bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonthermal Plasma‐Catalytic Dry Reforming of Methane in Parallel‐Plate Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor Using Mg‐Modified Ni Catalysts
Authors: Suttikul Thitiporn , Naemchanthara Patcharin , Klamchuen Annop , Kuboon Sanchai , Photsathain Thongchai
Published: January 2025

The conversion of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2 and CH4, into syngas via dry reforming of methane (DRM) has effectively mitigated global warming and climate change issues. The research objectives are to enhance the DRM efficiency and reduce coke formation using Ni catalysts supported on Mg‐modified Al2O3 in parallel plate dielectric barrier discharge. Raising the Ni calcination temperature from (Ni/Mg–Al2O3‐500) to 700 °C (Ni/Mg–Al2O3‐700) enhances NiO reduction temperatures, thus diminishing their reducibility. This indicates that Ni/Mg–Al2O3‐700 exhibits stronger NiO–Al2O3 interaction, resulting in increased metal dispersion and decreased crystallite and particle sizes. As the Ni calcination temperature increases from 700 to 800 °C (Ni/Mg–Al2O3‐800) the intensity of the Ni0.8Mg0.11Al2O4 spinel structure is enhanced. The increased Ni calcination temperature enhances the metal‐support sintering processes and promotes the metal nanoparticle cluster formation, leading to increased particle and crystallite sizes, alongside decreased dispersion of Ni and Mg particles on the catalyst surface. The Ni/Mg–Al2O3‐700 exhibits lowest NiO reducibility, strongest NiO–Al2O3 interaction, highest metal dispersion, highest specific surface area, smallest particle, and crystallite sizes. Consequently, it attains the highest CH4 and CO2 conversions, H2 and CO selectivities, and energy efficiency, as well as the lowest coking rate, carbon deposition, carbon loss, and specific energy consumption.
Policy process theories in Europe: A survey of who uses them, where, and why
Authors: Cairney Paul , Fullerton Allegra H. , Denny Emily St. , Weible Christopher M.
Published: January 2025

Many US policy process theories have been applied as much in Europe as in the US. We assess this journey in three ways. First, we use published reviews of the field to identify the high quantity of applications and their concentration in Western European liberal democracies. Second, we identify the absence of a typical European country experience and our expectation of finding variability across European countries when applying US theories. Third, we survey policy scholars in Europe on how and why they apply US theories to European contexts. Our survey establishes what theories they applied, why, and to what effect. It takes forward a new research agenda on the international application of mainstream policy theories.
Commodity Futures Characteristics and Asset Pricing Models
Authors: Yiyi Qin , Cai Jun , Zhu Jie , Webb Robert
Published: January 2025

A latent‐factor model based on the instrumented principal component analysis (IPCA) methodology of Kelly et al. outperforms existing factor models in explaining cross‐sectional variations in commodity futures returns. The model allows for observed commodity futures characteristics to work as instruments for unobservable dynamic factor loadings. We find that the relationship between characteristics and commodity futures returns is driven by compensation for exposure to latent risk factors (beta) rather than compensation for exposure to mispricing (alpha). Three latent factors deliver more powerful explanations than any number of observable factors. Among a collection of 20 characteristics, only three are significantly related to latent factor betas. These three characteristics are momentum, expected shortfall, and idiosyncratic volatility.
χ‐sepnet: Deep Neural Network for Magnetic Susceptibility Source Separation
Authors: Kim Minjun , Ji Sooyeon , Kim Jiye , Min Kyeongseon , Jeong Hwihun , Youn Jonghyo , Kim Taechang , Jang Jinhee , Bilgic Berkin , Shin Hyeong‐Geol , Lee Jongho
Published: January 2025

Magnetic susceptibility source separation (χ‐separation), an advanced quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) method, enables the separate estimation of paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptibility source distributions in the brain. Similar to QSM, it requires solving the ill‐conditioned problem of dipole inversion, suffering from so‐called streaking artifacts. Additionally, the method utilizes reversible transverse relaxation () to complement frequency shift information for estimating susceptibility source concentrations, requiring time‐consuming data acquisition for (e.g., multi‐echo spin‐echo) in addition to multi‐echo GRE data for . To address these challenges, we develop a new deep learning network, χ‐sepnet, and propose two deep learning‐based susceptibility source separation pipelines, χ‐sepnet‐ for inputs with multi‐echo GRE and multi‐echo spin‐echo (or turbo spin‐echo) and χ‐sepnet‐ for input with multi‐echo GRE only. The neural network is trained using multiple head orientation data that provide streaking artifact‐free labels, generating high‐quality χ‐separation maps. The evaluation of the pipelines encompasses both qualitative and quantitative assessments in healthy subjects, and visual inspection of lesion characteristics in multiple sclerosis patients. The susceptibility source‐separated maps of the proposed pipelines delineate detailed brain structures with substantially reduced artifacts compared to those from the conventional regularization‐based reconstruction methods. In quantitative analysis, χ‐sepnet‐ achieves the best outcomes followed by χ‐sepnet‐, outperforming the conventional methods. When the lesions of multiple sclerosis patients are classified into subtypes, most lesions are identified as the same subtype in the maps from χ‐sepnet‐ and χ‐sepnet‐ (paramagnetic susceptibility: 99.6% and diamagnetic susceptibility: 98.4%; both out of 250 lesions). The χ‐sepnet‐ pipeline, which only requires multi‐echo GRE data, has demonstrated its potential to offer broad clinical and scientific applications, although further evaluations for various diseases and pathological conditions are necessary.
Organisational Inequalities and the Myth of Meritocracy: How They Impede Employee Task Performance?
Authors: Khan Jawad , Zhang Qingyu , Salameh Anas A.
Published: January 2025

Previous studies have overlooked organisational inequalities and their influence on employee task performance. Anchored in equity theory, we address this gap by examining how promotion and compensation inequalities relate to employee task performance. Further, this study examines the myth of meritocracy as an underlying mechanism and overall perceived distributive justice as a boundary condition. Data were gathered from 471 employees and 39 supervisors. The findings reveal that promotion and compensation inequalities negatively impact employees' task performance. Moreover, the study proposes that the myth of meritocracy acts as a mediator in the relationship between promotion and compensation inequalities and employees' task performance. In addition, overall perceived distributive justice moderates the relationship between promotion, compensation inequalities and the myth of meritocracy and indirectly affects employee task performance through the mediating role of the myth of meritocracy. The study extends the literature on organisational inequalities and task performance and also offers practical insights for organisations for interventions to tackle the issues of organisational inequalities.
“What Are Some of the Things You Are Worried About?”: An Analysis of Youth's Open‐Ended Responses of Current Worries
Authors: Heffer Taylor , Borg Meghan E. , Willoughby Teena
Published: January 2025

Introduction

There is widespread concern that contemporary global issues (e.g., climate change, technology use) are exacerbating a “youth wellbeing crisis.” However, we have heard little about this issue from youth themselves. To ascertain whether youth themselves are worried about global issues, their mental health, or other aspects of their life, we asked youth an open‐ended question about their current worries. Further, we assessed whether mental health was related to self‐generated worries.

Methods

Participants, 516 youth 13–19 years old (Mage = 15.60, SD = 1.65, 48.2% female) from Canada, responded to the question: “What are some of the things you are worried about?” Youth also self‐reported on demographics, social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and general worry.

Results

Youth generated a range of worries, with the most common worries being school and their future. Few adolescents directly mentioned the state of the world, covid, or their own mental health. Worries were differentially associated with mental health problems and youth who reported worrying about “everything” or reported many worries had worse mental health compared to peers.

Conclusions

Contemporary issues, that often are cited as a concern, were not a focal point of youth's responses. Asking open‐ended questions to youth about their worries may be a way to identify which youth may be experiencing poor mental health.
Academic Burden and Emotional Problems Among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Wang Ziyao , Yang Yuting , Wang Tingting , Lin Haijiang , Zhang Wei , Chen Xiaoxiao , Fu Chaowei
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Existing research indicates high prevalence of emotional problems among adolescents with excessive academic burden, yet the underlying reasons are not well understood. This study aimed to explore loneliness, physical activity, and sleep as potential mediating pathways between academic burden and emotional problems in adolescents.

Methods

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted among middle and high school students in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, with data collected at three time points. The study included 2965 adolescents, with a mean age of 15.2 years (SD = 1.7), of whom 48.0% were female. Most participants came from families with middle to high economic status (94.8%). Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the direct associations between academic burden (measured by study time and academic stress) and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, the indirect associations were explored through three mediators: loneliness, physical activity, and sleep.

Results

Higher academic stress at T1 was directly associated with more severe depressive symptoms at T3. Sleep (indirect effect 0.11, 95% CI 0.09–0.13), loneliness (0.10, 0.08–0.11) and physical activity (0.01, 0.002–0.012) at T2 mediated the relationship, accounting for 31.0%, 26.8%, and 1.8% of the total association of academic stress, respectively. For anxiety symptoms, sleep (0.11, 0.09–0.14) and loneliness (0.07, 0.05–0.08) mediated the association of academic stress with longitudinal mediation effect sizes of 34.1% and 20.6%, respectively. Study time was only associated with the outcomes indirectly via academic stress.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of behavioral and psychosocial differences related to academic burden in understanding the severity of mental health problems in adolescents.
A Comprehensive Appraisal of Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids Isolated From Genus Cyclea for Anticancer Potential
Authors: Valsan Alisha , Omanakuttan Vishnu K. , Radhakrishnan Kokuvayil Vasu , Maiti Kaustabh Kumar
Published: January 2025

The pharmaceutical industry and academia are continuously searching for novel and effective anticancer lead compounds to ensure patient safety, provide a cure, and surpass all other obstacles. Given the indeterminate nature of cancer etiology, the importance of drugs capable of targeting multiple pathways cannot be overstated. Among naturally occurring compounds, bisbenzylisoquinoline (BBIQ) alkaloids, such as berberine, tetrandrine, chelidonine, and berbamine, have demonstrated significant anticancer potential by modulating diverse signaling pathways. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical trials, highlighting their relevance in cancer treatment. This review emphasizes the need for further investigation into the anticancer properties of BBIQ alkaloids, particularly those isolated from eight Cyclea species in India. With around 27 BBIQ alkaloids identified, these compounds hold promise, especially in combating multidrug resistance—a critical challenge in cancer therapy. Given the rising cancer incidence, these alkaloids warrant a deeper exploration of their therapeutic potential.
Recent Insights Into Wnt‐Related tRNA‐Derived Fragments (tRFs) in Human Diseases
Authors: Shen Jinze , Wang Qurui , Huang Qinyuan , Ying Xiaowei , Wang Zehua , Xu Zhengfeng , Dong Jingyin , Duan Shiwei
Published: January 2025

tRNA‐derived fragments (tRFs) are a newly recognized class of small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) that play significant roles in various diseases. The Wnt pathway plays a key role in various physiological processes such as embryonic development, tissue renewal and regeneration. In the regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin, Forkhead box k1(FOXK1), Frizzled class receptor 3 (FZD3), and Wnt5b can be targeted and inhibited by three tRFs: tRF3008A targets FOXK1 to inhibit colorectal cancer (CRC), 5′‐tiRNAVal targets FZD3 to inhibit breast cancer (BrC), and tRF‐22‐8BWS7K092 targets Wnt5b to induce ferroptosis in lung cells. Additionally, tRF‐24‐V29K9UV3IU can inhibit the levels of FZD3, Van Gogh‐like protein 1 (VANGL1), and cyclin D2 (CCND2) through an unexplained mechanism and play a role in inhibiting gastric cancer (GC). Clinical data has shown that the expression levels of certain tRFs are associated with the prognosis and pathological features of CRC and BrC patients. Low expression of tRF3008A is associated with poor prognosis and adverse pathological features in CRC patients, while high expression of tiRNA‐Phe‐GAA‐003 and low expression of 5′‐tiRNAVal are associated with poor prognosis and adverse pathological features in BrC patients. KEGG analysis has also shown that a variety of tRFs are involved in regulating the Wnt pathway and have been shown to play a role in a variety of diseases. For example, high expression of tRF‐Gly‐CCC‐039 is associated with poor healing of diabetic foot, low expression of tsRNA‐10277 is associated with high incidence of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH), high expression of tRF‐22‐8BWS7K092 is correlated with the severity of acute lung injury (ALI), and low expression of tsRNA‐21109 is associated with the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and high expression of tRF‐36‐F900BY4D‐84KRIME and tRF‐23‐87R8WP9IY, as well as low expression of tRF‐40‐86J8WPMN1E8Y7Z2R, were associated with high incidence of varicose vein (VV), and high expression of ts‐34, was associated with high mortality of BrC. This article summarizes the biological function and mechanism of tRFs related to the Wnt pathway in cancer and other diseases, providing a new direction for subsequent translational medical research.
The use of lateral wedge insoles delays osteoarthritis progression and improves clinical outcomes in medial meniscus posterior root repair
Authors: Kawada Koki , Yokoyama Yusuke , Okazaki Yuki , Tamura Masanori , Ozaki Toshifumi , Furumatsu Takayuki
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of using a lateral wedge insole (LWI) during the first 3 months after medial meniscus posterior root (MMPR) repair.

Methods

Overall, 179 patients were categorized into LWI use (LWI group, 90 patients) and nonuse (control group, 89 patients) groups. Patients in the LWI group were instructed to wear an LWI from the initiation of load bearing up to 3 months postoperatively. Medial meniscus extrusion (MME) was evaluated preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively, Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade and clinical scores were evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively, and second‐look arthroscopic meniscal healing scores were evaluated at 1 year postoperatively.

Results

The proportion of patients with KL grade progression at 2 years postoperatively was significantly lower in the LWI group than in the control group (23.3% vs. 39.3%; p = 0.024). Change in the MME at 1 year postoperatively was significantly smaller in the LWI group than in the control group (1.1 ± 1.2 vs. 1.6 ± 1.4 mm; p = 0.042). The Lysholm score (p = 0.003) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores‐sport and recreation function (p = 0.027) at 2 years postoperatively were significantly superior in the LWI group than in the control group. The arthroscopic meniscal healing score after 1 year was not significantly different between the LWI and control groups (total score, 7.6 ± 1.1 vs. 7.4 ± 1.3 points; p = 0.732). The anteroposterior width of the repaired posterior root at 1 year second‐look evaluation was significantly broader in the LWI group than in the control group (7.7 ± 1.6 vs. 6.9 ± 1.6 mm; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The use of LWI is an effective way to delay postoperative osteoarthritis progression and improve clinical outcomes after MMPR repair.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
A Serum D‐Fucose Binding Lectin With B Cell Mitogenic Activity From the Grub of the Darkling Beetle Zophobas morio
Authors: Nivetha Ramanathan , Meenakumari Mani , Bhuvaragavan Sreeramulu , Dev Ayikkara Peroor Mahi , Janarthanan Sundaram
Published: January 2025

Lectins that can recognize and bind to carbohydrates and glycoconjugates are at the epicentre of research owing to their prospective applications. In the present study, a D‐fucose binding lectin from the serum of darkling beetle, Zophobas morio was purified and their mitogenic potential over human B‐cells was evaluated. Biochemical assays on the preliminary characterization revealed the occurrence of single D‐fucose binding lectin. Through single step affinity chromatography using D‐fucose coupled Epoxy‐activated Sepharose 6B, lectin (ZmFBL) with a molecular mass of ~192 kDa from the serum of Z. morio was purified with homogeneity. The HA activity of the purified ZmFBL remained stable between the pH 7 and 12 and was thermo‐tolerant up to a temperature of 40°C. MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis of native lectin disclosed fucose‐binding nature of the ZmFBL with mitogenic property. The results of functional analysis of purified ZmFBL on the effect on B‐cell proliferation revealed that ZmFBL at the concentrations of 31.25 μg and 62.50 were the ideal concentrations that significantly enhanced (approximately 2.5‐fold over control) the proliferation of the B‐lymphocyte population up to 72 h of treatment without any cytotoxicity. The outcome of this study could possibly prove beneficial in the investigation on the potential use of ZmFBL as immunostimulant and in immunosuppressive treatments.
The Blood‐Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier as a Potential Entry Site for the SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus
Authors: Solár Peter , Šerý Omar , Vojtíšek Tomáš , Krajsa Jan , Srník Michal , Dziedzinská Radka , Králík Petr , Kessler Markéta , Dubový Petr , Joukal Andrea , Balcar Vladimir J. , Joukal Marek
Published: January 2025

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is an RNA virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). While SARS‐CoV‐2 primarily targets the lungs and airways, it can also infect other organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the choroid plexus could serve as a potential entry site for SARS‐CoV‐2 into the brain. Tissue samples from 24 deceased COVID‐19‐positive individuals were analyzed. Reverse transcription real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) was performed on selected brain regions, including the choroid plexus, to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy were used to detect and localize two characteristic proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2: the spike protein S1 and the nucleocapsid protein. RT‐qPCR analysis confirmed the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA in the choroid plexus. Immunohistochemical staining revealed viral particles localized in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, with the spike protein S1 detected in the late endosomes. Our findings suggest that the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid (B‐CSF) barrier in the choroid plexus serves as a route of entry for SARS‐CoV‐2 into the CNS. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying CNS involvement in COVID‐19 and highlights the importance of further research to explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting this entry pathway.
Relationships Between the Infrapatellar Fat Pad and Patellofemoral Joint Osteoarthritis Differ With Body Mass Index and Sex
Authors: Wagner J. G. , Chen L. , Jiang F. , Nedley E. , Akkaya Z. , Ngarmsrikan Chotigar , Link T. M. , Majumdar S. , Collins K. H. , Souza R. B.
Published: January 2025

The role of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) in knee osteoarthritis is not understood. This study aimed to identify relationships between MRI‐based signal abnormalities in the IPFP and measures of structural pathology and symptom severity in PFJOA, as well as investigate the influence of obesity and sex on these relationships. Seventy participants (ages 28–80) with isolated PFJOA underwent bilateral knee MRI scan acquisitions and completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). MR images were scored for abnormal IPFP area and signal intensity, joint effusion, synovial proliferation, and patellar and trochlear cartilage damage. Repeated measures correlations were performed to assess associations between abnormal area and signal of IPFP and PFJOA pathology and KOOS, respectively. Associations were interrogated across weight‐based groups based on BMI and sex‐based groups. Between abnormal IPFP and PFJOA pathology, we observed no significant associations. Between abnormal IPFP and patient‐reported outcomes, we observed weak to moderate significant negative associations between the size of the abnormal IPFP area and all KOOS subscales. In a sex‐based analysis of IPFP and KOOS associations, we observed significant moderate negative correlations between IPFP and KOOS scores across all subcategories in female participants. In male participants, abnormal IPFP was not associated with KOOS scores. The IPFP is significantly related to PFJOA patient‐reported pain and function, and this correlation is stronger in high‐risk OA groups.
Adsorption of cationic Gemini surfactants on carbon steel surface and their anticorrosion performance in hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Liu Lin , Wang Chunxia , Du Jun , Zuo Youpeng , Zhang Ligang , Hu Xiaoxiao , Xu Zhenhua
Published: January 2025

Metal corrosion has hindered the advancement of new technologies. The surfactant as one kind of corrosion inhibitor can effectively restrain metal corrosion in corrosive medium. In this research, two cationic Gemini surfactants, 3,3′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diyl)bis(1‐octyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium) dibromide ([C8im‐2‐C8im]Br2) and 3,3′‐(butane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(1‐octyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium) dibromide ([C8im‐4‐C8im]Br2), have been prepared for the corrosion inhibition of carbon steels in 1.0 mol/L HCl solution. The weight loss measurement demonstrates that two inhibitors both achieve high inhibition efficiencyies at concentration of 0.50 mM for carbon steels in 1.0 mol/L HCl solution. By comparison, the anticorrosion performance of [C8im‐2‐C8im]Br2 for carbon steel specimens in 1.0 mol/L HCl solution are better than that of [C8im‐4‐C8im]Br2, and the maximum corrosion efficiency can reach 96.15% at the temperature of 30°C. The determination of adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics parameters reveals that the adsorption behavior of two inhibitors on the steel surface is chemisorption and follows Langmuir isotherm. Good anticorrosion performance of the inhibitor for carbon steel in HCl solution owes to a dense and compact protective film formed onto the steel surface. It indicates that the proposed cationic Gemini surfactants have great prospect in the corrosion inhibition of metals.
Effect of Canna edulis starch addition on the properties of flour, rheology of dough and quality of semi‐dry noodles
Authors: Cao Meng , Liu Chang , Zhou Zhou , Li Wenqia , Li Jianfang
Published: January 2025

Background

Canna edulis is a high‐quality resistant starch raw material, especially for making flour products. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Canna edulis starch (CES) on the properties of flour, rheology of dough and quality of semi‐dry noodles. The CES replaced part of the wheat flour in the semi‐dry noodle formula. One control formula containing wheat flour only, and five formulations based on wheat flour containing 8CES, 16CES, 24CES, 32CES and 40CES were prepared.

Results

The findings revealed that with the increase of CES, the peak viscosity and retrogradation value of the flour increased, and the melting enthalpy decreased. CES caused some bound water to migrate to a semi‐bound water state, improving the rheological properties of the dough and enhancing the texture characteristics of the noodles. When the added amount of CES was 24%, the cooking loss rate was 1.687%, and the highest sensory score was 86 points. Simulation of starch in vitro digestion revealed that the hydrolysis rate of starch first increased and then decreased with the increase of CES addition, with the highest proportion of resistant starch content ranging from 44.27% to 79.66%. Compared with the control group, the expected glycemic index decreased after adding CES.

Conclusion

These results assist in realization of comprehensive utilization of Canna edulis resources for the production of noodles with desirable qualities. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Single‐Cell Analysis Integrated With Machine Learning Elucidates the Mechanisms of Nucleus Pulposus Cells Apoptosis in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Song Chao , Wu Xiaofei , Chen Chaoqi , Shen Baoxin , Mei Yongliang , Yan Qian , Jiang Feng , Chen Feng , Liu Fei
Published: January 2025

Background

The molecular of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is still unclear. When it comes to treating decoction, traditional Chinese medicine is effective. In particular, the Duhuo (Radix Angelicae Biseratae) may be particularly helpful.

Purpose

To identify nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) subpopulations and immune cells and clarify the mechanism of IVDD therapy, offering recommendations for diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

IVDD targets from the Genecards and microarray data from biological databases. To find the key genes and biological pathways underlying IVDD, multiple machine learning techniques were used. IVDD is associated with subpopulations of NPCs as revealed by single‐cell analysis, and immunological infiltration was identified by Immune Cell AI. To validate the molecular pathways by which Duhuo activity affects IVDD, network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed.

Results

The process of IVDD is linked to key genes like TP53, JUN, PTEN, IL1B, ERBB2, MAPK8, CASP9, PTK2, etc. The main molecular mechanisms involved in this process are immune responses, inflammatory factors expression, cellular responses to mechanical stimuli, and NPC apoptosis. Immune Cell AI discovered a correlation between CD4 naïve, B cell, monocyte, NK, and macrophage infiltration with the development of IVDD. The NPC subtypes associated with IVDD, namely fibroNPCs, adhesion NPCs, regulatory NPCs, homeostatic NPCs, and hypertrophic chondrocyte‐like NPCs (HT‐CL NPCs), were the subject of single‐cell mapping. We also found that Osthole, Columbianadin, and Bergapten, the principal blood entry components of Dohuo, may have a role by modulating CASP9, MAPK8, PTGS1, and PARP1, the targets of apoptosis.

Conclusion

The NPC subpopulations that exist in IVDD are HT‐CL NPCs, fibroNPCs, adhesion NPCs, regulatory NPCs, and homeostatic NPCs. Furthermore, a variety of immune cell infiltrates, particularly monocyte and macrophage, have a significant impact on the advancement of IVDD. Osthole, Columbianadin, and Bergapten, the principal components of Duhuo, absorb IVDD via controlling the death of NPCs.
Assessment of Vertebral Bone Marrow Perfusion, Fat/Water Content, and Trabecular Bone Changes Using Multimodal MRI and Micro‐CT in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Huang Guo‐Shu , Chiang Shih‐Wei , Peng Yi‐Jen , Yeh Skye Hsin‐Hsien , Hsu Yu‐Juei , Chou Yu‐Ching , Chang Heng‐Han , Lee Herng‐Sheng , Liu Ying‐Chun , Wang Chao‐Ying
Published: January 2025

Background

Disturbances in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis resulting from chronic kidney disease (CKD) may lead to atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels, potentially altering bone marrow perfusion. Our study aimed to investigate vertebral bone marrow perfusion using dynamic contrast–enhanced (DCE) MRI with a pharmacokinetic model. We also measured possible changes in water and fat content and bony trabeculae using T2* quantification, MR spectroscopy (MRS), and microcomputed tomography (μCT).

Methods

Twelve rats were randomly separated into a normal control group and a CKD (5/6 nephrectomy) group. Their lumbar spines were imaged, with monitoring of the L5 vertebral body conducted at 0, 8, 16, 30, and 43 weeks. After Week 43, all rats were sacrificed, and histologic changes were correlated with MRI and μCT results.

Results

The CKD group demonstrated significantly lower A and kel values (p < 0.05), significantly increased T2* values (p < 0.05), significantly decreased fat content and trabeculation (p < 0.05), sinusoidal dilatation, and decreased adipocytes in the vertebral bone marrow.

Conclusion

Using quantitative MRI and μCT to assess CKD‐related arthropathy of the vertebral body is feasible. Lumbar spine bone marrow perfusion deficiency in experimental CKD may be associated with decreased fat content, increased water content, and sparse trabeculation.
The Impact of Financial Coverage on Hearing Aid Utilization Rates Within the Military Health System
Authors: Pierre James J. , Yang Alex W. , Riley Charles A. , Tolisano Anthony M.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To investigate hearing aid utilization rates among populations with varying hearing aid insurance benefits.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed. A total of 377 patients were included in the study after being identified through consecutive, hearing loss‐related otology clinic visits. With respect to hearing aid benefits, patients were separated into full, partial, and no coverage populations. Chart reviews identified if a patient underwent hearing aid evaluation and fitting. Audiometric data were collected. Chi‐square tests of independence and two‐sided Z‐tests were used for statistical analysis. ANOVA single‐factor analysis testing was used to analyze pure tone averages (PTA) and word recognition scores (WRS) data.

Results

The 377 patients who met criteria included: full insurance coverage (n = 210, mean age = 45 years), partial coverage (n = 82, mean age = 65 years), and no coverage (n = 85, mean age = 54 years). The full‐ and partial‐coverage populations each had significantly higher hearing aid utilization rates (78% and 79%, respectively) than the no‐coverage population (49%, p < 0.001). No statistical difference in mean PTA or WRS was noted among the three coverage categories.

Conclusion

Patients with at least partial financial coverage are more likely to acquire hearing aids than those without despite similar degrees of hearing loss. This implies that the out‐of‐pocket cost of hearing aids is a primary impediment to hearing aid adoption and provides a useful road map for public and private insurers considering hearing aid coverage.

Level of Evidence

Level III (retrospective cohort study) Laryngoscope, 2025
Evaluating the Effect of Various Pure Tone Averages on Cochlear Implant Candidacy Screening
Authors: Greiner Rachel C. , Raghavan Arun M. , Lipschitz Noga , Kohlberg Gavriel D.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To provide evidence to use an extended frequency pure tone average to screen for cochlear implant evaluation candidates as recommended by the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. Additionally, to determine whether traditional low frequency, high or low frequency, high frequency, or extended frequency pure tone average most accurately predicts cochlear implant candidates based on speech perception scores from aided AzBio sentence testing or aided consonant‐nucleus‐consonant (CNC) testing.

Method

Adults from a tertiary care center who completed aided sentence testing during cochlear implant evaluation between 2014 and 2024 were assessed. Pure tone averages at low, high, low or high, and extended frequency ranges were evaluated with individual ear's aided AzBio or aided CNC scores as an outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were assessed and compared using a paired study design.

Results

There were 675 observations from 363 patients with AzBio as an outcome variable and 665 observations from 364 patients with CNC scores as an outcome variable. High or low frequency achieved the highest sensitivity at 96.3% AzBio as an outcome and 95.6% with CNC as an outcome, which was significantly better than low frequency (p < 0.001). Low frequency achieved the best specificity at 63.6% with AzBio as an outcome 76.9% with CNC as an outcome.

Conclusion

Extended frequency pure tones resulted in greater sensitivity in predicting CI candidates compared with the traditionally used low frequency pure tone average. Screening with wider frequency values will lead to a greater number of patients being identified for a cochlear implant evaluation.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2025
The Effect of Rural Land Mortgaging on Rural Transformation at the Regional Level in Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Subrata , Alam Mohammad Jahangir , Al Abbasi Al Amin , Begum Ismat Ara , Parikh Panam , Rola‐Rubzen Maria Fay
Published: January 2025

Land mortgaging plays a significant role in Bangladesh's economy due to the reliance of a significant portion of its population on agriculture and the growing importance of land tenure systems in promoting agricultural development and employment diversification. Yet, little is known about its role in rural transformation. The objective of this research is to examine the role of land mortgaging in the rural transformation in Bangladesh. The effect of land mortgaging is examined on two measures of rural transformation—(1) the share of high‐value agricultural commodities and (2) the share of nonfarm employment opportunities across small, medium, and large farms. The study utilizes panel data for 64 districts from 2000 to 2016 using the Household Income and Expenditure Survey data and employing econometric modelling. Using the Fixed Effects Model, Ordinary Least Squares, and Feasible Generalized Least Squares, we found a positive and statistically significant relationship between the amount of land mortgaged out and rural transformation. The findings reveal that land mortgaging acts as a significant catalyst for rural transformation, facilitating investment in high‐value agriculture and diversifying income through non‐farm employment. The analysis further highlights the variability of this effect across different farm sizes, with smaller farms showing a more pronounced positive effect. Access to electricity and technology were also found to have significant positive associations with rural transformation, underscoring the role of infrastructure and technological advancements in agricultural productivity and employment diversification. The findings suggest that targeted policy interventions that consider the intricate effects of land mortgaging can enhance agricultural efficiency and support the economic diversification of rural areas in Bangladesh.
Multi‐Institutional Comparison of Quality of Life Between Open Versus Endoscopic Skull Base Approaches
Authors: de Almeida John R. , Hueniken Katrina , Xie Michael , Monteiro Eric , Zadeh Gelareh , Kalyvas Aristotelis , Gullane Patrick , Snyderman Carl , Wang Eric , Gardner Paul , Fliss Dan , Ringel Barak , Gil Ziv , Na'ara Shorook , Ooi Eng , Goldstein David , Witterick Ian
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The primary objective of this prospective review was to compare quality of life between patients undergoing endoscopic and open skull base approaches.

Study Type and Design

Prospective Review.

Methods

Five centers recruited consecutive patients treated surgically for skull base neoplasms between 2012 to 2018. The Skull Base Inventory (SBI), Anterior Skull Base (ASB), and Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) were administered up to 12 months post‐operatively. Mean change from baseline scores were compared with univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

A total of 180 patients were included: 108 (60%) F and 72 (40%) M, of whom 126 (70%) underwent endoscopic and 54 (30%) underwent open approaches. Patients undergoing endoscopic approaches were more likely to have sellar or clival pathology (68 vs. 15%, p < 0.001). Those undergoing endoscopic approaches had better disease‐specific quality of life at one year using the SBI and ASB (mean change from baseline = 7.2 vs. 0.69, p = 0.004; 5.8 vs. −1.1, p = 0.002), respectively. On multivariable analysis, endoscopic approach was associated with greater improvement in overall quality of life (mean difference in change scores from baseline = 6.5, p = 0.009), as well as endocrine (mean difference = 8.3, p = 0.011), neurologic (mean difference = 8.3, p = 0.012), visual (mean difference = 7.9; p = 0.032), financial (mean difference = 9.7, p = 0.03), and spiritual domain scores (mean difference = 4.0, p = 0.035). Subgroup analyses of pituitary and non‐pituitary histopathologies demonstrated trends towards greater quality of life at 1‐year compared to baseline in the endoscopic approach compared to the open group.

Conclusions

Endoscopic approaches are associated with better quality of life compared to open approaches. However, baseline differences in histopathology between the group limit the direct comparison of the open and endoscopic approaches. Future studies with larger and more homogenous samples are required.

Level of Evidence

Level IV evidence.
Corrosion Mechanisms, Responses, and Mitigation Strategies for Steel Piles in Offshore Wind Turbines: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Shao Wei , Du Xinyu , Zhang Wenbing , Shi Danda , Zhang Jiao , Tang Peng
Published: January 2025

Wind energy offers significant advantages over fossil fuels, including extensive energy storage and environmental sustainability. Offshore wind turbines serve as the primary technology for harnessing offshore wind power. However, the corrosive effects of the marine environment pose serious threats to their safety and stability. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of corrosion issues affecting steel pipe pile infrastructure, focusing on the following key aspects: (1) Differentiating corrosion mechanisms under various environmental conditions, (2) analyzing the comprehensive corrosion response, particularly the changes in mechanical properties of the pile–soil interface and the bearing capacity of steel pile foundations, (3) summarizing the patterns and trends in corrosion processes to offer theoretical insights for engineering design, and (4) reviewing commonly employed corrosion prevention methods and their respective applicability in relation to specific corrosion mechanisms and responses.
Glutamine, Serine and Glycine at Increasing Concentrations Regulate Cisplatin Sensitivity in Gastric Cancer by Posttranslational Modifications of KDM4A
Authors: Fu Junhao , Ni Yuqi , Hu Yuqing , Tang Wanfen , Fu Jianfei , Wang Yue , Yu Shian , Xu Wenxia
Published: January 2025

Gastric cancer is a common digestive system tumor with a high resistance rate that reduces the sensitivity to chemotherapy. Nutrition therapy is an important adjuvant approach to favor the prognosis of gastric cancer. Dietary amino acids contribute greatly to gastric cancer progression by mediating tumor gene expressions, epigenetics, signal transduction, and metabolic remodeling. In the present study, 20 types of amino acids were screened and glutamine, glycine and serine were identified as the critical regulators of cisplatin (DDP) sensitivity in gastric cancer cells. Moreover, KDM4A acetylation drove the reduced chemotherapy sensitivity in gastric cancer cells by maintaining protein stability and activating DNA repair ability when the concentrations of glutamine (Gln), serine (Ser), and glycine (Gly) decreased. Conversely, Gln/Ser/Gly at increasing concentrations stimulated ubiquitination degradation of KDM4A, which in turn elevated the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to chemotherapy. Our findings unveiled the role of amino acid nutrition in regulating chemotherapy sensitivity of gastric cancer and the underlying mechanism, thus providing a scientific basis for expanding the clinical significance of nutrition therapy for gastric cancer patients.
Computed Tomography‐Based Radiomics and Genomics Analyses for Survival Prediction of Stage III Unresectable Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Definitive Chemoradiotherapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Geng Yuxin , Yin Tianwen , Li Yikun , He Kaixing , Zou Bingwen , Yu Jinming , Sun Xiao , Zhang Tao , Teng Feifei
Published: January 2025

The standard therapy for locally unresectable advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is comprised of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) before immunotherapy (IO) consolidation. However, how to predict treatment outcomes and recognize patients that will benefit from IO remain unclear. This study aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers by integrating computed tomography (CT)‐based radiomics and genomics. Specifically, our research involved 165 patients suffering from unresectable Stage III NSCLC. Cohort 1 (IO following CRT) was divided into D1 (n = 74), D2 (n = 32), and D3 (n = 26) sets, and the remaining 33 patients treated with CRT alone were grouped in D4. According to the CT images of primary tumor regions, radiomic features were analyzed through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The Rad‐score was figured out to forecast the progression‐free survival (PFS). According to the Rad‐score, patients were divided into high and low risk groups. Next‐generation sequencing was implemented on peripheral blood and tumor tissue samples in the D3 and D4 cohorts. The maximum somatic allele frequency (MSAF) about circulating tumor DNA levels was assessed. Mismatch repair and switching/sucrose non‐fermenting signaling pathways were significantly enriched in the low‐risk group compared to the high‐risk group (p < 0.05). Moreover, patients with MSAF ≥ 1% and those showing a decrease in MSAF after treatment significantly benefited from IO. This study developed a radiomics model predicting PFS after CRT and IO in Stage III NSCLC and constructed a radio‐genomic map to identify underlying biomarkers, supplying valuable insights for cancer biology.
VPS45 Contributes to the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Triggering the Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhi Renhou , Li Qi , Zhang Huiqin , Fan Fan
Published: January 2025

Vacuolar protein sorting 45 (VPS45) has recently been implicated in the development of ovarian cancer and non‐small cell lung cancer. However, its role in the onset and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the function of VPS45 in HCC. Bioassays were conducted to assess the prognostic significance of VPS45 in HCC. Techniques such as western blotting and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were used to confirm the expression levels of VPS45 in HCC tissues and cell lines, as well as to evaluate the expression of downstream effectors in its potential tumorigenic pathways. The impact of VPS45 on HCC cell invasion, proliferation, and migration was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), wound healing, and transwell assays. Furthermore, the effect of VPS45 on HCC tumorigenesis in vivo was evaluated through subcutaneous tumor formation assays in BALB/c nude mice. VPS45 is markedly overexpressed in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Its expression escalates with advancing tumor grade and clinical stage, and high VPS45 levels are indicative of poor prognosis. In vitro experiments revealed that VPS45 overexpression significantly boosts HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conversely, VPS45 knockdown hindered HCC progression in vivo. Investigation into pathway protein expression suggests that VPS45 facilitates HCC progression through its involvement in the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. The overexpression of VPS45 contributes to the development of malignant phenotypes in HCC cells, resulting in a poor prognosis. Targeting VPS45 may offer a viable therapeutic strategy for managing HCC.
Exploration of Soliton Solutions for the Kaup–Newell Model Using Two Integration Schemes in Mathematical Physics
Authors: Kopçasız Bahadır , Nur Kaya Sağlam Fatma
Published: January 2025

This research deals with the Kaup–Newell model, a class of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with important applications in plasma physics and nonlinear optics. Soliton solutions are essential for analyzing nonlinear wave behaviors in different physical systems, and the Kaup–Newell model is also significant in this context. The model's ability to represent subpicosecond pulses makes it a significant tool for the research of nonlinear optics and plasma physics. Overall, the Kaup–Newell model is an important research domain in these areas, with ongoing efforts focused on understanding its various solutions and potential applications. A new version of the generalized exponential rational function method and ‐expansion function method are utilized to discover diverse soliton solutions. The generalized exponential rational function method facilitates the generation of multiple solution types, including singular, shock, singular periodic, exponential, combo trigonometric, and hyperbolic solutions in mixed forms. Thanks to ‐expansion function method, we obtain trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational solutions. The modulation instability of the proposed model is examined, with numerical simulations complementing the analytical results to provide a better understanding of the solutions' dynamic behavior. These results offer a foundation for future research, making the solutions effective, manageable, and reliable for tackling complex nonlinear problems. The methodologies used in this study are robust, influential, and practicable for diverse nonlinear partial differential equations; to our knowledge, for this equation, these methods of investigation have not been explored before. The accuracy of each solution has been verified using the Maple software program.
Stability of the Rao–Nakra Sandwich Beam With a Dissipation of Fractional Derivative Type: Theoretical and Numerical Study
Authors: Ammari K. , Komornik V. , Sepúlveda M. , Vera O.
Published: January 2025

This paper is devoted to the solution and stability of a one‐dimensional model depicting Rao–Nakra sandwich beams, incorporating damping terms characterized by fractional derivative types within the domain, specifically a generalized Caputo derivative with exponential weight. To address existence, uniqueness, stability, and numerical results, fractional derivatives are substituted by diffusion equations relative to a new independent variable, , resulting in an augmented model with a dissipative semigroup operator. Polynomial decay of energy is achieved, with a decay rate depending on the fractional derivative parameters. Both the polynomial decay and its dependency on the parameters of the generalized Caputo derivative are numerically validated. To this end, an energy‐conserving finite difference numerical scheme is employed.