bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging with hyperpolarized HP001(bis‐1,1‐(hydroxymethyl)‐[1‐13C]cyclopropane‐d8): Application of gradient echo and balanced SSFP sequences
Authors: Zhao Yupeng , Olin Rie Beck , Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Laustsen Christoffer , Hanson Lars G. , Ardenkjær‐Larsen Jan Henrik
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to show the viability of conducting three‐dimensional (3D) myocardial perfusion quantification covering the entire heart using both GRE and bSSFP sequences with hyperpolarized HP001.

Methods

A GRE sequence and a bSSFP sequence, both with a stack‐of‐spirals readout, were designed and applied to three pigs. The images were reconstructed using C coil sensitivity maps measured in a phantom experiment. Perfusion was quantified using a constrained decomposition method, and the estimated rest/stress perfusion values from C GRE/bSSFP and Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) were individually analyzed through histograms and the mean perfusion values were compared with reference values obtained from PET(O‐water). The Myocardial Perfusion Reserve Index (MPRI) was estimated for C GRE/bSSFP and DCE‐MRI and compared with the reference values.

Results

Perfusion values, estimated by both DCE and C MRI, were found to be lower than reference values. However, DCE‐MRI's estimated perfusion values were closer to the reference values than those obtained from C MRI. In the case of MPRI estimation, the C estimated MPRI values (GRE/bSSFP: 2.3/2.0) more closely align with the literature value (around 3) than the DCE estimated MPRI value (1.6).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility of 3D whole‐heart myocardial perfusion quantification using hyperpolarized HP001 with both GRE and bSSFP sequences. The C perfusion measurements underestimated perfusion values compared to the O PET literature value, while the C estimated MPRI value aligned better with the literature. This preliminary result indicates C imaging may more accurately estimate MPRI values compared to DCE‐MRI.
Im Weltall autonom synthetisieren
Authors: Schmid Rolf , Xiong Xin
Published: September 2024

Sauerstoff auf dem Mars synthetisieren? Chinesische Forscher meinen, das sei eine Aufgabe für einen Maschinenchemiker. Dafür muss er chemische Daten erfassen, klassifizieren und kalibrieren. Er schlägt Versuchspläne vor und führt chemische Experimente selbstständig durch.
Trendbericht Makromolekulare Chemie 2024
Authors: Göstl Robert , Storch Sonja
Published: September 2024

Responsive Polymere ändern ihre Materialeigenschaften und reagieren über programmierte molekulare Prozesse auf Umwelteinflüsse. Solche Materialdesigns standen dieses Jahr im Fokus vieler Anwendungen: Sie verbessern die Rezyklierbarkeit, führen zu selbstreguliertem Abbau und Selbstheilung, transportieren Wirkstoffe und setzen sie frei oder ahmen biologische Systeme mit komplexen Signalverarbeitungsabläufen und adaptiven Strukturen nach. Für eine nachhaltige Kunststoffwirtschaft bleiben zudem leitfähige Polymere und biobasierte Monomere wichtig.
Mädels machen Mint
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: September 2024

Nicht nur gucken, mitmachen ist die Devise: Niedrigschwellige Angebote wie öffentliche Mitmachlabore oder ein Girls‘ Day an der örtlichen Hochschule vermitteln einen Eindruck, was ein Naturwissenschaftsstudium zu bieten hat.
Coupling digital microfluidics with mass spectrometry
Authors: Das Anish
Published: September 2024

Digital microfluidics enables the electrical actuation of microliter‐sized droplets on a planar surface, facilitating precise control and digitization of chemical processes. It is typically operated in a closed chip format, preventing evaporation and contamination which also complicates chemical analysis of the trapped droplets. Thus, subsequent analytics are usually carried out offline or with simple optical methods. A new method including a chip‐integrated microspray hole now allows on‐the‐fly mass spectrometry analysis on a digital microfluidics chip.
Registration of ‘MN‐Rothsay’ spring wheat with high grain yield and lodging resistance
Authors: Anderson James A. , Wiersma Jochum J. , Reynolds S. K. , Conley E. J. , Stuart N. , Caspers R. , Kolmer James , Rouse Matthew N. , Jin Yue , Dill‐Macky Ruth , Smith M. J. , Dykes Linda
Published: September 2024

‘MN‐Rothsay’ (Reg. No. CV‐1208, PI 702731) hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) was released by the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station in 2022 because of its high grain yield and lodging resistance. MN‐Rothsay is a medium‐late maturity cultivar with below average plant height, containing the semi‐dwarfing alleles Rht‐B1b and Rht24b. The lodging resistance of MN‐Rothsay is similar to ‘Linkert’, a 2013 release that was the most widely grown cultivar in Minnesota from 2016 to 2020, largely due to its superior lodging resistance. MN‐Rothsay has moderate resistance to Fusarium head blight (caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe), good resistance to prevalent races of pathogens causing leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and stem rust (P. graminis Pers.: Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn.), and is well‐adapted to the north central United States.
Content moderation and the digital transformations of gatekeeping
Authors: Schroeder Ralph
Published: September 2024

This essay provides an overview of the current state of content moderation on social media platforms. The question the essay addresses is why there are a number of unresolved issues in tackling dysfunctional content. The argument is that there are two intersecting new phenomena which make effective content moderation difficult: one is that social media platforms lack the gatekeeping of content that was characteristic of traditional news media. The second is that the regulation of this un‐gatekept content is still unsettled; it falls between social media companies that span the globe and the regulations or absence thereof bounded by nation‐states. To understand both, an analysis restricted to law and regulation is insufficient. Instead, it is necessary to examine the role of media systems in society in a holistic way, and in a way that distinguishes between gatekept media and the absence of gatekeeping or new forms of gatekeeping. Such a broader account points to why the institutionalization of content moderation is likely to be a protracted and uneven process. The conclusion spells out how the tensions that have arisen with new media could be resolved, but also why they are likely to remain imperfectly resolved.
Alliaceae versus Brassicaceae for Dyslipidemia: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Clinical Studies
Authors: Piragine Eugenia , Malanima Marco Andrea , Ceccanti Costanza , Guidi Lucia , Martelli Alma , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: September 2024

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical studies have shown that organosulfur compounds from the Alliaceae and Brassicaceae plants, such as garlic (Allium sativum L.) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.), have potential lipid‐lowering effects. However, their clinical efficacy is controversial, especially in “drug‐free” patients. The aim of this work was to summarize evidence on the lipid‐lowering properties of extracts containing organosulfur compounds in patients with dyslipidemia. Studies were searched in four databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, and CENTRAL), from inception to October 11, 2023.Controlled clinical studies on patients with dyslipidemia receiving Alliaceae or Brassicaceae were included. The outcome was the change in lipid parameters from baseline. Random‐effect meta‐analysis of the extracted data was performed using R software. The effect size was expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The certainty of evidence was assessed with the GRADE approach. Out of 28 studies that were reviewed, 22 were included in the meta‐analysis (publication period: 1981–2022). Results showed that Alliaceae extracts significantly reduce total cholesterol [MD: −15.2 mg/dL; 95% CI: −21.3; −9.1] and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels [MD: −12.0 mg/dL; 95% CI: −18.1; −5.7], although with low certainty of evidence. Conversely, the lipid‐lowering properties of Brassicaceae extracts are still unexplored. Our results support the use of Alliaceae extracts in patients with hypercholesterolemia, but future high‐quality studies are needed. Our work suggests further exploration of the efficacy of Brassicaceae extracts, which may have high nutraceutical/phytotherapeutic potential, opening new perspectives in the management of dyslipidemia.
Technological Profile of Microreactor Based on Patent Analysis
Authors: Yang Lin , Yang Ang , Zhang Lijing
Published: September 2024

Since the concept of microreactor was first proposed in the 1980s, it has been entering the chemistry and chemical engineering fields at a high speed and is favored by both scientific and commercial fields. The development of microreactors has been extensively studied in the literature, but less analysis has been carried out from the perspective of industrial technology. This paper aims to identify, analyze, and map the technological profile of microreactors from the perspective of patents. Based on the text mining techniques, a quantitative analysis of 16,327 microreactor‐related patents in the Derwent Innovations Index database was conducted. The analysis reveals a consistent annual increase in the number of microreactor‐related patents from 1982 to 2021. Specifically, China emerges as the leading country in terms of patent disclosures, whereas the United States and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) play a crucial role in knowledge transfer. Moreover, this study identifies the technological evolution path for microreactors and analyzes in detail the key patents along this evolution path. Individuation, modularization, and greening are the developing directions of microreactor technology in the future. This research offers valuable guidance for researchers and industry professionals in decision‐making and driving advancements in microreactor technology.
Enhancing Pregnancy Care: Harnessing Label‐Free Immunosensors for Pre‐Eclampsia Detection Using PdNPs/Poly(3,5‐Diaminobenzoic Acid) Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Soman Sithara , Ramakrishnan Kala , Warrier Tripti S.
Published: September 2024

Placental Growth factor (PlGF) is one of the biomarkers useful for detecting pregnancy hypertension disorder, Pre‐eclampsia. Herein, we focus on developing a label‐free immunosensor using simple electrochemical methods to detect PlGF antigens for pre‐eclampsia diagnosis. The work includes the electrochemical deposition of Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface using amperometry followed by electropolymerization of diaminobenzoic acid (DABA) onto the PdNPs/GCE. Antibody (aPlGF) was covalently immobilized on the pDABA/PdNPs/GCE using EDC/NHS reaction. The interaction of the antibody with the antigen was measured using differential pulse voltammetric technique. The linear range obtained for the immunosensor is 1–25 ng mL−1 with a limit of detection of 53 pg mL−1. The stability and reproducibility of the sensor were obtained in the acceptable range. The developed sensor was used to detect PlGF antigen in artificial blood and urine samples by spike recovery analysis.
Exploring the Potential of New 7‐Chloroquinoline‐benzylamine Hybrids as Antimicrobials: Synthesis, Biological Activity and MD Simulation Studies
Authors: Irfan Iram , Anwer Razique , Ali Asghar , Alrehaili Jihad , Hasan Phool , Abid Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Novel drug like chloroquinoline‐benzylamine hybrids were synthesized and subjected to comprehensive antibacterial evaluation in the present investigation. The pharmacological evaluation comprises determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), disk diffusion assay, hemolysis and combination assays against both Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial strains. Among all, 7‐chloroquinoline‐benzylamine hybrid bearing p‐bromophenyl substituent (SA11) demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy (MIC=128μg/mL) against the tested panel of Gram‐positive strains with no sign of toxicity towards human red blood cells (hRBCs). Furthermore, another hybrid with o‐hydroxyphenyl substitution (SA12) exhibited notable activity against the tested isolates with MIC values ranging from 64 to 256μg/mL. Molecular docking studies suggested compound SA11 binds within the active site of the biofilm causing protein (PDB: 7C7U) further supported by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies at 100 ns. Compound SA11 exhibited significant efficacy in inhibiting S. aureus growth in the disk diffusion assay. Moreover, it displayed a synergistic effect when combined with ciprofloxacin (CIP), implying its potential utility in addressing antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains through combination therapy. The pkCSM‐Pharmacokinetics assessment indicated favourable ADME profiles for SA11, supporting its potential as a viable drug candidate.
Self‐Assembled Ultra‐Long Hybrid Nanowire Formed by Simple Mixing: An Untapped Feature of Peroxydisulfate
Authors: Xu Chunxiao , Fu Yu , Wang Pu , Wang Lingli , Chen Jialin , Li Qingchao , Xia Yuqi , Zhang Zhen , Tang Yi , Liu Xiaojing , Qiu Sifan , Xue Yanna , Cao Jinhui , Wang Zhaohui
Published: September 2024

Peroxydisulfate (PDS), a popular molecule that is able to oxidize organic compounds, is garnering attention across various disciplines of chemistry, materials, pharmaceuticals, environmental remediation, and sustainability. Methylene blue (MB) is a model pollutant that can be readily oxidized by PDS‐derived radicals. Unlike the conventional degradation process, here a reversible “dissolution‐precipitation” phenomenon is discovered, triggered by a simple mixing of PDS and MB, revealing a novel application of PDS in fabricating self‐assembled ultra‐long nanowires with MB. This phenomenon is unique to PDS and MB, different from the traditional salting out or self‐aggregation of dyes. Formation of nanowires facilitated by electrostatic interaction between S+ and O− moieties and π–π stacking is reversible, controlled by temperature and the solvent polarity. MB1‐PDS‐MB2 configuration (MB: PDS = 2:1) is theoretically predicted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and further validated by stoichiometric ratios of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen in the obtained precipitates (MBO). This untapped feature of PDS enables the development of colorimetric quantitative detection of PDS and sustainable dye recycling. Far more than those demonstrated cases, the potentialities of MBO as a nanomaterial merit further exploration.
Honeycomb ZIF‐67 Membrane With Hierarchical Channels for High‐Permeance Gas Separation
Authors: Hu Xue , Li Zhiying , Li Jianbo , Jin Chuanlong , Bao Junjiang , Zhang Xiaopeng , Jiang Xiaobin , Zhang Ning , He Gaohong
Published: September 2024

Membrane technology exhibits low cost and high efficiency in gas separation. Zeolite‐imidazole framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) membrane shows a theoretically superior performance in H2/CO2 separation, owing to its effective size‐sieving pores between H2 and CO2. However, the gas molecules are permeate through a series of consecutive crystal cells of common ZIF‐67 polycrystalline membranes, resulting in high transport resistance to the gas permselective transport. To this end, this work employs a contra‐diffusion synthesis to construct a honeycomb ZIF‐67 (h‐ZIF67) crystalline membrane for low‐resistance H2/CO2 permselective transport. The controlled growth of h‐ZIF67 following the van der Drift theory produces the honeycomb polycrystal with hierarchical channels for low‐resistance gas permeation. The prepared membrane with micron‐scale thickness still achieves a H2 permeance as high as 1.6 × 10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 and a H2/CO2 selectivity of 17, which can be maintained after a long‐term operation for the H2/CO2 mixture separation.
Selective Electrooxidation of Crude Glycerol to Lactic Acid Coupled With Hydrogen Production at Industrially‐Relevant Current Density
Authors: Yan Yifan , Wang Qiangyu , Yang Jiangrong , Fu Yu , Shi Qiwei , Li Zhenhua , Zhang Jinli , Shao Mingfei , Duan Xue
Published: September 2024

Transforming glycerol (GLY, biodiesel by‐product) into lactic acid (LA, biodegradable polymer monomer) through sustainable electrocatalysis presents an effective strategy to reduce biodiesel production costs and consequently enhance its applications. However, current research faces a trade‐off between achieving industrially‐relevant current density (>300 mA cm−2) and high LA selectivity (>80%), limiting technological advancement. Herein, a Au3Ag1 alloy electrocatalyst is developed that demonstrates exceptional LA selectivity (85%) under high current density (>400 mA cm−2). The current density can further reach 1022 mA cm−2 at 1.2 V versus RHE, superior to most previous reports for GLY electrooxidation. It is revealed that the Au3Ag1 alloy can enhance GLY adsorption and reactive oxygen species (OH*) generation, thereby significantly boosting activity. As a proof of concept, a homemade flow electrolyzer is constructed, achieving remarkable LA productivity of 68.9 mmol h−1 at the anode, coupled with efficient H2 production of 3.5 L h−1 at the cathode. To further unveil the practical possibilities of this technology, crude GLY extracted from peanut oil into LA is successfully transformed, while simultaneously producing H2 at the cathode. This work showcases a sustainable method for converting biodiesel waste into high‐value products and hydrogen fuel, promoting the broader application of biodiesel.
Unveiling the Influence of Water Molecules on the Structural Dynamics of Prussian Blue Analogues
Authors: Sada Krishnakanth , Greene Samuel M. , Kmiec Steven , Siegel Donald J. , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: September 2024

3D‐framework Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are appealing as a cost‐effective, sustainable cathodes for Na‐ion batteries. However, the aqueous‐based synthesis of PBAs inherently introduces three different forms of water molecules (surface, interstitial and crystal) into the structure. Removal of water molecules causes phase transformation from monoclinic (M) to rhombohedral (R). This work presents the effects of water molecules on the structure before the phase transformation temperature, employing two promising PBA cathodes, Na2Fe[Fe(CN)6]·1.69H2O and Na2Mn[Fe(CN)6]·1.76H2O. Specifically, the water molecules impact the molecular interactions at the local structure and the electrochemical properties. This work has performed calculations on low‐vacancy Na2M[Fe(CN)6] PBAs (where M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) to understand the dehydration energy. Employing in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, this work observes that water removal induces negative thermal expansion and stronger interactions between C≡N and Na ions, resulting in biphasic reactions with sluggish kinetics. Additionally, water molecules play a role in maintaining the open 3D tunnels and facilitating a solid‐solution like insertion of Na ions. Calculated phonon‐Raman spectra provide insights into cyanide group deformations, revealing the interactions between water molecules, alkali‐ions, and transition‐metal ions. This study enhances the understanding of the relationship among electronic, vibrational, and electrochemical properties.
Interlayer Space Engineering‐Induced Pseudocapacitive Zinc‐Ion Storage in Holey Graphene Oxide‐Bearing Vertically Oriented MoS2 Nano‐Wall Array Cathode for Aqueous Rechargeable Zn Metal Batteries
Authors: Babu Athira , Dilwale Swati , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: September 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenides, particularly MoS2, are acknowledged as a promising cathode material for aqueous rechargeable zinc metal batteries (ARZMBs). Nevertheless, its lack of hydrophilicity, poor electrical conductivity, significant restacking, and restricted interlayer spacing translate into inadequate capacity and rate performance. Herein, the unique porous structure and additional functional groups present in holey graphene oxide (hGO) are taken advantage of to dictate the vertical growth pattern of oxygen‐doped MoS2 nanowalls (O‐MoS2/NW) over the hGO surface. Compared to conventional graphene oxide (GO), the presence of nano‐pores in hGO facilitates the homogeneous dispersion of Mo precursors and provides stronger interaction sites, promoting the uniform vertical alignment of O‐MoS2/NW. The synergistic interaction between O‐MoS2‐NW and hGO translates to enhanced electron conductivity, efficient electrolyte penetration, enhanced interlayer spacing, reduced restacking, and enhanced surface area. As a consequence of precise control of various factors that decide the overall battery performance, a high discharge capacity (227 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1) cathode material with significantly lower charge transfer resistance (66 Ω) compared to pristine O‐MoS2 (153 Ω) is developed. These findings underscore the potential of hGO as a multifunctional platform for nanoengineering high‐performance cathode materials for the next generation of efficient and durable ARZMBs.
Peptide‐Based Nanoparticles Suppress Hepatic Inflammation via Blockage of Human Antigen R
Authors: Chen Yu‐Fon , Wang Sheng‐Hung , Jan Jeng‐Shiung
Published: September 2024

Human antigen R (HuR), which is a mRNA‐binding protein that stabilizes and regulates mRNA translation, is found to have increased expression in inflammation, cancer and other diseases, making HuR to be a promising drug target. This study reports a peptide‐based nanoparticle (NP) system exhibits potent anti‐inflammatory activity to ameliorate acute liver injury via the ability of peptides to inhibit the mRNA binding site of HuR and block downstream signaling. Molecular modeling provided structural evidence indicating that the peptides interact with the RNA‐binding site of HuR, mainly via hydrogen‐bonding and hydrophobic interactions. These peptide‐based NPs can act as nanocarriers to deliver peptides into cells to compete with the mRNA binding site of HuR, evidenced by the reduction of antibody recognition to the native protein and the exhibition of anti‐inflammatory activity against activated macrophage cells, with no adverse effect in vitro and in vivo. In LPS/D‐GalN‐induced hepatic sepsis with high dosage of LPS/GalN, administration of the NPs significantly attenuated necrosis and HuR expression, resulting in the significant improvement of animal survival rate, suggesting their therapeutic potential for hepatic inflammation and a broad range of HuR‐overexpressed diseases.
Is Microporous Carbon Confined Nano Si Composite the Best Anode Choice for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries?
Authors: Zhang Mengying , Xu Tao , Pan Lingbo , Sun Shanshan , Mei Tao , Qian Yong , Lin Ning
Published: September 2024

Microporous carbon confined nano silicon composites (Si/m‐C) are considered to be the best anode materials for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries compared with the other Si‐based materials such as SiO, due to high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and capacity, as well as good cycling stability. However, there is a lack of multilevel comprehensive evaluation of Si/m‐C, which poses potential risks to the commercial application. Herein, combined with quantitative titration, mechanical characterization, and bulk/interface evolution analysis, a systematic evolution of commercialized Si/m‐C from the particle level to the cylindrical cell level is conducted, revealing the decay mechanism and proposing corresponding solutions. Among them, it is well demonstrated that the Si/m‐C still withstands huge volume expansion of over 200% with poor mechanical strength, causing the electrical contact loss of active LixSi and severe interfacial side reactions. Moreover, even blending more than 90% graphite cannot completely suppress its volumetric strain, and the combination of highly flexible single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) is necessary. In response to this, the 32700‐type cylindrical cell with a designed capacity of 9.5 Ah is assembled by mixing Si/m‐C with 90% graphite and SWCNT as anode, achieving a long‐term cycling stability over 300 cycles at 0.5 C with a capacity retention of 94.8%.
Robustly Boosting Thermoelectric Performance of N‐Type PbSe via Lattice Plainification and Dynamic Doping
Authors: Gao Dezheng , Wen Yi , Bai Shulin , Wang Siqi , Liu Shibo , Li Yichen , Wang Lei , Zang Wujing , Su Xianli , Gao Xiang , Xie Hongyao , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: September 2024

Ideal thermoelectrics shall possess a high average ZT, which relies on high carrier mobility and appropriate carrier density at operating temperature. However, conventional doping usually results in a temperature‐independent carrier concentration, making performance optimization over a wide temperature range be challenging. This work demonstrates the combination of lattice plainification and dynamic doping strategies is an effective route to boost the average ZT of N‐type PbSe. Because Sn and Pb have similar ionic radii and electronegativity, this allows Sn to fill the intrinsic Pb vacancies and effectively improves the carrier mobility of PbSe to 1300 cm2 V−1 s−1. Furthermore, a trace amount of Cu is introduced into the Sn‐filled PbSe to optimize the carrier concentration. The extra Cu is situated in the interstitial sides of the lattice, which undergoes a dissolution‐precipitation process with temperature, leading to a strongly temperature‐dependent carrier density in the material. This dynamic doping effectively improves the electrical transport properties and is also valid to suppress the lattice thermal conductivity. Ultimately, the resulting PbSn0.004Se+3‰Cu obtains a maximum ZT of ≈1.7 at 800 K and an average ZT of ≈1.0, with a 7.7% power generation efficiency in a single‐arm device, showing significant potential for commercial application.
Antisolvent‐Mediated Air Quench for High‐Efficiency Air‐Processed Carbon‐Based Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wall Jacob , Khawaja Kausar , Xiang Wenjun , Dvorak Adam , Picart Christopher , Gu Xiaoyu , Li Lin , Rolston Nicholas , Zhu Kai , Berry Joseph J. , Yan Feng
Published: September 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a leading low‐cost photovoltaic technology, achieving power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 26.1%. However, their commercialization is hindered by stability issues and the need for controlled processing environments. Carbon‐electrode‐based PSCs (C‐PSCs) offer enhanced stability and cost‐effectiveness compared to traditional metal‐electrode PSCs, i.e., Au and Ag. However, processing challenges persist, particularly in air conditions where moisture sensitivity poses a significant hurdle. Herein, a novel air processing technique is presented for planar C‐PSCs that incorporates antisolvent vapors, such as chlorobenzene, into a controlled air‐quenching process. This method effectively mitigates moisture‐induced instability, resulting in champion PCEs exceeding 20% and robust stability under ambient conditions. The approach retains 80% of initial efficiency after 30 h of operation at maximum power point without encapsulation. This antisolvent‐mediated air‐quenching technique represents a significant advancement in the scalable production of C‐PSCs, paving the way for future large‐scale deployment.
A Robust Static Model of Basic Oxygen Furnace for Analyzing Emerging Steelmaking Scenarios
Authors: Sarkar Sidhartha , Nayak Pritish , Roy Tapas Kumar , Kumar Deepoo , Viswanathan Nurni Neelakantan
Published: September 2024

A robust static model, which incorporates emerging steelmaking scenarios in terms of solid charge mix with the given hot metal in basic oxygen furnace process, is developed. It employs mass and enthalpy balances to comprehend nonequilibrium conditions, considering four key empirical parameters: iron loss, post‐combustion ratio, heat loss, and undissolved lime content in slag, which are fine‐tuned using plant data through a multivariate approach, ensuring the reliability. The model is validated in a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) shop using data from over 4000 heats, achieving a strike rate of ≈77% for input lime prediction within ±1 ton and ≈80% for input oxygen prediction within ±600 Nm3. Model implementation in BOF shop provides valuable guidance to the operators, resulting in the reduction of average oxygen and lime consumption by 139 Nm3 and 652 kg heat−1, respectively. The model also enables the determination of the maximum scrap utilization of ≈16% for 0.8% silicon and ≈14% for 0.6% silicon in hot metal, respectively. The model aids in calculating the maximum tap temperature for varying hot metal silicon and iron ore addition. Overall, the model optimizes primary steelmaking, enhancing efficiency, reducing resource consumption, and offering insights into alternative iron sources like direct reduced iron.
Evolution Mechanism of Blast Furnace Cooling Plate Slag‐Hanging Behavior with Different Cooling System Structure
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Tang Jue , Chu Mansheng , Shi Quan , Wang Chuanqiang , Feng Jinge
Published: September 2024

Based on the 3D heat transfer numerical simulation model, the evolution mechanism of blast furnace cooling plate slag‐hanging behavior with different cooling system structures is analyzed. Cooling plate reduced by 20 mm will not affect its slag‐hanging behavior. Copper cooling plate is best suited for high heat load areas. The vertical spacing of cooling plate is extended by 200 mm, the uniformity of the slag layer decreases by 5%, and the temperature of cooling plate and refractory material increases by 11 and 50 °C. Cooling plate vertical spacing of 510 mm or less can ensure stable slag hanging in the blast furnace. When using a single refractory material, the average uniformity of the slag layer is 95%, 86%, and 79% for graphite brick, semigraphite brick, and sialon‐SiC brick, respectively. Si3N4‐SiC brick cannot operate properly in high heat load areas. The factory can consider setting 125 mm sialon‐SiC brick in the furnace; graphite brick is used outside the furnace lining. The slag layer is well distributed, and the average value of uniformity is about 90%. Even if the slag layer is fully dislodged, the hot surface temperature of the furnace lining is 785 °C, and it can be quickly reslag hanging.
Evolution of Crystallographic Texture and Its Impact on Magnetic Losses of Non‐oriented Electrical Steel
Authors: Barbosa Alvim Marta , de Matos Lucas Carlos Soares , Faria de Oliveira Caizer Marília , Muniz Meireles Leonel , Vinicius Pereira Arruda Marcus , Leandro Rocco Daniel
Published: September 2024

In this study, how crystallographic texture and changes in microstructure affect the magnetic properties of a semi‐processed non‐oriented (NO) electrical steel, which is investigated in its as‐received state and after heat treatment, is evaluated. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis shows the variation in texture with a crystallographic orientation changing from a predominance of γ and α fibers to a random one after heat treatment, with a significant increase in components with <100> directions in the sheet plane, which are desired for NO steels because they are parallel to the direction of easy magnetization. Heat treatment has also increased the average grain size of the samples from 18 to 128 μm. Magnetic properties are analyzed over a wide frequency range and induction, presenting different behaviors in permeability and magnetic loss for the samples before and after heat treatment. The components of total magnetic loss are also evaluated, and the hysteresis loss of heat‐treated sample decreases significantly. This demonstrates that heat treatment reduces microstructural imperfections, causing a decrease in hysteresis losses. Therefore, it is concluded that the improvement in magnetic performance observed with heat treatment has its origin in the increase in fiber components related to the <100> directions and a decrease in microstructural imperfections.
Magnetoresponsive Anisotropic Fiber‐Integrating Hydrogels for Neural Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Sousa Joana P. M. , Monteiro Cátia F. , Deus Inês A. , Completo António , Stratakis Emmanuel , Mano João F. , Marques Paula A. A. P.
Published: September 2024

The physiological functions of specific areas of the nervous system, such as the spinal cord, are directional dependent, relying on the ordered arrangement of cells and extracellular matrix. Here, an automated electrospinning method is used to make fibers with different diameters by changing the concentrations of polycaprolactone/gelatine solutions. The impact of fiber diameter, orientation, and the inclusion of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on neural stem cell (NSC) behavior and differentiation is investigated. Fibers with an average diameter of 1189 ± 274 nm greatly improve neuronal differentiation. The highest relative expression of the neuronal marker Tuj‐1 and the formation of interconnected neuronal networks with neurites aligned along the fiber axis demonstrate this. Incorporating SPIONS into the fibers do not damage the cells, and aligned fibers do much better than random fibers at cell proliferation, migration, and neurite alignment. Further, magnetoresponsive fiber‐based hydrogels are fabricated by embedding SPIONS‐loaded fibers within a collagen matrix, which enables remote alignment of the fibers via a magnetic field. Postcrosslinking maintains this alignment and induces significant neurite orientation within the hydrogels. The potential use of automated, magnetically responsive electrospun fibers as flexible supports for NSC differentiation and neural tissue engineering guidance is demonstrated.
Spontaneous Alignment of Boron Nitride Nanotubes into Polycrystalline Film Arrays for Enhanced Piezoelectric Nanogeneration
Authors: Kim Daeun , Ko Jaehyoung , Kim Young‐Kyeong , Lee Sang Seok , Ahn Seokhoon , Lee Sanghan , Jang Se Gyu , Joo Yongho
Published: September 2024

1D nanomaterials feature distinct physical properties owing to their characteristic anisotropy and size‐induced quantization; yet, creating an ordered ensemble of the nanomaterials is nontrivial, marking it as a grand challenge in materials science. Herein, the spontaneous alignment of a model 1D nanomaterial, boron nitride nanotube (BNNT), into a highly ordered multidomain film is presented. A conventional, benchtop gravity filtration is employed, during which thickening of the BNNT dispersion leads to a formation of the liquid crystal (LC) phase that is readily isolatable. The spontaneity of the phase separation excludes notoriously persisting synthetic impurities to a degree >99%, from ≈50% of the initial material purity. The LC‐based thin film features an aligned multidomain with an exceptionally low angular deviation of <2.5° and a domain size of >50 μm. A piezoelectric nanogenerator based on the thin film records a 1000‐fold increase in the piezocurrent compared to its random analog. This work demonstrates the first example of the spontaneous alignment of an unconventional nanotube system and the realization of the macroscopic properties therefrom, which can be readily expanded to 1D materials in general.
Porous Lithium‐Doped ZnO Nanosheets with Abundant Oxygen Vacancies for Accelerating Li+ Transport in Solid‐State Composite Electrolyte
Authors: Gao Lu , Luo Yuqi , Liu Chao , Tian Huayang , Kang Weimin , Zhou Weidong , Li Quanxiang
Published: September 2024

The flexible Li‐ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) endows a stable long‐term cycling to Li‐metal anode to significantly improve the energy density of solid‐state lithium batteries; however, the practical application of the SPE is limited by its low ionic conductivity and small critical current density for dendrite nucleation. Herein, Li+‐doped porous ZnO (LZO) nanosheets are introduced into the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based SPE, releasing more mobile Li ions for faster Li‐ion transport due to the enhanced interaction between abundant oxygen vacancies and anions of Li‐salt. As a result, the optimized LZO/PEO composite polymer electrolyte exhibits a high Li‐ion conductivity of 3.3 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 50 °C, 4 times higher than the pure PEO electrolyte. The solid‐state LiFePO4/Li cell shows extraordinarily long‐term stable cycling, up to 1500 cycles with a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.8%. In addition, the cycling stability of the high‐voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811)/Li cell was also obviously improved compared to the nondoped pure PEO electrolyte, indicating the positive contribution of the LZO on interfacial stability.
Renal liposarcoma in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Murciano Glenda , Martino Gomez Laura , Palomares Anna , Novellas Rosa , Martorell Jaume
Published: September 2024

A 4‐year‐old, male, entire guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was presented in stuporous state with hypoglycaemia, hypothermia and hypotension. After stabilising the animal, a complete blood cell count, biochemistry, survey radiographs and an abdominal ultrasound were performed. The abdominal ultrasound revealed a 3.2 × 5.4 cm soft tissue mass occupying the caudal half from lateral to medial part of the right kidney. To investigate further, a computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast was performed and confirmed the invasion of the mass into the caudal vena cava. A right nephrectomy was performed and submitted for histopathology, and a diagnosis of renal liposarcoma was made. The animal, although stable during surgery, died after recovery from anaesthesia. Spontaneous renal liposarcoma is rarely reported in human and veterinary medicine. This case report describes the clinical signs, diagnostic evaluation, surgical procedure, and gross and histological features of renal liposarcoma in a guinea pig.
Desarda versus Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pompeu Bernardo Fontel , Pasqualotto Eric , Marcolin Patrícia , Delgado Lucas Monteiro , Ponte Farias Ana Gabriela , Pigossi Beatriz D’Andrea , Guedes Lucas Soares de Souza Pinto , Poli de Figueiredo Sergio Mazzola
Published: September 2024

Background

The Lichtenstein technique is the gold standard for adult open inguinal hernia repair with mesh. The Desarda technique emerged in 2001 as a novel, promising non‐mesh technique that has demonstrated low recurrence and postoperative complications.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCT) published until April 2024. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random‐effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics, with p‐values <0.10 and I2>25% considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software, version 4.1.2.

Results

Eighteen RCTs comprising 1756 patients were included, of whom 861 (49%) were submitted to Desarda and 895 (51%) were submitted to Lichtenstein. Desarda was associated with lower seroma rates (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.35–0.89; and p = 0.014), less operative time (MD −8.6 min; 95% CI −14.5 to −2.8; and p < 0.01), lower postoperative pain on day one (MD −1.3 VAS score; 95% CI −2.3 to −0.3; p < 0.01) or chronic pain (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.12–0.88; and p = 0.028), and faster return‐to‐work activities (MD −2.1 days; 95% CI −3.7 to −0.6; and p < 0.01). The recurrence rate was 1.4% for Desarda versus 2.1% for Lichtenstein, with no statistical difference between techniques.

Conclusion

In this meta‐analysis, Desarda significantly decreases seroma operative time, postoperative pain on day 1, chronic pain, and return‐to‐work activities.
Ligand-human serum albumin analysis: the near-UV CD and UV-Vis spectroscopic studies
Authors: Rogóż Wojciech , Owczarzy Aleksandra , Kulig Karolina , Maciążek-Jurczyk Małgorzata
Published: September 2024

Spectroscopic methods offer many new opportunities to study protein–ligand interactions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using near-UV CD as well as UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques to study the interaction between human serum albumin (HSA) and markers of Sudlow’s site I (warfarin, phenylbutazone) and II (ketoprofen, ibuprofen), as well as prednisolone and indapamide. In order to perform the planned measurements, near-UV CD spectropolarimetry and UV-Vis spectrophotometry have been used. It has been demonstrated that both techniques allow for rapid evaluation of non-covalent interactions between HSA and ligand, as well as identification of the HSA aromatic amino acid residues involved in this process. The near-UV CD spectroscopic data were more valuable than the analysis based on the second derivative of differential UV-Vis absorption spectra, especially for ligands with a non-specified binding site and low affinity towards HSA, such as prednisolone. The combination of both techniques makes it possible for comprehensive analysis of the interaction between HSA and ligands.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain in Paget’s Disease of Bone
Authors: Berg Kathryn , Dockrell Dervil , Colvin Lesley , Fraser William D , Tang Jonathan CY , Aspray Terry , Dennison Elaine , Divyateja Hrushikesh , Ghouri Nazim , Hanison Esther , Keen Richard , McCloskey Eugene , O’Neill Terence W , Rahman Faizanur , Siddiqi Mashood , Tuck Stephen , Turton Jane , Ralston Stuart H
Published: September 2024

Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is characterised by increased and disorganised bone remodelling leading to various complications, such as bone deformity, deafness, secondary osteoarthritis, and pathological fracture. Pain is the most common presenting symptom of PDB, but it is unclear to what extent this is due to increased metabolic activity of the disease, complications, or unrelated causes. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 168 people with PDB attending secondary care referral centres in the UK. We documented the presence of musculoskeletal pain and sought to determine its underlying causes. Musculoskeletal pain was reported by 122/168 (72.6%) individuals. The most common cause was osteoarthritis of joints distant from an affected PDB site in 54 (44.3%), followed by metabolically active PDB in 18 (14.7%); bone deformity in 14 (11.4%); osteoarthritis of a joint neighbouring an affected site in 11 (9.0%), neuropathic pain in 10 (8.2%), and various other causes in the remainder. Pain was more common in women (p<0.019) and in older individuals (p<0.001). Circulating concentrations of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) were significantly higher in those with pain (p = 0.008), but there was no difference between groups of patients with and without pain in concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) or biochemical markers of bone turnover. Pain is a common symptom in PDB but is most often due to osteoarthritis at an unaffected site. The study illustrates the importance of fully evaluating people with PDB to determine the underlying cause of pain so that management can be tailored appropriately.
Accuracy of polyether and vinylpolysiloxane impressions when using different types of 3D-printed impression trays - an in vitro study
Authors: Rues Stefan , Depré David , Stober Thomas , Rammelsberg Peter , Zenthöfer Andreas
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To investigate dimensional accuracy of polyether (PE) and vinylpolysiloxane (VPS) impressions taken with manually fabricated and 3D-printed trays.

Materials and methods

To evaluate impression accuracy, highly precise digital data of a metallic lower jaw model with prepared teeth (regions 34 and 36), an implant (region 47) and three precision balls placed occlusally along the dental arch served as reference. PE (Impregum, 3M Oral Care) and VPS (Aquasil, Dentsply Sirona) impressions (n = 10/group) were taken with trays fabricated using different materials and manufacturing techniques (FDM: filament deposition modeling, material: Arfona Tray, Arfona; printer: Pro2, Raise3D; DLP: digital light processing, material: V-Print Tray, VOCO, printer: Max, Asiga; MPR: manual processing with light-curing plates, material: LC Tray, Müller-Omicron) including an open implant impression. Scans of resulting stone models were compared with the reference situation. Global distance and angular deviations as well as local trueness and precision for abutment teeth and scan abutment were computed. Possible statistical effects were analyzed using ANOVA.

Results

Clinically acceptable global accuracy was found (all mean absolute distance changes < 100 μm) and local accuracy for single abutments was excellent. All factors (abutment type, impression material, tray material) affected global accuracy (p < 0.05). In particular with PE impressions, MPR trays led to the best accuracies, both in horizontal and vertical direction.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, impression accuracy was high in use of both polyether and vinylpolysiloxane combined with different 3D-printed and customized trays making them recommendable for at least impressions for smaller fixed dental prostheses. Manually fabricated trays were overall still the best choice if utmost precision is required.

Clinical relevance

Based on the results of this study, use of innovative CAD-CAM fabrication of individual impression trays fulfills the perquisites to be a viable option for impression making. In the sense of translational research, performance should be proved in a clinical setting.
Video game accessibility in the top-level genres
Authors: Guzsvinecz Tibor
Published: September 2024

This study aims to investigate the relationship between top-level game genres, release dates, game modes, and accessibility features in commercial video games. For this goal, datasets were created that included 25 games in 11 top-level genres except for experimental games. G-tests were used to examine differences in the proportions of accessibility features between genres, focusing on sensory, motor, and cognitive disabilities. Additionally, regression analyses were performed to assess the effect of genres, release dates, and single-player/multiplayer modes on the number of accessibility features. The results showed significant differences between the top-level genres and the number of all three types of accessibility features. Regression analyses showed significant effects of the top-level genres on the number of accessibility features, while release dates showed no significant influence. Game modes only had a significant effect on accessibility features regarding motor disabilities. In conclusion, the results of this study present genre-specific numbers of accessibility features in commercial video games. In other words, game developers create accessibility features differently depending on the genre. These findings have practical implications for both developers and players to enhance the inclusivity of the gaming experience. The results can also be used to increase awareness and commitment to the importance of accessibility features in the gaming industry, ultimately creating more inclusive commercial video games.