bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural compounds from freshwater mussels disrupt fungal virulence determinants and influence fluconazole susceptibility in the presence of macrophages in
Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Gutierrez-Gongora Davier , Woods Michael , Prosser Ryan S. , Geddes-McAlister Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Cryptococcus neoformans
is a human fungal pathogen responsible for fatal infections, especially in patients with a depressed immune system. Overexposure to antifungal drugs due to prolonged treatment regimens and structure-similar applications in agriculture have weakened the efficacy of current antifungals in the clinic. The rapid evolution of antifungal resistance urges the discovery of new compounds that inhibit fungal virulence determinants, rather than directly killing the pathogen, as alternative strategies to overcome disease and reduce selective pressure toward resistance. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of freshwater mussel extracts (crude and clarified) against the production of well-defined virulence determinants (i.e., thermotolerance, melanin, capsule, and biofilm) and fluconazole resistance in
C. neoformans
. We demonstrated the extracts’ influence on fungal thermotolerance, capsule production, and biofilm formation, as well as susceptibility to fluconazole in the presence of macrophages. Additionally, we measured the inhibitory activity of extracts against commercial peptidases (family representatives of cryptococcal orthologs) related to fungal virulence determinants and fluconazole resistance, and integrated these phenotypic findings with quantitative proteomics profiling. Our approach defined distinct signatures of each treatment and validated a new mechanism of anti-virulence action toward the polysaccharide capsule from a selected extract following fractionation. By understanding the mechanisms driving the antifungal activity of mussels, we may develop innovative treatment options to overcome fungal infections and promote susceptibility to fluconazole in resistant strains.

IMPORTANCE

As the prevalence and severity of global fungal infections rise, along with an increasing incidence of antifungal resistance, new strategies to combat fungal pathogens and overcome resistance are urgently needed. Critically, our current methods to overcome fungal infections are limited and drive the evolution of resistance forward; however, an anti-virulence approach to disarm virulence factors of the pathogen and promote host cell clearance is promising. Here, we explore the efficacy of natural compounds derived from freshwater mussels against classical fungal virulence determinants, including thermotolerance, capsule production, stress response, and biofilm formation. We integrate our phenotypic discoveries with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify mechanistic drivers of these antifungal properties and propose innovative avenues to reduce infection and support the treatment of resistant strains.
Erratum to: Simulation of a System of Nanoantennas Located in a TSV Channel as a System for Receiving and Transmitting Data
Authors: Serov D. A. , Khorin I. A.
Published: February 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1063739723900031
Duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and outcomes for adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Okubo Masashi , Komukai Sho , Andersen Lars W , Berg Robert A , Kurz Michael C , Morrison Laurie J , Callaway Clifton W
Published: February 2024

Objective

To quantify time dependent probabilities of outcomes in patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest as a function of duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defined as the interval between start of chest compression and the first return of spontaneous circulation or termination of resuscitation.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Multicenter prospective in-hospital cardiac arrest registry in the United States.

Participants

348 996 adult patients (≥18 years) with an index in-hospital cardiac arrest who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation from 2000 through 2021.

Main outcome measures

Survival to hospital discharge and favorable functional outcome at hospital discharge, defined as a cerebral performance category score of 1 (good cerebral performance) or 2 (moderate cerebral disability). Time dependent probabilities of subsequently surviving to hospital discharge or having favorable functional outcome if patients pending the first return of spontaneous circulation at each minute received further cardiopulmonary resuscitation beyond the time point were estimated, assuming that all decisions on termination of resuscitation were accurate (that is, all patients with termination of resuscitation would have invariably failed to survive if cardiopulmonary resuscitation had continued for a longer period of time).

Results

Among 348 996 included patients, 233 551 (66.9%) achieved return of spontaneous circulation with a median interval of 7 (interquartile range 3-13) minutes between start of chest compressions and first return of spontaneous circulation, whereas 115 445 (33.1%) patients did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation with a median interval of 20 (14-30) minutes between start of chest compressions and termination of resuscitation. 78 799 (22.6%) patients survived to hospital discharge. The time dependent probabilities of survival and favorable functional outcome among patients pending return of spontaneous circulation at one minute’s duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were 22.0% (75 645/343 866) and 15.1% (49 769/328 771), respectively. The probabilities decreased over time and were <1% for survival at 39 minutes and <1% for favorable functional outcome at 32 minutes’ duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Conclusions

This analysis of a large multicenter registry of in-hospital cardiac arrest quantified the time dependent probabilities of patients’ outcomes in each minute of duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The findings provide resuscitation teams, patients, and their surrogates with insights into the likelihood of favorable outcomes if patients pending the first return of spontaneous circulation continue to receive further cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
VersKiK qualitative study design: actual follow-up needs of paediatric cancer survivors, their informal caregivers and follow-up stakeholder perceptions in Germany
Authors: Aleshchenko Ekaterina , Swart Enno , Voigt Mathias , Langer Thorsten , Calaminus Gabriele , Glogner Juliane , Baust Katja
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This article presents the study design of the qualitative part of the VersKiK study (Long-term care, care needs and wellbeing of individuals after cancer in childhood or adolescence: study protocol of a large scale multi-methods non-interventional study) aiming to explore actual follow-up needs of childhood and adolescence cancer survivors and their informal caregivers, gaps in current follow-up care provision and trajectories of cancer survivors’ transition from paediatric to adult healthcare.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct up to 30 interviews with survivors of childhood and adolescence cancer and their informal caregivers with up to 20 participant observations of follow-up appointments. The results of these will be discussed in up to four focus groups with healthcare professionals and representatives of self-help groups. The study design aims to evaluate follow-up care after childhood cancer considering perspectives from survivors, their informal caregivers as well as healthcare providers. The combination of different data sources will allow us to get an in-depth understanding of the current state of follow-up care after paediatric cancer in Germany and to suggest recommendations for care improvement.

Ethics and dissemination

The VersKiK study was approved by the Ethics Committee Otto von Guericke University on 2 July 2021 (103/21), by the Ethics Committee of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz on 16 June 2021 (2021-16035), by the Ethics Committee University of Lübeck on 10 November 2021 (21-451), by the Ethics Committee University of Hospital Bonn on 28 February 2022 (05/22). For each part of the qualitative study, a separate written informed consent is prepared and approved accordingly by the ethics committees named above.

Trial registration number

Registered at German Clinical Trial Register, ID: DRKS00026092.
Left atrial appendage occlusion for patients with valvular diseases without atrial fibrillation (the OPINION Study): study protocol for a multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ju Fan , Yuan Xin , Sun Hansong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of perioperative stroke in aortic and mitral valve surgeries. Although several large studies have evaluated surgical left atrial appendage occlusion (SLAAO) during cardiac surgeries, their retrospective nature and an uncontrolled broad spectrum of conditions leave them subject to potential residual confounding. This trial aims to test the hypothesis that opportunistic SLAAO can prevent long-term stroke after cardiac surgery in patients receiving mitral or aortic valve surgeries without a history of AF and with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or higher.

Methods and design

This study is a single-blinded, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. A total of 2118 patients planning to undergo aortic or mitral surgery without AF will be recruited and equally randomised into intervention or control arms at a 1:1 ratio. In the intervention arm, suture excision of the left atrial appendage (LAA) will be performed during the operation in addition to the original surgery plan. In the control arm, the operation will be performed according to the surgery plan without any intervention on the LAA. The primary outcome is a composite of newly occurred ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack and cardiovascular mortality during a 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes include postoperative AF, cardiovascular mortality, newly occurred ischaemic stroke, newly occurred transient ischaemic attack, newly occurred haemorrhagic stroke, bleeding events, and AF-associated health utilisation.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee in Fuwai Hospital approved this study. Patients will give informed consent to the study. An information leaflet will be provided to participating patients to introduce the SLAAO procedure. Patients and the public will not get involved in developing the research hypothesis, study design or any other part of this protocol. We plan to publish several papers in peer-reviewed journals about the current research and these will include a description of the study’s development and the main findings of the study.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100042238.
Measurement properties of the incremental step test for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gonçalves Tânia , Carlos Winck João , Silva Fátima , Caneiras Cátia , Montes António Mesquita , Vilarinho Rui
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The new incremental step test (IST) is a field test that was developed for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), based on the characteristics of the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT); however, its measurement properties still need to be determined. We aimed, first, to assess the construct validity (through the comparison with the ISWT), within-day reliability and measurement error of the IST in people with COPD; and, second, to identify whether the participants have a learning effect in the IST.

Design

Cross-sectional study, conducted according to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments guidelines.

Setting

A family health unit in Portugal, April 2022 to June 2023.

Participants and analysis

63 participants (67.5±10.5 years) attended two sessions to perform two IST and two ISWT, separately. Spearman’s correlations were used to compare the best performances between the IST and the ISWT. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) was used for reliability, and the SE of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change at 95% CI (MDC95) and Bland and Altman 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used for measurement error. The learning effect was explored with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

The IST was significant and strongly correlated with the ISWT (0.72<ρ<0.74, p<0.001), presented an ICC2,1of 0.95 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.97), SEM=11.7 (18.9%), MDC95=32.4 (52.2%) and the LoA were −33.61 to 31.48 for the number of steps. No difference was observed between the number of steps of the two attempts of the IST (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The IST can be suggested as a valid and reliable test to assess exercise capacity in people with COPD, with no learning effect when two IST are performed on the same day. The measurement error of the IST is considered indeterminate.

Trial registration number

NCT04715659.
Bundle of care to drive improvements in palliative and end-of-life care (PEOLC) in an acute tertiary hospital
Authors: Bell Liam , Sebastian Amanda , Palazzi Kerrin , Farquhar Saxon , Attia John , Lacey Jeanette
Published: February 2024

Objectives

There is little evidence to suggest the best model of palliative and end-of-life care (PEOLC) in an acute care hospital. We introduced a bundle of care to drive improvements in PEOLC; this bundle included three full-time nursing positions providing a palliative care clinical consult service with physician backup, as well as educating staff, using the NSW Resuscitation Plan and the Last-Days-of-Life Toolkit.

Methods

Two audits were performed at John Hunter Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Newcastle, Australia, each sampling from all deaths in a 12-month period, one prior to and one after the bundle of care was introduced. Sampling was stratified into deaths that occurred within 4–48 hours of admission and after 48 hours. Key outcomes/data points were recorded and compared across the two time periods.

Results

Statistically significant improvements noted included: lower mortality on the wards after 48 hours of admission, better recognition of the dying patient, increased referral to palliative care nurses and physicians, reduction in the number of medical emergency team calls and increase in the use of comfort care and resuscitation plans. Currently, 73% of patients have their end-of-life wishes observed as per their advance care directive.

Conclusion

A bundle of care involving dedicated nurses with physician backup providing a consult service and education is an effective method for driving improvements in PEOLC.
FIDES Athlete Development Programme: project background and study protocol of an embedded multiple case study
Authors: Laxdal Aron , Torstveit Monica Klungland , Ryman Augustsson Sofia , Ausland Ådne , Bjärsholm Daniel , Kjær Jørgen Bagger , Larsson Mariah , Linner Susanne , Melin Anna , Radovan Felicia , Solstad Bård Erlend
Published: February 2024

Most sports science research revolves around male subjects. As a result, most of the knowledge and practices within sports are male-centric. Failing to take the biological, psychological and social (biopsychosocial) particularities of females into account is believed to hinder optimal sports participation, development and performance, with potential negative effects on the health and well-being of females. To close the knowledge gap and alleviate these issues, we aim to develop and evaluate a 12-video educational intervention that addresses female-specific subject matter: the FIDES Athlete Development Programme. The study is designed as an embedded multiple case study where at least 1320 Swedish female athletes aged 13–16 will participate, in addition to their parents and their coaches. The girls will be recruited through their sports clubs, with half being exposed to the FIDES Athlete Development Programme and the other half serving as control cases. The primary outcomes are well-being and sporting experience. To further increase our understanding of the intervention and its implications, interviews and focus group interviews with a reference group of girls and focus group interviews with a randomly selected subsample of coaches and parents will also be performed. The project is approved by the Swedish ethics committee (number: 2023-05264-01) and will be carried out in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results from the project will be published open access in peer-reviewed journals, at national and international conferences, in mass media, and a PhD thesis. The anonymised data will be made openly available in a data repository.
Diversity and antigenic potentials of Mycoplasmopsis bovis secreted and outer membrane proteins within a core genome of strains isolated from North American bison and cattle
Authors: Wynn Emily L. , Browne A. Springer , Clawson Michael L.
Published: February 2024

Mycoplasmopsis bovis is a worldwide economically important pathogen of cattle that can cause or indirectly contribute to bovine respiratory disease. M. bovis is also a primary etiological agent of respiratory disease in bison with high mortality rates. A major challenge in the development of an efficacious M. bovis vaccine is the design of antigens that contain both MHC-1 and MHC-2 T-cell epitopes, and that account for population level diversity within the species. Publicly available genomes and sequence read archive libraries of 381  M. bovis strains isolated from cattle ( n = 202) and bison ( n = 179) in North America were used to identify a core genome of 575 genes, including 38 that encode either known or predicted secreted or outer membrane proteins. The antigenic potentials of the proteins were characterized by the presence and strength of their T-cell epitopes, and their protein variant diversity at the population-level. The proteins had surprisingly low diversity and varying predictive levels of T-cell antigenicity. These results provide a reference for the selection or design of antigens for vaccine testing against strains infecting North American cattle and bison.
Pulse shape discrimination for the CONUS experiment in the keV and sub-keV regime
Authors: Bonet H. , Bonhomme A. , Buck C. , Fülber K. , Hakenmüller J. , Hempfling J. , Henrichs J. , Heusser G. , Lindner M. , Maneschg W. , Rink T. , Sánchez García E. , Stauber J. , Strecker H. , Wink R.
Published: February 2024

Point-contact p-type high-purity germanium detectors (PPC HPGe) are particularly suited for detection of sub-keV nuclear recoils from coherent elastic scattering of neutrinos or light dark matter particles. While these particles are expected to interact homogeneously in the entire detector volume, specific classes of external background radiation preferably deposit their energy close to the semi-active detector surface, in which diffusion processes dominate that subsequently lead to slower rising pulses compared to the ones from the fully active bulk volume. Dedicated studies of their shape are therefore highly beneficial for the understanding and the rejection of these unwanted events. This article reports about the development of a data-driven pulse shape discrimination (PSD) method for the four 1 kg size PPC HPGe detectors of the Conus experiment in the keV and sub-keV regime down to 210 eV$$_{ee}.$$

ee

.

The impact of the electronic noise at such low energies is carefully examined. It is shown that for an acceptance of 90% of the faster signal-like pulses from the bulk volume, approx. 50% of the surface events can be rejected at the energy threshold and that their contribution is fully suppressed above 800 eV$$_{ee}.$$

ee

.

Applied to the Conus background data, such a PSD rejection cut allows to achieve an overall $$(15{-}25)\%$$

(
15
-
25
)
%

reduction of the total background budget. The new method allows to improve the sensitivity of future Conus analyses and to refine the corresponding background model in the sub-keV energy region.
Radiative losses and radiation-reaction effects at the first post-Newtonian order in Einstein–Cartan theory
Authors: De Falco Vittorio , Battista Emmanuele , Usseglio Davide , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: February 2024

Gravitational radiation-reaction phenomena occurring in the dynamics of inspiralling compact binary systems are investigated at the first post-Newtonian order beyond the quadrupole approximation in the context of Einstein–Cartan theory, where quantum spin effects are modeled via the Weyssenhoff fluid. We exploit balance equations for the energy and angular momentum to determine the binary orbital decay until the two bodies collide. Our framework deals with both quasi-elliptic and quasi-circular trajectories, which are then smoothly connected. Key observables like the laws of variation of the orbital phase and frequency characterizing the quasi-circular motion are derived analytically. We conclude our analysis with an estimation of the spin contributions at the merger, which are examined both in the time domain and the Fourier frequency space through the stationary wave approximation.
Evidence for Vogel Fulcher behavior of the 50K-relaxation in (Tm+Ta) co-doped TiO2 ceramics
Authors: Li Tianyu , Cao Wenjun , Zhang Yingtang , Wang Chunchang
Published: February 2024

There is still no consensus about the relaxation behavior of the so-called 50[Formula: see text]K-relaxation in acceptor and donor co-doped TiO2 system. Herein, the relaxation behavior of the 50[Formula: see text]K-relaxation was investigated in (Tm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Ta) co-doped rutile TiO2 ceramics. Dielectric properties of the sample were studied in the temperature range of 2–300[Formula: see text]K under 100 frequencies in the range of 102–106[Formula: see text]Hz. The sample shows a pronounced 50[Formula: see text]K-relaxation. Various relaxation behaviors of Arrhenius, Mott’s variable range hopping, and Vogel Fulcher laws were tried to describe the relaxation. The result indisputably evidences that the 50[Formula: see text]K-relaxation follows the Vogel Fulcher law. This work provides a heuristic hint to understand the fundamental physics underlying the colossal permittivity behavior in the acceptor and donor co-doped TiO2 ceramics system.
Application of Random Forest Algorithm in Network Intrusion Detection of Government Affairs Departments
Authors: Jiao Meng
Published: February 2024

This paper reviews the current situation of intrusion detection and the commonly used random forest (RF) method, and confirms that support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN) are good methods, which are important components of building state network information security. Very complex and critical system technology. Appropriate security strategy must be based on the real needs of the government, guided by design principles, and establish a comprehensive and dynamic security system with technical management measures to truly protect government information security and maximize government efficiency. In this environment, we get the following conclusions: (1) In the performance test of different RF algorithms, the accuracy of the traditional RF algorithm is 83.4%, the security is 79.3%, and the correlation is 84.9%. In the data, we conclude that the high-dimensional clustering RF algorithm is the best in the performance test of different RF algorithms. (2) The security awareness and cognition of users also account for 6%, which shows that the security awareness of many users in government departments is not perfect, and the main reason for network intrusion in government departments is the intrusion of intruders and malicious code.
Evaluating Compressive Sensing on the Security of Computer Vision Systems
Authors: Cheng Yushi , Zhou Boyang , Chen Yanjiao , Chen Yi-Chao , Ji Xiaoyu , Xu Wenyuan
Published: February 2024

The rising demand for utilizing fine-grained data in deep-learning (DL) based intelligent systems presents challenges for the collection and transmission abilities of real-world devices. Deep compressive sensing, which employs deep learning algorithms to compress signals at the sensing stage and reconstruct them with high quality at the receiving stage, provides a state-of-the-art solution for the problem of large-scale fine-grained data. However, recent works have proven that fatal security flaws exist in current deep learning methods and such instability is universal for DL-based image reconstruction methods. In this article, we assess the security risks introduced by deep compressive sensing in the widely used computer vision system in the face of adversarial example attacks and poisoning attacks. To implement the security inspection in an unbiased and complete manner, we develop a comprehensive methodology and a set of evaluation metrics to manage all potential combinations of attack methods, datasets (application scenarios), categories of deep compressive sensing models, and image classifiers. The results demonstrate that deep compressive sensing models unknown to adversaries can protect the computer vision system from adversarial example attacks and poisoning attacks, whereas the ones exposed to adversaries can cause the system to become more vulnerable.
Anionic Redox in Alkali-Rich Chalcogenides for Energy-Dense, Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Long Jeffrey W. , DeBlock Ryan H. , Bazargan Gloria , Chaloux Brian , Rolison Debra R. , Ford Hunter O.
Published: February 2024

Lithium-rich transition-metal oxides and chalcogenides exhibit reversible charge-storage reactions centered at anionic sites (e.g., O2–, S2–, or Se2–), augmenting well-established metal cation-sited redox reactions to increase the energy density of lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries by up to 100%.1 Despite these promising characteristics, the structure–property relationships that govern cation- and anion-coupled redox reactions in chalcogenides remain poorly understood. We deconvolve the cation/anion redox mechanisms of Li+-insertion in alkali-rich chalcogenides by modulating the transition metal–sulfide electronic band structure via systematic metal substitution for iron in Li2Fe1–xMxS2. Key electrochemical characteristics (cation/anion redox potential, Li+-insertion capacity, reversibility) will be correlated with electronic and structural properties as a function of chalcogenide composition using such techniques as X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman scattering. Experimental results will be compared with density functional theory (DFT) calculations of analogous model systems. Understanding the relationship between band structure and reversible charge-storage will guide the design of alkali-rich chalcogenides that are candidates to transition into commercial Li-ion batteries. Due to the absence of oxygen in the chalcogenide crystal structure, batteries that use these as cathode materials will be inherently safer to operate at elevated temperatures and challenging charge–discharge duty cycles.

C.J. Hansen, J.J. Zak, A.J. Martinolich, N.H. Bashian, F. Kaboudvand, A. Van der Ven, B.C. Melot, J.N. Welker, and K.A. See. Multielectron, Cation and Anion Redox in Lithium-Rich Iron Sulfide Cathodes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 142 (2020) 6737–6749.
Towards High-Capacity Recovery Aprotic Li-O2 Batteries
Authors: Temprano Israel , Brehm Wolfgang , Ham Youngjin , Lacour Zoe , Bonaccorso Francesco , Ferrari Andrea C. , Grey Clare P.
Published: February 2024

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) have great potential as energy storage systems to accelerate the energy transition, due to their high theoretical energy density (up to 3505 Wh/kg), coupled to their low cost and environmental impact (transition metal free) [1]. The development of reversible Li-O2 batteries relies on the optimization of multiple interconnected factors, such as complex interactions affecting the activity of redox mediators (RM) [2-4]. Amongst these, the cycling protocols, electrolyte composition, and electrode structure are of crucial importance to achieve high capacity recovery, and thus reversibility [1, 5].

Here, we study the interconnectivity of these factors, testing a range of electrode/electrolyte combinations using different cycling protocols to evaluate the capacity recovery, overpotentials, and lifetime of Li-O2 cells. Typically in the Li-O2 literature, constant current (CC) discharge-charge cycles are used to evaluate the performance of cells [1]. However, the slow OER kinetics, especially at the end of charge, make the use of CC protocols problematic, as increased overpotentials are required to meet the current demands (Figure top). Constant current – constant voltage (CCCV) protocols are more suitable to evaluate this technology, as they enable higher capacity recovery upon charging, while keeping the cells at potentials in which the parasitic reactions can be managed.

Our results show significant increased capacity retention while keeping the charge limited to various upper cut-off potentials in cells without RM (Figure bottom). Cells with LiI as RM can recover 100% of the discharge capacity at relatively low potentials (3.5-3.7 V), providing longer cycle life than without RM or CC protocols. Furthermore, the influence of the structure in graphene-containing electrodes to the capacity recovery and lifetime is also explored with regards to the kinetics of the ORR and OER reactions.

This study demonstrates how the interplay between cycling protocols, electrolyte composition and electrode structure affects the reversibility, and highlights the need for a comprehensive approach for developing reversible non-aqueous Li-O2 batteries.

Gao, Z., et al., Recent Progress in Developing a LiOH-based Reversible Nonaqueous Lithium-Air Battery. Advanced Materials, 2023. 35: p. 2201384.

Jónsson, E., et al., On the Solvation of Redox Mediators and Implications for their Reactivity in Li-Air Batteries. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2021. 168(3): p. 030529.

Liu, T., et al., Understanding LiOH Formation in a Li-O2 Battery with LiI and H2O Additives. ACS Catalysis, 2018. 9: p. 66-77.

Temprano, I., et al., Toward Reversible and Moisture-Tolerant Aprotic Lithium-Air Batteries. Joule, 2020. 4: p. 1-20.

Liu, T., et al., Current Challenges and Routes Forward for Nonaqueous Lithium-Air Batteries. Chem Rev, 2020. 120(14): p. 6558-6625.

Figure 1
Corrosion Behavior of Fe-P Binary Alloys in Low-pH Solution
Authors: Sato Haruka , Muto Izumi , Nishimoto Masashi , Hara Takuya , Nishimoto Takumi
Published: February 2024

Phosphorus is well known as an element which is difficult to be completely removed from steels and affects workability, welding property, and corrosion resistance. In atmospheric corrosion of steels, phosphorus improves the corrosion resistance by the formation of compact and high-density rust. In contrast, phosphorus increases the corrosion rate of steels in hydrochloric acid, but the precise reason is still unclear.

In this research, the effect of phosphorus on corrosion behavior of Fe-P binary alloys was investigated by electrochemical measurements and immersion test in a low-pH solution, and corrosion morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy.
1-Benzyl-4-Phenyl-1H-1,2,3-Triazole as a Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel Reinforcing Bars in Concrete Elements
Authors: Pamatmat Dacio Loreto J , Escribano Jorge , Troconis de Rincon Oladis , Alvarez Leonardo X. , Rincon Troconis Brendy Carolina
Published: February 2024

Reinforced concrete (RC) plays a crucial role in the construction of structures around the world. But these structures are frequently subjected to corrosive conditions, which can degrade their structural performance, shorten their service life, resulting in failure with catastrophic consequences. The concrete high pH stabilizes the formation of an oxide passive layer on the rebar. Nevertheless, this protective film can be compromised if the chloride ion concentration threshold is reached at the steel rebar surface, which can occur as the structure ages while exposed to chloride containing environments. Considering growing environmental concerns about the effectiveness of existing corrosion control methods, this study investigates the potential of 1-Benzyl-4-Phenyl-1H-1,2,3-Triazole (BPT), an organic compound, as a green corrosion inhibitor for rebar corrosion. BPT was found to inhibit corrosion of mild steel in acidic environments and has been synthesized in an eco-friendly and sustainable method.

The objective of this work is to evaluate the corrosion inhibition of BPT to protect steel reinforcement in simulated marine environments. BPT was evaluated in synthetic pore solution (SPS, 8.33 g/L NaOH + 23.3 g/L KOH + 2.0 g/L Ca(OH)2, pH: 13.6) in the presence of chlorides to determine its optimal concentration. Exposure took place following a modified version of ASTM G180. In addition different electrochemical techniques were used including linear polarization resistance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic potentiodynamic polarization. Then, mortar specimens containing BPT were tested under accelerated exposure by simulated seawater spray (modified ISO 11474) and the electrochemical response characterized using electrochemical techniques. Also, the physical-mechanical properties were evaluated. The BPT was found to provide different mechanisms to inhibit rebar corrosion including, adsorption on the material (EIS results) and reduced mortar permeability (resistivity and capillary absorption tests). Furthermore, BPT (at the optimal concentration) did not affect the mechanical properties of the mortar.

This work highlights the efficacy of an eco-friendly corrosion control technology to extend the service life of critical reinforced concrete structures for a sustainable future.
(Corrosion Division Rusty Award for Mid-Career Excellence) Enhancing the Corrosion Resistance of Additively Manufactured Metallic Materials: The Role of Feedstock Modification
Authors: Gupta Rajeev Kumar , Vukkum Bhuvana , Darwish Ahmed A
Published: February 2024

The properties of metallic materials produced through additive manufacturing (AM), including their corrosion behavior, depend on various parameters such as the type of AM technique, processing parameters, built environment, and the feedstock used [1]. These factors collectively influence the occurrence of processing defects and the microstructure of the alloy, which can be controlled through feedstock modifications. To illustrate the impact of feedstock modification on both microstructure and corrosion, two examples will be presented. These examples will compare the corrosion behavior of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel (SS) produced using three different types of feedstocks: the as-received feedstock, feedstock modified with CrN, and feedstock modified with carbon nanotubes. The feedstock modification was carried out by ball milling of commercial 316L SS powder with the selected additive [2-4]. Test coupons were produced by laser powder bed fusion of the commercial feedstock and modified feedstock. Corrosion resistance was evaluated using cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests in NaCl solution. The pitting and repassivation potentials of the 316L SS produced by modified feedstock were significantly higher compared to those of 316L SS produced using as-received feedstock [2-4]. The mechanistic aspects of the feedstock modifications and their influence on corrosion behavior will be discussed in detail.

1. V.B. Vukkum, R.K. Gupta, Review on Corrosion Performance of Laser Powder-Bed Fusion Printed 316L Stainless Steel: Processing Parameters, Manufacturing Defects, Post-Processing, Feedstock, and Microstructure, Materials & Design, 221, 110874 (2022)

2. A. Nieto, V. B. Vukkum, P. Jalagam, K. Nema, J. Budan, R.K. Gupta, T.Y. Ansell, 3D Printed Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Stainless Steel via Selective Laser Melting, MRS Communications 12, 578, 2022

3. V.B. Vukkum, J. Christudasjustus, A.A. Darwish, S.M. Storck, R.K. Gupta, Enhanced corrosion resistance of additively manufactured stainless steel by modification of feedstock, npj Materials Degradation 6, 1 (2022)

4. V.B. Vukkum, F. Ozdemir, S. Storck, R.K. Gupta, Corrosion performance of feedstock modified - Additively manufactured stainless steel. Corrosion Science, 209, 110724 (2022).
Achieving High-Performance Aqueous Fiber-Shaped Zn-NixCoy Batteries through in-Situ Activation of Ni0.7Co0.3-MOFs
Authors: Zhou Zhenyu , Fransaer Jan
Published: February 2024

In the area of aqueous Zn-NixCoy batteries, the application of MOFs derivatives has greatly improved the battery capacity, but it is still far from their theoretical capacity (~372 mAh/g). One reason is that high-temperature annealing makes the internal structure of MOF collapse and agglomerate, which covers a large number of reactive sites resulting in the low capacity of the battery. Another reason is that the optimal ratio of cobalt/nickel is still not confirmed, which has important influences on the discharge platform and capacity of the batteries. Here, the NixCoy-MOFs in different ratios were deposited on the surface of carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) using cathodic electrochemical deposition methods. The NixCoy-MOFs were deposited in five Ni/Co ratios (Ni-MOFs, Ni0.7Co0.3-MOFs, Ni0.5Co0.5-MOFs, Ni0.3Co0.7-MOFs, and Co-MOFs). There were then converted into amorphous NixCoyOOH through in situ electrochemical oxidation (Ni-OOH, Ni0.7Co0.3-OOH, Ni0.5Co0.5-OOH, Ni0.3Co0.7-OOH, and Co-OOH). Ascribing to the sufficient reactive sites and optimal electronic structure, the material Ni0.7Co0.3-OOH reveals a large capacity of > 300 mAh/g at a current density of 1mA/cm2. The Zn//Ni0.7Co0.3-OOH battery also shows a high capacity of > 300 mAh/g with a discharge platform of > 1.8 V.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of Austenitic Stainless Steels in Environments Relevant to Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage
Authors: Schaller Rebecca Filardo , Katona Ryan , Taylor Jason , Bryan Charles
Published: February 2024

Localized corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) are potential degradation mechanisms for stainless steels (SS) during exposure to corrosive environments. When localized corrosion features are subject to stresses (either external or residual), a crack can nucleate and grow. One potential scenario under which chloride-induced SCC may pose a risk is the interim storage of spent nuclear fuels (SNF) in SS canisters. In the U.S., these SS canisters are located at interim spent fuel storage installations across the country. As canisters cool over time, dust deposition can lead to the formation of corrosive brines, which form by various salt compositions. Initial studies have shown significant influences of environment on corrosion severity and morphology, which may in turn influence crack nucleation and growth. Recent, compositional analysis of salts on the surface of interim SNF SS storage canisters has been carried out with representative brine mixing formulations developed for laboratory exposures. This presentation evaluates the corrosivity, specifically in-situ crack growth rates influenced by the electrochemical environment of the prepared brines as compared to saturated salts and other seawater surrogate brines. The crack growth rates, in-situ electrochemical measurements, as well as fractography will be discussed in terms of testing methodologies and potential risks for canister degradation.

SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525. This document is SAND2023-02249A.
Investigating of the Effect of Air-Formed Surface Films on Copper Corrosion Properties
Authors: Shafiee Ghazal , Keech Peter , Behazin Mehran , Gateman Samantha Michelle
Published: February 2024

Canada’s plan for the safe and long-term management of used nuclear fuel involves utilizing an engineered multi-barrier system that will be deposited in a deep geological repository (DGR).1 Developed and proposed by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), the used fuel bundles will be placed in carbon-steel containers that will be coated with a about 3-mm thick corrosion resistant copper (Cu) coating. To date, Cu corrosion studies have been performed on freshly polished metal coupons that have undergone a rigorous cleaning procedure to eliminate air-formed organic and oxide films from the material’s surface. However, prior to emplacement in a DGR, the containers will be fabricated and stored for periods of time where such surface films can deposit and accumulate.2 Furthermore, a standardized surface preparation/finish procedure has yet to be determined. The influence of air-formed surface films on the Cu coating’s atmospheric and aqueous corrosion behaviour is important to understand the likelihood and extent of localized corrosion under anticipated DGR conditions. This work aims to investigate the effect of aging period, surface roughness, and storage environment on the surface film’s chemical composition, morphology, and influence on Cu corrosion properties using a suite of surface analytical and electrochemical methods. The results will assist in the future development of a surface preparation strategy of the Cu coatings prior to used fuel confinement and DGR deposition.

Hall, D. S., Behazin, M., Jeffrey Binns, W. & Keech, P. G. An evaluation of corrosion processes affecting copper-coated nuclear waste containers in a deep geological repository. Prog. Mater. Sci.
118, 100766 (2021).

Gateman, S. M. et al. Corrosion of One-Step Superhydrophobic Stainless-Steel Thermal Spray Coatings. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces
12, 1523–1532 (2020).
Deposition Mechanism, Structure and Corrosion Protection of ZrO2-Based Conversion Coatings on AA6060 Primary and Recycled Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Mysliu Erlind , Storli Kathrine Sletteberg , Skogøy Hanna Marie , Kubowicz Stephan , Svenum Ingeborg- Helene , Lunder Otto , Erbe Andreas
Published: February 2024

Chemical conversion coatings (CC) are amongst the most common surface pretreatments for aluminium alloys before further organic coating steps. The presence of a conversion layer can increase the resistance towards underpaint corrosion such as filiform corrosion (FFC). Here we explore the deposition mechanism, structure and protective properties against FFC of a ZrO2-based CC on AA6060 aluminium alloy by means of electrochemical techniques as open circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic polarization and dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (dEIS). Surface composition and elemental distribution are characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GD-OES) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The variation of important parameters such as charge transfer resistance and capacitance during the conversion layer deposition gives insight into the deposition mechanism. GD-OES and XPS shed light into the structure and composition of the formed CC layer constituted of a mixture of Zr (hydr)oxides based products, redistribution of alloy elements and the nature of deposited additives. Finally, FFC tests reveal a comparable performance between primary and recycled alloys.
The Importance of Current Density in Electrolytic Phosphate Coatings
Authors: Lissandrello Federico , Magagnin Luca
Published: February 2024

Phosphate coatings have been a popular choice for the treatment of steels and other ferrous alloys for a number of decades. In the most common embodiment of the process, phosphate coatings are produced by a conversion reaction between the steel surface and an acidic conversion bath. The resulting coatings are composed of phosphate crystals which act as a physical barrier between the environment and the underlying metal, protecting it from corrosion and wear [1]. Despite being a cheap and well-affirmed technology, conversion phosphating has recently been scrutinized due to its high environmental impact. In fact, one of the main byproducts of the process is a sludge containing phosphates and heavy metals from the deposition bath.

A potential solution to the environmental burden carried by the conversion process is represented by the electrolytic deposition method. In this case, the increase in interfacial pH necessary for phosphate precipitation is obtained by applying a cathodic polarization to the samples to coat in an electrolytic setup. As a consequence of the potential shift, substrate dissolution is prevented and so is sludge formation [2].

In this work, we demonstrate how the choice of current density influences the resulting properties of zinc phosphate coatings obtained by electrolytic deposition on low carbon steel substrates. Aside from the deposition rate, the applied current density is found to be a determinant factor in the morphology of the coatings as it can be seen in Figure 1. In turn, this affects other properties such as wear and corrosion resistance.

[1] B. Díaz, L. Freire, M. Mojío, and X. R. Nóvoa, “Optimization of conversion coatings based on zinc phosphate on high strength steels, with enhanced barrier properties,” J. Electroanal. Chem., vol. 737, pp. 174–183, Jan. 2015.

[2] S. Jegannathan, T. S. N. Sankara Narayanan, K. Ravichandran, and S. Rajeswari, “Performance of zinc phosphate coatings obtained by cathodic electrochemical treatment in accelerated corrosion tests,” Electrochim. Acta, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 247–256, Oct. 2005.

Figure 1
Effect of Electrolyte Concentration and Voltage on the Morphology and Corrosion Resistance of PEO Coated AA6061
Authors: Dela Pena Eden May Bayungan , Orgen Salvacion
Published: February 2024

Aluminum and its alloys are among the most extensively used materials in aerospace and industrial applications owing to its high specific strength, low density, and high abundance on the earth’s crust. However, low hardness, high tendency to adhesion, high corrosion, and poor wear resistance limits its further application. Surface treatments like electroplating, PVD/CVD, and anodizing are proposed to form a protective coating on the surface of Al and its alloys. Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO), known as micro-arc oxidation (MAO), emerged as a promising surface coating technique producing high-quality ceramic coating for light metal alloys like Al, Mg, Ti, and their alloys. PEO is similar to conventional anodizing but at a higher voltage exceeding its breakdown voltage, forming plasma discharge. In this study, the PEO of AA6061 was carried out in an AC power source at constant voltage 325-400 V, 1000 Hz, and 80 % duty cycle for 30 min. Silicate-based electrolytes of different concentrations (5-10 g/L) Na2SiO3 and (5-10 g/L) KOH were utilized, maintaining 25-40°C electrolyte temperature. The effect of electrolyte concentration and constant voltage on the coating morphology and its relation to hardness were investigated. Surface morphology, cross-section, elemental distribution, and phase composition were characterized using SEM, EDX, and XRD. Different breakdown voltages were determined for each electrolyte concentration. A lower breakdown voltage was achieved at a higher concentration. Porous with pancake-like structure, crater, and nodular structures were observed with coating thickness ranges from 8.37-87.33µm. α-alumina and Ƴ-alumina peaks were detected in all surface coatings.