bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C9orf72 Alleviates DSS‑Induced Ulcerative Colitis via the cGAS‐STING Pathway
Authors: Wang Yue , Xu Ting , Wang Wenjun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

C9orf72 deficiency contributes to severe inflammation in mice. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with the shortage of clinical success. However, whether C9orf72 is involved in the progression of UC is not fully understood. This study investigated whether C9orf72 could alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced colitis in Caco‐2 cells.

Methods

Mice were injected AAV9‐C9orf72 lentivirus through tail vein and fed 3% DSS for a week. Caco‐2 cells were cultured to establish C9orf723 overexpressed model. Histopathological examination, level of inflammation, cGAS‐STING pathway, and gut barrier function were detected in mice and cells.

Results

C9orf72 overexpression in mice attenuated DSS‐induced colitis and intestinal epithelial barrier damage by stimulating ZO‐1 and Occludin expression. In LPS‐induced Caco‐2 cells, C9orf72 overexpression increased cell viability and the expression of ZO‐1 and Occludin. C9orf72 overexpression alleviated inflammation by inhibiting the cGAS‐STING pathway in colonic tissue and Caco‐2 cells.

Conclusion

C9orf72 overexpression attenuated DSS‐induced colitis and intestinal epithelial barrier damage by inhibiting the cGAS‐STING pathway. C9orf72 may present a target for mitigating UC.
COLOR OUTPUT GENERATION SYSTEM
Authors: Dinwiddie James H. , Mullens Robert C.
Published: January 2025

The computing industry's development of visual display hardware, including printers, cathode ray devices and plotters has presented a unique problem to the user of such equipments. In addition to being familiar with the idiosyncracies of these display devices, the user must be a capable computer programmer to gather and convert the data to be displayed.

The general purpose Color Output Generation System (COGS) is a research vehicle for exploring the future development of general purpose programming languages for display devices. COGS enables the user to quickly specify display equipment and to easily and efficiently specify the acquisition and format of the data to be represented. Scaling, framing and data conversions are handled within the system and need not be considered by the user.

COGS can be a highly efficient short cut in the complex field of data representation. Most advanced techniques of graphic representation have been incorporated into the system which has been designed and implemented exclusively by Datatrol Corporation for the National Military Command System Support Center. Displays have been programmed for the NMCSSC full color system and the on‐line printer. It is anticipated that displays for plotters and cathode ray devices can be handled with equal ease.
Scan Converter Tubes And Their Applications
Authors: Nagy G. T.
Published: January 2025

The scan converter tube described in this paper is a special Cathode Ray Tube used for the bright display conversion of air traffic control displays. In recent years, this device was further developed for or several other display systems, for storage, scan conversion and signal integration. The tubes developed by several manufacturers are designed with different target systems and, therefore, different operation principles. The theory of the target systems and operation principles, storage capabilities and properties are discussed. The two major types of tubes, the single and dual gun tube construction and their applications, are described in a form which shows the usefulness and further potential for the future of this device.
Contracting Incentives, XBRL Adoption, and Accounting Conservatism: Empirical Evidence in a European Context
Authors: Dalci Ilhan , Tarzibash Omar Fikrat Fateh , Ozyapici Hasan
Published: January 2025

This study aims to explore how XBRL adoption affects conditional conservatism and moderates the financial leverage and conditional conservatism relationship. Using the financial data between 2000 and 2022 for 332 listed firms in Belgium, Spain, and Denmark, the empirical results, first, demonstrate that financial leverage positively influences conditional conservatism. The results also reveal that XBRL adoption has a negative impact on conditional conservatism and negatively moderates the positive effect of financial leverage on conditional conservatism. The results overall imply that XBRL adoption reduces the impact of contracting incentives on conditional conservatism. In this regard, the results suggest that XBRL adoption substitutes for the contractual role of conditional conservatism. The results contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding the influence of technological developments on financial reporting systems, and they are expected to have important implications for managers, potential investors, creditors, and regulators.
Theoretical Study on Adsorption of Halogenated Benzenes on Montmorillonites Modified With M(I)/M(II) Cations
Authors: Tunega Daniel , Gerzabek Martin H. , Böhm Leonard
Published: January 2025

Halogenated benzenes (HBs) are hydrophobic organic chemicals belonging to persistent organic pollutants. Owing to their persistence, they represent a serious problem in environmental contamination, specifically of soils and sediments. One of the most important physical processes determining the fate of HBs in soils is adsorption to main soil components such as soil organic matter and soil minerals. Smectites, layered clay minerals of the 2:1 type, are common minerals in clay‐rich soils, of which montmorillonite (Mt) is a typical representative. This work focuses on a systematic modeling study of the adsorption mechanism of selected HBs interacting with the basal (001) surface, which is the dominant surface of Mt particles. The HB···Mt interactions were studied by means of a quantum chemical approach based on the density functional theory method. HBs were represented by five molecules, particularly C6F6, C6Cl3F3, C6Cl6, C6Br3Cl3, and C6Br6. In mixed HBs (C6Cl3F3 and C6Br3Cl3) Cl atoms are in 1,3,5 or rather 2,4,6 positions. The effect of a different cation type on adsorption was investigated for M+/M2+‐Mt models with cations from alkali group (M+: Li, K, Na, Rb, Cs) and alkaline earth metal group (M2+: Mg, Ca, Sr., Ba). The calculations were also performed on the gas phase HB···M+/M2+ complexes for comparison. Adsorption energies and distances of the main HB molecular plane from the Mt surface were calculated as a measure of the adsorption strength. The results showed that the strongest HB adsorption is for the Na+‐Mt and Ca2+‐Mt surfaces. The strongest affinity was observed for hexabromobenzene, while the weakest adsorption was found for hexafluorobenzene. The decomposition of the adsorption energy showed that its dominant component is dispersion energy and less important is the cation‐π interaction. The calculated adsorption energies showed a good correlation with experimentally determined log Kd values.
Aptamer‐Conjugated Exosomes Ameliorate Diabetes‐Induced Muscle Atrophy by Enhancing SIRT1/FoxO1/3a‐Mediated Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Song Jia , Yang Mengmeng , Xia Longqing , Wang Liming , Wang Kewei , Xiang Yingyue , Cheng Jun , Chen Jun , Liu Jidong , Zhao Ruxing , Liu Fuqiang , Sun Zheng , Hou Xinguo , Zang Nan , Chen Li
Published: January 2025

Background

Muscle atrophy is associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, which reduces the quality of life and lacks effective treatment strategies. Previously, it was determined that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cell (hucMSC)–derived exosomes (EXOs) ameliorate diabetes‐induced muscle atrophy. However, the systemic application of EXOs is less selective for diseased tissues, which reduces their efficacy and safety associated with their nonspecific biological distribution in vivo. Therefore, improving exosomal targeting is imperative. In this study, a skeletal muscle–specific aptamer (Apt) was used to explore the effects of Apt‐functionalized EXOs derived from hucMSCs in diabetes‐associated muscle atrophy and its specific mechanisms.

Methods

Diabetic db/db mice and C2C12 myotubes were used to explore the effects of MSC‐EXOs or Apt‐EXOs in alleviating muscle atrophy. Grip strength, muscle weight and muscle fibre cross‐sectional area (CSA) were used to evaluate skeletal muscle strength and muscle mass. Western blot analysis of muscle atrophy signalling, including MuRF1 and Atrogin 1 and the mitochondrial complex and Seahorse analysis were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of MSC‐EXOs or Apt‐EXOs on muscle atrophy.

Results

MSC‐EXOs increased grip strength (p = 0.0002) and muscle mass (p = 0.0044 for tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, p = 0.002 for soleus (SO) muscle) in db/db mice. It also increased the CSA of muscle fibres (p = 0.0011 for all fibres, p = 0.0036 for slow muscle fibres and p = 0.0089 for fast muscle fibres) and the percentage of slow‐to‐fast muscle fibres (p = 0.0109). However, Atrogin 1 (p = 0.0455) and MuRF1 expression (p = 0.0168) was reduced. MSC‐EXOs activated SIRT1/FoxO1/3a signalling and enhanced mitochondrial function in db/db mice and C2C12 myotubes. SIRT1 knockdown decreased the beneficial antiatrophic effects of MSC‐EXOs. Additionally, Apt conjugation increased the effect of MSC‐EXOs on muscle atrophy and myofiber‐type transition (p = 0.0133 for grip strength, p = 0.0124 for TA muscle weight, p = 0.0008 for SO muscle weight, p < 0.0001 for CSA of all muscle fibres, p = 0.0198 for CSA of slow muscle fibres, p = 0.0213 for CSA of fast muscle fibres, p = 0.011 for percentage of slow–fast muscle fibres, p = 0.0141 for Atrogin 1 expression and p = 0.005 for MuRF1 expression).

Conclusions

The results suggest that hucMSC‐derived exosomes ameliorate diabetes‐associated muscle atrophy by enhancing SIRT1/FoxO1/3a‐mediated mitochondrial function and that Apt conjugation strengthens the effects of MSC‐EXOs on muscle atrophy. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of muscle‐targeted MSC‐EXOs for the treatment of muscle atrophy.
The Combined and Isolated Impacts of El Niño and Positive Indian Ocean Dipole Events on South American Precipitation During Austral Winter and Spring Depending on the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation Phases
Authors: Souza Itamara P. , Andreoli Rita V. , Kayano Mary T. , Costa Jean A. C. , Mamani Leonardo , Souza Rodrigo A. F. , Cerón Wilmar L.
Published: January 2025

The isolated/combined impacts of the positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) and El Niño (EN) events on precipitation in South America (SA) were investigated during austral winter and spring for the 1901–2012 period, considering both Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) phases. Under the warm phase (WAMO), EN events are well characterised in winter and, in spring, are accompanied by anomalous warming of the Tropical North Atlantic (TNA); thus, variations in the Walker circulation and the northward shifted Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) reduce precipitation over northern SA. In the cold AMO phase (CAMO), EN events are weak in winter. At the same time, an intense cooling in the equatorial North Atlantic, favoured by the CAMO, enhances moisture transport from the Amazon to central and southeastern Brazil, increasing precipitation in the South Atlantic Convergence Zone region. As EN develops in spring, the anticyclone off the east coast of SA associated with the Pacific‐South American (PSA) pattern decreases (increases) precipitation in central (southeastern) SA. The pIOD events predominantly occur during WAMO phase, when warming in the TNA is favoured by AMO. In winter, the moisture transport to northern SA is weakened, and the ITCZ remains northward shifted, inhibiting the precipitation over northeastern Brazil and southeastern Amazon. In spring, pIOD intensified ascending motions in equatorial Atlantic, increasing precipitation over northeastern Brazil. A wave train from the Indian Ocean strengthens the South Atlantic subtropical high, suppressing precipitation in central and eastern SA. EN‐pIOD events are well established in both AMO phases, though the sea surface temperature anomalies in the TNA depend on the AMO. During WAMO, reduced precipitation in western Amazon and northeastern SA is influenced by the Walker circulation, while in CAMO, TNA cooling enhances moisture transport from the Amazon into southeastern SA, where the PSA pattern and wave train from the Indian Ocean increase precipitation.
Effects of Interaural Latency and Frequency Mismatch on Speech Recognition for Bimodal Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Dillon Margaret T. , Buss Emily , Richter Margaret E. , Brown Kevin D.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Bimodal cochlear implant (CI) users vary in speech recognition outcomes. This variability may be influenced partly by the CI and contralateral hearing aid (HA) programming procedures, which can result in mismatches in latency and frequency. We assessed the performance of bimodal listeners when latency mismatches were corrected and analyzed how frequency mismatches influenced outcomes.

Methods

Twelve adults with at least 1 year of bimodal use were evaluated in latency mismatched versus matched conditions. Masked sentence recognition was assessed in a 10‐talker masker for three spatial configurations: target from the front and the masker either co‐located, 90° toward the CI‐ear, or 90° toward the HA‐ear. Frequency mismatch for the most apical electrode (E1) was determined from postoperative imaging and the filter frequency assignment of their familiar CI map.

Results

Participants had significantly better performance when latency mismatches were small or matched between the devices, with an approximately 10% improvement in the configuration with the masker toward the HA‐ear. Significantly, poorer performance was observed with larger magnitudes of frequency mismatch, with a 2% drop in performance for every one semitone deviation increase in mismatch. The interaction between latency and frequency mismatch was nonsignificant, suggesting that the benefit of latency matching was approximately additive across the range of frequency mismatches.

Conclusions

Detrimental effects of interaural mismatches in latency and frequency were observed, even after long‐term device use. These preliminary results suggest that bimodal CI users might benefit from individualized fitting procedures that match latency across devices and minimize frequency mismatch for the CI.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2025
Cellular Behaviors of Human Dermal Fibroblasts on Pyrolytically Stripped Carbon Nanofiber's Surface
Authors: Raja Iruthayapandi Selestin , Kang Moon Sung , Kim Jeesu , Kwak Minseok , Han Dong‐Wook
Published: January 2025

There has been limited exploration of carbon nanofiber as a scaffold for cellular attachment and proliferation. In this work, commercially available, pyrolytically stripped carbon nanofiber (cCNF) is deposited over electrospun nanofiber mats, polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA), to immobilize them and investigate whether the 3D cCNF layer's surface augments cell proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (nHDF). Spectral characterizations, such as XRD and Raman, show that cCNF exhibited crystalline structure with a high graphitization degree. cCNF layers are modified to have an irregular or planar surface by simple agitation (s‐cCNF) or probe sonication (p‐cCNF) of the solution. The in vitro cell line studies revealed that p‐cCNF is better than s‐cCNF in providing a platform that supports a homogenous spread of the fibroblasts all over the nanofiber's surface. The p‐cCNF‐deposited PCL mat (p‐cCNF@PCL) demonstrated cellular growth, similar to that of the neat PCL mat. However, the p‐cCNF@PCL mat exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties by reducing the E. coli numbers, ≈16 times greater than the PCL mat. It is concluded that the immobilized, pyrolytically stripped carbon nanofiber's surface has the potential to accommodate cellular growth and inhibit bacterial colonies, suggesting the biomaterial scaffold is promising for in vivo and clinical applications of skin tissue regeneration.
Efficient Copolymerization of Methyl Methacrylate and Lactide Using Metalate Catalysts
Authors: Upitak Kanokon , Thomas Christophe M.
Published: January 2025

The development of catalysts that are both robust and highly active at room temperature can often be seen as a major challenge in anionic polymerization. However, these properties are desirable for polymer synthesis because they allow for easy and sustainable production of interesting materials. Here, iron and magnesium complexes are used to form in situ generated metalate complexes that are shown to be highly active in the room temperature copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and lactide. Their ability to form homopolymers and block copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polylactide shows that they are more stable than their organolithium counterparts and also more active than the neutral complexes from which they are derived.
Effect of machining parameters on the machinability of 15‐5 precipitation hardened stainless steel during dry turning
Authors: Selvaraj D. P. , Dhas D. S. E. J. , George P.
Published: January 2025

This research presents the studies on the effect of machining variables and the empirical modeling of machinability output responses during dry turning of 15–5 precipitation‐hardened stainless steel (PHSS) using the taguchi meta‐heuristic algorithm. L9 orthogonal array (OA) robust experimental design was selected for conducting the dry turning operations. The input variables included cutting velocity, depth of cut, and feed rate, while the output responses measured were surface roughness (Ra) and cutting force (Fc). The influence of these process variables was determined through analysis of variance (ANOVA). ANOVA results revealed that cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were impacting the average surface roughness by 36 %, 29 %, and 31 %, respectively and influencing the cutting force by 2 %, 16 %, and 72 %, respectively, during turning operation. Empirical models for predicting cutting force and surface roughness were developed using the Taguchi meta‐heuristic algorithm. The optimization process resulted in a significant reduction in surface roughness, with Ra decreasing by 17 % and a notable decrease in cutting force, Fc, by 8 %. These numerical improvements indicate that the proposed optimization approach substantially enhances machining performance, validating its effectiveness.
Dimethyl fumarate alleviate hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury through suppressing cGAS‐STING signaling
Authors: Xiong Yi , Chen Jiawen , Li Kun , Liang Wei , Song Jinwen , Qiu Xiusheng , Zhang Baoyu , Qiu Dongbo , Qin Yunfei
Published: January 2025

Hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury frequently occurs during the perioperative phase of liver surgery. Inappropriate activation of STING signaling can trigger excessive inflammation response to aggravate hepatic I/R injury. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an FDA‐approved immunomodulatory drug used to treat multiple sclerosis and psoriasis due to its notable anti‐inflammation properties. However, the mechanism and targets of DMF in immunomodulation remain unclear. Here, we found that DMF suppresses cGAS‐STING activation induced by HSV‐1, hering testis DNA, and mitochondrial DNA in a variety of cells. DMF significantly reduces hepatic I/R injury and inhibits cGAS‐STING pathway activation in mice. The alleviating effect of DMF on hepatic I/R injury was negligible in STING‐knockout mice. Mechanistically, DMF directly inhibits STING activation via an autophagy‐independent pathway, and the immunocoprecipitation experiment showed that DMF inhibited STING recruitment of downstream TBK1 and IRF3. Our study found that DMF protects liver I/R injury by inhibiting the STING pathway and may be a potential target of this disease.
Rational Approximation by Reproducing Kernel for Bergman Functions on Siegel Domains
Authors: Huang Yun , Zhang Dawei
Published: January 2025

Based on recent developments of reproducing kernels in several complex variables, we study the kernel approximation for weighted Bergman functions on Siegel domains. To overcome the difficulties arising in Siegel domains, a new method is proposed in the proof of boundary vanishing property (BVP) at infinity by adopting the biholomorphic invariance property of weighted kernel functions. Once the BVP is verified, optimal parameters are selected and the corresponding orthogonal functions are constructed by induction according to the maximal selection principle.
Thermodynamics Properties of Leucine and Isoleucine Peptides in Water
Authors: Chapagain Samundra , Ojha Shishir , Khanal Shyam Prakash , Adhikari Narayan Prasad
Published: January 2025

Thermodynamic properties of amino acids explore the ideas about the energetic contribution in biomolecular interfaces. In our work, we have estimated the solvation free energy of leucine and isoleucine peptides with the variation of chain length or residues of different monomer units (n=1, 2, 4, 8 & 16) using molecular dynamic simulation. We modeled our system using OPLS‐AA force field and TIP3P water model at 310 K temperature. Solvation free energy of both leucine and isoleucine peptides increases with increase in chain length, which have been reported by using TI, TI‐CUBIC and BAR methods. The increase in solvation free energy with increase in chain length of both peptides is also supported by the increase in hydrogen bond and solvent accessible surface area (SASA) with the number of residues.
Evidence‐Based Surgical Guidelines for Treating Children With Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez H. , Reljic Tea , Klocksieben Farina , Kumar Ambuj , Cox Sharon , Davidoff Andrew M. , Munanzvi Kudzayi , van Scheltinga C. E. J. (Sheila) Terwisscha , Elgendy Ahmed , Gerstle J. Ted , Qureshi Bilal , Nasir Abdulrasheed , Lautz Timothy B. , Moreno Amabelle A. , Loh Amos , Qureshi Sajid , Vujanić Gordan M. , Lobos Pablo , Mukkada Sheena , Abib Simone
Published: January 2025

Background

Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in children. However, there is considerable variation in surgical management practices worldwide, highlighting the need for standardized Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG).

Methods

The CPG development involved assembling a multidisciplinary group, prioritizing 10 key topic areas, conducting evidence searches, and synthesizing findings. Recommendations were voted on using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) methodology.

Recommendations

The panel recommended regional lymph node evaluation for patients with paratesticular RMS who are more than 10 years old and extremity RMS. Other suggestions included pretreatment re‐excision for incompletely resected RMS, preoperative radiation therapy for unresectable tumors, maintaining a 0.5 cm resection margin, and tumor bed marking with surgical clips. The panel also suggests resection of residual metastatic disease following chemotherapy, resection of relapsed disease, and the least invasive approach for managing patients presenting with obstruction.

Conclusion

This CPG provides evidence‐based surgical management recommendations for RMS that can be adapted to diverse resource settings.
Switchable Bifunctional Chiral Metasurface Based on Vanadium Dioxide for Terahertz Waves
Authors: Han Lianfu , Zhou Haiyan , Ju Jiaxin , Wang Xinke , Fan Wei , Zhu Peiyi , Fu Changfeng
Published: January 2025

A switchable chiral metasurface (CM) with high polarization conversion ratio (PCR) and absorptivity based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed and numerically demonstrated in the terahertz (THz) regime. The proposed design consists of VO2–Au‐mixed resonant pattern layer, Si dielectric layer, and Au ground plate, which can achieve tunable bifunctional linear polarization conversion (LPC) and absorption (ABS) by varying the conductivity of VO2 (). For  = 10 S m−1, the designed CM possesses a function of broadband LPC. More than 90% PCR is obtained in 1.79–2.46 THz, and the corresponding relative bandwidth (RBW) is 31.28%. For  = 2 × 105 S m−1, the designed CM can efficiently absorb incident electromagnetic (EM) waves in 1.54–2.76 THz with the absorptivity exceeding 90% (RBW = 56.47%). The mechanisms of LPC and ABS are analyzed. The effects of geometric and EM parameters, incident angle, and polarization angle on its bifunctional characteristics are also studied. The LPC and ABS performances are maintained within a certain range of incident angles. Furthermore, the proposed CM exhibits polarization insensitivity. The developed switchable bifunctional CM has great potential application value in advanced THz research and smart device.
Stability of Second‐Order Discrete Linear Switching Systems: The Case of All Subsystems With Eigenvalue Modulus >1$$ >1 $$ Under State‐Dependent Switching
Authors: Xie Xiaoqing , Zhou Yusheng
Published: January 2025

This article investigates the asymptotic stability of discrete‐time switching systems in which the modulus of all subsystem eigenvalues are greater than one. The study begins by constructing an energy function with practical physical meaning for each discrete‐time subsystem. Specifically, a standard linear discrete system is derived by discretizing a single‐degree‐of‐freedom vibratory model, with its energy function defined as the sum of the model's kinetic and potential energies. An invertible transform is then applied to convert a general linear discrete system into standard form, enabling the construction of a general energy function based on that of a standard one. Since the construction of subsystem energy functions depends on the choice of invertible transform, which is not unique, the resulting energy functions for different subsystems under distinct transforms cannot be directly compared. To address this issue, an intermediate subsystem is introduced to define a relative energy ratio function between two subsystems. Using this relative energy ratio function, a state‐dependent switching rule is developed to maximize energy loss within a switch circuit, thereby achieving rapid asymptotic stability of the discrete switching system. Finally, numerical examples are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On Rainbow Thresholds
Authors: Han Jie , Yuan Xiaofan
Published: January 2025

Resolving a recent problem of Bell, Frieze, and Marbach, we establish both the threshold result of Frankston–Kahn–Narayanan–Park, and its strengthening by Spiro, in the rainbow setting. This has applications to the thresholds for rainbow structures in random graphs where each edge is given a uniformly random color from a set of given colors.
Metabolic Fingerprint of Dual Body Fluids Deciphers Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Wang Yihan , Li Shunxiang , Li Tong , Wu Jiao , Huang Yida , Liu Wanshan , Ding Chunmeng , Huang Lin , Xu Xiaoyu , Wang Yuning , Gu Sai , Liu Kun , Qian Kun , Sun Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes, affecting 34.6% of diabetes patients worldwide. Early detection and timely treatment can effectively improve the prognosis of DR. Metabolomic analysis provides a powerful tool for studying pathophysiological processes. Conducting metabolomic analyses on DR‐related biofluids helps identify differential metabolic expressions during disease progression, thereby discovering potential biomarkers to support clinical diagnosis and treatment. Here, an innovative workflow for vitreous liquid analysis is established, and a machine learning‐based DR analysis platform integrating vitreous liquid metabolic fingerprint (VL‐MF) and plasma metabolic fingerprint (P‐MF) derived via nanoparticle enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry is developed. Direct VL‐MF and P‐MF are obtained with desirable reproducibility (coefficient of variation, CV <5%) and remarkable speed (3 s per sample), and DR patients are distinguished from healthy controls applying dual biofluid‐MF with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.957. Moreover, a biomarker candidate panel from vitreous liquid and plasma with an AUC of 0.945 is constructed and the related metabolic pathways are identified by metabolomics pathway analysis (MetPA). This work offers a powerful multi‐biofluid platform that can not only contribute to DR but also provide solid references for other clinical applications.
Nanomedicine in Immunotherapy for Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer: Applications and Perspectives
Authors: Liao Shuangsi , Li Xiaoling , Lu You , Luo Kui
Published: January 2025

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a strikingly high incidence rate globally. Although immunotherapy brings a great breakthrough in its clinical treatment of NSCLC, significant challenges still need to be overcome. The development of novel multi‐functional nanomedicines in the realm of tumor immunotherapy offers promising opportunities for NSCLC patients, as nanomedicines exhibit significant advantages, including specific targeting of tumor cells, improved drug bioavailability, reduced systemic toxicity, and overcoming of immune resistance. In this review, the core features and current clinical status of strategies for NSCLC immunotherapy including immune checkpoint blockade, antibody–drug conjugates, cell engagers, adoptive cells, and cancer vaccines, are surveyed. Particular emphasis is placed on the recent development of nanomedicines that boost these strategies. Nanomedicine can provide novel perspectives for NSCLC immunotherapy.
Bioinspired Composite Hydrogels with Osteogenic, Angiogenic, and Antioxidant Properties for Enhanced Bone Repair
Authors: Gu Guanghui , Xu Youyin , He Peng , Li Chenxu , Chen Shuqing , Wei Gang , Xi Yongming
Published: January 2025

The increasing demand of advanced biomedical materials for bone repair and regeneration has spurred significant research in recent years. While traditional hydrogels offer promising biocompatibility and easy fabrication, their application in bone reconstruction is often impeded by inadequate structural integrity and biological functions. Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a transformative additive, renowned for its exceptional mechanical and chemical properties, as well as its ability to enhance the structural integrity of hydrogels. In this study, the incorporation of GO into chitosan (CS) hydrogels is investigated, achieving bioinspired hydrogels with enhanced mechanical strength and stability, which are crucial for supporting bone regeneration. Additionally, self‐assembled synthetic peptide nanofibers (PNFs) are employed to enhance biocompatibility and facilitate biomimetic mineralization of the bioinspired hydrogels, a critical process for effective bone remodeling. This innovative composite hydrogel not only achieves biomimetic mineralization but also exhibits osteogenic, pro‐angiogenic, and antioxidant properties essential for bone repair. This novel method takes advantage of the distinctive properties of GO, PNFs, and biomass hydrogels, providing a robust and effective material solution with the potential to significantly advance the field of bone tissue engineering.
Frog‐Derived Neuroregenerative‐Peptide‐Reinforced Bioactive Hydrogels with Injectability, Thermosensitivity, and Enhanced Neurotrophic Function for Repairing Central Nervous Injuries
Authors: Sun Zhengang , Sun Zhenjuan , Du Chenxi , Chen Hongyu , Zhang Xingchao , Liu Yuanyuan , Dong Fang , Ma Xuexiao , Wei Gang , Yue Haiyuan
Published: January 2025

The clinical treatment of central nervous system (CNS) injuries presents significant challenges due to the inflammatory microenvironment (IME) induced by CNS injury, which inhibits spontaneous neuronal regeneration. Biomimetic biomaterial‐based IMEs for CNS repair, which facilitate the reconstruction of neural regeneration circuits, show promise. In this study, the development of novel bioactive peptide nanofibers (PNFs)/chitosan (CS)/VD11 (VDELWPPWLPC) hydrogels (named as PCV) is reported, created by reinforcing composite PNFs/CS with a frog‐derived neuroregenerative peptide (VD11). The created hydrogels exhibit a 3D porous structure, high thermosensitivity, good injectability, and enhanced neurotrophic properties, making them promising candidates for CNS repair. The in vitro tests indicate that PCV hydrogels can promote the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of stem cells into neurons, as well as guide axonal growth. Additionally, they help mitigate inflammatory responses by reducing macrophage activation and astrocyte proliferation, while promoting neovascularization. The in vivo animal experimentsdemonstrate that PCV hydrogels enhance blood supply to the damaged area and promote the migration and colonization of endogenous neural stem cells to support axonal growth. Furthermore, PCV hydrogels reduce immune responses and limit excessive astrocyte proliferation, significantly improving motor function recovery in rats with spinal cord injuries. In these findings, it is suggested that these hydrogels can provide a promising strategy for treating CNS injuries by regulating IME.
Operational Pitch Actuation Dynamics for Offshore Wind Turbines Ranging from 5 to 50 MW
Authors: Jeong Michael , Loth Eric , Qin Chris , Phadnis Mandar , Pusch Manuel , Pao Lucy
Published: January 2025

Modern wind turbines have been continuously growing in size due to the increased power generation and reduced costs associated with larger rotors and more abundant wind resources offshore. In order to effectively implement pitch control on blades that are longer, more flexible, and heavier than ever before, modern electric pitch systems must provide enough torque to overcome blade pitch inertia and loads while providing suitable control response frequencies. Despite this need, there is limited published research on the sizing of such pitch systems at extreme scales. This study models peak pitching power and pitch actuator torque requirements in Regions 2 and 3 turbulent wind conditions. The developed model considers blade pitch response, pitching moments, pitch system dynamics, and blade aeroelasticity. The model is applied using an integrated wind turbine code used to simulate the turbine response of a 25‐MW offshore reference turbine with advanced pitch control under standardized turbulent wind conditions. The results show that the fastest pitch response requirements occur in Region 3 wind speeds just above the rated wind speed and that the peak pitch actuator torque requirements are correlated with maximum pitching moments. The model is extended to turbines ranging from 5 to 50 MW to develop a simplified scaling power law based on only the product of blade mass and mean chord length. This scaling law predicts maximum pitch actuator torque and maximum power consumed from pitch actuation based on results from computational simulations of multiple extreme‐scale reference turbines. This study provides useful insights for the design and sizing of pitch systems in large‐scale wind turbines.
Synthesis and Characterization of 18‐Crown‐6 with 3‐Aminocyclobutanone Guest: A Novel Host–Guest Inclusion Compound with Phase Transition
Authors: Zhang Ziyue , Cai Zhuoer , Zhang Yinan , Chen Jian , Hua Xiu‐Ni , Sun Baiwang
Published: January 2025

The focus of this study is on the development of novel host–guest inclusion compounds, which is a crucial molecule model for the synthesis of dielectric phase transition materials. In this research, a new host–guest inclusion compound is successfully synthesized by selecting 18‐crown‐6 as the host and 3‐aminocyclobutanone as the guest molecule. The thermal behavior and crystal structure of the compound are analyzed in this article. It is found that the compound exhibits a reversible phase transition near 147 K, accompanied by a dielectric anomaly, exhibiting dielectric switching characteristics. The 18‐crown‐6 molecule and the 3‐aminocyclobutanone molecule are connected via hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, the enthalpy changes of the heating process and cooling process are also calculated. This finding is expected to yield valuable new insights into the design of host–guest inclusions.
Managing Service Toward Better Customer Experiences: Digitalization, Service Infusion, and Service Innovation
Authors: Witell Lars , Camen Carolina , Shams Poja
Published: January 2025

Our modern society has created a new service landscape, where new service innovations that are built on digitalization and service infusion are introduced to create better customer experiences. This chapter introduces a service management model which is how service firms can navigate in the new service landscape. Service management is the core and serves as an integral part of a dynamic ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of creating, proposing, and capturing value for. It addresses the challenges of service innovation, service infusion, and digitalization that service firms can use to create better customer experiences. The chapter provides an overview of all contributions drawing on experiences from thought leaders at industrial firms and the Service Research Center (CTF) at Karlstad University in Sweden.
Balancing Value Propositions with Privacy: Exploring Data-Driven Digital Wellness Business Models
Authors: Samuelsson Peter , Larson Mia , Davoudi Sara
Published: January 2025

This chapter investigates the role of user data in creating value propositions within digital wellness business models and the implications for consumer privacy. We examine user agreements of seven such platforms/apps, exploring how consumer data are utilized to enhance customer experiences and generate profits, while addressing privacy concerns. The main findings reveal six value propositions derived from user data, which are further problematized in the discussion. By combining consumer data and privacy research with a business model perspective, this chapter provides insights for managers seeking to navigate the complexities of data-driven digital business models while respecting consumer privacy and integrity.
A study on porosity and mechanical properties of the open aluminum metal foam through spark plasma sintering SDP technique
Authors: Mahto Raju Prasad , Bhadauria Alok , Bandhu Din , Karmkar Souvik
Published: January 2025

Aluminum metal foam, distinguished by its lightweight nature, exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, and distinctive cellular structure, has emerged as a highly promising material with extensive applications across diverse industries. Various fabrication techniques, including the sintering and dissolution process (SDP) and powder metallurgy, have been explored to produce metal foams. However, challenges persist in achieving uniform pore sizes and distributions, especially at temperatures surpassing the base material’s melting point. To overcome this hurdle, simultaneous loading and heating during fabrication have been proposed, with spark plasma sintering (SPS) emerging as a viable solution. This study delves into the manufacturing of aluminum metal foam utilizing NaCl space holders via SPS, investigating variations in space holder volume to analyze pore morphology and porosity. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the resulting foams are examined, providing valuable insights into the potential of SPS for crafting aluminum metal open foams with tailored properties. Porosity analysis, conducted through X-ray micro CT, reveals porosity ranging from 55 to 70% in metal foams with NaCl space holder volume fractions of 60 to 80%. Notably, a maximum energy absorption capacity of 23 MJ/mm3 is achieved in a metal foam with 57% porosity. S1 (40% NaCl) had lower porosity, smaller pore sizes, and thicker pore walls, buckling in the middle with minimal pore collapsibility and crack initiation at the edges. In contrast, the sample with more than 40% NaCl had higher porosity and thinner pore walls, resulting in greater collapse and energy absorption.
Hybrid 3D printing of fluid-filled lattices for biomedical applications: a review
Authors: Amirpour Maedeh , Cracknell Dayna , Amirian Amirali , Alipour Arvin N.
Published: January 2025

Fluid-Filled Lattices (FFLs), which integrate liquid components into solid porous matrices and create a composite structure, exhibit unique properties, including enhanced flexibility, biomechanical strength, cushioning, and improved thermal and electrical conductivities. Additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, is a prominent method for fabricating FFLs and is in high demand due to its ability to customise geometry and composition. This paper investigates the types of fluid materials and lattice topology suitable for FFL based on their biomedical applications. It further explores the methods and types of 3D printing technologies that can be employed to develop novel hybrid fluid-filled lattice structures with potential applications in biomedical sector.
Truncated Affine Rozansky–Witten Models as Extended Defect TQFTs
Authors: Brunner Ilka , Carqueville Nils , Fragkos Pantelis , Roggenkamp Daniel
Published: January 2025

We apply the cobordism hypothesis with singularities to the case of affine Rozansky–Witten models, providing a construction of extended TQFTs that includes all line and surface defects. On a technical level, this amounts to proving that the associated homotopy 2-category is pivotal, and to systematically employing its 3-dimensional graphical calculus. This in particular allows us to explicitly calculate state spaces for surfaces with arbitrary defect networks. As specific examples we discuss symmetry defects which can be used to model non-trivial background gauge fields, as well as boundary conditions.
Unveiling pterion variability: a meta-analytic approach to enhance neurosurgical precision
Authors: Triantafyllou George , Karangeli Nektaria , Duparc Fabrice , Piagkou Maria , Galzio Renato , Tsakotos George , Botis George , Kalamatianos Theodosis , Luzzi Sabino
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This meta-analytical systematic review aims at investigating the variability of the pterion, focusing on its morphological types and precise distances from various bony landmarks. Additionally, the neurosurgical significance of this critical cranial landmark is examined in depth.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 and Evidence-based Anatomy Workgroup guidelines for anatomical studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Anatomical Quality Assurance Tool (AQUA). The meta-analysis was performed using R programming software and RStudio, employing the “meta” and “metafor” packages.

Results

A total of 79 studies were included, encompassing 18,694 skull sides. The sphenoparietal type was identified as the most prevalent pterion variant, with a pooled prevalence of 78.54%. The epipteric type followed at 8.41%, while the frontotemporal (5.74%) and stellate (4.26%) types were the rarest. Significant differences in the prevalence of the epipteric, frontotemporal, and stellate types were observed across different nationalities. However, sex, side, and study type did not significantly influence pterion morphological variation. The study also extracted and calculated the distances between the pterion and key anatomical landmarks, including the midpoint of the zygomatic arch, the frontozygomatic suture, the mastoid process, and the external acoustic meatus.

Conclusion

This study offers critical anatomical insights by accurately mapping the pterion’s location relative to essential cranial landmarks. These findings are vital for neurosurgical planning, particularly for procedures involving the anterior and middle cranial fossae. The detailed anatomical data provided can enhance the precision and safety of neurosurgical interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Contrasting hydro-climatic trends and drought dynamics in Ethiopia and South Africa under climate change
Authors: Mengistu Achamyeleh G. , Tesfuhuney Weldemichael A. , Woyessa Yali E. , Ejigu Amsalework A. , Alemu Melku D.
Published: January 2025

Climate change profoundly impacts hydro-climatic systems, altering precipitation, temperature, and drought dynamics. This study investigates contrasting trends in Ethiopia and South Africa under historical and future scenarios (SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) using CMIP6 datasets. The analysis encompasses national averages and regional clusters to capture both spatial and temporal variability. In Ethiopia, annual precipitation increases by 1.2 mm/year under SSP2-4.5 and 2.5 mm/year under SSP5-8.5, potentially benefiting agriculture but elevating flood risks. Conversely, South Africa experiences decline in precipitation of 0.25 mm/year and 0.32 mm/year under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively, likely to exacerbate water scarcity and compromising agricultural resilience. Both countries see substantial increases in potential evapotranspiration (PET) and temperature extremes. Ethiopia’s PET rises by 0.67 mm/year and 0.97 mm/year, while South Africa’s PET increases by 1.14 mm/year and 1.83 mm/year. Temperature increases in Ethiopia are more pronounced in minimum temperatures, while South Africa shows a similar rate of increase in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Drought analysis using SPEI and SPI indices reveals divergent trends: Ethiopia generally experiences decreased drought occurrence, severity and frequency, whereas South Africa faces increased drought occurrences and its properties, particularly under high emissions. These trends vary across clusters, highlighting the need for tailored adaptation strategies in each region. Despite its comprehensive approach, the study acknowledges limitations, including uncertainties in climate model projections and the need for more localized data. Understanding the interplay between hydro-climatic variables and their extremes is essential for effective adaptation. Ethiopia should strengthen flood management and promote soil conservation practices, while South Africa should focus on water conservation. Both nations must integrate climate projections into planning, enhance early warning systems, and foster public–private partnerships for successful adaptation.