bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating a Halotolerant Degrader for Efficient Mineralization of p‐Nitrophenol‐Substituted Organophosphorus Pesticides in High‐Saline Wastewater
Authors: Liu Yujie , Xiong Weini , Jiang Yuting , Meng Yan , Zhao Wanwan , Yang Chao , Liu Ruihua
Published: January 2025

The bioaugmentation performance is severely reduced in the treatment of high‐saline pesticide wastewater because the growth and degradation activity of pesticide degraders are significantly inhibited by high salt concentrations. In this study, a heterologous biodegradation pathway comprising the seven genes mpd/pnpABCDEF responsible for the bioconversion of p‐nitrophenol (PNP)‐substituted organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) into β‐oxoadipate and the genes encoding Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) were integrated into the genome of a salt‐tolerant chassis Halomonas cupida J9, to generate a genetically engineered halotolerant degrader J9U‐MP. RT‐PCR assays demonstrated that the nine exogenous genes are successfully transcribed to mRNA in J9U‐MP. Gas chromatography analysis of methyl parathion (MP) and its intermediates demonstrated that the expressed MP hydrolase and PNP‐degrading enzymes PnpABCD show obvious degradation activity toward the specific substrates in J9U‐MP. Stable isotope analysis showed that J9U‐MP is able to efficiently convert 13C6‐PNP into 13CO2, demonstrating the complete mineralization of MP in high‐salt media. J9U‐MP is genetically stable during passage culture, and genomic integration of exogenous genes does not negatively influence the growth of J9U‐MP. Under oxygen‐limited conditions, VHb‐expressing J9U‐MP does not show obvious growth inhibition and a significant reduction in the MP degradation rate. A real‐time monitoring system with enhanced GFP is used to track the motion and activity of J9U‐MP during bioremediation. Moreover, 50 mg/L MP and its intermediates (i.e., PNP and HQ) were completely degraded by J9U‐MP within 12 h in wastewater supplemented with 60 g/L NaCl. After 3 days of incubation, 25 mg/L 13C6‐PNP was converted into 13CO2 by J9U‐MP in wastewater supplemented with 60 g/L NaCl. Our results highlight the power of synthetic biology for creating new halotolerant pollutant‐mineralizing strains. The strong competitive advantages of J9U‐MP in high‐salinity and low‐oxygen environments make this degrader suitable for in situ bioaugmentation of OP wastewater.
Pd/CeO2 Single‐Atom Catalyst Forms Atypical C4 Product in a Suzuki Reaction with 2,4‐Dibromopyridine
Authors: Vice Audrey , Seger‐Pera Eric , Reardon Liam , Kedem Ofer
Published: January 2025

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are explored as replacements for homogeneous catalysts in carbon–carbon coupling reactions; however, little work has been done to directly compare them to homogeneous catalysts, especially with regard to selectivity. In this work, we have systematically compared the activity and regioselectivity of a Pd/CeO2 SAC to the homogeneous catalyst Pd(OAc)2/4PPh3 for a Suzuki coupling reaction involving 2,4‐dibromopyridine. Typically, the 2‐position will be most likely to react; however, we have found that the SAC preferentially couples at the atypical 4‐position under a multitude of reaction conditions. Additionally, we observed that Pd/CeO2 does not react in the presence of PPh3 ligand, and that the catalyst's performance is highly impacted by substitution on the boronic acid pinacol and the identity of the organoboron coupling reagent. Our results demonstrate that SACs display catalytic properties distinct from those of homogeneous catalysts.
Research Advances in Interface Engineering of Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Yang Jianfang , Zhang Xianyong , Hou Minchen , Ni Chang , Chen Chao , Liu Siliu , Wang Yan , Lu Xueyi , Lu Xia
Published: January 2025

Solid‐state lithium batteries have attracted increasing attention due to their high ionic conductivity, potential high safety performance, and high energy density. However, their practical application is limited by a series of interface issues. In recent years, many efforts have been dedicated to solving these problems via interface engineering by providing feasible strategies for the optimization of lithiumion solid‐state battery interfaces. This paper reviews the recent developments of interface engineering in addressing interfacial issues. The existing interface problems are first systematically summarized, including poor contact, electrochemical instability, lithium dendrites, space‐charge layers, and element diffusion. Then, the corresponding interface characteristics and engineering strategies are thoroughly analyzed from the perspective of the cathode/electrolyte interface, the anode/electrolyte interface, and battery structure design. Finally, future research directions for the interface modification of solid‐state lithium batteries are discussed.
Frequent, heterogenous fire supports a forest owl assemblage
Authors: McGinn Kate , Zuckerberg Benjamin , Jones Gavin M. , Wood Connor M. , Kahl Stefan , Kelly Kevin G. , Whitmore Sheila A. , Kramer H. Anu , Barry Josh M. , Ng Elizabeth , Peery M. Zachariah
Published: January 2025

Fire shapes biodiversity in many forested ecosystems, but historical management practices and anthropogenic climate change have led to larger, more severe fires that threaten many animal species where such disturbances do not occur naturally. As predators, owls can play important ecological roles in biological communities, but how changing fire regimes affect individual species and species assemblages is largely unknown. Here, we examined the impact of fire severity, history, and configuration over the past 35 years on an assemblage of six forest owl species in the Sierra Nevada, California, using ecosystem‐scale passive acoustic monitoring. While the negative impacts of fire on this assemblage appeared to be ephemeral (1–4 years in duration), spotted owls avoided sites burned at high‐severity for up to two decades after a fire. Low‐ to moderate‐severity fire benefited small cavity‐nesting species and great horned owls. Most forest owl species in this study appeared adapted to fire within the region's natural range of variation, characterized by higher proportions of low‐ to moderate‐severity fire and relatively less high‐severity fire. While some species in this assemblage may be more resilient to severe wildfire than others, novel “megafires” that are larger, more frequent, and contiguously severe may limit the distribution of this assemblage by reducing the prevalence of low‐ to moderate‐severity fire and eliminating habitat for a closed‐canopy species for multiple decades. Management strategies that restore historical low‐ to moderate‐severity fire with small patches of high‐severity fire and promote a mosaic of forest conditions will likely facilitate the conservation of this assemblage of forest predators.
1 min synthesis of phase pure nanocrystalline high‐entropy sulfides for efficient water electrolysis
Authors: Zander Judith , Marschall Roland
Published: January 2025

The development of noble‐metal free electrocatalysts with low production cost is of utmost importance for sustainable water electrolysis. Herein, we present a fast flexible synthesis pathway for the preparation of a variety of different medium‐ and high‐entropy spinel sulfides of various compositions, using a non‐aqueous microwave‐assisted synthesis without any H2S. Nanoparticulate high‐entropy sulfides containing up to 8 different metal cations can be obtained after an extremely short synthesis time of only 1 min and comparatively low temperatures of 200–230°C. We further demonstrate the high activity of the obtained sulfides for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
The Late Orchid Catches the Bee: Frost Damage and Pollination Success in the Face of Global Warming in a European Terrestrial Orchid
Authors: Schiestl Florian P. , Wartmann Beat A. , Bänziger Ruth , Györög‐Kobi Brigitte , Hess Klaus , Luder Jürg , Merz Edith , Peter Beat , Reutlinger Max , Richter Tobias , Senn Heinz , Ulrich Thomas , Waldeck Beate , Wartmann Claudia , Wüest Roland , Wüest Walter , Rusman Quint
Published: January 2025

Global warming changes flowering times of many plant species, with potential impacts on frost damage and their synchronization with pollinator activity. These effects can have severe impacts on plant fitness, yet we know little about how frequently they occur and the extent of damage they cause. We addressed this topic in a thermophilic orchid with a highly specific pollination mechanism, the Small Spider Orchid, Ophrys araneola RchB, in six populations in Northern Switzerland. We measured flowering time, frost damage, and fruiting success in 1250 individually marked plants during 3 years, and documented spring temperatures. Using regression models with historical climate data, we estimated past and future frost damage. In addition, we analyzed historical records of the orchid and its only verified pollinator, the solitary bee Andrena combinata in Northern Switzerland, to estimate potential desynchronization between flowering and pollinator activity due to climate change. Increased spring temperatures accelerated flowering time, and together with the number of frost days explained frost damage well. Frost damage was severe and early‐flowering plants were more likely to be damaged. Historical climate data suggested frost damage has increased in the last decades and may increase further in the future. All populations but one had very low fruit set, and plants that flowered earlier were less likely to set fruit. The historical data from between 1970 and 2019 showed a significant advance of flowering‐ and pollinator occurrence time in the last decades, but to a similar degree in orchids and bees. Our study shows that the orchid, despite being limited to warm habitats in central Europe, suffers under global warming by increased frost damage caused by earlier flowering. We did not detect an effect of accelerated flowering on desynchronization in flowering time and pollinator activity in this orchid species.
Mortality risk stratification for Takotsubo syndrome: Evaluating CRP measurement alongside the InterTAK prognostic score
Authors: Faucher Loïc , Matsushita Kensuke , Kikuchi Shinnosuke , Tatarcheh Taraneh , Marchandot Benjamin , Granier Amandine , Amissi Said , Trimaille Antonin , Jesel Laurence , Ohlmann Patrick , Hibi Kiyoshi , Schini‐Kerth Valérie , Morel Olivier
Published: January 2025

Background and objectives

Initially described as a benign acute cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo syndrome has been linked to elevated mortality rates. Emerging evidence suggests that unresolved myocardial inflammation may contribute to this adverse prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the incremental prognostic utility of C‐reactive protein (CRP) in conjunction with the InterTAK prognosis score for stratifying long‐term mortality in Takotsubo syndrome.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted from a multicentre registry encompassing 307 patients diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome between 2008 and 2020. Patients were stratified into quartiles based on the InterTAK prognosis score. The discriminatory potential of CRP in predicting long‐term mortality was assessed. The primary endpoint was defined as all‐cause mortality within 1 year.

Results

A stepwise increase of CRP at discharge that corresponds to INTERTAK quartiles was observed: 9.5 mg/L (25th percentile) in the first quartile, 15.8 mg/L (median) in the second quartile, 25.3 mg/L (75th percentile) in the third quartile and 41.2 mg/L (maximum) in the fourth quartile. Receiver operating‐characteristic curves analysis revealed that CRP value at discharge was predictive of 1 year mortality (area under the curve = 0.81; 95% confidence interval = 0.68–0.90) with an optimal threshold set at 33 mg/L (sensitivity: 65%; specificity: 87%). When considering the InterTAK score, the incorporation of CRP at discharge with a cut‐off of 33 mg/L exhibited a significant enhancement in the prediction of 1 year mortality in ‘intermediate’ risk (25% vs. 1%; P = 0.008) or ‘very high’ risk (40% vs. 10%; P = 0.02) patients.

Conclusions

In Takotsubo syndrome, the persistence of inflammatory burden at hospital discharge emerged as an independent predictor of 1 year mortality, augmenting the predictive capacity of the conventional InterTAK prognosis score.
Efficacy and safety of finerenone in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes by diuretic use: A FIDELITY analysis
Authors: Mentz Robert J. , Anker Stefan D. , Pitt Bertram , Rossing Peter , Ruilope Luis M. , Gebel Martin , Kolkhof Peter , Lawatscheck Robert , Rohwedder Katja , Bakris George L. ,   on behalf of the FIDELIO‐DKD and FIGARO‐DKD Investigators
Published: January 2025

Aims

This post hoc analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the non‐steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone by baseline diuretic use in FIDELITY, a pre‐specified pooled analysis of the phase III trials FIDELIO‐DKD and FIGARO‐DKD.

Methods and results

Eligible patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD; urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio [UACR] ≥30–<300 mg/g and estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥25–≤90 ml/min/1.73 m2, or UACR ≥300–≤5000 mg/g and eGFR ≥25 ml/min/1.73 m2) were randomized 1:1 to finerenone or placebo. Patients were analysed by baseline diuretic use (yes/no) and type of diuretic (loop or thiazide). Key efficacy outcomes included a cardiovascular composite (cardiovascular death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure) and a kidney composite (kidney failure, sustained ≥57% decrease in eGFR, or kidney‐related death). Out of 12 990 patients, 51.6% were taking diuretics at baseline (21.6% loop; 24.2% thiazide diuretics). Finerenone reduced the risk of cardiovascular and kidney composite outcomes versus placebo; diuretic use did not modify this effect on the cardiovascular (p‐interaction = 0.94) or kidney outcomes (p‐interaction = 0.55). Hyperkalaemia incidences were similar between finerenone subgroups irrespective of diuretic use and lower with placebo versus finerenone (with diuretics: finerenone 13.7% vs. placebo 5.7%; without diuretics: 14.3% vs. 8.3%). The incidence of hyperkalaemia leading to hospitalization or study drug discontinuation was low across treatment groups irrespective of diuretic use.

Conclusion

This analysis showed that the efficacy and safety of finerenone in patients with CKD and T2D was not modified by baseline diuretic use.
Snail Flap for Scalp Reconstruction: Technique and Outcomes
Authors: Peterson Andrew M. , Rapoport Nicholas A. , Chiang Sarah N. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Rich Jason T.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Local flaps are widely described for scalp reconstruction, but there is minimal literature surrounding the snail flap. The objective of this study was to describe the surgical technique and outcomes of scalp reconstruction with the snail flap.

Methods

This case series retrospectively evaluated all consecutive patients undergoing scalp snail flap reconstruction from January 1, 2019 to February 1, 2024. The primary outcome measure was incidence and extent of complications. Demographic and intra‐operative variables were assessed.

Results

A total of 44 patients were included with a median age (range) of 74 years (27–88) with scalp defects ranging in size from 3 x 3 cm to 8 x 8 cm (median defect size 5 cm). The mean (SD) flap base‐to‐defect ratio was 1.82 (0.31). Forty (91%) of the cases were performed outpatient or with overnight observation only. Complications included 9 (20%) wound infections, 12 (27%) patients with necrosis (all minimal), and 2 (5%) patients with hematoma, which were all managed outpatient. The flap survival rate was 100%.

Conclusions

The snail flap is easy to perform with high reliability and allows for hair preservation. The morbidity and need for hospitalization are minimal, making it an ideal reconstructive option for elderly or frail patients with moderate‐sized scalp defects.
Exploring Heat Transfer and Entropy Generation in a Dual Cavity System
Authors: Al‐Waaly Ahmed A. Y. , Paul Akshoy Ranjan , Saha Goutam , Saha Suvash C.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates heat transfer and entropy generation in a dual‐cavity system filled with air, focusing on the effects of uniform and nonuniform heating conditions on natural convection. The system features heated left walls, cooled right walls, and insulated remaining walls, presenting a novel approach to thermal management. This research employs COMSOL Multiphysics and finite element method to study the interplay between Rayleigh numbers () and heat transfer efficiency, focusing on thermal patterns and irreversibility. The findings indicate that as Ra increases, convective heat transfer improves significantly, with the average Nusselt number rising from 15.23 at Ra = 103 to 74.61 at Ra = 106 under uniform heating conditions. However, this improvement comes at the cost of increased entropy generation, which escalates from 2.91 to 307.74, highlighting a trade‐off between enhanced heat transfer and greater irreversibility. These results underscore the need to optimize Ra values to achieve a balance between thermal efficiency and entropy generation. The insights gained from this study have practical implications for designing energy‐efficient cooling systems in electronics and microfluidic devices, as well as for architectural designs targeting improved thermal management.
Redefining and reimagining foundational skills: Centering joyful, culturally, and linguistically sustaining instruction in literacy instruction for CLD students
Authors: Amoako Kayser Abigail Akosua , Keown Katie , Swanson Carey , Mejia Madeleine , Kayser Brian
Published: January 2025

Language and culture hold power and significant connections to students' identities. However, these connections are often minimized, especially for students from diverse racial‐ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds who are neither white nor monolingual speakers of English. In literacy instruction, we often see complete disregard and devaluation for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students' home languages, dialects, and cultures as a resource for their development of English. Many home languages that students bring with them to the classroom do not match the language of texts traditionally considered academic. These texts often contain complex language structures in English that do not match students' oral language and language structures students must learn to navigate. Students who are still learning foundational skills must be given access to these complex language structures to access rigorous academic content, which can otherwise serve as a gatekeeper to college and career opportunities. In this paper, we argue for the essential role of joyful, culturally, and linguistically sustaining, and grade‐level foundational skills instruction in literacy education. We demonstrate why and how teachers of adolescent students, particularly those who have not yet secured foundational skills in English, can leverage students' cultural and linguistic assets to build the knowledge needed to access the complex language of academic texts. Additionally, we provide a vignette to illustrate instructional routines that classroom teachers can use to support students in building their foundational skills in a joyful, culturally, and linguistically sustaining, and grade level. Through these efforts, we aim to deepen teachers' understanding of how language and culture can be leveraged to enhance learning and honor the linguistic and cultural diversity students bring to the classroom. We conclude with implications for practice and research.
Diagnosis of Carotid Fibromuscular Dysplasia Using Transoral Ultrasound in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Cheong Issac , Tamagnone Francisco Marcelo
Published: January 2025

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare, non‐atherosclerotic vascular disease affecting medium to large arteries, especially the renal and internal carotid arteries (ICAs). The string‐of‐beads appearance, indicative of alternating areas of stenosis and dilatation, is a key imaging feature typically observed in the distal ICAs. Diagnosing FMD in critically ill patients poses challenges due to the risks associated with traditional imaging methods such as computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction angiography. We report a case of a 74‐year‐old woman diagnosed with stroke who required mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. Initial Doppler ultrasound revealed a fibrolipid plaque at the left internal carotid artery but could not assess the distal ICAs. Using a transoral approach with an endocavitary transducer, we visualized the distal ICAs, revealing the classic string‐of‐beads pattern and elevated peak systolic velocities indicative of stenosis. CTA confirmed these findings. The transoral ultrasound approach offers a non‐invasive, bedside alternative for assessing the distal portions of the ICAs, making it particularly beneficial in critically ill patients. This case underscores the potential of this technique for timely diagnosis of FMD, warranting further research into its broader applicability in routine evaluations of suspected cases.
Preparation and application of cardanol ether‐based anionic–nonionic surfactant
Authors: Chen Hong , Hao Aijun , Zhu Baowei , Zhang Jingyu , Wu Xiao , Yuan Lei
Published: January 2025

Using cardanol polyoxyethylene ether, maleic anhydride, and sodium bisulfite as main raw materials, a new type of surfactant, sodium dicardanol polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinate anionic–nonionic surfactant was synthesized. The effects of reaction temperature, material ratio, and catalyst dosage on esterification reaction were investigated by single factor and orthogonal experiment method, and the reaction conditions of esterification and sulfonation were optimized. Fourier infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance were employed to determine the target product. The surface tension of obtained sodium dicardanol polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinate γCMC was measured as 34.54 mM/m, and critical micelle concentration was 1.61 × 10−4 mol/L. The surface tension of sodium dicardanol polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinate under different pH and salty environments was further tested, and it was found that sodium dicardanol polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinate showed certain resistance to acid‐base and salt conditions. The cleaning agent for aluminum was prepared using sodium dicardanol polyoxyethylene sulfosuccinate, exhibiting promising performance characterized by its non‐corrosive and environmentally friendly properties.
Enhancing the stability of tocotrienol nanoemulsion developed using ultrasonic treatment with amphiphilic starch nanoparticles serving as the matrix
Authors: Gautam Gitanjali , Mahanta Charu Lata
Published: January 2025

Background

Octenylsuccinic anhydride (OSA) is one of the efficient compounds used in food industries as an emulsifier. The current study describes the augmentation of tocotrienol (T3) bioavailability by combining it with OSA and then converting it into a nanoemulsion. The creation of the nanoemulsions ASG‐T3U10, ASG‐T3U20 and ASG‐T3U30 involved ultrasonication power at 300 W for 10, 20 and 30 cycles, respectively.

Result

The nanoemulsion particle sizes of ASG‐T3U30, ASG‐T3U20 and ASG‐T3U10 ranged from 100 to 200, 200 to 300 and >300 nm (P < 0.05), respectively. ASG‐T3U30 exhibited enhanced encapsulation efficiency and potential stability in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. A range of models such as zero order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer–Peppas, Peppas–Sahlin and Gompertz were utilized for the study of release kinetics. The models were found to be a good fit (R2 > 0.90) for the release of T3 in the gastrointestinal environment from an amphiphilic starch matrix. Storage stability tests showed that the emulsions were stable for 21 days of storage at 4 °C, but after 14 days, samples with particle diameters greater than 200 nm displayed the onset of Ostwald ripening.

Conclusion

The study showed that the stability of the nanoemulsion was effectively enhanced through increased ultrasonication cycles. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Microstructure and Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Vacuum‐Cladded FeNiCoCrMoBSi High‐Entropy Alloy Coating
Authors: Xie Fang , Zhai Changsheng , Zhang Xi , Jiang Sainan , Zhang Xin , Zheng Hongxing , Hua Xijin
Published: January 2025

The microstructure and electrochemical corrosion performance of vacuum cladding FeNiCoCrMoBSi HEA coatings were investigated. The results show that the coating forms an FCC+σ eutectic structure. The FCC matrix phase has an abalone crystal structure. The diffraction angle of the FCC crystal plane (111) is positively correlated with the remelting temperature, while its diffraction peak intensity and grain size are inversely correlated. Unlike the coatings obtained at remelting temperatures of 1150°C and 1230°C, where the σ phase is a Mo poor phase, the coating obtained at the remelting temperature of 1190°C has a Mo‐rich phase. The coating has the lowest self‐corrosion current density (3.31 μA/cm2), the highest self‐corrosion potential (−0.3797 V), the highest polarization impedance (69 616 Ω), and impedance modulus (23 205.68 W cm2). Its impedance modulus is 2.89 times and 2.04 times higher than those of the coatings remelted at 1150°C and 1230°C, respectively, demonstrating excellent electrochemical corrosion resistance. This can be attributed to the comprehensive effect of various factors, such as FCC+σ dual phases, dense coating structure, and excellent passivation film.
Economics of Content Aggregation: Pricing and Advertising Competition in a Multi‐Channel Structure
Authors: Jakhu Gaurav , Jain Tarun
Published: January 2025

Motivated by the emergence of online content aggregators such as Google News, as a prominent source of web traffic for content publishers, this paper examines the impact of introducing a content aggregator platform on market equilibrium and welfare under two different content publishers' business models: free content with advertisements and subscription‐based content with advertisements. A crucial feature of our framework is competition between content publishers and aggregator platforms in the advertising market. Using a game‐theoretic model, our analysis yields interesting insights. First, we find that platform introduction is Pareto optimal when publishers charge subscription prices to the users. However, when content is free, publishers' profits strictly decrease, while both users and advertisers benefit. This finding contrasts with the general regulatory presumption that content aggregators make publishers worse off. Next, in the presence of an aggregator platform, we find that publishers display fewer advertisements under the subscription‐based model for weak content differentiation and sufficiently large platform quality or strong content differentiation. Finally, we provide implications for social welfare.
Black Children's Perceptions of Parental Support and Parenting Practices: 6‐Month Weight Loss and Retention in a Pediatric Weight Management Program
Authors: Cuthbertson Caleb L. , Pratt Keeley J. , Eneli Ihuoma
Published: January 2025

Objective

Black families are less likely to continue in pediatric weight management programs (PWMPs) and have less optimal outcomes. Few studies have examined how parenting practices and perceived support influence Black children's retention and weight loss in PWMPs.

Method

To fill this gap, this study sampled Black children and their parent (N = 49) who were participating in a Midwest PWMP to explore how children's reports of parental support and parenting practices at program initiation associate with early weight loss 3‐ and 6‐month and retention at 6‐month in the PWMP.

Results

There were no significant findings for the association of children's reports of parenting practices and their perceptions of parents' support for making health changes in the PWMP. However, the findings were in the anticipated direction, with effect sizes ranging from −0.92 to 0.42. Children who reported that their parent was supportive of their behavior change had less weight loss (i.e., increases in BMIz) from baseline to 3 months than those who perceived their parent’s as unsupportive or neither supportive or unsupportive (p = 0.004). There were no significant correlations between BMIz change at 3 or 6 months and reports of parenting practices.

Conclusion

Additional research and with a larger sample are needed to further understand how parenting practices and support are associated with healthy behavior changes and retention of Black children and families in PWMPs.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Caroli's Disease by Ultrasound and MRI Imaging
Authors: Wei Ying‐Li , Cao Jian‐Fa , Xing Cheng , Shang Ning , Ding Hong‐Ke , Zhang Li‐Ming , Li Xiao‐Bin , Liu Xiang‐Jiao , Wang Li‐Min , Yang Chao‐Xiang
Published: January 2025

Objective

To present the imaging features of Caroli's disease (CD) on prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of prenatally diagnosed CD between 2017 and 2024. Clinical data from these cases were collected and reviewed.

Results

Five fetuses with CD were included, three of which had a definite combination of ARPKD and suspected in the other 2. Prenatal ultrasonography revealed multiple intrahepatic bile duct dilatations in four fetuses, each of which displayed the “horn comb” sign in a cross‐section of the liver. All five fetuses had abnormal kidney ultrasounds: three showed enlarged and hyperechogenic kidneys and two showed hyperechogenic kidneys. The MRI scans of all fetuses showed a “central dot” (C‐DOT) sign in the liver. By MRI, three fetuses had enlarged kidneys, one slightly had hyperintensity kidneys, and one had no significant kidney abnormalities. Pregnancy termination was chosen in all cases.

Conclusions

CD may be identified by fetal ultrasound through the characteristic arrangement of intrahepatic dilated bile ducts (“horn comb” sign). Fetal MRI is advantageous for detecting the C‐DOT sign, which confirms the diagnosis of CD. In our experience, these findings tend to become apparent in the late second to early third trimester of pregnancy.
Efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation in refractory postamputation pain: A narrative review
Authors: Vu Peter D. , Ekechukwu Diana , Enaohwo Ovie , Nguyen Catherine , Vu Dominic , Nguyen Michael V.
Published: January 2025

The management of postamputation pain remains a significant clinical challenge, with existing therapeutic approaches often yielding inconsistent outcomes. Neuromodulation techniques, particularly peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), have emerged as promising interventions. However, the evidence supporting their effectiveness in treating phantom limb pain (PLP) and residual limb pain (RLP) remains limited. This narrative review consolidates previous findings of PNS as a postamputation agent and amasses the most recent data on its effectiveness in clinical settings. A literature review was conducted using MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, yielding 115 references. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, three studies were included. The studies reviewed demonstrate that PNS can offer varying degrees of sustained pain relief, mood enhancement, reduction in opioid use, and functional improvement. However, discrepancies in study design, patient demographics, devices used, and methodological approaches significantly limit the generalizability and reliability of these findings. Currently, the evidence supporting PNS for the treatment of RLP and PLP is limited, with minimal data affirming its efficacy in alleviating postamputation pain and related symptoms. More studies, especially larger, well‐designed comparative and observational studies are needed to extrapolate these conclusions for PNS and postamputation pain.
Enhanced Degradation of Vinyl Copolymers Based on Lipoic Acid
Authors: Okayama Yoichi , Morris Parker , Albanese Kaitlin , Olsen Sarah , Mori Atsunori , de Alaniz Javier Read , Bates Christopher M. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: January 2025

The introduction of degradable units into the backbone of commodity vinyl polymers represents a major opportunity to address the societal challenge of plastic waste and polymer recycling. Previously, we reported the facile copolymerization of α‐lipoic acid derivatives containing 1,2‐dithiolane rings with vinyl monomers leading to the incorporation of degradable S–S disulfide bonds along the backbone at relatively high dithiolane monomer feed ratios. To further enhance the recyclability of these systems, here we describe a facile and user‐friendly strategy for backbone degradation at significantly lower dithiolane loading levels through cleavage of both SS and SC backbone units. Copolymers of n‐butyl acrylate (nBA) or styrene (St) with small amounts of either α‐lipoic acid (LA) or ethyl lipoate (ELp) dissolved in DMF were observed to undergo efficient degradation when heated at 100°C under air. For example, at only 5 mol% ELp, a high molecular weight poly(ELp‐co‐nBA) (Mn = 62 kg mol−1) degraded to low molecular weight oligomers (Mn = 3.2 kg mol−1) by simple heating in DMF. In contrast, extended heating of either poly(nBA) or poly(St) homopolymers under the same conditions did not lead to any change in molecular weight or cleavage of the C–C backbone. This novel approach allows for the effective degradation of vinyl‐based polymers with negligible impact on properties and performance due to the low levels of dithiolane incorporation.
A persistent bacterial Regiella transinfection in the bird cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi increasing host fitness and decreasing plant virus transmission
Authors: Yu Wenjuan , Yang Qiong , Gill Alex , Chirgwin Evatt , Gu Xinyue , Joglekar Chinmayee , Umina Paul A. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

The bird cherry‐oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, is a major pest of agriculture due to its ability to directly damage crops and transmit plant viruses. As industries move away from chemical pest control, there is interest in exploring new options to suppress the impact of this pest.

RESULTS

We describe the production of a transinfected line of R. padi carrying the bacterial endosymbiont, Regiella insecticola, originating from the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. We show that Regiella increases the fitness of its novel host despite decreasing fitness in its native host. Regiella also shows a low level of horizontal transmission. Importantly the infection suppresses the ability of R. padi to transmit the barley yellow dwarf virus which damages wheat plants.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest this Regiella transinfection could be released to suppress virus transmission by aphids with its ability to persist and spread in situations where damage from the virus exceeds that from direct feeding by the aphid. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Robust Estimation‐Based Non‐Fragile Control for Discrete‐Time Non‐Linear Systems
Authors: Javanfar Elham , Rahmani Mehdi , Kamalul Wafi Moh
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a novel robust estimation‐based non‐fragile controller is designed for a specific class of discrete‐time, time‐varying, non‐linear systems whose non‐linear term satisfies the incremental quadratic inequality, which is parameterized by a set of multiplier matrices and sector‐bounded conditions. The system is subject to unknown external input with fluctuating controller gain. The proposed approach introduces an improved standard linear filter structure, including non‐linear terms and a modified state feedback controller. The stability of the closed‐loop system is guaranteed in the framework of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and the state estimator and controller gains are determined simultaneously such that the boundedness of the control input is ensured. Moreover, an LMI‐based optimization problem is presented to obtain the closed‐loop system's maximum domain of attraction (DOA). The benchmark system of RTAC is employed to verify the performance of the proposed control approach.
Institutional Quality and Sustainable Firm Growth: Evidence From North African Countries
Authors: Abozeid Hady O. , Elamer Ahmed A. , Attia Eman F.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the relationship between institutional quality (IQ) and sustainable firm growth (SFG) in North African countries, focusing on Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Utilizing panel data from 155 non‐financial firms over the period 2007–2020, we employ a system generalized method of moments (GMM) approach to analyze this relationship. Our findings reveal a significant U‐shaped relationship between IQ and SFG, indicating that both very low and very high levels of IQ are associated with limited firm growth, while an optimal level of IQ promotes substantial growth. This suggests that firms in low‐IQ environments struggle due to weak regulatory frameworks and corruption, whereas those in high‐IQ environments benefit from better governance and transparency, leading to enhanced growth. The study makes several contributions by providing empirical evidence from an underexplored region, highlighting the complex dynamics between institutional quality and firm growth, and offering robust methodological insights. Policy implications underscore the need for balanced regulation and long‐term investment in institutional quality, education, and infrastructure.
Continuous Strain Modulation of Moiré Superlattice Symmetry From Triangle to Rectangle
Authors: Ou Hao , Oi Koshi , Usami Rei , Endo Takahiko , Shinokita Keisuke , Kitaura Ryo , Matsuda Kazunari , Miyata Yasumitsu , Pu Jiang , Takenobu Taishi
Published: January 2025

Moiré superlattices formed in van der Waals (vdW) bilayers of 2D materials provide an ideal platform for studying previously undescribed physics, including correlated electronic states and moiré excitons, owing to the wide‐range tunability of their lattice constants. However, their crystal symmetry is fixed by the monolayer structure, and the lack of a straightforward technique for modulating the symmetry of moiré superlattices has impeded progress in this field. Herein, a simple, room‐temperature, ambient method for controlling superlattice symmetry is reported. The method uses vdW heterostructures on a flexible substrate; by bending the substrate, a uniaxial strain is introduced. Based on numerical calculations, a strain condition is designed to deform the moiré superlattice from triangular to rectangular, and visualized the continuous deformation of real‐space moiré superlattices using piezoresponse force microscopy. The band calculations show that nearly flat moiré minibands remain in the rectangular lattice; therefore, this method provides an additional tuning knob for the Hamiltonian of moiré quantum matter.
Local Structure Regulation for Oxygen Redox and Structure Stability of P2‐Type Cathodes
Authors: Wang Dongxiao , Zou Feihu , Qi Xingguo , Xu Shuyin , Mao Huican , Xiao Dongdong , Lu Shigang , Guo Bingkun , Lyu Yingchun
Published: January 2025

The local structure plays a crucial role in oxygen redox reactions, which boosts the capacity of layered oxide cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries. While studies on local structural ordering have primarily focused on the intra‐layer ordering, there has been limited research on the inter‐layer stacking for the layered cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. In this work, the impact of the intra‐layer and inter‐layer local structural regulation on anionic kinetics and the structure stability are explored through experimental analysis and theoretical calculations. Cu2+ substitution is introduced to adjust the transition metal inter‐layer structure of P2‐Na0.67Mg0.28Mn0.72O2, obtaining a zig‐zag stacked honeycomb superlattice structure in P2‐ Na0.67Cu0.14Mg0.14Mn0.72O2. The local structure regulation mitigates the cation migration, improves the structure reversibility even at a deeply desodiation state of Na0.05, and the reductive coupling between cationic and anionic redox processes facilitates electron transfer from oxygen to copper ions and governs the properties of electrochemical kinetics and hysteresis. A full cell with hard carbon anode shows commendable energy density at high power density. This study paves an optional path for enhancing the structure stability and dynamics of oxygen redox chemistry in P2‐type cathode materials for sodium‐ion battery systems.
Boosting the Learning Process for IoT Data Utilization in Business Value
Authors: Kinnunen Sini-Kaisu , Metso Lasse , Kärri Timo
Published: January 2025

Companies need new types of professionals who can benefit from the Internet of Things (IoT). This shortage of skilled workforce hinders the exploitation of advanced technologies and data utilization. Thus, research is needed to learn the core IoT skills in the time of Industry 5.0. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be seen as a part of the IoT process, where IoT improves data utilization and AI can be used to add intelligence into IoT solutions and automatize decision-making. This research studies the learning process for IoT data utilization, to improve the student’s knowledge and skills to utilize analytical IoT solutions for real decision-making needs related to business processes. In this study, the research method is conceptual research where previous literature and concepts are analyzed and a systematic process description is developed. As the result of this study, a systematic process description was created to improve the IoT skills of students to benefit from IoT data utilization in creating business value. The systematic process description is then tested with 19 cases, i.e., the group works. The group works deal with the theoretical framework and practical IoT solution for a certain decision-making need. The presented systematic learning process description responds to the need for companies to employ professionals with new skills to reap the benefits of advanced technologies and data utilization.
Industrial Transformation via AI and Autonomous Systems: Evidence from a State-of-the-Art Survey
Authors: Treves Luke , Ritala Paavo , Aaltonen Päivi
Published: January 2025

The evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems driven by technological advancements and abundant data access is reshaping industries from mining to transportation, despite the potential of adopting such technologies, organizations encounter major hurdles in realizing their full benefits. Financial constraints, cultural resistance, skill gaps, and ethical concerns, among other challenges, limit their widespread adoption and integration. Furthermore, while AI-enhanced automation shows promise in improving organizational efficiency, decision-making, and adaptability, its implementation often remains confined to specific operational segments. To better understand the adoption, benefits, and challenges of emerging AI and autonomous technologies in industrial settings, this chapter provides a state-of-the-art overview of a cross-industrial survey conducted with companies headquartered in Finland with responses from 207 organizations. Varied in size, turnover, and hierarchy, these organizations offer a holistic view of the current landscape in this rapidly evolving field. All in all, this chapter provides a contemporary view of AI and autonomous system adoption in different industries and provides both operational and strategic insights into different aspects of their organizational use.
Managing Strategic Flexibility in Industry 5.0 Transition: An Integrated Real Options and Strategic Foresight Approach
Authors: Savolainen Jyrki , Knudsen Mikkel Stein
Published: January 2025

This chapter deals with the corporate investment decision-making strategies amid the transformative landscape of Industry 5.0 and system-level Digital Twins Twinning. Through the lens of Strategic Foresight (SF) and Real Options (RO), the chapter both identifies a methodological gap in the literature regarding the integration of ROs and SF and underscores the potential synergy between these two fields. It is suggested that ROs can adeptly address numerical uncertainties in resource exploitation business cases, while SF serves as a valuable qualitative exploration tool under structural or radical uncertainty. A high-level, integrated decision framework is drafted, and its applicability is discussed within the Industry 5.0 context of system-level Digital Twins.
A New Design and VLSI Implementation of Symmetric Daubechies Wavelet Filter Bank for Image Processing Applications
Authors: Samantaray Aswini K. , Rahulkar Amol D. , Sahoo Satyajeet , Gorre Pradeep
Published: January 2025

Due to the irrational coefficients, the orthogonal wavelet filter banks (FBs) need a lot of resources when implemented on hardware. As a result, there is a decrease in operating speed, a significant memory requirement, and an increase in power consumption. This paper proposes an orthogonal low complex symmetric Daubechies-2 (4-tap) wavelet filter bank (FB) to address these problems. This is accomplished by obtaining dyadic filter coefficients and making the suggested FB symmetric by marginally modifying the perfect reconstruction (PR) criterion. By using fewer adders and shifters, the suggested wavelet FB achieves a significant reduction in dynamic power consumption without the need for multipliers. This is confirmed by implementing the suggested wavelet FB on the Zedboard ZYNQ-7000 AP-SoC (Zynq FPGA from Xilinx) field programmable gate array (FPGA). The suitability of the suggested FB is tested in medical image retrieval and image compression applications. Results from simulations demonstrate that, when compared to state-of-the-art techniques, the suggested wavelet FB performs better in terms of retrieval accuracy (ARP, ARR) for medical image retrieval and PSNR for image compression on the benchmark image datasets.
Rewindable Quantum Computation and Its Equivalence to Cloning and Adaptive Postselection
Authors: Hiromasa Ryo , Mizutani Akihiro , Takeuchi Yuki , Tani Seiichiro
Published: January 2025

We define rewinding operators that invert quantum measurements. Then, we define complexity classes

$$\textsf{RwBQP}$$

RwBQP

,

$$\textsf{CBQP}$$

CBQP

, and

$$\textsf{AdPostBQP}$$

AdPostBQP

as sets of decision problems solvable by polynomial-size quantum circuits with a polynomial number of rewinding operators, cloning operators, and adaptive postselections, respectively. Our main result is that

$$\textsf{BPP}^\textsf{PP}\subseteq \textsf{RwBQP}=\textsf{CBQP}=\textsf{AdPostBQP}\subseteq \textsf{PSPACE}$$

BPP
PP

⊆
RwBQP
=
CBQP
=
AdPostBQP
⊆
PSPACE

. As a byproduct of this result, we show that any problem in

$$\textsf{PostBQP}$$

PostBQP

can be solved with only postselections of events that occur with probabilities polynomially close to one. Under the strongly believed assumption that

$$\textsf{BQP}\nsupseteq \textsf{SZK}$$

BQP
⊉
SZK

, or the shortest independent vectors problem cannot be efficiently solved with quantum computers, we also show that a single rewinding operator is sufficient to achieve tasks that are intractable for quantum computation. Finally, we show that rewindable Clifford circuits remain classically simulatable, but rewindable instantaneous quantum polynomial time circuits can solve any problem in

$$\textsf{PP}$$

PP

.