bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution‐Guided Discovery of Antimycobacterial Triculamin‐Like Lasso Peptides
Authors: Merrild Aske , Svenningsen Tiziana , Chevrette Marc , Tørring Thomas
Published: February 2025

Triculamin is a ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptide (RiPP) lasso peptide with potent antimycobacterial activity, produced by an unusual, non‐canonical biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). In this study, we elucidate the biosynthetic pathway of triculamin through heterologous expression and show that the biosynthesis proceeds in the presence of a precursor (triA), macrocyclase (triC), and N‐acetyltransferase (triT). Through in vitro triT acetylation and bioactivity assays, we show that acetylation functions as a resistance mechanism. Genomic searches of triculamin BGC genes across bacteria show that triculamin is more widely distributed than previously anticipated, as triculamin‐like core peptides are found in at least three phyla in contrast to previously described lasso peptides that are typically restricted to one phylum. Triculamin BGCs with both canonical and non‐canonical RiPP biosynthetic genes were identified. Two strains containing canonical triculamin‐like BGCs were chemically characterized and shown to produce the novel triculamin‐like lasso peptides palmamin and gelatinamin, the latter of which appears to have an unprecedented additional ring formation. Detailed phylogenetic investigation of the macrocyclases from triculamin‐like BGCs suggests that these molecules are products of convergent evolution. These findings broaden the evolutionary and functional landscape of lasso peptides, revealing their unexpected diversification and cross‐phylum distribution.
Enhanced Photocatalytic and Electrochemical Application of Combustion‐Synthesized Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Alam Mir Waqas , Alsulaim Ghayah M. , Alsharif Shada A. , Alnahdi Kholoud M. , Almuhawish Nourah F. , Awad Mohammed
Published: February 2025

The development of advanced nanocomposites has the potential to greatly enhance the detection of hazardous chemicals in the environment. This research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 nanocomposites to address existing limitations and offer sustainable solutions. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the phase formation and crystalline nature of the nanocomposites with an average particle size of 55 nm. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms the presence of functional groups in the nanocomposite. UV–visible spectroscopy of the prepared Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite reveals synergistic interactions among the phases, leading to a remarkable reduction in the bandgap (2.2 eV). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides insights into the surface morphology of the nanocomposite. Zeta potential analysis reveals a surface charge of −32.5 mV, indicating excellent stability. Photocatalytic studies show effective dye degradation at an optimized catalyst concentration of 20 mg in 40 ppm dye solutions under UV irradiation. Furthermore, its porous structure and high surface area contribute to superior photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes and efficient electrochemical detection of mercury chloride and dextrose in 0.1 M of HCl medium. Additionally, the photocatalytic efficiency of Nb2O5/MgO/Fe2O3 was evaluated for the degradation of azo dyes, such as fast orange red and direct green dyes, under UV irradiation. Systematic optimization of variables including catalyst dosage, dye concentration, and irradiation time significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance. The results confirm the nanocomposite's strong potential in environmental remediation through effective photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and its advanced sensing capabilities for detecting hazardous substances, which make this a versatile material with impactful applications in wastewater treatment and electrochemical sensing.
Synthesis and Performance Analysis of Temperature‐Resistance and Salt‐Tolerance Polymer AM/NVP/DMDAAC
Authors: Bai Yang , Zhang Tailiang , Tang Yi , Li Qing , Huang Tao
Published: February 2025

The primary issues with pre‐crosslinked particle water shutoff agents are their susceptibility to decomposition at high temperatures and diminished swelling performance in highly mineralized environments. The PAVC was prepared using acrylamide (AM), N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NVP), and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) as monomers, with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamide) dihydrochloride (V50) as an initiator through solution polymerization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were employed to characterize the structure and morphology of the synthesized PAVC particles. Performance tests showed that the PAVC exhibits excellent thermal stability, with a swelling ratio of 12.89 g/g at 130°C without losing strength. The polymer exhibits strong salt resistance, with a minimal difference in swelling ratio only 0.58 g/g between 3 × 104 mg/L and 15 × 104 mg/L NaCl solutions, and just 0.98 g/g between 1 × 104 mg/L and 5 × 104 mg/L CaCl₂ solutions. The PAVC exhibited good oil–water selectivity, swelling minimally in kerosene (expanded 0.3 g/g at 30 h). In simulated formation water at 120°C and a concentration of 20 × 104 mg/L, the PAVC achieved a plugging rate of 97.2% and showed excellent resistance to scour capability.
H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ filtering for 2D continuous‐discrete Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems in finite frequency band
Authors: El‐Amrani Abderrahim , Noura Hassan , Ouladsine Mustapha , El Adel El Mostafa
Published: February 2025

This paper focuses on the design of
filtering for two‐dimensional (2‐D) continuous‐discrete Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy systems. The frequency of disturbance input is assumed to be known and to reside in a finite frequency (FF) domain. The objective is to provide a new design sufficient condition via linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) formulation, ensuring both the stability of the filtering error system and
performance level in specific FF domain. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Volumetric Assessment and Graph Theoretical Analysis of Thalamic Nuclei in Essential Tremor
Authors: Bianco Maria Giovanna , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Calomino Camilla , Bonacci Maria Celeste , Aquila Valerio , Buonocore Jolanda , Augimeri Antonio , Sarica Alessia , Vaccaro Maria Grazia , Quattrone Aldo , Quattrone Andrea
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder primarily characterized by upper limb action tremor. It is widely recognized that the thalamus is implicated in ET pathophysiology, playing a central role in treatment approaches. This study aimed to explore thalamic morphology, assessing macrostructural changes and intrinsic thalamic networks in ET patients.

Methods

A total of 109 ET (41 with and 68 without resting tremor) and 81 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the study. An automatic probabilistic segmentation of thalamic nuclei was employed on T1‐weighted MRI images using FreeSurfer 7.4. Subsequently, volumetric data were extracted, and graph theoretical analysis was applied on the cortical–thalamic nuclei network, assessing global and local network properties.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the volume of thalamic nuclei between ET patients and HC. ET patients exhibited significant alterations in the global thalamic network, suggesting a less efficient brain network in comparison with HC. ET patients also showed local alterations of thalamic network such as lower eccentricity and path length in the ventral nuclei and reduced efficiency in the pulvinar, indicating a less interconnected network. No significant differences were observed between ET patients with and without rest tremor.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates reduced global and local efficiency of brain networks in ET patients, suggesting impaired communication and interconnection between brain regions. These findings confirm the involvement of the ventral lateral and pulvinar nuclei as key regions in tremor pathophysiology in ET patients, supporting the targeting of these regions for therapeutic approaches.
Integrating Enzymes with Photoredox Catalysis for Conversion of Nitriles into Fluorinated Products
Authors: Angiolini Stuart , Bruton Isabelle , Bering Luis , Thomas Stanley Sowerby , Thompson Joseph , Shepherd Sarah A. , Micklefield Jason
Published: February 2025

Fluorinated molecules are widely used as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and as various functional materials. Traditional synthetic methods for introducing fluorine substituents into organic molecules involve deleterious chemicals and lack selectivity. Enzymes have evolved in nature which can halogenate a diverse range of substrates with high selectivity under aqueous conditions, using benign inorganic halides as the halogen source. Although there are many halogenase enzymes that can chlorinate or brominate diverse substrates, only one fluorinase enzyme has been discovered to date that produces a single fluorinated adenosine derivative in nature. Herein, we complement the lack of biocatalytic fluorination protocols and address the need for cleaner and more selective fluorination methods by merging chemo and biocatalysis to selectively fluorinate compounds in a single integrated reaction. Our approach relies on combining nitrilase enzymes with photoredox catalysis to transform cheap and abundant organonitrile compounds into highly sought‐after fluorinated, trifluoromethylated, and perfluoroalkylated compounds.
The Lewis Acidity of Bare and Crown Ether‐Complexed Germanium(II) and Tin(II) Cations
Authors: McOnie Sarah , Henry Andrew , Baines Kim Marie
Published: February 2025

The Gutmann‐Beckett and Fluoride Ion Affinity methods were used to assess the Lewis acidity of a variety of dicationic germanium(II) and tin(II) crown ether complexes and the corresponding neutral halides. The coordination of two or more equivalents of triethylphosphine oxide (TEPO) was observed which was accompanied by full or partial replacement of the crown ether or chloride ligands from the metal centre illustrating the importance of unambiguously identifying the species in solution to enable a meaningful discussion of relative Lewis acidities. From the coordination complexes observed, the germanium(II) centre was found, in general, to be more Lewis acidic than the tin(II) centre. The crown ether ligands, when retained, had little influence on the Lewis acidity of the complex and may, for ease of synthesis, be used as convenient precursors to “bare” Ge(II) and Sn(II) dicationic catalysts.
Adding Value into Elementary Sulfur for Sustainable Materials
Authors: Huang Zhengtie , DENG YUANXIN , Qu Da-Hui
Published: February 2025

Sulfur‐rich copolymers, characterized by high sulfur contents and dynamic disulfide bonds, show significant promise as sustainable alternatives to conventional carbon‐based plastics. Since the advent of inverse vulcanization in 2013, numerous synthesis strategies have emerged—ranging from thermopolymerization and photoinduced polymerization to the use of crosslinkers such as mercaptans, episulfides, benzoxazines, and cyclic disulfides. These advancements coupled with the rising demand for degradable plastics have driven research for diverse applications, including optical windows, metal uptake, and adhesives. Due to the unique electronic properties of sulfur‐rich materials, they are promising candidates for cathodes in Li‐S batteries and triboelectric nanogenerators. This review highlight the latest exciting ways of synthesis strategy in which sulfur and sulfur‐based reactions are bing utilized to produce sustainable materials in energy, optics, engeneering material, environemtal, and triboelectric nanogenerators. Finally, this review provides a forward‐looking perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping this rapidly evolving field.
Rectified Ion Transport with Low‐Cost Ionic Diodes Based on Sulfonated Poly‐(Phenylene‐Oxide)
Authors: Mfenguza Asandiswa , Tshwenya Luthando , Sipuka Dimpo S. , Nkwachukwu Oluchi V. , Sikhwivhilu Keneiloe Khoabane , Marken Frank , Arotiba Omotayo A.
Published: February 2025

Ionic rectifiers/diodes are devices with potential applications in water treatment (desalination) and sensors. Diode preparation sometimes involves expensive processes such as laser drilling and thus the need for simpler and low‐cost methods. We developed a low‐cost cation rectifying hybrid membrane ionic rectifier where a microporous sulfonated poly‐(2,6‐dimethyl phenylene oxide) (SPPO) was asymmetrically attached to a microhole region in a polypropylene adhesive tape substrate. Contact angle measurements showed that SPPO is hydrophilic with a 62° angle. In comparison, the polypropylene adhesive tape and SPPO within it are hydrophobic with angles of 101° and 87°, respectively, contributing to the diode's stability in water. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the negative charge of the SPPO surface in all electrolyte solutions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the punctured tape substrate has a 3–4 µm microhole and a thickness of about 25 µm. The SPPO membrane is ≈29 µm thick with a smooth cross‐sectional surface. The effects of electrolyte, ionic strength and microhole diameter on ionic diode performance were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry in a 4‐electrode measurement cell. The reported ionic rectifier is simple to fabricate, and it shows good rectification even in high ionic strength media.
An Electrochemical/Thermodynamic Analytical Model for Hard‐Pack Lithium‐Ion Batteries in Engineering Education
Authors: Wang Ligang , Li Hangyang , Huang Zhiliang , Wu Peng , Huangfu Jiayuan
Published: February 2025

Modeling lithium‐ion battery states plays a crucial role in supporting engineering education, yet applying existing models in the classroom poses challenges. This paper presents an electrochemical/thermodynamic analytical model with 19 parameters for hard‐pack lithium‐ion batteries, providing efficient and compact MATLAB code as an instructional tool for engineering education. The paper elucidates the mechanisms of electrochemical/thermodynamic behavior evolution in lithium‐ion batteries under thermal abuse and develops a state evaluation model based on ordinary differential equations. The highly nonlinear dynamic problem is discretized into a series of static problems, which are solved using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. The MATLAB program is applied to prismatic and cylindrical lithium‐ion batteries, yielding critical venting points and state evolution curves, such as temperature, pressure, gas production, heat generation rate, and reaction rate. The comprehensive results vividly demonstrate the evolution of electrochemical and thermodynamic behavior in lithium‐ion batteries, aiding students in grasping complex concepts within the course. The modeling and solution process, along with the discussion of algorithm parameters, are expected to enhance students' programming skills and engineering thinking. The proposed algorithm demonstrates second‐level efficiency and good convergence, highlighting its potential for classroom applications.
Intrinsic brain network stability during kainic acid‐induced epileptogenesis
Authors: Jafari Nastaran , He Lingna , Khalil Charbel Bou , Yeh Hsiang J. , Harris Neil G. , Stern John M. , Engel Jerome , Bragin Anatol , Li Lin
Published: February 2025

Objective

Altered intrinsic brain networks have been revealed in patients with epilepsy and are strongly associated with network reorganization in the latent period. However, the development and reliability of intrinsic brain networks in the early period of epileptogenesis are not well understood. The current study aims to fill this gap by investigating the test–retest reliability of intrinsic brain networks in the early stage of epileptogenesis.

Methods

We used the rat intrahippocampal kainic acid model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Three sessions of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) data were acquired over a 2‐week period from 9 sham control rats and 12 rats that later developed spontaneous epilepsy (KA). A group independent component analysis (GICA) approach was used to identify the intrinsic brain networks. Both within and between networks were identified, and test–retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Our results showed good‐to‐excellent within‐network stability of resting‐state functional brain connectivity in most intrinsic brain networks in sham control rats and in the KA group, except for frontal cortex (FCN) and hippocampal networks (HPN). Further analysis of the between networks showed an increase in variation in the KA brain compared to the sham controls.

Significance

Overall, our study demonstrated a “moderately stable” phase of the intrinsic brain network in a 2‐week latent period window, with an altered between‐ and within‐network connectome feature.

Plain Language Summary

This fMRI study explored how brain connectivity changes in healthy animals compared to animals in the latent period of epilepsy. We found that functional connectivity increased during the latent period compared to the control group, and this increase persisted across all tested sessions. Additionally, brain networks became less stable in the epilepsy group, particularly in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. These observations provide further insight into how brain networks change and persist during the early stages of epileptogenesis.
Interacting Treatments With Endogenous Takeup
Authors: Kormos Máté , Lieli Robert P. , Huber Martin
Published: February 2025

We study causal inference in randomized experiments (or quasi‐experiments) following a factorial design. There are two treatments, denoted and , and units are randomly assigned to one of four categories: treatment alone, treatment alone, joint treatment, or none. Allowing for endogenous non‐compliance with the two binary instruments representing the intended assignment, as well as unrestricted interference across the two treatments, we derive the causal interpretation of various instrumental variable estimands under more general compliance conditions than in the literature. In general, if treatment takeup is driven by both instruments for some units, it becomes difficult to separate treatment interaction from treatment effect heterogeneity. We provide auxiliary conditions and various bounding strategies that may help zero in on causally interesting parameters. We apply our results to a program randomly offering two different treatments to first‐year college students, namely, tutoring and financial incentives, in order to assess the effect of the treatments on academic performance.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bioactive Glass via CTAB Modified Sol‐Gel Method for In Vitro Biological Activities
Authors: Bakare Fetene Fufa , Ewente Bethelhem Gashaw , Akililu Tsion Chuni , Jara Allah Dekama , Gonfa Getachew Megersa
Published: February 2025

Bone defect repair methods have significant drawbacks and limitations. The discovery and development of bioactive glasses (BGs) have greatly advanced the treatment of bone diseases. BGs can uniquely bond to living tissues, including bone, due to the formation of a hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer on their surface. These glasses synthesized using various catalysts and structure‐directing agents to enhance their biological activities. However, most catalysts generate toxicity, alter pH levels, and work at high concentrations. Similarly, many surfactants have limited surface areas, poor capacity to create well‐defined mesoporous structures, and potential toxicity, reducing the bioactivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of the BGs. To address these issues, this study evaluates a bioactive glass synthesized via the sol–gel process, using low concentration CTAB as a structure‐directing agent and citric acid as a catalyst. The phase composition, surface morphology, specific surface area, inner structure, crystal structure, elemental composition, and functional groups of the samples were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier‐transform infrared microscopy (FTIR) techniques, respectively. The in vitro bioactivity was tested by soaking samples in simulated body fluid and analyzing the HAp layer formation using XRD, SEM, and FTIR. In addition, the in vitro biocompatibility, and an in vitro biodegradability were measured. 0.3 M of CTAB (BG3) exhibited a larger specific surface area with spherical‐shaped particles and pore volume with a mesoporous structure results better in bioactivity and biodegradability. Furthermore, all samples exhibited cell viability above 70%, indicating that the prepared materials are biocompatible. The findings highlight the potential of CTAB‐modified BGs for biomedical applications, especially in bone repair and regeneration.
Plant and Animal Protein Intake and Transitions From Multimorbidity to Frailty and Mortality in Older Adults
Authors: Vázquez‐Fernández Aitana , Caballero Francisco F. , Yévenes‐Briones Humberto , Struijk Ellen A. , Baylin Ana , Fung Teresa T. , Lopez‐Garcia Esther
Published: February 2025

Background

Multimorbidity is the most common chronic condition experienced among older adults. It is unknown which amount and source of protein influences the development of frailty and mortality in patients with multimorbidity. We aimed to examine the association of plant and animal sources of protein intake with frailty and mortality among this type of patients.

Methods

This longitudinal study included 1868 participants aged ≥ 60 years from the Seniors‐ENRICA cohort in Spain with multimorbidity, defined as having 2 or more clinician‐diagnosed chronic diseases. Habitual diet was assessed at baseline (2008–2010) with a validated computerized diet history. Participants underwent repeated physical examinations (in 2013, 2015 and 2017) for assessment of frailty (≥ 3 criteria from the frailty phenotype: low physical activity, slow walking speed, muscle weakness, weight loss and exhaustion). All‐cause mortality was assessed up to January 2022. Analyses were conducted using Cox proportional hazard models and multistate models adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and other dietary factors.

Results

Mean consumption of protein was 90.2 (standard deviation [SD]: 26.8) g/day, which represents 18.7% of the total energy intake and 1.23 (0.39) g per kg of body weight per day. Plant protein represented 6.16% of the energy intake, while animal protein represented 12.5%. During a median follow‐up of 12.9 (range: 11.7–13.9) years, we documented 196 incident cases of frailty and 490 deaths; of these mortality cases, 83 individuals died after a frailty diagnosis. Higher intake of total protein was associated with decreased risk of frailty (hazard ratio [HR] for tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45, 0.96; p trend: 0.03). In multistate models, higher fish protein intake decreased the risk in the progression from multimorbidity to frailty (HR per 1‐SD increment: 0.81 [95% CI: 0.68, 0.97]), and higher plant protein decreased the risk of progressing from multimorbidity to mortality (0.86 [0.75, 0.98]). In the progression from frailty to mortality, estimates for total, plant and animal protein showed increased risk (HR for 1 SD increment in total protein: 1.38 [1.05, 1.81]; HR for plant protein: 1.29 [1.01, 1.67]; HR for animal protein: 1.41 [1.04, 1.92]). No significant associations were found between meat protein and dairy protein in any transition.

Conclusions

In individuals with multimorbidity, higher protein intake, especially fish protein, was associated with lower risk of subsequent frailty, whereas plant protein intake was associated with lower risk of mortality. Higher total protein intake, however, might be detrimental in patients with multimorbidity and frailty.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02804672.
Fingerprinting of Semi‐Refined Flaxseed Protein Using Raman Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis: Pulsed Electric Field (PEF)‐Assisted Alkali and Aqueous Extraction Methods Alter Composition and Protein Conformation
Authors: Punzalan Jervee M. , Hartono Peter , Fraser‐Miller Sara J. , Leong Sze Ying , Sutton Kevin , Moggre Gert‐Jan , Oey Indrawati , Gordon Keith C.
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the structural modifications of semi‐refined flaxseed protein extracts (SRFPE) during pulsed electric field (PEF)‐assisted extraction at varying energy levels in both alkaline and neutral conditions. Raman spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyze spectral band markers to monitor alterations in secondary and tertiary protein structures, with complementary radar chart visualization providing rapid, at‐a‐glance assessment of structural modifications. Compositional fingerprints revealed distinct Raman bands and changes: the presence of diverse amino acids (C–H stretch at ~2933 cm−1); increased phenolic compounds (COO stretch at 1604 cm−1 and aromatic ring stretch at 1633 cm−1) with PEF treatments applied between 347 and 534 kJ/kg in alkaline conditions; and minor contributions from carbohydrates and lipids. PCA effectively distinguished between α‐helical structures (1659 cm−1) predominant in aqueous extracts and β‐sheet structures (1671 cm−1) in alkaline extracts, for SRFPE obtained without PEF treatment or those PEF‐treated with up to 139 kJ/kg. Protein tertiary structure analysis revealed tryptophan residues predominantly in hydrophilic environment (I1360/I1340 ratio <1), increased solvent exposure of tyrosine residues (I850/I830 >1), varying hydrogen bonding strengths from W17 frequencies (878–883 cm−1), and disulfide bond conformations (500–550 cm−1) showed t‐g‐t conformer predominant in PEF treated (347–534 kJ/kg) alkali extracts, while g‐g‐g and g‐g‐t conformers predominated in SRFPE obtained without PEF treatment or those PEF‐treated with no more than 139 kJ/kg. Raman spectroscopy with PCA enabled rapid and non‐destructive monitoring of extraction‐induced molecular changes by distinguishing and evaluating protein structures and non‐protein components in complex samples.
Clinical Efficacy of Sialendoscopy‐Assisted Stone Removal for Non‐Palpable Hilar and Intraglandular Submandibular Sialoliths
Authors: Lee Han Cheol , Park Ju Ha , Kwak Moon Su , Kim Dae Hyun , Park Young Min , Lim Jae‐Yol
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of sialendoscopy in retrieving non‐palpable submandibular stones located in the hilum or deeper parenchyma compared to traditional non‐endoscopic transoral stone removal techniques.

Methods

Seventy patients with non‐palpable submandibular hilar or intraparenchymal stones underwent sialendoscopy‐assisted stone removal (SASR). Seventeen patients with hilar stones treated with non‐endoscopic transoral stone removal (TOSR) were the control group. Parameters evaluated included stone characteristics (size, number, location, mobility, and accessibility) as well as outcomes (success rate, operation time, complications, recurrence, and functional recovery).

Results

The SASR group had four stones in the intraparenchymal glands, two of which were located inferior to the mylohyoid. Complete stone removal was achieved in 69 out of 70 patients (98.57%) in the SASR group. However, one patient had a sialolith measuring less than 2 mm in the intraparenchymal and inferior to mylohyoid that could not be removed. TOSR procedures were exclusively performed to remove hilar stones. Nevertheless, one patient in the TOSR group was unsuccessful in retrieving a 5‐mm hilar stone, resulting in an overall success rate of 94.12%. The operation duration was much longer in the SASR group than in the TOSR group. However, the TOSR group had a significantly higher incidence of acute complications (41.18%), such as swelling, pain, or tongue numbness, compared to the SASR group (7.14%).

Conclusion

Sialendoscopy is a valuable adjunct to the transoral combined approach for retrieving non‐palpable submandibular stones, especially those in the hilum or deeper parenchyma. A precise preoperative assessment of stone location is crucial for determining the appropriate surgical intervention.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Two academic tertiary medical centers.

Level of Evidence

3
Organocatalytic Condensation Polymerization for Synthesis of High Performance Aliphatic Polycarbonate
Authors: Yao Hongxin , Zuo Yongkang , Zhang Jikai , Yang Hongjun , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: February 2025

Aliphatic polycarbonate (APC) with long alkyl segments has received much attention for its biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, owing to its low molecular weight, it usually exhibits poor mechanical properties limiting its application. Here,a novel two‐step condensation polymerization procedure by using an organic catalyst (t‐BuP2) to synthesize high molecular weight APC is presented. The introduction of branching and hydrogen bonding in the polymerization would significantly improve its thermal and mechanical properties. The APC exhibits a melt temperature ≈80 °C, tensile strength of 17.7 ± 0.9 MPa, and impressive elongation at a break of 1136 ± 25%. This study provides a facile procedure to synthesize high‐performance APC via condensation polymerization.
Siloxane‐Mediated Schiff Base Bio‐Based Curing Agent: Achieving Epoxy Vitrimer with Excellent Mechanical Properties, Low Dielectric Constant and Rapid Degradation Characteristics
Authors: Wang Yonghui , Xiao Xingzhen , Chen Xinrong , Zhong Wei , Lan Jiashui , Lai Geng , Zhang Huagui , Chen Mingfeng
Published: February 2025

Epoxy resin is indispensable in various applications due to its outstanding properties. However, its limited recyclability and associated environmental issues pose significant challenges for sustainable development. To address this issue, integrating recyclable Schiff base groups into epoxy resin systems to construct epoxy vitrimer with dynamic properties has become a promising strategy. Herein, a rapid degradation, enhanced mechanical properties, and low dielectric constant epoxy vitrimer (EP‐BOB) is proposed through a unique rigid‐flexible structure bio‐based curing agent (BOB). BOB is synthesized using siloxane as a flexible chain to bridge with vanillin in a one‐pot process. The incorporation of the Schiff base structure imparted exceptional degradability to EP‐BOB, allowing it to fully degrade within 45 min. In addition, due to the unique rigid‐flexible structure, EP‐BOB exhibited lower dielectric constant (1.2–2.6) and outstanding mechanical properties (60.5 MPa tensile strength). Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy shows that EP‐BOB can be completely degraded in the amine solution to recycle carbon fibers (CFs) without damage. Especially, the Schiff base can endow EP‐BOB UV‐shielding and antibacterial properties. This work opens up a new strategy for designing a rigid‐flexible structure epoxy vitrimer using silicone to achieve multifunctional and high‐performance EP.
Developing a microfluidic‐based epicPCR reveals diverse potential hosts of the mcrA gene in marine cold seep
Authors: Shen Wenli , Wang Danrui , Li Jiangtao , Liu Yue , Wang Yinzhao , Yang Xingsheng , Peng Xi , Xie Bingliang , Su Lei , Wei Ziyan , He Qing , Wang Zhiyi , Feng Kai , Du Wenbin , Deng Ye
Published: February 2025

Anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) microbes play a crucial role in the bioprocess of anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). However, due to their unculturable status, their diversity is poorly understood. In this study, we established a microfluidics‐based epicPCR (Emulsion, Paired Isolation, and Concatenation PCR) to fuse the 16S rRNA gene and mcrA gene to reveal the diversity of ANME microbes (mcrA gene hosts) in three sampling push‐cores from the marine cold seep. A total of 3725 16S amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the mcrA gene hosts were detected, and classified into 78 genera across 23 phyla. Across all samples, the dominant phyla with high relative abundance (>10%) were the well‐known Euryarchaeota, and some bacterial phyla such as Campylobacterota, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi; however, the specificity of these associations was not verified. In addition, the compositions of the mcrA gene hosts were significantly different in different layers, where the archaeal hosts increased with the depths of sediments, indicating the carriers of AOM were divergent in depth. Furthermore, the consensus phylogenetic trees of the mcrA gene and the 16S rRNA gene showed congruence in archaea not in bacteria, suggesting the horizontal transfer of the mcrA gene may occur among host members. Finally, some bacterial metagenomes were found to contain the mcrA gene as well as other genes that encode enzymes in the AOM pathway, which prospectively propose the existence of ANME bacteria. This study describes improvements for a potential method for studying the diversity of uncultured functional microbes and broadens our understanding of the diversity of ANMEs.
Update on Exercise in Persons With Muscle Disease
Authors: Mamarabadi Mansoureh , Kudritzki Virginia , Li Yuebing , Howard Ileana M.
Published: February 2025

Myopathies are heterogeneous in their etiology, muscle group involvement, clinical manifestation, and progression. Deficits in myopathy may include muscle weakness, atrophy, stiffness, myalgia, and extra‐muscular manifestations. Consequently, these deficits could lead to impaired musculoskeletal function, inadequate engagement in daily activities and reduced participation in social activities. Exercise has been viewed as a potentially efficacious intervention to halt the loss of muscle function and to improve secondary symptoms that result from muscle loss, such as pain and fatigue. The purpose of this review is to discuss research findings within the last 10 years that examine effects of exercise interventions in many types of myopathies in humans. In general, most studies were small scale, and they varied with respect to exercise type, intensity, and outcome measures. Despite the different pathologies, various exercise subtypes of aerobic/endurance or strength/resistance training are generally beneficial and may improve muscle strength and functional outcomes. Exercise therapies are generally safe and well tolerated. Exercise prescription should be part of routine neuromuscular care for patients with myopathy, and ideally with input from a multidisciplinary team, with a focus on providing individualized exercise regimens. Further work is needed to define the optimal intensity and type of exercise to result in the best functional outcomes for persons with myopathy, as well as the effects of combining exercise and novel disease modifying therapies.
Tensile, flexural, and vibration analysis of MWCNT‐basalt sandwich composites for car bonnet utility
Authors: Sahu Dhaneshwar Prasad , Das Ramyaranjan , Prusty Jagesh Kumar , Mohanty Sukesh Chandra
Published: February 2025

This study explores the potential of sandwich plates (SPs) with basalt fiber laminated composite face layers and a polyethene terephthalate (PET) foam core, enhanced with varying weight percentages of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) contents (0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7%), for car bonnet applications. The face layers were fabricated using the hand layup technique, and the material properties of the MWCNT‐enhanced composites and PET core were characterized through uniaxial tension and compression tests. Numerical simulations in ABAQUS employing 3D solid elements (C3D8R) were conducted to predict dynamic responses, validated through experimental modal analysis (EMA) using impact hammer testing in Pulse Lab software. Flexural behavior was assessed via three‐point bending tests, demonstrating optimal mechanical performance at 0.5% MWCNT loading, with peak flexural modulus, strength, toughness, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). Higher MWCNT concentrations led to diminished properties. These findings offer critical insights for designing lightweight and high‐performance hybrid composite structures suitable for automotive bonnet systems.

Highlight

The flexural and dynamic responses of MWCNTs‐basalt skins/PET foam core‐based sandwich plates.

Tensile and flexural responses increase up to 0.5 wt% of MWCNTs.

Experimental modal analysis is performed for free vibration analysis.

The proposed laminated composite is designed to enhance the utility and performance of car bonnets.
Lay‐up defects inspection for automated fiber placement with structural light scanning and deep learning
Authors: Tang Chongrui , Sun Deyong , Zou Jianchao , Xiong Yifeng , Fang Guoxin , Zhang Weizhao
Published: February 2025

Automated fiber placement (AFP) is an advanced manufacturing technology for large‐scale carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) composite parts. During AFP processes, unidirectional CFRP prepreg tapes are laid up on the mold to become laminates by a robotic arm under heating and pressure conditions. However, the efficient monitoring of lay‐up defects during AFP, especially the out‐of‐plane defects including wrinkles, bridging, gaps, and overlaps, needs more advanced solutions, as manual inspection of the lay‐up defects still accounts for a large proportion of real manufacturing processes at present. To tackle this issue, an innovative method to realize efficient and accurate detection of AFP lay‐up defects was developed in this work. First, a bespoke AFP platform containing a 5‐degree‐of‐freedom moving platform, air cylinder, compaction roller, heating gun, and structural‐light camera was constructed for AFP experiments. A defect detection algorithm based on PointNet++, a convolutional neural network (CNN) for 3D point cloud segmentation, was then created. PointNet++ was trained by the dataset containing 3D point clouds of intentionally laid‐up defects, which were created on the AFP platform and captured by the structural‐light camera. Compared to the existing AFP defect inspection methods, such as laser profilometer and thermography, this method has the advantages of low cost and convenience to operate. The completed method was experimentally validated to be capable of precisely tracking the locations of out‐of‐plane AFP defects in less than 1 second. The detection accuracy of the method can achieve above 72% in Intersection over Union (IoU) for the out‐of‐plane defects.

Highlights

A lay‐up defect detection method for AFP by structural light scanning.

3D point cloud segmentation by PointNet++ was used for defect segmentation.

A bespoke AFP platform was constructed for AFP experiments.

The method can track the locations of AFP defects in less than 1 second.

The method has the advantages of low cost and convenience to operate.
Local p + Poly‐Si Passivating Contacts Realized by Direct FlexTrail Printing of Boron Ink and Selective Alkaline Etching for High Efficiency TOPCon Based Solar Cells
Authors: Uygun Berkay , Kluska Sven , Polzin Jana‐Isabelle , Schube Jörg , Jahn Mike , Krieg Katrin , Turan Raşit , Nasser Hisham
Published: February 2025

In this work, we demonstrate the formation of local boron‐doped, SiOₓ/p + poly‐Si structures using wet chemical etching by direct printing of boron‐ink. FlexTrail printing uses a very hollow (orders of μm for diameter) glass capillary tube filled with boron ink for printing onto silicon substrate. This process represents a mask‐free approach for the formation of local TOPCon structures, enabling high‐efficiency tunnel oxide passivating contact (TOPCon) solar cells. The factors influencing etch‐back selectivity between intrinsic and boron‐doped poly‐Si were thoroughly investigated. It was determined that pre‐treatment with diluted HF (1 wt%) prior to poly‐Si removal in a KOH solution is the most critical step to achieve optimal etch selectivity. This treatment effectively removes the native oxide on intrinsic poly‐Si while preserving the boron silicate glass (BSG) layer on p + poly‐Si, facilitating the selective removal of intrinsic poly‐Si and the formation of p + TOPCon structures. Line widths ranging from 24.0 to 100.5 μm on planar surfaces and 40.0–86.0 μm on textured surfaces were achieved. FlexTrail printing allows for significantly lower (and higher) feature sizes, but its fine‐line potential was not fully exploited here due to alignment challenges during post‐processing. Test structures with a line grid of local TOPCon structures exhibited a maximum open‐circuit voltage (𝑖VOC of 720 mV and a lowest saturation current density (𝐽0𝑆𝐸) of ~90–120 fA/cm2. The developed local p + poly‐Si will be integrated into high‐efficiency TOPCon solar cells, where p + poly‐Si will be strategically placed under the metal contact, in the near future.
Predictors and Impact of Disclosure Efficacy Among Cancer Survivors
Authors: Rabin Carolyn
Published: February 2025

Background

Cancer survivors who disclose their cancer diagnosis and cancer‐related experiences derive a variety of benefits including enhanced quality of life. Given this, it would be helpful to better understand the factors that facilitate disclosure among survivors. Disclosure efficacy—confidence that one can successfully execute a self‐disclosure—may play a key role.

Aims

In Study 1, survey data were analyzed to identify potential predictors of disclosure efficacy among cancer survivors and whether disclosure efficacy predicts intention to self‐disclose in the future. In Study 2, a randomized, controlled design was used to evaluate whether psychoeducation about self‐disclosure boosts disclosure efficacy.

Methods

Data were analyzed from 181 cancer survivors who participated in a cross‐sectional, online survey study (Study 1) and randomized controlled test of disclosure‐related psychoeducational material (Study 2).

Results

The results from Study 1 indicated that, as hypothesized, having engaged in more cancer‐related disclosure in the past predicted higher levels of disclosure efficacy (though response to prior disclosures did not) and greater disclosure efficacy predicted greater intention to disclose again in the future. The results from Study 2 did not demonstrate that reading psychoeducational information on self‐disclosure enhanced disclosure efficacy. However, exploratory analyses indicated that those receiving this information reported greater intention to engage in three of the four recommended, empirically based disclosure strategies.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the role of disclosure efficacy in facilitating cancer‐related disclosure among cancer survivors. Likewise, findings suggest the utility of developing interventions that enhance disclosure efficacy and provide opportunities for behavioral rehearsal of cancer‐related disclosures.
Tandem Solar Cell Approach: Unveiling the Potential of Rudorffite/Silicon Combinations for Providing the Best Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Islam Md. Arif Ul , Das Ovijit , Khadka Dev Bahadur , Kato Shinya , Soga Tetsuo
Published: February 2025

The first‐ever investigation on rudorffite/silicon‐based two‐terminal (2T) tandem solar cells is presented in this innovative study, which investigates their potential to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency. Thus, the only way to improve conversion efficiency in rudorffite photovoltaic systems would be to use multijunction or tandem ideas. For three distinct rudorffite materials—Ag3BiI6 (1.71 eV), Ag2BiI5 (1.90 eV), and AgBiI4 (1.87 eV)—a number of parameters, including absorber thickness, electron transport layer thickness, hole transport layer thickness, absorber defects, and interference defects, are optimized. For every rudorffite material, the optimization efforts produce outstanding results that led to a notable increase in efficiency. The efficiency of Ag3BiI6 increases from 5.77% to a remarkable 15.26%. Similarly, there is a significant improvement in the efficiency of Ag2BiI5, with an increase from 4.10 to 10.59%. Finally, AgBiI4 shows significant improvement, with efficiency increasing from 4.06 to 10.44%. The 2T double‐junction solar cell configuration is investigated by combining rudorffite top cells with silicon‐based bottom cells. According to the results, the efficiency of Ag3BiI6, Ag2BiI5, and AgBiI4 tandem solar cells is 22.31, 18.63, and 18.89%, respectively, showing remarkable improvements over their single‐cell counterparts.
A comprehensive quality control algorithm for atmospheric motion vectors and its impacts on analysis and forecast of the China Meteorological Administration Global Forecast System
Authors: Wang Jincheng , Feng Jie , Yang Yi , Hu Jianglin , Yang Junli
Published: February 2025

Atmospheric motion vector (AMV) data play a crucial role in improving the forecast skills of models. Quality control is an essential step that affects the assimilation effectiveness of the AMVs. In a bid to rectify the deviation issue of the initial (analysis) atmospheric dynamic field in the troposphere and to improve AMV assimilation and the forecast skill of the China Meteorological Administration Global Forecast System (CMA‐GFS), a comprehensive quality control (CQC) method is proposed in this study. The CQC encompasses a quality indicator check and blacklist establishment for the AMVs, as well as the background field check based on biweight statistics in the bivector space. Detailed analysis of AMV data eliminated by CQC steps reveals its effectiveness in excluding high and low wind speed outliers, normalizing the probability density function (PDF) of observation‐minus‐background (O − B) values to a Gaussian distribution, thus resolving leptokurtic and platykurtic distribution issues. A 35‐day assimilation sensitivity experiment shows that the original quality control (OQC) increases analysis and forecast errors, especially in tropical wind fields by over 10%. In contrast, CQC significantly reduces these errors, with an average tropospheric dynamic field error decrease of over 3% in the Southern Hemisphere. The CQC's biweight method in bivector space demonstrates potential for quality control of atmospheric dynamic field observations.
SPECIFIC: A systematic framework for engineering cell state‐responsive synthetic promoters reveals key regulators of T cell exhaustion
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyu , Qiu Xiaoyu , Ning Hui , Huang Zihua , Tao Minzhen , Liang Min , Xie Zhen
Published: February 2025

Cell state‐specific synthetic promoters are essential tools for studying and manipulating cellular function, yet their design remains challenging, particularly for complex states such as T cell exhaustion. Here we present SPECIFIC (Synthetic Promoter Engineering for Cellular State Identification and Functional Analysis), an integrated framework that leverages chromatin accessibility profiling and machine learning to systematically identify and validate cell state‐specific synthetic promoters. By comparing exhausted T cells from both mouse OT‐I and human CAR‐T models, we identified 56 conserved transcription factor binding motifs associated with T cell exhaustion. From these motifs, we engineered a subset of the most promising candidates into synthetic promoters driving an exhaustion‐responsive gene circuit that senses and responds to T cell dysfunction. Several synthetic promoters, particularly those containing NFATc2 or MEF2C binding sites, demonstrated remarkable specificity in recognizing the exhausted state and effectively attenuated T cell dysfunction by reducing both CAR expression and exhaustion markers. This study establishes a generalizable approach for designing cell state‐specific regulatory elements and provides new strategies for improving CAR‐T cell therapy through programmed control of gene expression.