bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The number of constant mean curvature isometric immersions of a surface
Authors: Smyth Brian , Tinaglia Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

In classical surface theory there are but few known examples of surfaces admitting nontrivial isometric deformations and fewer still non-simply-connected ones. We consider the isometric deformability question for an immersion

x\colon M \to \mathbb R^3

of an oriented non-simply-connected surface with constant mean curvature

H

. We prove that the space of all isometric immersions of

M

with constant mean curvature

H

is, modulo congruences of

\mathbb R^3

, either finite or a circle (Theorem 1.1). When it is a circle then, for the immersion

x

, every cycle in

M

has vanishing force and, when

H\neq 0

, also vanishing torque. Moreover, we identify closed vector-valued 1-forms whose periods give the force and torque. Our work generalizes a classical result for minimal surfaces to constant mean curvature surfaces.
Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy done with and without Silicon Tube Stents: A Comparative Case Series Analysis Study
Authors: Naik Sudhir , Naik Sarika S , Ravishankara S , Appaji Mohan K , Goutham MK , Devi Nonthombam Pinky , Mushannavar Annapurna S
Published: January 2013

Background/objectives

Neo-ostium cicatrization and closure is considered a major factor for surgical failure in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR). Wide neo-ostium, mucosal flaps, sac marsupialization with primary healing and silicone tube stent improves surgical outcomes of EnDCR.

Materials and methods

EnDCR were done in 238 patients. Group A included 172 patients where no stents were used and group B included 66 patients where silicon tube stents were used. All the surgeries were done under general anesthesia.

Results

In our study, 89.53% success in syringing patency was seen in group A, 89.39% success in syringing patency was seen in group B at 6 months of follow-up. No significant difference in success rate were seen in the two study groups.

Conclusion

No significant difference in EnDCR success rates were seen with the use of stents in our study. So stenting probing and dilatation are not advocated routinely in all cases and a wide neo-ostium with mucosal flaps and primary healing is the secret to success.

How to cite this article

Naik SM, Mushannavar AS, Ravishankara S, Appaji MK, Goutham MK, Devi NP, Naik SS. Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy done with and without Silicon Tube Stents: A Comparative Case Series Analysis Study. Int J Head Neck Surg 2012;3(3):147-153.
Redefining Anatomy in a Case of Midline Subhyoid Ectopic Thyroid
Authors: Naik Kiran M
Published: January 2013

Ectopic thyroid is an uncommon embryological aberration of the thyroid descent. Subhyoid median ectopic thyroid gland is a result of incomplete descent of the thyroid anlage and is characterized by a cosmetically unacceptable ovoid mass of thyroid tissue in the midline overlying the thyroid cartilage and thyrohyoid membrane. A normally placed thyroid gland is not detectable and in most cases all functioning thyroid tissue is located within the mass. Usually it is mistaken for a thyroglossal cyst and excised. Severe myxedema follows removal. Many cases have been reported in the literature, none of which was recognized prior to operation. All patients were operated upon for removal of a thyroglossal duct cyst. The diagnosis was missed at operation and in these cases severe myxedema was universal. The cause of the myxedema was not always immediately recognized. Therefore, many diagnostic tests including thyroid function test, ultrasound of the neck and thyroid scanning had been recommended in the preoperative evaluation of a thyroglossal cyst. Here, we present a case of ectopic thyroid mass which was the only thyroid tissue present in the neck. So division and repositioning of the thyroid mass thereby redefining the anatomy was done with good cosmetic result.

How to cite this article

Naik KM. Redefining Anatomy in a Case of Midline Subhyoid Ectopic Thyroid. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(3):179-181.
DNA Damage of Erythrocytes of Fish Oreochromis niloticus (Perciformes, Cichlidae), After Acute Exposure to River Water Receiving Effluent From an Oil Refinery
Authors: Souza Tatiana S. , Fontanetti C. S.
Published: January 2013

The comet assay was applied to erythrocytes of fish Oreochromis niloticus (Perciformes, Cichlidae), exposed in the laboratory to water samples taken from the Paraiba do Sul (Brazil), a river that receives effluents from an oil refinery. Water samples were collected at three points: point 1 – upstream from the discharge of effluent from the oil refinery; point 2 – the dump location of the effluent from the oil refinery, and point 3 - downstream from the oil refinery dump. Artesian well water was used as the control. Samples were collected in May and August of 2004 (dry season) and in November of 2004 and January of 2005 (rainy season). The data obtained indicated the presence of genotoxic substances in points 2 and 3 in all the sampling months. We conclude that the final effluent from the oil refinery, even after treatment, can affect the quality of the Paraíba do Sul River.
Water Toxicity and Cyto-genotoxicity Biomarkers in the Fish Oreochromis niloticus (Cichlidae)
Authors: Seriani Robson , Abessa Denis Moledo de Sousa , Kirschbaum A. A. , Pereira C. D.S. , Ranzani-Paiva M. J.T. , Assunção A. , Silveira F. L. , Romano P. , Mucci J. L.N.
Published: January 2013

Micronucleus (MN) and nuclear abnormalities (NA) tests were used as biomarkers in the fish Oreochromis niloticus from a polluted pond in winter, spring and summer. Samples of water column were taken aiming to evaluate physical-chemical parameters and acute toxicity to the microcrustacean Daphnia similis. The pond waters were toxic to D. similis in spring and winter, but this toxicity was not detected in summer. The pond waters presented low levels of dissolved oxygen in spring and summer; higher ammonia concentrations in winter, and high hardness and conductivity. Fish collected at the polluted pond exhibited higher rates of DNA damage, as indicated by increased rates of MN and NA in erythrocytes when compared to the negative control, which were associated to water toxicity and physical-chemical variable. Thus, this study shows that results of water toxicity tests and genotoxic biomarkers in fish may be associated and theses approaches may be used together for the water quality assessment.
Effects of Sodium and Potassium on Life History Parameters of Freshwater Cladoceran Pseudosida ramosa
Authors: Freitas Emanuela C. , Rocha O.
Published: January 2013

In this study, we measured the life history parameters of the tropical cladoceran Pseudosida ramosa at sublethal concentrations of sodium and potassium. The results showed that salinity affected its maximum body length at a concentration of 249 mg L-1 of sodium. There was also an increase in the number of days taken by females to reach maturity at a concentration of 11 mg L-1 of potassium, a reduction in the number of neonates produced by primipara at concentrations ranging from 25 to 249 mg L-1 of sodium, reductions in the survival at concentrations of 249 mg L-1 of sodium and 11 mg L-1 of potassium and reductions in the number of total neonates hatched at concentrations ranging from 41 to 249 mg L-1 of sodium and from 3.6 to 11 mg L-1 of potassium. The concentrations of the both salts that affected the reproduction of P. ramosa were lower than those that affected other endpoints.
Inhibition, Recovery and Field Responses of Astyanax fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819) Brain Cholinesterases Upon Exposure to Azinphos-methyl
Authors: Pistone G. , Eguren G. , Rodriguez-Ithurralde D.
Published: January 2013

Pesticides used in agriculture are among the most important environmental pollutants. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, intensely used in deciduous fruit-trees, may be  transported to aquatic ecosystems by runoff. Northwest rural Montevideo possesses zones of fruit-tree farms, where azinphos-methyl is currently the most used pesticide. Despite the well-known neurotoxic properties of this agrochemical, studies of its effects on aquatic organisms are scarce in Uruguay. The main goal of this study was to evaluate effects on brain cholinesterases and erythrocyte micronuclei in Astyanax fasciatus exposed to azynphos-methyl in laboratory and field conditions. Dose-response curves showed concentration-dependent brain cholinesterase inhibitions and a LC50 (48-hour) of 2.31 mg L-1 for azinphos-methyl.  Fishes exposed for 48 hours to toxicant and then transferred to clear water recovered 80% of brain cholinesterase activity in 10 days. Field study indicated that A. fasciatus from a watershed with low contamination showed a brain cholinesterase specific activity of 62.2±5.1 Units.mg-1 protein (22ºC) 97.7 % of which was acetylcholinesterase. Specimens from a basin with intense fruticulture exhibited a spatial gradient: specimens collected downstream to the farms showed brain acetylcholinesterase activities 32% lower than fishes captured upstream. In conclusion, our data suggest that A. fasciatus is a suitable species for exotoxicological biomonitoring.
Observations of SO2 and NO2 by mobile DOAS in the Guangzhou Eastern Area during the Asian Games 2010
Authors: Wu F. C. , Xie P. H. , Li A. , Chan K. L. , Hartl A. , Wang Y. , Si F. Q. , Zeng Y. , Qin M. , Xu J. , Liu J. G. , Liu W. Q. , Wenig M.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Mobile Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy measurements of SO2 and NO2 were performed in the Guangzhou Eastern Area (GEA) during the Guangzhou Asian Games 2010 from November 2010 to December 2010. Spatial and temporal distributions of SO2 and NO2 in this area were obtained and emission sources were determined by using wind field data. The NO2 vertical column densities were found to agree with OMI values. The correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.88 after cloud filtering. During the Guangzhou Asian Games and Asian Paralympics (Para) Games, the SO2 and NO2 emissions in the area were quantified using averaged wind speed and wind direction. For times outside the Games the average SO2 emission was estimated to be 9.50 ± 0.90 tons per hour and the average NO2 emission was estimated to be 3.50 ± 1.89 tons per hour. During the phases of the Asian and Asian Para Games, the SO2 and NO2 emissions were reduced by 53.5 and 46%, respectively, compared to the usual condition. We also investigated the influence of GEA on Guangzhou University Town, the main venue located northwest of the GEA, and found that SO2 concentrations here were about tripled by emissions from the GEA.
ULF waves in Ganymede's upstream magnetosphere
Authors: Volwerk M. , Jia X. , Paranicas C. , Kurth W. S. , Kivelson M. G. , Khurana K. K.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Ganymede's mini-magnetosphere, embedded in Jupiter's larger one, sustains ULF (ultra-low frequency) waves that are analyzed here using data from two Galileo flybys that penetrate deeply into the upstream closed field line region. The magnetometer data are used to identify field line resonances, magnetopause waves and ion cyclotron waves. The plasma densities that are inferred from the interpretation of these waves are compared with the observations made by other plasma and wave experiments on Galileo and with numerical and theoretical models of Ganymede's magnetosphere.
Estimation of nitrogen budgets for contrasting catchments at the landscape scale
Authors: Vogt E. , Braban C. F. , Dragosits U. , Theobald M. R. , Billett M. F. , Dore A. J. , Tang Y. S. , van Dijk N. , Rees R. M. , McDonald C. , Murray S. , Skiba U. M. , Sutton M. A.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. A comprehensive assessment of nitrogen (N) flows at the landscape scale is fundamental to understand spatial interactions in the N cascade and to inform the development of locally optimised N management strategies. To explore these interactions, complete N budgets were estimated for two contrasting hydrological catchments (dominated by agricultural grassland vs. semi-natural peat-dominated moorland), forming part of an intensively studied landscape in southern Scotland. Local scale atmospheric dispersion modelling and detailed farm and field inventories provided high resolution estimations of input fluxes. Direct agricultural inputs (i.e. grazing excreta, N2 fixation, organic and synthetic fertiliser) accounted for most of the catchment N inputs, representing 82% in the grassland and 62% in the moorland catchment, while atmospheric deposition made a significant contribution, particularly in the moorland catchment, contributing 38% of the N inputs. The estimated catchment N budgets highlighted areas of key uncertainty, particularly N2 exchange and stream N export. The resulting N balances suggest that the study catchments have a limited capacity to store N within soils, vegetation and groundwater. The "catchment N retention", i.e. the amount of N which is either stored within the catchment or lost through atmospheric emissions, was estimated to be 13% of the net anthropogenic input in the moorland and 61% in the grassland catchment. These values contrast with regional scale estimates: Catchment retentions of net anthropogenic input estimated within Europe at the regional scale range from 50% to 90%, with an average of 82% (Billen et al., 2011). This study emphasises the need for detailed budget analyses to identify the N status of European landscapes.
Rates of consumption of atmospheric CO2 through the weathering of loess during the next 100 yr of climate change
Authors: Goddéris Y. , Brantley S. L. , François L. M. , Schott J. , Pollard D. , Déqué M. , Dury M.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Quantifying how C fluxes will change in the future is a complex task for models because of the coupling between climate, hydrology, and biogeochemical reactions. Here we investigate how pedogenesis of the Peoria loess, which has been weathering for the last 13 kyr, will respond over the next 100 yr of climate change. Using a cascade of numerical models for climate (ARPEGE), vegetation (CARAIB) and weathering (WITCH), we explore the effect of an increase in CO2 of 315 ppmv (1950) to 700 ppmv (2100 projection). The increasing CO2 results in an increase in temperature along the entire transect. In contrast, drainage increases slightly for a focus pedon in the south but decreases strongly in the north. These two variables largely determine the behavior of weathering. In addition, although CO2 production rate increases in the soils in response to global warming, the rate of diffusion back to the atmosphere also increases, maintaining a roughly constant or even decreasing CO2 concentration in the soil gas phase. Our simulations predict that temperature increasing in the next 100 yr causes the weathering rates of the silicates to increase into the future. In contrast, the weathering rate of dolomite – which consumes most of the CO2 – decreases in both end members (south and north) of the transect due to its retrograde solubility. We thus infer slower rates of advance of the dolomite reaction front into the subsurface, and faster rates of advance of the silicate reaction front. However, additional simulations for 9 pedons located along the north–south transect show that the dolomite weathering advance rate will increase in the central part of the Mississippi Valley, owing to a maximum in the response of vertical drainage to the ongoing climate change. The carbonate reaction front can be likened to a terrestrial lysocline because it represents a depth interval over which carbonate dissolution rates increase drastically. However, in contrast to the lower pH and shallower lysocline expected in the oceans with increasing atmospheric CO2, we predict a deeper lysocline in future soils. Furthermore, in the central Mississippi Valley, soil lysocline deepening accelerates but in the south and north the deepening rate slows. This result illustrates the complex behavior of carbonate weathering facing short term global climate change. Predicting the global response of terrestrial weathering to increased atmospheric CO2 and temperature in the future will mostly depend upon our ability to make precise assessments of which areas of the globe increase or decrease in precipitation and soil drainage.
Climate and site management as driving factors for the atmospheric greenhouse gas exchange of a restored wetland
Authors: Herbst M. , Friborg T. , Schelde K. , Jensen R. , Ringgaard R. , Vasquez V. , Thomsen A. G. , Soegaard H.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) budget of a restored wetland in western Denmark was established for the years 2009–2011 from eddy covariance measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes. The water table in the wetland, which was restored in 2002, was unregulated, and the vegetation height was limited through occasional grazing by cattle and grass cutting. The annual net CO2 uptake varied between 195 and 983 g m−2 and the annual net CH4 release varied between 11 and 17 g m−2. In all three years the wetland was a carbon sink and removed between 42 and 259 g C m−2 from the atmosphere. However, in terms of the full annual GHG budget (assuming that 1 g CH4 is equivalent to 25 g CO2 with respect to the greenhouse effect over a time horizon of 100 years) the wetland was a sink in 2009, a source in 2010 and neutral in 2011. Complementary observations of meteorological factors and management activities were used to explain the large inter-annual variations in the full atmospheric GHG budget of the wetland. The largest impact on the annual GHG fluxes, eventually defining their sign, came from site management through changes in grazing duration and animal stocking density. These changes accounted for half of the observed variability in the CO2 fluxes and about two thirds of the variability in CH4 fluxes. An unusually long period of snow cover in 2010 had the second largest effect on the annual CO2 flux, whose interannual variability was larger than that of the CH4 flux. Since integrated CO2 and CH4 flux data from restored wetlands are still very rare, it is concluded that more long-term flux measurements are needed to quantify the effects of ecosystem disturbance, in terms of management activities and exceptional weather patterns, on the atmospheric GHG budget more accurately.
Emission of atmospherically significant halocarbons by naturally occurring and farmed tropical macroalgae
Authors: Leedham Elvidge Emma C. , Hughes C. , Keng F. S. L. , Phang S.-M. , Malin G. , Sturges W. T.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Current estimates of global halocarbon emissions highlight the tropical coastal environment as an important source of very short-lived (VSL) biogenic halocarbons to the troposphere and stratosphere. This is due to a combination of assumed high primary productivity in tropical coastal waters and the prevalence of deep convective transport potentially capable of rapidly lifting surface emissions to the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere. However, despite this perceived importance direct measurements of tropical coastal biogenic halocarbon emissions, notably from macroalgae (seaweeds), have not been made. In light of this, we provide the first dedicated study of halocarbon production by a range of 15 common tropical macroalgal species and compare these results to those from previous studies of polar and temperate macroalgae. Variation between species was substantial; CHBr3 measured at the end of a 24 h incubation varied from 1.4 to 1129 pmol g FW−1 h−1 (FW = fresh weight of sample). We used our laboratory-determined emission rates to estimate emissions of CHBr3 and CH2Br2 (the two dominant VSL precursors of stratospheric bromine) from the coastlines of Malaysia and South East Asia. We compare these values to previous top-down model estimates of emissions from these regions, and conclude that the contribution of coastal CHBr3 emissions is likely to be lower than previously assumed. The contribution of tropical aquaculture to current emission budgets is also considered. Whilst the current aquaculture contribution to halocarbon emissions in this regional is small, the potential exists for substantial increases in aquaculture to make a significant contribution to regional halocarbon budgets.
Contribution to solving the orientation problem for an automatic magnetic observatory
Authors: Khokhlov A. , Le Mouël J. L. , Mandea M.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The problem of the absolute calibration of a vectorial (tri-axial) magnetometer is addressed with the objective that the apparatus, once calibrated, gives afterwards, for a few years, the absolute values of the three components of the geomagnetic field (say the Northern geographical component, Eastern component and vertical component) with an accuracy on the order of 1 nT. The calibration procedure comes down to measure the orientation in space of the three physical axes of the sensor or, in other words, the entries of the transfer matrix from the local geographical axes to these physical axes. Absolute calibration follows indeed an internal calibration which provides accurate values of the three scale factors corresponding to the three axes – and in addition their relative angles. The absolute calibration can be achieved through classical absolute measurements made with an independent equipment. It is shown – after an error analysis which is not trivial – that, while it is not possible to get the axes absolute orientations with a high accuracy, the assigned objective (absolute values of the Northern geographical component, Eastern component and vertical component, with an accuracy of the order of 1 nT) is nevertheless reachable; this is because in the time interval of interest the field to measure is not far from the field prevailing during the calibration process.
Physical simulation of resonant wave run-up on a beach
Authors: Ezersky A. , Abcha N. , Pelinovsky E.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Nonlinear wave run-up on the beach caused by a harmonic wave maker located at some distance from the shore line is studied experimentally. It is revealed that under certain wave excitation frequencies, a significant increase in run-up amplification is observed. It is found that this amplification is due to the excitation of resonant mode in the region between the shoreline and wave maker. Frequency and magnitude of the maximum amplification are in good correlation with the numerical calculation results represented in the paper (Stefanakis et al., 2011). These effects are very important for understanding the nature of rogue waves in the coastal zone.
Clinical Features and Factors Associated with the Frequency of Phototherapy in Premature Birth Gestation < 35 Weeks and Birth Weight ≤2,500 g
Authors: Choi So Yoon , Hwang Ho Yeon , Hong Yoo Rha , Jung Yu Jin
Published: January 2013

Objectives Clinical features according to the frequency of phototherapy and clinical risk factors on the number of phototherapy were investigated in premature births with gestation <35 weeks and birth weight ≤2,500 g. Methods The 186 infants with gestation <35 weeks and birth weight ≤2,500 g were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Kosin University Gospel Hospital from March 2009 to August 2010. The 171 infants were alive and had jaundice requiring phototherapy. Phototherapy was usually started to 50-70% of the maximal bilirubin level. They were divided into two groups according to the frequency of phototherapy as single phototherapy group (group I) and multiple phototherapy group (group II). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients. Results The mean gestational age and birth weight of group I were 31.0±2.9 weeks and 1,596±485 g and those of group II were 31.1±2.6 weeks and 1,592±430 g. Compared with group I, albumin and Apgar score at 1 minute of group II were significantly higher and the day of peak bilirubin was also late. Duration of phototherapy in group II was statistically longer than that group I but duration of ventilator and aminophylline use for apnea was significantly shorter. The frequency of antibiotic use, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of group II were significantly lower than those of group I. Conclusions The day of peak bilirubin was late and the frequency of antibiotic use, incidence of BPD, and IVH were low in group II. The aggressive phototherapy may be considered in premature births with jaundice.
The Effectiveness of Medical Communication Skill of Medical Students, through an Emphasis on Role Play
Authors: Lihm Ho Seob , Kim Heung Yeol , Choi Jong Soon
Published: January 2013

Objectives Medical doctors require outstanding communication skills when meeting with their patients. Thus medical student need to education and training about medical communication skill. More attention is being given to the subject but not many studies have been done in the medical education field. As communication skills are provided to students as a subject in medical educational curriculum, the assessment of its effectiveness needs to be undertaken. Methods In the year 2010 and 2011, first-year medical students at The Kosin University College of Medicine took 'Communication skills' course in total, 154 first-year medical students survey results was the modified and translated version of 'Beyer-Fetzer's Essential Elements of Communication Skills Assessment Sheet'. The assessment sheets were used as the pre-test and post-test to analyse the differences, which were put through the paired t-test. Results All categories of communication skills showed an improvement. For year 2010, a statistically significant difference was shown into the 22 questions, whereas in 2011, improvements were shown in all questions. Conclusions From the result, it is clear that in order to create an effective communication skills program, the content should be more structured and focused on the program objectives.
A Case of Glomerulonephritis Associated with Klinefelter' Syndrome
Authors: Cho Jin Hyuk , Sin Yeoung Sin , Sim Eun Hee , Park Min Gyu , Heo Dong , Rim Hak
Published: January 2013

Klinefelter' syndrome is a disorder of sexual differentiation in males, characterized by the presence of two or more X-chromosomes, hypogonadism, and lack of secondary sexual characteristics. The association between Klinefelter' syndrome and glomerulonephritis has been reported, while cases of glomerulonephritis associated with Klinefelter' syndrome are rare. We report the Korean case: a 31-year-old man with Klinefelter' syndrome who developed glomerulonephritis. The patient's urine analysis shows microscopic hematuria and the result of kidney biopsy was minimal change disease. The onset and course of his disease might have been influenced by the sex hormone imbalance.
A Highly Hygroscopic, Weakly Adsorbable, and Peroxide Scavenging Ionomer for Low‐Pt Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhu Fulong , Wang Chunping , Tang Meihua , Zheng Zhenying , Yan Huangli , Chen Shengli
Published: June 2024

An ionomer strategy is introduced to deal with two major performance‐limiting issues for the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) operating under low platinum (Pt) and low humidity. Specifically, the highly hydrophilic multiple‐valence Anderson‐type polyoxometalate (POM) cluster, [MnMo6O18(OH)6]3−, is chosen to covalently graft the perfluorinated polymer, substituting for sulfonate groups as proton carriers in perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA). The structural and electrochemical characterizations indicate that this POM cluster, with large size, charges delocalization among multiple terminal oxygen atoms, and high hygroscopicity, can prevent the ionomer adsorption, which is believed to induce dense backbone crystallization to hinder O2 permeation at Pt/PFSA interface, and lead to ionomer assemblies with large and well‐connected hydrophilic domains, which are recognized as the channels for efficient oxygen transport as well as proton conduction. Besides, the involvement of redox Mn ions in POM clusters makes the ionomer have capability to scavenge peroxides, which are known as the major chemical agents to degrade the MEA components. Consequently, fuel‐cell cathodes using the POM‐grafted ionomers exhibit significantly lower local O2 transport resistance and higher proton conductivity as compared with the PFSA‐based electrodes; and accordingly, the fuel cells exhibit much‐increased output performance at 50% relative humidity and impressive performance stability.
Gel Polymer Electrolytes Based on Facile In Situ Ring‐Opening Polymerization Enabling High‐Performance Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Chen Shaopeng , Zhou Miao , Zhang Duo , Zhang Shuxin , Zhao Yazhen , Pan Ming , Wang Yaru , Sun Yukun , Yang Jun , Wang Jiulin , NuLi Yanna
Published: June 2024

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have emerged as one of the promising energy storage devices, and polymer electrolytes with high safety, stability, and structural flexibility are the ideal choice for RMBs. Herein, a novel in situ crosslinked gel polymer electrolyte, PDTE is reported, via facile ring‐opening polymerization in RMBs. The electrolyte exhibits a remarkable room‐temperature ionic conductivity of 2.8 × 10−4 S cm−1 and highly reversible Mg plating/stripping behavior (98.9% Coulombic efficiency, 2000 cycles) with a low overpotential (<0.1 V). Mo6S8||PDTE||Mg coin cells demonstrate exceptional cycling stability and rate capability at a wide temperature range (−20 to 50 °C), characterizing an average discharge capacity of 81.6 mAh g−1 at 10 C for 7500 cycles at room temperature, and 97.4 and 111.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C for 400 and 50 cycles at −20 and 50 °C, respectively. The pouch cell exhibits a high energy density of 204 Wh kg−1 with a high retention of 90.6% at 0.2 C for 350 cycles, along with significantly improved safety and remarkable flexibility. Additionally, good compatibility with conversion‐type cathode Cu3Se2 validates the application versatility of PDTE. The development of this gel polymer electrolyte provides a feasible approach for the research on semi‐solid‐state electrolytes for RMBs.
Organic Semiconductor‐BiVO4 Tandem Devices for Solar‐Driven H2O and CO2 Splitting
Authors: Yeung Celine Wing See , Andrei Virgil , Lee Tack Ho , Durrant James Robert , Reisner Erwin
Published: June 2024

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices offer a promising platform toward direct solar light harvesting and chemical storage through artificial photosynthesis. However, most prototypes employ wide bandgap semiconductors, moisture‐sensitive inorganic light absorbers, or corrosive electrolytes. Here, the design and assembly of PEC devices based on an organic donor‐acceptor bulk heterojunction (BHJ) using a carbon‐based encapsulant are introduced, which demonstrate long‐term H2 evolution and CO2 reduction in benign aqueous media. Accordingly, PCE10:EH‐IDTBR photocathodes display long‐term H2 production for 300 h in a near‐neutral pH solution, whereas photocathodes with a molecular CO2 reduction catalyst attain a CO:H2 selectivity of 5.41±0.53 under 0.1 sun irradiation. Their early onset potential enables the construction of tandem PCE10:EH‐IDTBR – BiVO4 artificial leaves, which couple unassisted syngas production with O2 evolution in a reactor completely powered by sunlight, sustaining a 1:1 ratio of CO to H2 over 96 h of operation.
Probing Ion Diffusion and Ion Sieving through Hollow Porous Silica Shells by Imaging the Mobility of Colloids Inside the Shells
Authors: Watanabe Kanako , Welling Tom A. J. , Mendes Rafael G. , Peimanifard Zahra , Bransen Maarten , Namigata Hikaru , van Huis Marijn A. , Nagao Daisuke , van Blaaderen Alfons
Published: June 2024

Ionic transport through porous membranes and porous materials has received enormous attention due to its importance to many applications. An innovative methodology is proposed to study ion diffusion and ion sieving through mesoporous silica membranes (shells). The mobility of fluorescently labeled core particles within a hollow porous shell, filled with an index‐matched electrolyte solution, is observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The core motion range, i.e., the area explored by the core within the hollow compartment, sensitively changed depending on the local ionic concentration. Monitoring transitions in the core motion range is a practical way to detect which ions can migrate through the shells and on what timescale. For instance, lithium and chloride ions easily diffused through the porous silica shells, resulting in a core motion range that changed relatively quickly upon change of the ion concentrations outside of the shell. However, the motion range changed significantly slower upon changing to a bigger cation (tetraoctylammonium ion). This proof of principle experiment can be explained by the Gibbs‐Donnan effect, revealing that the detection of core motion ranges is a good probe to measure both ion diffusion and ion sieving through porous membranes.
Single‐Phase L10‐Ordered High Entropy Thin Films with High Magnetic Anisotropy
Authors: Beeson Willie B. , Bista Dinesh , Zhang Huairuo , Krylyuk Sergiy , Davydov Albert V. , Yin Gen , Liu Kai
Published: June 2024

The vast high entropy alloy (HEA) composition space is promising for discovery of new material phases with unique properties. This study explores the potential to achieve rare‐earth‐free high magnetic anisotropy materials in single‐phase HEA thin films. Thin films of FeCoNiMnCu sputtered on thermally oxidized Si/SiO2 substrates at room temperature are magnetically soft, with a coercivity on the order of 10 Oe. After post‐deposition rapid thermal annealing (RTA), the films exhibit a single face‐centered‐cubic phase, with an almost 40‐fold increase in coercivity. Inclusion of 50 at.% Pt in the film leads to ordering of a single L10 high entropy intermetallic phase after RTA, along with high magnetic anisotropy and 3 orders of magnitude coercivity increase. These results demonstrate a promising HEA approach to achieve high magnetic anisotropy materials using RTA.
Brain‐Targeted Cas12a Ribonucleoprotein Nanocapsules Enable Synergetic Gene Co‐Editing Leading to Potent Inhibition of Orthotopic Glioblastoma
Authors: Ruan Weimin , Xu Sen , An Yang , Cui Yingxue , Liu Yang , Wang Yibin , Ismail Muhammad , Liu Yong , Zheng Meng
Published: June 2024

Gene‐editing technology shows great potential in glioblastoma (GBM) therapy. Due to the complexity of GBM pathogenesis, a single gene‐editing‐based therapy is unlikely to be successful; therefore, a multi‐gene knockout strategy is preferred for effective GBM inhibition. Here, a non‐invasive, biodegradable brain‐targeted CRISPR/Cas12a nanocapsule is used that simultaneously targeted dual oncogenes, EGFR and PLK1, for effective GBM therapy. This cargo nanoencapsulation technology enables the CRISPR/Cas12a system to achieve extended blood half‐life, efficient blood‐brain barrier (BBB) penetration, active tumor targeting, and selective release. In U87MG cells, the combinatorial gene editing system resulted in 61% and 33% knockout of EGFR and PLK1, respectively. Following systemic administration, the CRISPR/Cas12a system demonstrated promising brain tumor accumulation that led to extensive EGFR and PLK1 gene editing in both U87MG and patient‐derived GSC xenograft mouse models with negligible off‐target gene editing detected through NGS. Additionally, CRISPR/Cas12a nanocapsules that concurrently targeted the EGFR and PLK1 oncogenes showed superior tumor growth suppression and significantly improved the median survival time relative to nanocapsules containing single oncogene knockouts, signifying the potency of the multi‐oncogene targeting strategy. The findings indicate that utilization of the CRISPR/Cas12a combinatorial gene editing technique presents a practical option for gene therapy in GBM.
Mechanistic Insights from the Crystal Structure and Computational Analysis of the Radical SAM Deaminase DesII
Authors: Hou Xueli , Feng Jianqiang , Franklin Joseph Livy , Russo Ryan , Guo Zhiyong , Zhou Jiahai , Gao Jin‐Ming , Liu Hung‐wen , Wang Binju
Published: June 2024

Radical S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) enzymes couple the reductive cleavage of SAM to radical‐mediated transformations that have proven to be quite broad in scope. DesII is one such enzyme from the biosynthetic pathway of TDP‐desosamine where it catalyzes a radical‐mediated deamination. Previous studies have suggested that this reaction proceeds via direct elimination of ammonia from an α‐hydroxyalkyl radical or its conjugate base (i.e., a ketyl radical) rather than 1,2‐migration of the amino group to form a carbinolamine radical intermediate. However, without a crystal structure, the active site features responsible for this chemistry have remained largely unknown. The crystallographic studies described herein help to fill this gap by providing a structural description of the DesII active site. Computational analyses based on the solved crystal structure are consistent with direct elimination and indicate that an active site glutamate residue likely serves as a general base to promote deprotonation of the α‐hydroxyalkyl radical intermediate and elimination of the ammonia group.
Improvement of Conductivity and Adhesion of AgNW Flexible Transparent Conductive Coatings by the Capillary Forces Effect and Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Kaikanov Marat , Abduvalov Alshyn
Published: June 2024

Silver nanowires (AgNW) are prospective for the fabrication of flexible transparent conductive coatings. The main challenge is to ensure low sheet resistance of AgNW coatings at flexible substrates. Herein, a simple low‐temperature post‐treatment method is proposed for improving the conductivity and adhesion of AgNW coatings which is based on the deposition of distilled water (DI) with a small amount of dissolved polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Capillary forces cause a decrease in the sheet resistance of AgNW coatings while the presence of PVA significantly improves the adhesion of nanowires to the flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. As a result, coatings with a transparency of 91% and a sheet resistance of 20 Ω sq‒1 are fabricated. The storage time of coatings in air is increased due to the presence of a thin layer of PVA on AgNW. After 90 days, the sheet resistance of post‐treated AgNW coatings is increased by 11 times, while the sheet resistance of untreated coatings is increased by more than 3000 times. The obtained AgNW coatings are utilized as flexible transparent heaters.
Asbestos exposure and asbestosis mortality in Italian cement‐asbestos cohorts: Dose‐response relationship and the role of competing death causes
Authors: Girardi Paolo , Rigoni Sara , Ferrante Daniela , Silvestri Stefano , Angelini Alessia , Cuccaro Francesco , Oddone Enrico , Vicentini Massimo , Barone‐Adesi Francesco , Tunesi Sara , Migliore Enrica , Roncaglia Francesca , Sala Orietta , Pirastu Roberta , Chellini Elisabetta , Miligi Lucia , Perticaroli Patrizia , Bressan Vittoria , Merler Enzo , Azzolina Danila , Marinaccio Alessandro , Massari Stefania , Magnani Corrado
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In Italy, asbestos was used intensively until its ban in 1992, which was extended for asbestos cement factories until 1994. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose–response between asbestos exposure and asbestosis mortality across a pool of Italian occupational cohorts, taking into account the presence of competing risks.

Methods

Cohorts were followed for vital status and the cause of death was ascertained by a linkage with mortality registers. Cause‐specific (CS) Cox‐regression models were used to evaluate the dose‐exposure relationship between asbestosis mortality and the time‐dependent cumulative exposure index (CEI) to asbestos. Fine and Gray regression models were computed to assess the effect of competing risks of death.

Results

The cohort included 12,963 asbestos cement workers. During the follow‐up period (1960−2012), of a total of 6961 deaths, we observed 416 deaths attributed to asbestosis, 879 to lung cancer, 400 to primary pleural cancer, 135 to peritoneal cancer, and 1825 to diseases of the circulatory system. The CS model showed a strong association between CEI and asbestosis mortality. Dose–response models estimated an increasing trend in mortality even below a CEI of 25 ff/mL‐years. Lung cancer and circulatory diseases were the main competing causes of death.

Conclusions

Asbestos exposure among Italian asbestos‐cement workers has led to a very high number of deaths from asbestosis and asbestos‐related diseases. The increasing risk trend associated with excess deaths, even at low exposure levels, suggests that the proposed limit values would not have been adequate to prevent disability and mortality from asbestosis.
Synthesis of Carbazolylamines through Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Direct Electrophilic Aminations
Authors: Liu Zizhen , Zhai Zhiguang , Wu Daoshun , Wei Jianhe , Yang Zhen , Zhang Jie , Wang Lei
Published: June 2024

A Brønsted acid catalyzed direct and dual C−H amination of carbazoles and indolocarbazoles with N‐Ts iminoquinone acetal is reported. It is characterized that the mentioned C−H amination was determined by the selection of catalysts and the molar ratio of the starting materials. The efficiency of this protocol was showcased by diverse carbazolylamine and indolocarbazolylamine assemblies. The late‐stage functionalization of a series of natural products fully illustrates the synthetic value of this methodology.
An overview of the latest outlook of sulfamate derivatives as anticancer candidates (2020–2024)
Authors: Mustafa Esra M. , Shahin Afnan I. , Alrashed Aishah S. , Bahaaddin Aesheh H. , Alajmi Aljawhra A. , Hashem Omar , Anbar Hanan S. , El‐Gamal Mohammed I.
Published: June 2024

Considering the emergence of new anticancer drugs, in this review we emphasized and highlighted the recent reports and advances related to sulfamate‐incorporating compounds with potential anticancer activity during the last 5 years (2020–2024). Additionally, we discussed their structure–activity relationship, clarifying their potent bioactivity as anticancer agents. Sulfamate derivatives hold promise as effective therapeutic candidates against cancer. By targeting biological targets associated with the development of cancer, such as steroid sulfatases (STS), carbonic anhydrases (CAs), microtubules, NEDD8‐activating enzyme, small ubiquitin‐like modifiers (SUMO)‐activating enzyme (SAE), cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1), and so on, this can furnish small molecules as anticancer lead candidates serving the drug discovery field. For example, compound 2, an STS inhibitor, demonstrated superior activity compared to its reference, irosustat, by fivefold. In addition, compound 21, an SAE, is under phase I clinical trials. Continued research into sulfamate derivatives holds potential for the development of novel therapeutic agents targeting various diseases.
3D imaging and analysis to unveil the impact of microparticles on the pellet morphology of filamentous fungi
Authors: Dinius Anna , Müller Henri , Kellhammer Diana , Deffur Charlotte , Schmideder Stefan , Hammel Jörg U. , Krull Rainer , Briesen Heiko
Published: June 2024

Controlling the morphology of filamentous fungi is crucial to improve the performance of fungal bioprocesses. Microparticle‐enhanced cultivation (MPEC) increases productivity, most likely by changing the fungal morphology. However, due to a lack of appropriate methods, the exact impact of the added microparticles on the structural development of fungal pellets is mostly unexplored. In this study synchrotron radiation‐based microcomputed tomography and three‐dimensional (3D) image analysis were applied to unveil the detailed 3D incorporation of glass microparticles in nondestructed pellets of Aspergillus niger from MPEC. The developed method enabled the 3D analysis based on 375 pellets from various MPEC experiments. The total and locally resolved volume fractions of glass microparticles and hyphae were quantified for the first time. At increasing microparticle concentrations in the culture medium, pellets with lower hyphal fraction were obtained. However, the total volume of incorporated glass microparticles within the pellets did not necessarily increase. Furthermore, larger microparticles were less effective than smaller ones in reducing pellet density. However, the total volume of incorporated glass was larger for large microparticles. In addition, analysis of MPEC pellets from different times of cultivation indicated that spore agglomeration is decisive for the development of MPEC pellets. The developed 3D morphometric analysis method and the presented results will promote the general understanding and further development of MPEC for industrial application.
A rare case of pulmonary mucormycosis and broncho‐esophageal fistula in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes
Authors: Poursadegh Farid , Shazdeh Ahmadi Safieh , Oskouyan Zahra , Alvandi Fard Mohammad Mahdi , Rezaeetalab Fariba , Mozdorian Mahnaz , Basiri Reza
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

In patients with poorly controlled diabetes, early recognition of rare fungal infections like pulmonary mucormycosis, especially when presenting with unusual complications such as broncho‐esophageal fistula, is critical. Prompt intervention with antifungal therapy and consideration for surgical debridement significantly impact outcomes. Multidisciplinary management is paramount for such complex cases.

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by the Mucorales. This infection is mostly observed among those with poorly controlled diabetes or immunodeficiency. The most common presentation of the infection among those with poorly controlled diabetes is rhino‐orbit‐cerebral involvement. In this case report, we provide the history and outcome of a rare case of pulmonary mucormycosis in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes who was simultaneously diagnosed with broncho‐esophageal fistula. Our patient was a 32‐year‐old male with a history of poorly controlled diabetes. Over the months, he had complained of productive coughs and dyspnea, which had lately been joined by dysphagia. He also claimed to have lost considerable weight (10 kg) during the previous 3 months. Barium swallow showed an abnormal flow of contrast between the bronchus and esophagus, suggesting a broncho‐esophageal fistula. Computed tomography of the thorax revealed a broncho‐esophageal fistula between the left main bronchus (LMB) and esophagus. He had a bronchoscopy the next day, which revealed necrosis and a broncho‐esophageal fistula in the LMB. A bronchial biopsy showed typical hyphae with necrotic tissue, indicating mucormycosis. The patient's antimycotic medication (liposomal amphotericin) was started and a prompt surgery consult was ordered. The patient, however, passed away from massive hemoptysis. We described a rare case of pulmonary mucormycosis with broncho‐esophageal fistula in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes. The rarity of this combination highlights the associated diagnostic and treatment hurdles. Early detection, antifungal medication, as soon as possible surgical debridement of involved tissues, and a multidisciplinary approach could improve patient outcomes.