bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test Turnaround Times and Mortality Rates 12 and 24 Months after the Introduction of a Computerised Provider Order Entry System
Authors: Georgiou A. , Rob M. I. , Westbrook J. I.
Published: February 2009

Objectives: Few studies have measured the long-term effects of computerised provider order entry systems on pathology test turnaround time. Further, a recent study has raised the possibility that such systems, which require significant work practice change, may be associated with an increase in mortality rates. Our study answered two questions in relation to system introduction in a major Australian teaching hospital: i) are improvements in turnaround times achieved in the first 12 months after system introduction sustained 24 months post-implementation; and ii) do mortality rates change following the introduction of an order entry system?

Methods: Turnaround time and mortality rates 5 months before and 12 and 24 months after implementation of a computerised order entry system were measured. Turnaround time was defined as the time from receipt of a specimen and order in a laboratory to availability of a result.

Results: Improvements in turnaround time achieved in the first 12 months were sustained with a further significant 12.6% reduction at 24 months post-implementation, with no change in average number of tests per patient. The mortality rate significantly increased in the year following system introduction but returned to the pre-system rate in the second year of system use. Review of the excess deaths demonstrated these were most likely attributable to a coincidental influenza outbreak and not to system introduction.

Conclusions: The computerised provider order entry system produced sustained and continuing improvements in laboratory efficiency over a two-year period. Associations between increased mortality rates and system introduction should be investigated carefully to ascertain any likely association.
Granularity Issues in the Alignment of Upper Ontologies
Authors: Boeker M. , Stenzhorn H. , Niggemann J. , Schulz S.
Published: February 2009

Objectives: The application of upper ontologies has been repeatedly advocated for to support the interoperability between different domain ontologies for facilitating the shared use of data within and across disciplines. BioTop is an upper domain ontology that aims at aligning more specialized biomolecular and biomedical ontologies. The integration of BioTop and the upper ontology Basic Formal Ontology (BFO) is the objective of this study.

Methods: BFO was manually integrated into BioTop, observing both its free text and formal definitions. BioTop classes were attached to BFO classes as children and BFO classes were reused in the formal definitions of BioTop classes. A description logics reasoner was used to check the logical consistency of this integration. The domain adequacy was checked manually by domain experts.

Results: Logical inconsistencies were found by the reasoner when applying the BFO classes for fiat and aggregated objects in some of the BioTop class definitions. We discovered that the definition of those particular classes in BFO was dependent on the notion of physical connectedness. Hence we suggest ignoring a BFO subbranch in order not to hinder cross-granularity integration.

Conclusion: Without introducing a more sophisticated theory of granularity, the described problems cannot be properly dealt with. Whereas we argue that an upper ontology should be granularity-independent, we illustrate how granularity-dependent domain ontologies can still be embedded into the framework of BioTop in combination with BFO.
Measuring Local-Area Racial Segregation for Medicare Hospital Admissions
Authors: Akré Ellesse-Roselee L. , Chyn Deanna , Carlos Heather A. , Barnato Amber E. , Skinner Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Importance

Considerable racial segregation exists in US hospitals that cannot be explained by where patients live. Approaches to measuring such segregation are limited.

Objective

To measure how and where sorting of older Black patients to different hospitals occurs within the same health care market.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cross-sectional study used 2019 Medicare claims data linked to geographic data. Hospital zip code markets were based on driving time. The local hospital segregation (LHS) index was defined as the difference between the racial composition of a hospital’s admissions and the racial composition of the hospital’s market. Assessed admissions were among US Medicare fee-for-service enrollees aged 65 or older living in the 48 contiguous states with at least 1 hospitalization in 2019 at a hospital with at least 200 hospitalizations. Data were analyzed from November 2022 to January 2024.

Exposure

Degree of residential segregation, ownership status, region, teaching hospital designation, and disproportionate share hospital status.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The LHS index by hospital and a regional LHS index by hospital referral region.

Results

In the sample of 1991 acute care hospitals, 4 870 252 patients (mean [SD] age, 77.7 [8.3] years; 2 822 006 [56.0%] female) were treated, including 11 435 American Indian or Alaska Native patients (0.2%), 129 376 Asian patients (2.6%), 597 564 Black patients (11.9%), 395 397 Hispanic patients (7.8), and 3 818 371 White patients (75.8%). In the sample, half of hospitalizations among Black patients occurred at 235 hospitals (11.8% of all hospitals); 878 hospitals (34.4%) exhibited a negative LHS score (ie, admitted fewer Black patients relative to their market area) while 1113 hospitals (45.0%) exhibited a positive LHS (ie, admitted more Black patients relative to their market area); of all hospitals, 79.4% exhibited racial admission patterns significantly different from their market. Hospital-level LHS was positively associated with government hospital status (coefficient, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.38), while New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois; and Detroit, Michigan, hospital referral regions exhibited the highest regional LHS measures, with hospital referral region LHS scores of 0.12, 0.16, and 0.21, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, a novel measure of LHS was developed to quantify the extent to which hospitals were admitting a representative proportion of Black patients relative to their market areas. A better understanding of hospital choice within neighborhoods would help to reduce racial inequities in health outcomes.
Comparative Long-Term Clinical Performance of Mechanical Aortic Valve Prostheses
Authors: Granbom Koski Malin , Glaser Natalie , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Sartipy Ulrik , Dismorr Michael
Published: April 2024

Importance

Aggregated data and long-term follow-up in national health data registers offer the opportunity to compare the performance of mechanical aortic prostheses within the same population.

Objective

To investigate the clinical performance of mechanical aortic valve prostheses.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide cohort study included all 5224 patients who underwent primary mechanical aortic valve replacement in Sweden between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2018. Statistical analysis was performed between May and September 2023.

Exposures

Surgical aortic valve replacement with the On-X, Carbomedics, Bicarbon, Standard, Regent, Open Pivot, Masters, or Advantage valve models.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes were reintervention, heart failure, major bleeding, stroke, and embolic events. Regression standardization was used to account for baseline differences.

Results

Overall, 5224 patients (mean [SD] age, 56.8 [11.7] years; 3908 men [74.8%]) were included. Total follow-up time was 43 982 person-years (mean [SD], 8.4 [4.6] years; maximum, 17.2 years). After regression standardization, there was a significant difference in 10-year mortality between the Carbomedics model group (17%; 95% CI, 15%-18%), Regent model group (17%; 95% CI, 13%-20%), and Standard model group (17%; 95% CI, 14%-19%) compared with the Bicarbon model group (27%; 95% CI, 21%-34%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of mechanical valve surgical aortic replacement outcomes in Sweden, the rate of all-cause mortality was higher in the Bicarbon group than in the Carbomedics, Regent, and Standard model groups. These findings warrant further research on the long-term clinical performance of the Bicarbon valve.
Thermally Conductive and Stretchable Elastomers Engineered via Ordered Hydrogen Bonding Interactions
Authors: Wong Chunyu , Wang Shuting , Ren Linlin , Xu Jian‐Bin , Zeng Xiaoliang , Sun Rong
Published: April 2024

Elastomers are widely used for their large‐strain reversible stretchability, but their low thermal conductivity limits their applications in thermal management. Increasing the thermal conductivity of elastomers usually involves adding fillers, which deteriorate their stretchability and other desirable properties. Here, a supramolecular structure design strategy is proposed to enhance the thermal conductivity of amorphous elastomers without compromising their stretchability and self‐healing abilities. Supramolecular poly(thioctic acid‐N,N′‐methylenebis acrylamide) elastomers are designed with ordered hydrogen bonding interactions that improve the heat transfer efficiency and maintain excellent stretchability. The resulting elastomers exhibit a thermal conductivity of 0.72 W m−1 K−1, a remarkable stretchability of 427%, a low elastic modulus of 475 kPa, and self‐healing and reprocessing capabilities. This strategy offers a promising alternative for developing thermally conductive elastomers that do not rely on traditional fillers.
Covalently‐Bonded Diaphite Nanoplatelet with Engineered Electronic Properties of Diamond
Authors: Zhai Zhaofeng , Zhang Chuyan , Chen Bin , Xiong Ying , Liang Yan , Liu Lusheng , Yang Bing , Yang Nianjun , Jiang Xin , Huang Nan
Published: April 2024

Diamond, as a highly promising “extreme” semiconductor material, necessitates electronic property engineering to unleash its full potential in electronic and photonic devices. In this work, the diaphite nanoplatelet, consisting of (11) planes of diamond nanoplatelet covalently bonded with graphite (0001) planes, is facilely synthesized using one‐step microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The high‐energy plasma created by the pillar plays a crucial role in the formation. Importantly, altered electronic and optical properties are determined in the diaphite nanoplatelet through electron energy loss spectrum, density functional theory calculations, and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. It is revealed that the strong sp3/sp2‐hybridized interfacial covalent bonding in the diaphite nanoplatelet induces the electron transfer from diamond to graphite. This modulates the electronic structure of the near‐interface layer of diamond and triggers a new local trapping band below the conduction band minimum within the bandgap. Consequently, the covalently‐bonded diaphite exhibits a different optical emission characteristic ranging from 2.5 to 3.64 eV, featuring a significant peak blueshift of 430 meV compared to the H‐terminated diamond. This work demonstrates a novel method to engineer the electronic properties of diamond, opening avenues for functional semiconductor device applications of diamond.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks as an Appealing Platform for Luminescent Sensing
Authors: Xiong Zhile , Xiang Shengchang , Lv Yuanchao , Chen Banglin , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: April 2024

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), a novel subclass of porous crystalline materials self‐assembled from organic linkers through hydrogen bonding and other intermolecular interactions, have emerged as an exciting platform for developing multifunctional materials. Recently, luminescent HOF sensors have drawn considerable attention due to their unique advantages, such as hydrogen‐bonding flexibility, inherent luminescent centers in organic linkers, ease of functionalization, low density and toxicity, and good stability. However, a comprehensive study on the design strategies, functionalities, and applications of HOFs in sensing is lacking. In this review, the uniqueness and development of luminescent sensing HOFs are outlined. The design principles and strategies to enable the sensing performance are summarized, including the pre‐design of luminescent organic linkers and post‐modification with additional luminescent species. The state‐of‐the‐art advances in diverse sensing applications are overviewed, such as the detection of chemical pollutants, biomolecules, gases, and physical factors like temperature and mechanical forces. Moreover, the current challenges and corresponding potential avenues are discussed. This review aims to inspire more innovative research on the fabrication of advanced HOFs for luminescent sensing functions.
Microneedle‐Mediated Delivery of Immunomodulators Restores Immune Privilege in Hair Follicles and Reverses Immune‐Mediated Alopecia
Authors: Younis Nour , Puigmal Núria , Kurdi Abdallah El , Badaoui Andrew , Zhang Dongliang , Morales‐Garay Claudia , Saad Anis , Cruz Diane , Rahy Nadim Al , Daccache Andrea , Huerta Triana , Deban Christa , Halawi Ahmad , Choi John , Dosta Pere , Guo Lian Christine , Artzi Natalie , Azzi Jamil R.
Published: April 2024

Disorders in the regulatory arm of the adaptive immune system result in autoimmune‐mediated diseases. While systemic immunosuppression is the prevailing approach to manage them, it fails to achieve long‐lasting remission due to concomitant suppression of the regulatory arm and carries the risk of heightened susceptibility to infections and malignancies. Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by localized hair loss due to autoimmunity. The accessibility of the skin allows local rather than systemic intervention to avoid broad immunosuppression. It is hypothesized that the expansion of endogenous regulatory T cells (Tregs) at the site of antigen encounter can restore the immune balance and generate a long‐lasting tolerogenic response. A hydrogel microneedle (MN) patch is therefore utilized for delivery of CCL22, a Treg‐chemoattractant, and IL‐2, a Treg survival factor to amplify them. In an immune‐mediated murine model of alopecia, local bolstering of Treg numbers is shown, leading to sustained hair regrowth and attenuation of inflammatory pathways. In a humanized skin transplant mouse model, expansion of Tregs within human skin is confirmed without engendering peripheral immunosuppression. The patch offers high‐loading capacity and shelf‐life stability for prospective clinical translation. By harmonizing immune responses locally, the aim is to reshape the landscape of autoimmune skin disease management.
Universal Synthesis of Single‐Atom Catalysts by Direct Thermal Decomposition of Molten Salts for Boosting Acidic Water Splitting
Authors: Kaushik Shubham , Wu Duojie , Zhang Zhen , Xiao Xin , Zhen Cheng , Wang Wenjuan , Huang Ning‐Yu , Gu Meng , Xu Qiang
Published: April 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are considered prominent materials in the field of catalysis due to their high metal atom utilization and selectivity. However, the wide‐ranging applications of SACs remain a significant challenge due to their complex preparation processes. Here, a universal strategy is reported to prepare a series of noble metal single atoms on different non‐noble metal oxides through a facile one‐step thermal decomposition of molten salts. By using a mixture of non‐noble metal nitrate and a small‐amount noble metal chloride as the precursor, noble metal single atoms can be easily introduced into the non‐noble metal oxide lattice owing to the cation exchange in the in situ formed molten salt, followed by the thermal decomposition of nitrate anions during the heating process. Analyses using aberration‐corrected high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy confirm the formation of the finely dispersed single atoms. Specially, the as‐synthesized Ir single atoms (10.97 wt%) and Pt single atoms (4.60 wt%) on the Co3O4 support demonstrate outstanding electrocatalytic activities for oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, respectively.
Design of Excellent Mechanical Performances and Magnetic Refrigeration via In Situ Forming Dual‐Phase Alloys
Authors: Zhong Hong , Song Yuzhu , Long Feixiang , Lu Hao , Ai Minjun , Li Tianyu , Yao Yonghao , Sakai Yuki , Ikeda Masahito , Takahashi Kazuki , Azuma Masaki , Hu Fengxia , Xing Xianran , Chen Jun
Published: April 2024

Magnetic refrigeration technology can achieve higher energy efficiency based on the magnetocaloric effect (MCE). However, the practical application of MCE materials is hindered by their poor mechanical properties, making them challenging to process into devices. Conventional strengthening strategies usually lead to a trade‐off with refrigeration capacity reduction. Here, a novel design is presented to overcome this dilemma by forming dual‐phase alloys through in situ precipitation of a tough magnetic refrigeration phase within an intermetallic compound with excellent MCE. In the alloy 87.5Gd–12.5Co, incorporating the interconnected tough phase Gd contributes to enhanced strength (≈505 MPa) with good ductility (≈9.2%). The strengthening phase Gd simultaneously exhibits excellent MCE, enabling the alloy to achieve a peak refrigeration capacity of 720 J kg−1. Moreover, the alloy shows low thermal expansion induced by the synergistic effect of the two phases. It is beneficial for maintaining structural stability during heat exchange in magnetic refrigeration. The coupling interaction between the two magnetic phases can broaden the refrigeration temperature range and reduce hysteresis. This study guides the development of new high‐performance materials with an excellent combination of mechanical and magnetic refrigeration properties as needed for gas liquefaction and refrigerators.
A Breakthrough in Color‐Tunable All‐Fluorescent White OLEDs through the Cooperation Between a New Blue HLCT Fluorophore and a Long‐Wavelength TADF Emitter
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Peng Ling , He Feiyang , Ming Yanwen , Qi Haoyuan , Liu Yuchao , Ma Dongge , Ying Shian , Yan Shouke
Published: April 2024

It is a vitally important and challenging task to achieve high efficiency and wide color‐tunable white organic light emitting diodes (CT‐WOLEDs) meeting the needs of various decoration and lighting applications. Here, a high‐performance single‐cell all‐fluorescent CT‐WOLED with a single‐doped single‐emissive‐layer structure has been developed employing a multi‐functional hybrid local and charge transfer (HLCT) fluorophore 2‐(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)−2′,5′‐difluoro‐[1,1′:4′,1′'‐terphenyl]−4‐yl)−1‐phenyl‐1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazole (PICZ2F) as a deep‐blue emitter as well as an effective host for a yellow thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter. The record‐breaking power efficiency of 89.50 lm W‒1 and correlated color temperature (CCT) span from 3749 to 18 279 K are achieved simultaneously, which is not only one of the state‐of‐the‐art CT‐WOLEDs reported so far, but also comparable to the best values from all‐fluorescent white devices with a single‐emissive‐layer. Moreover, by using PICZ2F as an emitter, an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.10% with the Commission Internationale de lEclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.155, 0.068) is achieved in the doped device, and a low‐efficiency roll‐off even at a high luminance of 15 000 cd m−2 (EQE15000: 5.80%) is achieved in the non‐doped device. Overall, the findings provide a promising strategy to develop simple but efficient CT‐WOLEDs.
Gold‐Zinc Co‐Catalyzed Alkynoate Hydrocarboxylation with N‐Protected Amino Acids for Preparation of Storable Acylating Reagents and Racemization‐Free Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Sakurada Ayaka , Sato Miyu , Higashida Kosuke , Sawamura Masaya
Published: April 2024

Hydrocarboxylation of methyl 2‐octynoate, a chemical commercially available at a low cost, with N‐protected amino acids was developed with a gold‐zinc cooperative catalyst constructed with a 5‐[(2,2′‐bipyridin)‐5‐yl]imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐3‐ylidene to prepare α‐methoxycarbonyl enol esters as acylating reagents. The α‐methoxycarbonyl enol esters were isolable through silica‐gel column chromatography and storable without precautions regarding moisture. Acylation of free amines with the α‐methoxycarbonyl enol esters proceeded without epimerization of the stereogenic center derived from the enol esters, affording analytically pure dipeptide compounds through filtration and hexane‐washing.
Eutectogel Electrolyte Constructs Robust Interfaces for High‐Voltage Safe Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Wu Wanbao , Li Deping , Gao Chaochao , Wu Hao , Bo Yiyang , Zhang Jichuan , Ci Lijie , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: April 2024

Dramatic growth of lithium dendrite, structural deterioration of LiCoO2 (LCO) cathode at high voltages, and unstable electrode/electrolyte interfaces pose significant obstacles to the practical application of high‐energy‐density LCO||Li batteries. In this work, a novel eutectogel electrolyte is developed by confining the nonflammable eutectic electrolyte in a polymer matrix. The eutectogel electrolyte can construct a robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with inorganic‐rich LiF and Li3N, contributing to a uniform Li deposition. Besides, the severe interface side reactions between LCO cathode and electrolyte can be retarded with an in situ formed protective layer. Correspondingly, Li||Li symmetrical cells achieve highly reversible Li plating/stripping over 1000 h. The LCO||Li full cell can maintain 72.5% capacity after 1500 cycles with a decay rate of only 0.018% per cycle at a high charging voltage of 4.45 V. Moreover, the well‐designed eutectogel electrolyte can even enable the stable operation of LCO at an extremely high cutoff voltage of 4.6 V. This work introduces a promising avenue for the advancement of eutectogel electrolytes, the nonflammable nature and well‐regulated interphase significantly push forward the future application of lithium metal batteries and high‐voltage utilization of LCO cathode.
Gingerenone A Attenuates Ulcerative Colitis via Targeting IL‐17RA to Inhibit Inflammation and Restore Intestinal Barrier Function
Authors: Liang Jian , Dai Weigang , Liu Chuanghui , Wen Yifan , Chen Chen , Xu Yifei , Huang Song , Hou Shaozhen , Li Chun , Chen Yongming , Wang Wei , Tang Hailin
Published: April 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complicated and recurrent intestinal disease. Currently available drugs for UC treatment are scarce, therefore, novel therapeutic drugs for the UC are urgently to be developed. Gingerenone A (GA) is a phenolic compound known for its anti‐inflammatory effect, but its effect on UC remains unknown. Here, it is shown that GA protects mice against UC, which is closely associated with inhibiting intestinal mucosal inflammation and enhancing intestinal barrier integrity in vivo and in vitro. Of note, RNA sequencing analysis demonstrates an evident correlation with IL‐17 signaling pathway after GA treatment, and this effect is further corroborated by Western blot. Mechanistically, GA directly interacts with IL‐17RA protein through pull‐down, surface plasmon resonance analysis and molecular dynamics simulation. Importantly, lentivirus‐mediated IL‐17RA/Act1 knock‐down or GA co‐treatment with brodalumab/ixekizumab significantly impairs the protective effects of GA against DSS‐induced inflammation and barrier dysfunction, suggesting a critical role of IL‐17RA signaling for GA‐mediated protection against UC. Overall, these results indicate that GA is an effective agent against UC mainly through the direct binding of IL‐17RA to inhibit inflammatory signaling activation.
Medium‐Entropy Monosilicates Deliver High Corrosion Resistance to Calcium‐Magnesium Aluminosilicate Molten Salt
Authors: Chen Zeyu , Wang Yongzhe , Huang Yiling , Peng Fan , Lin Chucheng , Zheng Wei , Song Xuemei , Niu Yaran , Zeng Yi
Published: April 2024

For decreasing the global cost of corrosion, it is essential to understand the intricate mechanisms of corrosion and enhance the corrosion resistance of materials. However, the ambiguity surrounding the dominant mechanism of calcium‐magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) molten salt corrosion in extreme environments hinders the mix‐and‐matching of the key rare earth elements for increasing the resistance of monosilicates against corrosion of CMAS. Herein, an approach based on correlated electron microscopy techniques combined with density functional theory calculations is presented to elucidate the complex interplay of competing mechanisms that control the corrosion of CMAS of monosilicates. These findings reveal a competition between thermodynamics and kinetics that relies on the temperatures and corrosion processes. Innovative medium‐entropy monosilicates with exceptional corrosion resistance even at 1500 °C are developed. This is achieved by precisely modulating the radii of rare earth ions in monosilicates to strike a delicate balance between the competition in thermodynamics and kinetics. After 50 and 100 h of corrosion, the thinnest reactive layers are measured to be only 28.8 and 35.4 µm, respectively.
Wearable EMI Shielding Composite Films with Integrated Optimization of Electrical Safety, Biosafety and Thermal Safety
Authors: Li Liang , Yan Yongzhu , Liang Jufu , Zhao Jinchuan , Lyu Chaoyi , Zhai Haoxiang , Wu Xilong , Wang Guizhen
Published: April 2024

Biomaterial‐based flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composite films are desirable in many applications of wearable electronic devices. However, much research focuses on improving the EMI shielding performance of materials, while optimizing the comprehensive safety of wearable EMI shielding materials has been neglected. Herein, wearable cellulose nanofiber@boron nitride nanosheet/silver nanowire/bacterial cellulose (CNF@BNNS/AgNW/BC) EMI shielding composite films with sandwich structure are fabricated via a simple sequential vacuum filtration method. For the first time, the electrical safety, biosafety, and thermal safety of EMI shielding materials are optimized integratedly. Since both sides of the sandwich structure contain CNF and BC electrical insulation layers, the CNF@BNNS/AgNW/BC composite films exhibit excellent electrical safety. Furthermore, benefiting from the AgNW conductive networks in the middle layer, the CNF@BNNS/AgNW/BC exhibit excellent EMI shielding effectiveness of 49.95 dB and ultra‐fast response Joule heating performance. More importantly, the antibacterial property of AgNW ensures the biosafety of the composite films. Meanwhile, the AgNW and the CNF@BNNS layers synergistically enhance the thermal conductivity of the CNF@BNNS/AgNW/BC composite film, reaching a high value of 8.85 W m‒1 K‒1, which significantly enhances its thermal safety when used in miniaturized electronic device. This work offers new ideas for fabricating biomaterial‐based EMI shielding composite films with high comprehensive safety.
Reversible Protonated Electrolyte Additive Enabling Dendrites‐Free Zn Metal Anode with High Depth of Discharge
Authors: Wang Yuao , Wang Tiantian , Mao Yiyang , Li Zhuo , Yu Huiying , Su Mingyu , Ye Ke , Cao Dianxue , Zhu Kai
Published: April 2024

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have stimulated extensive attention due to their environmental friendliness and low cost. Unfortunately, the inevitable dendrite growth and corrosion on the zinc (Zn) anode severely hinder the practical application of AZIBs. Herein, an amino acid containing an imidazole group is introduced as an effective additive to address these issues. The dynamic conversion of amino acid and protonated amino acid creates a pH buffer function that regulates solution pH in real time, inhibits hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and eliminates notorious by‐products. In addition, the protonated amino acid is preferentially adsorbed on the Zn anode, preventing contact of the active water with the Zn surface and promoting homogeneous Zn deposition. Thus, the amino acid‐based electrolyte promotes dendrite free plating/stripping with a Coulombic efficiency up to 99.67% and cycle lifetime of 2600 h. In particular, a depth of discharge of up to 87% can be achieved with an ultra‐high areal capacity of 24 mAh cm−2. The developed Zn||CVO full cell also exhibits better electrochemical performance than that without additives. This work provides an effective and convenient approach for safe and efficient Zn‐ion batteries.
Probing Energy‐Funneling Kinetics in Nanocrystal Sublattices for Superior X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Wu Qinxia , Xu Xinqi , Li Xiaokun , Jiang Hao , Qin Xian , Hong Zhongzhu , Chen Xiaofeng , Yang Zhijian , Ou Xiangyu , Xie Lili , He Yu , Han Sanyang , Chen Qiushui , Yang Huanghao
Published: April 2024

Long‐lasting radioluminescence scintillators have recently attracted substantial attention from both research and industrial communities, primarily due to their distinctive capabilities of converting and storing X‐ray energy. However, determination of energy‐conversion kinetics in these nanocrystals remains unexplored. Here we present a strategy to probe and unveil energy‐funneling kinetics in NaLuF4:Mn2+/Gd3+ nanocrystal sublattices through Gd3+‐driven microenvironment engineering and Mn2+‐mediated radioluminescence profiling. Our photophysical studies reveal effective control of energy‐funneling kinetics and demonstrate the tunability of electron trap depth ranging from 0.66 to 0.96 eV, with the corresponding trap density varying between 2.38×105 and 1.34×107 cm−3. This enables controlled release of captured electrons over durations spanning from seconds to 30 days. It allows tailorable emission wavelength within the range of 520–580 nm and fine‐tuning of thermally‐stimulated temperature between 313–403 K. We further utilize these scintillators to fabricate high‐density, large‐area scintillation screens that exhibit a 6‐fold improvement in X‐ray sensitivity, 22 lp/mm high‐resolution X‐ray imaging, and a 30‐day‐long optical memory. This enables high‐contrast imaging of injured mice through fast thermally‐stimulated radioluminescence readout. These findings offer new insights into the correlation of radioluminescence dynamics with energy‐funneling kinetics, thereby contributing to the advancement of high‐energy nanophotonic applications.
Conjugation and Topology Engineering of 2D π‐d Conjugated Metal–Organic Frameworks for Robust Potassium Organic Batteries
Authors: Cheng Linqi , Qi Meiling , Yu Jie , Zhang Xupeng , Wang Heng‐Guo , Cui Fengchao , Wang Yinghui
Published: April 2024

The evolution of two‐dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) provides a significant prospect for researching the next generation of green and advanced energy storage systems (ESSs). Especially, conjugation and topology engineering serve as an irreplaceable character in adjusting the electrochemical properties of ESSs. Herein, we proposed a novel strategy using conjugation and topology engineering to demonstrate the application of 2D c‐MOFs in robust potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) for the first time. By comparing 2D c‐MOFs with the rhombus/kagome structure as well as three/four‐arm core, the rhombus structure (sql‐Cu‐TBA‐MOF) cathode for PIBs can display the impressive electrochemical performance, including a high specific discharge capacity of 178.4 mAh g−1 (at 0.2 A g−1) and a well long‐term cycle stability of more than 9,000 (at 10.0 A g−1). Moreover, full PIBs (FPIBs) are constructed by pairing sql‐Cu‐TBA‐MOF cathode with dipotassium terephthalate (KTP) anode, which delivers a high reversible discharge specific capacity of 146.6 mAh g−1 (at 0.1 A g−1) and great practical application prospect. These findings provide reasonable implications for the design of 2D c‐MOFs from the perspective of conjugation and topology engineering for advanced energy storage systems.
Salmon farming alters the structure and functioning of Norwegian maerl bed communities
Authors: Legrand Erwann , Taormina Bastien , Grall Jacques , Sævik Pål Næverlid , Lelièvre Yann , Pinsivy Lucas , Peña Viviana , Husa Vivian
Published: April 2024

Effluents resulting from fish farming activities can alter the structure and functioning of benthic ecosystems. In Norway, recent technological advances within the salmon industry have facilitated the expansion of aquaculture into shallower locations, leading to additional pressures upon coastal habitats.

Maerl/rhodolith beds are important bioengineers in coastal waters—supporting highly diverse associated macrofaunal communities—and are likely to be particularly at risk.

This study aims to investigate the environmental changes induced by fish farms in their vicinity and their impact on the structure and functioning of maerl bed macrofaunal communities.

High dissolved nutrients and organic enrichment levels were observed close to the cages, associated with lower live maerl cover.

Overall, the most substantial impact of salmon farms on macrofaunal communities was observed within 100 m from the cages. Nevertheless, changes in the structure and functioning of assemblages were evidenced up to 300 m.

In the vicinity of the cages, communities were characterized by the dominance of endobenthic subsurface deposit feeders and opportunistic species, notably the polychaetes Chaetozone sp., Capitella sp. and Scoloplos armiger. Conversely, sites situated farther away from the cages exhibited higher abundances of epibenthic taxa, including crawlers, grazers and species sensitive to organic enrichment.

Sites unaffected by the presence of fish farms were described by high abundances of the ophiuroid Ophiura robusta, the polychaete Proclea graffi and ostracods, reflecting more favourable environmental conditions.

Such changes in macrofaunal communities highlight the vulnerability of maerl beds to the impacts of aquaculture, thus emphasizing the importance of rigorous site selection when establishing new fish farming facilities.
Do religious and cultural considerations militate against body donation? An overview and a Christian perspective
Authors: Jones David Gareth
Published: April 2024

The development of anatomy as a scientific undertaking appears to have left little room for religious and cultural input into the conduct of anatomical investigations. This has been brought to the fore by questionnaires regarding the willingness or otherwise of individuals to donate their bodies for dissection, with higher levels of willingness from those without religious affiliations. This has led to the assumption that there is inherent opposition to body donation by those with a religious stance, although there has been little exploration of this. This is increasingly important with growing awareness that anatomy is an international discipline, leading to increasing attention to the religious and cultural contexts within which it is practiced. There is a diversity of responses toward body donation within different countries, as well as by those influenced by Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Additionally, there are diverse cultural attitudes within Confucianism in Asia, Zulu in Africa, and Māori in New Zealand. Even those within the Christian church are influenced by a variety of values, some of which are in tension, with emphasis on the sacredness of life and the significance of burial being negative toward body donation, with informed consent and altruism pointing in a positive direction. The challenge for anatomists is to understand those within their communities, seek to appreciate their perspectives, and also make known the potential of body donation and dissection for enhancing medical practice and improving the education of future health workers.
Diminishing Self‐Discharge of High‐Loading Li−S Batteries with Oxygen‐Rich Biomass Carbon Interlayers
Authors: Li Wei , Qin Yumei , Dou Xiaojian , Hu Qiong , Liang Wenyu , Nie Guochao , Zhu Gaolong , Zeng Chujie , Zeng Guangfeng
Published: April 2024

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (Li−S) have possessed gratifying development in the past decade due to their high theoretical energy density. However, the severe polysulfide shuttling provokes undesirable self‐discharge effect, leading to low energy efficiency in Li−S batteries. Herein, an interlayer composed of oxygen‐rich carbon nanosheets (OCN) derived from bagasse is elaborated to suppress the shuttle effect and reduce the resultant self‐discharge effect. The OCN interlayer is able to physically block the shuttling behavior of polysulfides and its oxygen‐rich functional groups can strongly interact with polysulfides via O−S bonds to chemically immobilize mobile polysulfides. The self‐discharge test for seven days further shows that the self‐discahrge rate is diminished by impressive 93 %. As a result, Li−S batteries with the OCN interlayer achieve an ultrahigh discharge specific capacity of 710 mAh g−1 at a high mass loading of 7.18 mg. The work provides a facile method for designing functional interlayers and opens a new avenue for realizing Li−S batteries with high energy efficiency.
Understanding symptom contribution to sex inequality in bladder and renal cancer stage at diagnosis
Authors: Zhou Yin , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Rajan Prabhakar , Walter Fiona M. , Wu Jianhua
Published: April 2024

Background

Understanding sex‐specific factors contributing to advanced‐stage diagnosis can guide interventions to reduce sex inequality in patients with urological cancers.

Method

We used linked primary care and cancer registry data to examine associations between symptoms and advanced‐stage in 1151 bladder cancer and 440 renal cancer patients diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2015 in England. We performed logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, deprivation and routes to diagnosis, including interaction terms between symptoms and sex and symptoms and age.

Results

Female sex (OR vs. men 1.89 [1.28–2.79]; p = 0.001) and patients presenting with urinary tract infections (OR 2.22 [1.34–3.69]) and abdominal symptoms (OR 2.19 [1.30–3.70]) were associated with increased odds of advanced‐stage bladder cancer (vs. haematuria, p = 0.016 for both). Women with haematuria and men with abdominal symptoms (compared with the opposite sex with the same presenting symptom) were more likely to have advanced‐stage bladder cancer. Neither sex nor symptom associations were observed for renal cancer.

Conclusion

Non‐haematuria symptoms are associated with higher risk of advanced‐stage bladder cancer. Greater risk of advanced‐stage bladder cancer in women may reflect biological differences in haematuria onset and sex differences during diagnostic process. Identifying higher risk women with haematuria may reduce sex inequalities in bladder cancer outcomes.
A new fluorescence probe for sofosbuvir analysis in dosage form and spiked human plasma
Authors: Nasr Mohamed S. , Talaat Wael , Morshedy Samir , Kaddah Mohamed M. Y. , Omran Gamal , Keshk Reda M.
Published: April 2024

A simple, rapid, and low‐cost technique was developed to allow reliable analysis of the anti‐hepatitis C drug sofosbuvir in bulk, tablet form, and spiked human plasma. This method depends on the ability of sofosbuvir to quench the fluorescence of the newly synthesized 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4,6‐dimethylpyridine (reagent 3). Elemental analysis and spectral data were used to validate the structure of the synthesized reagent. The newly synthesized reagent exhibited a satisfactory level of fluorescence emission at 365 nm after excitation at 247 nm. All experimental variables that might affect the quenching process were analyzed and optimized. Linearity, range, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were all validated in accordance with the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines. The concentration range was shown to be linear between 0.1 and 1.5 μg/mL. The technique was effectively utilized for sofosbuvir analysis in both its tablet dosage form and spiked human plasma, with mean percentage recoveries of 100.13 ± 0.35 and 94.26 ± 1.69, respectively.
Development of generic metabolic Raman calibration models using solution titration in aqueous phase and data augmentation for in‐line cell culture analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Lang Zhe , Chen Gong , Zhou Hang , Zhou Weichang
Published: April 2024

This study presents a novel approach for developing generic metabolic Raman calibration models for in‐line cell culture analysis using glucose and lactate stock solution titration in an aqueous phase and data augmentation techniques. First, a successful set‐up of the titration method was achieved by adding glucose or lactate solution at several different constant rates into the aqueous phase of a bench‐top bioreactor. Subsequently, the in‐line glucose and lactate concentration were calculated and interpolated based on the rate of glucose and lactate addition, enabling data augmentation and enhancing the robustness of the metabolic calibration model. Nine different combinations of spectra pretreatment, wavenumber range selection, and number of latent variables were evaluated and optimized using aqueous titration data as training set and a historical cell culture data set as validation and prediction set. Finally, Raman spectroscopy data collected from 11 historical cell culture batches (spanning four culture modes and scales ranging from 3 to 200 L) were utilized to predict the corresponding glucose and lactate values. The results demonstrated a high prediction accuracy, with an average root mean square errors of prediction of 0.65 g/L for glucose, and 0.48 g/L for lactate. This innovative method establishes a generic metabolic calibration model, and its applicability can be extended to other metabolites, reducing the cost of deploying real‐time cell culture monitoring using Raman spectroscopy in bioprocesses.
Examining the influence of corporate social responsibility performance on earnings management: A global perspective in the context of sustainable development
Authors: Le Anh‐Tuan , Doan Anh‐Tuan
Published: April 2024

This article examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility and earnings management behavior around the world. Using international data from 35 countries between 2003 and 2019, we find evidence that increased corporate social responsibility tends to mitigate the pressure to manage earnings. These findings are robust to alternate measures of earnings management, corporate social responsibility, as well as controlling for endogeneity caveats by two‐stage‐least square and system generalized‐method‐of‐moments estimations. We further show that the negative association between corporate social responsibility and earnings management is more pronounced for firms in countries with high press freedom or high societal trust. The findings from this article provide implications for investors, analysts, business participants, and regulators.
Environmental sustainability and customer experience in emerging markets
Authors: Tsetse Ernest Kafui Kwasi , Adams Russell , Elliot Esi A. , Downey Clara
Published: April 2024

Increasingly, environmental sustainability becomes an important consideration for customer engagement (CE). The globalization of the marketplace has led to a marketing renaissance focused on environmental sustainability, which highlights the importance of our study. Our research question is, therefore, “How does environmental sustainability enhance customer engagement?” We argue that attention to environmental sustainability in emerging markets would significantly enhance CE. Expanding the customer involvement of green‐oriented customers can lead to significant environmental improvement, especially in emerging economies. This study makes significant contributions to research and practice of connecting the environment sustainability to CE in emerging markets. Our study applies a mixed method research design, which involves concurrently using both quantitative and qualitative methods, with quantitative preceding the qualitative and exploratory methods. Our study finds out that CE in emerging markets results in increased environmental sustainability and in this manner, enhances the customer tourism experience.
Withanicandrin Isolated from Datura Ferox Promotes Antinociception by Modulating the Asics and TRPS Channels and Anti‐Inflammation in Adult Zebrafish
Authors: Maciel Jéssica Bezerra , Liberato Hortência Ribeiro , da Silva Antônio Wlisses , da Silva João Pedro Vieira , das Chagas L. Pinto Francisco , de Lima Rebouças Emanuela , da Silva Francisco Sydney Henrique , Ferreira Maria Kueirislene Amâncio , Marinho Marcia Machado , Marinho Emmanuel Silva , Pessoa Otília Deusdênia Loiola , de Barros Silva Paulo Goberlânio , Coelho‐de‐Souza Andrelina Noronha , Guedes Maria Izabel Florindo , de Castro Gomes Andreia Ferreira , de Menezes Jane Eire Silva Alencar , dos Santos Hélcio Silva
Published: April 2024

This is the first study to analyze the anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of withanicandrin, isolated from Datura Ferox leaves, and the possible mechanism of action involved in adult zebrafish (ZFa). To this end, the animals were treated intraperitoneally (i. p.) with withanicandrin (4; 20 and 40 mg/kg; 20 μL) and subjected to locomotor activity and acute toxicity. Nociception tests were also carried out with chemical agents, in addition to tests to evaluate inflammatory processes induced by κ‐Carrageenan 1.5 % and a Molecular Docking study. As a result, withanicandrin reduced nociceptive behavior by capsaicin at a dose of 40 mg/kg and by acid saline at doses of 4 and 40 mg/kg, through neuromodulation of TRPV1 channels and ASICs, identified through blocking the antinociceptive effect of withanicandrin by the antagonists capsazepine and naloxone. Furthermore, withanicandrin caused an anti‐inflammatory effect through the reduction of abdominal edema, absence of leukocyte infiltrate in the liver tissue and reduction of ROS in thel liver tissue and presented better affinity energy compared to control morphine (TRPV1) and ibuprofen (COX‐1 and COX‐2).
Comparison of the Secondary Metabolism of the Basidiomycetes Armillaria mellea and Desarmillaria ectypa
Authors: Chepkemoi Jacklyne , Pfütze Sebastian , Kimani Njogu M. , Matasyoh Josphat C , Stadler Marc
Published: April 2024

During the course of our ongoing studies on the secondary metabolism of cultures of Basidiomycota, a new meroterpenoid named 10, 15‐dihydroxydihydromelleolide (1) was isolated along with the known armillaridin (2) and arnamiol (3) from cultures of the rare saprotrophic species, Desarmillaria ectypa. These are the first secondary metabolites that were ever isolated from the latter species. A concurrently studied strain of the common pathogenic A. mellea yielded other melleolides, with 5’‐O‐methylmelledonal (4), melledonal C (5), 10 α‐hydroxydihydromelleolide (6) and melledonal (7). The chemical structures were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS). All compounds were studied for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects against a panel of microbes and mammalian cell lines, and the results are also reported.