bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Rectal Cancer Resection: Insights From a Resource‐Limited Setting
Authors: Nadarajan Abinaya R. , Krishnan Nair Chandramohan , Muralee Madhu , Wagh Mira Sudam , T. M. Anoop , George Preethi Sara
Published: December 2024

Background

Minimally invasive approaches for rectal cancer treatment are emerging as the standard of care. Robotic surgery is unfeasible across the country due to constrained resource allocation. This study aimed to assess the oncologic efficacy of laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer in a resource‐limited setting.

Methods

A propensity score‐matched analysis was carried out to compare the oncological outcomes of laparoscopic and open rectal cancer resection at a high‐volume tertiary cancer centre in South India.

Results

Two hundred and twenty patients were included (110 patients in each group). The median follow‐up was 93 months. There was no difference in positive circumferential resection margin between laparoscopic and open group (4.5% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.55), with a significantly better nodal yield in laparoscopic group. There was no significant difference between the laparoscopic and open groups in terms of local recurrence (5.1% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.12), 5‐year disease‐free survival (86% vs. 81%, p = 0.22, HR 0.699, 95% CI 0.353–1.27) or overall survival (85% vs. 76%, p = 0.21, HR 0.658, 95% CI 0.340–1.27). The mean cost between the two groups had no difference.

Conclusion

In a resource‐limited setting with good expertise, laparoscopic surgery is an effective minimally invasive option that has good survival outcomes without imposing a financial burden on patients.
CD24 Positive Nucleus Pulposus Cells in Adult Human Intervertebral Discs Maintain a More Notochordal Phenotype Than GD2 Positive Cells
Authors: Ionescu Andra‐Maria , Baird Pauline , Patel Sonal , Howell Gareth , Hoyland Judith A. , Richardson Stephen M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Notochordal cells (NCs) present in the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the developing human intervertebral disc (IVD) disappear during the first decade of life. This loss coincides with the onset of IVD degeneration, therefore these cells are hypothesized to be important in NP homeostasis. Putative NC‐derived (CD24+) and progenitor (TIE2+/GD2+) cell sub‐populations have previously been identified in the adult human NP, but their characteristics have yet to be compared. Here, we used CD24, TIE2 and GD2 to identify and then isolate discrete cell sub‐populations to assess cell phenotype.

Methods

CD24, GD2 and TIE2 positivity was assessed in a cohort of human pediatric and adult NP samples across a range of ages and histological degeneration grades using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. FACS sorting was used to isolate different cell sub‐populations (CD24+/GD2+; CD24+/GD2−; CD24−/GD2+; CD24−/GD2−). Cell phenotype was assessed using qPCR for known NC and NP markers as well as catabolic genes.

Results

CD24+ and GD2+ cells were localized in all samples, irrespective of age or degeneration grade, while TIE2+ cell number was consistently very low. The same positivity trend was confirmed using flow cytometry. A small CD24+/GD2+ sub‐population was present and maintained marker expression with time in culture. CD24+ subpopulations showed a significantly higher expression of NC markers than the CD24− subpopulations and unsorted samples, suggesting a healthier phenotype in the CD24+ cells. GD2 did not appear to influence gene expression.

Conclusions

This study provides a better understanding of different cell sub‐populations present in the adult NP, with identification of CD24+/GD2+ cells that are maintained with aging and degeneration. Healthy, NC‐like phenotypic profiles appeared reliant on CD24, rather than GD2. The study highlights the importance of studying discrete cell sub‐populations, especially CD24+ NP cells to better understand their role in NP homeostasis.
Habitat heterogeneity over multiple scales supports dense and diverse megafaunal communities on a northeast Pacific ridge
Authors: Girard Fanny , Caress David W. , Paduan Jennifer B. , Kuhnz Linda A. , Litvin Steven Y. , Flattery Emma , Kahn Amanda S. , DeVogelaere Andrew , Burton Erica J. , Lovera Christopher , Martin Eric J. , Barry James P.
Published: December 2024

Marine environments are highly heterogeneous, varying across scales of a few meters to entire ocean basins. Understanding the relationship between environmental variability and species distribution is essential for area‐based management and conservation. However, this requires a precise alignment of seabed mapping with environmental and biological sampling, which is often difficult to achieve in the deep sea. There is thus an urgent need to tackle this challenge to effectively manage high‐diversity habitats such as deep‐sea coral and sponge aggregations. Relying on multiple subsea platforms, seafloor mapping, and imaging techniques, we mapped the distribution of megafaunal communities at Sur Ridge (780–1525‐m depth; off central California) across multiple spatial scales. First, remotely operated vehicle video transects were conducted to characterize community distribution along the ridge in relation to substratum type, environmental conditions, and 1‐m resolution bathymetry. Five distinct communities, located in specific areas of the ridge, were identified. These communities were primarily structured by depth, availability of hard substrata, and terrain complexity (slope and rugosity). Indicator taxa were identified for each community and their distributions were characterized at the centimeter scale from coregistered 5‐mm resolution photomosaic and 5‐cm lateral resolution bathymetry produced during low altitude remotely operated vehicle surveys. High‐resolution mapping allowed the identification of associations between deep‐sea coral and sponge and other benthic taxa and showed that, even at these small scales, different taxa associate with distinct microhabitats. These results highlight the importance of accounting for habitat heterogeneity, and its role in supporting biodiversity when designing management and conservation strategies.
In Situ Monitoring of Mechanofluorescence in Polymeric Nanofibers
Authors: Dini Valentina A. , Kiebala Derek J. , Genovese Damiano , Zaccheroni Nelsi , Calvino Céline , Contini Emma , Weder Christoph , Schrettl Stephen , Gualandi Chiara
Published: December 2024

Mechanofluorescent polymers represent a promising class of materials exhibiting fluorescence changes in response to mechanical stimuli. One approach to fabricating these polymers involves incorporating aggregachromic dyes, whose emission properties are governed by the intermolecular distance, which can, in turn, be readily altered by microstructural changes in the surrounding polymer matrix during mechanical deformation. In this study, a mechanofluorescent additive featuring excimer‐forming oligo(p‐phenylene vinylene) dyes (tOPV) is incorporated into electrospun polyurethane fibers, producing mats of fibers with diameters ranging from 300 to 700 nm. The influence of the additive concentration and fiber orientation on the mechanofluorescent response under tensile deformation is investigated. In situ fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy imaging reveal a strain‐dependent change of the fluorescence color from orange to yellow or green, with a more pronounced response in prealigned fibers. Stresses experienced by the nanofibers during elongation are mapped in real‐time. The data reveal that forces initially concentrate in fibers that are aligned parallel to the applied strain, and only later redistribute as other fibers once they also align. These findings advance the understanding of force transfer within fibrous polymer mats and are expected to facilitate the development of self‐reporting nanofibers for applications in load‐bearing devices, wearable technologies, and mechanochromic textiles.
A Method for Detecting Bias in Human Archaeological Cemetery Samples
Authors: Taylor Bonnie R. , Oxenham Marc F.
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to provide a methodological approach to identify potential bias in cemetery sample age‐at‐death distributions and provide an alternative way to report fertility despite underenumeration. The method involves comparing total fertility rate (TFR) estimates from two empirically derived models developed on a United Nations mortality and fertility dataset. The models utilize different age cohorts in their calculations (one relies on the proportion of pre‐adults aged < 15 years, whereas the other excludes all those aged < 15 years). The tested hypothesis is that similar TFR estimates using both models indicate a relatively unbiased sample, although the converse would suggest cemetery sample bias in one broad age cohort. Results comparing the respective TFR estimates from D0–14/D and D15–49/D15+ models confirm that fertility estimates are comparable for unbiased samples. From this, a method for the coordinated application of the D0–14/D and D15–49/D15+ models were found to be valid in determining if a cemetery sample was biased. Following the determination of potential underrepresentation, an approach is outlined for dealing with biased and unbiased cemetery samples in terms of reporting on demographic variables such as TFRs.
Melt‐spun poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐1,4‐cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PETG) copolyester fibers: Synergistic effect of chemical and crystal structure regulation
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Yao Zhiyuan , He Yujing , Yu Senlong , Chen Meijia , Shi Zhenjiang , He Jiaxu , Xiang Hengxue , Zhu Meifang
Published: December 2024

In this work, a series of 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM)‐based copolyester fibers are prepared by chemical structure design and crystal structure regulation. The chemical structures of poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐1,4‐cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate, (PETG)) copolyesters are first confirmed by 1H‐ and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance which indicates that all copolyesters are random copolyesters. Then, the crystallization and melting behavior, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of copolyesters are significantly affected by the CHDM content and CHDM cis‐trans isomerism ratio, showing that trans‐CHDM can effectively improve the comprehensive performance of PETG copolyesters. Besides, the influence of the CHDM monomer (amount and cis‐trans isomerism ratio) and melt‐spinning drawing process on the crystal structure and mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation) is also investigated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and tensile testing. Especially, the resultant PETG30‐trans80 copolyester fibers exhibit good mechanical properties, and the tensile strength and elongation are 113.9 MPa and 136.5%, respectively. Therefore, our work provides a promising strategy for the fabrication of copolyester fiber.

Highlights

Bio‐based PETG copolyester was obtained.

Synergistic effects of a chemical structure and drawing process of PETG fiber were discussed.

The influence of drawing process on crystallization, and orientation of fiber properties was studied.
Study on properties of natural latex foam composites modified by corn straw‐derived biomass fiber
Authors: Li Xiaoye , Liu Huamin , Xue Yuanyuan , Zhu Yanchao , Li Juntao , Li Xinyao , Gao Shuang
Published: December 2024

Reinforcing fillers play a pivotal role in achieving superior performance of latex foam materials. The corn stalk, as an agricultural by‐product, possesses the advantages of abundant availability, renewability, and environmental friendliness. In this study, natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) was prepared using the Dunlop method with the addition of corn stalk (CS) as a reinforcing agent. To further enhance the adhesion between the biomass fiber and matrix, alkali‐treated CS/natural rubber latex foam (ACS/ NRLF) was prepared by modifying the CS with a 6% sodium hydroxide solution. The effects of different amounts of CS and ACS on the properties of the composites were investigated. The results demonstrate that loading 5phr of ACS significantly improves mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive capacity, recovery rate, and other properties in ACS/NRLF materials. Furthermore, surface treatment of the fiber is shown to greatly enhance material performance. This indicates that CS has great potential in the application of latex foam materials.
Bioorthogonal Reactions of Oxadiazinones With Strained trans‐Cyclooctenes
Authors: Morrill Kaitlyn , Josephson Jason D. , Bilodeau Didier A. , Altamimi Baha , Nakajima Masaya , Pezacki John Paul
Published: December 2024

We report quantitative details of addition reactions of a strained trans‐cyclooctene with a series of oxadiazinones, analogues of the bioorthogonally fruitful tetrazines. Both experimental and computational studies of these ligations reveal their sensitivity to differing electronic character of oxadiazinone substituents. Achieving rate constants up to 9.5 L mol−1 s−1, oxadiazinones demonstrate untapped potential for bioorthogonal applications.
Selective Killing of Human Breast Cancer Cells by Plasma‐Treated L‐Arginine Solution
Authors: Du Liyin , Miron Camelia , Kondo Takashi , Kumagai Jun , Mizuno Masaaki , Toyokuni Shinya , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Hori Masaru , Tanaka Hiromasa
Published: December 2024

l‐arginine is a nonessential amino acid that plays an important role in normal immune function and can be used as an adjuvant treatment for cancers. The antitumor effect of nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma treated l‐arginine solutions (PTA) was investigated in this research. The cancer‐specific killing effect of PTA on human breast epithelial cells (MCF‐10A) and human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) was proved. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the organic compounds formed in PTA, and their effects were individually evaluated by MTS assay, revealing that some compounds inhibited cell proliferation but lacked selectivity. PTA's selective cytotoxicity may result from a mixture of various compounds formed in plasma combined in a certain concentration.
Direct Iron Phthalocyanine (FePc) Incorporation on Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) as Fe–N Complex via Plasma Engineering for Advanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Kim Seonghee , Lee Sungho , Li Oi Lun
Published: December 2024

Herein, we applied plasma engineering to modify the Fe‐N complex directly on the graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) substrate as advanced ORR electrocatalysts. Plasma treatment activated and effectively anchored the Fe‐N4 structure on GNP without degradation. From XPS analysis, the binding energy of Fe 2p was shifted towards higher energy in FePc/GNP‐Plasma with enhanced charge delocalization of Fe–N complex. Electrochemical analyses showed FePc/GNP‐Plasma electrocatalyst achieved a half‐wave potential of 0.91 V vs. RHE and six times higher kinetic current density compared to commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C. The results highlight that forming the charge delocalization via plasma engineering promotes ORR activity, offering new insights for plasma surface modification of carbon‐based electrocatalysts for renewable energy applications, including fuel cell and metal‐air batteries.
Investigation of Dislocations Introduced in Si Wafer during Flash Lamp Annealing by Photoluminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Ryzhak Diana , Kissinger Gudrun , Ehlert Andreas , Sattler Andreas , Spirito Davide , Kot Dawid
Published: December 2024

Dislocations are generated in Si wafers during flash lamp annealing for 20 ms. The samples have been etched to different depths and macro‐photoluminescence (PL) spectra have been recorded for different dislocation densities. A micro‐PL investigation is also carried out on a cross section of a sample. Four characteristic emission peaks are found, which are the well‐known D1, D2, D3, and D4 lines. The findings demonstrate a significant influence of the defect densities on the PL spectra of the D lines by using both the micro‐ and the macro‐PL setups, and show a correlation of the PL intensities with etch pit density measured against the depth of the wafer. Additionally, the D lines dependency on temperature is explored, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms. The D lines exhibit a pronounced temperature dependence, which can be attributed to various factors including phonon interactions and thermal expansion effects. The influence of nickel contamination is also examined.
Acoustic Phonon Scattering in Free‐Standing Anisotropic Silicon Plates
Authors: Mori Nobuya
Published: December 2024

The electron–acoustic‐phonon interaction in a free‐standing anisotropic Si plate with (001) surface is studied taking into account the elastic anisotropy of the Si crystal and the modulated phonon modes. The interaction potential is derived from the modulated phonon modes and the anisotropic deformation potential constants. The effective deformation potential constant Dac is then calculated considering only the lowest electronic sub‐band. In the quantum well model for the electronic states, it is shown that the effective deformation potential for the modulated phonons in an anisotropic Si plate becomes Dac ≈ 13 eV in the thinner region of the plate thickness . It is also shown that both the phonon modulation and the crystal anisotropy have non‐negligible effects on the effective deformation potential and electron mobility.
A vorticity budget for theoretical and convectively coupled equatorial Rossby waves: Dynamical propagation and growth mechanisms
Authors: Matthews Adrian J.
Published: December 2024

Convectively coupled equatorial Rossby waves (CCERWs) are westward‐propagating tropical weather systems that can trigger extreme precipitation and flooding. Here, vorticity budgets are used to determine their dynamical mechanisms of propagation and growth. First, an analytical solution to the vorticity budget of theoretical dry equatorial Rossby waves is presented. Westward propagation arises entirely from the planetary vorticity advection () term, where high‐magnitude planetary vorticity is advected equatorward from higher latitudes to the west of cyclonic perturbations in the Rossby‐wave structure. This is the classical Rossby‐wave propagation mechanism. There is one other non‐zero term in the vorticity budget: the vortex stretching () term has a (weak) eastward propagation tendency, mainly due to the convergence in the meridional wind structure to the east of the cyclonic perturbations. This acts to slow the overall westward propagation down. Both these terms are in quadrature with the vorticity structure and hence the theoretical waves are neutral. A vorticity budget of observed CCERWs is then presented, using reanalysis data. The primary westward propagation mechanism is still the planetary vorticity advection term. However, the convergence centres are now aligned with the cyclonic vorticity centres, rather than a quarter cycle to the east. Hence the vortex stretching () term is now in phase with the vorticity, leading to growth of CCERWs. There is an even stronger growth contribution from the nonlinear vortex stretching term. Horizontal vorticity advection and subgrid‐scale processes both act to damp the CCERW. The total source term is one of westward propagation and growth. This diagnostic vorticity‐budget approach can be applied to inform the assessment of forecast skill and model development.
A Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of New Fused Indole Pyrazole Derivatives and Their Anticancer and Antidiabetic Activities
Authors: Majola Senzekile , Sabela Myalowenkosi , Gengan Robert , Makhanya Talent
Published: December 2024

Indole‐pyrazole hybrids are intriguing due to their potential for synergistic pharmacological effects, unlike molecules with only one pharmacophore. This study presents a one‐pot synthesis of fused indole‐pyrazole derivatives, bis indole‐pyrazole 4a and chromone indole‐pyrazole 4b using an aldehyde, thiosemicarbizide, and an indole, as potential anticancer and antidiabetic agents. The synthesized compounds were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS). Initially, a mutagenicity test was performed, and the compounds showed no significant increase in revertant colonies against Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100 strains. In the MTT assay for cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines, A549 and HepG‐2; and one normal cell line, HEK 293. Compound 4b showed high potency against the cancer cell lines, with IC50 values of 18.70 and 50.07 µg/mL, respectively, whereas both compounds showed low inhibition level against HEK 293 at 100 µg/mL. The in vitro inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, compound 4a demonstrated excellent in vitro inhibition of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, with the IC50 values of 3.9 µg/mL and 12.1 µg/mL, respectively.
Hierarchical Porous Fe3C@Fe‐N‐C Catalysts from Tannin‐Fe(III) Complexes for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Pérez‐Rodríguez Sara , Torres Daniel , Izquierdo María Teresa , Zitolo Andrea , Bibent Nicolas , Sougrati Moulay , Jaouen Frédéric , Celzard Alain , Fierro Vanessa
Published: December 2024

The rational design of metal‐nitrogen‐doped carbons (M‐N‐C) from available and cost‐effective sources featuring high electrocatalytic performance and stability is attractive for the development of viable low‐temperature fuel cells. Herein, mimosa tannin, an abundant polyphenol easily extracted from the Mimosa plant, is used as a natural carbon source to produce a tannin‐Fe(III) coordination complex. This process is assisted by Pluronic F127, which acts as both a surfactant and a promoter of Fe‐Nx active sites. After carbonization in the presence of urea as a nitrogen precursor, this organic tannin‐Fe(III) framework produces Fe3C nanoparticles encapsulated on a Fe‐N‐C single‐atom catalyst with hierarchical porosity. The optimal catalyst, with a Pluronic F127/mimosa tannin mass ratio of 0.5, exhibits high ORR performance in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes, with half‐wave potentials of 0.87 and 0.74 V versus RHE, respectively. In addition, good performance is achieved in practical hydrogen polymer‐electrolyte membrane fuel cells using OH−‐ or H+‐conducting membranes with peak power densities of 242 and 200 mW cm−2 at cell voltages of 0.43 and 0.3 V, respectively. The synthetic approach can be explored to design new renewable M‐N‐C electrodes for electrochemical energy conversion or storage devices due to tannin's exceptional ability to coordinate metals.
Oxygen‐Independent Photodynamic Therapy‐Mediated Selective Consumption of M1 Macrophage Against Ventricular Arrhythmias via Sympathetic Neuromodulation
Authors: Lin Heng , Liu Hengyang , Xi Haosong , Li Dangwei , Jiang Pengcheng , Wang Yijun , Cheng Siyi , Jiang Hong , Deng Hongbing , Zhou Xue , Yu Lilei
Published: December 2024

The occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI)‐induced malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is closely associated with the hyperactivation of left stellate ganglion (LSG). Proinflammatory M1 macrophage is reported to aggravate sympathetic overactivation and cause VAs. Therefore, the depletion of M1 macrophage is anticipated to inhibit LSG overactivation and alleviate MI‐induced VAs. Herein, oxygen‐independent photodynamic therapy (Oi‐PDT) combined with M1 macrophage targeting is applied to selectively deplete M1 macrophage in LSG and further treat MI‐induced VAs. Oi‐PDT, which overcomes the limitation of extremely dependence on oxygen content in traditional PDT, is constructed through the generation of oxidizing photogenerated holes (h+) under the irradiation of near‐infrared (NIR) light on the prepared Oi‐PDT agent (PPSCD). Meanwhile, PPSCD targets M1 macrophage through conjunction with SR‐A receptor. The selective consumption of M1 macrophage is attributed to both apoptosis and ferroptosis induced by h+, 1O2, and O2•− generated in Oi‐PDT. In vivo tests indicated neural activity experienced a notable reduction from 104.5 ±  2.9 to 51.5 ± 6.7 after MI with Oi‐PDT treatment, thereby significantly inhibited VAs. The implementation of this study provides a promising strategy for selective consumption of M1 macrophages and treatment of VAs induced by MI.
Emergent Mid‐Infrared Nonlinear Optical Candidates With Targeted Balance Performances
Authors: Huang Junben , Abudurusuli Ailijiang , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: December 2024

Infrared nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal materials exert a crucial role in laser technology, which is extensively utilized in the fields of medical laser, long‐distance laser communication, infrared laser guidance, etc. Currently, the commercially available infrared NLO crystals are diamond‐like structural crystals AgGaQ2 (Q = S, Se) and ZnGeP2. However, their applications are significantly limited owing to their inherent drawbacks, such as low laser damage thresholds and narrow band gaps. Therefore, exploring novel infrared NLO materials with excellent performances is urgent. At present, candidate systems for exploring infrared NLO materials mainly are chalcogenides, pnictides, metal halides for popular systems, and chalcohalides, oxyhalides, heavy metal oxides, oxychalcogenides, nitrides for emergent systems. Notably, among them, pnictides generally exhibited a stronger NLO performance than other systems, but a narrower band gap. Accordingly, after the detailed literature survey, to the best knowledge, ≈139 compounds achieve balanced performances (Eg ≥ 3.0 eV, dij ≥ 0.5 × AgGaS2) in the remaining systems, in which there are 2 metal halides, 9 oxyhalides, 10 heavy metal oxides, 17 nitrides, 19 oxychalcogenides, 22 chalcohalides, and 60 chalcogenides. Thus, the structure‐property survey of these compounds produces the practical design strategy to explore emergent infrared NLO crystal materials with balanced properties.
Developing High Energy Density Li‐S Batteries via Pore‐Structure Regulation of Porous Carbon Based Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Wang Chen , Zhang Jingbo , Hou Ruohan , Zhang Shijie , Liu Kangli , Silva S. Ravi P. , Zhang Peng , Shao Guosheng
Published: December 2024

The mesopores and macropores within porous carbon materials help increase the surface for the depostion of solid‐state products, reduce the Li2S film thickness, enhance electron and mass transport, and accelerate the reaction kinetics. However, an excessive amount of mesopores and macropores can lead to increased electrolyte consumption, particularly at high sulfur loadings, where excessive electrolyte usage hampers the enhancement of practical energy density in lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. A rational pore structure can minimize the amount of electrolyte to fill the pores, thereby reducing electrolyte consumption while achieving rapid reaction kinetics and a high gravimetric energy density. In this work, the pore structure of carbon nanosheet‐based electrocatalysts is precisely controlled by adjusting the content of a water‐soluble potassium chloride template, allowing for in‐depth investigation of the relationship between pore structure, electrolyte usage, and electrochemical performance in Li‐S batteries. The molybdenum carbide‐embedded carbon nanosheet (MoC‐CNS) electrocatalyst, with an optimized pore structure, facilitates exceptional electrochemical performance under high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte conditions. Ultimately, the MoC‐CNS‐3‐based Li‐S battery achieved stable operation over 50 cycles under high sulfur loading (12 mg cm−2) and a low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur (E/S) ratio of 4 uL mg−1, delivering a high gravimetric energy density of 354.5 Wh kg−1. This work provides a viable strategy for developing high‐performance Li‐S batteries.
Solubility‐Limited Small Molecule for Stable High‐Capacity Potassium Storage
Authors: Wu Lei‐Feng , Xiao Ji‐Miao , Luan Cui‐Zhou , Xie Mo , Li Yu‐Yang , Bin De‐Shan , Zuo Jing‐Lin
Published: December 2024

Small molecule electrode materials with superb redox activity have significant applied implications for K‐ion storage, but they face significant challenges like high solubility in electrolytes and low conductivity, limiting their capacity, rate, and cycling stability. Herein, a series of Ni‐bis(dithiolene) (NiS4)‐based small molecules are designed with control of various redox‐active substitutional groups for K‐ion batteries anode materials. It is identified that bis[1,2‐di(pyridine‐4‐yl) ethylene‐1,2‐dithiolate] nickel Ni[C2S2Py2]2 demonstrates a high reversible specific capacity (399 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1) with an impressive rate capability and an exceptional cycling stability (over 99% capacity retention after 1600 cycles). Its extraordinary performance is attributed to the synergy between the NiS4 unit and pyridine group, providing abundant K⁺ storage sites, impressive conductivity, and low solubility. The comprehensive characterizations and theoretical simulation confirm the multistep K⁺ storage mechanism in Ni[C2S2Py2]2, enabling fast charge transfer and excellent rate performance. This work offers new perspectives in building solubility‐limited and conductive small molecule electrode materials with high redox activity for non‐aqueous rechargeable batteries.
Active Corrosion Triggered Liquid Metal Dewetting
Authors: Wu Wangyan , Chai Guangyu , Luo Wei
Published: December 2024

Liquid metals (LMs), as an emerging group of functional materials, possess the necessary conditions for dewetting. However, LM dewetting garnered grossly inadequate attention. Here, an intriguing phenomenon termed active corrosion‐triggered dewetting (ACT‐Dewetting) of LMs is reported. Distinct from traditional dewetting which mainly depends on physical treatments (e.g., laser irradiation, evaporation) for initiation, the ACT‐Dewetting couples mechanics, chemistry, and physics, which enables gallium (Ga)‐based and Ga‐free (e.g., fusible alloy) LMs spread on sacrificial metals (e.g., Al, Mg) readily dewet into numerous microdroplets in seconds along with substrate corrosion and gas emission. This gives birth to a novel method for fabricating LM microdroplets. Besides, due to the consistent metallic luster of painted LMs on various substrates and selective corrosion of substrates, ACT‐Dewetting is demonstrated as an effective information encryption method. With these proof‐of‐concept illustrations, it is anticipated this ACT‐Dewetting strategy would facilitate more innovative studies of LMs.
A Chemically Robust Microporous Zn‐MOF for C2H2 Separation from CO2 and Industrially Relevant Four Component Gas Mixtures
Authors: Pramanik Bikram , Sahoo Rupam , Krishna Rajamani , Das Madhab C.
Published: December 2024

The separation and purification of acetylene from the light hydrocarbon gas mixtures is considered as one of the most industrially challenging task for the production of fine chemicals. Though metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising candidates for such separation and offer a cost and energy‐efficient pathway, achieving the trade‐off between sorption capacity and separation selectivity along with framework robustness is a daunting task and demands effective design. Herein, a new 3D chemically stable MOF, IITKGP‐24 (stable over a wide range of aqueous pH solution, pH = 2–12) is developed, displaying excellent separation selectivity of 13.9 for C2H2/CO2 (50:50) even at ambient conditions and maintained a trade‐off between sorption capacity and separation selectivity. Most importantly, the breakthrough performance analysis under the industrially relevant gas mixture composition revealed that the developed framework possesses excellent separation of acetylene from not only C2H2/CO2 (50:50) gas mixtures but also from the quaternary C2H2/C2H4/C2H6/CO2 (25:25:25:25) feed gas streams. Separation of C2H2 from such a four component gas mixture by MOFs is unexplored. The exceptional framework robustness, high C2H2/CO2 uptake ratio, low heat of adsorption, and excellent recyclability with easy regenerability made the developed framework promising candidate toward this challenging separation.
Bimetallic Modification Strategy: Ultra‐Thin Ni‐Ag Coating Prepared via One‐Step Method Enables Highly Reversible Zn Anode
Authors: Yan Zongkai , Cheng Qi , Sun Mengxuan , Wu Baoshan , Zhu Yanlin , Tong Zuwen , Li Ming , Jia Chunyang , Zhao Panfeng
Published: December 2024

For aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs), Zn dendritic growth and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) usually result in the severe degradation of bare Zn anodes. Although the alloy‐modified anodes can improve the reversibility of the Zn plating/stripping process, the regulation of alloy components is too complex to meet the requirements for large‐scale fabrication. Herein, a Ni‐Ag bimetallic coating on Zn foils (Ni‐Ag@Zn) is prepared by magnetron co‐sputtering. Owing to this bimetallic coating with the ultrathin thickness of 200 nm, the cycling life of Ni‐Ag@Zn‐based symmetric cells attains more than 5000 h at current density of 1 mA/cm2 and areal capacity of 1 mA h/cm2, exceeding most of the reported binary/ternary‐alloy‐based symmetric cells. To the suppression of dendrite growth and HER, the regulation mechanism of the bimetallic coating on Zn deposition is assigned to the synergistic effect, the suppressed HER by the strong adsorption of Ag with H ions and the flatted Zn deposition via the strong adsorption of Ni/Ag with Zn ions. To our knowledge, both the bimetallic and ultrathin features have not been reported to optimize the anodes for AZIBs. The present bimetallic coating strategy renders the diversification of anode modification for the commercialization of high‐performance AZIBs.
The resonance of Mike Jackson's work with the use of systems ideas in community operational research
Authors: Herron Rebecca J. M. , Mendiwelso Bendek Zoraida , Salinas Navarro David E. , Vilalta‐Perdomo Eliseo , Weaver Miles W
Published: December 2024

The body of work of Mike Jackson covers several major themes in OR/Systems Thinking and articulates key aspects of Critical Systems Thinking; with an interest throughout in applications to complex social challenges. In this paper, as a direct response to this Festschrift, and acknowledging his contribution to Community OR, five active UK‐based researchers have engaged in their own process of community‐based learning in order to articulate the ways Jackson's work resonates with their contemporary research and practice. The researchers used a variation of the Delphi method to reflect first on the ways that the body of work of Jackson resonated with their practice and research agendas. This produced a framework of ideas. Examples from the UK and overseas are then provided to illustrate these points. Ultimately, the researchers used these experiences and reflections to produce a series of statements for developing Community OR practice (and theory)—reflecting and extending Jackson's work.
Separation, Identification, and Characterization of Transformation Products Related to Relugolix Upon Subjecting to In Vitro Gastrointestinal Fluids Utilizing Liquid Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Golla Vijaya Madhyanapu , Chary Padakanti Sandeep , Naik Dhanavath Dattu , Pilli Pushpa , Kommalapati Hema Sree , Ramteke Aman , Mehra Neelesh Kumar , Samanthula Gananadhamu
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the gastrointestinal stability of relugolix, a biopharmaceutical classification system Class IV drug. Relugolix was found to be unstable in simulated gastric fluid but stable in simulated intestinal fluid and fed‐state–simulated gastric fluid. The high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for separating the drug and its transformation products. The optimized method comprises mobile phase ammonium acetate (pH 4.75) as Solvent A and acetonitrile as Solvent B. A Phenomenex Gemini C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column was used as the stationary phase. The transformation product, desmethyl relugolix, was identified and characterized using high‐resolution mass spectrometric and nuclear magnetic spectroscopic studies by enriching the compound using forced degradation studies under acidic stress hydrolytic conditions. Sodium alginate microspheres were prepared and evaluated to improve relugolix stability in the stomach. Additionally, gastrointestinal stability studies demonstrated that the microspheres protected relugolix from degradation in simulated gastric fluid. In silico analysis predicted minimal toxicity risks for both relugolix and desmethyl relugolix. These findings suggest that relugolix sodium alginate microspheres could be a promising strategy to mitigate the formation of desmethyl relugolix by protecting it from degradation in the stomach's acidic environment.
Lyn H. Lofland: Exemplary Symbolic Interactionist
Authors: Silva Eric O.
Published: December 2024

Lyn H. Lofland is an exemplary symbolic interactionist. I support this claim by considering her research contributions and their continuing significance for interactionists. This discussion is organized around a comparison of Lofland's scholarship in her many articles and books (A World of Strangers, The Craft of Dying, and The Public Realm) against the ideals presented in her own evaluation of the work of Spencer E. Cahill. I further contend that Lofland's research program demonstrates how interactionists should operate with curiosity and humility. In closing, I argue that her work provides guidance for how interactionists can contend with perennial concerns that our work is astructural and irrelevant.
Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: Novel Mechanisms and Prevention by Drugs
Authors: Akshintala Venkata S. , Boparai Ibadat S. , Barakat Monique T. , Husain Sohail Z.
Published: December 2024

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is becoming more common than first‐line therapy for pancreaticobiliary duct disorders. However, post‐ERCP pancreatitis is the most common complication of ERCPs, and affects about 10% of cases. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms purported to cause post‐ERCP pancreatitis as well as associated risk factors. We discuss measures that are in practice for post‐ERCP pancreatitis pharmaco‐prophylaxis, along with advances in the pipeline. We emphasize that there is still a pressing need to narrow the incidence of post‐ERCP pancreatitis and that a mechanistic approach may reveal the greatest benefit from utilizing a combination of targets.
Oxalate Complexes of Titanium Supported by a Tris(phenolato)‐Amine Ligand
Authors: Okumura Akira , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: December 2024

A bridging oxalate complex of titanium(IV) supported by a tris(phenolato)‐amine ligand [{(O3N)Ti}2(μ‐C2O4‐κO2:κO″2)] (2, H3(O3N) = tris(4,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐hydroxybenzyl)amine) is obtained by the protonolysis of the benzyl complex [(O3N)Ti(CH2Ph)] (1‐Bn) or by the oxidation of the titanium(III) complex [(O3N)Ti)]2 (12) using oxalic acid. Reduction of the oxalate complex 2 with potassium gives the titanium(III) complex [K(toluene)2][(O3N)Ti(μ‐C2O4‐κO2:κO″2)Ti(O3N)] (3). Protonolysis with [NEt3H]Cl leads to a 1:1 mixture of [NEt3H][(O3N)Ti(OCOCOO‐κO2:κO″2))] (4) and [(O3N)TiCl] (1‐Cl). The mono‐tert‐butyl oxalate complex [(O3N)Ti(OCOCOOtBu‐κO2:κO″2)] (5) is formed by the reaction of the titanium(III) complex [(O3N)Ti)]2 (12) with di‐tert‐butyl oxalate. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction of complexes 2, 3, and 5 shows a distorted octahedral coordination at the titanium center in all three complexes.
Towards In-Home Medication: Medicinal Products as Daily Objects
Authors: Penati Antonella Valeria
Published: December 2024

For the reflections presented in this text, we have chosen to begin by considering the lives of people dealing with medications through the vivid recounting of micro-stories, which serve as glimpses into common experiences related to medical treatment. While not exhaustive, they offer insights into the theoretical significance of the implications that can be drawn from these brief narratives. Through these stories, we have highlighted their theoretical relevance, recognizing the epistemological value of the implications that can be deduced from these short stories.
Dealing with Medicines Through Online Platforms and Communities
Authors: Standoli Carlo Emilio , Tolino Umberto
Published: December 2024

This chapter focuses on the link between social media and human health and well-being, with a peculiar interest in the communication of medicine, understood both as an object for treatment and as a commercial product. After an overview of social media and the extent to which they have changed access to the web, the way we create and disseminate content—personal or professional—and communicate with other people, the chapter analyses their contribution and use in medicine. Through observation of the trends on several social media, such as forums, blogs, and social networks, the chapter presents an analysis of the role of medicine in such environment, starting with the norms that regulate their communication and ending with the identification of platforms, channels, actors involved, modes of interaction, and registers of dialogue. Finally, the chapter proposes some reflections on how design culture can intervene in the relationship between medicines and social media, from the definition of guidelines for communication to research for improving the user experience of medicines.
Use Phenomenologies: Oral Solid Forms in Blister Packs
Authors: Penati Antonella Valeria
Published: December 2024

The different pharmaceutical forms and the variety of packaging that make them available to the user generate gestures, interactions, and usage behaviour, which are worthy of interest to those interested in reading the objects’ formal attributes and the influence exerted on those using them. In the world of medicines, oral solid blister forms represent an interesting case due to the complex use dynamics dependent on both the ‘content’—the medicine—and the ‘container’—the blister. Starting from observing how patients use medicines in their home environment, this chapter focuses on how the characteristics of oral solid forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, packets) and those of blister packs can induce incorrect or non-compliant use behaviour. These behaviours are especially characteristic of older people.
Use Phenomenologies: What Does the User Do with the Secondary Medicine Packaging and Package Leaflet?
Authors: Penati Antonella Valeria
Published: December 2024

This chapter supplements the remarks contained in the paragraph The role of medicine packaging in dispensing of this text. In that context, we addressed the important role that secondary packaging plays in the dispensing process, especially in terms of its informational connotations. In this chapter, we look instead at the dynamics of patient use, once the medicine has entered the context of everyday use. In addition to the informational aspects, functional aspects such as opening, closing, containing, storing etc. come into play. It is in the relationship with the patient that the secondary pack demonstrates its informational and usage effectiveness. The medicines under analysis were ‘taken’ from the contexts of use under observation. To return the problems observed, the mode of illustration was chosen, eliminating the medicine’s identifying marks, while leaving the description of the problematic elements, from our point of view, relating to information and form, which were returned in ‘anonymous’ form.
Sensory Qualities of the Medicines: From Problems to Proposals
Authors: Riccò Dina
Published: December 2024

The text reviews the studies conducted on the sensory qualities of the medicines. It considers the medicine as a product, therefore as a project object of which to examine its tertiary qualities—the experienced object and therefore evaluates its visual (e.g., colour, shape, etc.), gustatory (e.g., bitter, sweet, pleasant, unpleasant, etc.), the qualities of the surface (e.g., smooth, rough, etc.), its consistency, etc., together with the connotations that these induce, noting the problems, the recognition in visual impairment and the incidence that these have on adherence to treatment and correct intake. Compare the sensory characteristics of the medicine with the formal/chromatic characteristics of the tablets in pharmaceutical production. It concludes by noting how the research carried out on the sensory characteristics the medicines is limited to studying these characteristics separately, not considering the interaction between them and the perceptual hierarchies, the prevalence that one can hold over the others. Very few studies address the issue of accessibility for people with sensory disabilities, the latter are addressed in the medicine packages by providing Braille text, but no indication allows communication and discrimination of the tablet for people with visual impairments.
Moving the Care Process in the in-Home Context: The Therapeutic Prescription
Authors: Standoli Carlo Emilio , Guarinoni Milena Giovanna , Morello Enrico
Published: December 2024

After a medical consultation or hospitalisation, when the patient returns to everyday life, how is the correct adherence and therapeutic continuity guaranteed according to the indications given by the clinician, especially when it comes to multidimensional therapy (e.g. pharmacological, rehabilitation, etc.)? Do clinicians and hospitals use communication strategies and tools to give indications—through prescriptions—of sometimes complex therapies to be followed effectively? Moreover, what tools does the patient have to tell the general practitioner about the therapies in use or support therapy management at home? In the specific case of medicines, what dialogue is established between doctor and patient to assess the appropriateness of their prescription, considering not only clinical needs but also the patient’s lifestyle and preferences? The chapter addresses the process of transitioning care from the hospital to the home setting, presenting the different phases and issues that, on the medical side and the patient side, are experienced from the moment of prescription. The emerging reflections form the basis for formulating perspectives for future models of transition of care and discharge.
Analysis and Induction as Methods of Empirical Inquiry
Authors: Schickore Jutta
Published: December 2024

This chapter traces the history of the notions of analysis and induction in German-language accounts of scientific inquiry between the mid-eighteenth and mid-nineteenth centuries. Many eighteenth-century scholars perceived analysis and induction as intertwined and tied to methods of empirical inquiry and discovery, as they had been perceived in the early modern period. Until well into the nineteenth century, the terms “(scientific) induction” or “inductive science” referred to any experience-based science (as opposed to a science based on first principles). Inductive science, thus understood, encompassed the making, evaluation, and testing of hypotheses—even of hypotheses about unobservable things—and “reduction” rather than “deduction” was its opposite. While the Kantian understanding of analysis influenced the notions of induction and scientific method, it did not wholly alter their interpretation. After Kant, formal logic and philosophy gradually became independent, but a more applied philosophy of empirical inquiry also persisted, linked to scientific practice while rooted in older ideas about analytic and inductive methods. Several authors recommended evaluating and testing hypotheses by deriving testable consequences but did not consider hypothesis testing to be a strictly deductive process opposed to, or more powerful than, induction. Inductive inquiry and the hypothetico-deductive (H-D) method are both integral to the inductive sciences, according to these pragmatic theories of empirical inquiry.