bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic potential of nicotinamide and ABT263 in alcohol‐associated liver disease through targeting cellular senescence
Authors: Gold Naheemat Modupeola , Ding Qinchao , Yang Yang , Pu Shaoyan , Cao Wenjing , Ge Xinxuan , Yang Pengyun , Okeke Michael Ngozi , Nisar Ayesha , Pan Yongzhang , Luo Qiuni , Wang Xiayan , Xu Han , Tian Rui , Zi Meiting , Zhang Xingjie , Li Songtao , He Yonghan
Published: February 2025

Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver‐related morbidity and mortality, yet clinically effective therapies for ALD remain lacking. Here, we demonstrate that alcohol intake and its metabolite, acetaldehyde (ACH), induce senescence in the liver and liver cells, respectively. To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting liver senescence in ALD, we treated ALD‐affected mice with the senolytic compound ABT263 and the senomorphic NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide (NAM). The results show that ABT263 effectively clears senescent hepatocytes and stellate cells, and reduces liver triglyceride (TG), but increases plasma alanine aminotransferase and TG levels. Conversely, NAM efficiently suppresses senescence and the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), protecting the liver from alcohol‐induced injury in ALD mice. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that ABT263 treatment downregulated genes involved in adipogenesis while activating the complement pathway. In contrast, NAM upregulated metabolism‐related genes, such as Sirt1, and downregulated DNA damage marker genes, including Rec8 and E2f1, in the liver. These findings suggest that cellular senescence plays a critical role in alcohol‐induced liver injury. Compared with senescent cell clearance by ABT263, suppressing senescence and SASP by NAM may provide a safer and more effective therapeutic approach for ALD.
Recombinant protein HR212 targeting heptad repeat 2 domain in spike protein S2 subunit elicits broad‐spectrum neutralizing antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants
Authors: Lu Ying , Li An‐Qi , Shen Fan , He Wen‐Qiang , Yu Shu‐Heng , Zhao Yan‐Bo , Feng Xiao‐Li , Li Ming‐Hua , Ouyang Songying , Zheng Yong‐Tang , Pang Wei
Published: February 2025

SARS‐CoV‐2 variants are under continuous emergence carry numerous mutations within S1 subunit in spike protein and have escaped neutralization through many currently used vaccines and antibodies. The development of next‐generation vaccines is a continuing and long‐term need. In our prior research, the recombinant protein vaccine HR121 targeting the heptad repeat (HR) 1 domain of S2 subunit was constructed, which could evoke highly broad‐spectrum neutralizing antibodies in vivo and confer efficient protective effect on several SARS‐CoV‐2 variants within multiple animal models. Compared with HR1, HR2 domain shows a more conservative degree within SARS‐CoV‐2 and related coronaviruses. Here, we designed a recombinant protein HR212 consisting of HR2–linker1–HR1–linker2–HR2. HR212 showed a high affinity with HR1 and was functionally analogous to HR2 within fusion intermediate in S2 subunit. Immunizing rabbits using HR212‐mediated high nAbs for 28 pseudotyped SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, like currently circulating variants, such as BA.2.86 and JN.1. Transfer of rabbit anti‐HR212 sera or immunization with HR212 offered efficient protective effect on SARS‐CoV‐2 ancestral strain and Omicron BA.2 variant infections of Syrian golden hamsters. According to our results, HR2 domain of S2 subunit is the novel target that can be used to develop broad‐spectrum vaccines to resist SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Prediction of Retail Chain Failure: Examples of Recent US Retail Failures
Authors: Berry Shawn
Published: February 2025

Over the last several years, several prominent brick‐and‐mortar retail chains have ceased operations, raising concerns that some have referred to as the retail apocalypse. Scholars have attempted to model the likelihood of firm failure using various approaches. This study examines the failures of Bed Bath and Beyond, J.C. Penney, Rite Aid, and Sears Holdings in the United States between 2013 and 2022. Retail failure models that consider internal and external firm factors using both annual reports and macroeconomic data were analyzed and evaluated using logistic regression, PCA, and Random Forest approaches. The findings suggest that EBITDA/Revenue and annual average US inflation rates are strong predictors of retail failure across various modeling approaches. The modeling results provide an early warning signal at least 1–2 years before failure, with accuracies of 93.8%–96.9%.
Settlement in Iowa children's lawsuit signals building of system of care
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2025

Iowa officials and plaintiffs in a lawsuit over inadequacies in the state's Medicaid mental health services for children stand on the brink of a final settlement that advocates say will dramatically improve the trajectory for high‐need children and their families.
The Space of Stepanov Type Measure Pseudo S$$ S $$‐Asymptotically Bloch Periodic Functions and Applications to a Nonautonomous Evolution Equation
Authors: Mao Hang‐Ning , Chang Yong‐Kui
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we show some analytic properties on the space of Stepanov type measure pseudo ‐asymptotically ‐Bloch periodic functions at first. We subsequently investigate some existence results of measure pseudo ‐asymptotically ‐Bloch periodic solutions to the semilinear nonautonomous evolution equation with the Stepanov type nonlinear perturbation.
Kinetics Dependence of RAFT Emulsion Polymerization of 2‐Ethylhexyl Acrylate on Initiator Concentrations
Authors: Ni Huanxin , Luo Yingwu
Published: February 2025

Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization with a well‐designed amphiphilic macroRAFT agent as a surfactant has been well‐developed as a powerful tool to synthesize high molecular weight multiblock copolymers. However, the polymerization kinetics research has been mostly limited to styrene polymerization. It has been reported that the dependence of the particle number on initiator concentration is described by Np∝[I]−0.4 in amphiphilic macroRAFT‐mediated emulsion polymerization of styrene, which surprisingly deviates from the classical Smith–Eward equation. In the current study, the dependence of polymerization kinetics on the initiator concentration in the RAFT emulsion polymerization of 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) is investigated. It is revealed that the dependence of the particle number on initiator concentration (Np∝[I]−0.29) is similar to that of styrene but the exponent is less. Additionally, compared to styrene polymerization, the inhibition period in EHA polymerization is significantly extended due to the much lower water‐solubility of EHA.
Hisom: Hierarchical Self‐Organizing Map for Solving Multiple Traveling Salesman Problems
Authors: Guan Qingshu , Cao Hui , Zhong Xianjing , Yan Dapeng , Xue Shuangsi
Published: February 2025

Recently, routing problems have made significant progress and exhibited remarkable performance across various domains. However, they still suffer from severe issues, including high computational complexity and path intersection phenomenon, which curtail their broader applicability. This study focuses on the challenging and practical Single Depot‐Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem (SD‐MTSP) with a min‐max objective, which aims to minimize the maximum tour length among all salesmen. To tackle these challenges, we propose a Hierarchical Self Organizing Map (HiSOM) based on a divide‐and‐conquer framework to decompose the complex scheduling of SD‐MTSP into task allocation and route planning subproblems, with a strong emphasis on reducing computational complexity. Specifically, in the task allocation stage, we introduce the concept of soft labels to precisely characterize the strength of association between salesmen and their traversal cities, and devise an SGD‐SOM framework to optimize the sum square error with smooth gradient descents. In the route planning stage, we design a TOSOM framework to generate a topologically ordered tour with minimal length, ensuring strict adherence to the convex hull property and effectively mitigating path intersection. Comprehensive experiments on both synthetic and real‐world datasets demonstrate that our proposed HiSOM outperforms numerous baseline methods by up to 6.91%.
Supportive Nursing Care Intervention for Handling Depression and Anxiety Among Mothers of Neonates Admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhu Xiaohua , Fan Lijuan
Published: February 2025

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of supportive nursing care interventions in reducing depression and anxiety among mothers with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials conducted in mothers with infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with any form of supportive nursing interventions compared to no intervention or usual care in terms of either reduction in depression or reduction in anxiety level of the mothers reported in both groups were included. The GRADE approach assessed the quality of evidence, while the pooled standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated using a random‐effects model.

Results

Overall, 18 studies were included. For depression, the pooled standardised mean difference was −0.24 (95% CI: −0.44 to −0.04), indicating a significant reduction in depression levels among mothers receiving supportive nursing care compared to standard care. In anxiety, pooled standardised mean difference was −0.61 (95% CI: −0.96 to −0.25), showing substantial reduction in anxiety levels. GRADE findings indicated moderate quality of evidence for depression and very low quality for anxiety, mainly due to heterogeneity and publication bias in anxiety outcomes.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Psychometric Testing of the Mutuality Scale in Patients and Caregiver Dyads After the Onset of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Bassola Barbara , Cilluffo Silvia , Bolgeo Tatiana , Simonelli Niccolò , Di Matteo Roberta , Dal Molin Alberto , Rasero Laura , Vellone Ercole , Lusignani Maura , Iovino Paolo
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the psychometric properties of the Mutuality Scale in a sample of patient‐caregiver dyads following a recent episode of coronary heart disease. A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted. Factorial validity was tested with confirmatory factory analysis. Internal consistency reliability was investigated with the model‐based internal consistency reliability index. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test convergent validity between mutuality and other theoretical and empirical variables associated with it. We included 150 patient‐caregiver dyads (patient: mean age 65 years, 77% males, 71% married; caregiver: mean age 54 years, 21% males, 71% married). The CFA testing the theoretical four‐factors (love, shared pleasurable activities, shared values, and reciprocity) of mutuality demonstrated adequate fit to the data in both the patient and caregiver version of the scale. Reliability estimates were adequate for the whole scale (model‐based internal consistency index = 0.95). Significant positive correlations were observed between mutuality and self‐care behaviors, and caregiver preparedness, supporting convergent validity. The Mutuality Scale demonstrated satisfactory structural and convergent validity and reliability in patient‐caregiver dyads after the onset of a coronary heart disease event.
Fast Point‐To‐Point Transportation of the Portal Crane via Double‐Input Inversion‐Based Feedforward and Feedback Control
Authors: Zhang Yongli , Li Mengjie
Published: February 2025

This paper describes a double‐input double‐output inversion‐based feedforward control (DIDOIBFC) scheme for fast point‐to‐point (PTP) transportation of the portal crane. Luffing and rotation of the portal crane are two mutually coupled motions in the process of PTP transportation, which are actuated by two control input, respectively. In this paper, the Bessel curve is used to obtain the PTP space transportation trajectory, and the relationship between the luffing length and the rotation angle is fitted into a polynomial function. The control strategy based on inversion system is a two‐point boundary value problem (TPBVP) about the input‐output coordinates of the portal crane. Then, the time‐varying control nominal trajectory (CNT) of the system is obtained by solving a TPBVP for the internal dynamics of the portal crane, and the feedforward controller is designed. In order to realize the anti‐swinging transportation, the gain scheduling feedback controller (GSFC) is designed to stabilize the motion along the feedforward trajectories in real time. When the crane is staying at the start/end point of the transportation or at any other position, the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) controller optimized by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to keep the system stabilizing. Moreover, in order to improve the robustness of the system, the feedback controller is improved by an feedback control, and the numerical experiments are carried out. Finally, the numerical experiments are carried out. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the control scheme proposed in this paper, which can realize fast PTP transportation with high efficiency and good stability.
Optimal Timing of Primary Radiosurgical Treatment of Growing Vestibular Schwannoma: Insights From Salvage Microsurgery Outcomes
Authors: Marinelli John P. , Herberg Hans A. , Moore Lindsay S. , Yancey Kristen L. , Kay‐Rivest Emily , Casale Garrett G. , Durham Allison , Khandalavala Karl R. , Lund‐Johansen Morten , Kosaraju Nikitha , Lohse Christine M. , Patel Neil S. , Gurgel Richard K. , Babu Seilesh C. , Golfinos John G. , Roland J. Thomas , Hunter Jacob B. , Kutz J. Walter , Santa Maria Peter L. , Link Michael J. , Tveiten Øystein V. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Limited evidence guides the optimal timing of treatment after the detection of tumor growth during the observation of sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS). The current work aimed to inform the timing of radiosurgical intervention based on an analysis of patient outcomes among those who ultimately failed stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and underwent salvage microsurgery.

Study Design

A historical cohort study.

Setting

Seven centers across the United States and Norway.

Methods

Adults with sporadic VS who underwent salvage microsurgery following failed primary SRS were included. The primary outcome of interest was the association between tumor size at the time of primary SRS and the ability to achieve gross total resection (GTR) and maintain postoperative House–Brackmann (HB) facial nerve grade I at the last follow‐up after salvage microsurgery.

Results

Among 96 patients, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor size at primary SRS was 14.5 mm (10.0‐19.0). Each 1‐mm increase in CPA tumor size at the time of primary SRS was associated with a 13% increased likelihood of near‐total/subtotal resection or most recent postoperative HB grade >I (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05‐1.21, P = .001), with an optimal tumor size threshold to distinguish this outcome of 12 mm of CPA extension (c‐index 0.73). Similarly, for each 1‐mm increase in CPA tumor size at the time of primary SRS, a 9% increase in any postoperative complication with salvage microsurgery was observed (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02‐1.15, P = .009).

Conclusion

Corroborated by size threshold surveillance data informing the timing of primary microsurgical resection, the current study suggests that VS outcomes are optimized when primary radiosurgical intervention is undertaken on growing tumors when they harbor 10–15 mm of cerebellopontine angle extension or less.
Harnessing the Antibacterial Potential of Natural Compounds: An In Silico Approach to Combat Dental Caries Caused by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Pallavi Preeti , Sahoo Pragnya Pramita , Sahoo Adyasha Anapurba , Raut Sangeeta
Published: February 2025

Aim

Streptococcus mutans is a principal cariogenic bacterium responsible for tooth decay, utilizing the enzyme sortase A (SrtA) to anchor surface proteins to its cell wall, thereby forming biofilms. The escalating prevalence of dental caries, coupled with antibiotic resistance and adverse effects of medicines, necessitates the exploration of alternative, safe, and cost‐effective treatment options, preferably derived from plant sources.

Methodology

GC‐MS analysis was utilized to identify active compounds of effective plant Psidium guajava. A high‐throughput screening focused on the interaction between these compounds and the target enzyme SrtA using molecular docking was performed.

Results

Thirty‐eight compounds were identified from the essential oil of P. guajava leaves through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Following pharmacokinetic screening, 37 compounds were selected for molecular docking studies. Notably, cimigenol and caryophyllene oxide emerged as the lead candidate, demonstrating the highest binding energy at −8.1 kcal/mol and −7.0 kcal/mol against SrtA, respectively, but the positive control CHX showed −7.5 kcal/mol using AutoDock. The carbonyl groups within these compounds were identified as pivotal contributors to the inhibition mechanism. Further comparison showed that the most promising compound cimigenol, with a binding energy of −8.1 kcal/mol showed a Gscore of −5.247 kcal/mol, whereas chlorhexidine exhibited the lowest binding affinity of −2.328 kcal/mol when docked using Schrödinger.

Conclusion

These findings present a promising avenue for microbial infection therapy by offering a novel repertoire of SrtA inhibitors derived from natural sources and clinically more reliable and potent than CHX.
Experience and trust to handle uncertainty of biodiversity responses to innovative agricultural practices: Lessons from citizen science on farms
Authors: Billaud Olivier , Porcher Emmanuelle , Maclouf Etienne
Published: February 2025

As for any innovation, integrating farmland biodiversity into agricultural practices is a complex process, leading to decisions made under uncertainty, due to the difficulty of foreseeing the consequences of decisions. This uncertainty comes under many different forms, depending among others on the type of environmental innovation in agriculture, in a continuum from Efficiency/Substitution‐Based Agriculture (ESBA) to Biodiversity‐Based Agriculture (BBA). To handle this uncertainty, new knowledge production tools, some of which rely on citizen science on farms (CSOF), are developed. They aim to support decision‐making by collecting large databases but also by enabling knowledge production ‘on the field’, directly by farmers. Yet, the ability of CSOF to actually meet these challenges has little been studied. It is now necessary to understand how new biodiversity knowledge production tools are designed and used.

Using a user‐centred approach, we analysed a CSOF monitoring scheme, the Farmland Biodiversity Observatory (FBO), wherein farmers monitored biodiversity in their fields (3558 fields, from 2011 to 2023, still ongoing). As insiders in the research group, and using an exploratory approach based on 32 interviews, we observed an operational limitation of the scientific knowledge produced, which fails at producing technical recommendations to protect biodiversity locally. While this led to a difficulty to offer prescriptive practices, some participants shifted to non‐prescriptive knowledge, that is, they accepted high uncertainty and used FBO to gain knowledge and navigate through this uncertainty.

As a theoretical result, we witnessed that shifting to high uncertainty due to the complexity of ecological processes consists in accepting a leap into the unknown. Farmers must trust the action of biodiversity, making themselves ‘vulnerable’ with respect to the possible responses of the ecosystems to a change in farming practices. We identified several factors likely to favour this trust towards biodiversity.

As a practical outcome, our results show that, to work with biodiversity, farmers must move from reduction and control of uncertainty to acceptance and reliance on trust towards biodiversity. The ensuing management recommendation is to favour a clinical and contextual production of knowledge, emerging from individual experience, over a controlled, standardised and statistical production, inherited from industrialization.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Inspiration of repass in‐situ tempering engineering strategy for shape‐performance integrated manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) thermoplastic composites
Authors: Zhang Chenping , Duan Yugang , Joshi Sunil Chandrakant , Xiao Hong , Wang Ben , Cui Weijun , Zhao Wei , Jiang Mengru
Published: February 2025

Advancing in‐situ forming manufacturing techniques for green recyclable thermoplastic composite (TPC) remains a challenge. Herein, the effects of a laser‐assisted repass annealing treatment on the surface roughness, porosity, crystallinity, mechanical properties, and warpage deformation of carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) composites were investigated in this work. Specifically, four methods of laminate manufacturing were implemented: no repass, single repass, double repass, and opposite single repass. It is found that the repass treatment enhances surface smoothness of the laminate, promoting resin fusion and reducing the occurrence of pores. Simultaneously, the close‐packed CFs arrangement within the laminate hinders crystal growth, and the crystalline region undergoes rapid melt and crystallization during the repass procedure. Additionally, reducing the porosity and implementing a repass treatment led to a 405.41% increase in PEEK molecular chain diffusion time, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of the laminate. Meanwhile, the double repass treatment reduced warpage deformation by 20.83%. This can be explained as the repass treatment supports the de‐orientation behavior of PEEK molecular chains, which leads to a reduction in residual stresses and the suppression of warpage deformation defects. In summary, this work validates the feasibility of repass annealing treatment and inspires the birth and development of a potential optimization process for TPC in‐situ forming.

Highlights

The mechanism of the effect of the repass consolidation process on the warpage‐deformation, porosity, crystallinity, and mechanical properties was revealed.

Optimized method for calculating warpage‐deformation using CMM technology.

The repass treatment reduced residual stresses and suppressed warpage by promoting molecular chain de‐orientation.

This work validates the feasibility of ICAT repass treatment and inspires the inception and development of a potential optimization process for ICAT.
Scalable thermal interface materials with close‐packed structure and high through‐plane thermal conductivity
Authors: Feng Chang‐Ping , Ji Jin‐Chao , Xu Shao‐Cun , Hou Lei , Cui Gong‐Peng , Lan Hong‐Bo , Wei Fang , Yang Jie , Yang Wei
Published: February 2025

Now, composite films exhibiting high in‐plane thermal conductivity have received considerable attention as potential thermal interface materials. However, for real‐world thermal management applications, there is a growing need for soft TIMs with higher through‐plane thermal conductivity. This study is centered on the fabrication of flexible composite film materials with a densely packed filler arrangement using a mass‐producible melt‐processing technique. The composite film is composed of PW/POE as the matrix, spherical Al2O3 as the filler, incorporates high thermal conductivity two‐dimensional fillers BN or GNPs, with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPS) enveloping the surface of the Al2O3 particles to create a closely integrated structure with excellent structural stability. The resulting flexible composite film demonstrates a through‐plane thermal conductivity of 9.24 W/mK and a minimal contact thermal resistance of 2.83 × 10−4 m2·K/W, alongside remarkable flexibility characterized by a low Young's modulus of 0.2 MPa. Experimental demonstrations indicate the robust thermal management potential of the developed composite film, positioning it as a promising solution for advanced electronic packaging technologies.

Highlights

The resulting films material has an ideal heat transfer structure.

The films exhibit high thermal conductivity and isotropic properties.

The films demonstrate outstanding flexibility and sturdy mechanical properties.

Higher thermal conductivity does not necessarily improve heat dissipation.
Study on uniaxial quasi‐static compression properties of polyvinyl chloride foam based on temperature effect
Authors: Chen Guotao , Lyu Yansong , Li Huadong , Mei Zhiyuan , Zhang Er
Published: February 2025

The high‐temperature uniaxial compression performance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foams was investigated in the temperature range of 30–180°C, using a combination of experimental tests, numerical calculations, and theoretical model fitting studies. First, thermomechanical compression tests at different temperatures, as well as dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric (TG) tests were carried out to elucidate the temperature effect on the mechanical properties and morphological damages with respect to changes in regularity of the PVC foam. Next, Abaqus was employed to establish a numerical model describing the macroscopic mechanical properties of the reactive foam materials and analyzing the evolution mechanism of the compression deformation of PVC foam at various temperatures. Principal stress–strain relationships of PVC at different temperatures were accurately predicted using the Mass–Giov model. The results revealed that in the range of 30–100°C, PVC foam is in an elastoplastic state. Above the glass transition temperature (111°C), the material transforms to an elastic foam. At 180°C, the material enters the rubbery state accompanied by pyrolytic carbonization. Although the stress–strain curves obtained via Abaqus numerical simulation and experimental tests are consistent, some differences exist in compression deformation, due to differences in the down‐pressing board. Finally, an intrinsic model that can predict the quasi‐static compressive stress–strain relationship of PVC foams at different temperatures was developed using the Mass–Giov model.

Highlights

This paper studies the compressive behavior of PVC under heat and force together

The study emphasizes on the changes in properties of PVC with temperature

The study establishes a formula between strength/modulus and temperature separately

The yield stress ratio and plastic Poisson ratio are temperature independent

The model studies the stress–strain relationship of PVC at various temperatures
Preparation and characterization of an acrylated‐coumarin‐containing photo‐crosslinked thiol‐ene network: Investigation of the free‐volume, thermal, UV, and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Uyumaz Fatmanur , Artuç Gamze Özgül , Pehlivan Gamze , Akdoğan Ayça , Yahşi Uğur , Tav Cumali , Bulut Mustafa , Kahraman Memet Vezir
Published: February 2025

Coumarin, a versatile compound, has attracted great interest in polymer science due to its unique properties and diverse applications. The use of coumarins in polymer research opens avenues for the development of materials with improved functionalities. In this study, an acrylated coumarin (a‐coumarin) compound‐containing polymeric films was obtained via UV curing through a thiol‐ene click reaction with a free radical mechanism. The obtained a‐coumarin‐containing polymeric films were subjected to functional characterization using FTIR and NMR analyses and thermal characterization via DSC and TGA. UV–vis and PL analyses were performed to determine the optical properties. Using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), the free volume and proportional free volume fraction of the films were analyzed both below and above the glass transition temperature (Tg). The Tg values obtained from PALS were several degrees lower than those obtained via DSC. A‐coumarin additives inhibit segmental mobility, hence reducing the proportional free volume fraction and increasing the Tg. This study is the first in the literature to investigate the free volume properties of coumarin‐containing polymeric films. The study reveals the impact of a‐coumarin on thermal, optical, and free volume properties, paving the way for the design of advanced functional materials.

Highlights

A‐coumarin films were made via UV curing and thiol‐ene click chemistry.

PALS analyzed free volume below and above the glass transition temperature.

A‐coumarin reduced free volume, increasing Tg and stabilizing polymer films.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal genotype and nuclear organization as driving factors in host plant nutrient acquisition and stable carbon storage
Authors: Ferguson Robert , Mugambi Ken , Villeneuve‐Laroche Matthew , Kallenbach Cynthia M. , Antunes Pedro M. , Corradi Nicolas
Published: February 2025

Societal Impact Statement

It is crucial to develop strategies for reducing our continued excessive global increases in fertilizer applications and to offset CO2 emissions. The pervasive underground hyphal networks of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) present an enticing bio‐stimulant and carbon sink. We inoculated Sudan‐grass plants with eight genotypically distinct strains of a model AMF species to determine if strain identity affects plant growth and carbon storage. We found that plant biomass, nutrient acquisition, and stable soil carbon inputs varied among strains, emphasizing the importance of AMF strain identity in the selection of AMF inoculants for optimizing crop yield and carbon storage.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate root symbionts of most plants that improve plant growth by transferring nutrients into plant roots through networks of soil hyphae. These hyphal networks represent a carbon sink in soil; thus, it has been suggested that these fungi can also boost atmospheric carbon storage, highlighting their potential role in managing greenhouse emissions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether certain AMF genotypes and nuclear organizations (homokaryons vs heterokaryons) are associated with higher rates of host plant yield and carbon storage.

We compared Sudan‐grass (Sorghum × drummondii) AMF inoculation across eight strains of Rhizophagus irregularis: four homokaryotic and four heterokaryotic strains. Sudan‐grass was grown in a growth chamber, which included 13C‐CO2 pulse labeling to track plant carbon into AMF.

AMF inoculation increased total and belowground biomass, as well as phosphorous, magnesium, and manganese uptake in the host. Heterokaryons led to greater belowground biomass, as well as less variable increases in shoot phosphorous. Mycorrhizal inputs to soil mineral‐associated organic carbon − a highly persistent carbon pool with slow turnover − were overall greater in heterokaryons than in homokaryons but varied significantly among strains.

This indicates that the potential for carbon storage by mycorrhizal carbon inputs varies based on fungal genomic identity and nuclear organization. Overall, inoculation improved the yield of Sudan‐grass and resulted in significant inter‐strain variation in persistent carbon contributions to the soil. This work highlights the importance of considering genotype and nuclear identity in assessments of AMF as bio‐stimulants and drivers of carbon storage.
Enhancement in Photoluminescence and Photocatalytic Performances of Solution Combustion Synthesized ZnO Nanoparticles upon Sm Doping
Authors: Sharma Nikita , Sahay Pradosh Prakash
Published: February 2025

This study explores the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles through a solution‐combustion route, examining their structural, photoluminescent, and photocatalytic properties upon introducing Sm as a dopant. All synthesized samples display a hexagonal wurtzite structure, with crystallite sizes between 55 and 73 nm. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy reveals significant sample morphological variation. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicates that doping with Sm3+ results in a slight decrease in the bandgap energy. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra at excitation wavelengths of 325, 350, and 390 nm show broad emission bands spanning from the violet to the green regions of the visible spectrum, attributed to defects in ZnO. Additionally, the PL intensity increases with Sm doping up to 2 mol% Sm, after which it declines. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency improves upon Sm doping up to 3 mol% and thereafter decreases.
Revealing Dielectric's Degradation Effect on Charge Transport in Dual Gate In–Ga–Zn–O Thin Film Transistor via Accumulation–Depletion Operation Mode
Authors: Chuai Xichen , Yang Guanhua , Duan Xinlv , Lu Congyan , Lu Nianduan , Geng Di , Zhao Ying , Wang Jiawei , Li Ling
Published: February 2025

An accumulation–depletion (AD) mode for IGZO‐TFT to reveal dielectric layers degradation effect on charge transport is proposed, realizing a modulation of the vertical spatial location of accumulated carriers at keeping a constant sheet concentration, which enables to investigate the relationship between carriers’ location and their transport behaviors. The drastic change of carriers’ mobility under different AD modes is observed. Based on the temperature dependence analysis and technology computer‐aided design simulation, it is found that when compressing the accumulated carriers closer to the Al2O3 dielectric layer (from average position 1.75 to 0.75 nm) by the depletion bias, the mobility decreases more than threefolds due to the higher disorder from dielectric layer. The AD mode provides a more quantitative pathway for revealing how intensely the dielectric layer can degrade the charge transport and might be developed as a method for evaluating the quality of the semiconductor–dielectric interface.
Empowering communities through One Health and ArtScience: An innovative approach to combat Chagas disease in endemic areas of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves‐Oliveira Jonathan , Lopes Catarina Macedo , Gonçalves Teresa C. M. , Sarmento Suellen Nunes , Correia João Paulo S. O. , de Sousa Rute H. A. , Ribeiro Antônia de Castro , Sarquis Otília , Almeida‐Silva Juliana , Silva Sarah C. dos S. , Suarez‐Fontes Ana M. , Ferreira Roberto Rodrigues , Vieira Thallyta M. , D'Andrea Paulo S. , Garzoni Luciana R. , Vannier‐Santos Marcos A. , Araujo‐Jorge Tania C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected zoonosis that requires study through the One Health approach, as it involves various aspects of animal, environmental, and human health in its transmission cycle. This disease affects 7 million people in 20 countries in Latin America, resulting in approximately seven thousand deaths annually worldwide. Local knowledge is crucial for developing educational strategies to mitigate the risks of disease transmission, particularly in endemic areas.

Aims

In this study, we present the experience of integrating five stands with complementary subjects on CD, focusing on environmental, biological, and human life factors, as well as its invertebrate and vertebrate hosts.

Methods

This research was conducted as part of the Chagas Express XXI initiative, a social‐educational technology conceived as an imaginary train consisting of six thematic “wagons” (education stations) related to CD. The current study took place in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, focusing on the activities of wagon 4, which involved 649 participants in two municipalities: Espinosa and Montes Claros, both endemic rural and urban areas for CD.

Results

Participants’ prior knowledge was assessed through a series of questions, and educational mediators engaged in dialog during voluntary sessions. We found that crucial aspects related to the prevention and control of vector‐borne transmissions, such as host and vector diversity, as well as household risks, were neglected in local education activities or unknown to the populations of both municipalities.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that zoonosis, particularly CD, should be included in basic education and health professional training courses, employing strategies that consider the different socio‐environmental interfaces and aim to improve human, animal, and environmental living conditions.
A Novel Method to Determine the Carbon Isotopic Composition of Inositol Hexaphosphate (Phytate) in Soil by Gas Chromatography–Combustion–Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sarangi V. , Spohn M.
Published: February 2025

Rationale

Understanding the decomposition of inositol hexaphosphate (phytate), the dominant form of organic phosphorus (OP) in soil, is vital for studying phosphorus (P) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the lack of multiple stable P isotopes complicates the study of phytate dynamics under natural conditions and over long periods.

Methods

A novel method is presented to determine the carbon isotopic composition of inositol in phytate using compound‐specific isotope analysis. For this purpose, phytate was extracted from soil and purified via ion exchange chromatography, followed by dephosphorylation, derivatization, and analysis using GC‐MS and GC‐C‐IRMS. Pure compounds were also analyzed to assess protocol efficiency, identify isotopic fractionations, and apply isotopic corrections due to derivatization.

Results

Phytate extracted from soil samples was identified using GC‐MS chromatograms. Replicate analyses of the pure compounds indicated that the protocol is highly reproducible. The carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) showed a high reproducibility, with values varying by less than 0.5‰ and with no detectable isotopic fractionation during sample preparation. The δ13C values of phytate in soil samples reflected the dominant vegetation type (C3 or C4) growing at the study site.

Conclusions

This study offers a novel approach of determining δ13C values of inositol of phytate in environmental samples, offering new opportunities to investigate and quantify OP dynamics based on stable carbon isotopes.
Staging Aortopulmonary Lymph Nodes With Robotic‐Assisted Bronchoscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Vaca‐Cartagena Bryan F. , Valdes‐Camacho Sofia , Ibrahim Mohamed I. , Barrios‐Ruiz Alanna , Yu Lee‐Mateus Alejandra , Funes‐Ferrada Rodrigo , Chadha Ryan M. , Hazelett Britney N. , Robertson Kelly S. , Abia‐Trujillo David , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian
Published: February 2025

Robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) has improved lung nodule evaluation, but its feasibility to biopsy aortopulmonary lymph nodes remains underexplored. This study explored the safety and effectiveness of RAB for sampling aortopulmonary lymph nodes suspected of malignancy. We conducted a literature review on RAB for aortopulmonary lymph node biopsy and present a case of a patient with a history of malignancy. Using the Ion Endoluminal System, we navigated to the anterior segment of the left upper lobe to access a subaortic lymph node in a patient with a history of mantle cell lymphoma. Biopsy confirmed disease recurrence. Our literature review identified seven patients who underwent RAB to assess aortopulmonary lymph nodes, with most findings showing small‐cell lung cancer. Our study reports an 88% diagnostic yield, and no complications associated with the procedure. RAB is a safe and effective approach for biopsying aortopulmonary lymph nodes.
Non‐Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema Provoked by Acetazolamide
Authors: Naser Naser , Shehabi Salma , Maki Khaled
Published: February 2025

A 61‐year‐old male was brought to the Emergency Department with severe shortness of breath, a throbbing headache, sweating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea after the administration of an acetazolamide tablet (250 mg) at a private ophthalmology clinic. On presentation, a chest X‐ray was performed, showing diffuse alveolar opacities bilaterally, indicating pulmonary oedema, as seen in CT chest also. However, his echocardiogram revealed a normal ejection fraction with no signs of ischemia. He was subsequently diagnosed with non‐cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (NCPE) and was immediately started on high‐flow oxygen, later requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient was admitted to the Critical Care Unit with supportive treatment, including IV fluids and antibiotics, without steroid administration. Four days later, he was extubated and subsequently discharged from the ICU, followed by discharge from the hospital. Our case revolves around a rare yet potentially fatal episode of NCPE secondary to Acetazolamide use.
Finite‐Time Adaptive Fuzzy Prescribed Performance Control for Teleoperation With Asymmetric Time Delays and Uncertainties
Authors: Li Hang , Chou Wusheng , Meng Lingda
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a finite‐time adaptive fuzzy prescribed performance controller to address the position synchronization problem of teleoperation system under asymmetric time delays and uncertainties. The controller comprises a finite‐time performance function (FTPF), a fuzzy logic system (FLS), and a weight adaptive control law. Specifically, the transformed synchronization errors are constrained within the boundaries of the FTPF, thereby enhancing the transient performance of the teleoperation system. Subsequently, with the aid of the weight adaptive law, online compensation for uncertain dynamic parameters is achieved by the FLS. By employing a Lyapunov function and finite‐time stability criteria, it can be demonstrated that in a finite time frame, errors converge to a small neighborhood around zero while maintaining stability in the closed‐loop system. Simulation and practical experiments are conducted to validate the efficacy of this proposed control algorithm.
Challenges for Predictive Modeling With Neural Network Techniques Using Error‐Prone Dietary Intake Data
Authors: Spicker Dylan , Nazemi Amir , Hutchinson Joy , Fieguth Paul , Kirkpatrick Sharon , Wallace Michael , Dodd Kevin W.
Published: February 2025

Dietary intake data are routinely drawn upon to explore diet‐health relationships, and inform clinical practice and public health. However, these data are almost always subject to measurement error, distorting true diet‐health relationships. Beyond measurement error, there are likely complex synergistic and sometimes antagonistic interactions between different dietary components, complicating the relationships between diet and health outcomes. Flexible models are required to capture the nuance that these complex interactions introduce. This complexity makes research on diet‐health relationships an appealing candidate for the application of modern machine learning techniques, and in particular, neural networks. Neural networks are computational models that can capture highly complex, nonlinear relationships, so long as sufficient data are available. While these models have been applied in many domains, the impacts of measurement error on the performance of predictive modeling have not been widely investigated. In this work, we demonstrate the ways in which measurement error erodes the performance of neural networks and illustrate the care that is required for leveraging these models in the presence of error. We demonstrate the role that sample size and replicate measurements play in model performance, indicate a motivation for the investigation of transformations to additivity, and illustrate the caution required to prevent model overfitting. While the past performance of neural networks across various domains makes them an attractive candidate for examining diet‐health relationships, our work demonstrates that substantial care and further methodological development are both required to observe increased predictive performance when applying these techniques compared to more traditional statistical procedures.
DOD‐SSR: An Adaptive Seamless Phase II/III Design With Dose Optimization Decision and Sample Size Re‐estimation
Authors: Liu Meizi , Lin Jianchang , Zhang Yefei , Liu Rachael
Published: February 2025

The adoption of seamless Phase II/III designs has grown in popularity as a strategy to potentially accelerate the drug development. Making well‐informed decisions regarding the drug's potential and addressing important clinical inquiries at the conclusion of the exploratory phase has become a critical step. In response to the increased emphasis on dose optimization, it becomes logical to integrate treatment arm/dose selections into Phase II and implement corresponding design adjustments. Within this framework, employing a fixed sample size presents challenges due to limited information availability before the trial planning and elevated development risks. Furthermore, practical and feasibility considerations have led to the increased utilization of surrogate endpoints for making interim decisions. In this study, we introduce a novel framework for a seamless Phase II/III design involving multiple treatment arms, leveraging Bayesian predictive probability of success (PPoS) for both treatment arm selection and interim sample size re‐estimation (SSR) using surrogate endpoints. The proposed design demonstrates improved performance, including a higher likelihood of selecting favorable treatment arm, increased overall statistical power, and reduced average event sizes and trial durations compared to traditional separate Phase II and III designs, as well as other seamless Phase II/III designs without SSR or of which treatment arm selection is based on conditional power. We also showcase the implementation of the proposed design through a case study in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Recent Advances in Biomass‐Derived Quantum Dots, Synthesis, and Their Applications
Authors: Nishtha  , Awasthi Deepanshu , Sarma Anil Kumar
Published: February 2025

The development of biomass‐derived nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, and carbon nanofibers has revolutionized multiple domains in the scientific and industrial communities. Notably, quantum dots (QDs), such as carbon quantum dots (CQDs) synthesized from biomass, have garnered significant attention for their synthesis from biomass sources, marking a shift toward sustainability and eco‐friendliness. Quantum dots (QDs) are 0D type of nanoparticles whose properties typically depend on their shape, size, and the type of materials used for synthesis. This review outlines top–down and bottom–up approaches for CQD production from biomass like lignocellulosic and algal sources. It also discusses various characterization techniques focusing on optical and structural properties. Furthermore, the article elaborates on various applications of biomass‐derived CQDs, such as catalysis, supercapacitors, and drug delivery. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CQD synthesis, characterization, and versatile utility using biomass as a green and sustainable source material. This is to be noted that biomass‐derived CQDs demonstrate optical characteristics comparable to or superior to those of metal‐based CQDs, semiconductor quantum dots, and organically synthesized CQDs.
New Bis‐Acylhydrazone Supramolecular Gel and Its Application in Ultrasensitive Detection of Ni2+
Authors: Fu Shuai , Xue Lei , Deng Linlong , Gao Yunke , Cheng Yihan , Wang Haibin
Published: February 2025

Stimulus‐responsive supramolecular fluorescent materials have attracted considerable attention due to their exceptional properties. In this study, a bis‐acylhydrazone based supramolecular gelator ZQ was successfully synthesized through a simple Schiff base reaction. Notably, ZQ could self‐assemble into the supramolecular gel ZQ‐G in a binary DMSO/H2O solution with the MGC of 1.5 wt% and Tgel of 98 °C. Moreover, ZQ‐G demonstrated remarkable selectivity and ultra‐sensitive sensing capabilities for Ni2+. The combining ratio of ZQ to Ni2+ was found to be 1:2, with a detection limit of 5.230 × 10−7 M and a binding constant of 6.66 × 109 M−1/2. Additionally, a supramolecular fluorescent film derived from ZQ‐G was fabricated for the detection of Ni2+, demonstrating promising prospects for practical applications.