bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain‐Engineered Germanium Microbridge LED With Silicon Nitride Stressor
Authors: Shu Bin , Zhu Bingzhang , Sun Xinyang , Yu Zhichao , Hu Huiyong , Wang Liming , Miao Tian , Zhang Ningning
Published: January 2025

Germanium (Ge) has garnered significant attention in the field of silicon‐based monolithic light sources as an attractive material. Silicon nitride is widely used in optoelectronic devices due to its excellent optical properties. By using silicon nitride as a stressor to introduce tensile strain into Ge, the band structure of Ge can be tuned, enhancing the radiative recombination of direct bandgap emission. A LED with silicon nitride as a stressor is proposed in this paper. Simulation results demonstrate that the device has been introduced to a 3% uniaxial tensile strain, resulting in peak electroluminescence at 1986 nm and a maximum electro‐optical conversion efficiency of 1.94%, indicating excellent performance in the short infrared wavelength range. This work provides a method for achieving more efficient silicon‐based group IV light sources.
Design of Tri‐Band Doherty Power Amplifier Using Phase and Impedance Constrained Optimization
Authors: Kong Wa , Chen Yunqin , Xia Jing , Ni Zhongpeng , Ni Shaohua , Zhang Wence , Zhu Xiao‐Wei
Published: January 2025

To realize the wideband and efficient operation of Doherty power amplifier (DPA) in multi‐band mode, this paper proposes a tri‐band DPA design method based on phase and impedance‐constrained optimization. First, the phases required for impedance transformation networks across multi‐band are determined based on the impedance required when the DPA operates at back‐off power (BOP) and saturation. Then, the impedance judgment method using multiple impedance constraint circles was employed to determine the optimal load impedances. Finally, the phase and impedance constraints at multiple frequencies were used to optimize the carrier and peaking output matching networks. For verification, a tri‐band DPA operating at 1.25−1.35, 1.9−2.1, and 2.75−2.85 GHz was designed and fabricated. Measured results show that, for the above three frequency bands, the drain efficiencies (DEs) at saturation reach 59.0%−61.7%, 59.5%−64.2%, and 52.4%−59.8% with corresponding output power exceeding 43 dBm. For 6 dB BOP, the DEs are 46.1%−54.2%, 50.4%−55.2%, and 44.8%−51.9%. Moreover, good linearity can be achieved after linearization for 20 MHz modulated signals.
Environmental influences on the size and recruitment of inland Cisco populations in three Minnesota Sentinel lakes
Authors: Carlson Edward J. , Schoenebeck Casey W. , Holbrook Beth V. , Hafs Andrew W.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Cisco Coregonus artedi are a pelagic coldwater fish that are widely distributed throughout many lakes across Canada and the northern Midwest and play an important role as forage for large piscivores. Cisco are sensitive to oxythermal stress caused by a combination of warm epilimnetic temperatures and hypolimnetic hypoxia during peak stratification periods and are at risk from stressors such as climate change and land use changes. We hypothesized that interannual variability in the amount of oxythermal habitat and prey resources were associated with observed differences in size structure and recruitment success of different Cisco populations. This study evaluated the relationship between characteristics of three inland (non-Laurentian Great Lakes) Cisco populations, including maximum size and age-0 density, with environmental and biological factors such as pelagic oxythermal habitat, zooplankton availability, and Cisco density and biomass over a 7-year time series.

Methods

Targeted, standardized, annual pelagic sampling was conducted from 2013 to 2019 using hydroacoustic sonar and vertical gill nets to sample Cisco, vertical net tows to sample zooplankton, and temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles to measure oxythermal habitat. Linear regression and mixed-effect models were developed for two selected response variables: upper 95th percent total length (mm) and standardized age-0 density (fish/ha-m3).

Result

Cyclopoid copepod densities explained the most variability in the observed size differences, while age-1+ Cisco biomass best explained the variability in the age-0 density response variable. Additionally, the number of growing degree-days at dissolved oxygen of 3.0 mg/L explained variability in both response variables.

Conclusion

Results from this study document the importance of zooplankton prey, oxythermal habitat, and internal population dynamics on Cisco size and recruitment. This information provides fisheries managers with insights on the characteristics of inland lake systems that influence variability in Cisco populations and how this effects the vulnerability of this relatively important forage species on gape-limited predatory fish.
Investigation of the Shear Mechanism at the Interface Between Grout and Brittle Rock: Physical Testing and PFC3D Simulation
Authors: Fu Jinwei , Haeri Hadi , Sarfarazi Vahab , Rafiei Negin , Amiri Amir Abbas , Marji Mohammad Fatehi
Published: January 2025

Experimental tests were conducted in the laboratory to investigate the shear behavior of interfaces in grout‐gypsum specimens. Various specimens were created to produce different interface configurations for testing and modeling. The tensile strength measurements indicated that grout has a strength of 1.2 MPa, while gypsum measures 0.52 MPa. For Young's modulus, grout was found to be 9 GPa, in contrast to gypsum's 4 GPa. Furthermore, the compressive strength values recorded were 13 MPa for grout and 7.9 MPa for gypsum. The fracture toughness values were found to be 0.09 MPa for grout and 0.01 MPa for gypsum. The rate of loading during the experimental tests was set at 0.05 mm/s, which was considered too low to satisfy the static loading criteria. Additionally, the laboratory tests helped calibrate the PFC modeling results, allowing for a detailed study of the shear behavior of the grout‐gypsum interfaces. The number of channels in the specimens created suitable interfaces, which influenced the shear failure mechanisms and fracturing patterns for both sample types. Tensile cracking can occur at these interfaces and may propagate throughout the channels. As the number of channels increases, the volume of injected gypsum in the specimens also rises. This increase raises the crack initiation stress, failure stress, shear stiffness, and the number of fractures. Moreover, the shear stiffness and shear strength of the grout injection channels were found to be greater than those of the gypsum channels. Overall, there was a strong correlation between the experimental and numerical results.
A Seismic Model for the Periodic Pile‐Plate Road Foundation Based on the P2.5D Finite Element Method
Authors: Lu Jian‐Fei , Fan Qiang‐Jun , Liu Yang
Published: January 2025

Pile‐plate road foundation (PRF) is a new type of road foundation arising in recent years. As the seismic wave is an important kind of dynamic loads, the dynamic analysis of the PRF under seismic wave is thus necessary for its dynamic design. To simplify the analysis of the PRF under seismic waves, the PRF is simplified as the periodic pile‐plate road foundation (PPRF) in this study. To establish the dynamic model for this PPRF, the PPRF is divided into two regions first, namely, the regions I and II. Region I is the region of interest of the PPRF, containing the bedrock, soil layers, embankment, pile rows, and plate, while the region II is the surrounding domain for the region I, including the soil layers and bedrock. In this study, the region I is treated by the periodic 2.5D finite element method (P2.5D FEM) and corresponding P2.5D FEM equations are obtained. For the region II, the periodic thin layer method (PTLM) is established and is used to establish the traction‐displacement relation at the regions I–II interface. With the obtained traction‐displacement relation, the transmitting boundary condition is imposed on the region I, and the incident seismic wave is input to the region I, yielding the P2.5D FE‐TLM model for the PPRF. Based on the established P2.5D FE‐TLM model, some results for the response of the PPRF to the incident surface waves are presented.
Multiscale analysis of the mechanical properties and interface damage mechanisms of carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Qiu Tian , Yang Zhaoran , Liang LiHong
Published: January 2025

In this article, the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene (CF/PP) composites at different carbon fiber (CF) mass fractions were systematically investigated. A comprehensive examination is provided through the integration of experimental testing, numerical simulation, and theoretical analysis, revealing the enhancement effects of CF on the polypropylene (PP) matrix across multiple scales. Experimental results demonstrated that the incorporation of CF significantly impedes crack propagation and enhances the fracture resistance of the composites. Specifically, at a CF mass fraction of 15%, the elastic modulus of the composites is enhanced by 21.7% compared with pure PP, while the tensile strength increases by 40.9%–43.2%. The addition of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH‐g‐PP) as a compatibilizer significantly improves the interfacial compatibility between CF/PP. Furthermore, finite element simulations revealed the damage evolution process at the CF/PP interface during tensile loading. Based on the Mori‐Tanaka model, the elastic modulus was predicted, aligning well with experimental and simulated results. This research offers a scientific basis for the design and application of CF/PP composites and contributes to the advancement of high‐performance composites.

Highlights

CF/PP composites show enhancements in mechanical properties with CF addition

MAH improves interfacial adhesion between CF and PP, boosting tensile strength

Multiscale experimental and FEA studies reveal CF/PP interface damage mechanisms

Mori‐Tanaka model accurately predicts the elastic modulus of CF/PP composites
Impact of Chemotherapy Treatment on the Functionality and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients
Authors: Zancanaro Isabela , Ceron Leandra , Zanini Sara Broll , Bottega Marcela Paula Pegoraro , Araújo Bruno , Spanholi Monique Manfron , de Andrades Paloma Kohl , Baptistella Antuani Rafael
Published: January 2025

Background and Purpose

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the general population, and is one of the main causes of changes in the population's illness profile. In this study, we assessed changes in the functional status and quality of life of patients in the first months of chemotherapy treatment.

Method

A prospective cohort study was carried out, collecting data from cancer patients seen at an outpatient clinic in the Midwest of Santa Catarina who had breast, lung, colon and rectum, prostate and head and neck cancer. Patients were assessed at four different times, the first at diagnosis and the following at 1‐month intervals after the previous assessment. The assessment included the sociodemographic profile, weight, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Timed Up & Go test (TUG test), Karnofsky Performance Status Scale and the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were carried out using the IBM SPSS program, considering statistical significance p < 0.05.

Results

In a sample of 145 patients, there was no statistically significant reduction in the functional independence and weight of the patients followed up despite the treatment instituted; moreover, they did not show significant changes in their mobility capacity. The Karnofsky Scale was directly impacted by tumor staging.

Discussion

These results showed that patients with different tumors and staging at diagnosis, despite different degrees of disability, did not suffer significant changes in quality of life and self‐sufficiency in the first 4 months of treatment.
The European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) as an ally for the control of the invasive yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax)
Authors: Martín‐Ávila Jorge Ángel , Díaz‐Aranda Luisa María , Fernández‐Pereira José Manuel , Rebollo Salvador
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Biological control in integrated pest management (IPM) often overlooked avian predators until the emergence of the ecosystem services approach. Birds are now recognized as key regulators of pest populations in agroforestry landscapes due to their high mobility. The invasive yellow‐legged hornet, introduced into Europe in 2004, threatens agriculture, beekeeping and native pollinators. We aimed to determine whether European honey buzzard attacks on yellow‐legged hornet nests reduce the densities of individuals (workers) in summer and full‐grown colonies in November around the raptor's nests in southwestern Europe.

RESULTS

We analyzed honey‐buzzard foraging patterns of 11 individuals during breeding using trail cameras and GPS emitters to locate attacked hornet nests. The average mode distance from raptor nests to the attacked hornet nests was 1234.7 m, with 89.3% of attacked nests destroyed. We assessed the change in the abundance of hornet workers and in the density of full‐grown nests over distance in the vicinity of 17 honey‐buzzard nests and 10 control points, finding a significant decline of −0.000116 workers h−1 m−1 within 1000 m of a raptor nest. This impact intensified as the breeding season progressed. However, no significant effect on the density of full‐grown hornet nests was observed.

CONCLUSION

These results are of interest for the management of the exotic hornet, at least on the abundance of workers and at a small scale in the proximity of honey‐buzzard nests. These raptors should be considered allies in the fight against hornet populations and included in IPM programmes as a native controller of the pest. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Study on the Effect of Y on the Morphology and Dispersion of TiB2 Particles in TiB2/Al Composites
Authors: Deng Yungang , Xu Pian , Lu Baiping , Lu Gang , Zhang Lei , Yan Yuping
Published: January 2025

Particle agglomeration and diversified particle morphologies are key technical issues that restrict the development of particle‐reinforced composites. In this article, in situ TiB2/Al composites are prepared by the mixed salt reaction method, and the influence of rare‐earth Y on the dispersion and morphological evolution of TiB2 particles is studied. In the results, it is shown that the in situ generated TiB2 particles are within the range of ≈474 ± 210 nm in size. Upon the incorporation of 1.0Y, the TiB2 particles are refined to 352 ± 83 nm. Through the microstructure analysis, it is shown that Y is covered on the TiB2 particles. Moreover, there is excellent interfacial wettability between the TiB2 particles and the aluminum matrix. The typical morphology of the TiB2 particles is hexagonal, and adding Y makes it tend to change to a spherical shape. Through first‐principles calculations, it is shown that Y preferentially adsorbs on the {110} and {101} planes, hindering their growth, thereby changing the growth rate difference of the main crystal planes, ultimately resulting in the change of the TiB2 morphology. In this study, the regulatory mechanism of Y on TiB2 particles is elucidated, providing reference for the preparation and regulation of high‐performance composites.
Quality and Reliability Assessment of Electrical Units in Accelerated Life Testing via Bayesian Statistical Approach
Authors: Mansour Mahmoud M. M. , Mohamed Nagwa M.
Published: January 2025

This study discusses predicting the survival times of some electrical units over future time subjected to an accelerated life test (ALT), namely the step stress ALT. Due to the longevity of the tested units, a censoring scheme is applied, namely the type I censoring scheme, to limit the time of the applied test. The main theme of this paper is to assess the quality of the tested items, based on Bayesian estimation, to guarantee that these units are more reliable and can compete in the world markets.
Multiclass Steroid Profiling in Short‐Finned Pilot Whale Blubber Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)
Authors: Wisse Jillian H. , Nowacek Douglas P. , Boggs Ashley S. P.
Published: January 2025

Rationale

Wildlife scientists are quantifying steroid hormones in a growing number of tissues and employing novel methods that must undergo validation before application. This study tested the accuracy and precision of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) methods for use on blubber samples from short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). We expanded upon a method for corticosteroid quantification by adding analytes and optimizing internal standard (IS) application.

Methods

We optimized a method for the quantification of seven steroid hormones using LC‐MS/MS with a C18 column. We assessed the accuracy and precision of this updated C18 method and an existing biphenyl method for use with pilot whale blubber by conducting a spike recovery experiment and calculating percent recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) for each analyte. To explore the potential for running this method with fewer matched ISs, we compared the performance of multiple ISs for each analyte.

Results

All 11 adrenal and gonadal analytes showed good accuracy and precision in the spike recovery experiment, with recoveries between 82% and 110% and recovery RSDs below 10%. The C18 method detected all analytes at endogenous concentrations, except aldosterone. Although endogenous DHEA was detected, variability was high. IS comparisons showed 10 of 11 analytes could be calculated with comparable accuracy and precision using an IS substitute, but some substitutions significantly altered the analyte concentrations calculated.

Discussion

The C18 method was not sensitive enough for endogenous aldosterone detection. DHEA, which has not been previously quantified in blubber, was detected in all samples, but with high variability at lower concentrations. The methods in this study provide reliable detection and quantification of the other nine hormones tested and can be used for assessments of adrenal and gonadal steroid hormones from whales. Laboratories can reduce costs through IS substitution but should consider how these substitutions affect results.
Metabolomic Analysis of Patients With Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine Using Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry Technology
Authors: Tuerxun Paerhati , Gong Peng‐fei , Nizhamuding Dilimulati , Yang Yan , Ye Hai‐tao , Xie Yang , Li Xiu‐fen
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aims to examine the changes in metabolic profiles in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine, as well as in patients with isolated migraine, before and after surgical intervention using metabolomics.

Methods

Patients were categorized into four groups: the simple migraine (SM) group, the PFO with migraine preoperative group (PRE), the PFO with migraine postoperative Day 3 group (POST_3d), and the PFO with migraine postoperative Day 30 group (POST_30d). Untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) were employed to identify differential metabolites across these groups. Differential metabolites were identified, their clinical diagnostic value was assessed, and a correlation analysis was conducted to examine changes in metabolic pathways before and after surgery.

Results

The expression levels of metabolites such as linoleic acid, quinolinic acid, homophenylalanine, and amphetamine showed significant changes in patients with PFO and migraine following surgery. Notably, linoleic acid demonstrated strong diagnostic potential for this patient population. Trend analysis revealed that the levels of 3‐phenylpropionic acid and caffeine decreased on postoperative Day 3 and subsequently increased by postoperative Day 30, whereas gallic acid continuously declined. Compared to the PRE group, differential metabolites in the SM group were primarily associated with α‐linolenic acid metabolism, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism, sphingolipid signaling, and tyrosine metabolism. In contrast, differential metabolites in the POST_3d group were predominantly enriched in phenylalanine metabolism, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, and caffeine metabolism.

Conclusion

Linoleic acid may serve as a potential biomarker, and the activation of inflammation and oxidative stress‐related pathways could contribute significantly to the development of complicated migraine in patients with PFO.
Home literacy interventions and children's emergent literacy and oral language skills: A systematic review and discussion of underlying mechanisms
Authors: Silva‐Chelles Emanuelle , Viana Natalia , Mata Fernanda , Lopes‐Silva Julia
Published: January 2025

Family literacy interventions, encompassing both meaning‐ and code‐based activities, have generally demonstrated positive outcomes in fostering children's literacy and oral language skills. Despite the overall positive impact, the effectiveness of these interventions varies, and the distinction between the specific mechanisms underlying each approach to home literacy activities remains unclear. This article systematically reviews existing evidence on home literacy interventions, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of meaning‐ and code‐based activities' roles in promoting children's literacy and oral language development. Our findings suggest that code‐based activities are more effective in enhancing literacy skills, while meaning‐based activities, particularly shared and dialogic reading, most effectively support oral language development. However, a strict separation between the two was not supported, as many studies implemented multiple intervention types concurrently. The most successful interventions included active conversational turns and clear strategies for parental involvement. Further research is needed to disentangle the specific contributions of code‐ and meaning‐based activities in home literacy interventions.
Event‐Based Prescribed‐Time Containment Control for Multiple Euler–Lagrange Systems via Super‐Twisting Sliding Mode
Authors: Wu Yuyang , Ren Hongru , Yao Deyin , Li Hongyi
Published: January 2025

This article designs a distributed dynamic event‐triggered prescribed‐time sliding mode controller to tackle the containment control problem of multiple Euler–Lagrange systems (MELSs) with external disturbances and strict requirements on response speed. Unlike previous super‐twisting methods that achieve finite‐time control, this paper replaces the constant term in the time scaling function with a variable term and incorporates it into the design of the controller and dynamic event‐triggered mechanism (DETM), achieving prescribed‐time control (PTC), enhancing system robustness and reducing controller updates. Based on the sliding mode variable structure theory and PTC theory, a non‐linear sliding manifold is devised for the purpose of ensuring the convergence of containment error to zero within a prescribed time. The prescribed‐time super‐twisting sliding mode control (PTSTC) protocol is designed to ensure the prescribed‐time reachability of the sliding manifold, while attenuating chattering during the control process. The prescribed time can be set arbitrarily. To minimize the frequency of controller updates and the losses of the actuator, a DETM is deployed in the controller‐to‐actuator channel. Moreover, the absence of the Zeno phenomenon within a prescribed time is derived. Error signals are proven to converge to zero within a prescribed time using the Lyapunov stability theory and prescribed‐time stability criteria. Ultimately, a simulation of a manipulator system indicates that the designed controller effectively drives the containment error to converge to zero. Meanwhile, the number of triggers is reduced by more than 50% when the controller framework involves DETM compared to static event‐triggered mechanisms.
Enhancing Autonomous Vehicle Navigation in Complex Environment With Semantic Proto‐Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Kumar G. Anand , Mohiddin Md. Khaja , Mishra Shashi Kant , Verma Abhishek , Sharma Mousam , Naresh A.
Published: January 2025

Despite great progress in autonomous vehicle (AV) navigation, the technical challenges within this space are still considerable when it comes to successful integration of AVs into complex real‐world environments. To tackle these challenges, this paper presents a new semantic proto‐reinforcement learning (SP‐RL) method for dynamic path planning and real‐time obstacle avoidance of an autonomous car that can be adapted to various weather conditions in localization‐deficient environments, while predicting the human intentions of different shapes on road. This approach seeks to improve navigation capability of AV in dynamic and unstructured environments, as well as to address real‐time detection and avoidance response for obstacles more promptly while being able to adapt its decision‐making system based on weather condition by using the semantic graph network (SGN) within segmentation process therefore enhanced version configured with prototype‐based reinforcement learning (PRL). This innovation is new competitive edge compared previous existing approaches. Dynamic SGN is used to segment challenging 3D and free space environments, so that the AV can comprehend highly unintuitive areas like parking lots, construction site conditionals, or off‐road scenarios. At the same time, PRL is used to help real‐time decision‐making so the AV can quickly and precisely respond unexpected obstacles or changing environments. This approach is confirmed to be effective by extensive testing in the CARLA simulation environment, showing substantial improvement of AV navigation capability. This work demonstrates an exciting step towards solving the most fundamental problems faced by autonomous vehicles and could help to ensure that future AV systems are safer, more robust, and adaptable than current ones. It is appliable for urban areas which represent high volumes of pedestrians and vehicles, industrial sites with changing conditions that may be unpredictable at times or the challenging off‐road areas in rural geographies where typical terrains are rough, uneven, rugged yet not well‐structured. The model is robust to diverse weather conditions that make AV operations more reliable and safer. The model was tested on root mean square error (RMSE), computational time, no crash, obstacles avoidance, and success rate obtaining overall 98%.
A Smart Camera With Integrated Deep Learning Processing for Disease Detection in Open Field Crops of Grape, Apple, and Carrot
Authors: Polder Gerrit , Blok Pieter M. , van Daalen Tim , Peller Joseph , Mylonas Nikos
Published: January 2025

Downy mildew (Plasmopara), apple scab (Venturia inaequalis), and Alternaria leaf blight are endemic diseases that affect crops worldwide. The diseases can cause severe losses in grapes, apples and carrots when not detected and treated in an early stage. The European Union Horizon 2020 OPTIMA project aimed to improve disease detection in the open field with an automated detection system as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) system. In this research, we investigated the automated detection of downy mildew in grape, apple scab in apple and Alternaria leaf blight in carrot, using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) on RGB color images. Detections from the CNN served as input to a Decision Support System (DSS), to precisely locate and quantify the disease, so that appropriate and timely application of plant protection products could be recommended. The focus of our study was on a smart camera implementation with integrated deep‐learning processing in real‐field conditions. The question was whether the deep learning model, when trained on images of disease symptoms recorded in conditioned circumstances, can also perform on images of disease symptoms recorded in field conditions. This type of evaluation is called open‐set evaluation, and so far it has received little attention in plant disease detection research. Therefore, the goal of our research was to evaluate the performance of a deep learning model in an open‐set evaluation scenario in commercial vineyards, orchards, and open fields. The model's performance in the open‐set scenario was compared to its performance in the closed‐set scenario, which involved evaluating the trained model on images similar to those used for model training. Our results showed that the model's performance in the closed‐set scenario with F1 scores of 66.3% (downy mildew), 45.1% (apple scab), and 42.1% (Alternaria) was notably better than in the open‐set scenario, with F1 scores of 34.8% (downy mildew), 5.5% (apple scab) and 4.2% (Alternaria). Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) analysis proved the significant difference between the open‐set and closed‐set data sets. Our result should encourage other researchers to carry out similar open‐set evaluations to get realistic impressions of their model's performance under field conditions. A subset of our image data set has been made publicly available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6778647.
Hypoxia‐Responsive Covalent Organic Framework Nanoplatform for Breast‐Cancer‐Targeted Cocktail Immunotherapy via Triple Therapeutic Switch Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Guoqin , Zhang Lianying , Feng Jiahao , Wu Dan , Wu Libo , Pan Weilun , Jiang Yu , Chen Ming , Chen Jinxiang , Shui Pixian
Published: January 2025

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), known for their exceptional in situ encapsulation and precise release capabilities, are emerging as pioneering drug delivery systems. This study introduces a hypoxia‐responsive COF designed to encapsulate the chemotherapy drug gambogic acid (GA) in situ. Bimetallic gold‐palladium islands were grown on UiO‐66‐NH2 (UiO) to form UiO@Au‐Pdislands (UAPi), which were encapsulated with GA through COF membrane formation, resulting in a core‐shell structure (UAPiGC). Further modification with hyaluronic acid (HA) created UiO@Au‐Pdislands@GA‐COF@HA (UAPiGCH) for enhanced tumor targeting. In the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, the COF collapses, releasing GA and UAPi, initiating a triple therapeutic response: nanozyme‐catalyzed therapy, near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) mild photothermal therapy (mild‐PTT), and chemotherapy. UAPi exhibits catalase (CAT)‐like and peroxidase (POD)‐like activities, generating oxygen to alleviate hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) for tumor destruction. GA acts as a chemotherapeutic agent and inhibits heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), enhancing photothermal sensitivity. In vitro and in vivo studies confirm UAPiGCH’s ability to induce pyroptosis, stimulate dendritic cell maturation, and boost T cell infiltration, demonstrating its potential as a precise therapeutic nanoplatform. This strategy integrates multiple therapies into a hypoxia‐responsive system, offering promising applications in cancer treatment.
Spindle‐Shaped Ni‐Fe‐Layered Double Hydroxide: Effect of Etching Time on Flexible Energy Storage
Authors: Nair Keerthi M. , Ajith Sindhya , Paul Febin , Pallilavalappil Sreedhanya , Thomas Nishanth , Hinder Steven J. , Manjakkal Libu , Pillai Suresh C.
Published: January 2025

The rising demand for efficient energy storage in flexible electronics is driving the search for materials that are well‐suited for the fabrication of these devices. Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) stand out as a remarkable material with a layered structure that embodies exceptional electrochemical properties. In this study, both double‐shelled and single‐shelled NiFe‐Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) particles are prepared using spindle‐shaped MIL‐101(Fe) as the template. These NiFe‐LDH particles are then utilized to develop a flexible energy storage device. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) analysis revealed that the as‐synthesized NiFe‐LDH particles transformed into hollow single‐shells from a double‐shelled structure as the aging time increased, which significantly influenced the electrochemical performances. Despite the decreasing specific capacitance and energy density with longer etching times, the sample etched for 2 h (NiFe‐LDH 2h) demonstrated the highest capacitance of 9.24 mF·cm⁻2 and an energy density of 0.46 µW·h·cm⁻2, highlighting its promising performance for energy storage applications. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed the highest Ni2+: Ni3+ ratio, and Fe: Ni ratio for NiFe‐ LDH 2h samples, which further influences the energy storage properties. The ability to maintain the high performance of these materials across different bending angles further emphasizes its versatility and relevance in emerging flexible electronics markets.
Highly Selective Conversion of CO2 to C2H6 by Photocatalytic Reduction with NiAl–Layered Double Hydroxides/Bi2Sn2O7–Ov/CuO–Ov Double Oxygen Vacancy Photocatalyst
Authors: Guo Sheng‐hui , Guo Rui‐tang , Zhang Zhen‐rui , Yu Ling‐qi , Yan Ji‐song , Liu Hao
Published: January 2025

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is the use of solar energy to catalyze the conversion of CO2 into a fuel with added value, and it is an effective way to reuse CO2 to achieve carbon neutrality. In this study, NiAl–layered double hydroxides (LDH)/Bi2Sn2O7–Ov/CuO–Ov composites with double oxygen vacancies are successfully prepared, and the effects of different component contents are investigated. The main products of the best sample NiAl–LDH/BSOv‐40/CuOv‐20 are carbon monoxide, methane, and ethane with yields of 29.95, 18.46, and 32.13 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively, and a selectivity of 68.15% for the C2H6 product. The evolutionary pathway and photocatalytic mechanism of CO2 are investigated by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. In this work, the scope of application of oxygen vacancy catalysts for C2 production in the field of photocatalysis is broadened.
On the Isothermal Pearlite Transformation Kinetics of High‐Carbon Hypoeutectoid Steels Affected by Nb Microalloying
Authors: Su Xue , Zhou Mingxing , Zhu Min , Wang Houxin , Yin Weifan , Tian Junyu , Xu Guang , Chen Zhenye , Zhang Caidong , Guo Jiarui , Li Jie , Ren Shuai
Published: January 2025

The nucleation and growth of pearlite in high‐carbon steels with and without Nb are studied based on the in situ observation, and the effect of Nb on isothermal pearlite transformation is revealed in detail. The results show that the pearlite nucleation rates of the studied steels decrease over the isothermal time. The addition of Nb increases the pearlite nucleation rate due to its refinement in prior austenite grains. In addition, the pearlite growth is found to be controlled by the grain boundary diffusion of carbon in this study. Nb reduces the pearlite growth rate due to the solute drag effect of solute Nb and/or the pinning effect of Nb‐containing precipitates. Moreover, Nb delays the kinetics of isothermal pearlite transformation at an elevated austenitization temperature (1180 °C), while it accelerates the transformation at a lower austenitization temperature of 900 °C. This phenomenon is related to the competing effect between the promotion of Nb on pearlite nucleation and its hindrance on pearlite growth.
The Dual‐Purpose of Deeper Life Interactions: An Opportunity to Influence Hearts and Minds and the Bottom Line
Authors: Erck Ryan W. , Strehlow Sean
Published: January 2025

Deeper life interactions with students—which include conversations and relationships that occur around meaning, value, and purpose—have been shown to positively influence student success. The promotion of these interactions offers a dual‐purpose: help retain students and impact the student experience beyond retention. In doing so, these interactions have a utilitarian purpose as well as a humanizing one. This chapter emphasizes the value of these interactions and explores opportunities for faculty to weave deeper life practices into their pedagogy in curricular and cocurricular spaces. Through deeper life interactions, faculty can more fully participate in rehumanizing the educational experience while helping their institutions flourish.
Vacuum‐Assisted Closure Significantly Reduces Surgical Postoperative Complications Compared With Primary Abdominal Closure in Patients With Secondary Peritonitis: A Comparative Retrospective Study
Authors: Rajabaleyan Pooya , Vang Ask , Möller Sören , Khalaf Sardar , Ladegaard Anna Gosvig , Qvist Niels , Ellebæk Mark Bremholm
Published: January 2025

Background

Vacuum‐assisted abdominal closure (VAC) is being increasingly used as an adjunctive procedure in the surgical treatment of secondary peritonitis. This study compared postoperative mortality and complication rates between VAC and primary abdominal closure (PAC).

Method

This retrospective chart review included all patients diagnosed with secondary peritonitis who underwent laparotomy between 2010 and 2019. Data were collected from six hospitals within Southern Denmark, covering a population of approximately 1,225,000 inhabitants.

Results

The study involved 315 patients (139 in the PAC and 176 in the VAC groups). In the VAC group, BMI, ASA, SOFA, MPI, and four quadrant contamination was significantly higher at the index operation. There were no significant differences in nonadjusted and adjusted postoperative mortality at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year, with cumulative values of 13%, 16%, and 21%, respectively, compared with 16%, 21%, and 31%, in the PAC group (p = 0.519, p = 0.380, and p = 0.051, respectively). Cumulative adjusted surgical postoperative complications at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year, as assessed by the comprehensive complication index, was significantly higher in the PAC group. Reoperations were significantly more common in the PAC group. The total length of the intensive care unit admission was significantly longer in the VAC group, with a mean of 9.0 ± 12.1 versus 6.7 ± 12.1 days (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

VAC after laparotomy for secondary peritonitis did not significantly reduce mortality but increased ICU stay, whereas primary closure led to higher surgical complication rates and reoperations.
Impact of Small Tumor Size on Prognosis in T3N1 Colon Cancer
Authors: Tamai Koki , Tei Mitsuyoshi , Tsujimura Naoto , Nishida Kentaro , Mori Soichiro , Yoshikawa Yukihiro , Nomura Masatoshi , Hamakawa Takuya , Takiuchi Daisuke , Tsujie Masanori , Akamaru Yusuke
Published: January 2025

Background

Traditionally, large tumor size is associated with poor survival in colon cancer, but its impact remains limited and controversial. Recently, the impact of small tumor size on prognosis has gained attention. This study aimed to investigate whether small tumor size can be an additional parameter for T3N1 colon cancer prognosis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 162 consecutive patients with pT3N1 colon cancer between 2010 and 2021. The optimal cutoff value of tumor size was calculated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We evaluated survival through the Kaplan–Meier method, and the risk of prognosis through multivariate Cox models.

Results

The optimal cutoff value of tumor size was 45 mm. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in tumor size < 45 mm than in ≥ 45 mm (25.7% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.037). Tumor size < 45 mm also had lower overall survival (OS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) than its counterpart (p = 0.03 for all). In multivariate analyses, age ≥ 70 years, undifferentiated histological type, and tumor size < 45 mm were independent prognostic factors for OS (p = 0.025, p = 0.001, p < 0.04, respectively), whereas tumor size < 45 mm was the only independent prognostic factor for RFS (p = 0.043). Meanwhile, the independent prognostic factors for CSS were undifferentiated histological type and tumor size < 45 mm (p = 0.008 for both).

Conclusions

Small tumor size is associated with poor prognosis in pT3N1 colon cancer cases. Thus, small tumors potentially have biologically aggressive features.
Improving the Proton Conductivity of Aminium Sulfonate Charge‐Assisted Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks by Structural Construction
Authors: Ding Wei , Liu Chulong
Published: January 2025

Two hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks, HOF‐FJU‐352 and HOF‐FJU‐353, were self‐assembled using biphenyl‐4,4′‐disulfonic acid and bis(4‐aminophenyl)amine and tris(4‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine, respectively. They both have two different one‐dimensional channels constructed through hydrogen bonding along the a‐axis. At 80 °C and 98% relative humidity, the proton conductivity of HOF‐FJU‐353 is 1.1 × 10−4 S cm−1, as for HOF‐FJU‐352 is 8.3 × 10−4 S cm−1, which is about 7.5 times greater than that of HOF‐FJU‐353. This is due to the higher concentration of proton carriers of HOF‐FJU‐352, and the structure of amino‐containing component plays a crucial role in the stability of proton transport channels. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing efficient proton conductivity HOFs.
Conclusion
Authors: Pelizzon Alessandro
Published: January 2025

This book has hopefully shown the uncontroversial emergence of an ecological jurisprudence over the past century or so. Inasmuch as ecology has permeated the whole of Western and dominant disciplines, an ecological awareness has entered the realm of legal theory and an ecological jurisprudence has thus followed.
Hospital admission of older patients with mild traumatic brain injury and traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: is it always necessary?
Authors: Santing Juliette A. L. , Van Gent Maxime , Van Den Brand Crispijn L. , Van Der Naalt Joukje , Jellema Korné
Published: January 2025

Background and importance

Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is not uncommon in the elderly. Often, these patients are admitted to the hospital for observation. The necessity of admission in the absence of clinically important intracranial injuries is however unclear.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to identify which factors additional to tICH affect the risk of this outcome and to evaluate the differences in the risk of adverse outcome in younger and older mTBI patients with tICH.

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective study assessed adult (≥ 16 years) mTBI patients with tICH admitted to a Level 1 trauma center between January 2017 and October 2020.

Outcome measures and analysis

Patients were stratified into two groups, age < 65 years and age ≥ 65 years. Adverse outcome due to tICH was assessed using a composite adverse outcome which comprised either, a drop in GCS by more than 1 point, progression of or new neurological deficits, seizure activity, progression of tICH on repeated neuroimaging after clinical deterioration, a neurosurgical intervention, a readmission within three months of injury related to TBI, or death. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of the composite adverse outcome.

Main results

In total, 332 mTBI patients with tICH were enrolled in our study. Older mTBI patients with tICH met the criteria for the composite adverse outcome significantly more often than younger patients (12.6% 95% CI 8.0–17.0% vs. 4.9%, 95% CI 1.0–9.0%, p = 0.033). The univariate analysis showed that a neurological deficit (OR 6.55, 95% CI 2.37–18.08) or a SDH on admission (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.40–6.99) was positively associated with the composite adverse outcome in older patients. The presence of isolated traumatic SAH (tSAH) was associated with a decreased risk of the composite adverse outcome (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.71). Multivariate analysis was not possible.

Conclusion

Serious adverse outcomes are frequently observed in older mTBI patients with tICH. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that older patients with an isolated tSAH are at low-risk for deterioration and may be directly discharged from the ED after a short period of observation.
CPR related injuries of the chest wall: direct and indirect fractures
Authors: Schenderlein Anne , Groh Johannes , Kern Florian , Perl Mario , Schulz-Drost Stefan
Published: January 2025

Background

Rib and sternum fractures are common injuries associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The fracture mechanism is either direct by application of force on sternum and anterior ribs or indirect by bending through compression of the thorax. The aim of this study was to determine morphologies of rib fractures after CPR and to reevaluate prior findings on fracture localisation, type and degree of dislocation.

Methods

The present study was based on all inpatients treated for chest wall fractures after non traumatic cardiac arrest at a Level 1 Trauma Centre from 2010 to 2016 who had received CT scans. Each fracture was analyzed for location, degree of dislocation and fracture type classified according to AO/OTA and CWIS. We also analysed Fracture Line orientation.

Results

We enrolled 40 patients with a total of 423 rib fractures. We found most fractures anterolaterally between the 3rd to 6th rib symmetrically on both sides of the thorax. We found sternum fractures in 30% of the patients, 50% being located at the at the corpus sterni between rib 3 and 4. All patients with sternum fractures suffered from rib fractures and most had fractures of the cartilage or osteochondral junction. All cartilage fractures were straight, undisplaced type A fractures. Most indirect fractures occurred anterolaterally between 50 and 60° in the axial plane. More than 90% of those fractures were classified as type A, 70% showed a straight fracture line and 60% were undisplaced. There was no difference in degree of dislocation between straight and oblique fracture lines. We found 143 incomplete fractures.

Conclusion

We confirmed prior findings regarding fracture patterns in CPR related injuries. We observed approximately 2–3 times as many straight-lined fractures as oblique ones following indirect trauma. One third of all fractures are incomplete, these highlights the special characteristics like high elasticity of ribs.
Stable sheaves on bielliptic surfaces: from the classical to the modern
Authors: Nuer Howard
Published: January 2025

Bielliptic surfaces are the last family of Kodaira dimension zero algebraic surfaces without a classification result for the Chern characters of stable sheaves. We rectify this and prove such a classification using a combination of classical techniques, on the one hand, and derived category and Bridgeland stability techniques, on the other. Along the way, we prove the existence of projective coarse moduli spaces of objects in the derived category of a bielliptic surface that Bridgeland semistable with respect to a generic stability condition. By systematically studying the connection between Bridgeland wall-crossing and birational geometry, we show that for any two generic stability conditions

$$\tau ,\sigma $$

τ
,
σ

, the two moduli spaces

$$M_\tau (\textbf{v})$$

M
τ

(
v
)

and

$$M_\sigma (\textbf{v})$$

M
σ

(
v
)

of objects of Chern character

$$\textbf{v}$$

v

that are semistable with respect to

$$\tau $$

τ

(resp.

$$\sigma $$

σ

) are birational. As a consequence, we show that for primitive

$$\textbf{v}$$

v

, the moduli space of stable sheaves of class

$$\textbf{v}$$

v

is birational to a moduli space of stable sheaves whose Chern character has one of finitely many easily understood “shapes".