bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Next‐Generation Materials for Multifunctional Applications: Design Progress and Prospects of 2D MXene‐Enabled Hybrid Architectures
Authors: Alam Md. Rubel , Gharami Mitu , Dev Barshan , Rahman Md Ashikur , Islam Tarikul
Published: January 2025

The rapid development and widespread use of smart, portable, high‐bandwidth wearable, and flexible electronic devices have led to an equivocally increased demand for multifunctional nanomaterials. The intriguing nature of the unique layered structure, chemical diversity, and outstanding physiochemical behaviors of 2D MXenes (transition metal carbides/nitrides)‐based hybrid architectures with other low‐dimensional materials can open a new doorfor multifunctional applications. Achieving high performance with MXenes, such as Ti3C2Tx, often requires a large quantity of material, which can be impractical, and hybrid compositions can alleviate this issue quickly. So, combining MXenes with other low‐dimensional materials to form hybrid architectures can offer novel solutions with increased physical, mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical properties. However, practical and large‐scale applications of these hybrid architectures, especially for targeted applications, still need to be explored. This comprehensive study reviews the design progress and prospects of 2D MXene‐enabled hybrid structures, focusing on combinations with graphene, carbon nanotubes, polyaniline, boron, silicon, and metal oxides. It also explores multifunctional applications, including wearable electronic devices, intelligent tunable sensors, new energy electrodes, and biomedical applications. Additionally, it offers a critical discussion (architectures–properties–applications), identifies research gaps, and provides pressing challenges with solutions for the frontier applications of 2D MXene‐enabled hybrid architectures.
Delayed Postoperative Radiotherapy in Head & Neck Cancers—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Villemure‐Poliquin Noémie , Fu Rui , Gaebe Karolina , Kwon Jin , Cohen Marc , Ruel Marianne , Ayoo Kennedy , Bayley Andrew , Galapin Madette , Hallet Julie , Eskander Antoine
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of delayed postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) on overall survival (OS) in patients with head and neck cancers (HNC).

Data Sources

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases.

Review Methods

Studies assessing the impact of delayed PORT in adult HNC patients were included. A total of 11,171 titles and abstracts were screened, with 52 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted, and a pooled random‐effects analysis was performed. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), comparing patients receiving timely PORT (within 42 days) to those with delays.

Results

Of the included studies, 31 were conducted in the United States, with 16 using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Patients who did not receive PORT within 42 days had a 4% increase in mortality (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR]: 1.04 [1.03–1.06]; I2 = 78%; N = 254,189; 16 studies). Excluding time‐overlapping NCDB‐based studies, the OS benefit for timely treatment persisted (aHR: 1.10 [1.01–1.20]; I2 = 39%; N = 52,003; 5 studies).

Conclusions

Initiating PORT within 42 days is significantly associated with decreased mortality in HNC patients, reinforcing CoC recommendations. However, more research is needed to understand the relationship between different time cutoffs and outcomes, and to identify factors contributing to PORT delays. Future studies should explore the impact of treatment delays on patient‐centered outcomes, such as Quality of Life (QoL).

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2025
Empowering Elementary Preservice Science Teachers: Harnessing Diverse Language Resources in the Practice of Modeling
Authors: Fackler Ayça K. , Harman Ruth M.
Published: January 2025

Recent research has focused on innovative instructional shifts that aim to expand what constitutes science and engineering practices, exploring also how they can build on students' diverse language resources in science learning. However, few studies explore the intersections of elementary teacher preparation and the implementation of science and engineering practices through expansive and asset‐based approaches to language use. Through a qualitative case study conducted within a science methods course at a research university in the southeastern part of the United States, elementary preservice science teachers were positioned as agentive learners, engaging in modeling practices while leveraging their diverse language resources. Using multimodal interaction analysis (MIA), our study examined the meaning‐making processes of elementary preservice science teachers in the practice of modeling. Findings revealed three themes related to how the preservice science teachers engaged with diverse semiotic resources: (1) their use of physical manipulatives and other multimodal resources to develop meanings during the initial stages of model development, where they experimented with different ways to represent their understanding; (2) their ongoing reliance on multimodal and linguistic resources for refining and solidifying meanings as the model became more complex and comprehensive throughout the modeling process; and (3) their use of these meanings to interpret and engage with science texts. Implications include the importance of providing elementary preservice science teachers with professional learning opportunities that align with the envisioned science learning experiences of their future students, thus fostering equitable science teaching and learning with models and modeling.
Functional poly(ionic liquid) with unique zwitterionic structure as efficient catalyst for the conversion of ethylene carbonate to dimethyl carbonate
Authors: Qi Zhaoyang , Zhang Fuying , Su Huiyun , Ye Changshen , Wang Qinglian , Qiu Ting , Chen Jie
Published: January 2025

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is an important chemical raw material extensively used in organic synthesis, lithium‐ion battery electrolytes, etc. The primary method for industrial synthesis of DMC involves transesterification between ethylene carbonate and MeOH but faces issues with difficult catalyst separation and low catalytic activity. Based on the synergistic catalytic activity of cation and anion, this study develops poly(ionic liquid)s of [NXPIL][PHO] and [N3PIL][Y] with varying alkaline sites and alkalinity levels. This is accomplished by constructing functional polymer monomers containing free radical polymerization sites and nitrogen‐containing alkaline groups, and by polymerizing them with suitable cross‐linking monomers in a specific ratio before exchanging the resulting polymers with different anions. Results show that doping with nitrogen‐containing alkaline groups leads to enhanced basic functional sites while appropriate anions provide intensified alkalinity levels. The [N3PIL][PHO] obtained exhibits superior catalytic activity in transesterification synthesis of DMC, with a yield of 91.43% and selectivity of 99.96% at a reaction time of 2 h. The study also investigates the impact of poly(ionic liquid) cationic structure and anion types, as well as their interactions, on catalytic performance. The findings reveal that the catalytic activity of poly(ionic liquid) is restricted by the interactions between cation and anion. Based on these findings, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed, providing theoretical support for the high‐efficiency production of DMC.
Incidence and Management of Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in Pancreatic Diseases
Authors: Borbély Ruben Zsolt , Teutsch Brigitta , Hegyi Péter
Published: January 2025

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) in pancreatic disease has a 20%–30% incidence rate, leading to increased mortality and complication rates. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize recent evidence about the incidence, risk factors, and management of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cystic neoplasm‐, and pancreatitis‐related SVT. Doppler ultrasound should be the first imaging choice, followed by contrast‐enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Data regarding SVT treatment in acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are scarce; however, for venous thromboembolism treatment, direct oral anticoagulants and low molecular weight heparin have been effective. Further trials must investigate the length of anticoagulant treatment and the need for interventional radiological procedures.
How Knowledge Matters
Authors: Surma Tim , Vanhees Claudio , Wils Michiel , Nijlunsing Jasper , Crato Nuno , Hattie John , Muijs Daniel , Rata Elizabeth , Wiliam Dylan , Kirschner Paul A.
Published: January 2025

We, in education, all have a common aim: We want students to be able to think deeply about what we teach them, go beyond their current experiences, and have a deep understanding of the world. We want to enable them to think critically, work together, solve problems, read for understanding, and carry out complex cognitive tasks. If we want students to be able to do all this, we should just include itt in the curriculum and teach them, right? In this chapter, we discuss why this apparently obvious strategy of simply teaching children how to think deeply does not work, and offer an alternative way forward. This chapter discusses the prominent role of knowledge in how we learn, think, read, understand, and solve problems. Insights from cognitive and educational psychology, sociology, and curriculum studies are used to underpin the current knowledge revival that is widely being observed in education.
From Values to Practice: Evaluating the Intention of Indian MSMEs to Adopt Sustainable Business Practices
Authors: Mehta Minu , Chatterjee Boishampayan
Published: January 2025

There are around 634000 MSMEs in India in 2024, of which 90% come under the micro category. MSMEs account for 25% of the total energy consumed by industries in India and so are critical to India’s attempts to adopt sustainable business practices. Of late, there has been a heightened interest in this sector towards the adoption of sustainable practices related to the environment, social and governance (ESG) parameters. There is a growing realization that of ESG alignment can be the next big factor offering positive differentiation to Indian MSMEs, in addition to low labour cost and demographic advantage. The authors found academic research centered around the obstacles or enablers that influence adoption of sustainable practices in MSME businesses and identified the need to study the factors that could influence the intention of MSMEs to adopt or reject pro-sustainability practices. A conceptual model was developed to understand the factors that influence the intention and through it, the decision-making behavior of MSME entrepreneurs and business persons. The model shows a two-tiered relationship, firstly, between the four core parameters, namely, Performance Benefits, Effort Assessment, Enabling Conditions and Social Pressure and intention, and secondly, between the influence of three moderating factors (Sector, Turnover and Location), on the four core parameters.
Integrated Approach to Internationalization in Higher Education
Authors: Köhle Ivan , Birkenmeier Beat
Published: January 2025

In order to achieve long-term and sustainable success as a company, international markets must be taken into consideration. Universities of Applied Sciences are therefore called upon to take international management topics into account in their curricula. The first part of this chapter documents the results of a study that analyzed the extent to which the business faculties of Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences meet this requirement in their bachelor’s degree courses. This part is based on an analysis of publicly accessible module descriptions of the business administration curricula. The results show that three patterns can be recognized: A first group of Universities of Applied Sciences tackle the issue of internationalization by providing degree programs in English with a clear international focus. A second group of universities does not offer a bachelor’s degree entirely in English, but offer a significant number of modules related to internationalization, including “compulsory modules”, “compulsory elective modules (specialization)”, and “other compulsory elective modules. And a third group of universities have no or very few modules with a clear reference to internationalization. In a second part of the paper, the integrated approach of the Internationalization Cube, which was implemented at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and its impact is presented.
Neutrino nonstandard interactions and lepton flavor universality violation at SND@LHC via charm production
Authors: Bhattacharya Bhubanjyoti , Datta Alakabha , Graverini Elena , Mukherjee Lopamudra , Sachdeva Divya , Waite John
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In this work, we explore the effect of neutrino nonstandard interactions (NSI) involving the charm quark at SND@LHC. Using an effective description of new physics in terms of four-fermion operators involving a charm quark, we constrain the Wilson coefficients of the effective interaction from two and three-body charmed meson decays. In our fit, we include charmed meson decays not only to pseudoscalar final states but also to vector final states and include decays to the η and η′ final states. We also consider constraints from charmed baryon decays. We then study the effect of new physics in neutrino scattering processes, involving charm production at SND@LHC, for various benchmark new physics couplings obtained from the low energy fits. Finally, we also study the effects of lepton universality violation (LUV) assuming that the new physics coupling is not lepton universal.
Dark photon pair production via off-shell dark Higgs at FASER
Authors: Araki Takeshi , Asai Kento , Nakashima Yohei , Shimomura Takashi
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We consider a dark photon model in which the dark U(1) gauge symmetry is spontaneously broken by a vacuum expectation value of a new scalar boson. We focus on the ForwArd Search ExpeRiment (FASER) and calculate its sensitivity to the dark photon produced from the off-shell decay of the new scalar boson. It is found that the off-shell production extends the sensitivity region beyond the kinematical threshold of the on-shell decay of the scalar boson, and that the sensitivity region can be spanned to unexplored region. We also show the parameter space in which perturbative calculation is valid for the unitarity of an S matrix.
Radiative corrections to the R and R2 invariants from torsion fluctuations on maximally symmetric spaces
Authors: Martini Riccardo , Paci Gregorio , Sauro Dario
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We derive the runnings of the R and R2 operators that stem from integrating out quantum torsion fluctuations on a maximally symmetric Euclidean background, while treating the metric as a classical field. Our analysis is performed in a manifestly covariant way, exploiting both the recently-introduced spin-parity decomposition of torsion perturbations and the heat kernel technique. The Lagrangian we start with is the most general one for 1-loop computations on maximally symmetric backgrounds involving kinetic terms and couplings to the scalar curvature that is compatible with a gauge-like symmetry for the torsion. The latter removes the twice-longitudinal vector mode from the spectrum, and it yields operators of maximum rank four. We also examine the conditions required to avoid ghost instabilities and ensure the validity of our assumption to neglect metric quantum fluctuations, demonstrating the compatibility between these two assumptions. Then, we use our findings in the context of Starobinsky’s inflation to calculate the contributions from the torsion tensor to the β-function of the R2 term. While this result is quantitatively reliable only at the 0-th order in the slow-roll parameters or during the very early stages of inflation — due to the background choice — it qualitatively illustrates how to incorporate quantum effects of torsion in the path integral formalism.
Moduli spaces in CFT: bootstrap equation in a perturbative example
Authors: Cuomo Gabriel , Rastelli Leonardo , Sharon Adar
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Conformal field theories that exhibit spontaneous breaking of conformal symmetry (a moduli space of vacua) must satisfy a set of bootstrap constraints, involving the usual data (scaling dimensions and OPE coefficients) as well as new data such as the spectrum of asymptotic states in the broken vacuum and form factors. The simplest bootstrap equation arises by expanding a two-point function of local operators in two channels, at short distance using the OPE and at large distance using the EFT in the broken vacuum. We illustrate this equation in what is arguably the simplest perturbative model that exhibits conformal symmetry breaking, namely the real ABC model in d = 4 − ϵ dimensions. We investigate the convergence properties of the bootstrap equation and check explicitly many of the non-trivial relations that it imposes on theory data.
Torus reduction of maximal conformal supergravity
Authors: Ciceri Franz , Kleinschmidt Axel , Murugesan Subrabalan , Sahoo Bindusar
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We consider the dimensional reduction of N = (2, 0) conformal supergravity in six dimensions on a two-torus to N = 4 conformal supergravity in four dimensions. At the level of kinematics, the six-dimensional Weyl multiplet is shown to reduce to a mixture of the N = 4 Weyl and vector multiplets, which can be reinterpreted as a new off-shell multiplet of N = 4 conformal supergravity. Similar multiplets have been constructed in other settings and are referred to as dilaton Weyl multiplets. We derive it here for the first time in a maximally supersymmetric context in four dimensions. Furthermore, we present the non-linear relations between all the six- and four-dimensional bosonic and fermionic fields, that are obtained by comparing the off-shell supersymmetry transformation rules.
Partially-massless higher spin algebras in four dimensions
Authors: Basile Thomas , Dhasmana Shailesh
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We propose a realisation of partially-massless higher spin algebras in four dimensions in terms of bosonic and fermionic oscillators, using Howe duality between sp(4, ℝ) ≅ so(2, 3) and osp(1|2(ℓ − 1), ℝ). More precisely, we show that the centraliser of osp(1|2(ℓ − 1), ℝ) in the Weyl-Clifford algebra generated by 4 bosonic and 8(ℓ − 1) fermionic symbols, modulo osp(1|2(ℓ − 1), ℝ) generators, is isomorphic to the higher spin algebra of the type-Aℓ theory whose spectrum contains partially-massless fields of all spins and depths t = 1, 3,…, 2ℓ − 1. We also discuss the possible existence of a deformation of this algebra, which would encode interaction for the type-Aℓ theory.
Permutation invariant matrix quantum thermodynamics and negative specific heat capacities in large N systems
Authors: O’Connor Denjoe , Ramgoolam Sanjaye
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We study the thermodynamic properties of the simplest gauged permutation invariant matrix quantum mechanical system of oscillators, for general matrix size N. In the canonical ensemble, the model has a transition at a temperature T given by $$ x={e}^{-1/T}\sim {x}_c={e}^{-1/{T}_c}=\frac{\log N}{N} $$
x
=

e

−
1
/
T

~

x
c

=

e

−
1
/

T
c

=

log
N

N

, characterised by a sharp peak in the specific heat capacity (SHC), which separates a high temperature from a low temperature region. The peak grows and the low-temperature region shrinks to zero with increasing N. In the micro-canonical ensemble, for finite N, there is a low energy phase with negative SHC and a high energy phase with positive SHC. The low-energy phase is dominated by a super-exponential growth of degeneracies as a function of energy which is directly related to the rapid growth in the number of directed graphs, with any number of vertices, as a function of the number of edges. The two ensembles have matching behaviour above the transition temperature. We further provide evidence that these thermodynamic properties hold in systems with U(N) symmetry such as the zero charge sector of the 2-matrix model and in certain tensor models. We discuss the implications of these observations for the negative specific heat capacities in gravity using the AdS/CFT correspondence.
Nontrivial bundles and defect operators in n-form gauge theories
Authors: Hu Shan
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In (d + 1)-dimensional 1-form nonabelian gauge theories, we classify nontrivial 0-form bundles in ℝd, which yield configurations of D(d − 2j)-branes wrapping (d − 2j)-cycles cd−2j in Dd-branes. We construct the related defect operators U(2j−1)(cd−2j), which are disorder operators carrying the D(d – 2j) charge. We compute the commutation relations between the defect operators and Chern-Simons operators on odd-dimensional closed manifolds, and derive the generalized Witten effect for U(2j−1)(cd−2j). When cd−2j is not exact, U(2j−1)(cd−2j) and U(2j−1)(– cd−2j) can also combine into an electric (2j – 1)-form global symmetry operator, where the (2j – 1)-form is the Chern-Simons form. The dual magnetic (d – 2j)-form global symmetry is generated by the D(d – 2j) charge. We also study nontrivial 1-form bundles in (d + 1)-dimensional 2-form nonabelian gauge theories, where the defect operators are $$ {\mathcal{U}}^{(2j)}\left({c}_{d-2j-1}\right) $$

U

2
j

c

d
−
2
j
−
1

. With the field strength of the 1-form taken as the flat connection of the 2-form, we classify the topological sectors in 2-form theories.
A note on defect stability in d = 4 − ε
Authors: Pannell William H.
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We explore the space of scalar line, surface and interface defect field theories in d = 4 − ε by examining their stability properties under generic deformations. Examples are known of multiple stable line defect Conformal Field Theories (dCFTs) existing simultaneously, unlike the case of normal multiscalar field theories where a theorem by Michel guarantees that the stable fixed point is the unique global minimum of a so-called A-function. We prove that a suitable modification of Michel’s theorem survives for line defect theories, with fixed points locally rather than globally minimizing an A-function along a specified surface in coupling space and provide a novel classification of the fixed points in the hypertetrahedral line defect model. For surface defects Michel’s theorem survives almost untouched, and we explore bulk models for which the symmetry preserving defect is the unique stable point. For interface defects we prove only the weaker condition that there exist no fixed points stable against generic deformations for N ≥ 6.
Transcendentality of ABJM two-point functions
Authors: Bianchi Marco S.
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We compute the two-point function of protected dimension-1 operators in ABJM up to two loops in dimensional regularization. The result exhibits uniform transcendentality empirically, which we conjecture to hold at all orders. We leverage this property to streamline the reconstruction of the dimensional regularization expansion of master integrals in terms of bases of Euler sums of uniform transcendental weight.
Phytochemical fingerprinting of phytotoxins as a cutting-edge approach for unveiling nature’s secrets in forensic science
Authors: Zakaria Nabil , El-Sayed Ashraf S. A. , Ali Mostafa G.
Published: January 2025

The integration of phytochemistry into forensic science has emerged as a groundbreaking frontier, providing unprecedented insights into nature's secrets through the precise application of phytochemical fingerprinting of phytotoxins as a cutting-edge approach. This study explores the dynamic intersection of phytochemistry and forensic science, highlighting how the unique phytochemical profiles of toxic plants and their secondary metabolites, serve as distinctive markers for forensic investigations. By utilizing advanced techniques such as Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), the detection and quantification of plant-derived are made more accurate in forensic contexts. Real-world case studies are presented to demonstrate the critical role of plant toxins in forensic outcomes and legal proceedings. The challenges, potential, and future prospects of integrating phytochemical fingerprinting of plant toxins into forensic science were discussed. This review aims to illuminate phytochemical fingerprinting of plant toxins as a promising tool to enhance the precision and depth of forensic analyses, offering new insights into the complex stories embedded in plant toxins.
Global biogeographic patterns of the genus Indigofera (Fabaceae: Indigofereae)
Authors: Du Preez Brian , Schrire Brian D. , Dreyer Léanne L. , Stirton Charles H. , Chimphango Samson B. M. , Muasya A. Muthama
Published: January 2025

Indigofera L. is the most diverse genus in the tribe Indigofereae and the third largest genus in the Fabaceae with over 750 species distributed in most tropical to temperate areas of the world. The centre of diversity of the genus lies on the African continent, accounting for over two-thirds of its global diversity. Diversification of Indigofera’s four main clades began in the Early Miocene, with the Tethyan and Cape Clades having slightly older crown ages than the Pantropical and Paleotropical Clades. Using biogeographical models under a newly assembled, more comprehensively-sampled ITS phylogeny, we confirmed that the tribe Indigofereae originated in the Africa-Madagascar centre, with the genus Indigofera resolving with a mainland African origin c. 38 Mya. Long-distance dispersals were rare, but did occur from Africa to South America and Africa to Australia during the late Miocene. Multiple dispersals from Africa into Asia took place via the arid north-east African and Arabian corridors during the same period. At least four Indigofera dispersals to Madagascar took place during the Miocene. The Cape Clade is a narrowly endemic lineage, mostly restricted to the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of southwestern South Africa, while the Tethyan, Pantropical and Paleotropical Clades are more widely dispersed across multiple continents. Both the Cape and Tethyan Clades display strong signals for arid origins in the southern Namib and Richtersveld regions of Southwestern Africa. This study emphasizes the importance of the global Succulent biome in shaping biogeographical patterns of Indigofera globally, particularly in terms of biome conservatism and how it created corridors facilitating trans-continental dispersal.
The European Ideological Space in Voters' Own Words
Authors: Gidron Noam , Tichelbaecker Thomas
Published: January 2025

There is a broad consensus that the ideological space of Western democracies consists of two distinct dimensions: one economic and the other cultural. In this Element, the authors explore how ordinary citizens make sense of these two dimensions. Analyzing novel survey data collected across ten Western democracies, they employ text analysis techniques to investigate responses to open-ended questions. They examine variations in how people interpret these two ideological dimensions along three levels of analysis: across countries, based on demographic features, and along the left-right divide. Their results suggest that there are multiple two-dimensional spaces: that is, different groups ascribe different meanings to what the economic and cultural political divides stand for. They also find that the two dimensions are closely intertwined in people's minds. Their findings make theoretical contributions to the study of electoral politics and political ideology.
Reconceiving Freedom from the Shadows of Slavery
Authors: Christman John
Published: January 2025

In a departure from standard approaches to the concept of liberty, in this book John Christman locates and defends the concept of freedom as a fundamental social value that arose out of fights against slavery and oppression. Seen in this light, liberty must be understood as requiring more than mere non-interference or non-domination – it requires the capacity for self-government and the capabilities needed to pursue valued activities, practices, and ways of life. Christman analyses the emergence of freedom as a concept through nineteenth- and twentieth-century struggles against slavery and other oppressive social forms, and argues that a specifically positive conception best reflects its origins and is philosophically defensible in its own right. What results is a model of freedom that captures its fundamental value both as central to the theoretical architecture of constitutional democracies and as an aspiration for those striving for liberation.
Radio Frequency Identification Engineering
Authors: Soares Boaventura Alírio , Carvalho Nuno Borges
Published: January 2025

Radio Frequency Identification Engineering Radio frequency identification (RFID) has become an undeniable aspect of modern living, being used from logistics, access control, and electronic payment systems to artificial intelligence, and as a key building block of the internet of things. Presenting a unique coverage of RFID reader design and engineering, this is a valuable resource for engineers and researchers, aiding in their mission of fulfilling current and future demands in the RFID space. Providing a cohesive compilation of technical resources for full-stack engineering of RFID readers, the book includes step-by-step techniques, algorithms, and source code that can be incorporated in custom designs. Readers are invited to explore the design of RFID interrogators based on software-defined radio for flexible, upgradeable solutions as well as low-complexity techniques for engineering low-cost RFID readers. Additionally, the authors provide insight into related topics such as waveform design optimization for improved reading range and novel quadrature backscatter modulation techniques.
Full-color dynamic volumetric displays with tunable upconversion emission from RE3+-doped glasses (RE = Ho, Tm, Nd, Yb) under NIR laser excitation
Authors: Ekim Utku , Özkutay Diğdem , Çelikbilek Ersundu Miray , Ersundu Ali Erçin
Published: January 2025

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology holds immense potential across various high-tech applications; however, current display technologies are hindered by limitations such as restricted viewing angles, cumbersome headgear, and limited multi-user accessibility. To address these challenges, researchers are actively exploring new materials and techniques for 3D imaging. Laser-based volumetric displays (VDs) offer a promising solution; nonetheless, existing screen materials fall short in meeting key requirements for long-term durability, full-color operation, and scalability. In this study, we present a comprehensive investigation into easily scalable rare-earth (RE3+) doped monolithic glasses (RE = Ho, Tm, Nd, Yb) capable of tunable full-color emission using a novel excitation modulation technique under 808 nm and 980 nm laser excitation and demonstrate their implementation as laser-based VD materials through prototyping. By controlling the movement of lasers’ pulses and galvanometer mirrors with waveform generators, our system generates images in simple and complex shapes with high purity red, green, and blue (RGB) colors. These images can be manipulated, including actions like translation, rotation, expansion, and sequential movement within the monolithic glass screen material. Our findings showcase the potential of glass-based dynamic VDs in revolutionizing display technology, offering superior color purity, vividness, and performance in comparison to conventional display systems.
Random Illumination Microscopy: faster, thicker, and aberration-insensitive
Authors: Jin Boya , Xi Peng
Published: January 2025

The Extended Depth of Field (EDF) approach has been combined with Random Illumination Microscopy (RIM) to realize aberration-insensitive, fast super-resolution imaging with extended depth, which is a promising tool for dynamic imaging in larger and thicker live cells and tissues.
Excitation-mode-selective emission through multiexcitonic states in a double perovskite single crystal
Authors: Suo Hao , Wang Nan , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xin , Xiang Jinmeng , Wang Xiaojia , Xing Guansheng , Guo Dongxu , Chang Jiwen , Wang Yu , Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Zhang Yuhai , Chen Bing , Li Shuzhou , Guo Chongfeng , Wang Feng
Published: January 2025

Low-dimensional lead-free metal halide perovskites are highly attractive for cutting-edge optoelectronic applications. Herein, we report a class of scandium-based double perovskite crystals comprising antimony dopants that can generate multiexcitonic emissions in the ultraviolet, blue, and yellow spectral regions. Owing to the zero-dimensional nature of the crystal lattice that minimizes energy crosstalk, different excitonic states in the crystals can be selectively excited by ultraviolet light, X-ray irradiation, and mechanical action, enabling dynamic control of steady/transient-state spectral features by modulating the excitation modes. Remarkably, the transparent crystal exhibits highly efficient white photoluminescence (quantum yield >97%), X-ray excited blue emission with long afterglow (duration >9 h), and high-brightness self-reproducible violet-blue mechanoluminescence. These findings reveal the exceptional capability of low-dimensional perovskite crystals for integrating various excitonic luminescence, offering exciting opportunities for multi-level data encryption and all-in-one authentication technologies.
Radiopharmaceuticals and their applications in medicine
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Wang Xingkai , Gao Xin , Chen Xueyao , Li Linger , Li Guoqing , Liu Can , Miao Yuan , Wang Rui , Hu Kuan
Published: January 2025

Radiopharmaceuticals involve the local delivery of radionuclides to targeted lesions for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple diseases. Radiopharmaceutical therapy, which directly causes systematic and irreparable damage to targeted cells, has attracted increasing attention in the treatment of refractory diseases that are not sensitive to current therapies. As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and their complementary diagnostic agents, namely, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11, targeted radiopharmaceutical-based theranostics (radiotheranostics) are being increasingly implemented in clinical practice in oncology, which lead to a new era of radiopharmaceuticals. The new generation of radiopharmaceuticals utilizes a targeting vector to achieve the accurate delivery of radionuclides to lesions and avoid off-target deposition, making it possible to improve the efficiency and biosafety of tumour diagnosis and therapy. Numerous studies have focused on developing novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting a broader range of disease targets, demonstrating remarkable in vivo performance. These include high tumor uptake, prolonged retention time, and favorable pharmacokinetic properties that align with clinical standards. While radiotheranostics have been widely applied in tumor diagnosis and therapy, their applications are now expanding to neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation. Furthermore, radiotheranostic-empowered precision medicine is revolutionizing the cancer treatment paradigm. Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals play a pivotal role in patient stratification and treatment planning, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes in targeted radionuclide therapy. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of radiopharmaceuticals, including both FDA-approved and clinically investigated agents, and explores the mechanisms of cell death induced by radiopharmaceuticals. It emphasizes the significance and future prospects of theranostic-based radiopharmaceuticals in advancing precision medicine.
In defence of ferroptosis
Authors: Alves Francesca , Lane Darius , Nguyen Triet Phu Minh , Bush Ashley I. , Ayton Scott
Published: January 2025

Rampant phospholipid peroxidation initiated by iron causes ferroptosis unless this is restrained by cellular defences. Ferroptosis is increasingly implicated in a host of diseases, and unlike other cell death programs the physiological initiation of ferroptosis is conceived to occur not by an endogenous executioner, but by the withdrawal of cellular guardians that otherwise constantly oppose ferroptosis induction. Here, we profile key ferroptotic defence strategies including iron regulation, phospholipid modulation and enzymes and metabolite systems: glutathione reductase (GR), Ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), retinal reductases and retinal dehydrogenases (RDH) and thioredoxin reductases (TR). A common thread uniting all key enzymes and metabolites that combat lipid peroxidation during ferroptosis is a dependence on a key cellular reductant, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). We will outline how cells control central carbon metabolism to produce NADPH and necessary precursors to defend against ferroptosis. Subsequently we will discuss evidence for ferroptosis and NADPH dysregulation in different disease contexts including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, cancer and neurodegeneration. Finally, we discuss several anti-ferroptosis therapeutic strategies spanning the use of radical trapping agents, iron modulation and glutathione dependent redox support and highlight the current landscape of clinical trials focusing on ferroptosis.
Disordered microporous Sandia octahedral molecular sieves are tolerant to neutron radiation
Authors: Ali Rana Faryad , Gascoine Melanie , Starosta Krzysztof , Gates Byron D.
Published: January 2025

Nanorods were synthesized from disordered Sandia octahedral molecular sieves (SOMS), and these materials were characterized for their tolerance to neutron irradiation.
Bovine serum albumin under the influence of alkali metal halides
Authors: Carreón Yojana J. P. , Jaramillo-Granada A. M. , Fuentes-López D. , Reyes-Figueroa A. D. , González-Gutiérrez J. , Mercado-Uribe H.
Published: January 2025

Particle size distribution of BSA and BSA with different salts.
Dual-recognition driven sensing platform based on a BSA-Cu NP nanozyme combined with smartphone-assistance for fluorometric/colorimetric monitoring of dopamine
Authors: Feng Da-Qian , Wang Shaofei , Yu Zhendi , Zhang Wenfeng , Liu Guoliang
Published: January 2025

BSA-Cu NPs with peroxidase-mimicking activity are synthesized for dopamine detection based on fluorometric/colorimetric dual-mode. Besides, by integrating paper strips and smartphone software analysis, an intelligent recognition is also fabricated.
SERS of nitro group compounds for sensing of explosives
Authors: Mazur Nazar , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Kapush Olga , Isaieva Oksana , Demydov Petro , Lytvyn Vitalii , Chegel Volodymyr , Kukla Oleksandr , Yukhymchuk Volodymyr
Published: January 2025

Explosive analogues (1-NN, 4-NP, and 5-NI) and picric acid with low concentrations (10−4–10−7 M) detected on SERS substrates consist of SiO2 spheres covered with Ag layers and AgNPs.
Study of supported heteropolyacid catalysts for one-step DME synthesis from CO2 and H2
Authors: Wesner Anne , Herrmann Nick , Prawitt Lasse , Ortmann Angela , Albert Jakob , Poller Maximilian J.
Published: January 2025

In this study, various heteropolyacid (HPA) catalysts on different support materials were synthesized and tested in combination with a Cu-based methanol synthesis catalyst for the single-step synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from CO2 and H2.
Vestibularsystem
Authors: Corts Magga
Published: January 2025

Die Gleichgewichtsregulation wird von 3 Systemen beeinflusst: dem vestibulären,
dem propriozeptiven und dem optischen. In diesem Beitrag werden die anatomischen
und physiologischen Besonderheiten erläutert. Eine Auswahl von Krankheitsbildern
ergänzt die einzelnen Aspekte. Osteopathische Behandlungstechniken werden im
Kontext dargestellt.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-AIDED COLONOSCOPY FOR ADENOMA DETECTION AND CHARACTERISATION IN SPAIN
Authors: Bustamante-Balén Marco , Merino Rodríguez Beatriz , Barranco Luis , Monje Julen , Álvarez María , de Pedro Sofia , Oyagüez Itziar , Van Lent Nancy , Mareque Maria
Published: January 2025

Objective. To assess the cost-effectiveness of an Intelligent Endoscopy Module for computer-assisted detection and characterization (CADe/CADx) compared to standard practice, from a Spanish National Health System perspective.
Methods. A Markov model was designed to estimate total costs, life years gained (LYG), and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a lifetime horizon with annual cycles. A hypothetical cohort of 1,000 patients eligible for colonoscopy (mean age of 61.32 years) was distributed between Markov states according to polyp size, location, and histology based on national screening programs’ data. CADe/CADx efficacy was determined based on adenoma miss rates, and natural disease evolution was simulated according to annual transition probabilities. Detected polyps’ management involved polypectomy and histopathology in standard practice, while with CADe/CADx leave-in-situ strategy was applied for ≤5mm rectosigmoid non-adenomas and resect-and-discard strategy for the rest of ≤5mm polyps. Unit costs (€,2024) included the diagnostic procedure and polyp and CRC management. A 3% annual discount rate was applied to costs and outcomes. The model’s inputs were validated by an expert panel.
Results. CADe/CADx resulted more effective (16.37 LYG and 14.32 QALYs) than standard practice (16.33 LYG and 14.27 QALYs) over a lifetime horizon. Total cost per patient was €2,300.76 with CADe/CADx and €2,508.75 with colonoscopy alone. In a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 patients, CADe/CADx avoided 173 polypectomies, 370 histopathologies, and 7 CRC cases. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the model's robustness.
Conclusions. The results of this analysis suggest that CADe/CADx would result in a dominant strategy versus standard practice in patients undergoing colonoscopies in Spain.
Total Synthesis of the Prenylated Indole Alkaloid (±)-Notoamide N via an Electrochemically Mediated Vilsmeier–Haack Formylation of a Chlorinated Indole
Authors: Banwell Martin G. , Tan Shen , Xu Zhongnan , Liang Xin-Ting , Song Jian-Guo , White Lorenzo V.
Published: January 2025

A total synthesis of the racemic modification of the prenylated indole alkaloid notoamide N has been realised. A crucial step involved the electrochemically mediated Vilsmeier–Haack formylation of a chlorinated 1,7-dihydropyrano[2,3-g]indole. The product aldehyde was engaged in biomimetic and tandem aldol condensation/intramolecular Diels–Alder reactions with a diketopiperazine derivative to give a diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-containing adduct. Epoxidation of this adduct led, via an in situ semi-pinacolic rearrangement of the initially formed oxirane, to the targeted spiro-oxindole notoamide N.
A clear picture of laser-driven proton-boron nuclear reactions
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: January 2025

Better understanding of this reaction could result in a more accessible source of alpha particles for medical treatments.
An innovative and rapid method for permanent hydrophilic modification of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip surfaces
Authors: Sheng Shiqi , Wang Minglei , Mu Liuhua
Published: January 2025

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a fundamental material in the fabrication of microfluidic devices, suffers from nonspecific adsorption of biological samples due to its hydrophobic nature. Herein, by employing a radiation-induced grafting strategy to introduce hydrophilic functional groups onto the PDMS surface, a significant improvement in hydrophilicity is achieved, leading to a notable reduction in the contact angle by up to ∼90° and improvement of antifouling performance against biological samples. Effects between monomer concentration, grafting efficiency, and mechanical integrity are balanced to optimize the grafting process, achieving promised hydrophilicity enhancement while the mechanical properties are not degraded. The content of carboxyl groups exposed on the surface of grafted PDMS was computationally analyzed using MD simulations, which revealed the key role of carboxyl groups in the wettability of the PDMS surface. Our study extensively showcases the effective grafting of acrylic acid onto PDMS, which is characterized by diverse grafting rates. Remarkably, the hydrophilic modification is stable over time compared to conventional plasma treatment, offering a more reliable and enduring strategy, and making it a valuable enhancement for PDMS chips with extensive applications.
Automated high-resolution 3D inspection methods for sealant applications in aerospace based on line structured light
Authors: Qiao Yunqing , Ye Yuling , Su Feng , Sun Guobing
Published: January 2025

Gluing is a critical step in aircraft sealing assembly, with glue profile inspection serving as the final quality assurance measure to ensure consistency and accuracy of the sealant coating, allowing timely detection and correction of defects to maintain assembly integrity and safety. Currently, existing glue inspection systems are limited to basic inspection capabilities, lack result digitization, and exhibit low efficiency. This paper proposes a 3D inspection technology for sealant coating quality based on line-structured light, enabling automated and high-precision inspection of sealant thickness, sealant width, positional accuracy, and overlap joint sealant contour through geometric computation. The method reduces manual inspection time and rework rates while providing detailed quality records to facilitate traceability. Additionally, it ensures that sealant application adheres to the stringent standards of the aviation industry. Experimental results demonstrate that the measurement error is within 0.2 mm compared to manual measurements, meeting the inspection requirements of practical applications.
Residual strain optimization in 3D MOSFET structures for enhanced mobility via nanoscale heat transfer
Authors: Hong Ji Hoon , Kang Min Sung , Ha Inho , Park Hong-Lae , Park Kyungwook , Jeon Joohyun , Yoo Wonseok , Kim Jueun , Chung Chunhyung , Park Sung Min , Cho Sung Beom
Published: January 2025

This study addresses the optimization of strain in continuous MOSFET downscaling, particularly at the nanoscale, where traditional Fourier models fail due to non-diffusive phonon transport effects. We introduce a multi-physics simulation approach that combines Finite Element Method (FEM) and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to design strain-optimized 3D MOSFET structures. By implementing the kinetic collective model within FEM simulations, we accurately predict thermal-induced strains in the Si channel layer. Our DFT calculations further elucidate the impact of these strains on the electronic properties, particularly the electron effective mass, thereby offering insights into mobility enhancement strategies. The study not only advances the implications of nanoscale heat transfer for device performance but also provides a robust framework for optimizing next-generation semiconductor devices through strain engineering and sophisticated multi-physics simulations.