bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Artificial Neural Network in Determining Performance Profile of Compression Ignition Engine Operated with Orange Peel Oil-Based Biodiesel
Authors: Fasogbon Samson Kolawole , Owora Chukwuemeka Uguba
Published: August 2021

Literature including one of our previous studies have confirmed the environmental friendliness of orange peeled oil biodiesel (OPOB) when applied to run compression ignition (CI) heat engines. There is also high degree of compatibility of physicochemical properties of OPOB with fossil diesel.  However, there is limited knowledge on its performance indices in the same heat engines. This perhaps may have been due to few interests shown by researchers in the area or obviously due to difficult time and other quantum resources required in conducting the rigorous engine tests. To this end, this work conducted experimental study of performance profile of OPOB in direct injection CI engine; and afterwards applied artificial neural networks (ANNs) to ascertain the engine brake thermal efficiencies (BTE) and brake specific energy consumptions (BSEC). The ANN utilized the Levenberg Marquardt (LM), Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG) and Gradient Descent with Momentum and Adaptive Learning (GDX) training algorithms for the performance prediction. The choice of the three algorithms was to effect better comparative assessment. The input variables of the neural network were brake load, orange oil-diesel mixture percentages and engine speed. Statistical parameters such as correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were employed to investigate the performance of the neural networks. Among the three training algorithms, the Levenberg Marquardt trained algorithm estimated the BTE and BSEC with highest precision and accuracy; and lowest error rates. From the study, it is concluded that the performance profile of compression ignition heat engines operated with orange peel biodiesel compares favourably with fossil diesel. It also affirmed that Artificial Neural Network is a reliable tool in the prediction of performance indices of compression ignition engines when run with orange-peel oil based biodiesel.
Psychological Resilience towards COVID-19 amongst Emergency Medical Professionals in Pune (India)
Authors: Rishipathak Parag , Vijayraghavan Shrimathy , Hinduja Anand
Published: August 2021

Aim: The surge of COVID 19 infection across the globe has put tremendous pressure on Healthcare Professionals worldwide. Emergency Medical Professionals are first responders and hence bear the brunt of exposure to the virus as well as dealing with critically ill patients. The aim of the study is to assess psychological resilience towards COVID 19 amongst Emergency Medical Professionals.

Study Design: Descriptive Study.

Place and Duration of Study: Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills, Pune in April 2021.

Methodology: The study was conducted amongst 120 Emergency Medical Professionals in Pune, India. The data was collected during the month of April 2021. Professionals who have completed Post Graduate Diploma in Emergency Medical Services and working in COVID centres for at least one year were included in the study. A 38-item questionnaire was developed for frontline Emergency Medical Professionals and included questions adapted from the tools which are available in public domain.

Results and Discussion: Working in a stressful environment along with continuous fear of self-exposure and risk of transmission to family members affects the efficacy and productivity of Emergency Medical Services Professionals. Debriefing, training for effective ‘breaking bad news’ stress management workshops and counselling sessions should be integrated into their work routine to enhance their psychological capacity.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that even after a year of serving COVID 19 patients, Emergency Medical Professionals demonstrate a high degree of resilience. Yet there are areas requiring improvement which need to be focussed upon immediately in the interest of the mental well-being of Emergency Medical Professionals.
Solid Dispersion by Fluidized Bed Processing: A Platform for Enhancement of Dissolution Rate of Simvastatin Poorly Water-Soluble Drug
Authors: Surawase Rajendra K. , Baheti Kamalkishor G.
Published: August 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to study the solubility and dissolution kinetics of poorly water-soluble drugs simvastatin from its solid dispersion with different carriers by using fluidized bed processing technique.

Methods: The effect of different surfactants such as Gelucire® 44/14, PVP- K30 and Poloxamer- 188 on solid dispersion dissolution and solubility of simvastatin was investigated. Solid dispersion is formed using various techniques with polymeric carrier to potentially enhance the solubility and dissolution rate such as fluidized bed processing, it will extend drug absorption, therefore the objectives were to make a comparative evaluation among different solid dispersions.

Results: The simvastatin solid dispersion prepared by fluidized bed processing significantly enhanced in vitro dissolution and solubility relative to that of the unprocessed form. The dissolution profiles were correlated using various mathematical models such as Zero order, first order, Higuchi and Hixon Crowell model and the Zero order kinetics model gave better correlation results than the other models.

Conclusion: Dissolution profile of simvastatin was significantly improved via complexation with Gelucire 44/14 as compared with the pure drug and other carriers using FBP processing is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the solubility and dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Evaluation of Levels of Some Inflammatory Cytokines in Preeclamptic Women in Owerri
Authors: Emeka-Obi Obioma Raluchukwu , Ibeh Nancy C. , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Okorie Hope M.
Published: August 2021

Preeclampsia is a serious and life-threatening pregnancy complication. In this study, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured in preeclamptic women in Owerri, Imo State. A total of 120 pregnant women aged 18-45 years at 20-40 weeks of pregnancy were recruited; 60 were preeclamptic women (test group) while 60 were normotensive pregnant women (control group). Preeclampsia was determined by the presence of ≥2+ protein in the urine using combi 2 dipstick for urinalysis and sphygmomanometer blood pressure reading of ≥ 140/90 mmHg. From the demographic data obtained in the studied subject through questionnaire, it showed that nulliparity and family history of high blood pressure were the most dominant risk factor of preeclampsia. The mean of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the test group were 4.33±1.42 pg/ml and 8.23±2.73 pg/ml while that of the control group were 3.38±1.22 pg/ml and 6.89±1.88 pg/ml. There was a significant increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines of the preeclamptic women when compared to the control group. The mean of the anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 & IL-4) of the group were 78.88±14.28 pg/ml and 27.92±7.22pg/ml while the control group was 91.39± 18.46 pg/ml and 31.25±6.90 pg/ml. There was a significant decrease in the result obtained from the test group when compared to the control group. The levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines were higher than the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines of the test group when compared with the control group. Hence there is need to manage the disorder with an anti inflammatory drugs in order to enhance obstetric care, thereby reducing maternal mortality and morbidity that may occur from haemostatic abnormalities.
Application of a Simulation System Using Augmented Reality to Practice the Skills of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Authors: Magomedova Asiyat Shamilovna , Sheripovna Dzhamieva Khazina , Kunkueva Sabina Arslanbekovna , Muskhanov Muslim Isaevich , Ibragimov Abdurakhman Khasbulaevich , Khazamova Shuainat Omarovna , Matveeva Ulyana Viktorovna , Mishvelov Artem Evgenevich , Albegova Bela Zakharovna , Povetkin Sergey Nikolaevich
Published: August 2021

The developed HoloDoctor software package allows performing surgical operations in real time. It should be emphasized that the operation time on the HoloDoctor PC is reduced by 20-30% compared to traditional methods. The performance of HoloLens glasses with our program is high, while allowing the doctor to save time. The complex provides diagnostics, therapy planning, treatment adjustment as needed and minimizes the risk of medical error. HoloDoctor can be used in educational practice by integrating it into educational programs for medical specialties.
Improved Measurement of Treatment Effect in Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials
Authors: Signori Alessio , Bovis Francesca , Fedriga Maurizio , Montobbio Noemi , Ponzano Marta , Schiavetti Irene , Sormani Maria Pia
Published: December 2024

This decision analytical model study applies restricted mean survival time as a measure of treatment effect in 2 randomized clinical trials assessing disease-modifying treatments vs placebo in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis.
Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia, and Eclampsia and Future Neurological Disorders
Authors: Friis Therese , Bergman Lina , Hesselman Susanne , Lindström Linda , Junus Katja , Cluver Catherine , Escudero Carlos , Wikström Anna-Karin
Published: December 2024

Importance

Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia are established risk factors for stroke and dementia later in life. Whether these pregnancy complications are associated with an increased risk of new-onset neurological disorders within months to years after giving birth is not known.

Objective

To explore whether gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia are associated with new-onset migraine, headache, epilepsy, sleep disorder, or mental fatigue within months to years after giving birth.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this register-based cohort study, exposures were identified in the Swedish Medical Birth Register from 2005 to 2018. Follow-up was conducted using the National Patient Register, containing diagnoses from specialized inpatient and outpatient care. Follow-up started 42 days after delivery and continued until the first event, death, emigration, or the end of the follow-up period (2019). The risk was calculated with Cox regression analysis and expressed as adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with a 95% CI. Through the Swedish Medical Birth Register, 659 188 primiparous women with singleton pregnancies between 2005 and 2018 were identified. Women with a diagnosis of chronic hypertension (n = 4271) or a prepregnancy neurological disorder (n = 6532) were excluded. The final study population included 648 385 women. Data analyses were conducted in 2023.

Exposures

Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia.

Main outcome

The primary outcome was a composite neurological outcome of migraine, headache, epilepsy, sleep disorder, or mental fatigue.

Results

The study included 648 385 women with a mean age of 28.5 (SD, 5.0) years at the time of their first pregnancy. Women with gestational hypertension (n = 11 133), preeclampsia (n = 26 797), and eclampsia (n = 625) all had an association with increased risk for a new-onset neurological disorder compared with women with normotensive pregnancies. The aHR for gestational hypertension was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.12-1.45), 1.32 (95% CI, 1.22-1.42) for preeclampsia, and 1.70 (95% CI, 1.16-2.50) for eclampsia. When exploring individual outcomes, women with eclampsia were associated with more than a 5 times increased risk of epilepsy (aHR, 5.31; 95% CI, 2.85-9.89).

Conclusion and Relevance

In this study, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia were associated with an increased risk of new-onset migraine, headache, epilepsy, sleep disorder, or mental fatigue within months to years after giving birth. Guidelines recommend follow-up after delivery for women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia for their increased risk of cardiovascular disease. At these visits, caregivers should also pay attention to persisting or new-onset of neurological symptoms, since this group of women appears to be vulnerable to developing or experiencing neurological disorders.
Fluorinated Amino Acids in Peptide and Protein Assembly
Authors: Chowdhary Suvrat , Hohmann Thomas , Langhans Alexander , Koksch Beate
Published: December 2024

Despite its low abundance in naturally occurring biomolecules, fluorine's often favorable impact on pharmacokinetic and biological properties makes it an outstanding element. In fact, fluorination has found its way into peptide & protein science with paramount interest for biochemical and pharmaceutical applications. The introduction of fluorine can drastically conduct appropriate folding and self‐assembly as indispensable criterion for biomolecular recognition. Peptides and proteins carrying fluorine as an amino acid side chain substituent have been the focus of numerous studies in recent years with scientific breakthroughs on structural stability and preparation of novel fluorinated peptide‐based biomaterials. However, our current understanding of how side chain fluorination affects structure formation and, thus, the biological activity of peptides and proteins is confined.

This book chapter provides a brief yet comprehensive introduction to this research field including state‐of‐the‐art techniques for the determination of hydrophobic properties of fluorinated amino acids used to design and fine‐tune peptide assembly and protein folding. Foundational and unique properties of these artificial biomolecules are discussed by constituting both the growing utility and necessity of fluorinated amino acids for the de novo design of peptide‐based materials and drugs.
What Dyadic Internet Street Fight Videos Can and Cannot Tell Us About the Ethological, Game Theoretic, and Sex‐Differentiated Phenomenology of Human Physical Aggression
Authors: Potegal Michael , Li Siyuan , Kim Misu
Published: December 2024

Street fight videos on the internet may provide information about little known aspects of human physical aggression, but their reliability is unclear. Analyses of 100 dyadic fight videos addressing ethological, game theoretic and sex‐differentiated questions derived from research on other animals found that prefight verbalizations or gestural signals of nonaggressive or aggressive intent loosely predicted who would strike first and who would win. The head is the preferred strike target. Ordinal severity rankings of different strikes ranged from 1 for spitting to 5 for choking. Half the videos showed briefer, unilateral assaults beginning with one or more high severity strikes, little evidence of escalation and fewer bystander interventions. A quarter of these were sneak attacks. The other videos showed longer fights with reciprocal strikes, some evidence of strike severity escalation and more bystander intervention. Both types were equally injurious. Winner/loser outcomes were reliably identified by postfight behaviors and/or signs of injury. Winners had advantageous prefight resource holding potential (RHP: greater height and/or vigor) significantly more often than losers. Consistent with tendencies for fights to occur between animals of the same sex, there were more male/male and female/female fights and fewer male/female fights than expected from random pairings of men and women in the videos. Female/female fights involved proportionally more hair‐pulling, extended bouts of rapidly repeated strikes and longest durations. Bystanders intervened in over half the videos, attempting to separate fighters or help losers more often than they attacked the loser. Carefully selected internet street fight videos can provide important information.
Smart Hydrogen‐Producing Nanoparticles with the Potential for Arthritic Microenvironment Regulation
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Hou Yutong , Lu Dezhi , Li Qixing , Zhang Chaoyi , Zhou Liang , Li Tao , Wu Tao
Published: December 2024

The joint microenvironment contributes significantly to arthritis by shaping the synovial sheath and inducing cartilage damage. Hydrogen has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential and shows promise in the treatment of arthritis, particularly in selectively reducing free radical levels while preserving normal cell redox reactions. However, the short retention time of hydrogen and its low solubility in body fluids pose challenges for its use to achieve an optimal therapeutic effect. Smart biomaterials respond to alterations in physiological parameters and external stimuli, enabling precise targeting and continuous local treatment, thus maintaining local H2 concentration at the treatment site. In this review, the recent advances in hydrogen‐producing nanomaterials for the treatment of arthritis are presented and the challenges and prospects for their clinical application are evaluated.
Photo‐Responsive Nanozyme Disrupts Bacterial Electron Transport Chain for Enhanced Anti‐Biofilm Therapy
Authors: Chen Min , Sun Yun , Xu Bolong , Yang Yuhan , Wu Qingyuan , Lu Mingzhu , Li Feng , Zhang Jin , Liu Huiyu
Published: December 2024

The bacterial electron transport chain (ETC) plays a crucial role in biofilm energy metabolism and redox balance, making it a potential target for anti‐biofilm treatment. Herein, mesoporous nanocarbon spheres loaded with Pt nanoparticles (CS‐Pt) are developed to disrupt the bacterial ETC for photo‐enhanced anti‐biofilm. Under near‐infrared laser irradiation, CS‐Pt‐treated biofilms show a positive shift of 0.6 eV in Pt 4f binding energy and a 1.76‐fold increase in anodic current density, demonstrating that the electron loss from CS‐Pt results in an enhanced electron transfer from CS‐Pt to biofilm. Adding the electron quencher NH4Cl to the CS‐Pt‐containing biofilm sample results in reduced biofilm clearance, highlighting the critical role of enhanced electron transfer in effective biofilm eradication. Due to the multifunction of CS‐Pt in inducing hyperthermia, reactive oxgen species generation, and interrupting bacterial ETC, the critical component of ETC, extracellular DNA, in methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm is reduced by 89.8%, ultimately leading to a biofilm clearance of 90.3%. Additionally, CS‐Pt achieve 99.5% biofilm eradication and expedites wound healing with a rate of 78.1% in a MRSA‐infected wound model. We present an attractive approach for disintegrating biofilm through the synergistic effect of disrupting ETC, enzyme‐like activity, and phototherapy, offering an innovative perspective on combating biofilm‐associated infections.
Buffer Layer Stabilized Single‐Unit Cell Ferroelectric Bi2TeO5
Authors: Li Yunfei , Li Alei , Wang Cong , Han Mengjiao , Zhu Juntong , Zhong Yunlei , Zhao Pin , Song Ge , Wang Shun , Shen Zongjie , Wang Lin , Zhang Hui , Zhou Wu , You Lu , Ji Wei , Lin Junhao , Kang Lixing
Published: December 2024

Miniaturizing van der Waals (vdW) ferroelectric materials to atomic scales is essential for modern devices like nonvolatile memory and sensors. To unlock their full potential, their growth mechanisms, interface effects, and stabilization are preferably investigated, particularly for ultrathin 2D nanosheets with single‐unit cell thickness. This study focuses on Bi2TeO5 (BTO) and utilizes precise control over growth kinetics at the nucleation temperature to create specific interfacial reconfiguration layers. Ultrathin BTO nanosheets with planar ferroelectricity at a single‐unit cell thickness are successfully grown. Atomic‐scale characterization reveals a disordered distribution of elements in the interfacial layer, which buffers strain from lattice mismatch. The theoretical calculations support these observations. Furthermore, this strategy also can be extended to the growth of a variety of 2D ternary oxide nanosheets. This work contributes to a better understanding of growth and stability mechanisms in 2D ultrathin nanosheets.
Triplet Exciton Sensitization of Silicon Mediated by Defect States in Hafnium Oxynitride
Authors: Nagaya Narumi , Alexiu Alexandra , Perkinson Collin F. , Nix Oliver M. , Koh Dooyong , Bawendi Moungi G. , Tisdale William A. , Van Voorhis Troy , Baldo Marc A.
Published: December 2024

Singlet exciton fission has the potential to increase the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells beyond the conventional single junction limit. Perhaps the largest obstacle to achieving this enhancement is uncertainty about energy coupling mechanisms at the interfaces between silicon and exciton fission materials such as tetracene. Here, the previously reported silicon‐hafnium oxynitride‐tetracene structure is studied and a combination of magnetic‐field‐dependent silicon photoluminescence measurements and density functional theory calculations is used to probe the influence of the interlayer composition on the triplet transfer process across the hafnium oxynitride interlayer. It is found that hafnium oxide interlayers do not show triplet exciton sensitization of silicon, and that nitrogen content in hafnium oxynitride layers is correlated with enhanced sensitization. Calculation results reveal that defects in hafnium oxynitride interlayers with higher nitrogen content introduce states close to the band‐edge of silicon, which can mediate the triplet exciton transfer process. Some defects introduce additional deleterious mid‐gap states, which may explain observed silicon photoluminescence quenching. These results show that band‐edge states can mediate the triplet exciton transfer process, potentially through a sequential charge transfer mechanism.
A Critical Perspective on Photothermal De‐Icing
Authors: Yang Siyan , Liu Jiazheng , Hoque Muhammad Jahidul , Huang Anxu , Chen Yiyang , Yang Wentao , Feng Jie , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: December 2024

To tackle the formidable challenges posed by extreme cold weather events, significant advancements have been made in developing functional surfaces capable of efficiently removing accreted ice. Nevertheless, many of these surfaces still require external energy input, such as electrical power, which raises concerns regarding their alignment with global sustainability goals. Over the past decade, increasing attention has been directed toward photothermal surface designs that harness solar energy−a resource available on Earth in quantities exceeding the total reserves of coal and oil combined. By converting solar energy into heat, these designs enable the transformation of the interfacial solid‐solid contact (ice‐substrate) into a liquid‐solid contact (water‐substrate), significantly reducing interfacial adhesion and facilitating rapid ice removal. This critical perspective begins by emphasizing the advantages of photothermal design over traditional de‐icing methods. It then delves into an in‐depth analysis of three primary photothermal mechanisms, examining how these principles have expanded the scope of de‐icing technologies and contributed to advancements in photothermal surface design. Finally, key fundamental and technical challenges are identified, offering strategic guidelines for future research aimed at enabling practical, real‐world applications.
Interface Storage Mechanism in Aqueous Ammonium‐Ion Supercapacitors with Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalates‐Modified Ag‐BTC
Authors: Liang Yu , Zhang Hanyu , Huo Mengtian , Zhang Xinye , Qin Kaichi , Wang Huiying , Li Qianyu , Zhao Xingang , Xing Zihao , Chang Jinfa , Zhu Guangshan
Published: December 2024

Ammonium‐ion supercapacitors (AISCs) offer considerable potential for future development owing to their low cost, high safety, environmental sustainability, and efficient electrochemical energy storage capabilities. The rapid and efficient charge‐transfer process at the AISC can endow them with high capacitive and cycling stabilities. However, the prolonged intercalation/deintercalation of NH4+ in layered and framework materials often results in the cleavage of the active sites and the deconstruction of the framework, which makes it difficult to achieve long‐term stable energy storage while maintaining high capacitance in the electrode materials. Herein, highly redox‐active polyoxometalates (POMs) modified [Ag3(µ‐Hbtc)(µ‐H2btc)]n (Ag‐BTC) is used as electrode materials. POMs effectively promote the pseudocapacitance storage of NH4+ through a similar interface storage mechanism. At a current density of 1 A g−1, {PMo12}@Ag‐BTC exhibited a specific capacitance of 619.4 mAh g−1 and retained 100% of its capacitance after 20,000 charge–discharge cycles. An asymmetrical battery with {PMo12}@Ag‐BTC and {PW12}@Ag‐BTC as positive and negative electrode materials, respectively, achieved an energy density of 125.3 Wh kg−1. The interface‐capacitance process enables the full utilization of metal‐Ox (x = b, c, t) sites within the POMs, significantly enhancing charge storage. This study emphasizes the considerable potential of POM‐based electrode materials for NH4+ intercalation/deintercalation energy storage.
Exploring the Morphotropic Phase Boundary in HfO2‐Based Ferroelectrics for Advanced High‐k Dielectrics
Authors: Oh Seungyeol , Jang Hojung , Habibi Mostafa , Sung Minchul , Choi Hyejung , Kim Seyeon , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: December 2024

With the increasing demand for high‐performance computing and storage solutions, industries are under pressure to deliver enhanced‐density, high‐speed, cost‐efficient, and reliable memory technologies. The development of advanced high dielectric constant (high‐k) dielectrics for dynamic random‐access memory (DRAM) remains essential yet challenging, with a need for further advancements on scaling and mass production compatibility. A significant advancement has been the discovery of morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) in HfO2‐based ferroelectrics, offering a potential solution to enduring issues in DRAM capacitor technology. The superior performance of MPB‐based HfxZr1‐xO2 film systems as high‐k dielectrics (k > 60) provides a promising avenue for advancing DRAM technology. This review article aims to propel DRAM development by detailing the principles of MPB‐based high‐k dielectrics, outlining crucial material and engineering parameters, and addressing the need for precise evaluation and analysis, which have previously been neglected. It also discusses the ongoing challenges and future directions in this field.
Carbon Nanotube Interconnected Polypyrrole@ E‐MXene Organic‐Inorganic Hybrids for Interdigitated In‐Plane Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: K Namsheer , Kenz K T Mohammed , Lakshmy Seetha , Sharma Chandra Shekhar , Jeong Sang Mun , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: December 2024

In recent times, there has been a growing focus on developing flexible electrochemical energy storage devices to address the booming demands of wearable electronics. Supercapacitors (SC) are prized among the electrochemical energy storage devices for their remarkable specific capacitance and power density. Conventional flexible SCs predominantly rely on various carbon based materials as electrodes and current collectors for these applications. Despite this, a novel approach is adopted to fabricate a flexible supercapacitor from laser‐induced graphene with a ternary hybrid of polypyrrole with Mxene and carbon nanotube (PPy@E‐MXene/f‐CNT) as an electrode material. The fabricated in‐plane supercapacitor achieves an outstanding specific capacitance of 66.6 mF cm−2 (83.25 mFg−1) with an energy density of 4.5 µWh cm−2 (with a power density of 0.03 mW cm−2). This innovative approach presents a promising avenue for developing flexible and wearable energy storage solutions. Further, Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations are carried out to support the experimental findings and elucidate the structural, electronic, and electrochemical properties of the hybrid systems.
Electrically Tuning Quasi‐Bound States in the Continuum with Hybrid Graphene‐Silicon Metasurfaces
Authors: Cai Ziqiang , Zhang Xianzhe , Karnik Tushar Sanjay , Xu Yihao , Kim Taeyoon , Hu Juejun , Liu Yongmin
Published: December 2024

Metasurfaces have become one of the most prominent research topics in the field of optics owing to their unprecedented properties and novel applications on an ultrathin platform. By combining graphene with metasurfaces, electrical tunable functions can be achieved with fast tuning speed, large modulation depth, and broad tuning range. However, the tuning efficiency of hybrid graphene metasurfaces within the short‐wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectrum is typically low because of the small resonance wavelength shift in this wavelength range. In this work, through the integration of graphene and silicon metasurfaces that support quasi‐bound states in the continuum (quasi‐BIC), the critical coupling as well as transmittance spectrum tuning is experimentally demonstrated. The spectrum tuning is substantial even with less than 30 nm resonance wavelength shift thanks to the high quality factor of quasi‐BIC metasurfaces. The tunable transmittance spectrum is measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a modified reflective lens to improve the accuracy, and the electrical tuning is realized utilizing the “cut‐and‐stick” method of ion gel. At the wavelength of 3.0 µm, the measured transmittance change (ΔT  = Tmax  − Tmin) and modulation depth (ΔT/Tmax) can reach 22.2% and 28.9%, respectively, under a small bias voltage ranging from −2 to +2 V. This work demonstrates an effective way of tuning metasurfaces within the SWIR spectrum, which has potential applications in optical modulation, reconfigurable photonic devices, and optical communications.
A Thin and Ultrahigh‐Ionic‐Conductivity Composite Electrolyte With 3D Aramid Nanofiber Networks Toward Ambient‐Temperature Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Meng Xianglong , Zhang Wendi , Mo Jinshan , Zhao Qian , Wang Baoyi , Fan Qianxiao , Liu Lehao , Yang Tianrong , Jin Yilong , Zhou Rongmin , Zhang Mengxuan , Li Meicheng
Published: December 2024

The low ambient‐temperature ionic conductivity and undesired compatibility with electrode materials are hindering the practical application of solid‐state electrolytes in high‐safety and high‐energy‐density lithium metal batteries. Herein, an ultrahigh ionic conductivity composite electrolyte is prepared by introducing a 3D aramid nanofiber (ANF) framework in succinonitrile (SN)‐lithium bis (trifluoromethylsulphonyl) imide (LiTFSI) electrolytes. Theoretical calculations and experimental characterizations reveal that the ANF framework‐based composite electrolyte (CPE) has dual fast‐ion pathways: one Li+ pathway along the 3D ANF frameworks with the coordination interaction between the amide groups and Li+ (especially Li+ pathway between SN and ANF), and another Li+ pathway along the SN molecules in the form of Li(SN)x+ cluster. Meanwhile, the hydrogen bonding interaction between the –NH groups of the ANF and the cyano groups of SN captures the free SN molecules, improving the chemical compatibility with Li metal. The well‐designed CPE membrane with a small thickness of 24 µm exhibits a high Li+ conductivity of 1.69 × 10−3 S cm−1. Notably, the Li|CPE|LiFePO4 cell shows a long cycle life at 30 °C (0.5 C, >300 cycles, a capacity retention of 94.3%). The all‐solid‐state Li||LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 battery with an ultrahigh active mass loading of 20 mg cm−2 also displays excellent cycle performance.
Regulating Interfacial Li Deposition at Low‐Temperature through Eliminating Li+ Transfer Mismatching by Artificial Modifying the Interface in Solid State Battery
Authors: Ren Wenjie , Shang Xinchao , Lin Yan , Ren Hao , Zhang Linchen , Su Hang , Li Qi , Zhi Linjie , Wu Mingbo , Li Zhongtao
Published: December 2024

Polymer electrolytes‐based batteries are suffering great degradation due to the irreversible lithium deposition and increased impedance at sub‐zero temperature, which is related with Li+ conductivity of bulk electrolyte (σBulk) and ionic conductivity of solid electrolyte interface (σSEI). Thereby, an artificial SEI layer has coated on Li anode through in situ polymerizing polyester with fluorinated porphyrin, which could accelerate Li+ desolvation and conductivity of SEI. Then, the dual‐salt eutectic polymer electrolyte tolerate is employed to accelerate Li+ transfer through optimize their solvation structure. The matching factor is calculated to evaluate the synergistic effect of σBulk and σSEI on low‐temperature Li+ mobility. Thus, homogenize the Li+ flux during Li‐plating is achieved by marching the Li+ diffusion rate (δ = 1.92), which significantly mitigate overpotential aggravation and suppress dendrite nucleation. Overall, such marching factor could provide a theoretical parameter for evaluating the low‐temperature tolerability of solid‐state lithium batteries (SSBs), which would useful for improving batteries’ durability, safety and flexibility.
High‐speed continuous flow calorimetry in a nonadiabatic environment
Authors: Xu Yiming , Li Fujun , Zou Yun , Cao Jinzhe , Tao Shengyang
Published: December 2024

Many rapid and strongly exothermic reactions have transitioned to continuous flow reactors for safety considerations. However, data from batch calorimeters often fall short in guiding these processes due to substantial differences in transfer characteristics, and the adiabatic components of calorimeters significantly escalate equipment costs and dimensions. Inspired by the human body's thermoregulatory mechanism, we developed the Dynamic Tracking Reference Continuous Calorimeter (DTRCC). This novel device enables rapid and precise calorimetry in continuous‐flow reactions under nonadiabatic conditions and variable external temperatures. The measurement time can be reduced to 110 s with a low difference of 0.5%. The DTRCC proves versatile across various reaction types, including nitrification and photoreaction. It can also determine solutions' heat capacity and reactions' selectivity according to calorimetry. Implementing the DTRCC provides crucial data that enhance the design and optimization of continuous flow reactors, significantly boosting chemical process safety and efficiency.
Outcomes of CD19 CAR T in Transformed Indolent Lymphoma Compared to De Novo Aggressive Large B‐Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Thiruvengadam Swetha Kambhampati , Merryman Reid , Wang Yan , Gaulin Charles , Bezerra Evandro , Voorhees Timothy , Seshadri Madhav R. , Falade Ayo , Habib Alma , Ayers Amy A. , Bailey Megumi , Brown Annette , Bailey Neil , Patel Krish , Andreadis Charalambos B. , Kittai Adam S. , Jacobson Caron , Palmer Joycelynne , Forman Stephen J. , Nastoupil Loretta , Budde Lihua E.
Published: December 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has revolutionized treatment of aggressive large B‐cell lymphoma (aLBCL). Patients with transformed indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (tiNHL) were included in key CAR trials, but outcomes of CAR for this distinct, historically high‐risk group are poorly understood. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of 1182 patients with aLBCL receiving standard‐of‐care CAR T between 2017 and 2022, including 338 (29%) with tiNHL. Rates of grade ≥ 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) were similar between tiNHL and de novo cohorts (7% vs. 8%, p = 0.6), while grade ≥ 3 immune effector cell‐associated neurotoxicity syndrome was lower in tiNHL (21% vs. 27%, p = 0.02). Overall response rate was similar in both cohorts (83% vs. 81%, p = 0.3), while complete response rate was higher in tiNHL (67% vs. 59%, p = 0.017). With a median follow‐up of 22.3 months, the progression/relapse‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar between the tiNHL and de novo cohorts (24‐month PFS 41% [95% CI: 35%–46%] vs. 38% [95% CI: 35%–42%]; 24‐month OS 58% [95% CI: 52%–63%] vs. 52% [95% CI: 48%–56%], respectively). After adjusting for key risk factors, there was a trend toward a lower hazard of disease progression, relapse or death post‐CAR for tiNHL patients compared to de novo aLBCL patients (HR: 0.84 [95% CI: 0.69–1.0], p = 0.07). Elevated LDH, advanced stage, prior bendamustine within 12 months of CAR, receipt of bridging therapy, CNS involvement, and ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy were each associated with inferior PFS. In conclusion, CAR T therapy is highly effective with an acceptable toxicity profile in patients with tiNHL.
Biosynthesis of Depsides, Depsidones, and Diphenyl Ethers from Fungi and Lichens
Authors: Ji Qiaolin , Matsuda Yudai
Published: December 2024

Depsides are a class of natural products in which two or more (poly)phenolic acid derivatives are linked by an ester bond. Depsides and related natural products, such as depsidones and diphenyl ethers, are widespread in nature and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Although their biosynthesis has attracted considerable research interest for many decades, it remained largely elusive until recently. Recent studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of several depsides and related natural products, uncovering unique enzymatic chemistry in their biosynthetic pathways. This review summarizes the biosynthetic pathways and mechanisms for depsides, depsidones, and diphenyl ethers, focusing on fungi and lichens, which are the primary producers of these compounds.
Indenoindenes, Indenoindoles, and Indenobenzofurans via the Interrupted iso‐Nazarov Reaction
Authors: Attanonchai Sineenart , Poonswat Kasam , Ruchirawat Somsak , Ploypradith Poonsakdi
Published: December 2024

The cascade carbocation cyclization (CCC) of the secondary benzylic, or the benzhydryl, carbocation by the 2‐indene, 2/3‐indole, or 2/3‐benzofuran followed by the intermolecular nucleophilic addition by H‐/allyl‐silane or electron‐rich arenes, also classifiable as the interrupted iso‐Nazarov reaction, provided the corresponding indane‐fused indane/indole/benzofuran scaffolds. The initial CCC forged the trans relationship at the two newly formed adjacent stereogenic centers while the latter provided the selective cis stereocontrol at the new ring junction. Starting from achiral alcohols, the reaction sequence furnished the oxygen/nitrogen‐containing indane fused‐ring tetracyclic systems in moderate to good yields with excellent stereoselectivity on all three contiguous chiral centers.
Neuropathological correlates of vulnerability and resilience in the cerebellum in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Samstag Colby L. , Chapman Nicola H. , Gibbons Laura E. , Geller Julianne , Loeb Nicholas , Dharap Siddhant , Yagi Mayumi , Cook David G. , Pagulayan Kathleen F. , Crane Paul K. , Larson Eric B. , Wijsman Ellen M. , Latimer Caitlin S. , Bird Thomas D. , Keene C. Dirk , Carlson Erik S.
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION

We investigated whether the cerebellum develops neuropathology that correlates with well‐accepted Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathological markers and cognitive status.

METHODS

We studied cerebellar cytoarchitecture in a cohort (N = 30) of brain donors. In a larger cohort (N = 605), we queried whether the weight of the contents of the posterior fossa (PF), which contains primarily cerebellum, correlated with dementia status.

RESULTS

Although there was no granular layer (GL) cell loss, GL area was lower in AD cases, particularly in the lateral cerebellum. Lower numbers of mossy fiber synaptic terminals in the cerebellar GL of AD cases correlated with Braak stages IV–VI. PF content weight correlated with dementia independently of age, neuropathology, and education. In addition, we found that a measure of the relative size of the PF content weight to total brain weight correlated with less dementia.

DISCUSSION

These results confirm that the cerebellum is not spared neuropathological damage in AD.

Highlights

Novel evidence of cerebellar atrophy in the granule cell layer of the lateral cerebellar cortex (or ‘cognitive cerebellum’), and loss of a specific cerebellar synapse type in this region, the cerebellar glomerulus. Both correlated with dementia status and Braak stages IV through VI, in a cohort with complete neuropathological characterization. Although there have been recent brain imaging studies suggesting a role for cerebellum in Alzheimer's disease, we believe our study constitutes some of the most concrete neuropathological evidence to date of anatomic and synaptic substrates that are disrupted in AD. These changes in this cerebellar region may even play a role in the etiology of cognitive symptoms.

Novel evidence that individuals with lower postmortem cerebellar weights showed more cognitive decline, independent of classical neuropathology markers such as Braak stage, Thal phase, or Corsortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) score, suggesting a role for this brain region in dementia, using advanced statistical analysis of a large unbiased population cohort (n = 605), the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study.

Conversely, a measure of how intact the cerebellum was correlated with less dementia, independent of classical neuropathology markers and cerebral cortical weight, again, in the ACT cohort of 605 brain donors. We believe that this novel finding has relevance and implications for the identification of resilience factors, which may protect against the development of dementia.
Integrating rare pathogenic variant prioritization with gene‐based association analysis to identify novel genes and relevant multimodal traits for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cao Jixin , Zhang Cheng , Lo Chun‐Yi Zac , Guo Qihao , Ding Jing , Luo Xiaohui , Zhang Zi‐Chao , Chen Feng ,   the ZIB Consortium, Cheng Tian‐Lin , Chen Jingqi , Zhao Xing‐Ming ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION

Increasing evidence has highlighted rare variants in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, insufficient sample sizes, especially in underrepresented ethnic groups, hinder their investigation. Additionally, their impact on endophenotypes remains largely unexplored.

METHODS

We prioritized rare likely‐deleterious variants based on whole‐genome sequencing data from a Chinese AD cohort (n = 988). Gene‐based optimal sequence kernel association tests were conducted between AD cases and normal controls to identify AD‐related genes. Network clustering, endophenotype association, and cellular experiments were conducted to evaluate their functional consequences.

RESULTS

We identified 11 novel AD candidate genes, which captured AD‐related pathways and enhanced AD risk prediction performance. Key genes (RABEP1, VIPR1, RPL3L, and CABIN1) were linked to cognitive decline and brain atrophy. Experiments showed RABEP1 p.R845W inducing endocytosis dysregulation and exacerbating toxic amyloid β accumulation, underscoring its therapeutic potential.

DISCUSSION

Our findings highlighted the contributions of rare variants to AD and provided novel insights into AD therapeutics.

Highlights

Identified 11 novel AD candidate genes in a Chinese AD cohort.

Correlated candidate genes with AD‐related cognitive and brain imaging traits.

Indicated RABEP1 p.R845W as a critical AD contributor in the endocytic pathway.
Diagnostic accuracy of phosphorylated tau217 in detecting Alzheimer's disease pathology among cognitively impaired and unimpaired: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khalafi Mohammad , Dartora William J. , McIntire Laura Beth J. , Butler Tracy A. , Wartchow Krista M. , Hojjati Seyed Hani , Razlighi Qolamreza R. , Shirbandi Kiarash , Zhou Liangdong , Chen Kewei , Xi Ke , Banerjee Samprit , Foldi Nancy , Pahlajani Silky , Glodzik Lidia , Li Yi , de Leon Mony J. , Chiang Gloria C.
Published: December 2024

Our review summarizes the diagnostic accuracy of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phosphorylated tau 217 (p‐tau217) in detecting amyloid and tau pathology on positron emission tomography (PET). We systematically reviewed studies that reported the diagnostic accuracy of plasma and CSF p‐tau217, searching MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science through August 2024. The accuracy of p‐tau217 in predicting amyloid and tau pathology on PET was evaluated in 30 studies. Both plasma and CSF p‐tau217 effectively detect amyloid and tau PET deposition. Plasma p‐tau217 showed 82% sensitivity for detecting amyloid and 83% for tau, with 86% and 83% specificity, respectively. CSF p‐tau217 had 79% sensitivity for amyloid and 91% for tau, with 91% and 84% specificity. p‐tau217 effectively identifies Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Plasma p‐tau217 was comparable to CSF p‐tau217 in detecting amyloid deposition on PET. Despite being less sensitive for detecting tau deposition on PET, plasma p‐tau217 can be an efficient screening tool for underlying AD pathology.

Highlights

Plasma phosphorylated tau 217 (p‐tau217) serves as a viable biomarker alternative to cerebrospinal fluid p‐tau217 due to the strong concordance between their results.

Plasma p‐tau217 accurately identifies amyloid and tau positron emission tomography (PET) positivity, exhibiting a low rate of false negatives and positives, thereby establishing it as a reliable diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Plasma p‐tau217 demonstrates slightly higher accuracy in predicting amyloid PET positivity compared to tau PET positivity.

Plasma p‐tau217 demonstrates higher predictive accuracy in detecting AD pathology among cognitively impaired individuals, compared to cognitively unimpaired individuals, suggesting its enhanced utility as a diagnostic biomarker in clinical settings.
Premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy and Alzheimer's disease imaging biomarkers later in life
Authors: Kantarci Kejal , Kapoor Ekta , Geske Jennifer R. , Castillo Anna , Fields Julie A. , Kara Firat , Knyazhanskaya Evdokiya E. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Senjem Matthew L. , Bailey Kent R. , Lowe Val , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Rocca Walter A. , Mielke Michelle M.
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION

Premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy (PBO) before the age of 46 years is associated with an increased risk of dementia. We investigated the long‐term effects of PBO performed before age 50 years on amyloid beta (Aβ), tau, and neurodegeneration imaging biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

Mayo Clinic Cohort Study of Oophorectomy and Aging‐2 participants were divided into early PBO (< 46 years; n = 61), and late PBO (46–49 years; n = 51) groups and were compared to referent women who did not undergo PBO (n = 119).

RESULTS

Early PBO was associated with thinner entorhinal cortex (p = 0.014), higher tau load at higher levels of Aβ load (Pp = 0.005), higher Aβ load (p = 0.026), and smaller temporal lobe cortical thickness (p = 0.022), only at older ages compared to the referent group.

DISCUSSION

PBO before the age of 46 years is associated with entorhinal cortex thinning, elevated tau at higher Aβ levels, along with an AD‐like pattern of atrophy at older ages.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT03821857 sex‐specific effects of endocrine disruption on aging and AD.

Highlights

Premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy (PBO) before the ages of 46 (early PBO) years and ages 46 to 49 (late PBO) years was studied.

Early PBO was associated with reduced entorhinal cortex thickness later in life.

Early PBO was associated with greater amyloid beta (Aβ) load at older ages.

Early PBO was associated with greater Alzheimer's disease pattern of atrophy at older ages.

Early PBO was associated with higher tau load at higher Aβ levels.