Immunosuppressive Plant Sesterterpenoids
Authors: Zheng Yu , Teng Lin‐Lin , Zhou Ting‐Ting , Liu Zhi‐Wei , Guo Kai , Li Hao , Li Tao , Wang Liang‐Liang , Liu Yan , Li Sheng‐Hong
Published: January 2025

Plant sesterterpenoids are an extremely rare family of natural products that generally possess novel chemical structures and diverse biological activities. Herein, we report the discovery of an unprecedented group of minor plant sesterterpenoids, gracilisoids B−E (2–5), which feature two types of highly functionalized bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane carbon skeletons, along with their biogenetically related precursor gracilisoid A (1), from a Lamiaceae ethnomedicinal plant, Eurysolen gracilis. To confirm their structures and obtain adequate materials for biological research, the asymmetric total syntheses of gracilisoids A−E (1–5) and four new biogenetically‐related congeners gracilisoids F−I (6–9) were achieved from commercially available (−)‐citronellal by a bioinspired approach that involves a Norrish‐Yang photocyclization/α‐hydroxy ketone rearrangement tandem reaction and a late‐stage biomimetic photooxidation as key steps. Biological investigations revealed that gracilisoids A−I (1–9) significantly inhibited IFN‐γ production and/or T cell proliferation probably through inhibition of the STAT pathway. The findings herald the potential of these gracilisoids as novel immunosuppressive agents, and efficient synthetic approaches will facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of their value in future drug development.
Scaling up morphological differentiation of pangolin scales: Serial, ontogenetic and evolutionary variation
Authors: Moison Benoît , Gerber Sylvain , Filippo Andréa , Grosmougin Maxime , Falconnet Jocelyn , Rinder Nicolas , Gaubert Philippe , Hautier Lionel , Billet Guillaume
Published: January 2025

Pangolins are the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world, largely because of the high demand for their keratinous scales from the traditional Chinese medicine market. While seizures of pangolin material are largely composed of isolated scales, efficient approaches to reach species‐level identification are missing. This mostly originates from the lack of comparative studies on the shape of pangolin scales, resulting in knowledge gaps on the imbricated effects of serial, ontogenetic, and evolutionary variations. Using a large sample of micro‐CT scan data, we performed the first quantitative 3D analysis of scale shape variation among the eight species of extant pangolins. Our geometric morphometric approach suggests that pangolins grossly share similar trends of serial variation, with scale shape and size being similarly distinct across the different body regions. Relative elongation is by far the main component of scale shape variation at the intraspecific level, although degree of asymmetry and shape of scale bed area also allow distinction among different body areas, especially in adults. At the evolutionary level, Phataginus is the most distinctive genus, with P. tricuspis having the most elongated scales overall. Scales of the back (dorsum) appear to be the best discriminator between species, providing one of the few scale shape differences recorded between the genera Smutsia and Manis. Our results provide an unprecedented, upstream understanding of broad differentiation patterns across the scaled body of pangolins. Together with other yet‐to‐be‐explored morphological traits (e.g., scale size, ornamentation, and thickness), scale shape could provide a valuable matrix of information for forensic applications.
2‐Amidophenolate and 2‐Iminosemiquinone Radical‐Coordinated Vanadyl Complex as Catholyte for Non‐Aqueous Redox‐Flow Batteries
Authors: Adhikari Ritwik , Sarkar Prasenjit , Golder Animes Kumar , Mukherjee Chandan
Published: January 2025

Fulfilment of energy demand by utilizing renewable energy sources that do not contribute to the production of greenhouse gases is a step forward in mitigating global warming. However, with the energy sources being intermittent in nature, renewable energy needs to be stored effectively on a grid scale. In this context, the development of redox‐flow batteries has emerged as a promising technology where charging and discharging processes are accomplished by the redox shuttling of the electrolytes, namely anolytes and catholytes. This report describes the synthesis and characterization of a six‐coordinate vanadyl complex (complex 1) with H4LSCH2(AP/AP) ligand comprising two redox‐active (non‐innocent) 2‐aminophenol moieties. The metal ion‐coordinated deprotonated ligand, which was in {[LSCH2(AP/ISQ)]3−} form, encountered one‐electron reversible oxidation at 0.46 V vs Ag/AgCl where the 2‐amidophenolate ([AP]2−) unit was being oxidized to [ISQ]⋅− radical. Using this redox phenomenon, a static H‐cell was constructed in a 1 : 1 CH3CN : CH2Cl2 solvent mixture where galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles, in the potential range 0 to +0.8 V vs Ag/AgCl, were performed for 54 hours without noticeable degradation of the complex. GCD experiment provided a columbic efficiency (CE) of 97 % and energy efficiency (EE) of 71 %.
Applying the online language learners' characteristics model in connection with various personality traits: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Liang Yuan , Ji Ting , Zhou Shuying , Liu Xiaolin , Yan Hao
Published: January 2025

Constructing personalised and effective online language learning models based on individual personality differences is crucial in the field of education. However, there is little research on how to apply these models to students in science and engineering who have varying personality profiles. This study aimed to assess the validity of the Online Language Learners' Characteristics Model Questionnaire and investigate how its structure and performance differ among individuals with different personality traits. A total of 1015 college students completed a pen‐and‐paper questionnaire in online classes. The results showed that online characteristics were explained by a five‐factor model consisting of language learning strategy, attitude, motivation, causal attribution, and self‐efficacy. A latent profile analysis was conducted to identify four distinct personality profiles. Measurement invariance and differences in characteristics among the four personality types were examined. Our findings offer initial evidence of the specific connections between personality traits and online language learning characteristics at the individual level.
TERTp Mutation and its Prognostic Value in Glioma Patients Under the 2021 WHO Classification: A Real‐World Study
Authors: Xing Hao , Liu Delin , Li Junlin , Ge Yulu , Guo Xiaopeng , Chen Wenlin , Zhao Dachun , Shi Yixin , Li Yilin , Wang Yaning , Wang Yuekun , Xia Yu , Wu Jiaming , Liang Tingyu , Wang Hai , Liu Qianshu , Jin Shanmu , Qu Tian , Guo Siying , Li Huanzhang , Yang Tianrui , Zhang Kun , Wang Yu , Ma Wenbin
Published: January 2025

Background

The 2021 WHO Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors introduces more molecular markers for glioma reclassification, including TERT promoter (TERTp) mutation as a key feature in glioblastoma diagnosis.

Aims

Given the changes in the entities included in each subtype under the new classification, this research investigated the distribution, prognostic value, and correlations with other molecular alterations of TERTp mutation in different subgroups under this latest classification.

Methods

All glioma patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital for surgical resection or biopsy from 2011 to 2022 were included. Samples were analyzed for TERTp mutation and 59 other gene alterations and chromosome copy number variations.

Results

A total of 207 patients were included. The occurrence of TERTp mutations varied with percentages of 4.55%, 100%, and 77.92% in astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma, respectively. 65% of all adult‐type glioma patients and 42.6% of IDH‐wildtype histology grade 2 or 3 patients were TERTp‐mutant. Survival analysis showed that TERTp mutation was a predictor of better prognosis in IDH‐mutant grade 2 gliomas (median OS (mOS): not reached (NA) (95% CI: NA–NA) vs. 75.9 (95% CI: 55.4–NA) months, HR = 0.077 (95% CI: 0.01–0.64), p = 0.003), while poor OS was associated with all Grade 4 gliomas (mOS: 17.5 (95% CI: 12.6–24.2) vs. 40.5 (95% CI: 24.4–83.8) months, HR = 2.014 (95% CI: 1.17–3.47), p = 0.01) and all IDH‐wildtype histology grade 2 or 3 gliomas (median OS: 12.6 (95% CI: 11–24.2) vs. 83.8 (95% CI: 35.2–NA) months, HR = 3.768 (95% CI: 1.83–7.78), p < 0.001). Moreover, TERTp mutation tended to co‐occur with EGFR, KRAS, and MET in glioblastoma. In the IDH‐mutant subgroup, it tended to co‐occur with CIC and FUBP1 alterations, while being mutually exclusive with ATRX and TP53 alterations. These correlations may further refine prognostic predictions.
Metagenomic Profiling of Oral Microbiome Dynamics During Chemoradiotherapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Torozan Dominique A. , Laczny Cédric Christian , Roomp Kirsten , Wilmes Paul , Fleckenstein Jochen , Schneider Jochen G.
Published: January 2025

Background

We explored the interaction between the oral microbiome and the development of radiation‐induced mucositis in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We prospectively studied the oral microbiome and compared it to healthy controls. Additionally, we compared patients with low‐grade (LGM) vs. high‐grade mucositis (HGM).

Methods

Ten HNSCC patients scheduled for CRT were included. Saliva samples were characterized prior to, during, and nine months after CRT using metagenomic sequencing. We similarly characterized samples from seven healthy controls. We assessed alpha and beta diversity and examined abundances at different taxonomic levels between (sub)groups.

Results

Patients exhibited significantly reduced alpha diversity compared to controls at all times (p ⟨ 0.05). Differential abundance of taxa between patients and controls was observed at baseline. In patients, the relative abundance of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli increased significantly during CRT. Capnocytophaga spp. was associated with the definitive CRT patients' subgroup. At baseline, two fungal families (Melampsoraceae and Herpotrichiellaceaea) were more abundant in patients who later developed HGM. No differentially abundant taxa were found between LGM vs. HGM during irradiation.

Conclusion

Our findings support the hypothesis that CRT, as well as HNSCC itself, influences the composition of the oral microbiome. Microbial markers found in patients who later developed HGM should be evaluated using independent cohorts to qualify their specific biomarker potential.
How Psychotherapists Who Practice With Clients With Dissociative Identity Disorder Experience Their Work: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis
Authors: Pierorazio Nicholas A. , Snyder Briana L. , Chang Mu‐Yin , Israel Benjamin S. , Brand Bethany L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Psychotherapists who treat clients with dissociative identity disorder (DID), a trauma‐related condition, have unique experiences and challenges. There is a dearth of literature investigating the experiences and perspectives of therapists who treat clients with DID.

Methodology

We conducted in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 15 DID‐treating therapists. We used reflexive thematic analysis, drawing upon constructivist and critical paradigms, to generate an understanding of how these therapists experience, relate to, and make sense of their work with clients with DID.

Analysis

We created four primary themes: (1) ‘Here and Now’: Working in the Present to Facilitate Healing for Clients with DID; (2) ‘I Was Made To Do This’: Finding Meaning in the Calling to Work with Clients with DID; (3) ‘Churning my Stomach Up’: From Holding Trauma and Dissociation to Vicarious Traumatisation; and (4) ‘Pulling Back the Veil’: Working with DID as Social Justice Practice.

Conclusions

We recommend therapists work to leverage their experiences and perspectives in positive ways, such as embracing a here and now stance and what is meaningful about the work, while caring for themselves to manage potential vicarious traumatisation. Supervisors and/or consultants of these therapists must support them in this work.
Primary Tracheal Schwannoma With Extension to the Thyroid Gland: Management
Authors: Thapa Srijana , Sapkota Ranjan , Khati Srijana , Adhikari Aayush
Published: January 2025

The occurrence of neurogenic tumors in the tracheobronchial tree is uncommon. We report a case of transmural tracheal schwannoma with extraluminal component extending upto the left thyroid lobe. 40‐year‐old male presented with scanty hemoptysis due to transmural tracheal schwannoma with extraluminal part of tumor extending till the left lobe of thyroid gland. Patient underwent tracheal resection and anastomosis with en‐bloc excision of left thyroid lobe due to the nature and size of the tumor. Tracheal Schwannoma are not that frequent. Symptoms can misguide the clinician causing delay in diagnosis from the onset of symptoms. Definitive diagnosis is made after histopathological examination and immunohistochemical studies. So far, resection and anastomosis of trachea has been adequate treatment. Tracheal neoplasms are unusual and tracheal schwannomas are very unique. The case highlights the varied presentation of tracheal schwannoma and confusion faced to diagnose the patient and provide an optimal management.
Macrophage Activation Syndrome/Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Adult‐Onset Still's Disease: An Uncommon Initial Presentation in a Young Nepalese Female: A Case Report
Authors: Bishwakarma Kanchan , Bishwakarma Kajal , Bogati Sunil , Jha Saket
Published: January 2025

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), is a fatal systemic hyperinflammatory syndrome. HLH may be due to immunosuppression, infections, cancer, or autoimmune diseases with fever and cytopenia. HLH which occurs in adult‐onset Stills disease (AOSD) is called secondary HLH, also known as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Here, we present a case of a 36‐year‐old Nepalese female, with no known comorbidities presented with a history of fever, sore throat, multiple joint pain, fluctuating rash, hair loss, and unintentional weight loss for a month. She was hypotensive, with a high‐grade fever. She had swollen eyelids, and erythematous macular rashes in the face, trunk, and extremities with the rest of the systemic examinations normal. Investigation showed leukocytosis, with anemia, and a blood smear showed neutrophilic leukocytosis. ESR/CRP and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were elevated, and ferritin was 38,291 ng/mL. Tropical disease screening, blood culture, viral serologies, imaging for malignancies, and autoimmune disease panels were negative. She met the diagnostic criteria for AOSD. MAS was suspected of abnormally high ferritin levels, and a bone marrow aspiration biopsy was done. She was given IV steroids with some improvement. The biopsy showed hypercellular marrow with erythroid hyperplasia, dyserythropoietic changes, and increased macrophages with phagocytic activity suggestive of MAS. She was started on dexamethasone and cyclosporine which eventually improved her condition. Several complications can arise in AOSD, around 15% of these patients can have MAS which is regarded as one of the most severe complications. With studies showing a mortality rate of more than 50% in patients of AOSD with MAS which is five times more than the mortality rate with AOSD alone, understanding this combined picture and timely aggressive treatment has a huge importance.
Visible‐Light‐Switchable Molecular Glues for Reversible Control of Protein Function
Authors: Zhang Jun , Herzog Laura K. , Li Shuang , Chen Xi , Wu Yao‐Wen
Published: January 2025

Chemically induced dimerization/proximity (CID/CIP) systems controlled by chemical dimerizers (also known as molecular glues) provide valuable means for understanding and manipulating complex, dynamic biological systems. In this study, we present the development of versatile chemo‐optogenetic systems utilizing azobenzene‐based photoswitchable molecular glues (sMGs) for reversible protein dimerization controlled by visible light. These systems allow multiple cycles of light‐induced dimerization, overcoming the limitations of irreversible photolysis in previous systems. Through optimizing photoswitch properties and linker strategies, we achieved efficient and reversible control using blue, green, and red light. We demonstrate that these systems enable rapid and reversible control of protein function in vitro and in cells. The findings represent a significant advancement in chemo‐optogenetics, offering opportunities to expand applications requiring precise spatiotemporal regulation of dynamic biological processes.
Influence of Photoemission Geometry on Timing and Efficiency in 4D Ultrafast Electron Microscopy
Authors: Willis Simon A. , Flannigan David J.
Published: January 2025

Broader adoption of 4D ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM) for the study of chemical, materials, and quantum systems is being driven by development of new instruments as well as continuous improvement and characterization of existing technologies. Perhaps owing to the still‐high barrier to entry, the full range of capabilities of laser‐driven 4D UEM instruments has yet to be established, particularly when operated at extremely low beam currents (~fA). Accordingly, with an eye on beam stability, we have conducted particle tracing simulations of unconventional off‐axis photoemission geometries in a UEM equipped with a thermionic‐emission gun. Specifically, we have explored the impact of experimentally adjustable parameters on the time‐of‐flight (TOF), the collection efficiency (CE), and the temporal width of ultrashort photoelectron packets. The adjustable parameters include the Wehnelt aperture diameter (DW), the cathode set‐back position (Ztip), and the position of the femtosecond laser on the Wehnelt aperture surface relative to the optic axis (Rphoto). Notable findings include significant sensitivity of TOF to DW and Ztip, as well as non‐intuitive responses of CE and temporal width to varying Rphoto. As a means to improve accessibility, practical implications and recommendations are emphasized wherever possible.
Ionogel‐Based Electrodes for Non‐Flammable High‐Temperature Operating Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors
Authors: Gamberini Agnese , Burton Tobias , Ladam Alix , Bagheri Ahmad , Abruzzese Matteo , Beydaghi Hossein , Mastronardi Valentina , Calcagno Elena , Vaez Samaneh , Morenghi Alberto , Gatti Teresa , Falgavrat Anais , Bonaccorso Francesco , Fantini Sebastien , Bellani Sebastiano
Published: January 2025

The design of interfaces between nanostructured electrodes and advanced electrolytes is critical for realizing advanced electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) that combine high charge‐storage capacity, high‐rate capability, and enhanced safety. Toward this goal, this work presents a novel and sustainable approach for fabricating ionogel‐based electrodes using a renewed slurry casting method, in which the solvent is replaced by the ionic liquid (IL), namely 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (EMIFSI). This method avoids time‐consuming and costly electrolyte‐filling steps by integrating the IL directly into the electrode during slurry preparation, while improving the rate capability of EDLCs based on non‐flammable ILs. The resulting ionogel electrodes demonstrate exceptional electrolyte accessibility and enable the production of symmetric EDLCs with high energy density (over 30Wh/kg based on electrode material weight) and high‐rate performance. These EDLCs could operate at temperatures up to 180°C, far exceeding the limitations of traditional EDLCs based on organic electrolytes (1M TEABF4 in acetonitrile, up to 65°C). Ionogel‐type EDLCs exhibit remarkable stability, retaining 88% specific capacity after 10000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles at 10Ag‐1 and demonstrating superior retention compared to conventional EDLCs (50%), while also maintaining 92.4% energy density during 100h floating tests at 2.7V. These electrochemical properties highlight their potential for robust performance under demanding conditions.
Facile and Versatile Mechanochemical Synthesis of Indigoid Photoswitches
Authors: Llamosi Arturo , Danylyuk Oksana , Szumna Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

We demonstrate the application of mechanochemistry in the synthesis of indolone‐based photoswitches (hemiindigos, hemithioindigos, and oxindoles) via Knoevenagel condensation reactions. Utilizing ball‐milling and an organic base (piperidine) acting as catalyst and solvent for liquid assisted grinding (LAG) conditions, we achieve rapid, solvent‐free transformations, obtaining a set of known and previously unreported photoswitches, including highly functional amino acid–based photoswitches, multichromophoric derivatives and photoswitchable cavitands based on resorcin[4]arenes. The reaction under mechanochemical conditions gives moderate‐to‐high yields and is highly stereoselective leading to Z‐isomers of hemiindigos and hemithioindigos and E‐isomers of oxindoles. For selected examples, reversible visible‐light photoswiching properties have been demonstrated.
GTD‐CER: Game‐Theoretic Dynamic Clustering for Enhanced Efficiency and Reliability in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Vargheese M. , Sankarasubramanian R. S. , Vijayalakshmi B. , Keerthanadevi R.
Published: January 2025

Efficient cluster formation is a significant issue in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for optimizing energy consumption, enhancing data reliability, and prolonging network lifetime. This paper proposes a dynamic cluster formation scheme modeled as a noncooperative game, where each sensor node acts as a player making strategic decisions on whether to become a cluster head (CH) or remain a member node (MN). In this role selection decision‐making phase, nodes evaluate their potential utility function, which incorporates energy consumption, data reliability, and data forwarding efficiency. Nodes dynamically switch roles based on their utility to achieve an optimal network configuration. Simulations conducted using the NS‐3 network simulator demonstrate that the proposed game theory‐based clustering scheme significantly improves network performance. We analyze key measures like energy consumption, packet delivery ratio (PDR), and data forwarding, and the results shows that the proposed scheme reduces energy consumption by 25%, improves PDR by 15%, and extends the network lifetime by 20%, compared to traditional methods. The dynamic role‐switching mechanism prolongs network lifetime by preventing the rapid depletion of node energy, ensuring stable and efficient network operations. It significantly enhances network performance, stability, and longevity.
Controlled Synthesis of α‐Mono‐ and α,α‐Di‐Halogenated Ketones Through Coupling of Halogenated Diboromethanes with Carboxylic Acid Esters
Authors: Wu Chenxu , Xu Liangxuan , Ren Bowen , Lu Jianmei , Liu Chao
Published: January 2025

Halogenated gem‐diboron reagents, as structurally unique gem‐diborylalkanes, are crucial in organic synthesis chemistry. Herein, we report a strategy with controlled synthesis of α‐mono‐ and α,α‐di‐halogenated ketones through nucleophilic addition reaction of halogenated diboromethanes with carboxylic acid esters. The substrate scope is broad and the nucleophilic addition reaction proceeds from a diverse range of carboxylic acid esters with bromo‐ or chloro‐diborylmethanes. Moreover, an intriguing heterocyclic compound has been serendipitously synthesized as well.
Influence of Low‐Grade Solid Potash Mineral Composition on Potassium Extraction and Lithium Distribution During Solution Mining in Mahai Salt Lake, Qaidam Basin
Authors: Long Pengyu , Zhao Xianfu , Zhao Yanjun , Woo Ik , Du Jiangmin , Wang Zhaoxu , Hu Yufei
Published: January 2025

As high‐grade potash resources become increasingly scarce and lithium is recognised as a valuable co‐product, the low‐grade solid potash deposits in the Mahai Salt Lake, Qaidam Basin, have become increasingly significant targets for potash resource development. However, the inefficient release of potassium from these low‐grade ores constrains their economic feasibility for industrial use. This study addresses this challenge by employing x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), and observational borehole monitoring data to systematically analyse the mineralogical characteristics of these ores and their influence on potassium ion release during solid–liquid conversion. The results identify carnallite, sylvite, and polyhalite as the primary potash minerals, with a significant spatial variations across the study area that directly impact potassium ion release and migration. Sylvite and carnallite in shallow strata are more reactive with solvents, facilitating rapid potassium ion release, whereas polyhalite, hosted within the intercrystalline clastic materials of halite, demonstrates limited pore connectivity, resulting in a slower release rate. Monitoring borehole data indicate that variations in solvent injection volumes cause significant fluctuations in water levels and potassium ion concentrations, thereby affecting potash dissolution rates. As solution mining progresses, high‐lithium areas gradually expand, with lithium concentrations in brine reaching up to 120.4 mg/L and generally ranging from 20 to 70 mg/L. The spatial correlation between potassium and lithium distribution suggests that lithium can be effectively recovered as a co‐product. Adjustments in solvent injection rates and concentrations, based on mineral distribution and monitoring data, are essential for optimising the dissolution efficiency of both potassium and lithium during production.
Impact of diagnostic testing on outcomes of children with rumination syndrome
Authors: Khoo Janice S. , Kroon Van Diest Ashley M. , Yang Dennis , Sabella Julia , Puri Neetu Bali , Vaz Karla , Yacob Desale , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Lu Peter L.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Rumination syndrome (RS) is diagnosed based on clinical criteria with or without diagnostic testing showing characteristic findings on antroduodenal manometry (ADM), high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HREM), and multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH testing (MII‐pH). The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between diagnostic testing and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of children with RS evaluated at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups: those with confirmatory diagnostic testing for rumination based on ADM, HREM, and/or MII‐pH, and those without. We compared response to treatment based on the proportion no longer having vomiting at follow‐up and no longer needing supplemental nutrition.

Results

We included 152 children (60% female, median age of diagnosis 13 years, interquartile range 8–15 years) with RS. 22 patients (14%) had diagnostic testing that confirmed RS. At baseline, there was no statistical difference in the percentage of patients who had overt vomiting (p = 0.311), however, the confirmatory testing group was more likely to need supplemental nutrition (p ≤ 0.001) and to receive intensive treatment (p < 0.001). After treatment, the proportion of patients without vomiting increased in both groups without a statistically significant difference between the two groups. There were also no significant differences in likelihood of reporting improvement in symptoms or needing supplemental nutrition.

Conclusions

Children with RS who had confirmatory diagnostic testing were equally likely to no longer have vomiting after treatment when compared to those without confirmatory testing. Future studies are needed to account for potential differences in baseline severity between groups.
The change of alanine aminotransferase distributions among US youths, NHANES 1988–2020
Authors: Mallhi Arshpreet Kaur , Kiely Keagan , Roy Victoria , Ovchinsky Nadia , Woo Baidal Jennifer A. , Rochani Haresh , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The trend of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a biomarker of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), remains poorly described for the pediatric population because no widely accepted cutoffs are available to categorize ALT value. We described the nuanced changes in the distribution of ALT continuous values.

Study Design

We analyzed the data from 15,702 adolescents aged 12–19 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys between 1988 and 2020. The ALT distributions were standardized for age and sex. The prevalence of elevated ALT was also assessed.

Results

The ALT geometric mean increased from 11.82 U/L in 1988–1994 to 17.24 U/L in 1999–2004, stayed above 17 U/L for a decade, and then decreased to 14.04 U/L in 2017–2020 (p for the quadratic trend <0.001). However, the 95th percentile of the ALT distribution remained above 35 U/L by the end of the study period after jumping from 26.02 U/L in 1988–1994 to 33.83 U/L in 1999–2004. The prevalence of elevated ALT (>42 U/L in boys and 30 U/L in girls), doubled from 1.53% (0.87%–2.19%) in 1988–1994 to 3.49% (2.73%–4.25%) in 1999–2004, and lingered around 4% through 2020.

Conclusions

The ALT mean decreased in recent years, but the prevalence of elevated ALT remained persistently high. Population‐wide reductions in fructose consumption may have contributed to the decrease in ALT mean. The stagnant right end of the distribution, manifesting as the high prevalence of elevated ALT, calls for intensified clinical prevention.
Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Perioperative Morbidity in Combined Resection of Rectal Cancer and Liver Metastases
Authors: Done Joy Z. , Papanikolaou Angelos , Stem Miloslawa , Radomski Shannon N. , Chen Sophia Y. , Maturi Jay R. , Atallah Chady , Safar Bashar
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Little is known about the relationship between neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and perioperative morbidity for patients undergoing combined resection of rectal cancer and sLM. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of NAC on 30‐day morbidity for patients who undergo combined resection of primary rectal cancer and sLM.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing combined resection of primary rectal cancer and sLM between 2016 and 2020 at participating NSQIP hospitals. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between NAC and 30‐day morbidity rates.

Results

Among 878 patients who underwent combined resection of primary rectal cancer and sLM, 672 (76.54%) received NAC. There were no significant differences in the rates of 30‐day overall morbidity between patients who received NAC and those who did not (37.65% vs. 37.68%, p = 0.95). On adjusted analysis, there was no association between receipt of NAC and rates of overall morbidity (adjusted OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.78−1.56, p = 0.95).

Conclusions

The receipt of NAC does not appear to be associated with increased perioperative morbidity in patients undergoing combined resection of primary rectal cancer and sLM.
Household Exposure to Substance Abuse and the Risk of New Persistent Opioid Use After Cancer Surgery
Authors: Khalil Mujtaba , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Shaw Shreya , Zindani Shahzaib , Rashid Zayed , Altaf Abdullah , Thammachack Razeen , Husain Syed , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Household‐level factors may also influence the risk of new persistent opioid use (NPOU). We sought to assess the risk of NPOU among individuals with household exposure to substance abuse.

Methods

Opioid‐naïve individuals who underwent oncological procedures were identified using the IBM MarketScan database. Multivariable regression equations were used to assess the association between household exposure to substance abuse and NPOU.

Results

Among 10 557 individuals 4.9% (n = 520) had a family history of substance abuse. Patients with a family history of substance abuse were more likely to use opioids during the perioperative (85.0% vs. 78.8%) and postoperative periods (40.2% vs. 34.1%) (both p < 0.05). Moreover, perioperative (300 MME [IQR: 450–200] vs. 250 MME [IQR: 150–435]) and postoperative (525 MME [IQR: 1348–225] vs. 350 MME [IQR: 150–850]) opioid dose was also higher among patients with a family history of substance abuse (both p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, patients with family history of substance abuse had 37% (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07–1.75) higher odds of NPOU.

Conclusion

Among opioid‐naïve individuals undergoing oncological procedures, a family history of substance abuse is associated with NPOU. Patients should be screened for household‐level factors before prescribing opioids for perioperative use.
Multiscale Sensitivity Analysis of Landscape Fragmentation in Plantation Forests on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Mei , Liu Peng , Liu Ke , Zhao Zhong
Published: January 2025

Effectively quantifying plantation forest fragmentation is crucial for vegetation restoration and management on the Loess Plateau. Forest area density (FAD) effectively measures fragmentation, with multiscale sensitivity analysis essential for determining the appropriate window scale threshold. This study uses plantation forest data from different geomorphological types (hilly gully and plateau gully region) of the Loess Plateau. Various window sizes are applied to evaluate the FAD threshold curve and its derivative for determining a stable fragmentation threshold, while a structural equation model is employed to analyze the drivers of forest fragmentation. The results are as follows: (1) FAD variability decreases with increasing window size, leveling off after reaching the threshold. (2) Thresholds vary by forest type and county. (3) Two principal components explain 81.27% of the window stabilization threshold variation, with strong correlations between similar fragmentation types. (4) Fragmentation slowed between 2000 and 2022, with hilly gully region more fragmented than plateau gully region. (5) Stand structure mitigates fragmentation, with topographic and climate change influences showing heterogeneity. “Core” maintain stability, while “Islet” drive fragmentation. This study emphasizes the importance of scale‐specific analysis and adaptive management strategies in mitigating forest fragmentation. This study supports optimizing ecological restoration and targeted conservation strategies, promoting sustainable forest management on the Loess Plateau.
Assembly Processes Underlying Biotic Homogenization of Soil Microbial Communities in an Urban Ecosystem
Authors: Liu Lan , Zhang Zhaochen , Wang Meng , Wang Xin , Zhang Ran , Li Junxiang , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2025

Urbanization is known to cause biotic homogenization, but the processes controlling biotic homogenization are not well understood. Here, we analyzed microbial communities from 258 soil samples covering the large landscape heterogeneity of the entire Shanghai megacity. We measured the urbanization intensity by incorporating habitat fragmentation, connectivity, and distance to the city center. We determined the extent to which bacterial and fungal community composition varied with urbanization intensity and how different assembly processes contributed to the variations. We found significantly positive effects of urbanization on the compositional homogenization of bacteria and fungi, and the proportions of generalists and specialists were significantly related to homogenization. Dispersal and ecological drift explained at least 60% of bacterial and fungal compositional variations, with increased influences of dispersal and ecological drift reducing the specialists. Environmental variables explained < 28% of compositional variations, and higher urbanization intensity led to a simplified co‐occurrence network and an increased proportion of generalists in the network. These results indicate that dispersal and ecological drift homogenized soil microbial communities in the city by shifting the proportions of generalist and specialist microbes, with weak effects from environmental selection. Therefore, to conserve urban biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the face of complex human impacts, management strategies should consider not only environmental conditions but also influences of dispersal and drift, as well as species habitat preferences, to increase the effectiveness of management actions.