bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wearable Movement Exploration Device with Machine Learning Algorithm for Screening and Tracking Diabetic Neuropathy—A Cross-Sectional, Diagnostic, Comparative Study
Authors: Radunovic Goran , Velickovic Zoran , Pavlov-Dolijanovic Slavica , Janjic Sasa , Stojic Biljana , Jeftovic Velkova Irena , Suljagic Nikola , Soldatovic Ivan
Published: March 2024

Background: Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Moveo device, a novel device that uses a machine learning (ML) algorithm to detect and track diabetic neuropathy. The Moveo device comprises 4 sensors positioned on the back of the hands and feet accompanied by a mobile application that gathers data and ML algorithms that are hosted on a cloud platform. The sensors measure movement signals, which are then transferred to the cloud through the mobile application. The cloud triggers a pipeline for feature extraction and subsequently feeds the ML model with these extracted features. Methods: The pilot study included 23 participants. Eleven patients with diabetes and suspected diabetic neuropathy were included in the experimental group. In the control group, 8 patients had suspected radiculopathy, and 4 participants were healthy. All participants underwent an electrodiagnostic examination (EDx) and a Moveo examination, which consists of sensors placed on the feet and back of the participant’s hands and use of the mobile application. The participant performs six tests that are part of a standard neurological examination, and a ML algorithm calculates the probability of diabetic neuropathy. A user experience questionnaire was used to compare participant experiences with regard to both methods. Results: The total accuracy of the algorithm is 82.1%, with 78% sensitivity and 87% specificity. A high linear correlation up to 0.722 was observed between Moveo and EDx features, which underpins the model’s adequacy. The user experience questionnaire revealed that the majority of patients preferred the less painful method. Conclusions: Moveo represents an accurate, easy-to-use device suitable for home environments, showing promising results and potential for future usage.
Synthesis of β-Cyclodextrin@gold Nanoparticles and Its Application on Colorimetric Assays for Ascorbic Acid and Salmonella Based on Peroxidase-like Activities
Authors: Fan Xinyi , Bao Yuexin , Chen Yanhong , Wang Xiaohong , On Stephen L. W. , Wang Jia
Published: March 2024

The peroxidase-like behaviors of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have the potential to the development of rapid and sensitive colorimetric assays for specific food ingredients and contaminants. Here, using NaBH4 as a reducing agent, AuNPs with a supramolecular macrocyclic compound β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) capped were synthesized under alkaline conditions. Monodispersal of β-CD@AuNPs possessed a reduction in diameter size and performed great peroxidase-like activities toward both substrates, H2O2 and TMB. In the presence of H2O2, the color change of TMB oxidization to oxTMB was well-achieved using β-CD@AuNPs as the catalyst, which was further employed to develop colorimetric assays for ascorbic acid, with a limit of detection as low as 0.2 μM in ddH2O. With the help of the host-guest interaction between β-CD and adamantane, AuNPs conjugated with nanobodies to exhibit peroxidase-like activities and specific recognition against Salmonella Typhimurium simultaneously. Based on this bifunctional bioprobe, a selective and sensitive one-step colorimetric assay for S. Typhimurium was developed with a linear detection from 8.3 × 104 to 2.6 × 108 CFU/mL and can be provided to spiked lettuce with acceptable recoveries of 97.31% to 103.29%. The results demonstrated that the excellent peroxidase-like behaviors of β-CD@AuNPs can be applied to develop a colorimetric sensing platform in the food industry.
Transcranial Sonography Characteristics of Cerebellar Neurodegenerative Ataxias
Authors: Tamaš Olivera , Mijajlović Milija , Švabić Tamara , Kostić Milutin , Marić Gorica , Milovanović Andona , Jeremić Marta , Dragašević-Mišković Nataša
Published: March 2024

Cerebellar neurodegenerative ataxias are a group of disorders affecting the cerebellum and its pathways with different neurological structures. Transcranial sonography (TCS) has been used for the evaluation of brain parenchymal structures in various diseases because of its fast and safe utilization, especially in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate TCS characteristics of patients with neurodegenerative cerebellar ataxias. In our study, we included 74 patients with cerebellar degenerative ataxia; 36.5% had autosomal dominant onset, while 33.8% had sporadic onset. Standardized ultrasonographic planes were used for the identification of brain structures of interest. The SARA, INAS, neuropsychological and psychiatric scales were used for the further clinical evaluation of our study participants. The brainstem raphe was discontinued in 33.8% of the patients. The substantia nigra (SN) hyperechogenicity was identified in 79.7%. The third and fourth ventricle enlargement had 79.7% and 45.9% of patients, respectively. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between SN hyperechogenicity with dystonia (p < 0.01), rigidity and dyskinesia (p < 0.05). The higher SARA total score is statistically significantly correlated with the larger diameter of the III (r = 0.373; p = 0.001) and IV ventricles (r = 0.324; p = 0.005). In such patients, the echogenicity of substantia nigra has been linked to extrapyramidal signs, and raphe discontinuity to depression. Furthermore, ataxia and its clinical subtypes have positively correlated with the IV ventricle diameter, indicating brain atrophy and brain mass reduction.
Human Recognition: The Utilization of Face, Voice, Name and Interactions—An Extended Editorial
Authors: Gainotti Guido
Published: March 2024

The many stimulating contributions to this Special Issue of Brain Science focused on some basic issues of particular interest in current research, with emphasis on human recognition using faces, voices, and names [...]
Differences in the Efficiency of Cognitive Control across Young Adulthood: An ERP Perspective
Authors: Knežević Martina
Published: March 2024

Young adulthood is a period of major life changes when everyday life becomes much more complex compared to adolescence. Such changes require highly efficient cognitive control. Developmental studies show that structural changes in the brain areas that support complex behavior continue into the early 20s. However, despite the fact that at the beginning of young adulthood, important behavioral and brain restructuring still occurs, most studies use broad age ranges for young adults (from 18 to 40 years of age) as a reference point for “adult” behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate age-related differences in the efficiency of cognitive control across young adulthood. In total, 107 individuals participated in this study and were divided into three age groups: 19–21, 23–26, and 28–44. We used a visual word categorization task to assess cognitive efficiency and event-related potentials (ERPs) to track events that take place from the stimulus onset until the actual behavioral response. We found age differences in both performance and amplitudes of the ERP components during the early stages of processing — P2 and N2. Our findings provide important evidence for the continuation of age-related changes in brain dynamics that underlie the efficiency of cognitive control even in the early 20s.
Earthquake-Induced Waste Repurposing: A Sustainable Solution for Post-Earthquake Debris Management in Urban Construction
Authors: Bektaş Nurullah , Shmlls Maysam
Published: March 2024

Product sustainability has moved beyond being an elective preference to becoming a certain necessity. However, earthquakes in different regions, particularly Türkiye–Syria, Afghanistan, and Morocco, have produced a substantial amount of construction waste and debris. In the context of green urban initiatives and environmental preservation, theeffective management and reduction of environmental impact (EI) are imperative. This urgency underscores the significance of the study’s focus on a ten-story reinforced concrete (RC) dormitory building in Győr, Hungary, chosen as a case study. The research delves into the incorporation of three distinct concrete compositions through seismic design, aligning with the innovative approach of emphasizing recycled aggregate-based concrete to mitigate the EI. Utilizing AxisVM X7 and Revit software, the study meticulously created and analyzed a detailed building model, revealing a significant percentage (35%) and amount (1519.89 tons) of concrete waste that could be incorporated into construction. The results also showed a reduction in both total carbon emissions and the price of materials by falling 27.5% and 9.13%, respectively. We propose an eco-friendly way to effectively reuse debris from earthquakes, focusing on the case study of the 2023 Türkiye–Syria earthquake and encouraging resource efficiency while also addressing the construction waste problems that arise after an earthquake.
Analysis of Energy-Saving Effect of Green Remodeling in Public Welfare Facilities for Net Zero: The Case of Public Daycare Centers, Public Health Centers, and Public Medical Institutions
Authors: Woo Sujin , Kang Kyungmo , Lee Sangyun
Published: March 2024

In 2021, the South Korean government highlighted the Green Remodeling Project for Public Buildings as a crucial initiative for reducing building emissions and tackling post-COVID challenges. Aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and living conditions in public buildings, especially those used by children and the elderly, this project represents a novel approach to sustainable building practices. This research aimed to evaluate the project’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement using a two-fold methodological approach. Initially, a survey of 1065 buildings undergoing green remodeling revealed their condition and the impact of such renovations. Additionally, simulations predicted the energy savings to be achievable, uncovering an average improvement of 30% across buildings, with variations by region and building use. Public health centers saw the highest gains. Despite these successes, disparities in outcomes highlighted the need for strategic adjustments to ensure uniform benefits. This study suggests a refined strategy to enhance green remodeling’s impact, making a significant contribution to sustainable building practices by addressing both energy saving for carbon neutrality and public health priorities in a post-pandemic context.
The Use of Natural Language Processing Elements for Computer-Aided Diagnostics and Monitoring of Body Image Perception in Enterally Fed Patients with Head and Neck or Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers
Authors: Różańska Agnieszka , Gliwska Elwira , Barańska Klaudia , Maćkowska Stella , Sobol Adrianna , Spinczyk Dominik
Published: March 2024

Background: Psycho-oncology care has emerged as a significant concern in contemporary oncology practice, given its profound impact on patient psychological well-being. Patients undergoing treatment for head–neck or upper gastrointestinal tract cancers often experience complex emotional and psychological challenges, necessitating specialized support and intervention. Traditional approaches to psycho-oncological care may be limited in their ability to comprehensively assess and address patients’ needs. Therefore, exploring innovative methodologies, such as leveraging natural language processing (NLP) elements, is crucial to enhancing the effectiveness of psycho-oncological interventions. Methods: In this study, we developed a method utilizing natural language processing (NLP) elements to augment psycho-oncological care for patients with head–neck or upper gastrointestinal tract cancers. The method aimed to facilitate vocabulary, sentiment, and intensity analysis of five basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear), as well as to explore potential areas of difficulty such as body image, pain, and self-esteem. We conducted research involving 50 patients across three treatment stages. Results: Our method facilitated the identification of characteristic features at each treatment stage, aiding in the tailoring of appropriate therapies to individual patient needs. The results offer insights valuable to psychologists and psychiatrists for expedited diagnosis and intervention, potentially influencing therapy outcomes. Additionally, the data may inform treatment decisions by addressing patient-specific concerns. Furthermore, our method holds promise for optimizing the allocation of psychological care resources, particularly at the initial stages of patient contact. Limitations: The main problem in the research was the fairly wide age range of participants, which explains the potential diversity of vocabulary. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential utility of integrating natural language processing (NLP) elements into psycho-oncological care for patients with head–neck or upper gastrointestinal tract cancers. The developed method offers a novel approach to comprehensively assessing patients’ emotional states and areas of difficulty, thereby facilitating tailored interventions and treatment planning. These findings underscore the importance of continued research and innovation in psycho-oncology to enhance patient care and outcomes.
Induction of Immunological Antitumor Effects by the Combination of Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer of B7-1 and Anti-Programmed Cell Death-1 Antibody in a Murine Squamous Cell Carcinoma Model
Authors: Hara Makiko , Saburi Sumiyo , Uehara Natsumi , Tsujikawa Takahiro , Kubo Mie , Furukawa Tatsuya , Teshima Masanori , Shinomiya Hirotaka , Hirano Shigeru , Nibu Ken-ichi
Published: March 2024

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate the antitumor immune effects of B7-1 gene expression in addition to immune checkpoint inhibitor against squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: A murine SCC cell line, KLN205, was infected with adenoviral vector carrying B7-1 (AdB7). Infected cells were injected subcutaneously in the flanks of DBA/2 mice. Three weeks after implantation, anti-mouse PD-1 antibody (antiPD1) was intraperitonially administrated twice a week for a total of six times. Results: CD80 was significantly overexpressed in the AdB7-infected tumors. IFN-gamma in the T cells in the spleen was significantly increased and tumor size was significantly reduced in the mice treated with both AdB7 and antiPD1. Targeted tumors treated with both AdB7 and antiPD1 exhibited significantly increased cell densities of total immune cells as well as Ki-67+ CD8+ T cells and decreased regulatory T cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that the B7-1 gene transfer may enhance the antitumor effect of anti-PD1 antibody against SCC.
Breast Tumor Tissue Image Classification Using Single-Task Meta Learning with Auxiliary Network
Authors: Lee Jiann-Shu , Wu Wen-Kai
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer has a high mortality rate among cancers. If the type of breast tumor can be correctly diagnosed at an early stage, the survival rate of the patients will be greatly improved. Considering the actual clinical needs, the classification model of breast pathology images needs to have the ability to make a correct classification, even in facing image data with different characteristics. The existing convolutional neural network (CNN)-based models for the classification of breast tumor pathology images lack the requisite generalization capability to maintain high accuracy when confronted with pathology images of varied characteristics. Consequently, this study introduces a new classification model, STMLAN (Single-Task Meta Learning with Auxiliary Network), which integrates Meta Learning and an auxiliary network. Single-Task Meta Learning was proposed to endow the model with generalization ability, and the auxiliary network was used to enhance the feature characteristics of breast pathology images. The experimental results demonstrate that the STMLAN model proposed in this study improves accuracy by at least 1.85% in challenging multi-classification tasks compared to the existing methods. Furthermore, the Silhouette Score corresponding to the features learned by the model has increased by 31.85%, reflecting that the proposed model can learn more discriminative features, and the generalization ability of the overall model is also improved.
FXR Agonism with Bile Acid Mimetic Reduces Pre-Clinical Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Burden
Authors: Joseph Sydney C. , Eugin Simon Samson , Bohm Margaret S. , Kim Minjeong , Pye Madeline E. , Simmons Boston W. , Graves Dillon G. , Thomas-Gooch Stacey M. , Tanveer Ubaid A. , Holt Jeremiah R. , Ponnusamy Suriyan , Sipe Laura M. , Hayes D. Neil , Cook Katherine L. , Narayanan Ramesh , Pierre Joseph F. , Makowski Liza
Published: March 2024

Bariatric surgery is associated with improved outcomes for several cancers, including breast cancer (BC), although the mechanisms mediating this protection are unknown. We hypothesized that elevated bile acid pools detected after bariatric surgery may be factors that contribute to improved BC outcomes. Patients with greater expression of the bile acid receptor FXR displayed improved survival in specific aggressive BC subtypes. FXR is a nuclear hormone receptor activated by primary bile acids. Therefore, we posited that activating FXR using an established FDA-approved agonist would induce anticancer effects. Using in vivo and in vitro approaches, we determined the anti-tumor potential of bile acid receptor agonism. Indeed, FXR agonism by the bile acid mimetic known commercially as Ocaliva (“OCA”), or Obeticholic acid (INT-747), significantly reduced BC progression and overall tumor burden in a pre-clinical model. The transcriptomic analysis of tumors in mice subjected to OCA treatment revealed differential gene expression patterns compared to vehicle controls. Notably, there was a significant down-regulation of the oncogenic transcription factor MAX (MYC-associated factor X), which interacts with the oncogene MYC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) further demonstrated a statistically significant downregulation of the Hallmark MYC-related gene set (MYC Target V1) following OCA treatment. In human and murine BC analyses in vitro, agonism of FXR significantly and dose-dependently inhibited proliferation, migration, and viability. In contrast, the synthetic agonism of another common bile acid receptor, the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor TGR5 (GPBAR1) which is mainly activated by secondary bile acids, failed to significantly alter cancer cell dynamics. In conclusion, agonism of FXR by primary bile acid memetic OCA yields potent anti-tumor effects potentially through inhibition of proliferation and migration and reduced cell viability. These findings suggest that FXR is a tumor suppressor gene with a high potential for use in personalized therapeutic strategies for individuals with BC.
Identification of Two Distinct Immune Subtypes in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: De Battista Davide , Yakymi Rylee , Scheibe Evangeline , Sato Shinya , Gerstein Hannah , Markowitz Tovah E. , Lack Justin , Mereu Roberto , Manieli Cristina , Zamboni Fausto , Farci Patrizia
Published: March 2024

HBV is the most common risk factor for HCC development, accounting for almost 50% of cases worldwide. Despite significant advances in immunotherapy, there is limited information on the HBV-HCC tumor microenvironment (TME), which may influence the response to checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we characterize the TME in a unique series of liver specimens from HBV-HCC patients to identify who might benefit from immunotherapy. By combining an extensive immunohistochemistry analysis with the transcriptomic profile of paired liver samples (tumor vs. nontumorous tissue) from 12 well-characterized Caucasian patients with HBV-HCC, we identified two distinct tumor subtypes that we defined immune-high and immune-low. The immune-high subtype, seen in half of the patients, is characterized by a high number of infiltrating B and T cells in association with stromal activation and a transcriptomic profile featuring inhibition of antigen presentation and CTL activation. All the immune-high tumors expressed high levels of CTLA-4 and low levels of PD-1, while PD-L1 was present only in four of six cases. In contrast, the immune-low subtype shows significantly lower lymphocyte infiltration and stromal activation. By whole exome sequencing, we documented that four out of six individuals with the immune-low subtype had missense mutations in the CTNNB1 gene, while only one patient had mutations in this gene in the immune-high subtype. Outside the tumor, there were no differences between the two subtypes. This study identifies two distinctive immune subtypes in HBV-associated HCC, regardless of the microenvironment observed in the surrounding nontumorous tissue, providing new insights into pathogenesis. These findings may be instrumental in the identification of patients who might benefit from immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy Plus Atezolizumab Pre- and Post-Resection in Localized Esophageal or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas: A Phase I/II Single-Arm Study
Authors: Sewastjanow-Silva Matheus , Xiao Lianchun , Gonzalez Graciela N. , Wang Xuemei , Hofstetter Wayne , Swisher Stephen , Mehran Reza , Sepesi Boris , Bhutani Manoop S. , Weston Brian , Coronel Emmanuel , Waters Rebecca E. , Rogers Jane E. , Smith Jackie , Lyons Larry , Reilly Norelle , Yao James C. , Ajani Jaffer A. , Murphy Mariela Blum
Published: March 2024

Efforts to improve the prognosis for patients with locally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma have focused on neoadjuvant approaches to increase the pathological complete response (pathCR) rate, improve surgical resection, and prolong event-free and overall survival (OS). Building on the recent evidence that PD-1 inhibition plus chemotherapy improves the OS of patients with metastatic GEJ adenocarcinoma, we evaluated whether the application of this strategy in the neoadjuvant setting would improve the pathological response. This single-center phase I/II trial evaluated the safety, toxicity, and efficacy of neoadjuvant atezolizumab with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (modified FOLFOX) followed by esophagectomy followed by atezolizumab. The primary objective goal was to achieve 20% pathCR. From the twenty enrolled patients, eighteen underwent resection and two (10%, 95% CI: 1.24–31.7%) achieved pathCR. After a median follow-up duration of 40.7 months, 11 patients had disease recurrence and 10 had died. The median disease-free and OS were 28.8 (95% CI: 14.7, NA) and 38.6 months (95% CI: 30.5, NA), respectively. No treatment-related adverse events led to death. Although modified FOLFOX plus atezolizumab did not achieve the expected pathCR, an acceptable safety profile was observed. Our results support the continued development of a more refined strategy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus perioperative immunotherapy/targeted agents) with molecular/immune profiling in parallel.
Catalytic Conversion of Glycerol to Lactic Acid Over Cu-Based Catalysts
Authors: Esipovich Anton L. , Zlobin Sergey Yu. , Shirshin Konstantin K. , Zavrazhnov Sergey A. , Markov Artyom N.
Published: March 2024

Copper (I, II) oxide powders were tested for glycerol conversion to lactic acid under alkaline conditions. Fresh and spent catalysts were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, the BET-nitrogen adsorption method and FTIR spectroscopy. In all cases, an almost complete in situ reduction of Cu (I, II) oxides into metallic Cu was observed, even after one catalytic run. Moreover, all the samples of spent catalysts showed similar catalytic activity regardless of their initial form and particle size. Commercial copper powders, prepared copper powders and in situ reduced copper catalysts were tested under the same conditions to compare their catalytic activity. It was shown that the in situ reduced copper catalyst had similar activity to the specially prepared copper powders and much higher activity compared to the commercial copper powders. The in situ reduced copper catalyst exhibited rather high stability. The glycerol conversion and lactic acid selectivity were about 98% and 70%, respectively, after ten catalytic cycles.
Review of Mechanism Investigations and Catalyst Developments for CO2 Hydrogenation to Alcohols
Authors: Cui Guoqing , Lou Yingjie , Zhou Mingxia , Li Yuming , Jiang Guiyuan , Xu Chunming
Published: March 2024

Heterogeneous thermal-catalytic CO2 hydrogenation to alcohols using renewable energy is a highly attractive approach for recycling greenhouse gases into high-value chemicals and fuels, thereby reducing the dependence on fossil fuels, while simultaneously mitigating the CO2 emission and environmental problems. Currently, great advances have been made on the heterogeneous catalysts, but an in-depth and more comprehensive understanding to further promote this reaction process is still lacking. Herein, we highlight the thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of CO2 hydrogenation reaction firstly. Then, various reaction pathways for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol and higher alcohols (C2+ alcohols) have been discussed in detail, respectively, by combining the experimental studies and density functional theory calculations. On this basis, the key factors influencing the reaction performance, such as metal dispersion, support modification, promoter addition and their structural optimization, are summarized on the metal-based and metal-oxide-based catalysts. In addition, the catalytic performance of CO2 hydrogenation to alcohols and the relationship between structure and properties are mainly summarized and analyzed in the past five years. To conclude, the current challenges and potential strategies in catalyst design, structural characterization and reaction mechanisms are presented for CO2 hydrogenation to alcohols.
Electrodeposition of Nanostructured Co–Cu Thin Alloy Films on to Steel Substrate from an Environmentally Friendly Novel Lactate Bath under Different Operating Conditions
Authors: Alsaiari Raiedhah A. , Kamel Medhat M. , Mohamed Mervate M.
Published: March 2024

A new lactate bath was proposed to deposit Co–Cu thin alloy films in nanostructure form onto a steel cathode. The deposition bath contained CuSO4.5H2O, CoSO4.7H2O, CH3CHOHCOOH, and anhydrous Na2SO4 at pH 10. The effects of [Co2+]/[Cu2+] molar ratios, lactate ion concentration, current density (CD), and bath temperature on cathodic polarization, cathodic current efficacy (CCE), composition, and structure of the Co–Cu alloys were investigated. The new bath had a high cathodic current efficiency of 85%, which increased with the applied CD. However, it decreased as the temperature increased. The produced coatings have an atomic percentage of Cu ranging from 19.8 to 99%. The deposition of the Co–Cu alloy belonged to regular codeposition. The Co content of the deposit increased with the amount of Co2+ ions in the bath, lactate concentration, and current density but decreased as the temperature increased. Cobalt hexagonal close-packed (HCP) and copper-rich, face-centered cubic (FCC) Co–Cu phases combine to form the polycrystalline structure of the electrodeposited Co–Cu alloy. The average crystallite size ranges between 46 and 89 nm. An energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) examination confirmed that the deposit contained Cu and Co metals. The throwing power and throwing index of the alkaline lactate bath were evaluated and found to be satisfactory.
Dual Strategy Based on Quantum Dot Doping and Phenylethylamine Iodide Surface Modification for High-Performance and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Shulan , Chen Renjie , Qu Mujing , Long Biyu , He Nannan , Huang Sumei , Chen Xiaohong , Li Huili , Xuan Tongtong
Published: March 2024

High-quality perovskite films (PFs) are crucial for achieving high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we report a dual-modification strategy via incorporating CsPbBr3 QDs into MAPbI3 perovskite bulk and capping the interface of the perovskite/hole transport layer (HTL) with phenylethylamine iodide (PEAI) to improve perovskite crystallinity and interface contact properties to acquire high-quality PFs with fewer defects. CsPbBr3 QDs promoted perovskite grain growth and reduced bulk defects, while PEAI surface modification passivated interfaces, improved hydrophobic properties, and prevented carrier recombination at the perovskite/HTL interface. Benefiting from growth control and the effective suppression of both bulk and interface carrier recombination, the resulting devices show a greatly improved photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) from 17.21% of the reference cells to 21.04% with a champion Voc of 1.15 V, Jsc of 23.30 mA/cm2, and fill factor (FF) of 78.6%. Furthermore, the dual-modification strategy endows PFs with promoted moisture tolerance, and the nonencapsulated PSCs retain 75% of their initial efficiency after aging for 30 days at 40% relative humidity and room temperature, which is significantly higher than the 59% value of the original PSCs. Good operational stability and the maintained efficiency of the target device over time suggest the potential for future commercialization.
Dual Microcapsules Encapsulating Liquid Diamine and Isocyanate for Application in Self-Healing Coatings
Authors: Mu Huaixuan , Deng Yiqing , Zou Wangcai , Yang Xiandi , Zhao Qiang
Published: March 2024

Dual microcapsule systems, especially those based on the polyurea matrix, have emerged as pivotal components driving innovation in self-healing materials, thanks to the intrinsic properties of polyurea, primarily diamine and diisocyanate, rendering it an optimal choice for enhancing self-healing coatings. However, the encapsulation of polyurea components is fraught with substantial technical hurdles. Addressing these challenges, a novel methodology has been devised, leveraging n-heptane as a solvent in the liquid diamine emulsion process to facilitate the synthesis of diamine microcapsules. These microcapsules exhibit a uniform spherical morphology and a robust shell structure, with an encapsulated core material ratio reaching 39.69%. Analogously, the encapsulation process for diisocyanate has been refined, achieving a core material percentage of 10.05 wt. %. The integration of this bifunctional microcapsule system into diverse polymeric matrices, including epoxy resins and polyurethanes, has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the self-healing efficacy of the resultant coatings. Empirical validation through a series of tests, encompassing scratch, abrasion, and saltwater immersion assays, has revealed self-healing efficiencies of 21.8% and 33.3%, respectively. These results indicate significant improvements in the durability and self-repair capability of coatings, marking a notable advancement in self-healing materials with promising potential for tailored applications in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries.
Evaluation of the Corrosion Resistance of Watch Links from 316L and 904L Austenitic Stainless Steels Obtained by the Metal Injection Molding (MIM) Technique Intended to Be in Contact with Human Skin
Authors: Reclaru Lucien , Ionescu Florina , Diologent Frederic
Published: March 2024

Watchmaking manufacturers obtain their bracelet links from machining drawn metal profiles. But, today, there is another process that represents an alternative to manufacture them: metal injection molding using metal powders (MIM technology). This process is less expensive than the machining of drawn metal profiles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the corrosion behavior and the nickel cation release of two stainless steel alloys: 316L MIM and 904L MIM. The general corrosion behavior was evaluated by the rotating electrode technique; the galvanic corrosion measurements were conducted with a 316L AISI bulk coupling partner. The pitting corrosion behavior was evaluated in FeCl3 0.5 M media (according to ASTM G48-11). For comparison, a complementary study was conducted on 316L and 904L bulk alloys. The Ni cation release tests were conducted on 316L and 904L MIM and bulk samples according to EN 1811. Different electrochemical parameters were measured and calculated (open circuit potential, polarization resistance, corrosion current and Tafel slopes, coulometric analysis). Generally, if MIM steels are compared with conventional steels, their corrosion resistance behavior is inferior. In the couplings studied, the galvanic currents generated are very important. The shape of the curves also reveals the presence of localized corrosion phenomena. According to tests in ferric chloride, MIM steels were noted to have inferior behavior compared to conventional steels. MIM type 904L steels are comparable in behavior to conventional type 316L steels. The quantities of nickel released according to EN 1811 were very significant (2 mg cm−2 week−1 up to 24 mg cm−2 week−1) and did not meet the requirements of the European directive (0.5 µg cm−2 week−1). In conclusion, conventional steels studied under the same experimental conditions revealed a better behavior compared to MIM steels independently of the phenomenological parameters chosen.
Study of the Influence of Doping Efficiency of CeO2 Ceramics with a Stabilizing Additive Y2O3 on Changes in the Strength and Thermophysical Parameters of Ceramics under High-Temperature Irradiation with Heavy Ions
Authors: Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Giniyatova Sholpan G. , Shlimas Dmitriy I. , Borgekov Daryn B. , Rspayev Ruslan M. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: March 2024

The article outlines findings from a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of doping CeO2 ceramics with a stabilizing additive Y2O3 on alterations in the strength and thermophysical parameters of ceramics under high-temperature irradiation with heavy ions comparable in energy to fission fragments of nuclear fuel, which allows, during high-temperature irradiation, to simulate radiation damage that is as similar as possible to the fission processes of nuclear fuel. During the studies, it was found that the addition of a stabilizing additive Y2O3 to the composition of CeO2 ceramics in the case of high-temperature irradiation causes an increase in stability to swelling and softening because of a decrease in the thermal expansion of the crystal lattice by 3–8 times in comparison with unstabilized CeO2 ceramics. It has been determined that the addition of a stabilizing additive Y2O3 leads not only to a rise in the resistance of the crystal structure to deformation distortions and swelling, but also to a decrease in the effect of thermal expansion of the crystal structure, which has an adverse effect on the structural ordering of CeO2 ceramics exposed to irradiation at high temperatures.
Optical and Optoelectrical Properties of Ternary Chalcogenide CuInS2/TiO2 Nanocomposite Prepared by Mechanochemical Synthesis
Authors: Dutkova Erika , Baláž Matej , Kováč Jaroslav , Daneu Nina , Kashimbetova Adelia , Briančin Jaroslav , Kováč Jaroslav , Kováčová Soňa , Čelko Ladislav
Published: March 2024

In this work, a nanocomposite consisting of ternary chalcogenide CuInS2 and TiO2 was prepared and its optical and optoelectrical properties were investigated. The CuInS2/TiO2 nanocomposite was produced via one-step mechanochemical synthesis and characterized from the crystal structure, microstructural, morphology, surface, optical, and optoelectrical properties viewpoints. X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of both components, CuInS2 and TiO2, in the nanocomposite and revealed a partial transformation of anatase to rutile. The presence of both components in the samples was also proven by Raman spectroscopy. HRTEM confirmed the nanocrystalline character of the samples as crystallites ranging from around 10 nm and up to a few tens of nanometers were found. The presence of the agglomerated nanoparticles into larger grains was proven by SEM. The measured optical properties of CuInS2, TiO2, and CuInS2/TiO2 nanocomposites demonstrate optical bandgaps of ~1.62 eV for CuInS2 and 3.26 eV for TiO2. The measurement of the optoelectrical properties showed that the presence of TiO2 in the CuInS2/TiO2 nanocomposite increased its conductivity and modified the photosensitivity depending on the ratio of the components. This study has demonstrated the possibility of preparing a CuInS2/TiO2 nanocomposite material with promising applications in optoelectronics in the visible region in an eco-friendly manner.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Two Crystalline Silicic Acids: Hydrated H-Apophyllite, H16Si16O40 • 8–10 H2O and H-Carletonite, H32Si64O144
Authors: Marler Bernd , Grosskreuz Isabel
Published: March 2024

Hydrated H-Apophyllite (HH-Apo) and H-carletonite (H-Car) were synthesized at 0 °C by leaching an apophyllite and a carletonite single crystal in a large surplus of 1.2 molar hydrochloric acid. The XRD powder patterns of HH-Apo and H-Car were indexed with space group symmetries of P4/ncc and I4/mcm and lattice parameters of a = 8.4872(2) Å, c = 16.8684(8) Å and a = 13.8972(3) Å, c = 20.4677(21) Å, respectively. The crystal structures were solved based on model building of the structures of the precursors and a physico-chemical characterization. Rietveld structure refinements confirmed the structure models. HH-Apo and H-Car are among the very few crystalline silicic acids whose structures have been determined and confirmed based on a structure refinement. The structure of HH-Apo contains thin silicate monolayers that can be regarded as constructed by rings of interconnected [SiO3OH] tetrahedra which form a puckered silicate layer. A sheet of water molecules is intercalated between the silicate layers. There are no direct hydrogen bonds between the silanol groups, but there are hydrogen bonds of different strengths between the terminal O atoms of the silicate layers and the intercalated water molecules. The 1H MAS NMR spectrum presents a strong signal at 4.9 ppm related to the aforementioned bonds and interactions between the water molecules, as well as a small signal at 22.5 ppm corresponding to an extremely strong hydrogen bond with d(O...O) ≈ 2.2 Å. The structure of H-Car is free of structural water and consists exclusively of microporous silicate double-layers with 4-connected [SiO4] and 3-connected [SiO3OH] tetrahedra in a ratio of 1:1 and a thickness of 9.2 Å. Neighboring layers are connected to each other by medium–strong hydrogen bonds with O...O distances of 2.56 Å. The structure of HH-Apo decays within several hours while H-Car is stable. A topotactic condensation reaction applied to H-Car forms an irregularly condensed silicate which still contains the layers in a distorted form as building blocks.
Advances in New Functional Biomaterials for Medical Applications
Authors: Baltatu Madalina Simona , Vizureanu Petrica , Sandu Andrei Victor
Published: March 2024

In this Special Issue entitled “Advances in New Functional Biomaterials for Medical Applications”, we present a remarkable compilation of research that spans the innovative landscape of biomaterials tailored to enhance medical treatments, diagnostics, and tissue engineering [...]
Two New Lyophyllum Species from Yunnan, China
Authors: Li Shuhong , Tang Songming , He Jun , Zhou Dequn
Published: March 2024

Two novel species of Lyophyllum are proposed based on morphological and phylogenetic investigations. Lyophyllum bulborhizum sp. nov. has abundant black scales on the surface, is a dry, dark grey at the center, grey at the margin, has a clear bulbous stipe base, and has a narrowly cylindrical or narrowly clavate pleurocystidia and cheilocystidia. Lyophyllum nigrum sp. nov. is tufted and has a dark grey pileus and subclavate, a greyish green-to-olive stipe, and a narrowly cylindrical or narrowly clavate pleurocystidia and cheilocystidia. In addition, L. rhombisporum is described with morphology and phylogeny and compared with the type species. Molecular analyses employing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences strongly support the two new species to be unique in the genus Lyophyllum. Full descriptions, colour photos, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses results of the two new taxa and the known taxon are presented in this study.
Trechus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of Appalachia: A Phylogenetic Insight into the History of High Elevation Leaf Litter Communities
Authors: Wooden Patricia L. S. , Caterino Michael S.
Published: March 2024

Elevation gradients provide a wealth of habitats for a wide variety of organisms. The southern Appalachian Mountains in eastern United States are known for their high biodiversity and rates of endemism in arthropods, including in high-elevation leaf-litter taxa that are often found nowhere else on earth. Trechus Clairville (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is a genus of litter inhabitants with a near-global distribution and over 50 Appalachian species. These span two subgenera, Trechus s. str. and Microtrechus Jeannel, largely restricted to north and south of the Asheville basin, respectively. Understanding the diversification of these 3–5 mm flightless beetles through geological time can provide insights into how the litter-arthropod community has responded to historical environments, and how they may react to current and future climate change. We identified beetles morphologically and sequenced six genes to reconstruct a phylogeny of the Appalachian Trechus. We confirmed the Asheville Basin as a biogeographical barrier with a split between the north and south occurring towards the end of the Pliocene. Finer scale biogeography, including mountain-range occupancy, was not a reliable indication of relatedness, with group ranges overlapping and many instances of species-, species group-, and subgeneric sympatry. This may be because of the recent divergence between modern species and species groups. Extensive taxonomic revision of the group is required for Trechus to be useful as a bioindicator, but their high population density and speciose nature make them worth additional time and resources.
The Axes of Divergence for the Evolutionary Radiation of Notothenioid Fishes in Antarctica
Authors: Eastman Joseph T.
Published: March 2024

Notothenioid fishes, a perciform group, radiated in the cold shelf waters around the Antarctic continent and the 110 species dominate fish diversity, abundance, and biomass at levels of ≈77%, 92%, and 91%, respectively. This occurred in a locality with frequent glaciomarine cycles that fragmented and obliterated habitats, disrupted ecosystems, and made parts of the high latitude shelves periodically uninhabitable. The notothenioid radiation encompasses three stages and 10 axes: for the habitat stage, divergence in (1) depth and (2) biotope, meaning subdivisions within the pelagic and benthic realms; for the morphology stage, divergence in (3) body size, (4) body density based on proportions of skeletal and adipose tissues, (5) body shape, (6) trophic morphology, specifically head morphology related to feeding (jaws, teeth, head size, and pharyngeal gape), and (7) neuromorphology (brain and sensory systems); and for the communication stage, divergence in (8) fecundity and egg size, (9) sexual dichromatism and dimorphism in body and fins, and (10) parental care behavior associated with nesting. There was an antecedent Eocene fossil fauna that did not include notothenioids and that has minimal taxonomic representation in the modern fauna. Liparids (snailfishes) and zoarcids (eelpouts) also diversified in Antarctic waters but with minimal divergence. Hypotheses are offered as to why these radiations played out the way they did and why notothenioids are dominant.
Short-Wavelength Infrared Imaging of Infected and Affected Dentin
Authors: Ng Morgan , Ho Yi-Ching , Wycoff Spencer , Zhu Yihua , Fried Daniel
Published: March 2024

Stains produced by bacteria or those found in blood and food byproducts accumulate in highly porous caries lesions. They can interfere with accurate diagnosis and the selective removal of carious tissue during cavity preparations. Short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) imaging studies have shown that stain molecules do not absorb light beyond 1200 nm. The objective of this study was to image affected and infected dentin atSWIR wavelengths. Sections of 3 mm thickness were cut from the extracted teeth with deep dentinal lesions. The sound (normal), affected (stained), and infected (demineralized) dentin on each section were examined with reflected light at wavelengths from 400 to 1700 nm, red and green fluorescence, and with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Microcomputed tomography (microCT) was used to measure the mineral density at each location investigated. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in the reflected light intensity at 400–850 nm and for fluorescence between the sound, affected, and infected dentin. SWIR imaging did not show significant reductions in reflectivity for the affected and infected dentin. SWIR images may be valuable for monitoring the lateral spread of dentinal lesions on the occlusal surfaces of teeth.
Self-Healing Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor System Using Free-Space Optics Link and Machine Learning for Enhancing Temperature Measurement
Authors: Arockiyadoss Michael Augustine , Dehnaw Amare Mulatie , Manie Yibeltal Chanie , Hayle Stotaw Talbachew , Yao Cheng-Kai , Peng Chun-Hsiang , Kumar Pradeep , Peng Peng-Chun
Published: March 2024

This research investigates the integration of free-space optics (FSO) with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors in self-healing ring architectures, aiming to improve reliability and signal-to-noise ratio in temperature sensing within sensor systems. The combination of FSO’s wireless connectivity and FBG sensors’ precision, known for their sensitivity and immunity to electromagnetic interference, is particularly advantageous in demanding environments such as aerospace and structural health monitoring. The self-healing architecture enhances system resilience, automatically compensating for failures to maintain consistent monitoring capabilities. This study emphasizes the use of intensity wavelength division multiplexing (IWDM) to manage the complexities of increasing the multiplexing number of FBG sensors. Challenges arise with the overlapping spectra of FBGs when multiplexing several sensors. To address this, a hybrid approach combining an unsupervised autoencoder (AE) with a convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of sensor signal detection. These advancements signify substantial progress in sensor technology, validating the effectiveness of the AE-CNN hybrid model in refining FBG sensor systems and underscoring its potential for robust and reliable applications in critical sectors.