bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Doping Strategy with Novel Multi‐Carbonyl Conductive Polymer Enables Stable Self‐Powered Perovskite Photodetectors
Authors: Jiang Lixian , Tang Haoran , He Jiangshan , Liu Xiaobo , Liu Xiangyu , Du Jiuyao , Xiao Hai , Huang Fei , Ma Dongxin , Dong Guifang
Published: December 2024

Lead halide perovskites hold immense promise for optoelectronic applications but still suffer from instability caused by defects. The defects are mainly generated from the film fabrication processes and halide ion migration during long‐term storage. Here, a synergistic doping strategy is proposed to enhance the stability of perovskites. A novel multi‐carbonyl conductive polymer, poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO), is incorporated into the precursor solution to effectively passivate the unoccupied Pb2+ defects in perovskite films and promote the continuous growth of perovskites. An organic iodide, thiophene‐2‐ethylammonium iodide (TEAI), is doped in the transport layer to inhibit the halide ion migration and enhance the stability of perovskites synergistically. Self‐powered photodetectors are constructed with improved stability, maintaining ≈90% of their initial photocurrents after being stored for ≈87 days in a humid atmosphere with 60% relative humidity. The optimized photodetectors show a high detectivity of 8.1 × 1012 Jones at 680 nm wavelength, wide linear dynamic range of 121.9 dB, and fast response with a rise/fall time of 1.92/1.17 µs. A reflection‐mode perovskite photoplethysmography testing system is developed, achieving high heart rate testing capabilities. This work suggests the great potential of perovskite photodetectors for noninvasive medical monitoring applications.
3D‐Printed Hierarchical Nanostructured N‐Co2NiO4 NF Electrode for Efficient Concurrent Electrocatalytic Production of Hydrogen and Formate
Authors: Han Zhaojing , Tao Hanwen , Wang Gang , Fan Chuanting , Zhang Jie , Tang Zhiyong
Published: December 2024

Replacing the oxygen evolution reaction with the alternative glycerol electro‐oxidation reaction (GER) provides a promising strategy to enhance the efficiency of hydrogen production via water electrolysis while co‐generating high‐value chemicals. However, obtaining low‐cost and efficient GER electrocatalysts remains a big challenge. Herein, a self‐supported N‐doped Co2NiO4 nanoflakes (N‐Co2NiO4 NF) is proposed for efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol to formate. The synergistic effect induced by the interaction of the layered Co2NiO4 nanostructures on the 3D‐printed Nickel‐Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (Ni‐YSZ) substrate and the amorphous nitrogen‐doping promotes the anodic GER. The N‐Co2NiO4 NF exhibits low potentials of 1.07 and 1.18 V (vs. RHE) for GER to drive 10 and 50 mA cm−2, respectively. The constituted two‐electrode electrolyzer (N‐Co2NiO4 NF//NiS‐Co‐NiP) displays excellent activity that only requires ultralow cell voltages of 1.24 and 1.55 V to afford 10 and 200 mA cm−2, respectively, with a high FE (97%) for formate production and an excellent durability (120 h). This study provides a versatile approach for manufacturing high‐performance Ni‐based electrocatalyst for GER, paving the way for the energy‐saving and environmentally‐friendly co‐production of value‐added chemicals and hydrogen.
A General Sol‐Gel Route to Fabricate Large‐Area Highly‐Ordered Metal Oxide Arrays Toward High‐Performance Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Li Aoshuang , Tan Yan , Wang Yijie , Shen Shuwen , Jia Runlong , Cheng Yiwen , Cong Chunxiao , Zhang Yuzhong , Guan Cao , Cheng Chuanwei
Published: December 2024

A universal method is demonstrated for the fabrication of large‐area highly ordered microporous arrayed metal oxides based on a high‐quality self‐assembly opal template combined with a sucrose‐assisted sol‐gel technique. Sucrose as a chelating agent optimizes precursor infiltration and regulates both oxide formation and the melting process of polystyrene templates, thus preventing crack formation during infiltration and calcination. As a result, over 20 metal element‐based 3DOM oxides with arbitrary compositions are successfully prepared. Therein, a champion electrocatalyst RuCoOx‐IO exhibits outstanding bifunctional oxygen activity with an ultra‐narrow oxygen potential gap of 0.598 V, and the Zn‐air batteries based on RuCoOx‐IO air cathode operates for 1380 h under fast‐charging cycling (50 mA cm−2), and reaches a high energy efficiency of 69.5% in discharge‐charge cycling. In situ spectroscopy characterizations and density functional theory reveal that the rational construction of Ru─O─Co heterointerface with decoupled multi‐active sites and mutual coupling of RuO2 and Co3O4 facilitate interfacial electron transfer, leading to an optimized d‐band centers of active Ru/Co and a weakened spin interaction between oxygen intermediates and Co sites, so as to enhance the adsorption ability of *OOH on interfacial Co sites for fast ORR kinetics while favoring the desorption of oxygen intermediates on interfacial Ru during OER.
Mitigating Zinc Dendrite Formation and Parasitic Side Reactions in Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries Via Laser‐Assisted Carbonization of Cu‐PANI Films on Zn Anodes
Authors: Asadi Haris Somayeh , Adhami Sadaf , Abouali Maryam , Coskun Sahin , Yuksel Recep
Published: December 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are gaining attraction for large‐scale energy storage systems due to their high safety, significant capacity, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. On the other hand, the development of aqueous ZIBs is restricted by the limited practical application of zinc (Zn) because of the high reactivity of Zn in aqueous electrolytes, which results in the severe dendrite growth and parasitic side reactions such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, heteroatom‐doped carbon porous surface modification by laser‐assisted carbonization of copper (Cu) doped polyaniline (PANI) is designed and fabricated on top of the Zn metal anode (c‐Cu‐PANI/Zn). The c‐Cu‐PANI surface‐modified Zn anodes exhibit high electrochemical stability and performance during the Zn plating‐stripping cycles and suppress the dendrite formation. The symmetrical cell and half‐cell with the c‐Cu‐PANI/Zn anodes exhibit stable cycles for 6000 h and 100% Coulombic efficiency for 2500 cycles, respectively. Moreover, the c‐Cu‐PANI/Zn║V2O5 cell delivers a high specific capacity of 319 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, which is significantly higher than that of the bare Zn║V2O5 cell (240 mAh g−1). It is believed that applying c‐Cu‐PANI as a surface modification can enhance the stability and reversibility of the Zn anodes, therefore accelerating the commercialization of ZIBs.
Camelina circRNA landscape: Implications for gene regulation and fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Utley Delecia , Edwards Brianne , Budnick Asa , Grotewold Erich , Sederoff Heike
Published: December 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closed‐loop RNAs forming a covalent bond between their 3′ and 5′ ends, the back splice junction (BSJ), rendering them resistant to exonucleases and thus more stable compared to linear RNAs. Identification of circRNAs and distinction from their cognate linear RNA is only possible by sequencing the BSJ that is unique to the circRNA. CircRNAs are involved in the regulation of their cognate RNAs by increasing transcription rates, RNA stability, and alternative splicing. We have identified circRNAs from C. sativa that are associated with the regulation of germination, light response, and lipid metabolism. We sequenced light‐grown and etiolated seedlings after 5 or 7 days post‐germination and identified a total of 3447 circRNAs from 2763 genes. Most circRNAs originate from a single homeolog of the three subgenomes from allohexaploid camelina and correlate with higher ratios of alternative splicing of their cognate genes. A network analysis shows the interactions of select miRNA:circRNA:mRNAs for regulation of transcript stabilities where circRNA can act as a competing endogenous RNA. Several key lipid metabolism genes can generate circRNA, and we confirmed the presence of KASII circRNA as a true circRNA. CircRNA in camelina can be a novel target for breeding and engineering efforts.
Comparative Analysis of Runs of Homozygosity Islands in Indigenous and Commercial Chickens Revealed Candidate Loci for Disease Resistance and Production Traits
Authors: Rostamzadeh Mahdabi Elaheh , Esmailizadeh Ali , Han Jianlin , Wang Ming‐Shan
Published: December 2024

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are contiguous stretches of identical genomic regions inherited from both parents. Assessment of ROH in livestock species contributes significantly to our understanding of genetic health, population genetic structure, selective pressure and conservation efforts. In this study, whole genome re‐sequencing data from 140 birds of 10 Iranian indigenous chicken ecotypes, 3 commercial chicken breeds and 1 red junglefowl (RJF) population were used to investigate their population genetic structure, ROH characteristics (length and frequency) and genomic inbreeding coefficients (FROH). Additionally, we examined ROH islands for selection footprints in the indigenous chicken populations. Our results revealed distinct genetic backgrounds, among which the White Leghorn breed exhibited the greatest genetic distance from other populations, while the gamecock populations formed a separate cluster. We observed significant differences in ROH characteristics, in which the commercial breeds showed a higher number of ROH compared to indigenous chickens and red junglefowls. Short ROH ranging from 0.1 to 1 Mb were dominant among the populations. The Arian line had the highest mean length of ROH, while the White Leghorn breed showed the highest number of ROH. Among indigenous chickens, the Lari‐Afghani ecotype exhibited the highest FROH, but the Sari inherited the richest genetic diversity. Interestingly, GGA16 carried no ROH in the red junglefowls, whereas GGA22 had the highest FROH across all populations, except in the Isfahan ecotype. We also identified ROH islands associated with genetic adaptations in indigenous ecotypes. These islands harboured immune‐related genes contributing to disease resistance (TLR2, TICAM1, IL22RA1, NOS2, CCL20 and IFNLR1), heat tolerance and oxidative stress response (NFKB1, HSF4, OSGIN1 and BDNF), and muscle development, lipid metabolism and reproduction (MEOX2, CEBPB, CDS2 and GnRH‐I). Overall, this study highlights the genetic potential of indigenous chickens to survive and adapt to their respective environments.
A comparison of detection probabilities for the patch‐nosed salamander (Urspelerpes brucei) using six survey methods
Authors: Anderson Chelsea N. , Pierson Todd W. , Barrett Kyle , Bodinof Jachowski Catherine M.
Published: December 2024

The patch‐nosed salamander (Urspelerpes brucei), discovered in 2007, is a small amphibian endemic to northeast Georgia (GA) and northwest South Carolina (SC), USA. Given its recent discovery, little is known about the species’ conservation status. This is especially true in SC where this species is known from 4 stream localities in total, making monitoring and inventory a current priority. We applied 6 survey methods in 3 streams known to harbor the species (1 in GA; 2 in SC) using a randomized complete block design and conducted replicate surveys using each method 5 to 6 times between August 2021 and June 2022. We used occupancy models to estimate the probability of patch‐nosed salamanders using a randomly selected 5‐m stream segment while simultaneously investigating the effects of method and conditions on detectability. We recorded a total of 90 patch‐nosed salamander detections (60 from GA; 32 from SC) across 22 of the 39 stream segments in our study. Occupancy was similar in 2 streams (SCSouth: 0.94 [0.22 to −1.00 95% CI]; GARef: 0.70 [0.41–0.89 95% CI]) where it was also 3 to 4 times higher than in a third (SCNorth: 0.16 [0.04–0.47 95% CI]), though mechanisms driving the differences remain unclear. While we detected patch‐nosed salamanders with all 6 survey methods, aquatic and terrestrial versions of both leaf‐litter bags and area‐unconstrained surveys were more effective than randomized area‐constrained searches. Terrestrial applications of each method were biased toward adult detections while aquatic applications were biased toward larvae. Patch‐nosed salamander detectability was maximized during conditions (cloudless skies, >5 cm rainfall in the prior week, soil temperatures ≥20°C) that align with spring (March–June) in the species' range. A power analysis based on detectability estimates suggests that, under ideal sampling conditions, either 5 temporally replicated area‐unconstrained searches or a survey of 5 spatially replicated leaf‐litter bags (per 5‐m segment) are necessary to confirm presence‐absence of patch‐nosed salamanders with 90% confidence. Given that the 2 SC streams included in our study represent nearly half of the species’ range in that state, but collectively yielded only about one‐third of total detections and exhibited considerable disparity in occupancy, we recommend more work to clarify resource selection patterns, subpopulation stability, and potential threats to patch‐nosed salamanders in SC specifically.
Introduction
Authors: Yimer Gebreyesus
Published: December 2024

This book attempts to explain the nexus between inclusive finance and legal pluralism. We use the informal credit markets in Ethiopia and South Africa to explore how legal pluralism enhances inclusive finance. How we understand and apply law determines the nature and manner of relations and transactions in society. The scope and scale of the informal economy are affected in many ways by law. This book argues that legal pluralism allows local actors to use their creativity and innovation to solve financial exclusion. The more inclusive the legal system is, the more inclusive the economic system will be. This introductory chapter briefly explains the book and the perspective chapters.
Informal Credit Market: A General Overview
Authors: Yimer Gebreyesus
Published: December 2024

Informal credit markets are prevalent in many developing countries. Moneylenders, traders, unincorporated associations, families, and relatives provide credit and other financial services. In most cases, informal credit markets operate openly as they are not legally banned. However, they are also not subject to government regulation and control. So, they operate according to the local customs and norms. Informal credit markets play a critical role in the social and economic life of people with limited access to financial services from formal financial institutions. In this chapter, we provide an extensive review of informal credit markets. What social and economic functions do they provide to society, why do informal credit markets prevail even when formal financial institutions are geographically accessible to people, and how do governments and international development agents respond to informal credit markets? The theoretical discussion in this part provides insights into why the policy options to squeeze informal credit markets practically moneylenders have failed so far and what lesson can be taken from the nature and function of informal credit markets.
Informal Credit Markets in Ethiopia
Authors: Yimer Gebreyesus
Published: December 2024

Ethiopia is a country of diversity in its true sense—home to different cultures, traditions, religions, and languages. As a result, we find different indigenous institutions, some of which focus on financial services. The frequent natural and manmade calamities that affect the country have made interdependency essential for the survival of the communities. So, providing credit and other support is considered a moral obligation. Ethiopia has a significant number of people who have no access to formal financial institutions, so the informal credit market plays a critical role in the people’s economy. This chapter provides rare primary data from Ethiopia. The chapter explains how informal credit actors interact, how they prudently adapt to some of the substantive and formal requirements of the official laws, and how they use the laws to enhance and protect the transactions in the informal credit markets. On the other hand, when the laws appear less rational and inappropriate, they design effective strategies to avoid the official rules and replace them with laws that they consider more proper for their purpose. This part of the book is based on the author’s field research.
Conclusion
Authors: Yimer Gebreyesus
Published: December 2024

One size fits all is a thing of the past. Law is meant to serve the people. Legal pluralism enables regulators and courts to maintain the balance between people reminiscing and the interests of the present and future aspirations. Financial laws that depend only on formalities and hard information exclude people with different norms and cultures. The experiences of the informal credit markets in Ethiopia and South Africa indicate that different approaches work very well to provide accessible, affordable and sustainable financial services to the people. Therefore, policymakers and regulators should consider pluralism rather than unilateralism in their approach to financial regulation. International development organisations, financial institutions, international financial rule makers and standard setters should be aware that universalism and unilateralism have limitations. Pluralism is not a magic bluet that solves all problems. However, pluralism is a virtue that enhances financial stability and helps fight international financial-related crimes. Pluralism recognises and rewards local innovation and creativity, which is vital for an inclusive financial system to flourish.
Dimensionen von Personenzentrierung in der Versorgung bei Schwangerschaftsabbruch – ausgewählte Ergebnisse der CarePreg Studie
Authors: Zill Jördis , Lindig Anja
Published: December 2024

Personenzentrierung ist ein Grundprinzip der Gesundheitsversorgung in Deutschland. Das Konzept stellt die Präferenzen, Bedarfe und Werte von Versorgten in den Mittelpunkt. Studien zeigen, dass unbeabsichtigt Schwangere, die den Wunsch haben, die Schwangerschaft abzubrechen, in der Versorgung mit gesetzlichen Regelungen, Stigmatisierungen sowie ethischen und moralischen Bedenken von Behandelnden konfrontiert sein können. In Deutschland ist die Umsetzung von Personenzentrierung in der Versorgung von unbeabsichtigt Schwangeren kaum erforscht. Ziele der CarePreg-Studie (Laufzeit 11/2020 bis 07/2024) waren es, die Personenzentrierung in der psychosozialen und medizinischen Versorgung (1) aus Perspektive von Expert:innen aus der Versorgung als auch (2) von Personen mit einer unbeabsichtigten Schwangerschaft und einem Schwangerschaftsabbruch zu evaluieren und (3) Handlungsempfehlungen abzuleiten. Zur Durchführung der Studie wurde ein Ansatz aus qualitativen und quantitativen Forschungsmethoden gewählt.

In diesem Beitrag wird die Methodik der CarePreg-Studie vorgestellt und über die Ergebnisse von 2 Workshops mit 18 Expert:innen aus der 1. Phase der Studie berichtet. Die Workshopteilnehmenden stammten aus der psychosozialen und medizinischen Versorgung von unbeabsichtigt Schwangeren. Personenzentrierung wurde von ihnen als höchst relevant für die Versorgung betrachtet. Hervorgehoben wurden folgende Dimensionen von Personenzentrierung: „Zugang zur Versorgung“, „persönlich angepasste Informationen“ und „gleichberechtigte Zusammenarbeit und Beteiligung an Entscheidungen“. Barrieren durch die Stigmatisierung von Schwangerschaftsabbrüchen und von Versorgenden in diesem Bereich sowie durch die aktuellen rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen wurden diskutiert.
Impact of administration routes and dose frequency on the toxicology of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in mice model
Authors: Ahn Jae-Hun , Lee Jisun , Roh Gahyun , Lee Na-Young , Bae Hee-Jin , Kwon Euna , Han Kang-Min , Kim Ji-Eun , Park Hyo-Jung , Yoo Soyeon , Kwon Sung Pil , Bang Eun-Kyoung , Keum Gyochang , Nam Jae-Hwan , Kang Byeong-Cheol
Published: December 2024

The increasing use of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines has raised concerns about their potential toxicological effects, necessitating further investigation to ensure their safety. To address this issue, we aimed to evaluate the toxicological effects of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine candidates formulated with four different types of lipid nanoparticles in ICR mice, focusing on repeated doses and administration routes. We conducted an extensive analysis in which mice received the mRNA vaccine candidates intramuscularly (50 μg/head) twice at 2-week intervals, followed by necropsy at 2 and 14 dpsi (days post-secondary injection). In addition, we performed a repeated dose toxicity test involving three, four, or five doses and compared the toxicological outcomes between intravenous and intramuscular routes. Our findings revealed that all vaccine candidates significantly induced SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific IgG and T cell responses. However, at 2 dpsi, there was a notable temporary decrease in lymphocyte and reticulocyte counts, anemia-related parameters, and significant increases in cardiac damage markers, troponin-I and NT-proBNP. Histopathological analysis revealed severe inflammation and necrosis at the injection site, decreased erythroid cells in bone marrow, cortical atrophy of the thymus, and increased spleen cellularity. While most toxicological changes observed at 2 dpsi had resolved by 14 dpsi, spleen enlargement and injection site damage persisted. Furthermore, repeated doses led to the accumulation of toxicity, and different administration routes resulted in distinct toxicological phenotypes. These findings highlight the potential toxicological risks associated with mRNA vaccines, emphasizing the necessity to carefully consider administration routes and dosage regimens in vaccine safety evaluations, particularly given the presence of bone marrow and immune organ toxicity, which, though eventually reversible, remains a serious concern.
Killing tensors on reducible spaces
Authors: Matveev Vladimir S. , Nikolayevsky Yuri
Published: December 2024

We prove that on the product of two Riemannian manifolds one of which is compact, any Killing tensor is reducible, that is, is the sum of products of Killing tensors on the factors. The same is true for the lifts to the universal cover of Killing tensors on a compact manifold with reducible holonomy. We give a local description of Killing tensors on product manifolds and present an example of a complete product manifold whose factors are locally irreducible which admits an irreducible Killing tensor field.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: meta-analysis & systematic review
Authors: Birrer Mathias , Saad Baraa , Drews Susanne , Pradella Charlotte , Flaifel Mariana , Charitakis Emmanouil , Ortlieb Niklas , Haberstroh Amanda , Ochs Vincent , Taha-Mehlitz Stephanie , Burri Emanuel , Heigl Andres , Frey Daniel M. , Cattin Philippe C. , Honaker Michael D. , Taha Anas , Rosenberg Robert
Published: December 2024

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains a challenging malignancy with a poor prognosis. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a potential treatment for unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (UPAC) aimed at improving survival and quality of life. This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluates the outcomes of RFA in UPAC.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases from inception to October 2023. Studies included patients over 18 years with UAPC undergoing RFA. Survival rates and complication rates were assessed as primary outcomes. Data were pooled using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. ROBINS-I tool was used for quality assessment.

Results

Nine studies encompassing 265 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 64.5 years, with 42.5% female participants. Survival analysis showed that at 30 days post-RFA, the mortality rate was 3.3%. At 6 months, the mortality rate was 20.9%, increasing to 50.4% at 12 months. At 24 months, the mortality rate was 61.9%. The pooled mean survival period at 12 and 24 months was 9.18 months and 14.26 months, respectively. Overall, 78.4% of patients died during the follow-up period, with an overall mean survival period of 12.27 months. The most common were intra-abdominal (10.1%), pancreatic (9.8%), and hepatobiliary (6.7%) complications.

Conclusions

RFA shows potential in the management of unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with a manageable safety profile. However, the high heterogeneity and risk of bias in available studies highlight the need for well-designed randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings and establish standardized protocols.
Asserting epistemic modals
Authors: Rudin Deniz
Published: December 2024

The paper formalizes a change of camera angle on the classic Stalnakerian account of assertion, foregrounding that the speaker is presenting herself as though she knows the sentence she’s uttered to be true, and deriving context update from a proposal that the context set be modified so as to become a member of the same property of epistemic states as the speaker’s. The resulting formalization is one on which often, but crucially not always, an assertion serves to propose that the context set be intersected with the denotation of the sentence that has been uttered. Rather than assigning ad hoc update effects to epistemic modals, exceptional updates for epistemic modals fall out of the interaction between the speaker-oriented epistemicity of epistemic modals and the speaker-oriented epistemicity of assertion. This circumvents arguments that disagreement over epistemic modals is fatal to a solipsistic contextualist account of their semantics. The model builds a bridge from truth-conditional semantics to expressivist update effects via a uniform conception of assertive update, and shows how relativist effects can be derived using a relativist illocutionary machinery, rather than a relativist semantic machinery.
Value of systemic inflammation markers for the detection of minimal and prediction of overt hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS insertion
Authors: Tiede Anja , Stockhoff Lena , Ehrenbauer Alena F. , Rieland Hannah , Cornberg Markus , Meyer Bernhard C. , Gabriel Maria M. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Hinrichs Jan B. , Weissenborn Karin , Falk Christine S. , Maasoumy Benjamin
Published: December 2024

Development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (oHE) is a particularly feared complication when considering treatment with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). However, the pathophysiology of HE, in particular after TIPS-insertion, is complex and valid predictors remain scarce. We aimed to investigate whether systemic inflammation markers (SIM) are linked to minimal (mHE) and overt HE (oHE) development before and after TIPS. 62 prospectively recruited patients undergoing TIPS-insertion were included and monitored for oHE occurrence two years thereafter. Patients underwent psychometric testing including the portosystemic encephalopathy syndrome test (PSE), yielding the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), and Animal Naming Test (ANT) before TIPS (baseline) and during structured follow-up 1, 3, 6 and 12 months afterwards. SIM (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) were measured at corresponding timepoints. Patients were predominantly male (64.5%) with a median age of 58 years and MELD of 11. The majority (75.8%) received a TIPS for treatment of refractory ascites. 67.9% presented with mHE before TIPS. No link between the investigated SIM and PHES or ANT at baseline or during any follow-up was documented. 19 (30.6%) patients developed oHE during follow-up. Neither baseline SIM levels nor test results were significantly associated with risk for oHE. We demonstrated a significant decline of all SIM during follow-up, which did not translate to an ameliorated risk for oHE. In patients undergoing TIPS-insertion, the selected SIM have neither a strong link to post-TIPS-oHE development nor to subclinical changes in psychometric tests for mHE.
A multi-stage feature selection method to improve classification of potential super-agers and cognitive decliners using structural brain MRI data—a UK biobank study
Authors: Mohammadiarvejeh Parvin , Fili Mohammad , Dawson Alice , Klinedinst Brandon S. , Wang Qian , Moody Shannin , Barnett Neil , Pollpeter Amy , Larsen Brittany , Li Tianqi , Willette Sara A. , Mochel Jonathan P. , Allenspach Karin , Hu Guiping , Willette Auriel A.
Published: December 2024

Cognitive aging is described as the age-related decline in areas such as memory, executive function, reasoning, and processing speed. Super-Agers, adults over 80 years old, have cognitive function performance comparable to middle-aged adults. To improve cognitive reserve and potentially decrease Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk, it is essential to contrast changes in regional brain volumes between “Positive-Agers” who have superior cognitive performance compared to their age peers but are not 80 years old yet and aging adults who show cognitive decline (i.e., “Cognitive Decliners”). Using longitudinal cognitive tests over 7–9 years in UK Biobank, principal component analysis (PCA) was first applied to four cognitive domains to create a general cognition (GC) composite score. The GC score was then used to identify latent cognitive groups. Given cognitive groups as the target variable and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data and demographics as predictors, we developed a multi-stage feature selection algorithm to identify the most important features. We then trained a Random Forest (RF) classifier on the final set of 54 selected sMRI and covariate predictors to distinguish between Positive-Agers and Cognitive Decliners. The RF model achieved an AUC of 73%. The top 6 features were age, education, brain total surface area, the area of pars orbitalis, mean intensity of the thalamus, and superior frontal gyrus surface area. Prediction of cognitive trajectory types using sMRI may improve our understanding of successful cognitive aging.
Quantifying morphologic variations as an alternate to standard response criteria for unresectable primary liver tumors after checkpoint inhibition therapy
Authors: Saccenti Laetitia , Varble Nicole , Borde Tabea , Mikhail Andrew S. , Kassin Michael , Levy Elliot , Xu Sheng , Hazen Lindsey A. , Ukeh Ifechi , Vasco Cyndi , Duffy Austin G. , Xie Changqing , Monge Cecilia , Mabry Donna , Greten Tim F. , Wood Bradford J.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of quantifying morphologic changes in tumors during immunotherapy, as a reflection of response or survival.

Methods and materials

A retrospective single-center analysis was performed in patients with unresectable liver cancer previously enrolled in clinical trials combining immunotherapy (tremelimumab ± durvalumab) and locoregional treatment (either ablation or transarterial chemoembolization). Conventional response (RECIST 1.1) was assessed at 6-month follow-up. For morphologic assessment, the largest target lesion was manually segmented on axial slices in two dimensions using contrast-enhanced CT. Solidity and circularity of tumors were calculated at baseline, 3-month follow-up, and at 6-months follow-up. Survival analysis was performed.

Results

From the 68 patients enrolled in clinical trials, 28 did not have target lesions separate from lesions treated by locoregional therapies, and 3 had no follow-up imaging. Thirty-seven patients (9 with biliary cancer and 28 with hepatocellular carcinoma) were included. Shape features and shape variation were not correlated with RECIST 1.1 status at 6-month follow-up. However, patients with low solidity tumors at 6-month follow-up showed poorer prognosis compared with patients with high solidity tumors at 6-month follow-up (p = 0.01). Solidity variation analysis confirmed that a decrease of tumor solidity at 6-month follow-up was associated with poorer prognosis (p = 0.01). No association was found between shape features at baseline or shape features at 3-month follow-up with overall survival.

Conclusion

Evolution and variation of tumor morphology during treatment may reflect or correlate with outcomes and contribute toward adapted response criteria.
Glycine-modified chitosan-embedded silver nanoparticles: a green approach to Pb2+ adsorption and bioactivity enhancement
Authors: Kannaiyan Suba , Gopal Andal , Lakshmipathy R. , Ali Daoud , Alarifi Saud , Geetha Mithra , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: December 2024

Glycine-modified chitosan anchored silver nanoparticles (SCG) were synthesized using a green method without a cross-linking agent. UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM and SEM techniques confirmed the formation of the SCG nanocomposite and silver nanoparticles. The SCG nanoparticles, estimated at 20 nm, are smaller than the chitosan stabilized Ag (SC) nanoparticles. The biological significance of the SCG nanoparticles was assessed through their anti-oxidant and antibacterial activities. SCG nanoparticles demonstrated significant anti-oxidant activity with an IC50 of 133 µg ml−1, surpassing that of SC nanoparticles. The ZoI of was found to be 30 mm for the S. aureus and E. coli bacterial strains indicating excellent antimicrobial activity. The efficiency of SCG nanoparticles in removing Pb2+ ions was tested using a batch adsorption process. A Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to optimize the independent variables, and ANOVA results indicated the CCD model’s reliability and significance with a p-value < 0.0001. The SCG nanoparticles exhibited a high Pb2+ ion loading capacity of 270.2 mg g−1 from aqueous solution with a removal efficiency of 93%. Isotherm and kinetic investigations of the equilibrium data suggest the suitability of Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Thermodynamic studies revealed the process’s spontaneity and exothermic nature. The mechanism of adsorption was found to be ion exchange with a mean potential energy (Es) of 9.4 kJ/mol. These findings suggest that glycine-modified chitosan anchored silver nanoparticles have promising applications in biological and environmental domains.
Fabrication of Biomimetic Cell Culture Membranes Using Robust and Reusable Nickel Micropillar Molds
Authors: Otomo Taiki , Noh Hyunsoo , Matsubara Tatsuya , Kim Deok-Ho , Ikeuchi Masashi , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Kim Joon-wan
Published: December 2024

In the practical application of organ-on-a-chip, mass production technology for flexible porous membranes is an essential element for mimicking the basement membrane of the body. Porous PDMS membrane is a promising material due to its high optical transparency, flexibility, and biocompatibility. However, the fabrication process is complex and costly. Even with soft lithography, a relatively straightforward method, there is a risk that the negative resist pillars used as molds peeling off from the substrate in mass production. In this study, we propose a novel mass production method for fabricating porous PDMS membranes using high-strength nickel (Ni) micropillars as molds by combining photolithography and electroforming technologies. The unibody structure of Ni micropillars ensures high reliability and provides a semi-permanent mold without degradation or detachment. We successfully fabricated two types of Ni micropillars and subsequently formed their corresponding porous PDMS membranes (D (diameter) = 8 μm, P (pitch) = 30 μm, and D = 10 μm, P = 20 μm). The porous PDMS membrane showed non-inferiority to the control group in terms of viability when cultured with human vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, we showed that the porous PDMS membrane can be used to evaluate the vascular permeability of nanoparticles.
Circularity potential of electric motors in e-mobility: methods, technologies, challenges
Authors: Di Gerlando Antonio , Gobbi Massimiliano , Magnanini Maria Chiara , Mastinu Gianpiero , Palazzetti Roberto , Sattar Aqeab , Tolio Tullio
Published: December 2024

The imperative shift toward sustainable development mandates a revolutionary transformation in the transportation sector. While the transition from internal combustion engines to electric motors represents a pivotal step, its ecological impact may fall short of expectations. This undertaking is motivated by the recognition that a truly impactful transition necessitates intricate strategies, addressing resource consumption during manufacturing and minimizing post-use waste. This literature review is dedicated to enhancing the framework of circular strategies within the realm of electric motors, with a specific focus on remanufacturing. The objective is to cultivate a conscientious approach to product development, primarily centered on the four key pillars of circularity: reuse, remanufacture, upgrade, and recycle. The primary goal is to furnish a comprehensive overview of the myriad possibilities associated with reusing products, either in parts or as a whole. Upon introducing the circular approach, this review underscores pivotal enabling technologies essential for a successful transition. These include inspection, disassembly, rewinding, and demagnetization. The ensuing discussion delves into the technological challenges faced and presents cutting-edge solutions poised to redefine the landscape. The concluding section extends the perspective to the future, introducing innovative studies and solutions still in their developmental stages. This review is tailored for decision-makers, policymakers, and researchers, providing them with a valuable overview and facilitating discussions to propel our society toward a sustainable and responsible future in electric motor technology.
EmoMBTI-Net: introducing and leveraging a novel emoji dataset for personality profiling with large language models
Authors: Kumar Akshi , Jain Dipika
Published: December 2024

Emojis, integral to digital communication, often encapsulate complex emotional layers that enhance text beyond mere words. This research leverages the expressive power of emojis to predict Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personalities, diverging from conventional text-based approaches. We developed a unique dataset, EmoMBTI, by mapping emojis to specific MBTI traits using diverse posts scraped from Reddit. This dataset enabled the integration of Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques tailored for emoji analysis. Large Language Models (LLMs) such as FlanT5, BART, and PEGASUS were trained to generate contextual linkages between text and emojis, further correlating these emojis with MBTI personalities. Following the creation of this dataset, these LLMs were applied to understand the context conveyed by emojis and were subsequently fine-tuned. Additionally, transformer models like RoBERTa, DeBERTa, and BART were specifically fine-tuned to predict MBTI personalities based on emoji mappings from MBTI dataset posts. Our methodology significantly enhances the capability of personality assessments, with the fine-tuned BART model achieving an impressive accuracy of 0.875 in predicting MBTI types, which notably exceeds the performances of RoBERTa and DeBERTa, at 0.82 and 0.84 respectively. By leveraging the nuanced communication potential of emojis, this approach not only advances personality profiling techniques but also deepens insights into digital behaviour, highlighting the substantial impact of emotive icons in online interactions.
On a mixed partial Caputo derivative and its applications to a hyperbolic partial fractional differential equation
Authors: Kamocki Rafał , Obczyński Cezary
Published: December 2024

We propose an alternative definition of a mixed partial derivative in the Caputo sense for functions of two variables defined on the rectangle

$$P=[0,a]\times [0,b]$$

P
=
[
0
,
a
]
×
[
0
,
b
]

(

$$a>0, b>0$$

a
>
0
,
b
>
0

). We give an integral representation of functions possessing such a derivative. Moreover, we study the existence and uniqueness of a solution, as well as the Ulam–Hyers type stability of a fractional counterpart of a nonlinear continuous Goursat-Darboux system described by the introduced Caputo derivative. This paper is a continuation of our paper [R. Kamocki, C. Obczyński, On the single partial Caputo derivatives for functions of two variables, Periodica Mathematica Hungarica 87(2), (2023), 324–339].
A comparative study of the behavior of engineered cementitious composites and engineered geopolymer composites containing metakaolin and magnetized water
Authors: Keshta Mostafa M. , Eltawil Khalid A. , Elshikh Mohamed M. Yousry , Youssf Osama
Published: December 2024

Sustainable materials and technologies used in engineered cementitious composites (ECC) and engineered geopolymer composites (EGC) have gained significant attention from concrete researchers in recent decades, owing to their superior performance compared to traditional concrete. In this study, the performance of sustainable ECC and EGC made of metakaolin (MK) and magnetized water (MW) is evaluated and compared. This was carried out using 14 mixes (7 for ECC and 7 for EGC). The control ECC mix contained cement and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and the control EGC mix contained fly ash (FA) and GGBFS. In ECC, the cement and GGBFS were partially replaced by MK; and in EGC, the FA and GGBFS were replaced by MK. The replacement ratios were 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% by volume. The tap water (TW) was completely replaced by MW in ECC and EGC mixes containing 0% and 20% MK. Fresh, mechanical, and durability properties were measured for both ECC and EGC such as; slump, compressive and flexural strength, water absorption, and sorptivity. The effect of different curing environments (tap water and seawater) on ECC/EGC compressive strength was also studies. Furthermore, microstructural analyses were performed on specific ECC and EGC mixtures. The microstructure analyses included scanning electronic microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and mapping of the morphology surface. The fresh and mechanical properties indicated that EGC exhibited higher slump values (by up to 7.3 times) and higher compressive strengths (by up to 90%) than those of ECC, especially in the presence of MW. Seawater curing enhanced the EGC compressive strength by up to 16%. The durability results showed that absorption rates and sorptivity of EGC were relatively higher than those of the corresponding ECC. The SEM analysis showed that the concentration of gelatinous materials as CSH and ASG in the mixes using MW was higher than the similar mixes with made with TW, especially in the presence of MK. The EDX analysis and mapping showed that the ratio of Ca/Si was low in EGC compared to that in ECC.
Flame-retardant fiber composites: synergistic effects of additives on mechanical, thermal, chemical, and structural properties
Authors: Murad Md Shafinur , Hamzat Abdulhammed K. , Asmatulu Eylem , Asmatulu Ramazan
Published: December 2024

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are very commonly used in numerous applications. However, their susceptibility to flames during service has raised a serious safety concern for human health, environment, economy, and property. Significant attention is given to the development of flame-retardant (FR) fiber composites due to their considerable role in enhancing fire and explosion safety. This review examines the fire propagation mechanism on composite materials and synergistic effects of different additives on mechanical, thermal, chemical, and structural integrity of FR FRPCs. Several methods for improving the flame retardancy of polymeric composite materials and their impact on various composite parameters are critically analyzed. The various methods of examining the flammability of fiber composites have been discussed in detail. By optimizing the type and concentration of additives, it is possible to develop next-generation FR fiber composites that offer robust performance across diverse industrial applications. Finally, a synopsis of the most recent advancements in FRPC FR technology is given, along with an overview of the opportunities and difficulties associated with sustainable flame retardancy approaches. It is expected that the insights gained from this research will provide a foundation for future innovations in FR materials, contributing to improved safety and material performance in fire-prone environments.
The current state of surgical palliative care education: an APDS survey from the Education Committee of the Surgical Palliative Care Society
Authors: Wylie Jennifer , Kopecky Kimberly , Cook Mackenzie , Sommovilla Joshua , Marterre Buddy
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Formal primary surgical palliative care education in the United States is lacking. We aimed to assess curricula and surgical program directors’ (PDs) attitudes toward instituting formal educational programs. Results will be able to guide future efforts to create and standardize educational materials to meet the needs of surgical training programs.

Methods

An anonymized 15-item survey was developed by the SPCS Education Committee and electronically distributed to PDs at 282 general surgery residency programs through the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) in June 2023.

Results

Forty-three PDs completed the questionnaire (15% response rate). Sixty-seven percent reported providing dedicated instruction time for communication skills with seriously ill patients. Most (76%) reported using didactics format, while 48% utilized simulation-based instruction, 35% dedicated time to clinical instruction in the ICU and 14% of programs utilized routine rounding to offer opportunities to teach communication skills. Use of materials created by educators within the institution was most common (69%), followed by SCORE materials (45%) and other established communication tools (7%). 37 (86%) respondents supported the use of standardized education materials if they were to be provided, including resources regarding end-of-life care (65%), decision-making capacity and the care and role of surrogate decision-makers (56%), code status documentation (49%), and ethics of medicalized death (65%).

Conclusions

Surgical residencies provide variable levels of formal education and utilize different tools and resources to teach primary palliative care and advanced communication skills. While a national standardized formal curriculum does not currently exist, many surgical PDs display positive attitudes toward adopting such materials if made available.
Development and application of gene editing in citrus: how and what to do
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhao Sailan , Du Meixia , Mo Kaiqing , Pang Shuwei , Zou Xiuping
Published: December 2024

Conventional breeding techniques have been effectively utilized for the enhancement of citrus varieties. Nonetheless, traits such as an extended juvenile phase, cross- or self-incompatibility, high genetic heterozygosity, and polyembryony have posed significant challenges and limitations to these methods. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing has progressively emerged as a vital tool for citrus breeding and research. This article reviews the array of CRISPR/Cas genome editing systems, emphasizes recent advancements in citrus genome editing using CRISPR/Cas, and explores the application of this technology to bolster resistance to citrus canker. The review also covers the development of CRISPR/Cas-mediated transformation and regeneration systems for citrus, alongside approaches for generating transgene-free citrus germplasm. Moreover, the regulatory landscape and societal acceptance of CRISPR/Cas genome editing are examined. Lastly, potential applications of genome editing in citrus breeding are proposed, with attention to prospective challenges.