bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Near‐Infrared Photodetection in a Mixed‐Dimensional 0D/2D Heterostructure via Two‐Photon Absorption
Authors: Liao Kan , Ding Ke , Li Si , Zhang Xu , Bi Yanfeng , Zhang Chunfeng , Hu Fengrui , Wang Lin , Xiao Min , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: February 2025

The perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are featured with a strong two‐photon absorption (TPA) due to the quantum‐confinement effect, but suffer from a short transport distance of the photogenerated charge carriers isolated within the 0D spatial volumes. On the other hand, the 2D semiconductors of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) possess a large carrier transport mobility across the homogeneous monolayer, whose atomic‐scale thickness results in too poor an absorption capability to accommodate plentiful charge carriers upon light illumination. Here a solid film of the perovskite CsPbBr3 NCs is deposited on top of a TMDC WSe2 monolayer to form a mixed‐dimensional 0D/2D heterostructure, whose charge‐transfer interaction is facilitated by the type‐II band alignment between the two composing materials. According to the ultrafast transient reflection measurements, the photogenerated holes in the CsPbBr3 NCs can migrate into the WSe2 monolayer within ≈800 fs to yield the current flow in a photodetector fabricated out of this 0D/2D heterostructure. When the CsPbBr3 NCs are excited at the TPA wavelength of ≈1015 nm corresponding to the resonant bandgap transition, a responsivity of ≈7.5 × 10−5 A W−1 is achieved that is the highest among all the currently‐available values from the various photodetectors operated under the TPA conditions.
Managing Surface Reconstruction Enables Bright, Stable, and Cost‐Performance Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Deng Yanyu , Zhang Zhiguo , Ren Guanhua , Liu Wenwen , Li Zhuowei , Liu Chunyu , Li Zhiqi , Guo Wenbin
Published: February 2025

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite is emerging as one of the most promising light source technologies. Various interfacial agents have been widely used on perovskite surfaces, aiming to achieve high brightness and stability in perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) by eliminating the adverse effects of excess organic halide residues. However, there are only scattered reports available on the unreacted halide distribution, interfacial solvent effect, and cost‐performance for surface engineering, calling for low‐cost strategies to address these challenges. Here, the distribution of unreacted halide species is visualized and the effect of solvent‐dominated surface reconstruction on performance is pointed. Experimental and computational studies reveal that the surface lattice distortion caused by the interaction between solvents and crystals increases non‐radiative losses, thus deteriorating device performance. By managing surface reconstruction using a low‐cost mixture‐solvent surface reconstruction strategy, cost‐effective PeLEDs is obtained with a high radiance of 1103.31 W sr−1 m−2 and an extended lifetime of 84.8 h operated at a current density of 100 mA cm−2, representing the highest brightness for FAPbI3‐based PeLEDs.
Boosting Single‐Photon Extraction Efficiency in GaN Through Radiative Mode Conversion
Authors: Hong Kee Suk , Lim Hee‐Jin , Ko Young‐Ho , Kim Kap‐Joong , Lee Junhee , Song Jung‐Hoon , Kim Seong‐Han , Choi Junho , Lee Sun‐Goo , Lee Wook‐Jae
Published: February 2025

Highly stable and bright single‐photon emitters at room temperature are fundamental components of quantum information technologies, which support advanced applications such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. A key challenge in realizing these technologies is the creation of efficient single‐photon sources capable of emitting across a broad spectral range. While defect‐based materials such as diamond, SiC, 2D materials and III‐nitrides show significant promise, broadband single‐photon extraction remains a considerable obstacle, often restricted to narrow emission bands through the use of resonant cavities. In this work, a novel approach is introduced to enhance the broadband extraction efficiency of single photons from GaN, a versatile III‐nitride material. By directly patterning circular Bragg gratings with partially etched trenches onto the GaN surface, efficient radiation mode conversion, boosting single‐photon extraction over a wide spectral bandwidth, is achieved. Crucially, this method eliminates the need for resonant cavities, which rely on precise period control through photolithography to achieve narrow bandwidth resonant modes, thereby supporting efficient extraction from various randomly distributed defects across a broad spectral range. This approach represents a major improvement over previous techniques by offering a practical solution for broadband single‐photon extraction from GaN and opening new possibilities for versatile quantum technologies.
Advances in Bipolar Photodetectors: Working Principles, Constructions, and Applications
Authors: Zeng Wenxin , Duan Zaihua , Bu Yichen , Tang Xing , Yang Jingwen , Yuan Zhen , Jiang Yadong , Tai Huiling
Published: February 2025

As a special type of photodetectors, the bipolar photodetectors (BPDs) have attracted extensive attention because of their unique positive and negative bipolar outputs, endowing them attractive applications, such as optical communication, logic gate, and imaging. However, there is still insufficient understanding of the working mechanisms and device structures of BPDs, which limits their optoelectronic performances and practical applications. This review focuses on the working principles, constructions, and applications of BPDs. First, the fundamental working principles of BPDs are analyzed based on device structures, including photoconductors, photodiodes, phototransistors, photoelectrochemical photodetectors, and others. Second, the constructions of BPDs based on different materials (2D materials, organic semiconductors, perovskites, III–V compounds, oxides, and selenides) are reviewed, and their optoelectronic performances are discussed. Third, various applications of BPDs are summarized, including optical communication, logic gate, and imaging. Finally, the challenges and prospects are delivered for developing the state‐of‐the‐art BPDs. It can be expected that this review will provide valuable insights and guidance for future research on BPDs.
The Dark Side of a Big Smile: Detrimental Effects of Smile Intensity on Luxury Brand Advertising Effectiveness
Authors: Essiz Oguzhan , Senyuz Aysu , Yurteri Sidar
Published: February 2025

The expresser's smile is a ubiquitous nonverbal communication cue used to elicit favorable impressions among consumers. However, does the expresser's smile exert persuasive power in luxury advertising, where exclusivity often outweighs approachability? Integrating the social‐functional perspective of emotions with the stereotype content model of social judgments, we explore how, why, and when the intensity of a smile can adversely impact the effectiveness of luxury advertising. We demonstrate that a neutral expression (vs. a slight and broad smile) leads to higher levels of luxury ad engagement scores, click‐through rates, ad attitudes, and purchase behaviors. This effect is unique to luxury products and driven by a serial processing mechanism: enhanced competence judgments and perceived ad credibility that surface when the expresser features a neutral expression. To provide a deeper understanding of how the persuasive impact of smile intensity vary depending on complementary nonverbal signals and individual level factors, we elucidate two boundary conditions: lay rationalism level of consumers and eye gaze direction of the expresser. Specifically, the detrimental effect of smile intensity on competence perceptions is attenuated for low‐lay rationalistic consumers, who base their decisions on emotions, while the neutral expression facilitates higher ad effectiveness when paired with a direct gaze (vs. an averted gaze). Six preregistered studies, including field data on Instagram ads (N = 435), two large‐scale field experiments on Meta (Ntotal = 233,301), and three controlled online experiments (Ntotal = 940), using different luxury products as well as fictitious and real brands, support these findings. Theoretically, this research advances literature on the nonverbal communication of emotions and the psychology of luxury consumption by showing that smile intensity serves as a visual deterrent to the effectiveness of luxury advertising. Managerially, it offers implications for luxury brand marketers on how to leverage the psychophysical characteristics of facial expressions in their ad design and positioning strategies.
Preparation of a Hydrophobic Fluorine‐Containing Covalent Organic Framework and Its Interfacial Applications
Authors: Zhou Lu , Feng Xinzu , Zuo Jihao , Dong Lichun , Zhou Cailong
Published: February 2025

Hydrophobic porous materials are of significant interest due to their potential for various large‐scale industrial applications. In this study, we introduce the synthesis of a hydrophobic fluorine‐containing covalent organic framework (F‐COF), TAPB‐TFA, using a low‐temperature method, along with its applications in liquid marbles and oil/water separation. By a scandium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate‐catalyzed Schiff‐base reaction, uniform spherical TAPB‐TFA particles at the nanoscale are successfully synthesized. Results show that TAPB‐TFA exhibits high crystallinity, excellent thermal and chemical stability, as well as superoleophilic/hydrophobic properties. The hydrophobic TAPB‐TFA particles can be utilized to create various liquid marbles that exhibit excellent shape reconfigurability. Experiments confirm the outstanding performance of TAPB‐TFA in separating oil/water mixtures and water‐in‐oil emulsions, achieving a separation efficiency of over 98.5%. The analysis concludes that the exceptional separation performance of TAPB‐TFA is attributed to the synergistic effects of surface wetting‐induced aggregation and size‐sieving. TAPB‐TFA demonstrates significant potential for applications in the environmental and energy sectors.
A Self‐Assembled Amino Acid Hydrogel for Immobilization and Protection of Enzymes
Authors: Wang Zhongqiu , Li Dandan , Yu Jiangyue , Guo Jinbiao , Zou Huiru , Chen Yao , Gao Jie
Published: February 2025

Enzymes are essential biological catalysts, which have merits such as specificity, high efficiency, and mild‐acting conditions. Due to the characteristics of enzymes, problems such as poor operational stability and difficulty in reuse limit the practical application of enzymes. These problems can often be solved by immobilization of enzymes. Commonly used enzyme immobilization materials include biochar, chitosan, polymer, and metal–organic frameworks, which often do not match the nature of the enzyme. This study utilizes the self‐assembled amino acid hydrogel Fmoc‐Y‐OMe as the immobilizing material. The hydrogelator Fomc‐Y‐OMe has advantages like simple synthesis, easy immobilization, environmental friendliness, and good compatibility with proteins. It is able to protect enzyme activity at high temperatures and under a wide range of acid–base conditions and has excellent versatility. In particular, immobilized polyethylene terephthalate degrading enzyme (PETase) can significantly degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film at 70 °C, while free PETase completely loses its catalytic capacity at such high temperatures. The excellent performance of self‐assembled hydrogels to protect the catalytic activity of enzymes at high temperatures is highlighted.
Synthesis of Bithiazole‐Based Poly(arylenevinylene)s via Co‐Catalyzed Hydroarylation Polyaddition and Tuning of Their Optical Properties by N‐Methylation and N‐Oxidation
Authors: Li Boya , Iwamori Ryota , Kuwabara Junpei , Yasuda Takeshi , Kanbara Takaki
Published: February 2025

Bithiazole‐based poly(arylenevinylene) is synthesized via the Co‐catalyzed hydroarylation polyaddition of N,N,N′,N′‐tetrahexyl‐(2,2′‐bithiazole)‐4,4′‐dicarboxamide with 2,7‐diethynyl‐9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)fluorene in a regioselective manner. The introduction of the 2,2′‐bithiazole unit deepens the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of the polymer compared to the analogous bithiophene‐based poly(arylenevinylene). N‐Methylation and N‐oxidation of the thiazole moiety further deepen the HOMO and LUMO energy levels of the polymer, which is attributed to the enhanced electron‐withdrawing effect. The N‐oxidized polymer exhibits a high photoluminescence quantum yield and serves as an emitting material in an organic light‐emitting diode, and its deep HOMO energy level efficiently restrains the trapping of holes in the host poly(vinylcarbazole) matrix.
Unraveling Spillovers on Health Insurance: The Impacts of Culture and Fraud on Health Insurance Coverage
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Jones James R. , Nelson Michael A.
Published: February 2025

This paper adds to the literature on the determinants of health insurance by focusing especially on the spillovers from culture and fraud, along with a set of “standard” determinants. The social aspects of culture and fraud could potentially increase or decrease the propensities of individuals to purchase health insurance, and our empirical analysis informs us in this regard. For this purpose, we employ data for the year 2017 (or the closest year available) across states in the United States for most variables in the model setup. To account for year‐to‐year variability in the size of the uninsured population and the fraud data, mean annual averages over the years 2017–2022 are used. Employing OLS estimation to cross‐sectional data, the results show that cultural tightness (denoting social/cultural cohesion, measured via an index) lowers the propensities to acquire health insurance, and greater fraud (i.e., fraud reports in a US state) also undermines health insurance coverage, albeit with relatively less statistical support. The impact of higher insurance premia depressing insurance coverage is found to be consistent with intuition. The scope of the government, via Medicaid expansion to provide health coverage to certain population groups, was relatively more effective in increasing insurance coverage than the sheer size of the government (i.e., total government spending). The proximity of a state to foreign borders (Canada and Mexico) did not matter. Other things being the same, states with larger land areas faced special challenges in providing health insurance coverage. The findings have importance for the formulation of policies in the public and private sectors, and especially flesh out the crucial, and largely neglected, influence of culture on health insurance purchases.
Classification and Genotype–Phenotype Relationships of GBA1 Variants: MDSGene Systematic Review
Authors: Rossi Malco , Schaake Susen , Usnich Tatiana , Boehm Josephine , Steffen Nina , Schell Nathalie , Krüger Clara , Gül‐Demirkale Tuğçe , Bahr Natascha , Kleinz Teresa , Madoev Harutyun , Laabs Björn‐Hergen , Gan‐Or Ziv , Alcalay Roy N. , Lohmann Katja , Klein Christine
Published: February 2025

Depending on zygosity and the specific change, different variants in the GBA1 gene can cause Parkinson's disease (PD, PARK‐GBA1) with reduced penetrance, act as genetic risk factors for PD or parkinsonism, and/or lead to Gaucher's disease (GD). This MDSGene systematic literature review covers 27,963 patients carrying GBA1 variants from 1082 publications with 794 variants, including 13,342 patients with PD or other forms of parkinsonism. It provides a comprehensive overview of demographic, clinical, and genetic findings from an ethnically diverse sample originating from 82 countries across five continents. The most frequent pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were “N409S” (aka “N370S”; dominating among Jewish and Whites), and “L483P” (aka “L444P”; dominating among Asians and Hispanics), whereas the most common coding risk variants were “E365K” (E326K), and “T408M” (T369M) (both common among Whites). A novel finding is that early‐onset PD patients were predominantly of Asian ethnicity, whereas late‐onset PD patients were mainly of White ethnicity. Motor cardinal features were similar between PD patients and other forms of parkinsonism, whereas motor complications and non‐motor symptoms were more frequently reported in PD patients carrying “severe” variants than in those with “risk” or “mild” variants. Cognitive decline was reported in most patients after surgical treatment, despite achieving a beneficial motor function response. Most GD patients developing PD harbored the “N409S” variant, were of Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity, and showed a positive response to chronic levodopa treatment. With this review, we start to fill the gaps regarding genotype–phenotype correlations in GBA1 variant carriers, especially concerning PD. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Hopelessness as a Mediator of the Association Between Parenting Factors and Adolescent Suicidality and Substance Use Among Juvenile Justice‐Referred Youth
Authors: Guerrero Natalie , O'Reilly Lauren , Dellucci Trey V. , Pederson Casey , Adams Zachary W. , Hulvershorn Leslie , Zapolski Tamika C. B. , Aalsma Matthew C.
Published: February 2025

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are more likely to have a substance use disorder and/or suicidality (e.g., suicidal thoughts and behavior) compared to other youth. Although parental support and monitoring may play an important role in youth substance use and suicidality outcomes, the potential mechanisms have not been elucidated. Our purpose was to evaluate the extent to which parental support and monitoring were associated with latent, continuous construct scores of suicidality and substance use and to determine whether youths’ hopelessness may indirectly affect these relationships among a sample of youth referred to the juvenile justice system. The sample included juvenile justice‐referred youth aged 14–17 (N = 77; 69% White, 58% male, 74% non‐Hispanic). The primary predictors of interest were parental support and monitoring, measured by the Parent Support Scale and Parental Monitoring Scale. The primary potential mediator of interest was hopelessness. Linear regression was used to model continuous suicidality and substance use severity scores, measured via a computer adaptive test, on parental support and monitoring. We tested hopelessness as a potential mediator. All analyses controlled for age, sex assigned at birth, race, ethnicity, and family income. After adjustment, parental support was associated with decreased suicidality severity (β = −0.30, p = 0.002). Parent support and monitoring were associated with youth‐reported hopelessness. The indirect mediation effects of hopelessness in the relationship between parental support (β = −0.18 [SE, 1.73]), as well as parental monitoring (β = −0.17 [SE, 0.20]), and suicidality severity were statistically significant. Parental support and youth hopelessness may be important intervention targets for improving and addressing disparities in substance use and suicidality among juvenile justice‐referred youth. Hope‐based interventions may be effectively integrated into existing juvenile justice programs, and their potential to improve both mental health and behavioral outcomes among justice‐involved youth should be examined.
Study identifies three effective therapies for managing ADHD
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2025

Observing the need to refine clinical guidelines and improve treatment outcomes, researchers in Japan say they have identified the three most effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The meta‐analysis of previous controlled trials is published in BMJ Mental Health.
Oklahoma bill to ‘abolish’ MH department a call to action
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2025

Legislation has been introduced in Oklahoma by a state lawmaker aimed at “abolishing” the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) that reads in part, “All duties, powers, and responsibilities, including real and personal property, including books, records, and funds controlled by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall be transferred to the State Department of Corrections.”
Frequency‐aware denoising using a diffusion model for enhanced band‐limited and white noise removal in x‐ray acoustic computed tomography
Authors: Peng Jiayuan , Lu Mengyang , Li Boyi , Wang Jiazhou , Hu Weigang , Liu Xin
Published: February 2025

Background

Radiation therapy delivers precise doses to tumors, but accurately measuring internal tissue doses remains a challenge. Current methods, such as ionization chambers and radiographic films, rely on external measurements, which cannot provide direct, in vivo dose feedback. X‐ray acoustic computed tomography (XACT) was developed to generate thermoacoustic signals when x‐rays deposit energy into water or tissue, enabling the reconstruction of dose distribution patterns through acoustic signals. However, the longer pulse width of x‐rays from linear accelerators reduces the efficiency of thermoacoustic signal conversion, lowering the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of radiofrequency (RF) signals. This noise significantly affects the quality of reconstructed XACT images. Overcoming the impact of noise is essential for advancing XACT toward accurate dose detection.

Purpose

This study aims to develop a frequency‐aware denoising (FAD) method for overcoming the impact of band‐limited and white noise in RF signals for XACT.

Methods

Real RF signals were acquired from an XACT system using radiotherapy megavoltage (MV) x‐rays, a water tank, and an ultrasound transducer. To capture the frequency characteristics of these RF signals, we first estimated the probability density function (PDF) of their frequency spectrum. To generate synthetic RF data that closely approximates realistic noisy signals for model training, noise was sampled from this PDF, incorporating both magnitude and random phase components, and combined with simulated signals and white noise. A conditional diffusion model was trained on these synthetic signals to obtain the FAD model. A total of 3150 frequency‐aware RF data samples were used to train the FAD model. For testing, acoustic RF signal data excited by five different x‐ray shapes were measured, denoised by the FAD model, and finally reconstructed into XACT. The performance of the method was evaluated based on XACT image quality using SNR analysis and γ passing rate, and compared with results from Raw‐RF and background noise‐removed (BNR‐RF) methods.

Results

The FAD‐RF method produced XACT images with clearer structural details and fewer artifacts. It achieved the highest SNR among the tested methods, with a mean SNR of 27.6 ± 5.0, outperforming both Raw‐RF (22.9 ± 2.2, p < 0.05) and BNR‐RF (22.0 ± 3.0, p < 0.05). In terms of spatial accuracy, the FAD‐RF method also outperformed in γ analysis, achieving a mean γ passing rate of 79.0% ± 2.4%, significantly higher than Raw‐RF (50.2% ± 20.0%, p < 0.05) and BNR‐RF (73.5% ± 3.6%, p = 0.078).

Conclusion

The FAD‐RF method relies solely on the RF signals for denoising, making it practical and efficient for real‐world applications. It demonstrates effective noise suppression and enhanced spatial accuracy in XACT image reconstruction.
Neural architecture search with Deep Radon Prior for sparse‐view CT image reconstruction
Authors: Fu Jintao , Cong Peng , Xu Shuo , Chang Jiahao , Liu Ximing , Sun Yuewen
Published: February 2025

Background

Sparse‐view computed tomography (CT) reduces radiation exposure but suffers from severe artifacts caused by insufficient sampling and data scarcity, which compromise image fidelity. Recent advancements in deep learning (DL)‐based methods for inverse problems have shown promise for CT reconstruction but often require high‐quality paired datasets and lack interpretability.

Purpose

This paper aims to advance the field of CT reconstruction by introducing a novel unsupervised deep learning method. It builds on the foundation of Deep Radon Prior (DRP), which utilizes an untrained encoder–decoder network to extract implicit features from the Radon domain, and leverages Neural Architecture Search (NAS) to optimize network structures.

Methods

We propose a novel unsupervised deep learning method for image reconstruction, termed NAS‐DRP. This method leverages reinforcement learning‐based NAS to explore diverse architectural spaces and integrates reinforcement learning with data inconsistency in the Radon domain. Building on previous DRP research, NAS‐DRP utilizes an untrained encoder–decoder network to extract implicit features from the Radon domain. It further incorporates insights from studies on Deep Image Prior (DIP) regarding the critical impact of upsampling layers on image quality restoration. The method employs NAS to search for the optimal network architecture for upsampling unit tasks, while using Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) to constrain the optimization process, ensuring task‐specific improvements in sparse‐view CT image reconstruction.

Results

Extensive experiments demonstrate that the NAS‐DRP method achieves significant performance improvements in multiple CT image reconstruction tasks. The proposed method outperforms traditional reconstruction methods and other DL‐based techniques in terms of both objective metrics (PSNR, SSIM, and LPIPS) and subjective visual quality. By automatically optimizing network structures, NAS‐DRP effectively enhances the detail and accuracy of reconstructed images while minimizing artifacts.

Conclusions

NAS‐DRP represents a significant advancement in the field of CT image reconstruction. By integrating NAS with deep learning and leveraging Radon domain‐specific adaptations, this method effectively addresses the inherent challenges of sparse‐view CT imaging. Additionally, it reduces the cost and complexity of data acquisition, demonstrating substantial potential for broader application in medical imaging. The evaluation code will be available at https://github.com/fujintao1999/NAS‐DRP/.
Perineal and Rectal Nerve Recruitment Order Varies During Pudendal Neurostimulator Implant Surgery
Authors: Chen Po‐Ju , Lagunas Amador C. , Soriano Vanessa , Gupta Priyanka , Bruns Tim M.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) is an off‐label therapy for patients experiencing pelvic pain and voiding dysfunction. The pudendal nerve has two efferent branches to the rectum and perineum. Only the rectal branch is monitored via external anal sphincter electromyography during the implant procedure to help determine the lead position. We examined intraoperative PNS‐driven urethral pressures to infer nerve recruitment order and tracked patient reported outcomes.

Methods

Patients receiving PNS for pelvic pain and/or urinary symptoms were recruited. During the implant surgery, urethral pressure was measured with a multi‐sensor pressure catheter placed in the lower urinary tract. PNS‐driven changes in urethral pressure and external anal sphincter (EAS) electromyography were compared to determine the relative perineal and rectal nerve recruitment order. Participants completed pelvic pain, bladder, bowel, and sexual function surveys before and after the surgery. The primary outcome measure was the relative nerve recruitment order during PNS. Secondary outcome measures were the PNS‐driven urethral responses and changes in survey symptom scores due to PNS.

Results

Data was collected from thirteen intraoperative sessions. Seven participants had rectal nerve recruitment first, four participants had perineal nerve recruitment first, and two participants had mixed nerve recruitment during intraoperative PNS. The average normalized urethral pressure change was 4.7% at the EAS threshold, 59.2% at twice EAS threshold, and 68.2% at three times the EAS threshold. Urethral pressure changes for each participant often varied between different active PNS electrodes. Participants had significant improvements in pelvic pain and bladder function survey scores with PNS (p < 0.04). There was no relationship between nerve recruitment order and changes in any surveys.

Conclusion

PNS can recruit the perineal nerve before the rectal nerve. Each lead electrode may trigger different urethral response patterns within a participant. This study provided new insights into the effect of PNS on the recruitment of nerves in the pelvis and may help guide future surgical placement of PNS systems.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04236596).
Characterization, Antibacterial Evaluation and Computational Study of Synthesized 4,5‐bis(Hydroxymethyl)‐2‐Methylpyridin‐3‐ol Tetraphenylborate Ion‐Pair Complex
Authors: Bakheit Ahmed H. , Al‐Agamy Mohamed H. , Al‐Salahi Rashad , Ali Essam , Alrabiah Haitham , Mostafa Gamal A.E.
Published: February 2025

The synthesis of 4,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐methylpyridin‐3‐ol tetraphenylborate complex in water using an anion exchange process yielded more than 76 %. The resulting white complex was obtained and characterized using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including ultraviolet, infrared radiation (IR), mass, elemental analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The antimicrobial activity of the formed ion‐associate complex was evaluated. The structural, electrical, and bonding properties of a novel pyridoxine‐tetraphenylborate ion‐pair complex was explored using B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) DFT simulations. Geometries designed for negative complexation energy showed thermodynamically beneficial complex formation. Reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis and non‐covalent interaction (NCI) plots showed that van der Waals forces are essential to complex stability. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) study detected weak and moderate hydrogen bonds in the complex using bond critical point (BCP) features. These results reveal how molecules form and stabilize the pyridoxine‐tetraphenylborate ion‐pair complex. To know the interaction between receptors and bioactive chemicals, one must understand the mechanism of the ionic complexes formed between bioactive chemicals and/or organic molecules.
Pathways between people, wildlife and environmental justice in cities
Authors: McInturff Alex , Volski Lara , Callahan Megan M. , Sneegas Gretchen , Pellow David N.
Published: February 2025

Wildlife are increasingly recognized as critical to urban ecosystems, but the impacts and benefits of wildlife on people in cities are poorly understood. Environmental justice scholarship has concluded that elements of the urban environment can create or exacerbate social inequity, but human–wildlife interactions have not been considered through this lens.

We conducted a literature review on urban wildlife, human–wildlife interactions and environmental justice. We triangulated between these three bodies of literature to identify trends, gaps and research needs.

We identified six pathways through which wildlife presence or absence, wildlife management and human–wildlife interactions in cities may lead to social injustice for people. Our review shows that wildlife affect nearly all aspects of urban life for people, including economics, participation in decision‐making, patterns of urban space, human health, psychological well‐being and cultural discourses.

Through these six pathways, urban wildlife management disproportionately impacts marginalized and vulnerable communities and benefits affluent urban residents. Contemporary intersections of urban planning, wildlife management and histories of systemic bias exacerbate existing injustices in cities.

Synthesis and applications. Though wildlife are often characterized as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ based on their effects on people, we conclude that this dichotomy perpetuates injustice for people and wildlife. Instead, we argue that a ‘just city’ fosters healthy wildlife populations through equitable decision‐making. The pathways we lay out here offer a road map for incorporating environmental justice into urban wildlife management.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
A comprehensive review on valorization of chestnut processing wastes into bio‐based composites and bioplastics
Authors: Silva Simão B. , Freitas Olga M. , Vieira Elsa F. , Delerue‐Matos Cristina , Domingues Valentina F.
Published: February 2025

This review examines the characterization and utilization of chestnut processing wastes (35%) in the production of bioplastics and biocomposites. In this review, a Web of Science search without any publishing year restriction on the biochemical compositions of all the components of Castanea sativa. The obtaining of bioplastics and biocomposites based on C. sativa was reviewed. First, it highlights the biochemical composition and antioxidant properties of chestnut fruit, shell, burrs, leaves, flowers, and wood focusing on the most important compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, Klason lignin, cellulose, and glucan, which can enhance the properties of these materials. Then the review covers using several chestnut extracts and fillers in bioplastics production through solvent casting technique. The mechanical, structural, bioactive properties, and moisture content were optimized through the composition and production. The color, UV absorption, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity were also discussed. Biocomposites reinforced with chestnut burs, shells, or wood flour increased the intended properties. The enhancements in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and the effects of a pre‐treatment were evaluated. Additionally, it discusses material recovery, recycling, and reuse, particularly how it affects the biodegradability of composites incorporating chestnut waste residues.

Highlights

Chestnut fruit, shells, and burrs are rich in starch, lignin, and cellulose.

The waste of chestnut processing can be used in bioplastics and biocomposites.

Chestnut‐based films and biocomposites exhibit promising mechanical properties.

The antimicrobial activity, making films, and composites proper for food packaging.

New techniques boost performance, offering alternatives to conventional plastics.
Characterization and analysis of printing challenges with high filled alumina filament in low‐cost extrusion‐based additive manufacturing
Authors: Santana Leonardo , Nagata Ester Y. , Barra Guilherme M. O. , Netto Aurélio C. S. , Pallone Elíria M. J. , Ambrósio Carlos E. , de Castro Silveira Zilda
Published: February 2025

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) offers promising solutions for producing fully ceramic parts using highly filled composite filaments made of polymeric binders and ceramic particles. However, the literature presents critical gaps: what materials constitute the binder, and how can the material's brittleness during the 3D printing process be managed? Addressing these questions is essential for understanding the printability of these materials and expanding their use across a wider range of 3D printers. Nanoe/Zetamix™ alumina‐filled filaments, with potential applications in Tissue Engineering, particularly in 3D‐printed scaffolds, highlight these challenges. This study focuses on three aspects: (i) material characterization; (ii) 3D printing method development; and (iii) evaluation of printed parts. Material characterization identified the filament as polyolefin‐based, likely blended with polyester, with transition temperatures indicating efficient processing and strong layer bonding. A dual‐filament method was developed to overcome brittleness, enabling the printing of small parts without damaging the filament or disrupting extrusion. Printed parts demonstrated stability, but mechanical properties varied after sintering. While the filament extruded well, brittleness impacted printability, and low viscosity affected layer stacking. This study underscores the potential of filament for scaffold fabrication but highlights the need for further research to optimize porous structure printing.

Highlights

Fragility of highly filled alumina composite filament limits its overall printability

3D printing with this material needs advanced knowledge and a special method

Buildability depends on precise extrusion temperature and layer stacking strategy

Aligned layer stacking improves material's self‐support and layer bonding capacity

Material's properties are promising for 3D printing ceramic structures for bone recovery
Clinical Proteomics, Quo Vadis?
Authors: Mischak Harald , Schanstra Joost P. , Vlahou Antonia , Beige Joachim
Published: February 2025

The field of clinical proteomics has seen enormous growth in the past 20 years, with over 40,000 scientific manuscripts published to date. At the same time, actual clinical application of the reported findings is obviously scarce. In this viewpoint article, we discuss the key issues that may be responsible for this apparent lack of success. We conclude that success must not be assessed based on the number of publications, but via the impact on patient management and treatment. We proceed with specific suggestions for potential solutions, which include keeping a strict focus on potential patient benefit. We hope this article can help shape the field, so it can in fact deliver on its realistic promise to bring significant improvement in management and care to patients.
Comparative Analysis Between Olink‐PEA and Alamar‐NULISA Proteomic Technologies Applied to a Critically Ill COVID‐19 Cohort
Authors: Taleb Sara , Stephan Nisha , Chennakkandathil Sareena , Sohail Muhammad Umar , Yousef Sondos , Sarwath Hina , Al‐Noubi Muna , Suhre Karsten , Ait Hssain Ali , Schmidt Frank
Published: February 2025

We aim to verify and validate low‐abundant plasma proteins from severe COVID‐19 cases and controls through a comparative analysis between Olink and Alamar performances. Eighty‐three severe cases and 44 controls were measured for proteomics using three Olink panels and one Alamar panel, which share 94 targets. CV, pairwise correlation of intensity signals, and detectability range were compared across platforms. Statistical comparisons were performed using FDR‐adjusted linear models with age as a covariate to construct differential protein abundance volcano plots between cases and controls per platform and heatmaps between our cohort and five public cohorts. Overall, pairwise comparisons (n = 94) showed strong correlations among cases (r = 0.82) and controls (r = 0.7). 60/94 proteins had mutual significance on both platforms; of which 54 showed concordant effect direction, and six showed opposite effect direction (IL‐6R, IL‐1R2, KITLG, TSLP, IL‐17C, and IL‐4R). Alamar verified 80 and 60 targets from cases and controls, respectively, along with 54 differential proteins from Olink. Compared to public cohorts measured by Olink, our Olink data showed consistent findings from 28 proteins, of which 27 were validated by Alamar.
Using Drawings to Measure Emotional Processing in Breast Cancer Survivors and Its Association With Depression, Pain, and Fatigue
Authors: Weinfeld‐Yehoudayan Asnat , Czamanski‐Cohen Johanna , Weihs Karen L. , Cohen Miri
Published: February 2025

Background

Conscious and unconscious emotional processing (EP) may be related to breast cancer survivors' (BCS) response to the stress of dealing with cancer and its treatment, and often entails myriad psychological and physical symptoms.

Aims

To examine the relationship between EP expressed by BCS in drawings made during art therapy and its relationship with depression, pain, and fatigue.

Methods

This cross‐sectional secondary analysis used data from the Role of Emotional Processing in Art Therapy study. BCS (N = 81) answered self‐report questionnaires measuring depression, pain, and fatigue at baseline. Their drawings were coded for EP using the Drawing‐Based Emotional Processing Scale (DRAWEP).

Results

Levels of depression, pain intensity and interference, and fatigue, were high, and a substantial percentage of participants were beyond the cutoff scores for severe symptoms. Controlling for background variables, EP subscales of making sense and organization were negatively associated with pain intensity, pain interference, and depression, but not with fatigue. These relationships are demonstrated with selected drawings.

Conclusions

Since drawing involves embodied processes and has the potential to capture latent aspects of EP, examining drawings can provide a means of investigating EP among BCS and its relationship to depression and pain and learn more about the emotional experiences of BCS.

Implications for Practice

The DRAWEP can assist art therapists in increasing their awareness of EP, which may benefit their ability to identify women at risk. Moreover, this article can contribute to the development and enhancement of art therapists' awareness of EP.
Assessment of Diseases in Embankment–Bridge Transition Section With Methodological Detection Along the Qinghai‐Tibet Railway in Permafrost Regions
Authors: He Peifeng , Niu Fujun , Dong Tianchun , Luo Jing , Jiao Chenglong , Huang Yunhui , Ding Zekun , Su Wenji
Published: February 2025

Embankment–bridge transition sections (EBTSs) suffer from diverse engineering diseases that have escalated into one of the most severe issues along the Qinghai‐Tibet Railway (QTR). Nevertheless, the causes and mechanisms of engineering diseases in EBTSs remain limited. This study employed a methodological approach to conduct field surveys in the Tuotuo River Basin in the hinterland of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). Borehole investigations and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques accurately determined the permafrost characteristics, enabling the correction of electromagnetic wave velocity and acquisition of resistivity threshold. Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and quasi‐3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were combined to indicate permafrost resistivity above 200 Ω‐m. It reveals that the permafrost is relatively stable across a large area on the shaded side, whereas the permafrost degradation is more pronounced on the sunny side, where the maximum active layer thickness (ALT) reaches 5.2 m. Notable permafrost degradation and substantial increases in ALT were observed near the EBTS resulting from heat absorption and thermal erosion of the groundwater. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) captured time‐series deformation highlights the specific displacements of the EBTS, demonstrating that the displacement is the rotational behavior of wing walls. The severe heat absorption and groundwater thermal erosion around the EBTS result in permafrost degradation and the expansion of the thawing bulbs to increased structural deformation and even failure. It was shown that permafrost degradation, moisture influence, and heat transfer characteristics are the primary contributing factors to the disease's continued deterioration, and thus reinforcement measures for existing structures need to address these three issues. The mechanisms of disease development revealed in this paper provide new insights into EBTS dynamics for the EBTS design and maintenance in permafrost regions.
Tailored Synthesis of Biogenic Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Camellia sinensis Extracts for Enhanced Catalytic Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Ávila‐Avilés Rodolfo D. , López‐Téllez Gustavo , Vilchis‐Nestor Alfredo R.
Published: February 2025

Noble metal nanoparticles, such as gold (AuNPs) and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles, are valued for their optical, antimicrobial, and catalytic properties, which depend on their size and shape. This study synthesizes gold and silver nanoparticles using aqueous extracts of Camellia sinensis from four tea types (white, black, green, and red) and evaluates their catalytic efficiency in the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol. UV–vis spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation, with surface plasmon resonance peaks at 530–534 nm for gold nanoparticles and 427–442 nm for silver nanoparticles, indicating mostly spherical morphologies. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that gold nanoparticles synthesized with white tea had an average diameter of 29.46 ± 53.92 nm, while silver nanoparticles had an average diameter of 33.11 ± 18.50 nm. The catalytic evaluation using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent showed a significant correlation between extract composition, nanoparticle size, and catalytic activity (p < 0.05). White tea favored the fastest nanoparticle formation (0.5 hours), while red tea showed the slowest synthesis. Pearson correlation analysis suggests that tea type influences nanoparticle size, morphology, and catalytic performance. This study highlights the potential of Camellia sinensis extracts for the eco‐friendly synthesis of nanoparticles with tunable properties for catalytic applications.
Combined Activity‐Based Therapy and Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation: Active Ingredients, Targets and Mechanisms of Actions to Optimize Neurorestoration of Upper Limb Function After Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Gopaul Urvashy , Bayley Mark Theodore , Kalsi‐Ryan Sukhvinder
Published: February 2025

Background

Improving hand and arm function is an important goal for individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). Activity Based Therapy (ABT) is a neurorestorative approach that incorporates a high intensity, long duration and effortful engagement to garner sensory‐motor improvements. Spinal cord stimulation is a neuromodulation modality that can restore sensory‐motor function. Spinal cord stimulation can elevate the excitability of the spinal neural network and potentially enhance the neurorestorative benefits of ABT. However, there is scarce evidence on the combined effects of ABT and spinal cord stimulation on UL recovery after cSCI.

Objective

This report aims to describe how theory informed the design and development of a Phase 1 study on a new UL intervention combining ABT and transcutaneous cervical spinal cord stimulation (tCSCS) (short form:ABT‐tCSCS) delivered simultaneously for individuals with cSCI.

Method

The design of the ABT‐tCSCS was guided by theory‐based frameworks such as the Rehabilitation treatment specification system and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication guide. The ABT‐TCSCS aimed to improve somatosensory‐motor deficits and function in the UL after cSCI. The ABT‐tCSCS intervention was developed through the following stages: (a) Description of the active ingredients, mechanism of action, and targets of the ABT‐tCSCS; (b) Tailoring of ABT‐tCSCS; and (c) Development of treatment regimen guidelines for the delivery of the ABT‐tCSCS.

Results

ABT constitutes 4 types of exercises, including cardio‐fitness, resistance, postural/weightbearing, and functional exercises, for activation of the neuromuscular system below the level of lesion to target somatosensory‐motor impairments. In tCSCS, electrical stimulation is delivered at a frequency of 30–50 Hz at 500–1000 μs between C3‐C7. The spinal neural networks of the cervical region are stimulated to neuromodulate the descending motor commands which control the muscles. ABT‐tCSCS will be delivered simultaneously over 28 sessions (1 h/session, 3x/week over 9–10 weeks).

Conclusions

Combined ABT‐tCSCS is a new intervention for neurorestoration of the upper limbs after cSCI.

Trail Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06472986