bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS ASSURANCE IN A POST MACONDO WORLD
Authors: Cramer Martin , Varghese Geeva
Published: December 2017

The increased public awareness of oil spills and their impacts following the 2010 Macondo oil spill incident along with the changing global landscape of regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations present numerous challenges to operators. Many of these challenges, as well as incorporation of lessons learned from Macondo, can be addressed through robust preparedness.

Oil spill preparedness programs generally include a combination of response plans, incident management and response teams, response equipment and personnel (resources), training and exercises. However, what constitutes a robust preparedness program is often open to interpretation. While acknowledging the availability of a few preparedness assessment/audit tools, such as RETOS, it was felt a fit for purpose assurance program that facilitated open communication, free exchange of ideas and sharing of best practices would result in a greater overall improvement to the company’s global level of preparedness. Consequently, ConocoPhillips retained Oil Spill Response Ltd. (OSRL) to assist in developing a process and methodology for evaluating ConocoPhillips’ existing oil spill preparedness programs. The evaluations were conducted at nine business units (BUs) in various countries whose operations ranged from deepwater exploration and production to onshore production to tanker operations. The main objective of this project was to achieve a high and consistent level of global preparedness through the identification of potential gaps in each BU’s preparedness program and implementation of associated improvement plans.

The preparedness assurance process consisted of several components including:Detailed review of the oil spill/emergency response plans to evaluate contents and identify improvement opportunities and best practices.Evaluation of each BU’s Incident Management and Emergency Response Team size, structure, competency and lines of communication and coordinationEvaluation and validation of training and exercise programsEvaluation of Tiers 1, 2 and 3 response resource availability including dispersant stockpiles

The results of the evaluations were shared with the BU emergency response leads and management and an improvement plan developed to address any identified gaps. Upon completion of the program, a report was prepared summarizing the preparedness evaluation results for each BU, highlighting best practices identified during the evaluations and providing a general assessment of what “good” looks like. This report was then shared with all BUs to, along with the individual improvement plans, enhance consistency and the level of spill preparedness across the company.

The primary objective of this paper is to explain the assurance process that was developed, share key lessons learned during the implementation and provide a summary of the general findings such that it can provide a blue-print for use by other companies to inform the development of similar oil spill preparedness assurance programs.
Standing Up a Comprehensive Training and Position Qualifications Program for a Response and Regulatory Organization
Authors: Gibson Lea , Westervel Jeff , Addassi Yvonne
Published: December 2017

The Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is tasked with preventing, preparing for, and responding to oil spills impacting state waters throughout California. A key component of prevention and preparedness is a robust training program that ensures worker safety and provides the necessary skills to work effectively. As a response organization, OSPR must also verify that its staff is appropriately qualified to assume specified positions within the Incident Command System, in order to achieve the best protection of California’s natural resources, as well as to maintain credibility with stakeholders and partners within the Unified Command. To achieve these training and response objectives, OSPR established a program that includes a dedicated Response Qualifications and Certifications Unit, identification of training needs based on job classification, development of a tracking database, a comprehensive task book system consistent with the framework instituted by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, succession planning, and ongoing evaluations to measure the effectiveness of OSPR’s training program. The Response Qualifications and Certifications Unit collaborates with local, State, and Federal agencies, as well as private entities, to develop and provide advanced online, classroom, and hands-on training courses. This paper will outline the successes, complications, and ongoing challenges in establishing OSPR’s training and qualifications program, as well as plans for the future of the program.
Long-Term Outcomes of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen–PET Imaging of Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kunst Natalia , Long Jessica B. , Westvold Sarah , Sprenkle Preston C. , Kim Isaac Y. , Saperstein Lawrence , Rabil Maximilian , Ghaffar Umar , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Ma Xiaomei , Gross Cary P. , Wang Shi-Yi , Leapman Michael S.
Published: October 2024

Importance

Although prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) has shown improved sensitivity and specificity compared with conventional imaging for the detection of biochemical recurrent (BCR) prostate cancer, the long-term outcomes of a widespread shift in imaging are unknown.

Objective

To estimate long-term outcomes of integrating PSMA-PET into the staging pathway for recurrent prostate cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This decision analytic modeling study simulated outcomes for patients with BCR following initial definitive local therapy. Inputs used were from the literature and a retrospective cohort study conducted at 2 institutions. The base case analysis assumed modest benefits of earlier detection and treatment, and scenario analyses considered prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level at imaging and different outcomes of earlier vs delayed treatment. The analysis was performed between April 1, 2023, and May 1, 2024.

Exposures

(1) Immediate PSMA-PET imaging, (2) conventional imaging (computed tomography and bone scan [CTBS]) followed by PSMA-PET if CTBS findings were negative or equivocal, and (3) CTBS alone.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were detection of metastases, deaths from prostate cancer, and life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained.

Results

The model estimated that per 1000 simulated patients with BCR (assumed median age, 66 years), PSMA-PET is expected to diagnose 611 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 565-656) patients with metastasis compared with 630 (95% UI, 586-675) patients diagnosed using CTBS followed by PSMA-PET and 297 (95% UI, 202-410) patients diagnosed using CTBS alone. Moreover, the estimated number of prostate cancer deaths was 512 (95% UI, 472-552 deaths) with PSMA-PET, 520 (95% UI, 480-559 deaths) with CTBS followed by PSMA-PET, and 587 (95% UI, 538-632 deaths) with CTBS alone. Imaging with PSMA-PET yielded the highest number of QALYs, which were 824 (95% UI, 698-885) higher than CTBS. These results differed by PSA level at the time of testing, with the highest incremental life-years and QALYs and lowest number of deaths from prostate cancer among patients with PSA levels of at least 5.0 ng/mL. Finally, the estimates were sensitive to the expected benefit of initiating therapy for recurrent prostate cancer earlier in the disease course.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this decision-analytic model suggest that upfront PSMA-PET imaging for the evaluation of BCR is expected to be associated with reduced cancer mortality and gains in life-years and QALYs compared with the conventional imaging strategy, assuming modest benefits of earlier detection and treatment.
Interferon‐β–Induced Injury During Pediatric Muscle Differentiation: Insight Into Juvenile Dermatomyositis Pathogenesis
Authors: Covert Lauren T. , Osman Alaa , Truskey George A.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) involves up‐regulated type I interferons (IFNs), including IFNβ, yet pathologic mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aimed to characterize the functional and structural effects of IFNβ on in vitro human pediatric myoblast growth and differentiation in a three‐dimensional skeletal muscle model (myobundles).

Methods

Myobundles fabricated from myoblasts of a healthy pediatric donor were exposed to IFNβ at 0 to 5,600 IU/mL during growth (days 1–4), differentiation (days 4–11), and/or mature (days 11–18) periods. To assess myobundle structure and function, contractile force, kinetics, and fatigue were measured at day 18 with subsequent immunohistochemistry.

Results

Myobundles were not functionally affected by IFNβ exposure during growth period alone. However, when IFNβ exposure continued through differentiation, myobundles became dysfunctional (P < 0.0001). IFNβ during differentiation or mature periods alone resulted in dose‐dependent decreases in contractility, with greater decrease in the differentiation alone group (P < 0.0001). Twitch kinetics and fatigue remained largely unchanged when myobundles were exposed to IFNβ only during growth, yet twitch time slowed (P < 0.005) and fatigue decreased (P < 0.002) when myobundles were exposed during differentiation or mature stages alone. Nuclei density and myofiber size and organization also decreased when IFNβ was added during differentiation period alone.

Conclusion

IFNβ decreases pediatric myobundle contractile function most significantly during differentiation of myoblasts to myotubes. Function is not affected when IFNβ exposure is limited to myoblast proliferation alone. These findings implicate a pathologic role for IFNβ in JDM by impairing myoblast differentiation, leading to subsequent loss of function and ongoing need for muscle regeneration and repair.
Direct Multi‐Thread Adaptive Control With Attracting Manifold Design
Authors: Hoobler Richard D. , Akella Maruthi R.
Published: October 2024

This article presents a novel multi‐thread attracting manifold (MTAM) adaptive control scheme. The novel contribution of this new controller lies in how the attracting manifold design method is spread across multiple estimates of the truth while simultaneously weighting between said individual estimates to arrive at an adaptive composite estimate which outperforms single thread adaptive controllers. A notable benefit of this new formulation is that it allows for both the weighting of multiple threads and monotonic decrease of parameter error to aid the performance of transient error dynamics, without arbitrarily increasing adaptation gains. The benefits of the proposed controller over existing adaptive control schemes are analyzed through two aerospace flight control applications from the literature.
Enhancing the Performance of Oxide‐Based Transverse Thermoelectric Generators by Optimized Internal Geometry
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed A. S. , Bochmann Arne , Löhnert Romy , Töpfer Jörg
Published: October 2024

In transverse thermoelectric generators (TTEGs), comprising an artificially anisotropic material formed by a layered and tilted structure of two materials, the induced thermoelectric voltage is generated perpendicular to the applied temperature gradient. The performance of TTEGs composed of alternate layers of La1.99Sr0.01CuO4 (LSCO) and silver (Ag), tilted at an angle φ, with metal‐to‐ceramic thickness ratio νt, is investigated. Improvement in performance is achieved by optimizing the internal geometry parameters, φ and νt of the tilted layered structure. The transverse power factor PFtr and figure‐of‐merit ZtrT of the artificially tilted material composite are analytically calculated and presented in color contours. Experimentally, a power output Pout of 14.5 mW at ΔT = 140 K is measured for a TTEG with φ = 66°, compared to 2.8 mW and 11 mW for generators with φ of 20° and 45°, respectively. Moreover, TTEGs with different values of νt are prepared. Furthermore, transverse multilayer thermoelectric generators (TMLTEG) with output power of 14.3 mW at ΔT = 225 K are fabricated utilizing the ceramic multilayer technology. It is demonstrated that the transverse thermoelectric effect using an artificial anisotropic material consisting of ceramic and metal can be explored for autonomous thermoelectric energy generation for low‐power applications.
Biomimetic Ambient‐Pressure‐Dried Aerogels with Oriented Microstructures for Enhanced Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Chuan , Ding Rong , Su Peng‐Gang , Zeng Fu‐Rong , Jia Xu‐Xu , Hu Zai‐Yin , Wang Yu‐Zhong , Zhao Hai‐Bo
Published: October 2024

Oriented aerogels, emerging as a new generation of lightweight electromagnetic interference (EMI) materials, often face complex synthesis processes. While creating an orderly oriented microstructure for EMI aerogels through ambient pressure drying (APD) shows promise, it remains a significant challenge. Here, inspired by the directional grown structure of the plant, a new strategy that employs rapid precursor orientation followed by slow cross‐linking to achieve the APD of directional EMI aerogels is proposed. This approach demonstrates that low‐temperature oriented polymerization of polyaniline enables strong cross‐linking with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) and alginate, forming a robust conductive directional skeleton and mitigating surface tension issues during mild drying. The resulting aerogel features high conductivity (48.84 S m−1), excellent flame retardancy, and impressive compressive strength. Notably, its sturdy frame allows for further enhancement with other functional materials, such as Mxene, through re‐processing and re‐drying. The tree‐branch‐like aerogel achieves a significantly improved EMI shielding effectiveness of 50.3 dB across an ultrawideband range of 8.2–40 GHz. This strategy offers a new idea for the straightforward preparation of functional aerogels with programmability and oriented microstructures using ambient drying.
Industry‐Scalable Reusable Textile Electrodes for Neurostimulation Applications
Authors: Al‐Rasheed Merwa , Lam Emily , Jambar Mohammad , Ilogon Jean Paul , Gardner Sandra , Eskandarian Ladan , Toossi Amirali
Published: October 2024

Neurostimulation delivers electrical pulses to modulate neuromuscular activity. Commonly used in medical interventions from pain relief to rehabilitation, neurostimulation typically uses manually placed hydrogel electrodes over the treated region. However, this method limits interventions requiring frequent, long‐term daily use. To address this, novel fully textile electrodes are developed using industrial programmable knitting machines. These electrodes are designed to be washable, reusable, flexible, and breathable, with embedded interconnects. Textile electrodes are made of yarns with stainless steel and PEDOT‐coated stainless steel conductive components. The electrodes' performance are compared with gel electrodes, characterizing impedance, sensorimotor stimulation thresholds, recruitment of induced movements, sensation levels, and perceived sensations. The effects of residential wash cycles and continuous use duration are also investigated. The proposed electrodes are found to perform similarly to hydrogel electrodes in all characterized metrics. No degradation in electrode performance is found after at least 30 wash cycles. Electrodes remained functionally intact after 1000 cycles of stretch loading at 50% of break strain. The textile electrodes consistently induced comfortable sensorimotor responses for at least six hours after donning. The proposed textile electrodes offer a novel and effective solution for neurostimulation interventions, paving the way for integration into smart garments and long‐term wearable health technologies.
Enhancing Cytoplasmic Expression of Exogenous mRNA Through Dynamic Mechanical Stimulation
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Patel Aneri , Mir Mohammad , Hudock Maria R. , Pinezich Meghan R. , Guenthart Brandon , Bacchetta Matthew , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana , Kim Jinho
Published: October 2024

Ionizable lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are pivotal in combating COVID‐19, and numerous preclinical and clinical studies have highlighted their potential in nucleic acid‐based therapies and vaccines. However, the effectiveness of endosomal escape for the nucleic acid cargos encapsulated in LNPs is still low, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes and side effects. Hence, improving endosomal escape is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of nucleic acid delivery using LNPs. Here, a mechanical oscillation (frequency: 65 Hz) is utilized to prompt the LNP‐mediated endosomal escape. The results reveal this mechanical oscillation can induce the combination and fusion between LNPs with opposite surface charges, enhance endosomal escape of mRNA, and increase the transfection efficiency of mRNA. Additionally, cell viability remains high at 99.3% after treatment with oscillation, which is comparable to that of untreated cells. Furthermore, there is no obvious damage to mitochondrial membrane potential and Golgi apparatus integrity. Thus, this work presents a user‐friendly and safe approach to enhancing endosomal escape of mRNA and boosting gene expression. As a result, this work can be potentially utilized in both research and clinical fields to facilitate LNP‐based delivery by enabling more effective release of LNP‐encapsulated cargos from endosomes.
Multifunctional ICG‐SB@Lip‐ZA Nanosystem Focuses on Remodeling the Inflammatory‐Immunosuppressive Microenvironment After Photothermal Therapy to Potentiate Cancer Photothermal Immunotherapy
Authors: Cao Yi , Wen E , Chen Qiaoqi , Li Xingsheng , Wang Zhigang
Published: October 2024

Achieving full eradication of residual tumors post photothermal therapy (PTT) hinges on the immune system's activation and response. Nevertheless, the resultant local inflammation attracts a significant influx of aberrant immune cells and fibroblasts, such as tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), following tumor PTT. This phenomenon exacerbates immune evasion and the persistence of residual tumor cells, culminating in tumor recurrence and advancement. To tackle this challenge, a combined therapeutic approach utilizing multifunctional ICG‐SB@Lip‐ZA nanosystem has been introduced. Indocyanine green (ICG) as a photothermal‐transducer ablated tumor cells, zoledronic acid (ZA) depletes TAMs recruited by the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (mostly M2‐like phenotype), SB‐505124 affects CAFs proliferation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by inhibiting the transforming growth factor‐β （TGF‐β） pathway, thereby removing physical barriers to T cell infiltration. In a breast cancer model, these immunomodulatory nanoliposomes markedly decrease the population of M2‐like TAMs in the TME, eliminate physical barriers hindering T cell infiltration, reshape the inflammatory immune‐suppressive tumor microenvironment, eventually leading to a rate of tumor eradication of 94%. This multifunctional ICG‐SB@Lip‐ZA nanosystem (including photothermal conversion, TAM depletion, and TGF‐β pathway blockade) offers a promising strategy for mitigating the deteriorating tumor microenvironment following PTT and presents a more efficient approach for clinical photothermal‐immune combination therapy.
Progress in Designing Therapeutic Antimicrobial Hydrogels Targeting Implant‐associated Infections: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Platform Applied to Biomedical Devices
Authors: Dini Caroline , Borges Maria Helena Rossy , Malheiros Samuel Santana , Piazza Rodolfo Debone , van den Beucken Jeroen J.J.P. , de Avila Erica Dorigatti , Souza João Gabriel S. , Barão Valentim A. R.
Published: October 2024

Implantable biomedical devices have found widespread use in restoring lost functions or structures within the human body, but they face a significant challenge from microbial‐related infections, which often lead to implant failure. In this context, antimicrobial hydrogels emerge as a promising strategy for treating implant‐associated infections owing to their tunable physicochemical properties. However, the literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial hydrogels, encompassing their development, mechanisms, and effect on implant‐associated infections, mainly in light of existing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence. Thus, this review addresses the strategies employed by existing studies to tailor hydrogel properties to meet the specific needs of each application. Furthermore, this comprehensive review critically appraises the development of antimicrobial hydrogels, with a particular focus on solving infections related to metallic orthopedic or dental implants. Then, preclinical and clinical studies centering on providing quantitative microbiological results associated with the application of antimicrobial hydrogels are systematically summarized. Overall, antimicrobial hydrogels benefit from the tunable properties of polymers and hold promise as an effective strategy for the local treatment of implant‐associated infections. However, future clinical investigations, grounded on robust evidence from in vitro and preclinical studies, are required to explore and validate new antimicrobial hydrogels for clinical use.
Bioengineered Extracellular Vesicles Delivering siMDM2 Sensitize Oxaliplatin Therapy Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Yunlong , Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Ping , Gu Xuerong , Ling Fei , Zhong Jiayuan , Yin Dong , Liu Rui , Yao Xueqing , Huang Chengzhi
Published: October 2024

Oxaliplatin (OXA) is the first‐line drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), and susceptibility to drug resistance affects patient prognosis. However, the exact underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Platinum‐acquired resistance in CRC is a continuous transition process; though, current research has mainly focused on the end state of drug resistance, and the early events of drug resistance have been ignored. In this study, single‐cell transcriptome sequencing is combined with a dynamic network biomarker (DNB), and found that the functional inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I occur early in the development of attained resistance to OXA in CRC cells, as evidenced by a decrease in the levels of subunit proteins, primarily NDUFB8. Specifically, the mouse double minute 2 homologue (MDM2) mediates the ubiquitination and degradation of NDUFB8, reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under chemotherapeutic stress, consequently contributing to drug resistance. Based on this, the study constructs engineered extracellular vesicles carrying siMDM2 by electroporation and validates the application of EV‐siMDM2 to improve the efficacy of OXA‐based chemotherapy by inhibiting the MDM2/NDUFB8/ROS signaling axis in patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) and hepatic and pulmonary metastasis mouse models, thus providing new ideas and an experimental basis for the platinum‐resistant treatment of CRC.
Regulation of Wide Bandgap Perovskite by Rubidium Thiocyanate for Efficient Silicon/Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zhenhan , Han Zhaoyang , Chu Xinbo , Zhou Haitao , Yu Shiqi , Zhang Qian , Xiong Zhuang , Qu Zihan , Tian Hongbo , Wang Wei , Wan Fang , Yuan Yongbo , Lin Yun , Yang Yingguo , Zhang Xingwang , Jiang Qi , You Jingbi
Published: October 2024

Developing high‐quality wide bandgap (WBG) perovskites with ≈1.7 eV bandgap (Eg) is critical to couple with silicon and create efficient silicon/perovskite tandem devices. The sufferings of large open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss and unstable power output under operation continuously highlight the criticality to fully develop high‐quality WBG perovskite films. In this study, rubidium and thiocyanate as additive regulators in WBG perovskites are incorporated, significantly reducing non‐radiative recombination, ion‐migration, and phase segregation. The optimized 1.66 eV Eg perovskite solar cells achieved state‐of‐art 1.3 V VOC (0.36 V deficit), and delivered a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 24.3%, along with good device stability (20% degradation (T80) after over 994 h of operation under 1 sun at ≈65°C). When integrated with a flat front side silicon cell, silicon/perovskite two‐terminal tandem device (30% efficient) is obtained with a 1.97 V VOC, and T90 operational lifetime of more than 600 h at room temperature.
4.6 V Moisture‐Tolerant Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Nan , Li Ai‐Min , Zhang Weiran , Wang Zeyi , Liu Yijie , Zhang Xiyue , Cai Guorui , Wan Hongli , Xu Jijian , Wang Chunsheng
Published: October 2024

Commercial LiPF6‐based electrolytes face limitations in oxidation stability (4.2 V) and water tolerance (10 ppm). While replacing LiPF6 with lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) improves water tolerance, it induces Al current collector corrosion above 3.7 V vs. Li/Li+. To address this, lithium cyano(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiCTFSI) is proposed here as a non‐corrosive, moisture‐tolerant alternative. The 2.0 M LiCTFSI/propylene carbonate (PC)‐fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) (7:3 by volume) electrolyte enables LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathodes to reach 210 mAh g−1 (2.8‐4.6 V) with a cycle life of 500. Full cells with NCM811||graphite (2.0 mAh cm−2) show 77.8% capacity retention after 500 cycles. Even with 2000 ppm moisture in the electrolyte, full cells maintain high cycling stability, reducing the need for costly dry rooms. The electrolyte’s low freezing point and high thermal stability enable the operation from ‐20 °C to 60 °C, delivering 168 mAh g−1 at ‐20 °C and retaining 94% capacity after 100 cycles at 60 °C. In contrast, cells with commercial LiPF6 electrolyte deliver 71 mAh g−1 at ‐20°C and retain 52.7% after 100 cycles at 60 °C. This novel salt offers a cost‐effective solution for developing robust, high‐performance batteries suitable for extreme conditions.
High‐Entropy Layered Oxide Cathode Materials with Moderated Interlayer Spacing and Enhanced Kinetics for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Zefu , Wang Shijian , Guo Xin , Marlton Frederick , Fan Yameng , Pang Wei‐Kong , Huang Tao , Xiao Jun , Li Dongfang , Liu Hao , Gu Qinfen , Yang Cheng‐Chieh , Dong Chung‐Li , Sun Bing , Wang Guoxiu
Published: October 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) with low cost and environmentally friendly features have recently attracted significant attention for renewable energy storage. Sodium layer oxides stand out as a type of promising cathode material for SIBs owing to their high capacity, good rate performance, and high compatibility for manufacturing. However, the poor cycling stability of layer oxide cathodes due to structure distortion greatly impacts their practical applications. Herein, a high entropy doped Cu, Fe, and Mn‐based layered oxide (HE‐CFMO), Na0.95Li0.05Mg0.05Cu0.20Fe0.22Mn0.35Ti0.13O2 for high‐performance SIBs, is designed. The HE‐CFMO cathode possesses high‐entropy transition metal (TM) layers with a homogeneous stress distribution, providing a moderated interlayer spacing to maintain the structure stability and enhance Na+ ion diffusion. In addition, Li doping in TM layers increases the Mn valence state, which effectively suppresses John–Teller effect, thus stabilizing the layered structure during cycling. Furthermore, the use of nontoxic and low‐cost raw materials benefits future commercialization and reduces the risk of environmental pollution. As a result, the HE‐CFMO cathode exhibits a super cycling performance with a 95% capacity retention after 300 cycles. This work provides a promising strategy to improve the structure stability and reaction kinetics of cathode materials for SIBs.
Low Thermal Resistance of Diamond‐AlGaN Interfaces Achieved Using Carbide Interlayers
Authors: Aller Henry T. , Pfeifer Thomas W. , Mamun Abdullah , Huynh Kenny , Tadjer Marko , Feygelson Tatyana , Hobart Karl , Anderson Travis , Pate Bradford , Jacobs Alan , Lundh James Spencer , Goorsky Mark , Khan Asif , Hopkins Patrick , Graham Samuel
Published: October 2024

This study investigates thermal transport across nanocrystalline diamond/AlGaN (aluminum gallium nitride) interfaces, crucial for enhancing thermal management in AlGaN‐based electronic devices. Chemical vapor deposition growth of diamond directly on AlGaN resulted in a disordered interface with a high thermal boundary resistance (TBR) of 20.6 m2‐KGW−1. Sputtered carbide interlayers of boron carbide (B4C), silicon carbide (SiC), and a mixture of boron carbide and silicon carbide (B4C/SiC) are employed to reduce thermal boundary resistance in diamond/AlGaN interfaces. The carbide interlayers resulted in record‐low thermal boundary resistance values of 3.4 and 3.7 m2‐KGW−1 for Al0.65Ga0.35N samples with B4C and SiC interlayers, respectively. STEM imaging of the interface reveals interlayer thicknesses between 1.7 and 2.5 nm, with an amorphous structure. Additionally, Fast‐Fourier Transform (FFT) characterization of sections of the STEM images displayed sharp crystalline fringes in the AlGaN layer, confirming it is properly protected from damage from hydrogen plasma during the diamond growth. In order to accurately measure the thermal boundary resistance we develop a hybrid technique, combining time‐domain thermoreflectance and steady‐state thermoreflectance fitting, offering superior sensitivity to buried thermal resistances. The findings underscore the efficacy of interlayer engineering in enhancing thermal transport and demonstrate the importance of innovative measurement techniques in accurately characterizing complex thermal interfaces. This study provides a foundation for future research in improving thermal properties of semiconductor devices through interface engineering and advanced measurement methodologies.
Improved Conductivity of Low‐Temperature‐Synthesized Graphene/Cu for CMOS Backend‐of‐Line Interconnect Applications
Authors: Wang Peng‐Chi , Shih Yi‐Hsiang , Tseng Chih‐Yuan , Liu Yu‐Jin , Huang Yao‐Hung , Lin Chrong‐Jung , King Ya‐Chin , Tu Wei‐Chen
Published: October 2024

This study proposes a synthesis strategy of high‐quality graphene films on the copper foil at a temperature of 400 °C throughout the graphene growth process without employing high‐temperature annealing. Through continuous CO2 laser pretreatment of the copper foil, the surface smoothness improves, and the removal of copper particles and copper oxide results in fewer defects on the foil. Therefore, the nucleation density of graphene is reduced, leading to a more uniform and continuous graphene film and showing an outstanding quality of graphene with low defects and low resistivity compared with other groups. After laser treatment, the copper foil's resistivity decreases from 1.71 ×10−8 to 1.51 ×10−8 Ω·m. The graphene‐coated on laser‐treated foil experiences an even more substantial decrease in resistivity, from 1.34 ×10−8 to 1.18 ×10−8 Ω·m, marking a significant 11.94% reduction. Excitingly, the groundbreaking technique is taken to the next level by applying it to fine copper interconnects as narrow as 0.4 µm. The experiments confirm the successful cultivation of graphene on these miniature scales, showing the immense potential of the approach. The proposed approach aligns with the demands of contemporary CMOS backend‐of‐line processes, facilitating the seamless incorporation of graphene in advanced chip technologies.
Copper‐Catalyzed Dearomative Cyclization of Indolyl Ynamides for Synthesis of Pentacyclic Spiroindolines
Authors: Xu Miao , Jiang Jia‐Tian , Dong Hao‐Xuan , Wang Guang‐Hui , Zhou Bo , Ye Long‐Wu
Published: October 2024

The dearomatization of indoles with ynamides is a convenient access towards polycyclic spiroindolines, which can be initiated by α‐ and β‐additions of ynamides. Currently, the related β‐addition initiated dearomative cyclization requires noble‐metal catalyst or stoichiometric oxidant. Herein, we report a copper‐catalyzed dearomative cyclization of aryl‐substituted indolyl ynamides through regioselective β‐addition onto ynamides, providing pentacyclic spiroindolines in 81–97% yields with >25:1 diastereoselectivities. Moreover, preliminary success has been obtained for the catalytic enantioselective dearomative cyclization.
Three‐Dimensional VTe2/MXene/CNT Ternary Architectures for the Development of High Performance Microsupercapacitors
Authors: Radhakrishnan Sithara , Monisha Mohan , KA Sree Raj , Saxena Manav , Jeong Sang Mun , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: October 2024

Rapid advancements in portable electronics have created a demand for ultrathin power sources. Microsupercapacitors (MSCs) are becoming a competitive and advantageous option for these applications. It is widely recognized that to develop MSCs with exceptional performance, electrode materials having two‐dimensonal (2D) permeable channels, structural scaffolds with high‐conductivity and large surface area are suitable. Vanadium ditelluride (VTe2) stands out as an ideal material platform in this context. Its unique combination of metallic properties and exfoliative characteristics‐stemming from the conducting Te–V–Te layers held together by weak van der Waals interlayer interactions‐ renders it highly promising for high‐performance MSCs.  This study is the first to report that the restacking issues and electrochemical performance of VTe2 can be successfully avoided by the simultaneous incorporation of MXene and CNT to form a ternary hybrid. Here, a laser‐induced graphene (LIG)‐based MSC utilizing VTe2/MXene/CNT as the active electrode material is fabricated. This MSC achieve fabrications an outstanding maximum energy density of 6.84 µWh cm−2 and a power density of 304.7 µW cm−2. This significant achievement demonstrates the potential of this LIG‐based MSC to advance the design of high‐performance micro‐energy storage devices.
Nanoarchitectonics of Nickel Nitride‐V2CTX Mxene: An Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Alkaline Water/Seawater Applications
Authors: Deepak Deepak , Singh Tanuja , Mahapatra Abhinav , Panghal Abhishek , Nagesh Chaitanya , Roy Susanta Sinha
Published: October 2024

Seawater, being the most plentiful natural water source worldwide, is a highly abundant and cost‐efficient medium for producing hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis. However, the advancement of seawater electrolysis is hindered by notable impediments caused by chloride corrosion at the anode and the simultaneous chlorine evolution process. Only a limited number of non‐noble electrocatalysts demonstrate noteworthy bifunctional catalytic efficacy and long‐term durability. In this regard, Nickel Nitride tailored V2CTX Mxene nanostructures is reported as a bifunctional catalyst for overall water/seawater applications. The optimized sample Ni3N@3000‐V2CTx exhibits low overpotential values of 90 and 300 mV in acidic and alkaline + seawater solutions respectively at 10 mA cm−2 for hydrogen evolution reaction. Similarly, this catalyst shows 70 and 240 mV overpotential values in alkaline water and alkaline + seawater solutions respectively at the same current density for oxygen evolution reaction. Synergetic effects of Multiple Vanadium and Nickel valency along with compelling nitrogen bonds creates elevated density of exposed functional sites for electrocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the notable electrochemical active surface area and mass activity suggest an enhanced and significant presence of abundant active sites. Additionally, the high stability and significantly decreased charge transfer resistance expedited the overall water/seawater‐splitting reaction rate.
New Insights Into TRMT10A Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ceraolo Graziana , Spoto Giulia , Butera Ambra , Spanò Maria , Vinci Mirella , Vitello Girolamo Aurelio , Musumeci Antonino , Calì Francesco , Nicotera Antonio Gennaro , Di Rosa Gabriella
Published: October 2024

TRMT10A is related to a syndrome characterized by early‐onset diabetes mellitus, microcephaly, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. We report a case of a patient showing spastic–ataxic paraparesis and Dandy–Walker variant associated with a causative homozygous c.421‐1G > A variant in the TRMT10A gene, affecting a canonical splicing site. This mutation disrupts the “SAM‐dependent methyltransferase TRM10‐type domain”, which is implicated in methylation and S‐adenosylmethionine metabolic biological processes, crucial for mitochondrial and glucose metabolism. The prominent neurological involvement of our patient enhances the implication of TRMT10A in the brain development, suggesting a potential association between TRMT10A variants and dominant neurological phenotypes. This case expands the clinical spectrum of TRMT10A syndrome highlighting the importance of considering this gene in the evaluation of patients with brain/cerebellar malformations and spastic–ataxic paraparesis. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Materials for Carbon dioxide Transformation: Efficient Carboxylation Cyclization to Cyclic Carbonates and Oxazolidinones
Authors: Ma Zhongyang , Chen Peibo , Wu Chancui , Liang Ying , Pan Yingming
Published: October 2024

The exacerbation of environmental issues is increasingly attributed to the anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is a cost‐effective and readily available C1 source. The conversion of CO2 into value‐added organic chemicals, such as cyclic carbonate and 2‐oxazolidinone, through carboxylation cyclization reactions shows promise in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. The use of catalysts can facilitate this process, with heterogeneous catalysts emerging as favorable due to their advantages of easy recovery and structural stability. This paper provides a comprehensive review of heterogeneous catalysts that have been utilized for the carboxylation cyclization of CO2 to afford cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones in recent years. The catalysts include metal organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, super‐crosslinked polymers, conjugated microporous polymers, porous ionic organic polymers, and composite materials. We give a detailed synthesis route for each type of catalysts. Furthermore, the characteristics of the catalysts, such as BET specific surface area, CO2 adsorption capacity, and catalytic performance, is summarized and analyzed to offer insights for improving heterogeneous catalysts for CO2 conversion via carboxylation cyclization reactions in future research.
Histopathologic observations in a coccidiosis model of Eimeria tenella
Authors: Sun Zhixin , Chen Linlin , Lai Mengyu , Zhang Xixi , Li Jie , Li Zhiping , Yang Dongming , Zhao Mengyang , Wang Dongdong , Wen Pei , Gou Fengting , Dai Yuexin , Ji Yilan , Li Wen , Zhao Deming , Liu Xianyong , Yang Lifeng
Published: October 2024

Background

Species of the genus Eimeria cause coccidiosis in chickens, resulting in a huge burden to the poultry industry worldwide. Eimeria tenella is one of the most prevalent chicken coccidia in China, and E. tenella infection causes hemorrhagic cecitis.

Methods

Using an established model of coccidiosis in chickens combined with necropsy, imaging of pathological tissue sections, and other techniques, we evaluated the gross and microscopic lesions of cecal tissue within 15 days after inoculation with sporulated oocysts and described the endogenetic developmental process and relationship between E. tenella infection and enteritis development in chickens.

Results

We observed three generations of merogony and gamogony in E. tenella. We observed gross lesions in the cecum from 84 hpi (hours post inoculation) and microscopic lesions from 60 hpi. The lesions in the cecum mainly exhibited hemorrhagic enteritis. Their severity increased with the onset of the second generation of merogony. The lesions began to alleviate by the end of the endogenous stages of E. tenella.

Conclusion

We show, for the first time, the complete observation of a series of changes in enteritis caused by 5 × 103 E. tenella oocysts. This study provides reference materials for E. tenella research and pathological diagnosis.
Brivaracetam and rufinamide combination increased seizure threshold and improved neurobehavioral deficits in corneal kindling model of epilepsy
Authors: Sattar Awais , Rehman Zohabia , Murtaza Hammad , Ashraf Waseem , Ahmad Tanveer , Alqahtani Faleh , Imran Imran
Published: October 2024

Background

Besides seizures, a myriad of overlapping neuropsychiatric and cognitive comorbidities occur in patients with epilepsy, which further debilitates their quality of life. This study provides an in‐depth characterization of the impact of brivaracetam and rufinamide individually and in combination at 10 and 20 mg/kg doses, respectively, on corneal kindling‐induced generalized seizures and behavioral alterations. Furthermore, observed convulsive frequency and behavioral changes were correlated to post‐kindling‐induced changes in the activity of markers of oxidative stress.

Methods

Adult C57BL/6 mice were kindled via twice‐daily transcorneal 50‐Hz electrical stimulations (3 mA) for 3 s for 12 days until animals reached a fully kindled state. After the kindling procedure, animals were tested using a set of behavioral tests, and neurochemical alterations were assessed.

Results

Corneal‐kindled animals exhibited intense generalized convulsions, altered behavioral phenotypes typified by positive symptoms (hyperlocomotion), negative symptoms (anxiety and anhedonia), and deficits in semantic and working memory. BRV 10 + RFM 20 dual regime increased convulsive threshold and propensity toward the start of stage 4–5 seizures and improved phenotypical deficits, that is, anxiety, depression, and memory impairments. Moreover, this combination therapy mitigated kindling‐induced redox impairments as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase levels and increased glutathione antioxidant activity in the brain of animals subjected to repetitive brain insult.

Conclusion

Based on our outcomes, this dual therapy provides supporting evidence in alleviating epilepsy‐induced neurobehavioral comorbidities and changes in redox homeostasis.
Targeted Genome Mining Facilitates the Discovery of a Promiscuous, Hyperthermostable Amidase from Thermovenabulum Gondwanense with Notable Nylon‐Degrading Capacity
Authors: Hoffman Esther R. , Rangaswamy Alana M. M. , Cleveland Maria E. , Keillor Jeffrey W. , Howe Graeme W.
Published: October 2024

Plastics are ubiquitous in our ecosystems, and microplastic accumulation in the environment is an emerging global health concern. Since available recycling technologies are not economically competitive with primary plastic production, global use is expected to reach 1231 megatons by 2060, with 493 megatons leeching into the environment each year. To identify new nylon‐recycling biotechnologies, targeted genome mining was used to identify thermostable enzymes capable of degrading polyamides. Here, we describe the characterization of a novel protein sourced from Thermovenabulum gondwanense: TvgC. TvgC is extremely stable, exhibiting a melting temperature of 93 °C and no detectable losses in hydrolytic activity after one week at 60 °C. While nylonases primarily process nylon‐6, TvgC catalysed the degradation of both nylon‐6 and nylon‐6,6 films, which are considerably more difficult to degrade. Finally, conversion experiments demonstrate that TvgC achieves a 1.2 wt % conversion of nylon‐6 film, comparable to that of the most highly engineered nylonases. This novel hyperthermostable protein represents an excellent starting point for future engineering of increasingly efficient nylonases.
A Structural and Functional Mimic of P680+
Authors: Biswas Sachidulal , Kelly Oscar Reid , Twamley Brendan , McDonald Aidan R.
Published: October 2024

One or multiple chlorophyll a molecules are employed in the reaction center of photosystem II′s main electron donor (defined as P680). We have a poor understanding of how the reaction center facilitates water oxidation in photosystem II and the roles that mono‐ and/or multimeric chlorophyll groups play when P680 oxidizes a neighboring tyrosine in order to drive water oxidation at the oxygen evolving complex. We have prepared a dimeric MgII‐porphyrin complex [Mg2(BTPP)] (1, H4‐BTPP=1,2‐bis‐(10,15,20‐triphenylporphyrin‐5‐yl)‐benzene) as a structural and functional mimic of the dimeric core of P680. 1 was oxidized by one‐electron to the corresponding π‐cation radical complex 2. The radical cation was characterized by UV/Vis‐NIR, FT‐IR, and EPR spectroscopic techniques. 2 was shown to be reactive towards phenols to give the corresponding phenoxyl radicals, mimicking the reactivity of the P680 cation radical which oxidizes tyrosine to tyrosyl radical. Critically, the dimeric π‐cation radical showed markedly higher rates of proton coupled electron transfer oxidation (PCET) of phenols when compared to its monomeric counterpart [Mg(TPP)] (TPP=5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin). Our findings demonstrate that MgII‐porphyrin complexes are reliable mimics of photosynthetic PCET processes and suggest that photosynthetic reaction centers with multiple π‐conjugated complexes likely lower the barrier to PCET oxidation by π‐cation radical species.
Efficiency enhancement of a combined cycle power plant by thermal integration of multiple waste heat streams with organic Rankine cycle
Authors: Talib Razia , Khan Zakir , Khurram Shahzad , Inayat Abrar , Shahzad Khurram , Watson Ian A.
Published: October 2024

The study investigated the efficiency improvement of a 9.5 MW gas engine‐based combined cycle power plant utilizing multiple waste heat streams in an organic Rankine cycle. Four different waste heat sources were considered: I) boiler stack gas, II) engine jacket water, III) boiler steam, and IV) engines' exhaust gas. Besides, three different organic fluids; R245fa, R134a, and R1234ze(Z) were employed to find the best working fluid in the given operating conditions. The performance analysis of the ORC revealed that R245fa is a suitable potential fluid for cases I and II, whereas R134a performs better for cases III and IV. Integrating the ORC with the boiler stack using R245fa at 8 barg provided an additional 16.5% waste gas heat recovery. It increased the net electric efficiency of the existing plant by 0.7%. The jacket water heat recovery further improved the net electric efficiency by 2.1%. By integrating both streams with the ORC in the existing system, the net electrical efficiency was increased from 42.6% to 45.3%. The estimated payback period for the jacket water heat recovery scenario utilizing Chinese ORC equipment was 9.3 years. However, this period was significantly reduced to 4.6 years for general industry applications, rendering it economically viable.
N‐Heterocyclic Silylene‐Cu(I) Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for Three‐Component Coupling Reactions
Authors: Kashish  , Hossain Md Jabed , Khan Shabana
Published: October 2024

We have explored NHSi‐supported copper(I) complexes as active and highly efficient catalysts for A3 (aldehyde‐alkyne‐amine) and KA2 (ketone‐alkyne‐amine) three‐component coupling reactions to synthesize propargyl amines in excellent yields with high TOF under solvent‐and additive‐free conditions.