bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Various Methods of Curing on Concrete Using Crusher Dust as Replacement to Natural Sand
Authors: Kumar Amit , Saxena Shekhar , Rawat Vijendra Singh
Published: February 2024

The present paper highlight upon research work is that curing is one of most important aspect of construction. The life of concrete and its serviceability depends heavily on curing. The method of curing applied on concrete will affect its final strength and durability. Owing to this fact this paper contains the research done on concrete under various curing methods. The standard method of curing concrete is done by water and results wastage of a lot of water. With the increase in the deficiency of availability of water, curing becomes a problem. Hence this research aims at providing better methods of curing which will not only improve the strength and durability of concrete but will also save water. The various methods that have been researched upon are plastic covered curing, addition of sodium silicate to curing water, and addition of curing compounds to curing water. The tests are carried on concrete with desirable strengths of M15 and M20. In this research the fine aggregate used in making of M15 and M20 concrete consists of a mixture of sand and crusher dust. Two mixes of ratio 50:50 and 60:40, sand to crusher dust have been taken and the effects of curing on these mixes are considered. Plastic curing is done by covering the concrete with plastic soon after demolding. Hence minimum water is required. The curing done by sodium silicate is done by adding 2% by weight of sodium silicate to curing water. Concrete is submerged in water containing sodium silicate. Once the concrete is cured, this water mix can be reused to cure freshly cast concrete, thereby saving more water. Curing by curing compounds is done in a similar way as that of curing with sodium silicate, only that instead of sodium silicate, curing compounds are used. The effect of these three methods on concrete is studied and discussions are made.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of rGO Modulated β‐Ga2O3 for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Das Brahami , Das Nirmalya S. , Chattopadhyay Kalyan K.
Published: February 2024

Rapid urbanization has inevitably raised challenges by indirectly adding industry waste to the environment. This problem becomes even more severe when contamination of consumable water is considered. As a leading sector in semiconductor‐related research to face such challenges, gallium oxide and its derivatives have shown remarkable performance by exhibiting controlled, recyclable photocatalytic activities. This work demonstrates the enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of β‐Ga2O3, which is related to the structural and morphological variation induced by rGO wrapping. Firstly, the Ga2O3 nanostructures are obtained by calcinating gallium oxide hydroxide (GaOOH), which is synthesized via a simple chemical route. On the other hand, rGO wrapped β‐Ga2O3 is synthesized using in‐situ hydrothermal treatment. In addition to traditional characterizations such as X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy, etc., the photocatalytic performance of both pristine and composite systems is studied by time‐dependent UV–Vis absorption spectrum for the degradation of different organic toxic pollutants. It is observed that the composite sample exhibited a larger effective surface area and enhanced optical absorption in the UV–Vis range as compared to the pristine gallium oxide sample. Under UV light irradiation, the rGO wrapped β‐Ga2O3 nanobars can degrade rhodamine B dye entirely within 25 min and exhibit a higher photodegradation rate of 0.1598 min−1 which became 3.5 times higher as compared to that of pure gallium oxide.
Evaluating Properties of Green Concrete Produced Using Waste Marble Powder, Quarry Dust, and Paper Pulp
Authors: Disale Anil , Nayak Chittaranjan , Suryawanshi Nagesh , Jadhav Nitin , Jagdale Umesh , Kate Gunwant , Thakare Sunil , Pandey Shri Prakash , Sharma Prakhakar , Saxena Amit
Published: February 2024

Industrial waste locks are used as raw materials to reduce harmful effects on the environment and improve environmental performance. Marble clay powder can be used as a filling aid and can fill voids in concrete structures. This article will show you how to use a maximum natural sand alternative in concrete with marble powder and quarry dust. The challenge of the 21st century is to change to a new form that can support the natural system. This necessitates a radical rethinking of how to give the community infrastructure and housing. Making a concerted effort to develop novel, innovative, and alternative construction materials may be necessary. Jungles of concrete around cause's impact on the Environment and it would result in climate change. Mankind must avoid the use of things that are detrimental to the environment. So in this paper, it is decided to address the issue by adopting the use of the green concrete concept which is environmentally friendly. Green concrete is concrete made up using industrial wastes such as marble powder, quarry dust, wood ash, paper pulp, etc. Green concrete, which is capable of sustainable development, helps to reduce the consumption of natural resources, energy use, and environmental pollution. Green concrete is more cost‐effective than ordinary concrete and reduces the cost of resultant concrete by 14%–20%. It is also observed that the alkali‐aggregate reaction and sulfate attack resistance of concrete are both significantly improved. Green concrete is a useful tool for lowering environmental pollution and enhancing concrete's resistance to harsh conditions. All stages of infrastructure construction and rehabilitation will follow this trend of using new cement and techniques. Green concrete's adaptability and its performance derivatives will meet a variety of future needs.
A Study on Deletion in Polymer Region of Amelogenin (Amel Y) Gene: Significant Importance in Sex Determination and Identification of Sexual Assault Perpetrator
Authors: Parihar Kapil , Daga Surya Shekhar , Ahmed Umema , Mathur G. K. , Kumari Supriya , Kumawat Jyoti , Sankhla Mahipal Singh
Published: February 2024

Accurate gender determination is crucial in many scientific disciplines, especially in prenatal diagnosis of X‐linked diseases and forensic investigations. Today, molecular techniques, especially typing for a length variation in the X–Y homologous amelogenin gene (AMEL X and AMEL Y), are used for gender assignation. This amelogenin is an integral part of most PCR multiplex kits for gender determination marker, but in 1998 there was a report of two normal males being typed as female with this marker. Subsequently, a small number of males with amelogenin deleted genes have been reported in various populations but little data are available characterizing these deletions. This review aims to explore possible relationships among the AMEL Y deleted samples and Y‐chromosome microsatellite haplotypes. Also, attempts are made to determine the frequency of males with AMEL Y deleted gene in various countries across the globe. Although some studies have shown that males with AMEL Y deleted gene are extremely rare in most populations, typing an additional gender‐determining locus should be considered in forensic investigations where the reference sample is of unknown gender.
Effect of High Humidity Exposure to Wheat Starch Based High Conducting Flexible Polymer‐in‐Salt‐Electrolyte
Authors: Yadav Dipti , Basuroy Shreya , Kumar Rakesh , Aggarwal Kanak , Srivastava Neelam
Published: February 2024

Polymer‐in‐salt‐electrolytes (PISEs) are an important class of electrolytes as they carry the promise of faster and single ion transport. Unfortunately, due to unavailability of a suitable polymer host PISE has still not reached to commercial level. In the present work, using a novel synthesis protocol developed by the group, glutaraldehyde crosslinked wheat starch has been successfully modified with sodium iodide (NaI) to synthesize a flexible PISE membrane with desired electrochemical properties. Present paper reports the effect of crosslinker and exposure to high humidity ambience on electrochemical and morphological properties. It has been established that on exposure to higher humidity atmosphere starch‐based PISEs stabilize at lower resistance value, but with higher ion relaxation time, which indicates that effect of high humidity treatment is more on salt dissociation instead of assisting the ion transport. The studied materials have conductivity ≈0.01 S cm−1 range with ESW >2.5 V, ensuring its usability in electrochemical devices. The developed synthesis protocol does not require any complicated synthesis route and/or sophisticated instrument hence the overall process is economical also, adding up to its potentiality for energy device fabrication.
A Computational Quantum Chemical Approach for Surface Assimilation Effects of Well‐Known Voltage Sensitive Potassium Channel Blockers (4‐Aminopyridine and 3,4‐Diaminopyridine) over Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Pandey Anoop Kumar , Shukla Shashwat , Yadav O. P. , Singh Vijay , Dwivedi Apoorva
Published: February 2024

The compound 3,4‐diaminopyridine (3,4‐AP), a derivative of 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), is used in the symptomatic treatment of fatigue in multiple sclerosis as well as Lambert–Eaton myasthenia syndrome whereas the parent compound 4‐AP is used as an acetylcholine‐releasing drug, in serum, saliva, and urine. 4‐AP is an experimental drug that may reduce symptoms in some people with multiple sclerosis, particularly those who are more sensitive to heat. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have inside cavity tethering on the surface upon functionalization and adsorption on the walls of CNTs, which provides extra ability to carry pharmaceutical agents through multiple ways. Due to these benefits, this communication will discuss the comparative changes in geometry, electronic properties, and shielding parameters of 4‐AP and 3,4‐AP absorbed C56H16. The DFT/B3LYP/6–31G (d, p) method is used for the first time to report electronic structure and interaction parameters on the CNT surface. The same level theory is used to discuss the thermodynamic stability of CNT‐4‐AP/3,4‐AP. The calculated UV spectra of CNT are compared with UV spectra of CNT‐4‐AP and 3,4‐AP by using the same level theory in a water solvent, which provides a better comprehension of CNT as a drug delivery system after absorption of the 4‐AP and 3,4‐AP in the human body. The nature and strength of interactions have been discussed with the help of AIM analysis, and the frontier orbital highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) gap, chemical softness, and chemical hardness have been calculated to understand its complete chemical properties. The characters of the frontier molecular orbitals are discussed and analyzed by comparing the DOS spectra of CNT with CNT‐4‐AP/3,4‐AP.
A Quantum Chemical Study on the Enormously Large Nonlinear Optical Response of Doped Endohedral Superalkali Na2F and Superhalogens MF4 (M = B, Al) with CNT (C56H16) Cage
Authors: Singh Vijay , Masanja Paul Mathias , Dwivedi Apoorva , Tiwari Ashutosh , Pandey Anoop Kumar
Published: February 2024

In the present communication, the interaction of single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) CNT (C56H16) with endohedral doped superhalogens (MF4:M = B, Al) placed outside of CNT cage and superalkali (Na2F) placed inside the cage has been studied by using a combination of DFT/B3LYP method and 6–311G(d, p) basis set. The geometry and stability of MF4@CNT‐Li2F have been studied using optimization parameters, highest occupied molecular orbit (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), vibration frequencies, and thermodynamic parameters of absorption reactions. The quantum theory in atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis is used to analyze the nature of interactions between MF4 (M = B, Al) and Na2F@CNT. Several electronic parameters are computed by using HOMO–LUMO energy. The dipole moment, polarizability, hyperpolarizability, order parameters, anisotropic polarizability, and molar refractivity of MF4@CNT‐Li2F (M = Al, B) are used to calculate the nonlinear optical parameters (MR). The NBO analysis is used to calculate the transfer of charge to stabilized system. The calculated hyperpolarizability of Na2F@CNT‐BF4/Na2F@CNT‐AlF4 is nearly 81 times that of reference material urea (40 a.u.). The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) moment of π electron cloud is responsible for the nonlinear optical behavior of the system.
Study of Anticancer Properties of Graphene Oxide–Metal Oxide Composite
Authors: Dabhi Shweta D. , Gahlot Swati , Mirza Sheefa , Pandya Medha , Rawal Rakesh , Kulshrestha Vaibhav , Jha Prafulla K.
Published: February 2024

Graphene and graphene oxide (GO) have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional properties. GO, enriched with various functional groups such as epoxy, hydroxyl, and carboxylic groups, has exhibited remarkable potential in biomedical applications. The combination of GO with metals has proven to be a promising platform for cellular imaging, with this study focusing on the preparation of diverse hybrids of GO with metal oxides (GO/MO) and their potential as anticancer agents. In this research, GO is functionalized with MOs like TiO2, Fe3O4, and Cu2O using specific chemical methods and investigated for the anticancer activity for the application as cancer therapeutic agent. The resulting GO/MO hybrids exhibits favorable thermal and mechanical properties. Moreover, their cytotoxicity against human lung cancer cells is assessed in vitro, revealing the promising anticancer activity of GO/MO hybrids. Notably, the GO/Cu2O hybrid demonstrates particularly high cytotoxicity in human lung cancer cells.
Poly (Ethyl Methacrylate) (PEMA) and its Composites for Various Applications: Background, Recent Progress, and Future challenges
Authors: Rawal Sangeeta
Published: February 2024

This overview looks critically at the present prospects and future challenges in development of polyethyl methacrylate (PEMA) and its composites. It is shown herein to be a promising candidate for various applications, including energy storage, textile, electronics, biomedical, packaging, coatings and adhesives, etc. Due to its high ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and low cost of synthesis, PEMA is also used as a solid electrolyte in supercapacitors. This polymer has the ability to transport ions efficiently between the two electrodes of the supercapacitor, thereby leading to improved performance and efficiency. Additionally, PEMA can withstand high temperatures without breaking down, thus making it suitable for a range of applications. Further, it is shown due to its unique properties and versatility, PEMA has significant potential for a range of biomedical applications. This review of existing literature strongly suggests that the use of PEMA as a solid electrolyte in supercapacitors can be of significant potential for advancing energy storage technology. It also warrants further research to optimize its use in many other challenging practical applications.
Chemometrics Assisted Formulation of Glimepiride Nanosuspension for Solubility Enhancement in Diabetic Therapy—A Systematic Approach
Authors: Surendran Vijayaraj , Madheswaraguptha Prathap , Ravula Parameshwar , Rajavel Ponnusamy , Prabahar A Elphine
Published: February 2024

Glimepiride (GLM), a third‐generation sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic medication, is used to treat type II diabetes. Admittedly, it has a low bioavailability, a relatively short half‐life (t1/2), and high toxicity. To address the issue, a nanosuspension of poorly soluble GLM is designed using a Quality‐by‐Design (QbD) method, to enhance its solubility. Prospective risk factors are identified and assessed using Critical Material Attribute (CMAs) and Critical Processing Parameter (CPPs) to evaluate the targets by Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) design and to study the effects of formulation and process variables on dependent variables. The amount of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (X2), agitation time (X5), and concentration of Poloxamer (X7) are found as significant parameters (p < 0.05), and are further optimized using the Box Behnken Design as response surface methodology model. The optimized GLM nanosuspension 1) has mean particle size (PS), zeta potential, viscosity (VS), and percentage cumulative drug release (CDR%) of 258.17 nm, −25.2 mV, 1.087cPs, and 98.52%, respectively. The pattern of drug release is fitted to Non‐Fickian kinetics. The study results in an economic and efficient nano formulation with enhanced solubility.
Differential DNA Recognitions of Benzimidazole Based Astemizole, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, and Thiabendazole
Authors: Sur Souvik
Published: February 2024

Well known benzimidazole based drugs – astemizole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, and thiabendazole – are studied whether those can bind with two different oligonucleotides sequences or not. Molecular docking study and further molecular dynamics are employed to find out the capability of these drugs toward different DNA sequences. The substitution at N2 with different atoms/group or heterocyclic moieties favors the binding in the major groove of DNA in most of the cases. The substitutions at N1 beside N2 position clearly increase the binding possibility of astemizole as compared to the rest. Various functional possibilities of known drugs through DNA recognitions may be explored in drug repurposing purposes in virtue of present study.
Negative Myoclonus: Neurophysiological Study and Clinical Impact in Progressive Myoclonus Ataxia
Authors: Pollini Luca , van der Veen Sterre , Elting Jan Willem J. , Tijssen Marina A.J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Negative myoclonus (NM) is an involuntary movement caused by a sudden interruption of muscular activity, resulting in gait problems and falls.

Objective

To establish frequency, clinical impact, and neurophysiology of NM in progressive myoclonus ataxia (PMA) patients.

Methods

Clinical, neurophysiological, and genetic data of 14 PMA individuals from University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) Expertise Center Movement Disorder Groningen were retrospectively collected. Neurophysiological examination included video‐electromyography‐accelerometry assessment in all patients and electroencephalography (EEG) examination in 13 individuals. Jerk‐locked (or silent period‐locked) back‐averaging and cortico‐muscular coherence (CMC) analysis aided the classification of myoclonus.

Results

NM was present in 6 (NM+) and absent in 8 (NM−) PMA patients. NM+ individuals have more frequent falls (100% vs. 37.5%) and higher scores on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) (4.3 ±0.74 vs. 2.5 ±1.2) than NM− individuals. Genetic background of NM+ included GOSR2 and SEMA6B, while that of NM− included ATM, KCNC3, NUS1, STPBN2, and GOSR2. NM was frequently preceded by positive myoclonus (PM) and silent‐period length was between 88 and 194 ms. EEG epileptiform discharges were associated with NM in 2 cases. PM was classified as cortical in 5 NM+ and 2 NM− through EEG inspection, jerk‐locked back‐averaging, or CMC analysis.

Discussion

Neurophysiological examination is crucial for detecting NM that could be missed on clinical examination due to a preceding PM. Evidence points to a cortical origin of NM, an association with more severe motor phenotype, and suggests the presence of genetic disorders causing either a PMA or progressive myoclonus epilepsy, rather than pure PMA phenotype. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Reconstruction of multi‐phase parametric maps in 4D‐magnetic resonance fingerprinting (4D‐MRF) by optimization of local T1 and T2 sensitivities
Authors: Wong Yat Lam , Li Tian , Liu Chenyang , Lee Ho‐Fun Victor , Cheung Lai‐Yin Andy , Hui Edward Sai Kam , Cao Peng , Cai Jing
Published: February 2024

Background

Time‐resolved magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF), or 4D‐MRF, has been demonstrated its feasibility in motion management in radiotherapy (RT). However, the prohibitive long acquisition time is one of challenges of the clinical implementation of 4D‐MRF. The shortening of acquisition time causes data insufficiency in each respiratory phase, leading to poor accuracies and consistencies of the predicted tissues’ properties of each phase.

Purpose

To develop a technique for the reconstruction of multi‐phase parametric maps in four‐dimensional magnetic resonance fingerprinting (4D‐MRF) through the optimization of local T1 and T2 sensitivities.

Methods

The proposed technique employed an iterative optimization to tailor the data arrangement of each phase by manipulation of inter‐phase frames, such that the T1 and T2 sensitivities, which were quantified by the modified Minkowski distance, of the truncated signal evolution curve was maximized. The multi‐phase signal evolution curves were modified by sliding window reconstruction and inter‐phase frame sharing (SWIFS). Motion correction (MC) and dot product matching were sequentially performed on the modified signal evolution and dictionary to reconstruct the multi‐parametric maps. The proposed technique was evaluated by numerical simulations using the extended cardiac‐torso (XCAT) phantom with regular and irregular breathing patterns, and by in vivo MRF data of three health volunteers and six liver cancer patients acquired at a 3.0 T scanner.

Results

In simulation study, the proposed SWIFS approach achieved the overall mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 8.62% ± 1.59% and 16.2% ± 3.88% for the eight‐phases T1 and T2 maps, respectively, in the sagittal view with irregular breathing patterns. In contrast, the overall MAPE of T1 and T2 maps generated by the conventional approach with multiple MRF repetitions were 22.1% ± 11.0% and 30.8% ± 14.9%, respectively. For in‐vivo study, the predicted mean T1 and T2 of liver by the proposed SWIFS approach were 795 ms ± 38.9 ms and 58.3 ms ± 11.7 ms, respectively.

Conclusions

Both simulation and in vivo results showed that the approach empowered by T1 and T2 sensitivities optimization and sliding window under the shortened acquisition of MRF had superior performance in the estimation of multi‐phase T1 and T2 maps as compared to the conventional approach with oversampling of MRF data.
Evidence of hot carrier extraction in metal halide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Sourabh Shashi , Afshari Hadi , Whiteside Vincent R. , Eperon Giles E. , Scheidt Rebecca A. , Creason Tielyr D. , Furis Madalina , Kirmani Ahmad R. , Saparov Bayram , Luther Joseph M. , Beard Matthew C. , Sellers Ian R.
Published: February 2024

The presence of hot carriers is presented in the operational properties of an (FA,Cs)Pb(I, Br, Cl)3 solar cell at ambient temperatures and under practical solar concentration. Albeit, in a device architecture that is not suitably designed as a functional hot carrier solar cell. At 100 K, clear evidence of hot carriers is observed in both the high energy tail of the photoluminescence spectra and from the appearance of a nonequilibrium photocurrent at higher fluence in light J–V measurements. At room temperature, however, the presence of hot carriers in the emission at elevated laser fluence is shown to compete with a gradual red shift in the PL peak energy as photoinduced halide segregation begins to occur at higher lattice temperature. The effects of thermionic emission of hot carriers and the presence of a nonequilibrium carrier distribution are also shown to be distinct from simple lattice heating. This results in large unsaturated photocurrents at high powers as the Fermi distribution exceeds that of the heterointerface controlling carrier transport and rectification.
MicroRNA miR‐285 modulates the metamorphosis in Galeruca daurica by targeting Br‐C
Authors: Wang Hai‐Chao , Li Ling , Zhang Jing‐Hang , Yao Zhi‐Han , Pang Bao‐Ping
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Galeruca daurica has become a new pest on the Inner Mongolia grasslands since an abrupt outbreak in 2009 caused serious damage. As a pupa indicator during insect metamorphosis, the early response gene of the ecdysone signaling pathway, Broad‐Complex (Br‐C), plays a vital role in the growth and development of insects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs which mediate various biological activities, but it is unknown whether and how Br‐C is regulated by miRNAs.

RESULTS

Temporal expression profiles revealed that miR‐285 and Br‐C basically displayed an opposite trend during larval–adult development, and Br‐C was sharply up‐regulated on the last day of final‐instar larvae while miR‐285 was significantly down‐regulated. Both dual‐luciferase reporter assay and miRNA–mRNA interaction assay indicated that miR‐285 interacts with the coding sequence of Br‐C and represses its expression. Not only overexpression but also downexpression of miR‐285 led to the failure of larval to pupal to adult metamorphosis. In addition, both overexpression of miR‐285 and silence of Br‐C inhibited the expression of Br‐C and other ecdysone signaling pathway genes, including E74, E75, ECR, FTZ‐F1, and HR3. On the contrary, suppressing miR‐285 obtained opposite results. Further experiments showed that 20‐hydroxyecdysone down‐regulated miR‐285 and up‐regulated Br‐C and above‐mentioned genes, whereas juvenile hormone alalogue (JHA) resulted in opposite effects.

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal that miR‐285 is involved in mediating the metamorphosis in G. daurica by targeting Br‐C in the ecdysone signaling pathway. miR‐285 and its target Br‐C could be as a potential target for G. daurica management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Oxidative Synthesis of Bioactive B‐3 Analogue of Procyanidin with 3,4‐cis Stereochemistry
Authors: Chilaka Achilonu Matthew , Veronica Ngubane Xolile
Published: February 2024

Procyanidins are polyphenols naturally ubiquitous in fruits, grains, seeds, nuts, plant barks and vegetables. However, isolating the natural bioactive compounds from plant materials produces mixtures of proanthocyanidins that are difficult to separate, thus compromising the yield of the desired pure–form procyanidins. Therefore, there is a need to synthesise high–yield homogeneous procyanidin compounds with well‐defined stereo‐ and regiochemistry. This study describes a method for synthesising the free phenolic procyanidin B‐3 analogue. Treatment of a solution of tetra‐O‐benzyl‐3‐oxocatechin 3 b (1 equiv.) and penta‐O‐benzylcatechin 2 c (3 equiv.) with silver tetrafluoroborate (AgBF4) readily afford the per‐O‐benzyl ethers of 3‐oxo‐catechin‐(4→8)‐catechin 18 exclusively. Subsequent sodium borohydride reduction followed by catalytic hydrogenation afforded the free phenolic B‐3 procyanidin (catechin‐(4β→8)‐catechin) 20 with 3,4‐cis Stereochemistry in a good percentage yield of 86 %.
Synthesis, functionalization and assembly of monodisperse gold nanoparticles with potassium sodium tartrate as reducing agent
Authors: Deng Yonghong , Ge Linlin , Tang Junqi
Published: February 2024

Monodisperse gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are an important guarantee of their scientific value and technical reproducibility in applications. The tartrate has a similar molecule structure and physicochemical properties to citrate, bur is much less reducibility and is usually not favorable for the formation of monodisperse AuNPs. We have prepared monodisperse AuNPs with tartrate (potassium sodium tartrate) as reducing and capping agent. Various parameters affecting the monodisperse properties during the preparation of tartrate‐capped AuNPs were analyzed, such as reversing the order of reactant addition and ripening of seeds, while adjusting the synthesis parameters such as time, temperature, and pH value. The final results show that the addition of a trace amount of silver (Ag) ion into chloroauric acid, the monodispersed tartrate‐capped AuNPs can be obtained with the size range of 9–40 nm. The fabricated gold seeds and grown tartrate‐capped AuNPs have narrow size dispersions (or polydispersity, σ<10 %). The minimum size dispersion of AuNPs with twice growth steps was as low as 5.73 %. So, the weak reducing agent of tartrate is one of good candidates to synthesize the monodispersity of AuNPs. Additionally, tartrate‐capped AuNPs have good stability and can be easily modified and form a large two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer nanostructure film.
Electrical‐Driven Directed‐Evolution of Copper Nanowires Catalysts for Efficient Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Luo Wenjie , Guo Zeyi , Ye Ling , Wu Shilu , Jiang Yingyang , Xu Peng , Wang Hui , Qian Jinjie , Zhou Xuemei , Tang Hao , Ge Yongjie , Guan Jia , Yang Zhi , Nie Huagui
Published: February 2024

The electrocatalytic conversion of nitrate (NO3−) to NH3 (NO3RR) at ambient conditions offers a promising alternative to the Haber–Bosch process. The pivotal factors in optimizing the proficient conversion of NO3− into NH3 include enhancing the adsorption capabilities of the intermediates on the catalyst surface and expediting the hydrogenation steps. Herein, the Cu/Cu2O/Pi NWs catalyst is designed based on the directed‐evolution strategy to achieve an efficient reduction of NO3‾. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of the OV‐enriched Cu2O phase developed during the directed‐evolution process and the pristine Cu phase, the catalyst exhibits improved adsorption performance for diverse NO3RR intermediates. Additionally, the phosphate group anchored on the catalyst's surface during the directed‐evolution process facilitates water electrolysis, thereby generating Hads on the catalyst surface and promoting the hydrogenation step of NO3RR. As a result, the Cu/Cu2O/Pi NWs catalyst shows an excellent FE for NH3 (96.6%) and super‐high NH3 yield rate of 1.2 mol h−1 gcat.−1 in 1 m KOH and 0.1 m KNO3 solution at −0.5 V versus RHE. Moreover, the catalyst's stability is enhanced by the stabilizing influence of the phosphate group on the Cu2O phase. This work highlights the promise of a directed‐evolution approach in designing catalysts for NO3RR.
Bayesian meta‐analysis of phase 3 results of aducanumab, lecanemab, donanemab, and high‐dose gantenerumab in prodromal and mild Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Teipel Stefan J. , Temp Anna G. M. , Lutz Michael W.
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

Phase 3 trials using the anti‐amyloid antibodies aducanumab, lecanemab, donanemab, and high‐dose gantenerumab in prodromal and mild Alzheimer's disease dementia were heterogeneous in respect to statistical significance of effects. However, heterogeneity of results has not yet directly be quantified.

METHODS

We used Bayesian random effects meta‐analysis to quantify evidence for or against a treatment effect, and assessed the size of the effect and its heterogeneity. Data were extracted from published studies where available and Web based data reports, assuming a Gaussian data generation process.

RESULTS

We found moderate evidence in favor of a treatment effect (Bayes factor = 13.2). The effect was moderate to small with −0.33 (95% credible interval −0.54 to −0.10) points on the Clinical Dementia Rating – Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) scale. The heterogeneity parameter was low to moderate with 0.21 (0.04 to 0.45) CDR‐SB points.

DISCUSSION

Heterogeneity across studies was moderate despite some trials reaching statistical significance, while others did not. This suggests that the negative aducanumab and gantenerumab trials are in full agreement with the expected effect sizes.
Annihilation of electroweak dumbbells
Authors: Patel Teerthal , Vachaspati Tanmay
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We study the annihilation of electroweak dumbbells and the dependence of their dynamics on initial dumbbell length and twist. Untwisted dumbbells decay rapidly while maximally twisted dumbbells collapse to form a compact sphaleron-like object, before decaying into radiation. The decay products of a dumbbell include electromagnetic magnetic fields with energy that is a few percent of the initial energy. The magnetic field from the decay of twisted dumbbells carries magnetic helicity with magnitude that depends on the twist, and handedness that depends on the decay pathway.
Towards classifying the interior dynamics of charged black holes with scalar hair
Authors: Cai Rong-Gen , Duan Mei-Ning , Li Li , Yang Fu-Guo
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The study of the interior of hairy black holes has received significant attention recently. This paper builds upon our recent analytical approach to investigate the internal dynamics of charged black holes with scalar hair in general spacetime dimensions. The geometries of these hairy balck holes end at a spacelike singularity. We investigate the alternation of Kasner epoch at later interior times and obtain the analytic expression for two kinds of transformation, namely Kasner inversion and Kasner transition. Moreover, we classify three different types of Kasner alternations for a large class of Einstein-Maxwell-scalar theory. Our analytical results are corroborated by numerical solutions to the full equations of motion, including a top-down model from supergravity. For general interactions, more complicated behaviors beyond our analytical description are also found and discussed, including the presence of non-Kasner epochs and the random change of the amplitude of the Kasner exponent at late interior times.
RFX4 is an intrinsic factor for neuronal differentiation through induction of proneural genes POU3F2 and NEUROD1
Authors: Choi Wonyoung , Choe Mu Seog , Kim Su Min , Kim So Jin , Lee Jiyeon , Lee Yeongun , Lee Sun-Min , Dho So Hee , Lee Min-Young , Kim Lark Kyun
Published: February 2024

Proneural genes play a crucial role in neuronal differentiation. However, our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing proneural genes during neuronal differentiation remains limited. RFX4, identified as a candidate regulator of proneural genes, has been reported to be associated with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. To uncover the regulatory relationship, we utilized a combination of multi-omics data, including ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, Hi-C, and RNA-seq, to identify RFX4 as an upstream regulator of proneural genes. We further validated the role of RFX4 using an in vitro model of neuronal differentiation with RFX4 knock-in and a CRISPR-Cas9 knock-out system. As a result, we found that RFX4 directly interacts with the promoters of POU3F2 and NEUROD1. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a set of genes associated with neuronal development, which are highly implicated in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Notably, ectopic expression of RFX4 can drive human embryonic stem cells toward a neuronal fate. Our results strongly indicate that RFX4 serves as a direct upstream regulator of proneural genes, a role that is essential for normal neuronal development. Impairments in RFX4 function could potentially be related to the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, understanding the precise mechanisms by which the RFX4 gene influences the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders requires further investigation through human genetic studies.
Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of severe lower limb soft tissue injuries: a systematic review
Authors: Kwee Esmee , Borgdorff Marieke , Schepers Tim , Halm Jens A. , Winters Hay A. H. , Weenink Robert P. , Ridderikhof Milan L. , Giannakópoulos Georgios F.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Traumatic crush injuries of the lower limb often accompany severe complications. The incorporation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to standard trauma care may have the potential to diminish injury-related complications and improve outcome in such cases. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of severe lower limb soft tissue injuries.

Methods

The electronic databases Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies involving patients with crush-associated sever lower limb soft tissue injuries who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy in conjunction with standard trauma care. Relevant data on type of injury, hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol and outcome related to wound healing were extracted.

Results

In total seven studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 229 patients. The studies included two randomized clinical trials, one retrospective cohort study, three case series and one case report. The randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial showed a significant increase in wound healing and decrease in the need for additional surgical interventions in the patient group receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy when compared to those undergoing sham therapy. The randomized non-placebo-controlled clinical trial revealed that early hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces tissue necrosis and the likelihood of long-term complications. The retrospective cohort study indicated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively reduces infection rates and the need for additional surgical interventions. The case series and case report presented beneficial results with regard to wound healing when hyperbaric oxygen therapy was added to the treatment regimen.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally considered a safe therapeutic intervention and seems to have a beneficial effect on wound healing in severe lower limb soft tissue injuries when implemented as an addition to standard trauma care.
Auswirkungen vorgeschalteter Laborprozesse auf die Digitalisierung histologischer Schnittpräparate
Authors: Schwaibold Leander , Mattern Sven , Mählmann Markus , Lobert Leon , Breunig Thomas , Schürch Christian M.
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Viele Faktoren der Objektträger(OT)-Herstellung haben Einfluss auf Qualität und Datenmenge eines digitalisierten histologischen Schnittpräparates. Insbesondere die Reduktion von Verunreinigung sowie Auswahl des geeigneten Eindeckmaterials haben das Potenzial, Scanzeit und Datenmenge zu reduzieren.

Ziel der Arbeit

Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Objektivierung von Beobachtungen aus dem Prozess der Digitalisierung unseres Institutes, um den Einfluss von Laborprozessen auf die Qualität digitaler Histologiepräparate zu ermitteln.

Material und Methoden

Versuch 1: Einscannen von OT vor und nach Installation einer Mittelkonsole im Mikrotomiebereich zur Reduktion von Schmutz und statistische Auswertung der erhobenen Parameter. Versuch 2: Erneutes eindecken von OT (nach Abschluss der Diagnostik) mit Glas und Folie. Einscannen der OT und statistische Auswertung der erhobenen Parameter.

Schlussfolgerung

Die gezielte Umstrukturierung im Laborprozess führt zu einer Reduktion von OT-Kontaminationen. Dies bewirkt eine signifikante Reduktion der Datenmenge und Scanzeit von digitalisierten Schnitten. Folie als Eindeckmaterial verursacht im Gegensatz zu Glas weniger Prozessfehler im weiteren Verlauf. Nach unseren Schätzungen führt dies zu deutlichen Kosteneinsparungen.
Selektive Vitalfarbstoffe in der Makulachirurgie
Authors: Mueller Severin F. , Siedlecki Jakob , Mueller Arthur J.
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Auf dem Markt existieren verschiedene Vitalfarbstoffe zur intraoperativen ILM-Identifizierung. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war die Überprüfung des Zusatznutzens dieser Farbstoffe zur Identifizierung der ILM und der Schwierigkeit des ILM-Peelings während Pars-plana-Vitrektomien (ppV) bei einem einzelnen, in dieser Operation sehr erfahrenen Operateur.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden retrospektiv 400 ppV-Operationsberichte mit ILM-Peeling analysiert. Die intraoperative Einschätzung der Identifizierung und Schwierigkeit des intraoperativen ILM-Peelings mussten im OP-Bericht dokumentiert sein. Die Gesamtgruppe bestand aus 2 Kohorten mit je 200 Operationsberichten (1. Kohorte ohne selektive Vitalfarbstoffe, Zeitraum: 2004 bis 2006; 2. Kohorte mit Vitalfarbstoffen in der Mehrzahl der ppVs, Zeitraum: 2013 bis 2020).

Ergebnisse

Der Unterschied zwischen beiden Gruppen in Bezug auf die intraoperative Identifizierung der ILM war statistisch signifikant (p < 0,001). Jedoch wurde kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied (p = 0,951) zwischen den beiden Gruppen in Bezug auf die Schwierigkeit des ILM-Peelings festgestellt. In der logistischen Regressionsanalyse waren weder das Geschlecht noch das Alter der Patienten, die Augenseite, der Linsenstatus oder der Status der hinteren Glaskörpergrenzmembran signifikant mit der ILM-Identifizierung assoziiert.

Diskussion

Die Einführung selektiver Vitalfarbstoffe stellt einen entscheidenden Fortschritt in der Netzhautchirurgie dar. In der untersuchten Stichprobe wurde dieser Vorteil anhand zweier exakt definierter Operationskohorten eines einzelnen sehr erfahrenen Operateurs evident. Dies unterstreicht den Zusatznutzen der Anwendung von selektiven Vitalfarbstoffen zur Identifizierung der ILM in der Makulachirurgie bei weniger erfahrenen Operateuren.
Ethnic disparities in pediatric appendicitis: the impact of hispanic ethnicity on presentation, complications, and postoperative outcomes
Authors: Chidiac Charbel , Liu Olivia , Gorijavolu Rahul , Rhee Daniel S. , Garcia Alejandro V.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Our study investigates ethnic disparities in pediatric appendicitis, focusing on the impact of Hispanic ethnicity on presentation, complications, and postoperative outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis from 2015 to 2020 using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. We compared 30-day postoperative complications, postoperative length of stay, and postoperative interventions between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White patients.

Results

65,976 patients were included, of which 23,462 (35.56%) were Hispanic and 42,514 (64.44%) non-Hispanic White. Hispanic children were more likely to present to the hospital with complicated appendicitis (31.75% vs. 25.15%, P < 0.0001) and sepsis (25.22% vs. 19.02%, P < 0.0001) compared to non-Hispanic White. Hispanics had higher rates of serious complications (4.06% vs. 3.55%, P = 0.001) but not overall complications (5.37% vs. 5.09%, P = 0.12). However, after multivariate analysis, Hispanic ethnicity was not associated with an increased rate of serious postoperative complications (OR 0.93, CI 0.85–1.01, P = 0.088); it was associated with less overall complications (OR 0.88, CI 0.81–0.96, P = 0.003) but a longer postoperative length of stay (OR 1.09, CI 1.04–1.14, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Hispanic children are more likely to present with complicated appendicitis, contributing to increased postoperative complications. Notably, upon adjustment for the impact of complicated appendicitis, our findings suggest potentially favorable outcomes for Hispanic ethnicity. This emphasizes the need to understand delays in presentation to improve outcomes in the Hispanic population.
Estimating the minimal clinically important difference of shoulder functional scores after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective study
Authors: Mukadam Aditya A , Nayak Shalini , Willems Jaap , Pandey Vivek
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is a valuable tool for patient-based outcome analysis, for which limited data is available in the literature, especially after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Although several studies have reported MCID after ARCR, few have studied the impact of various clinical factors such as Diabetes, pseudoparalysis, type of cuff repair, and retear over MCID. This study attempts to determine the MCID in shoulder functional scores after ARCR and the impact of various factors on MCID.

Methods

144 patients undergoing ARCR were prospectively evaluated at six and 12 months by ASES and UCLA scores. MCID for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and the University of California and Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were calculated using an anchor-based and distribution-based approach. MCID was also calculated for diabetic and non-diabetic patients, smokers vs. non-smokers, presence or absence of pseudoparalysis, type of cuff repair (single row vs. suture bridge), and presence of retears. Uni- and multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the MCID of both scores.

Results

Mean MCID for ASES score was 13.3 and 16.6 using an anchor-based and distribution-based approach, respectively. For the UCLA score, the mean MCID was 10.0 and 12.6 by anchor-based and 12.6 by distribution-based approach, respectively. Patients with higher pre-operative ASES scores demonstrated lower MCID values. No significant difference was observed in MCID scores of diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients, smoker vs. non-smoker, patients with or without pseudoparalysis, and type of cuff repair. The age, gender, and presence of retear did not affect MCID values.

Conclusion

This study establishes the MCID values of ASES and UCLA scores for rotator cuff repair by anchor and distribution methods. No patient or surgical factors appear to affect the MCID except pre-operative ASES scores.

Study design

Prospective cohort, Level II.
Identification of vagal afferent nerve endings in the mouse colon and their spatial relationship with enterochromaffin cells
Authors: Spencer Nick J. , Kyloh Melinda A. , Travis Lee , Hibberd Timothy J.
Published: February 2024

Understanding how the gut communicates with the brain, via sensory nerves, is of significant interest to medical science. Enteroendocrine cells (EEC) that line the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract release neurochemicals, including the largest quantity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). How the release of substances, like 5-HT, from enterochromaffin (EC) cells activates vagal afferent nerve endings is unresolved. We performed anterograde labelling from nodose ganglia in vivo and identified vagal afferent axons and nerve endings in the mucosa of whole-mount full-length preparations of mouse colon. We then determined the spatial relationship between mucosal-projecting vagal afferent nerve endings and EC cells in situ using 3D imaging. The mean distances between vagal afferent nerve endings in the mucosa, or nearest varicosities along vagal afferent axon branches, and the nearest EC cell were 29.6 ± 19.2 μm (n = 107, N = 6) and 25.7 ± 15.2 μm (n = 119, N = 6), respectively. No vagal afferent endings made close contacts with EC cells. The distances between EC cells and vagal afferent endings are many hundreds of times greater than known distances between pre- and post-synaptic membranes (typically 10–20 nm) that underlie synaptic transmission in vertebrates. The absence of any close physical contacts between 5-HT-containing EC cells and vagal afferent nerve endings in the mucosa leads to the inescapable conclusion that the mechanism by which 5-HT release from ECs in the colonic mucosa occurs in a paracrine fashion, to activate vagal afferents.