bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rapidly Growing Giant Vulvar Fibroma on the Right Labia Majora: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Samha Raghad , Raya Maria , Wardeh Abdulkareem Muhammad , Ibrahem Ali Mohammad , Abo Moughdeb Aimar Khir , Alasmar Ola Emad , Alnajjad Wasim Nazih
Published: February 2025

Vulvar fibroma typically has small sizes that do not exceed 5 cm and grows slowly. However, in rare cases, it can grow rapidly and reach giant sizes.
Unveiling the Dual Nature of the Smallest Aqueous Ferrocene Complex.
Authors: Blanco Susana , Verde Andrés , Lopez Juan Carlos , Yañez Manuel , Montero Campillo Maria de la Merced , Alkorta Ibon
Published: February 2025

The structure of the ferrocene‐water ((Cp)2Fe:H2O) complex has been characterized by combining state of the art rotational spectroscopy and computational chemistry. Two structures have been retrieved experimentally where water interacts with two distinguished binding sites, the exo Cp π cloud and the planetary‐like planar orbit around iron. The spectra of both conformers exhibit significant averaging effects due to the nearly free rotational dynamics of water. This is in good agreement with the exploration of the potential energy surface of (Cp)2Fe:H2O. For water interacting with the exo Cp π cloud, we found three axial conformers giving rise to twenty minima with small internal rotation barriers. Theoretical calculations reveal two minima for the observed equatorial complex. Water interacts with ferrocene quite strongly, exhibiting binding energies above ‐11 kJ/mol in all binding sites and contributing to small deformations in the structure of bare ferrocene.
Energy Transfer‐Mediated, Triplet Excited State Proton Transfer‐Enabled Dearomatization of Indole Derivatives with Amide Functionalities
Authors: Yang Li , Pan Yi , Zhang Peng , Shi Liping , Huang Sheng , Shu Yijing , Zhang Zhijie , Gong Yimou , Wang Li , Lau Kai‐Chung , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2025

Comprehensive Summary

The dearomatization of indole derivatives bearing amide functionalities presents a significant challenge due to the inherent stability of the amide carbonyl group, resulting from nitrogen lone‐pair delocalization that imparts increased resonance stabilization. In this study, we report a visible‐light photocatalytic intramolecular dearomatization of indole derivatives with amide groups, achieving the synthesis of spiroindolines via energy transfer. This method enables the efficient formation of a range of hydroxyl‐substituted spiroindolines in moderate to high yields, with excellent diastereoselectivity (> 20 : 1) under mild reaction conditions. Control experiments confirmed the involvement of an energy transfer pathway in the reaction mechanism. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further revealed π‐π stacking interactions between the indole core and pyridine ring, along with the strengthening of hydrogen bonding between the pyridine nitrogen and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in the excited state. These interactions facilitated the energy transfer‐mediated triplet excited state intramolecular proton transfer (T‐ESPT), crucial for activating the otherwise amide functionality. This protocol represents a rare example of harnessing the reactivity of amide groups for dearomative transformations.
Plant diversity facets differentially affect energy dynamics in grasslands depending on trophic contexts
Authors: Buzhdygan Oksana Y. , Tietjen Britta , Petermann Jana S. , Eisenhauer Nico , Hines Jes , Schmid Bernhard , Baldauf Selina , Ebeling Anne , Scherber Christoph , Buchmann Nina , Borrett Stuart R. , de Kroon Hans , Weisser Wolfgang , Meyer Sebastian T.
Published: February 2025

The strength of biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships varies within and across studies, depending on the investigated ecosystem function and diversity facet (e.g., species richness or functional composition), limiting our ability to translate BEF results into recommendations for management and conservation. The variability in BEF relationships is particularly high when considering complex multitrophic communities and can be explained by food web contexts. Here we examine how different plant diversity facets affect biomass stocks and energy flows of each trophic group depending on their position in the trophic network. We used coupled aboveground–belowground multitrophic networks of energy dynamics, assembled across the experimental gradients of grassland plant species richness, functional diversity, and presence of plant functional groups. We compared the strengths of these diversity effects between trophic groups, trophic levels, aboveground versus belowground subnetworks, and types of ecosystem functions. Plant species richness, functional trait diversity, and the presence of legumes and grasses were influential drivers of ecosystem energetics. The effects of plant species richness across the food web often operated through mechanisms of plant functional‐trait diversity. The effects of plant species richness attenuated across trophic levels. Legume presence strengthened the top‐down control (predation) of primary consumers. We found an overall mismatch in the strength of diversity effects on flows versus stocks. Some trophic groups showed even contrasting direction in responses of their stocks and flows to plant diversity. This indicates that plant diversity constrains consumer functioning by means other than only altered consumer biomass. Responses of flows and stocks to plant diversity differed between trophic groups, and aboveground versus belowground parts. Individual stocks and energy flows were responsive to different biodiversity facets, highlighting the importance of the explicit consideration of individual functions and diversity facets for a comprehensive multitrophic understanding. For example, legume presence increased aboveground processes but reduced plant carbon uptake and belowground plant production. Plant communities containing legumes lost more biomass to herbivores, had faster decomposition, and channeled less energy to soil detritus. An important implication of these results is that targeted grassland management would profit from focusing on specific plant diversity facets depending on the ecosystem function or service of interest.
Kelp forests as nursery and foundational habitat for reef fishes
Authors: Pérez‐Matus Alejandro , Micheli Fiorenza , Konar Brenda , Shears Nick , Low Natalie H. N. , Okamoto Daniel K. , Wernberg Thomas , Krumhansl Kira A. , Ling Scott D. , Kingsford Michael , Navarrete‐Fernandez Teresa , Ruz Catalina S. , Byrnes Jarrett E. K.
Published: February 2025

Conservation of marine biodiversity requires an understanding of the habitats needed to support and replenish species of interest. It also requires knowledge about the abundance and diversity of multispecies assemblages. Variation in the distribution and composition of kelp forests, one of the most productive marine coastal habitats globally, can have major influences on reef fishes—a group of ecologically and socioeconomically important species. In the face of widespread and escalating loss of kelp forests, quantification of these effects is urgently needed to assess and project cascading impacts on biodiversity. Here, we evaluate relationships between kelp forests and associated reef fish populations using a global meta‐analysis of experimental kelp removals and comparative surveys of kelp and adjacent non‐kelp habitats. These analyses show that kelp forests increase the abundance of reef fishes, though the significance of this effect varied depending on the structural complexity of kelp forests. In experimental studies, kelp forests have a significant positive effect on fish species richness, revealing that kelp act as true foundation species by supporting the diversity of associated multispecies assemblages. Importantly, regardless of kelp forest morphology and type of study (observational or experimental studies), kelp forests enhance the recruitment of early life history stages suggesting they are nursery habitats for many reef fish taxa. Lastly, kelp forests differentially affected species with different functional traits; small body size fishes from low trophic levels (e.g., herbivore and detritivores, micropredators, and mesopredators) and large body size fish from higher trophic level (e.g., piscivores, general carnivores) were both facilitated by kelp forests. Taken together, these results indicate that the loss of kelp forest, particularly those with more complex morphology, can reduce total abundance and diversity of fish, with possible cascading consequences for coastal ecosystem function.
New Parametric Approach for Modeling Hydrological Data: An Alternative to the Beta, Kumaraswamy, and Simplex Models
Authors: De Andrade Thiago A. N. , Gomes‐Silva Frank , Ghosh Indranil
Published: February 2025

We propose a new approach of continuous distributions in the unit interval, focusing on hydrological applications. This study presents the innovative two‐parameter model called modified exponentiated generalized (MEG) distribution. The efficiency of the MEG distribution is evidenced through its application to 29 real datasets representing the percentage of useful water volume in hydroelectric power plant reservoirs in Brazil. The model outperforms the beta, simplex, and Kumaraswamy (KW) distributions, which are widely used for this type of analysis. The connection of our proposal with classical distributions, such as the Fréchet and KW distribution, broadens its applicability. While the Fréchet distribution is recognized for its usefulness in modeling extreme values, the proximity to KW allows a comprehensive analysis of hydrological data. The simple and tractable analytical expressions of the MEG's density and cumulative and quantile functions make it computationally feasible and particularly attractive for practical applications. Furthermore, this work highlights the relevance of the related reflected model: the reflected modified exponentiated generalized distribution. This contribution is expected to improve the statistical modeling of hydrological phenomena and provide new perspectives for future scientific investigations.
Bladder Pain Syndrome With Repeated Bladder Hydrodistention—A Case of Functional Somatic Syndrome Considered in Relation to Alexithymia
Authors: Wada Naoki , Hatakeyama Tsubasa , Ishimaru Taichiro , Tsunekawa Ryoken , Miyauchi Kotona , Kikuchi Daiki , Kitta Takeya , Watanabe Masaki
Published: February 2025

Introduction

We present a patient with bladder pain syndrome (BPS) who underwent repeated bladder hydrodistentions.

Case Presentation

A female patient visited our department because of refractory bladder pain. She was diagnosed with BPS; she had only mucosal bleeding after distention. Her bladder pain improved after hydrodistention; however, the symptoms flared up within a few months. She also consulted with the palliative care department and was diagnosed with chronic pain associated with alexithymia. Various drugs were administered; however, none were effective or continued because of side effects. It was also challenging for her to embrace introspective counseling. Ultimately, along with her strong desire, the hydrodistention continued every few months. Her bladder capacity was approximately 200 mL.

Conclusion

BPS with uncontrolled bladder pain may be a functional somatic syndrome associated with alexithymia, and interventions such as psychosomatic medicine could be necessary from the early stage.
Microfluidic Systems in Cancer Diagnosis: Advancing Exosome and CTC Detection From Laboratory Research to Clinical Application
Authors: Saghezi Bahareh Valinezhad , Mansouri Kamran , Hallaj Rahman
Published: February 2025

This review aims to enable a rapid diagnosis of early‐stage cancer by examining the developments and methods used to collect specific cancer biomarkers, namely, exosomes and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), using microfluidic devices. High throughput, low response time, and accurate control of liquid flow are advantages of microfluidic devices compared to traditional technologies, which often suffer from disadvantages of high cost, time‐consuming procedures, and labor‐intensive processes. Microfluidic‐based approaches have the potential to improve early cancer detection and personalized treatment strategies by efficiently collecting and isolating CTCs and extracellular vesicles (EVs), which provide critical information about cancer progression and the response to treatment. An important step toward leveraging these advances and bringing them to clinical use is ensuring portability to the patient's bedside, that is, integrating point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostics with microfluidic technologies. In this article, we first provide a background on cancer and its markers, cancer biology, and liquid biopsies and their benefits in microfluidic systems in diagnosis. Next, we discuss the importance of the basics of microfluidics, techniques based on it in the detection of EVs and CTCs in advancing cancer research and their benefits, as well as integrating systems POC with microfluidic platforms for bedside applications.
Intramural Administration of Translational Inhibitor Puromycin Upon Balloon Angioplasty Inhibits SMC Proliferation and Protein Synthesis–Vascular Proteome Profiling Analysis
Authors: Boettger Priyanaka , Schwertz Hansjörg , Platsch Herbert , Mueller‐Werdan Ursula , Werdan Karl , Buerke Michael
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is an effective procedure to decrease the severity of stenotic coronary atherosclerotic lesions. However, its long‐term success is limited by the formation of restenosis or neointima by increased proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and synthesis of extracellular matrix. Polypeptide growth factors are potent SMC mitogens and are involved in SMC proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. In this line, inhibition of de novo protein synthesis might be beneficial.

Methods

We examined the effects of different concentrations of translational inhibitor puromycin on SMC proliferation and apoptosis, in vitro. Further, we examined the effects of local administration of puromycin in a rabbit balloon injury model of the iliac artery.

Results

Injection of puromycin or its vehicle was performed with an infusion‐balloon catheter directly into the vessel wall during angioplasty. PTA in the vehicle group resulted in neointima formation 3 weeks after the vascular intervention. In contrast, puromycin treatment resulted in a significant reduction of intima–media ratio. We observed decreased elastin and collagen III synthesis in puromycin‐treated animals. With proteomics, we could demonstrate reduced protein expression of lamin, vimentin, alpha‐1 antitrypsin, alpha‐actin allowing puromycin treatment. In in vitro experiments, puromycin decreased SMCs proliferation (i.e., BrdU incorporation) following FCS stimulation.

Perspective

Based on the data from our animal experiments, aministration of puromycin directly into the vessel wall during angioplasty may be effective in preventing or reducing restenosis in humans.
Proteome of Renal Tubuli and Serum Differentiate Pre‐Existing Type 2 Diabetes and Post‐Transplant Diabetes in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Skandalou Eleni , Rivedal Mariell , Marti Hans‐Peter , Halden Thea A. S. , Jenssen Trond , Vikse Bjørn Egil , Åsberg Anders , Furriol Jessica
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major cause of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), with kidney transplantation being the preferred treatment. However, post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) increases mortality and graft loss. While PTDM and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) share risk factors, their mechanisms differ, particularly in diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study aimed to investigate the molecular differences in PTDM by mapping the proteomes of proximal tubuli and serum in normoglycemic (NG), pre‐transplant T2DM, and PTDM patients one year post‐transplantation. Experimental Design Proteomic analysis was performed on microdissected proximal tubular cells and serum samples from kidney transplant recipients categorized as NG, pre‐transplant T2DM, or PTDM at one year post‐transplantation. Mass spectrometry was used to identify differentially expressed proteins. Data analyses were performed using gene ontology databases and pathway analysis.

Results

Proteomic analysis revealed key differences, including significant dysregulation of mitochondrial proteins and lipid metabolism pathways in PTDM patients compared to T2DM and NG groups. Additionally, we observed distinct serum patterns of cholesterol metabolism dysregulation in PTDM, highlighting a complex interplay between fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and systemic lipid dysregulation that may drive renal injury in PTDM‐related DN.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This pilot study is the first to perform proteomic analysis on both microdissected tubular cells and serum from post‐transplant PTDM, pre‐transplant T2DM and NG transplant recipients. The proteomic differences between PTDM and T2DM could help to develop targeted therapies and early diagnostic markers, ultimately improving transplant outcomes and patient management. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their therapeutic potential.
In Situ Grown Oxygen‐Vacancy Rich NiCo‐LDHs for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Wang , Qiu Kaige , Su Yuanhui , Li Shengfen , Ma Mengyue , Wu Tongzhen , Huan Yu , Shen Xuesong , Wei Tao
Published: February 2025

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are increasingly recognized as highly promising electrode materials for supercapacitors, owing to their exceptional specific capacitance, notable redox activity, and superior anion exchange capability. However, several challenges still need to be addressed to achieve the theoretical specific capacitance and excellent rate capacity, including poor electronic and ionic conductivity. In this study, a two‐step method was employed to prepare high electronic and ionic conducting NiCo‐LDH‐Vo materials, demonstrating enhanced electrochemical performance as supercapacitor electrodes. First, NiCo‐LDH was directly electrodeposited onto high‐conductivity nickel foam, which enhanced the electronic conductivity and avoided the effects of adhesives. Second, soak NiCo‐LDH in H2O2 solution to introduce more oxygen vacancies. The resulting NiCo‐LDH‐Vo exhibited higher electron conductivity and ion diffusion ability, leading to increased specific capacity and long‐term stability (771.8 C g−1 at 1 A g−1 with an excellent capacity retention rate of 92%).
Constructing CoWO4/Cd0.5Zn0.5S Heterojunction for Enhanced Visible Light Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Liu Yujun , Lan Meng , Dong Xiaoli , Zheng Nan , Gou Jialin
Published: February 2025

The ecosystems and human health have been gravely impacted by growing organic pollutants and photocatalysis and is regarded as one of the most valid and green governance approaches. Herein, a novel type II CoWO4/Cd0.5Zn0.5S (CWO/CZS) heterojunction photocatalyst was constructed by a secondary hydrothermal method and applied to the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO). The experimental results show that the CWO/CZS heterojunction photocatalyst exhibits excellent photodegradation activity toward RhB and MO under visible light irradiation. CWO/CZS (0.10:1) achieved a degradation efficiency of 96.7% for RhB within 15 min and the apparent rate constants were 135 and 5 times of CWO and CZS, respectively. The high photodegradation rate of MO also demonstrates its excellent photocatalytic activity. The significant improvement in the photocatalytic degradation rate originated from the expansion of visible light absorption and dense interfacial contact between the nanoparticles, which could effectively accelerate the transfer of photogenerated charges. This work demonstrates a novel type II heterojunction photocatalyst for the effective removal of organic dyes, providing fresh ideas for wastewater purification.
Comparison of Ethynylation Mechanisms of Ketones with Acetylenes in the Presence of Organic t‐Bu‐P4/DMSO and Inorganic KOH/DMSO Superbases: A Detailed Quantum Chemistry Study
Authors: Orel Vladimir B. , Teplyashin Nikita V. , Manzhueva Anastasia A. , Bobkov Alexander S.
Published: February 2025

We report the first detailed investigation of the mechanism of ethynylation reaction of acetone with phenylacetylene in the presence of organic superbase phosphazene t‐Bu‐P4 performed using the combined quantum chemistry approach MP2/6–311+G**//B3LYP/6–31+G*. It is shown that the mild experimental conditions of the reaction (r.t., 2 h) relate to the low activation barrier of the limiting stage (∆G‡ = 19.7 kcal/mol). A comparative analysis of the reaction mechanisms in the presence of t‐Bu‐P4/DMSO and KOH/DMSO revealed some distinctive features of the action of these superbases. The “soft” t‐Bu‐P4H+ cation only slightly stabilizes the pre‐reaction complex and the alcoholate ion, slightly destabilizing the transition state. The reaction in the presence of t‐Bu‐P4/DMSO can be considered to proceed as with the free phenylethynide ion, which suggests the possibility of regeneration of t‐Bu‐P4 and its use in catalytic quantities. In contrast, the “hard” potassium cation exerts strong stabilization of both the pre‐reaction complex and the transition state, leading to a decrease in the activation barrier. Our results revealed a very strong stabilization of the alcoholate ion by the potassium cation (∆∆G = −13.0 kcal/mol), which would inhibit regeneration of the KOH base, suggesting it should be used in stoichiometric quantities.
Efficient Enrichment of Rubidium and Cesium from High‐Salt Solution by Copper Hexacyanoferrate Co‐Precipitation
Authors: Li Chenxi , Li Kang , Li Shina , Ma Ruixin
Published: February 2025

Cesium (Cs) and rubidium (Rb) are important rare alkali metal elements that are scarce and dispersed in nature. They often coexist with high amounts of Na+ and K+. In this study, copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHCF) was used as a co‐precipitant to enrich Cs+ and Rb+ in a high‐salt solution. The effect of parameters, such as type and dose of divalent metal ions, solution pH, material dropping speed, reaction time, and temperature, was investigated for the recovery rate of Cs+ and Rb+. Results showed that the recovery rates of Cs+ and Rb+ were 99.78% and 88.84% at the optimal Cu2+/(Cs++Rb+) molar ratio of 0.5, respectively. The reaction could be completed within 10 min in pH 3–8. The detailed characterization of the Cs+ and Rb+ containing co‐precipitants, CsRb–CuHCF, confirm a general formula of Cs1.09Rb0.81K0.16Cu0.97Fe(CN)6. The (Cs++Rb+)/(Na++K+) increased significantly from 0.074 to 28.47 before and after precipitation, which realized the effective enrichment of Cs+ and Rb+. Studies of the precipitation reaction mechanism showed that the precipitant reacted first with Cs+ and then with Rb+. This process offers a promising avenue for the enrichment and separation of Cs+ and Rb+ from high‐salty solutions.
Targeting IL‐23 with Small Molecule Inhibitors: A New Horizon In Psoriasis Therapy
Authors: Sharbaji Raghad , Siyah Pinar
Published: February 2025

Interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) is a dominant cytokine in psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease that severely diminishes patients' quality of life and reduces lifespan by up to 10 years. Despite therapeutic advancements, psoriasis remains a clinical challenge due to the absence of a definitive cure, treatment side effects, and substantial economic burden. Notably, no small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) directly targeting IL‐23 have been developed to date, leaving a critical gap in current therapies. In this study, SMIs emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives. A high‐throughput virtual screening of 1.57 million molecules was conducted, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (1, 10, and 100 ns) to identify potential candidates. Machine learning‐based binary QSAR models and MetaCore analysis established the relevance of these hits to psoriasis and other skin diseases. As a result, tenapanor (MM/GBSA score: −101.66 kcal/mol) and ChemBridge ID 7740 and ID 360118 (−101.59 kcal/mol, −91.003 kcal/mol) emerged as top candidates, demonstrating exceptional binding affinity and stability in 100‐ns simulations. These inhibitors represent promising therapeutic leads, offering an alternative to existing biologics. Further in vitro and in vivo validation will be essential to confirm their efficacy and potential as the first IL‐23‐targeted small molecule therapies.
Telework During and After COVID‐19: The Role of FSSB and Boundary Management in Teleworkers' Well‐Being
Authors: Carvalho Vânia Sofia , Estreder Yolanda , Chambel Maria José , Castanheira Filipa
Published: February 2025

Telework gained popularity during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, for this flexible work arrangement to be a favourable option nowadays, specific conditions may be necessary such as supervisory support (FSSB) and boundary management strategies. Nonetheless, telework conditions during COVID‐19 may have differed from those after the pandemic. Drawing on border theory and the conservation of resources theory, FSSB is framed in this paper as an important contextual resource for teleworkers' well‐being. Furthermore, boundary management strategies (i.e., boundary control and enacted work‐family segmentation) are explored as linking mechanisms between FSSB and teleworkers' well‐being. Study 1, with a cross‐sectional design, captured telework during COVID‐19, and Study 2, with a daily design, captured telework after COVID‐19 with the moderating role of frequency of daily changes in the workplace, that is, telework and in‐house work. Consistent findings were observed across both studies indicating not only the critical role of FSSB for teleworkers' well‐being (i.e., burnout and work engagement) but also the boundary management strategies as mediators. Moreover, Study 2 reveals that the fewer the changes in the workplace, the more FSSB are needed.
Tuning Self‐Assembly of Hole‐Selective Monolayers for Reproducible Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Er‐Raji Oussama , Lange Stefan , Hartwig Carl Eric , Prasetio Adi , Bivour Martin , Hermle Martin , Turek Marko , De Wolf Stefaan , Glunz Stefan W. , Borchert Juliane , Schulze Patricia S. C.
Published: February 2025

Self‐assemble monolayers (SAMs) have become state‐of‐the‐art hole‐selective contacts for high‐efficiency perovskite‐based solar cells due to their easy processing, passivation capability, and low parasitic absorption. Nevertheless, for the deposition of SAMs with a monolayer thickness and a high packing density on metal oxide substrates, critical challenges persist. To overcome these, the study focuses on the impact of annealing temperature – an intrinsic yet so far unexplored process parameter – during the formation of SAMs. By performing in situ angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy combined with advanced data analysis routines, it is revealed that increasing the annealing temperature reduces the formed SAM layer thickness from a multilayer stack of ≈5 nm at 100 °C (conventional temperature employed in literature) to a monolayer at 150 °C. Furthermore, denser adsorption of the SAM to the metal oxide surface is promoted at high temperatures, which enhances the interfacial SAM/perovskite passivation quality. With this strategy, a 1.3%abs power conversion efficiency (PCE) increment is obtained in fully‐textured perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, with improved reproducibility, and a champion device approaching 30% PCE. This study advances the understanding of SAMs formation and presents a promising strategy for further progress in high‐efficiency perovskite‐based solar cells.
Finite element modeling and experimental investigation of reinforced geopolymer concrete T‐beam externally strengthened in flexure with side‐bonded glass fiber‐reinforced polymer laminates
Authors: Das Ajaya Kumar , Dwibedy Saswat , Biswal Uma Shankar
Published: February 2025

The current investigation focuses on developing a finite element (FE) model using ansys parametric design language (APDL) for fiber‐reinforced geopolymer concrete (GPC). In this study, fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag based GPC were used, and glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) was considered for strengthening the T‐beam. To overcome the issue of providing fiber‐reinforced polymer on the soffit of existing beams, the study was done on the effect of GFRP on the flexural strength of the side‐bonded flexure‐deficient T‐beam. GFRP was provided in three layers through the application of epoxy. All the specimens were tested under a two‐point load to determine flexural strength. The FE model was validated through the experimental results we obtained in the laboratory. The validated models were used for further parametric studies of T‐beams with varying compressive strength, steel reinforcement ratio, and GFRP laminate size. The findings illustrated that finite element modeling is effective in predicting the structural response of T‐beams constructed with GPC, ensuring accurate results.
Poland’s EU Narrative: Between Nativist and Internationalist Visions of Europe
Authors: Styczyńska Natasza
Published: February 2025

‘Europe’ has always occupied an important place in Polish public and political discourse. The country’s location at the crossroads between eastern and western Europe has left a firm imprint on the identities of Poles and their way of understanding Europe. This chapter examines how, two decades after the so-called ‘big bang’ enlargement, Poland’s membership of the EU and the EU is narrated. The first part of the chapter discusses the Polish understanding of Europe, which is often mythologised and politicised. The second part presents the official national EU narrative analyses, comparing the pre- and post-accession periods. A third and final section considers the narration of the EU in times of crisis, as well as recent developments regarding the rule of law, LGBTQ community rights in Poland and the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter discusses two distinct narratives about Poland’s relationship with ‘Europe’—one nativist, the other internationalist.
Indoor UWB Localization Algorithm for Multi-robot and Its Application
Authors: Wang Shuo , Xu Zhihao , Liu Kaiwen , Liao Yuanjiang , Li Xiaorong , Zhong Yule
Published: February 2025

Multi-robot are difficult to accurately locate in complex indoor space environments, with high real-time requirements and the inability to utilize satellite signals, thus limiting their application range. This article studies relevant algorithms based on the demand for indoor localization solutions in open intelligent manufacturing factories, existing UWB localization methods and principles. By measuring the distance value between the tag and the base station, and then using these distance values to calculate the tag coordinates, localization function can be achieved. Designed a localization scheme, built an indoor multi-robot UWB localization system, achieved precise positioning, and successfully verified the effectiveness of its algorithm. By combining multi-robot motion control technology with UWB positioning, it can be applied to indoor logistics transportation, achieve automatic data collection, and reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Antiretroviral drug exposure in pregnancy and risk of congenital anomalies: a European case/non-case malformed study
Authors: Saint-Lary Laura , Beau Anna-Belle , Sommet Agnès , Leroy Valériane , Loane Maria , Cavero-Carbonell Clara , Garne Ester , Hoareau Jonathan , Bielenska Anna Latos , Monier Isabelle , Nelen Vera , Neville Amanda J. , O’Mahony Mary , Perthus Isabelle , Pierini Anna , Rissmann Anke , Rouget Florence , Sichitiu Joanna , Tucker David , Dolk Helen , Damase-Michel Christine
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Antiretroviral drugs are recommended during pregnancy to achieve HIV viral suppression and reduce mother-to-child transmission. Congenital anomaly signals were reported after fetal exposure to antiretroviral drugs in several studies warranting further investigation. We aimed to evaluate the risk of congenital anomalies after fetal exposure to antiretroviral drugs using the European congenital anomaly registry data.

Methods

A case/non-case study was performed, using the EUROmediCAT central database. All the congenital anomalies, exposed to any antiretroviral drugs, were included from 1995 to 2019. We explored each signal identified from the literature for associations between congenital anomalies and specific antiretroviral exposures. We compared antiretroviral exposure between the signal anomalies (cases) and all other malformed registrations (controls). Reporting odds ratio (ROR) and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated and adjusted for registry and maternal age.

Results

Between 1995 and 2019, 173 cases of congenital anomalies were observed after any exposure to antiretroviral drugs. The signal previously identified in the literature between congenital heart defects and exposure to zidovudine was confirmed in the main analysis (aROR 3.66 [1.63–8.23]). Other signals identified in the literature were not confirmed, although two cases of hypospadias and two cases of limb defects were reported after zidovudine and atazanavir exposure, respectively. The signal detection analysis did not reveal any new signal after applying the Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

Our study does not reveal new signals but confirms the previously identified signal between congenital heart defects and fetal exposure to zidovudine. The physio-pathological hypothesis induced by zidovudine exposure should be explored in future studies.
Cochlear implantation with Slim Modiolar Electrode carriers enables hearing preservation
Authors: Sakmen Kenan Dennis , Issing Christian , Vazzana Caterina , Weißgerber Tobias , Linke Albrecht , Stöver Timo , Helbig Silke
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To investigate hearing preservation in patients who received a cochlear implant with a preformed electrode carrier, namely the Slim Modiolar (SM).

Methods

A monocentric, retrospective study was conducted. A total of 51 adult patients (24 females, 27 males), representing 60 ears, were included in the final evaluation.

The mean age was 60.9 ± 15.2 years (range 17.5–89.7 years). All patients had some degree of residual hearing. Frequency-specific pure-tone audiometry was performed at three time points: preoperatively (T0), within 30 days postoperatively (T1), and at a later time point during follow-up (T2; 20.7 ± 17.6 months). Low frequency pure tone average and the HEARRING group formula were used to facilitate comparison of hearing preservation rates with other results published so far.

Results

In the first month after surgery, no significant deterioration was observed for the low frequencies, but a significant deterioration was observed at follow-up. Using the HEARRING classification system, the average short-term (T0–T1) hearing preservation score was 70%, which corresponds to partial hearing preservation. During follow-up (T0–T2), the score decreased to 61% in the study group, still representing partial hearing preservation. Complete hearing loss occurred in 20% of the cases.

Conclusion

Especially in the low frequency range, the utilisation of SM electrode carriers during cochlear implantation facilitates preservation of residual hearing.
Ethical Correlates of Family Control: Socioemotional Wealth, Environmental Performance, and Financial Returns
Authors: Gómez-Mejía Luis R. , Muñoz-Bullón Fernando , Requejo Ignacio , Sanchez-Bueno Maria J.
Published: February 2025

We examine and test the environmental performance of family firms across 22 European countries and find that they exhibit better environmental performance than nonfamily firms. This result confirms prior research conducted in the United States. More specifically, we conclude that family firms engage in more substantive environmental actions than nonfamily firms. Furthermore, we hypothesize and confirm that family firms do not pay a financial price for lower emissions, which should facilitate the voluntary, non-instrumental adoption of pollution control practices. Finally, we also find that the relationship between substantive environmental activities and financial returns is stronger among family firms that have family members on the board and are under the influence of the first generation.
Utilizing phonetic similarity for cross-source and cross-language toponym matching: a benchmark and prototype
Authors: Sagi Tomer , Zaga Moran , Rusinek Sinai , Fekete Marcell R. , Bjerva Johannes , Hose Katja
Published: February 2025

The writings of one ancient civilization often overlap in time and space with others. Many of these sources comprise unstructured text in ancient languages, causing scholars studying these civilizations to be siloed, often relying on sources in specific languages. Most recent efforts to extract structured information from historical scripts into place (toponym) and people databases (prospographies) have followed this pattern, focusing on one civilization and selected sources. The path to creating a common database runs through aligning names or toponyms between sources from disparate languages utilizing different scripts. Existing multi-lingual orthographic (string-based) comparison often relies on transliteration to a common script (Latin/English). Transliteration often creates multiple options and even more confusion. However, when integrating sources that overlap in space and time, the languages often share a common phonetic background. This commonality may prove beneficial. In this work, we present a benchmark for comparing toponyms from two linguistically and culturally related languages, namely Hebrew and Arabic. We provide a benchmark comprised of a set of dataset pairs created from historical sources written in Medieval variants of these languages, later historical Gazetteers and a modern dataset curated from Wikidata. We empirically evaluate several toponym comparison approaches over the benchmark: transliteration to a common script, direct transliteration, and phonetic comparison using a common phonetic representation. We discuss the results and the limitations of the various methods and outline future work.
What comes first? The chicken–egg relationship between integrated thinking and reporting
Authors: Malafronte Irma , Pereira John
Published: February 2025

This study provides new empirical evidence on the relationship between integrated thinking (IT) and integrated reporting (IR). It contributes to the chicken–egg debate between IT and IR by answering the question ‘what comes first?’ and examines the determinants of IT and IR for a sample of European listed companies. The findings from both the empirical analysis and interviews with IR preparers show that IT leads to IR, and vice versa, thus creating a virtuous circle where the decision to publish an integrated report favours an inclusive decision-making process, as well as embracing the IT journey favours the adoption of IR. These results could drive companies’ internal choices and policymakers’ initiatives aimed at progressing an integrated organisational culture by identifying the differential drivers of IR and IT and suggest that companies’ journey towards integration can start either from the integrated report (IR develops IT) or from developing an IT culture that creates a fertile background for IR (IT leads to IR).
The carbon footprint associated with air transport in three Mexican tourist destinations
Authors: Jiménez-Islas Donaji , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz , Pérez-Romero Miriam E. , Flores-Romero Martha Beatriz
Published: February 2025

Tourism in Mexico contributes to GDP and employment, but has environmental costs in terms of carbon emissions from air transport. The estimation of the carbon footprint of tourists arriving by air is crucial to raise awareness among decision makers in order to establish future tourism policies that reduce environmental degradation. This study estimates the carbon footprint generated by flights from three major Mexican tourist destinations—Cancún, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta—during the years 2022 and 2023. To carry out this research, official databases were used to determine the number of flights and the number of passengers visiting these places. Additionally, tools such as the ICAO carbon emissions calculator were employed to ensure accuracy in estimating emissions, considering factors such as flight distance, aircraft type, and passenger load. Subsequently, carbon footprint calculators specific to air transportation were used, considering factors such as flight distance and type of aircraft, in order to estimate the corresponding carbon emissions. The findings highlight the urgent need to implement sustainable policies, such as regulatory measures and the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels, to mitigate carbon emissions. The trend of carbon emissions indicates the need to implement sustainable policies in the tourism sector, including strategies to mitigate carbon emissions, promote responsible tourism and contribute to the fulfillment of the SDG. This study not only provides a quantitative view of the carbon footprint generated by tourism in selected destinations, but also highlights the importance of addressing the environmental challenges associated with the growth of tourism in Mexico.
The influence of nanosized zero-valent iron (nZVI) on the micropropagation, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compound content of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.)
Authors: Kılıç Gül Çiçek , Şeker Mine Gül , Gutul Tatiana , Süzerer Veysel , Dursun İnan , Çiftçi Yelda Özden
Published: February 2025

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVIs) are reducing agents commonly used to purify pollutants in groundwater. However, recent reports have indicated that it also promotes plant growth and development. This study therefore investigated the effects of varying concentrations (12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L-1) of nZVI on the micropropagation, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity of cherry laurel plants in in vitro tissue culture. The removal of the testa of the seed and the half-cut of the cotyledon were essential for successful germination. Following germination, the optimum 6-benzyladenine (BA) concentration for micropropagation was determined to be 1 mg L-1. Although the highest percentage of shoot tip proliferation (85.15%) was obtained with the inclusion of 75 mg L-1 nZVI in the culture medium, the maximum SFC index value (1.66), together with the highest contents of phenolics and flavonoids were obtained by adding 25 mg L-1 nZVI. This concentration also provided the best values for antioxidant activity. In addition, the maximum amount of chlorogenic acid (39.58 mg analyte g-1 extract), the main phenolic compound in cherry laurel, was also recorded with this concentration. The results revealed that the elevation of the concentration of nZVI in the culture medium led to a reduction in the positive effects on the growth, antioxidant activity and phenolic content of the plants. The optimum nZVI concentration was therefore determined to be 25 mg L-1. The present study has shown that nZVI has the potential to provide encouraging and alternative benefits in in vitro plant tissue culture.
Addressing the Neck in Facial Gender Affirmation Surgery
Authors: Bigelow Elaine O. , Seth Rahul , Park Andrea M. , Knott P. Daniel
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Facial gender affirmation surgery has become well established with many centers and surgeons offering comprehensive care. Feminization of the neck however, is somewhat nascent. Understanding of the gender dimorphic differences, strategies to improve contour and neck size, as well as maneuvers to rejuvenate and tighten the neck will all receive focus in this review.

Recent Findings

Transoral chondrolaryngoplasty performed with either endoscopic or open exposure enables some patients to avoid potential misgendering caused by the traditional transcervical approach. Face/neck lifting improves the appearance of femininity by both smoothing contours as well as by making the neck look more youthful. Nonsurgical approaches offer the potential to improve skin thickness, hair density, and muscle mass. Selective sternocleidomastoid muscle denervation offers the potential for myoreduction, thereby reducing neck circumference.

Many modifications of traditional surgical approaches have recently emerged, which offer the potential to feminize the neck with minimal or absent scarring.
Quality and sources of food and water consumed by people with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka: a systematic review
Authors: Uthayarajan Nivedha , Jayawardene K. L. T. D. , Weerasekara Ishanka
Published: February 2025

Background

Prevalence data indicates that chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 15% of people worldwide, and chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is highly prevalent in Sri Lanka. Food and water contamination are factors that were suggested as associated with CKDu. This systematic review aimed to summarize evidence on the patterns in quality and sources of food and water consumed by people with CKDu in Sri Lanka.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SLJOL databases were searched from inception to August 2024 for studies investigating the quality and sources of food and water consumed by the people with CKDu in Sri Lanka. Studies assessing children below 18 years, pregnant women and dialysis patients were excluded. Studies not specifically investigating CKDu were likewise excluded from the review. Two independent reviewers completed the screening, and the conflicts were resolved by consensus. Extracted data were presented as a narrative summary.

Results

Of 1067 studies, 57 were eligible for the final analysis. Commonly investigated food sources were contaminated with heavy metals, while water sources were contaminated with heavy metals, toxic anions and cations, agrochemicals, fertilizers, herbicides, glyphosate, and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA).

Conclusion

Nephrotoxic heavy metals and fluoride contamination alter the quality of food and water, and pose high risks with regard to the kidney function of the people in Sri Lanka. Appropriate strategies to reduce the contamination of heavy metals, agrochemicals, and major ions that afftect the quality of water and food, should be implemented to lower the burden of CKDu in Sri Lanka.

Graphical abstract
Trilobites: an ongoing story
Authors: Fortey Richard A.
Published: February 2025

Trilobites are among the most diverse of fossil invertebrates, and although they have been collected and studied for more than two centuries there is no sign that the discovery of new taxa is slowing down. The range and versatility of their morphologies continue to pose challenges to interpretation of their modes of life, while the appeal of well-preserved articulated specimens ensures that they are sought after by collectors as interested in their beauty as in their scientific importance. This issue of the Journal of Paleontology gathers together a selection of trilobite-focused papers exploring new discoveries and interpretations, and this introduction offers a few reflections on some of the issues they raise.