bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Conductive Charge Transport Layers Impair Charge Extraction Selectivity in Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Nyman Mathias , Ahläng Christian , Dahlström Staffan , Pranav Manasi , Benduhn Johannes , Qudsia Syeda , Smått Jan-Henrik , Spoltore Donato , Österbacka Ronald
Published: May 2023

In thin‐film photovoltaics, such as organic and perovskite solar cells, charge extraction selectivity is crucial. In order to improve selectivity, charge transporting layers (doped and undoped) are frequently used; however, it is not well understood how a charge transporting layer should be designed in order to ensure efficient extraction of majority carriers while blocking minority carriers. This study clarifies how well charge transporting layers with varying majority carrier conductivities block minority carriers. The charge extraction by a linearly increasing voltage technique is used to determine the surface recombination velocity of minority carriers in model system devices with varying majority carrier conductivity in the transporting layer. The results show that transporting layers with high conductivity for majority carriers do not block minority carriers—at least not at operating voltages close to or above the built‐in voltage, due to direct bimolecular recombination across the transporting layer–absorber layer interface. Design principles are furthermore discussed and proposed to achieve selective charge extraction in thin‐film solar cells using charge transporting layers.
Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm‐FINGERS): Study design and harmonization
Authors: Crivelli Lucia , Calandri Ismael Luis , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Salinas Rosa María , Velilla Lina Marcela , Yassuda Mônica Sanches , Caramelli Paulo , Lopera Francisco , Nitrini Ricardo , Sevlever Gustavo Emilio , Sosa Ana Luisa , Acosta Daisy , Baietti Ana María Charamelo , Cusicanqui María Isabel , Custodio Nilton , De Simone Sergio Dansilio , Derio Carolina Delgado , Duque‐Peñailillo Lissette , Duran Juan Carlos , Jiménez‐Velázquez Ivonne Z. , Leon‐Salas Jorge Mario , Bergamo Yanina , Clarens María Florencia , Damian Andrés , Demey Ignacio , Helou María Belén , Márquez Carlos , Martin María Eugenia , Martin Maria da Graça Morais , Querze Diego , Surace Ezequiel Ignacio , Acosta‐Egea Sabrina , Aguirre–Salvador Esteban , de Souza Leonardo Cruz , Cançado Gustavo Henrique da Cunha Peixoto , Brucki Sonia Maria Dozzi , Friedlaender Clarisse Vasconcelos , Gomes Karina Braga , Gutierrez Myriam , Ríos Carlos Laforcada , Galindo Joyce Graciela Martinez , Montesinos Rosa , Nuñez‐Herrera Alberto , Ospina‐Henao Sebastián , Rodríguez Guillermina , Masson Victoria Ruiz , Sánchez Mónica , Schenk Christian E. , Soto Ligia , Barbosa Maira Tonidandel , Tosatti Jéssica Abdo Gonçalves , Vicuña Yosselin , Espeland Mark , Hakansson Krister , Kivipelto Miia , Baker Laura , Snyder Heather , Carrillo María , Allegri Ricardo Francisco
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

Latin American Initiative for Lifestyle Intervention to Prevent Cognitive Decline (LatAm‐FINGERS) is the first non‐pharmacological multicenter randomized clinical trial (RCT) to prevent cognitive impairment in Latin America (LA). Our aim is to present the study design and discuss the strategies used for multicultural harmonization.

METHODS

This 1‐year RCT (working on a 1‐year extension) investigates the feasibility of a multi‐domain lifestyle intervention in LA and the efficacy of the intervention, primarily on cognitive function. An external harmonization process was carried out to follow the FINGER model, and an internal harmonization was performed to ensure this study was feasible and comparable across the 12 participating LA countries.

RESULTS

Currently, 1549 participants have been screened, and 815 randomized. Participants are ethnically diverse (56% are Nestizo) and have high cardiovascular risk (39% have metabolic syndrome).

DISCUSSION

LatAm‐FINGERS overcame a significant challenge to combine the region's diversity into a multi‐domain risk reduction intervention feasible across LA while preserving the original FINGER design.
Alzheimer's disease brain‐derived extracellular vesicles reveal altered synapse‐related proteome and induce cognitive impairment in mice
Authors: Bodart‐Santos Victor , Pinheiro Lisandra S. , da Silva‐Junior Almir J. , Froza Rudimar L. , Ahrens Rosemary , Gonçalves Rafaella A. , Andrade Mayara M. , Chen Yan , Alcantara Carolina de Lima , Grinberg Lea T. , Leite Renata E. P. , Ferreira Sergio T. , Fraser Paul E. , De Felice Fernanda G.
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been implicated in the spread of neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their involvement in behavioral outcomes linked to AD remains to be determined.

METHODS

EVs isolated from post mortem brain tissue from control, AD, or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) donors, as well as from APP/PS1 mice, were injected into the hippocampi of wild‐type (WT) or a humanized Tau mouse model (hTau/mTauKO). Memory tests were carried out. Differentially expressed proteins in EVs were assessed by proteomics.

RESULTS

Both AD‐EVs and APP/PS1‐EVs trigger memory impairment in WT mice. We further demonstrate that AD‐EVs and FTD‐EVs carry Tau protein, present altered protein composition associated with synapse regulation and transmission, and trigger memory impairment in hTau/mTauKO mice.

DISCUSSION

Results demonstrate that AD‐EVs and FTD‐EVs have negative impacts on memory in mice and suggest that, in addition to spreading pathology, EVs may contribute to memory impairment in AD and FTD.

Highlights

Aβ was detected in EVs from post mortem AD brain tissue and APP/PS1 mice.

Tau was enriched in EVs from post mortem AD, PSP and FTD brain tissue.

AD‐derived EVs and APP/PS1‐EVs induce cognitive impairment in wild‐type (WT) mice.

AD‐ and FTD‐derived EVs induce cognitive impairment in humanized Tau mice.

Proteomics findings associate EVs with synapse dysregulation in tauopathies.
Redox‐Bipolar Polyimide Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework Cathodes for Durable Aluminium Batteries
Authors: Liu Yannan , Lu Yiyue , Hossain Khan Arafat , Wang Gang , Wang Yong , Morag Ahiud , Wang Zhiyong , Chen Guangbo , Huang Shengyun , Chandrasekhar Naisa , Sabaghi Davood , Li Dongqi , Zhang Panpan , Ma Dongling , Brunner Eike , Yu Minghao , Feng Xinliang
Published: May 2023

Emerging rechargeable aluminium batteries (RABs) offer a sustainable option for next‐generation energy storage technologies with low cost and exemplary safety. However, the development of RABs is restricted by the limited availability of high‐performance cathode materials. Herein, we report two polyimide two‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D‐COFs) cathodes with redox‐bipolar capability in RAB. The optimal 2D‐COF electrode achieves a high specific capacity of 132 mAh g−1. Notably, the electrode presents long‐term cycling stability (with a negligible ≈0.0007 % capacity decay per cycle), outperforming early reported organic RAB cathodes. 2D‐COFs integrate n‐type imide and p‐type triazine active centres into the periodic porous polymer skeleton. With multiple characterizations, we elucidate the unique Faradaic reaction of the 2D‐COF electrode, which involves AlCl2+ and AlCl4− dual‐ions as charge carriers. This work paves the avenue toward novel organic cathodes in RABs.
Preparation and characterization of polyacrylonitrile/nitrocellulose engineering blend
Authors: Jadhav Pratibha S. , Joshi Girish M. , Deshmukh R. R.
Published: May 2023

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer blends were more in demand due to their wide range of applications. We overcome the restricted low thermal stability and poor strength for deployable blend. In the present study, we prepared PAN and nitrocellulose (NC) polymer blends by solution casting method to overcome the low loss, low dielectric properties as alternative blend for cladding purpose in communication domain. C≡N bond exclusively demonstrated the impact on blending was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Raman microscopy measurement. Semicrystalline nature of polymer blends as a function of NC loading was determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Optical polarizing microscopy (OPM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis illustrated an appearance of micro flocculated spherulites. Blending ratio of PAN/NC demonstrated the decreased direct band gap identified by Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV). PAN/NC proved excellent alternative as low dielectric constant and low loss as cladding medium. Blending of NC with PAN exhibited an increased hydrophilicity was confirmed by surface goniometer. Increased thermal stability of polymer blends was mapped by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Blend melting temperature and glass transition temperature was increased from 322°C to 334°C and 88°C to 102°C confirmed by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Thermal conductivity was increased from ~0.13 to ~0.34 W/m. k for PAN/NC determined by Lee's disc probe method. Mechanical properties of blends were measured using universal testing machine (UTM). Tensile strength and Young's modulus was increased up to ~23%, and ~ 56%, whereas elongation break was decreased up to ~71% for PAN/NC blends compared to host PAN system. PAN/NC may suit promising candidate as cladding blend for communication engineering due to low loss and low dielectric constant.
Direct Reaction – One Step Route to Synthesize Lanthanoid‐iodide Formamidinates**
Authors: Guo Zhifang , Halim Md Abdul. , Blair Victoria L. , Deacon Glen B. , Junk Peter C.
Published: May 2023

This paper describes a novel and simple method – direct reaction of lanthanoid metals with equimolar amounts of iodine and a formamidine under ultrasonication as an effective, metal‐based route to lanthanoid(III) diiodide formamidinates, namely I. N,N′‐Bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)formamidinatodiiodidolanthanoid(III) complexes [Ln(DippForm)I2(thf)3] (Ln=La, 1, Ce, 2, Tb, 3, Ho, 4, Er, 5, Tm, 6); II. N,N′‐Bis(2,6‐diethylphenyl)formamidinatodiiodidolanthanoid(III) complexes [Ln(EtForm)I2(thf)3] (Ln=Ce, 7, Nd, 8, Gd, 9, Tb, 10, Dy, 11, Ho, 12, Er, 13, Lu, 14). III. N,N′‐bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)formamidinatodiiodidolanthanoid(III) complexes [Ln(XylForm)I2(thf)3] (Ln=Ce, 15, Nd, 16, Gd, 17, Tm, 18, Lu 19); IV. N,N′‐bis(phenyl)formamidinatodiiodidolanthanoid complexes [Ln(PhForm)I2(thf)3] (Ln=Nd, 20, Gd, 21, Er, 22). Compound [Ce(XylForm)2I(thf)2] (23) was also synthesized by the same method except the ratio of I2 to XylFormH was 1 : 4. Divalent N,N′‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)formamidinato‐iodido‐lanthanoid(II) complexes [Eu(DippForm)I(thf)4] ⋅ thf (24), [Yb(DippForm)I(thf)3] ⋅ 2DippFormH (25), [Sm(DippForm)I(thf)4] ⋅ thf (26) have also been synthesized by direct reactions of the free metals, iodine and DippFormH. Interestingly, [Sm(DippForm)I2(thf)3] (27) was obtained by the oxidation of [Sm(DippForm)I(thf)4] ⋅ thf (26) on exposure to air. N,N′‐Bis(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)formamidinatoiodidosamarium(II) [Sm(XylForm)I(thf)3]n (28) was also prepared by direct reaction of Sm, iodine and XylFormH (mole ratio of I2: XylFormH=1 : 2). All products have been identified by X‐ray crystallography and all the trivalent complexes [Ln(Form)nI3‐n] (n=1 or 2) are stable to rearrangement.
Synthesis and Studies of Mono‐functionalized Telluradithiasapphyrins and Covalently Linked Porphyrin‐ Telluradithiasapphyrin Dyads
Authors: Ali Md Ashif , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: May 2023

A series of mono‐functionalized aromatic 22π telluradithiasapphyrins containing functional groups such as p‐bromophenyl, p‐iodophenyl, p‐nitrophenyl and p‐trimethylsilylethynyl phenyl groups at one of the meso‐positions were synthesized by condensing appropriately functionalized unsymmetrical bithiophene diol and 16‐telluratripyrrane in CH2Cl2 under acid‐catalyzed conditions. To demonstrate the reactivity of mono‐functionalized telluradithiasapphyrins, we synthesized the first examples of covalently linked diphenyl ethyne bridged four novel 18π porphyrin/metalloporphrin‐22π telluradithiasapphyrin dyads by coupling meso‐ethynyl phenyl porphyrin with telluradithiasapphyrin containing meso‐iodophenyl group under Pd(0) coupling conditions followed by metalation of porphyrin unit by treating free base dyad with appropriate metal salts. The dyads were characterized and studied by mass, 1D & 2D NMR, absorption, cyclic voltammetry, fluorescence and DFT techniques. The DFT analysis showed that the porphyrin/metalloporphyrin and sapphyrin units in dyads orient with each other in different angles and Zn(II) porphyrin‐sapphyrin dyad (Zn‐dyad) showed minimum whereas the free base dyad showed maximum angle of deviation. NMR, absorption, and redox studies indicated that the dyads exhibit the overlapping features of their constituted monomers and maintain their individual characteristic features. The steady‐state fluorescence studies revealed that the fluorescence of the porphyrin/metalloporphyrin unit was significantly quenched due to possible energy/electron transfer from the porphyrin/metalloporphyrin unit to non‐emissive sapphyrin unit in dyads.
Adaptive consensus of second‐order nonlinear MASs with aperiodically time‐varying parameters and unknown control directions
Authors: Yi Jiale , Li Jing
Published: May 2023

The problem of adaptive consensus is addressed for a class of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with aperiodically time‐varying parameters and unknown control directions. Firstly, a new adaptive control approach, so‐called congelation of variables method, is adopted to deal with aperiodically time‐varying parameters which are fast‐varying in an unknown compact set with only their radii known a priori. Secondly, a novel Nussbaum‐type function approach is utilized to address the problem of unknown control directions. It is noteworthy that the control directions investigated in this paper are allowed to be completely unknown and nonidentical, whereas the unknown control directions in the most existing works are assumed to be identical. Thirdly, the unknown nonlinear function in each follower's dynamics is approximated by radial basis function neural network approximation technique. The approximation error, external disturbance in the follower's dynamics, as well as the leader's unknown acceleration dynamics are suppressed as an adaptive robust term, which can alleviate the online computational burden. Then, by designing time‐varying control gains updated adaptively with only local information, a fully distributed adaptive consensus control scheme is designed to guarantee that the multi‐agent systems achieve consensus asymptotically in the presence of unknown aperiodically time‐varying parameters, unknown nonidentical control directions, unknown nonlinearities, and external disturbances. Two simulation examples are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed consensus protocol.
Double “full moon” CTO plaque detected by computed tomography could predict high‐grade debulking techniques: A case‐report
Authors: Panuccio Giuseppe , Skurk Carsten , Landmesser Ulf , Abdelwahed Youssef S.
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Circular heavily calcified “Full Moon” plaques relevance for CTO‐PCI remains unclear. This case shows a patient with double “Full Moon” plaques‐CTO. Cardiac tomography identified these lesions and allowed to provide adequate debulking equipment. “Full Moon” plaques could predict CTO‐PCI complexity. CT can identify these lesions and help planning CTO‐PCI for increasing success rates.
A case of acute encephalitis syndrome and cranial nerve palsy secondary to scrub typhus: A rare presentation from Western Nepal
Authors: Lamichhane Seshkanta , Achhami Eliz , Mahaju Satyam , Gautam Rabin , Adhikari Amrit
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

This case report highlights the importance of considering scrub typhus as a differential diagnosis for acute encephalitis with cranial nerve palsy in the region of the tsutsugamushi triangle.

Scrub typhus is a zoonotic rickettsiosis caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. This disease is endemic to a region called the tsutsugamushi triangle that extends from Southeast Asia to the Pacific Ocean. We report a 17‐year‐old girl from western Nepal who presented with fever, headache, vomiting, and altered sensorium, as well as bilateral lateral rectus palsy, dysphagia, regurgitation of food, dysarthria, and left‐sided upper motor neuron type facial palsy. Following laboratory and imaging tests, the patient was diagnosed with scrub typhus and was treated successfully with high‐dose dexamethasone and doxycycline. This case highlights the importance of considering scrub typhus in the differential diagnosis of encephalitis with cranial nerve palsy, especially in the region of the tsutsugamushi triangle. It also emphasizes the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of scrub typhus to prevent the development of various complications and ensure earlier recovery of patients.
Organizing pneumonia as an initial presentation in a male lupus: A rare case report
Authors: Acharya Suman , Aryal Roshan , Yadav Rupesh Kumar , Shrestha Suraj , Karki Rikesh , Jha Saket
Published: May 2023

Organizing pneumonia (OP) is one of the rare pulmonary manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which is infrequently reported as a presenting manifestation. Early diagnosis of lupus‐related OP with the help of imaging, can drive to prompt initiation of immunosuppressive therapy leading to a better prognosis. We present a case of a 34‐year‐old young male who presented with fever, myalgia, and a dry cough for 1 month and was later diagnosed as SLE‐related organizing pneumonia.
Effect of Carbonization Behaviour of Cotton Biomass in Electrodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sarma Hridip Ranjan , Sun Ju , Hora Yvonne , Forsyth Maria , Byrne Nolene
Published: May 2023

Free‐standing hard carbon electrodes are produced from cotton biomass using a low‐cost, one‐step pathway. The free‐standing feature of the electrode eliminates the use of binders and toxic solvents. The electrochemical performance of the electrodes is tested to study the correlation between Na storage and the structural properties of the hard carbon material. A remarkable specific capacity of 272 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 is obtained with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 75 % for the cotton fabric (CF) sample pyrolyzed at 1000 °C for 5 min (CF5 min). The excellent performance of the free‐standing electrode is attributed to a large interlayer spacing between the graphene layers, and a high number of oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surface. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) surface characterisation shows that a thin and uniformly distributed SEI (solid electrolyte interphase) layer, mainly composed of NaF and Na2O, is formed on the CF5 min surface, whereas a thick SEI layer with a long Na+ diffusion pathway is formed on the sample pyrolyzed at 1000 °C for 10 h (CF10 h), which leads to slower reaction kinetics and poor electrochemical performance. This work proposes a scalable and economically feasible strategy to produce sodium ion anode materials with a focus on environmental sustainability and value addition to waste streams.
Oxygen functionalization‐assisted anionic exchange toward unique construction of flower‐like transition metal chalcogenide embedded carbon fabric for ultra‐long life flexible energy storage and conversion
Authors: Bhattarai Roshan M. , Chhetri Kisan , Le Nghia , Acharya Debendra , Saud Shirjana , Nguyen Mai Cao Hoang Phuong Lan , Kim Sang Jae , Mok Young Sun
Published: May 2023

The metal‐organic framework (MOF) derived Ni–Co–C–N composite alloys (NiCCZ) were “embedded” inside the carbon cloth (CC) strands as opposed to the popular idea of growing them upward to realize ultrastable energy storage and conversion application. The NiCCZ was then oxygen functionalized, facilitating the next step of stoichiometric sulfur anion diffusion during hydrothermal sulfurization, generating a flower‐like metal hydroxysulfide structure (NiCCZOS) with strong partial implantation inside CC. Thus obtained NiCCZOS shows an excellent capacity when tested as a supercapacitor electrode in a three‐electrode configuration. Moreover, when paired with the biomass‐derived nitrogen‐rich activated carbon, the asymmetric supercapacitor device shows almost 100% capacity retention even after 45,000 charge–discharge cycles with remarkable energy density (59.4 Wh kg–1/263.8 µWh cm–2) owing to a uniquely designed cathode. Furthermore, the same electrode performed as an excellent bifunctional water‐splitting electrocatalyst with an overpotential of 271 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and 168.4 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at 10 mA cm−2 current density along with 30 h of unhinged chronopotentiometric stability performance for both HER and OER. Hence, a unique metal chalcogenide composite electrode/substrate configuration has been proposed as a highly stable electrode material for flexible energy storage and conversion applications.
Effect of the oxidation of activated carbon by hydrogen peroxide on its catalytic activity in the regeneration of Co(II)TETA
Authors: Li Zi‐Qiu , Chen Pei‐Yun , Long Xiang‐Li
Published: May 2023

Cobalt(II) triethylenetetramine (Co(II)TETA) formed by soluble cobalt(II) salt combining with triethylenetetramine will be used as a wet denitration technique since it can interact with nitric oxide to accomplish quick absorption of NO from gas phase. However, the oxygen in the flue gas will oxidize Co(II)TETA to Co(III) TETA, resulting in the reduction of denitrification efficiency. Activated carbon has been used to promote the regeneration of Co(II)TETA due to its unique surface characteristics. Hydrogen peroxide solution is utilized as a modifier in the carbon modification to improve the catalytic performance of activated carbon. The experiments demonstrate that the best regeneration efficiency of Co(II)TETA is gained by the modified carbon impregnated in 0.05 mol L−1 H2O2 solution at 70°C for 12 h with a solid/liquid ratio of 1/50 (g/mL) followed being activated at 400°C for 2 h in N2. After being treated with hydrogen oxide solution, the surface area and acidity of the carbon is increased. Continuous experiments reveal that the NO removal efficiency gained by modified activated carbon is about 8.36% higher than that gained by the original carbon.
Fractional‐order poromechanics for a fully saturated biological tissue: Biomechanics of meniscus
Authors: Amiri Fabiana , Bologna Emanuela , Nuzzo Gianmarco , Moroni Lorenzo , Zingales Massimiliano
Published: May 2023

Biomechanics of biological fibrous tissues as the meniscus are strongly influenced by past histories of strains involving the so‐called material hereditariness. In this paper, a three‐axial model of linear hereditariness that makes use of fractional‐order calculus is used to describe the constitutive behavior of the tissue. Fluid flow across meniscus' pores is modeled in this paper with Darcy relation yielding a novel model of fractional‐order poromechanics, describing the evolution of the diffusion phenomenon in the meniscus. A numerical application involving an 1D confined compression test is reported to show the effect of the material hereditariness on the pressure drop evolution.
Feature selection‐integrated classifier optimisation algorithm for network intrusion detection
Authors: Güney Hüseyin
Published: May 2023

In the era of technology, information security has gained significant importance, as intruders constantly conduct attacks to breach information systems. Intelligent network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) are promising for detecting malicious activities; however, it is required to apply feature selection (FS) and classifier optimisation (CO) using cost‐effective algorithms to build an accurate and efficient system. Although classifier‐dependent FS (CDFS) techniques and CO algorithms have been shown to perform well, they suffer from computational complexity, and their interdependencies negatively affect model performance. This study proposes the FS‐integrated classifier optimisation algorithm that incorporates FS during CO, enhances optimisation, and tackles the interdependency problem. Furthermore, since this algorithm does not use an iterative feature selection process, such as forward selection or backward elimination, it provides relatively less complexity than other CDFS techniques. Moreover, an application of the proposed methodology (NIDS) was implemented using the designed framework to validate the model in this problem domain. The proposed methodology achieved accuracies of 85.10%, 73.24% with one feature for the NSLKDD datasets, 83.45% with 32 features for the UNSW‐NB15 dataset, 99.41% with eight features, and 99.63% with 16 features for the CIC‐IDS2017 datasets. The results showed that the FS‐integrated optimisation algorithm had improved the accuracy of the classifier with fewer features. Furthermore, the proposed methodology outperformed other FS, ensemble learning, and deep learning‐based methods regarding detection accuracy and false alarm rate. In conclusion, the developed NIDS is an accurate, efficient, straightforward, feasible, and easy‐to‐implement system that can be created using limited computing power and time as a promising solution to protect traditional and modern computer networks.
Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries: Small Organic Molecules for the Positive Electrolyte Species
Authors: Cannon Christopher G. , Klusener Peter A. A. , Brandon Nigel P. , Kucernak Anthony R. J.
Published: May 2023

There are a number of critical requirements for electrolytes in aqueous redox flow batteries. This paper reviews organic molecules that have been used as the redox‐active electrolyte for the positive cell reaction in aqueous redox flow batteries. These organic compounds are centred around different organic redox‐active moieties such as the aminoxyl radical (TEMPO and N‐hydroxyphthalimide), carbonyl (quinones and biphenols), amine (e. g., indigo carmine), ether and thioether (e. g., thianthrene) groups. We consider the key metrics that can be used to assess their performance: redox potential, operating pH, solubility, redox kinetics, diffusivity, stability, and cost. We develop a new figure of merit – the theoretical intrinsic power density – which combines the first four of the aforementioned metrics to allow ranking of different redox couples on just one side of the battery. The organic electrolytes show theoretical intrinsic power densities which are 2–100 times larger than that of the VO2+/VO2+ couple, with TEMPO‐derivatives showing the highest performance. Finally, we survey organic positive electrolytes in the literature on the basis of their redox‐active moieties and the aforementioned figure of merit.
RNA demethylase ALKBH5 promotes colorectal cancer progression by posttranscriptional activation of RAB5A in an m6A‐YTHDF2‐dependent manner
Authors: Shen Dingcheng , Lin Jinxin , Xie Yumo , Zhuang Zhuokai , Xu Gaopo , Peng Shaoyong , Tang Guannan , Bai Liangliang , Zhu Mingxuan , Zhang Yu , Huang Ziying , Wang Puning , Liu Xiaoxia , Huang Meijin , Luo Yanxin , Wang Xiaolin , Yu Huichuan
Published: May 2023

Background

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification is an emerging epigenetic regulatory mechanism in tumourigenesis. Considering that AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) is a well‐described m6A demethylase in previous enzyme assays, we aimed to investigate the role of m6A methylation alteration conferred by disturbed ALKBH5 in colorectal cancer (CRC) development.

Methods

Expression of ALKBH5 and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics of CRC were evaluated using the prospectively maintained institutional database. The molecular role and underlying mechanism of ALKBH5 in CRC were explored using in vitro and in vivo experiments with methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP‐seq), RNA‐seq, MeRIP‐qPCR, RIP‐qPCR and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

ALKBH5 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues compared to the paired adjacent normal tissues, and higher expression of ALKBH5 was independently associated with worse overall survival in CRC patients. Functionally, ALKBH5 promoted the proliferative, migrative and invasive abilities of CRC cells in vitro and enhanced subcutaneous tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, RAB5A was identified as the downstream target of ALKBH5 in CRC development, and ALKBH5 posttranscriptionally activated RAB5A by m6A demethylation, which impeded the YTHDF2‐mediated degradation of RAB5A mRNA. In addition, we demonstrated that dysregulation of the ALKBH5‐RAB5A axis could affect the tumourigenicity of CRC.

Conclusions

ALKBH5 facilitates the progression of CRC by augmenting the expression of RAB5A via an m6A‐YTHDF2‐dependent manner. Our findings suggested that ALKBH5‐RAB5A axis might serve as valuable biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets for CRC.
Three‐dimensional scan‐based algorithm for directional neighbor discovery in ad hoc networks
Authors: Lan Haiwen , Liu Gang , Wang Wei , Liang Chengchao , Ma Zheng
Published: May 2023

In recent years, neighbor discovery techniques using directional antennas have attracted widespread attention. Most currently available directional neighbor discovery techniques are designed based on two‐dimensional (2D) space. Although these algorithms can accomplish the discovery between nodes, the algorithm portability is poor for three‐dimensional (3D) platforms, and the application scenarios are limited since new communication scenarios such as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) groups and maritime fleets emerge where information needs to be delivered in real time and nodes are located in 3D space. This paper proposes a new deterministic directional neighbor discovery algorithm in 3D space named 3D scan‐based algorithm (3D‐SBA) to meet the needs of the line‐of‐sight (LOS) scenes. Four existing neighbor discovery algorithms, namely, SBA‐based random mode selection (SBA‐R), quorum, complete random algorithm (CRA), and SBA‐based leader election algorithm (LE), have been extended to our proposed 3D algorithm model for simulation and comparative analysis with 3D‐SBA. The simulation results show that the 3D‐SBA algorithm consumes 51.15%, 180.20%, 9.48%, and 17.49% of the time slots compared with the four existing algorithms mentioned above. However, the quorum algorithm has a very high node collision rate, up to 92.11%. Ultimately, the 3D‐SBA algorithm has the best performance considering the conflicts and the density of network nodes.
Genetic characterization of C. elegansTMED genes
Authors: Navarro Kristen G. , Chamberlin Helen M.
Published: May 2023

Background

p24/transmembrane Emp24 domain (TMED) proteins are a set of evolutionarily conserved, single pass transmembrane proteins that have been shown to facilitate protein secretion and selection of cargo proteins to transport vesicles in the cellular secretion pathway. However, their functions in animal development are incompletely understood.

Results

The C. elegans genome encodes eight identified TMED genes, with at least one member from each defined subfamily (α, β, γ, δ). TMED gene mutants exhibit a shared set of defects in embryonic viability, animal movement, and vulval morphology. Two γ subfamily genes, tmed‐1 and tmed‐3, exhibit the ability to compensate for each other, as defects in movement and vulva morphology are only apparent in double mutants. TMED mutants also exhibit a delay in breakdown of basement membrane during vulva development.

Conclusions

The results establish a genetic and experimental framework for the study of TMED gene function in C. elegans, and argue that a functional protein from each subfamily is important for a shared set of developmental processes. A specific function for TMED genes is to facilitate breakdown of the basement membrane between the somatic gonad and vulval epithelial cells, suggesting a role for TMED proteins in tissue reorganization during animal development.
Influence of ambient temperature on the phenology of the greater mouse‐eared bat (Myotis myotis)
Authors: Matthäus Laura , Kugelschafter Karl , Fietz Joanna
Published: May 2023

In order to assess the consequences of climate change and evaluate its impacts on wildlife, it is essential to do so on a species‐specific level. It is assumed that changes in the ambient temperature influence energy consumption as well as food availability and thus foraging behavior, reproduction, survival, and therefore population dynamics in bats. Based on this assumption, the present study aims to gain insights into the roosting and breeding behavior of the greater mouse‐eared bat (Myotis myotis) in relation to changes of the ambient temperature. For this purpose, we investigated the effect of ambient temperature on the phenology of the greater mouse‐eared bat by using activity data of the bats collected using light barriers at the maternity roosts. The light barrier used in this study is a system that detects the interruption of two light beams, for example, by a flying bat, and displays it as an electrical signal.

The investigations have shown that

the higher the winter temperatures, the earlier the greater mouse‐eared bats returned to the roosts to form the maternity colony; however, this was only true for ambient temperatures below 0.5°C,

birth season started earlier at higher spring temperatures,

the dissolution of maternity roosts occurred earlier with earlier birth season and at higher ambient temperatures during lactation.

The results revealed that ambient temperature has an influence on the phenology of the greater mouse‐eared bat. Depending on the respective life history stage, an increase in ambient temperature can have a positive or negative effect on the fitness of the animals. In recent years, mild winters have been recorded more frequently, which can have an influence on the behavior of bats. Warm winters within certain limits seem to lead to an earlier formation of the maternity colony, which can be positive or negative for the bats depending on persistent weather conditions and thus insect availability. In the course of climate change, we can also expect earlier spring events and an increase in spring temperature, as well as hot spells in summer. These warm springs and summers seem to lead to an earlier beginning of births, a faster development of the juveniles and an earlier dissolution of the maternity roost. An advance of reproductive activities can be assumed to increase the chance to survive the following winter in both mothers and their young, as they have more time to build up sufficient energy reserves for hibernation before winter starts. Due to the climatic changes, phenological changes of the bats be expected. This study highlights that in order to understand the impact of climate change on biodiversity, it is necessary to investigate in detail effects on a species‐specific level and also to consider direct and indirect effects of ambient temperature on different life history stages.
Maternal and infantile gut mycobiome during the weaning period in free ranging Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana)
Authors: Yue Ran , Chen Huijuan , Xu Xiaojuan , Xia Yingna , Sun Yu , Xia Mengyi , Xia Dongpo , Sun Binghua
Published: May 2023

Gut microbiome is critical to the health of mammals. Many previous studies have revealed the gut bacterial microbiomes of mother and infant changed significantly during the weaning period. However, little is known concerning the gut mycobiome of wild primates. Here, we examined the variations on gut mycobiome between weaning and post‐weaning for both mother and infant in wild‐living Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana). Our results showed that the gut mycobiomes of mother and infant were dominated by two phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. For both mother and infant, the ASV richness of gut mycobiome remained relatively steady from weaning to post‐weaning periods, while the Shannon indexes increased significant in weaning compared to post‐weaning periods. However, no significant difference between mother and infant ASV richness and Shannon indexes during weaning and post‐weaning periods respectively. Compared to mothers, we found that much more known taxa of gut fungi were enriched in weaning or post‐weaning periods of infants. In particular, we found that the dominant genus Aspergillus was enriched in infants during weaning period. Furthermore, we found that the relative abundance of plant pathogens were significantly higher in the post‐weaning period than in the weaning period for infants. Our results indicated that weaning events could affect the gut mycobiome significantly for both mothers and infant in Tibetan macaques, which had a stronger effect on the gut mycobiome of infant monkeys than on their mothers.
Food webs coupled in space: Consumer foraging movement affects both stocks and fluxes
Authors: Wootton Kate L. , Curtsdotter Alva , Bommarco Riccardo , Roslin Tomas , Jonsson Tomas
Published: May 2023

The exchange of material and individuals between neighboring food webs is ubiquitous and affects ecosystem functioning. Here, we explore animal foraging movement between adjacent, heterogeneous habitats and its effect on a suite of interconnected ecosystem functions. Combining dynamic food web models with nutrient‐recycling models, we study foraging across habitats that differ in fertility and plant diversity. We found that net foraging movement flowed from high to low fertility or high to low diversity and boosted stocks and flows across the whole loop of ecosystem functions, including biomass, detritus, and nutrients, in the recipient habitat. Contrary to common assumptions, however, the largest flows were often between the highest and intermediate fertility habitats rather than highest and lowest. The effect of consumer influx on ecosystem functions was similar to the effect of increasing fertility. Unlike fertility, however, consumer influx caused a shift toward highly predator‐dominated biomass distributions, especially in habitats that were unable to support predators in the absence of consumer foraging. This shift resulted from both direct and indirect effects propagated through the interconnected ecosystem functions. Only by considering both stocks and fluxes across the whole loop of ecosystem functions do we uncover the mechanisms driving our results. In conclusion, the outcome of animal foraging movements will differ from that of dispersal and diffusion. Together we show how considering active types of animal movement and the interconnectedness of ecosystem functions can aid our understanding of the patchy landscapes of the Anthropocene.
Aquatic food web expansion and trophic redundancy along the Rocky Mountain–Great Plains ecotone
Authors: Maitland Bryan M. , Rahel Frank J.
Published: May 2023

Changing ecological conditions along environmental gradients influence patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, how networks of interacting species respond to these changes remains unclear. We quantified aquatic food webs along longitudinal stream gradients spanning the Rocky Mountain–Great Plains ecotone using community composition, functional traits, and stable isotopes. We predicted that increasing ecosystem size, productivity, and species richness along the gradient would positively influence aquatic trophic diversity (e.g., expanded vertical and horizontal trophic niche breadths). We also predicted that trophic redundancy among fish species would decrease moving downstream as species partition food resources (e.g., reduced trophic niche overlap). Consumer stable isotope data (δ13C and δ15N) revealed nonlinear changes in trophic diversity along the gradient. Invertebrate trophic diversity had a dome‐shaped relationship with the gradient, strongly linked to an expanding then contracting δ13C range. Fish trophic diversity initially increased and then plateaued downstream, despite linearly expanding δ13C and δ15N ranges. Trophic redundancy within the fish community decreased downstream along the gradient. However, trophic redundancy also showed a nonlinear relationship with fish species richness; it initially declined, then began to increase when more than nine species were present, indicating a shift from niche partitioning to niche packing at intermediate species richness levels. This result suggests that while δ13C and δ15N ranges for fish communities increased across the gradient, niche packing within communities in the Great Plains caused overall trophic diversity to saturate. Our results demonstrate that food web structure along stream gradients reflects an interaction between factors that decrease trophic redundancy, such as increased living space and niche partitioning, versus factors that increase trophic redundancy, such as increased species richness and niche packing. Our study helps to explain how multiple mechanisms shape food web properties along longitudinal stream gradients, and where niche partitioning or niche packing may be dominant. Understanding the functional roles of organisms across similar environmental gradients in other ecosystems will be increasingly important because they determine how food webs, and thus ecosystem function, will respond to environmental change, biodiversity loss, or species invasions.
Asymmetric S‐Michael Reaction: Synthesis of CF2H−Containing S‐Ether Compounds through Isosteric Replacement
Authors: Hao Jiayi , Deng Yabo , Guo Hai , Guo Yifei , Yan Wenjin , Huang Jinqi
Published: May 2023

Optical pharmaceutical important compounds which bring CF2H to mimic the role of –SH were synthesized through the asymmetric S‐Michael addition reaction in the presence of quinine–a derived squaramide catalyst. Various sulfhydryl compounds including Benzyl mercaptan, phenthiol, alkyl thiophenol, mercaptoacetate, methyl 3‐mercaptoacrylate, and 1,4‐dithiane‐2,5‐diol were tested. The broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and easy derivatization make this synthesis method very attractive.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of surgical outcomes in head and neck cancer
Authors: Kao Derek D. , Ferrandino Rocco M. , Roof Scott A. , Marshall Deborah C. , Khan Mohemmed Nazir , Chai Raymond L. , Park Yeun‐Hee A. , Sigel Keith M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation that is associated with adverse oncologic and surgical outcomes. We investigated the use of NLR as a prognostic indicator of complications of head and neck cancer (HNC) surgeries.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 11 187 Veterans who underwent HNC surgery between 2000 and 2020. We calculated preoperative NLR values and fit logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounding factors, comparing high‐NLR patients to low‐NLR patients.

Results

The cohort had a median age of 63 and was 98% men. High‐NLR patients had increased odds of 30‐day mortality (p < 0.001), having 1+ perioperative complications (p < 0.001), sepsis (p = 0.03), failure to wean from mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04), pneumonia (p < 0.001), and pulmonary embolism (p = 0.02) compared with low‐NLR patients.

Conclusion

NLR was a robust, independent predictor of 30‐day mortality, having 1+ surgical complications, sepsis, failure to wean from mechanical ventilation, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.
Social emotional processes during the third wave of COVID‐19: Results from a close replication study in a Turkish sample
Authors: Altaytaş Alparslan Furkan , Armagan Ilkyaz Caggul , Gulpinar Aybars , Özdemir Şahcan , Karakale Ozge
Published: May 2023

Until recently, for almost 3 years, we used face masks to protect against COVID‐19. Face masks disrupted our perception of socially relevant information, and impacted our social judgements as a result of the new social norms around wearing masks imposed by the pandemic. To shed light on such pandemic‐induced changes in social emotional processes, Calbi et al. analysed data from an Italian sample collected in Spring 2020. They assessed valence, social distance and physical distance ratings for neutral, happy and angry male and female faces covered with a scarf or a mask. A year later, we used the same stimuli to investigate the same measures in a Turkish sample. We found that females attributed more negative valence ratings than males to angry faces, and that angry and neutral faces of females were rated more negatively than those of males. Scarf stimuli were evaluated more negatively in terms of valence. Participants attributed greater distance to more negative faces (angry > neutral > happy) and to scarf than the mask stimuli. Also, females attributed greater social and physical distance than males. These results may be explained by gender‐stereotypic socialisation processes, and changes in people's perception of health behaviours during the pandemic.
Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on allogenic trabecular bone grafts treated with high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Waletzko‐Hellwig Janine , Dau Michael , Krebs Vivien , Bader Rainer
Published: May 2023

The requirements for bone substitute materials are multifaceted. Beside biomechanical stability, these materials should provide osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties to promote integration into the host tissue. So far, autologous bone is the only material, which combines all properties, but is naturally limited. Allogenic bone grafts have to be decellularized prior to implantation. This causes the reduction of biomechanical properties and the loss of osteoinductive qualities. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) offers a gentle alternative for processing and supply of allogenic bone substitute materials while preserving biomechanical integrity. To determine whether osteogenic properties are retained by HHP treatment, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured with HHP‐treated and untreated allogenic trabecular bone blocks up to 28 days. Both, gene expression and protein analysis showed that HHP‐treated bone positively influenced differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and mineralization of bone matrix. This effect was greater in samples cultivated with HHP‐treated bone blocks. The present study shows that HHP treatment does not result in the reduction of osteoinductivity, thus serving as an alternative approach for processing allogeneic bone substitute materials.
Buprenorphine Continuation During Critical Illness Associated With Decreased Inpatient Opioid Use in Individuals Maintained on Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder in a Retrospective Study
Authors: Quaye Aurora , Wampole Chelsea , Riker Richard R. , Seder David B. , Sauer William J. , Richard Janelle M. , Craig Wendy Y. , Gagnon David J.
Published: May 2023

The number of patients maintained on buprenorphine is steadily increasing. To date, no study has reported buprenorphine management practices for these patients during critical illness, nor its relationship with supplemental full‐agonist opioid administration during their hospital stay. In this single‐center retrospective study, we have explored the incidence of buprenorphine continuation during critical illness among patients receiving buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between nonbuprenorphine opioid exposure and buprenorphine administration during the intensive care unit (ICU) and post‐ICU phases of care. Our study included adults maintained on buprenorphine for opioid use disorder admitted to the ICU between December 1, 2014, and May 31, 2019. Nonbuprenorphine, full agonist opioid doses were converted to fentanyl equivalents (FEs). Fifty‐one (44%) patients received buprenorphine during the ICU phase of care, with an average dose of 8 (8–12) mg/day. During the post‐ICU phase of care, 68 (62%) received buprenorphine, with an average dose of 10 (7–14) mg/day. Lack of mechanical ventilation and acetaminophen use were also associated with buprenorphine use. Full agonist opioid use was more frequent on days when buprenorphine was not given (odds ratio [OR], 6.2 [95% CI, 2.3–16.4]; P < .001). Additionally, the average cumulative dose of opioids given on nonbuprenorphine administration days was significantly higher both in the ICU (OR, 1803 [95% CI, 1271–2553] vs OR, 327 [95% CI, 152–708] FEs/day; P < 0.001) and after ICU discharge (OR, 1476 [95% CI, 962–2265] vs OR, 238 [95% CI, 150‐377] FEs/day; P < .001). Given these findings, buprenorphine continuation during critical illness should be considered, as it is associated with significantly decreased full agonist opioid use.