bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitization of Lanthanides with Metal Chalcogenides Nanocrystals: Night Vision Imaging and Security Encryption
Authors: Jaiswal Shilpi , Das Subhadeep , Borah Partha Pratim , Anand Prashant , Métivier Rémi , Patra Abhijit
Published: January 2025

The sensitization of lanthanide ions by semiconductor nanocrystals offers promising potential for developing luminophores with high quantum yields, promising for light harvesting and imaging applications. This study introduces lanthanide‐doped CdS nanocrystals fabricated through a phosphine‐free method. Lanthanide ions such as Yb3+, Tm3+, Ho3+, and Er3+ are successfully doped into the CdS matrix, resulting in tunable NIR emissions ranging from 950 to 1600 nm. These nanocrystals exhibit visible–NIR emission with a total photoluminescence quantum yield of ≈41 ± 3%. Steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopic studies confirm the broadband sensitization of lanthanide ions by the CdS host. Binary ions‐doped CdS nanocrystals (CdS:Yb3+, Er3+/Ho3+/Tm3+) demonstrate both upconversion and downshifting processes within a single system. Furthermore, the NIR emission is enhanced under CdS excitation compared to direct lanthanide sensitization. Time‐resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption studies reveal the efficient energy transfer processes from CdS to the lanthanide dopants. Additionally, the NIR emission in CdS:Ln3+ embedded polymethyl methacrylate nanocomposites remains highly stable even months after fabrication, making them suitable for night vision imaging and security encryption. This study, therefore, advances the development of smart visible‐to‐NIR light sources for optoelectronic applications, including enhanced anti‐counterfeiting measures and night vision imaging.
Gaseous Synergistic Self‐Assembly and Arraying to Develop Bio‐Organic Photocapacitors for Neural Photostimulation
Authors: Fan Xinyuan , Tang Yiming , Zhang Jiahao , Ma Kang , Xu Zhengyu , Liu Yuying , Xue Bin , Cao Yi , Mei Deqing , Wang Wei , Wei Guanghong , Tao Kai
Published: January 2025

Bioinspired supramolecular architectonics is attracting increasing interest due to their flexible organization and multifunctionality. However, state‐of‐the‐art bioinspired architectonics generally take place in solvent‐based circumstance, thus leading to achieving precise control over the self‐assembly remains challenging. Moreover, the intrinsic difficulty of ordering the bio‐organic self‐assemblies into stable large‐scale arrays in the liquid environment for engineering devices severely restricts their extensive applications. Herein, a gaseous organization strategy is proposed with the physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology, allowing the bio‐organic monomers not only self‐assemble into architectures well‐established from the solvent‐based approaches but morphologies distinct from those delivered from the liquid cases. Specifically, 9‐fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl‐phenylalanine‐phenylalanine (Fmoc‐FF) self‐assembles into spheres with tailored dimensions in the gaseous environment rather than conventional nanofibers, due to the distinct organization mechanisms. Arraying of the spherical architectures can integrate their behaviors, thus endorsing the bio‐organic film the ability of programmable optoelectronic properties, which can be employed to design P‐N heterojunction‐based bio‐photocapacitors for non‐invasive and nongenetic neurostimulations. The findings demonstrate that the gaseous strategy may offer an alternative approach to achieve unprecedented bio‐organic superstructures, and allow ordering into large‐scale arrays for behavior integration, potentially paving the avenue of developing supramolecular devices and promoting the practical applications of bio‐organic architectonics.
Predicting Survival Rates in Brain Metastases Patients from Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Radiomic Signatures Associated with Tumor Immune Heterogeneity
Authors: Deng Fuxing , Xiao Gang , Tanzhu Guilong , Chu Xianjing , Ning Jiaoyang , Lu Ruoyu , Chen Liu , Zhang Zijian , Zhou Rongrong
Published: January 2025

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) frequently metastasizes to the brain, significantly worsened prognoses. This study aimed to develop an interpretable model for predicting survival in NSCLC patients with brain metastases (BM) integrating radiomic features and RNA sequencing data. 292 samples are collected and analyzed utilizing T1/T2 MRIs. Bidirectional stepwise logistic regression is employed to identify significant variables, facilitating the construction of a prognostic model, which is benchmarked against four machine learning algorithms. BM tissue samples are processed for RNA extraction and sequencing. The optimal model achieved an AUC of 0.96 and a C‐index of 0.89 in the train set and an AUC of 0.84 with a C‐index of 0.78 in the test set, indicating strong predictive performance and generalizability. Patients from Xiangya Hospital are stratified into high‐risk (n = 11) and low‐risk (n = 30) groups. RNA sequencing revealed an enrichment of immune‐related pathways, particularly the interferon (IFN) pathway in the low‐risk group. Immune cell infiltration analysis identified a significant presence of CD8+‐T cells, IFNγ‐6/‐18 in the low‐risk group, suggesting an immunologically favorable tumor microenvironment. These findings highlight the potential of combining radiomic and RNA sequencing data for improved survival predictions and personalized treatment strategies in BM patients from NSCLC.
Characterization of the Micro‐Morphology and Compositional Distribution of Chang'e‐5 Lunar Soil Mineral Surfaces Using TOF‐SIMS
Authors: Song Tinglu , Liu Jie , Zhang Chunlin , Yang Xinyu , Chen Taiyang , Jiang Shunzi , Xu Fan , Li Ning , Zhu Menghua , Li Shaolin , Zou Meishuai
Published: January 2025

The lunar soil samples returned by China's Chang'e‐5 (CE‐5) contain valuable information on geological evolutions on the Moon. Herein, by employing high‐resolution time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS), five rock chip samples from the CE‐5 lunar soil are characterized in‐depth, which reveal micro‐morphological and compositional features. From the elemental/molecular ion distribution images, minerals such as pyroxene, ilmenite, feldspar, K‐rich glass, silica, and silicate minerals are identified, along with their occurrence states and distribution results. More importantly, uncommon vesicle‐like patterns are probed via TOF‐SIMS, which may not be captured by conventional electron microscopy. The possible origins of vesicles are also proposed. Hopefully, these discoveries will provide essential guidance for future investigations on the Moon and accelerate the application of TOF‐SIMS in space exploration.
High‐Efficiency PbS Quantum Dots Infrared Solar Cells via Numerical Simulation and Experimental Optimization
Authors: Ji Taiming , Wu Zhixu , Xiang Pengfei , Lu Yu , Liu Sisi , Tang Rongxin , Wang Yuhao , Xia Yong
Published: January 2025

Low‐bandgap lead sulfide quantum dots (PbS QDs) can efficiently harness the infrared (IR) light in the solar spectrum beyond 1100 nm, showing great application potential in the bottom subcells of tandem solar cells. However, achieving further efficiency improvements in PbS QDs IR solar cells still faces many challenges. In this work, the effects of the absorber layer thickness, the carrier mobility in the absorber layer, the defect density in the absorber layer and at the absorber/electron transfer layer (ETL) interface, and the doping density of the ETL and hole transfer layer (HTL) on the performance of PbS QDs (≈0.95 eV) IR solar cells are systematically investigated through SCAPS‐1D simulation. A theoretical efficiency of 16.95% and 2.15% is calculated for PbS QDs IR solar cells under AM 1.5 and 1100 nm‐filtered illumination, respectively. Based on the simulation results, the corresponding PbS QDs IR solar cells are fabricated with an efficiency of 11.53% under AM 1.5 illumination, a remarkable 1100 nm‐filtered efficiency of 1.30%, and a high external quantum efficiency of 70.50% at 1290 nm. Hence, these findings will accelerate the optimization of the performance of PbS QDs IR solar cells approaching their theoretical efficiency limit.
Stable and Efficient Perovskite Photovoltaics via a Three‐In‐One Passivating Approach by Aminoacetonitrile Hydrochloride
Authors: Liu Yinjiang , Kong Tengfei , Zhang Yang , Zhao Zihan , Chen Weiting , Liu Wenli , Gao Peng , Wang Xu‐Dong , Bi Dongqin
Published: January 2025

Reducing defect density is of significant importance for enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). While most previous outstanding studies have focused on individual layers within the perovskite device structure. Herein, a three‐in‐one strategy using the aminoacetonitrile hydrochloride (AmiHCl) molecule to reduce the defects in the bulk and surface of perovskite. The results of the study found that the AmiHCl bottom modification can decrease the number of buried interface holes, doping into bulk perovskite can modulate crystallization via a strong interaction between AmiHCl and perovskite components, and the upper interface modification can inhibit the formation of vacancies by creating hydrogen bonds with A‐site cations. This approach yields PSCs with an efficiency of 25.90% and a high fill factor (FF) of 88.54%. Additionally, the modified PSCs show significantly enhanced operational stability, with the PCE retaining more than 90.0% of the initial value after 1350 h of maximum power point tracking.
Ambient‐Printed Methylammonium‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by Multiple Molecular Interactions
Authors: Lang Lei , Ding Zicheng , Du Yachao , Wu Nan , Liu Pengchi , Qin Ru , Wang Shuang , Wang Zhichao , Tu Yongchao , Liu Xiujie , Zhang Zheng , Gong Yongshuai , Liu Dongxue , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: January 2025

The ambient printing of high‐performance and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is crucial for enabling low‐cost and energy‐efficient industrial fabrication. However, producing high‐quality perovskite films via ambient printing remains challenging due to direct exposure to air, which easily induces additional stacking defects and triggers perovskite degradation compared to films fabricated by traditional spin‐coating under inert conditions. Here, a multiple molecular interaction strategy is introduced to address this challenge by incorporating a 2‐thiazole formamidine hydrochloride (TC) additive, effectively suppressing defect formation during ambient printing. The specific interactions between TC and precursor components, i.e., multiple hydrogen bonds and coordination interactions, could promote the crystallization of α‐phase perovskites and reduce cation and anion vacancies simultaneously when drying in air. These endows high‐quality ambient‐printed perovskite films with large crystalline grains with eliminated nanovoids and low trap‐densities, which improve charge carrier dynamics and prevent perovskite decomposition and hydration under thermal/humidity stress during long‐term annealing/ambient storage. The unencapsulated PSCs show a high efficiency of 23.72% with good stability, i.e., realizing 92% and 95% efficiency retention after 672 h of annealing at 85 °C in a N2 atmosphere and after 2088 h of storage in ambient air.
Adult Children's Urbanization and Family Farmland Transfer: Evidence From China
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Zhang Can , Li Zhongjian , Fan Zengzeng
Published: January 2025

The transfer of agricultural land from families to external entities can enhance land use efficiency, leading to reduced production costs and increased farmer income. However, the decision to transfer family farmland is influenced not only by macroeconomic policies and farmers' actions but also by the decisions of their adult children. This study investigates how the urbanization of adult children impacts household land transfer decisions. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies from 2012 to 2020, the research employs an Extended Regression Model to analyze this relationship. The findings reveal that adult children's urbanization significantly raises the likelihood of family farmland transfer. Further, heterogeneity analysis finds that this effect is more pronounced in households with smaller families, fewer children, no male offspring, and higher incomes. The study identifies three mechanisms through which adult children's urbanization promotes household farmland transfer: the aging effect, the accompanying migration effect, and the wealth effect.
‘I Don't Think I Would've Survived Without Having a Constant Support System’: Independent Living Skills Acquisition During the Transition From Care in Western Australia
Authors: Starr Michael , Chung Donna , Parsons Lauren , Cordier Reinie
Published: January 2025

For care‐experienced young people, the preparation for leaving out‐of‐home care (OOHC) is vital in support of post‐OOHC outcomes. This research explores the acquisition of Independent Living Skills (ILS) amongst young people in Western Australia and is based on interviews with care‐experienced young people at two time points: while in OOHC and after leaving OOHC. Overall, 72% of participants were female, 45% had a disability and 45% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Total years spent in care ranged from 2 to 16 years. This study adopts two research methods; first, using eight different domains to conceptualise the ILS needed in early adulthood, interview transcript data was cross‐referenced to understand the interconnected nature of ILS. Second, a thematic analysis was conducted of the interview transcripts to highlight participants' experiences. Findings highlight three themes relating to System Impacts, Social and Cultural Capital and Practical Identity and Self‐focus upon acquiring ILS. The findings address this Special Issue's sub‐themes, namely in relation to highlighting (1) examples of good policy and practice in transition planning and/or ongoing gaps in transitions from care policy, practice and implementation for 15–18 year olds/assisting care leavers aged 18–21 years and providing (2) lived experience perspectives.
The impact of ketogenic diet on the frequency of psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures (PNES): A feasibility randomized pilot study
Authors: Janssen‐Aguilar Reinhard , la Portilla Juan Galindez‐de , Martínez‐Juárez Iris E. , Mimiaga‐Hernandez Claudia , Alvarado‐Luis Gabriel , Aguilar‐Hernandez Andrea , Garcia‐Esparza Kevin Alan , Hernadez‐Palestina Mariel , Crail‐Meléndez Daniel
Published: January 2025

The potential of dietary interventions, particularly the use of the ketogenic diet in patients with Psychogenic Non‐Epileptic Seizures (PNES), remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a 6‐week ketogenic diet (Modified Atkins Diet, MAD) intervention in adult patients with PNES and to compare its effects on PNES frequency and other variables against a control healthy diet (CD). A feasibility pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary neurology hospital, enrolling outpatients diagnosed with PNES and assigning them to either MAD or CD. Baseline and follow‐up assessments (at 2, 4, and 6 weeks) included evaluation of mental health, PNES frequency, and metabolic measures. Descriptive and inferential methods, including repeated measures ANOVA, were used for statistical analysis. Seventeen patients (mean age 28.23 ± 7.1) were randomly allocated to receive either MAD (n = 12) or CD (n = 5). The entire sample exhibited a significant decrease in monthly PNES frequency (p = 0.01, Hedges ES = 0.618) without differences between groups. The MAD group showed significant improvement in PNES frequency, depression, and anxiety at week six. Results demonstrate that the implementation of MAD is feasible in patients with PNES and suggest that it may reduce seizure frequency and symptoms of depression and anxiety. These findings warrant further investigation in larger, powered studies to demonstrate efficacy.

Plain Language Summary

This study explored the potential benefits of the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) in reducing the frequency of psychogenic non‐epileptic seizures (PNES). The results showed that the diet is safe, well‐tolerated, and may decrease the occurrence of PNES, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that dietary modifications could be a helpful complement to PNES treatment, though larger studies are necessary to confirm these outcomes.
Efficacy of integrated cultural practices for dollar spot disease management on creeping bentgrass and bermudagrass
Authors: Shahoveisi Fereshteh , Shah Kabita K. , Koch Paul , Kaminski John E. , Roberson Travis , McCall David , Nangle Edward
Published: January 2025

Dollar spot, caused by Clarireedia spp., is one of the major challenges in golf course management. While individual cultural practices such as adequate nitrogen fertilization, thatch removal, aeration, and dew removal (DR) can reduce dollar spot severity, there are limited reports across multiple locations on the effectiveness of integrating multiple cultural practices for improved dollar spot suppression. Field studies were conducted in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia to evaluate the efficacy of urea fertilizer, DR, and a plant growth regulator (PGR) in dollar spot management on golf course greens and fairways. Each of the three treatments had two levels including applied or not applied. Urea and early DR reduced dollar spot severity across several locations, while PGR did not affect disease suppression. In some locations, the two‐way and three‐way interaction effects were significant, where combining the treatments reduced disease severity compared to non‐treated plots or when only one treatment was applied. Overall, the urea application had the most notable and consistent impact on reducing disease severity, while the effectiveness of DR and PGR varied depending on the location and year. Results from this study provide insights into the development of an effective integrated management program for dollar spot.
Digestive System Development and Posterior Hox/Parahox Gene Expression During Larval Life and Metamorphosis of the Phoronid Phoronopsis harmeri
Authors: Temereva Elena N. , Kostyuchenko Roman P.
Published: January 2025

Phoronida is a small group of marine animals, most of which are characterized by a long larval period and complex metamorphosis. As a result of metamorphosis, their body changes so much that their true anterior and posterior ends are very close to each other, and the intestine becomes long and U‐shaped. Using histology and electron microscopy, we have shown that the elongation and change in shape of the digestive tract that occurs during metamorphosis in Phoronopsis harmeri larvae is accompanied by the formation of new parts and changes in ultrastructure. At the same time, our in situ hybridization data suggest that the posterior markers Cdx and Post2 are expressed in posterior tissues at larval stages, during metamorphosis, and in juveniles, and that changes in their expression correlate with remodeling of the posterior parts of the digestive tract. Our data may shed light on the evolution of body patterning in animals undergoing complex metamorphosis.
You, Me, and the AI: The Role of Third‐Party Human Teammates for Trust Formation Toward AI Teammates
Authors: Erengin Türkü , Briker Roman , de Jong Simon B.
Published: January 2025

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated in teams, understanding the factors that drive trust formation between human and AI teammates becomes crucial. Yet, the emergent literature has overlooked the impact of third parties on human‐AI teaming. Drawing from social cognitive theory and human‐AI teams research, we suggest that how much a human teammate perceives an AI teammate as trustworthy, and engages in trust behaviors toward the AI, determines a focal employee's trust perceptions and behavior toward this AI teammate. Additionally, we propose these effects hinge on an employee's perceptions of trustworthiness and trust in the human teammate. We test these predictions across two studies: (1) an online experiment comprising individuals with work experience that examines perceptions of disembodied AI trustworthiness, and (2) an incentivized observational study that investigates trust behaviors toward an embodied AI. Both studies reveal that a human teammate's perceived trustworthiness of, and trust in, the AI teammate strongly predict the employee's trustworthiness perceptions and behavioral trust in the AI teammate. Furthermore, this relationship vanishes when employees perceive their human teammates as less trustworthy. These results advance our understanding of third‐party effects in human‐AI trust formation, providing organizations with insights for managing social influences in human‐AI teams.
Improvement of Functional and Technological Properties of Chickpea Aquafaba Through Lactic Fermentation
Authors: Colucci Cante Rosa , Nigro Federica , Lentini Giulia , Passannanti Francesca , Gallo Marianna , Mauriello Francesca , Budelli Andrea Luigi , Nigro Roberto
Published: January 2025

Bioconversion processes represent sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost‐effective tools to improve the nutritional quality, bioactivity, and technological properties of agri‐food waste. The chickpea cooking wastewater aquafaba, commonly used as an egg‐replacer ingredient in various food formulations, was investigated as a suitable substrate for Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NPB‐01's growth, which reached a final bacterial load of 9 Log and lactic acid production of 2.16 g/L after 24 h of process. Despite total saponins and polyphenols showing nonsignificant differences before and after fermentation, a significant improvement in the antioxidant power of fermented aquafaba was found. The microbial proteolysis and the simultaneous approach of pH to the chickpea proteins' isoelectric value (approximately 4.5) conferred high surface hydrophobicity and flexibility to the protein units, emphasizing the technological characteristics of aquafaba. In particular, a tenfold‐enhanced emulsifying capacity and a significant improvement in foam and emulsion stability (98% and 100%, respectively) were observed, confirming the potential of fermented aquafaba as an enhanced texture‐modifying ingredient with probiotic and antioxidant properties.
Topologically Integrated Photonic Biosensor Circuits
Authors: Kong Ze‐Lin , Liu Yang , Jiang Jian‐Hua
Published: January 2025

Integrated nanophotonic biosensors offer a promising route toward future biomedical detection applications that may enable inexpensive, portable, and sensitive diagnosis of diseases with a small amount of biological samples for convenient early‐stage screening of fatal diseases. However, the current photonic biosensor designs are not suitable for highly integrated and multiplexing device architectures that can achieve the detection of complex combinations of many biomarkers. Here, a topological scheme is proposed for the integration of miniature biosensors in photonic crystal chips that can meet the above requirement. Using photonic topological edge states as robust 1D waveguides that connect many photonic biosensors, here the topologically integrated photonic biosensor circuits is proposed. It is demonstrated that the performance of the topologically integrated photonic biosensors is much more robust against disorders than that of the photonic biosensors connected by the normal photonic waveguides, due to the robust transport of photons along the edge channel. Since disorders arising from the fabrication imperfection and the random distribution of the biomarkers are inevitable in genuine devices, resilience against disorders is a necessity for on‐chip integration of biosensors. The topological scheme proposed here thus opens a promising path toward reliable integration of photonic biosensors for next‐generation biomedical applications.
Tristate Switching of Terahertz Metasurfaces Enabled by Transferable VO2
Authors: Zhu Fengjie , Yang Kainan , Hao Jianhua , Fan Kebin , Ma He , Wu Jingbo , Zhang Caihong , Zhang Xinping , Wang Huabing , Jin Biaobing , Chen Jian , Wu Peiheng
Published: January 2025

Achieving dynamic switching among absorption (A), reflection (R), and transmission (T) states is not only essential for advancing the understanding of light‐metasurface interactions but also holds significant potential for practical applications, such as selective electromagnetic shielding and smart windows. However, at terahertz and higher frequencies, implementing active elements in multilayer configurations presents challenges that are not as straightforward as those encountered in the microwave range. In this work, it is demonstrated that tristate ART tuning can be realized in a single‐layer, free‐standing metasurface by switching between a dual dipolar mode (electric dipole and magnetic dipole) and a single dipole mode (electric dipole). By transferring a flexible vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin film onto the free‐standing dielectric Huygens’ metasurface, ART modulation is achieved, transitioning from a near‐unity transmission state to a near‐perfect absorption state, and finally to a high‐reflection state with the reflection up to 0.65 during the insulator‐to‐metal transition induced by heating onto the phase‐change material. The results may lead to new approaches in designing reconfigurable metasurfaces based on phase‐change materials for wavefront control and electromagnetic shielding applications.
Mitochondria‐Related Genome‐Wide Mendelian Randomization Identifies Putatively Causal Genes for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wang Zheyi , Sun Yize , Bai Zetai , Li Mei , Kong Deyuan , Wu Guanzhao
Published: January 2025

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key factor in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondria‐related genes. This study aimed to identify novel biomarkers and drug targets for these diseases through a comprehensive analysis that integrated genome‐wide Mendelian randomization (MR) with genes associated with mitochondrial function.

Methods

Using existing publicly available genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics and comprehensive data on 1136 mitochondria‐related genes, we initially identified a subset of genes related to mitochondrial function that exhibited significant associations with NDDs. We then conducted colocalization and summary‐data‐based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analyses using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) to validate the causal role of these candidate genes. Additionally, we assessed the druggability of the encoded proteins to prioritize potential therapeutic targets for further exploration.

Results

Genetically predicted levels of 10 genes were found to be significantly associated with the risk of NDDs. Elevated DMPK and LACTB2 levels were associated with increased Alzheimer's disease risk. Higher expression of NDUFAF2, BCKDK, and MALSU1, along with lower TTC19, raised Parkinson's disease risk. Higher ACLY levels were associated with both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis (MS) risks, while decreased MCL1, TOP3A, and VWA8 levels raised MS risk. These genes primarily impact mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. Notably, several druggable protein targets identified are being explored for potential NDDs treatment.

Conclusions

This data‐driven MR study demonstrated the causal role of mitochondrial dysfunction in NDDs. Additionally, this study identified candidate genes that could serve as potential pharmacological targets for the prevention and treatment of NDDs. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Treatment With Full‐Spectrum Cannabidiol Oil Improved the Pathological Findings of Dystrophic Mutant Mice
Authors: Ferreira Laís Leite , Gomes Fabricio Souza , Nascimento Beatriz Godinho , Corsini Wagner , dos Reis Luis Felipe Cunha , Oliveira‐Silva João Marcos , da Silva Josie Resende Torres , da Silva Marcelo Lourenço , Gamero Angel Maurício Castro , Hermes Túlio de Almeida
Published: January 2025

Introduction/Aims

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by pathogenic variants in the DMD gene, making muscle fibers susceptible to contraction‐induced membrane damage. Given the potential beneficial action of cannabidiol (CBD), we evaluated the in vitro effect of full‐spectrum CBD oil on the viability of dystrophic muscle fibers and the in vivo effect on myopathy of the mdx mouse, a DMD model.

Methods

In vitro, dystrophic cells from the mdx mouse were treated with full‐spectrum CBD oil and assessed with cell viability and cytotoxic analyses. In vivo, fourteen‐day‐old mdx mice received 10 mg/kg/day of the full‐spectrum CBD oil for 14 days. We analyzed creatine kinase (CK) levels, liver damage markers, and histopathology of the diaphragm (DIA) and quadriceps (QUA [myonecrotic fibers with positive IgG staining, regenerated fibers/central nuclei, the minimum Feret's diameter, the fibrosis area, the inflammatory area, the presence of macrophages, and NF‐kappa B content]).

Results

In vitro treatment with full‐spectrum CBD oil showed a dose‐dependent cytotoxic effect; however, in vivo 10 mg/kg treatment was safe and effectively improved DMD histopathological assessment parameters in DIA and QUA: reduction of central nuclei: 1.7% ± 2.0% versus 22.4% ± 5.3% and 11.1% ± 10.7% versus 32.3% ± 4.6%; reduction of IgG+ myofibers: 0.6% ± 0.7% versus 8.4% ± 1.6% and 0.9% ± 0.3% versus 7.5% ± 1.0%; increase in myofiber size: 85.2 ± 3.2 versus 64.3 ± 4.0 μm and 106.5 ± 8.6 versus 81.2 ± 4.8 μm; decrease in inflammatory area: 6.2% ± 2.7% versus 15.1% ± 2.6% and 5.3 ± 4.1 versus 17.3% ± 2.8%; reduced macrophage area: 0.05% ± 0.1% versus 10.8% ± 4.3% and 1.0% ± 0.7% versus 10.3% ± 4.9%; NF‐κB levels: 0.6% ± 0.1% versus 1.7% ± 0.2% and 1.7% ± 0.1% versus 5.2% ± 2.1%; and fibrosis: 5.6% ± 1.8% versus 12.0% ± 3.7% and 1.3% ± 0.5% versus 4.7% ± 1.5%. It also reduced serum CK.

Discussion

Full‐spectrum CBD oil may represent a promising new approach to treating DMD, but its potential toxicity must be considered.
Fluxes of Courant Bracket Twisted at the Same Time by B$B$ and θ$\theta$
Authors: Davidović Ljubica , Ivanišević Ilija , Sazdović Branislav
Published: January 2025

The simultaneous twisting of the Courant bracket by a 2‐form and a bi‐vector is investigated, with the generalized fluxes obtained in Courant algebroid relations explored. The twisted Lie bracket is defined and it is demonstrate that the generalized ‐flux can be expressed as the field strength defined on this Lie algebroid. Similarly, it is shown that the ‐flux is a direct consequence of simultaneous twisting, which arises in the twisted Lie bracket relations between holonomic partial derivatives. The generalized flux is obtained in terms of the twisted Koszul bracket, which is identified as a quasi‐Lie algebroid bracket. The action of an exterior derivative related to the twisted Koszul bracket on a bi‐vector produces the generalized ‐flux. It is shown that the generalized ‐flux is also the twisted Schouten–Nijenhuis bracket, i.e., the natural graded bracket on multi‐vectors defined with the twisted Lie bracket.
Placing Migration: Towards More‐Than‐Relational Geographical Migration Studies
Authors: Axelsson Linn , Hedberg Charlotta
Published: January 2025

This paper critically engages with the spatial assumptions that underpin migration studies, highlighting a shift from an absolute view of space to a relational spatial perspective, influenced by transnational and translocal migration studies. While the latter emphasises the interconnectedness of migrants across borders and the fleeting translocal links involved in the production of places, this paper argues that a timeplace perspective, which sees places as products of temporally entangled, partially inertial and plastic connectivities, material objects, and discursive practices, can contribute to overcome dichotomies between process and product in migration studies. Using the case of Åsele municipality in northern Sweden, the paper illustrates how a timeplace perspective can enrich the understanding of migration dynamics, and potentially reconcile tensions between essentialist and fluid worldviews in migration scholarship. Ultimately, it suggests that a plastic and contextual understanding of space might be the next logical step for migration studies.
Magnetic and Electric Properties of a Grain Boundary in Single‐Layer CrI3
Authors: Xia Minheng , Wu Shiyang , Li Wenjing , Li Menglei , Zheng Fawei
Published: January 2025

Single‐layer CrI3 has attracted considerable interest because of its 2D magnetism. However, the properties of defects in single‐layer CrI3 have not been thoroughly studied yet. In this study, a line defect in the CrI3 single layer, which is a grain boundary caused by the position flipping of iodine atoms, is theoretically investigated. Using first‐principles calculations, the structural and electronic properties of this grain boundary in both zigzag and armchair directions are explored. The grain boundary exhibits ferromagnetic exchange interaction between the two grains. The conduction band minimum and valence band maximum of the grain boundary states are in the energy gap of perfect CrI3 single layer and form a direct gap, indicating an enhancement in photoelectronic properties. Moreover, the partial charge density in real space reveals that the doped electrons or holes predominantly distribute at the grain boundary. This can support a purely spin‐polarized current along the grain boundary. Findings suggest that the grain boundary exhibits unique electronic and magnetic properties, potentially offering valuable insights for spintronics applications.
Distribution Relationship of Quantum Battery Capacity
Authors: Wang Yiding , Huang Xiaofen , Zhang Tinggui
Published: January 2025

The distribution relationship of quantum battery capacity is investigated. First, it is proved that for two‐qubit ‐states, the sum of the subsystem battery capacities does not exceed the total system's battery capacity, and the conditions are provided under which they are equal. Then define the difference between the total system's and subsystems' battery capacities as the residual battery capacity () and show that this can be divided into coherent and incoherent components. Furthermore, it is observed that this capacity monogamy relation for quantum batteries extends to general ‐qubit states and any ‐qubit state's battery capacity distribution can be optimized to achieve capacity gain through an appropriate global unitary evolution. Specifically, for general three‐qubit states, stronger distributive relations are derived for battery capacity. Quantum batteries are believed to hold significant potential for outperforming classical counterparts in the future. These findings contribute to the development and enhancement of quantum battery theory.
Mixed Cultures for Biodegradation of Lindane: From Genome‐Based Assembly to Practical Assessment
Authors: Vu Phuong Ha , Pham Hai Hoang , Vu Tung Son , Le Anh Hien , Luu Dong Tran , Tran Trang Quynh Thi , Nguyen Yen Thi , Nguyen Thuy Thu Thi , Mai Linh Dam Thi , Bui Ha Viet Thi , Tran Hanh My , Nguyen Huy Quang , Nguyen Thao Kim Nu , Tran Anh Thuy Thi , Tran Huyen Thanh Thi , Pham Hai The
Published: January 2025

Lindane, or γ‐hexachlorocyclohexane (γ‐HCH), was one of the most widely used organic pesticides in the 20th century, but has been banned worldwide due to its high toxicity and harmful effects to humans and animals. However, because of its resistance to decomposition, lindane can be persistent (with a long half‐life of up to several years in the natural environment) and can thus bioaccumulate through the food web, thereby causing serious contamination. Currently, in addition to physical–chemical methods, innovative biodegradation‐based methods for treating lindane contamination are preferred due to their sustainability and effectiveness. In this study, we explored the possibility of constructing mixed microbial cultures that could provide improved lindane degradation efficiencies, based on genome annotation, using the KEGG database and the subsequent predictions of metabolic interactions between single strains. Based on such genome‐mining results, we proposed 10 potential lindane‐degrading mixed cultures of different strain combinations and evaluated their lindane degradation performance in liquid, semi‐solid, and solid media. The results showed that several mixtures displayed higher lindane‐degrading efficiencies versus single cultures, by up to 20%–30%, in a liquid medium, although their performances were not remarkable in semi‐solid and solid media. The well‐performing mixed cultures also adapted to broader spectra of environmental conditions. We hypothesized that the central roles of two core strains (Pseudomonas putida PAM66 and a Streptommyces katrae A119) and the complicated interactions among the component strains might be attributed to the performances of the mixtures. Overall, our study supports the use of constructed mixed cultures in improving biodegradation, especially to xenobiotics like lindane, and emphasizes the importance of exploiting genome‐mining techniques to design those mixtures.
Chromosome segregation errors during early embryonic development
Authors: Kyogoku Hirohisa
Published: January 2025

Background

Mitosis maintains a genome's genetic information in daughter cells by accurately segregating chromosomes. However, chromosome aberrations are common during early mammalian embryogenesis. Chromosomal abnormalities during the early stages of embryogenesis result in the formation of mosaic embryos, wherein cells with normal genomes coexist with cells exhibiting abnormal genomes. The precise frequency and etiology of such abnormalities remain unclear. It is postulated that these aberrations contribute to the etiology of a number of conditions, including infertility and congenital diseases such as Down's syndrome.

Methods

This review synthesizes current literature and data to elucidate the causes and implications of chromosome aberrations in early mammalian embryos. It places particular emphasis on identifying patterns of mosaicism and investigating the underlying mechanisms responsible for these abnormalities.

Main Findings

The underlying causes of chromosome abnormalities in early embryos were examined in the context of DNA replication and embryonic development.

Conclusion

A deeper understanding of chromosome abnormalities in early embryos could help develop new infertility treatments and advance research on cancers caused by these abnormalities. This article reviews current knowledge and gaps in understanding chromosome segregation abnormalities during embryogenesis and future directions in this field.
In Situ Anchoring Functional Molecules to Polymer Chains Through Supramolecular Interactions for a Robust and Self‐Healing Multifunctional Waterborne Polyurethane
Authors: Zhou Chen , Zhao Nana , Liu Weiqi , Hao Fukang , Han Mengjie , Yuan Jinfeng , Pan Zhicheng , Pan Mingwang
Published: January 2025

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the development of high‐performance and multifunctional materials, but it is still a great challenge to obtain polymer materials with high mechanical properties, high self‐healing properties, and multifunctionality in one. Herein, an innovative strategy is proposed to obtain a satisfactory waterborne polyurethane (PMWPU‐Bx) by in situ anchoring 3‐aminophenylboronic acid (3‐APBA) in a pyrene‐capped waterborne polyurethane (PMWPU) via supramolecular interactions. The multiple functional sites inherent in 3‐APBA can produce supramolecular interactions with groups on PMWPU, promoting the aggregation of hard domains in the polymer network, which confers the PMWPU‐Bx strength (7.9 MPa) and high modulus (243.2 MPa). Meanwhile, the dynamic natures of boronic ester bonds formed by the condensation of 3‐APBA endow PMWPU‐Bx with a high self‐healing efficiency. Additionally, PMWPU‐Bx exhibits fluorescence tunability due to the controlled π–π stacking. In this research, the strategy of anchoring functional molecules onto polymers through supramolecular interactions synchronously achieves the high performance and the multi‐functionality of waterborne polyurethanes, but also broadens their potential applications in the fields of optical anticounterfeiting and encrypted information transmission.
The Technical Subtechnical Nontechnical Vocabulary Model: Helping Students to Make Sense of Math Story Problems
Authors: Hagge Julia , Appova Aina
Published: January 2025

Despite proficient math skills, students may struggle to make sense of and solve story problems. While educators are encouraged to promote the use of comprehension strategies, students must first understand vocabulary at all levels as they work to make sense of and solve math story problems. Language skills are a prerequisite for schema construction, which mediate the language‐related pathway to solving story problems. In this article, we examine the role of language in making sense of math story problems and discuss the types of vocabulary to consider. We provide the Technical Subtechnical Nontechnical (TSN) Vocabulary Model as an instructional planning tool to assist in supporting all students to make sense of math story problems, along with examples of how to use the tool to plan for instruction.
Decarbonization and Electrification in the Northeast: The Climate Crisis Will Foster a New Québec-United States Relationship in Electricity
Authors: Pineau Pierre-Olivier
Published: January 2025

Québec is a large hydropower producer that already exports significant amounts of electricity to New York and New England. While such trade has a long history, it never translated into a stronger relationship, such as common institutions or markets. This chapter argues that the climate crisis and the existing decarbonization aspirations in the Northeast could help bring closer together Québec and its U.S. neighbors, by making more salient the benefits for all of more regional collaboration. Such cooperation in energy has been discussed in regional political meetings for a long time, but words never translated into actions. Several pathways are possible, all leading to more affordable decarbonization results.
QAnon’s Influence in Québec, from Alexis Cossette-Trudel to Éric Duhaime: Signs of an Americanization of Québec's Political Culture?
Authors: Turgeon Alexandre
Published: January 2025

This chapter explores the American presence within social movements opposing the Québec government's health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. This contribution illustrates that these visual, political, and symbolic borrowings (marked by the seal of QAnon and fostered by the anxiety-inducing aspect of the pandemic that has shaken everything in its path) are part of and reflect an Americanization of Québec's political culture. In doing so, this essay focuses on the contribution of Alexis Cossette-Trudel, who as a conduit and thinker for this movement in Québec, played a leading role in the dissemination and propagation of QAnon's ideas. This chapter also examines the involvement of Éric Duhaime, leader of the Conservative Party of Québec, whose use of the language and codes of the QAnon movement in the run-up to Québec’s provincial election on October 3, 2022, can be arguably best viewed as part of a deliberate political calculation and ideological positioning, whose effects could be felt eventually on the benches of the National Assembly of Québec.
Discriminating between the maxillary tuberosity and the alveolar tuberosity– a critical pictorial review
Authors: Dandoczi Carol Antonio , Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Mureşan Alexandru Nicolae , Tudose Răzvan Costin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The maxillary tuberosity, a critical anatomical landmark in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, is burdened by terminological confusion. This inconsistency hampers clinical practice and communication across disciplines.

Method

Different resources were used to argue for the necessity of standardising the terminology related to maxillary tuberosity to enhance diagnostic precision and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Results

Most clinical and surgical studies dealing with the distal alveolar bone of the maxilla erroneously indicate it as “maxillary tuberosity”. By recognising the diverse definitions of this structure, errors and misinterpretation of studies could be reduced, and interdisciplinary collaboration could be improved. The term “alveolar tuberosity” is recommended to refer specifically to the distal end of the alveolar process of the maxilla. Anatomically, the maxillary tuberosity belongs to the body of the maxilla and forms part of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus; therefore, it should not be located in the alveolar process.

Conclusion

Adhering to the Terminologia Anatomica will clarify the critical clinical and surgical landmarks and enhance communication in clinical and academic settings.
Timing of acute decompensated heart failure in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Steffen Henning Johann , Abel Noah , Lau Felix , Schmitt Alexander , Reinhardt Marielen , Akin Muharrem , Bertsch Thomas , Rusnak Jonas , Weidner Kathrin , Behnes Michael , Akin Ibrahim , Schupp Tobias
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the prognosis of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) on admission (i.e., primary ADHF) as compared to ADHF onset during course of hospitalization (i.e., secondary ADHF) in patients hospitalized with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Limited data regarding the prognostic impact of the timing of onset of ADHF is available. Consecutive patients with HFmrEF and ADHF were retrospectively included at one institution from 2016 to 2022. Patients with primary ADHF were compared to patients with secondary ADHF with regard to the primary endpoint all-cause mortality at 30 months. Kaplan–Meier, uni- and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were applied for statistics. From a total of 484 patients hospitalized with HFmrEF and ADHF, 67.98% (n = 329) were admitted with primary ADHF. Patients with secondary ADHF had higher rates of concomitant acute myocardial infarction, alongside with a higher extend of coronary artery disease. The risk of all-cause mortality at 30 months was not affected by the timing of ADHF (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.853; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.653–1.115; p = 0.246). However, patients with primary ADHF were associated with a higher risk of HF-related rehospitalization at 30 months (HR = 2.513; 95% CI 1.555–4.065; p = 0.001), which was still evident after multivariable adjustment (HR = 2.347; 95% CI 1.418–3.883; p = 0.001). The timing of onset of ADHF was not associated with long-term mortality in HFmrEF, however primary ADHF was associated with a higher risk of HF-related rehospitalization.