bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Transformative Wearable Corneal Microneedle Patch for Efficient Therapy of Ocular Injury and Infection
Authors: Jiang Xue , Liu Shuhua , Chen Jiayi , Lei Jiapeng , Meng Wenjing , Wang Xueyang , Chu Zhigang , Li Wei
Published: January 2025

Ocular injury and infection are significant causes of vision impairment and blindness globally. Effective treatment is, however, challenging due to the physical barrier of the cornea, which restricts drug penetration in the eye, as well as the presence of eye injury that necessitates continuous delivery of growth factors on the ocular surface for cornea healing. Here, we introduce a transformative wearable corneal microneedle (MN) patch designed for efficient therapy of ocular injury and infection. The MN patch comprises water‐soluble tips that encapsulate antibacterial nanoparticles (NPs), along with a transformative backing layer that contains epidermal growth factor (EGF). Upon insertion into the eye, the MN tips dissolve swiftly within the cornea stroma, resulting in the release of the antimicrobial NPs to efficiently eradicate bacteria. Meanwhile, the residual backing layer undergoes rapid in situ transformation upon contact with mildly acidic fluid from infected corneal edema, converting into a contact lens that conforms to the eye's surface, which facilitates sustained release of EGF on the ocular surface over 8 h to promote corneal healing. Benefiting from these features, the designed transformative corneal MN patch demonstrates superior efficacy in treating ocular injuries and infections in vivo, offering a promising therapeutic strategy to manage eye diseases.
Lactobacillus johnsonii Generates Cyclo(pro‐trp) and Promotes Intestinal Ca2+ Absorption to Alleviate CKD–SHPT
Authors: Zeng Xiong , Sun Lihua , Xie Huichao , Gong Shenhai , Lu Caibao , Xu Zhongwei , Guan Haidi , Han Ben , Wang Wei , Zhang Zhengmin , Zhou Jieying , Wang Shuai , Chen Yihui , Xiao Weidong
Published: January 2025

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a high risk of developing secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), which may cause organ dysfunction and increase patient mortality. The main clinical interventions for CKD–SHPT involve calcium supplements to boost absorption, but ineffective for some patients, and the reasons remain unclear. Here, CKD mice are divided into high and low groups based on intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels. The high group exhibits significant changes in gut microbes, including a decrease in Lactobacillus, an increase in parathyroid hyperplasia, and a decrease in intestinal calcium. Fecal microbiota transplantation and L. johnsonii colonization indicate a link between gut microbes and CKD–SHPT. Clinically, higher L. johnsonii levels are correlated with milder hyperparathyroidism CKD–SHPT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for L. johnsonii abundance and surgical risk is 0.81, with the calibration curve confirming predictive accuracy, and decision curve analysis revealing good clinical applicability. In vivo and in vitro experiments show that cyclo(pro‐trp) enhance calcium inflow and lower iPTH levels in intestinal epithelial cells via a calcium‐sensing receptor and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 pathways. This study identified the crucial role of L. johnsonii in CKD–SHPT, unveiling a new mechanism for calcium imbalance and offering novel strategies for SHPT treatment and drug development.
The Negative Role of Proton Insertion on the Lifetime of Vanadium‐Based Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Zhu Chaoqiong , Zheng Limin , Ruan Hao , Xiao Meng , Ye Meng , Chen Ting , Wan Fang , Guo Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

Vanadium oxides are attracted cathodes for aqueous zinc batteries owing to their high capacity. However, the limited cyclability of vanadium‐based oxide cathodes, especially at low current densities, impedes their practical application. Here, it is revealed that proton insertion is responsible for the limited lifetime of vanadium oxides. Proton insertion promotes the dissolution of vanadium oxides, deteriorating electrochemical performance. Propylene carbonate (PC) is introduced into Zn(CF3SO3)2 electrolyte to regulate the coordination environment of water, forming PC‐coordinated Zn2+ solvation structure and [H2O‐CF3SO3−‐PC] complex. The optimized coordination environment of water weakens the adsorption energy between water molecules and vanadium oxides, inhibiting proton insertion. As a result, vanadium‐based oxides cathode without proton insertion can maintain the stability of crystal structure and avoid the dissolution of V. Taking CaV8O20·nH2O as cathode, Zn||CaV8O20·nH2O battery without proton insertion performs enhanced cycling performance. This work not only reveals the negative effect of proton insertion on the lifetime of vanadium‐based oxides cathode but also provides an effective strategy to modulate proton insertion.
Inversion of Circularly Polarized Luminescence in the Left‐Handed Chitosan‐Templated Co‐assemblies
Authors: An Yu , Shen Zhaocun , Zhang Fang , Yang Qiuya , Han Zihan , Wang Mingjie , Ma Hongze , Yu Linjie , Yuan Wei , Sui Kunyan
Published: January 2025

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials are attractive due to their unique applications in fields such as 3D displays, information encryption, and chiroptical switches. Natural biomolecules‐based CPL materials are gaining plenty of attention due to their chiral diversity and sustainability. However, it is still challenging to construct CPL materials with opposite CPL signs from a single natural biomolecule due to its inherent chirality. Here, chiral assemblies with opposite CPL signs using chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) and achiral luminescent dyes are successfully prepared. It is found that COS can serve as a chiral template to induce the ordered assembly of the dyes along the polymer chain through electrostatic attraction interaction. It is demonstrated experimentally that the structural planarity of the dye molecules is crucial for the formation of chiral co‐assemblies. Interestingly, the left‐handed COS‐templated co‐assemblies can emit CPL with opposite handedness, which is controlled by the helicity degree of the co‐assemblies. This study not only deepens the understanding of the complex assembly of natural biomacromolecules but also provides new insights into the design and construction of CPL materials.
Evolutionary Pro‐To‐Thr Mutation in the Intrinsically Disordered Domain of ANP32 Family Members Modulates Their Target Binding Modes
Authors: Baños‐Jaime Blanca , Uceda‐Mayo Ana B. , Rivero‐Rodríguez Francisco , Casado‐Combreras Miguel Á. , Velázquez‐Cruz Alejandro , Velázquez‐Campoy Adrián , Corrales‐Guerrero Laura , De la Rosa Miguel A. , Díaz‐Moreno Irene
Published: January 2025

Gene duplication has allowed protein evolution toward novel functions and mechanisms. The differences between paralogous genes frequently rely on the sequence of disordered regions. For instance, in mammals, the chaperones ANP32A and ANP32B share a common evolutionary line and have some exchangeable functions based on their similar N‐terminal domains. Nevertheless, their C‐terminal low‐complexity‐acidic‐regions (LCARs) display substantial sequence differences, unveiling some degree of variability between them, in agreement with their different tissue‐specific expression patterns. These structural and computational results indicate that a substitution in the vicinity of the nuclear localization signal (NLS), of Pro in ANP32A for Thr in ANP32B, determines the overall compactness of the C‐terminal LCAR. The different structural properties of the disordered region affect the binding mode of ANP32 members to their targets. This type of divergent binding mode is exemplified with the extra‐mitochondrial cytochrome c (Cc), a well‐known ANP32B partner and which now determine also binds to ANP32A; and with the RNA binding protein HuR, whose export to the cytoplasm is mediated by ANP32 proteins under stress. Therefore, differential expression patterns of ANP32A or ANP32B may affect the regulation of Cc and HuR and can help to explain the distinct roles of these proteins in diseases.
Machine Learning‐Powered Optimization of a CHO Cell Cultivation Process
Authors: Richter Jannik , Wang Qimin , Lange Ferdinand , Thiel Phil , Yilmaz Nina , Solle Dörte , Zhuang Xiaoying , Beutel Sascha
Published: January 2025

Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are the most widely used cell lines to produce recombinant therapeutic proteins such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). However, the optimization of the CHO cell culture process is very complex and influenced by various factors. This study investigates the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to optimize an established industrial CHO cell cultivation process. A ML algorithm in the form of an artificial neural network (ANN) was used and trained on datasets from historical and newly generated CHO cell cultivation runs. The algorithm was then used to find better cultivation conditions and improve cell productivity. The selected artificial intelligence (AI) tool was able to suggest optimized cultivation settings and new condition combinations, which promised both increased cell growth and increased mAb titers. After performing the validation experiments, it was shown that the ML algorithm was able to successfully optimize the cultivation process and significantly improve the antibody production. The best results showed an increase in final mAb titer up to 48%, demonstrating that the use of ML algorithms is a promising approach to optimize the productivity of bioprocesses like CHO cell cultivation processes clearly.
Internationalisation, Waste Management and Board Attributes
Authors: Uyar Ali , Al‐Shaer Habiba , Kuzey Cemil , Karaman Abdullah S.
Published: January 2025

We investigate whether internationalisation is significantly associated with waste management. Secondly, by focusing on two critical board attributes, we investigate whether female and tenured directors help enable internationalised firms' better waste management. We find that more internationalised firms produce more waste; this result is robust to various waste proxies such as total waste, hazardous and nonhazardous waste and waste scaled by turnover. Although they tend to engage with less recycling, the result is insignificant. Furthermore, we find that both female and tenured directors significantly moderate between internationalisation and waste management; they help reduce waste in internationalised firms. However, they cannot significantly moderate between internationalisation and waste recycling, which seems a missing link in better waste management of internationalised firms. The results imply that multinationals pollute the environment by producing more waste and not engaging in waste recycling. Given the cross‐border scale of their manufacturing, sales and/or logistics operations, the findings are of critical importance for multinationals, their governance structure and stakeholders. We posit that international firms are more exposed to visibility and hence are under the scrutiny of stakeholders such as regulatory bodies, the press and environmentalists. Waste production and lack of waste recycling might trigger legitimacy concerns and incompatibility sanctions.
Assessment of the Properties and Mechanism of Three Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Parts for Sleep Improvement
Authors: He Shiyi , Wang Chenxi , Shi Wenqing , Zhou Chunyan , Liu Chenxi , Xu Ying , Jiang Xinhui , Gui Yaxing , Fan Guorong
Published: January 2025

Lotus leaves (LL), petals (LP), and seeds (LS) are believed to have properties that can improve sleep. However, their efficacy in improving sleep has not been fully validated. This study aimed to investigate the multitarget mechanisms of extracts from these lotus parts for sleep improvement using chemical analysis, bioactivity assessment, meta‐analysis, network pharmacology evaluation, and molecular docking. The chemical components in LL, LP, and LS were detected using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet–quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry, their total flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined, and their 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity was estimated. Subsequently, relevant literature was collected for meta‐analysis. Finally, potential targets were predicted using network pharmacology, and the results were validated by molecular docking. 48 compounds were identified from the lotus extracts. LL had the highest total flavonoid content, while LS had the highest total phenolic content. Extracts from both parts exerted significant antioxidant effects. A meta‐analysis identified the potential of lotus to improve sleep. Armepavine, asimilobine, nuciferin, and luteolin were identified as key components, and AKT1, EGFR, DRD2, and PIK3R1 were revealed as key targets. PI3K‐Akt was identified as a key signaling pathway. This study provides an important reference for studying the role of the lotus in improving sleep quality.
P‐min‐Stable Regression Models for Time Series With Extreme Values of Limited Range
Authors: Nascimento Leonardo Brandao Freitas , Lima Max Sousa , Duczmal Luiz H.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a P‐min‐stable regression model is proposed for a time series of extreme values observed in a limited interval. The model may be useful when the variable or indicator of interest is the minimum value of a series restricted to the unit interval and is related to other variables through a regression structure. The serial extremal dependence is induced through the marginalization of the Kumaraswamy distribution conditioned on a latent ‐stable process. The model is flexible to capture trends, seasonality, and non‐stationarity. Some properties of the model are presented, as well as the extremogram of the series. Procedures for estimation and inference are discussed and implemented via an Expectation‐Maximization algorithm. As an illustration, the model was used to analyze the minimum relative humidity observed in the Brazilian Amazon.
Role Identity, Loneliness, and Bereavement During the Pandemic in Japan: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Toyoshima Aya
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly restricted social activities, prompting a re‐examination of community dynamics. In Japan, where families are central, the absence of a spouse increases susceptibility to loneliness and isolation. The loss of a spouse, especially during the pandemic, has heightened these issues among middle‐aged and older individuals. Limited quantitative studies on pandemic‐related bereavement in Japan underscore the need to understand the associated risks of loneliness and social isolation. This study aimed to examine the relationships between role identity as a member of the local community, loneliness, and social support among middle‐aged and older adults. This study also examined whether there were differences in the relationships between those who had experienced bereavement and those who had not.

Methods

An Internet survey was conducted with Japanese adults (aged 50–74 years), including those who experienced bereavement during the pandemic. The final sample included 322 participants (154 in the bereavement group and 168 in the cohabiting group). The variables, measured using psychological scales, included role identity as a local resident, social capital (trust, reciprocity, and membership), loneliness, and social support (family and friendship).

Results

The higher trust and role identity were related to lower loneliness. Membership in the cohabiting group was related to lower level of loneliness and higher level of social supports. However, membership in the bereavement group was not related to either. Furthermore, trust and reciprocity were related to loneliness and social support.

Conclusion

These results indicated that the role identity and perception of social capital related to preventing isolation and loneliness for bereaved people.
A Perspective on Lung Cancer and Lung Microbiome: Insight on Immunity
Authors: Emadi Reza , Saki Sasan , Yousefi Parastoo , Tabibzadeh Alireza
Published: January 2025

Background

Although the carcinogenic potential of microbes has long been recognized, their significance may have been underestimated. Currently, the connection between microbiota and cancer is under extensive research. The lung microbiota may serve as a proxy for the state of lung health based on its crucial role in preserving lung hemostasis.

Objectives

This review tried to outline the state of our understanding of the contribution of lung microbiome and lung cancer.

Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for recent research focusing on the development and possible pathogenesis of lung microbiome and lung cancer.

Results

Early research on lung cancer indicated that dysbiosis significantly impacted the development and spread of the tumor. As a result of these findings, the study of the lung microbiota as a possible therapeutic target and diagnostic marker has accelerated. Early‐stage disease diagnostic biomarkers could be represented as microbiota profiles. Additionally, the microbiome is involved in anticancer therapy. There are limited studies on lung microbiota, and most microbiome studies commonly concentrate on the gut microbiota. A proper understanding of lung microbiota can have several potential therapeutic approaches. Therefore, more studies in this field may initiate remarkable advancements in microbiome‐dependent treatment.

Conclusion

Convincing data from studies on both humans and animals indicates that the microbiota might play a role in cancer initiation, influenced by internal and environmental factors of the host. Notably, the lung harbors its microbiome, as do lung cancers. In general view, it seems microbiome diversity in lung cancer patients is reduced. Meanwhile, some genera were increased in lung cancer patients in comparison with a noncancerous population (such as Streptococcus genus), and some of them were decreased (Granulicatella adiacens, G. adiacens). Furthermore, research on the microbiome‐carcinogenesis relationship is still in its infancy, and much remains to be fully understood.
Human Versus Robot: Comparing Service Agents in Hospitality Settings—Insights From a Field Study
Authors: Schmidt Alexander Lennart , Koerten Klaas , Tuomi Aarni , El‐Manstrly Dahlia , Wiegerink Karoline
Published: January 2025

The hospitality industry is facing personnel challenges, including personnel shortages and high staff turnover, asking practitioners to explore service robots to enhance competitiveness. While prior academic studies have primarily relied on hypothetical or conceptual research, there remains a pressing need for real‐life field studies to assess the practical impacts of service robots in hospitality. This study examines the comparative effects of human and robotic service agents at the touchpoint of information provision in a real‐world hotel setting. Using a field experiment with 200 participants, where both service agents (human and robot) were simultaneously available, we assess service agent's impact on guests' experience of hospitality, satisfaction, and revisiting intentions. The findings reveal indifferent effects between human and robotic agents, challenging assumptions that robots negatively impact guest experiences. Contrary to debates suggesting that human agents are superior in hospitality roles, our results indicate that service robots can effectively complement human staff, reducing demand for frontline personnel and lowering operational costs without diminishing guest satisfaction. This study highlights the potential of integrating robotic agents into the hospitality frontline, particularly for routine tasks like information provision. We acknowledge limitations, including the focus on a single touchpoint, and call for broader research across diverse guest interactions and touchpoints. Future studies should also explore the underlying factors influencing guests' choice of service agents. These findings offer practical implications for tackling labor shortages while maintaining service quality, providing actionable insights for the hospitality industry in the context of digital transformation.
Rapid screening and identification of novel dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitory peptides from buffalo milk
Authors: Zheng Qianqian , Luo Xin , Pan Daodong , Wang Yanli , Suo Shikun , Dang Yali , Gao Xinchang
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Peptidomics combined with molecular docking is an effective alternative method for rapid screening of novel bioactive peptides in food. Buffalo milk as a potential source of dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitory peptides has been less studied. Peptidomics and molecular docking methods were employed to rapidly screen new DPP‐IV inhibitory peptides from buffalo milk. The screened DPP‐IV inhibitory peptides were further verified using an in vitro inhibition assay and a Caco‐2 cell assay.

RESULTS

The DPP‐IV inhibition rate of buffalo milk was increased from 73.40 ± 6.01% to 97.23 ± 3.18% in an in vitro digestion assay, suggesting that buffalo milk could be a promising source of DPP‐IV inhibitory peptides. Subsequently, two novel peptides (GPFPIIV and FPQYL) with potential DPP‐IV inhibitory activity were screened using peptidomics, molecular docking and an in vitro inhibitory assay. The IC50 values for GPFPIIV and FPQYL were 0.2998 ± 0.03 and 0.1407 ± 0.01 mg mL−1, respectively. During simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro, FPQYL had an excellent digestive stability of 92.13 ± 1.03%, whereas that of GPFPIIV was 59.52 ± 2.56%. In addition, GPFPIIV and FPQYL (1.00 mg mL−1) showed significant DPP‐IV inhibitory effects in a Caco‐2 cell assay, with the inhibition rate increasing to 32% and 36%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In summary, two new DPP‐IV inhibitory peptides were screened from buffalo milk through a combination of peptidomics and molecular docking, both of which exhibited significant DPP‐IV inhibitory activities. The identified peptides, GPFPIIV and FPQYL, have promising applications in diabetes management. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
#Fittok: How Fitfluencers' Videos on Tiktok Impact Adolescents' Body Satisfaction, Workout Intention, and Behavior
Authors: de Brabandere Marloes , Hudders Liselot , Vanwesenbeeck Ini
Published: January 2025

Fitfluencers often flaunt their ideal bodies on TikTok. Additionally, they frequently demonstrate workouts and give authentic insights into their lives. Through three experiments, we examine how these videos impact adolescents' (14–18 years) body satisfaction and workout intention and behavior. Study 1 (N = 221) shows no significant difference between fitfluencers' posing and workout TikTok videos on body satisfaction and workout intention. The Solomon four‐group design of Study 2 (N = 176) shows that fitfluencers' posing TikTok videos (vs. lifehack videos) induce more appearance comparison and more contrastive comparison feelings, which lead to less body satisfaction. Effects on workout intention were not significant. Study 3 (N = 154) similarly shows that fitfluencers' videos (posing and authenticity vs. lifehack), induce more appearance comparison and more contrastive comparison feelings, which lead to less body satisfaction, as in Study 2. They also induce more assimilative comparison feelings, which lead to a greater workout intention. Exercise behavior did not differ across all three video types. As in Study 1, no significant differences between fitfluencers' videos (posing and authenticity) were found. This study contributes to social comparison theory and fitfluencer literature by showing that assimilative and contrastive comparison feelings drive different dependent variables.
Thermal and fatigue failure properties of graphene oxide/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber composites: New perspectives on the role of interface and interphase
Authors: Nargesi Azam Faezeh , Alimardani Mohammad , Shokoohi Shirin
Published: January 2025

Damages originating from self‐generated heat in rubbers with low thermal conductivity properties constitute a major share of failure in many rubber applications. There are still contradictory results concerning the direction through which the nanoscale phenomena including the interface strength, the interphase as a layer with slowed‐down dynamics, and the filler dispersion contribute to the thermal conductivity of nanocomposites. Thermal failure properties depend on the net effect of the interfacial phenomena on the thermal accumulation and conductivity. Two grades of NBR (Acrylonitrile–Butadiene Rubber) having various levels of Acrylonitrile (ACN) content were reinforced with Graphene oxide (GO) at low (0.5) and high (3) parts per hundred rubber (phr) to create the diverse range of polymer–filler and filler–filler interactions. Thermodynamically‐based indicators relying on the surface energy of the components were employed in conjunction with the experimental means (scanning electron microscopy) to quantify the degree of interface strength, the interphase, and the dispersion quality. Measuring the thermal conductivity properties of the prepared samples, it was found that NBR40 containing 3 phr of GO, while presenting the highest volume of interphase and interface strength, shows the maximum thermal accumulation. It was found that interphase had no negative effect on thermal conductivity, and thus NBR40 also exhibited maximum thermal conductivity. The combinatory effect of thermal accumulation and conductivity on failure was further monitored by performing a high‐frequency fatigue crack growth experiment.

Highlights

Evaluating role of interfacial phenomena on the thermal and fatigue failure

Quantifying the degree of interface strength, the interphase and the dispersion

Formation of interphase had no negative impact on the thermal conductivity

Stiffness of interphase layer was found to be the cause of better conductivity

Filler volume effects had a priority role on conductivity than surface effects
Unveiling Impurity Profiling of Synthetic Pathways of Organophosphorus Chlorpyrifos Through LC‐HRMS Metabolomics‐Based Approaches
Authors: Orlandi C. , Delaporte G. , Albaret C. , Joubert E. , Bossée A. , Debrauwer L. , Jamin E. L.
Published: January 2025

Sourcing in chemical forensic science refers to the attribution of a sample to a specific source using a characteristic signature. It relies on the identification of chemical attribution signatures (CAS), including chemical markers such as residual synthetic precursors, impurities, reaction by‐products and degradation products, or even metabolites. Undertaking CAS for chemical threat agents (CTA) can be used to provide an evidentiary link between the use of a given chemical and its precursor(s) to support forensic investigations. Organophosphorus compounds, a class of nerve agents, can be produced by different, more or less complex synthesis routes that can lead to specific CAS. Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphorus pesticide, was selected as model compound. To assess the specificity of impurity markers originated from a chemical synthesis, untargeted fingerprints of crude CPF from different synthesis pathways were analyzed as a first use‐case using metabolomics‐based trace discovery strategies. Seven different CPF synthesis routes were considered, and their crude mixtures were analyzed with a minimal sample preparation. Analyses were performed on a trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Chemometrics analyses were conducted with multivariate methods to extract discriminating features (i.e., relevant impurities), annotate, and identify them. Then, unknown samples were analyzed in blind conditions without any information of the synthesis pathway employed. The aim is to validate the methodology seeking some discriminating impurities identified in the first section to attribute and classify them according to the synthesis route.
Neuro‐Adaptive Singularity‐Free Fixed‐Time Constrained Trajectory Tracking Control of HFVs With Specified Accuracy
Authors: Dong Zehong , Lv Maolong , Da Xingya , Zhang Qingrui
Published: January 2025

This article proposes a singularity‐free, fixed‐time adaptive trajectory‐constrained tracking strategy for hypersonic flight vehicles (HFVs) subject to asymmetric time‐varying state constraints, uncertain dynamics, and unknown external disturbances. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐art results in HFVs fixed‐time control, the peculiar characteristics of our design consist of ensuring state tracking errors to converge to specified compact sets (whose size can be made arbitrarily small via appropriate parameter selection) within fixed time, and in guaranteeing that tracking errors are enforced within the preset compact sets, which not only preserves the constraints satisfaction but warrants the validity of the adopted neural network approximator. To those purposes, a new tangent‐type barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is introduced for the purpose of ensuring flight state tracking errors to within the preassigned asymmetric time‐varying compact sets. Apart from this, the singularity issue and oscillation problem are overcome by delicately introducing a smooth sign function. Comparative simulation results finally validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Using the Lenses of Organizational Culture and Climate for Research on Science Teacher Professional Learning
Authors: Tanas Jamie , Fulmer Gavin W. , Hansen William E. , Ashley Fulmer C.
Published: January 2025

Teachers are members of school district organizations that have their own organizational culture and climate. We differentiate a school or district as an organizational cultural context from the broader community cultural context or individual sociocultural background; it stands as an intermediate context with effects that may differ from the external cultural influences while having profound influences on teachers’ thoughts, feelings, and actions. In this conceptual paper, we review the theoretical foundations of organizational culture and organizational climate, and the corresponding ideas of assumptions, values, artifacts, and shared perceptions of policies, practices, and routines. We then summarize types of research questions and research methods that are well‐suited to the organizational culture and climate framework. We apply these concepts to two example cases from the field of science education. We identify potential research opportunities for organizational culture and climate in science education that can extend and deepen our efforts to understand teachers’ experiences within school organizations. This paper is part of the special issue on Teacher Learning and Practice within Organizational Contexts.
Characteristic Structure of the Relationships Among Depression, Maladaptive Cognition, and Internet Addiction and Its Temporal Evolution in University Students: A Network Analysis
Authors: Tian Yu , Ding Hongjun , Li Yanfang
Published: January 2025

This study explored the structure and temporal evolution of the relationship among depression, maladaptive cognition, and internet addiction (DMI) among university students by focusing on topological and dynamic properties in a network analysis. A 3‐year longitudinal survey was conducted with 873 university students (Mage = 18.32, SD = 0.74). The results of network analysis showed “compulsive internet use and withdrawal symptoms” as part of internet addiction and “depressive emotions” as part of depression were the core characteristics in the DMI relational structure. Additionally, “compulsive internet use and withdrawal symptoms” was most pronounced for freshmen, whereas “depressive emotions” were most pronounced for sophomores and juniors. These findings suggest that interventions addressing DMI among university students should not only focus on the key aspects of “compulsive internet use and withdrawal symptoms” and “depressive emotions,” but also consider differences between students at different years of study.
Progress in Experimental Methods Using Model Electrodes for the Development of Noble‐Metal‐Based Oxygen Electrocatalysts in Fuel Cells and Water Electrolyzers
Authors: Kodama Kensaku , Todoroki Naoto
Published: January 2025

Hydrogen plays a key role in maximizing the benefits of renewable energy, and the widespread adoption of water electrolyzers and fuel cells, which convert the chemical energy of hydrogen and electrical energy into each other, is strongly desired. Electrocatalysts used in these devices, typically in the form of nanoparticles, are crucial components because they significantly affect cell performance, but their raw materials rely on limited resources. In catalyst research, electrochemical experimental studies using model catalysts, such as single‐crystal electrodes, have provided valuable information on reaction and degradation mechanisms, as well as catalyst development strategies aimed at overcoming the trade‐off between activity and durability, across spatial scales ranging from the atomic to the nanoscale. Traditionally, these experiments are conducted using well‐defined, simple model surfaces like bare single‐crystal electrodes in pure systems. However, in recent years, experimental methods using more complex interfaces—while still precisely controlling elemental distribution, microstructure, and modification patterns—have been established. This paper reviews the history of those studies focusing on noble‐metal‐based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions and oxygen evolution reactions, which account for the majority of efficiency losses in fuel cells and water electrolyzers, respectively. Furthermore, potential future research themes in experimental studies using model electrodes are identified.
Effect of repeated vincristine administration on platelet count in cats with lymphoma
Authors: Marceglia Giulia , Zoia Andrea , Petini Matteo
Published: January 2025

Background

Vincristine is a chemotherapy drug used to treat haemopoietic tumours such as lymphomas. In healthy dogs and those with immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia, vincristine administration increases platelet count. Conversely, myelosuppression is a reported adverse effect. However, information on the haematological effects of vincristine in cats is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to determine platelet count variation following vincristine administration in cats with lymphoma.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of cats receiving a cytological or histological diagnosis of lymphoma between 2010 and 2023 was conducted. Cats were eligible for inclusion if they received vincristine and a complete blood count was performed before and after its administration. Each vincristine administration was recorded as a sequential event. The change in platelet count following vincristine administration was then calculated.

Results

For the 52 cats included in the study, a total of 94 vincristine treatments were administered in up to four sequential treatment events. The cats' post‐treatment platelet counts were always higher than their pre‐treatment counts; however, the difference only became statistically significant after the second vincristine administration (mean difference 53.2 ± 124.4 × 103 µL; p = 0.019).

Limitations

Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the blood sampling protocol was not standardised, and the timings of the complete blood count analyses differed between individual cases, which may have affected the results.

Conclusion

Repeated vincristine administration does not cause thrombocytopenia in cats with lymphoma and is not contraindicated in thrombocytopenic cats.
Evaluating the accuracy of DFT functionals applying for determining geometries of coumarin derivatives using the averaged Cartesian atomic coordinates
Authors: Hien Nguyen Khoa , Van Bay Mai , Vo Quan V. , Duy Y Ngo , Quang Duong Tuan , Nam Pham Cam
Published: January 2025

This study reports a new approximate method to create reference data for evaluating the accuracy of density functional theory (DFT) functionals in predicting optimized geometries of ground states (GSs) and excited states (ESs), as an alternative to the limited reference data from high‐accuracy theoretical levels. This method utilized atomic coordinates within molecules to assess accuracy in predicting optimized geometries, rather than relying solely on individual parameters such as bond lengths, bond angles, and dihedral angles. Additionally, the method used the averaged Cartesian atomic coordinates within molecules obtained from multiple DFT functionals as reference values, instead of the atomic coordinates derived from high‐accuracy theoretical levels. This approach was demonstrated to yield reliable results based on comparative evaluation with a reference dataset of optimized geometries for GSs and ESs obtained at CC3/CCSDR(3) and EOM‐CCSD. These new findings opened opportunities for assessing the accuracy of DFT functions in predicting optimized geometries, particularly for medium‐to‐large organic molecules, where reference structures are challenging to obtain. This method was applied to evaluate the accuracy of 10 DFT functionals in predicting optimized geometries of the GS and ES of 25 coumarin derivatives. The results showed that the PBE0, APFD, and CAM‐B3LYP functionals provided the safest and most reliable accuracy. In contrast, the PBE and BP86 functionals provided the least safe and least reliable accuracy for optimized geometries of the GS and ES. These findings were obtained from the results of research conducted on a limited number of coumarin derivatives (25 compounds) and a restricted set of DFT functionals (10 functionals). Therefore, further similar studies are needed to expand the applicability of these research results.
Women’s Experiences in Education in Turkmenistan
Authors: Orazova Aknur , Kuzhabekova Aliya
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the experiences of women in education in the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan. The exploration is based on the review of the relevant policies, reports, statistics, and scholarly research, as well as on the data from written accounts of women who had experiences in the education system of the country. We first provide a quick overview of the situation with gender equality generally and in education more specifically during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods. We then use data from the written accounts to explore in greater detail the unique experiences of women in education and the way the experiences are shaped by a variety of cultural and societal beliefs. The primary criteria of eligibility for participation in the written accounts was being a woman holding at least a certificate of completion of secondary education in Turkmenistan. The common themes emerging from the participants’ insights included the various challenges faced by women in education, the pervasive family influence, and the irreconcilable differentiation between what is considered masculine and feminine behaviors. In addition, we revealed the women’s awareness about their agency and the importance of empowerment.
Lessons Learned and Pathways to the Future
Authors: Kuzhabekova Aliya , Durrani Naureen , Kataeva Zumrad
Published: January 2025

This volume marked the first attempt to compile current research on the intersection of gender and education in Central Asia. Divided into two distinct parts, the first section offered a comparative examination of the gender policy landscape, encompassing both contemporary and historical perspectives, along with an analysis of various gender equality indicators across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
Feasibility
Authors: Hollnaicher Simon
Published: January 2025

This chapter argues for understanding feasibility as a form of restricted possibility, drawing on Wiens’ (2015) account, and demonstrates its fittingness and relevance to understanding scientific feasibility assessments in the climate context. Feasibility concerns the question of how we can achieve a particular outcome. An outcome is feasible when there is a trajectory from here to the outcome in question that is compatible with the various limitations we face. The chapter begins with four illustrative anecdotes of feasibility judgments made by various actors in the climate policy debate. The chapter then reviews two prominent philosophical accounts of feasibility. The Conditional Probability Account defines feasibility as the probability of success given an agent’s efforts but is critiqued for being too narrow for assessing complex social goals. In contrast, Wiens’ conception of feasibility as restricted possibility – attainability constrained by available resources and processes – captures the pathway-oriented nature of feasibility assessments better in scientific and policy contexts. However, the chapter argues that Wiens’ account faces two unresolved challenges: distinguishing feasibility from mere practical possibility and explaining how we sometimes make meaningful comparative feasibility claims among policy options.
Value Judgments in IAMs
Authors: Hollnaicher Simon
Published: January 2025

This chapter provides a detailed taxonomy of the value judgments embedded in Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) and their outputs. It identifies eight aspects and areas of integrated modeling where value judgments influence scenario evidence, shaping how feasibility is assessed: (1) in choosing feasibility indicators and defining constraints, (2) in agenda-setting, (3) in the cost-effectiveness framework against other burden sharing principles, (4) in the conceptualization of well-being, (5) in representing global and social inequality, (6) in representing intergenerational inequality, especially in discounting future costs, (7) in defining the modeling domain, and (8) in the handling of uncertainty and inductive risk. For each aspect, the chapter explicates the embedded value judgments, contextualizes common modeling practices, and contrasts them with alternative value perspectives.
Massive celestial amplitudes and celestial amplitudes beyond four points
Authors: Liu Reiko , Ma Wen-Jie
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We compute scalar three-point celestial amplitudes involving two and three massive scalars. The three-point coefficient of celestial amplitudes with two massive scalars contains a hypergeometric function, and the one with three massive scalars can be represented as a triple Mellin-Barnes integral. Using these three-point celestial amplitudes, we investigate the conformal block expansions of five- and six-point scalar celestial amplitudes in the comb channel. We observe the presence of two-particle operators in the conformal block expansion of five-point celestial amplitudes, which confirms the previous analysis by taking multi-collinear limit. Moreover, we find that there are new three-particle operators in the conformal block expansion of six-point celestial amplitudes. Based on these findings, we conjecture that exchanges of n-particle operators can be observed by considering the comb channel conformal block expansion of (n + 3)-point massless celestial amplitudes. Finally, we show that a new series of operators appears when turning on the mass of the first incoming particle. The leading operator in this series can be interpreted as a two-particle exchange in the OPE of one massive and one massless scalars.
Exact bifurcation analysis of the static response of a Fermi–Pasta–Ulam softening chain with short and long-range interactions
Authors: Challamel N. , Combescure C. , Picandet V. , Ferretti M. , Luongo A.
Published: January 2025

This paper is devoted to the static bifurcation of a nonlinear elastic chain with softening and both direct and indirect interactions. This system is also known as a generalized softening FPU system (Fermi–Pasta–lam nonlinear lattice) with

$$p = 2$$

p
=
2

nonlinear interactions (nonlinear direct and second-neighbouring interactions). The static response of this n-degree-of-freedom nonlinear system under pure tension loading is theoretically and numerically investigated. The mathematical problem is equivalent to a nonlinear fourth-order difference eigenvalue problem. The bifurcation parameters are calculated from the exact resolution of the fourth-order linearized difference eigenvalue problem. It is shown that the bifurcation diagram of the generalized softening FPU system depends on the stiffness ratio of both the linear and the nonlinear parts of the nonlinear lattice, which accounts for both short range and long range interactions. This system possesses both a saddle node bifurcation (limit point) and some unstable bifurcation branches for the parameters of interest. We show that for some range of structural parameters, the bifurcations in (n−1) unstable bifurcation branches prevail before the limit point. In the complementary domain of the structural parameters, the bifurcations in (n−1) unstable bifurcation branches prevail after the limit point, which means that the system becomes unstable first, at the limit point. At the border between both domains in the space of structural parameters, the bifurcation in (n−1) unstable bifurcation branches coincide with the limit point, with an addition unstable fundamental branch. This case is the hill-top bifurcation, already analysed by Challamel et al. (Int J Non-Linear Mech 156(104509): 1-11, 2023) in the case

$$p= 1$$

p
=
1

interaction. We also numerically highlight the possibility for such a generalized FPU system to possess possible imperfection sensitivity. Numerical results support the fact that the structural boundary of the hill-top bifurcation coincides with the transition between imperfection sensitive to imperfection insensitive systems.
Evaluating the Benefit of a Urogynecologic Telehealth Consultation after Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury
Authors: Bonasia Kyra , Luong Susan , Stairs Jocelyn , Clancy Aisling
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI) are associated with significant risk of complications, including pain, infection, and long-term pelvic floor dysfunction. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the utility and acceptability of a postpartum telehealth consultation focused on pelvic floor health for patients after OASI.

Methods

This prospective study used a pre–post design comparing standard postpartum care versus standard postpartum care plus a telehealth urogynecology consultation focused on pelvic floor recovery. The primary outcome was symptom burden as measured by the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) score 16-weeks postpartum. Patient experience was evaluated using the QQ10 and the Patient Enablement Instrument. T-tests and chi-squared tests were used to compare groups.

Results

A total of 119 participants completed study activities (control group n = 62, intervention group n = 57). There was no significant difference between the two groups in PFDI-20 scores (55.6 versus 46.6, p = 0.23). The individual items most likely to be endorsed among all participants were related to flatal incontinence (52.1%) and fecal urgency (49.6%). For the subset analysis of 35 patients with severe OASI (3C or fourth-degree tears), those who had a telehealth consultation had lower PFDI-20 scores (56.6 versus 34.7; p = 0.04). QQ10 estimated a value score of 79/100 and a burden score of 18/100 for the telehealth consultation.

Conclusions

A postpartum telehealth consultation focused on pelvic floor health may benefit patients with severe OASI who reported reduced symptom burden. Participants rated a telehealth consultation as high value and low burden for this condition.
Angle Combinations in Tilings of the Sphere by Angle Congruent Pentagons
Authors: Luk Hoi Ping , Yan Min
Published: January 2025

We develop a systematic method for deriving the angle combinations at all vertices in an edge-to-edge tiling of the sphere by pentagons with the same five angles. The method provides an effective and necessary tool in solving many tiling problems about pentagonal tilings of the sphere. More significantly, we determine all the angle combinations that allow free and continuous choices of two angle values.