bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Packing density of cementitious materials: measurement and modelling
Authors: Wong H. H. C. , Kwan A. K. H.
Published: February 2008

Packing density has great effect on the performance of a concrete mix. However, little research has been carried out on the packing density of cementitious materials owing to the lack of an established measurement method. Herein, a new method, called the wet packing method, is presented. With this method, the packing densities of blended cementitious materials, consisting of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and condensed silica fume (CSF), were measured. The results verified the theory that the packing density could be significantly increased by blending two or even three cementitious materials together. Comparison between the measured results and the predicted values by three existing packing models, together with some additional tests, revealed that in the presence of a third-generation superplasticiser, the packing density of CSF is dependent on the lime content. When the lime-containing OPC and PFA contents are low, the CSF particles would flocculate and pack rather loosely, but at higher OPC and PFA contents, or with lime added, the CSF would pack to a higher density. With the effect of lime accounted for, very good agreement between the measured results and the predictions by the packing models was achieved.
Polypropylene fibres in heated concrete. Part 2: Pressure relief mechanisms and modelling criteria
Authors: Khoury G. A.
Published: February 2008

Polypropylene (PP) fibres play a role in reducing pore pressures via a number of possible mechanisms which include reservoirs (e.g. air bubbles and micro-cracks) to accommodate expanding steam as well as continuous channels for moisture-vapour migration (e.g. via pressure-induced tangential space (PITS) or through spaces vacated by vaporisation of the polypropylene fibres). In the melt stage, PP would not easily transport through the concrete pore structure but would be able to do so in the vapour stage. The effectiveness of the pressure release mechanisms depends not only on the characteristics of PP material but also on the characteristics of the fibre itself in terms of its dimensions. Aspect ratios by themselves are meaningless and the important parameters are the actual fibre diameter and length. Key parameters that could influence pore pressure reduction are the number of fibres, the cumulative length and cumulative surface area of the fibres as well as fibre interconnectivity, all of which increase with reduction in fibre diameter for a given individual fibre length. An optimum individual fibre length would exist that allows both interconnectivity and good dispersion. Criteria for thermo-hydro-numerical modelling would depend upon the physical, chemical, thermal and mechanical properties and their interrelation with the surrounding matrix. Smeared properties can be assumed, although meso-level modelling at the micrometre scale simulating individual fibres and other concrete constituents would be useful, especially in modelling PITS. The assumptions made for modelling would depend upon the transformations taking place as temperature increases during a fire. These are divided into five temperature ranges of 20–100°C, 100–165°C, 165–475°C, 475–550°C and above 550°C.
Concrete-filled double-skin tubular columns under fire
Authors: Yang Y. F. , Han L.-H.
Published: February 2008

The current paper is concerned with the performance of concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) columns subjected to ISO-834 standard fire on all sides. The finite-element method was employed for the determination of temperature distributions in the section. A theoretical model, which was previously used to study the fire resistance of conventional concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns, was used to predict the fire performance of CFDST columns. Results from this theoretical model are presented to examine the effects of several key parameters on the fire resistance, the strength index (ks) and the fire protection material thickness of CFDST columns. Finally, formulae required for the fire resistance and the fire protection material thickness of CFDST columns are proposed. These formulae may be suitable for incorporation into future design codes.
Effects of fibre-reinforced cement composites' ductility on the seismic performance of short coupling beams
Authors: Yun H.-D. , Kim S.-W. , Jeon E. , Park W.-S. , Lee Y.-T.
Published: February 2008

The current study examines the effects of the deformation behaviour of cementitious material ductility on the seismic performance of shear-dominant coupling beams. Matrix ductility and reinforcement layouts comprise the main testing variables. Three short coupling beams with two different reinforcement arrangements and matrices are constructed and tested. They are subjected to cyclic loading under a suitable experimental set-up. All specimens are characterised by a shear span–depth ratio of 1·0. The reinforcement layouts consist of a classical scheme and diagonal scheme without confining ties. The effects of cement-based matrix ductility on crack patterns, failure modes, hysteretic characteristics and the ultimate shear load of the coupling beams are examined. The combination of a ductile cement-based matrix and steel reinforcement is found to result in improved energy dissipation capacity, simplification of reinforcement details, and damage-tolerant inelastic deformation behaviour. Test results show that high-performance hybrid fibre-reinforced cement-based composite (HPHFRCC) coupling beams behave better than normal reinforced concrete (RC) control beams. These results are evidenced by the tensile deformation capacity, damage tolerance and tensile strength of HPHFRCC material.
Correlation between transient creep of concrete and its dehydration
Authors: Sabeur H. , Meftah F. , Colina H. , Platret G.
Published: February 2008

The current paper deals with the transient thermal creep of concrete subjected to high temperatures. This phenomenon is related to the dehydration process of hydrated cement paste under temperatures exceeding 105°C. The present paper reports the results of transient creep tests of high-performance concrete (HPC) under constant loads and increasing temperatures up to 400°C. The heating is applied with a rate of 1·5°C/min until successive temperature plateaus are reached (150°C, 200°C, 300°C and 400°C). Moreover, the mass loss of the cement paste, corresponding to the HPC, is investigated through a thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). This approach makes it possible to identify the dehydration of the material either at equilibrium or at the same heating conditions as in the transient creep tests. It is therefore shown that transient creep and dehydration occur simultaneously and have comparable kinetics. Further, the dehydration is considered as the driving process of the transient creep strain.
Evaluation of a Nutrition Education Component Nested in the NutriSTEP™ Project
Authors: Rysdale Lee
Published: February 2008

Purpose: Parents’ health literacy skills include food and nutrition knowledge, as well as the ability to read, comprehend, and use information related to their children’s health. The evaluation of a nutrition education booklet within the NutriSTEP™ ( Nutri tion S creening T ool for E very P reschooler) Project was conducted. Parents’ nutrition education needs and their sources of nutrition information were also assessed.

Methods: Eight dietitians from four provinces conducted in-person interviews with a sample of 322 parents. Parents were asked their perception of the booklet and reported learning. Dietitians’ written feedback on the booklet and their recorded comments and nutrition advice to parents were gathered.

Results: Collated feedback led to significant revisions to the booklet. Parents reported increased knowledge from the booklet; 38% wanted more information on nutrition, while 25% wanted to know more about preschoolers and physical activity. The top three sources of nutrition advice for this parent sample were physicians, dietitians, and public health units.

Conclusions: Written materials must be evaluated with the target audience to improve readability and comprehension. Further nutrition education efforts should be targeted through parents’ main sources of nutrition information. Further research is needed on nutrition education intervention effectiveness to promote positive health outcomes.
Evaluating landscape quality with vegetation naturalness maps: an index and some inferences
Authors: Ferrari C. , Pezzi G. , Diani L. , Corazza M.
Published: February 2008

Question: Can landscape quality be evaluated and compared with a single numerical value using vegetation maps?

Location: Northern Apennines (Italy), ca. 44° N,10–11° E.

Methods: Seven phytosociological vegetation maps (1:25000), which correspond to man's different impact on mountain landscapes, were considered. Syntaxa were classified into five degrees of naturalness: urbanized, agricultural, semi‐natural, sub‐natural, and natural. Vegetation maps showing naturalness were derived in a vectorial GIS. The degrees of naturalness were ordered according to increasing naturalness. If c1 is the cumulative relative value of every mapped area of the degrees of naturalness, the sum of these cumulative values A =∑ ci is is a measure of vegetation artificiality. Its maximum value is Amax= n‐1. The Index of Vegetation Naturalness IVN = 1 ‐A/Amax, ranging from 0 to 1. Our IVN is an extension of the ILC by Pizzolotto & Brandmayr (1996) due to the ordinal character of the vegetation classification into degrees of naturalness. The maps of vegetation naturalness were also analysed by two known metrics for the evaluation of landscape quality: TECI (Total Edge Contrast Index) and MSI (Mean Shape Index).

Results: The case studies show that IVN is linearly correlated with decreasing area of urbanized and agricultural vegetation types as well as with increasing area of the highest degree of naturalness.

Conclusions: IVN can be joined with the TECI for the evaluation of naturalness of landscapes. TECI can supply additional information about the importance of landscape ecotones. Our case studies suggest that an urbanized landscape should correspond to IVN values lower than 0.20. A natural landscape will have IVN values higher than 0.80.
Prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes Among US Children and Adults by Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity
Authors: Fang Michael , Wang Dan , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

This study uses data from the 2019 to 2022 cycles of the National Health Interview Survey to estimate the prevalence of type 1 diabetes among US youths and adults.
Mental Health Conditions Associated With Strabismus in a Diverse Cohort of US Adults
Authors: Jin Kimberly , Aboobakar Inas F. , Whitman Mary C. , Oke Isdin
Published: April 2024

Importance

Greater understanding of the association between strabismus and mental health conditions across sociodemographic backgrounds may inform strategies to improve mental well-being in this population.

Objective

To describe the association of strabismus with mental health conditions in a diverse cohort of US adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program, an ongoing program launched in 2015. The study included 3646 adults (aged ≥18 years) with strabismus and 3646 propensity score–matched controls. Statistical analysis was conducted from September 12, 2023, to January 29, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Adults with strabismus were propensity score matched on age, gender, race and ethnicity, income, educational level, and insurance status in a 1:1 ratio with adults without strabismus. The prevalences of anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorder among adults with strabismus were compared with controls. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of mental health conditions with sociodemographic factors in each group.

Results

This study included 3646 adults with strabismus (median age, 67 years [IQR, 53-76 years]; 2017 women [55%]) and 3646 propensity score–matched controls (median age, 67 years [IQR, 53-76 years]; 2017 women [55%]). Individuals with strabismus had higher prevalences of anxiety (1153 [32%] vs 519 [14%]; difference, 17%; 95% CI, 15%-19%; P < .001), depression (1189 [33%] vs 514 [14%]; difference, 19%; 95% CI, 17%-20%; P < .001), substance use and addiction (116 [3%] vs 51 [1%]; difference, 2%; 95% CI, 1%-3%; P < .001), bipolar disorder (253 [7%] vs 101 [3%]; difference, 4%; 95% CI, 3%-5%; P < .001), and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (103 [3%] vs 36 [1%]; difference, 2%; 95% CI, 1%-3%; P < .001) compared with individuals without strabismus. Among adults with strabismus, higher odds of mental health conditions were associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11 per 10-year decrease; 95% CI, 1.06-1.16 per 10-year decrease), female gender (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.41-1.85), Black or African American race and ethnicity (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01-1.48), low income (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 2.56-3.67), and high school education or less (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.34-1.85).

Conclusions and Relevance

In a diverse and nationwide cohort, adults with strabismus were more likely to have mental health conditions compared with adults without strabismus. Further investigation into the risk factors for poor mental health among adults with strabismus across sociodemographic backgrounds may offer novel opportunities for interventions to improve mental well-being in this population.
A Dynamical Systems View of Psychiatric Disorders—Theory
Authors: Scheffer Marten , Bockting Claudi L. , Borsboom Denny , Cools Roshan , Delecroix Clara , Hartmann Jessica A. , Kendler Kenneth S. , van de Leemput Ingrid , van der Maas Han L. J. , van Nes Egbert , Mattson Mark , McGorry Pat D. , Nelson Barnaby
Published: April 2024

Importance

Psychiatric disorders may come and go with symptoms changing over a lifetime. This suggests the need for a paradigm shift in diagnosis and treatment. Here we present a fresh look inspired by dynamical systems theory. This theory is used widely to explain tipping points, cycles, and chaos in complex systems ranging from the climate to ecosystems.

Observations

In the dynamical systems view, we propose the healthy state has a basin of attraction representing its resilience, while disorders are alternative attractors in which the system can become trapped. Rather than an immutable trait, resilience in this approach is a dynamical property. Recent work has demonstrated the universality of generic dynamical indicators of resilience that are now employed globally to monitor the risks of collapse of complex systems, such as tropical rainforests and tipping elements of the climate system. Other dynamical systems tools are used in ecology and climate science to infer causality from time series. Moreover, experiences in ecological restoration confirm the theoretical prediction that under some conditions, short interventions may invoke long-term success when they flip the system into an alternative basin of attraction. All this implies practical applications for psychiatry, as are discussed in part 2 of this article.

Conclusions and Relevance

Work in the field of dynamical systems points to novel ways of inferring causality and quantifying resilience from time series. Those approaches have now been tried and tested in a range of complex systems. The same tools may help monitoring and managing resilience of the healthy state as well as psychiatric disorders.
Diagnosing adult and pediatric extrapulmonary tuberculosis by MPT64 antigen detection with immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry using reproduced polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Helle Ole Magnus Bjørgaas , Kanthali Mala , Ishtiaq Sheeba , Ambreen Atiqa , Purohit Manju Raj , Mustafa Tehmina
Published: April 2024

Diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is challenging. Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry has been used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) by detection of MPT64 antigen from various extrapulmonary specimens and has shown good diagnostic performance in our previous studies. The test can distinguish between disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex and nontuberculous mycobacteria and can be applied on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue. As the antibodies previously used were in limited supply, a new batch of polyclonal antibodies was developed for scale‐up and evaluated for the first time in this study. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the MPT64 test with reproduced antibodies in the high burden settings of Pakistan and India. Patients were enrolled prospectively. Samples from suspected sites of infection were collected and subjected to histopathologic and/or cytologic evaluation, routine TB diagnostics, GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), and the MPT64 antigen detection test. Patients were followed until the end of treatment. Based on a composite reference standard (CRS), 556 patients were categorized as TB cases and 175 as non‐TB cases. The MPT64 test performed well on biopsies with a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 75%, respectively, against a CRS. For cytology samples, the sensitivity was low (36%), whereas the specificity was 81%. Overall, the MPT64 test showed higher sensitivity (73%) than Xpert (38%) and Mtb culture (33%). The test performed equally well in adults and children. We found an additive diagnostic value of the MPT64 test in conjunction with histology and molecular tests, increasing the yield for EPTB. In conclusion, immunochemical staining with MPT64 antibodies improves the diagnosis of EPTB in high burden settings and could be a valuable addition to routine diagnostics.
Trends in GeTe Thermoelectrics: From Fundamentals to Applications
Authors: Li Meng , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: April 2024

Germanium telluride (GeTe) with ultrafast ferroelectric transition, Rashba‐like electronic transport, and anomalous phonon anharmonicity are historically studied for potential memorizing and thermoelectric applications. Due to recent breakthroughs in spintronics, valleytronics, orbitronics, pre‐eminent GeTe thermoelectrics have re‐attracted enormous interest from both academia and industries, with increasing reports of significant figure‐of‐merit over 2.7 and the maximum efficiency of up to 17.0%. Here, the emerging trends in advancing GeTe thermoelectrics, starting from fundamentals of phase transformation, crystal structure, bonding mechanisms, and transport characteristics, with a highlight on the roles of Ge_4s2 lone pairs, are timely overviewed. Technical insights in synthesis, characterization, property measurement, and computation are then summarized. After that, several innovative strategies for increasing the figure‐of‐merit, including entropy engineering, nanostructuring, and hybridization, which will further benefit near‐room‐temperature and n‐type performance, are examined. Moreover, high‐density and high‐efficiency devices with broad working temperatures are discussed as a result of rational configurational and interfacial design. In the end, perspective remarks on the challenges and outlook envisaging for next‐generation GeTe thermoelectrics, which will play a prominent role in future energy and environmental landscapes, are provided.
Engineering Nanozymes for Tumor Therapy via Ferroptosis Self‐Amplification
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Wei Yi , Liang Yuan , Du Pengye , Lei Pengpeng , Yu Duo , Zhang Hongjie
Published: April 2024

Ferroptosis induction is an emerging strategy for tumor therapy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can induce ferroptosis but are easily consumed by overexpressed glutathione (GSH) in tumor cells. Therefore, achieving a large amount of ROS production in tumor cells without being consumed is key to efficiently inducing ferroptosis. In this study, a self‐amplifying ferroptosis‐inducing therapeutic agent, Pd@CeO2‐Fe‐Co‐WZB117‐DSPE‐PEG‐FA (PCDWD), is designed for tumor therapy. PCDWD exhibits excellent multi‐enzyme activities due to the loading of Fe‐Co dual atoms with abundant active sites, including peroxidase‐like enzymes, catalase‐like enzymes, and glutathione oxidases (GSHOx), which undergo catalytic reactions in the tumor microenvironment to produce ROS, thereby inducing ferroptosis. Furthermore, PCDWD can also deplete GSH in tumor cells, thus reducing the consumption of ROS by GSH and inhibiting the expression of GSH peroxidase 4. Moreover, the photothermal effect of PCDWD can not only directly kill tumor cells but also further enhance its own enzyme activities, consequently promoting ferroptosis in tumor cells. In addition, WZB117 can reduce the expression of heat shock protein 90 by inhibiting glucose transport, thereby reducing the thermal resistance of tumor cells and further improving the therapeutic effect. Finally, X‐ray computed tomography imaging of PCDWD guides it to achieve efficient tumor therapy.
Advancing MR‐TADF OLED Toward True‐Blue CIE Value via Asymmetric Host Materials with Amorphous Morphology
Authors: Han Chih‐Pin , Shi Emily Hsue‐Chi , Chen Chieh An , Hsu Chao‐Hsien , Chen Chia‐Hsun , Wu Chi‐Chi , Lee Yi‐Ting , Chiu Tien‐Lung , Lee Jiun‐Haw , Leung Man‐kit , Chou Pi‐Tai
Published: April 2024

The new host materials are reported to boost the multiple resonance‐induced thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) based pure deep‐blue organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) toward further shortening the emission full width at the half maximum (FWHM). Based on an unusual asymmetric design concept, two new host compounds Bz2cb and Bz2cbz are synthesized. Despite possessing a compact and rigid molecular packing in crystal, Bz2cbz shows pure amorphous morphology via vapor deposition, as confirmed by the grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) analysis. Via incorporating a promising MR‐TADF emitter, ν‐DABNA‐O‐Me, into Bz2cb and Bz2cbz films, highly pure deep‐blue OLEDs are successfully demonstrated. Remarkably, the Bz2cbz device exhibits a 464 nm electroluminescence (EL) with narrow FWHM of 22 nm, accompanied by the reduction of the 0–1 vibronic sideband, and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 28.2%, which, overall, reaches the true‐blue Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates (CIE) of (0.13, 0.07) and the high blue index of 253. The amorphous film formation turns out to be an important factor that is previously unrecognized to externally fine‐tune the MR‐TADF OLEDs toward even higher color purity.
2D‐Material‐Fused High‐Emittance Plasmo–Photonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Iwanaga Masanobu , Yang Xu , Karanikolas Vasilios , Kuroda Takashi , Sakuma Yoshiki
Published: April 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) are a family of atomic‐layer 2D materials (2dMs). Many researches have attempted to reinforce the unique properties by incorporating artificially designed nanostructures. Here, a highly photoluminescence (PL) enhancing platform is reported that is formed by combining high‐emittance plasmo–photonic metasurfaces with a large‐area 2dM, which is a continuous monolayer of TMDC of cm2 dimension. It is experimentally demonstrated that the 2dM‐PL intensity at room temperature is enhanced by more than 1030‐fold in comparison with that observed on the flat gold film regions. The enhancement is associated with spectral transformation indicating a resonant effect of the metasurfaces. It is moreover revealed that the confocal PL image originates from a coherent single‐mode emission that forms a photon number distribution obeying the Poisson probability distribution. Thus, the 2dM‐fused metasurfaces function as efficient coherent quantum light sources. PL decay‐time analysis also reveals the coexistence of two components in the enhanced PL. The fast component exhibits a lifetime of 18 ps whereas the slow component decays at 4.4 ns. Both components are most likely to undergo radiative processes, which indicates that metal‐induced PL quenching is suppressed on these 2dM‐fused metasurfaces. The long lifetime component is ascribed to an excitonic intervalley transition.
High‐Performance White Emission from Cu‐Based Perovskite Compound
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chu Zema , Jiang Ji , Zhang Siyao , Hao Huiying , Wei Tongbo , Zhang Xingwang , You Jingbi
Published: April 2024

The white emissions based on lead‐free perovskites with broadband emission due to self‐trapped excitons (STEs) are considered as an ideal candidate for next‐generation white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs). Recently, copper‐based halide perovskites Cs3Cu2I5@CsCu2I3 composites films with a high color‐rendering index (CRI) have been developed for WLEDs. However, the Cs3Cu2I5@CsCu2I3 composites generally exhibit a relatively low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Herein, a high PLQY up to 86.75% copper‐based perovskite Gua3Cu2I5 (Gua = guanidine) films with a broadband strong yellow STEs emission centered at 544 nm is synthesized. By combining with efficient blue STEs emission Cs3Cu2I5 component via composition engineering of Cs3Cu2I5@Gua3Cu2I5, a high PLQY of up to 96.1% is achieved on the white emission composites films. Moreover, a high CRI of 93 WLEDs is achieved by integrating Cs3Cu2I5@Gua3Cu2I5 composites film onto a UV LED chip. These findings provide a simple and effective strategy for designing highly efficient white light‐emitting diodes.
Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation‐Mediated Photocatalytic Subcellular Hybrid System for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yu Xiaoxuan , Li Hui , Xu Chengchen , Xu Zhengwei , Chen Shuheng , Liu Wang , Zhang Tianlong , Sun Hongcheng , Ge Yan , Qi Zhenhui , Liu Junqiu
Published: April 2024

Plant chloroplasts have a highly compartmentalized interior, essential for executing photocatalytic functions. However, the construction of a photocatalytic reaction compartment similar to chloroplasts in inorganic–biological hybrid systems (IBS) has not been reported. Drawing inspiration from the compartmentalized chloroplast and the phenomenon of liquid–liquid phase separation, herein, a new strategy is first developed for constructing a photocatalytic subcellular hybrid system through liquid–liquid phase separation technology in living cells. Photosensitizers and in vivo expressed hydrogenases are designed to coassemble within the cell to create subcellular compartments for synergetic photocatalysis. This compartmentalization facilitates efficient electron transfer and light energy utilization, resulting in highly effective H2 production. The subcellular compartments hybrid system (HM/IBSCS) exhibits a nearly 87‐fold increase in H2 production compared to the bare bacteria/hybrid system. Furthermore, the intracellular compartments of the photocatalytic reactor enhance the system's stability obviously, with the bacteria maintaining approximately 81% of their H2 production activity even after undergoing five cycles of photocatalytic hydrogen production. The research brings forward visionary prospects for the field of semi‐artificial photosynthesis, offering new possibilities for advancements in areas such as renewable energy, biomanufacturing, and genetic engineering.
Li Stripping Behavior of Anode‐Free Solid‐State Batteries Under Intermittent‐Current Discharge Conditions
Authors: Lee Kiwoong , Sakamoto Jeff
Published: April 2024

Anode‐free manufacturing holds promise to enable high energy densities and lower Lithium (Li)‐metal solid‐state batteries (LMSSBs). Nevertheless, in contrast to thick Li foil (>50 µm), the stripping capacity of in situ‐formed Li (10–30 µm) is limited due to diminished creep flow, resulting in reduced accessible capacity. This study explores the correlation between stripping capacity and surface roughness of garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid electrolyte. The results reveal that stripping capacity can be enhanced through the surface modification of solid electrolytes. Additionally, this study scrutinizes the stripping behavior of in situ Li under intermittent‐current discharge conditions, which are more relevant to the operational conditions of electric vehicles (EVs). It is demonstrated that, when compared to constant‐current stripping, intermittent‐current stripping effectively suppresses void formation and enhances the stripping capacity of in situ Li by 40%. It is considered that the intermittent current inhibits the accumulation of Li vacancies, thereby delaying the void formation. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of high‐performance anode‐free LMSSBs for EVs.
Redefining hyperviscosity in acute leukemia: Potential implications for red cell transfusions in the microvasculature
Authors: Musick Jamie O. , Williams Evelyn K. , Fibben Kirby S. , Zhang Dan Y. , Caruso Christina , Sakurai Yumiko , Tran Reginald , Kemp Melissa L. , Lam Wilbur A.
Published: April 2024

Hyperleukocytosis is an emergency of acute leukemia leading to blood hyperviscosity, potentially resulting in life‐threatening microvascular obstruction, or leukostasis. Due to the high number of red cells in the circulation, hematocrit/hemoglobin levels (Hct/Hgb) are major drivers of blood viscosity, but how Hct/Hgb mediates hyperviscosity in acute leukemia remains unknown. In vivo hemorheological studies are difficult to conduct and interpret due to issues related to visualizing and manipulating the microvasculature. To that end, a multi‐vessel microfluidic device recapitulating the size‐scale and geometry of the microvasculature was designed to investigate how Hct/Hgb interacts with acute leukemia to induce “in vitro” leukostasis. Using patient samples and cell lines, the degree of leukostasis was different among leukemia immunophenotypes with respect to white blood cell (WBC) count and Hct/Hgb. Among lymphoid immunophenotypes, severe anemia is protective against in vitro leukostasis and Hct/Hgb thresholds became apparent above which in vitro leukostasis significantly increased, to a greater extent with B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) versus T‐cell ALL. In vitro leukostasis in acute myeloid leukemia was primarily driven by WBC with little interaction with Hct/Hgb. This sets the stage for prospective clinical studies assessing how red cell transfusion may affect leukostasis risk in immunophenotypically different acute leukemia patients.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Tetrahydropyrans by Brønsted Acid‐Mediated Hydroxyalkoxylation of Silylated Alkenols
Authors: Díez‐Poza Carlos , Val Patricia , López Enol , Barbero Asunción
Published: April 2024

A convenient route for the preparation of tetrahydropyran (THP) derivatives with a quaternary and tertiary vicinal stereocenters is reported. The atom economy acid‐catalyzed cyclization of allylsilyl alcohols provided polysubstituted tetrahydropyrans in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities (>95 : 5). In comparison with the traditional oxymercuration procedure, this approach resulted to be more efficient in both yield and stereocontrol.
Automatic classification of AD pathology in FTD phenotypes using natural speech
Authors: Cho Sunghye , Olm Christopher A. , Ash Sharon , Shellikeri Sanjana , Agmon Galit , Cousins Katheryn A. Q. , Irwin David J. , Grossman Murray , Liberman Mark , Nevler Naomi
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Screening for Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change (ADNC) in individuals with atypical presentations is challenging but essential for clinical management. We trained automatic speech‐based classifiers to distinguish frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients with ADNC from those with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).

METHODS

We trained automatic classifiers with 99 speech features from 1 minute speech samples of 179 participants (ADNC = 36, FTLD = 60, healthy controls [HC] = 89). Patients’ pathology was assigned based on autopsy or cerebrospinal fluid analytes. Structural network‐based magnetic resonance imaging analyses identified anatomical correlates of distinct speech features.

RESULTS

Our classifier showed 0.88 0.03 area under the curve (AUC) for ADNC versus FTLD and 0.93 0.04 AUC for patients versus HC. Noun frequency and pause rate correlated with gray matter volume loss in the limbic and salience networks, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Brief naturalistic speech samples can be used for screening FTD patients for underlying ADNC in vivo. This work supports the future development of digital assessment tools for FTD.

Highlights

We trained machine learning classifiers for frontotemporal dementia patients using natural speech.

We grouped participants by neuropathological diagnosis (autopsy) or cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers.

Classifiers well distinguished underlying pathology (Alzheimer's disease vs. frontotemporal lobar degeneration) in patients.

We identified important features through an explainable artificial intelligence approach.

This work lays the groundwork for a speech‐based neuropathology screening tool.
Results from the long‐term extension of PRIME: A randomized Phase 1b trial of aducanumab
Authors: Chen Tianle , O'Gorman John , Castrillo‐Viguera Carmen , Rajagovindan Rajasimhan , Curiale Gioacchino G. , Tian Ying , Patel Dakshaben , von Rosenstiel Philipp , von Hehn Christian , Salloway Stephen , Hock Christoph , Nitsch Roger M. , Haeberlein Samantha Budd , Sandrock Alfred , Singhal Priya
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Aducanumab selectively targets aggregated forms of amyloid beta (Aβ), a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

PRIME was a Phase 1b, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial of aducanumab. During the 12‐month placebo‐controlled period, participants with prodromal AD or mild AD dementia were randomized to receive aducanumab or placebo. At week 56, participants could enroll in a long‐term extension (LTE), in which all participants received aducanumab. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability.

RESULTS

Amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities–edema (ARIA‐E) were the most common adverse event. Dose titration was associated with a decrease in the incidence of ARIA‐E. Over 48 months, aducanumab decreased brain amyloid levels in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Exploratory endpoints suggested a continued benefit in the reduction of clinical decline over 48 months.

DISCUSSION

The safety profile of aducanumab remained unchanged in the LTE of PRIME. Amyloid plaque levels continued to decrease in participants treated with aducanumab.

Highlights

PRIME was a Phase 1b, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial of aducanumab.

We report cumulative safety and 48‐month efficacy results from PRIME.

Amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities–edema (ARIA‐E) were the most common adverse event (AE); 61% of participants with ARIA‐E were asymptomatic.

Dose titration was associated with a decrease in the incidence of ARIA‐E.

Aducanumab decreased levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner.
Investigating reliable amyloid accumulation in Centiloids: Results from the AMYPAD Prognostic and Natural History Study
Authors: Bollack Ariane , Collij Lyduine E. , García David Vállez , Shekari Mahnaz , Altomare Daniele , Payoux Pierre , Dubois Bruno , Grau‐Rivera Oriol , Boada Mercè , Marquié Marta , Nordberg Agneta , Walker Zuzana , Scheltens Philip , Schöll Michael , Wolz Robin , Schott Jonathan M. , Gismondi Rossella , Stephens Andrew , Buckley Christopher , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Hanseeuw Bernard , Visser Pieter Jelle , Vandenberghe Rik , Drzezga Alexander , Yaqub Maqsood , Boellaard Ronald , Gispert Juan Domingo , Markiewicz Pawel , Cash David M. , Farrar Gill , Barkhof Frederik ,   AMYPAD consortium
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

To support clinical trial designs focused on early interventions, our study determined reliable early amyloid‐β (Aβ) accumulation based on Centiloids (CL) in pre‐dementia populations.

METHODS

A total of 1032 participants from the Amyloid Imaging to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease–Prognostic and Natural History Study (AMYPAD‐PNHS) and Insight46 who underwent [18F]flutemetamol, [18F]florbetaben or [18F]florbetapir amyloid‐PET were included. A normative strategy was used to define reliable accumulation by estimating the 95th percentile of longitudinal measurements in sub‐populations (NPNHS = 101/750, NInsight46 = 35/382) expected to remain stable over time. The baseline CL threshold that optimally predicts future accumulation was investigated using precision‐recall analyses. Accumulation rates were examined using linear mixed‐effect models.

RESULTS

Reliable accumulation in the PNHS was estimated to occur at >3.0 CL/year. Baseline CL of 16 [12,19] best predicted future Aβ‐accumulators. Rates of amyloid accumulation were tracer‐independent, lower for APOE ε4 non‐carriers, and for subjects with higher levels of education.

DISCUSSION

Our results support a 12–20 CL window for inclusion into early secondary prevention studies. Reliable accumulation definition warrants further investigations.
The Future of Chemical Sciences is Sustainable
Authors: Mitchell Sharon , Martín Antonio J. , Guillén‐Gosálbez Gonzalo , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: April 2024

Chemistry, a vital tool for sustainable development, faces a challenge due to the lack of clear guidance on actionable steps, hindering the optimal adoption of sustainability practices across its diverse facets from discovery to implementation. This Scientific Perspective explores established frameworks and principles, proposing a conciliated set of triple E priorities anchored on Environmental, Economic, and Equity pillars for research and decision making. We outline associated metrics, crucial for quantifying impacts, classifying them according to their focus areas and scales tackled. Emphasizing catalysis as a key driver of sustainable synthesis of chemicals and materials, we exemplify how triple E priorities can practically guide the development and implementation of processes from renewables conversions to complex customized products. We summarize by proposing a roadmap for the community aimed at raising awareness, fostering academia–industry collaboration, and stimulating further advances in sustainable chemical technologies across their broad scope.
High‐Performance Thermoelectric Fibers from Metal‐Backboned Polymers for Body‐Temperature Wearable Power Devices
Authors: Wang Ning , Zeng Kaiwen , Zheng Yuanyuan , Jiang Hongyu , Yang Yibei , Zhang Yifeng , Li Dingke , Yu Sihui , Ye Qian , Peng Huisheng
Published: April 2024

Metal‐backboned polymers (MBPs), with a unique backbone consisting of bonded metal atoms, are promising for optic, electric, magnetic, and thermoelectric fields. However, the application of MBP remains relatively understudied. Here, we develop a shear‐induced orientation method to construct a flexible nickel‐backboned polymer/carbon nanotube (NBP/CNT) thermoelectric composite fiber. It demonstrated a power factor of 719.48 μW ⋅m−1 K−2, which is ca. 3.5 times as high as the bare CNT fiber. Remarkably, with the regulation of carrier mobility and carrier concentration of NBP, the composite fiber further showed simultaneous increases in electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient in comparison to the bare CNT fiber. The NBP/CNT fiber can be integrated into fabrics to harvest thermal energy of human body to generate an output voltage of 3.09 mV at a temperature difference of 8 K. This research opens a new avenue for the development of MBPs in power supply.
Best Practices for Experiments and Reports in Photocatalytic Methane Conversion
Authors: Jiang Yuheng , Li Siyang , Fan Yingying , Tang Zhiyong
Published: April 2024

Efficiently converting methane into valuable chemicals via photocatalysis under mild condition represents a sustainable route to energy storage and value‐added manufacture. Despite continued interest in this area, the achievements have been overshadowed by the absence of standardized protocols for conducting photocatalytic methane oxidation experiments as well as evaluating the corresponding performance. In this review, we present a structured solution aimed at addressing these challenges. Firstly, we introduce the norms underlying reactor design and outline various configurations in the gas–solid and gas–solid–liquid reaction systems. This discussion helps choosing the suitable reactors for methane conversion experiments. Subsequently, we offer a comprehensive step‐by‐step protocol applicable to diverse methane‐conversion reactions. Emphasizing meticulous verification and accurate quantification of the products, this protocol highlights the significance of mitigating contamination sources and selecting appropriate detection methods. Lastly, we propose the standardized performance metrics crucial for evaluating photocatalytic methane conversion. By defining these metrics, the community could obtain the consensus of assessing the performance across different studies. Moving forward, the future of photocatalytic methane conversion necessitates further refinement of stringent experimental standards and evaluation criteria. Moreover, development of scalable reactor is essential to facilitate the transition from laboratory proof‐of‐concept to potentially industrial production.
Efficient and Selective Construction of 412 Metalla‐links Using Weak C−H⋅⋅⋅Halogen Interactions
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Ning , Huang Xi , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: April 2024

Through a coordination‐driven self‐assembly method, four
metalla‐links and one tetranuclear monocycle were constructed with high selectivity and yield by adjusting the substituent species of the building blocks, as evidenced using X‐ray crystallographic analysis, electrospray ionization‐time‐of‐flight/mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOF/MS), elemental analysis and detailed solution‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Based on X‐ray crystallographic analysis and independent gradient model analysis, a significant factor leading to the formation of
metalla‐links was the introduction of F, Cl, Br and I atoms, which generated additional weak C−H⋅⋅⋅X (X=F, Cl, Br and I) interactions. Furthermore, the dynamic conversion of
metalla‐links to monocyclic rings in methanol solution was systematically investigated using quantitative 1H NMR techniques.
Gender difference in the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of VX‐548 in rats
Authors: Yu Guilan , Zhou Xueying
Published: April 2024

VX‐548 is a sodium channel blocker, which acts as an analgesic. This study aims to investigate the gender differences in the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of VX‐548 in rats. After intravenous administration, the area under the curve (AUC0−t) of VX‐548 was much higher in female rats (1505.8 ± 47.3 ng·h/mL) than in male rats (253.8 ± 6.3 ng·h/mL), and the clearance in female rats (12.5 ± 0.8 mL/min/kg) was much lower than in male rats (65.1 ± 1.7 mL/min/kg). After oral administration, the AUC0−t in female rats was about 50‐fold higher than that in male rats. The oral bioavailability in male rats was 11% while it was 96% in female rats. An in vitro metabolism study revealed that the metabolism of VX‐548 in female rat liver microsomes was much slower than in male rats. Further metabolite identification suggested that the significant gender difference in pharmacokinetics was attributed to demethylation. The female rat liver microsomes showed a limited ability to convert VX‐548 into desmethyl VX‐548. Phenotyping experiments indicated that the formation of desmethyl VX‐548 was mainly catalyzed by CYP3A2 and CYP2C11 using rat recombinant CYPs. Overall, we revealed that the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of VX‐548 in male and female rats showed significant gender differences.
Spectroelectrochemical determination of the conduction band level of mesoporous titanium dioxide semiconductor in diverse reaction media
Authors: Choi Sunghan , Kim Chongoh , Lee Daehan , Jeon Seungmin , Son Ho‐Jin
Published: April 2024

The conduction band edge (ECB) energy levels of a mesoporous TiO2 film were investigated in aprotic dimethylformamide (DMF) and aqueous media to explore the influence of various proton additives and electron donors. Spectroelectrolysis (SE) technique was employed to measure the ECB in non‐aqueous solvents, revealing a significantly negative ECB in dry non‐aqueous solvents compared to values obtained in aqueous solvents. In non‐aqueous DMF, the ECB of TiO2 was found to be highly dependent on the proton‐donating additive due to the establishment of a proton adsorption–desorption equilibrium, reaching –(1.42–1.94) V versus SCE. The introduction of a well‐known electron donor, 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,3‐dihydrobenzimidazole (BIH) led to a slight positive shift in the TiO2 ECB, indicating that the electron donor contributes to the to the CB energetics of the mesoporous TiO2 films. Under aqueous conditions and in the presence of various electron donors (TEA, TEOA, ascorbic acid, EDTA•2Na, and sodium ascorbate), the proton‐donating/accepting capacity of the additive significantly influenced the pH of the aqueous solvent, causing changes in the TiO2 ECB across the electrolyte solution. This study emphasizes the crucial role of proton additives and electron donors in influencing the CB energetics of mesoporous TiO2 electrodes and aims to determine the extent to which the ECB of TiO2 can shift as a result of the adsorption and intercalation of protons on its surface. The findings obtained herein contribute to the understanding of the energy efficiency of TiO2‐mediated photocatalytic systems in various solvent environments.
Are digital trends driving corporate environmental, social, and governance practices? Evidence from China
Authors: Xiao Suyang , Xu Jiajun , Li Rui
Published: April 2024

This paper aims to explore whether the trend of digital transformation is driving companies to engage in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The impact of strategic transformation on firms is all‐encompassing, making it difficult to capture the mechanisms of impact on corporate ESG practices. To this end, we construct a new theoretical framework that combines slack resources and stakeholder theory. This framework attributes the heterogeneity of ESG practices to differences in the ability and willingness of companies. Using data from Chinese listed companies, we find that the digital transformation is improving ESG performance. The mechanism is that digital transformation increases the availability of long‐term slack resources and strengthens the connection with stakeholders. However, there is insufficient evidence that digital transformation contributes to greater transparency in corporate disclosure. We also find that this effect is larger for firms with less risk‐responsiveness and firms with international connections, but smaller for firms with political connections. Our findings affirm the advantages of contemporary trends in corporate digital transformation for ESG practices and offer a new theoretical framework to investigate the factors influencing ESG practices.
Potentialities of Dandelion (Taraxacum Mongolicum Hand.‐Mazz.) Flower Extracts on Gastric Protection against Helicobacter Pylori and Characterization of its Bioactive Constituents
Authors: Dong Huirong , Qiao Jiasen , Hou Shengyao , Ran Haoqi , Sun Weihao , Lin Benfan , Han Yanchun , Yu Chen , Li Yanni
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Dandelion has been shown to exert anti‐inflammatory and anti‐bacterial effects. Our study aimed to identify the effect and mechanism of dandelion flower extracts on H. pylori‐induced gastritis and screen for novel antimicrobial substances. Methods: Anti‐H. pylori activities of water extracts(WEDF) and ethanol extracts (EEDF) of dandelion flowers were performed with disk diffusion method assay, MIC, and MBC. The H. pylori‐induced model was constructed to examine the gastroprotective of EEDF using RUT, pathological analysis, and ELISA. Results: EEDF exhibited better anti‐ H. pylori and urease inhibition activities than WEDF. In vivo studies, EEDF can reduce the adhesion of H. pylori to the gastric mucosa, alleviate gastric damage, and concurrently reduce the levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in gastric tissues. The six phenolic compounds showed urease inhibition effect (IC50: 2.99±0.15 to 66.08±6.46 mmol/mL). Among them, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and luteolin also had anti‐H. pylori activity (MIC: 64–256 μg/mL). Conclusion: EEDF exhibited anti‐H. pylori, gastroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects. Chicoric acid and luteolin may be the main active compounds of dandelion flowers to exert anti‐H. pylori, and worthy of further investigation.