bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and Gaps in Colorectal Cancer Screening Research in the Arab World: A 16-Year Bibliometric Analysis (2007–2023)
Authors: Abbas Noura , Chehade Laudy , Tarhini Hawraa , Abdul Sater Zahi , Shamseddine Ali
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health concern, ranking third in incidence and second in mortality worldwide. Despite rising CRC incidence rates in the Arab world, understanding of trends and patterns in CRC screening research remains limited. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of CRC screening research in the Arab world from 2007 to 2023. We conducted an extensive literature search in Web of Science and Scopus databases, analyzing 124 articles using the Bibliometrix Package in R. Our findings revealed a 16.5% annual growth in research output, with significant increases from 2014 onwards. Saudi Arabia led in scientific production, followed by Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, while Qatar had the highest country production when adjusted for population size. Disparities in research output relative to the CRC burden were evident, especially in lower-resource countries. Three regional clusters were identified: Saudi Arabia, with strong collaborations with Canada and Egypt; a second cluster including Lebanon, UAE, Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, and Oman; and a third cluster featuring Morocco, with significant collaboration with France. Thematic analysis showed a focus on CRC screening awareness, barriers, and adherence but a lack of studies on implementation strategies and cost-effectiveness. This analysis highlights significant trends and gaps in CRC screening research in the Arab world, underscoring the need for increased investment in CRC research and screening initiatives to improve outcomes in the region.
Quantum Embedding of Non-Local Quantum Many-Body Interactions in an Prototypal Anti-Tumor Vaccine Metalloprotein on Near-Term Quantum Computing Hardware
Authors: Chachkarova Elena , Tse Terence , Yordanov Yordan , Wei Yao , Weber Cedric
Published: February 2025

The world obeys quantum physics and quantum computing presents an alternative way to map physical problems to systems that follow the same laws. Such computation fundamentally constitutes a better way to understand the most challenging quantum problems. One such problem is the accurate simulation of highly correlated quantum systems. Still, modern-day quantum hardware has limitations and only allows for the modeling of simple systems. Here, we present for the first time a quantum computer model simulation of a complex hemocyanin molecule, which is an important respiratory protein involved in various physiological processes and is also used as a key component in therapeutic vaccines for cancer. To characterize the mechanism by which hemocyanin transports oxygen, variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) and quantum embedding methods are used in the context of dynamic mean field theory to solve the Anderson impurity model (AIM). Finally, it is concluded that the magnetic structure of hemocyanin is largely influenced by the many-body correction and that the computational effort for solving correlated electron systems could be substantially reduced with the introduction of quantum computing algorithms. We encourage the use of the Hamiltonian systems presented in this paper as a benchmark for testing quantum computing algorithms’ efficiency for chemistry applications.
Novel Method for the Rapid Establishment of Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles in Bacterial Strains Linked to Musculoskeletal Infections Using Scattered Light Integrated Collector Technology
Authors: Bertheloot Damien , Nessler Vincent B. , Assaf Elio , Amerschläger Cosmea F. , Ali Kani , Ossendorff Robert , Jaenisch Max , Strauss Andreas C. , Burger Christof , Walmsley Phillip J. , Hischebeth Gunnar T. , Wirtz Dieter C. , Hammond Robert J. H. , Schildberg Frank A.
Published: February 2025

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is an important challenge that the healthcare system is continually battling and a major problem in the treatment of musculoskeletal infections such as periprosthetic joint infections. Current methods to identify infectious microbes and define susceptibility to antibiotics require two to ten days from isolation to the establishment of an antibiogram. This slow process limits advances in antimicrobial drug discovery and, in the clinical context, delays the delivery of targeted treatments, with potentially devastating outcomes for patients. With this in mind, we strived to establish a quicker and more sensitive method to deliver antibiotic susceptibility profiles of clinically relevant microbes using Scattered Light Integrated Collector (SLIC) technology. We established antibiotic panels to obtain an approximate identification of a wide variety of microbes linked to periprosthetic joint infections and determine their susceptibility to antibiotics. We challenged microbes isolated from patients with our tailored antibiotic panels and found that SLIC detects perturbations in bacterial growth accurately and reproducibly within minutes of culture. Indeed, we could show that SLIC can be used to measure the dose-dependent inhibitory or bacteriolytic activity of broad classes of antibiotics. Our panel design enabled us to establish a profile similar to an antibiogram for the tested bacteria within 90 min. Our method can provide information on the class of bacteria tested and potential treatment avenues in parallel. Our proof-of-principle experiments using isolated clinical strains of bacteria demonstrate that SLIC, together with our specifically designed antibiotic panels, could be used to rapidly provide information on the identity of an infecting microbe, such as those associated with periprosthetic joint infections, and guide physicians to prescribe targeted antibiotic treatment early-on. The constant emergence of resistant strains of bacteria pushes the pharmaceutical industry to develop further effective drugs. Our optimized method could significantly accelerate this work by characterizing the efficacy of new classes of compounds against bacterial viability within minutes, a timeframe far shorter than the current standards.
Target Selection, Homokaryotic Isolation, and Screening Methods for Gene Editing in the Destructive Global Pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Kharel Aayushree , Ziemann Mark , Rookes Jim , Cahill David M.
Published: February 2025

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a major plant pathogen that affects economically important crops and natural ecosystems, posing a threat to global biodiversity. While gene editing has emerged as a powerful tool for functional genomics in various Phytophthora species, its application in P. cinnamomi remains underexplored. To address this gap, our study investigated the challenges of implementing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in P. cinnamomi, with the insights gained applicable to other gene editing platforms. We designed guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting β-cinnamomin, a highly basic elicitin expressed by the pathogen during early infection stages, known for its role in sterol recruitment. Using an “all-in-one” plasmid containing the gRNA, Cas9, and an antibiotic resistance gene as a selectable marker, we transformed P. cinnamomi protoplasts via PEG/CaCl2-mediated methods. The successful integration of the nptII gene, which confers geneticin (G418) resistance, was confirmed in heterokaryotic regenerants. To isolate pure mutants and eliminate wild-type dominance, we derived homokaryotic colonies from nptII-positive transformants. Mutation screening was performed using mismatch detection assays, T7 endonuclease 1 (T7E1), and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), followed by Sanger sequencing. Despite the integration of the nptII gene, the β-cinnamomin sequence in the transformants remained identical to the wild-type sequence, indicating challenges in detecting and achieving targeted gene disruption. This study identifies critical steps for optimising mutagenesis in P. cinnamomi, highlighting the importance of thorough preliminary screening, effective separation of heterokaryotic populations, and the isolation of homokaryotic colonies.
ANOCA, INOCA, MINOCA: The New Frontier of Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Parlati Antonio L. M. , Nardi Ermanno , Sucato Vincenzo , Madaudo Cristina , Leo Giulio , Rajah Tanisha , Marzano Federica , Prastaro Maria , Gargiulo Paola , Paolillo Stefania , Vadalà Giuseppe , Galassi Alfredo Ruggero , Perrone Filardi Pasquale
Published: February 2025

The growing prevalence in the diagnosis of INOCA (Ischemia with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries), ANOCA (Angina with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries), and MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries) highlights the need to reassess their clinical relevance. Historically regarded as benign syndromes, emerging evidence suggests that these conditions may cause serious cardiovascular events and considerable long-term disability. Additionally, emerging studies suggest that non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) may have a higher prevalence compared to traditional obstructive forms of CAD. This leads to the need to better clarify the underlying pathogenic mechanisms as well as the risk factors associated with these syndromes. This is precisely the aim of this review, which focuses on the complex and heterogeneous mechanisms underlying these syndromes as well as the associated risk factors. This review also sums up the diagnostic steps necessary to achieve an accurate diagnosis, along with the interventional and pharmacological approaches to be implemented in light of the latest evidence.
Paroxysmal, Persistent, and Permanent Type-1 Brugada Pattern: Does Burden Matter?
Authors: Yinadsawaphan Thanaboon , Rattanawong Pattara , Kulthamrongsri Narathorn , Shen Win-Kuang , Sorajja Dan
Published: February 2025

Spontaneous type-1 Brugada patterns are associated with an elevated risk of major arrhythmic events, yet the relationship between varying degrees of pattern burden and the occurrence of a first major arrhythmic event remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study included 64 adult patients with a spontaneous type-1 Brugada pattern, who were identified at Mayo Clinic sites and followed for ≥12 months after the initial diagnosis. All patients underwent at least three 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) within the first year. Individuals with prior major arrhythmic events were excluded. The percentage of ECGs showing a type-1 pattern was calculated and categorized as paroxysmal (<50%), persistent (50–99%), or permanent (100%). During a median follow-up of 92 months, seven patients (11%) experienced their first major arrhythmic event. Of these, one had paroxysmal, four had persistent, and two had permanent spontaneous type-1 Brugada patterns. Although statistical significance was not reached, the hazard ratios suggested a trend toward increased risk with persistent and permanent patterns compared to paroxysmal patterns. No sudden cardiac deaths occurred during follow-up. These findings suggest that a higher burden of spontaneous type-1 Brugada patterns may be associated with increased arrhythmic risk.
Bleeding Risk in Elderly Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Marschall Alexander , Rivero Fernando , del Val David , Bastante Teresa , López Soberón Edurne , Gómez Sánchez Inés , Basabe Velasco Elena , Alfonso Fernando , de la Torre Hernández José María , Martí Sánchez David
Published: February 2025

The care of elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) presents unique challenges due to age-related physiological and functional changes. With the global population aging rapidly, this demographic change affects a growing proportion of individuals requiring PCI. However, advanced age is associated with increased susceptibility to ischemic and bleeding complications, driven by physiological changes such as altered coagulation, vascular stiffness, and declining organ function. These factors complicate the management of CAD, making the balance between reducing thrombotic events and minimizing bleeding risks particularly challenging. Antiplatelet therapy is central to post-PCI management, but its benefits and risks differ significantly in elderly patients compared to younger populations. Tools like the PRECISE-DAPT and ARC-HBR provide guidance on dual antiplatelet therapy duration and bleeding risk stratification. However, their applicability and predictive accuracy in elderly patients remain areas of active investigation. This underscores the need for improved risk assessment methods tailored to the unique needs of aging individuals. In this review, we explore the epidemiological, pathophysiological, and clinical aspects of CAD in elderly patients, emphasizing the impact of aging on disease presentation and outcomes. Furthermore, we assess current risk stratification tools and discuss their limitations in predicting adverse events in older populations. By synthesizing these insights, we aim to highlight the complexities of managing elderly CAD patients and identify opportunities for optimizing personalized care to achieve better outcomes in this vulnerable group.
A Three-Step Diagnostic Algorithm for Alopecia: Pattern Analysis in Trichoscopy
Authors: Katoulis Alexander C. , Pappa Georgia , Sgouros Dimitrios , Markou Effie , Kanelleas Antonios , Bozi Evangelia , Ioannides Demetrios , Rudnicka Lidia
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Alopecia is a common and distressing hair loss condition that poses a major diagnostic challenge. While histopathology is the gold standard, its invasive nature limits its routine use. Trichoscopy, a non-invasive imaging technique, has shown promises in diagnosing and differentiating the various alopecia subtypes. However, existing diagnostic algorithms primarily rely on dermoscopic findings. To address this, we developed a novel, three-step algorithm that integrates clinical and trichoscopic features and employs pattern analysis as a diagnostic tool. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify key trichoscopic features associated with different alopecia types. The gathered data were used as a base for the description of trichoscopic features and patterns for each subtype of alopecia, either scarring or non-scarring. Results: The proposed algorithm is analyzed into three steps. In the first step, alopecia is categorized by distribution into: patchy, patterned, or diffuse. In the second step, it distinguishes between scarring and non-scarring alopecia based on the absence or presence of follicular ostia, respectively. Lastly, in the third step, alopecias are distinguished based on specific trichoscopic clues, allowing for the identification of distinct trichoscopic patterns. Conclusions: The three-step diagnostic algorithm for alopecia, utilizing clinical and dermoscopic findings, performs a pattern analysis in trichoscopy, leading to a dermoscopic diagnosis with great confidence, and minimizing the need for invasive diagnostic procedures.
Advancements in Melanoma Treatment: A Review of PD-1 Inhibitors, T-VEC, mRNA Vaccines, and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy in an Evolving Landscape of Immunotherapy
Authors: Mehta Apoorva , Motavaf Mateen , Nebo Ikenna , Luyten Sophia , Osei-Opare Kofi D. , Gru Alejandro A.
Published: February 2025

Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer, presents significant therapeutic challenges. Consequently, innovative treatment strategies beyond conventional chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are actively explored. This review discusses the evolution of immunotherapy in advanced melanoma, highlighting PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, mRNA vaccines, Talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab block immune checkpoints, promoting T-cell cytotoxic activity and improving overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma. T-VEC, a modified oncolytic herpes virus, promotes a systemic anti-tumor response while simultaneously lysing malignant cells. mRNA vaccines, such as Moderna’s mRNA-4157/V940, take advantage of malignant-cell-specific neoantigens to amplify the adaptive immune response while protecting healthy tissue. TIL therapy is a form of therapy involving ex vivo expansion and reinfusion of the patient’s tumor-specific lymphocytes and has been shown to provide durable tumor control. While these therapies have demonstrated promising clinical outcomes, challenges such as tumor resistance, high financial burden, and limited accessibility pose challenges to their widespread use. This review explores combination therapies such as PD-L1 inhibitors with mRNA vaccines, or TIL therapy, which aim to enhance treatment through synergistic approaches. Further research is required to optimize these combinations, address barriers preventing their use, and control adverse events.
Electrospun Silk Fibroin–Silk Sericin Scaffolds Induced Macrophage Polarization and Vascularization for Volumetric Muscle Loss Injury
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Ye Fangyu , Wei Xinbo , Wang Manman , Xing Zheng , Liu Haifeng
Published: February 2025

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) results in the impediment of skeletal muscle function. Tissue engineering scaffolds have been widely developed and used in skeletal muscle regeneration. However, scaffold implantation causes an immune response that endogenously regulates implant integration and tissue regeneration. Moreover, vascularization is thought to be a principal obstacle in the reconstruction of skeletal muscle defects. Thus, creating a pro-regenerative microenvironment that facilitates muscle regeneration and supports angiogenesis represents a promising strategy for tissue repair following volumetric muscle loss (VML) injury. Previously, the electrospun silk fibroin–silk sericin (SF-SS) film could regulate macrophage polarization and promote neovessel formation. This study aimed to investigate if the electrospun SF-SS scaffold was capable of supporting functional muscle regeneration. The results indicate that the conditioned medium collected from macrophages co-cultured with the 7:3 SF-SS scaffold significantly enhanced the proliferation and migration of myoblast C2C12 cells and improved the tube formation of HUVECs. Data from animal studies showed that the 7:3 SF-SS scaffold significantly enhanced M2 macrophage polarization, vascularization, and muscle fiber regeneration, reduced fibrosis, and improved muscle function after VML injury, thereby promoting the repair of muscle tissue. Therefore, the 7:3 SF-SS scaffold might represent a potential candidate for skeletal muscle regeneration following VML injury.
Enhancing Bone Repair: Impact of Raloxifene-Functionalized Cerabone® on Rat Calvarial Defects
Authors: Macedo Laura Gabriela , Mulinari-Santos Gabriel , Siqueira Natália Barbosa de , Pitol-Palin Letícia , Silva Ana Cláudia Ervolino da , Frigério Paula Buzo , Botacin Paulo Roberto , Lisboa-Filho Paulo Noronha , Okamoto Roberta
Published: February 2025

Bone substitutes are commonly used in bone regeneration, and their functionalization with bioactive molecules can significantly enhance bone regeneration by directly influencing bone cells. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of raloxifene-functionalized Cerabone® (CB) for promoting bone repair and to highlight the implications in bone regeneration. The effectiveness of Cerabone® functionalized with raloxifene via sonication or gel delivery in promoting bone repair in rat calvaria defects was assessed. Ninety-six male rats with critical-sized calvarial defects were divided into six treatment groups (n = 16): COAG (spontaneous blood clot), CB (Cerabone®), CBS (Cerabone® sonicated alone), CBRS (Cerabone® with raloxifene sonicated), CBG (Cerabone® with gel vehicle), and CBRG (Cerabone® with 20% raloxifene gel). After 14 and 28 days, samples were analyzed using microtomography, histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence techniques. Quantitative data were statistically analyzed, comparing each group to the control CB group with significance set at p < 0.05. Micro-CT analysis demonstrated a significant increase in bone volume in the CBRS, CBRG, and CBS groups at 28 days compared to the CB group (p < 0.05). Specifically, the mean bone volume percentages for the CBRS, CBRG, CBS, and CB groups were 21.18%, 17.51%, 13.18%, and 7.8%, respectively. Histomorphometry showed increased new bone formation in the CBRS and CBRG groups at both 14 and 28 days. Fluorescence analysis revealed a significantly higher daily mineral apposition rate in the CBRS and CBRG groups at 28 days. These findings suggest that raloxifene-functionalized CB, delivered via sonication or gel, significantly enhances bone repair by improving bone volume and mineralization, highlighting its potential as an effective strategy for bone regeneration.
Immediate Effects of Focal Muscle Vibration on Squat Power and Velocity in Amateur Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Sergi , Canet-Vintró Max , López-de-Celis Carlos , Shen-Chen Zhifan , Caballero-Martínez Iván , García-Ribell Erik , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo
Published: February 2025

Background: Squat exercises are widely recognized for their ability to improve sports performance. Recent advancements in force/velocity profiling have highlighted the importance of power and velocity in explosive movements. While various training methods have been applied to enhance these parameters, their effectiveness remains inconsistent. Focal vibration has emerged as a potential intervention, yet its impact on squat performance has not been extensively explored. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of focal vibration with voluntary contractions on power/velocity during a squat exercise in amateur athletes in comparison with voluntary contraction in isolation. Methods: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 72 amateur athletes. Velocity, power, muscle activity, perceived effort, and clinical change were measured. The experimental group received focal muscle vibration therapy (100–180 Hz) combined with voluntary contraction, while the sham group underwent identical procedures and focal muscle vibration without the vibrating head, close to the muscle belly but without touching the skin. Results: Statistically significant improvements in the experimental group were found for mean power (p < 0.001; ES = 0.08), peak velocity (p < 0.010; ES = 0.42), and mean velocity (p < 0.001; ES = 0.66) during the squat. Between-group analysis favored the experimental group in peak power (p < 0.049; ES = 0.65), mean power (p < 0.034; ES = 1.42), peak velocity (p < 0.024; ES = 0.095), and mean velocity (p < 0.002; ES = 1.67). Conclusions: Focal muscle vibration (100–180 Hz) combined with active muscle contraction significantly enhances power and velocity during squat exercises in amateur athletes.
Study on Influence of Configuration of Bulges on Stall Characteristics of Two-Element Wingsails for Ships
Authors: Li Chen , Wu Binxin , Wen Huabing , Yuan Junfu
Published: February 2025

The tubercles on the flipper of humpback whales are beneficial for improving their locomotion performance. Based on biomimetic design, the bulge model was developed to mimic this function through cubic B-spline curve fitting, aiming to improve the stall performance of the two-element wingsail. The numerical calculation method was validated against experiments to ensure the reliability of the numerical results. Five models of the bulges of the main wing were developed, and the influence of different bulges on the stall performance of the two-element wingsail under logarithmic gradient wind conditions was examined. By analyzing its lift and drag characteristics, pressure load distribution, and flow field near the stall angle, the mechanism by which the bulges improved the stall characteristics of the two-element wingsail was revealed. The result indicated that the two-element wingsail in the Case 5 scheme has a maximum lift coefficient of 1.25, and that the lift reduction in the early stage of stall is only 8.8%, which is 43.6% less than the original wingsail lift reduction. As the bulge size increases the strength of the forward vortex created by the middle larger bulge increases, resulting in the absence of a symmetrical vortex structure on the suction surface of the wingsail, causing high fluid momentum band deflection. The energy of the boundary layer is supplemented by vorticity transport, promoting the formation of attached flow on the side of the smaller bulge and improving the lift coefficient.
The Inevitable Fate of Tetranychus urticae on Tomato Plants Treated with Entomopathogenic Fungi and Spinosad
Authors: Wakil Waqas , Boukouvala Maria C. , Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Naeem Aqsa , Ntinokas Dionysios , Ghazanfar Muhammad Usman , Avery Pasco B.
Published: February 2025

Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a pervasive and damaging mite pest of tomato crops, leading to important economic losses globally. This study evaluated the acaricidal efficacy of spinosad, alone and in combination with Beauveria bassiana (Bb) WG-21 and Metarhizium robertsii (Mr) WG-04, in the laboratory (application to tomato leaf discs) and greenhouse (application to tomato plants), considering mortality and establishment, respectively. The combination treatments of Bb WG-21 or Mr WG-04 with spinosad achieved 100% mortality of T. urticae nymphs within 2 days on leaf discs, while individual applications of each control agent resulted in lower mortalities, ranging between 62.91 and 86.25% after 3 days. The paired treatment of Mr WG-04 + spinosad killed all exposed adults within 5 d, while that of Bb WG-21 + spinosad achieved the same results after 7 d. However, spinosad, Mr WG-04, and Bb WG-21 alone killed ≥77.08% of adults after 7 d. In the greenhouse, the combination treatment of WG-04 + spinosad deterred the presence of T. urticae (adults, immatures, and eggs) on either surface of the tomato leaves, while Bb WG-21 + spinosad suppressed the populations only on the adaxial surface. These findings indicate that combined treatments of the tested EPF + spinosad, especially Mr WG-04, on tomato plants under greenhouse conditions can provide substantially enhanced control of T. urticae life stages compared to each treatment applied alone.
Against-Hegemonic Agenda: Indigenous New Media and the Challenge to Hegemonic Power
Authors: del Valle-Rojas Carlos
Published: February 2025

The main objective of this work is to identify the different strategies used by the Mapuche indigenous social movement, especially from the mid-1990s to the present day, to publicize their demands and claims. The study considered three methodological strategies, namely, the analysis of a corpus of news, the making of individual and group interviews, and the documentation of a review and analysis. Among the main findings is the identification of two strategies. The first aimed to intervene in the agenda of the hegemonic media in Chile and the second aimed to create their own media as an alternative media agenda. The central concern of the research is to understand how the Mapuche movement, through the use of certain media strategies, manages to break through the hegemonic agenda in Chile towards an against-agenda that allows them to make their demands and claims visible. Thus, the problem also consists of knowing what the strategies most used by the Mapuche movement are. Is it possible to establish an against-agenda? And what are the characteristics of the latter? Finally, the paper argues for the dependence of the against-agenda on the underlying socio-political conditions. This work will allow us to analyze other experiences of indigenous or non-indigenous social movements that often use the media in different ways, especially through the intervention of hegemonic agendas and the use of alternative media.
Degradation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons by Biosurfactant-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa NG4
Authors: Sankhyan Shivangi , Kumar Prasun , Pandit Soumya , Sharma Kuldeep , Ray Subhasree
Published: February 2025

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic pollutants commonly found in the environment due to industrial activities, incomplete burning of fossil fuels, and oil spills. Bioremediation of PAHs has emerged as a promising approach. This study investigated the biodegradation of PAHs (anthracene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthraquinone, and anthrone) at 100 ppm to 1000 ppm in the presence of glucose and glycerol by a biosurfactant-producing strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa NG4. The quality of the biosurfactant produced by the bacterial strain was analyzed via emulsion index (E24), drop-collapse assay, and oil displacement assay. The PAH degradation efficiency was studied by HPLC and degradation metabolites were analyzed using GC-MS. Among all five PAHs (fed at 300 ppm), the highest degradation rates of 91.16 ± 3.64% naphthalene and 41.16 ± 1.64% anthrone were observed by P. aeruginosa NG4 after 10 days of incubation. The assessment of degradation intermediate metabolites revealed the PAH catabolism via the dioxygenase route, which plays a key role in the breakdown of these aromatic compounds. Biodegradation of anthrone by P. aeruginosa NG4 at a 300 ppm level in the media was reported for the first time. This study highlights the potential of P. aeruginosa NG4 as a candidate for the development of bioremediation strategies to mitigate environmental pollution caused by persistent organic pollutants like PAHs.
How Retail vs. Institutional Investor Sentiment Differ in Affecting Chinese Stock Returns?
Authors: Cui Jiayi , Wei Qian , Gao Xiang
Published: February 2025

This paper evaluates the impact of retail investors’ bullish sentiment in comparison to that of financial institutions on the return of Chinese CSI 300 index stocks over the period of 2015 to 2023. We document several regularities. First, the stronger the retail (institutional) investors’ bullish sentiment, the lower (higher) the stock returns, and such contrasting associations hold after an array of robustness tests. Second, mechanism test results show that the retail and institutional investor sentiments affect stock returns mainly by influencing the analysts’ attention and the equity liquidity. Third, heterogeneity analyses reveal that the adverse effect of retail investors’ bullish sentiment on stock returns becomes more prominent for non-state-owned, manufacturing, and non-heavily polluted enterprises, but the positive effect of the emotions expressed by institutional investors on stock returns is greater for non-state-owned, non-manufacturing, and heavily polluted enterprises. Therefore, this paper sheds light on detailing of investor sentiment types and hedging investment risks.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Driven Hybrid Precoding for Efficient Mm-Wave Multi-User MIMO Systems
Authors: Salh Adeb , Alhartomi Mohammed A. , Hussain Ghasan Ali , Jing Chang Jing , Shah Nor Shahida M. , Alzahrani Saeed , Alsulami Ruwaybih , Alharbi Saad , Hakimi Ahmad , Almehmadi Fares S.
Published: February 2025

High route loss and line-of-sight requirements are two of the fundamental challenges of millimeter-wave (mm-wave) communications that are mitigated by incorporating sensor technology. Sensing gives the deep reinforcement learning (DRL) agent comprehensive environmental feedback, which helps it better predict channel fluctuations and modify beam patterns accordingly. For multi-user massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) systems, hybrid precoding requires sophisticated real-time low-complexity power allocation (PA) approaches to achieve near-optimal capacity. This study presents a unique angular-based hybrid precoding (AB-HP) framework that minimizes radio frequency (RF) chain and channel estimation while optimizing energy efficiency (EE) and spectral efficiency (SE). DRL is essential for mm-wave technology to make adaptive and intelligent decision-making possible, which effectively transforms wireless communication systems. DRL optimizes RF chain usage to maintain excellent SE while drastically lowering hardware complexity and energy consumption in an AB-HP architecture by dynamically learning optimal precoding methods using environmental angular information. This article proposes enabling dual optimization of EE and SE while drastically lowering beam training overhead by incorporating maximum reward beam training driven (RBT) in the DRL. The proposed RBT-DRL improves system performance and flexibility by dynamically modifying the number of active RF chains in dynamic network situations. The simulation results show that RBT-DRL-driven beam training guarantees good EE performance for mobile users while increasing SE in mm-wave structures. Even though total power consumption rises by 45%, the SE improves by 39%, increasing from 14 dB to 20 dB, suggesting that this strategy could successfully achieve a balance between performance and EE in upcoming B5G networks.
ANCHOR: An Opportunity to Change Landscape Connectivity Networks and Conservation Delivery At-Scale in the U.S.
Authors: Costanzo Bridgett E. , Brennan E. Jean , Olimpi Elissa M. , Suraci Justin P.
Published: February 2025

Connectivity modeling has been a tool available to the conservation community since the 1980s that guides our responses to habitat fragmentation. While the sophistication of computer modeling continues to grow, on-the-ground delivery remains challenging and lacks urgency. We present an approach to scale up delivery and do so within effective timeframes. The approach, termed ANCHOR (Areawide Networks to Connect Habitat and Optimize Resiliency), is grounded in connectivity science but executed in a manner that is flexible, expandable, and measurable. ANCHOR goes beyond the traditional protected area focus for establishing connected biomes to maximize the contributions of existing public lands and expand private landowner participation. The approach is applied using an umbrella species to represent a faunal group and/or multiple taxa to deliver co-benefits of landscape connectivity. Public lands receive connectivity rankings that are then used to engage potential connectivity partners who commit land units and collectively monitor improvements in habitat quality and landscape resiliency. The ANCHOR approach can guide unprecedented participation across agencies and departments to create public lands networks, while private and corporate lands establish landscape connections. To illustrate the approach, we present an example of native grasslands conservation in the central and eastern U.S. and an emerging partnership with the Department of Defense.
Yuzhoua juvenilis: Another Angiosperm Seen in the Early Permian?
Authors: Wang Xin , Lei Yinggang , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2025

“How old are angiosperms” is a frequently asked but still unanswered question. Although the underlying reason includes a lack of consensus on the criterion for fossil angiosperms, limited fossil finds, and other factors, the final answer to the question apparently lies in fossils, not wrangling among different schools. The currently mainstream idea in palaeobotany is that angiosperms cannot have existed earlier than the Early Cretaceous. This 64-year-old stereotype was recently iterated again in 2017. However, another hard-to-ignore fact is that this view is challenged by increasing pre-Cretaceous fossil evidence of angiosperms as well as molecular clock estimates. Here, we report a Permian angiosperm, Yuzhoua gen. nov. from Henan Province, China. This fossil plant has enclosed ovules, a defining feature idiosyncratic of angiosperms. In addition, a conspicuous style is seen on the top of the ovary, underscoring its distinction from known fossil seeds in gymnosperms. The combination of the Permian (Palaeozoic) age and these two unique features of Yuzhoua indicates that angiosperms first appeared much earlier than widely accepted, implying a much longer history of flowering plants. The occurrence of four specimens preserved in various states and unique morphology of Yuzhoua are beyond the expectations of all known theories on plant evolution, shedding new light on a previously unknown aspect of plant evolution in geological history.
Synergistic Lubrication and Anti-Corrosion Effects of Benzotriazole and Ionic Liquid Under Current-Carrying Friction
Authors: Su Taiyu , Peng Kun , Zhang Duo , Sun Luyi , Chen Yuxin , Yu Yiheng , Zhou Ming
Published: February 2025

The corrosive nature of ionic liquids (ILs) limits their potential as high-performance conductive lubricants in practical engineering applications. This study systematically investigates the effects of benzotriazole (BTA) as a corrosion inhibitor on the lubricating performance of ILs at different concentrations and applied currents, along with the underlying mechanisms. In the 0.5–5 A current range, BTA effectively reduces friction, wear, and arc erosion damage to the friction surface. As the applied current increases, the BTA-Fe reaction film suppresses oxide formation, thereby reducing electrical contact resistance (ECR). Moreover, the effectiveness of BTA is concentration-dependent: at 0.5 A and a BTA concentration of 0.5 wt%, the coefficient of friction (COF) decreases by 16.5%, and wear volume is reduced by 53.4%. Friction testing and surface analysis show that the BTA-IL combination exhibits synergistic lubrication and anti-corrosion effects under current-carrying conditions, with varying wear and lubrication mechanisms depending on the applied current.
Outcomes and Prognostic Assessment of Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder: 20-Year Experience
Authors: Shaikh Hira , Omer Zulfa , Wima Koffi , Magge Tara , Shah Shimul A. , Latif Tahir
Published: February 2025

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is the most common malignancy in adults who receive solid organ transplantation (SOT), apart from skin cancer. It is a serious and potentially fatal complication of chronic immunosuppression (ISI) in SOT recipients. This report describes a 20-year (2001–2021) clinicopathological experience with 59 PTLD patients at an urban center. The median time from transplant to PTLD was 8.5 years and the most common types of transplants were kidney (41%) and liver (31%). Epstein–Barr encoding region (EBER) was positive in 51% tumors, and 50% patients had Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) viremia at diagnosis. Overall survival (OS) at 1 year and 5 years was 78% and 64%, respectively. OS was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter in males (hazard ratio [HR] 3.7), certain organ transplants (lung HR 10.4; liver HR 3.9 relative to kidney), PTLD diagnosed within 12 months of transplant (HR 4.1), multi-organ involvement at diagnosis (HR 7.1), vitamin D deficiency at diagnosis (HR 4.5), and low serum albumin level at diagnosis (HR 3.6). Our study highlights the prognostic factors of PTLD and corroborates improved PTLD outcomes in the past 20 years.
Research on the Main Properties of Cementitious Mortars Prepared with High-Fe2O3-Content Raw Drinking Water Treatment Sludge
Authors: Girskas Giedrius , Kligys Modestas
Published: February 2025

Drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) is a typical by-product of drinking water treatment plants. Concerns are growing about how to deal with big amounts of this sludge generated globally. One of the ways is to reuse DWTS as a supplementary material in cementitious systems and thus reduce landfill disposals. For our studies, we used DWTS containing more than 52% Fe2O3. The DWTS was taken from a water treatment plant in Vilnius, Lithuania. This work aimed to find potential applications of unprocessed DWTS in cementitious systems as a supplementary material that changes the physical and mechanical properties of the final product. Tests were performed with cementitious mortars where the binder was replaced with DWTS (from 0% to 12.5%). Local raw materials such as Portland cement CEM I 42.5R and sand 0/4 were used in the tests. Water absorption, absorption kinetics, and mechanical strength tests were conducted, and predictive freeze–thaw resistance was estimated. The heat release rate and open–closed porosity were also measured. The results showed that DWTS impacts the hydration of cementitious mortars, lowers their density (from 2122 kg/m3 to 1954 kg/m3), as well as compressive strength (from 41.78 MPa to 24.76 MPa) and flexural strength (from 6.24 MPa to 4.07 MPa), and increases total porosity (from 28.1% to 34.6%) and closed porosity (from 9.1% to 14.9%). The lowest toughness value of 6.08 was recorded in the 12.5% DWTS sample. From our conducted research, it could be observed that raw DWTS potentially changed the porosity parameters of cementitious mortars. This resulted in an incremental improvement in durability and an improvement in the hardness of cementitious mortars. A higher content of raw DWTS changed the colour (to reddish) of cementitious mortars, due to its higher Fe2O3 content (up to 53%). All of the above-mentioned properties allowed the designing of cementitious landscape products with a wider range of colours.
Improved Corrosive Resistance of Micro-Arc-Oxidation Coating on 6063 Aluminum Alloy by Co-Doping with Graphite and Sodium Tungstate
Authors: Jia Na , Yang Erhui , Zhu Jianyang , Liang Feiyan , Li Weizhou , Zhang Xiuhai , Yang Ruixia
Published: February 2025

The present study investigates the effect of different concentrations of Na2WO4 and graphene oxide dispersed composite additives on the structure and corrosion resistance of 6063 aluminum alloy micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings in a silicate electrolyte. The characterisation of the microstructure, cross-sectional morphology, elemental distribution, and phase composition of the films was conducted utilising scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion resistance of the films was tested by prolonged immersion for 24 h, 72 h, 168 h, and 240 h, with measurement of kinetic potential polarisation curves and impedance modulus in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The densification of the films was enhanced with increasing mass concentration of Na2WO4 and dispersed graphene oxide in the electrolyte, and the thickness initially increased and then decreased. The film containing 6 g of Na2WO4 and 10 mL of graphene oxide dispersion (G10-6) exhibited optimal densification and thickness, with an Icorr value of 3.01 × 10−6 A·cm−2 and a low-frequency impedance film value of 108 Ω·cm2, thereby demonstrating the most advanced corrosion resistance among the films. The densification and corrosion resistance of the films were enhanced by the incorporation of Na2WO4 and graphene oxide dispersion into the alkaline electrolyte.
Revealing the Effects of Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol Ether on the Performance of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers and Their Desensitization Functions in Relation to Concrete
Authors: Da Yongqi , Yu Longgang , He Tingshu , Zheng Zihan
Published: February 2025

During the manufacture of high-strength concrete, its sensitivity to variations inconcrete mixing water, the poor adaptability of cement, and high hydration temperatures are often encountered. Therefore, in this paper, firstly, the esterification reaction of methoxy polyethylene glycol ether (MPEG) and methacrylic acid (MAA) was carried out. According to the different molecular weights of MPEG, three kinds of esterification products (MPEG-MAA) were synthesized. Three kinds of PCE-st were synthesized by free-radical copolymerization of three kinds of MPEG-MAA, ethylene glycol polyethylene glycol ether (EPEG), and acrylic acid (AA), and their effects on the properties of cement paste and concrete were analyzed. The results revealed that when the water–cement ratio increased from 0.25 to 0.31, PCE-st with MPEG with a molecular weight of 600 optimally reduced the water content variation sensitivity and increased the fluidity of cement pastes by only 62 mm, while PCE-st with smaller and larger molecular weights of MPEG increased the fluidity by 94 mm and 80 mm, respectively. As the molecular weight of MPEG increased from 400 to 1200, the hydration temperature decreased from 43.8 °C to 39.5 °C, and the setting time was delayed by about 30 min. Finally, the compressive strength of concrete made with PCE-st was similar to that of the concrete made with commercially available PCE-et0.
Springback Analysis and Prediction of Automotive Steel Sheets Used in Compression Bending
Authors: Spišák Emil , Majerníková Janka , Mulidrán Peter , Hajduk Július , Ruda František
Published: February 2025

Springback is still one of the most challenging issues in sheet metal forming, especially in the automotive industry, where hundreds of pressings made of different types of materials are joined together by various methods. In this study, springback evaluation was conducted on three types of steel that are commonly used in the automotive industry. Transformation induced plasticity (TRIP), micro-alloyed and deep-drawing steel sheets were used in compression bending, which is largely used in bending hollow tubes. The impact of die diameter and anisotropy on the springback was studied and evaluated. A numerical prediction of springback was conducted using Simufact Forming 2022 software. Based on the experimental results, it was found that steels with higher yield and tensile strength experience more springback than steels with lower strength properties. Additionally, the use of larger die diameters (30 mm and 25.4 mm) in compression bending results in higher springback compared to smaller ones (10 mm and 15 mm). The impact of anisotropy on the springback was mostly evident in pressings made of deep-drawing steel.
Comparative Study on Extrusion 3D Printing of Solid Propellant Based on Plunger and Screw
Authors: Song Shixiong , Shi Jiawei , Ren Quanbin , Miao Kai , Tang Min , Shi Hongbin
Published: February 2025

Extrusion-based 3D printing holds great potential for manufacturing solid propellants. Among the various methods, screw- and plunger-based extrusion are the most frequently reported techniques for propellant 3D printing, each employing different extrusion mechanisms. This paper compares the flow characteristics of these two methods through a combination of simulations and experiments. Simulation results reveal that propellant slurry in a plunger extrusion device exhibits relatively stable flow characteristics, especially near the nozzle outlet, with high flow velocity, high shear rate, and low-pressure distribution. Compared to the screw-based device, the plunger extrusion achieves a more uniform outlet velocity. In contrast, the screw extrusion device produces more complex rheological behavior, with backflow observed in the gap between the screw and the extrusion channel wall. However, the average pressure in the flow channel for screw extrusion (3885.11 Pa) is notably lower than that of plunger extrusion (7292.92 Pa). Experimental results indicate that the printing quality of plunger extrusion is comparable to that of screw extrusion. These findings provide valuable insights into advancing extrusion-based 3D-printing processes for solid propellants.
Euler–Riemann–Dirichlet Lattices: Applications of η(s) Function in Physics
Authors: Roman Hector Eduardo
Published: February 2025

We discuss applications of the Dirichlet η(s) function in physics. To this end, we provide an introductory description of one-dimensional (1D) ionic crystals, which are well-known in the condensed matter physics literature, to illustrate the central issue of the paper: A generalization of the Coulomb interaction between alternating charges in such crystalline structures. The physical meaning of the proposed form, characterized by complex (in the mathematical sense) ion–ion interactions, is argued to have emerged in many-body systems, which may include effects from vacuum energy fluctuations. We first consider modifications to the bare Coulomb interaction by adding an imaginary component to the exponent of the Coulomb law of the form s=1+ib, where b is a real number. We then extend the results to slower-decaying interactions, where the exponent becomes s=a+ib, presenting numerical results for values 1/2≤a≤2, which include the critical strip relevant to the Riemann hypothesis scenario.