bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research progress on highly conductive polymer composites based on carbon‐based nanofillers
Authors: Guohua Lou , Zhiyong Zhao , Yangang Wang
Published: February 2025

Polymer conductive composites have attracted significant attention in materials science due to customizable properties, corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, excellent processability, and low cost, which have increasingly extensive applications in electronics, aerospace, and energy devices. However, the relatively low electrical conductivity of polymer composites with carbon‐based nanofillers restricts their use in highly conductive applications. Over the past few decades, considerable research has been directed towards enhancing the electrical conductivity of these composites. This review highlights recent advancements in the development of highly conductive polymer composites, focusing on strategies such as segregated conductive networks, multiphase blending, and pre‐constructed 3D conductive networks. The benefits and current challenges of these methods are discussed. Additionally, the paper summarizes the practical applications of highly conductive polymer composites with carbon‐based nanofillers in various high‐conductivity fields. This review offers valuable insights for the preparation of next‐generation conductive polymer composites tailored for diverse high‐conductivity applications.

Highlights

Comprehensive strategies for enhancing conductivity in CPCs are thoroughly reviewed.

Explores applications in fuel cell plates, EMI shielding, and conductive adhesives.

Future research trends and challenges are critically discussed.
Evaluating in‐plane shear properties of bamboo textile‐reinforced polymer using the Iosipescu, V‐notch rail shear, and ±45° laminate tension tests
Authors: Chang Chun‐Wei , Li Shyue‐Cheng , Tang Zhu‐Min , Chang Feng‐Cheng
Published: February 2025

In this study, the in‐plane shear behavior of bamboo textile‐reinforced polymer with twill 2/2 structure were evaluated using the Iosipescu, V‐notched rail tension, and ± 45° laminate tension tests. We analyzed the behavior of the polymer under various shear strains and loading conditions in these tests using various strain measurement tools, including digital image correlation. We discovered that the shear modulus and shear strength varied significantly depending on the loading modes and testing methods. The in‐plane shear modulus G12 (or GLT) values (1.94–1.25 GPa) differed among the three tests because of the different loading modes, load response characteristics, and fracture modes of the matrix and bamboo. The rail test conducted in the tension loading mode produced the ideal contours of pure in‐plane shear. We also found that the size of the woven unit relative to the gauge length plays a critical role in determining the stability of the measured strain value. This study validated the influence of loading mechanisms and structural characteristics on the measured shear properties of the biocomposite materials.

Highlights

In‐plane shear obtained using three distinct test methods

G12 of bamboo‐reinforced polymer is 1.94–1.25 GPa

Loading modes affect shear modulus and strength

Woven unit size crucial in measuring shear strain
Evaluation of impact resistance of sustainable sandwich structures with optimized FDM core geometries using low‐velocity drop impact tests
Authors: Kalaimagal S. , Vasumathi M. , Rashia Begum S. , Saravana Kumar M. , Romanovski Valentin , Salah Bashir
Published: February 2025

Sandwich structures have gained considerable attention in engineering due to their lightweight nature and excellent mechanical properties. However, their impact resistance has been a critical limitation. This research addresses this challenge by enhancing the impact resistance of sandwich structures through the integration of fused deposition modeling (FDM) with glass fiber‐reinforced polylactic acid (PLA + GF) composites. Three core geometries trihexagonal, hexagonal, and triangular are 3D printed using FDM technology, while the facing sheets, made of unidirectional Kevlar fiber and an aluminum layer, provide superior impact resistance, energy absorption, and corrosion resistance. The complete sandwich structures are fabricated using a hand layup process and subjected to low‐velocity drop impact tests for evaluation. The study aims to develop lightweight yet high‐strength materials, particularly for bumper applications, by analyzing the mechanical properties of these sandwich structures. Among the tested designs, the trihexagonal core demonstrated the highest peak force, approximately 4000 N at a height of 600 mm and 4500 N at 1100 mm, highlighting its exceptional stiffness and efficient energy dissipation due to uniform impact load distribution. Additionally, the contact time analysis revealed contrasting behaviors: the triangular core reached its peak force the fastest, at 0.514 ms at 600 mm, indicating a brittle and rapid response, while the hexagonal core had the longest contact time of 2.14 ms, showcasing gradual deformation and superior energy absorption. The findings contribute valuable insights for advancing high‐performance materials in various engineering applications, where both strength and lightweight characteristics are crucial.

Highlights

GF‐reinforced PLA composites were used as a core for sandwich structure.

FDM was equipped to print hexagonal, trihexagonal and triangular core.

Aluminum facing sheet and Kevlar fiber aids in improving impact resistance.

Trihexagonal core shows the optimal balance of recovery under dynamic loading.
An improved variant of tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease that does not need reducing agents
Authors: Davis Stella M. , Romig Bryn L. , Abe Alyssa A. , Loening Nikolaus M.
Published: February 2025

Here we show that a combination of previously suggested mutations for tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease results in a TEV protease mutant that maintains the same catalytic efficiency as previously described mutants but has enhanced stability and solubility. Another advantage of this new variant of TEV protease is that it does not need the inclusion of a reducing agent to maintain its effectiveness, making it easier to generate, store, and use in cleavage reactions compared to previous TEV protease mutants and, in particular, makes it a good choice for cleaving proteins that contain disulfide bonds that would otherwise be altered by the inclusion of a reducing agent. We also provide a straightforward purification protocol for generating this new version of TEV protease.
Non‐canonical ORFs‐derived protein products in mitochondria: A multifaceted exploration of their functions in health and disease
Authors: Ajala Ikram , Vanderperre Benoît
Published: February 2025

Traditionally, eukaryotic mRNAs were perceived as inherently monocistronic. However, recent insights from ribosome profiling (Ribo‐seq) and proteomics studies challenge this paradigm. These investigations reveal that, beyond the currently annotated reference proteins (RefProts), there exist additional proteins known as alternative proteins (AltProts) and small open reading frames derived microproteins encoded in regions of mRNAs previously considered untranslated or in non‐coding transcripts. This experimental evidence broadens the spectrum of functional proteins within cells, tissues, and organs, potentially offering crucial insights into biological processes. Notably, a significant proportion of these newly identified AltProts and microproteins demonstrates localization in mitochondria, contributing to the functions of mitochondrial complexes. This review delves into the overlooked realm of the alternative proteome within mitochondria, exploring the role of nuclear or mitochondrial‐genome‐encoded AltProts and microproteins in physiological and pathological cellular processes.
Insights into the low‐temperature adaptation of an enzyme as studied through ancestral sequence reconstruction
Authors: Cui Shuang , Dasgupta Subrata , Yagi Sota , Kimura Madoka , Furukawa Ryutaro , Tagami Shunsuke , Akanuma Satoshi
Published: February 2025

For billions of years, enzymes have evolved in response to the changing environments in which their host organisms lived. Various lines of evidence suggest the earliest primitive organisms inhabited high‐temperature environments and possessed enzymes adapted to such conditions. Consequently, extant mesophilic and psychrophilic enzymes are believed to have adapted to lower temperatures during the evolutionary process. Herein, we analyzed this low‐temperature adaptation using ancestral sequence reconstruction. Previously, we generated the phylogenetic tree of 3‐isopropylmalate dehydrogenases (IPMDHs) and reconstructed the sequence of the last bacterial common ancestor. The corresponding ancestral enzyme displayed high thermostability and catalytic activity at elevated temperatures but moderate activity at low temperatures (Furukawa et al., Sci. Rep., 2020;10:15493). Here, to identify amino acid residues that are responsible for the low‐temperature adaptation, we reconstructed and characterized all 11 evolutionary intermediates that sequentially connect the last bacterial common ancestor with extant mesophilic IPMDH from Escherichia coli. A remarkable change in catalytic properties, from those suited for high reaction temperatures to those adapted for low temperatures, occurred between two consecutive evolutionary intermediates. Using a combination of sequence comparisons between ancestral proteins and site‐directed mutagenesis analyses, three key amino acid substitutions were identified that enhance low‐temperature catalytic activity. Intriguingly, amino acid substitutions that had the most significant impact on activity at low temperatures displayed no discernable effect on thermostability. However, these substitutions markedly reduced the activation energy for catalysis, thereby improving low‐temperature activity. The results were further investigated by molecular dynamics simulations of the predicted structures of the ancestral enzymes. Our findings exemplify how ancestral sequence reconstruction can identify residues crucial for adaptation to low temperatures.
Different nontarget‐site mechanisms underlie resistance to dicamba and 2,4‐D in an Amaranthus tuberculatus population
Authors: Werle Isabel Schlegel , Bobadilla Lucas Kopecky , Raiyemo Damilola A , Lopez Alexander J , Mesquita Machado Filipi , Tranel Patrick J
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer (waterhemp) has emerged as one of several weed species that is resistant to synthetic auxin herbicides (SAHs). Among the mechanisms of resistance to SAHs, nontarget‐site resistance (NTSR) has been of particular concern owing to its complexity. Here, we integrated linkage mapping with transcriptome analysis to explore NTSR mechanisms to two SAHs, dicamba and 2,4‐D, in a multiple‐herbicide‐resistant A. tuberculatus population (CHR).

RESULTS

Phenotypic evaluations of an F2 mapping population indicated a polygenic basis for both dicamba and 2,4‐D resistance in CHR. A weak correlation was observed between phenotypic responses to dicamba and 2,4‐D treatments. Linkage mapping analyses revealed eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions associated with dicamba and 2,4‐D resistance mapped to seven A. tuberculatus chromosomes. Together, these QTL regions explained 24.2 and 23.1% of the variation in dicamba‐ and 2,4‐D‐resistant phenotypes, respectively. Only one co‐localized QTL region was found between the two resistance traits.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrated that resistance to dicamba and 2,4‐D in the CHR population is under the control of genes at multiple loci. The weak phenotypic and genetic associations of resistance traits indicate that more than one NTSR mechanism confers resistance to dicamba and 2,4‐D in this A. tuberculatus population. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Intraseasonal synchronization of extreme rainfall between North India and the Sahel
Authors: Strnad Felix M. , Hunt Kieran M.R. , Boers Niklas , Goswami Bedartha
Published: February 2025

The Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and the West African Monsoon (WAM) are dominant drivers of boreal summer precipitation variability in tropical and subtropical regions. Although the regional precipitation dynamics in these two regions have been extensively studied, the intraseasonal interactions between the ISM and WAM remain poorly understood. Here, we employ a climate network approach based on extreme rainfall events to uncover synchronously occurring extreme rainfall patterns across the two monsoon systems. We reveal strong synchronization of extreme rainfall events during the peak monsoon period in July and August, linking heavy rainfall over North India to that over the Sahel with a lag of around 12 days. We find that La Niña like conditions in combination with the Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation (BSISO) and an enhanced Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) foster the synchronization between the ISM and the WAM. The northward‐propagating BSISO triggers African Easterly Wave activity, bounded between a reduced African Easterly Jet and the TEJ. These induce westward‐traveling anomalous deep convection over the Sahel, which causes extreme rainfall events to occur.
Endobronchial Leiomyoma Presenting as Post‐Obstructive Pneumonia
Authors: Ng Boon Hau , Low Hsueh Jing , Abeed Nik Nuratiqah Nik , Sharil Nor Safiqah , Osman Rose Azzlinda , Krishnasamy Maalini , Ban Andrea Yu‐Lin , Rahaman Jamalul Azizi Abdul
Published: February 2025

Endobronchial leiomyoma is a rare airway tumour. We report the case of a 30‐year‐old female non‐smoker who presented with persistent fever and cough, ultimately diagnosed with post‐obstructive pneumonia secondary to an endobronchial leiomyoma. The patient underwent a successful endobronchial cryo‐resection with the resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering rare causes of non‐resolving pneumonia and the role of a minimally invasive approach in the management of endobronchial leiomyoma.
Lung Mass With Crazy‐Paving: An Unusual Initial Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Woo Fui Bee , Tan Han Loong , Maria Dass Raymund Dass , Sivandan Shobhana
Published: February 2025

Acute myeloid leukaemia is known to present non‐specifically and more commonly with B symptoms. We report an interesting presentation of acute myeloid leukaemia as a lung mass which initially raised clinical suspicion of primary lung cancer. A gentleman in his 50s who is an active smoker presented with chronic cough, lethargy, and giddiness for 2 months. Physical examination revealed pallor, cervical lymphadenopathy, and bronchial breathing over the right middle zone on auscultation. CT thorax showed a spiculated solid mass with a crazy‐paving pattern, suggestive of lung cancer. However, blood workup showed pancytopenia with a full blood picture showing 60% blast cells. Subsequent bone marrow examination confirmed the diagnosis of AML. The patient received 2‐weekly venetoclax‐based chemotherapy. Serial follow‐up CT showed resolution of lung changes and the patient remained in remission.
Engineering in NIR‐responsive photothermal materials and their application in wound healing administration
Authors: Bassam Alsharafi , Du Mengxuan , Li Yuan , He Xiaojun
Published: February 2025

Wound healing is a complex process that involves multiple stages and is susceptible to various challenges, such as infection, insufficient blood flow, and the body's inadequate response to the healing process, which can be life‐threatening for the patient. In the current medical landscape, traditional treatments often struggle to meet the high standards of modern medical care. Therefore, it is crucial to actively explore and develop new drugs or advanced technologies that can enhance the healing of bacterially infected wounds. In recent years, several physical methods that effectively accelerate wound healing have garnered widespread attention and interest. Among these, Photothermal therapy (PTT) has been extensively utilized in the treatment of bacterial infections and wound healing due to its non‐invasive, low toxicity, and ease of use. The photothermal agents (PTAs) serve as the core material in PTT, and their efficacy is significantly influenced by the specific PTAs employed. Selecting the appropriate PTAs is essential for achieving the desired therapeutic effect. This treatment relies on the PTAs's ability to efficiently convert specific wavelengths of light energy into heat upon absorption, thereby generating a thermal effect at the wound site. Consequently, the properties of the PTAs, including photothermal conversion efficiency, biocompatibility, and stability within the organism, are critical factors that determine the therapeutic outcome. This review introduces organic, inorganic, and organic‐inorganic hybrid PTAs for PTT in wound healing, highlighting their main properties and applications in wound management in recent years. Finally, we briefly discuss the limitations and prospects of this field.
Know how to combat plagiarism in the age of artificial intelligence
Authors: Buller Jeffrey L. , McClain Sandra C.
Published: February 2025

Integrity is the heart and soul of any significant academic discourse. As attorney Ronald B. Standler has observed: “Reputations in academia are made on the basis of creating new knowledge: discoveries of new facts, new ways of looking at previously known facts, original analysis of old ideas, etc. A plagiarist receives credit for expression or analysis that was improperly taken from someone else. In this view, the plagiarist commits fraud, by claiming the work of other people as the plagiarist's own work.”
Going where students are reaps far‐reaching rewards
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: February 2025

Tory Eagles was a Financial Aid Administrator at College of the Redwoods in 2016 when she helped the school set up a program at Pelican Bay State Prison, California's maximum security facility.
Efficient and Stable Synthesis of Butyrolactone from Biomass Derived 1,4‐ButaneDiol Dehydrogenation over Cu Supported on MgAl2O4 with Textural Properties
Authors: Ramudu Manne Parusha , Jagadish T. , Eshwari K. , Swapna S. , Ambedkar G. , Sunithamanjari Padma , Nagaiah Peddinti
Published: February 2025

Copper based catalysts have gained significant attention due to the exceptional reactivity of Cu species in breaking OH and C─H bonds through oxidation, as well as their cost‐effectiveness. Herein, a series of Cu‐based MgAl2O4 catalysts with high dispersed Cu‐based spinel oxide particles were synthesized by the impregnation method and tested for catalytic dehydrogenation of 1,4‐Butanediol to gamma butyrolactone. The 15 MgAl2O4 catalysts confirmed the highest activity and the maximum stability among all catalysts. Under moderate reaction conditions, a 1,4‐Butanediol conversion of 98% with a gamma butyrolactone selectivity of 99% were achieved on the 15 MgAl2O4 catalysts. XRD, H2‐TPR, TPD, BET, FT‐IR, and N2O pulse characterization exposed that the catalyst prepared by the impregnation method could be ascribed to the smallest Cu particle size, high dispersion, proper surface acid‐base sites and the weak metal‐support interaction, leading to the highest performance.
β‐ and γ‐Amino Acids‐Containing Cu(II) Coordination Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Gumtya Milan , Konar Aditi , Haldar Debasish
Published: February 2025

Two coordination complexes of Cu(II) with N‐phthaloyl‐β‐alanine and N‐phthaloyl‐γ‐aminobutyric acid have been achieved in this work. The Cu(II) complexes have been characterized and studied by FT‐IR, absorption and emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, EPR, TGA, and FE‐SEM. The crystallographic structural descriptions along with the antibacterial activity of these two coordination complexes have been explored. From X‐ray crystallography, in complex 1, the Cu(II)‐center shows a penta‐coordinated geometry with oxygen donor sites from two N‐phthaloyl‐β‐alanine, two pyridines, along with one coordinated water molecule. In complex 2, the Cu(II)‐center shows a hexa‐coordinated geometry with oxygen donor sites from two N‐phthaloyl‐γ‐aminobutyric acid and two pyridines. The complexes adopt a paddle‐wheel conformation that eventually forms a porous structure in higher‐order packing through multiple π‐π stacking interactions. We have also investigated their inhibitory effects against both gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria. The Cu(II) complex with N‐phthaloyl‐β‐alanine showed the highest inhibitory effects. Gaining insight into the atomic level details can help design tailor‐made coordination complexes with enhanced antibacterial performance.
Applications of Magnetic Nanocomposites and Their Role in Advancing Lateral Flow Assays
Authors: Sanattalab Ehsan , Ayni Ezgi , Kaya Kubra , Yildirim‐Tirgil Nimet
Published: February 2025

This article explores the wide‐ranging applications of magnetic nanocomposites and their critical role in advancing lateral flow assays (LFAs) as diagnostic tools. We begin by reviewing a diverse array of magnetic nanomaterials, including magnetic plasmonic, polymer, carbon, and silica‐based nanocomposites, as well as notable examples such as CoFe₂O₄, magnetic quantum dots, lipid‐based nanoparticles, hydrogels, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), and gold nanorods. Each type of nanocomposite is examined for its unique properties and significant potential in enhancing sensitivity, stability, and multifunctionality. These nanocomposites are used across various sectors, such as medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and imaging technology, where they contribute to improved signal strength, binding affinity, and biocompatibility. The article focuses specifically on the application of magnetic nanocomposites in LFAs. These assays rely on magnetic nanoparticles’ interactions with target molecules to achieve detection, providing a promising platform for point‐of‐care diagnostics. The integration of magnetic nanoparticles enhances detection limits, improves precision, and reduces response times, making them an invaluable component in rapid diagnostic tests. By embedding magnetic nanocomposites into LFAs, researchers and clinicians can achieve more reliable and accurate results, facilitating early diagnosis and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Their integration into LFAs demonstrates significant potential for various diagnostic applications, from early disease detection to real‐time environmental monitoring, suggesting a transformative impact on point‐of‐care diagnostics and beyond.
Electrochemical Investigation of DNA Interactions with Cyanobacterial Toxins: Cylindrospermopsin and Saxitoxin
Authors: Kesici‐Meco Ece , Yilmaz Mete , Unur‐Yilmaz Ece
Published: February 2025

Anthropogenic eutrophication threatens freshwater sources used for agricultural irrigation and increases the occurrence risk of cyanotoxins, such as cylindrospermopsin (CYN) and saxitoxin (STX). These toxins accumulate in surface waters and pose significant health risks, with CYN primarily affecting the liver and STX targeting the nervous system. In this study, dsDNA was immobilized on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE), and its interactions with CYN and STX were investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Experimental conditions, including DNA concentration, cyanotoxin concentration, and DNA‐cyanotoxin interaction time, were optimized to generate the most significant electrochemical signal (i.e., charge transfer resistance). The optimized PGE/DNA system established the foundation for an electrochemical biosensor that can be utilized for detection of cyanotoxins and detection limits of 0.12 ng mL−1 and 0.043 ng mL−1 were achieved for CYN and STX, respectively. The system was further analyzed using FTIR, UV–vis, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), providing a comprehensive structural analysis of toxin‐induced DNA alterations. The electrochemical system developed in this study by immobilizing DNA onto PGE allowed thorough investigation of the genotoxic effects of CYN and STX, as well as their sensitive detection.
Spatial Confinement and Induced Deposition of ZnHCF in 3D Structure for Ultrahigh‐Rate and Dendrite‐Free Zn Anodes
Authors: Ding Gang , Yang Qiushao , Zhang Wenyuan , Fu Jinwen , Tong Renle , Feng Yongbao , Gong Wenbin , Xue Pan , Li Qiulong
Published: February 2025

Aqueous Zn‐metal batteries (AZBs) are thought as highly prospective candidates for large‐scale energy‐storage systems because of their abundant natural resources, low cost, high safety, and environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, the key problems of AZBs are the uncontrollable zinc dendrites growth and water‐induced erosion faced by zinc anodes. Therefore, reducing the hydrophilicity of zinc anode and introducing the zincophilic sites are the availably strategy. Herein, 3D highly‐conductive host is developed to inhibit Zn dendrites growth, which have a porous structure consisting of graphene and carbon nanotubes embedded with a zincophilic nucleation sites of Zn Prussian blue analogs (ZnHCF@3D‐GC). The inner ZnHCF possess minimized nucleation barriers, which can serve as favorable nucleation sites, and 3D host provide a buffer interspace to allow for even more high‐capacity Zn plating. Additionally, density functional theory results show that ZnHCF exhibits a strong Zn binding energy and high adsorption energy of Zn (002) plane, which can guide Zn horizontal deposition in the 3D host. As a result, the assembled symmetrical cell is able to stabilize 900 cycles at an ultrahigh current density of 100 mA cm−2. Zn‐ZnHCF@3D‐GC//MnO2 and Zn‐ZnHCF@3D‐GC//ZnHCF full cells can be stably cycled 1000 cycles at 2.0 A g−1.
Global Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Cattle: A One Health Perspective, Meta‐Analysis and Future Predictions (up to 2035)
Authors: Abdoli Amir , Olfatifar Meysam , Zaki Leila , Nikkhahi Farhad , Fardsanei Fatemeh , Sobhani Sona , Sadeghi Hamid , Eslahi Aida Vafae , Badri Milad
Published: February 2025

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick‐borne zoonotic bacterium, which is considered a significant risk to the health and industry of cattle in tropical and sub‐tropical regions worldwide. This research focuses on examining the worldwide occurrence of A. phagocytophilum in cattle. Several databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were searched for publications spanning October 2004 to November 2024. The pooled prevalence was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random‐effects model based on the Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation. A total of 72 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, revealing a global prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in cattle estimated at 8.5% (5.9%–11.5%). Mongolia (51.9%, 45.9%–56.2%) and Guatemala (51%, 41.2%–60.7%) were countries that accounted for the highest prevalence. Moreover, the infection was most prevalent in African region with prevalence of 11.3% (3.9%–21.5%). The highest prevalence rate was observed in hot‐summer Mediterranean climate (13.7%, 4.7%–26.2%). The analysis indicated that immunological techniques were associated with the highest prevalence rate (14.2%, 6.5%–24.3%). The findings of the present research highlighted important geographical and environmental factors that affect the prevalence of disease. In the fields of veterinary medicine and public health, these findings enhance disease management plans and preventative initiatives.
On the number of Regge trajectories for dual amplitudes
Authors: Eckner Christopher , Figueroa Felipe , Tourkine Piotr
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Regge poles connect the analytic structure of scattering amplitudes, analytically continued in angular momentum, to their high-energy limit in momentum space. Dual models are expected to have only Regge poles as singularities in angular momentum space, and string theory suggests there should be an infinite number of them. In this study, we investigate the number of Regge trajectories these models may have. We prove, based solely on crossing symmetry and unitarity, that meromorphic amplitudes, with or without subtractions, cannot produce a reggeizing amplitude if they contain any finite number of Regge trajectories, and show that this excludes the existence of such amplitudes altogether. Additionally, we develop and apply a linear programming dual bootstrap method to exclude these amplitudes directly in momentum space.
Ein Abszess auf Abwegen
Authors: Seidl Hatti , Thormählen Lena , Pollak Marie , Walter-Rittel Thula , Hättasch Robert , Hindricks Gerhard
Published: February 2025

Eine 69-jährige Patientin mit bekanntem Rezidiv eines Ösophaguskarzinoms wurde mit Fieber und erhöhten Entzündungswerten vorstellig. In der jüngeren Vergangenheit war ein suspekter mediastinaler Lymphknoten bronchoskopisch biopsiert worden. In Folge entwickelte sich ein Lymphknotenabszess, der über eine Fistel in die V. cava superior eine Blutstrominfektion (Erreger: Streptococcus anginosus) verursachte. Diese streute über einen vorbestehenden Atriumseptumdefekt bis nach zerebral, wo es zur Entwicklung multipler Hirnabszesse kam.
Plasma free hemoglobin is associated with LDH, AST, total bilirubin, reticulocyte count, and the hemolysis score in patients with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Liu Angela , Jacobs-McFarlane Charleen , Sebastiani Paola , Glassberg Jeffrey , McCuskee Sarah , Curtis Susanna
Published: February 2025

Plasma free hemoglobin (PFH) is a direct biomarker for hemolysis that has been associated with clinical complications such as pulmonary hypertension and death in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We sought to characterize the relationship between PFH and more clinically available hemolytic markers including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, reticulocyte percentage and to derive a composite hemolysis score derived from principal component analysis (PCA) of these biomarkers. In 68 adult patients (median age 31 years old, IQR 25–39) with HbSS or HbSβ0-thalassemia enrolled in the IMPROVE II study, median PFH was elevated at 21.9 mg/dL (IQR 9.9–44.9 mg/dL) at steady state. Using Pearson correlation analysis, PFH had a stronger relationship to LDH (R = 0.699), AST (R = 0.587), and total bilirubin (R = 0.475), compared to reticulocyte count (R = 0.316). The hemolysis score was significantly associated with PFH (R = 0.677). When compared with other laboratory measures, PFH correlated with hemoglobin (R= -0.275) and HbS (R = 0.277), but did not correlate with white blood cell count (WBC) or HbF. The hemolysis score was significantly associated with WBC (R = 0.307), hemoglobin (R = -0.393), HbF (R=- 0.424), and HbS (R = 0.423). This study confirms that the conventional hemolytic biomarkers LDH, AST, bilirubin, and reticulocyte percentage correlate with PFH. Additionally, the hemolysis score is a valid tool to measure hemolysis and that it may be a marker of global hemolysis as opposed to PFH, which quantifies intravascular hemolysis. Further studies will be needed to elucidate the role of PFH and intravascular hemolysis in the development of clinical complications of sickle cell disease. Statements and Funding Declarations: The research leading to these results received funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) R01 HL142671 Grant under J.G. J.G. has also served as a consultant for CSL Behring, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk synteract DSMB and is supported by NHLBI RO1HL159116, R01 HL142671, R01 ES030717, UG1 HL138645, UH3 HL143192, U01HL167036, and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Advancing Cures grant. S.C. has served as a consultant for Pfizer and is supported by the NHLBI 5K23HL151884 grant. A.L. is supported by the NHLBI 5T32HL129974-05. C.J.M is supported by the NHLBI 5T32HL129974-05. P.S., and S.M. declare no conflicts and/or funding.
The effect of an auxetic core layer and symmetric FGM face layers on the 3D wave propagation response of sandwich nanoplates
Authors: Eroğlu Mustafa , Esen İsmail , Koç Mehmet Akif
Published: February 2025

This study explores the thermomechanical 3D wave propagation behavior of a sandwich nanosensor plate with an auxetic core, leveraging nonlocal strain gradient elasticity and sinusoidal higher-order shear deformation theories. The plate comprises functionally graded ceramic (Si3N4) and metal (Ti6Al4V) face layers, with an auxetic Ti6Al4V core having a negative Poisson's ratio. Governing equations are derived using Hamilton's principle, leading to the Navier solution for 3D wave propagation. The results indicate that increasing the β₁ parameter enhances phase velocities and wave frequencies, while smaller β₃ values significantly impact stiffness and frequency. These findings provide a framework for optimizing the design of nanosensors, ensuring improved performance and reliability in high-temperature applications across various industries.
Open hands, large numbers: manual gestures influence random number generation
Authors: Villani Caterina , De Muynck Glenn , Borghi Anna M. , Lugli Luisa , Winter Bodo
Published: February 2025

Several studies suggest that numerical cognition interacts with spatial cognition. Here, we explored spatial-numerical associations through the lens of manual gestures. We asked English and Italian participants to generate ‘random’ sequences of numbers while simultaneously moving the hands outwards, away from the torso, or inwards, towards the mid center of the body. These manual gestures were modeled after gestures that are common in naturally occurring numerical discourse, such as when people talk about “huge numbers” or “tiny numbers.” Results showed that in both participant groups, outwards movements coincided with relatively larger numbers compared to inwards movements, for which generated numbers were smaller. This effect was small in magnitude. We also explored individual differences and found that self-reported numeracy as well as levels of gesture production and perception modulated the effect of our gesture manipulation very little, if at all.
Evaluation of fracture lines in adolescent lumbar spondylolysis using MR bone imaging as an alternative to computed tomography
Authors: Okuyama Kohei , Aoki Yasuchika , Matushita Yukio , Toyooka Tuyoshi , Sakai Takayuki , Sugiura Shiro , Ohtori Seiji , Nishikawa Satoru
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The diagnosis of adolescent lumbar spondylolysis typically requires computed tomography (CT) imaging; however, concerns regarding medical radiation exposure have emerged. With recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it has become possible to acquire CT-like images using an MR bone imaging approach. This study aimed to investigate whether MR bone imaging can be utilised as a substitute for CT in evaluating the fracture line in patients with adolescent spondylolysis.

Methods

We included 24 patients (28 levels) diagnosed with adolescent lumbar spondylolysis between June and August 2023. In addition to the usual MRI, MR bone imaging and CT scans of the affected area were performed. Two raters evaluated the fracture lines on sagittal images and determined their presence or absence. For statistical analysis, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MR bone imaging using CT as the reference standard. Furthermore, we assessed intra- and inter-observer agreement using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient.

Results

This study included 42 fractured pars and 14 non-fractured pars interarticularis controls. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MR bone imaging were 0.846, 1.00, and 0.893, respectively, for rater A and 0.789, 1.00, and 0.857, respectively, for rater B. The intra-observer agreement rates were 0.841 and 0.769 for raters A and B, respectively. Inter-observer agreement rates were 1.00 for CT and 0.875 for MR bone imaging.

Conclusion

Our results show that MR bone imaging can detect fracture lines in adolescent lumbar spondylosis at a level comparable to that of CT in clinical settings.
Sex comparisons on the beneficial effects of an early intervention program in a patients’ cohort with first episode psychosis: what effectiveness in women?
Authors: Pelizza Lorenzo , Ricci Camilla , Leuci Emanuela , Quattrone Emanuela , Palmisano Derna , Pupo Simona , Paulillo Giuseppina , Pellegrini Clara , Pellegrini Pietro , Menchetti Marco
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Males and females with First Episode Psychosis (FEP) usually tend to differ in psychopathology, clinical presentation and their longitudinal trajectory. This study aimed to examine the difference of effectiveness of specialized psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for FEP, focusing on various clinical and functioning outcomes across a 2-years follow-up period.

Methods

The assessment included the CAARMS, the HoNOS, the PANSS and the GAF scale and was conducted at baseline and every 12 months.

Results

490 FEP patients (age: 12–35 years) were recruited. Of them, 363 completed the follow-up (132 females and 231 males). At baseline, males showed a higher prevalence rate of schizophrenia diagnosis (56.1% VS 43.8%; p = .008), whereas females a higher prevalence rate of affective psychosis (36.2% VS 23.3%; p = .005). Male participants also showed a more consistent substance abuse (46.9% VS 24.3%; p = .0001), lower years of education (11.26 ± 2.94 VS 11.88 ± 2.68; p = .013), and more striking behavioral manifestations (4.06 ± 2.36 VS 3.39 ± 2.58; p = .003) compared to women. Our 2-year outcome parameter results showed a higher incidence of functional remission over time in females compared to males (49.2% VS 39.0%; p = .028), together with a decreasing trend in new hospitalization rates (17.8% VS 26.9%; p = .089). Independently from sex, our results also showed a statistically significant reduction in the prescription of psychotropic medications and through the increase of all psychosocial interventions, although more evident in males.

Conclusion

These results suggested that specialized interventions for FEP are overall effective in both treated subgroups. Additionally, FEP women specifically showed higher rates of improvement in functional outcome variables over time when compared to males.
Exploring transformative social innovations for a wellbeing economy: insights from citizens’ juries in Vienna and Oxford
Authors: Krisch A. , Carpenter J. , Chisholm A. , Suitner J.
Published: February 2025

The Wellbeing Economy has emerged as an alternative development approach that focuses on human and ecological wellbeing instead of material growth, but its implementation, particularly at the local level, remains underexplored. This paper argues that Democratic Innovations as specific forms of Transformative Social Innovations can help operationalise the Wellbeing Economy by fostering participatory, place-based interventions. Transformative Social Innovations can challenge, alter, or replace dominant institutions in specific socio-material contexts. However, their transformative impact and ability to change institutional configurations is hampered if their inherent ‘paradoxes’ are not adequately addressed.

Using the cases of citizens’ juries in Vienna and Oxford, the paper examines how Democratic Innovations align normative visions, enable mechanisms of exchange, and operationalise transformative change to achieve more just governance outcomes. We highlight whether, and how, these deliberative democratic processes contribute to a Wellbeing Economy in place and how they dealt with their paradoxes and contradictions. Our findings indicate the relevance of socio-material, political-institutional, and cultural-discursive contexts for these types of innovations. We thus contribute to a more nuanced understanding of transformative impact for wellbeing in place and argue that Transformative Social Innovations can help bridge the gap between global and abstract notions of a Wellbeing Economy and local implementation if their paradoxes and contradictions are adequately considered.
Spatial organization of B lymphocytes and prognosis prediction in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Tay Ryan Yong Kiat , Sachdeva Manavi , Ma Haoran , Kim Young-Woo , Kook Myeong-Cherl , Kim Hyunki , Cheong Jae-Ho , Hewitt Lindsay C. , Schmidt Günter , Yoshikawa Takaki , Oshima Takashi , Arai Tomio , Srivastava Supriya , Teh Ming , Ong Xuewen , Tay Su Ting , Sheng Taotao , Zhao Joseph J. , Tan Patrick , Grabsch Heike I. , Sundar Raghav
Published: February 2025

Background

Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), the association of B lymphocytes (B cells) with prognosis and therapy response in gastric cancer (GC) remains poorly characterized. We investigated the predictive and prognostic value of B cells, including their spatial organization within the TME, in one of the largest multi-cohort studies to date.

Methods

Using CD20 immunohistochemistry, we evaluated B cell density in resection specimens from 977 patients with resectable GC across three cohorts, including the randomized phase III Korean CLASSIC trial. The relationship between CD20 density, clinicopathological characteristics, and overall survival (OS) was analyzed. Digital spatial profiling of 1063 regions of interest from 15 patients was performed to characterize B cell distribution within different regions of interest (ROIs) using the NanoString GeoMx platform.

Results

CD20 density was significantly higher in diffuse-type GC compared to intestinal-type (p = 0.000012). Patients with CD20-low diffuse-type GC had the shortest OS in the CLASSIC trial (median OS: 49 vs 62 months, HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–3.0, p = 0.003) and in a Japanese cohort (median OS: 49 vs 67 months, HR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–4.0, p = 0.011). This survival difference was not seen in patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (median OS: 62 vs 63 months, HR: 1.8, 95% CI: 0.88–3.5, p = 0.108). Spatial profiling revealed significant B cell enrichment within tumor ROIs compared to the stroma, particularly in diffuse-type GC.

Conclusions

Low CD20 positivity, especially in diffuse-type GC, is linked to poor prognosis and may identify patients who could benefit from chemotherapy. These findings underscore the role of B cells in GC.
Comparison of surgical approaches to the hippocampal formation with artificial intelligence
Authors: Dundar Tolga Turan , Pehlivanoğlu Meltem Kurt , Eker Ayşe Gül , Albayrak Nur Banu , Mutluer Ahmet Serdar , Yurtsever İsmail , Doğan İhsan , Duru Nevcihan , Türe Uğur
Published: February 2025

The relatively complex functional anatomy of the mediobasal temporal region makes surgical approaches to this area challenging. Several studies describe various surgical approaches, along with their combinations and modifications, to reach lesions of this region. Some of these surgical approaches have been compared using artificial intelligence-based approaches that can be predicted, classified, and analyzed for complex data. Several surgical approaches, such as anterior transsylvian, trans-superior temporal sulcus, trans-middle temporal gyrus, subtemporal–transparahippocampal, presigmoid-retrolabyrinthine, supratentorial-infraoccipital, and paramedian supracerebellar-transtentorial, were selected for comparison. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were taken according to the criteria specified by the Radiology Department. With an open-source software tool, volumetric data from cranial MRIs were segmented and anatomical structures in the main regions were reconstructed. The Q-learning algorithm was used to find pathways similar to these standard surgical pathways. The Q-learning scores among the selected pathways are as follows: anterior transsylvian (Q_A) = 31.01, trans-superior temporal sulcus (Q_B) = 25.00, trans-middle temporal gyrus (Q_C) = 28.92, subtemporal-transparahippocampal (Q_D) = 23.51, presigmoid- retrolabyrinthine (Q_E) = 27.54, supratentorial-infraoccipital (Q_F) = 27.2, and paramedian supracerebellar-transtentorial (Q _G) = 21.04. The Q-value score for the supracerebellar transtentorial approach was the highest among the examined approaches and therefore optimal. A difference was also found between the total risk score of all points with pathways drawn by clinicians and the total risk scores of the pathways formed and followed by Q-learning. Artificial intelligence-based approaches may significantly contribute to the success of the surgical approaches examined. Furthermore, artificial intelligence can contribute to clinical outcomes in both preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative technical equipment-assisted neurosurgery. However, further studies with more detailed data are needed for more sensitive results.
A Microfluidic Approach for Intracellular Delivery into Red Blood Cells: A Deeper Understanding of the Role of Chemical/Rheological Properties of the Cellular Suspension
Authors: Bernardelli Clara , Piergiovanni Monica , Bianchi Elena , Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Costantino Maria Laura , Casagrande Giustina
Published: February 2025

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) are a promising drug delivery system candidate for many drugs. Using autologous cells helps to overcome biocompatibility issues, while microfluidics allows accurate control of the intracellular delivery of molecules through fluidic shear stress. With the ultimate goal of exploiting this delivery technique for clinical applications, we investigate how the chemical/rheological characteristics of the suspension and the properties of the RBCs in different animals influence the delivery mechanism. As regard the suspension of RBC, we study the effects induced by the hematocrit and by the presence of proteins such as albumin (Bovine Serum Albumin—BSA). Regarding the cellular properties of RBCs, we aim to investigate the exportability of the technique to the RBC of the most used animal models and identify the most suitable one. The presence of BSA implies a more significant variability of the intracellular delivery. However, 70 ÷ 94% of the cells have successfully encapsulated the probe molecule. Regarding the effect of hematocrit, however, the implementation of the experiment is more challenging due to the increase in viscosity and the easier sedimentation at low flow rates. Evaluation of intracellular delivery in the RBCs of various animal samples has instead led to the proposal of the mouse as the most suitable model for preclinical studies on this particular delivery approach.
A mixed-integer PDE-constrained optimization formulation for constructing electromagnetic cloaks with multiple materials
Authors: Vogt Ryan H. , Leyffer Sven , Munson Todd
Published: February 2025

We study the design of an electromagnetic cloak from multiple materials with an additional constraint on the mass of the cloak. Our problem is an example of a topology optimization problem, and we formulate this problem as a mixed-integer partial-differential equation constrained optimization (MIPDECO) problem, where Maxwell’s equation models the propagation of the wave through the cloak and surrounding medium. We use binary variables to model the assignment of the different materials, and their relevant properties (permittivity and density). The mass constraint adds a nontrivial constraint to this problem. We propose a two-phase strategy to solve this problem. In the first phase, we solve a continuous relaxation, and then propose a new variant of the feasibility pump that exploits the structure of the PDE to obtain an initial integral solution candidate. In the second phase, we use a trust-region approach to improve this incumbent. We also consider a continuation or mesh-sequencing approach to find better solutions faster on consecutively finer meshes. We present detailed numerical results to illustrate the effectiveness of our approaches for constructing multi-material cloaks with a mass constraint.