bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: A critical view of the literature
Authors: Giussani Giorgia , Falcicchio Giovanni , La Neve Angela , Costagliola Giorgio , Striano Pasquale , Scarabello Anna , Mostacci Barbara , Beghi Ettore ,   the LICE SUDEP study group
Published: March 2023

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a sudden, unexpected, witnessed or unwitnessed, non‐traumatic and non‐drowning death, occurring in benign circumstances, in an individual with epilepsy, with or without evidence for a seizure and excluding documented status epilepticus in which postmortem examination does not reveal other causes of death. Lower diagnostic levels are assigned when cases met most or all of these criteria, but data suggested more than one possible cause of death. The incidence of SUDEP ranged from 0.09 to 2.4 per 1000 person‐years. Differences can be attributed to the age of the study populations (with peaks in the 20–40‐year age group) and the severity of the disease. Young age, disease severity (in particular, a history of generalized TCS), having symptomatic epilepsy, and the response to antiseizure medications (ASMs) are possible independent predictors of SUDEP. The pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully known due to the limited data available and because SUDEP is not always witnessed and has been electrophysiologically monitored only in a few cases with simultaneous assessment of respiratory, cardiac, and brain activity. The pathophysiological basis of SUDEP may vary according to different circumstances that make that particular seizure, in that specific moment and in that patient, a fatal event. The main hypothesized mechanisms, which could contribute to a cascade of events, are cardiac dysfunction (included potential effects of ASMs, genetically determined channelopathies, acquired heart diseases), respiratory dysfunction (included postictal arousal deficit for the respiratory mechanism, acquired respiratory diseases), neuromodulator dysfunction, postictal EEG depression and genetic factors.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation‐evoked electroencephalography responses as biomarkers for epilepsy: A review of study design and outcomes
Authors: Gefferie Silvano R. , Jiménez‐Jiménez Diego , Visser Gerhard H. , Helling Robert M. , Sander Josemir W. , Balestrini Simona , Thijs Roland D.
Published: March 2023

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography (EEG), that is TMS‐EEG, may assist in managing epilepsy. We systematically reviewed the quality of reporting and findings in TMS‐EEG studies on people with epilepsy and healthy controls, and on healthy individuals taking anti‐seizure medication. We searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases for original TMS‐EEG studies comparing people with epilepsy and healthy controls, and healthy subjects before and after taking anti‐seizure medication. Studies should involve quantitative analyses of TMS‐evoked EEG responses. We evaluated the reporting of study population characteristics and TMS‐EEG protocols (TMS sessions and equipment, TMS trials and EEG protocol), assessed the variation between protocols, and recorded the main TMS‐EEG findings. We identified 20 articles reporting 14 unique study populations and TMS methodologies. The median reporting rate for the group of people with epilepsy parameters was 3.5/7 studies and for the TMS parameters was 13/14 studies. TMS protocols varied between studies. Fifteen out of 28 anti‐seizure medication trials in total were evaluated with time‐domain analyses of single‐pulse TMS‐EEG data. Anti‐seizure medication significantly increased N45, and decreased N100 and P180 component amplitudes but in marginal numbers (N45: 8/15, N100: 7/15, P180: 6/15). Eight articles compared people with epilepsy and controls using different analyses, thus limiting comparability. The reporting quality and methodological uniformity between studies evaluating TMS‐EEG as an epilepsy biomarker is poor. The inconsistent findings question the validity of TMS‐EEG as an epilepsy biomarker. To demonstrate TMS‐EEG clinical applicability, methodology and reporting standards are required.
The widespread action observation/execution matching system for facial expression processing
Authors: Sato Wataru , Kochiyama Takanori , Yoshikawa Sakiko
Published: March 2023

Observing and understanding others' emotional facial expressions, possibly through motor synchronization, plays a primary role in face‐to‐face communication. To understand the underlying neural mechanisms, previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies investigated brain regions that are involved in both the observation/execution of emotional facial expressions and found that the neocortical motor regions constituting the action observation/execution matching system or mirror neuron system were active. However, it remains unclear (1) whether other brain regions in the limbic, cerebellum, and brainstem regions could be also involved in the observation/execution matching system for processing facial expressions, and (2) if so, whether these regions could constitute a functional network. To investigate these issues, we performed fMRI while participants observed dynamic facial expressions of anger and happiness and while they executed facial muscle activity associated with angry and happy facial expressions. Conjunction analyses revealed that, in addition to neocortical regions (i.e., the right ventral premotor cortex and right supplementary motor area), bilateral amygdala, right basal ganglia, bilateral cerebellum, and right facial nerve nucleus were activated during both the observation/execution tasks. Group independent component analysis revealed that a functional network component involving the aforementioned regions were activated during both observation/execution tasks. The data suggest that the motor synchronization of emotional facial expressions involves a widespread observation/execution matching network encompassing the neocortex, limbic system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and brainstem.
Role of pre‐operative embolization in carotid body tumor surgery according to Shamblin classification: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Napoli Gianluigi , Tritto Rocco , Moscarelli Marco , Forleo Cinzia , La Marca Maria Grazia Carmela , Yang Lin , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Giordano Arturo , Tshomba Yamume , Pepe Martino
Published: March 2023

Background

Pre‐operative embolization prior to surgical resection of carotid body tumors was meant to decrease intraoperative blood loss and operative time. Yet, potential confounders such as different Shamblin classes have never been analyzed. Aim of our meta‐analysis was to investigate effectiveness of a pre‐operative embolization according to different Shamblin classes.

Methods

Five studies comprising 245 patients were included. A random effects model meta‐analysis was conducted, and the I2 statistic was used to assessment for heterogeneity.

Results

Pre‐operative embolization was associated with a significant reduction in blood loss (WM: 276.4 mL; 95% CI, 201.9–378.3, p < 0.01); an absolute mean reduction, though not statistically significant, was observed in both Shamblin 2 and 3 classes. No difference in operative time was found between the two strategies (WM: 192.0 min; 95% CI, 157.7–234.1, p = 1.0).

Conclusions

Embolization proved an overall significant reduction in perioperative bleeding, which did not reach threshold for statistical significance when Shamblin classes were singularly considered.
Facilities, selection, outcome measurement, and limitations of therapeutic plasma exchange for neuroimmunological disorders: The South East Asian survey study
Authors: Rattanathamsakul Natthapon , Siritho Sasitorn , Viswanathan Shanthi , Hiew Fu Liong , Apiwattanakul Metha , Tan Kevin , Thirugnanam Umapathi N. , Yeo Tianrong , Quek Amy M. L. , Estiasari Riwanti , Remli Rabani , Aye Seinn Mya Mya , Ohnmar Ohnmar , Hoang Nghia T. T. , Pasco Paul M.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for neuroimmunological disorders has played an important role in the Southeast Asian region. This study investigates the challenges of performing TPE within the region.

Method

A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted and launched to 15 South East Asian Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Consortium (SEATPEC) members from seven countries in January 2021. It included demographics, TPE techniques, indications, challenges, timing, outcome measurement, and access to laboratory testing in each local center.

Results

A total of 15 neurologists from 12 participating centers were included. They usually perform five sessions of TPE (100.0%), with 1 to 1.5 plasma volume (93.3%), and exchanges via the central catheter (100.0%). Acute relapses of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myasthenia gravis are the most common indications. They used a combination of normal saline and 5% albumin (60.0%) as replacement fluid. Most (66.7%) used TPE as an add‐on treatment in steroid‐refractory cases or as first‐line treatment for severe attacks. They suggested assessing the TPE efficacy of TPE by the interval to the next attack, post‐TPE relapse rates, and TPE‐related complications. The major challenges within our region are expense, reimbursibility, and access to TPE.

Conclusion

Although countrywise differences exist, all share similarities regarding methods, indications, timing, obstacles, and challenges of TPE for neuroimmunological conditions. Regional collaboration will be essential to identify strategies to reduce these barriers to access to TPE in the future.
Scale‐related process heterogeneities change properties of high‐cell‐density fermentation broths demonstrated with Escherichia coli B and K‐12 strains
Authors: Mayer Florian , Haslinger Benedikt , Shpylovyi Anton , Weber Andreas , Windberger Ursula , Albrecht Bernd , Hahn Rainer , Cserjan‐Puschmann Monika , Striedner Gerald
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The scale‐up of Escherichia coli bioprocesses for production of recombinant proteins in the biopharmaceutical industry can affect process performance due to gradients occurring at production scale. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of scale‐related process heterogeneities on properties of high‐cell‐density fermentation broths. Two industrially relevant Escherichia coli strains, BL21(DE3) and HMS174(DE3), were used for production of antibody fragments (Fab). To generate these heterogeneities, we used a scale‐down device for cell cultivation, which mimics conditions of production scale (>1000 L) in a 20 L laboratory scale. This setup helps to evaluate the impact of process scale‐up on the resulting fermentation broth properties relevant for primary recovery.

RESULTS

We found differences in broth viscosity between the two strains, but also between the standard laboratory‐scale and the scale‐down cultivations used. An increase in cell size was measured in scale‐down cultivations with three orthogonal methods, using scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and a dispersion analyzer. Strong hints for an altered agglomeration tendency of the cells after scale‐down cultivations were found by measurement of settling velocity and viscoelasticity of the fermentation broth.

CONCLUSIONS

In this work, industrially relevant fermentation broths of Escherichia coli cells producing Fab were characterized and represent a relevant basis for rational design of downstream processing operations. The findings show that scale‐related process heterogeneities can alter the phenotype of Escherichia coli cells and thus alter fermentation broth properties relevant for primary recovery. Considering scale‐up effects in upstream processing reflected in downstream processing will help to optimize the entire bioproduction chain in the future. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Integrated crop‐livestock systems result in less nitrate leaching than ungrazed crop systems in North Florida
Authors: Santos Erick R. S. , Dubeux José C. B. , Mackowiak Cheryl L. , Wright David L. , Anguelov Gueorgui
Published: March 2023

Integrated crop‐livestock systems provide an array of benefits to agricultural systems, including a reduction in nitrogen (N) leaching. A farm approach to integrate crops and livestock is the adoption of grazed cover crops. Moreover, the addition of perennial grasses into crop rotations may improve soil organic matter and decrease N leaching. However, the effect of grazing intensity in such systems is not fully understood. This 3‐year study investigated short‐term effects of cover crop planting (cover and no cover), cropping system (no grazing, integrated crop‐livestock [ICL], and sod‐based rotation [SBR]), grazing intensity (heavy, moderate, and light grazing), and cool‐season N fertilization (0, 34, and 90 kg N ha−1) on NO3‐N and NH4‐N concentration in leachate, and cumulative N leaching by using 1.5‐m deep drain gauges. The ICL was a cool‐season cover crop‐cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) rotation, whereas SBR was a cool‐season cover crop‐bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) rotation. There was a treatment × year × season for cumulative N leaching (p = 0.035). Further contrast analysis indicated that cover crops decreased cumulative N leaching compared to no cover (18 vs. 32 kg N ha−1 season−1). Nitrogen leaching was lesser for grazed compared to nongrazed systems (14 vs. 30 kg N ha−1 season−1). Treatments containing bahiagrass had lesser NO3‐N concentration in leachate (7 vs. 11 mg L−1) and cumulative N leaching (8 vs. 20 kg N ha−1 season−1) compared to ICL systems. Adding cover crops can reduce cumulative N leaching in crop‐livestock systems; moreover, warm‐season perennial forages can further enhance this benefit.
Collagenous colitis following SARS‐Cov2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Iketani Momoko , Takada Yutaka , Itani Toshinao
Published: March 2023

A healthy 49‐year‐old female developed intractable watery diarrhea after the Pfizer SARS‐Cov2 mRNA vaccination. She was subsequently diagnosed with collagenous colitis (CC). She had no prior history of medication use, suggesting of vaccination being the trigger. CC or lymphocytic colitis should be considered as differential diagnoses for persistent watery diarrhea after SARS‐Cov2 mRNA vaccination.
Evaluation and clinical impact of MALDI Biotyper Mycobacteria Library v6.0 for identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Markanović Manda , Makek Mateja Janković , Glodić Goran , Kuliš Tomislav , Mareković Ivana
Published: March 2023

Major challenges in the identification of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) by MALDI‐TOF MS include protein extraction protocol and updating of the NTM database. The aim of this study was to evaluate MALDI Biotyper Mycobacteria Library v6.0 (Bruker Daltonics GmbH, Bremen, Germany) for identification of clinical NTM isolates and its impact on clinical management. NTM isolates cultivated from clinical samples in 101 patients were identified simultaneously by PCR‐reverse hybridization (Hain Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany) as a routinely used reference molecular method and using MALDI Biotyper Microflex LT/SH after protein extraction. Each isolate was applied to eight spots, and mean scores were used in analysis. MALDI‐TOF MS obtained correct identification to the species level for 95 (94.06%) NTM isolates. The majority of correctly identified isolates (92/95; 96.84%) were identified with high‐confidence score of ≥1.80 and only 3.16% (3/95) with a score of <1.80. Mean value ± SD of RGM NTM isolates (2.127 ± 0.172) was statistically significant higher in comparison to SGM NTM isolates (2.027 ± 0.142) with a p value of 0.007. In comparison to PCR‐reverse hybridization, discordant identification results by MALDI‐TOF MS were found in six (6/101; 5.94%) NTM isolates for which clinical data were analyzed. We demonstrated a high confidence NTM identifications using Mycobacterium Library v 6.0 on routine clinical isolates. This is the first study that analyzed MALDI‐TOF MS identification results of NTM isolates in the context of clinical data, and it showed that MALDI‐TOF MS with its updated databases could help clarify the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and course of infections caused by less frequent NTM species.
Effects of short‐term nitrogen addition on rhizosphere and bulk soil bacterial community structure of three halophytes in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Zhang Zehao , Li Tian , Shao Pengshuai , Sun Jingkuan , Xu Wenjing , Zhao Yinghan
Published: March 2023

The total amount and rate of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition are constantly increasing, which substantially influences the soil microbial community structure and function. However, it is still unclear whether the responses of different plant rhizosphere soil bacterial community to short‐term N addition was consistent. Based on 16s rRNA sequencing, we investigated the responses of rhizosphere and bulk soil bacterial community of halophytes (salt‐absorbing, salt‐rejecting, and salt‐secreting plant) to short‐term N addition in the Yellow River Delta. The bacterial community α‐diversity of Suaeda salsa (salt‐absorbing plant) was significantly higher in rhizosphere soil than in bulk soil, while no significant difference between Phragmites communis (salt‐rejecting plant) rhizosphere and bulk soil bacterial community α‐diversity was found. The differences were mainly ascribed to the higher N uptake capacity of P. communis, which resulted in no difference in N content between rhizosphere and bulk soil. The short‐term N addition significantly increased the α‐diversity of bacterial community in the rhizosphere soil of Aeluropus sinensis (salt‐secreting plant), but there was no effect on the α‐diversity of bacterial community in the rhizosphere soil of P. communis. Nitrogen addition enhances the salt uptake capacity of A. sinensis and alleviates the salt stress of bacterial growth. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes for S. salsa and A. sinensis was significantly higher in rhizosphere soil than in bulk soil, and the relative abundance of Actinobacteria for P. communis and S. salsa was higher and lower in rhizosphere soil than in bulk soil, respectively. Salt‐absorbing of S. salsa leads to elevated rhizosphere soil salinity. Higher salinity and abundant carbon promote the Bacteroidetes and inhibit the Actinobacteria. Short‐term N addition caused an increase in the relative abundance of Gemmatimonadetes in halophyte rhizosphere soil and a decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes in S. salsa and A. sinensis bulk soil, which may be due to the different response of C:N of root secretions to N addition in halophytes. The relative abundance of rhizosphere soil denitrifying bacteria was higher in S. salsa and A. sinensis than in P. communis, while the reverse was observed for N‐fixing bacteria. The relative abundance of denitrifying bacteria decreased in P. communis and increased in S. salsa and A. sinensis. The low N soil environment of P. communis promotes the activity of N‐fixing bacteria, and the abundant N content of S. salsa and A. sinensis soil promotes the denitrification process. The research clarified that the response of soil bacterial community to short‐term N addition Treatment differed due to the influence of plant species and that N additions had smaller effects on the bacterial community than plant species.
Large heterozygous deletion and uniparental disomy masquerading as homozygosity inCHKBgene
Authors: Wu Tenghui , Zhang Ciliu , He Fang , Yang Li , Yin Fei , Peng Jing
Published: March 2023

Background

CHKBmutations have been described in 49 patients with megaconial congenital muscular dystrophy, which is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, of which 40 patients showed homozygosity.

Methods

Peripheral blood genomic DNA samples were extracted from patients and their parents and were tested by whole exome sequencing. Quantitative PCR was performed to detect deletion. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis was performed to identify uniparental disomy. Quantitative PCR and western blot were used to measure the expression level ofCHKBin patient 1‐derived immortalized lymphocytes. Mitochondria were observed in lymphocytes by electron microscopy.

Results

Two unrelated cases born to non‐consanguineous parents were diagnosed with megaconial congenital muscular dystrophy due to apparently homozygous mutations (patient 1: c.225‐2A>T; patient 2: c.701C>T) in theCHKBgene using whole exome sequencing. Quantitative PCR revealed that patient 1 had a large deletion encompassing theCHKBgene, inherited from the mother. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed patient 2 had paternal uniparental isodisomy containing theCHKBgene. In the immortalized lymphocytes from patient 1, decreased expression ofCHKBwas revealed by quantitative PCR and western blot, and giant mitochondria were observed using electron microscopy.

Conclusion

We provide a possibility to detect giant mitochondria in other cells when muscle was not available. Moreover, clinicians should be aware that homozygous variants can be masqueraded by uniparental disomy or large deletions in offspring of non‐consanguineous parents, and excessive homozygosity may be misdiagnosed.
APNA report a call to action to involve PMH nurses in solving mental health crisis
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

Calling attention to the nationwide shortage of mental health professionals and the urgent need to provide adequate and equitable treatment amid a growing mental health crisis, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) last week released a new report calling for psychiatric mental health (PMH)‐registered nurses to fill the growing gaps in mental health care.
Two prominent Houston providers join forces to address youth mental health
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: March 2023

Soaring demand for behavioral health services among adolescents since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic has brought together two major health care organizations in the Houston area. Texas Children's Hospital and The Menninger Clinic have established an affiliation that will provide quicker access to specialized care for area youths who are experiencing suicidality or other major mental health concerns.
Study examines first psychosis episode treatment, self‐harm risk
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

Young people who began treatment within 14 days of being diagnosed with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) were less likely to deliberately harm themselves than those who did not initiate treatment, according to a report in Psychiatric Services. The findings were based on data collected from Ohio Medicaid claims for more than 6,300 youth with FEP, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Psychiatric News alert.
Identification of a PD1/PD‐L1 inhibitor by structure‐based pharmacophore modelling, virtual screening, molecular docking and biological evaluation**
Authors: Choorakottayil Pushkaran Anju , K Kumaran , T Ann Maria , Biswas Raja , Mohan C. Gopi
Published: March 2023

PD‐1/PD‐L1 is a critical druggable target for immunotherapy against sepsis. Chemoinformatics techniques involved the structure‐based 3D pharmacophore model development followed by virtual screening of small molecule databases to identify the small molecules against PD‐L1 pathway inhibition. Raltitrexed and Safinamide act as potent repurposed drugs, and three other Specs database compounds using in silico methods. These compounds were screened based on the pharmacophore fit score and binding affinity towards the active site of the PD‐L1 protein. In silico pharmacokinetic profiling of these screened compounds was done to test their biological activity. Next, experimental validation of the best four virtually screened hits was done in vitro for its hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity. Among these, Raltitrexed, Safinamide and Specs compound (AK‐968/40642641) effectively increased the proliferation of immune cells and IFN‐γ production. These compounds can act as potent PDL‐1 inhibitors for adjuvant therapy against sepsis.
Nursing managers' experiences of facing the COVID‐19 pandemic in their work: A systematic review
Authors: Leppäkoski Tuija , Mattila Elina , Kaunonen Marja
Published: March 2023

Aim

There is far little evidence available on nursing managers' experiences during this global crisis. This systematic review aimed to provide the first comprehensive summary of the findings of published studies describing data concerning nursing managers' experiences of the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Design

Studies published between January 2019 and the end of December 2021 were retrieved from CINAHL, Medline and PubMed databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to guide the search methodology.

Methods

In total, 14 relevant articles were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools and subjected to thematic content analysis.

Results

Our findings revealed five main themes describing nursing managers' experiences: an expanding and changing role, ensuring the well‐being of staff, communication, support received, development and learning. Nursing managers found the task of operational management confusing, as objectives have been constantly changing as the pandemic has progressed. The results should be used in preparation for future crises similar to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The religious self‐alteration of Shem Irofa'alu during the anti‐colonial Maasina Rule in Solomon Islands (1944–1953)
Authors: Timmer Jaap , Frazer Ian
Published: March 2023

This essay explores the post‐World War Two anti‐colonial Maasina Rule in north Malaita, Solomon Islands, to show how a church leader Shem Irofa'alu decided to establish a religious movement independent of the state and the traditional evangelical church. Irofa'alu's movement indexes an important moment of culture change towards increasing enthusiasm for the often‐overlooked Christianity‐based forms of sovereignty in the region. It highlights that Maasina Rule was not only a powerful rupture in social processes, but also sharpened the growing division between state and church. Irofa'alu's role in Maasina Rule shows that his influence peaked between 1948 and 1950 and then went into rapid decline. This change in fortune coincided with a critical turning point in the colonial government's attempts to end the movement through appeasement. No longer the head of the evangelical church in Malu'u sub‐district and frustrated about the mother church's governance, Irofa'alu retreated to his home area and set about establishing a new church, Boboa (‘Foundation’), his first attempt at organizing a self‐governing assembly before introducing Jehovah's Witnesses in north Malaita. In later years, Irofa'alu became a prophet‐exemplar for new generations of religious leaders trying to establish Malaitan sovereignties based on their own power to move the truth of prophecies away from foreign state and church organizations.
Polyimide and polystyrene‐based activated carbon nanofibers with tubular structure for supercapacitor
Authors: Weng Xin , Wang Zhenzhen , Zhang Bing , Yu Xiaodong , Liu Xia , He Tieshi
Published: March 2023

Polyimide (PI) and polystyrene (PS) blend electrospun fibers are prepared by electrospinning method. PI and PS are not completely compatible due to the difference of solubility and surface energy in electrospinning precursor, so PI/PS electrospun fibers have some phase separations along the electric field direction under the high‐voltage electrostatic force. PI with high carbon conversion served as carbon nanofibers, PS with low carbon conversion served as porogenic sacrificial agent, so PI/PS‐based activated carbon nanofibers derived from PI/PS electrospun fibers with well‐controlled opening tubular structure are obtained via thermally induced phase separation process. The morphology and electrochemical performance of activated carbon nanofibers are investigated by structural analysis and electrochemical measurements. The relationships among pores structure, electrolyte character and electrochemical performance of activated carbon fibers are extensively evaluated. Activated carbon nanofibers derived from PI/PS (mass ratio = 1:2) electrospun fibers with nano scale opening tube wall structure show a small charge transfer resistance and the short electric double layers forming time, but also suitable average pore diameter (3.74 nm), high BET specific surface area (952.5 m2 g−1) and average pore volume (0.532 cm3 g−1). Then, a comprehensive electrochemical performance can also be achieved in organic electrolyte: high energy density (31.80 Wh kg−1), good power density (3094.05 W kg−1) and low internal resistance (1.24 Ω). The findings reveal a guideline for the preparation of polymer‐based hierachical porous and opening tubular structure activated carbon nanofibers for electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices.
Evidence for the use of curcumin in radioprotection and radiosensitization
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: March 2023

Curcumin has antineoplastic properties and is considered a chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agent. Curcumin may be associated with radiation therapy (RT) as a radiosensitizer for cancer cells and a radioprotector for normal cells. In principle, it may result in a reduction of RT dosage for the same therapeutic effect on cancer cells, and further reduced damage to normal cells. Though the overall level of evidence is modest, limited to in vivo and in vitro experiences and practically no clinical trials, as the risks of adverse effects are extremely low, it is reasonable to promote the general supplementation with curcumin during RT targeting the reduction of side effects through anti‐inflammatory mechanisms.
Linking SVM based habitat model and evolutionary optimisation for managing environmental impacts of hydropower plants
Authors: Sedighkia Mahdi , Datta Bithin
Published: March 2023

The present study proposes a support vector machine (SVM)‐based habitat model linked with evolutionary optimisation to balance the impacts of generating hydropower on the downstream river habitats. This method was applied in the Rajaei reservoir and Tajan River basin in Iran to mitigate the environmental impacts of hydropower plants. SVM model classified the habitat suitability at downstream river in which a sigmoid function considering different slopes was applied. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient as the evaluation index of the habitat model is 0.8, which implies the SVM model is robust to simulate physical habitats. Hydraulic simulation demonstrated that depth and velocity change from zero to 1.79 m and zero to 1.82 m/s, respectively. Most suitable river flow is 7 m3/s downstream of Rajaei reservoir. Five evolutionary algorithms were used to balance environmental impacts with generating hydropower. Finally, a fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) selected the best optimal solution in the Rajaei reservoir. Based on optimisation results, The simulated annealing (SA) algorithm was the best optimisation method to balance generating hydropower and downstream ecological impacts, in which average habitat suitability is more than 90% of average habitat suitability in the natural flow, while reliability of generating hydropower is 38%. Moreover, SA is able to minimise the average difference between habitat suitability in the optimal release and the natural flow properly. Using the proposed method is recommendable to mitigate the potential impacts of generating hydropower on the downstream river habitats.
Non‐homogeneous continuous‐time Markov chain with covariates: Applications to ambulatory hypertension monitoring
Authors: Chang Joonha , Chan Hei Kit , Lin Jeffrey , Chan Wenyaw
Published: March 2023

Hypertension significantly increases the risk for many health conditions including heart disease and stroke. Hypertensive patients often have continuous measurements of their blood pressure to better understand how it fluctuates over the day. The continuous‐time Markov chain (CTMC) is commonly used to study repeated measurements with categorical outcomes. However, the standard CTMC may be restrictive, because the rates of transitions between states are assumed to be constant through time, while the transition rates for describing the dynamics of hypertension are likely to be changing over time. In addition, the applications of CTMC rarely account for the effects of other covariates on state transitions. In this article, we considered a non‐homogeneous continuous‐time Markov chain with two states to analyze changes in hypertension while accounting for multiple covariates. The explicit formulas for the transition probability matrix as well as the corresponding likelihood function were derived. In addition, we proposed a maximum likelihood estimation algorithm for estimating the parameters in the time‐dependent rate function. Lastly, the model performance was demonstrated through both a simulation study and application to ambulatory blood pressure data.
Enzyme‐Catalyzed Synthesis, Odor Characteristics and Thermal Analysis of New Pyridine Esters
Authors: Zhao Qianrui , Wang Longxin , Chen Haoran , Wu Zhiyong , Zhao Mingqin , Lai Miao
Published: March 2023

A new method for the efficient conversion of pyridine methanols and ethyl carboxylates to pyridine esters in air catalyzed by Novozym 435 (N435) was reported. The enzyme catalyzed transesterification reaction was performed under the optimum conditions: N435 (60 mg) as a biocatalyst, acetonitrile (2.5 mL) as a solvent, the molar ratio of pyridine methanols (0.2 mmol) to ethyl carboxylats (1.0 mmol) of 1 : 5, molecular sieve 3 A of 1.00 g, reaction temperature of 50 °C, the revolution speed of 150 rpm and reaction time of 36 h. The enzyme still retained a yield of 80 % after repeated use for 10 times. Under optimal conditions, eighteen pyridine esters were synthesized in this paper, containing fifteen esters as novel compounds. The synthesized pyridine esters were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐olfactory (GC‐MS‐O), of which four pyridyl esters including compounds 3 a, 3 c, 3 g and 3 r possessed strong aromas which were based on peak area in GC‐MS. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) was performed on these four flavor compounds. According to the results of TG analysis, they had good thermal stability at the certain temperature.
Spherically Structured Ce‐Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Rough Surfaces and Carbon‐Coated Cerium Oxide as Potential Electrodes for Lithium Storage and Supercapacitors
Authors: Kumaresan Lakshmanan , Hanamantrao Desai Prashant , Raj S L Sajan , Chenrayan Senthil , Rangasamy Baskaran , Vediappan Kumaran
Published: March 2023

The rough spherical‐shaped cerium metal‐organic framework (Ce‐MOF) is synthesized by using solvothermal technique, and after being calcined at 550 °C both with and without tannic acid, CeO2 and C@CeO2 are produced. As synthesized Ce‐MOF, CeO2, and C@CeO2 are constructed as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), also Ce‐MOF and C@CeO2 are investigated for use in supercapacitors. In the case of LIBs, as anode, C@CeO2 exhibits a good reversible discharge capacity of 137 mAh g−1 with 99 % coulombic efficiency over 250 cycles at 1 C rate. It demonstrates that the conductivity is greatly improved by the carbon covering than the pristine CeO2 and Ce‐MOF. After the galvanostatic charge‐ discharge technique at 1 C rate, the morphology size was investigated using FESEM to conform further the following alloying and dealloying mechanism of C@CeO2 and the dissolution of terephthalic acid (TPA) in the non‐aqueous electrolyte that is connected to the core structure of Ce‐MOF. In terms of supercapacitors, rough surface morphology improves the electrode electrolyte conduct also the ligand TPA of free terminal acid group attracting K+ and forms the COO− K+. Thus, Ce‐MOF exhibits a good specific capacitance; after 5000 cycles, it produces 118 F g−1 at 4 A g−1.with 65.2 % capacitance retention. The archived maximum power and energy density outcomes of 10.6 kW kg−1 and 0.56 Wh kg−1 at 2 A g−1.
An Ion‐imprinted Polymer‐Receptor‐Based Electrochemical Sensor for the Sensitive and Selective Detection of Cadmium
Authors: Sadiq Nauman , Shafique Muhammad , Akbar Muafia , Shakoor Memoona , Mujahid Adnan , Hussain Tajamal , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: March 2023

In this research work, an ion‐imprinted polymer based electrochemical sensor developed for the sensitive and selective detection of cadmium ions in water. Ion‐imprinted and non‐imprinted polymers were synthesized by thermal free‐radical bulk polymerization. Monomer to crosslinker ratio was optimized receptors chemistry and morphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Receptors were coated onto interdigital electrodes (IDEs) by spin coating and sensor parameters such as sensitivity, selectivity and reversibility were evaluated by using LCR meter. The fabricated sensor showed concentration dependent linear response with limit of detection of 103 ppb. Selectivity was analyzed in the presence of interfering ions such as Zn2+, Hg2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+. The sensor showed a highly selective and reversible response towards cadmium ions.
Splashing‐Assisted Femtosecond Laser‐Activated Metal Deposition for Mold‐ and Mask‐Free Fabrication of Robust Microstructured Electrodes for Flexible Pressure Sensors
Authors: Ji Yaqiang , Zhang Yuan , Zhu Jiaqi , Geng Pai , Halpert Jonathan E. , Guo Liang
Published: March 2023

Flexible pressure sensors play an indispensable role in flexible electronics. Microstructures on flexible electrodes have been proven to be effective in improving the sensitivity of pressure sensors. However, it remains a challenge to develop such microstructured flexible electrodes in a convenient way. Inspired by splashed particles from laser processing, herein, a method for customizing microstructured flexible electrodes by femtosecond laser‐activated metal deposition is proposed. It takes advantage of the catalyzing particles scattered during femtosecond laser ablation and is particularly suitable for moldless, maskless, and low‐cost fabrication of microstructured metal layers on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Robust bonding at the PDMS/Cu interface is evidenced by the scotch tape test and the duration test over 10 000 bending cycles. Benefiting from the firm interface, the developed flexible capacitive pressure sensor with microstructured electrodes presents several conspicuous features, including a sensitivity (0.22 kPa−1) 73 times higher than the one using flat Cu electrodes, ultralow detection limit (<1 Pa), rapid response/recovery time (4.2/5.3 ms), and excellent stability. Moreover, the proposed method, inheriting the merits of laser direct writing, is capable of fabricating a pressure sensor array in a maskless manner for spatial pressure mapping.
Understanding and Optimizing Capacitance Performance in Reduced Graphene‐Oxide Based Supercapacitors
Authors: Gadipelli Srinivas , Guo Jian , Li Zhuangnan , Howard Christopher A. , Liang Yini , Zhang Hong , Shearing Paul R. , Brett Dan J. L.
Published: March 2023

Reduced graphene‐oxide (RGO)‐based electrodes in supercapacitors deliver high energy/power capacities compared to typical nanoporous carbon materials. However, extensive critical analysis of literature reveals enormous discrepancies (up to 250 F g−1) in the reported capacitance (variation of 100–350 F g−1) of RGO materials synthesized under seemingly similar methods, inhibiting an understanding of capacitance variation. Here, the key factors that control the capacitance performance of RGO electrodes are demonstrated by analyzing and optimizing various types of commonly applied electrode fabrication methods. Beyond usual data acquisition parameters and oxidation/reduction properties of RGO, a substantial difference of more than 100% in capacitance values (with change from 190 ± 20 to 340 ± 10 F g−1) is found depending on the electrode preparation method. For this demonstration, ≈40 RGO‐based electrodes are fabricated from numerous distinctly different RGO materials via typically applied methods of solution (aqueous and organic) casting and compressed powders. The influence of data acquisition conditions and capacitance estimation practices are also discussed. Furthermore, by optimizing electrode processing method, a direct surface area governed capacitance relationship for RGO structures is revealed.
Tunable Hole‐Selective Transport by Solution‐Processed MoO3−x Via Doping for p‐Type Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Wei Yaju , Yu Guoqiang , Luo Guohui , Fu Wang , Liu Wuqi , Wang Tao , Xu Haonan , Wu Xiaoping , Xu Lingbo , Lin Ping , Zhu Xiaodong , Yu Xuegong , Wang Peng , Cui Can
Published: March 2023

Molybdenum oxide (MoO3−x, x < 3) has been successfully used as an efficient hole‐selective contact material for crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells. The carrier transport capability strongly depends on its work function, that is, oxygen vacancies; however, there are lack of effective methods to modulate the multiple oxidation states. Herein, the oxidation states of solution‐processed MoO3−x by doping Nb5+ to improve its hole‐selective contact performance with silicon are tuned. With the optimum doping concentration of 5%, both the reduced Mo5+ and oxygen vacancies increase, resulting in a decrease in the contact resistivity between the MoO3−x film and p‐type silicon from 161.1 to 62.9 mΩ·cm2 and an increase of the effective carrier lifetime from 165.4 to 391.0 μs simultaneously. Similarly, the doping of Ta5+ or V5+ in MoO3−x improves the passivated contact performance with silicon, while the former increases the concentration of oxygen vacancies and the latter reduces it. The solar cell with the structure of Ag/MoO3−x:Nb/p‐Si exhibits a conversion efficiency of 18.37%, which is the highest so far reported for the solution‐processed MoO3−x/silicon heterojunction. This work demonstrates a feasible strategy of tuning hole selectivity in MoO3−x by doping for high‐efficiency solar cells and other optoelectronic device applications.
The Microstructure of Underdense Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon and its Application to Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Fischer Benedikt , Beyer Wolfhard , Lambertz Andreas , Nuys Maurice , Duan Weiyuan , Ding Kaining , Rau Uwe
Published: March 2023

The application of thin underdense hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) films for passivation of crystalline Si (c‐Si) by avoiding epitaxy in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell technology has recently been proposed and successfully applied. Herein, the microstructure of such underdense a‐Si:H films, as used in our silicon heterojunction solar cell baseline, is investigated mainly by Raman spectroscopy, effusion, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. In H effusion experiments, a low‐temperature (near 400 °C) effusion peak which has been attributed to the diffusion of molecular H2 through a void network is seen. The dependence of the H effusion peaks on film thickness is similar as observed previously for void rich, low substrate‐temperature a‐Si:H material. Solar cells using underdense a‐Si:H as i1‐layer with a maximum efficiency of 24.1% are produced. The passivation quality of the solar cells saturates with increasing i1‐layer thickness. The fact that with such underdense material combined with a following high‐quality i2‐layer, instead of only high‐quality a‐Si:H with a low defect density direct on the c‐Si substrate, good passivation of c‐Si solar cells is achieved, which demonstrates that in the passivation process, molecular hydrogen plays an important role.
Influence of the Inherited Structure Induced by Al and Si Alloying on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of 100Cr6 Steels
Authors: Allam Tarek , Ostermayer Pascal , Blinn Bastian , Beck Tilmann , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: March 2023

The fatigue lifetime of high‐strength 100Cr6 steels can be improved by an increased content of retained austenite that can be induced by Al and Si alloying. The related deformation‐induced retention of the austenite–martensite transformation during cyclic loading increases their local strain hardening capacity. However, for those 100Cr6 steels containing retained austenite, sufficient dimensional stability must be ensured. In this study, two standard 100Cr6 steels alloyed either with 1.5 wt% Al or 1.5 wt% Si (to diminish carbide formation and accordingly promote austenite retention) are laboratory melted and processed to adjust a microstructure of bainite, retained austenite, and carbides. The segregation simulation in the as‐cast condition and the corresponding microstructures in the forging and heat‐treating conditions are investigated. The inheritance of chemical heterogeneity leads to structural heterogeneity on both the nano‐ (nm) and micro (μm) scales. This heterogeneity is much more pronounced in the Al‐alloyed steel, which can be attributed to inheritance from the as‐cast state. While the results of the quasistatic tensile tests are comparable for both alloys, the cyclic load increase tests indicate a higher fatigue strength of the Si‐alloyed steel, which can be explained with the more homogenous microstructure and the finer distribution of the retained austenite.
Indentation Plastometry for Study of Anisotropy and Inhomogeneity in Maraging Steel Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Southern Tom , Campbell Jimmy E. , Kourousis Kyriakos I. , Mooney Barry , Tang Yuanbo T. , Clyne Trevor William
Published: March 2023

This work concerns the use of profilometry‐based indentation plastometry (PIP) to obtain mechanical property information for maraging steel samples produced via an additive manufacturing route (laser powder bed fusion). Bars are produced in both “horizontal” (all material close to the build plate) and “vertical” (progressively increasing distance from the build plate) configurations. Samples are mechanically tested in both as‐built and age‐hardened conditions. Stress–strain curves from uniaxial testing (tensile and compressive) are compared with those from PIP testing. Tensile test data suggest significant anisotropy, with the horizontal direction harder than the vertical direction. However, systematic compressive tests, allowing curves to be obtained for both build and transverse directions in various locations, indicate that there is no anisotropy anywhere in these materials. This is consistent with electron backscattered diffraction results, indicating that there is no significant texture in these materials. It is also consistent with the outcomes of PIP testing, which can detect anisotropy with high sensitivity. Furthermore, both PIP testing and compression testing results indicate that the changing growth conditions at different distances from the build plate can lead to strength variations. It seems likely that what has previously been interpreted as anisotropy in the tensile response is in fact due to inhomogeneity of this type.