bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-World Analysis of Adherence to Abemaciclib and Endocrine Therapy in Women with HR+/HER2− Breast Cancer
Authors: Valerio Maria Rosaria , Martorana Federica , Sanò Maria Vita , Sambataro Daniela , Motta Gianmarco , Motta Lucia , Pavone Giuliana , Gebbia Vittorio , Scandurra Giuseppa
Published: February 2025

Background: Adherence to oral anticancer therapies among breast cancer patients is an often-overlooked issue. A lack of patient compliance can be caused by several factors, and may hinder the efficacy of prescribed medication, leading to a shorter than expected survival. In this context, few data about adherence to CDK4/6 inhibitors in real-world practice are available. We report here the results of a retrospective analysis of adherence to abemaciclib plus endocrine therapy in a cohort of women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), epidermal growth factor 2 negative (HER2−) breast cancer. Methods: Abemaciclib adherence was computed as the ratio between the total number of cycles/months that medication was supplied and the months between the first and the last prescription. The proportion of Days Covered (PDC) ranged from 0 to 1. A score of 0.8 (i.e., 80% adherence rate) was the cutoff used to classify the patients as adherent (0.8 ≤ PDC ≤ 1) or non-adherent (0 ≤ PDC < 0.8). The received dose intensity was also calculated. Results: The abemaciclib pharmacy claims of 100 women with HR+/HER2− breast cancer were retrieved. Most patients (91%) were treated in the advanced setting. Abemaciclib was more frequently taken with an aromatase inhibitor (63%) than with fulvestrant (27%). In this population, the adherence rate was high (92.25% + 1.939 SD). The proportion of non-adherent patients taking abemaciclib with PDC <0.8 was 12%. There was a significative correlation between the occurrence of side effects and the use of <5 drugs for non-oncological illnesses, probably reflecting concomitant non-oncological diseases. Conclusions: Adherence to abemaciclib-based therapy is high in a real-life setting, pending the adequate and proactive management of patients. The careful evaluation of patients and detailed information about expected adverse events are essential to ensure adherence to this antineoplastic agent.
Isolated Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy in the Setting of Concurrent Vertebral Artery Dissection and Internal Carotid Artery Dissection Plus Pseudoaneurysm: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Luu Cuong P. , Lee Benjamin , Larson Matthew E. , Greeneway Garret P. , Baskaya Mustafa K.
Published: February 2025

Background: In rare cases, isolated hypoglossal palsy may arise from dissection and/or pseudoaneurysm of either the internal carotid artery (ICA) or the vertebral artery (VA). However, the mechanism of this pathology has not been elucidated, and no high-quality randomized data exist to guide its management. Case Description: A 43-year-old man without a significant medical history presented with signs of isolated right hypoglossal palsy following a vigorous coughing episode. Imaging demonstrated dissection and pseudoaneurysm of the left ICA in addition to dissection of the right VA. After 2 weeks on 325 mg aspirin daily, the patient presented with left (rather than right) tongue symptoms and worsening ICA and VA stenosis. While on 325 mg aspirin plus 75 mg clopidogrel daily without additional endovascular intervention, the patient improved with no residual symptoms at 6 weeks from symptom onset. Conclusions: Acute hypoglossal nerve palsy may present with ipsilateral swelling, which could be mistaken for contralateral atrophy. We suggest ordering a CT angiogram initially to delineate a potential ICA versus VA dissection, as well as to rule out other etiologies. In our case, dissection and pseudoaneurysm from the ICA likely led to hypoglossal palsy through a mass effect on the nerve. Our comprehensive literature review favors initial management with dual-antiplatelet agents, and to then escalate to procedural interventions if symptoms worsen.
From Mistrust to Malice: Examining the Influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Reactive and Appetitive Aggression in Male Forensic Psychiatric Patients with a History of Drug Abuse Through the Lens of Psychodynamic Personality Structures
Authors: Fritz Michael , Flad Sylvia , Streb Judith , Dudeck Manuela
Published: February 2025

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent one of the most critical factors contributing to the manifestation of psychiatric disorders later in life. Furthermore, such experiences are often associated with deficits in interpersonal relationships, manifesting as mistrust and violent behaviors, and are indicative of a fragmented personality. This study aimed to analyze the correlative relationships between personality deficits influenced by ACEs and the expression of reactive and appetitive aggression using self-report questionnaires in 53 male forensic psychiatric patients with a drug dependency background detained under §64 of the German Criminal Code between 2019 and 2022. Instruments included the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis Structure Questionnaire (OPD-SF), the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure Scale–German Version (KERF), and the Appetitive and Facilitative Aggression Scale (AFAS). Specifically, the OPD-SF used the following subscales: self-perception, self-regulation, the regulation of object relations, emotional communication inward/outward, internal/external attachment, and total score. The results demonstrate a significant relationship between childhood traumatic experiences, personality structure, attachment capacity, self-perception, and regulation and the expression of both reactive and appetitive aggression. While the association with reactive aggression is intuitively plausible, the findings notably reveal that the propensity to derive pleasure from violence is also associated with personality deficits caused by adverse childhood experiences. These findings have important implications for the treatment of offenders with personality disorders and should be considered in therapeutic interventions.
The Overlooked and the Overstudied: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Research on Pursuing Sexual, Romantic, and Loving Relationships Through Online Dating
Authors: Diesen Plata S. , Pettersen Lene , Karlsen Faltin
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a scoping review of the qualitative research (N = 125) on the use of online dating sites and applications for adults pursuing relationships, including sex, love, and romance, from 2014 to 2023. Our review supports previous literature reviews’ findings, which reveal that research on the topic is predominantly focused on young, well-educated, ethnic-majority, and primarily female heterosexuals or men seeking men in Western societies. Hence, a sample-selection bias shapes our scientific understanding of online dating, leaving other user groups underrepresented. Despite the diversity of scientific fields involved in qualitative research, the methods used are notably similar, indicating a relatively narrow scope in both demographic variables and research approaches. Although the researched themes and perspectives appear diverse at first glance, the research often centers on problem-oriented topics, such as the risks and emotional aspects of online dating, insecurities in self-presentation, negative technological communication traits, and the de-romanticization of society. We conclude that, despite the growing body of research on online dating, significant areas of the topic remain unexplored. There is a need for broader, more inclusive research to fully understand the complexities of online dating in the digital age.
A Parametric Study on Determining the Corrosion Initiation and Propagation Times of Reinforced Concrete Structures Using Different Methods
Authors: Akduman Seda
Published: February 2025

Reinforced concrete structures deteriorate over time when exposed to environmental effects throughout their service life, resulting in a loss of structural performance and ultimately a reduction in service life. One of the most critical deterioration mechanisms in this process is the corrosion of the reinforcement steel. The initiation and propagation of corrosion adversely affect the load-bearing capacity, bond strength, and overall structural behavior of reinforced concrete elements, thereby threatening the structural safety. Therefore, understanding the corrosion process and accurately predicting the service life of reinforced concrete structures is critical to ensuring their long-term durability. This study comprehensively examines the effects of chloride-induced rebar corrosion on the service life of reinforced concrete structures. Various mathematical models used to predict corrosion initiation and propagation times are analyzed in detail. These models provide a scientific basis for understanding the effects of environmental conditions and structural properties on the corrosion process and estimating how these effects affect the service life. In particular, the study investigates the effect of parameters such as concrete cover thickness, rebar diameter, crack presence, corrosion rate, and environmental conditions on the corrosion process, all of which also affect structural performance. Cracks in reinforced concrete elements shorten the corrosion initiation period depending on their thickness. Considering that the presence of cracks also changes the structural behavior, it is recommended to use the Kwon model, which takes the presence of cracks into account, in the service life calculations. The presence of cracks is ineffective in the corrosion propagation period, and it is recommended to use the Morinaga model for this period. For reinforced concrete elements exposed to aggressive environments, increasing the thickness of the concrete cover and the diameter of the reinforcement has been shown to increase the service life. Columns with larger diameter reinforcement showed a longer service life than beams with smaller diameter reinforcement. Therefore, evaluating each element separately in service life calculations will ensure that a safer approach is taken. In conclusion, this study serves as a valuable resource for developing design strategies to improve the long-term durability of reinforced concrete structures and to minimize the adverse effects of corrosion on structural performance. It provides design and field engineers with guidance to make more accurate service life assessments and implement effective decisions to improve structural performance.
Study on the Optimal Construction Time of Adjacent Pile Foundation Considering the Thermal Stability of the Existing Pile Foundation
Authors: Shi Xiangyang , Wang Yunxing , Zhou Ziqiang , Huang Long
Published: February 2025

To control settlement deformation in permafrost regions, new piles are constructed for remediation. However, the construction of new piles inevitably causes thermal disturbance to the existing pile foundations. A three-dimensional quarter-model of a rectangularly arranged pile group was established to analyze temperature field changes under construction time in odd-numbered months. In addition, a refreezing rate formula based on the effective freezing temperature was developed to examine the annual changes. The results indicate that the thermal disturbance from the new pile foundation construction gradually weakens over time but does not subside within a year, which significantly affects 75% of the existing pile length, and that the refreezing rate continues to increase after construction in November, i.e., the initial month of the cold season, and is maximized in approximately 60 days. This result suggests that November is the optimal time for such construction activities. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for pile engineering practices to mitigate issues caused by permafrost degradation.
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Modulating Signaling Pathways and Oxidative Stress in Glioma Therapies
Authors: Krawczyk Aleksandra , Sladowska Gabriela Elzbieta , Strzalka-Mrozik Barbara
Published: February 2025

Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), especially gliomas, pose a significant clinical challenge due to their aggressive nature and limited therapeutic options. Emerging research highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota in regulating CNS health and disease. The composition of the gut microbiota is essential for maintaining CNS homeostasis, as it modulates immune responses, oxidative status, and neuroinflammation. The microbiota–gut–brain axis, a bidirectional communication network, plays a pivotal role in cancer and CNS disease treatment, exerting its influence through neural, endocrine, immunological, and metabolic pathways. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota influences the solidification of the tumor microenvironment and that dysbiosis may promote glioma development by modulating systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which contributes to tumorigenesis and CNS tumor progression. This review interrogates the impact of the gut microbiota on glioma, focusing on critical pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and Kynurenine/AhR that drive tumor proliferation, immune evasion, and therapy resistance. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies, including probiotics and microbiota-based interventions, which show potential in modulating these pathways and enhancing immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors. By focusing on the multifaceted interactions between the gut microbiota, oxidative stress, and CNS tumors, this review highlights the potential of microbiota-targeted therapies and their manipulation to complement and enhance current treatments.
Bacterial-Mediated In Situ Engineering of Tumour-Associated Macrophages for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Kuhl Gabriela Christina , Tangney Mark
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are critical components of the tumour microenvironment (TME), significantly influencing cancer progression and treatment resistance. This review aims to explore the innovative use of engineered bacteria to reprogram TAMs, enhancing their anti-tumour functions and improving therapeutic outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following a predefined protocol. Multiple databases were searched to identify relevant studies on TAMs, their phenotypic plasticity, and the use of engineered bacteria for reprogramming. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select studies, and data were extracted using standardised forms. Data synthesis was performed to summarise the findings, focusing on the mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of using non-pathogenic bacteria to modify TAMs. Results: The review summarises the findings that engineered bacteria can selectively target TAMs, promoting a shift from the tumour-promoting M2 phenotype to the tumour-fighting M1 phenotype. This reprogramming enhances pro-inflammatory responses and anti-tumour activity within the TME. Evidence from various studies indicates significant tumour regression and improved immune responses following bacterial therapy. Conclusions: Reprogramming TAMs using engineered bacteria presents a promising strategy for cancer therapy. This approach leverages the natural targeting abilities of bacteria to modify TAMs directly within the tumour, potentially improving patient outcomes and offering new insights into immune-based cancer treatments. Further research is needed to optimise these methods and assess their clinical applicability.
Reply to Okura et al. Comment on “Pu et al. Predicting Postoperative Lung Cancer Recurrence and Survival Using Cox Proportional Hazards Regression and Machine Learning. Cancers 2025, 17, 33”
Authors: Pu Lucy , Dhupar Rajeev , Meng Xin
Published: February 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful and constructive comments on our study [...]
Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism Among Hospitalized Patients with Solid and Hematological Malignancies: A Comprehensive National Study
Authors: Khamis Zaid , Araji Ghada , Al Saidi Ibrahim , Araji Marian , Wei Chapman , Mustafa Ahmad , Barakat Salim , Chowdhry Varun , Odaimi Marcel
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of non-cancer-related mortality in cancer patients. Understanding how demographic factors and cancer types influence VTE risk is critical for developing prevention strategies. This study investigates the incidence of VTE in a large cancer patient population, focusing on gender, race, and differences between solid and hematological malignancies. Methods: Data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database were used to identify cancer patients diagnosed with acute VTE. The patients were divided into those with solid and hematological cancers. Key demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, and patients were matched 1:1 using propensity scoring. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, assessed VTE incidence and its associations with demographic and cancer type variables. A p-value of <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Out of 1,233,832 cancer patients, 63,505 (5.1%) were diagnosed with acute VTE. Females had a higher VTE rate than males (5.5% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.001). Racial disparities showed Black patients with the highest incidence (6.4%), followed by White patients (5%). Patients with solid malignancies exhibited a significantly higher incidence of VTE compared to those with hematological malignancies (5.4% vs. 4.1%; p < 0.001), with lung cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma mostly associated with VTE. Conclusions: This study identifies demographic and cancer-specific differences in VTE risk, emphasizing the need for personalized prevention. High-risk groups, including those with solid tumors, females, and Black patients, may benefit from targeted strategies to reduce the burden of VTE and improve cancer outcomes.
Targeting HER2-Positive Solid Tumors with CAR NK Cells: CD44 Expression Is a Critical Modulator of HER2-Specific CAR NK Cell Efficacy
Authors: Gergely Bence , Vereb Márk A. , Rebenku István , Vereb György , Szöőr Árpád
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Monoclonal antibody therapies for HER2-positive tumors frequently encounter resistance, requiring alternative treatment strategies. This study investigates the use of natural killer (NK) cells expressing HER2-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to address this issue. CAR NK cells have several benefits over CAR T cells: they are less likely to cause severe side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, can be sourced from various origins, and do not trigger Graft versus Host Disease, making them ideal for “off-the-shelf” applications. Methods: We have generated NK-92 cell lines expressing first, second and third-generation HER2-specific CARs with CD28 and/or 41BB costimulatory domains using a retroviral transduction system, followed by FACS sorting and expansion to obtain pure HER2-CAR NK-92 cell products for functional benchmarking. Results: In vitro tests showed that these CAR NK cells were effective against both trastuzumab-sensitive (CD44−) and -resistant (CD44+) tumors in monolayer cultures. However, in three-dimensional spheroid models and in vivo xenografts, they were less effective against CD44+ trastuzumab-resistant tumors. Conclusions: This reduced efficacy highlights the significant role of the tumor microenvironment, particularly the extracellular matrix, in hindering the therapeutic potential of CAR NK cells. Despite the promising in vitro performance of CAR NK cells, this study emphasizes the need for improved strategies to enhance their penetration and effectiveness in resistant tumors: optimizing CAR constructs and devising methods to overcome extracellular matrix barriers are crucial for advancing CAR NK cell therapies in oncology.
Fluorescence-Guided Resection of GL261 Red-FLuc and TRP-mCherry-FLuc Mouse Glioblastoma Tumors
Authors: Rodgers Louis T. , Maloney Bryan J. , Hartz Anika M. S. , Bauer Björn
Published: February 2025

Background: Most preclinical studies on glioblastoma (GBM) fail to provide translational utility in the clinic. Fluorescence-guided surgery using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) improves tumor resection, disease prognosis, and, thus, patient outcomes. Given the critical role of surgery in managing recurrent GBM, it is essential to incorporate surgical elements into preclinical models to accurately reflect clinical scenarios and enhance translational success. However, existing protocols for 5-ALA-guided resection in preclinical models are limited and often lack clinical relevance. Methods: To address this gap, we developed a novel protocol for the 5-ALA-guided resection in two mouse GBM models: TRP-mCherry-FLuc and GL261 Red-FLuc. Results: The resection of TRP-mCherry-FLuc tumors significantly extended survival and mitigated weight loss compared to controls. Similarly, GL261 Red-FLuc tumor resection increased survival, reduced body weight loss, and slowed tumor progression. Conclusions: This study presents a clinically relevant protocol for 5-ALA-guided resection in preclinical GBM models, providing a platform for future research to integrate adjuvant therapies and enhance their potential translation into clinical practice.
GluOC Induced SLC7A11 and SLC38A1 to Activate Redox Processes and Resist Ferroptosis in TNBC
Authors: Xu Jiaojiao , Bai Xue , Dong Keting , Du Qian , Ma Ping , Zhang Ziqian , Yang Jianhong
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, is mainly associated with disruptions in iron metabolism, imbalances in the amino acid antioxidant system, and the build-up of lipid peroxides. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a dismal prognosis. Since activating ferroptosis can suppress breast cancer cell proliferation, it holds promise as a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer patients. Thus, the objective of this study was to clarify the mechanism of ferroptosis in TNBC, aiming to find new treatment strategies for TNBC patients. Methods: We screened out the differential genes related to ferroptosis in TNBC after GluOC treatment based on the whole-genome sequencing results. At the cellular level, we conducted explorations using techniques such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, fluorescence staining, and siRNA transfection. Moreover, we further verified the role of GluOC in inhibiting ferroptosis in TNBC through in vivo experiments using nude mice. Results: The results showed that GluOC enhanced glutathione expression levels by inducing SLC7A11 accumulation via the specific signaling pathway. Additionally, GluOC increased ATP production and tricarboxylic acid flux resistance to ferroptosis through SLC38A1. Overall, GluOC coordinately regulated SLC7A11 and SLC38A1 to inhibit ferroptosis in TNBC. Conclusions: This study elucidated the mechanism of GluOC in inhibiting ferroptosis in TNBC. The findings not only provided new insights into ferroptosis but also potentially offered new concepts for the development of future anticancer therapies, which may contribute to improving the treatment of TNBC patients.
Calcination Temperature-Induced Morphology Transformation in WO3 Flower-like Thin Films for Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Lincho João , Mazierski Paweł , Klimczuk Tomasz , Martins Rui C. , Gomes João , Zaleska-Medynska Adriana
Published: February 2025

WO3 nanoflowers were synthesized via anodization and subsequently calcined in air at different temperatures (200–700 °C) to evaluate their photocatalytic activity. The samples were characterized in terms of their morphological, crystallite, and optical properties. Anodization produced WO3 hydrate with a layer thickness of ~1.2 µm, which was transformed into WO3 after heating. All samples exhibited monoclinic phase, with Raman shift intensity increasing with the calcination temperature. Some residual WO3·H2O was detected at certain temperatures. The calculated bandgap energy ranged from 2.49 to 2.67 eV, with higher calcination temperatures leading to lower absorbance in the UV region. The photodegradation of phenol under UV-Vis radiation reached 35% in 60 min for WO3_700 °C, where the photocatalyst suffered a morphological transformation from a nanoflower to nanogranular structure, accompanied by increased crystallinity. Under visible light, the phenol abatement was limited, achieving 1–3% degradation. The WO3 surface is likely negatively charged at the solution’s pH (5.6), which may explain the low phenol adsorption (~1%).
Pediatric Anesthesia: The Essential Value of a Well-Supported Clinic
Authors: Vittori Alessandro , Cascella Marco
Published: February 2025

This Special Issue on pediatric anesthesia aims to showcase advanced research and expert perspectives that emphasize the crucial role of this specialty [...]
Modeling of CO2 Capture by Electro-Swing Reactive Adsorption from Low-Concentration Streams
Authors: Chevrel Célisse , de Joannis Paul , Castel Christophe , Authier Olivier
Published: February 2025

This article investigates the performance of Faradaic electro-swing reactive adsorption (ESA) for CO2 capture using simulations. Traditional methods such as amine scrubbing face energy efficiency challenges, particularly at low CO2 concentrations. ESA, which uses electricity for CO2 regeneration, offers a promising alternative due to its isothermal operation and scalability. The study models ESA using quinone-based redox-active CO2 carriers in an electrochemical cell with an ionic liquid electrolyte, allowing reversible adsorption and release through voltage control. The model estimates system productivity and energy consumption, considering transport and chemical kinetics. Key findings show that operating parameters, such as applied potential and gas flow rate, have a significant effect on efficiency. Applying a potential of −1.3 V improved the adsorption capacity, reducing CO2 capture time compared to −1.1 V. At a 1% CO2 concentration and a low flow rate, effective capture resulted in a productivity of 1.6 kg/(m3·day) with an energy consumption of 0.6 MWh/tCO2. However, higher gas flow rates reduced capture efficiency due to CO2 transport limitations in the ionic liquid. Optimization of electrode design is essential to improve ESA efficiency.
Effects of a Multimodal Program on Frailty Syndrome and Psychological Alterations in Breast Cancer Women Treated with Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Céspedes Pedro , Martínez-Arnau Francisco M. , Torregrosa María Dolores , Cauli Omar , Buigues Cristina
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Treatment with aromatase inhibitors can worsen frailty syndrome and psychological symptoms in women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) receiving these drugs to prevent cancer recurrence. We analyze whether postmenopausal women with localized BC receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) treatment can achieve improvements in their mental health and their level of frailty through a multimodal program that includes supervised physical exercise and health education workshops. Methods: A total of 52 postmenopausal women with a prior diagnosis of BC and receiving hormonal treatment with AIs were included in the multimodal physical exercise and health education program and evaluated before and after it. The assessment included the following five frailty syndrome (FS) criteria: involuntary weight loss, weakness, low physical activity, slow gait speed, and low muscle strength. Mental health was assessed using the Goldberg scale, with its subscales for anxiety and depressive symptoms. The Athens scale was used to assess subjective sleep quality. Results: There was a significant difference in the number of robust, pre-frail and frail women after the program compared to the baseline. Six women did not fulfill any criteria for (robust) FS before the program (11.5%), and thirty-three women (63.5%) after the program did not fulfill any criteria for FS. A total of 33 (63.5%) women met one or two FS criteria (pre-frail) before the program, and 18 (34.6%) met one or two FS criteria after the program; thirteen (25%) women met three or more FS criteria (frail) before the program and one (1.9%) after it (p < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement on the Goldberg scale was observed (on both the subscales for anxiety and depressive symptoms) (p < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement was also noted on the Athens insomnia scale (p < 0.001). A multivariate regression model analysis identified marital status (being married) (p = 0.047, beta coefficient= −0.249, 95% CI −1.4844–−0.14) and the percentage of attendance at training sessions (p = 0.041, beta coefficient = −0.290, 95% CI 0.104–0.002) as associated variables, with a lower score on the Goldberg depression subscale. Conclusions: Mental health and frailty, common in postmenopausal women diagnosed with BC on hormonal treatment with AI, can be improved with multimodal programs of supervised physical exercise and health education.
Role of Passivation and Facet Dissolution on Pit Initiation and Growth During Electrochemical Etching in High-Purity Aluminum Foils with Trace Elements: A Review
Authors: Osawa Nobuo
Published: February 2025

Etching methods of aluminum foils used in electrolytic capacitors are selected based on the operating voltages, with DC and AC etching typically used for the anode foils of high- and low-voltage capacitors, respectively. The initial pits continue to grow and eventually form tunnels or cubic pits by DC or AC etching, respectively. This paper describes the pit formation and growth process, focusing on the involvement of passive film inside the pit and facet dissolution. In particular, it is found that high-purity aluminum foil containing Ti promotes the formation of passive film (etch film) inside pits during the cathodic half cycle of AC etching, and Cu promotes facet dissolution. These behaviors significantly affect the surface area expansion by electrolytic etching. In addition, the effects of crystal orientation, surface defects associated with oxide film crystallization, and a trace element, Pb, as factors affecting the pit initiation sites will be discussed.
Numerical Simulation and Hole Transport Layers Optimization of a Lead Sulfide-Based Solar Cell with a Power Conversion Efficiency of Above 22%
Authors: Meyer Edson L. , Vulindlela Inam , Paca Athandwe , Agoro Mojeed A. , Rono Nicholas
Published: February 2025

Recently, the numerical simulation of solar cells has attracted tantamount scientific attention in the photovoltaic community because it saves on research time and resources before the actual fabrication of the devices in the laboratories. Despite significant advancements in the fabrication of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is still low when compared to other solar cells such as perovskite. This efficiency gap poses a substantial challenge in harnessing the full potential of QDSSCs for widespread adoption in renewable energy applications. Enhancing the efficiency of QDSSCs is imperative for their commercial viability and widespread deployment. In this work, SCAPS-1D was used in the simulation of QDSSCs. The solar cell with a general configuration of FTO/TiO2/PbS/HTL/Au was investigated. In the device, PbS quantum dots were inserted as the absorber layer, TiO2 as the electron transport layer (ETL), gold as the back contact, and the following inorganic materials, i.e., copper (I) iodide (CuI), copper (I) oxide (Cu2O), cadmium zinc telluride selenide (CZTSe), copper iron tin sulfide (CFTS), and copper zinc tin sulfide selenide (CZTSSe) were tested as HTL materials, and FTO acted as the conductive substrate. The best HTL material (CZTSSe) exhibited a PCE of 22.61%, with a fill factor (FF) of 84.67%, an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.753 V, and a current density (Jsc) of 35.48 mA cm−2. This study contributes to the field by employing SCAPS-1D simulations to optimize QDSSCs, exploring novel inorganic HTL materials for these solar cells and identifying CZTSSe as a promising low-cost HTL that significantly enhances both the performance and commercial viability of QDSSCs.
Research on Microstructure Evolution Rules of TA18 Titanium Alloy Tube During the Differential Heating Push-Bending Forming Process
Authors: Li Yanfang , Xu Xuefeng , Wei Liming , Fan Yubin , Xie Jun , Luo Shijian , Zeng Xiang
Published: February 2025

The evolution of the microstructure of TA18 titanium alloy tube during the differential heating push-bending forming process has a significant impact on its macroscopic mechanical properties. This paper obtained the experimental stress–strain data of TA18 titanium alloy through high-temperature tensile tests, solved the key parameters of the cellular automata (CA) model through fitting calculation, established a finite-element model of differential heating push-bending of TA18 titanium alloy tube using DEFORM-3D, and simulated the evolution of the microstructure during the bending process of the tube based on the CA method. The study investigated the influence of heating temperature, internal pressure, and feed speed of the pusher on the average grain size of the material on the outer side of the bent tube. Experiments were conducted, and the key areas of the manufactured tube were analyzed through metallographic observation. The research indicated that the average grain size of the material on the outer side of the bent tube increases slightly and then decreases with the rise in heating temperature and decreases continuously with the increase of internal pressure or feed speed of the pusher. This study provides theoretical support for optimizing the differential heating push-bending forming of TA18 titanium alloy tube at a microscopic level.
Electrodeposition of Metallic Tungsten Coating on 9Cr-ODS Steel Substrate from Binary Oxide Molten Salt
Authors: Dong Xiaoxu , Li Yusha , You Yajie , Gao Zeyu , Zhang Yingchun
Published: February 2025

Characteristics of electrodeposited tungsten coatings prepared at 1193 K and varying current density were investigated. The crystal structure and microstructure of tungsten coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicated that pulsed current density significantly influence the tungsten nucleation and electro-crystallization phenomena. The average grain size of the coating becomes larger with increasing current density, which demonstrates that appropriate high cathodic current density can accelerate the growth of grains on the surface of the substrate. The micro-hardness of tungsten coatings increases with increasing thickness and then slightly decreases; the maximum micro-hardness is 589.55 HV, with the oxygen content remaining below 0.03 wt%.
Effect of Concentration and pH on the Photoluminescent Properties of CQDs Obtained from Actinidia deliciosa
Authors: Zamora-Valencia Carlos Alfredo , Reyes-Valderrama María Isabel , Escobar-Alarcón Luis , Garibay-Febles Vicente , Rodríguez-Lugo Ventura
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the synthesis and photoluminescent properties of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from Actinidia deliciosa using the hydrothermal method. The effect of concentration and pH on the composition, structure, and optical properties of CQDs was analyzed using characterization techniques such as TEM, EDS, FTIR, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The CQDs exhibited particle sizes ranging from 1 to 10 nm, with a graphitic structure and oxygen-containing functional groups, as identified by FTIR bands corresponding to OH, C=O, and C=C. The stability analysis revealed particle agglomeration over 30 days, increasing the size up to <40 nm. Regarding the optical properties, the CQDs displayed absorption peaks at 225 and 280 nm and a bandgap of ~3.78–3.82 eV. The PL characterization demonstrated tunable emission from violet to green, depending on the excitation wavelength. CQDs synthesized at an acidic pH of 2 exhibited enhanced luminescence due to protonation effects, whereas an alkaline pH led to a reduction in emission intensity. The hydrothermal method enabled a simple and eco-friendly synthesis, using water as the sole solvent, yielding stable CQDs with a luminescence lifespan exceeding 30 days. Their optical and electronic properties make them promising candidates for photocatalysis, heavy metal detection, and bioimaging applications.
First Photo-Identification Study of the Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) in the Aeolian Archipelago and the Northern Coast of Sicily (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)
Authors: Paola Agata Irene Di , Gelippi Michelle , Blasi Monica Francesca
Published: February 2025

(1) While photo-identification has been used to study sperm whales worldwide, no long-term photo-id studies are available from the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea for the Mediterranean endangered population. (2) Here, sperm whale occurrence, group size, and the type of encounters were investigated around the Aeolian archipelago (Southern Italy) by photo-ID data collected between 2013 and 2024. Data were obtained through dedicated boat surveys and recreational sailors’ reports. (3) During 58 sighting events, 125 sperm whales were encountered, 60 of whom were photo-identified and cataloged. Of these, two sperm whales were found entangled. Only five individuals were re-sighted in later years or seasons. Encounters were more frequent in autumn, consisting mainly of solitary individuals (53.4%, n = 31) and aggregations of clustered, often not sexed, animals (23.5%, n = 8). Social units of females and calves were also encountered (8.6%, n = 5). (4) The low site fidelity and the group types encountered suggest that dispersed young males and social groups could use the area simultaneously. (4) Future matching of these data with databases from other surveyed areas, acoustic surveys, and enhanced analysis of age classes are crucial to better define the ecological role of the study area for the Mediterranean sperm whale population.
Radiotherapy Increases Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Compared to a Healthy Control Group: A 6-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Chu Yun-Fan Yvonne , Hou Ya-Yuan , Tsai Wan-Chen , Huang Chih-Cheng , Wang Hung-Chen , Su Yu-Jih , Lin Wei-Che , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Tsai Nai-Wen
Published: February 2025

Background/Objective: Vascular abnormalities are the primary histological changes in individuals undergoing radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We sought to validate the hypothesis that the duration post-radiotherapy is linked to the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and further explored its connection with mortality. Methods: Twenty-nine NPC patients who underwent radiotherapy and seventeen healthy controls were examined by carotid ultrasound for measurement of IMT and carotid plaque score at the common carotid artery (CCA), carotid bifurcation, and internal carotid artery, with follow-ups more than 6 years. Results: Initially, there was no discernible difference in internal carotid IMT between NPC patients and normal controls. However, a noteworthy increase in carotid IMT was observed after 6 years of radiotherapy (p < 0.0001). The carotid plaque score in NPC patients significantly exceeded that of the control group after 6 years (p < 0.0001). Linear regression demonstrated a positive correlation between carotid IMT and the duration post-radiotherapy. Logistic regression suggested that age and carotid IMT were predictors of mortality in NPC patients. Conclusions: Our study substantiates the positive correlation between carotid IMT and the duration of follow-up after radiotherapy. It found an increase in carotid IMT and plaque formation six years after radiotherapy compared to the control group. An increased carotid IMT may be correlated to an increased mortality rate and needs to be explored in future studies. Consequently, we recommend regular follow-up carotid ultrasonography for NPC patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Quantum Secure Direct Communication Technology-Enhanced Time-Sensitive Networks
Authors: Zhang Shiqi , Zheng Chao
Published: February 2025

Quantum information has emerged as a frontier in scientific research and is transitioning to real-world technologies and applications. In this work, we explore the integration of quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) with time-sensitive networking (TSN) for the first time, proposing a novel framework to address the security and latency challenges of Ethernet-based networks. Because our QSDC-TSN protocol inherits all the advantages from QSDC, it will enhance the security of the classical communications both in the traditional TSN- and QKD-based TSN by the quantum principle and reduce the communication latency by transmitting information directly via quantum channels without using keys. By analyzing the integration of QSDC and TSN in terms of time synchronization, flow control, security mechanisms, and network management, we show how QSDC enhances the real-time performance and security of TSN. These advantages enable our QSDC-TSN to keep the balance between and meet the requirements of both high security and real-time performance in industrial control, in a digital twin of green power and green hydrogen systems in distributed energy networks, etc., showing its potential applications in future quantum-classical-hybrid systems.
Sensing-Assisted Secure Communications over Correlated Rayleigh Fading Channels
Authors: Mittelbach Martin , Schaefer Rafael F. , Bloch Matthieu , Yener Aylin , Günlü Onur
Published: February 2025

We consider a secure integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) scenario, where a signal is transmitted through a state-dependent wiretap channel with one legitimate receiver with which the transmitter communicates and one honest-but-curious target that the transmitter wants to sense. The secure ISAC channel is modeled as two state-dependent fast-fading channels with correlated Rayleigh fading coefficients and independent additive Gaussian noise components. Delayed channel outputs are fed back to the transmitter to improve the communication performance and to estimate the channel state sequence. We establish and illustrate an achievable secrecy-distortion region for degraded secure ISAC channels under correlated Rayleigh fading, for which we show that the signal-to-interference-plus-noise is not a sufficient statistic. We also evaluate the inner bound for a large set of parameters to derive practical design insights. The presented results include parameter ranges for which the secrecy capacity of a classical wiretap channel setup is surpassed and for which the channel capacity is approached. Thus, we illustrate for correlated Rayleigh fading cases that our secure ISAC methods can (i) eliminate the need for the legitimate receiver to have a statistical advantage over the eavesdropper and (ii) provide communication security with minimal rate penalty.
Public Expenditure and Economic Growth: Further Evidence for the European Union
Authors: Sosvilla-Rivero Simón , Ramos-Herrera María del Carmen , Rubio-Guerrero Juan J.
Published: February 2025

This paper empirically investigates the short- and long-term impact of public expenditure on economic growth. We use annual data from 28 European Union (EU) countries for the 1995–2022 period and estimate a growth model augmented for public expenditure employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) panel data approach. Our results support the view that different categories of public expenditures have dissimilar long- and short-term effects on the economic performance of EU countries.
Supporting Early Childhood Education and Care Workforce and Service Quality Through Governance Practices
Authors: Phillips Alicia
Published: February 2025

A high-quality early childhood workforce is essential for positive child outcomes and boosting economic and social productivity. However, the Australian Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector faces significant workforce challenges and complexities. Effective governance practices are key to ensuring ECEC quality and workforce retention. This study examined the governance practices of high-quality ECEC services, using complexity theory to understand how governance impacts workforce and service quality. Subset data were derived from a larger qualitative, multiple case study that investigated long day care centres rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard, and specifically Exceeding in Quality Area 7: Governance and Leadership. Data were collected through observations, educator interviews, and document analysis and analysed using thematic analysis. Complexity was manifested in the various models of governance structures and, consequently, in some of the governance practices across the participating long day care centres. Key practices supporting job satisfaction, retention, and workforce quality included flexible working conditions; whole-staff leadership; staff capacity building through professional development opportunities; financial capacity building to enable staff to deliver high-quality ECEC; and higher-level working conditions, such as higher qualifications and better educator–child ratios. The findings align with literature highlighting governance as critical to workforce quality and provide insights into governance practices that support workforce and service quality. Recommendations are made for policy levers at both sector and service levels to increase workforce quality and sustainability.
Study of Improved Active Clamp Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge Converter
Authors: Guo Xinyao , Meng Runquan , Bai Xiang , Li Huajian , Zhang Jiahui , He Xin
Published: February 2025

The polar energy router is a key device in the polar clean energy system which converges the output of wind power, photovoltaic units, energy storage units and hydrogen fuel cells through the power electronic power converter to the DC bus, which requires the use of a variety of specifications of DC/DC converters; as a result, the efficiency of the DC/DC converter is directly connected to the efficiency of the polar energy router. This paper presents an enhanced isolated DC/DC converter with a phase-shifted full-bridge topology designed to meet the high-efficiency conversion requirements of polar energy routers. Although soft switching can be realized naturally in phase-shifted full-bridge topology, it also faces challenges, such as the difficulty of realizing soft switching under light load conditions, large circulation losses, a loss of duty cycle and oscillation in the secondary-side voltage. To solve these problems, an improved scheme of the phase-shifted full-bridge converter with an active clamp circuit is proposed in this paper. The scheme realized zero-voltage switch (ZVS) under light load by utilizing clamp capacitor energy. The on-state loss was reduced by zeroing the primary-side current during the circulating phase. This paper provides a detailed description of the topology, working principle and performance characteristics of the improved scheme, and its feasibility has been verified through experiments.
A Deadlock-Free Deterministic–Adaptive Hybrid Routing Algorithm for Efficient Network-on-Chip Communication
Authors: Ji Ning , Yang Yintang
Published: February 2025

In the era of multi-core technology, efficient communication among numerous IP cores has become a critical challenge. Network-on-chip (NoC) technology provides a scalable and effective solution, attracting significant attention in academia and industry. This paper introduces a novel deterministic–adaptive hybrid routing (DAHR) algorithm designed to enhance performance while ensuring deadlock-free operation. The DAHR algorithm leverages pre-fetched deterministic information and real-time congestion feedback from neighboring nodes to make dynamic routing decisions. Before packet injection, the source–destination positional relationship and required hops are pre-calculated and encoded into the packet’s head flit. Routing decisions are then based on the availability of free virtual channels in the determined directions, eliminating the need for a complex routing calculation unit. Simulation results demonstrate that DAHR reduces average packet delay by at least 5.8% and improves saturation throughput by at least 9.0% compared to conventional routing schemes without introducing additional hardware overhead.