bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Danish Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Shared Decision Making Questionnaire - Patient Version (SDM-Q-9-Pat)
Authors: Hulbæk Mette , Jørgensen Marianne J , Mainz Hanne , Birkelund Regner , Nielson Jesper Bo , Debrabant Birgit , Primdahl Jette
Published: September 2018

Aims and objectives: No validated version of the 9-item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) in Danish is available. The aim of the study was to translate, culturally adapt and psychometrically test a Danish version of the SDM-Q-9 in 2 patient groups: elderly patients from outpatient gynecology clinics and a group of younger patients from an outpatient sports clinic.Method: The SDM-Q-9, patient version, was translated into Danish through a standardized forward-backward translation performed by 4 independent translators, followed by cognitive interviewing of 11 outpatients from the 2 patient groups. The process was adjusted by an expert panel. The psychometric testing was performed at 5 Danish hospital departments. Reliability (internal consistency) was estimated by Cronbach’s alpha. Construct validity was determined by confirmatory and explanatory factor analysis.Results: A total of 268 patients (218 gynecological and 50 knee patients) were included. The scale had high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.94). A high ceiling effect was found (44% with the highest rating). None of the tested models in the confirmatory analysis had a good fit. The explanatory factor analysis for the whole sample yielded a unidimensional factor, which explained 91% of variances with high factor loadings of more than 0.7.Conclusion: The Danish version of the SDM-Q-9 is a well-accepted, reliable and - despite the challenges of a high ceiling effect - valid instrument in the tested populations. Further psychometrical testing in other populations is necessary as well as research with other convergent instruments to demonstrate consistency over time and between patient groups.
Development and validation of the American Dream Scale: Assessing the petty bourgeois mentality
Authors: Gamst Glenn , Kwon Roy , Meyers Lawrence S.
Published: September 2018

The present research developed and validated an instrument, the American Dream Scale (ADS), to measure a small business orientation conceptualized as petty bourgeois mentality. The initial exploratory study, using principal components analysis with promax rotation, was performed on the data from a convenience sample of 349 university students. A total of 17 items of the original 45 prototype items emerged from the analysis to comprise the ADS inventory that represented two factors named Creative Work Potential and Be My Own Boss. A second independent convenience sample of 306 university students provided data for a confirmatory factor analysis supporting the factor structure and an evaluation of a structural model predicting ADS. A third independent convenience sample of 502 US adults provided data for an additional confirmatory factor analysis again supporting the factor structure as well as providing convergent validity evidence to support use of the scale. Implications for future research are discussed in the context of how the ADS may help to elucidate fundamental petty bourgeois attitudes among various strata in the US working class.
Crisis and Scandal: Government, Local Government and Health Reform in Northern Ireland, 1939–44
Authors: Privilege John , Jones Greta
Published: September 2018

The history of public health in the United Kingdom is often based around local responses. Historians have noted that political and medical alliances effectively determined the character of public health provision. The importance of this can be measured by the fact that Northern Ireland had traditionally lagged far behind the rest of the United Kingdom in the years following devolution. However, between 1939 and 1944, this began to change and would result in a raft of reforms in health and social care which would culminate in the establishment of the National Health Service in Northern Ireland.
Why Ireland Starved and the Big Issues in Pre-Famine Irish Economic History
Authors: Solar Peter M.
Published: September 2018

This reflection on Joel Mokyr's Why Ireland Starved discusses the way in which Mokyr addressed three big issues in pre-famine Irish economic history: Why population grew so rapidly, why the Irish were so dependent on the potato and what role British control played in Irish economic development. It suggests that differences among Irish counties were small relative to the differences between Ireland and elsewhere in Europe, hence cross-section analysis within Ireland, Mokyr's preferred method, may not be able to capture the causes of rapid population growth and potato dependence. As for the influence of British control, the way in which seventeenth-century changes in landownership shaped subsequent economic development is neither fully elaborated nor tested empirically.
What does cannabis do to the brain before birth?
Authors: Musardo Stefano , Bellone Camilla
Published: September 2018

Being exposed to cannabinoids in the womb has different consequences for male and female rats.
Functional responses of a cosmopolitan invader demonstrate intraspecific variability in consumer-resource dynamics
Authors: Howard Brett R. , Barrios-O’Neill Daniel , Alexander Mhairi E. , Dick Jaimie T.A. , Therriault Thomas W. , Robinson Tamara B. , Côté Isabelle M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Variability in the ecological impacts of invasive species across their geographical ranges may decrease the accuracy of risk assessments. Comparative functional response analysis can be used to estimate invasive consumer-resource dynamics, explain impact variability, and thus potentially inform impact predictions. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) has been introduced on multiple continents beyond its native range, although its ecological impacts appear to vary among populations and regions. Our aim was to test whether consumer-resource dynamics under standardized conditions are similarly variable across the current geographic distribution of green crab, and to identify correlated morphological features.

Methods

Crabs were collected from multiple populations within both native (Northern Ireland) and invasive regions (South Africa and Canada). Their functional responses to local mussels (Mytilusspp.) were tested. Attack rates and handling times were compared among green crab populations within each region, and among regions (Pacific Canada, Atlantic Canada, South Africa, and Northern Ireland). The effect of predator and prey morphology on prey consumption was investigated.

Results

Across regions, green crabs consumed prey according to a Type II (hyperbolic) functional response curve. Attack rates (i.e., the rate at which a predator finds and attacks prey), handling times and maximum feeding rates differed among regions. There was a trend toward higher attack rates in invasive than in native populations. Green crabs from Canada had lower handling times and thus higher maximum feeding rates than those from South Africa and Northern Ireland. Canadian and Northern Ireland crabs had significantly larger claws than South African crabs. Claw size was a more important predictor of the proportion of mussels killed than prey shell strength.

Discussion

The differences in functional response between regions reflect observed impacts of green crabs in the wild. This suggests that an understanding of consumer–resource dynamics (e.g., theper capitameasure of predation), derived from simple, standardized experiments, might yield useful predictions of invader impacts across geographical ranges.
Biosorption potential of natural, pyrolysed and acid-assisted pyrolysed sugarcane bagasse for the removal of lead from contaminated water
Authors: Shah Ghulam Mustafa , Nasir Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Bakhat Hafiz Faiq , Rabbani Faiz , Sajjad Muhammad , Umer Farooq Abu Bakr , Ahmad Sajjad , Song Lifen
Published: September 2018

Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous pollutant which poses serious threats to plants, animals and humans once entered into the food chain via contaminated industrial effluents on their discharge into the surface of water bodies and/or geological materials. This study aimed to examine and compare the biosorption potential of natural sugarcane bagasse (NB), pyrolysed sugarcane bagasse (PB) and acid assisted pyrolysed sugarcane bagasse (APB) for the removal of Pb from contaminated water. To explore this objective, a series of batch experiments were conducted at various adsorbent mass (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 g per 100 ml contaminated water), initial Pb concentration (7, 15, 30, 60 and 120 ppm), and contact time (7, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min). Results revealed that all the tested bio-sorbents have potential to adsorb and remove Pb ions from the contaminated water. In this regard, APB proved more effective since it removed 98% of Pb from aqueous solution at initial Pb concentration of 7 ppm and mass of 0.25 g per 100 ml of aqueous solution. The respective values in case of NB and PB were 90 and 95%. For a given adsorbent type, Pb adsorption decreased by increasing the mass from 0.25 to 1.0 g per 100 ml of aqueous solution. However, the greatest Pb removal occurred at adsorbent mass of 1.0 g per 100 ml of aqueous solution. Initial Pb concentration had a great impact on Pb adsorption and removal by adsorbent. The former increased and the latter decreased with the increase in initial Pb concentration from seven to 120 ppm. At seven ppm Pb concentration, maximum Pb removal took place irrespective to the adsorbent type. Out of the total Pb adsorption and removal, maximum contribution occurred within 15 min of contact time between the adsorbate and adsorbent, which slightly increased till 30 min, thereafter, it reached to equilibrium. Application of equilibrium isotherm models revealed that our results were better fitted with Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. Overall, and for the reasons detailed above, it is concluded that sugarcane bagasse has capabilities to adsorb and remove Pb ions from contaminated water. Its bio-sorption potential was considerably increased after pyrolysis and acid treatment.
Size dimorphism and sexual segregation in pheasants: tests of three competing hypotheses
Authors: Whiteside Mark A. , van Horik Jayden O. , Langley Ellis J.G. , Beardsworth Christine E. , Madden Joah R.
Published: September 2018

Fine scale sexual segregation outside of the mating season is common in sexually dimorphic and polygamous species, particularly in ungulates. A number of hypotheses predict sexual segregation but these are often contradictory with no agreement as to a common cause, perhaps because they are species specific. We explicitly tested three of these hypotheses which are commonly linked by a dependence on sexual dimorphism for animals which exhibit fine-scale sexual segregation; the Predation Risk Hypothesis, the Forage Selection Hypothesis, and the Activity Budget Hypothesis, in a single system the pheasant, Phasianus colchicus; a large, sedentary bird that is predominantly terrestrial and therefore analogous to ungulates rather than many avian species which sexually segregate. Over four years we reared 2,400 individually tagged pheasants from one day old and after a period of 8–10 weeks we released them into the wild. We then followed the birds for 7 months, during the period that they sexually segregate, determined their fate and collected behavioural and morphological measures pertinent to the hypotheses. Pheasants are sexually dimorphic during the entire period that they sexually segregate in the wild; males are larger than females in both body size and gut measurements. However, this did not influence predation risk and predation rates (as predicted by the Predation Risk Hypothesis), diet choice (as predicted by the Forage Selection Hypothesis), or the amount of time spent foraging, resting or walking (as predicted by the Activity Budget Hypothesis). We conclude that adult sexual size dimorphism is not responsible for sexual segregation in the pheasant in the wild. Instead, we consider that segregation may be mediated by other, perhaps social, factors. We highlight the importance of studies on a wide range of taxa to help further the knowledge of sexual segregation.
Distinguishing between enduring and dynamic concussion symptoms: applying Generalisability Theory to the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ)
Authors: Medvedev Oleg N. , Theadom Alice , Barker-Collo Suzanne , Feigin Valery ,   BIONIC Research Group
Published: September 2018

Background

The Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) is a widely-used, 16-item measure of concussion symptoms yet its ability to assess change in the symptom experience over time has come under criticism. We applied Generalisability theory to differentiate between dynamic and enduring aspects of post-concussion symptoms and to examine sources of measurement error in the RPQ.

Materials and Methods

Generalisability theory was applied using the longitudinal design with persons as the object of measurement. Patients with a traumatic brain injury (n = 145; aged ≥16 years) were assessed at three time occasions (1, 6 and 12 months post-injury) using the RPQ.

Results

The RPQ showed overall strong generalisability of scores (G = .98) across persons and occasions with a minor proportion of variance attributed to the dynamic aspect of symptoms reflected by interaction between person and occasion. Items measuring concentration, fatigue, restlessness and irritability reflected more dynamic patterns compared to more enduring patterns of sensitivity to noise, impatience, nausea and sleep disturbance.

Conclusion

The RPQ demonstrated strong reliability in assessing enduring post-concussion symptoms but its ability to assess dynamic symptoms is limited. Clinicians should exercise caution in use of the RPQ to track dynamic symptom change over time. Further investigation is necessary to enhance the RPQ’s ability to assess dynamic symptoms and to address measurement error associated with individual items.
Cellular production of a counterfeit viral protein confers immunity to infection by a related virus
Authors: Warner Benjamin E. , Ballinger Matthew J. , Yerramsetty Pradeep , Reed Jennifer , Taylor Derek J. , Smith Thomas J. , Bruenn Jeremy A.
Published: September 2018

DNA copies of many non-retroviral RNA virus genes or portions thereof (NIRVs) are present in the nuclear genomes of many eukaryotes. These have often been preserved for millions of years of evolution, suggesting that they play an important cellular function. One possible function is resistance to infection by related viruses. In some cases, this appears to occur through the piRNA system, but in others by way of counterfeit viral proteins encoded by NIRVs. In the fungi, NIRVs may be as long as 1,400 uninterrupted codons. In one such case in the yeastDebaryomyces hansenii, one of these genes provides immunity to a related virus by virtue of expression of a counterfeit viral capsid protein, which interferes with assembly of viral capsids by negative complementation. The widespread occurrence of non-retroviral RNA virus genes in eukaryotes may reflect an underappreciated method of host resistance to infection. This work demonstrates for the first time that an endogenous host protein encoded by a gene that has been naturally acquired from a virus and fixed in a eukaryote can interfere with the replication of a related virus and do so by negative complementation.
Functions ofCandida albicanscell wall glycosidasesDfg5pandDcw1pin biofilm formation and HOG MAPK pathway
Authors: Mancuso Ryan , Chinnici Jennifer , Tsou Charlene , Busarajan Sujay , Munnangi Raveena , Maddi Abhiram
Published: September 2018

Background

Candida albicansis a commensal fungus that inhabits the oral mucosal surface and causes oral and systemic candidiasis. Oral candidiasis most commonly occurs in patients with AIDS, denture wearers and newborn children. Systemic candidiasis occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients and patients admitted to hospitals for prolonged periods.C. albicanshomologous genes,DFG5andDCW1, encode for two closely related cell wall proteins with putative glycosyltransferase enzyme activity and C-terminal GPI-anchors. Past studies have shown that individualDFG5andDCW1mutations are viable but simultaneous deletion ofDFG5andDCW1inC. albicansresults in lethality. However, the exact functions of these cell wall based enzymes, which represent potential drug targets, are not understood.

Methods

C. albicansDFG5/DCW1heterologous and conditional double mutant strains were assessed for growth and biofilm formation in comparison to wild type and parental strains. Cell wall and heat stress susceptibility of the mutant and control strains were assessed using agar spotting assays. Growth was assessed under normal and osmotic stress conditions along with light microscopy imaging. Biofilm dry weight and microscopic imaging analysis of biofilms was performed. Hypha formation in response to serum was analyzed using light microscopy imaging. Western blot analysis of mutant strains and control strains was performed to assess Hog1 basal levels and phosphorylation status.

Results

Analysis of the heterologous mutants indicated that Dfg5p is more important for growth while Dcw1p appeared to play a role in cell wall integrity response. The conditional double mutant was observed to be less resistant to cell wall stress. However, growth of the mutants was similar under control and osmotic stress conditions. The mutants were also able to grow similar to wild type under heat stress. Biofilm formation was reduced in the mutants whereDFG5was deleted or suppressed. Hyphal morphogenesis was reduced although germ tube formation was observed in the biofilms of the mutant strains. Basal Hog1 protein levels were reduced or absent in theDFG5andDCW1mutants. However, osmotic stress was able to induce Hog1 protein levels comparable to wild type. Hog1 phosphorylation appeared to be slightly reduced although not significantly. In addition to biofilm assays, serum dose response imaging analysis indicated that hyphae formation inDFG5andDCW1mutants was defective.

Conclusions

These data indicate thatDFG5andDCW1are required for hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation inC. albicans. These functions may be regulated via basal Hog1 MAPK which is required for transcriptional regulation of chitin synthesis.
Treatments and Patient Outcomes Following Stroke Center Expansion
Authors: Shen Yu-Chu , Kim Anthony S. , Hsia Renee Y.
Published: November 2024

Importance

It is unclear how certified stroke center expansion contributes to improved access to stroke treatment and patient outcomes, and whether these outcomes differ by baseline stroke center access.

Objective

To examine changes in rates of admission to stroke centers, receipt of thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, and mortality when a community gains a newly certified stroke center within a 30-minute drive.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study compared changes in patient outcomes when a community (defined by area zip code) experienced a stroke center expansion relative to the same community type that did not experience a change in access. Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to hospitals between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019, were included. The data analysis was performed between October 1, 2023, and September 9, 2024.

Exposure

New certification of a stroke center within a 30-minute driving time of a community.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were rates of admission to a certified stroke center, receipt of thrombolytics (delivered using drip-and-ship and drip-and-stay methods), mechanical thrombectomy, and 30-day and 1-year mortality estimated using a linear probability model with community fixed effects.

Results

Among the 2 853 508 patients studied (mean [SD] age, 79.5 [8.5] years; 56% female), 66% lived in communities that had a stroke center nearby at baseline in 2009, and 34% lived in communities with no baseline access. For patients without baseline access, after stroke center expansion, the likelihood of admission to a stroke center increased by 38.98 percentage points (95% CI, 37.74-40.21 percentage points), and receipt of thrombolytics increased by 0.48 percentage points (95% CI, 0.24-0.73 percentage points). Thirty-day and 1-year mortality decreased by 0.28 percentage points (95% CI, −0.56 to −0.01) and 0.50 percentage points (95% CI, −0.84 to −0.15 percentage points), respectively, after expansion. For patients in communities with baseline stroke center access, expansion was associated with an increase of 9.37 percentage points (95% CI, 8.63-10.10 percentage points) in admission to a stroke center but no significant changes in other outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, patients living in communities without baseline stroke center access experienced significant increases in stroke center admission and thrombolysis and a significant decrease in mortality after a stroke center expansion. Improvements were smaller in communities with preexisting stroke center access. These findings suggest that newly certified stroke centers may provide greater benefits to underserved areas and are an important consideration when deciding when and where to expand health care services.
Enhancement of Synaptic Behavior in Organic Electrochemical Transistors via the Introduction of Layer‐by‐Layer Grown Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Park Sung Moon , Won Yousang , Oh Joon Hak , Lee Eun Kwang
Published: November 2024

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are promising for neuromorphic architectures as they can generate multiple electrical states through the control of ion transport. However, conventional OECTs face limitations in mimicking a fully functional biological synapse due to their inability to achieve long‐term plasticity. In this study, a metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐enhanced OECT (MOECT) is fabricated by introducing MOF into the ion‐organic semiconductor (OSC) layer. MOFs are synthesized using the layer‐by‐layer (LBL) method, and additional cross‐linked OSC is introduced to prevent damage to the semiconductor layers during synthesis. The synthesized MOF layers hinder the rediffusion of ions in OECT, allowing ions to remain in the OSC for an extended period. In this study, the MOECT showed a change in current depending on the doping level, recording a current state 4.4 × 107 times higher than that of pristine OECT. Ultimately, the developed MOECTs are applied as synaptic transistors. MOECTs show 14% higher excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) after 130 s compared to pristine OECT, thereby strengthening the long‐term plasticity characteristics of neuromorphic devices. This method enhances the performance of synaptic transistors by introducing MOF, offering various possibilities through the selection of different MOF structures and ions, indicating it is a methodological approach with high potential.
High‐Temperature Superconductivity in Perovskite Hydride Below 10 GPa
Authors: Du Mingyang , Huang Hongyu , Zhang Zihan , Wang Min , Song Hao , Duan Defang , Cui Tian
Published: November 2024

Hydrogen and hydride materials have long been considered promising materials for high‐temperature superconductivity. However, the extreme pressures required for the metallization of hydrogen‐based superconductors limit their applications. Here, a series of high‐temperature perovskite hydrides is designed that can be stable within 10 GPa. The research covered 182 ternary systems and ultimately determined that eight new compounds are stable within 20 GPa, of which five exhibited superconducting transition temperatures exceeding 120 K within 10 GPa, including KGaH3 (146 K at 10 GPa), RbInH3 (130 K at 6 GPa), CsInH3 (153 K at 9 GPa), RbTlH3 (170 K at 4 GPa) and CsTlH3 (163 K at 7 GPa). Excitingly, KGaH3 and RbGaH3 are thermodynamically stable at 50 GPa. Among these perovskite hydrides, alkali metals are responsible for providing a fixed amount of charge and supporting alloy framework composed of hydrogen and IIIA group elements to maintain stable crystal structure, while the cubic hydrogen alloy framework formed by IIIA group elements and hydrogen is crucial for high‐temperature superconductivity. This work will inspire further experimental exploration and take an important step in the exploration of low‐pressure stable high‐temperature superconductors.
Fundamentals and Implication of Point of Zero Charge (PZC) Determination for Activated Carbons in Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Slesinska Sylwia , Galek Przemysław , Menzel Jakub , Donne Scott W. , Fic Krzysztof , Płatek‐Mielczarek Anetta
Published: November 2024

The point of zero charge (PZC) is a crucial parameter for investigating the charge storage mechanisms in energy storage systems at the molecular level. This paper presents findings from three different electrochemical techniques, compared for the first time: cyclic voltammetry (CV), staircase potentio electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (SPEIS), and step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPECS), for two activated carbons (ACs) with 0.1 mol L−1 aqueous solution of LiNO3, Li2SO4, and KI. The charging process of AC operating in aqueous electrolytes appears as a complex phenomenon – all ionic species take an active part in electric double‐layer formation and the ion‐mixing zone covers a wide potential region. Therefore, the so‐called PZC should not be considered as an absolute one‐point potential value, but rather as a range of zero charge (RZC). SPECS technique is found to be a universal and fast method for determining RZC, as applied here together with the EQCM. In most cases, the RZC covers a potential range from ≈100 to ≈200 mV and the correlation of the range with the carbon microtexture is clear, highlighting the role of the ion‐sieving effect. It is postulated that PZC for porous materials in aqueous electrolytic solutions should be considered instead as RZC.
Tailor‐Made Buffer Materials: Advancing Uniformity and Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Danh , Yeo Doyeong , Chitumalla Ramesh Kumar , Kim Sun‐Ju , Jeong Gyeong‐Ho , Kwun Dong‐Gun , Jang Joonkyung , Jung In Hwan , Seo Ji‐Youn
Published: November 2024

Along with the growing popularity of the p‐i‐n structure, bathocuproine (BCP) is increasingly recognized as a crucial buffer layer between the electron transport layer and electrode with the role of mitigating Schottky contact and enhancing performance. However, the chemical structure and role of its functional groups have not been thoroughly elucidated. This study introduces a novel modification of BCP in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by altering functional groups to optimize their geometrical molecular structures and electronic properties. The substitution of aromatic phenyl and p‐tolyl groups to 2,9‐position on the BCP is highly effective in increasing the planarity of the conjugated backbone and protecting the reactive nitrogen atoms of the phenanthroline core, thereby improving charge transport and device stability. Experimental analyses, including electrostatic force microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence, reveal that the modified BCP significantly enhances charge transport, reduces recombination losses, and markedly improves the structural stability of PSCs, leading to prolonged device lifetimes. The findings highlight the potential of structurally optimized BCP derivatives as a critical component in advancing high‐efficiency and durable PSCs.
Stretchable Energy Storage with Eutectic Gallium Indium Alloy
Authors: Gupta Adit , Al‐Shamery Noah , Lv Jian , Thangavel Gurunathan , Park Jinwoo , Mandler Daniel , Lee Pooi See
Published: November 2024

The integration of electronics with the human body or wearables necessitates the evolution of energy storage devices capable of seamless adaptation to the conformability of the skin and textiles. This work focuses on developing an intrinsically stretchable electrode prepared by sedimenting the liquid metal particles in a conductive stretchable matrix. The liquid metal‐based electrode can be stretched to ≈900% strain, and its conductivity increases by extending to 250% and retaining its initial conductivity at 500% strain. Benefitting from these properties, the assembled all‐solid‐state energy storage device provides high stretchability of up to 150% strain and a capacity of 0.42 mAh cm−3 at a high coulombic efficiency of 90%. The charge storage mechanism is investigated by probing the electrode/electrolyte interface, uncovering the intricate gallium‐bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (Ga‐TFSI) complexation during electrochemical cycling through in situ Raman spectroscopy, ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work offers a promising avenue for the advancement of stretchable batteries.
In–Li Counter Electrodes in Solid‐State Batteries – A Comparative Approach on Kinetics, Microstructure, and Chemomechanics
Authors: Alt Christoph D. , Keuntje Sören , Schneider Inga L. , Westphal Johannes , Minnmann Philip , Eckhardt Janis K. , Peppler Klaus , Janek Jürgen
Published: November 2024

A key challenge for solid‐state batteries is the fabrication of high‐capacity cathodes with high area loading and good rate performance. To reliably quantify the performance of high‐capacity cathodes, electrochemically stable, and high‐rate counter electrodes are essential. Otherwise, a three‐electrode setup is required. In–Li alloy electrodes are used for years in a kind of standard approach, since these seem to offer stable operation. In this comparative study, seven preparation methods for In–Li electrodes are examined, determining their suitability for cathode testing. The microstructure of a planar (i.e., foil) and a particle‐based (i.e., composite) anode configuration is analyzed in more detail. Their rate‐dependent electrode performance as well as electrochemical and chemomechanical reversibility in full‐cell configuration are analyzed. The combined results demonstrate the limitations of In–Li electrodes for high‐capacity testing, especially at high rates, while confirming their suitability for simple lab‐scale testing. Preparation significantly influences the electrode microstructure and kinetics, consequently impacting the performance benchmarks of cathodes. These findings underscore both the challenges involved in applying In–Li counter electrodes and the resulting limited comparability of results from different laboratories.
Interfacial Engineering‐Assisted Energy Level Modulation Enhances the Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Performance of Bismuth Vanadate Photoanodes
Authors: Tian Kaige , Xu Zhuo , Yang Hua , Chen Guilin , An Pengfei , Zhang Jing , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yan Junqing
Published: November 2024

BiVO4 faces significant challenges for widespread application in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation due to its poor hole transport ability, high surface defect density, and sluggish water oxidation reaction kinetics. Employing interfacial engineering to assist in energy level modulation is an effective strategy to address these challenges. Herein, a CuCrO2 hole transport layer (HTL) is coupled and further grew NiCo‐MOF in situ to prepare a NiCo‐MOF‐CuCrO2‐BiVO4 composite photoanode. The novel composite photoanode not only achieves a photocurrent density of 5.75 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE) but also maintains stable operation for over 24 h. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization and density‐functional theory calculations confirm that the built‐in electric field generated by the p–n heterojunction formed between the CuCrO2 HTL and BiVO4 photoanode enhances the hole transport ability. Moreover, the NiCo‐MOF chelated on the photoanode surface not only passivates the surface defect states but also accelerates the kinetics of the water oxidation reaction. Under the synergistic effect of dual modification, the PEC water oxidation performance of the BiVO4 photoanode is dramatically improved. This pioneering work presents a MOF/HTL/BiVO4 configuration that provides a blueprint for the future development of integrated photoanodes for efficient solar energy conversion.
Prognostic value of surgical treatment in elderly patients with ulcerative colitis‐associated colorectal cancer: A subanalysis of a nationwide Japanese multicenter study
Authors: Nagayoshi Kinuko , Mizuuchi Yusuke , Nakamura Masafumi , Okabayashi Koji , Uchino Motoi , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Noguchi Tatsuki , Ishihara Soichiro , Ajioka Yoichi , Sugihara Kenichi ,   from the Study Group for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Associated Intestinal Cancers by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
Published: November 2024

Aim

Our study aimed to examine the characteristics of elderly patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis‐associated colorectal cancer (UAC) and evaluate the impact of surgical intervention on prognosis.

Methods

A total of 1086 patients diagnosed with UAC between 1980 and 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Data were collected through the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum project. The patients were divided into two groups: 248 elderly patients in the E‐UAC group and 838 nonelderly patients in the NE‐UAC group. Patients aged >65 y at cancer diagnosis were considered elderly.

Results

The recurrence rate did not differ between the two groups. Segmental resection was the only common independent risk factor for recurrence in both the E‐UAC and the NE‐UAC groups. The E‐UAC patients had significantly better 5‐y disease‐specific survival (DSS) than the NE‐UAC patients (94.7% vs 91.0%, p = 0.04). There were no differences in 5‐y recurrence‐free survival (RFS; 89.3% vs 86.6%, respectively, p = 0.24) or overall survival (OS; 88.8% vs 89.6%, p = 0.50). The E‐UAC patients who underwent segmental resection had poorer RFS than those who underwent total proctocolectomy, but there were no significant differences in DSS or OS.

Conclusion

Despite the elevated risk of cancer recurrence observed in the UAC patients who underwent segmental resection in both the E‐UAC the NE‐UAC groups, our findings suggested that segmental resection may be a viable alternative to total proctocolectomy in terms of survival rate for the E‐UAC patients.
Access to Syn α‐Amino‐β‐Hydroxyesters by N−H Insertion on O‐Protected α‐Diazo‐β‐Hydroxyesters
Authors: Defuentes Thomas , Lhoste Jérôme , Gaulon‐Nourry Catherine , Castanet Anne‐Sophie , Chany Anne‐Caroline
Published: November 2024

The N−H insertion reaction is a versatile method for creating C−N bonds under mild conditions, providing in particular an efficient access to both natural and non‐natural α‐amino acid derivatives. In this field, the direct N−H insertion on α‐diazo‐β‐hydroxyesters has not yet been investigated and constitutes a significant challenge, due to competitive migration processes. We report herein the first N−H insertions on O‐protected α‐diazo‐β‐aryl‐β‐hydroxyesters, enabling to synthesize a wide range of α‐amino‐β‐hydroxyesters by tuning the nature of the amine and the aryl substituent. Overall, 28 N−H insertion products have been isolated, with moderate to good yields in most cases, and diastereoisomeric ratios up to 8.0 : 1 in favor of the syn diastereoisomer.
Synthesis, Corrosion Inhibition, In Silico ADME, DFT, and Antibacterial Activity of Pyridine‐Based Schiff Base and Its Cu (II) Complex
Authors: Chaudhary Narendra Kumar , Guragain Biswash , Chaudhary Nabina , Adhikari Janak , Chatterjee Abhik , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: November 2024

Herein, we report the synthesis of an (E)‐N‐(pyridine‐3‐ylmethylene)pyridine‐2‐amine Schiff base (ENppa) and its Cu (II) complex (Cu‐ENppa) using 2‐aminopyridine (2APy) and pyridine‐3‐carbaldehyde (P3C). This study aimed to investigate the ADMET profiles, electronic features, antibacterial and anticorrosion activities of the synthesized ligand, and its Cu (II) complex. The compounds were characterized using various techniques, including CHN analysis, FT‐IR, 1H and 13C NMR, MALDI‐TOF MS, ICP‐MS, SEM, TGA/DTA, UV–visible spectroscopy, and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). The Cu (II) ion exhibited tetrahedral geometry in the complex by coordinating with two nitrogen atoms, one from an imine group and the other from a pyridine ring. UV–visible spectroscopy and magnetic moment data also supported this geometry. TGA/DTA revealed three stages of decomposition at 141°C°C–255°C, 255°C°C–367°C, and 549°C°C–659°C, with CuO as the final residue. PXRD analysis identified ENppa and Cu‐ENppa as nanocrystallites, with crystallinities of 82% and 49%, respectively. Both compounds were highly effective in inhibiting mild steel corrosion in acidic media, with inhibition efficiencies of 97% and 98%, respective for Cu‐ENppa and ENppa. They also exhibited favorable ADME profiles, indicating potential as drug candidates for in silico ADME studies. The antibacterial activity results demonstrated promising efficacy, with Cu‐ENppa showing higher activity than ENppa.
INTEGRAL Observations of Magnetars
Authors: Pacholski Dominik Patryk , Ducci Lorenzo , Topinka Martin , Mereghetti Sandro
Published: November 2024

The INTEGRAL satellite has collected a large amount of data on magnetars in our Galaxy, spanning more than 20 years starting from 2003. The large data set obtained with the IBIS/ISGRI instrument at energies above 20 keV allows us to study both the properties and long‐term evolution of their persistent hard X‐ray emission and the population characteristics of the short bursts emitted during active periods. We are carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the observed magnetars, exploiting the most recent calibrations and analysis software. Here we report on the long term evolution of the hard X‐ray flux of the magnetars detected with ISGRI and the results of a sensitive search for short bursts in SGR J1935+2154.
Phenolic Components and Biological Activity of Pomegranate
Authors: Zhou Zhiping , Ma Chaoyan , Hao Pengchao , Peng Liyan , Zhang Sophia Yi , Zhao Qinshi
Published: November 2024

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) have been subject of extensive studies for its abundance of phytochemicals and numerous biological and medicinal properties. It is a fruit‐bearing tree, which is widely consumed as a nutraceutical source as well as functional food for putative health benefits. The phenolic components are the characteristic bioactive constitutes of pomegranate, including hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The whole plant of this tree has many medicinal folkloric uses and good therapeutic effect, such as anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, hypoglycemic, lipid‐lowering, cardioprotection and digestive system protection. Through comprehensive search of available literature, this narrative review can provide an up‐to‐date overview of the current knowledge of characteristic bioactive constituents's structure and potential health benefits of Pomegranate, which can be used as reference for the future clinical and basic research, and also helpful for the development of pomegranate into functional food and nutraceuticals.
SSX2IP promotes cell proliferation and migration in breast cancer by regulating FANCI
Authors: Liu Xianfu , Zhang Xiaojing , Chen Yansong , Tang Jingwei , Zhang Hao , Jin Gongsheng
Published: November 2024

Synovial sarcoma X breakpoint 2 interacting protein (SSX2IP) is expressed in various normal tissues and participates in the progression of human cancers. Nevertheless, the specific functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of SSX2IP in cancer, particularly in breast cancer, remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the functional role of SSX2IP in breast cancer. Immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real‐time PCR, and western blotting blot analysis were used to assess genes expression levels. By manipulating SSX2IP expression levels and conducting functional assays including Celigo cell counting assay or CCKCCK‐8‐8 assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay, we explored the impact of SSX2IP on the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells. Additionally, the in vivo tumor‐suppressive ability of SSX2IP was investigated by tumor xenograft experiment. Our results revealed an upregulation of SSX2IP in the breast cancer. Functional assays demonstrated that SSX2IP knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis in vitro, as well as suppressed the tumor growth in vivo. Conversely, SSX2IP overexpression contributed to the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells. Co‐expression analysis showed that FA Complementation Group I (FANCI) was co‐expressed with SSX2IP. Additionally, SSX2IP positively regulated FANCI expression and its interaction was verified by Co‐IP.Co‐IP. Furthermore, FANCI overexpression partially reversed the effects of SSX2IP knockdown on cell proliferation and metastasis. In summary, our findings revealed that SSX2IP contributes to the progression of breast cancer by regulating FANCI, hinting at its potential as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.
Modeling and Control of Dual Active Bridge‐Modular Multilevel Converter‐Based Solid State Transformer for Grid Integration of SPV and Battery Energy Storage
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Chilipi Rajasekharareddy , Praveen Kumar Kunisetti V.
Published: November 2024

This article deals with the modeling and control of a solid‐state transformer (SST) based on a dual active bridge (DAB) and modular multilevel converter (MMC) for integrating solar photovoltaic (SPV) and battery energy storage (BES) systems into the grid. SST uses DABs for bidirectional DC‐DC conversion and an MMC for DC‐AC conversion. A hybrid control method is developed in this study, which combines proportional‐integral (PI) controllers and model predictive control (MPC) to achieve the multiple objectives of the SST. The DABs' control system uses PI controllers for power extraction from the SPV system and to regulate the charging and discharging of the BES according to power generation and demand fluctuations. MPC is applied to control the active power injection, regulate the DC‐link and sub‐module capacitor voltages of the MMC. Moreover, the developed hybrid control method ensures reliable SST performance even under adverse conditions like grid voltage distortion, unbalance, and frequency variations. An energy management strategy is developed based on total power generation, reference active power injection, and the state of charge of the BES. This strategy ensures accurate reference power injection to the grid despite dynamic changes in operating conditions. The article also presents a detailed mathematical model of the DAB and MMC components, and the stability of the control algorithm is analyzed theoretically. The effectiveness of the SST and the proposed hybrid control scheme is demonstrated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and hardware‐in‐the‐loop experimental results under various operating conditions.
Ethical Issues Faced by Data Monitoring Committees: Results from an Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Shah Seema K. , Ibrahim Akram , Hinga Alex , Vintimilla Diego , Jones Mickayla , Rid Annette , Eckstein Lisa , Kamuya Dorcas
Published: November 2024

To protect research participants and ensure scientific integrity in clinical trials, independent data monitoring committees (DMCs, also known as data and safety monitoring boards) increasingly oversee randomized clinical trials and recommend modifying or stopping research. Little is known about the ethical issues DMCs face. We conducted semistructured interviews of DMC members using a qualitative description approach with low‐inference interpretation. We recruited respondents through consultation with experts, an online registry of DMC members, and snowball sampling. We interviewed 22 DMC members who were statisticians, clinicians, and/or ethicists that had overseen a wide variety of trials globally. We identified three themes: finding common ground on responsibilities with variation; the need for judgment but not necessarily ethics expertise; and the resulting emotional distress from navigating ethical challenges. In the first case, DMC members identified 19 distinct duties, with some ethical responsibilities rarely mentioned. In the second case, not all DMC members saw the need for ethicists on DMCs or ethics training. In the third case, ethical challenges sometimes led to strong negative emotions. Developing tailored ethics training and decision‐making procedures may help DMCs respond more effectively to ethical challenges.
The European Health Data Space as a Case Study
Authors: Dove Edward S.
Published: November 2024

In May 2022, the European Commission proposed the launch of a health‐specific data sharing framework called the European Health Data Space (EHDS), underpinned by legislation, for the use of electronic health data by patients and for research, innovation, policy‐making, patient safety, statistics, or regulatory purposes. In this essay, I review some of its more contentious features based on the latest version of the legislative proposal. I suggest that the EHDS is a useful case study to illustrate the need for a translational bioethics approach that shines a critical analytical light on contentious aspects of large‐scale research infrastructures.
CardiLect: A combined cross‐species lectin histochemistry protocol for the automated analysis of cardiac remodelling
Authors: Gergely Tamás G. , Kovács Tamás , Kovács Andrea , Tóth Viktória E. , Sayour Nabil V. , Mórotz Gábor M. , Kovácsházi Csenger , Brenner Gábor B. , Onódi Zsófia , Enyedi Balázs , Máthé Domokos , Leszek Przemyslaw , Giricz Zoltán , Ferdinandy Péter , Varga Zoltán V.
Published: November 2024

Background

Cardiac remodelling, a crucial aspect of heart failure, is commonly investigated in preclinical models by quantifying cardiomyocyte cross‐sectional area (CSA) and microvascular density (MVD) via histological methods, such as immunohistochemistry. To achieve this, optimized protocols are needed, and the species specificity is dependent on the antibody used. Lectin histochemistry offers several advantages compared to antibody‐based immunohistochemistry, including as cost‐effectiveness and cross‐species applicability. Direct comparisons between the two methods are lacking from the literature.

Methods and results

In this study, we compared antibody‐ and lectin‐based methods for the histological assessment of cardiomyocyte CSA (with the use of anti‐laminin and wheat germ agglutinin [WGA]) and microvascular density (utilizing anti‐CD31 and isolectin B4 [ILB4]) using different embedding and antigen/carbohydrate retrieval techniques. Here, we describe a detailed, easy‐to‐use combined lectin histochemistry protocol (WGA and ILB4, ‘CardiLect’ protocol) for the histological assessment of cardiac remodelling. The lectin‐based approach has been evaluated on a cross‐species basis, and its efficacy has been demonstrated in zebrafish, rodents, large animals and human samples. We provide an ImageJ script (‘CardiLect Analyser’) for automated image analysis, validated in a preclinical heart failure model by correlating histological parameters with echocardiographic findings. CSA showed a significant positive correlation with left ventricular (LV) mass (P = 0.0098, rS = 0.7545) and significant negative correlation with markers of systolic function, such as ejection fraction (EF) (P = 0.0402, rS = −0.6364). Microvascular density showed significant negative correlation with LV mass (P = 0.0055, rS = −0.7622) and significant positive correlation with EF (P = 0.0106, rS = 0.7203).

Conclusions

The described combined lectin histochemistry protocol with the provided ImageJ script is an easy‐to‐use, cost‐effective, cross‐species approach for the histological assessment of cardiac remodelling.