bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels in rheumatic heart valvular disease: A new link?
Authors: Sonsöz Mehmet Rasih , Inan Duygu , Karadamar Nazime , Şahin Kadir , Eroğlu Zehra , Tuğrul Sevil , Çetin İlyas , Bilen Mehmet Nail , Demirtaş İhsan , Akgün Hüseyin , Şener Gülsen , Kılıçgedik Alev
Published: February 2025

Rheumatic heart valvular disease (RHVD) is primarily characterized by immune‐mediated damage following infection with Streptococcus pyogenes, leading to inflammation and subsequent valvular dysfunction. Traditionally, the focus has been on the immunological aspects of this disease; however, emerging evidence suggests that lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] may play a crucial role not only in atherosclerosis but also in the pathophysiology of calcific aortic valve disease. Given the inflammatory nature of RHVD and the pro‐inflammatory and pro‐calcific properties of Lp(a), this study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum Lp(a) levels and the severity of RHVD. In this cross‐sectional study, we included 40 RHVD patients and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Serum Lp(a) analysis was performed in all patients. We analyzed demographic and echocardiographic parameters and the relationship between serum Lp(a) concentrations and echocardiographic parameters. The mean age of the patient population was 50 ± 11 years and 47 (72%) were female. Lp(a) was higher in the RHVD group than in the control group (21 [19–49] vs. 17 [12–19] mg/dL; p < 0.001). Serum Lp(a) correlated positively with left atrial diameter (rho = 0.438; p = 0.005), estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (rho = 0.390; p = 0.019), Wilkins score (rho = 0.482; p = 0.002), number of valves involved (rho = 0.397; p = 0.011), aortic regurgitation grade (rho = 0.373; p = 0.018) and negatively correlated with mitral valve area (rho = −0.413; p = 0.008). In conclusion, serum Lp(a) concentrations were higher in patients with RHVD than in the control group and were positively correlated with disease severity indicators, including mitral stenosis grade, Wilkins score, aortic regurgitation grade, left atrial diameter, and estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure.
Comparison of Intense Pulsed Light With Nonablative Fractional Laser and Picosecond Alexandrite Laser With Diffractive Lens Array for Noninvasive Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Zhu Jiafang , Chang Rui , Han Yue , Xi Qianwen , Jiang Shutian , Shang Ying , Lyu Dongze , Yu Wenxin , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: February 2025

Background

Both nonablative fractional (NAFL) laser combined with intense pulsed light (IPL) and picosecond alexandrite laser (PSAL) with diffractive lens array (DLA) have been documented for their efficacy in facial rejuvenation.

Objective

To observe the safety and efficacy of PSAL‐DLA and IPL‐NAFL in the rejuvenation of Chinese individuals.

Methods

Each subject (n = 18) received three treatments on half of their face, with 1‐month interval between treatments. One side of the face was randomly treated with PSAL‐DLA, and the other side with IPL‐NAFL. Quantitative data of wrinkles, pores, brown spots, and red areas were calculated using the VISIA‐CR imaging system 3 months after the final treatment. Secondary outcomes included a 10‐point VAS for patient‐rated pain sensation, incidence of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), erythema and edema, and overall satisfaction. Adverse events were recorded after each treatment and at each follow‐up.

Results

A total of 17 Chinese female patients aged 28.2 ± 4.3 years completed the study and the 3‐month follow‐up. The IPL‐NAFL side showed a statistically significant improvement in pores compared to baseline (p < 0.05); the PSAL‐DLA side showed a statistically significant improvement in brown spots compared to baseline (p < 0.01). Compared to PSAL‐DLA, the improvement in enlarged pores was better for IPL‐NAFL (81.8 ± 128.1 vs. 20.8 ± 132.4, p < 0.01). In terms of pain, IPL‐NAFL was more painful than PSAL‐DLA (6 ± 1 vs. 4 ± 1, p < 0.01), a longer recovery time for erythema and edema (5 ± 1 vs. 2 ± 1, p < 0.001), and a higher incidence of PIH (58.8% vs. 23.5%, p < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was higher for PSAL‐DLA than for IPL‐NAFL (3 ± 1 vs. 4 ± 0.5, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study results indicated that both IPL‐NAFL and PSAL‐DLA could improve the photoaging, but within the same number of treatments, IPL‐NAFL was slightly more effective for enlarged pores than PSAL‐DLA, while PSAL‐DLA was more effective for brown spots than IPL‐NAFL. Patients were more satisfied with PSAL‐DLA, with a shorter postoperative recovery period and a lower incidence of PIH.
In‐Person Volunteering in the Times of the Pandemic: Lessons for Organizations Dependent on Essential Volunteering
Authors: Cnaan Ram A. , Unetic Phoebe E. , Choi Daniel
Published: February 2025

This research note focuses on the experience of nonprofit organizations that relied on in‐person essential volunteers during the pandemic to conduct their core, mission‐related programs. We use unique case data from a survey of a single organization's volunteers before and during the pandemic. We found that there were very few socio‐demographic differences between volunteers before and during the pandemic. However, the organization's volunteer administrative data revealed important differences in the modes that volunteers engaged with the organization. While the total number of volunteers decreased significantly, the number and frequency of individual volunteers volunteering alone increased during the pandemic, and the decline in volunteers overall was driven by the many organized groups of volunteers that the organization depended on pre‐pandemic, which declined precipitously. Individual, committed volunteers became more essential to the organization during the pandemic to help sustain the organization when their stable flows of revolving volunteer groups ended. The prior volunteer management inattention to core, individual volunteers before the pandemic and over‐reliance on revolving volunteer groups left the nonprofit vulnerable at the time of the pandemic disruption, which provides lessons for many similar organizations. Our findings suggest that organizations that benefit from steady volunteer groups should do more to promote individual volunteer loyalty while also managing the revolving door of groups.
What does coexistence mean? Insight from place‐based trajectories of pastoralists and bears encounters in the Pyrenees
Authors: Ouvrier Alice , Culos Manon , Guillerme Sylvie , Doré Antoine , Figari Helene , Linnell John D. C. , Quenette Pierre‐Yves , Vimal Ruppert
Published: February 2025

The recovery of large carnivores in Europe raises issues related to sharing landscape with humans. Beyond technical solutions, it is widely recognized that social factors also contribute to shaping coexistence. In this context, scholars increasingly stress the need to adopt place‐based approaches by analysing how humans and wildlife interact and co‐adapt in specific landscapes. In the burgeoning field of ‘more‐than‐human’ geography, both humans and non‐humans are considered as co‐constitutive of places. According to this tradition, animals should not simply be seen as objects under human control but approached as powerful actors in multi‐species landscapes.

By tracking how brown bear recovery in the French Pyrenees has shaped different places of encounters with pastoralists (i.e. farmers and shepherds in extensive sheep farming in mountain pastures during summer), this paper discusses what coexistence means when viewed through the lens of more‐than‐human geography. We use an in‐depth, retrospective and multi‐sources approach to describe the inter‐relationships of bears and pastoralists on three mountain pastures since the return of bears at the end of the 1990s. Semi structured interviews, participant observation, administrative and institutional data about bear depredation and genetics, as well as pastoral practices form the basis of an integrated narrative analysis.

Our study reveals how the return of a large carnivore has produced three different, singular, context‐specific coexistence ‘patches’. Each of these three pastures represent a distinct landscape dynamically shaped over time by bears, pastoralists and the rest of biotic and abiotic environment.

Specifically, we demonstrate how various factors—the individual behaviour of bears, their movement and reproduction capacity, the number of depredations, the pastoralists' histories, their collective organization, the choices they made, the pastures' features, the available resources and surrounding vegetation—cumulatively intertwine in complex, place‐specific entanglements.

Policy implications. Our results suggest that coexistence should not be conceptualized as global, top down and standardized. Instead it is shaped by patches in which humans and non‐humans interact in specific ways. Therefore, fostering coexistence means acknowledging the full diversity of situations in which people and wildlife write their own place‐based, more‐than‐human histories.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
New Furan‐Cross‐Linked PMMA for Efficient Removal of Cationic Dyes and Detection of Cadmium Ions
Authors: Algamdi Bayan , Alam Md Mahmud , Tashkandi Nada , Bahaidarah Effat A. , Alshareef F. M. , Alzahrani Khalid A. , Alkayal Nazeeha S. , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: February 2025

In this study, a novel poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was prepared via a polycondensation method using a biobased furan derivative as a cross‐linking agent 2,5‐bis(aminomethyl)furan (BAF) for the removal of cationic dye crystal violet (CV) dye and detection of cadmium ions (Cd2+). The structural, morphological, and thermal characteristics of the new resulting cross‐linked polymers (BAF–PMMA(1–5)) were examined using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The dye adsorption studies show that BAF–PMMA4 adsorbs CV dye with a high removal efficiency of ~98% and good recyclability at pH 1, a contact time of 160 min, 25‐mg adsorbent dose, 20‐mg/L initial dye concentration, and 25°C. Cd2+ ions were detected via I‐V analysis, and cross‐linked PMMA films were utilized to alter the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with a conductive Nafion binder. At a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3, the suggested Cd2+ ion sensor exhibits good sensitivity (284.509 μAμM−1 cm−2) and a low limit of detection (LOD = 96.29 ± 4.81 pM). The sensor is perfect for detecting Cd2+ ions in environmental samples due to its beneficial analytical parameters such as reproducibility, response time, and long‐term performance capability. These results reveal that the furan‐cross‐link‐PMMA polymers are a practical adsorbent material for efficiently removing CV dye from polluted water and sensor material for developing cutting‐edge Cd2+ ion sensors.
Role of TMEM230 in the Aberrant Glycosylation in Human Autoimmunity and Cancer
Authors: Angeli Elena , Cocola Cinzia , Abeni Edoardo , Piscitelli Eleonora , Pelucchi Paride , Mosca Ettore , Chiodi Alice , Lerma Luca , Balbino Cristiana , Zucchi Ileana , Palizban Mira , Götte Martin , Diaspro Alberto , Reinbold Rolland A.
Published: February 2025

Alterations in glycoconjugate profiles are thought to promote changes in cell‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐intracellular and extracellular scaffold interactions in human disease. The nearly unlimited number of “glycoforms” that may exist in nature are difficult to study due to glycosylation and glycoconjugate modifications being associated with non‐genome coded posttranscription and post‐translation processes. Specific products generated by glycosylation are dependent on concentration and sub‐cellular locations of glycan synthesis and processing enzymes. An indirect “high‐throughput” approach to study glycosylation is to characterize glycan processing enzymes (hydrolases and transferases) by single cell sequencing of all cell types in tissue of human diseases. We previously identified TMEM230 as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) associated protein that regulates NOTCH glycoprotein receptor and ligand signaling in zebrafish blood vessel formation and destructive remodeling capacities of diverse cell types including fibroblast, phagocytic and immune system cells in patients with cancer or granulomatous systemic vasculitis autoimmune disorder. NOTCH signaling represents a paradigm in glycan mediated signal transduction and supports the role of TMEM230 in glycan modifications. The ER initiates the earliest steps of glycoconjugate synthesis, sorting, and trafficking. As blood vessel and tissue remodeling, and Notch signaling are hallmarks of autoimmune disorders, we investigated whether aberrant TMEM230 expression was also associated with changes in expression of glycan processing enzymes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this current study, single cell sequencing analysis supported that TMEM230 expression was downregulated in all cell types associated with synovial tissue of RA patients while glycan processing enzymes were predominantly upregulated. In contrast, TMEM230 was upregulated in patients with high‐grade compared to low‐grade gliomas as it was N‐linked glycosylation (GlcNAc), and glycoprotein and glycosaminoglycan expression. Our collective results support that TMEM230 regulates glycan/glycoconjugate processing enzymes in RA and the expression of protein glycoconjugate in aggressive gliomas. TMEM230 may therefore be a therapeutic target and marker for clinical treatment for glycosylation induced human autoimmunity disorders or cancer.
Exploring Academic Self‐Efficacy for Self‐Regulated Learning: The Role of Socioeconomic Status, Immigrant Background, and Biological Sex
Authors: Raimondi Giulia , Manganelli Sara , Cavicchiolo Elisa , Zacchilli Michele , Palombi Tommaso , Chirico Andrea , Lucidi Fabio , Alivernini Fabio
Published: February 2025

Academic Self‐Efficacy for Self‐Regulated Learning (ASE for SRL) represents individuals’ belief in their abilities to regulate and organize their learning to achieve academic outcomes, and it is crucial for motivation and students’ well‐being. This study, conducted on a nationally representative sample of 26,564 10th grade Italian students (50.1% female; Mean Age = 15.60), aims to evaluate differences in ASE for SRL. Specifically, we assessed the measurement invariance and psychometric properties of a brief ASE for SRL scale, across biological sex, Socioeconomic Status (SES), and immigrant background. Results indicated that the scale fit the data well and scalar invariance was achieved across all groups. Latent mean analyses indicated that males reported lower ASE for SRL than females; students with lower SES reported lower ASE for SRL compared to students with middle and high SES, with middle SES students reporting lower levels than high SES students; native students reported higher ASE for SRL than first‐generation immigrant students, no differences were found among first‐ and second‐generations immigrant students. In conclusion, findings show that the proposed brief scale is a reliable measure of ASE for SRL and highlight the importance of considering socio‐demographic factors when designing interventions to foster ASE for SRL in school.
Relationship‐Specific Attachment and Mentalization as Predictors of Borderline Personality Features and Interpersonal Competence Among Emerging Adults
Authors: Sikand Mehak , Bhola Poornima , Meena K. S.
Published: February 2025

Developmental psychopathology models, like the mentalization theory, have facilitated the theoretical understanding of trajectories that contribute to the expression and experience of borderline personality (BP) features. Mentalization theory posits that BP vulnerabilities and interpersonal difficulties arise from insecure attachment experiences and deficits in mentalizing ability. This study explored the intersections of attachment vulnerabilities in close relationships, mentalizing domains, and their combined impact on BP features and interpersonal competence in emerging adults. The sample included 742 emerging adults (18–25 years) from colleges across 23 Indian states, who completed an online survey measuring relationship‐specific attachment anxiety and avoidance (mother, father, best friend), mentalization (self‐related, other‐related, motivation to mentalize), BP features, and interpersonal competence. Path analysis was conducted to examine (a) the association between relationship‐specific attachment dimensions and BP features/interpersonal competence and (b) mentalization as a mediator. Attachment anxiety and avoidance in specific relationships were found to have direct positive effects on BP features and direct negative effects on interpersonal competence. However, the strength and significance of these effects were not similar across relationships, shedding light on unique contributions of relationship‐specific attachment difficulties on BP features and interpersonal competence. Mentalization mediated these associations, with self‐related mentalization uniquely affecting BP features and other‐related mentalization influencing interpersonal competence. The findings underscore the importance of relationship‐specific attachment and mentalization domains in BP vulnerabilities among emerging adults. They provide empirical support for developing targeted mentalization‐based interventions to enhance self and interpersonal functioning.
Optimization of EPU Composite Cooling Coating With Environmental Suitability
Authors: Miao Chengcheng , Lv Yanni , Wu Yan , Cao Xuejuan , Tang Boming
Published: February 2025

Thermal reflective cooling materials offer zero‐energy cooling under sunlight but face durability challenges in complex environments. While improvements for single factors are well‐documented, further studies on durability under multiple environmental factors are needed for large‐scale application. In this study, a polyurethane‐modified epoxy (EPU) resin was first synthesized, followed by the fabrication of a composite cooling coating (EPURC) using TiO2 and radiative powders. The optical properties and cooling performance confirmed that the optimized proportion of cooling fillers realized the maximum synergistic cooling effect of solar reflection and infrared emission. Therefore, when the temperature of the controlled black iron plate reached 60°C, EPURC achieved a temperature reduction of 13.8°C. Based on this, the comprehensive durability evaluation including shear resistance, water resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance and UV resistance was further explored through cooling performance. Except for abrasion for 60 min, EPURC influenced by multiple factors could all achieve a strong cooling ability above 10°C. Although a heavy abrasion could weaken cooling performance to a certain extent, EPURC still showed a shear resistance due to the excellent toughness of EPU binder. These findings proved that EPURC could be applied in complicated work conditions and satisfied the need for practical applications.
Bidirectional Effect of Plasma‐Activated Water on Fungi: Promotion and Inactivation of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Guo Dingmeng , Zhang Xiaoning , Liu Hongxia , Shi Yixin , Ma Xiaoqin , Fan Rui , Hao Weina , Tu Zhentao
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the bidirectional effects of plasma‐activated water (PAW) on Botrytis cinerea. At low PAW concentrations, fungal growth was promoted, with spore multiplication reaching 54.46 ± 7.16% (PAW‐10) and mycelial growth at 4.88 ± 1.83% (PAW‐2). However, at higher PAW concentrations, the effect shifted to inhibition, with spore inactivation at 41.99 ± 8.58% (PAW‐30) and mycelial growth at 7.30 ± 1.73% (PAW‐30). Critical thresholds for promotion and inhibition were observed at PAW‐18 and PAW‐5, respectively. H2O2 and H+ in PAW promoted spore reproduction at low concentrations and inactivated spores at high concentrations. Low PAW concentrations increased reactive oxygen species levels and enhanced cell metabolism, while higher concentrations induced oxidative stress, leading to damage in the spore cell structure.
Air Pollutants Associated Hospitalization in Pediatric Pneumonia: A National Database Analysis
Authors: Sitthikarnkha Phanthila , Uppala Rattapon , Techasatian Leelawadee , Saengnipanthkul Suchaorn , Niamsanit Sirapoom , Peansukwech Udomlack , Sutra Sumitr , Anantasit Nattachai , Teeratakulpisarn Jamaree , Jenwitheesuk Kamonwan , Kosararaksa Pope
Published: February 2025

Background

Pneumonia ranks as a leading contributor to hospital admissions and mortality among children worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the association between aerosol components of air pollution and pediatric pneumonia hospitalization.

Methods

Employing an observational study design, data from hospitalized children under 15 years diagnosed with pneumonia in Thailand from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed to ascertain the relationship between air pollution and health outcomes. Utilizing the Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Application version 2 (MERRA‐2) data for aerosol components, and adjusting for demographic and geographical factors, using Poisson regression models.

Results

A total of 732,700 children were hospitalized with pneumonia, with children under the age of five accounting for the majority of admissions (637,313 cases, 86.9%). Dust had the strongest association with the incidence rate ratio of hospitalization in children with pneumonia across all age groups. The incidence rate ratio was 1.288 (95% CI: 1.271–1.304, p < 0.001), 1.392 (95%CI: 1.344–1.442, p < 0.001), and 1.349 (95%CI: 1.265–1.439, p < 0.001) for children under the age of 5, 5 to under 10, and 10 to under 15, respectively. The association of hospitalization among children with pneumonia increased by 21.0% and 13.8% for each 1 μg/m3 increase in black carbon and dust levels, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings reveal a compelling link between certain air pollutants and pediatric pneumonia hospitalization, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate air pollution's adverse effects.
A Novel Approach to Achieve Sustainable Development: Analysis of Industry 4.0 Framework, State‐of‐the‐Art Technologies, and Sustainability Dimensions Based on Stakeholder Theory and Practices
Authors: Shi Xiaozhong
Published: February 2025

The research on big data analytics capabilities and innovative industrial technologies such as Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has grown to the extent where researchers are striving to uncover the nexus from distinct perspectives, worldwide. The present study explores the connection of state‐of‐the‐art technologies (SAT) such as IoT and big data analytics along with I4.0 technologies (e.g., environmental, managerial and economics, supply chains, organizational, and social capabilities) to understand the insights into how it elevates sustainable performance (SP) with consideration of three perspectives (e.g., environmental, economic, and social perspective). The results using SmartPLS and structure equation techniques (SEM) asserted that I4.0 technologies positively affect SP of organizations. The empirical testing also affirmed the positive nexus between big data analytics and sustainable performance. This study provides evidence regarding I4.0 technologies and SAT that may enhance corporate development in the current competitive and technological‐oriented era. This study provides multiple implications for the related management along with theoretical implications for existing literature on sustainable development, big data analytics, and innovative industrial technologies. Finally, the study enlists the drawbacks along with future directions for scholars.
Development of a Measure to Understand Work‐[Pet]family Boundaries: Conflict Versus Enrichment Between Work and Families With Pets
Authors: Junça‐Silva Ana
Published: February 2025

Considering the increasing number of families with pets, this study intended to develop and validate the Work‐Conflict and Enrichment [Pet] Family Scale (WCEPFS). This instrument aims to measure three dimensions of the work‐[pet]family boundaries: work‐[pet]‐family conflict and enrichment. The research methodology comprised five systematic scale development processes. First, a literature review and 22 interviews were conducted to generate conceptual understanding and content about both work‐[pet]family conflict and enrichment. Then the initial items were developed and verified through a Delphi survey and a pilot study (N = 113) that led to the final pool of 10 items. Four additional studies were conducted to test the scale's factor structure, reliability and validity. Overall, the confirmatory factor analyses and reliability tests demonstrated that the 10‐item scale performed well regarding its 3‐factor structure and was a reliable measure to evaluate work‐[pet]‐family boundaries. Moreover, the results also showed that the scale was significantly related to measures of work‐family conflict and enrichment, mental health, well‐being, and work engagement at the within‐person level. Lastly, the 2‐week test‐retest reliability results showed a good reliability of the scale. This study develops and validates a measure that is essential for studies focused on work‐[pet]family boundaries. As work and family structures continue to evolve, understanding work‐[pet]family dynamics is essential for addressing emerging challenges in work‐life balance, employee well‐being, and the development of inclusive organisational policies.
Tenon‐and‐Mortise Structure‐Inspired MOF/PVDF Composites with Enhanced Piezocatalytic Performance via Dipole‐Engineering Strategy
Authors: Liu Yifan , Liu Bo , Wang Shuteng , Li Bei , Chen Yuanwei , Ye Wei , Luan Shifang , Wang Lei , Shi Hengchong
Published: February 2025

Fabricating poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its composite ferroelectrics are essential for the development of next‐generation lightweight, portable, wearable, and implantable intelligent devices. However, integrating and maximizing spontaneous polarization and interfacial electromechanical conversion efficiency remain major challenges in the contemporary PVDF‐based composites field. Herein, inspired by the tenon‐and‐mortise structure associated with ancient Chinese architecture, an amino‐anchored metal–organic framework (MOF)/PVDF piezoelectric composite using a dipole‐engineering strategy to deliver enhanced piezocatalytic performance is constructed. Homogeneous and long‐range ordered hydrogen‐bond networks have been formed with the PVDF matrix after introducing periodically arranged amino anchors into the NH2‐HU MOF. The NH2‐HU10wt%/PVDF composite exhibits a 40% greater β‐phase content and a remnant polarization value more than 550% higher than that of the bare PVDF fibers. These amino anchors synergistically enhance both the local electric field and collaborative dipole alignment resulting in a piezocatalytic bactericidal performance of 97.4% when irradiated under clinical ultrasound conditions. Moreover, the enhanced polarizability within the MOF/PVDF composite simultaneously improves its responsiveness to X‐rays via its periodic amino anchoring networks, thereby doubling CT imaging efficacy for implants at lower voltages. Integrating piezoelectric MOFs and polymer matrices through molecular design presents a viable approach for optimizing ferroelectric properties and expanding piezoelectric‐composite applications.
Amino Acids‐Enabled Fast‐Restore of Triplet‐Triplet Annihilation Upconversion Luminescence for Background‐Free Sensing of Herbicides
Authors: Qi Fang , Feng Hong‐Juan , Li Jia‐Yao , Peng Yi , Jiang Lin‐Han , Li Ying‐Ze , Zeng Le , Huang Ling
Published: February 2025

Overuse of herbicides poses a serious threat to ecosystems and human health; thus, the accurate determination of herbicide residue is very meaningful. Thanks to the advantage of no background fluorescence interference, the upconversion luminescence allows for reliable analysis of target molecules in complicated samples. Here, through screening of 20 natural amino acids, it is discovered that the photooxidation of methionine exhibited the fastest recovery rate of triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA‐UC) luminescence via oxygen consumption, which is 400‐fold faster compared to the well‐known photooxidation of oleic acid. Furthermore, oxygen‐resistant, small‐size, red‐to‐blue TTA‐UC nanoparticles with a record upconversion efficiency (7.2%, normalized to 100%) are prepared using hydrophobic butyl methionine as an oxygen scavenger. Surface negatively charged TTA‐UC nanoparticles are able to selectively enrich positively charged paraquat on their surface. Accordingly, a photoinduced electron transfer process occurred between the triplet excited state of the photosensitizer and the electron‐deficient paraquat, quenching the upconversion luminescence. Relying on this principle, TTA‐UC‐based paraquat sensing is achieved with a fast response (less than 1 s), high selectivity, and a low limit of detection (1.54 µg mL−1). Further, the TTA‐UC nanoparticles are utilized to implement paraquat analysis in lake water without sample pretreatment.
Elementary Students' Metacognitive Knowledge of Epistemic Criteria
Authors: Murphy Danielle , Duncan Ravit Golan , Chinn Clark A. , Danish Joshua , Hmelo Silver Cindy E. , Zhou Jinzhi , Ryan Zach
Published: February 2025

Scientific modeling is a core practice of scientific inquiry. Students' engagement in modeling can be enhanced by attending to epistemic criteria, which in science are standards used to evaluate the validity and accuracy of scientific models. While prior research has focused on students' development and use of epistemic criteria in scientific inquiry environments, less is known about students' metacognitive knowledge about why epistemic criteria matter—their metacognitive epistemic justifications. Investigating students' metacognitive knowledge of criteria can reveal their understandings of the criteria guiding scientific practice (such as modeling), their relative value, and their relationship to epistemic products. We present findings from clinical interviews of student dyads conducted at the end of the implementation of a fifth‐grade model‐based inquiry unit in which the class developed and used epistemic criteria for scientific models. Students' justifications of epistemic criteria revealed their metacognitive knowledge about why criteria, such as evidentiary fit, are important in modeling practice. We also identified themes in students' justifications for the relative importance of different epistemic criteria and the role such justifications played in resolving disagreements about epistemic matters. Our findings illustrate the potential value of engaging students in discourse about metacognitive justifications for epistemic criteria.
Spontaneous Self‐Organized Order Emerging From Intrinsically Disordered Protein Polymers
Authors: Acosta Sergio , Rodríguez‐Alonso Pablo , Chaskovska Viktoriya , Fernández‐Fernández Julio , Rodríguez‐Cabello José Carlos
Published: February 2025

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are proteins that, despite lacking a defined 3D structure, are capable of adopting dynamic conformations. This structural adaptability allows them to play not only essential roles in crucial cellular processes, such as subcellular organization or transcriptional control, but also in coordinating the assembly of macromolecules during different stages of development. Thus, in order to artificially replicate the complex processes of morphogenesis and their dynamics, it is crucial to have materials that recapitulate the structural plasticity of IDPs. In this regard, intrinsically disordered protein polymers (IDPPs) emerge as promising materials for engineering synthetic condensates and creating hierarchically self‐assembled materials. IDPPs exhibit remarkable properties for their use in biofabrication, such as functional versatility, tunable sequence order–disorder, and the ability to undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). Recent research has focused on harnessing the intrinsic disorder of IDPPs to design complex protein architectures with tailored properties. Taking advantage of their stimuli‐responsiveness and degree of disorder, researchers have developed innovative strategies to control the self‐assembly of IDPPs, resulting in the creation of hierarchically organized structures and intricate morphologies. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the latest advances in the design and application of IDPP‐based materials, shedding light on the fundamental principles that control their supramolecular assembly, and discussing their application in the biomedical and nanobiotechnological fields.
How charming can the Higgs be?
Authors: Giannakopoulou Artemis Sofia , Meade Patrick , Valli Mauro
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The coupling of the Higgs boson to first and second generation fermions has yet to be measured experimentally. There still could be very large deviations in these couplings, as the origin of flavor is completely unknown. Nevertheless, if Yukawa couplings are modified, especially for light generations, there are generically strong constraints from flavor-changing neutral currents (FCNCs). Therefore, it is imperative to understand whether there exists viable UV physics consistent with current data that motivates future Higgs coupling probes. In particular, the charm-quark Yukawa is the next quark coupling that could be measured at the LHC if it is a few times larger than the SM and compatible with flavor data. This is difficult to achieve in the context of standard ansatz such as Minimal Flavor Violation. In this paper we show that within the framework of Spontaneous Flavor Violation (SFV), using a Two Higgs Doublet Model as an example, the Higgs can be sufficiently charming that new LHC probes are relevant. In this charming region, we show that new Higgs states near the EW scale with large couplings to quarks are required, providing complementary observables or new constraints on the SM Yukawa couplings. The down-type SFV mechanism enabling the suppression of FCNCs also allows for independent modifications to the up-quark Yukawa coupling, which we explore in detail as well.
Solving the strong CP problem with massless grand-color quarks
Authors: Bedi Ravneet , Gherghetta Tony , Harigaya Keisuke
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We propose a solution to the strong CP problem that specifically relies on massless quarks and has no light axion. The QCD color group SU(3)
c
is embedded into a larger, simple gauge group (grand-color) where one of the massless, colored fermions enjoys an anomalous chiral symmetry, rendering the strong CP phase unphysical. The grand-color gauge group G
GC is Higgsed down to SU(3)
c
×

$$ {G}_{c^{\prime }} $$

G

c
′

, after which

$$ {G}_{c^{\prime }} $$

G

c
′

eventually confines at a lower scale, spontaneously breaking the chiral symmetry and generating a real, positive mass to the massless, colored fermion. Since the chiral symmetry has a

$$ {G}_{c^{\prime }} $$

G

c
′

anomaly, there is no corresponding light Nambu-Goldstone boson. The anomalous chiral symmetry can be an accidental symmetry that arises from an exact discrete symmetry without introducing a domain wall problem. Potential experimental signals of our mechanism include vector-like quarks near the TeV scale, pseudo Nambu-Goldstone bosons below the 10 GeV scale, light dark matter decay, and primordial gravitational waves from the new strong dynamics.
A first computation of three-loop master integrals for the production of two off-shell vector bosons with different masses
Authors: Canko Dhimiter , Pozzoli Mattia
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We present analytic results on physical kinematics for four integral families that are relevant to the production of two off-shell vector bosons with different masses. Our study consists of a ladder-box, a tennis-court, and two reducible ladder-box-like families. The results for the master integrals of these families are expressed up to order six in the dimensional regulator in terms of real-valued multiple polylogarithms. Furthermore, a semi-numeric solution is provided, employing generalized power series expansions using the package DiffExp.
Febuxostat protects from Doxorubicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats via regulation of NF-κB p65/NLRP3 inflammasome and SIRT-1/AMPK pathways
Authors: El-Dessouki Ahmed M. , Yousef Eman H. , Raslan Nahed A. , Alwakeel Asmaa I. , Ibrahim Samar , Alzokaky Amany A.
Published: February 2025

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly potent broad-spectrum anticancer drug, but it has severe side effects, including hepatotoxicity. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of febuxostat (FBX), a specific inhibitor of xanthine oxidase and antioxidant, in blocking hepatotoxicity associated with DOX in rats. Rats were treated with FBX (10 or 15 mg/kg/day orally for 2 weeks) and given DOX (15 mg/kg as single dose at the 7th day, intraperitoneal) to induce hepatotoxicity. The results indicated that FBX could reduce the pathological alterations of liver tissues induced by DOX and ameliorate the inappropriate changes in liver function biomarkers (AST, ALT, and ALP) in serum, oxidative stress parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, NOX1, NQO-1, HO-1, Keap-1, and Nrf2) and inflammatory markers in the liver (NF-κB p65, TNF-α, NLRP3). Additionally, FBX attenuated the p53, BAX, cytochrome C, caspase-9, and caspase-3 levels to restrain cell apoptosis. In addition, FBX therapy was found to increase protein levels of SIRT-1 and AMPK in the liver. These findings demonstrate that FBX can reduce the hepatotoxicity caused by DOX in rats through mechanisms that counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Determination of 3D Stress State Using a Novel Integrated Diametrical Core Deformation and Ultrasonic Analysis
Authors: Dargahizarandi Atefeh , Masoumi Hossein , Hashemi Abolfazl , Saha Biswachetan , Roshan Hamid
Published: February 2025

Sustainable underground mining operation at deep levels requires a clear understanding of in situ stress conditions to ensure safety of personnel and equipment for continuous exaction of natural resources. Obtaining representative three-dimensional (3D) stress data at depth remains a significant challenge due to the operational complexities, high costs and time demands. Despite various methods proposed, core-based in situ stress estimation stands out as a cost-effective and reliable approach. Yet, these techniques come with inherent complexities within the laboratory environment, introducing considerable uncertainties and subjectivity in reliable stress estimation. The diametrical core deformation analysis (DCDA) was introduced to address these challenges, providing improved measurement repeatability and mitigating uncertainties. However, DCDA is limited to two-dimensional (2D) stress state estimation, leaving the determination of the full 3D stress tensor as an unresolved challenge. Therefore, this study presents a novel integrated methodology that combines DCDA with ultrasonic mapping to determine the full 3D stress state from core samples including the azimuth and dip angle of stress components. Both techniques leverage the expansion of core samples under various directions following the release from in situ stress, with greater expansion expected along the axis with the highest principal stress. Stress magnitudes were then calculated using a new analytical technique and the robustness and reliability of the proposed methodology were validated through analysing eight core samples from two vertical boreholes in an Australian underground metalliferous mine. The results were compared with the on-site overcoring stress measurements, having core-based measurements providing reliable predictions of the three principal stresses’ magnitude, azimuth, and dip angle. The current study contributes to sustainable mining by providing a more accurate and less invasive technique for 3D in situ stress estimation. Such an advancement helps to reduce uncertainties in geotechnical assessments, enabling efficient and sustainable mine planning and operation.
Computer adaptive testing strategies for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
Authors: Wong Emily F. , Accortt Eynav E. , Choi Seung W. , Bright Tiffani J.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) include depressive and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or postpartum and can have significant consequences for the parent, child, and family. When severe, these conditions can lead to suicide. Despite numerous policy efforts to improve screening, education, and referral structures, disparities in PMAD diagnosis and treatment still exists, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) has been shown to improve the efficiency of screening by significantly reducing test length. This study evaluates whether applying CAT to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) maintains diagnostic accuracy while ensuring these methods do not exacerbate racial disparities in PMAD screening outcomes.

Methods

Using real data simulation, we assessed three CAT-based short-form versions of the EPDS, derived from one-, two-, and three-factor item response theory models. We evaluated their diagnostic precision and examined potential racial disparities in false negative rates compared to the full-length EPDS.

Results

We demonstrate that estimated scores from three short versions of the EPDS administered through CAT—assuming one, two, and three-factor item response theory models—are more highly correlated with the full-length EPDS measure traditionally used to make clinical decisions (r’s between 0.96 and 0.97) than the major depressive disorder subtest (CAT-MDD) from CAT-Mental Health (CAT-MH®) (r =.82), as previously reported. Importantly, the false negative rates of the CAT-implied diagnoses did not significantly vary between racial groups, indicating no evidence of racial bias in diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

The CAT-based versions of the EPDS offers a promising solution for improving the efficiency of PMAD screening without sacrificing diagnostic precision or exacerbating racial groups. By reducing evaluation time, these tools could facilitate more widespread and equitable screening, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment of PMADs across diverse populations.
A modular hypoplastic constitutive model for granular soils
Authors: Pucker Tim
Published: February 2025

A new hypoplastic constitutive model with a modular structure is presented for granular soils. The modular structure allows the application of the constitutive model with very little material information under restriction of the soil effects to be reproduced. The more material information available, the better the stress–strain behaviour of the material can be represented. The basic model and six modules are presented that allow to model soil phenomena like barotropy, pyknotropy, load history, and small strain stiffness. Laboratory tests are simulated to show the performance of the constitutive model.
A system dynamics model for improving the reverse supply chain using the IoT in the household appliances sector
Authors: Cortés-Pellicer Pascual , Alarcón Faustino , Pérez-Perales David
Published: February 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a global platform of Internet-connected smart devices that allows manufacturers to sensorize marketed products. Such products can provide manufacturers with feedback about relevant information, such as their status, use and location, which contributes to significantly reduce uncertainty in the time, quantity and quality of the products recovered during the reverse logistics (RL) process. This sensorization is especially simple in connected appliances given the ease of installing sensors inside. This work shows the convenience of using the IoT in the RL process of the household appliances sector by analyzing the impact on recovery management. To do so, it proposes a simulation model based on system dynamics. The main findings indicate that the IoT permits more reverse supply chains’ inventory by significantly increasing collected products’ average value. This, in turn, allows for more backorder demand to be met and improves the client service level. In light of all this, we conclude that the average RL process profit made with an IoT model is significantly better than the RL process without such a model. With this simulation model, it should also be noted that interoperability and communication improve throughout the supply chain, which allows better decision making.
How to Conceptual Engineer ‘Entropy’ and ‘Information’
Authors: Anta Javier
Published: February 2025

In this paper I discuss how to conceptual engineer ‘entropy’ and ‘information’ as they are used in information theory and statistical mechanics. Initially, I evaluate the extent to which the all-pervasive entangled use of entropy and information notions can be somehow defective in these domains, such as being meaningless or generating confusion. Then, I assess the main ameliorative strategies to improve this defective conceptual practice. The first strategy is to substitute the terms ‘entropy’ and ‘information’ by non-loaded terms, as it was first argued by Bar-Hillel in the 1950s. A second strategy is to prescribe how these terms should be correctly used to be meaningful, as it was pioneered by Carnap (Two essays on entropy, University of California Press, 1977) in Two Essays on Entropy. However, the actual implementation of these two ameliorative strategies has been historically unsuccessful due to the low credentials that philosophers as conceptual prescribers have among scientists. Finally, to try to solve these obstacles, I propose a third strategy based on leveraging evidence from the contribution of philosophy as a complementary science or the so-called ‘Philosophy in Science’ (à la Pradeu et al. in Brit J Philos Sci 75:(2):375–416, 2024) to integrate conceptual prescriptions and analyses of entropy and information as part of the scientific practices in which these notions are used.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and battery systems: past work, current research, and future opportunities
Authors: Bakenhaster Slater Twain , Dewald Howard D.
Published: February 2025

Research on battery electrochemistry is one of the most consequential chemical fields of modern times, bearing seismic influence on world economy. With the importance of electric batteries projected only to increase, researchers are faced with looming problems regarding the stability, sustainability, and safety of lithium-ion batteries, making the need for alternative battery systems only more prevalent. In this review, the utility of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for future battery research is explored. By overviewing the fundamental science and its history in past battery research, the unique capability of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in battery research is underscored. Moreover, four advanced impedance techniques—machine learning applications, distribution of relaxation times analysis, nonlinear impedance methods, and localized measurement—are emphasized along with their potential strengths. Finally, suggestions for future battery research using these methods are discussed.

Graphical abstract