bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and influencing factors in microalgae harvesting using crossflow membrane technology
Authors: Bao Jie , Scott John Ashley , Laamanen Corey Alfred
Published: February 2025

As a result of the renewable nature of microalgae, combined with significant potential for application in various industries (such as bioenergy and nutrition), there is increasing interest in their commercial production. A key processing step is harvesting the microalgae and utilization of crossflow membrane technology is gaining interest. Published research shows biomass recoveries of 93%–100%, relatively low energy consumption, and the option to avoid chemical additives. This review discusses membrane harvesting performance, by examining the effect of microalgal physical characteristics, membrane and module types, and operational conditions. As membrane fouling is a major challenge to maintaining good performance, different strategies to control and mitigate fouling are also discussed.
Fog collection with hairy wires
Authors: Feng Leyun , Choi Wonjae , Park Kyoo‐Chul
Published: February 2025

Fog collection can be an affordable, practical solution to water scarcity in many regions around the world. Commercial fog harvesters typically use mesh structures composed of cylindrical wires or thin strips. The choice of their length scale, especially the width, has been a challenge due to a trade‐off problem—wide wires or strips cause fog droplets to avoid contact and display lower deposition efficiency, while meshes comprising thin cylinders or strips often suffer from clogging and exhibit low drainage efficiency. In this study, we propose a cost‐effective dual‐scale structure, a vertical core composed of two twisted cylindrical wires surrounded by thin hairs protruding along radial direction, which can greatly improve the water collection efficiency by decoupling the mechanisms for droplet deposition and drain: while thin hairs allow fog droplets to retain high Stokes number and deposit with high efficiency, a vertical core functions as a wicking mechanism for deposited droplets to drain quickly. Fabricated hairy wires have a water collection rate of more than two and a half times that of smooth cylindrical wires of the same diameter, and their steady‐state performance does not suffer from clogging, in contrast to conventional meshes composed of thin wires. Proposed hairy wires can be mass‐produced by slightly modifying commercial products. This study provides a practical solution for the optimal design of fog collectors, benefiting the fight against the global water crisis.
Drivers of spatiotemporal variability in a marine foundation species
Authors: Giraldo‐Ospina Anita , Bell Tom , Carr Mark H. , Caselle Jennifer E.
Published: February 2025

Marine foundation species are critical for the structure and functioning of ecosystems and constitute the pillar of trophic chains while also providing a variety of ecosystem services. In recent decades, many foundation species have declined in abundance, sometimes threatening their current geographical distribution. Kelps (Laminariales) are the primary foundation species in temperate coastal systems worldwide. Kelp ecosystems are notoriously variable, challenging the identification of key factors controlling their dynamics. Identification of these drivers is key to predicting the fate of kelp ecosystems under climatic change and to informing management and conservation decisions such as restoration. Here, we used in situ data from long‐term monitoring programs across 1350 km of coast spanning multiple biogeographic regions in the state of California (USA) to identify the major regional drivers of density of two dominant canopy‐forming kelp species and to elucidate the spatial and temporal scales over which they operate. We used generalized additive mixed models to identify the key drivers of density of two dominant kelp species (Nereocystis luetkeana and Macrocystis pyrifera) across four ecological regions of the state of California (north, central, southwest, and southeast) and for the past two decades (2004–2021). The dominant drivers of kelp density varied among regions and species but always included some combination of nitrate availability, wave energy and exposure, density of purple sea urchins, and temperature as the most important predictors. These variables explained 63% of the variability of bull kelp in the northern and central regions, and 45% and 51.4% of the variability in giant kelp for the central/southwest and southeast regions, respectively. These large‐scale analyses infer that a combination of lower nutrient availability, changes in wave energy and exposure, and increases in temperature and purple sea urchin counts have contributed to the decline of kelp observed in the last decade. Understanding the drivers of kelp dynamics can be used to identify regional patterns of historical stability and periods of significant change, ultimately informing resource management and conservation decisions such as site selection for kelp protection and restoration.
Paleoenvironmental context of fluvial soils in the dryest region of Brazilian semiarid
Authors: Xavier Patricia Dornellas , Xavier Rafael Albuquerque , Figueiredo Renan , Andrade Cláudio Vinícios Pedroso de Azevedo , Borges Neto Inocencio de Oliveira , de Souza José João Lelis Leal , de Souza Bartolomeu Israel , Reis João
Published: February 2025

Paleoenvironmental analysis in the Brazilian semiarid region is challenging. The low occurrence of flooded regions limits the preservation of pollen and accumulation of organic matter. In well‐drained sites, the high pH and intense erosion destroy phytoliths. The low studies performed in limestone caves indicate that the semiarid climate conditions were established in the last 5 kyr before the present in Northeastern Brazil. In these conditions, alluvial deposits are potential sources of information about the recent past evolution of semiarid regions once the size, selection and composition of sediments reflect erosion and transport. This study aimed to analyse the recent past drainage evolution in the Borborema Plateau and Sertaneja Low Surface, two of the driest regions in Brazil. Four Fluvisols and one Cambisol were described in alluvial fans. Physical, chemical and sedimentological analyses were performed. Selected horizons were dated according to the OSL method. Variability of texture, mineral chemical composition and organic carbon content indicate discontinuities in all soil profiles. Layers of very poorly selected coarse material deposited in high‐energy depositional systems are interbedded with clay‐rich layers deposited by low‐energy energy. The abundance of Fe, Si, Ti, Ca and K indicates variation in the source of the deposited materials. The age variation between the soil profiles indicates four evolutionary stages between 2,700 and ~100 yr. The higher age variance between layers in the Borborema Plateau indicates frequent and low‐magnitude sedimentation events. These events are typical of semiarid climates because they reflect low sediment transport capacity by the ephemeral rivers. On the other hand, the lower age variation between the layers and buried A horizons suggest intense aggradation intercalated by stabilized periods, when vegetation was established and bioturbation formed A horizons.
Optimizing Contrast‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Neurography of the Brachial Plexus With Delayed Scanning
Authors: Xu Jun , Hu Xiaoli , Su Xiaoyun , Gui Shen , Lei Ziqiao , Liu Xiaoming , Zhou Xiangzhi , Wang Lixia , Wu Wenjun , Kong Xiangchuang
Published: February 2025

Background

Contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance neurography (ceMRN) can enhance brachial plexus visualization and quality of imaging. However, the interval between contrast injection and scanning that provides the highest‐quality images is not known.

Methods

Fifteen patients underwent brachial plexus imaging using the 3D T2‐NerveView sequence with a scanning duration of 5 min. A consecutive six‐phase scan was initiated immediately at the start of contrast agent injection. Subsequently, all patients' images were classified into six groups according to the phases: group A (phase 1, delay 0 min), group B (phase 2, delay 5 min), group C (phase 3, delay 10 min), group D (phase 4, delay 15 min), group E (phase 5, delay 20 min), and group F (phase 6, delay 25 min). The image quality in each group was assessed based on nerve signal (signalnerve), muscle signal (signalmuscle), lymph node signal (signallymph node), background noise (BN), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and subjective score.

Results

Signalnerve, signalmuscle, BN, and SNR did not significantly differ among the six groups (p > 0.05). However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in signallymph node (F = 16.067), CNR (F = 9.495), and subjective score (χ2 = 23.586). As the scanning delay increased, signallymph node intensity gradually increased whereas the CNR gradually decreased. The subjective score was significantly higher in groups B (4.83 ± 0.24), C (4.90 ± 0.21), D (4.87 ± 0.30), E (4.83 ± 0.31), and F (4.83 ± 0.31) than in group A (4.47 ± 0.30).

Conclusion

We recommend performing brachial plexus ceMRN 5 min after contrast injection. With this delay, the brachial plexus can be visualized optimally with minimal interference from background signals.
Single‐Cell Transcriptome Decoding Umbilical Cord‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Heterogeneity Reveals a Unique IL1R1HighPDGFRAHigh Ultroser‐G‐MSC With Osteogenesis and Chondrogenesis Signatures
Authors: Huang Shihao , Xu Xinyu , Guo Jiaqi , Li Zhuolan , Wu Yanlin , Liu Yuanyuan , Sun Qinyi , Wang Sihan , Yan Huilin , Su Yueyan , Guo Wei
Published: February 2025

The heterogeneity of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) is culturing‐dependent, resulting in functional non‐uniformness. To achieve the best clinical benefit, a comprehensive understanding of the origin of the heterogeneity in different culture systems can identify functional subgroups to direct the precise application of hUC‐MSCs. Here, we create a single‐cell transcriptome atlas of hUC‐MSC in different culture systems for the identification of a subgroup of Ultroser‐G‐MSCs with high osteogenic and chondrogenic potentials featured by high expressions of IL1R1 and PDGFRA. Further experimental validations surprisingly reveal that IL1R1highPDGFRAhigh Ultroser‐G‐MSCs possess advantages over “traditional” hUC‐MSCs in the treatments of modeled osteoarthritis, leading to a cell‐cell communication network centered in Clusters 0 and 2. Moreover, we found that Wnt5 signaling is the key pathway for the dynamic transformation of osteogenic and chondrogenic phenotypes in hUC‐MSC. Overall, the present study paves the way for the clarification of heterogenetic nature of hUC‐MSC in different culture systems for the selection of optimal MSC types to achieve the precision on clinical treatments.
Aged‐Related Fibroblast Activation Protein Expression in Skeletal Muscles Evaluated by PET Imaging
Authors: Suh Minseok , Gil Joonhyung , Kang Yeon‐Koo , Choi Hongyoon , Cheon Gi Jeong
Published: February 2025

Background

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is prominently involved in the tumour microenvironment and tissue remodelling processes in most cancers, and its expression is also noted in normal skeletal muscle. This study aims to explore the relationship between FAP expression and age‐related muscle characteristics through FAP inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT imaging.

Methods

This retrospective analysis studied 54 patients with lung cancer (n = 27) and pancreatic cancer (n = 27) using FAPI PET/CT. Imaging‐based muscle features including the mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and Hounsfield units (HU) were evaluated. Age‐related FAP expression in skeletal muscles was also evaluated using the Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) dataset. Statistical analyses included Spearman's rank correlation and Kruskal–Wallis test, with a p‐value of less than 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Analysis revealed a moderate to strong positive correlation between FAPI SUVmean and age (ρ = 0.368, p = 0.006), with older age groups showing higher muscle uptake. Within specific cohorts, the FAPI‐74 group demonstrated a stronger correlation (ρ = 0.500, p = 0.008) compared to the FAPI‐46 group (ρ = 0.319, p = 0.105). SUVmean also correlated negatively with muscle density (HU) (ρ = −0.298, p = 0.029), suggesting an association with higher fat infiltration. GTEx data supported these findings, showing a significant increase in FAP expression across age groups (p < 0.001), with the highest median FAP in the 70–79 age group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an age‐related increase in FAPI uptake in skeletal muscle, correlated with changes in muscle density and fat infiltration. The role of FAP extends beyond pathology to normal muscle, indicating broader biological functions. Accordingly, FAPI PET shows promise for assessing age‐related muscle health and quality.
Investigation of Neuronal–Astroglial Injury Proteins and MMP‐9 Serum Levels in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Relationship With Autistic Regression
Authors: Devecioğlu Huriye Berna , Tan Çağman , Mısır Ekin Günal , Esen Halime Tuna Çak , Özbek Begüm , Kültür Sadriye Ebru Çengel
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study compared serum levels of S100B, GFAP, UCHL‐1, NF‐H and MMP‐9 between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and controls, focusing on their association with regression in ASD. We hypothesized that neuroinflammation and neuronal/astroglial damage markers would be higher in the ASD group than in controls and even more elevated in the regressive ASD subgroup compared to the non‐regressive subgroup.

Methods

The study included 50 children with ASD (ages 4–10) and 30 healthy children. Participants underwent the K‐SADS‐PL diagnostic interview, CARS, a semi‐structured interview for regression, ABC, AuBC, CPRS‐RS and SRS assessments. Serum levels of S100B, GFAP, UCHL‐1, NF‐H and MMP‐9 were measured using flow cytometry and ELISA.

Results

Serum levels of S100B, GFAP, UCHL‐1, NF‐H and MMP‐9 showed no significant differences between the ASD and control groups. Within the ASD group, no notable differences were found in sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, or serum marker levels between those with and without regression.

Conclusion

The findings obtained in this study suggested that it is necessary to question whether the peripheral circulation can represent changes in central nervous system and to review the existence of autistic regression as a separate entity in ASD in terms of clinical features and etiopathogenesis.
Leveraging Mask Autoencoder and Crossover Binary Sand Cat Algorithm for Early Detection of Glaucoma
Authors: Rekha C. , Jayashree K.
Published: February 2025

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, can be effectively managed if detected early. Glaucoma is directly associated with aging as it commonly occurs in people over the age of 40 and in elderly people. Glaucoma detection in retinal fundus images typically involves utilizing image processing and machine learning techniques. By leveraging advancements in computer vision, a robust and automated system is developed to assist ophthalmologists in screening and diagnosing glaucoma from retinal fundus images. Furthermore, fundus images can vary significantly in quality due to factors like illumination variations, focus, and artifacts. Ensuring consistent image quality across different datasets and acquisition devices is essential for reliable detection. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists to develop robust and reliable solutions for the detection of glaucoma. Hence a novel mask autoencoder‐based crossover binary sand cat (MA‐CBSC) algorithm is proposed to detect glaucoma. In this algorithm, the mask autoencoder recognizes the features indicating the presence of glaucoma in the input images and the crossover binary sand cat algorithm is used to fine tune the overall performance of the algorithm by selecting the most appropriate features escaped due to overfitting issues. Preprocessing steps such as image enhancement, filtering, and data cleaning are applied to the extracted ROI for the purpose of increasing the image quality and enhancing the visibility of features relevant to glaucoma detection. ROI extraction attributes namely optic disc, cup‐to‐disc ratio, bean‐pot cupping, and vertical enlargement are derived from the ROI along with some other relevant features. In this work, the crossover‐based binary sand cat optimization algorithm is utilized for hyperparameter tuning to enhance the efficiency of the MA‐CBSC method. Extensive experimental assessments are conducted, comparing the effectiveness of MA‐CBSC algorithms with the Retinal Disease Classification dataset, Fundus Glaucoma Detection Data Dataset, and Glaucoma Dataset. The results obtained by the proposed method are compared with the results obtained by the existing techniques such as DLCNN‐MGWO‐VW, FRCNN‐FKM, ML‐DCNN, and DNN‐MSO to show its superiority. Seven evaluation parameters are used in assessing the efficiency of the developed model including positive predictive value (PPV), accuracy, precision, F1 score, sensitivity, recall, and specificity. These evaluation measures show that the model has a more promising performance than the existing methods with 98.3% accuracy.
Protective Efficacy of Yogurt, Milk, and Fluoridated Tooth Creme Against Acidic Beverages on Human Teeth: Stereomicroscopic and Ultrastructural Analyses
Authors: Basu Sourendra Nath , Kumar Priya , Gawali Rohan Ashok , Urs Aadithya B.
Published: February 2025

Acidic beverages can cause significant demineralization and erosive ultrastructural changes in human teeth, while milk and yogurt can prevent dental erosion. This in vitro study aimed to quantify and compare the protective efficacy of yogurt and milk against acidic beverages using stereomicroscopy, weight reduction experiments, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Overall, 24 freshly extracted single‐rooted human teeth (preserved in neutral buffered formalin) were randomly divided into four treatment subgroups: yogurt, milk, topical fluoridated tooth cream (TFTC), and unprotected teeth. They were immersed periodically in the six commonly consumed acidic beverages. Four control teeth were neither protected nor immersed in any beverage. The protective efficacy of these agents was calculated from the quantification of surface changes using stereomicroscopy and the extent of percentage weight reduction. SEM was also conducted on selected samples to validate the stereomicroscopic observations. One‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's honestly significant difference analysis of the quantified stereomicroscopic features showed that TFTC significantly outperformed other agents in terms of preventing erosive surface changes in human teeth (p < 0.05). Similar findings were observed in the weight reduction experiment, which further supported the stereomicroscopic findings. It revealed that TFTC, yogurt, and milk provided significant protection in comparison to the unprotected group of teeth (p < 0.05) against weight reduction caused by acidic beverages. SEM analysis supported the hypothesis that protected teeth showed lesser ultrastructural damage when compared to unprotected teeth.
Distribution of Vertices Required a High‐Degree Condition on Partitions of Graphs Under Degree Constraints
Authors: Furuya Michitaka , Maezawa Shun‐ichi
Published: February 2025

Let be a graph, and let be functions. Let be the union of edges shared by two cycles of order at most four, and let . In this paper, we prove that if for with , and , then can be partitioned into two subgraphs and such that for each . The result is a generalization of some known results and gives a distribution of vertices required by a high‐degree condition on partitions of graphs under degree constraints.
Amino Acid Metabolism and Immune Dysfunction in Urea Cycle Disorders: T and B Cell Perspectives
Authors: Gemici Karaaslan Betul , Kiykim Ayca , Burtecene Nihan , Gokden Meltem , Cansever Mehmet Serif , Hopurcuoglu Duhan , Cengiz Gökçe Nuran , Topcu Birol , Zubarioğlu Tanyel , Kiykim Ertugrul , Cokuğras Haluk , Aktuglu Zeybek Ayse Cigdem
Published: February 2025

Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are a group of genetic metabolic conditions characterized by enzyme deficiencies responsible for detoxifying ammonia. Hyperammonemia, the accumulation of intermediate metabolites, and a deficiency of essential amino acids—due to a protein‐restrictive diet and the use of ammonia scavengers—can increase the risk of infections, particularly during metabolic crises. While the underlying mechanisms of immune suppression are still being fully elucidated, hyperammonemia may impair the function of immune cells, particularly T cells and macrophages, inhibiting the proliferation of T cells and cytokine production. Arginine, which is essential for T‐cell activation and function, may also be limited in these patients, and its depletion can increase their vulnerability to infections. Twenty‐four UCD patients and 31 healthy donors were recruited for the study. Peripheral lymphocyte subset analysis, intracellular protein and cytokine staining, and proliferation assays were performed by flow cytometry. Amino acid levels were measured using the HPLC method. The UCD patients exhibited low lymphocyte‐proliferation capacity in both proximal and distal defects in response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and anti‐CD2, anti‐CD3, and anti‐CD28 (CD‐mix), which was lower than healthy controls. Proximal‐UCD patients exhibited a significantly higher response for IFN‐γ compared to both distal‐UCD patients and healthy controls. The different amino acids in the culture medium were changed significantly in the groups. This study highlights significant immune dysfunctions in UCD patients, particularly impaired T‐cell proliferation and altered amino acid metabolism. Proximal UCD patients exhibited a higher IFN‐γ response, indicating a potential for hyperinflammation. Despite this, infection rates did not significantly differ between proximal UCD and distal UCD patients, although distal UCD patients had higher hospitalization rates. Amino acid analysis revealed distinct metabolic disruptions, emphasizing the complex interplay between metabolism and immune function. These findings suggest that UCDs cause profound immune alterations, necessitating further research to develop targeted therapeutic strategies.
EndoFLIP distensibility index correlates with histologic findings in children with eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Almazan Erik , Liang Tom Z. , Hohl Brenna , Hoskins Brett J. , Birkness‐Gartman Jacqueline E. , Ng Kenneth
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

The Eosinophilic Esophagitis Histology Scoring System (EoEHSS) is useful for diagnosing and characterizing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). A limitation of the EoEHSS is that lamina propria fibrosis scores are infrequently determined due to challenges in sampling lamina propria. Low distensibility index (DI) measured by endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) is associated with fibrostenotic severity in pediatric patients with EoE. We investigated the correlation between DI and the EoEHSS to understand whether EndoFLIP could be a useful complementary tool for evaluating EoE‐associated remodeling in children.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients <21 years of age who underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy and EndoFLIP between October 2017 and July 2023 with histologic diagnoses of normal/reactive, reflux, or EoE. EoEHSS scores and luminal parameters were compared between groups. DI measured at 30 mL inflation was compared with EoEHSS scores.

Results

One hundred twenty‐six EGDs with biopsy and EndoFLIP were performed on 112 patients. There were 80 normal/reactive, 32 reflux, and 14 EoE biopsies. At 30 mL inflation, DI was lowest in the EoE group (p = 0.03). DI at 30 mL inflation negatively correlated with the EoEHSS overall grade score, as well as grade and stage scores for eosinophil abscesses, eosinophil surface layering, dilated intercellular spaces, and basal zone hyperplasia (all p < 0.05). DI at 30 mL inflation also negatively correlated with the eosinophilic inflammation stage score (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

DI measured by EndoFLIP at 30 mL inflation shows a negative correlation with composite EoEHSS scores and subscores, suggestive of remodeling. EndoFLIP may complement the EoEHSS in evaluating EoE‐associated esophageal remodeling.
Preparation, physicochemical characterization and functional properties of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by polysaccharides from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L
Authors: Wang Huimei , Li Chang , Li Yingzhi , Gao Jiaming , Leng Xueping , Huang Danfei
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), comprising a novel selenium element with higher bioactivity, easily aggregate into large black monomeric selenium particles. In the present study, polysaccharides from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. (PLP) was used as a template and morphology/particle size modifier to synthesize selenium nanoparticles. The preparation process of SeNPs stabilized by PLP was optimized, and its antioxidant and immunological activities were investigated.

RESULTS

The optimal preparation conditions of PLP‐SeNPs were a reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction time of 1.5 h, a PLP concentration of 0.04 mg · mL−1 and a Na2SeO3/Vc molar ratio of 1:5. Stable spherical PLP‐SeNPs with a particle size of 78.39 ± 2.15 nm were prepared through this process. The PLP‐SeNPs complex at a concentration of 32 μg · mL−1 demonstrated scavenging activities against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals and 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethyl‐benzothiazolin‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radicals of up to 49.49 ± 2.58%, 60.99 ± 2.49% and 42.07 ± 1.76%, respectively. The PLP‐SeNPs complex significantly increased the activation of RAW264.7 cells through improving phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species levels, and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐10.

CONCLUSION

The present study lays a theoretical foundation for the development of food‐borne SeNPs and the exploration of their application in functional foods, which will help to promote the high‐value utilization of P. asiatica L., and also has an important guiding significance for the healthy development of selenium‐enriched functional food industry. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Compression of Entanglement Improves Quantum Communication
Authors: Guo Yu , Tang Hao , Pauwels Jef , Cruzeiro Emmanuel Zambrini , Hu Xiao‐Min , Liu Bi‐Heng , Huang Yun‐Feng , Li Chuan‐Feng , Guo Guang‐Can , Tavakoli Armin
Published: February 2025

Shared entanglement can significantly amplify classical correlations between systems interacting over a limited quantum channel. A natural avenue is to use entanglement of the same dimension as the channel because this allows for unitary encodings, which preserve global coherence until a measurement is performed. Contrasting this, a distributed task based on a qubit channel is demonstrated, for which irreversible encoding operations can outperform any possible coherence‐preserving protocol. This corresponds to using high‐dimensional entanglement and encoding information by compressing one of the subsystems into a qubit. Demonstrating this phenomenon requires the preparation of a 4D maximally entangled state, the compression of two qubits into one and joint qubit‐ququart entangled measurements, with all modules executed at near‐optimal fidelity. A proof‐of‐principle experiment is reported that achieves the advantage by realizing separate systems in distinct and independently controlled paths of a single photon. This result demonstrates the relevance of high‐dimensional entanglement and non‐unitary operations for enhancing the communication capabilities of standard qubit transmissions.
Nonlinear 3D Photographic Material With Luminescent Visualization of Images
Authors: Martynovich Evgueni F. , Frolova Anastasia S. , Rakevich Alexander L.
Published: February 2025

A new nonlinear volumetric photographic material based on a KCl crystal with activating doping with thallium salt has been created. This is a new medium of a new class of functional materials that has been forming in recent years and are intended for visualization, recording, digitization, storage, and study of 3D patterns of highly nonlinear interaction of femto‐ and attosecond laser pulses with optical media. In a KCl crystal, two new types of previously unknown, optically and thermally stable luminescence centers have been created for the first time. They form a latent image and allow its visualization. They are induced by laser radiation and have the following main characteristics: the maximum of the luminescence band is 640 nm, absorption is 423 nm, and the luminescence decay time constant is 35 ns for the first center. For the second center, these characteristics have the following values, respectively, 440, 365 nm, and 1.3 µs. The created material is also suitable for the production of volumetric optical media for direct laser recording of visual or digital information.
THE LEADERSHIP JOURNEY OVER A LIFETIME: HOW LEARNING MOMENTS CAN BE TRANSFORMATIVE
Authors: Ridge Garry
Published: February 2025

The author, Chairman Emeritus of WD‐40 Company, reflects on his long career at the company, which started in sales and ended recently as CEO and Chairman. He notes an important question that he says is rarely asked: “How did you become the person who was equipped to do that?” He further notes that “If I can do it, a kid from the Sydney suburb of Five Dock, who left formal education at 16 because he’d rather learn first‐hand how to sell stuff, I have to believe that anyone can do it.” Plain‐spoken wisdom is dispensed throughout, including that “once you achieve a senior‐most leadership role, however, you quickly realize that having your hands in all the functions of the enterprise is an inefficient use of your time and viewpoint from the more elevated position.” After becoming CEO, he read a transformative, life‐changing quote from the Dalai Lama: “Our purpose in life is to make people happy. If you can’t make them happy, at least don’t hurt them.” He realized that he “wanted to create a workplace culture where people went to work every day happy in the knowledge that they would be doing meaningful work in the company of colleagues they liked, trusted, and respected.”
A Facile Strategy to Construct Stretchable and Thermoreversible Double Network Hydrogels with Low Hysteresis and High Toughness Based on Entanglement and Hydrogen Bond Networks
Authors: Lei Kun , Jiang Qixiu , Wang Xinling , Gong Dianhao
Published: February 2025

High toughness and low hysteresis are of great significance for stretchable hydrogels to strengthen their reliability and practicability for cycle‐loaded applications. Whereas, it is still challenging to simultaneously gain mutually repulsive properties due to the existence of dissipation structure. Here, stretchable and recoverable double network (DN) hydrogels comprising highly entangled network structure and temperature‐induced dense hydrogen bond (HB)‐associated network structure are synthesized, in which slidable entanglements and dense HBs act as the effective crosslinking in first and second networks, respectively. Moveable entanglements and stable HB structures endow hydrogels with high stretchability (999%), high tensile strength (0.82 MPa) and high fracture toughness (4.51 MJ·m−3) through stress transmission along long chains and HB clusters energy dissipation. Moreover, the imposed energy on hydrogels can saved in oriented polymer chains by disentanglement as an entropy loss, thus ensuring the low hysteresis (6.2% at 100% tensile strain) of hydrogels. In addition, deformed hydrogel can be well remodeled and recovered (stress recovery of 95.5%) by temperature–triggered sol–gel transition of HB network. By means of entanglement and hydrogen bond strategies, stretchable DN hydrogels not only equilibrate the conflict of low hysteresis and high toughness, but also provides a new perspective to design high‐property hydrogels for cycle‐loaded applications.
Effect of Crosslinking Agent on the Cellulose Nanocrystals Reinforced Hydroxyethyl Cellulose/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Scaffolds
Authors: Nam Chong Jung , Johari Nur Fatini Ilyana Mohamat , Khan Sulaiman , Kabeb Siti Maznah , Zulkifli Farah Hanani
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the crosslinking agent on the blend bioplolymerized hydroxyethyl cellulose and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with cellulose nanocrystal porous scaffolds. The hydroxyethyl cellulose/PVA/crystal nanocellulose (HEC/PVA/CNC) is crosslinked by using two different polymer solutions which are glutaraldehyde (GA) (1 wt.%) and calcium chloride (20 wt.%). The comparison on the physicochemical properties of the crosslinked scaffolds is characterized via field electron scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), TGA, degradation, and mechanical properties studies. The results show that the properties of fabricated scaffolds are improved by crosslinking process with more prominent results on GA organic compound. Overall, the HEC/PVA/CNC scaffolds are exhibited good physicochemical properties and can be considered as potential substrate for tissue engineering applications.
Enhancing Waste Management by Utilizing Pineapple Waste via Fermentation for Ethanol Production
Authors: Mohamed Shariff Sharizainor Sharina , Ramli Azizan , Samsudin Ahmad Salihin , Zaharudin Nazikussabah
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the use of pineapple peel waste (Ananas comosus L. Merr), as a substrate for fermentation‐based ethanol production. The samples are pretreated, employed for acidic hydrolysis, and fermented under different temperatures and pH conditions. Total reducing sugar (TRS) and ethanol content are determined. The results show that the TRS concentration decreases from 1817 ± 28.87 to 777 ± 25.17 µg mL−1 during 0–168 h, indicating sugar consumption during fermentation. The ethanol concentration is 6.6% ± 0.2% and optimal ethanol production is at 25 °C with pH 6. These findings suggest that controlled fermentation of pineapple peel waste can be a viable technique for ethanol production, contributing to improved waste management and the development of alternate energy resources.
Polymers as Sensing Layers in MEMS Biosensors for Molecular Diagnosis
Authors: Niranjan Arpana , Gupta Pallavi , Rajoria Manisha , Noor I. M.
Published: February 2025

Polymers have been used significantly in MEMS (micro‐electro‐mechanical systems) biosensors as substrates, sensor materials, packaging, surface encapsulation, and transducer elements. The sensing layer is a component that interacts with the target molecule. The choice of material for the sensing layer affects the sensitivity of the sensor. This research explores four commonly used polymers (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), nylon, poly methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polyethylene) as a sensor layer for bio‐recognition in MEMS biosensors. The study is simulation‐based. Two models, namely, a simple micro‐cantilever beam and piezoelectric cantilever MEMS, are regarded in the paper. Different properties, such as stress and displacements, are studied, as well as voltage, in the case of the piezoelectric model. The comparative study contributes to understanding how different polymer materials and readout methods impact the choice of material for the sensing layer for MEMS biosensors. Results show that for applications using displacement measurement for further analysis, a simple cantilever is more suitable. The PED model has low displacement sensitivity but is an excellent choice when electric output is required. PDMA shows the best results among the materials used for comparative analysis. The final choice of materials depends on the specific application; PDMA provides flexibility and ease of fabrication, whereas PMMA is more suitable for applications requiring rigidity and chemical resistance. PDMA has 1.63 times more voltage sensitivity than PMMA. Furthermore benefits and challenges of using polymer as a sensing layer are also discussed.
Red Melinjo Peel Extract as a Source of Encapsulated Nanocarotenoid for Food Fortification
Authors: Harinata Hariton , Clarensia Vania , Bhakti Theresia , Wardana Ata Aditya , Setiarto R. Haryo Bimo
Published: February 2025

This study aims to encapsulate the carotenoid nanoemulsion from red melinjo peel as an alternative for food fortification. Nanocarotenoid emulsion is obtained by homogenizing red melinjo extract using ultraturrax (11 000 rpm) ps followed by ultrasonic for 1 h, confirmed with particle size analysis. The encapsulated nanocarotenoid formula is developed by adding maltodextrin to carotenoid nanoemulsion. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), encapsulation efficiency of maltodextrin, and carotenoid content are also characterized. The treatment of 1 h ultrasonication successfully reduces the particle size, with a diameter of 99.54 ± 0.03 nm. Maltodextrin added to nanoemulsion at the level of 100% shows the highest encapsulation efficiency at 54.33% ± 1.36%. Additionally, the sample treated with 1 h of sonication exhibits a higher β‐carotene content (8.50 ppm) compared to the control sample (6.0 ppm), while the sonicated sample has lower carotenoid content (600 ppm) than the nonsonicated sample (625 ppm).
The Effect of the Presence of ILs on the Strength and Ionic Conductivity of Nafion Membrane
Authors: Abu Talip Ruwaida Asyikin , Yahya Wan Zaireen Nisa
Published: February 2025

Proton exchange membrane, a key element of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, with perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes notably Nafion has been principally used as it provides high proton conductivity and high mechanical strength with good durability even at high pressure. Nonetheless, at high temperatures, the membrane suffers from conductivity problems due to dehydration, notably at high temperatures. Ionic liquids (ILs) which possess unique properties such as high electrochemical windows, high ionic conductivity, and high thermal stability have been the subject of interest in solving this problem. In this study, a protic ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (BMIMOTf) have been incorporated into the Nafion 117 through the solution casting and immersion method at different weight loading from 5–50 wt.% and tested their ionic conductivity, mechanical strength at different temperatures. It is found that at 20 wt.% loading the resulting composite membrane showed a high conductivity with considerable tensile strength. Furthermore, at different wt.% the incorporated ILs have improved the thermal stability of the membrane.
Ionic Liquid 1‐Ethyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Tricyanomethanide‐Doped Polymer Electrolyte for Device Application
Authors: Singh Pooja , Gupta Awanish , Gupta Sandhya
Published: February 2025

Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based polymer electrolyte films doped with ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide (EMIMTCM) were prepared by the solution casting method. The structural characterization has been done with polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Incorporation of ionic liquid shows the decrease in crystallinity in polymer matrix with an increase wt% of ionic liquid, which is confirmed with differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy. The prepared samples were subjected to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to measure the ionic conductivity and the dielectric constant. Electrochemical stability voltage measurement confirms the prepared polymer electrolyte film is stable up to 3.99 V, and the ionic transfer number was calculated by Wagner's polarization method, which confirms the ionic nature of prepared polymer electrolyte films.
Model for High‐Tech Materials with Exponential Demand, Time‐Varying Holding Costs, and Constant Deterioration Rate
Authors: Gautam Renu , Gupta Sangeeta , Srivastav Sweta
Published: February 2025

The authors develop an inventory model for high‐tech materials like those used in smartphones and electronics, and so on, where demand grows exponentially and the deterioration rate is constant. Holding costs increase linearly with time, and shortages are managed with partial backlogs. Their primary aim is to maximize total profit through this model, analyzing how changes in parameter values impact this objective. A numerical example illustrates sensitivity analysis, with graphs showing the connections among model parameters, economic order quantity (EOQ), optimal timing, and total profit.
Relationship of Glucose Molecule and Thyroid Macromolecule Hormones Disorder in Children
Authors: Hussein Mohanad Mohammed , Saleh Nadia Ahmed
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to identify the relationship between glucose levels and thyroid disorders in children admitted in the Emergency Children's Hospital. This study is carried‐out on 60 children that divided into three groups that divided into 1st group consists of 20 patients of normal thyroid function and glucose level and considered as a control group, 2nd group that consists of 20 patients that suffering from hyperthyroidism and the 3rd group that consists of 20 patients, which are suffering from hypothyroidism. Our study concluded that, in T1DM patients with normal thyroid function, thyroid hormone levels are closely related to glucose and lipid metabolism, so it is particularly important to detect thyroid feature in T1DM patients, which is useful for early detection and correction of bizarre thyroid function, and similarly, it might also enhance the ailment of glucose and lipid metabolism and forestall the complications of T1DM. The results also cleared that, in children with hyperthyroidism have a higher level of blood glucose than the normal control patients, while in hypothyroidism, the blood glucose level decreased than the normal control group and the increasing level of glucose in hyperthyroidism is associated with decreasing level of Vitamin D and increasing level of serum lipids total cholesterol, serum triglycerides LDL‐C, VLDL‐C, and increasing the athrogenic index.
Influence of Rubber Combinations on the Low‐Temperature Static Stiffness of Rubber Pad
Authors: Chen Chuanzhi , He Chunjiang , Bai Tao , Hu Zhibo , Fan Zhihua
Published: February 2025

The increase in static stiffness of rubber pad during winter in cold regions reduces track elasticity and ride comfort. To improve low‐temperature properties, a rubber pad was prepared using a blend of polybutadiene rubber (BR) and styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR). The effects of the blending ratio on the low‐temperature and mechanical properties of the rubber pad were analyzed using a material testing machine, a differential scanning calorimeter, and a dynamic mechanical analyzer. The static stiffness change rate at low temperatures (RLT) of rubber pads prepared from NR, BR, and SBR were 27.3%, 651.6%, and 52.6%, respectively. The rubber blending had a great effect on the RLT. The results showed that the RLT of the SBR/BR blend was lower than that of natural rubber (NR)/BR and NR/SBR blends. The SBR and BR showed good compatibility, while the crystallinity of BR was destroyed, and the glass‐transition temperature of SBR decreased in the SBR/BR blend. At an SBR/BR blending ratio of 60/40, the RLT was 15.6% at −35°C and other properties met the required standards. This work can provide help for the development of rubber pad with excellent low‐temperature properties.
Field Evaluation of Advanced Rice Lines for Adaptability to Drought and Heat in the Senegal River Valley
Authors: Moukoumbi Yonnelle Dea , El‐Namaky Raafat , Sikirou Mouritala , Bocco Roland , Mbodj Daouda , Pegalepo Esther , Akueson Adoté Hervé Gildas , Manneh Baboucarr
Published: February 2025

In Senegal, the average rice consumed is 100 kg per capita per year. The objective was to evaluate and select the well‐adapted high‐yielding lines in Ndiaye and Fanaye growth conditions in Senegal River Valley. One hundred and twelve advanced lines were evaluated in consecutive wet and dry seasons at AfricaRice Fanaye and Ndiaye sites challenged by drought and high temperatures. Unlike Fanaye, Ndiaye faces severe water scarcity and extreme heat. An alpha‐lattice design was used with three replications. The number of tillers and plant height at 30 days after sowing, plant height at maturity, days to 50% heading, and grain yield; physiological: leaves chlorophyll content at 50% heading stage, yield grain, thousand grain weight, and number of panicles per plant were recorded to evaluate the increasing of rice productivity. Results showed significant variation among the advanced lines and the test “Kruskal‐Wallis medians” was used for the mean comparison for the five descriptors during growth and development stages. Path analysis revealed that Ndiaye's harsh conditions negatively impacted NT30, PH30, PHmat, PNP, Dmat, and GY, with negative effects on NT30 (ρ = −0.63), PH30 (ρ = −0.67), and PNP (ρ = −0.15). However, SH (ρ = 0.71) and TGW (ρ = 0.37) had positive direct effects. Cluster analysis generated four groups showing the characteristics of 112 advanced lines. Most of the advanced lines were outperforming local elite varieties. The lines WAC 18‐WAT15‐3‐1, WAC 18‐WAT65‐1‐1, WAC 13‐WAT32‐2‐1, and WAB 2150‐TGR1‐WAT3‐1 produced the highest yields for Ndiaye, with 4752, 5589, 5589, 5644, and 6943 kg/ha. For Fanaye, the best genotypes were IR 09 N523, CT18919‐4‐2‐2‐2SR‐1P, CT18494‐4‐4‐3‐3‐1SR, WAB 2125‐WACB‐1‐TGR1‐WAT1‐1, and CT19541‐13‐3‐1‐2P‐3P, with 8824, 8984, 9014, 9639, and 8496 kg/ha, respectively. The authors recommend that these lines be released or used as donors in breeding programs, and further studies can consider stability analysis using the best adapted varieties.
Plant Defense Responses to Insect Herbivores Through Molecular Signaling, Secondary Metabolites, and Associated Epigenetic Regulation
Authors: Mahanta Deepak Kumar , Komal J. , Samal Ipsita , Bhoi Tanmaya Kumar , Kumar P. V. Dinesh , Mohapatra Swapnalisha , Athulya R. , Majhi Prasanta Kumar , Mastinu Andrea
Published: February 2025

Over millions of years of interactions, plants have developed complex defense mechanisms to counteract diverse insect herbivory strategies. These defenses encompass morphological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations that mitigate the impacts of herbivore attacks. Physical barriers, such as spines, trichomes, and cuticle layers, deter herbivores, while biochemical defenses include the production of secondary metabolites and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The initial step in the plant's defense involves sensing mechanical damage and chemical cues, including herbivore oral secretions and herbivore‐induced VOCs. This triggers changes in plasma membrane potential driven by ion fluxes across plant cell membranes, activating complex signal transduction pathways. Key hormonal mediators, such as jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and ethylene, orchestrate downstream defense responses, including VOC release and secondary metabolites biosynthesis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of plant responses to herbivory, emphasizing early and late defense mechanisms, encompassing physical barriers, signal transduction cascades, secondary metabolites synthesis, phytohormone signaling, and epigenetic regulation.