bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Pachyrhizus erosus‐Derived Carbon Aerogels for Adsorption of Oil and Organic Solvents and Investigation of Their Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Hieu Nguyen Huu , Vy Dang Ngoc Chau , Tu Phan Minh , Lam Cao Vu , Tran Ngo Hoang To , Trinh Trinh Tu , Yen Nguyen Tran Hai , Anh Du Dang My , Thang Tran Quoc , Vu Nguyen Hung
Published: February 2025

In this study, to make the most of biomass as raw material, carbon aerogel was fabricated by green synthesis and low‐cost methods with high applicability. Pachyrhizus erosus‐derived carbon aerogel (PCA) was synthesized through a simple process by hydrothermal freeze‐drying combined with pyrolysis. The effect of pyrolysis temperature on the characterization and applications of PCA was investigated at 600, 700, and 800 °C. Characterization of PCA was analyzed by modern methods: scanning electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. With its diverse pore structure and bulk form, PCA was investigated for applications of oil and organic solvent adsorption and energy storage. From that, PCA becomes a potential material application in adsorption and energy storage with an oil adsorption capacity 31 times its volume and a specific capacitance of up to 349.9 F/g for PCA pyrolysis at 700 °C.
Aminocatalytic, Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydrocarbazole Spiropyrazolones via Remote [4 + 2] Annulation of Indole Tethered Enal With Olefinic Pyrazolones
Authors: Prasad Madavi S. , Jha Aman Kumar , Boppuri Humpi , Rejith Diya , Bharani Sankar , Haridas Sreejith
Published: February 2025

We present the first application of olefinic pyrazolone in conjunction with indole‐tethered enal with an aminocatalytic remote [4 + 2] annulation reaction, successfully yielding tetrahydrocarbazole spiropyrazolone frameworks in moderate to good yields, accompanied by significant enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities. The robustness of this developed protocol is demonstrated through the generation of a diverse array of 22 examples, all exhibiting consistent yields and stereoselectivities. Furthermore, we achieved a gram‐scale synthesis and synthesized the biologically relevant fluorohexahydrofuranocarbazole via a two‐pot, three‐step sequence involving [4 + 2]‐addition, reduction, and fluoroetherification reactions. Finally, we propose a plausible mechanism, supported by SC‐XRD and NOE experiments, highlighting a crucial aspect of this research.
Enhancing the Electrochemical Efficiency of ZnO/NiO Nano Composite Through Air Plasma Treatment
Authors: Deepa R. , Vijayalakhmi K. A.
Published: February 2025

This investigation examines the electrochemical behaviors of ZnO/NiO nanocomposites synthesized through a hydrothermal method and subsequently subjected to air plasma treatment, highlighting their potential in energy storage applications. XRD analysis confirmed the highly crystalline nature of the wurtzite ZnO and cubic NiO phases without secondary impurities. Plasma treatment enhanced crystallinity, as evidenced by sharper diffraction peaks. FTIR analysis revealed improvements in oxygenated functional groups posttreatment. FESEM images showed uniform spherical structures (∼2 µm) with increased surface roughness, and EDAX confirmed the elemental composition. Electrochemical analysis revealed significant improvements in performance due to plasma treatment. The plasma treated ZnO/NiO exhibited a total capacitance of 4773 F/g, compared to 2773 F/g for untreated samples. Specific capacitance at 10 mV/s decreased from 829 F/g (untreated) to 691 F/g (treated); however, at 100 mV/s, the treated sample retained a higher capacitance (331 F/g) than the untreated (187 F/g). A higher b‐value (0.742) for treated samples indicates the enhanced capacitive behavior. Charge‐discharge studies demonstrated high reversibility, with treated samples achieving better nonlinear double layer characteristics. Impedance spectroscopy showed reduced polarization and charge transfer resistance for treated samples compared to untreated, indicating improved conductivity and active site availability. These outcomes spotlight the effectiveness of the plasma treatment of ZnO/NiO nanocomposites.
Decoding Framework Dynamics in a Spin Crossover Flexible Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Martinez‐Martinez Ana , Albalad Jorge , Resines‐Urien Esther , Sañudo E. Carolina , Mariano A. Lorenzo , Fabelo Oscar , Rodríguez‐Velamazán Jose Alberto , Poloni Roberta , Maspoch Daniel , Costa José Sánchez
Published: February 2025

Functional spin crossover (SCO) metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) hold promise for miniaturized spin‐based devices due to their tuneable molecule‐based properties near room temperature. SCO describes the phenomenon where transition metal ions switch between high spin (HS) and low spin (LS) states upon external stimuli. However, even simple guest molecules like water can significantly alter the properties of these materials. Understanding the interplay between SCO and these molecules is therefore crucial. This work investigates this interplay in a fascinating 3D Fe(II) SCO‐MOF, recently reported to exhibit reversible conductivity even in bulk. A combined experimental and computational approach is employed to explore how guest molecule uptake/release influences SCO dynamics including a transition from partial HS/LS to a fully LS state at high temperatures, (named reverse SCO) and ligand disorder‐order behavior. The findings reveal a solid‐state mechanism that differs from those previously described.
Ohmic Contact Heterostructures Immobilized Pt Single Atoms for Boosting Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyan , Wu Xiaoxiao , Wan Rui , Wang Yuguang , Chen Bin , Meng Guowen
Published: February 2025

Pt single‐atoms catalysts have been widely confirmed as ideal electrocatalysts for high‐efficiency hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but their activity and durability at high current density remain great challenges, especially in alkaline media. Herein, a unique Ohmic contact heterostructure is fabricated by integrating Ni and NiO to immobilize Pt single‐atoms (Ni‐NiO‐Pt) via Pt‐O4 coordination for boosting the alkaline HER. Owing to transient high temperature and pressure in the laser ablation process, Ohmic contact heterojunctions are constructed at the interfaces between metal Ni core and nanoporous semiconducting NiO shell with adequate oxygen vacancies. The large work function difference triggers the electron transfer from Ni to Pt‐decorated NiO, which dramatically eliminates the electron conduction impedance and regulates the charge redistribution. Density functional theory calculation unveils that the multiple regulations of energy barrier and charge redistribution on Ohmic contact endow Ni‐NiO‐Pt with outstanding electrical conductivity and favorable hydrogen binding energy. Consequently, Ni‐NiO‐Pt displays superior alkaline HER performances with an overpotential of 23.54 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and protruding durability for 75 h at 500 mA cm−2, drastically outperforming commercial Pt/C and most reported HER electrocatalysts. The immobilization of Pt single‐atoms on Ohmic contact opens up an avenue toward the rational design of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts.
Spatial distribution of health risk assessment of a drinking water reservoir exposed to urban agglomeration and industrial lead contamination in Istanbul, Türkiye
Authors: Cüce Hüseyin , Kalipci Erkan , Ustaoğlu Fikret , Dereli Mehmet Ali , Alkaya Seda , Türkmen Aysun
Published: February 2025

The Ömerli Dam, supplied by multiple rivers that provide a major amount of Istanbul's water demands for drinking and irrigation, is experiencing toxicological threats due to rapid expansion, increased industrial activity, and population growth in light of the impending global drought. In this study, multivariate statistical analysis and spatial distribution based on geographic information system (GIS) was used to examine the status of pollution and health risk, irrigation water quality, and stochastic geo‐environmental risk sources of 16 potentially toxic elements (PTEs: Na, Mg, K, Ca, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) concentrations from samples in the dam. Also, spatial analyzing of quality indices was used to assess the dam's feasibility for irrigation and drinking. As per the results of the study, the dam water has mild heavy metal (loid) pollution, which is measured at 16 PTE by the heavy metal (loid) pollution index (HPI) and heavy metal (loid) evaluation index (HEI) values. The pollution level is low during the rainy season and moderate during the dry season. The water at sampling station S3 (HPI = 146.50) is unfit for consumption and cannot be used for drinking. The majority of harmful metal species exhibited elevated concentrations (notably Pb: 51.78 μg/L, Cr: 8.55 μg/L) in the dam lake water, particularly during the dry season. The toxic metals Pb and Cd account for 15.95% of the total variance, with a high degree of loading. Lead concentrations were found to be above WHO and USEPA limit values only in S2 and S4 during the wet season, but above 0.01 mg/L in all stations except S1 during the dry. Dam water is acceptable for agricultural use, according on the results of the, sodium absorption rate, the percentage of Na and the magnesium damage index, average SAR < 0.9, Na% < 25, and MH < 50, respectively. HQingestion and HI values (all less than 1 in all PTEs) indicate that noncarcinogenic impacts might occur.

Practitioner Points

Ömerli Dam provides most of the drinking and potable water needs of a mega city like Istanbul.

With this study, toxic metal pollution of dam surface water and its possible effects on human health were analyzed for the first time on a spatially wide scale.
Investigation of impact of split treatment on finished water quality for the Ames water treatment plant
Authors: Martindale Nicole , Ellis Timothy G. , Jacob Matthew , Hammes Lyle , Eshelman Gary
Published: February 2025

In response to limited carbon dioxide availability and increasing costs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, an investigation into split treatment was performed. A 2020 pilot study showed that a 5% raw water bypass and target caustic alkalinity range of 26–36 mg/L as CaCO3 resulted in 25% and 7% carbon dioxide and lime savings, respectively. Considering this promising outcome, the potential for scaling and corrosion within the plant was evaluated during a subsequent split treatment trial in this study. Mild steel scale coupons were assessed for scaling and corrosion at four different treatment conditions. These results found that a 5% raw water bypass is predicted to have a minimal impact of scaling and corrosion on the water plant infrastructure when compared to full lime softening. Results are significant since split treatment can save over $150,000 annually with no apparent change in water quality, improving the plant's resilience and sustainability.

Practitioner Points

A 5% raw water bypass produced scale and corrosion similar to full lime softening. Localized build‐up results in surface corrosion.

Relocation of SHMP did not show appreciable sequestration of hardness ions. Adjusting dosage and/or using a polyphosphate blend is recommended.

A 5% raw water bypass can be implemented at a lime softening facility to reduce chemical usage and cost.

A similar procedure can be conducted to analyze the impacts of a larger percent bypass for additional chemical savings.
Nonlinear stability of traveling wave fronts to the Lotka–Volterra competition system
Authors: Cao Xinyue , Wang Yang , Yao Meiping
Published: February 2025

In this paper, based on the weighted energy method, the conditions on the nonlinear stability of traveling wave fronts of Lotka–Volterra competition system with any noncritical speeds are studied. More accurately, by revising some technical details, we have proved that when the diffusion parameter satisfies for any speeds , where is the critical speed, the traveling wave fronts are exponential stability. While, for other cases, in order to obtain the same stability results, the values of speeds could be larger. Our conclusions expand the ranges of the speeds that traveling wave fronts are stable, which improves previous results.
Conflict Area Evangelism: Controversies About Lay Preaching in the 19th Century from the Perspective of Male and Female Protagonists of the German Revival Movements
Authors: Albrecht Ruth
Published: February 2025

Evangelisation gained momentum in Germany in the last third of the 19th century. This development was accompanied by the appearance of full- or part-time evangelists, only some of whom had theological training. While male evangelists met with resistance from church representatives in particular, women engaged in evangelistic endeavours faced scepticism, especially within their own ranks. Women received a high level of approval in the revival movements, which were characterised by laymen. They may not have publicly identified as evangelists, yet they did contribute to the preaching of the gospel in many different ways. Four autobiographical or biographical sources are used to shed light on how men and women involved in the spread of evangelisation viewed their work and the associated conflicts.
The Quantitative Isoperimetric Inequality for the Hilbert–Schmidt Norm of Localization Operators
Authors: Nicola Fabio , Riccardi Federico
Published: February 2025

In this paper we study the Hilbert–Schmidt norm of time-frequency localization operators

$$L_{\Omega } :L^2(\mathbb {R}^d) \rightarrow L^2(\mathbb {R}^d)$$

L
Ω

:

L
2

(

R

d

)

→

L
2

(

R

d

)

, with Gaussian window, associated with a subset

$$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^{2d}$$

Ω
⊂

R

2
d

of finite measure. We prove, in particular, that the Hilbert–Schmidt norm of

$$L_\Omega $$

L
Ω

is maximized, among all subsets

$$\Omega $$

Ω

of a given finite measure, when

$$\Omega $$

Ω

is a ball and that there are no other extremizers. Actually, the main result is a quantitative version of this estimate, with sharp exponent. A similar problem is addressed for wavelet localization operators, where rearrangements are understood in the hyperbolic setting.
Experimental study of fluid displacement and viscous fingering in fractured porous media: effect of viscosity ratio
Authors: Zadehkabir Amirhosein , Mazinani Pouria , Vamerzani Behrouz Zare , Cardillo Christian , Saffari Hamid , Hosseinalipour Seyed Mostafa
Published: February 2025

Viscous fingering instability has been analyzed through empirical studies using miscible flow displacement in fractured porous media. While significant research has been conducted on viscous fingering, limited information is available regarding its behavior in fractured porous structures. The experiments were conducted in rectangular porous models with fractures oriented at

$${0}^\circ $$

0

∘

,

$${45}^\circ $$

45

∘

, and

$${90}^\circ $$

90

∘

, to investigate how fracture orientation influences fluid displacement, where both channeling and fingering mechanisms play significant roles. This paper, which is the second part of a previous study, places particular emphasis on the impact of the viscosity ratio, a crucial parameter in determining the complexity of the fingering patterns. Quantitative parameters such as sweep efficiency, tip location, and breakthrough time were evaluated and analyzed using image processing techniques. The results indicate that increasing the viscosity ratio leads to more complex finger formations. Additionally, as the injection rate increases, the size of the finger patterns slightly increases, while the channeling effect becomes less pronounced. Notably, fractures aligned at

$${0}^\circ $$

0

∘

had the most significant impact on the rate of sweep efficiency and tip location, increasing the tip velocity of the fingers by up to 90%.
Trends in the M$$_2$$ ocean tide observed by satellite altimetry in the presence of systematic errors
Authors: Ray Richard D. , Schindelegger Michael
Published: February 2025

Trends in the deep-ocean M

$$_2$$

2

barotropic tide, deduced from nearly three decades of satellite altimetry and recently presented by Opel et al. (Commun Earth Environ 5:261, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01432-5, 2024), are here updated with a slightly longer time series and with a focus on potential systematic errors. Tidal changes are very small, of order 0.2 mm/year or less, with a tendency for decreasing amplitudes, which is evidently a response to the ocean’s increasing stratification and an increasing energy loss to baroclinic motion. A variety of systematic errors in the satellite altimeter system potentially corrupt these small trend estimates. The Dynamic Atmosphere Correction (DAC), derived from an ocean model and used for de-aliasing, introduces a spurious trend (exceeding 0.1 mm/year in places) caused by changes in ECMWF atmospheric tides. Both operational and reanalysis atmospheric tides have spurious trends over the altimeter era. Tidally coherent errors in satellite orbits, including from use of inconsistent tidal geocenter models, are more difficult to bound, although differences between two sets of satellite ephemerides are found to reach 0.1 mm/year for M

$$_2$$

2

. Orbit errors are more deleterious for some other constituents, including the annual cycle. Tidal leakage in the “mesoscale correction,” needed here to suppress non-tidal ocean variability, is a known potential problem, and if the leakage changes over time, it impacts ocean-tide trend estimation. Tests show the error is likely small in the open ocean (

$$<0.04$$

<
0.04

 mm/year) but large in some marginal seas (

$$>0.2$$

>
0.2

 mm/year). Potential contamination from other altimeter corrections (e.g., ionospheric path delay) is likely negligible for M

$$_2$$

2

but can be difficult to bound.
Commutability study on three CRMs evaluating their suitability for calibration, trueness verification and statistical quality control of methods measuring metal concentrations in human blood
Authors: Linsinger Thomas P. J. , Auclair Guy , Deprez Liesbet
Published: February 2025

The commutability of three certified reference materials for Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Tl in blood was evaluated for the combination of digestion ICP-MS with dilution ICP-MS or dilution GFAAS using the difference in bias approach. Maximum non-commutability bias (MANCB) was derived from the median of the tolerance limits set by six proficiency testing (PT) providers. The evaluation showed that this criteria are too strict and that either unfeasible high number of measurements or a larger MANCB is required to demonstrate commutability. The effect of increasing the MANCB on the maximum tolerable measurement uncertainty was found small to moderate demonstrating the commutability of the materials when used as a calibrator. Also the inclusion of the uncertainty of non-commutability into the measurement uncertainty resulted in only small increases of the measurement uncertainty, demonstrating the suitability of the materials for trueness control and method validation. The bias of the three CRMs was for most elements within the 99% confidence limits of the bias of the patient samples, demonstrating the suitability of the materials for statistical quality control.

Graphical abstract
Automated assessment of collateral circulation and infarct core: predictors of functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke following endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Požar Ingrid , Bajrović Fajko F. , Umek Lan , Šurlan Popović Katarina
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of automatically assessed collateral circulation (CC) and infarct core for functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 208 patients with anterior large vessel occlusion treated with EVT. Two AI-powered software were used to automatically assess CC and infarct core. Comparative analyses included patient demographics, clinical and imaging data, and functional outcome. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict the 90-day functional outcome. A favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≤ 2.

Results

Among the 208 patients, 114 (54.8%) were women and 94 were men, with a mean age of 71.4 ± 13.3 years. Patients with higher collateral score (CS) exhibited lower infarct core volumes (p < 0.001) and better mRS score at 90 days (p = 0.008). Among patients with a favorable outcome, the mean infarct core volume was lower compared to those with poor outcomes (5 mL vs. 8.6 mL, p = 0.003). In univariate logistic regression, both infarct core (OR 0.94, p = 0.005) and CS (OR 1.84, p = 0.014) were predictors of favorable outcome. However, in multivariable models, only infarct core remained a significant independent predictor [AORs of 0.95 (p = 0.021) and 0.96 (p = 0.039)].

Conclusion

Automatically assessed infarct core is a robust predictor of functional outcome in AIS patients post-EVT, while CS’s predictive value diminishes when adjusted for infarct core. These findings support the integration of AI-powered evaluations in clinical settings to improve prognosis and treatment strategies for AIS.
Evolution of pollutant biodegradation
Authors: Ren Yi , Manefield Mike
Published: February 2025

Pollutant-derived risks to human and environmental health are exacerbated by slow natural attenuation rates, often driven by pollutant toxicity to microorganisms that can degrade them or limitations to the ability of microorganisms to metabolise them. This review explores mechanisms employed by bacteria to protect themselves from pollutant toxicity in the context of the evolution of pollutant-degrading abilities. The role of promiscuous enzymes in pollutant transformation is subsequently reviewed, highlighting the emergence of novel metabolic pathways and their transcriptional regulation in response to pollutant exposure, followed by the gene transcription regulation to optimise the cellular component synthesis for adaptation on the novel substrate. Additionally, we discuss epistatic interactions among mutations vital for this process both at macromolecular and at cellular levels. Finally, evolutionary constraints towards enhanced fitness in the context of pollutant degradation are considered, the constraints imposed by the epistasis from mutations on both enzyme level and cellular level, concluding with challenges and emerging opportunities to develop sustainable contaminated site remediation technologies.

Key points

•Pollutants can exert toxicity on cellular membrane, enzyme and gene transcription.

•Bacteria can patch promiscuous enzymes into novel pathway to degrade pollutants.

•The evolution trajectory is constrained by epistasis from mutations on enzyme and cellular level.
Anatomy and variations of the carina and its cartilaginous makeup: a cadaveric study
Authors: Kim Chung Yoh , Rizzuto Kristen , Tahan Daniel , Shekhawat Devendra , Samrid Rarinthorn , Tabira Yoko , Bordes Stephen J. , Iwanaga Joe , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The carina, located at the bifurcation of the trachea, has been regarded as a part of the trachea. Although clinically useful as an anatomical landmark, studies of its detailed morphology are lacking in the literature.

Methods

The distal trachea and left and right main bronchi were harvested from 32 cadavers and the carina studied using microsurgical dissection, endoscopy, micro-CT, and histology.

Results

The right bronchial cartilages were most commonly involved in forming the carina (72.41%), and the left bronchial cartilages were the second most commonly involved (37.93%). The carinal cartilages were slightly deviated to the left of midline in 4.37%. Micro-CT clearly identified the contributions to the carinal cartilages.

Conclusion

Although the carina has been regarded as a part of the distal trachea, the present study found that most of the carinal cartilages were composed of the most inferior tracheal ring or bronchial cartilage(s). The right main bronchial cartilage was the most common contributor, and the left main bronchus was the second most common contributor. Additional knowledge of this structure can benefit patient care.
Interaktionelle Fallarbeit
Authors: Linden M. , Bechdolf A. , Frodl T. , Gensichen J. , Köllner V. , Strauß B.
Published: February 2025

In den Weiterbildungsordnungen für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatische Medizin, Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie oder den Zusatztitel Psychotherapie sowie in der Musterweiterbildungsordnung für Psychotherapeuten der Bundespsychotherapeutenkammer wird in Ergänzung zur Psychotherapieweiterbildung im engeren Sinne auch eine Teilnahme entweder an „Balint-Gruppen-Arbeit“, „systemischer Fallarbeit“ oder der verhaltenstherapeutisch orientierten „Interaktionellen Fallarbeit (IFA)“ gefordert. Es geht um die Qualifizierung in der psychotherapeutischen bzw. psychosomatischen Grundversorgung, d. h. nach der Definition der Psychotherapie-Richtlinie eine seelische Krankenbehandlung mit begrenzter Zielsetzung durch verbale Interventionen, bezogen auf aktuelle psychische Probleme oder seelische Krisen bzw. die Patientenführung im Verlauf chronischer Krankheiten. Da die Grundversorgungstherapie ein wesentlicher Teil der täglichen Arbeit in den patientenführenden Fächern ist, müssen auch Allgemeinärzte, Gynäkologen oder Schmerztherapeuten eine diesbezügliche Weiterbildung durchlaufen. In den IFA-Gruppen werden typische Alltagsfälle vorgestellt. Die Gruppenteilnehmer erarbeiten Interaktions- und Lösungsoptionen unter Rückgriff auf verhaltenstherapeutische Konzepte, wie z. B. Verhaltensbeschreibung, Analyse und Modifikation von Kognitionen, Emotionen, Verhalten, Kontingenzanalyse, Selbstmanagement, Mediatorentherapie u. v. m. Zur Förderung der Fallarbeit in der Gruppeninteraktion können vielfältige verhaltenstherapeutische Strategien eingesetzt werden, wie z. B. Übungen zur Gesprächsführung, Rollenspiele, Training der Empathie oder auch Selbstbeobachtung und Selbstmodifikation.
An international survey of diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging implementation in the head and neck
Authors: Connor Steve , Christoforou Alexander , Touska Philip , Robinson Soraya , Fischbein Nancy J. , de Graaf Pim , Péporté Anne R. J. , Hirvonen Jussi , Hadnadjev Šimonji Darka , Guzmán Pérez-Carrillo Gloria J. , (Cynthia) Wu Xin , Glastonbury Christine , Mosier Kristine M. , Srinivasan Ashok
Published: February 2025

Objective

The goal of this international survey was to understand how diffusion (DWI) and perfusion imaging (PWI) are being applied to clinical head and neck imaging.

Methods and materials

An online questionnaire focusing on acquisition, clinical indications, analysis, and reporting of qualitative DWI (QlDWI), quantitative DWI (QnDWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced PWI (DCE-PWI) in the head and neck was circulated to members of the American Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ASHNR) and European Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ESHNR) over a 3-month period. Descriptive statistics and group comparisons were calculated with SPSS® v27.

Results

There were 294 unique respondents (17.6% response rate) from 256 institutions (182 ESHNR, 74 ASHNR). DWI was routinely acquired for some head and neck indications at 95.7% of the respondents’ institutions, with 92.5% of radiologists interpreting QlDWI but only 36.7% analysing QnDWI. QlDWI was most frequently applied to primary mucosal masses or the middle ear, whilst QnDWI was routinely used to distinguish tumour histologies, and primary or recurrent carcinoma. DCE-PWI was routinely acquired at 53.6% of institutions and used by 40.8% of respondents, however, there was no clinical scenario in which it was routinely applied by most users. DCE-PWI analysis methods varied, with time-intensity curve classifications being the most frequently reported. Lack of standardisation was identified as a key reason for not implementing QnDWI, whilst numerous factors prevented the adoption of DCE-PWI.

Conclusion

There is widespread routine interpretation of QlDWI by head and neck radiologists, but there is considerable variation in the application and analysis of head and neck QnDWI and DCE-PWI.

Key Points

Question

How are diffusion (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion imaging (DCE-PWI) being utilised by head and neck radiologists across a wide range of practices?

Findings

An international survey demonstrated widespread routine interpretation of qualitative DWI but variable application and analysis of quantitative DWI and DCE-PWI with numerous barriers to implementation.

Clinical relevance

The survey results will aid discussion on how to standardise and optimally disseminate these MRI techniques in day-to-day practice. More focused education and resource allocation may be required to accelerate the adoption of quantitative DWI and DCE-PWI.
Passive matrix Schottky barrier 2D photodiode array on graphene/SOI platform
Authors: Yanilmaz Alper , Ünverdi Özhan , Çelebi Cem
Published: February 2025

We fabricated 4 × 4 pixel two-dimensional (2D) photodiode array (PDA) out of monolayer graphene and n-type silicon (n-Si) electrodes on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. Our device design is based on passive matrix sensor array architecture consisting of individual graphene and silicon electrodes aligned perpendicular to each other. I-V measurements conducted at room temperature to reveal the electronic characteristics of graphene and Si junction in the device structure. The spectral responsivity, respond speed and the optical crosstalk of each G/Si pixels in the array have been determined by wavelength resolved and time dependent photocurrent spectroscopy measurements. Micro-Raman mapping measurements were conducted to examine the surface coverage of graphene electrode on each pixel. The results of Micro-Raman mapping measurements were correlated with the corresponding photocurrent data acquired under light illumination. We believe that this work constitutes a significant potential in integrating variety of 2D materials and SOI technology into next generation image sensing and multiple pixel light detection applications.
The formation of a paper tool: intensity schemes in the old quantum theory
Authors: Jähnert Martin
Published: February 2025

This paper studies the development of intensity schemes within the framework of the old quantum theory. It investigates how these schemes emerged in a complex process involving empirical observation, data analysis and conceptual reconfiguration and became essential tools for predicting the intensities of multiplets in the absence of a well-formed quantum theory of radiation. By applying the concept of paper tools, the study shows how intensity schemes became theoretical representations allowing both the classification and interpretation of observations and the formulation of theoretical predictions. It thereby highlights the importance of representational tools and empirical regularities within the development of the old quantum theory.
Long-term health outcomes of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) infection and STEC-associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome (STEC-HUS), Wales, 1990–2020
Authors: Merrick Rachel , Song Jiao , Fina Laia , Sawyer Clare , Jenkins Claire , King Grace , Turner Drew , Thomas Daniel , Williams Christopher
Published: February 2025

Background

Information on sequelae of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 infection is limited to follow-up of paediatric haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) cases. We investigate recorded long-term health outcomes experienced by individuals exposed to STEC O157 and STEC-HUS up to three decades on.

Methods

We compared acute or new onset of chronic outcomes in individuals ≥ 1 year after STEC O157 or STEC-HUS to unexposed general population comparators between 01/01/1990–01/01/2019. The unexposed were their age- and sex-equivalents (4:1 matching ratio) and assigned the same study entry date. Outcomes were identified in primary and secondary care and categorised as kidney, neurological, cardiac, gastrointestinal, respiratory, or endocrine. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using Cox regression.

Results

Of 1,245 individuals with STEC O157, 65 developed HUS (5.2%). Individuals with STEC O157 were more likely to experience kidney (adjusted (a)HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3), gastrointestinal (aHR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5) and respiratory (aHR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.6) outcomes compared to the unexposed, on average between 3.4-11 years after exposure. Gastrointestinal (HR: 7.7, 95% CI: 2.6–23), kidney (HR: 5.5, 95% CI: 1.6–19), cardiac (HR: 5.1, 95% CI: 1.1–23) and respiratory (HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.1) outcomes were more common in the STEC-HUS cohort and occurred sooner, on average after 2.7-4.8 years.

Conclusions

Long-term complications were nearly twice as likely in the STEC O157 cohort, and as many as eight times more likely following STEC-HUS. We recommend that those exposed to STEC be monitored for at least five years for late-emerging kidney and extrarenal complications.

Graphical abstract
Oral health status in children with chronic kidney disease, kidney transplantation, and nephrotic syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Beyer Anna , Ebach Fabian , Reutter Heiko , Sauerstein Katja , Hilger Alina Christine , Krickau Tobias , Tzschoppe Anja , Woelfe Joachim , Galiano Matthias , Schaefer Jan Thomas
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been previously associated with a decline in oral health. This study aimed to examine the oral health of children with CKD, nephrotic syndrome (NS), and children that received kidney transplantation (KTR).

Methods

A case–control study was conducted involving children with CKD stages 1–3, children with CKD stages 4–5, pediatric kidney transplant recipients, and children with NS. Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDE) were evaluated using the DDE Index, while dental caries was assessed with the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth Index (DMFT). Plaque and debris were measured utilizing the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), which includes the two subindices Simplified Calculus Index (CI-S) and Simplified Debris Index (DI-S).

Results

Children with CKD 1–3, CKD 4–5, and KTR presented with significantly higher DI-S and CI-S scores and significantly more DDE. There was no difference in the DMFT score in children with CKD 4–5 and KTR. For children with CKD 1–3, a significantly lower DMFT score was observed compared to the control group. Children with NS did not show any differences for DI-S, CI-S, DMFT, and DDE compared to healthy peers.

Conclusion

Oral health status is not affected in children with NS. Children with CKD 1–3, CKD 4–5, and KTR have more plaque, debris, and DDE and should be surveyed regularly by their dentists.

Graphical Abstract
Citizen science and the nexus approach: unlocking synergies for sustainable development
Authors: Gharesifard Mohammad , Ceccaroni Luigi , Gold Margaret , Berti Suman Anna , Das Kaushiki
Published: February 2025

This article explores how citizen science can contribute to achieving the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) by focusing on the complex and sometimes interrelated nature of sustainability challenges. Citizen science presents a unique opportunity to ethically engage communities in research by actively involving them in defining sustainability targets, gathering data, and analysing results, thereby generating actionable insights that directly inform both local and global sustainability efforts. The authors advocate for integrating citizen science with the nexus approach to environmental resources management, which examines the interrelatedness and interdependencies that are inherent within complex systems, emphasising the relationships among water, energy, and food systems. The nexus approach proposes strategies to enhance the role of citizen science in addressing sustainability challenges. These include strengthening collective interaction and knowledge exchange between the five subsystems described by the quintuple helix innovation model, namely policy, science, industry, society and environment. The article also highlights the importance of inclusive participation, co-defining localised sustainability indicators, and co-creating citizen-led actions. By empowering communities to engage in participatory knowledge production and promoting multi-actor collaboration, citizen science not only has the potential to contribute valuable data to monitoring progress on the SDGs but also to help deliver on the UN’s pledge to ‘leave no one behind.’ Ultimately, creating an inclusive environment for the participation of diverse societal actors in nexus-oriented research and innovation can unlock the full potential of citizen science in advancing the SDGs and ensuring a sustainable future.
Tumour distribution and characteristics associated with poor surgical outcomes in patients with sporadic spinal schwannomas
Authors: Yoshida Shinsuke , Suzuki Takaaki , Tanabe Masayuki , Saita Kazuo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Spinal schwannomas are benign tumours that can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing neurological symptoms. Despite successful surgical resection, some patients experience suboptimal functional recovery. Several risk factors for poor prognosis have been identified, but limited research has explored the influence of tumour distribution and characteristics. In this study, we aimed to identify prognostic variables associated with residual neurological deficit in patients undergoing surgical resection for sporadic spinal schwannomas.

Methods

Clinical and radiological data of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for spinal schwannomas at Saitama Medical Centre between January 2010 and March 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 or foraminal and paravertebral schwannomas were excluded. Data collected included patient demographics, radiological features, and surgical complications. Residual neurological deficit was defined as a Modified McCormick scale grade of II–V, persistent neurogenic pain, or bladder/bowel dysfunction.

Results

Gross total resection was achieved in 55 cases (76.4%). Postoperative complications occurred in 6 cases (8.3%), including cerebrospinal fluid fistula and vascular injury. At a median follow-up of 26.4 months, 20 patients (27.8%) had residual neurological deficits. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression identified thoracic spine involvement (odds ratio [OR], 5.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47–18.6; p = 0.01) and dumbbell-shaped tumours (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02–1.28; p = 0.04) as significantly associated with residual neurological deficits. Moreover, thoracic spinal schwannomas were associated with a significantly higher incidence of persistent postoperative neurogenic pain than that associated with cervical or lumbosacral tumours (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Thoracic spine involvement and tumours that are not dumbbell-shaped were identified as significant risk factors for residual neurological deficits in patients undergoing surgical treatment for spinal schwannomas. Awareness of tumour distribution and characteristics may assist in refining preoperative assessments, guiding strategic decisions, and potentially improving surgical management for better patient care.
TMEM119-positive microglial cells in cerebrospinal fluid, a potential new marker for neuroinflammatory response after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Cattaneo Andrea , Messinger Julia , Lamllari Kevin , Heinsen Helmut , Schuhmann Michael K. , Wipplinger Christoph , Nickl Vera , Löhr Mario , Kunze Ekkehard , Stetter Christian , Linsenmann Thomas , Bohnert Michael , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo , Zwirner Johann , Ondruschka Benjamin , Monoranu Camelia-Maria , Bohnert Simone
Published: February 2025

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a debilitating condition with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Despite advancements in treatment, understanding the underlying pathophysiology, particularly the inflammatory response, remains crucial for improving patient outcomes. In this study, we investigated the presence of transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119) of microglial cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a potential marker for neuroinflammation following aSAH. CSF samples were collected from aSAH patients, pathological and healthy controls, processed, and analyzed using immunocytochemistry. TMEM119-positive microglial cells were consistently identified in the CSF of aSAH patients, exhibiting amoeboid morphology and intense staining. Importantly, microglial cells were detected as early as the first day post-bleeding, persisting throughout the acute phase in some cases. Analysis of consecutive samples revealed varying trends in microglial cell numbers, with a peak during the initial phase followed by a gradual decline. Our findings suggest that microglia may migrate into the CSF following aSAH, potentially serving as an early predictor of inflammatory-related CNS damage. This study underscores the importance of understanding neuroinflammatory processes in aSAH and opens avenues for further research on the role of microglia in CNS disorders by liquid biopsy.
Association between accelerometer-measured light-intensity physical activity and tumor regression for male patients with esophageal cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ikeda Tomohiro , Noma Kazuhiro , Konuma Masanori , Maeda Naoaki , Tanabe Shunsuke , Kawabata Takayoshi , Kanai Masashi , Hamada Masanori , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: February 2025

Background

Physical activity has the potential to promote tumor regression in patients with esophageal cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC); however, the benefits of light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of LIPA on tumor regression in male patients with esophageal cancer during NAC and its optimal cutoff value.

Methods

This retrospective single-center observational study included all male patients who underwent NAC or curative esophagectomy. We assessed the physical activity of patients using an accelerometer and calculated the time spent on LIPA. Tumor regression was defined as grade ≥ 1b according to the Japanese classification of esophageal cancer. The impact of LIPA on tumor regression was analyzed using multivariate analysis, and the optimal cutoff value was identified using the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

Sixty-nine male patients with esophageal cancer who underwent NAC were analyzed. The mean age was 68 years, mean body mass index was 22.4, and 80% of the patients were diagnosed with clinical stage 3 or 4 disease. Every extra 30-min increase in LIPA during the treatment phase was associated with tumor regression (adjusted OR 1.41 [1.02–2.04]). The optimal cutoff value of LIPA was 156.11 min/day, and patients with rich LIPA (≥ 156.11 min/day) were less likely to suffer from anorexia and malnutrition during NAC.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that LIPA during NAC has a potential of promoting tumor regression with a cutoff value of 156.5 min/day. Further clinical research is required to determine the prognostic benefits of LIPA in patients receiving NAC.
Transformations in livestock systems: beyond ranching and pastoralism
Authors: Moritz Mark , Bruno Jasmine E. , Murphy Daniel J. , Fernández-Giménez María E. , Schareika Nikolaus
Published: February 2025

Livestock systems across the world are transformed by capitalist forces. Understanding these social, economic, and cultural transformations is important because it has major implications for rural populations across the world. Traditionally, the study of livestock systems has been organized along the conceptual classification of ranching in North America and Australia and pastoralism in Africa and Asia, but this intellectual division has limited our understanding because of a priori assumptions about the extent to which these systems have been shaped by capitalism. The goal of our paper is to outline a conceptual framework to come to a better understanding of the different ways that livestock systems across the globe have become more and less capitalist. We use a comparative approach that considers a wide range of livestock systems in different parts of the world, ranging from pastoralism in open access and communally held grasslands to ranching in privately owned and fenced rangelands, and industrial agriculture, to examine the diversity, complexity, and dynamics of these systems at the intersection with capitalism. We describe how livestock keepers across the world adopt, adapt to, and challenge capitalist logics and offer new ways to raise livestock in the twenty-first century. One of the emergent themes of our review is the persistence of pastoral values and identities across livestock systems.
Responses of a federally threatened shorebird to trophic downgrading and expansion of domestic cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Wails Christy N. , Black Kathleen M. , Karpanty Sarah M. , Bellman Henrietta A. , DeRose-Wilson Audrey , Dorsey Sharon S. , Oliver Katie W. , Ritter Shannon J. , Robinson Samantha G. , VanDerwater Hope L. , Catlin Daniel H. , Fraser James D.
Published: February 2025

Along U.S. Atlantic and Gulf Coast barrier islands, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are top predators that are thought to impact smaller mesopredators and depredate beach-nesting birds. Starting in 2015, sarcoptic mange epizootics among red foxes led to their eventual temporary extirpation from most of Fire Island, NY, USA. We monitored the subsequent changes to the mammalian predator community on this barrier island and explored the impacts to piping plovers (Charadrius melodus), a federally threatened shorebird. We deployed trail cameras and quantified detection rates of four common shorebird predators (red foxes, northern raccoons Procyon lotor, Virginia opossums Didelphis virginiana, and invasive domestic cats Felis catus), and tested for effects of predator activity and density on piping plover nest and brood survival. Following the loss of red foxes, northern raccoon and Virginia opossum activity remained relatively unchanged, while cat activity increased. The cat population grew from 14 to 42 individuals across the three study areas, and cats later became the most frequently detected mammalian predator. The loss of red foxes was associated with increased plover nest survival (β ± SD = 1.08 ± 0.55), though the increase of cats in later years was associated with a strong, negative decline in nest survival (β ± SD = −3.08 ± 1.28). Plover brood interval survival was negatively correlated with cat density (β ± SD = −0.50 ± 0.14) but not with red foxes. We underscore the importance of monitoring invasive predators during periods of trophic downgrading, which may have delayed impacts to native fauna.