bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Feature Size in Laser Implantation Texturing
Authors: Ettema Bart , Matthews Dave , Römer Gert-Willem
Published: August 2024

Embossing rolls are used in a variety of sectors to transfer surface textures to a product. Textures on the rolls are typically achieved by material-removal techniques, resulting in craters in the surface of the roll. The wear resistance of the surfaces is improved by additional coating technologies. A novel process offering improved surface design freedom and which negates the need for post-coating techniques is the embedding of micro-meter-sized ceramic particles in the surface of the roll. This can be achieved through micro-additive processing. This work presents and discusses experimental results of surface texturing through locally derived laser-induced melt pools in which ceramic particles are dissolved. This process is termed laser implantation, or laser dispersing. Using this technology, dome-shaped surface structures with significantly increased hardness compared to the bare steel can be achieved. Reported results in the literature focus on implantations with diameters ranging from 150 μm to 400 μm and heights ranging from 10 μm to 30 μm. However, features with smaller diameters and heights are desired for technology adoption to permit a wider range of surface roughness. This paper presents and discusses the experimental results of implantations with a diameter smaller than 150 µm, with heights between 1 μm and 15 μm. For that purpose, a Nd:YAG laser source (focal diameter 70 μm, pulse durations from 3 to 15 ms, pulse power from 20 to 50 W average) was used to induce a melt pool driving the particle embedding.
Defying Gravity to Enhance Power Output and Conversion Efficiency in a Vertically Oriented Four-Electrode Microfluidic Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Liu Linlin , Baghernavehsi Haleh , Greener Jesse
Published: August 2024

High power output and high conversion efficiency are crucial parameters for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In our previous work, we worked with microfluidic MFCs to study fundamentals related to the power density of the MFCs, but nutrient consumption was limited to one side of the microchannel (the electrode layer) due to diffusion limitations. In this work, long-term experiments were conducted on a new four-electrode microfluidic MFC design, which grew Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms on upward- and downward-facing electrodes in the microchannel. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing electroactive biofilm (EAB) growth experiencing the influence of opposing gravitational fields. It was discovered that inoculation and growth of the EAB did not proceed as fast at the downward-facing anode, which we hypothesize to be due to gravity effects that negatively impacted bacterial settling on that surface. Rotating the device during the growth phase resulted in uniform and strong outputs from both sides, yielding individual power densities of 4.03 and 4.13 W m−2, which increased to nearly double when the top- and bottom-side electrodes were operated in parallel as a single four-electrode MFC. Similarly, acetate consumption could be doubled with the four electrodes operated in parallel.
Analytical Model for Current–Voltage Characteristics in Perovskite Solar Cells Incorporating Bulk and Surface Recombination
Authors: Kabir M. Z.
Published: August 2024

The effects of surface recombination on the steady-state carrier profiles and photocurrent in perovskite solar cells are investigated in this paper. The continuity equations for both holes and electrons are solved considering carrier drift and diffusion under the exponential carrier generation profile in the perovskite layer and considering both bulk and interface carrier recombination. An analytical expression for the solar-induced photocurrent is derived. The rate of carrier recombination at the interfaces has a very significant effect on the carrier profile, photocurrent, and, hence, on the charge collection efficiency. The external current density is calculated considering the dark current and nominal solar spectrum-induced photocurrent. The proposed model is fitted and verified with published experimental results from various publications. The fittings of the model with experimental results provide information about the interface and bulk charge carrier transport parameters.
Mechanism Analysis of Rock Vitrification by Strip Laser Scanning
Authors: Kang Minqiang , Jiang Changlang , Liu Jili , Zhu Qihua
Published: August 2024

The process of casing the wellbore in oil and gas drilling consumes a significant amount of time and economic resources. High-energy laser rock fracturing, as an efficient and cost-effective new approach, holds the potential to create a glass-like casing by irradiating the rocks as an alternative to traditional casing. The mechanism behind the vitrification of rocks using laser irradiation, a key factor in achieving glassified casings, remains to be studied. This paper, based on experiments involving scanning sandstone with a line laser, investigates the mechanism of rock vitrification using numerical simulations and X-ray diffractometers. The results demonstrate that the sandstone surface is transformed into glass after laser scanning, with multiple scans and the application of high-speed airflow helping to reduce the formation of bubbles and other phenomena. Furthermore, the speed of laser scanning showed a negative correlation with the laser ablation depth, glass thickness, temperature diffusion rate, and temperature gradient. Based on these findings, a groundbreaking method is proposed for creating high-quality glass by moving the laser to scan the rocks multiple times, offering insights for research into laser-manufactured wellbore casings. Furthermore, this approach holds promising prospects for enhancing and embellishing the exterior of structures and for in situ environmental modifications on planetary surfaces and beyond.
Generation Mechanism of Anisotropy in Mechanical Properties of WE43 Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Bai Jingfei , Wang Qiulin , Men Zhengxing , Chen Wen , Huang Huanjie , Ji Chen , Li Yong , Wang Liang , Zhu Liang , Li Kun , Su Qing
Published: August 2024

At present, no consensus has been reached on the generation mechanism of anisotropy in materials fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), and most attention has been focused on crystallographic texture. In this paper, an analysis and test were carried out on the hardness, defect distribution, residual stress distribution, and microstructure of WE43 magnesium alloy fabricated by LPBF. The results indicate that LPBF WE43 exhibits obvious anisotropy—the hardness HV of X–Z surface (129.9 HV on average) and that of Y–Z surface (130.7 HV on average) are about 33.5% higher than that of X–Y surface (97.6 HV on average), and the endurable load is smaller in the stacking direction Z compared to the X and Y directions. The factors contributing more to the anisotropy are listed as follows in sequence. Firstly, the defect area of the X–Y projection surface is about 13.2% larger than that of the other two surfaces, so this surface shows greatly reduced mechanical properties due to the exponential relationship between the material strength and the number of defects. Secondly, for laser scanning in each layer/time, the residual stress accumulation in the Z direction is higher than that in the X and Y directions, which may directly reduce the mechanical properties of the material. Finally, more fine grains are distributed in X–Z and Y–Z surfaces when comparing them with those in an X–Y surface, and this fine-grain strengthening mechanism also contributes to the anisotropy. After T5 aging heat treatment (250 °C/16 h), a stronger crystallographic texture is formed in the <0001> direction, with the orientation density index increasing from 10.92 to 21.38, and the anisotropy disappearing. This is mainly caused by the enhancement effect of the texture in the <0001> direction on the mechanical properties in the Z direction cancelling out the weakening effect of the defects in the X–Y surface in the Z direction.
A Miniaturized and Highly Stable Frequency-Selective Rasorber Incorporating an Embedded Transmission Window
Authors: Li Yi , Zhong Yuxi , Wang Minrui , Chen Keqing , Ren Peng , Xiang Zheng
Published: August 2024

In this article, a miniaturized and highly stable frequency-selective rasorber (FSR) incorporating an embedded transmission window is designed. This FSR consists of a lossy layer loaded with resistors, an air layer, and a bandpass layer. The lossy layer is provided with a rectangular, square ring structure loaded with four 180 Ω resistors and four quadrilateral metal plates. The four metal plates are connected to the four corners of the inner ring around the square ring and are radially distributed along the diagonal. The bandpass layer is a square metal patch that a cross-ring slot structure is loaded inside of, and the cross points lie in the direction along the diagonal of the unit. The inner boundary of the cross-ring is composed of two mutually perpendicular and long rectangular elements. This FSR shows an embedded transmission window from 3.63 GHz to 3.80 GHz and has a transmission rate of 93% at 3.72 GHz. Moreover, both sides of the transmission band, namely, 1.86–3.35 GHz and 3.99–8.28 GHz, have an absorption rate of more than 80% and bilateral relative bandwidth of more than 50%. In addition, this structure exhibits excellent miniaturization performance, polarization insensitivity, and angular stability. Finally, a prototype of the designed FSR is processed and measured. The measured results are basically consistent with the simulation results.
Research on the Method of Detecting TPN-Labeled Tumor Cells in Pleural Effusion Based on the Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Xun Xiaoyi , Song Shuang , Luan Yiran , Long Xiaoyue , Zhang Peilan , Zheng Yuqun , Sun Xuguo
Published: August 2024

The clinical diagnosis of a malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is still based on the detection of tumor cells in the pleural effusion. The question of how to improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting an MPE still remains. This study explores the use of microfluidic technology to concentrate cells in an MPE and achieved the detection of the cell marker TPN in the microarray capture area. TPN is a mitochondria-specific bio-probe that can identify tumor cells on the basis of differences in the mitochondrial potential. First, we designed a microfluidic chip to analyze its performance. The results show that when the total flow rate of the injected chip was 12 mL/h and the volume ratio of cell separation liquid to cell suspension was 1:1, the target cells (A549, MCF-7, and Hela) were enriched and the purity was improved to 98.7–99.3%. Finally, an MPE from cancer patients was used to detect the chip’s ability to isolate and enrich tumor cells. Furthermore, the fluorescent identification of the TPN within the tumor cells was simultaneously achieved on the microfluidic chip. In conclusion, the potential to improve the efficiency of the clinical diagnosis of MPEs is provided by the chip structure and analysis conditions explored in this study.
Flexible Electronics: Advancements and Applications of Flexible Piezoelectric Composites in Modern Sensing Technologies
Authors: Zhang Jinying , Wang Jiacheng , Zhong Chao , Zhang Yexiaotong , Qiu Yajuan , Qin Lei
Published: August 2024

The piezoelectric effect refers to a physical phenomenon where piezoelectric materials generate an electric field when subjected to mechanical stress or undergo mechanical deformation when subjected to an external electric field. This principle underlies the operation of piezoelectric sensors. Piezoelectric sensors have garnered significant attention due to their excellent self-powering capability, rapid response speed, and high sensitivity. With the rapid development of sensor techniques achieving high precision, increased mechanical flexibility, and miniaturization, a range of flexible electronic products have emerged. As the core constituents of piezoelectric sensors, flexible piezoelectric composite materials are commonly used due to their unique advantages, including high conformability, sensitivity, and compatibility. They have found applications in diverse domains such as underwater detection, electronic skin sensing, wearable sensors, targeted therapy, and ultrasound diagnostics for deep tissue. The advent of flexible piezoelectric composite materials has revolutionized the design concepts and application scenarios of traditional piezoelectric materials, playing a crucial role in the development of next-generation flexible electronic products. This paper reviews the research progress on flexible piezoelectric composite materials, covering their types and typical fabrication techniques, as well as their applications across various fields. Finally, a summary and outlook on the existing issues and future development of these composite materials are provided.
Polarization-Insensitive Lithium Niobate-on-Insulator Interferometer
Authors: Liao Jiali , Liu Linke , Sun Yanling , Wang Zihao , Li Wei , Lan Jinrong , Ma Lin , Lu Zhenzhong
Published: August 2024

The key components of a polarization-independent electro-optic (EO) interferometer, including the beam splitter, mode converter, and directional coupler, are designed based on a lithium niobate (LN) platform on an integrated insulator to ensure high extinction ratios. By elaborately designing the geometric structure of the multimode interference (MMI) coupler, beam splitting of equal proportions and directional coupling of higher-order modes are realized. The most prominent characteristic of the proposed interferometer is polarization insensitivity, which is realized by converting TM polarization into TE polarization using a mode converter, providing conditions for the study of light with different polarizations. At 1550 nm, the visibility of the interferometer is 97.59% and 98.16% for TE and TM, respectively, demonstrating the high performance of the proposed LN polarization-independent interferometer.
A Novel Sensible Smart Mask Using Micro Thermal-Electric Energy Conversion Elements
Authors: Zhang Yun , Xiao Zonglin , Liu Binggang , Ren Xiaoming , Liu Cirui
Published: August 2024

In poor sanitary conditions, people need to wear masks to protect the health of their respiratory system. Meanwhile, it is necessary for patients with respiratory diseases to have real-time measurement on respiratory rate when wearing masks. Thermoelectric generation provides a new approach and method for powering and sensing small low-power devices, and has good application prospects in smart masks. In view of this, a novel sensible smart mask using micro thermal-electric energy conversion elements (TECE) is proposed in this paper, which can detect and display the respiratory rate in real time. First, the temperature conversion characteristic of micro TECE represented by the thermoelectric generator module is analyzed. Second, the respiratory characteristics of the human body are studied, and the respiratory rate sensing effect based on micro TECEs is analyzed and verified. Then, a sensible smart mask, which can show respiratory rate in real time, is developed by integrating MCU and OLED module. Finally, human respiratory rate experiments are conducted, the experimental results verified the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed sensible smart mask.
Study on Effect of Surface Micro-Texture of Cemented Carbide on Tribological Properties of Bovine Cortical Bone
Authors: Shang Peng , Liu Bingfeng , Guo Chunhai , Cui Peijuan , Hou Zhanlin , Jin Fengbin , Zhang Jianjun , Guo Shijie , Huang Yuping , Zhang Wenwu
Published: August 2024

In bone-milling surgical procedures, the intense friction between the tool and bone material often results in high cutting temperatures, leading to the thermal necrosis of bone cells. This paper aims to investigate the effect of micro-texture on the tribological properties of YG8 cemented carbide in contact with bone. The main objective is to guide the design of tool surface microstructures to reduce frictional heat generation. To minimize experimental consumables and save time, numerical simulations are first conducted to determine the optimal machining depth for the texture. Subsequently, micro-textures with different shapes and pitches are prepared on the surface of YG8 cemented carbide. These textured samples are paired with bovine cortical bone pins featuring various bone unit arrangements, and friction and wear tests are conducted under physiological saline lubrication. The experimental results indicate that the appropriate shape and pitch of the micro-texture can minimize the coefficient of friction. The parallel arrangement of bone units exhibits a lower coefficient of friction compared to the vertical arrangement. This study holds significant implications for the design and fabrication of future micro-texture milling cutters.
Unveiling the Broad-Spectrum Virucidal Potential of Purified Clinoptilolite-Tuff
Authors: Sarabi Alisina , Nizet Stéphane , Röhrich Andreas , Tschegg Cornelius
Published: August 2024

Due to its remarkable surface properties, natural clinoptilolite-tuff interacts with a variety of biochemical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and microbiological entities, including human viruses. In the present work, the virucidal activity of purified clinoptilolite-tuff (PCT) was investigated using a variety of viruses, differing in their structure and composition. Influenza A virus, Herpes Simplex virus, Rhinovirus, and Parvovirus were chosen to represent enveloped and non-enveloped viruses with RNA and DNA genomes. Beside human viruses, Canine Parvovirus and bacteriophages T4 and MS2 were used to represent animal and bacterial viruses, respectively. The virucidal activity of PCT was quantified by examining the residual viral activity on susceptible cell lines upon incubation with PCT. A wide range of antiviral efficiencies was observed, ranging from up to 99% for Herpes Simplex virus to no activity for Rhinovirus and both bacteriophages. This study reveals that the virucidal potential of PCT is not universal and depends on a complex set of factors including virus structure and medium composition. The environmental and medical implications of this research are discussed for uses such as wastewater treatment or wound healing.
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: Self-Disinfecting Surfaces for Controlling Microbial Infections
Authors: Dube Edith
Published: August 2024

Microbial infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi pose significant global health threats in diverse environments. While conventional disinfection methods are effective, their reliance on frequent chemical applications raises concerns about resistance and environmental impact. Photodynamic self-disinfecting surfaces have emerged as a promising alternative. These surfaces incorporate photosensitizers that, when exposed to light, produce reactive oxygen species to target and eliminate microbial pathogens. This review explores the concept and mechanism of photodynamic self-disinfecting surfaces, highlighting the variety and characteristics of photosensitizers integrated into surfaces and the range of light sources used across different applications. It also highlights the effectiveness of these surfaces against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while also discussing their potential for providing continuous antimicrobial protection without frequent reapplication. Additionally, the review addresses both the advantages and limitations associated with photodynamic self-disinfecting surfaces and concludes with future perspectives on advancing this technology to meet ongoing challenges in infection control.
The Need for Properly Designed Synthesized Micro- and Nanoplastics with Core–Shell Structure
Authors: Galakhova Anastasiia , Meisel Thomas C. , Riess Gisbert
Published: August 2024

While there are a number of available reference and testing materials for micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) studies in toxicology, they are not well-characterized and do not cover all major polymer types that may potentially pollute the environment. This review article will address the question of why we need properly designed synthesized micro- and nanoplastics with a core–shell structure (with organic–inorganic units) and provide researchers with a scientific basis for the design of synthesized MNP particles. It will include a list of commercially available MNPs, an overview of the theoretical background to polymer particle synthesis, and an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of MNP preparation methods, namely, fragmentation and synthesis, along with examples of synthesized MNP particles. The current study will demonstrate that polystyrene is one of the most prevalent MNP particle types among reference materials from certification bodies and among testing particles synthesized by chemical scientists. Nevertheless, the global industrial production of polystyrene represents approximately 5% of the total, and it is not a dominant plastic type in the textile or packaging industries. In contrast to mechanically fragmented MNP particles, the synthesis approach offers the potential to control the physico-chemical properties, enabling the more selective detection and quantification, as well as a greater comparability of the results amongst toxicological studies.
Numerical Analysis of Flow Structure Evolution during Scour Hole Development: A Case Study of a Pile-Supported Pier with Partially Buried Pile Cap
Authors: Alemi Mahdi , Pêgo João Pedro , Okhravi Saeid , Maia Rodrigo
Published: August 2024

This study numerically investigates a pile-supported pier, which comprises a column with a partially buried pile cap and a group of piles, recognizing that partially buried pile caps lead to the highest scour depth. Most research has focused on equilibrium scour conditions in laboratory settings, overlooking the detailed dynamics of horseshoe vortices around pile groups. This study aims to clarify the flow structure and vortex dynamics at a pile-supported pier during local scour hole development stages using an in-house developed numerical model. The model’s accuracy is validated against flat-channel and compound pier reference cases. For the pile-supported pier, fixed bed geometry was used in flow simulations at selected scouring stages. Results show significant changes in flow structure and vortex formation with scour hole time development, particularly as the bed surface moves away from the pile cap. The study reveals variations in vortex size, number, and positioning, alongside turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds shear stress distributions over time. High positive Reynolds shear stress near the bed during intermediate scouring stages highlights the complex interactions within the flow field. This research provides the first detailed visualization of flow structure evolution within a scour hole at a pile-supported pier.
One-Pot Access to Functionalised Malamides via Organocatalytic Enantioselective Formation of Spirocyclic β-Lactone-Oxindoles and Double Ring-Opening
Authors: Nimmo Alastair J. , Kasten Kevin , White George , Roeterdink Julia , McKay Aidan P. , Cordes David B. , Smith Andrew David
Published: August 2024

Malamides (diamide derivatives of malic acid) are prevalent in nature and of significant biological interest, yet only limited synthetic methods to access functionalised enantiopure derivatives have been established to date. Herein, an effective synthetic method to generate this molecular class is developed through in situ formation of spirocyclic β-lactone-oxindoles (employing a known enantioselective isothiourea-catalysed formal [2+2] cycloaddition of C(1)-ammonium enolates and isatin derivatives) followed by a subsequent dual ring-opening protocol (of the β-lactone and oxindole) with amine nucleophiles. The application of this protocol is demonstrated across twelve examples to give densely functionalised malamide derivatives with high enantio- and diastereo-selectivity (up to >95:5 dr and >99:1 er).
Periostracum Cicadae Extract and N-Acetyldopamine Regulate the Sleep-Related Neurotransmitters in PCPA-Induced Insomnia Rats
Authors: Wang Dongge , Wu Tingjuan , Jin Jinghui , Si Yanpo , Wang Yushi , Ding Xiaojia , Guo Tao , Wei Wenjun
Published: August 2024

Insomnia is the second most prevalent mental illness worldwide. Periostracum cicadae (PC), as an animal traditional Chinese medicine with rich pharmacological effects, has been documented as a treatment for children’s night cries, and later extended to treat insomnia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PC extract and N-acetyldopamine compounds in ameliorating insomnia. The UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis determined that PC extract mainly contained N-acetyldopamine components. Previously, we also isolated some acetyldopamine polymers from PC extract, among which acetyldopamine dimer A (NADA) was present in high content. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations demonstrated that NADA could form stable complexes with 5-HT1A, BDNF, and D2R proteins, respectively. The effects of PC extract and NADA on insomnia were evaluated in the PCPA-induced insomnia model. The results indicated that PC extract and NADA could effectively ameliorate hypothalamic pathology of insomnia rats, increase the levels of 5-HT, GABA, and BDNF, and decrease the levels of DA, DOPAC, and HVA. Meanwhile, the PC extract and NADA also could significantly affect the expression of 5-HT1A, BDNF, and DARPP-32 proteins. This study proved that PC extract and acetyldopamine dimer A could effectively improve PCPA-induced insomnia in rats. It is speculated that the main pharmacological substances of PC were acetyldopamine components.
Self-Assembly of Three-Dimensional Hyperbranched Magnetic Composites and Application in High-Turbidity Water Treatment
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Fan Qianlong , Liu Yinhua , Liu Junhui , Zhu Mengcheng , Wang Xuan , Shen Ling
Published: August 2024

In order to improve dispersibility, polymerization characteristics, chemical stability, and magnetic flocculation performance, magnetic Fe3O4 is often assembled with multifarious polymers to realize a functionalization process. Herein, a typical three-dimensional configuration of hyperbranched amino acid polymer (HAAP) was employed to assemble it with Fe3O4, in which we obtained three-dimensional hyperbranched magnetic amino acid composites (Fe3O4@HAAP). The characterization of the Fe3O4@HAAP composites was analyzed, for instance, their size, morphology, structure, configuration, chemical composition, charged characteristics, and magnetic properties. The magnetic flocculation of kaolin suspensions was conducted under different Fe3O4@HAAP dosages, pHs, and kaolin concentrations. The embedded assembly of HAAP with Fe3O4 was constructed by the N–O bond according to an X-ray photoelectron energy spectrum (XPS) analysis. The characteristic peaks of –OH (3420 cm−1), C=O (1728 cm−1), Fe–O (563 cm−1), and N–H (1622 cm−1) were observed in the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) spectra of Fe3O4@HAAP successfully. In a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) observation, Fe3O4@HAAP exhibited a lotus-leaf-like morphological structure. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) showed that Fe3O4@HAAP had a relatively low magnetization (Ms) and magnetic induction (Mr); nevertheless, the ferromagnetic Fe3O4@HAAP could also quickly respond to an external magnetic field. The isoelectric point of Fe3O4@HAAP was at 8.5. Fe3O4@HAAP could not only achieve a 98.5% removal efficiency of kaolin suspensions, but could also overcome the obstacles induced by high-concentration suspensions (4500 NTU), high pHs, and low fields. The results showed that the magnetic flocculation of kaolin with Fe3O4@HAAP was a rapid process with a 91.96% removal efficiency at 0.25 h. In an interaction energy analysis, both the UDLVO and UEDLVO showed electrostatic repulsion between the kaolin particles in the condition of a flocculation distance of <30 nm, and this changed to electrostatic attraction when the separation distance was >30 nm. As Fe3O4@ HAAP was employed, kaolin particles could cross the energy barrier more easily; thus, the fine flocs and particles were destabilized and aggregated further. Rapid magnetic separation was realized under the action of an external magnetic field.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluations of Novel Thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) Receptor Antagonists as Potential Treatments for Stress Related Disorders and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
Authors: Islam Md Rabiul , Markatos Christos , Pirmettis Ioannis , Papadopoulos Minas , Karageorgos Vlasios , Liapakis George , Fahmy Hesham
Published: August 2024

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a key neuropeptide hormone that is secreted from the hypothalamus. It is the master hormone of the HPA axis, which orchestrates the physiological and behavioral responses to stress. Many disorders, including anxiety, depression, addiction relapse, and others, are related to over-activation of this system. Thus, new molecules that may interfere with CRF receptor binding may be of value to treat neuropsychiatric stress-related disorders. Also, CRF1R antagonists have recently emerged as potential treatment options for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Previously, several series of CRF1 receptor antagonists were developed by our group. In continuation of our efforts in this direction, herein we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of CRF1R antagonists. Representative compounds were evaluated for their binding affinities compared to antalarmin. Four compounds (2, 5, 20, and 21) showed log IC50 values of −8.22, −7.95, −8.04, and −7.88, respectively, compared to −7.78 for antalarmin. This result indicates that these four compounds are superior to antalarmin by 2.5, 1.4, 1.7, and 1.25 times, respectively. It is worth mentioning that compound 2, in terms of IC50, is among the best CRF1R antagonists ever developed in the last 40 years. The in silico physicochemical properties of the lead compounds showed good drug-like properties. Thus, further research in this direction may lead to better and safer CRF receptor antagonists that may have clinical applications, particularly for stress-related disorders and the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Synthesis of Pd-Doped SnO2 and Flower-like Hierarchical Structures for Efficient and Rapid Detection of Ethanolamine
Authors: Bi Wenjie , Zhu Jinmiao , Zheng Bin , Liu Shantang , Zhang Lilong
Published: August 2024

In this study, we successfully synthesized a Pd-doped SnO2 (Pd-SnO2) material with a flower-like hierarchical structure using the solvothermal method. The material’s structural proper-ties were characterized employing techniques such as XRD, XPS, FESEM and HRTEM. A gas sensor fabricated from the 2.0 mol% Pd-SnO2 material demonstrated exceptional sensitivity (Ra/Rg = 106) to 100 ppm ethanolamine at an operating temperature of 150 °C, with rapid response/recovery times of 10 s and 12 s, respectively, along with excellent linearity, selectivity, and stability, and a detection limit down to 1 ppm. The superior gas-sensing performance is attributed to the distinctive flower-like hierarchical architecture of the Pd-SnO2 and the lattice distortions introduced by Pd doping, which substantially boost the material’s sensing characteristics. Further analysis using density functional theory (DFT) has revealed that within the Pd-SnO2 system, Sn exhibits strong affinities for O and N, leading to high adsorption energies for ethanolamine, thus enhancing the system’s selectivity and sensitivity to ethanolamine gas. This research introduces a novel approach for the efficient and rapid detection of ethanolamine gas.
A Phenotypic Approach to the Discovery of Potent G-Quadruplex Targeted Drugs
Authors: Neidle Stephen
Published: August 2024

G-quadruplex (G4) sequences, which can fold into higher-order G4 structures, are abundant in the human genome and are over-represented in the promoter regions of many genes involved in human cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. They are plausible targets for G4-binding small molecules, which would, in the case of promoter G4s, result in the transcriptional downregulation of these genes. However, structural information is currently available on only a very small number of G4s and their ligand complexes. This limitation, coupled with the currently restricted information on the G4-containing genes involved in most complex human cancers, has led to the development of a phenotypic-led approach to G4 ligand drug discovery. This approach was illustrated by the discovery of several generations of tri- and tetra-substituted naphthalene diimide (ND) ligands that were found to show potent growth inhibition in pancreatic cancer cell lines and are active in in vivo models for this hard-to-treat disease. The cycles of discovery have culminated in a highly potent tetra-substituted ND derivative, QN-302, which is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The major genes whose expression has been down-regulated by QN-302 are presented here: all contain G4 propensity and have been found to be up-regulated in human pancreatic cancer. Some of these genes are also upregulated in other human cancers, supporting the hypothesis that QN-302 is a pan-G4 drug of potential utility beyond pancreatic cancer.
LaMnO3-Type Perovskite Nanofibers as Effective Catalysts for On-Cell CH4 Reforming via Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Jia Yangbo , Wei Tong , Shao Zhufeng , Song Yunpeng , Huang Xue , Huang Beila , Cao Chen , Zhi Yufan
Published: August 2024

CH4 has become the most attractive fuel for solid oxide fuel cells due to its wide availability, narrow explosion limit range, low price, and easy storage. Thus, we present the concept of on-cell reforming via SOFC power generation, in which CH4 and CO2 can be converted into H2 and the formed H2 is electrochemically oxidized on a Ni-BZCYYb anode. We modified the porosity and specific surface area of a perovskite reforming catalyst via an optimized electrostatic spinning method, and the prepared LCMN nanofibers, which displayed an ideal LaMnO3-type perovskite structure with a high specific surface area, were imposed on a conventional Ni-BZCYYb anode for on-cell CH4 reforming. Compared to LCMN nanoparticles used as on-cell reforming catalysts, the NF-SOFC showed lower ohmic and polarization resistances, indicating that the porous nanofibers could reduce the resistances of fuel gas transport and charge transport in the anode. Accordingly, the NF-SOFC displayed a maximum power density (MPD) of 781 mW cm−2 and a stable discharge voltage of around 0.62 V for 72 h without coking in the Ni-BZCYYb anode. The present LCMN NF materials and on-cell reforming system demonstrated stability and potential for highly efficient power generation with hydrocarbon fuels.
The Gut Microbiome-Neuroglia Axis: Implications for Brain Health, Inflammation, and Disease
Authors: Camberos-Barraza Josué , Guadrón-Llanos Alma M. , De la Herrán-Arita Alberto K.
Published: August 2024

The human central nervous system is convolutedly connected to the gut microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Recent research has highlighted the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and neuroglial cells, which include astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. These neuroglial cells are essential for maintaining CNS homeostasis, supporting neuronal function, and responding to pathological conditions. This review examines the interactions between the gut microbiome and neuroglia, emphasizing their critical roles in brain health and the development of neurological disorders. Dysbiosis, or imbalance in the gut microbiome, has been associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The microbiome influences brain function through microbial metabolites, immune modulation, and neuroinflammatory responses. Understanding these interactions paves the way for new therapeutic targets and strategies for preventing and treating CNS disorders. This scoping review aims to highlight the mechanisms of the microbiome-neuroglia axis in maintaining brain health and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Baseline Characteristics of Adult Patients Treated and Never Treated with Teduglutide in a Multinational Short Bowel Syndrome and Intestinal Failure Registry
Authors: Gondolesi Gabriel E. , Pape Ulrich-Frank , Mason Joel B. , Allard Johane P. , Pironi Loris , Casas María Núria Virgili , Schwartz Lauren K. , Joly Francisca , Gabriel André , Sabrdaran Sasan , Zhang Pinggao , Kohl-Sobania Martina , Huang Yi-Wen , Jeppesen Palle B.
Published: August 2024

The Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) Registry (NCT01990040) is a multinational real-world study evaluating the long-term safety of teduglutide in patients with SBS and intestinal failure (SBS-IF) in routine clinical practice. This paper describes the study methodology and baseline characteristics of adult patients who have (ever-treated) or have never (never-treated) received teduglutide. A total of 1411 adult patients (679 ever-treated; 732 never-treated) were enrolled at 124 sites across 17 countries. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age at enrollment was 55.4 (15.46) years, and 60.2% of patients were women. Crohn’s disease was the most common cause of major intestinal resection in both ever-treated (34.1%) and never-treated patients (20.4%). A similar proportion of ever-treated and never-treated patients had a prior history of colorectal polyps (2.7% vs. 3.6%), whereas proportionally fewer ever-treated patients reported a history of colorectal cancer (1.8% vs. 6.2%) or any malignancy (17.7% vs. 30.0%) than never-treated patients. Never-treated patients received a numerically greater mean (SD) volume of parenteral nutrition and/or intravenous fluids than ever-treated patients (12.4 [8.02] vs. 10.1 [6.64] L/week). Ever-treated patients received a mean teduglutide dosage of 0.05 mg/kg/day. This is the first report of patient baseline characteristics from the SBS Registry, and the largest cohort of patients with SBS-IF to date. Overall, ever-treated and never-treated patients had similar baseline characteristics. Differences between treatment groups may reflect variations in patient selection and degree of monitoring.
Gestational Weight Gain Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Scoping Review
Authors: Deleus Ellen , Lannoo Matthias , Ceulemans Dries , Devlieger Roland , Van der Schueren Bart , Benhalima Katrien
Published: August 2024

Metabolic bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity. Women of reproductive age represent the largest demographic group undergoing these procedures. Metabolic bariatric surgery can have both beneficial and adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. One of the most common adverse effects is fetal growth restriction. To mitigate these adverse effects, it is crucial to explore lifestyle modifications aimed at promoting a healthy pregnancy. Modifiable factors during pregnancy after metabolic bariatric surgery include the amount of gestational weight gain. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of what is known about gestational weight gain in pregnancy after bariatric metabolic surgery. This review is focused on the two most performed procedures: sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Organoids and 3D In Vitro Models as a Platform for Precision Medicine (PM): An Update
Authors: Ganguly Payal
Published: August 2024

Globally, a number of diseases impact us and while treatment options exist, it is often found that similar treatments have variable effects on different patients with the same disease. Particularly in the case of conditions that are closely associated with genetics (like cancer), the intensity and results of a treatment vary between patients. Even for diseases like arthritis it is not uncommon for only a fraction of patients to achieve remission with the same therapeutic approach. With millions suffering from diseases like cancer and arthritis, precision medicine (PM) has been at the forefront of biomedical and pharmaceutical research since 2015. PM focusses on understanding the genetic and environmental factors affecting the patients and has several platforms. One of the platforms is the use of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models, especially those derived from the patient themselves. These models, like organ-on-chip (OOC), organoid and spheroid models, 3D biomaterial scaffolds and others, have several advantages over traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture approaches. In this opinion paper, the author briefly discusses the different platforms used for PM. Then, the advantages that 3D in vitro models have over traditional 2D models and in vivo models are considered and an overview of their applications is provided. Finally, the author outlines the challenges and future directions and shares their opinion about using 3D in vitro models as a tool for PM towards enhanced patient outcomes.
Beamline Optimisation for High-Intensity Muon Beams at PSI Using the Heterogeneous Island Model
Authors: Valetov Eremey , Dal Maso Giovanni , Kettle Peter-Raymond , Knecht Andreas , Papa Angela
Published: August 2024

The High Intensity Muon Beams (HIMB) project at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) will deliver muon beams with unprecedented intensities of up to 1010muons/s for next-generation particle physics and material science experiments. This represents a hundredfold increase over the current state-of-the-art muon intensities, also provided by PSI. We performed beam dynamics optimisations and studies for the design of the HIMB beamlines MUH2 and MUH3 using Graphics Transport, Graphics Turtle, and G4beamline, the latter incorporating PSI’s own measured π+ cross-sections and variance reduction. We initially performed large-scale beamline optimisations using asynchronous Bayesian optimisation with DeepHyper. We are now developing an island-based evolutionary optimisation code glyfada based on the Paradiseo framework, where we implemented Message Passing Interface (MPI) islands with OpenMP parallelisation within each island. Furthermore, we implemented an island model that is also suitable for high-throughput computing (HTC) environments with asynchronous communication via a Redis database. The code interfaces with the codes COSY INFINITY and G4beamline. The code glyfada will provide heterogeneous island model optimisation using evolutionary optimisation and local search methods, as well as part-wise optimisation of the beamline with automatic advancement through stages. We will use the glyfada for a future large-scale optimisation of the HIMB beamlines.
Evaluating Family Coping Mechanisms in Pediatric Seizure Disorders: From Emergency Room to Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Gruescu Ada Claudia Silvana , Popoiu Calin , Levai Mihaela Codrina , Barata Paula Irina , Streian Caius Glad
Published: August 2024

Pediatric seizure disorders profoundly impact family dynamics, often escalating stress and impairing coping mechanisms. This study aimed to longitudinally assess the impact of pediatric seizures on family stress and coping, evaluating the efficacy of multidisciplinary follow-up care in enhancing psychological resilience and adaptation. A longitudinal study design was implemented, enrolling children aged 1–18 who presented with a first seizure and received a neurologist’s diagnosis at the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Louis Turcanu,” Timisoara, Romania. Validated questionnaires, including the Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Parental Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ), were employed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analysis utilized ANOVA and t-tests to evaluate changes in stress and coping outcomes. The study involved 68 families, with significant reductions in stress and anxiety reported over the follow-up period. Initial PSI scores showed high stress levels across various domains: Emotional Stress (59.47) decreased to 50.63 at one year; Parent–Child Communication Difficulties started at 66.03 ± 20.15 and reduced to 56.92 ± 18.74; and Total Family Stress decreased from 65.55 to 55.97. The HADS scores indicated initial anxiety and depression at 8.2 ± 3.1 and 7.1 ± 2.8, respectively, with reductions to 6.8 and 5.9 by the end of the year. The overall HADS score showed a decrease from 15.4 to 12.8. PCQ results mirrored these findings, with Total Score dropping from 9.7 to 7.7. PSS-10 scores declined from 13.5 to 11.3, with a significant reduction in the positive sub-score. The proactive, multidisciplinary care approach significantly reduced stress and enhanced coping mechanisms in families dealing with pediatric seizures. The decreases in stress, anxiety, and depression scores highlight the potential for integrated care models to improve long-term outcomes in these families. These findings support the continued development of targeted interventions to aid in the management of chronic pediatric conditions.
Positive Allosteric Modulators of Trk Receptors for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Forsell Pontus , Parrado Fernández Cristina , Nilsson Boel , Sandin Johan , Nordvall Gunnar , Segerdahl Märta
Published: August 2024

Neurotrophins are important regulators of neuronal and non-neuronal functions. As such, the neurotrophins and their receptors, the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, has attracted intense research interest and their role in multiple diseases including Alzheimer’s disease has been described. Attempts to administer neurotrophins to patients have been reported, but the clinical trials have so far have been hampered by side effects or a lack of clear efficacy. Thus, much of the focus during recent years has been on identifying small molecules acting as agonists or positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of Trk receptors. Two examples of successful discovery and development of PAMs are the TrkA-PAM E2511 and the pan-Trk PAM ACD856. E2511 has been reported to have disease-modifying effects in preclinical models, whereas ACD856 demonstrates both a symptomatic and a disease-modifying effect in preclinical models. Both molecules have reached the stage of clinical development and were reported to be safe and well tolerated in clinical phase 1 studies, albeit with different pharmacokinetic profiles. These two emerging small molecules are interesting examples of possible novel symptomatic and disease-modifying treatments that could complement the existing anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This review aims to present the concept of positive allosteric modulators of the Trk receptors as a novel future treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, and the current preclinical and clinical data supporting this new concept. Preclinical data indicate dual mechanisms, not only as cognitive enhancers, but also a tentative neurorestorative function.