bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Year Follow-Up of Patients Admitted for Emergency Coronary Angiography after Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Delbaere Quentin , Akodad Myriam , Roubille François , Lattuca Benoît , Cayla Guillaume , Leclercq Florence
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Despite the improvement of the in-hospital survival rate after aborted sudden cardiac death (SCD), cerebral anoxia may have severe neurologic consequences and may impair long-term outcome and quality of life of surviving patients. The aim of this study was to assess neurological outcomes at one year after resuscitated cardiac arrest; (2) Methods: This prospective, observational, and multicentre study included patients >18 yo admitted in the catheterisation laboratory for coronary angiography after aborted SCD between 1 May 2018 and 31 May 2020. Only patients who were discharged alive from hospital were evaluated. The primary endpoint was survival without neurological sequelae at one-year follow-up defined by a cerebral performance category (CPC) of one or two. Secondary end points included all-cause mortality, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, neurologic evaluation at discharge, three-month and one-year follow-up using the CPC scale, and quality of life at 1 year using the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) questionnaire; (3) Results: Among 143 patients admitted for SCD within the study period, 61 (42.7%) were discharged alive from hospital, among whom 55 (90.1%) completed the one-year follow-up. No flow and low flow times were 1.9 ± 2.4 min and 16.5 ± 10.4 min, respectively. For 93.4% of the surviving patients, an initial shockable rhythm (n = 57) was observed and acute coronary syndrome was diagnosed in 75.4% of them (n = 46). At 1 year, survival rate without neurologic sequelae was 87.2% (n = 48). Patients with poor outcome were older (69.3 vs. 57.4 yo; p = 0.04) and had lower body mass index (22.4 vs. 26.7; p = 0.013) and a lower initial Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction (LVEF) (32.1% vs. 40.3%; p = 0.046). During follow-up, neurological status improved in 36.8% of patients presenting sequelae at discharge, and overall quality of life was satisfying for 66.7% of patients according to the QOLIBRI questionnaire; (4) Conclusions: Among patients admitted to the catheterisation laboratory for aborted SCD, mainly related to Acute Coronary Syndrom (ACS), less than a half of them were alive at discharge. However, the one-year survival rate without neurological sequelae was high and overall quality of life was good.
Comparison of a Robotic and Patient-Mounted Device for CT-Guided Needle Placement: A Phantom Study
Authors: Scharll Yannick , Mitteregger Alexander , Laimer Gregor , Schwabl Christoph , Schullian Peter , Bale Reto
Published: June 2022

Background: Robotic-based guidance systems are becoming increasingly capable of assisting in needle placement during interventional procedures. Despite these technical advances, less sophisticated low-cost guidance devices promise to enhance puncture accuracy compared with the traditional freehand technique. Purpose: To compare the in vitro accuracy and feasibility of two different aiming devices for computed-tomography (CT)-guided punctures. Methods: A total of 560 CT-guided punctures were performed by using either a robotic (Perfint Healthcare: Maxio) or a novel low-cost patient-mounted system (Medical Templates AG: Puncture Cube System [PCS]) for the placement of Kirschner wires in a plexiglass phantom with different slice thicknesses. Needle placement accuracy as well as procedural time were assessed. The Euclidean (ED) and normal distances (ND) were calculated at the entry and target point. Results: Using the robotic device, the ND at the target for 1.25 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.75 mm and 5 mm slice thickness were 1.28 mm (SD ± 0.79), 1.25 mm (SD ± 0.81), 1.35 mm (SD ± 1.00) and 1.35 mm (SD ± 1.03). Using the PCS, the ND at the target for 1 mm, 3 mm and 5 mm slices were 3.84 mm (SD ± 1.75), 4.41 mm (SD ± 2.31) and 4.41 mm (SD ± 2.11), respectively. With all comparable slice thicknesses, the robotic device was significantly more accurate compared to the low-cost device (p < 0.001). Needle placement with the PCS resulted in lower intervention time (mean, 158.83 s [SD ± 23.38] vs. 225.67 s [SD ± 17.2]). Conclusion: Although the robotic device provided more accurate results, both guidance systems showed acceptable results and may be helpful for interventions in difficult anatomical regions and for those requiring complex multi-angle trajectories.
Clinical Performance of Oral Anticoagulants in Elderly with Atrial Fibrillation and Low Body Weight: Insight into Italian Cohort of PREFER-AF and PREFER-AF Prolongation Registries
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Attena Emilio , Baroni Matteo , Trotta Roberta , Manu Marius Constantin , Kirchhof Paulus , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: June 2022

Background: Elderly patients are at high risk of both ischaemic and bleeding events, and the low body weight is considered a risk factor for major bleeding in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients on anticoagulation therapy. The aim of our study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus well-controlled vitamin-K antagonists (VKA) therapy among AF patients aged >75 years and with a body weight <60 kg in a prospective registry setting. Methods: Data for this study were sourced from the Italian cohorts of PREFER in AF and PREFER in AF PROLONGATION registries. The occurrence of a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attack and systemic embolism (thromboembolic events) was the primary effectiveness endpoint. The occurrence of major bleeding was the primary safety endpoint. All-cause hospitalizations and all-cause death were the secondary endpoints. The net clinical benefit (NCB) was calculated in order to obtain an integrated assessment of the anti-thromboembolic and pro-haemorrhagic effects of NOACs vs. VKA. Results: Overall, 522 patients were included; 225 were on treatment with NOACs and 317 patients with VKA. The NOAC group more frequently featured a higher BMI and a higher prevalence of history of stroke/TIA and insulin-requiring diabetes; conversely, heart failure and chronic liver disease were less frequent in the NAOC group. In the unmatched study population, 18 patients (3.6% in the NOAC vs. 3.2% in the VKA group, p = 0.79) experienced thromboembolic events; 19 patients (1.78% in the NOAC vs. 4.73% in the VKA group, p = 0.06) experienced major bleeding events; and 68 patients were hospitalized during the follow-up (9.3% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.06). After balancing for potential confounders by using the 1:1 propensity score matching technique, 426 patients (213 on NOAC and 213 on VKA) were selected. We found no significant differences in terms of thromboembolic events (3.76% vs. 4.69%, p = 0.63), major bleeding events (n: 1.88% vs. 4.22%, p = 0.15) and hospitalizations (9.9% vs. 16.9%, p = 0.06) between NOAC vs. VKA matched population. Based on these incidences, we found a positive net clinical benefit (+1.6) of NOACs vs. VKAs. Conclusions: These real-world data suggest the safety and effectiveness of using NOACs in elderly patients with low body weight.
Reproducibility and Accuracy of the Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry for Femoral Mineral Density Estimation and Discriminative Power of the Femoral Fragility Score in Patients with Primary and Disuse-Related Osteoporosis
Authors: Lalli Piera , Mautino Claudia , Busso Chiara , Bardesono Francesca , Di Monaco Marco , Lippi Lorenzo , Invernizzi Marco , Minetto Marco Alessandro
Published: June 2022

We aimed to investigate the reproducibility and accuracy of Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry (REMS) for femoral BMD estimation and the reproducibility and discriminative power of the REMS-derived femoral fragility score. 175 patients with primary and disuse-related osteoporosis were recruited: one femoral Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan and two femoral REMS scans were acquired. No significant test—retest differences were observed for all REMS-derived variables. The diagnostic concordance between DXA and REMS was 63% (Cohen’s kappa = 0.31) in patients with primary osteoporosis and 13% (Cohen’s kappa: −0.04) in patients with disuse-related osteoporosis. No significant difference was observed between REMS and DXA for either femoral neck BMD (mean difference between REMS and DXA: −0.015 g/cm2) or total femur BMD (mean difference: −0.004 g/cm2) in patients with primary osteoporosis. Significant differences between the two techniques were observed in patients with disuse-related osteoporosis (femoral neck BMD difference: 0.136 g/cm2; total femur BMD difference: 0.236 g/cm2). Statistically significant differences in the fragility score were obtained between the fractured and non-fractured patients for both populations. In conclusion, REMS showed excellent test-retest reproducibility, but the diagnostic concordance between DXA and REMS was between minimal and poor. Further studies are required to improve the REMS—derived estimation of femoral BMD.
Clinical Predictors for Procedural Stroke and Implications for Embolic Protection Devices during TAVR: Results from the Multicenter Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement In-Hospital Stroke (TASK) Study
Authors: Berkovitch Anat , Segev Amit , Maor Elad , Sedaghat Alexander , Finkelstein Ariel , Saccocci Matteo , Kornowski Ran , Latib Azeem , De La Torre Hernandez Jose M. , Søndergaard Lars , Mylotte Darren , Van Royen Niels , Zaman Azfar G. , Robert Pierre , Sinning Jan-Malte , Steinvil Arie , Maisano Francesco , Orvin Katia , Iannopollo Gianmarco , Lee Dae-Hyun , De Backer Ole , Mercanti Federico , van der Wulp Kees , Shome Joy , Tchétché Didier , Barbash Israel M.
Published: June 2022

Background: Data to support the routine use of embolic protection devices for stroke prevention during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are controversial. Identifying patients at high risk for peri-procedural cerebrovascular events may facilitate effective patient selection for embolic protection devices during TAVR. Aim: To generate a risk score model for stratifying TAVR patients according to peri-procedural cerebrovascular events risk. Methods and results: A total of 8779 TAVR patients from 12 centers worldwide were included. Peri-procedural cerebrovascular events were defined as an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack occurring ≤24 h from TAVR. The peri-procedural cerebrovascular events rate was 1.4% (n = 127), which was independently associated with 1-year mortality (hazards ratio (HR) 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–2.98, p < 0.028). The TASK risk score parameters were history of stroke, use of a non-balloon expandable valve, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral vascular disease, and each parameter was assigned one point. Each one-point increment was associated with a significant increase in peri-procedural cerebrovascular events risk (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.56–2.45, p < 0.001). The TASK score was dichotomized into very-low, low, intermediate, and high (0, 1, 2, 3–4 points, respectively). The high-risk TASK score group (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.06–14.16, p = 0.001) was associated with a significantly higher risk of peri-procedural cerebrovascular events compared with the low TASK score group. Conclusions: The proposed novel TASK risk score may assist in the pre-procedural risk stratification of TAVR patients for peri-procedural cerebrovascular events.
MiRNAs and circRNAs for the Diagnosis of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rosenfeld Roberto , Riondino Silvia , Formica Vincenzo , Torino Francesco , Martuscelli Eugenio , Roselli Mario
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent type of female cancer with increasing incidence in recent years. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an important backbone chemotherapy in BC, responsible for cardiotoxicity (CTX) in about 9% of treated women within the first year. Biomarkers of early CTX diagnosis are essential to avoid complicated DOX-related cardiac diseases. Traditional serum biomarkers are either poorly sensitive with transient elevation, and even absent if investigated outside their diagnostic window, or arise only in late-stage CTX. Emerging biomarkers such as non-coding RNA (ncRNA) have been recently investigated in DOX-related CTX. In our review, we revised the role of microRNAs, the most studied type of ncRNA, both in animal and human models, highlighting the interesting but often contrasting results. Moreover, we reviewed a novel class of ncRNA, circular RNA (circRNA), focusing on their modulatory mechanisms also involving microRNAs. MicroRNA and circRNA are players in a wide homeostatic balance with their perturbation representing a possible compensation for DOX damage. Further studies are required to assess the modalities of early detection of their variation in BC patients suffering from heart disease induced by DOX treatment.
Some Concerns from a Radiological Point of View. Comment on Huang et al. Outcomes of Conversion Surgery for Metastatic Gastric Cancer Compared with In-Front Surgery Plus Palliative Chemotherapy or In-Front Surgery Alone. J. Pers. Med. 2022, 12, 555
Authors: Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Bagnacci Giulio , Perrella Armando , Di Meglio Nunzia , Piccioni Stefania Angela , Bloise Francesco , Marrelli Daniele , Milandri Carlo , Mura Gianni
Published: June 2022

We read, with great interest, the article by Huang Ruo-Yi and colleagues entitled “Outcomes of Conversion Surgery for Metastatic Gastric Cancer Compared with In-Front Surgery Plus Palliative Chemotherapy or In-Front Surgery Alone”, published on 1 April 2022 [...]
Anosmia Testing as Early Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Positivity; A Prospective Study under Screening Conditions
Authors: Jungbauer Frederic , Gerhards Catharina , Thiaucourt Margot , Behnes Michael , Rotter Nicole , Schell Angela , Haselmann Verena , Neumaier Michael , Kittel Maximilian
Published: June 2022

Sudden onset of anosmia is a phenomenon often associated with developing COVID-19 disease and has even been described as an initial isolated symptom in individual cases. In this case-control study, we investigated the feasibility of this condition as a suitable screening test in a population at risk. We performed a prospective study with a total of 313 subjects with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. In parallel to routine PCR analysis, a modified commercial scent test was performed to objectify the presence of potential anosmia as a predictor of SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Furthermore, a structured interview assessment of the participants was conducted. A total of 12.1% of the study participants had molecular genetic detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the nasopharyngeal swab. It could be demonstrated that these subjects had a significantly weaker olfactory identification performance of the scents. Further analysis of the collected data from the scent test and medical history via random forest (Boruta) algorithm showed that no improvement of the prediction power was achieved by this design. The assay investigated in this study may be suitable for screening general olfactory function. For the screening of COVID-19, it seems to be affected by too many external and internal biases and requires too elaborate and selective pre-test screening.
Nitrous Oxide Emission from Full-Scale Anammox-Driven Wastewater Treatment Systems
Authors: Lin Zhiman , Ma Kayan , Yang Yuchun
Published: June 2022

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are important contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, partly due to their huge emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), which has a global warming potential of 298 CO2 equivalents. Anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria provide a shortcut in the nitrogen removal pathway by directly transforming ammonium and nitrite to nitrogen gas (N2). Due to its energy efficiency, the anammox-driven treatment has been applied worldwide for the removal of inorganic nitrogen from ammonium-rich wastewater. Although direct evidence of the metabolic production of N2O by anammox bacteria is lacking, the microorganisms coexisting in anammox-driven WWTPs could produce a considerable amount of N2O and hence affect the sustainability of wastewater treatment. Thus, N2O emission is still one of the downsides of anammox-driven wastewater treatment, and efforts are required to understand the mechanisms of N2O emission from anammox-driven WWTPs using different nitrogen removal strategies and develop effective mitigation strategies. Here, three main N2O production processes, namely, hydroxylamine oxidation, nitrifier denitrification, and heterotrophic denitrification, and the unique N2O consumption process termed nosZ-dominated N2O degradation, occurring in anammox-driven wastewater treatment systems, are summarized and discussed. The key factors influencing N2O emission and mitigation strategies are discussed in detail, and areas in which further research is urgently required are identified.
Investigation of MAO Coatings Characteristics on Titanium Products Obtained by EBM Method Using Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey , Peretyagin Nikita , Apelfeld Andrey , Smirnov Anton , Yanushevich Oleg , Krikheli Natella , Kramar Olga , Kramar Sergey , Peretyagin Pavel
Published: June 2022

Coatings with a thickness from 27 to 62 µm on electron beam melted Ti-6Al-4V have been formed by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) in a silicate-hypophosphite electrolyte. MAO tests in the anode-cathode mode (50 Hz) with an anode-to-cathode current ratio of 1:1 and sum current densities 10 and 20 A/dm2 were carried out. The duration of the MAO treatment was 30 and 60 min. The effect of the processing parameters on the structural properties of the MAO treated coatings was studied. The current density and treatment time significantly affect the coating thickness and surface roughness. The values of these characteristics increase as the current density increases. The effect of thermal cycling tests on surface morphology, thickness and roughness, and elemental and phase composition of MAO coatings was analyzed. After 50 cycles of thermal cycling from +200 °C to −50 °C, no cracking or delamination of coatings was observed. Coatings formed in 30 min at a current density of 20 A/dm2 turned out to be the best in terms of such indicators as surface morphology, thickness, and roughness.
Approaches to Preceramic Polymer Fiber Fabrication and On-Demand Applications
Authors: Kizhakke Veettil Soorya , Kollarigowda Ravichandran H. , Thakur Pankaj
Published: June 2022

The demand for lightweight, high-modulus, and temperature-resistant materials for aerospace and other high-temperature applications has contributed to the development of ceramic fibers that exhibit most of the favorable properties of monolithic ceramics. This review demonstrates preceramic-based polymer fiber spinning and fiber classifications. We discuss different types of fiber spinning and the advantages of each. Tuning the preceramic polymer chemical properties, molar mass, functional chemistry influences, and incorporation with fillers are thoroughly investigated. Further, we present the applications of preceramic-based polymer fibers in different fields including aerospace, biomedical, and sensor applications. This concise review summarizes recent developments in preceramic fiber chemistry and essential applications.
Immobilization of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) in Polysulfone Membranes by Radically-Initiated Crosslinking Using Potassium Persulfate
Authors: Gonzalez Ortiz Danae , Nouxet Morgan , Maréchal William , Lorain Olivier , Deratani André , Pochat-Bohatier Céline
Published: June 2022

Polysulfone (PSU) membranes with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a pore-forming and hydrophilic additive were prepared using the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) technique. PVP immobilization by radical-initiated crosslinking using potassium persulfate (KPS) was studied in view of obtaining membranes with high and long-lasting surface hydrophilicity. A method based on the ATR-FTIR technique was developed to discriminate crosslinked PVP from unreacted PVP in the membrane. The crosslinking progress was investigated as a function of temperature, KPS concentration, and reaction time. The results showed that temperature was the main factor influencing the crosslinking reaction since radical formation is temperature-dependent. Increasing the concentration of KPS and the reaction time led to an increase in the crosslinking rate. The effect of the degree of PVP crosslinking on the structure and properties of the prepared membranes was examined by studying mechanical properties, morphology by SEM, surface hydrophilicity by contact angle measurements, and water permeability.
Alcohol Diffusion in Alkali-Metal-Doped Polymeric Membranes for Using in Alkaline Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells
Authors: Fernández-Nieto Andrea , Muñoz Sagrario , Barragán Vicenta María
Published: June 2022

The alcohol permeability of anion exchange membranes is a crucial property when they are used as a solid electrolyte in alkaline direct alcohol fuel cells and electrolyzers. The membrane is the core component to impede the fuel crossover and allows the ionic transport, and it strongly affects the fuel cell performance. The aim of this work is to compare different anion exchange membranes to be used as an electrolyte in alkaline direct alcohol fuels cells. The alcohol permeability of four commercial anion exchange membranes with different structure were analyzed in several hydro-organic media. The membranes were doped using different types of alkaline doping agents (LiOH, NaOH, and KOH) and different conditions to analyze the effect of the treatment on the membrane behavior. Methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol were analyzed. The study was focused on the diffusive contribution to the alcohol crossover that affects the fuel cell performance. To this purpose, alcohol permeability was determined for various membrane systems. The results show that membrane alcohol permeability is affected by the doping conditions, depending on the effect on the type of membrane and alcohol nature. In general, heterogeneous membranes presented a positive correlation between alcohol permeability and doping capacity, with a lower effect for larger-size alcohols. A definite trend was not observed for homogeneous membranes.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Measurement of Residual Stresses in a Thick-Walled Buried-Arc Welded Pipe Structure
Authors: Perić Mato , Garašić Ivica , Gubeljak Nenad , Tonković Zdenko , Nižetić Sandro , Osman Krešimir
Published: June 2022

In this study, a numerical simulation of a single pass welding of two thick-walled pipes with the buried-arc method was performed in order to determine the residual stresses caused by welding. The numerical simulation procedure in the thermal analysis was performed by the element birth and death method while the structural analysis was performed simultaneously, without the application of the element birth and death technique in order to reduce the duration of the numerical simulation. The simulation results were validated by experimental residual stress measurements on the outside surfaces of the welded model using the X-ray diffraction technique. A good agreement between the results of the numerical simulation and experimental measurements was confirmed.
Effect of Build Parameters on the Compressive Behavior of Additive Manufactured CoCrMo Lattice Parts Based on Experimental Design
Authors: Gülcan Orhan , Simsek Ugur , Cokgunlu Okan , Özdemir Mirhan , Şendur Polat , Yapici Guney Guven
Published: June 2022

Due to their high specific strength, toughness, and corrosion and wear resistance characteristics, CoCrMo alloys are widely used in different industries and applications: wind turbines and jet-engine components, orthopedic implants, dental crowns, etc. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of lattice parameters on the compressive behavior of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) parts from CoCrMo material. Build orientation, volume fraction, and lattice type are chosen as input parameters or control factors, and compressive yield strength (σy), elastic modulus (E), and specific energy absorption are chosen as the output or performance parameters for optimization. The Taguchi experimental design method is used in the arrangement of lattice parameters during experimental studies. The level of importance of the lattice parameters on σy, E, and specific energy absorption is determined by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). At the same material volume fractions, Diamond specimens showed higher σy and specific energy absorption than Gyroid and Primitive specimens, except σy at 0.4 volume fraction, where a Gyroid specimen showed the best result. The experimental and statistical results revealed that volume fraction and build orientation were found to be the major and minor effective factors, respectively, for all performance parameters (σy, E, and specific energy absorption). The effect of volume fraction on σy, E, and specific energy absorption was found to be 85.11%, 91.83%, and 57.71%, respectively. Lattice type was found to be the second-ranking factor, affecting σy, E, and specific energy absorption with contributions of 11.04%, 6.98%, and 39.40%, respectively. Multi objective optimization based on grey relation analysis showed that a Diamond specimen with 0.4 volume fraction and 45° build orientation was the best parameter set for the investigated performance outputs.
Novel Procedures for Sustainable Design in Structural Rehabilitation on Oversized Metal Structures
Authors: Mocanu Ștefan , Rece Laurențiu , Burlacu Adrian , Florescu Virgil , Ronțescu Corneliu , Modrea Arina
Published: June 2022

This article includes several studies and advanced research carried out on the subject of large KANGUR-type port cranes, subjected to regular or interventional maintenance work; besides the beneficial effects for which they were intended, some undesirable effects were detected in terms of affecting safety in exploitation. The purpose of this paper is to identify the risk factors and to offer sustainable solutions for increasing operational safety and service life for the respective equipment, as well as for other similar fields of activity, including oversized structures. Following the theoretical studies and the experimental research carried out in situ that confirmed the validity of the theoretical models used, the article in conclusion provides specific and sustainable solutions as well as new methods of assessment, which combine the positive elements of the usual solutions, but in parallel, allow the elimination of the negative side effects that may occur in time. Hence, the article’s novelties also consist of a new approach to achieve structural interventions, resulting in the increase in the service life, and in parallel with that, the safety in operation of the respective equipment.
Environmentally Friendly Recovery of Lithium from Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Schwich Lilian , Friedrich Bernd
Published: June 2022

In the context of the rising demand for electric storage systems, lithium–sulfur batteries provide an attractive solution for low-weight and high-energy battery systems. Considering circular economy for new technologies, it is necessary to assure the raw material requirements for future generations. Therefore, metallurgical recycling processes are required. Since lithium is the central and most valuable element used in lithium–sulfur batteries, this study presents an environmentally friendly and safe process for lithium recovery as lithium carbonate. The developed and experimentally performed process is a combination of thermal and hydrometallurgical methods. Firstly, the battery cells are thermally deactivated to mechanically extract black mass. Then, water leaching of the black mass in combination with using CO2, instead of emitting it, can mobilize lithium by >90% as solid product.
Anisotropic Elastic and Thermal Properties of M2InX (M = Ti, Zr and X = C, N) Phases: A First-Principles Calculation
Authors: Li Bo , Duan Yonghua , Peng Mingjun , Shen Li , Qi Huarong
Published: June 2022

First-principles calculations were used to estimate the anisotropic elastic and thermal properties of Ti2lnX (X = C, N) and Zr2lnX (X = C, N) M2AX phases. The crystals’ elastic properties were computed using the Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation. Firstly, the material’s elastic anisotropy was explored, and its mechanical stability was assessed. According to the findings, Ti2lnC, Ti2lnN, Zr2lnC, and Zr2lnN are all brittle materials. Secondly, the elasticity of Ti2lnX (X = C, N) and Zr2lnX (X = C, N) M2AX phase are anisotropic, and the elasticity of Ti2lnX (X = C, N) and Zr2lnX (X = C, N) systems are different; the order of anisotropy is Ti2lnN > Ti2lnC, Zr2lnN > Zr2lnC. Finally, the elastic constants and moduli were used to determine the Debye temperature and sound velocity. Ti2lnC has the maximum Debye temperature and sound velocity, and Zr2lnN had the lowest Debye temperature and sound velocity. At the same time, Ti2lnC had the highest thermal conductivity.
From Microtiter Plates to Droplets—There and Back Again
Authors: Henkel Thomas , Mayer Günter , Hampl Jörg , Cao Jialan , Ehrhardt Linda , Schober Andreas , Groß Gregor
Published: June 2022

Droplet-based microfluidic screening techniques can benefit from interfacing established microtiter plate-based screening and sample management workflows. Interfacing tools are required both for loading preconfigured microtiter-plate (MTP)-based sample collections into droplets and for dispensing the used droplets samples back into MTPs for subsequent storage or further processing. Here, we present a collection of Digital Microfluidic Pipetting Tips (DMPTs) with integrated facilities for droplet generation and manipulation together with a robotic system for its operation. This combination serves as a bidirectional sampling interface for sample transfer from wells into droplets (w2d) and vice versa droplets into wells (d2w). The DMPT were designed to fit into 96-deep-well MTPs and prepared from glass by means of microsystems technology. The aspirated samples are converted into the channel-confined droplets’ sequences separated by an immiscible carrier medium. To comply with the demands of dose-response assays, up to three additional assay compound solutions can be added to the sample droplets. To enable different procedural assay protocols, four different DMPT variants were made. In this way, droplet series with gradually changing composition can be generated for, e.g., 2D screening purposes. The developed DMPT and their common fluidic connector are described here. To handle the opposite transfer d2w, a robotic transfer system was set up and is described briefly.
Fluorescence Imaging Characterization of the Separation Process in a Monolithic Microfluidic Free-Flow Electrophoresis Device Fabricated Using Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics
Authors: Couceiro Pedro , Alonso-Chamarro Julián
Published: June 2022

A monolithic microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis device, fabricated using low-temperature co-fired ceramic technology, is presented. The device integrates gold electrodes and a 20 µm thick transparent ceramic optical window, suitable for fluorescence imaging, into a multilevel microfluidic chamber design. The microfluidic chamber consists of a 60 µm deep separation chamber and two, 50 µm deep electrode chambers separated by 10 µm deep side channel arrays. Fluorescence imaging was used for in-chip, spatial-temporal characterization of local pH variations in separation conditions as well as to characterize the separation process. The device allowed baseline resolution separation of a sample mixture of Fluorescein, Rhodamine 6G, and 4-Methylumbelliferone at pH 7.0, in only 6 s, using 378 V.s/cm. The results demonstrate the possibility of studying a chemical process using fluorescence imaging within the traditional fields of low-temperature co-fired ceramics technology, such as high-electrical-field applications, while using a simple fabrication procedure suitable for low-cost mass production.
Recent Advancement in Optical Metasurface: Fundament to Application
Authors: Ullah Naqeeb , Zhao Ruizhe , Huang Lingling
Published: June 2022

Metasurfaces have gained growing interest in recent years due to their simplicity in manufacturing and lower insertion losses. Meanwhile, they can provide unprecedented control over the spatial distribution of transmitted and reflected optical fields in a compact form. The metasurfaces are a kind of planar array of resonant subwavelength components that, depending on the intended optical wavefronts to be sculpted, can be strictly periodic or quasi-periodic, or even aperiodic. For instance, gradient metasurfaces, a subtype of metasurfaces, are designed to exhibit spatially changing optical responses, which result in spatially varying amplitudes of scattered fields and the associated polarization of these fields. This paper starts off by presenting concepts of anomalous reflection and refraction, followed by a brief discussion on the Pancharatanm–Berry Phase (PB) and Huygens’ metasurfaces. As an introduction to wavefront manipulation, we next present their key applications. These include planar metalens, cascaded meta-systems, tunable metasurfaces, spectrometer retroreflectors, vortex beams, and holography. The review concludes with a summary, preceded by a perspective outlining our expectations for potential future research work and applications.
Planar Optofluidic Integration of Ring Resonator and Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Testa Genni , Persichetti Gianluca , Bernini Romeo
Published: June 2022

We report an optofluidic hybrid silicon-polymer planar ring resonator with integrated microfluidic channels for efficient liquid delivery. The device features a planar architecture of intersecting liquid-core waveguides and microfluidic channels. A low-loss integration of microfluidic channels is accomplished by exploiting the interference pattern created by the self-imaging effect in the multimode interference-based coupler waveguides. Numerical simulations have been performed in order to minimize the propagation losses along the ring loop caused by the integration of microfluidic channels. The device has been fabricated and optically characterized by measuring the quality factor, obtaining a value of 4 × 103. This result is comparable with the quality factor of an optofluidic ring with the same optical layout but without integrated microfluidic channels, thus, confirming the suitability of the proposed approach for microfluidics integration in planar optofluidic design.
High-Frequency and Spectrum-Clean Shear-Horizontal Acoustic Wave Resonators with AlN Overlay
Authors: Wu Zonglin , Wu Shuxian , Bao Feihong , Zou Jie
Published: June 2022

By bonding the sub-wavelength-thick lithium niobate (LiNbO3) layer to high-phase-velocity (vp) substrates, such as Si, the shear-horizontal (SH) modes no longer couple with the bulk modes leaking into substrates. As the propagation loss is no longer the major concern for these types of nonleaky SH wave devices, the YX-LiNbO3 with a low rotation angle providing ultra-large coupling coefficient (keff2) can be used. In addition, by overlaying a high-velocity layer such as AlN on top of LiNbO3/Si, the vp of the SH wave can be significantly enhanced at a small cost of keff2. By a careful design of the stack, both the wide-band spurious (Lamb wave) and near-band spurious (Rayleigh wave) are suppressed successfully. This paper focuses on the design of layered substrate not only to optimize its resonance characteristics—series frequency (fs), quality factor (Q), keff2, and temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF)—but also for eliminating the out-of-band spurious responses. The optimized substrate design demonstrates the minimal propagation loss, high fs of 3 GHz, large keff2 of 14.4% and a spurious-free response at 0–6 GHz. These novel nonleaky SH wave devices can potentially enable the low loss and wideband processing functions, which is promising for the 5G/6G radio frequency (RF) communication systems.
Magnetic Force Probe Characterizations of Nanoscaled Ferromagnetic Domains: Finite-Element Magnetostatic Simulations
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Xia , Sun Wei-Feng
Published: June 2022

Microscopic characterization of magnetic nanomaterials by magnetic probe interacting with ferromagnetic nano-domains is proposed according to finite-element magnetostatic field simulations. Magnetic forces detected by microscopic probe are systematically investigated on magnetic moment orientation, magnetization intensity and geometry of ferromagnetic nano-domains, and especially on permanent magnetic coating thickness and tilting angle of probe, to provide a theoretical basis for developing magnetic force microscopy. Magnetic force direction is primarily determined by magnetic moment orientation of nanosample, and the tip curvature dominates magnetic force intensity that is meanwhile positively correlated with nanosample magnetization and probe magnetic coating thickness. Nanosample should reach a critical thickness determined by its transverse diameter to be capable of accurately detecting the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic nanomaterials. Magnetic force signal relies on probe inclination when the sample magnetic moment is along probe tilting direction, which, however, is not disturbed by probe inclination when sample magnetic moment is perpendicular to probe tilting plane. Within the geometry of satisfying a critical size requirement, the magnetic force can successfully image the ferromagnetic nano-domains by characterizing their sizes and magnetic moment orientations. The present study is expected to provide effective analyzing schemes and theoretical evidences for magnetic force microscopy of characterizing magnetic structures in ferromagnetic nanomaterials.
Light Scattering and Turbidimetry Techniques for the Characterization of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Networks
Authors: Anzini Pietro , Redoglio Daniele , Rocco Mattia , Masciocchi Norberto , Ferri Fabio
Published: June 2022

Light scattering and turbidimetry techniques are classical tools for characterizing the dynamics and structure of single nanoparticles or nanostructured networks. They work by analyzing, as a function of time (Dynamic Light Scattering, DLS) or angles (Static Light Scattering, SLS), the light scattered by a sample, or measuring, as a function of the wavelength, the intensity scattered over the entire solid angle when the sample is illuminated with white light (Multi Wavelength Turbidimetry, MWT). Light scattering methods probe different length scales, in the ranges of ~5–500 nm (DLS), or ~0.1–5 μm (Wide Angle SLS), or ~1–100 μm (Low Angle SLS), and some of them can be operated in a time-resolved mode, with the possibility of characterizing not only stationary, but also aggregating, polymerizing, or self-assembling samples. Thus, the combined use of these techniques represents a powerful approach for studying systems characterized by very different length scales. In this work, we will review some typical applications of these methods, ranging from the field of colloidal fractal aggregation to the polymerization of biologic networks made of randomly entangled nanosized fibers. We will also discuss the opportunity of combining together different scattering techniques, emphasizing the advantages of a global analysis with respect to single-methods data processing.
Template-Free Preparation of α-Ni(OH)2 Nanosphere as High-Performance Electrode Material for Advanced Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Rongrong , Tu Qian , Li Xianran , Sun Xinyu , Liu Xinghai , Chen Liangzhe
Published: June 2022

Although it is one of the promising candidates for pseudocapacitance materials, Ni(OH)2 is confronted with poor specific capacitance and inferior cycling stability. The design and construction of three-dimensional (3D) nanosphere structures turns out to be a valid strategy to combat these disadvantages and has attracted tremendous attention. In this paper, a 3D α-Ni(OH)2 nanosphere is prepared via a facile and template-free dynamic refluxing approach. Significantly, the α-Ni(OH)2 nanosphere possesses a high specific surface area (119.4 m2/g) and an abundant porous structure. In addition, the as-obtained α-Ni(OH)2 electrodes are investigated by electrochemical measurements, which exhibit a high specific capacitance of 1243 F/g at 1 A/g in 6 M KOH electrolyte and an acceptable capacitive retention of 40.0% after 1500 charge/discharge cycles at 10 A/g, which can be attributed to the sphere’s unique nanostructure. Furthermore, the as-assembled Ni(OH)2-36//AC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) yields a remarkable energy density of 26.50 Wh/kg, with a power density of 0.82 kW/kg. Notably, two ASCs in series can light a 2.5 V red lamp sustainably for more than 60 min, as well as power an LED band with a rated power of 25 W. Hence, this 3D α-Ni(OH)2 nanosphere may raise great potential applications for next-generation energy storage devices.
Single-Element 2D Materials beyond Graphene: Methods of Epitaxial Synthesis
Authors: Lozovoy Kirill A. , Izhnin Ihor I. , Kokhanenko Andrey P. , Dirko Vladimir V. , Vinarskiy Vladimir P. , Voitsekhovskii Alexander V. , Fitsych Olena I. , Akimenko Nataliya Yu.
Published: June 2022

Today, two-dimensional materials are one of the key research topics for scientists around the world. Interest in 2D materials is not surprising because, thanks to their remarkable mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties, they promise to revolutionize electronics. The unique properties of graphene-like 2D materials give them the potential to create completely new types of devices for functional electronics, nanophotonics, and quantum technologies. This paper considers epitaxially grown two-dimensional allotropic modifications of single elements: graphene (C) and its analogs (transgraphenes) borophene (B), aluminene (Al), gallenene (Ga), indiene (In), thallene (Tl), silicene (Si), germanene (Ge), stanene (Sn), plumbene (Pb), phosphorene (P), arsenene (As), antimonene (Sb), bismuthene (Bi), selenene (Se), and tellurene (Te). The emphasis is put on their structural parameters and technological modes in the method of molecular beam epitaxy, which ensure the production of high-quality defect-free single-element two-dimensional structures of a large area for promising device applications.
A Zero-Dimensional Organic Lead Bromide of (TPA)2PbBr4 Single Crystal with Bright Blue Emission
Authors: Tian Ye , Wei Qilin , Peng Hui , Yu Zongmian , Yao Shangfei , Ke Bao , Li Qiuyan , Zou Bingsuo
Published: June 2022

Blue-luminescence materials are needed in urgency. Recently, zero-dimensional (0D) organic metal halides have attractive much attention due to unique structure and excellent optical properties. However, realizing blue emission with near-UV-visible light excitation in 0D organic metal halides is still a great challenge due to their generally large Stokes shifts. Here, we reported a new (0D) organic metal halides (TPA)2PbBr4 single crystal (TPA+ = tetrapropylammonium cation), in which the isolated [PbBr4]2− tetrahedral clusters are surrounded by organic ligand of TPA+, forming a 0D framework. Upon photoexcitation, (TPA)2PbBr4 exhibits a blue emission peaking at 437 nm with a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 50 nm and a relatively small Stokes shift of 53 nm. Combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and spectral analysis, it is found that the observed blue emission in (TPA)2PbBr4 comes from the combination of free excitons (FEs) and self-trapped exciton (STE), and a small Stokes shift of this compound are caused by the small structure distortion of [PbBr4]2− cluster in the excited state confined by TPA molecules, in which the multi-phonon effect take action. Our results not only clarify the important role of excited state structure distortion in regulating the STEs formation and emission, but also focus on 0D metal halides with bright blue emission under the near-UV-visible light excitation.
Obesity and Neurocognitive Performance of Memory, Attention, and Executive Function
Authors: Lentoor Antonio G.
Published: June 2022

Background: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of dementia in the future. Obesity is known to affect core neural structures, such as the hippocampus, and frontotemporal parts of the brain, and is linked to memory, attention, and executive function decline. The overwhelming majority of the data, however, comes from high-income countries. In undeveloped countries, there is little evidence of a link between obesity and neurocognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BMI on the key cognitive functioning tasks of attention, memory, and executive function in a South African cohort. Methods: A total of 175 females (NW: BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 and OB: BMI > 30.0 kg/m2) aged 18–59 years (M = 28, SD = 8.87 years) completed tasks on memory, attention, and executive functioning. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups. The participants who had a BMI corresponding with obesity performed poorly on the tasks measuring memory (p = 0.01), attention (p = 0.01), and executive function (p = 0.02) compared to the normal-weight group. Conclusions: When compared to normal-weight participants, the findings confirm the existence of lowered cognitive performance in obese persons on tasks involving planning, decision making, self-control, and regulation. Further research into the potential underlying mechanism by which obesity impacts cognition is indicated.
Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) and Chronic Kidney Disease: Does the Modern Diet AGE the Kidney?
Authors: Fotheringham Amelia K. , Gallo Linda A. , Borg Danielle J. , Forbes Josephine M.
Published: June 2022

Since the 1980s, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affecting all ages has increased by almost 25%. This increase may be partially attributable to lifestyle changes and increased global consumption of a “western” diet, which is typically energy dense, low in fruits and vegetables, and high in animal protein and ultra-processed foods. These modern food trends have led to an increase in the consumption of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in conjunction with increased metabolic dysfunction, obesity and diabetes, which facilitates production of endogenous AGEs within the body. When in excess, AGEs can be pathological via both receptor-mediated and non-receptor-mediated pathways. The kidney, as a major site for AGE clearance, is particularly vulnerable to AGE-mediated damage and increases in circulating AGEs align with risk of CKD and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, individuals with significant loss of renal function show increased AGE burden, particularly with uraemia, and there is some evidence that AGE lowering via diet or pharmacological inhibition may be beneficial for CKD. This review discusses the pathways that drive AGE formation and regulation within the body. This includes AGE receptor interactions and pathways of AGE-mediated pathology with a focus on the contribution of diet on endogenous AGE production and dietary AGE consumption to these processes. We then analyse the contribution of AGEs to kidney disease, the evidence for dietary AGEs and endogenously produced AGEs in driving pathogenesis in diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease and the potential for AGE targeted therapies in kidney disease.