bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criminological Analysis of Tax Evasion in the Criminal Law in Iran
Authors: Ghaleno Ehsan Dahmardeh , Mahdavi Mahmood
Published: June 2016

Tax evasion as one of the examples and symbols of corruption disturbs economic security needed to expand economic activities and investment. Therefore, amending and revising the tax system of country especially tax penal system in order to improve the national economy is considered essential and necessary issue. The purpose of choosing this study is criminological study of tax evasion in the criminal law and causes of tax evasion violation. The methodology of this study is descriptive analysis and library. In the method of analyzing first general framework is list drawn necessary divisions is taken with regard to the limitation issue Then the necessary resources provided and also consideration of the reliability and validity of them and the study, taking notes and summarizing also begun, in the end, the entire contents collected, analyzed and composited, and meanwhile revising, the final editing has been done. According to the results of research on the criminal law in Iran on charges of tax evasion and tax issues in the Islamic system, special attentions have been paid. Also the results show that the changing profile of the taxpayer is considered one of the ways of tax evasion and with situational, social and legal preventions this crime could be reduced.
A Comparative Study of the Extent and Scope of Absolute Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist, (Vilayat-e Faqih) from the Perspective of Shiite Jurists; and the Rashidun Caliphate in the View of Sunni Scholars
Authors: Ayati Seyed Mohammad Reza , Moghaddasi Mahdi
Published: June 2016

“Vilayat” literally means manager and governor as well as master. Absolute means complete power and authority. From the perspective of the Shia, this authority is in fact dedicated to God, and God has been assigned it to prophets and their successors, and in the time of occultation of Imam Mahdi (AS) to Wali faqih (the guardian jurist leading Islamic community). Just jurist has all the powers and authorities (including political) assigned to the Prophet (PBUH & HP) and the Imams (AS) for governance. In contrast, the Sunnis believe that religious texts are silent about the matter of government after the prophet (PBUH&HP), and they did not speak clearly about the system of government and the conditions of Islamic leader and the ways of selecting him. Hence, they followed a choice theory in determining the political system of Muslims after the death of the holy Prophet (PBUH&HP), and accepted caliphate system for ruling the Muslim community. Thus, according to the achievements of this research gathered in a descriptive-analytic method, the Shiite believes that the immaculate Imams (AS) appoints leaders of Muslims community, while Sunnis believe in choosing leader by people.
Comparative Study of Civil Procedure in Common Law and Civil Law Systems
Authors: Ghanbari Nader , Mohseni Hassan , Nassiran Dawood
Published: June 2016

Comparing the legal systems is a specific method in which due to its important function is considered as a separate branch in law. None of the branches in law can place its knowledge merely on ideas and findings within the national borders. Several basic objections have been given regarding the definition and purpose of comparative study in civil procedure. In addition there are specific problems regarding studying practically the similar systems in a legal system like differences in purpose, definition and concept. In different legal systems like civil law and common law systems in which there is a divergence, even the judicial system`s organs and judges` appointment and judicial formalism are different, which add to the problems of the comparative study. Reviewing these differences could lead to a better understanding of these legal systems and recognizing the common principles in making use of each other`s findings considering these differences and indicate the obstacles of comparative study in this regard.
Hegemonic Challenges of Iran and Russia in the Transcaucasia Region
Authors: Yahyapour Mohammad Sadegh , GharehBeygi Mosayeb
Published: June 2016

The Caucasus is perhaps best described as a mosaic of peoples ancient and modern intertwined across a complex, often inaccessible geography that has made it a crossroads linking not only east and west but equally north and south. The aim of this paper is to enhance the understanding of future Iran and Russia challenges in Transcaucasia. Russian post-Soviet geopolitics invokes Eurasianism as its inner rationale and meaning, as a greater good that imbues pragmatic, interest based politics with a sense of mission. Although Russia remains a strong regional power with firm position on international level it is still hard for Moscow to accept loss of the position of great power. The methodology of this research is descriptive-analytical and it attempts to give a geopolitical answer to the question that how Iran can gains a hegemony in the Transcaucasia region?
Prison and Its Impact on Recidivism
Authors: Alahdadi Amir
Published: June 2016

"Imprisonment" is one the main penalties currently applied in all legal systems of the world. This penalty, as well as other penal institutions, has undergone many changes throughout history and has been evolved by several reforms to turn into its present form. However, imprisonment system has not moved towards its goals – which are "punishment", "intimidation" and "rehabilitation". Also it has adverse effects and serious damages for the society, including the impact of prison on recidivism.
Serious attention to the problems arisen from prison is a critical and essential issue that requires cooperation and coordination of triple forces and community as well as the prisoners themselves. It is not a unilateral issue which involves the prisoner community at all, but its major victim is society where recidivism disturb the peace, order and security. Thus, the goal of all criminal systems in recent years was reducing the resort to this punishment and eliminate its adverse effects and also passing several rules, regulations and bylaws or holding numerous conferences and training workshops at national and international level. In order to achieve this purpose rules and providing different solutions are imposed.
The Responsibility of Signatories in Commercial Documents for Payment of the Document in Iranian Law in Comparison to French law and the Geneva Conventions Uniform Law
Authors: Mollahosseini Rahim
Published: June 2016

Commercial documents which are the means of payment in commercial transactions can help build better business relationships including sales and transport, provide services and establish order between merchants and this role makes these documents more important and necessitates the existence of concise and comprehensive regulations about them. The author of this study is going to respond all questions in this regard as well as the commercial documents signatories’ liability for the document’s payment in Iranian Law in comparison to that in French Law and the Geneva Conventions uniform law in a descriptive-analytical way through a library study and note-taking by going directly to the sources and references.
Third-world Oriented Policies of Ahmadi Nejad Government in South Caucasus
Authors: Yousefi Mohammadtaghi
Published: June 2016

The collapse of USSR and the independence of the remaining republics from it lead to special geo-politic and geo-strategic changes across the northern borders of Iran. The presence of the influence of regional and trans-regional players in Caucasus that first try to omit Iran or limit the role and presence of Iran in the region and second, have created new sources of threat for Iran in this region has affected the foreign policy of Iran to a significant extent. Given the fact that Caucasus can be the origin of various crises and events such as the separatism, nationalism, and ethnic tension that given the presence of powers such as America and Israel in this region and because of ethnic nexuses can endanger the national security of Iran and Iran needs to have control over the regional entrance gateways to preserve and provide national security and interaction with future challenges. One of the practical approaches in this respect is the fulfillment of the presence and influence of Iran in security issues located among these countries which can reduce the possibility of leaving negative influences of such crises on the national security of our country.
Pharmacogenetic profiling and metabolic activity of human embryonic stem cell derived hepatocytes: focus on CYP450-mediated oxidation
Authors: Voellinger Jenna L. , Kelly Edward J.
Published: June 2016

Primary human hepatocytes are commonly used to evaluate liver drug metabolism and toxicity. Pluripotent stem cell derived hepatocytes (SCDHs) have the potential to overcome access and function-related limitations associated with primary hepatocytes. SCDHs may also provide an improved system for evaluating genotype-phenotype relationships, e.g. cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene polymorphisms and their impact on drug metabolism and toxicity. However, in order for SCDHs to become routinely used in preclinical drug metabolism and toxicity screening, they must demonstrate reproducible activity of drug metabolism proteins, particularly the oxidative CYP enzymes. We characterized the differentiation status of SCDHs, with emphasis on the expression and functional capacity of drug-metabolizing enzymes, and genetically profiled the commonly used WiCell® hESC lines, focusing on CYP2D6 in our analysis. An assay of enzymatic function in SCDHs using a CYP cocktail assay designed to measure 8 different isozymes revealed only minimal activity for CYP3A, below that observed in primary hepatocytes. With regard to CYP2D6 gene copy number variation, we found the H1 line has only one gene copy, which also harbors the CYP2D6*41 splicing defect, predictive of a CYP2D6 poor/intermediate metabolizer. We identified no CYP2D6 gene duplications, indicating no representative ultra-rapid metabolizer. The H7 and H14 lines are heterozygous for the non-functional CYP2D6*4 variant resulting in a predicted intermediate metabolizer phenotype. In addition, we compared the penetrance of the CYP2D6*41 splicing defect in SCDHs and liver tissue via reverse-transcription PCR assay. We found incomplete penetrance of the CYP2D6*41 allele in liver tissue and variable penetrance in SCDHs. Based on gene expression profiling, SCDHs most closely resemble fetal hepatocytes, especially with regards to AFP, CYP3A7 and FMO1 expression. Finally, these studies indicate a low degree of genetic diversity of pharmacogenetically-relevant genes in the WiCell® hESC lines.
Changing trends in use of hepatocytes and microsomes for evaluating metabolism studies in drug discovery
Authors: Shaik Abdul Naveed
Published: June 2016

Editorial
A EDUCAÇÃO PARA O TRÂNSITO COMO FERRAMENTA DE OBEDIÊNCIA AOS PRINCÍPIOS DA EFICIÊNCIA E DA DIGNIDADE DA PESSOA HUMANA
Authors: Ferreira Paulo Rangel Araújo , Santos Filho Itamar Da Silva
Published: June 2016

Mais de 30 mil pessoas morrem vítimas de acidentes de trânsito no Brasil a cada ano. Uma funesta realidade para a qual não há medidas realmente efetivas sendo tomadas. Há um Estado omisso e uma legislação subefetivada que, embora preveja a Educação para o Trânsito como ferramenta essencial para a formação de um condutor responsável, não a efetiva, e torna o diploma de trânsito apenas mais uma lei sem efetividade no grande rol de leis brasileiras. Este trabalho consiste em uma pesquisa bibliográfica e objetiva apresentar o tema da Educação para o Trânsito como ele está previsto no Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (CTB) e demais legislações atinentes ao tema, demonstrando-se suas possibilidades de efetivação. Tal caminho levaria a um condutor mais consciente, à valorização da vida humana, à diminuição da perda precoce da população economicamente ativa, por sua vez, encolher-se-iam os gastos hospitalares custeados pela Máquina Pública com as vítimas do trânsito.
[Kovaltry® for the replacement therapy in patients with Hemophilia A]
Authors: Roggeri Daniela Paola , Colombo Alessio , Roggeri Alessandro
Published: June 2016

[Article in Italian]
Una nota sobre la recuperación de costes de los servicios del agua en la cuenca del Gállego
Authors: Pérez y Pérez Luis , Barreiro Hurlé Jesús
Published: June 2016

Up to date, water management in Spain has been focused on supply approaches, with the result of providing consumers with this resource at a low price. Developments in the institutional framework regulating water management in the European context (mainly the implementation of the Water Framework Directive) have shifted this approach in order to promote sustainable water use. To achieve this objective, tariff policy must now take into account the water services cost-recovery principle for its different uses. Within this context, this paper estimates the public capital stock related to water supply and assesses the existing level of cost-recovery related to that stock. The methodology used, compares the tax level needed for full-cost recovery with actual revenues from different water-related taxes. The case study area is Gallego River basin in Aragon, and results show the low cost- recovery level for most water services.
Aproximación a las pérdidas económicas ocasionadas a corto plazo por los incendios forestales en Galicia en 2006
Authors: Barrio Melina , Loureiro María , Chas María Luisa
Published: June 2016

This study quantifies part of the short-term or immediate economic losses (excluding the non-use or passive losses) caused by the wildfires in Galicia during 2006. The background of the empirical work is based on the ecosystem service approach that values the services not provided due to the existence of wildfires. The obtained results show that the immediate losses are about 300 millions euros (depending on the scenario of analysis) for the period August-December 2006.
Valoración del agua de riego por el método de precios quasi-hedónicos: Aplicación al Guadalquivir
Authors: Berbel Julio , Mesa Pascual
Published: June 2016

The valuation of natural resources is a tool used for improving allocation and management of water resources. This research proposes a «quasi-hedonic» approach as a simple way for estimating the value of irrigation water. Water is considered here as an exogenous variable impacting on land price, which is estimated for the Guadalquivir River Basin (Southern Spain). Results show a capitalized water value in the range 2.8 €/m3 to 4.2 €/m3. The most frequent value is 3.46 €/m3, resulting in a value of water rent between 0.14 €/m3 (r = 4%) to 0.35€/m3 (r = 10%), depending upon the applied discount rate.
Ley de precio único en el mercado español del aceite de oliva
Authors: Roldán Casas José Ángel , Dios-Palomares Rafaela
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is the study of long-run market integration of olive oil in Spain and the testing of the Law of One Price (LOP) in this market. The study is carried out using multivariate cointegration methodology and applied to monthly data on olive oil prices in Spain (1987-2001) corresponding to the regions considered by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The results show that Spanish olive oil markets are highly integrated with the Northeast being the leading market. However, perfect integration cannot be accepted.
El valor del uso recreativo del Parque Natural Sierra de María-Los Velez (Almería)
Authors: Castillo Mª Encarnación , Sayadi Samir , Ceña Felisa
Published: June 2016

The aim of this paper is to estimate the recreational use value of a protected area in the south of Spain, Sierra de Maria-Los Vélez Natural Park in Almeria, using the zonal travel cost method. The estimated consumer surplus ranges from € 7.67 to € 13.29 per person, according to the proposed scenario taking into account travel time as a cost or as an enjoyment. Finally, some conclusions are presented, as well as some strategies to promote the recreational use of the Park and to improve its future management.
Rentabilidad económica de explotaciones agrarias de secano según tamaño y tipo de laboreo
Authors: Serrano A. , Suárez de Cepeda M. , Sánchez-Girón V.
Published: June 2016

The objective of the present study was to assess, in semiarid conditions of central Spain, the economic feasibility of chisel ploughing and no-tillage compared to mouldboard ploughing for rainfed winter wheat and forage legume production on different farm sizes. A decision support system was used to solve for the least-cost machinery selection for each farm enterprise and tillage system considered. No differences were observed in either wheat or forage vetch crop yields averaged across several years, irrespective of the tillage system used. The economic performance was found to depend on the tillage system adopted and farm size.
La contribución de la mujer en la economía rural de Castilla y León
Authors: Rico-González Margarita , Gómez García Jesús Mª
Published: June 2016

Women's participation in the socio-economic activities of rural areas has been frequently underestimated. However, in recent years there is a clear awareness of public authorities that women’s inclusion in strategies for the economic revitalisation of the rural world is essential to fix population and generate income and employment in this territory. The objective of this paper focuses on determining the economic contribution of women to the development of rural areas of the Spanish region of Castilla y León. It analyses the relationship between the degree of development of rural communities and the socioeconomic characteristics of women who live in those territories. The analysis follows a methodology based on three types of multivariate techniques: the principal component analysis, the multiple regression analysis and the analysis of clusters. The results show that the economic and social participation of women in rural areas is a precondition to achieve a higher level of welfare and development in these areas.
Relevancia económica de las variables climáticas en la agricultura: El caso de España
Authors: García María , Viladrich-Grau Montserrat
Published: June 2016

We estimate how climate variables affect price and acreage of productive farmland using the Ricardian approach. Furthermore, we use our estimations to evaluate the joint effects of possible climate changes within the time horizon of 2010 and 2050. Our results show that the price of rainfed land in Spain tends to increase but rainfed acreage decreases. On the other hand, the effect on irrigated farmland price and acreage presents some mixed results, however, in the long run the dominant pattern is clearly increasing for both prices and acreage.
El modelo de ayudas directas en la PAC post-2013: análisis de impactos de escenarios potenciales
Authors: Blanco Fonseca María , García-Germán Trujeda Sol , Bardají Isabel
Published: June 2016

Following their introduction in 1992,direct payments have become one of the main instruments of the Common Agricultural Policy. The aim of this study is to analyse potential scenarios of harmonization of direct payments in the CAP post-2013. In doing so, we use the CAPRI model, which represents the functioning of agricultural markets at the global level and simultaneously models CAP measures at the EU regional level. Results suggest that while a flatter rate of direct payments would have minor impacts on agriculture at the EU level, it would imply substantial redistributive effects, both across regions and Member States.
Les écarts salariaux de genre au Cameroun
Authors: Ekamena Ntsama Sabine Nadine
Published: June 2016

L’objectif de cette étude est d’analyser les écarts salariaux de genre au Cameroun. Plus précisément, il s’agit d’apprécier les principaux aspects de la discrimination de genre sur le fonctionnement du marché du travail au Cameroun. Partant des théories des écarts salariaux et d’une analyse descriptive, nous parcourons les facteurs qui déterminent les salaires des individus. Notre approche méthodologique s’achève par l’estimation des modèles sur la base de la troisième enquête camerounaise auprès des ménages.
Le sujet individuel comme un nouvel objet de la discipline sociologique ?
Authors: Amougou Gérard
Published: June 2016

Avec l’avènement de la globalisation, l’hégémon du courant sociétal de la sociologie classique serait en net recul au profit de la montée de l’individualité. Cette dernière occuperait désormais une centralité analytique au sein des sociologies de la postmodernité. Cet article se propose de retracer cette émergence processuelle du sujet individuel au sein de la discipline sociologique, avant de relever quelques défis qui l’interpellent dans sa quête actuelle de la société-advenir. Au coeur de cette lente montée de la subjectivité, les nouvelles sociologies de l’individu semblent porter la charge de dresser les contours théoriques et conceptuelles de la nouvelle configuration complexe des sociétés humaines qui, pour beaucoup, restent à écrire. Il en va également du devenir épistémologique de cette approche originale des nouveaux processus sociaux.
Using homogenization, sonication and thermo-sonication to inactivate fungi
Authors: Campaniello Daniela , Bevilacqua Antonio , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria
Published: June 2016

Ultrasound (US), Thermo-sonication (TS) and High Pressure Homogenization (HPH) were studied as tools to inactivate the spores ofPenicilliumspp. andMucorspp. inoculated in distilled water. For US, the power ranged from 40% to 100%, pulse from 2 to 10 s, and duration of the treatment from 2 to 10 min. TS was performed combining US (40–80% of power, for 8 min and pulse of 2 s) with a thermal treatment (50, 55 and 60°C at 4, 8 and 12 min). Homogenization was done at 30–150 MPa for 1, 2 and 3 times. Power was the most important factors to determine the antifungal effect of US and TS towards the conidia ofPenicilliumspp.; on the other hand, in US treatmentsMucorspp. was also affected by pulse and time. HPH exerted a significant antifungal effect only if the highest pressures were applied for 2–3 times.
Evaluation of the use of electrocardiogram monitoring in patients on psychotropic medications that have a risk of QT prolongation
Authors: Girgis Sandra J. , Maroney Megan E. , Liu Mei T.
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Many psychotropic medications carry a risk of prolonging the QT interval and increasing the risk of developing Torsade de pointes (TdP). The goal of this study was to evaluate whether patients taking psychotropic agents with a known risk of TdP are being monitored at a community hospital through the use of electrocardiograms (EKGs).

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 100 adult patients—50 from general medicine floors and 50 from psychiatric units—who were taking at least one psychotropic agent with a known risk of TdP during hospitalization.

Results: The mean number of medications with QT-prolongation risk administered to the psychiatric and general medicine patients was 4.2 ± 1.7 and 3.9 ± 2.0, respectively (P = .7484). Thirty-two of the psychiatric patients (64%) and 48 of the general medicine patients (96%) received EKGs during their hospitalization (P < 0.0001). Of those newly starting the target medications, 58% (18 of 31) of the psychiatric patients and 71% (5 of 7) of the general medicine patients received a baseline EKG. The difference was not statistically significant (P = .6807). Overall, 8 patients (8%) had corrected QT (QTc) intervals >500 ms. Four had repeat EKGs performed, and none had medication changes made to decrease TdP risk.

Discussion: Many inpatients on psychiatric medications received multiple medications with a risk of TdP, but not all received monitoring through baseline or repeat EKGs when warranted. Patients with QTc intervals >500 ms were not appropriately managed to lower their risk of TdP. Pharmacists thus can help improve the monitoring and management of QT prolongation.
Antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects
Authors: Warstler Amanda , Bean Jennifer
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects are often overlooked or underreported. Literature often reports symptoms of antimicrobial-induced cognitive impairment under more general blanket terms, such as neuropsychiatric side effects, neurotoxicity, or drug-induced delirium or encephalopathy.

Methods: A PubMed search using terms including antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, side effects, cognitive, neurotoxicity, encephalopathy, and delirium was conducted. Respectively, symptoms of cognitive impairment were teased out of the multiple neurologic complications presented for each case and reported based on antimicrobial class. Articles were excluded if they focused solely on neuropsychiatric side effects such as seizures, psychosis, hallucinations, or mood disturbances, were conducted in animals, or involved antiretroviral medication therapies.

Results: Of over 50 case reviews, case reports, retrospective chart reviews, and prospective cohort studies analyzed, 25 were deemed appropriate for purposes of this review. Common antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects for all antimicrobial classes included confusion, delirium, encephalopathy, and impaired concentration or attention. Recurring risk factors included, but were not limited to, older age and renal impairment. Mechanisms of cognitive impairment were relatively specific to each antimicrobial class.

Discussion: Awareness of the potential for antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects, including the general time frame of symptom onset and symptom presentation, is critical in challenging patient cases. This review article aims to summarize the risk factors, clinical symptoms, mechanisms, and management of antimicrobial-induced cognitive side effects. Pharmacists can play a key role in prevention through adjustment of medications for renal or hepatic dysfunction, avoidance of polypharmacy, and knowledge of critical drug interactions that may precipitate cognitive decline.
Contraceptive Access in the US Post-Dobbs
Authors: Harper Cynthia C. , Brown Katherine , Arora Kavita Shah
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint contraceptive justice after the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization US Supreme Court decision, which led to a decline in contraceptive access, especially in states with abortion bans.
Epidural Analgesia During Labor and Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Cornet Marie-Coralie , Kuzniewicz Michael W. , Scheffler Aaron W. , Gaw Stephanie L. , Yeh Peter , Newman Thomas B. , Wu Yvonne W.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Epidural analgesia is used by approximately 70% of birthing persons in the US to alleviate labor pain and is a common cause of elevated temperature in the birthing parent during labor, which, in turn, is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Objective

To determine whether epidural analgesia is associated with increased risk of HIE after adjusting for the birthing person’s maximal temperature before epidural placement and for the propensity to get an epidural.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted at 15 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals. Participants included singleton neonates born at 35 weeks’ or later gestational age between 2012 and 2019. Elective cesarean deliveries and deliveries within 2 hours of hospital admission were excluded. Data analysis was performed from November 2022 to June 2024.

Exposure

The primary exposure was epidural analgesia during labor.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was HIE, defined as the presence of both neonatal acidosis (ie, pH <7 or base deficit ≥10) and encephalopathy. The presence and timing of epidural analgesia and demographic, pregnancy, and labor characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. A propensity score for receiving epidural analgesia was created including demographic variables and comorbidities predating epidural placement. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between epidural analgesia and HIE, adjusting for maximal birthing parent’s temperature before epidural placement and the propensity for receiving an epidural.

Results

Among 233 056 infants born at 35 weeks’ or later gestational age by vaginal or unplanned cesarean delivery after at least 2 hours of in-hospital labor, 177 603 (76%) were exposed to epidural analgesia and 439 (0.19%) had HIE. On unadjusted analysis, epidural analgesia was associated with an increased risk of maximal temperature greater than 38 °C during labor (risk ratio [RR], 8.58; 95% CI, 8.06-9.14). Each degree increase in maximal temperature during labor was associated with nearly triple the odds of HIE (odds ratio [OR], 2.82; 95% CI, 2.51-3.17). However, there was no significant association between epidural analgesia and the risk of HIE either on crude (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.96-1.53) or adjusted (adjusted OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.73-1.17) analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study including more than 230 000 parent-infant dyads, epidural analgesia was associated with increased maximal temperature during labor, a known risk factor for HIE. However, epidural analgesia was not associated with increased odds of HIE.
The Nontrivial Ethics of Brain Biopsies for Research
Authors: Giordano James J. , Okun Michael S.
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint advocates for adapting and expanding informed consent protocols for brain biopsies for research purposes.
Longitudinal analysis of peripheral immune cells in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with anti‐CD20 therapy
Authors: Waede Mie , Voss Lasse F. , Kingo Christina , Moeller Jesper B. , Elkjaer Maria L. , Illes Zsolt
Published: September 2024

Objective

Anti‐CD20 therapy is a highly effective treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we investigated MS‐related changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subsets compared to healthy controls and longitudinal changes related to the treatment.

Methods

Multicolor spectral flow cytometry analysis was performed on 78 samples to characterize disease‐ and treatment‐related PBMC clusters. Blood samples from MS patients were collected at baseline and up to 8 months post‐treatment, with three collection points after treatment initiation. Unsupervised clustering tools and manual gating were applied to identify subclusters of interest and quantify changes.

Results

B cells were depleted from the periphery after anti‐CD20 treatment as expected, and we observed an isolated acute, transitory drop in the proportion of natural killer (NK) and NKT cells among the main populations of PBMC (P = 0.03, P = 0.004). Major affected PBMC subpopulations were cytotoxic immune cells (NK, NKT, and CD8+ T cells), and we observed a higher proportion of cytotoxic cells with reduced brain‐homing ability and a higher regulatory function as a long‐term anti‐CD20‐related effect. Additionally, anti‐CD20 therapy altered distributions of memory CD8+ T cells and reduced exhaustion markers in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Interpretation

The findings of this study elucidate phenotypic clusters of NK and CD8+ T cells, which have previously been underexplored in the context of anti‐CD20 therapy. Phenotypic modifications towards a more regulatory and controlled phenotype suggest that these subpopulations may play a critical and previously unrecognized role in mediating the therapeutic efficacy of anti‐CD20 treatments.
Real‐Time Model Predictive Control of Air‐Conditioners Through IoT—Results From an Experimental Setup in a Tropical Climate
Authors: Shamachurn H. , Seebaruth M. , Kowlessur N. S. , Hassen S. Z. Sayed
Published: September 2024

There is an increasing demand for air‐conditioners (ACs) to maintain a comfortable indoor environment for all types and sizes of buildings including commercial, industrial, and office spaces. Such ACs are mostly operated by traditional ON–OFF controllers to maintain a temperature setpoint. Extensive control engineering knowledge resulting from experiments on actual buildings is needed before the wide application of an advanced control methods, such as model predictive control (MPC), which are more effective and energy‐efficient than the traditional controllers. Simulation studies on the application of control may provide promising results, but the corresponding experimental validations may prove otherwise. User‐friendly experimental setups to investigate the performance of real‐time advanced control on an actual building and its HVAC system is scarce. This paper details the design, implementation and testing of a user‐friendly, remote and autonomous test bed to acquire measured data through an IoT platform, and to control ACs in real time through MATLAB Thingspeak. Measurement and data acquisition equipment are installed in a two‐zone concrete building in Mauritius. MPC of the indoor air temperature achieved an AC temperature setpoint tracking RMSE which was 0.7°C lower than that achieved by the built‐in ON/OFF AC control. The test bed also revealed that portable air‐conditioners are not very efficient, given that the maximum cooling efficiency achieved in this work was only 60%. It also provided valuable insights based on the experiments carried out, in terms of improvements to sensing and data acquisition. Control engineers can implement such a test bed for the development and application of advanced controllers as per their needs and applications.
Engineering Nickel Dopants in Atomically Thin Molybdenum Disulfide for Highly Efficient Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Lv Jiangnan , Sun Xiaoting , Wang Fang , Yang Ruixia , Zhang Taisong , Liang Tingting , Rong Wanting , Yang Qianwen , Xue Wuhong , Wang Lanfang , Xu Xiaohong , Liu Yang
Published: September 2024

The electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR) presents a promising pathway for achieving both ammonia (NH3) electrosynthesis and water pollutant removal simultaneously. Among various electrocatalysts explored, 2D materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their ability to regulate electronic states and active sites through doping. However, the impact of doping effects in 2D materials on the mechanism of NO3−RR remains relatively unexplored. Here, Ni‐doped MoS2 (Ni‐MoS2) nanosheets are investigated as a model system, demonstrating enhanced NO3−RR performance compared to undoped counterparts. By controlling the doping concentration, the Ni‐MoS2 nanosheets achieve a remarkable faradic efficiency (FE) of 92.3% for NH3 at −0.3 VRHE with excellent stability. The mechanistic studies reveal that the elevation of the NO3−RR performances originates from the generation of more active hydrogen and the acceleration of the reaction from nitrite (NO2−) to NH3 facilitated by Ni doping. Combining the experimental observations and theoretical calculations it is revealed that the appropriate Ni doping level in MoS2 can enhance *NO3 adsorption strength, thereby facilitating subsequent electrocatalytic steps. Together with the demonstration of Zn−NO3− and Zn−NO2− battery devices, the work provides new insights into the design and regulation of the active sites in 2D material catalysts for efficient NO3−RR.
Assessment of “Inverse” Cross‐Talk (Anode to Cathode) in High‐Voltage Li/Mn‐Rich Layered Oxide || Li Cells
Authors: Arifiadi Anindityo , Demelash Feleke , Abke Niklas Markus , Brake Tobias , Vahnstiege Marc , Alsheimer Lennart , Wiemers‐Meyer Simon , Winter Martin , Kasnatscheew Johannes
Published: September 2024

Li/Mn‐rich layered oxide (LMR) offers high practical discharge capacity originating from both cationic and anionic redox, but its operation is practically challenging as full capacity utilization at high cathode potentials (> 4.6 V vs Li|Li+) is intertwined with phase transformation, oxygen release, and transition metal dissolution. Dissolved TMs in particular, can deposit and damage the anode via a process known as electrode cross‐talk that decreases Li inventory due to Li plating. Given the excess in active lithium, Li‐metal anode (LMA) is frequently paired with LMR for a systematic cathode R&D, though is believed to cause inverse cross‐talk, i.e., diffusion of LMA degradation products from the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) toward the cathode, triggering bulid‐up of resistive cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). Indeed, a thicker, more organic‐based, and slightly resistive CEI is proven in Li‐ compared to “SEI‐poor” Li4Ti5O12 (LTO)‐based cells via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and electrochemical techniques, which likely even decreases metal dissolution from LMR, though their practical impact on overpotential is shown to be less relevant. The capacity recovery after transferring cycled (“old”) LMR from Li cells to fresh Li cells rather points to other meaningful contributions to capacity fading than the inverse crosstalk.
Orbicular‐Donor–Acceptor System in N‐doped Nanographene for Highly Efficient NIR‐II Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Zhao Chengyan , Qu Chulin , Hu Yingzhe , Wu Fan , Liu Shaohai , Cai Fangjian , Chen Yuhang , Qiu Yudong , Shen Zhen
Published: September 2024

Developing stable and efficient photothermal agents (PTAs) for the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1 000–1700 nm) photothermal therapy (PTT) is highly desirable but remains challenging. Herein, a facile strategy to prepare NIR‐II nano‐PTA based on the ionic N‐doped nanographene hexapyrrolohexaazacoronene (HPHAC) is reported featuring a specific orbicular‐donor–acceptor (O‐D–A) structure. Oxidizing HPHAC 1 to dication 12+ causes a substantial decrease in its band gap, leading to a shift in absorption from the confined UV region to a broad absorption range that reaches up to 1400 nm. The dication 12+ exhibits global aromaticity and excellent stability. Theoretical investigation demonstrates that the strong NIR‐II absorption of 12+ is attributed to a distinct inner‐to‐outer intramolecular charge transfer. Encapsulating 12+ with amphiphilic polymers results in water‐soluble 12+ NPs with retained optical characteristics. The 12+ NPs exhibit exceptional biocompatibility, intense photoacoustic responses, and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 72% under the 1064 nm laser irradiation, enabling efficient PTT of cancer cells. The “O‐D–A” system on HPHAC, which is created by a simple redox approach, provides a novel strategy to construct efficient NIR‐II photothermal materials through molecular engineering of nanographenes.
Novel Electrospun Zwitterionic Nanofibers for Point‐Of‐Care Nucleic Acid Isolation Strategies Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Wieberneit Alissa J. , Wongkaew Nongnoot , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: September 2024

Nucleic acid (NA) testing at the point‐of‐care requires efficient NA extraction followed by post‐NA amplification to achieve necessary detection sensitivity. Nanofibers (NFs) are demonstrated to be an ideal solid surface in an NA extraction process but necessitate harsh conditions that interfere with the subsequent NA amplification process. It is demonstrated that novel, pH tunable, zwitterionic NFs composed of uncharged nylon doped with the weakly basic, cationic polyallylamine hydrochloride and the weakly acidic anionic polycarboxylic acid to address the issue. Unlike the other cationic polymers investigated, e.g. polybrene and polyaniline, these polymers allow efficient NA extraction in Tris‐ethylenediamine tetra‐acetic acid buffer under mild conditions (pH 4.5 containing 0.1% Tween 20 for adsorption, and pH 10 with 50 mM NaCl for elution). Adsorption and elution yields over 95% and 70%, respectively, are achieved. It also discovered a correlation between material morphologies and the NA extraction suggests that the combination of polymer chemistries and nanofiber morphologies facilitates efficient NA extraction at low concentrations (ng range) within a short time period (<10 min). Considering the simple protocols and instrument‐free operation the as‐developed NFs are highly attractive for use in sample‐to‐answer NA testing in point‐of‐care settings.
Development and Optimization of Micro‐Nanotopographical Platforms for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Biomolecular Detection
Authors: Odetade David Femi , Rickard Jonathan J. S. , Goldberg Oppenheimer Pola
Published: September 2024

Topologically designed micro‐ and nanostructured surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates propel the advancements of innovative applications, including environmental and forensic point‐of‐care miniaturised devices via enhancing the localised electric fields for accurate analyte sensing. Herein, a method for designing, optimising and fabricating fine‐tuneable concentric hexagonal, triangular and rectangular SERS‐active micronano‐substrates is developed, with each unit yielding significant enhancement. Numerical simulations of the 3D near‐field electric field guided the optimal design process. While the coaxial SERS substrates consistently outperformed their solid counterparts, the hexagonal micro‐nano topologies exhibited ×21 higher signal than coaxial square arrays and a 12‐15‐fold increase over the triangle structures. Alternation of the topological designs from square to triangle lattice yielded more uniform plasmonic modes propagating along the 60°‐directions with various resonance modes playing key roles in light reflectance. This enables the engineering of platforms with tailor‐enhanced signals by changing the arrangement of micro‐nano patterned coaxial arrays. The fabricated SERS substrates are validated by detecting traumatic brain injury biomarkers, effectively yielding the characteristic fingerprint spectra of each neuro‐molecule. The straightforward development of sub‐micrometre tuneable SERS‐active architectures enables anelegant route for high‐throughput biochemical sensing, laying a platform for amplified bimolecular detection of disease biomarkers and integration in bioanalytical systems.
Intrinsically Multi‐Stable Spatial Linkages
Authors: Zhou Tong , Huang Chong , Miao Zhuangzhi , Li Yang
Published: September 2024

Multi‐stable structures can be reconfigured with fewer, lightweight, and less accurate actuators. This is because the attraction domain in the multi‐stable energy landscape provides both reconfiguration guidance and shape accuracy. Additionally, such structures can generate impulsive motion due to structural instability. Most multi‐stable units are planar structures, while spatial linkages can generate complex 3D motion and hold a more promising potential for applications. This study proposes a generalized approach to design a type of intrinsically multi‐stable spatial (IMSS) linkages with multiple prescriptible configurations, which are structurally compatible, and naturally stable at these states. It reveals that all over‐constrained mechanisms can be transformed into multi‐stable structures with the same design method. Single‐loop bi‐stable 4R and quadra‐stable 6R spatial linkages modules with intrinsic non‐symmetric stable states, which are transformed from fundamental kinematic linkage mechanisms unit such as Bennett and Bricard linkages, are designed to illustrate the basic idea and the superiority over the ordinary methods. Multi‐loop assembly by these IMSS linkage modules shows potential for practical applications that are required for the deployability and impulsivity of reconfiguration. Two preliminary design cases of a deployable tube and an impulsive gripper are experimentally presented to validate this applicability. Further promisingly, this design method of IMSS linkages paves the way for morphing platforms with lightweight actuation, high shape accuracy, high stiffness, and prescribed impulsive 3D motion.
Mechanical‐Stress‐Induced Lithiation and Structural Evolution Driven by Excess Lithium Predisposing Short Circuits at the Surface of Garnet Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Hong Seokjae , Shin Kwang Ho , Kim Seulgi , Song Seok Hyun , Kim Kyoung Sun , Lee Dongju , Yu Seung‐Ho , Jung Sung‐Kyun , Kim Hyungsub
Published: September 2024

Cubic‐garnet solid electrolyte has garnered significant attention in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) due to its ionic conductivity and chemical robustness against Li metal. However, the short‐circuit formation at low current density poses a significant obstacle with the main cause remaining ambiguous. Here, the lithium‐penetration mode originating from phase transformation is unveiled at the sintered pellet surface via mechanically induced lithiation. Mechanical stress applied during polishing under excess lithium content induces lithiation into the cubic‐garnet structure, leading to partial structural evolution into the tetragonal phase. This surface alteration induces current constriction, hindered by sluggish interfacial Li‐ion transport from the tetragonal phase, which exhibits low ionic conductivity, causing short circuits. By reducing mechanical stress, mitigating surface strain, and restoring the cubic phase, stable operation is ensured without short‐circuit formation in both Li symmetric and hybrid‐full cells. This insights illuminate the origin of lithium penetration related to phase transition at the surface of cubic‐garnet and pave the way for enhancements in ASSB development.
Enhancing Zinc Anode Stability with Gallium Ion‐Induced Electrostatic Shielding and Oriented Plating
Authors: Cao Jin , Jin Yan , Wu Haiyang , Yue Yilei , Zhang Dongdong , Luo Ding , Zhang Lulu , Qin Jiaqian , Yang Xuelin
Published: September 2024

The cost‐effectiveness and environmental benefits of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted considerable attention. However, practical applications are hindered by side processes including dendritic growth and hydrogen evolution corrosion. Herein, gallium ions (Ga3+) have been chosen as a multifunctional electrolyte additive to improve the reversibility of zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Remarkably, Ga3+ ions adhere to the anode surface, establishing a dynamic electrostatic shielding layer that modulates Zn2+ deposition and prevents side reactions. Typically, Ga3+ ions preferentially adsorb onto the (002) and (110) planes of Zn, facilitating preferential deposition on the (100) plane, resulting in a dendrites‐free zinc anode. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetrical cell with Ga3+‐modified electrolyte demonstrates a prolonged lifespan of 4000 h, while the Zn||Ti asymmetric cell exhibits an impressive coulombic efficiency of 99.12% for zinc stripping and plating at 2 mA cm−2. Additionally, the Zn||VO2 cell maintains high capacity retention after 1500 cycles at 5 A g−1. This work presents Ga3+ ions as an electrolyte additive, facilitating the development of a durable dynamic electrostatic shielding effect and preferential (100) plane electroplating, ensuring zinc deposition free from dendrite formation. Such discoveries form a basis for future investigations into novel materials to propel advancements in metal battery technology.
Achieving Efficient Intrinsically Stretchable Organic Photovoltaics with a Conjugated and Elastomeric Dual‐Network Morphology
Authors: Yang Wenyu , Luo Xuanang , Li Mingke , Shi Chuqi , Wang Zaiyu , Yang Zhiyuan , Wu Jiaming , Zhang Xiaowei , Huang Wenbo , Ma Dongge , Wang Cheng , Zhong Wenkai , Ying Lei
Published: September 2024

Stretchable organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are pivotal for advancing conformable electronics, yet achieving both efficient and intrinsically stretchable OPVs remains a significant challenge. The main issue is maintaining electronic and mechanical properties under deformation. Here, a ternary blend system, PTzBI‐oF:PYIT:EVA is presented, incorporating ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) to establish a conjugated and elastomeric dual‐network morphology. The elastomer network dissipates applied stress, preserving the crystalline packing of the conjugated network and enabling improved mechanical stability of charge carrier generation and transport. Specifically, with 15% EVA content, the ternary blend achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.28% in rigid devices and exhibited a crack onset strain of 17.23%. Notably, the stretchable OPVs retained over 80% of their initial PCE under 30% strain. These findings underscore the potential of conjugated and elastomeric dual‐network morphology in developing high‐performance stretchable electronics for various applications.