bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Developments in Women’s Health Research at the US National Institutes of Health
Authors: Clayton Janine Austin , Bianchi Diana W. , Hodes Richard , Schwetz Tara A. , Bertagnolli Monica
Published: January 2025

Importance

This article highlights key National Institutes of Health (NIH) programs, policies, and scientific advances that have informed and improved the health of women and describe the promise and potential of harnessing cutting-edge science and integrative approaches to advance women’s health research. Policy updates combined with recent scientific and programmatic initiatives are intended to expand understanding of women’s health, deliver diagnostics, and develop preventive approaches and novel therapies to meet critical health needs of contemporary women.

Observations

To benefit all people through the work funded and conducted by the NIH biomedical research enterprise, NIH has implemented policies that broadly expanded the knowledge of human health and disease from the laboratory to the clinic. Historically, women’s health research initially focused on reproductive health and female-specific conditions. It has since expanded to encompass all aspects of the health of women. As new knowledge is generated, novel insights are uncovered about how diseases and conditions affect women uniquely, differently, or disproportionately and how sex and gender, as biological and social factors, respectively, influence health and disease at multiple levels. Although cutting-edge research has generated scientific advances leading to lifesaving vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for women, many still do not have access to them. Thus, the White House announced an initiative that catalyzes innovative, integrative women’s health research and propels translation from basic science to practical benefits, improving outcomes for all women across the lifespan.

Conclusions and Relevance

NIH’s policies, programs, and research funding fill gaps in knowledge about the health of women. Their synergistic results generate evidence for data-driven decision-making and targeted interventions that will improve the health not just of women, but of all people.
Comparison of Outcomes Between Low-Risk Aortic Valve Replacement Trials and a Surgical Registry
Authors: Mori Makoto , Shioda Kayoko , Waldron Christina , Huang Chenxi , Gaudino Mario , George Isaac , Takayama Hiroo , Geirsson Arnar
Published: January 2025

Importance

It remains unknown whether outcomes of the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves 3 (PARTNER 3) and Evolut Low Risk trials are comparable with surgical outcomes in nontrial settings, considering the added risk of concomitant cardiac operations.

Objective

To compare 30-day mortality and stroke incidences of patients in the surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) arm of low-risk trials with those of similar patients in the US Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (STS ACSD).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional sampling study was conducted of adults in the STS ACSD with severe aortic stenosis at low surgical risk for AVR who underwent SAVR during the years low-risk AVR trials (PARTNER 3 and Evolut Low Risk) were enrolling (calendar years 2016-2018). After trial exclusion criteria were applied, 1000 samples were created, each including 1000 patients selected from the STS ACSD according to the likelihood-based selection probabilities to achieve similar STS predicted risk of mortality (PROM) distribution to the trial participants. The distribution of 30-day mortality and stroke rates among these samples were compared with the results from the trials. The analysis was conducted between October 2, 2023, and May 27, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were 30-day postoperative mortality and stroke.

Results

Among 25 811 patients at low risk undergoing SAVR, the mean (SD) age was 71 (7) years, including 650 220 men (65%). The probability-based sampling yielded a trial-like sample with STS PROM (mean [SD], 1.9% [0.6%]) and concomitant coronary artery bypass graft surgery frequencies of 13%, comparable with the trials. Among the sampled cohorts, the mean (SD) 30-day mortality rate was 1.39% (0.38%) which was not significantly different from the mortality rate in PARTNER 3 (1.1%) (P = .83) and Evolut Low Risk (1.3%) (P = .65). The stroke rate was 1.25% (0.36%), significantly lower than PARTNER 3 (2.4%) (P = .002) and Evolut Low Risk (3.4%) (P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the national samples of low-risk trial-like patients undergoing SAVR during the trial enrollment period had similar 30-day mortality but a lower incidence of stroke compared with the SAVR arm of both low-risk trials. These findings overall suggest that the low-risk trial findings may be generalizable to the broader national SAVR cohort.
Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Prenatal Screening for Open Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Butler William , Ramesh Rebecca G. , von Reusner Jonathan , Dugoff Lorraine , Srinivas Sindhu K. , Pierre Christina C. , Herman Daniel S.
Published: January 2025

This quality improvement study explores whether the benefit of detecting open neural tube defects outweighs the harms of practicing race-based medicine.
Gender-Affirming Medications Among Transgender Adolescents in the US, 2018-2022
Authors: Hughes Landon D. , Charlton Brittany M. , Berzansky Isa , Corman Jae D.
Published: January 2025

This cross-sectional study explores the receipt of gender-affirming medications among transgender and gender-diverse adolescents in the US, analyzing these rates by age and sex assigned at birth.
CD44v, S1PR1, HER3, MET and cancer‐associated amino acid transporters are promising targets for the pancreatic cancers characterized using mAb
Authors: Nakano Takashi , Okita Kouki , Okazaki Shogo , Yoshimoto Soshi , Masuko Sachiko , Yagi Hideki , Kato Kazunori , Tomioka Yoshihisa , Imai Kenichi , Hamada Yoichi , Masuko Kazue , Shimada‐Takaura Kayoko , Nagai Noriaki , Saya Hideyuki , Arai Tomio , Ishiwata Toshiyuki , Masuko Takashi
Published: January 2025

Effective therapies have yet to be established for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) even though it is the most aggressive cancer. In the present study, PDAC was analyzed using novel rat mAbs against membrane proteins in conjunction with flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Human epidermal growth receptor (HER)1–4, mesenchymal to epithelial transition factor (MET), sphingosine‐1‐phospahate receptor 1 (S1PR1), l‐type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), system x−c transporter (xCT), alanine‐serine‐cysteine transporter (ASCT2), cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1) and variant CD44 (CD44v) were expressed at high frequencies in both in vitro and in vivo PDAC. Internalization of membrane proteins by mAbs and growth inhibition by toxin‐linked mAbs were demonstrated in many PDAC cell lines, and mAbs against S1PR1, ASCT2, HER3 and CD44v inhibited the growth of xenografted MIA PaCa‐2 PDAC cells. Furthermore, CD44v‐high PDAC showed high mRNA expression of HER1–3, MET and CD44v, and was correlated with poor prognosis. Taken together, our results suggest that CD44v, S1PR1, HER3, MET and the above‐mentioned cancer‐associated amino acid transporters might be promising targets for the diagnosis and treatment of PDAC.
Adaptive Friction Compensation for Tracking Control With Position Error Constraints of Servo Control Systems: A Switched System Point of View
Authors: Tian Xiaoyi , Ma Ruicheng , Gao Zhe , Qu Yuanchao
Published: January 2025

This paper will investigate the adaptive backstepping friction compensator for a class of servo control systems from a switched system point of view. Firstly, by introducing a convergence‐invariant unbounded transformation, the position error bounds are incorporated into the original system. Secondly, an integral term is introduced to increase the robustness and the ‐backstepping technique is utilized to deal with the sign‐indefinite term. Then, an adaptive controller with a Coulomb friction estimator is obtained and the generated closed‐loop error system has the upper block‐triangle structure, which can be treated as a pair of cascade‐connected systems. Further, the common Lyapunov function (CLF) is obtained. The objects of asymptotical tracking with position error constraints and identification of the Coulomb friction coefficient can be realized. By similar methods, we propose adaptive friction compensators for the viscous friction model and the Coulomb & viscous model. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed methods.
Closed‐Loop Recyclable High‐Performance Aerogels Derived from Polystyrene
Authors: Xiong Yufei , Wang Chang‐lin , Dong Lijie , Tomović Željko
Published: January 2025

Upcycling of low valuable plastic waste into materials with enhanced properties helps progress toward establishing a plastics circular economy. Furthermore, implementing recyclability as a core design criterium for newly formed materials can significantly increase their impact on sustainability, yet rarely explored. In this work, the upcycling of polystyrene (PS) waste is presented into closed‐loop recyclable high‐performance aerogels. Through a simple post‐functionalization process, PS is aminated to generate a polyfunctional amine, which is then reacted with aldehydes to form a recyclable cross‐linked imine network. This network is subsequently dried to produce poly(styrene‐imine) aerogels (PSAs). The resulting PSAs exhibit excellent thermally insulating properties, along with low density, outstanding mechanical strength, and intrinsic hydrophobicity. More importantly, these aerogels show quantitative depolymerization under acidic aqueous conditions, back to their original precursors which can be recovered in high yield and purity and reused for the synthesis of fresh aerogels with nearly identical material properties, thus achieving closed‐loop recycling. This work presents an efficient method for upcycling of chemically non‐recyclable plastics into recyclable and high value‐added advanced aerogel materials, offering a new pathway for establishing a circular economy for plastics.
Recent Progress of Solution‐Processed Thickness‐Insensitive Cathode Interlayers for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Cai Ping , Song Can , Du Yating , Wang Jianbin , Wang Jing , Sun Lixian , Gao Feng , Xue Qifan
Published: January 2025

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have shown great applications potential in flexible/wearable electronics, indoor photovoltaics and so on. The efficiencies of single‐junction OSCs have exceeded 19%, making the commercialization of OSCs brighter. Large‐area printing fabrication is a key way to the commercialization of OSCs, and solution‐processed thickness‐insensitive cathode interlayers (CILs) are urgently needed for large‐area printing fabrication. High electron mobility of cathode interfacial materials (CIMs) is critical to enable thickness‐insensitive CILs. N‐type self‐doped characteristics can endow organic CIMs with high electron mobility. Different type of n‐type self‐doped CIMs show different applicability in conventional OSCs and inverted OSCs. External n‐type dopants can further increase electron mobility of hybrid blends. Particularly, ZnO doped with organic dyes can achieve superior photoconductivity in inverted OSCs. This review focuses on solution‐processed thickness‐insensitive CILs for high‐performance OSCs. In conventional OSCs, n‐type self‐doped small molecules and polymers, and external n‐doped hybrid blends as thickness‐insensitive CILs are summarized. In inverted OSCs, n‐type self‐doped small‐molecular electrolytes and polyelectrolytes, PEI‐/PEIE‐based polyelectrolytes, and external n‐doped hybrid blends (including organic‐organic and ZnO‐organic) are summarized for thickness‐insensitive CILs. The relationships between particular functions of CILs and chemical structures of CIMs are highlighted. Finally, summary and outlook of solution‐processed thickness‐insensitive CILs are provided.
Bimetallic Ruthenium‐Cobalt Catalyst Supported on Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Electrochemical Sensing of Isoleucine
Authors: Arıcı Omrüye Ozok , Caglar Aykut , Najri Bassam A. , Aktaş Nahit , Kivrak Arif , Kivrak Hilal
Published: January 2025

In this work, a bimetallic Ru‐Co catalyst based on carbon nanotubes (Ru‐Co/CNT) with a Ru to Co ratio of 95:5 is developed. The catalyst, featuring a total metal loading of 3% on the CNTs, is synthesized using the NaBH4 reduction method. Several analytical analyses are used to detect the properties of the Ru‐Co/CNT catalyst. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) provides information on crystal structures of the catalysts, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) reveals particle size and distribution, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) measures the elemental composition, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) use to investigate the chemical oxidation states. In addition, thermal techniques including temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR), temperature‐programmed oxidation (TPO), and temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) are used to recognize the active sites on the catalyst's surface and the acidity. Then, the Ru‐Co/CNT catalyst is applied as a sensor for isoleucine amino acid for the first time. It shows high performance with these parameters, sensitivity (0.002 mA cm−2 mm), LOD – limit of detection (0.04 µm), and LOQ – limit of quantification (0.12 µm). Moreover, the interferences of common serum blood including (D‐glucose, uric acid, ascorbic acid, and L‐tryptophan) are studied. The findings indicated that the sensor is applicable to work in complex biological systems.
Self‐Organized Growth of Catalyst‐Free Single Crystal WnO3n‐2 (n = 25) Nanowire Bundles on Si (111) via Selective He+ Ion Irradiation
Authors: Bilokur Maryna , Thompson Matt , Arnold Matthew , Corr Cormac
Published: January 2025

Tungsten oxides (WOx) possess unique properties due to a synergy of multiple effects arising from their wide range of stoichiometric and sub‐stoichiometric compositions, defect chemistry, and polymorphism. Synthesis and incorporation of 1D WOx nano‐assemblies is an attractive pathway to enable highly efficient next‐generation photocatalysts, sensors, and optoelectronic devices offering tunability over electro‐optical response in a wide range of the spectrum, from UV–vis to NIR. However, synthesis of the metal oxide nano‐patterns represents a technological challenge, often requiring the presence of a catalyst. Herein, a simple and economical method of synthesizing a catalyst‐free self‐organized sub‐stoichiometric WnO3n‐2 (n = 25) single crystal nanowire bundles by selectively irradiating a Mo‐Ni doped WOx surface with low‐energy He+ ions (27 eV) at 700 °C is reported. The synergetic effect of multiple factors including temperature, effective local electric field along the exposed area of the sample, and the micro‐gap between the mask and the WOx (Mo – Ni) film, suitable oxygen content, doping, as well as shielding the nanowire growth area from the direct He+ ion irradiation is suggested to drive the single‐crystal wire growth. Adjustment is also observed in the effective refractive index and extinction coefficient values in the synthesized WnO3n‐2 nanorods across the solar spectrum.
Proton Conduction of a Hydrothermally Synthesized Hexaazatriphenylene‐Based Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Okamura Yuki , Tanada Yousuke , Sasano Mikiya , Akagi Keita , Isobe Momoka , Tsuchiya Shoko , Takimoto Naoki , Kobayashi Fumiya , Tadokoro Makoto , Kanai Kaname
Published: January 2025

Recently, hexaazatriphenylene (HA)‐based covalent organic frameworks have garnered attention as polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells due to their robust framework and strong ion‐trapping capabilities. In this study, quinone‐functionalized HA‐based covalent organic frameworks (HAQ‐COFs) are synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis. This method is much simpler than the synthesis methods previously reported, and is also suitable for mass production. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared measurements reveal that HAQ‐COF exhibits a crystal structure where 2D molecular layers, formed by HA units and bridging paraquinone units, are stacked, creating pores that align to form channels for ion transport. Thermogravimetry and XRD measurements, as a function of temperature, demonstrate that HAQ‐COF exhibits high water retention capacity at room temperature and atmospheric pressure and has greater thermal stability than other PEMs. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements indicate that the proton conductivity of HAQ‐COF remains nearly unaffected by changes in external humidity, allowing it to sustain high proton conductivity even under sudden humidity drops. Moreover, the activation energy for proton hopping conduction in HAQ‐COF is significantly lower compared to that of similar proton conductors.
Precision Control of Aerosol Jet Printing for Conformal Electronics Fabrication with Ultra‐Fine and Wide‐Range Resolution
Authors: Li Geng , Wang Shang , Zhang Zhongwei , Sun Yuxin , Wen Jiayue , Feng Jiayun , Wang Shujun , Sun Qing , Tian Yanhong
Published: January 2025

Aerosol jet printing (AJP) is a cutting‐edge additive manufacturing technique, ideal for fabricating conformal electronics due to its extended working distance, simplicity, and environmental sustainability. However, achieving optimal resolution is hindered by complex interactions between aerosol droplets and substrates, as well as the influence of various process parameters. This study focuses on precise AJP control to enable high‐resolution conformal electronics fabrication. Through randomized single‐factor experiments, the effects of gas flow rates, focusing ratio, and print speed, highlighting the role of back pressure on focusing limits are examined. A computational fluid dynamics model, incorporating accurate particle size data, predicts aerosol stream width to expedite operating window identification. The interaction mechanisms between aerosol droplets and substrates are elucidated, achieving a resolution of 5 µm. A precision manufacturing protocol is developed, ensuring high‐quality features with resolutions ranging from 10 to 300 µm across diverse 3D substrates without overspray. The successful integration of a heater, temperature sensor, and display demonstrates AJP's potential for multi‐functional conformal electronics.
Pressure Effects on Physical Properties of Binary Rare Earth Mono‐Pnictide YBi for Optoelectronics Applications
Authors: Ali Md. Lokman , Hossain Zihad , Mim Sanzida Naznin , Saha Samiron Kumar
Published: January 2025

Binary rare earth mono‐pnictides (REMPs) have garnered significant attention for their unique multifaceted nature and versatility. This study comprehensively explores the structural, mechanical, elastic, electronic, optical, thermodynamic, and vibrational properties of YBi using density functional theory (DFT) calculations under pressure. Furthermore, electronic property analysis uncovers the metallic behavior of YBi, with and without spin–orbit coupling, while optical properties exhibit pressure dependency, including infrared dielectric impact, Drude‐like metallic behavior, pressure‐dependent refractive index changes, high UV reflectivity, and transitions, suggesting potential applications in solar heating reduction. Moreover, the study highlights YBi's direction‐dependent mechanical behavior and moderate anisotropic characteristics, indicating a trend toward stronger anisotropy with increasing pressure. Investigation of the enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, total entropy, heat capacity, and Debye temperature of YBi across different pressures and temperatures sheds light on its thermodynamic stability and vibrational modes within the crystal lattice. Additionally, this study indicates dynamic stability against mechanical perturbations, with the phonon density of states shifting toward higher values under external pressure. Overall, this study highlights the multifaceted nature of YBi, positioning it as a promising material for both fundamental research and practical applications.
Inverse Design of AlGaN/GaN HEMT RF Device with Source Connected Field Plate
Authors: Das Aurick , Arnab Saimur Rahman , Xiang Xiaofeng , Palash Rafid Hassan , Hossain Toiyob , Sikder Bejoy , Yagyu Eiji , Nakamura Marika , Teo Koon Hoo , Chowdhury Nadim
Published: January 2025

This study introduces a novel approach in the prediction, design, and optimization of Breakdown Voltage (BV) and Leakage Current in AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) with a source‐connected field plate (SCFP) using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. For the first time, the concept of inverse design is applied to the HEMT structures, enabling the accurate prediction of structural parameters from key performance metrics. Additionally, a novel method for predicting current collapse based on the peak electric field in the access region is proposed, offering a faster alternative to traditional pulsed DC analysis. The electrical performance of the reference device is optimized through a unique approach that combines a genetic algorithm with the ANN model, incorporating data augmentation to ensure high accuracy. The ANN demonstrated exceptional precision, achieving an score of 99% and an error rate below 1%. To validate the model's predictions, TCAD simulations were performed on the Pareto‐optimal solutions, yielding a minimum error rate of 1.67%. This work marks a significant step forward in applying machine learning to AlGaN/GaN HEMT device design, offering a novel, efficient alternative to traditional simulation methods and paving the way for a more energy‐efficient device design process.
Loss of TDP‐43 Splicing Repression Occurs in Myonuclei of Inclusion Body Myositis Patients
Authors: Ikenaga Chiseko , Wilson Andrew B. , Irwin Katherine E. , Peethambaran Mallika Aswathy , Kilgore Collin , Sinha Irika R. , Michelle Elizabeth H. , Ling Jonathan P. , Wong Philip C. , Lloyd Thomas E.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with muscle pathology characterized by endomysial inflammation, rimmed vacuoles, and cytoplasmic mislocalization of transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43). We aimed to determine whether loss of TDP‐43 splicing repression led to the production of “cryptic peptides” that could be detected in muscle biopsies as a useful biomarker for IBM.

Methods

We used an antisera against a neoepitope encoded by a TDP‐43‐dependent cryptic exon within hepatoma‐derived growth factor‐like protein 2 (HDGFL2) for immunohistochemical analysis on muscle biopsy samples of 122 patients with IBM, 181 disease controls, and 16 healthy controls without abnormal muscle pathology. In situ hybridization was also utilized to detect the localization of cryptic HDGFL2 transcripts.

Results

We found cryptic HDGFL2 peptides localized within myonuclei from muscle biopsies in 79 of 122 patients with IBM (65%), and this staining correlated with TDP‐43 depletion. In contrast, cryptic HDGFL2 immunoreactivity was absent in 197 muscle biopsies from a variety of disease controls, except for 2 patients with vacuolar myopathies. Notably, we show that cryptic HDGFL2 transcripts are accompanied by the detection of cryptic HDGFL2 in muscle fibers of IBM without rimmed vacuoles and TDP‐43 aggregates.

Interpretation

Together, our findings establish that loss of TDP‐43 splicing repression occurs in myonuclei of IBM skeletal muscle and suggest that detection of cryptic peptides in muscle biopsies may be a useful biomarker. We suggest that a therapeutic strategy designed to restore TDP‐43 function should be considered to attenuate the degeneration of skeletal muscle in this devastating disease. ANN NEUROL 2025
CO2‐Driven Oxygen Vacancy Diffusion and Healing on TiO2(110) at Ambient Pressure
Authors: Kim Young Jae , Choi Hyuk , Kim Daeho , Kim Yongman , Kim Ki‐jeong , Kim Jeongjin , Thornton Geoff , Kim Hyun You , Park Jeong Young
Published: January 2025

Understanding how TiO2 interacts with CO2 at the molecular level is crucial in the CO2 reduction toward value‐added energy sources. Here, we report in situ observations of the CO2 activation process on the reduced TiO2(110) surface at room temperature using ambient pressure scanning tunneling microscopy. We find that oxygen vacancies (Vo) diffuse dynamically along the bridging oxygen (Obr) rows of the TiO2(110) surface under ambient CO2(g) environments. This physical phenomenon exclusively occurs when the oxygen abstracted upon CO2 dissociation instantly occupies the Vo sites of Obr rows on the TiO2(110), whereas the TiO2(110) surface without the Vo only allows CO2 physisorption on five‐fold‐coordinated Ti4+ sites. Synchrotron‐based ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy also identifies the changes in surface oxidation states of TiO2(110) by the healing of Vo sites or the CO2 physisorption under ambient CO2(g) conditions. Density functional theory calculations propose a mechanism of the CO2‐driven Vo diffusion and the physisorbed CO2 configurations. Our combined results unravel the critical role of defect sites on TiO2 in determining the elementary step of CO2 activation during chemical reactions.
A Zero‐Gap Electrolyzer Enables Supporting Electrolyte‐Free Seawater Splitting for Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Production
Authors: Ren Yongwen , Fan Faying , Zhang Shu , Liu Zhaohan , Zhang Yaojian , Sun Fu , Li Jiedong , Chen Lin , Wang Zhe , Zhao Jingwen , Qiu Jieshan , Cui Guanglei
Published: January 2025

Membrane‐assisted direct seawater splitting (DSS) technologies are actively studied as a promising route to produce green hydrogen (H2), whereas the indispensable use of supporting electrolytes that help to extract water and provide electrochemically‐accelerated reaction media results in a severe energy penalty, consuming up to 12.5 % of energy input when using a typical KOH electrolyte. We bypass this issue by designing a zero‐gap electrolyzer configuration based on the integration of cation exchange membrane and bipolar membrane assemblies, which protects stable DSS operation against the precipitates and corrosion in the absence of additional supporting electrolytes. The heterolytic water dissociation function of the bipolar membrane in situ creates an asymmetric acidic‐alkaline environment, kinetically facilitating H2 and O2 evolution reactions. When working in natural seawater without any chemical inputs, this zero‐gap electrolyzer sustains nearly 100 % Faradaic efficiency toward H2 for 120 h at a current density of 100 mA cm−2. With the high‐integrity merit, our electrolyzer can be facilely scaled up into practical cell stacks with significantly increased active area and promising prospects for volume/space‐sensitive application scenarios. This electrolyzer concept opens an underexplored design space for energy‐saving H2 production from low‐grade saline water sources, being complementary to, and potentially competitive with the pre‐purification Schemes.
Evolution of Morphological, Electrical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Elastomer Nanocomposites With Different Sizes of MWCNTs
Authors: Evgin Tuba , Micusik Matej , Koca Halil Doğacan , Peidayesh Hamed , Turgut Alpaslan , Slouf Miroslav , Chodak Ivan
Published: January 2025

Ethylene‐propylene‐diene‐monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites with three various types of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated to investigate the size effect of MWCNTs on the morphological, electrical, thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties, as well as swelling ratio and crosslinking density. MWCNTs enhance electrical, thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties regardless of MWCNT size. The MWCNT size is vital in determining percolation thresholds and thermal conductivity; however, it considerably influences the electrical conductivity in only the percolation threshold region (2–10 phr). In addition, the diameter of MWCNTs is a more regulating factor for nanocomposites' electrical properties than length. The EPDM nanocomposites, including MWCNTs with a longer length, low diameter, and higher specific surface area (SSA), show a better thermal conductivity enhancement (95%) due to forming more easily thermally conductive networks. The size of MWCNTs is a negligible key factor for mechanical and viscoelastic properties. With increasing MWCNT contents, the swelling ratio decreases, and crosslinking density increases. MWCNTs with lower diameter, length, and higher SSA exhibit less enhancement in all mentioned properties of EPDM‐based nanocomposites due to worse dispersion in the matrix.
Composite nonlinear feedback event‐triggered control of switched system with input saturation
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Xiaohu , Zhu Shuaidong , Zhu Quanmin
Published: January 2025

This paper focuses on the composite nonlinear feedback (CNF) event‐triggered control of saturated switched systems. The proposed CNF event‐triggered control method can not only improve transient performance of systems but also decrease network bandwidth consumption. Here it is worth emphasizing that this event‐triggered mechanism is presented based on the inherent characteristics of CNF control and switched systems. Whether to sample the current state of system is determined by the specialized event‐triggered condition, and under this triggering condition, we obtain the practical stability of saturated switched systems via multiple Lyapunov functions method. Switching signal satisfies dwell time constraint. The proposed method can avoid Zeno behavior, and the specific proof has been provided. In addition, an example of turbofan engine model verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the given method.
On the Feasibility of Pairing Pyrochlore Iron(III) Hydroxy Fluoride Cathode with Argyrodite Li6PS5Cl Solid‐State Electrolyte for Low‐Cost All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Sivavec Jaka , Baumgärtner Julian F. , Stoian Dragos C. , Klimpel Matthias , van Beek Wouter , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Kravchyk Kostiantyn V.
Published: January 2025

As demand for low‐cost, high‐energy‐density all‐solid‐state batteries continues to rise, exploring novel cathodes composed of earth‐abundant elements is imperative. Iron hydroxy fluorides with the pyrochlore structure (Pyr‐IHF) emerge as compelling cathode materials due to abundant natural reserves of their constituent elements, high energy density, and rate capability. In this work, we explore the viability of Pyr‐IHF as a cathode material in all‐solid‐state batteries when paired with argyrodite‐type Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) solid‐state electrolyte. Our findings show that the Pyr‐IHF/LPSCl cathode delivers a high initial charge capacity of 172 mAh g−1 at a 0.1 C rate, with ca. 65 % capacity retention after 50 cycles. Advanced characterization techniques, including focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, indicate a pronounced redox reaction between Pyr‐IHF and LPSCl upon cell preparation, resulting in significant capacity contributions from the sulfur redox of LPSCl decomposition products during electrochemical cycling.
Genome‐Scale Community Model‐Guided Development of Bacterial Coculture for Lignocellulose Bioconversion
Authors: Kundu Pritam , Ghosh Amit
Published: January 2025

Microbial communities have shown promising potential in degrading complex biopolymers, producing value‐added products through collaborative metabolic functionality. Hence, developing synthetic microbial consortia has become a predominant technique for various biotechnological applications. However, diverse microbial entities in a consortium can engage in distinct biochemical interactions that pose challenges in developing mutualistic communities. Therefore, a systems‐level understanding of the inter‐microbial metabolic interactions, growth compatibility, and metabolic synergisms is essential for developing effective synthetic consortia. This study demonstrated a genome‐scale community modeling approach to assess the inter‐microbial interaction pattern and screen metabolically compatible bacterial pairs for designing the lignocellulolytic coculture system. Here, we have investigated the pairwise growth and biochemical synergisms among six termite gut bacterial isolates by implementing flux‐based parameters, i.e., pairwise growth support index (PGSI) and metabolic assistance (PMA). Assessment of the PGSI and PMA helps screen nine beneficial bacterial pairs that were validated by designing a coculture experiment with lignocellulosic substrates. For the cocultured bacterial pairs, the experimentally measured enzymatic synergisms (DES) showed good coherence with model‐derived biochemical compatibility (PMA), which explains the fidelity of the in silico predictions. The highest degree of enzymatic synergisms has been observed in C. denverensis P3 and Brevibacterium sp P5 coculture, where the total cellulase activity has been increased by 53%. Hence, the flux‐based assessment of inter‐microbial interactions and metabolic compatibility helps select the best bacterial coculture system with enhanced lignocellulolytic functionality. The flux‐based parameters (PGSI and PMA) in the proposed community modeling strategy will help optimize the composition of microbial consortia for developing synthetic microcosms for bioremediation, bioengineering, and biomedical applications.
Discovery of novel benzosultam CRBN ligands
Authors: Park Hoyeong , Raikar Santosh Shivanand , Kim Yonghyo , Chae Chong Hak , Cho Yong‐Hee , Kim Pilho
Published: January 2025

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a relatively novel drug discovery strategy that could help break through the limitations of traditional small molecule inhibitors. While TPD mostly utilizes diverse E3 ligases to incorporate the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS), cereblon (CRBN) could be considered one of the most successfully adopted E3 ligases. Thus, expanding the scope of CRBN ligands has received tremendous attention to overcome related issues, such as selectivity and druggability. In this study, design and synthesis of novel benzosultam‐based CRBN ligands have been explored by replacement of lactam in lenalidomide with sultam. The sultam‐based ligands showed CRBN binding affinities 2‐20 times stronger than lenalidomide, presumably from additional hydrogen bonds generated from the extra oxygen atom in the sultam group, as supported by docking studies. This research highlights the potential of novel benzosultam CRBN ligands as a new tool for CRBN‐mediated TPD strategies.
Ultrasound‐guided interstitial photothermal therapy generates improved treatment responses in a 9464D model of neuroblastoma
Authors: Olsson Grace E. , Patil Rohan V. , Chin Samantha J. , Rus Katharine N. , Sweeney Elizabeth E. , Sharma Karun V. , Fernandes Rohan
Published: January 2025

We describe the use of ultrasound image guidance to improve treatment outcomes when administering interstitial photothermal therapy (I‐PTT), an experimental cancer treatment modality. I‐PTT is a promising thermal therapy for tumors using intratumorally injected nanoparticle‐based photothermal agents activated by an interstitially placed laser diffuser. We hypothesized that ultrasound‐based image guidance yields improved tumor treatment outcomes in terms of tumor regression and survival by improving the accuracy of the placement of the laser fiber and nanoparticles within a tumor and facilitating more precise PTT delivery. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effect of ultrasound‐guided I‐PTT (US I‐PTT) on neuroblastoma, an aggressive solid tumor of childhood, using the 9464D syngeneic model in C57BL/6 mice. US I‐PTT using Prussian blue nanoparticles activated by an interstitial cylindrical laser diffuser generated an equivalent in vivo thermal dose as blinded, non‐image‐guided I‐PTT (B I‐PTT). However, US I‐PTT resulted in significantly higher treatment accuracy compared to B I‐PTT, attributable to the image guidance. Importantly, this improved accuracy translated to improved treatment outcomes wherein mice treated with US I‐PTT exhibited significantly improved tumor regression, tumor‐free survival, and long‐term survival compared to mice treated with B I‐PTT. Further, histological analyses of the tumors post‐PTT confirmed the advantages conferred by US I‐PTT over B I‐PTT for tumor control. These proof‐of‐concept results demonstrate the value of using ultrasound guidance for I‐PTT treatment and the translational implications of this approach to provide a more accurate and effective treatment for neuroblastoma.
Ethical Use of Cadaveric Images in Anatomical Textbooks, Atlases, and Journals: A Consensus Response From Authors and Editors
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , Kim Hee‐Jin , Akita Keiichi , Logan Bari M. , Hutchings Ralph T. , Ottone Nicolás , Nonaka Yoichi , Anand Mahindra , Burns Danny , Singh Vishram , Peris‐Celda Maria , Martinez‐Soriano Francisco , Apaydin Nihal , Hanna Amgad , Yoshioka Nobutaka , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan , Hur Mi‐Sun , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Saremi Farhood , Reina Francisco , Tabira Yoko , Carrera Anna , Spratt Jonathan D. , Ho S. Yen , Mori Shumpei , Komune Noritaka , Watanabe Koichi , Prats‐Galino Alberto , De Andrés Jose , Reina Miguel Angel , Abrahams Peter H. , Anderson Robert H. , Ibaragi Soichiro , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: January 2025

Nowadays, consent to use donor bodies for medical education and research is obtained from the body donors and their families before the donation. Recently, the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA) published guidelines that could restrict the appearance of cadaveric images in commercial anatomical resources such as textbooks and other educational products. These guidelines state that the donor must expressly consent to using such images for this purpose. Cadaveric photos and drawings made from dissections of cadavers have been used in anatomy textbooks and atlases for hundreds of years. They are invaluable for anatomy students and clinical/surgical practitioners. The IFAA guidelines should not restrict the use of those older books; to do so would infringe the rights of those seeking knowledge from these resources. As the images in such textbooks and atlases are anonymized and are used for teaching and research, and the donors and their families are informed about this before the donation, we believe no additional consent is needed. It is impossible to separate educational from “commercial” usage entirely in any situation, e.g., publications from publishers and the use of cadavers in medical schools. Therefore, our best efforts to avoid unethical use of cadaveric images by following traditional consent processes are still needed so that more people will reap the benefits from them. As senior textbook/atlas authors/editors from over 10 countries, we believe that using cadaveric images in anatomy textbooks is appropriate, and no additional consent should be necessary. Such usage falls within the good faith of professionals using these invaluable gifts.
Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Study of Naproxen During Dental Implant Osseointegration
Authors: Kumchai Hattanas , Taub Daniel I. , Tomlinson Ryan E.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often prescribed following the placement of dental implants, but the effects of these drugs on the osseointegration process are poorly understood. We designed a randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot study to quantitatively assess the effect of NSAIDs during early implant osseointegration.

Materials and Methods

Subjects receiving a maxillary dental implant were randomized to take naproxen or placebo for 7 days after the surgery. Implant osseointegration was quantified using Resonance Frequency Analysis device. Implant‐Stability‐Quotient (ISQ) measurement was performed at the time of surgery and at follow‐up visits 1, 4, and 16 weeks after surgery. Periapical radiographs were taken to measure the marginal bone level. Separately, a questionnaire of NSAIDs usage was provided to subjects presenting with early implant failure.

Results

After 4 weeks, ISQ values increased modestly ( + 1%) in subjects receiving naproxen whereas subjects receiving placebo had a much larger increase in ISQ value (+41%). We observed 55% more marginal bone loss at 4 weeks, and 52% at 16 weeks in the naproxen group compared to the placebo group. These results were not found to have statistically significant between groups (p ≥ 0.05). These effect sizes and variance were used to conduct a power analysis to determine the necessary sample size for future studies. Furthermore, our separate questionnaire study revealed that 68% of our patients with early failed dental implants reported a history of NSAIDs usage after the surgery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this pilot study provides effect sizes and sample size estimates for future studies to definitively determine recommendations regarding NSAID usage following dental implant surgery. Nonetheless, our study did not observe any statistically significant differences in ISQ value or marginal bone loss after up to 16 weeks of follow‐up between subjects from naproxen and placebo groups.
QTL mapping of stem rust resistance in a Bill Brown/Gage winter wheat population
Authors: Kumssa Tadele T. , Baenziger P. S. , Rouse M. N. , Hussain Waseem , Belamkar Vikas , Wegulo Stephen N. , Poland Jesse
Published: January 2025

The wheat (Triticum spp.) stem rust pathogen, Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Eriks. and E. Henn. (Pgt), has continued to be a devastating biotic stress in wheat production. Over previous decades, scientists have identified several resistance genes effective against Pgt. However, the ever‐evolving Pgt and low availability of durable resistance necessitates continuous identification and wise deployment of resistance genes. To elucidate the identity of our previously reported stem rust resistance in hard red winter wheat cultivar Gage, we used recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the cross of Bill Brown × Gage and evaluated them for 3 years for response to six different stem rust pathogen races individually at the seedling stage in the greenhouse and a mixture of these races in the field. Using molecular markers, we determined the genomic regions that affect stem rust resistance in Gage, which identified two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) at the seedling stage and one major QTL at the adult stage, giving insight into why Gage has superior stem rust resistance. The seedling stem rust resistance was from SrTmp and likely from an Sr7 allele. QTLs conferring adult plant resistance in Gage were mainly from Sr2, but molecular analysis suggested additional minor‐effect QTLs were involved.
Arginine as a Multifunctional Additive for High Performance S‐Cathode
Authors: Ren Lulu , Guo Ying , Ying Chunhua , Tangxin Zhong Justin , Liu Jin , Katie Zhong Wei‐Hong
Published: January 2025

Advancement of sulfur (S) cathode of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is hindered by issues such as insulating nature of sulfur, sluggish redox kinetics, polysulfide dissolution and shuttling. To address these issues, we initiate a study on applying an important amino acid of protein, arginine (Arg), as a functional additive into S cathode. Based on our simulation study, the positively charged Arg facilitates strong interactions with polysulfides. The experimental results indicate that the interaction enable capability of trapping polysulfides within the S cathode, responsible for reducing shuttle effects. Furthermore, the positively charged Arg also promotes efficient ion diffusion and polysulfides conversion. The new findings include that, with addition of only 1 wt % Arg, the resultant cathode demonstrates effectively enhanced electrolyte wettability, polysulfide adsorption and redox kinetics, leading to enhanced rate performance and long‐term cycling stability. This study highlights the great potential of amino acids being able to act as effective functional bio‐additives in S cathode, paving a new way to high‐performance and sustainable energy storage solutions.
Enhancing Stability and Activity of Fe‐Based Catalysts for Propane Dehydrogenation via Anchoring Isolated Fe‐Cl Sites
Authors: Xue Fan , Wang Jingnan , Li Panpan , Yao Yongbin , Li Junmeng , Lu Zongjing , Yi Ding , Yuan Fangli , Yan Wensheng , Wang Xi
Published: January 2025

The eco‐friendly features and desirable catalytic activities of Fe‐based catalysts make them highly promising for propane dehydrogenation (PDH). However, simultaneously improving their stability and activity remains a challenge. Here, we present a strategy to address these issues synergistically by anchoring single‐atom Fe−Cl sites in Al3+ vacancies of Al2O3. The as‐synthesized Fe−Cl/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited greater charge transfer between Cl and Fe than that between O and Fe in conventionally impregnated single‐atom Fe/Al2O3 catalysts, resulting in higher effective magnetic moments for Fe−Cl/Al2O3 compared to Fe/Al2O3. When tested in PDH, the durability of Fe−Cl/Al2O3 exceptionally lasted for 250 h under continuous regeneration conditions comprising 60 % C3H8 (40 % N2), followed by pure C3H8 at 600 °C while maintaining a high propylene space‐time yield of 1.2 molC3H6 gFe−1 h−1, surpassing the performance of previously developed Fe‐based PDH catalysts. We demonstrate that anchoring Fe−Cl into Al3+ vacancies simultaneously enhances stability and suppresses coke formation, owing to unique atomically dispersed Fe−Cl active structures. Compared with Fe/Al2O3 catalysts, charge transfer between Cl and Fe active centers reduces the activation energy barrier for C−H activation during C3H8 dehydrogenation, thereby improving catalytic activity; this may be related to their spin state as observed in in‐situ X‐ray emission spectroscopy studies during PDH.
Thinner Substrate Reconfigurable Design of Corner Truncated Square Microstrip Antenna for Polarization Agile Response in GSM Application
Authors: Ambekar Aarti G. , Deshmukh Amit A.
Published: January 2025

Design of a shorted microstrip line fed truncated corner square microstrip antenna is proposed for a polarization agile response on an electrically thinner substrate. In the circular polarized design, an axial ratio bandwidth of 1.8% with a reflection coefficient bandwidth of 79 MHz (9.9%) is achieved, whereas for the dual‐polarized design, the configuration yields a reflection coefficient bandwidth of 81 MHz (10.1%) showing polarization agility along 45° over 53% of the bandwidth and along 135° over 47% of the bandwidth. Both the configuration yields a broadside radiation pattern with a gain of more than 5 dBi. To achieve an easy polarization switching, a reconfigurable design is presented. The design methodology is proposed for the circular polarized variation. Antenna redesigned using these guidelines shows similar circular polarized characteristics with an equivalent gain and bandwidth as that of the original configuration, thus satisfying the requirements of the E‐GSM‐900, T‐GSM‐900, and R‐GSM‐900 frequency bands.