bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Cycle Life of Silicon Microparticle Anodes for High-Energy Density Lithium-Ion Batteries through a Reinforced Conductive Matrix
Authors: Im HyunJi , Kim Young-Jun
Published: December 2024

Silicon (Si) is increasingly regarded as a promising candidate for anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its exceptional theoretical specific capacity and abundant material resources. However, widespread commercial adoption faces hurdles due to inherent challenges such as significant volume expansion and the uncontrolled growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) during cycling. To address these obstacles, numerous strategies have been proposed, including the fabrication of nano-sized silicon structures to enhance structural stability and long cyclability. Nonetheless, reducing silicon to the nanoscale diminishes the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and tap density of Si nanomaterials, thereby hindering the commercialization of Si anodes.

Si microparticles (SiMPs) exhibit higher ICE and volumetric capacity compared to Si nanoparticles (SiNPs), making them better suited to meet the requirements of high energy density. However, their larger particle size also increases susceptibility to pulverization during cycling. Despite numerous efforts to enhance the performance of SiMP anodes, the conventional anode structure typically comprises active materials, conductive additives, and a polymeric binder. This traditional structure is prone to damage caused by the substantial volume expansion and shrinkage of SiMPs, resulting in the isolation of electrical network.

To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel electrode architecture consisting of active materials, reinforcing materials, and a conductive matrix. The reinforcing materials act as a bridge between the active materials and the conductive matrix, enhancing the electrode's elasticity. The conductive matrix integrates the functionalities of both binder and conductive additive, eliminating the need for nonconductive binders. Consequently, the issue of electrical connectivity in the SiMP electrode during repeated cycling is addressed. The conductive matrix is synthesized using a simple method involving the cyclization of polymers at a specific temperature, thereby enhancing the electrical conductivity of the polymer.

Through the examination of mechanical and electrical characteristics, our proposed electrode structure demonstrates improved electrical conductivity while preserving electrode integrity when compared to the conventional SiMP electrode structure. In conclusion, our novel electrode structure presents a promising solution for enhancing the applicability of SiMPs in LIB electrode materials. This advancement holds potential for overcoming challenges associated with SiMPs, thus facilitating their broader utilization in next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
Factors Affecting Electrochemical Properties of P’2-Type Mn-Based Layered Oxides for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Kuriyama Tomohiro , Ugata Yosuke , Yabuuchi Naoaki
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the rapid growth in the market of electric vehicles has resulted in the increase of prices for lithium, cobalt, and nickel resources used in lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, a great research effort has been conducted to explore new battery systems based on more abundant resources with lower costs. Recently, rechargeable sodium-ion batteries have been attracting much attention for energy storage applications.[1] In this study, Mn-based sodium layered oxide, P'2 Na2/3MnO2 is revisited as a positive electrode material for sodium-ion batteries, and factors affecting its electrochemical performances is examined. The cycle stability of Na2/3MnO2 is remarkably improved by increasing the lower cut-off voltage during cycling. This is because the electrochemical cycling in a higher voltage range maintains a higher average oxidation state of Mn ions in the electrode (i.e., less local distortion induced by Jahn-Teller Mn3+ ions). Furthermore, the use of highly concentrated electrolytes, in which the presence of free solvent molecules is eliminated, effectively suppresses the Mn dissolution, thus enabling stable cycling with >80% capacity retention for more than 1000 cycles. From these results, the possibility of Na2/3MnO2 as a practical positive electrode for sodium-ion battery applications is discussed.

Reference

[1] T. Sato et al., and N. Yabuuchi, Energy Material Advances, 2021, 9857563 (2021).
(Invited) Improving Withstand Voltages of Conductive Polymer Solid Aluminum Capacitors for Power Electronics Applications
Authors: Habazaki Hiroki , Quintero Giraldo David , Iwai Mana , Nagahara Kazuhiro , Tanaka Atsushi , Machida Kenji , Okuzaki Hidenori , Hasegawa Kazunori
Published: December 2024

Aluminum solid electrolytic capacitors using conductive polymer cathodes are promising passive components with high capacitance, low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and high thermal stability for applications in advanced power electronics systems. However, the working voltage of the aluminum solid capacitors is limited and does not meet the requirements of the power electronic systems. In this study, two approaches are introduced to increase the withstand voltage of the aluminum solid capacitors: introducing a highly resistive interface layer between a dielectric alumina layer and a conductive polymer layer and the development of novel modified PEDOT:PSS polymers.

When a crystalline g’-alumina dielectric layer covered with a porous hydrated alumina layer was coated with a PEDOT:PSS conductive polymer, the breakdown voltage was ~500 V for the dielectric alumina film formed at 700 V. The dielectric breakdown occurred at voltages considerably lower than the anodizing voltage. However, the introduction of the simple hot water treatment after anodizing (post-hydration treatment) increased the breakdown voltage markedly, exceeding the anodizing voltage of 700 V.1 Cross-sectional STEM observation of the cross-section of the post-hydration treated specimen disclosed the formation of a nanovoids-dispersed layer between the dielectric layer and the hydrated alumina layer. The nanovoids-dispersed layer contained a reduced amount of polymer, so this layer is likely to be more resistive. Re-anodizing to convert the nanovoids-dispersed layer to a dielectric layer reduced the breakdown voltage to ~500 V. Thus, it is confirmed that the formation of such nanovoids-dispersed layer with high resistivity plays an important role in enhancing the breakdown voltage of the aluminum solid capacitors.

Alkyl group-modified PEDOT:PSS conductive polymers were synthesized to control the crystallinity and conductivity. The crystallinity and conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS were successfully reduced by introducing the alkyl group, and we could confirm that the breakdown voltage of the capacitors was highly enhanced by using ethyl-PEDOT:PSS instead of commercial PEDOT:PSS.

D. Quintero, H. Matsuya, M. Iwai, S. Kitano, K. Fushimi, H. Habazaki, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 16 (2024) 1737-1748.

This study was supported in part by the MEXT-Program for Creation of Innovative Core Technology for Power Electronics (INNOPEL), Grant Number JPJ009777.
Effect of Electrode Configuration on Bipolar Anodization of Aluminum
Authors: Satake Ryunosuke , Hagiwara Kenta , Asoh Hidetaka
Published: December 2024

Anodization of aluminum is a surface treatment employed to protect or decorate its surface for commercial applications. Although preparation of nanoporous film by conventional anodization is conducted in a simple cell, direct energization to the workpiece in an electrolyte is indispensable. Therefore, conventional anodization is unsuitable for the simultaneous surface treatment of a large number of small specimens. Against this background, we have recently studied bipolar electrochemistry as a surface treatment for aluminum. We have already demonstrated that indirect oxidation without a direct electrical connection (so called bipolar anodization) can be used to form a uniform film on aluminum balls which are difficult to ensure electrical continuity 1,2). In this study, the effect of configuration of aluminum object (bipolar electrode, BPE) and driving electrodes in an open bipolar cell on the film formation on the BPE through bipolar anodization. In AC bipolar anodization, the film thickness increased with increasing charge as in conventional anodization, regardless of whether the driving electrode was arranged horizontally or vertically. However, the thickness of the film formed using vertically arranged driving electrodes was thicker than that of the film formed using horizontally arranged driving electrodes despite the same charge. The difference in film formation efficiency may be due to the change in electric field distribution caused by the configuration of the driving electrodes.
Enhancement of Near-IR Photoluminescence of Ag8GeS6 Quantum Dots Via Semiconductor Shell Coating
Authors: Soto Masayuki , Rismaningsih Nurmanita , Kubo Junya , Akiyoshi Kazutaka , Kameyama Tatsuya , Fujihira Norikazu , Torimoto Tsukasa
Published: December 2024

Near-IR-responsive quantum dots (QDs) have been intensively investigated for developing bright luminescent probes for biological imaging. In comparison to conventional organic dyes or fluorescent proteins, QDs offer numerous advantages, including intense photoluminescence, high quantum yield, high molar extinction coefficient, resistance to photo-bleaching, and broad wavelength range for the photoexcitation with narrow emission bands, making them ideal for high contrast optical imaging of biological systems. However, commercially available high-quality QDs often contain highly toxic heavy metals such as Cd and Pb, prompting a growing demand for Cd-free alternatives. Recently, there has been intensive investigation into less-toxic QDs with narrower energy bandgaps (Egs) for developing novel materials that exhibit near-IR photoluminescence (PL). In our previous paper, we successfully prepared I-III-VI-based QDs of less toxicity, such as Ag(In,Ga)Se2, which exhibited a sharp bandedge PL, the peak wavelength being controllable with their composition [1]. In this study, we report for the first time the successful preparation of Ag8GeS6 QDs with near-IR PL. The PL intensity of obtained QDs was enhanced by surface-coating with other semiconductor shells.

Ag8GeS6 QDs were synthesized by a heating-up method. A mixture of Ag(DDTC), Ge(gly)2(H2O)2,[2] and thiourea were added in a test tube containing a mixture solution of oleylamine and 1-dodecanethiol. The solution was heated at 150oC for 20 min. Subsequently, Ag8GeS6 QDs were surface-coated with ZnS shell of different thicknesses. Spherical Ag8GeS6 QDs were obtained with the average size of 3.6 nm. They exhibited a broad near-IR PL peak at 920 nm with PL quantum yield (QY) of 2.2 %. The PL intensity was remarkably enhanced by the surface coating with ZnS shell, depending on the shell thickness. The resulting core-shell-structured Ag8GeS6@ZnS QDs had a type-I heterojunction and their PL QY was ca. 4.4% for the ZnS shell thickness of ca. 0.3 nm. In contrast, the surface coating with other metal chalcogenide semiconductor shells further improved the PL QY of Ag8GeS6 QDs, in which the optimal value was ca. 28%. These results were due to both the exciton confinement in the core and the removal of surface defects acting as a non-radiative recombination site. In conclusion, the present Ag8GeS6 QDs are expected to be applied as a novel near-IR photoluminescent probe for bio-imaging.

References

[1] T. Kameyama, et al., ACS Appl. Nano Mater.
3, 3275 (2020).

[2] A. S. R. Chesman, et al., Chem. Mater.
26, 5482 (2014).
Magnetism-Induced Homogenization of Charge and Ionic Distributions Realized By Cu-Ni Core-Shell Nano-Necklace for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Kang Minkyu , Bae Minjun , Kim Yonghwan , Kim Dohyeong , Chang Yujin , Piao Shuqing , Park Jonghyock , Kim Kanghun , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: December 2024

One-dimensional nanostructures such as nanowires and nanobelts exhibit unique characteristics. Nano-necklace structures, in particular, have demonstrated superior properties in certain applications compared to nanowire structures due to their enlarged active sites and surface area, ample transport channels as well as, multiscale surficial roughness.

Various methods exist for fabricating nano-necklace structures, including chemical synthesis, self-assembly, template assistance, and electrospinning. The method we approached was to modify the chemical reduction method in an economical, facile, and quick way for large scale synthesis. In our synthetic approach, we utilized ethylenediamine as a capping and shape-directing agent in a strong base solution, which enable the mass production of Cu-Ni core-shell nano-necklace (CNNN) with a high yield within 30 minutes. Moreover, by changing the type of basic solution, we successfully obtained Cu-Ni core-shell nanowire (CNNW) as a typical 1D nanostructure.

The physiochemical properties of as-obtained CNNN and CNNW were systematically investigated. Microscopic analyses demonstrated that both CNNN and CNNW are constituted by two major components: 1) surficial Ni coating layers with a thickness of about 40 nm and 2) inner Cu clusters as a shell and a core, respectively. Experimental results suggest that CNNN exhibits much stronger ferromagnetic properties with much higher specific surface area compared to CNNN, which hold potentials for various applications.

To demonstrate one of the potential applications of CNNN, we employed CNNN as a charge and ionic re-distributor for stable lithium metal batteries (LMB). The electrochemical analyses demonstrated that CNNN enabled uniform charge and ionic distributions when coated on a commercial separator, which suppresses notorious dendrite formation of Li metal anodes, due to its excellent ferromagnetic properties and enlarged active sites with Li ions. Therefore, CNNN enabled the stable operation of LMB with LiFePO4 and LiNi8Co1Mn1O2 cathode.

Figure 1
Uncovering Reduction Mechanisms of Fluoroethylene Carbonate
Authors: Ramesh Sapna L , Krzyaniak Matthew D , Wasielewski Michael R , Lopez Jeffrey
Published: December 2024

Electric vehicles sales have increased exponentially in the United States, and the White House has announced a goal of 50% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. This growing electrification of the transportation sector to mitigate climate change requires safe, energy dense, and power dense batteries. Particularly, lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are a promising technology due to lithium’s high theoretical specific capacity and low reduction potential, which can result in batteries with energy densities surpassing current state of the art lithium-ion batteries.1 However, the highly reductive lithium metal anode reacts with the electrolyte during cycling, resulting in capacity loss. These reactions form a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and electrolyte design is a key strategy to improve the cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency of LMBs. Many successful electrolyte engineering strategies have involved tuning the SEI to be mechanically and chemically stable to prevent further reactions.

In this work, we develop a novel approach to studying radical intermediates formed during electrolyte reduction, focusing on fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), a highly effective electrolyte solvent in LMBs.2 Although prior research has illuminated key reduction products of FEC2,3, including lithium fluoride (LiF), there remains a gap in understanding regarding the mechanism by which FEC and other similar fluorinated solvents are reduced to form an SEI. Furthermore, recent research has demonstrated that a preformed SEI comprised solely of LiF breaks down during cycling, illustrating that bulk chemical and mechanical properties of individual SEI components may not translate to their function within the SEI.4 We employ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to study radical reaction intermediates during FEC reduction. We reduce FEC in the presence of a spin trap to stabilize these radical intermediates for characterization. EPR with spin traps enabled us to identify two distinct radical species formed during FEC reduction, which we hypothesize are precursors to cross-linked polymer networks that are key to a high performing SEI. Radical species were identified with a combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Ultimately, this approach affords insight into molecular mechanisms to form an effective SEI which can both accommodate volume expansion and inhibit parasitic electrolyte consumption. This will guide electrolyte design for high Coulombic efficiency LMBs in the future.

K. G. Gallagher et al., Energy Environ. Sci., 7, 1555–1563 (2014).

X.-Q. Zhang, X.-B. Cheng, X. Chen, C. Yan, and Q. Zhang, Advanced Functional Materials, 27, 1605989 (2017).

Y. Jin et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 139, 14992–15004 (2017).

M. He, R. Guo, G. M. Hobold, H. Gao, and B. M. Gallant, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117, 73–79 (2020).
Assessment of Critical Stack Pressure and Temperature in Li‐Garnet Batteries
Authors: Klimpel Matthias , Zhang Huanyu , Paggiaro Giulia , Dubey Romain , Okur Faruk , Jeurgens Lars P.H. , Kravchyk Kostiantyn V. , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: December 2024

One of the most substantial challenges associated with employing metallic Li in conjunction with Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid-state electrolyte is the appearance of Kirkendall voids at the Li/LLZO interface during Li stripping.[1] These voids form due to an insufficient rate of mass transport, arising from low Li diffusion and applied pressure, which hinders the replenishment of Li that dissolves into the solid electrolyte.[2] As a result, this phenomenon leads to a reduction in the Li/LLZO contact area and a subsequent rise in local current densities, also known as the current focusing effect, at the Li/LLZO interface during the subsequent Li plating. The emergence of voids can, in turn, initiate the growth of Li dendrites at significantly lower current densities than those necessary for dendrite formation in an unstripped Li/LLZO interface.

Since void formation during Li stripping is significantly influenced by the external operating conditions, in particular the stack pressure and temperature applied to the cell, their effect on the Li/LLZO interface is investigated in this study.[3] We present a compelling methodology to systematically determine the critical stack pressure and temperature of a Li metal anode in conjunction with an LLZO solid-state electrolyte, which is the minimum set of values required to maintain conformal contact between Li and LLZO at a given current density. The methodology is based on the analysis of the second derivatives of the voltage profiles of identical Li/LLZO/Li symmetric cells measured during one half-cycle (3 mAh cm-2) at the same current density but different stack pressures. The effectiveness of the presented approach in assessing conditions for mitigating void formation during Li stripping is evaluated through cycle stability tests performed on Li/LLZO/Li symmetric cells.

[1] H. Koshikawa, S. Matsuda, K. Kamiya, M. Miyayama, Y. Kubo, K. Uosaki, K. Hashimoto, S. Nakanishi, J. Power Sources, 2018, 376, 147.

[2] T. Krauskopf, H. Hartmann, W. G. Zeier, J. Janek, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2019, 11, 14463.

[3] M. Klimpel, H. Zhang, G. Paggiaro, R. Dubey, F. Okur, L.P.H. Jeurgens, K.V. Kravchyk, M.V. Kovalenko, Adv.
Mater. Interfaces, 2024, 2300948.

Figure 1
Development of Intimate Contact Technology for High Performance All-Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Yoo Dong-Joo
Published: December 2024

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as alternatives to fossil fuels to facilitate a greener and more sustainable future is the most remarkable technological development of recent years. Nevertheless, the exponential increase in energy demand has given rise to significant concerns regarding the safety of batteries, which necessitate urgent consideration. While conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) employ flammable liquid electrolytes, they have demonstrated susceptibility to thermal runaway incidents, which present significant safety hazards and necessitate a fundamental transformation in energy storage technologies. All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have emerged as a promising alternative that is able to revolutionize the energy storage industry.

One of the primary obstacles that greatly hampers the performance of ASSBs is the issue of point contact between the solid electrolytes and the active materials. This problem stems from poor interfacial adhesion and restricted intimate contact between the two components, impeding effective charge transfer and ion diffusion. The presence of non-conductive interfaces, voids, or delamination zones hinders the efficient diffusion of lithium ions, resulting in increased interfacial resistance and restricted usage of active materials within the electrodes. Furthermore, the issue of solid contact contributes to the localized stress concentration and mechanical strain that occurs during charge-discharge cycles. In this presentation, the concepts of intimate contact in both the anode and cathode will be discussed.
(Invited) Design and Synthesis of Heterostructured Anode Materials for Advanced Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Sang-Ok
Published: December 2024

The transition toward carbon neutrality has accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems, predominantly powered by lithium-ion batteries. However, concerns over the limited lithium resources necessitate exploring alternative battery systems. Sodium-ion batteries stand out due to the abundant supply and economic feasibility of sodium compared to lithium.

This study focuses on developing high-capacity anode materials for sodium-ion batteries through the design of heterostructured composites. By combining conversion- or alloy-based active materials with a porous silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) nanocoating layer, we aim to address challenges such as volume changes, sluggish kinetics, and interfacial instability during battery cycling. Heterostructured composite anodes with a SiOC-based nanocoating layer were synthesized via controlled dispersion of precursors in silicon oil followed by heat treatment. Comprehensive physicochemical and electrochemical characterization, along with post-mortem analysis, elucidated how the heterostructure influenced battery performance. Our findings demonstrate improved electrochemical stability and enhanced sodium storage capacity attributed to the unique architecture of the heterostructured composites.

This novel approach offers promising prospects for developing advanced anode materials capable of significantly enhancing the energy density and overall performance of sodium-ion batteries, thereby contributing to sustainable energy storage solutions for future applications in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage systems.
Triple‐Vessel Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Managed Conservatively
Authors: Kroshian Garen S. , Cozzolino Matthew J. , Flores Edeliz , Bernard Sheilah A.
Published: December 2024

The management of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) presents challenges and uncertainties. We present a case of a 54‐year‐old woman who developed SCAD in the three primary coronary artery territories including the distal left anterior descending artery (LAD), a diagonal branch, the first and second obtuse marginals (OMs), and the midright coronary artery (RCA). She was managed conservatively without procedural intervention, and follow‐up coronary angiography demonstrated complete recovery.
Acute Kidney Injury Following the Ingestion of a Medicinal Plants’ Mixture: A Case Report
Authors: Selles Anfel , Afir Yanis , Rahou Yasser , Debchi Lamis , Rafa-Debbah Habiba , Bahriz Mohamed Rachid , Benziane Ali
Published: December 2024

Acute renal failure secondary to medicinal plants is common in countries where the use of traditional phytotherapy is preponderant. Although the nephrotoxic potentials of some herbal preparations have been well characterized, the use of many medicinal plants is still considered largely safe, often relying on weak evidence. Here, we report the case of a 17‐year‐old patient with severe acute renal failure, associated to an esophagitis with erosive gastritis as well as an inflammatory anemia, with no obvious etiology. After ruling out any other plausible explanation, the syndrome was attributed to the chronic intake of a mixture of three medicinal plants, previously unknown to be nephrotoxic: Artemisia absinthium, Marrubium vulgare, and Centaurium erythraea. A histological examination of a renal biopsy sample revealed an aspect of interstitial nephritis without antibody deposits. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of acute kidney injury related to the consumption of these three plants and prompts further studies to carefully assess the safety of traditional medicinal products based on these plants.
In Silico Identification and Functional Impact of Deleterious Nonsynonymous Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in Type 2 Diabetes–Associated Genes in South Asian Populations
Authors: Rahman Md. Hafizur , Islam Md. Numan , Rabby Md. Golam , Parul Salina Shaheen , Hasan Md. Mahmudul , Biswas Mrityunjoy
Published: December 2024

This study explores the impact of nonsynonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) on type 2 diabetes (T2D). The nsSNPs are genetic variations that alter amino acids within proteins, affecting protein structure and function. This study investigated seven candidate genes associated with T2D pathogenesis from genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) catalog datasets. Subsequently, six mutation‐prediction tools were employed to identify the most harmful nsSNPs within these candidate genes. Further analysis involved evaluating protein evolutionary conservation using the ConSurf server and assessing protein stability with I‐Mutant and MUpro. Functional and structural effects were predicted using MutPred2, Project HOPE, and FoldAmyloid tools. We obtained 42 of the most deleterious nsSNPs from identified candidate genes. Among these, 38 are located in highly conserved residues with a conservative score of 7–9. Furthermore, 20 of these conserved nsSNPs are found to decrease protein stability, with 18 of them classified as pathogenic mutations. These mutations can either reduce or increase protein size and can alter the charge and hydrophobic characteristics of the affected proteins. In addition, eight mutants from four genes were identified in amyloidogenic regions, suggesting a potential link to protein aggregation. These findings provide valuable insights into the physicochemical properties and structural changes associated with these deleterious nsSNPs. The study concludes that the distinctive physicochemical properties and significant structural changes of the identified nsSNPs suggest valuable insights for future research. Understanding these variants through large‐scale studies may pave the way for developing therapeutic interventions targeting genetic variations, ultimately improving our understanding of T2D pathogenesis and treatment.
Unraveling the neural basis of behavioral isolation through the lens of audition in anurans
Authors: Anderson Carlie B.
Published: December 2024

Background
The origin and maintenance of species is a unifying theme in evolutionary biology. Mate choice and selection on sexual signals have emerged as powerful drivers of reproductive isolation—the key pillar of the Biological Species Concept. The mechanistic underpinnings of isolating behaviors lie in the circuit- and cellular-level properties of the brain and yet remain relatively understudied.
Summary
Here, I argue that temporal auditory selectivity in anuran amphibians offers a window into the proximate mechanisms of reproductive isolation. First, I discuss anuran behaviors as a longstanding neuroethological model with which to examine behavioral reproductive isolation and its neural correlates. Next, I review how modern neurobiological techniques are revealing the proximate mechanisms of the evolution of divergent mate preferences in anurans, highlighting cellular-level neural shifts in temporal coding. Finally, I discuss future research directions to reveal the neural mechanisms through which behavioral isolation is generated and maintained in anuran model systems.
Key messages
Anurans offer a powerful model for addressing questions about how neural barriers to gene flow arise across biological scales, and how changes in the brain contribute to speciation. Modern evolutionary neurobiology will benefit from applying new tools to this longstanding neuroethological model clade.
Mediation is What Authoritarian States Make of it: Assessing the Role of National Identity Consolidation in Chinese and Turkish Diplomacy in Russia’s War Against Ukraine
Authors: Butler Michael J. , Yefremov Dmytro
Published: December 2024

The absence of ripeness in Russia’s war against Ukraine begs the question of why both China and Türkiye have intervened diplomatically in the conflict. One possible answer resides in the role of mediation and diplomacy in ameliorating the ‘authoritarian control problem.’ Informed by constructivist insights on the co-constitutive relationship between identities and interests, we advance the hypothesis that Chinese and Turkish involvement in the war in Ukraine is primarily explained by its utility for consolidating national identity and, by extension, securing regime authority over domestic society. We test this hypothesis through use of critical event analysis, examining major installments in the trajectory of Chinese and Turkish diplomacy in the war. Our analysis reveals a correlation between Chinese and Turkish mediation and the self-serving process of national identity consolidation. We conclude with consideration of the implications of this finding for this special issue’s theme of ‘peace through victory.’
Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei (EHP) disease prevalence and mortality in Litopenaeus vannamei: a comparative study from Eastern India shrimp farms
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Das Basanta Kumar , Dhar Souvik , Bisai Kampan , Pande Gde Sasmita Julyantoro , Zheng Xiaoting , Parida Satya Narayan , Adhikari Anupam , Jana Asim Kumar
Published: December 2024

Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei (EHP), a microsporidian parasite first named and characterized from the Penaeus monodon (black or giant tiger shrimp), causes growth retardation and poses a significant threat to shrimp farming. We observed shrimp farms associated with disease conditions during our fish disease surveillance and health management program in West Bengal, India. Shrimp exhibited growth retardation and increased size variability, particularly in advanced stages, exhibiting soft shells, lethargy, reduced feeding and empty midguts. Floating white feces were observed on the surface of the pond water. Suspecting a microbial infection, the shrimp samples were collected and aseptically brought to the ICAR-CIFRI laboratory for molecular confirmation. A nested PCR was used to screen shrimp tissue, feces, feed and environmental samples for the possible presence of hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis caused by Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei. The results confirmed that the shrimp samples were positive for EHP. Histopathological investigation revealed mature spores in the HP tubule lumen and epithelial cells along with necrotic tubule in the symptomatic group. Further, the transcription analysis revealed that ProPO, Hsp70 and α2-macroglobulin genes were significantly upregulated, while decreased expression of LGBP, PXN and Integrin ß was observed in shrimp infected with Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis. Furthermore, compared with the healthy group, significant intestinal bacteria changes were observed in the EHP-infected group. The in vivo survival assay, using crustacean animal model Artemia franciscana, suggests that symptomatic shrimp gut samples harbour pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. harveyi and V. campbellii. These results significantly advance our understanding of the molecular and ecological aspects of EHP pathobiology.
Determinant factors of the longitudinal pulse pressure among hypertensive patients treated at Assosa general hospital, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Maru Zewdu , Berehan Haymanot Berelie , Yilema Seyifemickael Amare , Ayele Berhanie Addis
Published: December 2024

Background

Hypertension is a common, long-term condition that tends to be associated with age and can lead to significant cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the longitudinal Pulse Pressure of hypertensive patients treated at Assosa General Hospital (AGH), Western Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective study design was conducted from 325 randomly selected HTN patients in the outpatient department (OPD) clinic at AGH during the follow-up period from January 2022 to January 2024. The analysis included exploratory data analysis and the application of a linear mixed model. This model was used to analyze the longitudinally measured pulse pressure in patients with hypertension. The appropriate variance-covariance structure chosen for this analysis was the unstructured (UN) format.

Result

Among the 325 patients included in the study, 51.5% were female, and 54.2% were from urban areas. The variables: Age (p-value < 0.0001), Urban (p-value = 0.012), FHHTN (p-value < 0.0238), Stage-I HTN (p-value = 0.0403), Stage-II HTN (p-value = 0.0022), DM (p-value < 0.0001), CKD (p-value < 0.0001), Smoking (p-value < 0.0001), Enalapril + Nifedipine (p-value = 0.0249), and follow-up time (p-value < 0.0001) were significant factors for the progression of pulse pressure.

Conclusion

The profile plot showed that the patient’s pulse pressure decreases slowly as follow-up time increases. Age, Residence, FHHTN, DM, CKD, Smoking status, and Stages of HTN were positively associated with pulse pressure, whereas Treatment type and follow-up time were negatively associated with pulse pressure. So, Healthcare providers should prioritize addressing the modifiable risk factors mentioned above to help mitigate the progression of blood pressure specifically pulse pressure in hypertensive patients.
Women’s experience of body weight management during and post-pregnancy: a mixed methods approach
Authors: Nolan Rachel , Gallagher Alison M. , Hill Alyson J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Gaining excessive weight during pregnancy has been linked with adverse effects including increased risk of caesarean delivery and postpartum weight retention. Despite these recognised risks, currently no UK/Ireland gestational weight gain (GWG) guidelines exist, women are not routinely weighed throughout pregnancy and consequently, women’s understanding of the importance of weight management during, and post-pregnancy remains poor. The present study explored factors influencing weight change during and post-pregnancy and identified potential opportunities that could help women manage weight during these periods.

Methods

Women aged 18–45 years-old who had an uncomplicated pregnancy within the last 3 years were invited to complete an online questionnaire (n = 108) regarding their experience of changes in body weight during and post-pregnancy. Follow on focus groups (n = 13 women) were conducted online within the same population to delve deeper into the topic, the sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and data subjected to directive content analysis based on the socio-ecological model.

Results

Respondents reported in the online questionnaire, they did not receive enough information around weight management during (81.5%) and post-pregnancy (86.1%). Focus group qualitative data identified barriers to managing weight at each level of the ecological model, at the intrapersonal (e.g., changes in diet), interpersonal (e.g., conflicting advice), environment and society (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic), and institutional and policy (e.g., system failing) levels. Potential strategies to help manage weight were also identified, at the intrapersonal (e.g., need for further information), interpersonal (e.g., support groups), environment and society (e.g., messaging), and institutional and policy (e.g., further follow-up care) levels.

Conclusions

Mothers report receiving insufficient information around weight management, with barriers identified at each level of the ecological model. Highlighting that support and change is needed on multiple levels both during and post-pregnancy, with potential strategies identified, which could potentially inform future studies.
Reoperative minimal invasive off-pump coronary artery bypass graft in early left main stem stenosis following Modified Bentall procedure
Authors: Barua Anupama , Cosbey Lucy , Samaddar Avishek , Jeeji Ravish , Warwick Richard , Balacumaraswami Lognathen
Published: December 2024

Six months following modified Bentall procedure a patient presented with angina and acute ST depression. CT coronary angiogram revealed severe narrowing of the left main coronary artery. Minimal invasive off pump coronary artery bypass grafting avoided complex reoperative surgery and delivered an excellent clinical outcome.
Introduction to immunology and immune disorders
Authors: Marshall Jean S. , Upton Julia E. M. , Vliagoftis Harissios , Hildebrand Kyla J. , Byrne Adam , Watson Wade
Published: December 2024

The body has a collection of physical barriers to prevent infection, but once these are overcome, we rely on our immune systems to protect us against a wide variety of infections. The complex mechanisms through which this is achieved are grouped into two lines of defense called the “innate” and “adaptive” immune systems. The innate immune system provides a rapid and tailored response to infection or injury often associated with inflammation. Innate immunity also promotes the development of acquired immunity. Specific, long-lasting responses against a particular infection are dependent on acquired immunity, and these provide immune memory, such that if we encounter the same pathogen again, we are better protected. Many diseases are related to defects in immune function which can lead to either a weakened or overactive immune response. Autoimmune diseases (where the immune system attacks tissues or organs) and allergies (where the immune system responds inappropriately to substances in our environment) are just two examples of conditions resulting from immune function defects. Improved understanding of immune processes provides tremendous opportunities for enhanced immunization strategies and immune-based therapies. This article provides an overview of the main components and functions of the immune system, and also serves as a primer to help readers understand the immunopathological disorders discussed in the remainder of this supplement.
Non-immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy
Authors: Cook Victoria E. , Connors Lori A. , Vander Leek Timothy K. , Watson Wade
Published: December 2024

Non-immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergies are characterized by delayed gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations that occur after exposure to an inciting food protein; they include food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP), food protein–induced enteropathy (FPE), and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). Although the exact mechanisms underlying these disorders are not well understood, non-IgE-mediated food allergies likely represent a spectrum of disease with shared pathophysiological processes. Typically, these non-IgE-mediated food allergies begin in infancy or early childhood, although FPIES can present across the lifespan, with increasing reports in adults in recent years. Diagnosing non-IgE-mediated food allergies can be challenging due to the lack of noninvasive confirmatory tests or biomarkers for most of these disorders and the non-specific nature of GI symptoms. Thus, the diagnosis is usually made clinically, and relies on a constellation of typical symptoms that improve upon removal of the culprit food. The primary approach to management of FPIAP, FPE and FPIES is avoidance of the triggering food, and a multidisciplinary management approach that includes allergy/immunology may be required to avoid unnecessary food restriction and guide food reintroduction. This review outlines the clinical manifestations, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of these non-IgE-mediated food allergies.
A prognostic model for predicting functional impairment in youth mental health services
Authors: Iorfino Frank , Oliveira Rafael , Cripps Sally , Marchant Roman , Varidel Mathew , Capon William , Crouse Jacob J. , Prodan Ante , Scott Elizabeth M. , Scott Jan , Hickie Ian B.
Published: December 2024

Background

Functional impairment is a major concern among those presenting to youth mental health services and can have a profound impact on long-term outcomes. Early recognition and prevention for those at risk of functional impairment is essential to guide effective youth mental health care. Yet, identifying those at risk is challenging and impacts the appropriate allocation of indicated prevention and early intervention strategies.

Methods

We developed a prognostic model to predict a young person’s social and occupational functional impairment trajectory over 3 months. The sample included 718 young people (12–25 years) engaged in youth mental health care. A Bayesian random effects model was designed using demographic and clinical factors and model performance was evaluated on held-out test data via 5-fold cross-validation.

Results

Eight factors were identified as the optimal set for prediction: employment, education, or training status; self-harm; psychotic-like experiences; physical health comorbidity; childhood-onset syndrome; illness type; clinical stage; and circadian disturbances. The model had an acceptable area under the curve (AUC) of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56–0.81) overall, indicating its utility for predicting functional impairment over 3 months. For those with good baseline functioning, it showed excellent performance (AUC = 0.80, 0.67–0.79) for identifying individuals at risk of deterioration.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a prognostic model for youth mental health services to predict functional impairment trajectories over a 3-month period. This model serves as a foundation for further tool development and demonstrates its potential to guide indicated prevention and early intervention for enhancing functional outcomes or preventing functional decline.
The Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Congenital Heart Surgery Outcomes: Data From the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database
Authors: Ross Faith J. , Tjoeng Yuen Lie , Chan Titus , Tan Jonathan M. , Howard Waylon , Jimenez Nathalia
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid eligibility and increased public insurance coverage for children across the United States. As only a subset of states adopted expansion of coverage, disparities in insurance coverage between expansion and nonexpansion states emerged. We examined the association between Medicaid expansion and cardiac surgery outcomes to understand the impact of Medicaid expansion in a medically complex pediatric population. We hypothesized that expansion of Medicaid eligibility would be associated with greater improvement in surgical outcomes.

METHODS:

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database was used to evaluate perioperative outcomes for children 0 to 18 years undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2010 and December 2019. We used a difference-in-differences (DiD) design to estimate the impact of Medicaid expansion on surgical outcomes by comparing changes in outcomes between individuals in expansion states and those in nonexpansion states, both before and after the expansion. Outcomes included operative mortality, major complications and postoperative length of stay (PLOS).

RESULTS:

The interaction between Medicaid expansion and time period post- vs preexpansion was not significant for any of the outcome variables. The odds ratio (OR) for mortality related to the Medicaid expansion was 1.12 (confidence interval [CI], 0.95–1.32, P = .161). For major complications, the OR was 0.99 (CI, 0.90–1.09, P = .770). For PLOS, the incidence rate ratio was 1.02 (CI, 0.99–1.05, P = .141).

CONCLUSIONS:

There was an overall decline in congenital heart surgery mortality over time; however, states that expanded Medicaid eligibility did not experience a greater improvement in mortality relative to states that did not expand eligibility. Similarly, there was no significant difference in major complications or PLOS related to Medicaid expansion. Further studies are needed to examine long-term outcomes and the larger spectrum of accessibility to congenital cardiac care which may benefit from insurance coverage.
They Will Say
Authors: Crocker Zayla
Published: December 2024

Bernard Rose’s 1992 film, Candyman, and Nia DaCosta’s 2021 remake of it use memorial rituals of naming and summoning that give life to Black memory and trauma. Through the use of Achille Mbembe’s work in Necropolitics, Christina Sharpe’s description of wake work in her book In the Wake: On Blackness and Being, and Émile Durkheim’s sacred-profane dichotomy, this article illustrates how, when both films are read together, they enact a ritual of mourning and proclamation with the utterance of Candyman that is adjacent to the #SayTheirNames hashtags of the Black Lives Matter movement. By reading these films as one ritualistic endeavor, this article looks at the uses of mirrors, naming, and summoning as sacred rites that implicate those within and outside the film to say the name of Candyman and revive not only the fictional dead but also the real memory of Black victims of brutality. Overall, the article aims to demonstrate how the 1992 and 2021 films encourage a ritual that insists on Black memory, breaks through the world of the living, and resuscitates the dead into the single configuration of Candyman.