bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METTL3‐Mediated m6A Methylation Stabilizes IFI27 to Drive Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression Through an IGF2BP2‐Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Xinhua , Bai Yu , Shang Linlin , Wang Yinghao , Yao Wenjian , Wu Sen
Published: February 2025

Dysregulation of m6A modification has emerged as a vital factor in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we sought to explore the critical role of m6A methylation mediated by the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 in ESCC. Protein expression analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot assays. The mRNA levels of METTL3 and IFI27 were detected by quantitative PCR. Cell sphere formation potential, migration, invasiveness, apoptosis, proliferation and viability were assessed by standard sphere formation, wound healing, transwell, flow cytometry, EdU and CCK‐8 assays, respectively. The impact of METTL3 or IGF2BP2 on IFI27 mRNA was evaluated by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), RIP or mRNA stability analysis. Xenograft assays were used to detect the in vivo function of METTL3. Elevated levels of METTL3 were observed in ESCC tumors and cells, and these increased levels were associated with the declined prognosis of ESCC. MELLT3 depletion impeded ESCC cell growth, invasiveness, migration, and sphere formation, and induced cell apoptosis in vitro. Elevated IFI27 expression was positively correlated with METTL3 levels in ESCC. Moreover, METTL3 mediated m6A methylation of IFI27 mRNA to stabilize the mRNA. The m6A reader IGF2BP2 also affected m6A methylation and expression of IFI27 mRNA. Additionally, IFI27 re‐expression had a counteracting impact on the effects of METTL3 deficiency on in vitro ESCC cell behaviors and in vivo KYSE30 xenograft growth. Our findings demonstrate that METTL3‐mediated IFI27 mRNA m6A methylation drives ESCC development through an IGF2BP2‐dependent mechanism. Blocking the METTL3/IFI27 axis may be effective for preventing ESCC.
Unveiling Novel Targets in Lung Tumors for Enhanced Radiotherapy Efficacy: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Muhammad Faris Anad , Adhab Ayat Hussein , Mahdi Morug Salih , Jain Vicky , Ganesan Subbulakshmi , Bhanot Deepak , Naidu K. Satyam , Kaur Sharnjeet , Mansoor Aseel Salah , Radi Usama Kadem , Abd Nasr Saadoun , Kariem Muthena
Published: February 2025

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of lung cancer management, though its efficacy is frequently undermined by intrinsic and acquired radioresistance. This review examines the complexity of lung tumors, highlighting their potential as a reservoir of novel targets for radiosensitization. Ionizing radiation (IR) primarily exerts its effects through oxidative damage and DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Lung cancer cells, however, develop mutations that enhance DNA damage response (DDR) and suppress cell death pathways. Additionally, interactions between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) components—including immune cells, stromal cells, and molecular mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors—contribute to resistance against IR. Understanding these intricate relationships reveals potential targets to improve radiotherapy outcomes. Promising targets include DDR pathways, immunosuppressive cells and molecules, hypoxia, proangiogenic mediators, and other key signaling pathways. This review discusses emerging strategies, such as combining radiotherapy with immunomodulators, hypoxia and proangiogenic inhibitors, DDR‐targeting agents, and other innovative approaches. By offering a comprehensive analysis of the lung TME, this review underscores opportunities to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness through targeted radiosensitization strategies.
Mechanism of the microRNA‐373‐3p/LATS2 Axis in the Prognosis and Metastasis of Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Gu Yingchao , Liu Hongbing , Shi Ming , Pu Fei
Published: February 2025

This study focused on the role of the microRNA (miR)‐373‐3p/LATS2 axis in the prognosis and metastasis of thyroid cancer patients. miR‐373‐3p and LATS2 expression were assessed in thyroid cancer tissues and cells. The relationship between miR‐373‐3p and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with thyroid cancer and the impact of miR‐373‐3p and LATS2 expression levels on the survival and prognosis of thyroid cancer patients were analyzed. The targeting relationship between miR‐373‐3p and LATS2 was predicted and verified, and their impact on the malignant cell phenotype was assessed. Compared with adjacent normal tissues and normal human thyroid cells, miR‐373‐3p was highly expressed, while LATS2 was expressed at low levels in thyroid cancer tissues and cells (both p < 0.001). miR‐373‐3p expression was independent of age (p = 0.201) and gender (p = 0.516), and it was correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage of thyroid cancer (both p < 0.001). Moreover, high miR‐373‐3p expression was associated with poor patient prognosis (p = 0.034). Interference with miR‐373‐3p or overexpression of LATS2 repressed KMH‐2 cell malignant phenotypes (all p < 0.05). miR‐373‐3p targeted and suppressed LATS2 expression. Interference with miR‐373‐3p blocked its inhibition on LATS2, thereby repressing thyroid cancer progression and metastasis.
The Impact of P‐Glycoprotein on CNS Drug Efflux and Variability in Response
Authors: Paul Priyanka R. , Mishra Manish K. , Bora Shivangi , Kukal Samiksha , Singh Anju , Kukreti Shrikant , Kukreti Ritushree
Published: February 2025

Resistance against CNS drugs may arise from various mechanisms, with limited drug penetration across the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) being a significant contributing factor. The BBB employs efflux transporters like P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) to safeguard the brain by removing toxins and xenobiotics, however, P‐gp also pumps out therapeutic drugs, and its upregulation in disease states can contribute to variability in drug response. While inhibiting P‐gp to prevent drug efflux seems appealing, it could lead to toxicity since P‐gp is also important for expulsion of toxins from the brain. This necessitates the incorporation of P‐gp substrate liability assessment into early drug discovery stages using appropriate experimental approaches. Therefore, this review aims to draw interest in this crucial area by analyzing the existing research on P‐gp's impact on brain distribution of major CNS drugs and exploring the detection methods for identifying P‐gp substrates. By identifying confirmed P‐gp substrates and evaluating effective detection methods, this work emphasizes the continued importance of monitoring P‐gp‐mediated CNS drug efflux out of the brain tissue. This knowledge can empower clinicians to anticipate potential treatment inefficacy and guide therapeutic decision‐making, ultimately leading to improved patient treatment outcomes.
Trophic Factors in Muscle‐Nerve Cross‐Talk Signaling Augment Muscle Fiber and Motor Endplate Development
Authors: Redden James T. , Kothe Sophie , Cohen David J. , Schwartz Zvi , McClure Michael J.
Published: February 2025

Synaptogenesis requires complex coordination between the terminating motor neuron and the developing myofiber endplate. Cross‐talk research has focused on in vivo models or singular treatments with known signaling molecules identified from these animal studies. However, in vivo models are inefficient at measuring dynamic signaling changes due to assay resolution and cost. Further, despite advances in culture methods relying on microfluidic platforms, much remains unknown about the dynamic cross‐talk between these two key cell types. As such, there is an unmet investigation into simple and reproducible coculture studies. In this study, we characterize both myoblast (C2C12) and motor neuron (NSC‐34) changes that occur in either a conditioned media model, a transwell coculture, and a 2D migration coculture. We successfully demonstrate repeatable changes in synaptogenesis with ~38% increase in Chrng protein levels (p < 0.05) in each model, increased myotube alignment in cocultured myoblasts measured with FFT analysis, and show motor neurons are preferentially chemo‐attracted to myotubes without the use of neurite‐path constraining microfluidics. Lastly, we identified a potential new signaling protein responsible for motor endplate development, apolipoprotein E (ApoE). This coculture approach reveals changes to myotube myogenesis and synaptogenesis providing a consistent platform for cross‐talk and pathway analysis for future studies.
Comparative Single‐Cell Analysis Reveals Tendon Progenitor Dysfunction by Age‐Associated Oxidative Stress and Its Restoration by Antioxidant Treatments
Authors: Jeong Youngjae , Yang Dongwook , Solidum Jea Giezl , Ortinau Laura , Park Dongsu
Published: February 2025

Impaired healing of adult tendons with fibrosis remains clinical challenges while neonatal tendons have full functional restoration. However, age‐associated cellular and molecular changes in tendon cells and tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) remain unknown. Here, comparative single cell transcriptomics of early postnatal (2 weeks old) and adult (20 weeks old) mouse tendons revealed that adult tendons have reduced number of TSPCs, decreased gene expression in tendon and cartilage development, and a greater population of fibro‐tenogenic cells. Notably, adult TSPCs and tenocytes exhibit increased expression of immune‐response and oxidative‐stress genes with higher EGFR but decreased IGF signaling. Adult tendon cells show increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo. In contrast, antioxidant treatment of adult tendons significantly reduces intracellular ROS of TSPCs and improves tendon strength in vivo. Hence, these findings suggest that increased inflammation and ROS during tendon aging deteriorates tendon function and regeneration that can be mitigated by antioxidant treatment.
Association between early phosphate intake and refeeding syndrome in extremely low‐birth‐weight infants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wright Thomas B. , Bloomfield Frank H. , Alexander Tanith , Cormack Barbara E.
Published: February 2025

Background

Preterm infants are at risk of refeeding syndrome, a constellation of biochemical changes associated with nutrition. We aimed to determine whether increased early phosphate intake with routine biochemical monitoring is associated with a reduction in refeeding syndrome.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study in two Auckland neonatal intensive care units comparing infants born <1000 g before (2014–2018, standard phosphate intake) and after (2020–2021, early phosphate intake) changes to intravenous nutrition protocols that increased phosphate intake and introduced biochemical monitoring. The standard phosphate intake cohort comprised the participants who received placebo in a randomized controlled trial of early increased amino acid intake. The early phosphate intake cohort was identified prospectively. Data were retrieved from the trial database or prospectively from electronic medical records. Groups were compared using either the chi‐square test or pooled t test and logistic or multiple logistic regression analysis. Refeeding syndrome was defined as concurrent hypophosphatemia (serum phosphate <1.4 mmol L−1) and hypercalcemia (serum calcium >2.8 mmol L−1).

Results

The incidence of refeeding syndrome in the first 5 days after birth decreased from 11.9% to 2.9%, hypophosphatemia from 53.5% to 21.2%, and severe hypophosphatemia (<0.9 mmol L−1) from 11.3% to 1.2%. Probable early‐ and late‐onset sepsis reduced from 51.4% to 28.2% and from 62.5% to 28.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

Increased early phosphate intake with routine biochemical monitoring is associated with a lower incidence of refeeding syndrome, hypophosphatemia, and associated comorbidities. Whether these associations are causal requires further investigation.
Humidity‐Assisted High‐Resolution Laser Patterning of Perovskite Nanocrystals on Glass Beyond the Diffraction Limit
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Li Xinkuo , Chen Chenduan , Ruan Chao , Li Zengling , Zhai Renshuang , Sun Ke , Qiu Jianrong , Tan Dezhi
Published: February 2025

Luminescent micro‐patterns of perovskite nanocrystals in glass written by femtosecond laser offer a novel alternative for integrated optoelectronic applications such as μ‐LED, image sensors, and optical communication. However, improving the resolution, specifically, reducing the sizes of pixel dots, of luminescent perovskite patterns directly processed by femtosecond laser in glass remains challenging due to the optical diffraction limit and the crystallographic nature of perovskites in glass. Herein, high‐resolution luminescent patterning is reported (with diameters of luminescent dots down to nanometer scale, beyond the diffraction limit) of perovskite nanocrystals on glass surfaces assisted by humidity treatment. The generation of photoluminescence (PL) emission from laser‐written non‐luminescent dot patterns is recognized as originating from the H2O‐promoted nanocrystallization of perovskites in the local region of pattern dots. By manipulating the humidity level or halide stoichiometry, arbitrary patterns with tunable emission colors can be fabricated. The current luminescent patterning strategy expanded practical applications in anti‐counterfeiting, information encryption/decryption, and optical storage. This work provides a high‐quality and versatile route toward high‐resolution perovskite patterns, which would unlock more new applications in optics and optoelectronics.
Recent Progress in CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) Perovskite Quantum Dot Glasses: Synthesis, Matrix Optimization, and Photonic Application Potentials
Authors: Duan Yongmin , Gu Keyi , Li Shugang , Du Juan , Zhang Junjie
Published: February 2025

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have emerged as prominent candidates for a variety of optoelectronic applications, including solar cells, white light‐emitting diodes (WLED), and liquid crystal displays (LCD), owing to their remarkable optical and electronic properties. These properties encompass high absorption coefficients, elevated quantum yields, tunable bandgaps, and narrow emission peaks. Nonetheless, PQDs are inherently unstable due to their low formation energy and ionic crystal nature, making them susceptible to degradation upon exposure to light, heat, and moisture. To address these challenges, encapsulating PQDs within an inorganic glass matrix has been proven effective. The rigid structure of the glass matrix significantly enhances the stability of PQDs while preserving their exceptional optical characteristics. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in PQD glasses and aims to offer critical insights to propel future research in this domain. The commonly employed glass matrix and preparation techniques for PQD glasses are reviewed, highlighting their fundamental properties such as structural integrity, optical performance, andstability, and discussing the approaches to improve the optical properties of PQD glasses, which include glass component regulation and PQD structure regulation. Additionally, the potential applications of PQD glasses in diverse areas, including WLED, LCD, and temperature sensing are explored.
Performance Enhancement of Austenitic Stainless Steels Based on the Adjustment of Grain Size by Reversion, Recrystallization, and Grain Growth
Authors: Kalhor Alireza , Sohrabi Mohammad Javad , Mobasheri Mohammad , Rodak Kinga , Dehghanian Changiz , Mirzadeh Hamed
Published: February 2025

The effects of grain size on the properties of AISI 304L and 316L stainless steels were critically discussed. Different grain sizes of 0.5, 2.7, 5.6, 15, 34, 90, and 192 μm were obtained via cold rolling followed by reversion, recrystallization, and grain growth annealing. Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed that the uniform corrosion resistance deteriorated and the pitting resistance improved with grain refinement. Accordingly, a specific range at moderate grain sizes can be recommended to improve the overall corrosion behavior, which was in the range of 5.6 to 15 μm. Moreover, tensile tests revealed that the optimum strength‐ductility balance can be obtained at the grain size of 5.6 μm in both alloys. Accordingly, the grain sizes of ~5 μm can be considered as the optimum for both the strength‐ductility trade‐off and the balance between uniform and pitting corrosion resistance. While the uniform corrosion resistances of AISI 304L and 316L stainless steels were comparable, the latter alloy showed better pitting resistance due to the high Mo content, while the former alloy showed better strength‐ductility balance due to its high work‐hardening ability.
The Corrosion Resistance Study of Ni‐P‐CS Coating Improved by Carbon Nanoparticle
Authors: Liu Guiqun , Zhang Boyu , Wang Heming , Ma Qisheng , Lv Guanglei , Zhang Xiaoli , Wu Yishan , Li Ding
Published: February 2025

In the present study, Ni‐P‐CS composite coating was prepared on Q235 carbon steel surface by electroless plating method. Candle soot (CS) is the soot produced by incomplete combustion of candles, and it is mainly composed of amorphous carbon and carbon nanoparticles. The results show that: the results indicated that the corrosion resistance of the Ni‐P deposit improved with the incorporation of candle soot (CS). The electrochemical test of Q235 carbon steel, Ni‐P and Ni‐P‐CS with 3.5% NaCl solution was performed at room temperature. The test results show that the protection efficiency of the new coating (Ni‐P‐CS) reaches 78.5%. Compared with the Ni‐P coating with the protection efficiency of 47.08%, its corrosion resistance increased by 31.42 percentage points. This study demonstrates for the first time that Ni‐P‐CS composite coating is a feasible method for metal corrosion prevention, with inexpensive raw materials and easy preparation. It provides a novel idea for petroleum, chemical and other metal anticorrosion fields.
Improved Galvanic Corrosion Model Considering the Corrosion Product Hindering Characteristic and Maximum Corrosion Depth
Authors: Han Shanling , Yin Jie , Li Xiaodong , Ping Kai , Li Yong
Published: February 2025

Accurate corrosion prediction model can help to warn corrosion problems in advance. Therefore, to predict the galvanic corrosion process, this paper introduces the maximum corrosion depth, proposes the concept of corrosion product hindering characteristic k, and establishes a novel semi‐empirical galvanic corrosion model. The model shows different corrosion states under different k values and is suitable for corrosion processes under different environments and materials. Through the multiple sets of corrosion data obtained from the self‐piercing riveted joints of carbon fiber reinforced composites and 5052 aluminum alloy under various corrosion cycles, the model under experimental conditions is solved, and the prediction effects of the other three models are compared. The new model has a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.9974, which is closest to 1, and MAE = 0.4973 is the smallest, so the model is considered effective.
Mechanism of Zinc Corrosion in Accelerated Corrosion Tests
Authors: Popova Kateryna , Prošek Tomáš
Published: February 2025

Understanding into the effect of parameters of cyclic accelerated corrosion tests on the corrosion response is essential for proper test design and interpretation of results. Real‐time corrosion rate of zinc was measured using electrical resistance sensors and statistically evaluated in seven tests. The chloride deposition phase was the most corrosive, influencing the corrosion behavior throughout the tests. Despite corrosion deceleration between chloride deposition events, zinc was repeatedly reactivated by the application of NaCl solution and zinc corrosion rate increased during the tests. It is in contrast to field observations. Prolonged exposure to high humidity and elevated temperature during the transition and wet phases accelerated corrosion, while prolonged drying at higher temperature inhibited corrosion. The results suggest that the corrosivity of future corrosion tests needs to be reduced by lowering the salt concentration, shortening the chloride deposition phase, and including sufficiently intense drying.
Knocking Down Ferredoxin 1 Inhibits the Progression of Colorectal Cancer and Regulates Cuproptosis via Mediating the Hippo Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hu Ying , Liu Haihua , Tan Xiaobin , Wu Xiongjian
Published: February 2025

Cuproptosis is a form of programmed cell death dependent on mitochondrial respiration and is crucial in cancer treatment. The study attempted to screen cuproptosis‐associated genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) and reveal regulatory pathways. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to screen the co‐expression modules based on gene expression in CRC patients. The cuproptosis‐associated genes were screened at the intersection of co‐expression modules and cuproptosis gene data set. RNA sequencing was performed to assess the transcriptome changes, followed by functional enrichment analyses to reveal the potential pathways. Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) was knocked down in in vivo and in vitro experiments to investigate the effects of FDX1 knockdown on CRC progression and cuproptosis. FDX1 was found as a cuproptosis‐associated gene and was highly expressed in CRC tumor and CRC cells. Knockdown of FDX1 regulated cuproptosis in CRC cells, and inhibited CRC cell growth, migration and invasion. We screened 1956 upregulated DEGs and 2201 downregulated DEGs in si‐FDX1 cells, which were mainly enriched in mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway and Hippo signaling pathway. Knockdown of FDX1 inhibited CRC progression by increasing the levels of dihydrolipoamide S‐succinyltransferase (DLST), lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS) and phosphorylation Yes‐associated protein (pYAP)/YAP, and downregulated transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ‐binding domain (TAZ). The inhibitor of Hippo pathway GA‐017 blocked this process. Knocking down FDX1 regulated cuproptosis and inhibited CRC progression by mediating the Hippo signaling pathway, which shed new insights into the development of biomarkers for CRC treatment.
Poly(A)‐Selected Intergenic Transcripts in In Vivo Developed Bovine Oocytes and Pre‐Implantation Embryos
Authors: Ranjitkar Saurav , Shiri Mohammad , Sun Jiangwen , Tian Xiuchun
Published: February 2025

Intergenic transcription, either failure to terminate at the transcription end site (TES), or transcription initiation at other intergenic regions, is present in cultured cells and enhanced in the presence of stressors such as viral infection. Such intergenic transcription has not been characterized in natural biological samples such as pre‐implantation embryos which express more than 10,000 genes and undergo drastic changes in DNA methylation. Using Automatic Readthrough Transcription Detection (ARTDeco) and poly(A)‐selected RNA‐seq libraries from in vivo developed bovine oocytes and embryos, we found abundant intergenic transcripts that we termed as read‐outs (transcribed from 5 to 15 kb after TES) and read‐ins (transcribed 1 kb upstream of reference genes, extending up to 15 kb upstream). Read‐throughs (continued transcription from TES of expressed reference genes, 4–15 kb in length), however, were much fewer. For example, the numbers of read‐outs and read‐ins ranged from 3084 to 6565 or 33.36% to 66.67% of expressed reference genes at different stages of embryo development. The less copious read‐throughs were at an average of 10% and significantly correlated with reference gene expression (p < 0.05). Interestingly, intergenic transcription did not seem to be random because many intergenic transcripts (1504 read‐outs, 1045 read‐ins, and 1021 read‐throughs) were associated with common reference genes across all stages of pre‐implantation development. Their expression also seemed to be regulated by developmental stages because many were differentially expressed (log2 fold change ≥ 2, p < 0.05). Additionally, while gradual but un‐patterned decreases in DNA methylation densities 10 kb both up‐ and downstream of the intergenic transcribed regions were observed, the correlation between intergenic transcription and DNA methylation was insignificant. Finally, transcription factor binding motifs and polyadenylation signals were found in 27.2% and 12.15% of intergenic transcripts, respectively, suggesting considerable novel transcription initiation and RNA processing. In summary, in vivo developed oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos express large numbers of intergenic transcripts, which are not related to the overall DNA methylation profiles either up‐ or downstream.
Who is local and what do they know? Braiding knowledges within carnivore management in Europe
Authors: Pettersson Hanna , Lécuyer Lou , Young Juliette , Stringer Lindsay , Calla Simon , Juhász Erika , Molnár Zsolt
Published: February 2025

Growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples and traditional local communities as stewards of biodiversity has brought to the fore the issues of knowledge and value pluralism in conservation policy and practice. Given their basis in practical and multi‐generational experience, Indigenous and local knowledges are highly relevant to managing human–wildlife interactions, especially species that are challenging to live with. Yet, these situated forms of knowledge remain overlooked and marginalised, especially ‘local knowledge’, as it is unclear what or whom is encompassed within the term.

We explore local knowledge in the context of pastoral areas in Europe, where populations of large carnivores such as wolves are currently expanding. We ask: who is ‘local’, what constitutes ‘local knowledge’ and what can this knowledge contribute to carnivore management?

We show that continuous exchanges between long‐settled residents, newcomers and transient people in pastoral areas mean that ‘localness’ cannot be approached as a dualist position. Similarly, local knowledge is dynamic and continuously evolving in the face of ongoing and emerging change, which makes efforts of categorisation and preservation complex.

We argue that current approaches to incorporating local knowledge often fail to account for this complexity, producing unjust and ineffective policies and strategies. To advance understanding, we offer an approach that situates local knowledge and those who hold it on a spectrum of knowledge characteristics. We then describe the challenges of braiding knowledge that are particularly relevant for carnivore management, illustrated by examples from our own research and the broader literature.

To tackle the challenges, we propose ‘spacing’ conservation planning by investing in networks of emplaced practitioners, tasked with coordinating the mobilisation and braiding of relevant knowledges and producing locally adapted strategies for coexistence.

Policy implications. Pluralism in carnivore management goes beyond incorporating the technical know‐how of local communities. It requires a better recognition and braiding of different kinds of knowledge and skills, at all scales, to produce better outcomes for people and nature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The Cutting Edge Quest: Epic Saga of Carboxymethyl Guar Gum in Drug Delivery and Roads Ahead
Authors: Thakur Vaishali , Dhiman Sonia , Singh Thakur Gurjeet , Bhatia Rohit , Awasthi Ankit
Published: February 2025

The search for novel drug delivery systems has generated great interest in biopolymer‐based carriers. Among these, carboxymethyl guar gum (CMGG) has been shown to be promising. CMGG is a chemically modified derivative of guar gum that is synthesized by carboxymethylation with monochloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide under optimized conditions. This improves the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide, which are enhanced hydrophilicity, viscosity, and swelling behavior compared to unmodified Guar gum. This review focuses on the wide applications of CMGG in drug delivery systems, thus underlining its versatility as an excipient based on its unique properties. Key features such as pseudoplasticity allow for the effective delivery of drugs in controlled‐release systems. Advanced characterization techniques, like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, confirm the structural changes due to carboxymethylation; further aspects are emphasized with rheological studies, which highlight its applicability in pharmaceutical fields. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of CMGG add to the advantages, offering safety and compatibility with the environment in therapeutic applications. The capacity of CMGG to enclose hydrophilic drugs as well as control release profiles shows a promise for further therapeutic efficacy enhancement with patient safety. This review further puts forward that CMGG represents an excellent means in the development of novel drug delivery systems for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Frequency‐Tunable Plasma: Insights Into Ozone and Reactive Species Dynamics for Biomedical Use
Authors: Chaturvedi Misra V. , Tiwari N. , Bhale D. R. , Ghorui S.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates how varying excitation frequencies (15, 30, 45, and 60 kHz) influence ozone and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in excitation frequency‐controlled cold atmospheric pressure plasma (EFCAP) and plasma‐treated water (PTW) for biomedical applications. Adjusting the excitation frequency alters the amplitude and frequency of the waveform, thereby affecting the production of ozone and ROS. The most pronounced effects occur at 15 kHz, with strong correlations observed between discharge parameters and frequency modulation. Furthermore, the introduction of nitrogen into argon plasma significantly enhances ozone production. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing plasma discharge conditions to improve control over reactive species, advancing the development of plasma‐based medical treatments.
Testing Curvature‐Matter Coupling Gravity via Swampland Conjectures
Authors: Varsha C. S. , Sudharani L. , Kavya N. S. , Venkatesha V.
Published: February 2025

The study of the compatibility of curvature‐matter coupling gravity theory within the framework of swampland conjectures is explored in this manuscript. The de‐sitter swampland conjecture is considered in relation to the inflationary solution generated by the curvature‐matter coupling gravity. The slow‐roll conditions are derived for the specific case of model. The results show that the swampland conjectures are at odds with the slow‐roll condition for curvature‐matter coupling gravity theory. Therefore, it is concluded that the swampland conjectures and the curvature‐matter coupling gravity, Specifically, model appear to be inconsistent with each other within the context of an inflationary profile of curvature‐matter coupling gravity theory.
Overtones' Outburst and Hawking Evaporation of Kazakov–Solodukhin Quantum Corrected Black Hole
Authors: Bolokhov Sergey , Bronnikov Kirill , Konoplya Roman
Published: February 2025

The Kazakov–Solodukhin black hole (BH) metric represents a spherically symmetric deformation of the Schwarzschild solution due to quantum‐gravity corrections. Assuming the absence of nonspherical deformations of the metric, this problem was solved nonperturbatively. In this study, the intensity of Hawking radiation in the background of such quantum‐corrected BHs and the behavior of their quasinormal modes (QNM) are investigated. The findings indicate that while the geometry and such classical characteristics as the fundamental QNM frequencies or the shadow radius are only slightly altered, the Hawking radiation and the frequencies of QNM overtones of sufficiently small BHs change much more significantly. This Hawking radiation enhancement arises due to much larger grey‐body factors, while the Hawking temperature remains unaffected. The effect becomes significant at the latest stage of BH evaporation.
Dynamical Generation of Electroweak Scale From the Conformal Sector: A Strongly Coupled Higgs via the Dyson–Schwinger Approach
Authors: Chatterjee Arpan , Frasca Marco , Ghoshal Anish , Groote Stefan
Published: February 2025

A novel pathway to generate the electroweak (EW) scale via non‐perturbative dynamics of a conformally invariant scalar sector at the classical level is proposed. A method is provided to estimate the non‐perturbative EW scale generation using the exact solution of the background equations of motion in a scalar theory via the Dyson–Schwinger approach. Particularly, an analytical result for the Higgs mass in the strongly coupled regime is found in terms of its quartic self interaction term and the cut‐off scale of the theory. It is also shown that the Higgs sector is an essential part of the standard model as, without it, a Yang–Mills gauge theory cannot acquire mass even if a self‐interaction term is present. A more realistic model building with possible solutions to the gauge hierarchy problem and, in general, to the dynamical generation of any scales scales in nature, be it the visible sector or the dark sector, is led by this analysis.
Developing a Climbing Robot for Stay Cable Maintenance With Security and Rescue Mechanisms
Authors: Zheng Zhenliang , Wang Chao , Hu Xiaoli , Zhang Lun , Zhang Wenchao , Xu Yongyuan , Liu Pengfei , Pang Xufang , Lam Tin Lun , Ding Ning
Published: February 2025

The significance of climbing robotic systems for cable maintenance is escalating in both academic research and real‐world applications. As these systems are poised for real‐world deployment, it is imperative to develop security and rescue mechanisms that ensure robots' intrinsic safety and robustness in dealing with uncertainty factors. This study presents a novel cable climbing robot designed with a climbing platform, a robotic manipulator integrated with specialized maintenance tools, and a gripper to withstand dynamic loads and impacts from maintenance operations. In addition, we propose the variable‐damping safe‐landing mechanism, the rescue mechanism, and the fusible gripper mechanism to counteract substantial disturbances in worst‐case scenarios. Extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the proposed robot and its security and rescue mechanisms. The cable climbing robot has a heavy‐duty capacity of 45 kg and an obstacle‐negotiation ability of 10 mm. It also demonstrated its capabilities in various maintenance tasks, such as cable inspection, grinding, or repair. The variable‐damping safe‐landing mechanism was tested, showing the maximum falling speed can decrease from 1 to 0.1 m/s to promise safety, and the falling time can increase from about 5 to 45 s. Meanwhile, the rescue mechanism successfully retrieved the trapped robot. The results demonstrate the capabilities of the cable climbing robot and the feasibility of using the security and rescue mechanisms for the climbing robotic system, which have implications that the cable climbing robot with security and rescue mechanisms is more reliable and can be deployed in the real world with greater confidence.
Turbid Underwater Image Enhancement via Attenuation Prior Formation Model
Authors: Liu Shuai , Chen Peng , Chen Lei , Zheng Yuchao , Li Jianru , Shen Zhengxiang , Wang Zhanshan
Published: February 2025

To deal with the issue of poor visibility caused by water turbidity during the operation of underwater robotics, we propose an attenuation prior formation model‐guided enhancement algorithm for turbid underwater images. Specifically, we establish an imaging model suitable for turbid water by studying the influence of water turbidity on light attenuation and transmission. For this model, we first propose a scoring formula that takes into account multiple prior knowledge to estimate the global background light with the help of a hierarchical searching technique. Then, we make full use of the advantages of different scale neighborhoods in image restoration and propose an adaptive multiscale weighted fusion transmission estimation method to balance brightness and contrast. In addition, to correct the color of the images with a natural appearance, a variation of white balance is introduced as postprocessing. Extensive experiments on two image data sets show that our algorithm achieves better results than state‐of‐the‐art methods.
ROV Teleoperation in the Presence of Cross‐Currents Using Soft Haptics
Authors: Brown Joshua , Farkhatdinov Ildar , Jenkin Michael
Published: February 2025

The remote operation of underwater vehicles at depth is complicated by the presence of invisible and unpredictable environmental disturbances such as cross‐currents. Communicating the presence of these disturbances to an operator on the surface is made more difficult by the nature of the disturbances and the lack of visible features to highlight in the visual display presented to the operator. Here we explore the use of a novel interactive soft haptic touchpad that utilizes vibration and particle jamming to provide information about the presence and direction of cross‐currents to the operator of an ROV (remotely operated vehicle). An in‐water experiment using a thruster‐based ROV and artificially generated cross‐current was performed with nonexpert ROV operators to evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal haptic feedback to communicate complex environmental information during high‐risk operations. Advanced haptic displays can signal both the presence of external factors as well as their direction, information that can enhance operational performance as well as reduce operator cognitive load. Using haptic feedback resulted in a statistically significant reduction in cognitive load of 24.3% and an increase in positioning accuracy of 28.3% for novice operators. Deviation from an ideal path was also reduced by 29.5% for experienced operators when using haptic feedback compared to without. While this experiment took place in controlled conditions with a fixed direction cross‐current and haptic interface, this approach could be extended to communicate real‐time environmental information in real‐world unstructured environments.
Heterogeneous Event Mapping of Multi‐Robot System Based on Event Structures
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Han Deshuai , Yang Qiliang , Chen Wenjie , Wang Ronghao
Published: February 2025

Heterogeneous event mapping is a critical challenge in multi‐robot system, where diverse robots generate event logs with opaque names and inconsistent formats due to subsystem heterogeneity. However, existing techniques are inappropriate because they do not make full use of workflow features in event logs. We observe that several types of event constraints in event logs may serve as more discriminative features in event matching. Therefore, a novel approach is proposed to address the above problem by leveraging event structures as discriminative feature for heterogeneous event mapping. Specifically, the event structure captures behavioral constraints in event logs to provide a robust foundation for event mapping. To enhance matching efficiency, we devise an advanced A* search algorithm with a tight upper bound, which effectively prunes nonoptimal mappings and avoid the space explosion problem. Furthermore, a prototype system is implemented that automatically calculates the optimal mapping score between heterogeneous events. Based on this, extensive experiments on both real and synthetic data sets demonstrate that our approach outperforms state‐of‐the‐art approaches in accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. This work provides a robust solution for seamless coordination and data sharing in MRS, with potential applications in autonomous navigation, collaborative robotics, and human–robot interaction.
Flow Memory Effect on Open‐Frame Remotely Operated Vehicle Motion
Authors: Guo Ruinan , Zan Yingfei , Fu Wenzhi , Cao Chenlei , Han Duanfeng , Sun Nan
Published: February 2025

The flow memory effect is a kind of viscous force caused by acceleration between continuous phases and underwater vehicles and the development of the boundary layer near the interfacial surface. This paper establishes a 6‐degrees‐of‐freedom unsteady equation of motion describing the flow memory effect on viscous hydrodynamic loads. Motion simulations based on the unsteady and steady equations of motion for a work‐class open‐frame remotely operated vehicle are studied. Comparative studies show that the flow memory effect decreases the roll amplitude by over 50% at the natural frequency and has a greater impact on the motions in directions without control forces. The flow memory increases the lateral distance of rotation motions by over 10%. Under the flow memory effect, velocity fluctuations that persist over 2–5 times the length of the remotely operated vehicle are induced after the thrust control stops. The application of the unsteady equation of motion as part of a controller is verified through simulation experiments. A sudden motion in the process of rotation is designed to study the improvement of the control ability of the unsteady model. The experimental results suggest a performance improvement of ~30% over the steady‐model‐based controller when the roll angle error reaches the extreme value. The lower sensitivity of the unsteady‐model‐based controller is proved by motion control under multiple gains.
Enabling Quantum Privacy and Security by Design: Imperatives for Contemporary State‐of‐the‐Art in Quantum Software Engineering
Authors: Santa Barletta Vita , Caivano Danilo , Pal Anibrata , Scalera Michele , Serrano Martin Manuel A.
Published: February 2025

With the advent of Quantum Computing and its exponential research endeavors in the past couple of decades, we are looking at a Golden Era of Quantum Computing. We are transitioning into an age of Hybrid Classical‐Quantum Computers, where the quantum computational resources are selectively harnessed for resource‐intensive tasks. On the one hand, Quantum Computing promises immense future computational innovation, and it also comes with privacy and security challenges. To date, Privacy by Design (PbD) and Security by Design (SbD) frameworks and guidelines in the Quantum Software Engineering (QSE) domain are still nebulous, and there are no comprehensive studies on the same. In this study, therefore, we identify the current state‐of‐the‐art in the relevant literature and investigate the principles of PbD and SbD in the domain of QSE. This is the first study to identify state‐of‐the‐art Quantum PbD and Quantum SbD in QSE. Furthermore, we also identified the gaps in the current literature, which were extended into action points for a robust literature for Quantum PbD and SbD. We recognize the crucial role of researchers, academics, and professionals in the field of Quantum Computing and Software Engineering in conducting more empirical studies and shaping the future of PbD and SbD principles in QSE.
The Damage Done: A Mandate to Demolish America's Progress Toward a More Perfect Union
Authors: Brunello Anthony R.
Published: February 2025

One of the means to undermine democratic government is to destroy public trust in institutions. Tyrants break confidence in democracy by constantly attacking government as wasteful, incompetent, and illegitimate. The conservative movement in America gradually moved in this direction on three fronts: religion, economics, and democratic institutions, working toward minority autocracy and against egalitarianism and diversity. Reagan‐era neoliberalism evolved into the Tea Party Movement (in 2008) and has now transformed into MAGA (in 2016) (Make America Great Again) under Donald Trump. The Heritage Foundation is now ready to fulfill a dream of “dismantling the administrative state” with Project 2025: Mandate for Leadership (in 2023). This extended commentary chronicles the means through which the American conservative movement used racism and religion to undermine democratic institutions for the sake of power and wealth and to win an ideological culture war for White nationalism.
Country Size and Government Effectiveness in Africa: Transcending the Mean Analysis
Authors: Amegavi George Babington , Langnel Zechariah , Bawole Justice Nyigma , Mensah James Kwame
Published: February 2025

Improving government performance in Africa remains an enduring issue. We used panel data from 1996 to 2019 and the method of moment quantile regression (MMQR) technique to provide new perspectives on the relationship between population size and government effectiveness across a panel of large and small African countries. We also examined whether the impact depends on the conditional distribution of government effectiveness. The impact and significance of the estimated coefficients suggest that large and small populations have strong but differentiated effects on government effectiveness in Africa. The results imply that implementing a “one‐size‐fits‐all” strategy to improve government performance in Africa that treats countries in the region as homogeneous units is unlikely to be effective. Strategies should be tailored to address country‐specific asymmetries. The findings also emphasize the importance of heterogeneity in government effectiveness in population size–government performance interactions, which tends to be neglected in public administration theory and practice.
Divergent Paths: The Statal Securitization of the Kurdish Question and the Struggle for Kurdish Societal Security in Türkiye
Authors: Has Ibrahim
Published: February 2025

This article revisits the Kurdish Question and Kurdish struggle offering a fresh examination through the societal securitization perspective of the Copenhagen School. There is insufficient analysis of the struggle between the statal and societal conceptions of security and (de)securitization regarding the Kurdish Question. I therefore identify a gap in the literature on the securitization of the Kurdish Question—which adopts a state‐centric approach without paying attention to the highly understudied societal security of the Kurds. Extant literature tends to reduce the Kurdish Question to debates concerning minorities and terrorism, usually ignoring or legitimizing racist statal securitization through counterterrorism. Instead, I emphasize the intertwined relations between the (de)securitization of the Kurdish Question and the struggle for Kurdish societal security. The article discusses the dialectics of the Kurdish Question—which are as societal as they are territorial—that cannot be analyzed in isolation or independently from one another. Following key elements of the Copenhagen School approach, it constructs the Kurdish movement as the securitizer of societal security, claiming that the realization of societal security is a milestone in desecuritization and the path to a solution to the Kurdish Question.
Challenges and Adaptations of Model‐Based Clustering for Flow and Mass Cytometry
Authors: Doherty Ultán P. , McLoughlin Rachel M. , White Arthur
Published: February 2025

Model‐based clustering is a statistical approach to cluster analysis, which has been successfully deployed in a number of domains due to its principled framework, clear assumptions, and adaptability. For these reasons, there has been substantial interest in applying model‐based clustering methods to flow cytometry and mass cytometry data. The identification of relevant cell populations is a crucial step in the analysis of cytometry data for immunological research. Technological advances have led to a rapid increase in the dimensionality and complexity of cytometry data, prompting significant interest in the use of clustering algorithms in place of traditional manual data analysis techniques for cell population identification. This article highlights how model‐based clustering methods, such as mixture models, have been adapted to meet the many interesting and unusual challenges that present themselves to the researcher when analyzing flow and mass cytometry data. These innovations demonstrate that there is considerable potential for further methodological development and collaboration between the cytometry and model‐based clustering research communities.