bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fast, Automatic Segmentation Algorithm for Locating and Delineating Touching Cell Boundaries in Imaged Histopathology
Authors: Xing F. , Foran D. J. , Yang L. , Qi X.
Published: April 2012

Background: Automated analysis of imaged histopathology specimens could potentially provide support for improved reliability in detection and classification in a range of investigative and clinical cancer applications. Automated segmentation of cells in the digitized tissue microarray (TMA) is often the prerequisite for quantitative analysis. However overlapping cells usually bring significant challenges for traditional segmentation algorithms.

Objectives: In this paper, we propose a novel, automatic algorithm to separate overlapping cells in stained histology specimens acquired using bright-field RGB imaging.

Methods: It starts by systematically identifying salient regions of interest throughout the image based upon their underlying visual content. The segmentation algorithm subsequently performs a quick, voting based seed detection. Finally, the contour of each cell is obtained using a repulsive level set deformable model using the seeds generated in the previous step. We compared the experimental results with the most current literature, and the pixel wise accuracy between human experts’ annotation and those generated using the automatic segmentation algorithm.

Results: The method is tested with 100 image patches which contain more than 1000 overlapping cells. The overall precision and recall of the developed algorithm is 90% and 78%, respectively. We also implement the algorithm on GPU. The parallel implementation is 22 times faster than its C/C++ sequential implementation.

Conclusion: The proposed segmentation algorithm can accurately detect and effectively separate each of the overlapping cells. GPU is proven to be an efficient parallel platform for overlapping cell segmentation.
Concentration and Chain Length of Polyethylene Glycol in Islet Isolation Solution: Evaluation in a Pancreatic Islet Transplantation Model
Authors: Giraud S. , Bon D. , Neuzillet Y. , Thuillier R. , Eugene M. , Hauet T. , Barrou B.
Published: April 2012

To improve graft preservation and consequently reduce conservation injuries, the composition of preservation solution is of outmost importance. It was demonstrated that the colloid polyethylene glycol (PEG), used in SCOT solution, has protective effects on cell membranes and immunocamouflage properties. The aim of this study was to optimize the concentration and chain length of PEG to improve pancreatic islet preservation and outcome. In a model of murine islet allotransplantation, islets were isolated with SCOT containing various concentrations of PEG 20 kDa or 35 kDa. Better islet yield (IEQ) was obtained with SCOT + PEG at 15–30 g/L versus other PEG concentrations and control CMRL-1066 + 1% BSA solution ( p < 0.05). Allograft survival was better prolonged (up to 20 days) in the groups SCOT + PEG 20 kDa 10–30 g/L compared to PEG 35 kDa (less than 17.8 days) and to control solutions (less than 17.5 days). In terms of graft function recovery, the use of PEG 20 kDa 15–30 g/L induced no primary nonfunction and delayed graft function contrary to CMRL-1066 and other PEG solutions. The use of the extracellular-type solution SCOT containing PEG 20 kDa 15 g/L as colloid could be a new way to optimize graft integrity preservation and allograft outcome.
Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by Multipotent Stromal Cells/Mesenchymal Stem Cells upon Exposure to Fas Ligand
Authors: Rodrigues Melanie , Turner Omari , Stolz Donna , Griffith Linda G. , Wells Alan
Published: April 2012

Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) can be differentiated into osteoblasts and chondrocytes, making these cells candidates to regenerate cranio-facial injuries and lesions in long bones. A major problem with cell replacement therapy, however, is the loss of transplanted MSCs at the site of graft. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nonspecific inflammation generated at the ischemic site have been hypothesized to lead to MSCs loss; studies in vitro show MSCs dying both in the presence of ROS or cytokines like FasL. We questioned whether MSCs themselves may be the source of these death inducers, specifically whether MSCs produce ROS under cytokine challenge. On treating MSCs with FasL, we observed increased ROS production within 2 h, leading to apoptotic death after 6 h of exposure to the cytokine. N-acetyl cysteine, an antioxidant, is able to protect MSCs from FasL-induced ROS production and subsequent ROS-dependent apoptosis, though the MSCs eventually succumb to ROS-independent death signaling. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a cell survival factor, is able to protect cells from FasL-induced ROS production initially; however, the protective effect wanes with continued FasL exposure. In parallel, FasL induces upregulation of the uncoupling protein UCP2, the main uncoupling protein in MSCs, which is not abrogated by EGF; however, the production of ROS is followed by a delayed apoptotic cell death despite moderation by UCP2. FasL-induced ROS activates the stress-induced MAPK pathways JNK and p38MAPK as well as ERK, along with the activation of Bad, a proapoptotic protein, and suppression of survivin, an antiapoptotic protein; the latter two key modulators of the mitochondrial death pathway. FasL by itself also activates its canonical extrinsic death pathway noted by a time-dependent degradation of c-FLIP and activation of caspase 8. These data suggest that MSCs participate in their own demise due to nonspecific inflammation, holding implications for replacement therapies.
Platelet-Mediated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Homing to the Lung Reduces Monocrotaline-Induced Rat Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Jiang Lei , Song Xing Hui , Liu Pu , Zeng Chun Lai , Huang Zhang Sen , Zhu Lin Jing , Jiang Yang Zi , Ouyang Hong Wei , Hu Hu
Published: April 2012

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation has been suggested to be a promising method for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a fatal disease currently without effective preventive/therapeutic strategies. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying BM-MSC therapy are largely unknown. We designed the present study to test the hypothesis that circulating platelets facilitate BM-MSC homing to the lung vasculature in a rat model of PAH induced by monocrotalin (MCT). A single subcutaneous administration of MCT induced a marked rise in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the weight ratio of right to left ventricle plus septum (RV/LV+S) 3 weeks after injection. The injection of MSCs via tail vein 3 days after MCT significantly reduced the increase of RVSP and RV/LV+S. The fluorescence-labeled MSCs injected into the PAH rat circulation were found mostly distributed in the lungs, particularly on the pulmonary vascular wall, whereas cell homing was abolished by an anti-P-selectin antibody and the GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor tirofiban. Furthermore, using an in vitro flow chamber, we demonstrated that MSC adhesion to the major extracellular matrix collagen was facilitated by platelets and their P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa. Therefore, the current study suggested that platelet-mediated MSC homing prevented the aggravation of MCT-induced rat PAH, via P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa-mediated mechanisms.
Adequate Time Window and Environmental Factors Supporting Retinal Graft Cell Survival in rd Mice
Authors: Mandai Michiko , Homma Kohei , Okamoto Satoshi , Yamada Chikako , Nomori Akane , Takahashi Masayo
Published: April 2012

Postnatal photoreceptor cells can be integrated into the wild-type adult retina in mice, and retinal transplantation is now one therapeutic option for retinal degenerative diseases when photoreceptor degeneration is the primary cause of the disease. The aim of this study was to specify the optimal time window during the course of retinal degeneration and to modulate the host and/or graft environment for a successful transplantation. We first studied the background features of the mice with phosphodiesterase 6b (PDE6b) gene mutation ( rd; C3H/Hej) and found that the infiltration of microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression once increased at the peak of rod death (∼2–3 weeks of age) but then reduced for a following period until gliosis began to take place with enhanced GFAP expression (∼8 weeks of age). The postnatal retinal cells (p4–p7) were successfully transplanted during this period with neurite extension into the host retina. In later transplantations (6 or 8 weeks of age), graft cells survived better in the presence of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), which digests chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG), an essential component of gliosis. In contrast, in earlier transplantations (4 weeks of age), graft cells survived better in the presence of valproic acid (VPA), a neural differentiating reagent, or glatiramer acetate, an immune modulator. These suggest that, immediately after the outer nuclear layer (ONL) degeneration, an inflammatory reaction may be easily induced but the host neurons may be more able to accept donor cells in the presence of neural differentiating factor. These results will help optimize transplantation conditions when we consider clinical application.
An easy α-glycosylation methodology for the synthesis and stereochemistry of mycoplasma α-glycolipid antigens
Authors: Nishida Yoshihiro , Shingu Yuko , Mengfei Yuan , Fukuda Kazuo , Dohi Hirofumi , Matsuda Sachie , Matsuda Kazuhiro
Published: April 2012

Mycoplasma fermentans possesses unique α-glycolipid antigens (GGPL-I and GGPL-III) at the cytoplasm membrane, which carry a phosphocholine group at the sugar primary (6-OH) position. This paper describes a practical synthetic pathway to a GGPL-I homologue (C16:0) and its diastereomer, in which our one-pot α-glycosylation method was effectively applied. The synthetic GGPL-I isomers were characterized with 1H NMR spectroscopy to determine the equilibrium among the three conformers (gg, gt, tg) at the acyclic glycerol moiety. The natural GGPL-I isomer was found to prefer gt (54%) and gg (39%) conformers around the lipid tail, while adopting all of the three conformers with equal probability around the sugar position. This property was very close to what we have observed with respect to the conformation of phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), suggesting that the Mycoplasma glycolipids GGPLs may constitute the cytoplasm fluid membrane together with ubiquitous phospholipids, without inducing stereochemical stress.
1,25-Dihyroxyvitamin D3 Promotes FOXP3 Expression via Binding to Vitamin D Response Elements in Its Conserved Noncoding Sequence Region
Authors: Kang Seong Wook , Kim Sang Hyun , Lee Naeun , Lee Won-Woo , Hwang Kyung-A , Shin Min Sun , Lee Seung-Hyun , Kim Wan-Uk , Kang Insoo
Published: April 2012

FOXP3-positive regulatory T (Treg) cells are a unique subset of T cells with immune regulatory properties. Treg cells can be induced from non-Treg CD4+ T cells (induced Treg [iTreg] cells) by TCR triggering, IL-2, and TGF-β or retinoic acid. 1,25-Dihyroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2VD3] affects the functions of immune cells including T cells. 1,25(OH)2VD3 binds the nuclear VD receptor (VDR) that binds target DNA sequences known as the VD response element (VDRE). Although 1,25(OH)2VD3 can promote FOXP3 expression in CD4+ T cells with TCR triggering and IL-2, it is unknown whether this effect of 1,25(OH)2VD3 is mediated through direct binding of VDR to the FOXP3 gene without involving other molecules. Also, it is unclear whether FOXP3 expression in 1,25(OH)2VD3-induced Treg (VD-iTreg) cells is critical for the inhibitory function of these cells. In this study, we demonstrated the presence of VDREs in the intronic conserved noncoding sequence region +1714 to +2554 of the human FOXP3 gene and the enhancement of the FOXP3 promoter activity by such VDREs in response to 1,25(OH)2VD3. Additionally, VD-iTreg cells suppressed the proliferation of target CD4+ T cells and this activity was dependent on FOXP3 expression. These findings suggest that 1,25(OH)2VD3 can affect human immune responses by regulating FOXP3 expression in CD4+ T cells through direct VDR binding to the FOXP3 gene, which is essential for inhibitory function of VD-iTreg cells.
Masked millennial-scale climate variations in South West Africa during the last glaciation
Authors: Hessler I. , Dupont L. , Handiani D. , Paul A. , Merkel U. , Wefer G.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. To address the connection between tropical African vegetation development and high-latitude climate change we present a high-resolution pollen record from ODP Site 1078 (off Angola) covering the period 50–10 ka BP. Although several tropical African vegetation and climate reconstructions indicate an impact of Heinrich Stadials (HSs) in Southern Hemisphere Africa, our vegetation record shows no response. Model simulations conducted with an Earth System Model of Intermediate Complexity including a dynamical vegetation component provide one possible explanation. Because both precipitation and evaporation increased during HSs and their effects nearly cancelled each other, there was a negligible change in moisture supply. Consequently, the resulting climatic response to HSs might have been too weak to noticeably affect the vegetation composition in the study area. Our results also show that the response to HSs in southern tropical Africa neither equals nor mirrors the response to abrupt climate change in northern Africa.
Impact of precipitation and land biophysical variables on the simulated discharge of European and Mediterranean rivers
Authors: Szczypta C. , Decharme B. , Carrer D. , Calvet J.-C. , Lafont S. , Somot S. , Faroux S. , Martin E.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. This study investigates the use of the ERA-Interim 3-hourly atmospheric reanalysis over Europe and the Mediterranean basin, to drive the ISBA-TRIP continental hydrological system, at a spatial resolution of 0.5°, over the 1991–2008 period. Several versions of the representation of evapotranspiration in the ISBA land surface model are used to simulate the runoff which is converted into river discharge by the TRIP river routing model. In particular, the impact of using contrasting representations of the vegetation variables is investigated: ISBA is used together with its upgraded carbon flux version (ISBA-A-gs). The latter is either driven by a satellite-derived climatology of the Leaf Area Index (LAI) or performs prognostic LAI simulations. As ERA-Interim tends to underestimate precipitation, a number of precipitation corrections are proposed. In particular, the monthly GPCC precipitation product is used to un-bias the 3-hourly ERA-Interim estimates. This correction markedly improves the match between the ISBA-TRIP simulations and the river discharge observations of the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC), at 150 gauging stations. The interactive LAI version of ISBA-A-gs does not perform as well as the original ISBA model at springtime. On the other hand, the use of the ISBA-A-gs model allows a better representation of river discharge at low water levels. Constraining the ISBA-A-gs LAI with satellite-derived LAI data improves the simulations at springtime.
Sensitivity of Greenland Ice Sheet surface mass balance to surface albedo parameterization: a study with a regional climate model
Authors: van Angelen J. H. , Lenaerts J. T. M. , Lhermitte S. , Fettweis X. , Kuipers Munneke P. , van den Broeke M. R. , van Meijgaard E.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. We present a sensitivity study of the surface mass balance (SMB) of the Greenland Ice Sheet, as modeled using a regional atmospheric climate model, to various parameter settings in the albedo parameterization. The snow albedo parameterization uses grain size as a prognostic variable and further depends on cloud cover, solar zenith angle and black carbon concentration. For the control experiment the overestimation of absorbed shortwave radiation (+6 %) at the K-transect (West Greenland) for the period 2004–2009 is considerably reduced compared to the previous density-dependent albedo parameterization (+22 %). To simulate realistic snow albedo values, a small concentration of black carbon is needed. A background ice albedo field derived from MODIS imagery improves the agreement between the modeled and observed SMB gradient along the K-transect. The effect of enhanced retention and refreezing is a decrease of the albedo due to an increase in snow grain size. As a secondary effect of refreezing the snowpack is heated, enhancing melt and further lowering the albedo. Especially in a warmer climate this process is important, since it reduces the refreezing potential of the firn layer covering the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Hungarian Accounting Standardization Effects
Authors: Csebfalvi Gyorgy
Published: April 2012

Nowadays, especially during the current global financial crisis, companies in Hungary are striving desperately to remain competitive and achieve sustainable levels of economic development. The highly competitive environment requires companies to create a clear business strategy, and accounting has to be part of this strategy since it helps individual enterprises to achieve their strategic objectives. International accounting standards are new global methods for business information systems and they are able to harmonize financial regimes both in Hungary and world-wide. The increased globalization of markets, the complexity of commercial trading and the concentration of business in global competition have led to a still greater need for international accounting harmonization. It is expected that a unified, standardized accounting information system will lead to new types of analysis and data – with the possible integration of new indicators used in the business practice of certain countries as an additional benefit.The purpose of this study was to measure the differences between national (Hungarian)l rules and the international standards, evaluating and analyzing their effects on the business environment. The financial data are taken from accounts published on the Budapest Stock Exchange and in the Hungarian Business Information database. The results show that those businesses which have adopted international standards achieved higher and statistically significant positive coefficients than those following local accounting rules. We found that larger firms (those with more leverage, higher market capitalization and substantial foreign sales) were more likely to have adopted international accounting standards.
Determinants of Environmental Disclosure in Thai Corporate Annual Reports
Authors: Suttipun Muttanachai , Stanton Patricia
Published: April 2012

This study investigated the extent and content of environmental information disclosure provided in the annual reports of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), and tested whether there were any relationships between the amount of environmental disclosure and a number of company characteristics used in previous studies conducted in more developed countries. By using a simple sampling method, 75 listed companies were selected for inclusion in the study based on their 2007 annual reports. The findings indicate that 62 companies (83%) provided environmental information in their annual reports. Companies in the resources industry group made the most disclosure of environmental information, while the least disclosure was made by companies in the agricultural and food industries group. The most common location of environmental reporting in annual reports was under the topic of corporate governance. The most common themes of disclosures were environmental policy, environmental activities, and waste management. There was a positive relationship between the amount of environmental disclosures and size of company.
The Role of Bureaucracy during the Ayub Regime in Pakistan
Authors: Musarrat Prof. Dr. Razia , Azhar Muhammad Salman
Published: April 2012

The focus of this research is the Pakistan’s bureaucratic structure and its workings during the Ayub Khan’s regime in Pakistan. Authors explore the political system during the Ayub Khan regime and point out that this system was not really political but that was bureaucratic in its nature where people have least freedom of speech.
The Uses of Cognition in Policy Analysis: A First Appraisal
Authors: Gouin Rodolphe , Harguindéguy Jean-Baptiste Paul
Published: April 2012

Cognitive approaches have become very fashionable in the field of policy analysis. Nevertheless, despite a common label, cognitive policy analyses vary greatly from one author to the next. So, are policy analysts talking about the same thing? Drawing on the dichotomy established by Sperber between soft cognition and hard cognition, we guess that not all authors seek to transfer theoretical assumptions from one scientific discipline to another. In order to demonstrate this hypothesis, we propose to round out these formal categories with additional sub-divisions based on the degree of conceptual transfer from cognitive science to policy analysis..
Efficiency of Endoscopic Imaging in Repetitive Probing following Unsuccessful Probing
Authors: Okumuş Seydi , Gürler Bülent , Coşkun Erol , Durucu Cengiz , Tatar M. Gurkan , Yayuspayi Ramazan , Durucu Ela , Erbagǧci Ibrahim
Published: April 2012

Purpose.

To show the efficiency of repetitive probing performed with intranasal endoscopic imaging in cases who underwent unsuccessful probing and the accompanying nasal pathologies.

Methods.

Eighty-four eyes of the 64 patients in whom primary probing was found to be unsuccessful were included in the study. Cases were divided into 3 groups, depending on the number of unsuccessful attempts (1 [group 1], 2 [group 2], and 3 [group 3] unsuccessful probings). Diagnosis of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction was confirmed by history taking, clinical examination, and fluorescence disappearance test. All cases underwent nasal endoscopic-assisted probing and were followed up on the first week, first month, and third month following the procedure.

Results.

There were 50 eyes in group 1, 23 in group 2, and 11 in group 3. The causes of failure that were determined with endoscopy were as follows: functional insufficiency 8.3%, lower nasal concha tension 4.7%, thin membrane in Hasner valve 3.6%, thick membrane and fibrosis in the distal side of the duct 21.4%, probe progressed submucosally on the nasal wall 33.3%, different exit location in the nose 20.2%, nasal mucosa ballooning in the distal side of the duct 4.7%, mucocele 2.4%, and nasal polyposis 1.2%. The success rate in the groups was estimated as 86% in the first group, 69.5% in the second group, and 54.5% in the third group.

Conclusions.

Performing the repetitive probings via nasal endoscopy provided information about the location and the shape of the obstruction and the opportunity to approach, according to the cause of the failure.
Multi‐step performance degradation prediction method for proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell stack using1Dconvolution layer andCatBoost
Authors: Zhang Zehui , Dong Tianhang , Xu Xiaobin , Huo Weiwei , Zuo Bin , Zhang Leiqi
Published: June 2024

The increasing environmental issues such as climate change and air pollution require energy saving and emission reduction in various fields, such as manufacturing, building, and transportation. To address the above problem, proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) gradually become promising green energy conversion device due to the advantages of zero pollution, high efficiency, and low operating noise. However, the durability problem has extremely limited the PEMFC large‐scale commercial application. To prolong the service life of PEMFC, performance degradation prediction is an effective method. This paper proposes a multi‐step performance degradation prediction method for proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells based on CatBoost feature selection, convolution computing, and interactive learning mechanism. CatBoost is used to evaluate the importance of the monitor parameters on performance degradation. The evaluation results and PEMFC degradation mechanism analyses are used to select the monitor parameters for construing the prediction model. Based on the 1D convolutional layer and the interactive learning mechanism, the prediction model is proposed to extract the deep features from the monitor data to predict the performance degradation of the fuel cell system. In particular, the multi‐step prediction is performed by the configurable sliding window. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified on real experiment datasets, and the experiment results show that the proposed method is particularly effective for multi‐step degradation prediction and decreases the computation by feature selection and 1D convolution layer.
Contact‐Electro‐Catalysis for Organic Pollutants Degradation Based on 2D Fluorinated Graphite
Authors: Yin Fang , Liu Jin‐Hua , Zhang Yang , Liu Meng‐Nan , Wang Lu‐Yao , Yu Zi‐Chen , Yang Wen‐Hua , Zhang Jun , Long Yun‐Ze
Published: June 2024

Contact‐electro‐catalysis (CEC) has garnered significant interest as a viable method for degrading organic pollutants. Nevertheless, the current array of catalyst materials for CEC is restricted, and their effectiveness is frequently undermined by environmental influences, resulting in diminished catalytic performance. Herein, a new fluorinated graphite [(CFx)n] catalyst is presented that notably expands the repertoire of available catalyst materials for CEC. It is demonstrated that the (CFx)n catalyst maintains high catalytic activity under nonilluminated conditions and exhibits excellent stability under high‐temperature conditions, surpassing traditional organic polymer CEC catalysts. Furthermore, DFT (density functional theory) calculations reveal the key factors affecting catalytic performance. An in‐depth analysis of the influence of temperature on CEC efficiency is also conducted. The cyclic tests verify that the (CFx)n powders sustain a catalytic efficacy of over 95% and proficiently decompose various organic pollutants, underscoring its promise for large‐scale treatment systems targeting organic pollutants. These results carry significant implications for the progression of CEC technology in environmental remediation efforts and offer valuable direction for the enhancement of catalyst efficiency and stability.
Dynamic Stereo‐Conformation of Catalyst‐In‐Cavity Biomimetic Enzymes Enable High‐Sulfur‐Utilization and Lean‐Electrolyte Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Dong Yangyang , Zhang Haikuo , Cai Dong , Yang Shuo , Ying Peng , Li Tingting , Zou Jinxuan , Shu Meiling , Li Ruhong , Wang Jinze , Xiao Kuikui , Zhou Xuemei , Nie Huagui , Fan Xiulin , Yang Zhi
Published: June 2024

The key challenges for pursuing high‐energy‐density lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries lie in struggling sulfur conversions under high‐sulfur‐loading and low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur (E/S) ratio conditions. To mimic high‐efficient natural enzymes, in this work, sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) is implanted in β‐cyclodextrin (β–CD) cavity for preparing β–CD@CoPC biomimetic catalysts, which enables a good electrochemical contact with solvated lithium polysulfides in a locally enriched electrolyte. Moreover, the dynamic stereo‐conformation evolution of CoPC in hydrophobic β–CD cavity promotes subsequent sulfur redox kinetics and induces the separation of Li2S from the catalyst, further improving catalysis efficiency. The catalytic activity is quantified through specific Michaelis–Menten equations for enzymatic reactions and it showed that β–CD@CoPC improved catalytic ability by 3 and 30 times compared to that of the β–CD and CoPC catalysts, respectively. As a result, the Li–S pouch cell with mere 1.0 wt% β–CD@CoPC exhibits a high initial areal capacity of 11.6 mAh cm−2 under high‐sulfur‐loading (12.8 mg cm−2) and low E/S ratio (3.5 µL mg−1). This strategy provides a feasible way to tackle sulfur conversion issues under lean electrolytes for next‐generation high‐energy batteries.
Coordinated Adsorption/Desorption Kinetics Enabled by Surface Sulfur Decoration Over Mo2C for Boosted Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Guo Ting , Fei Hao , Liu Ruoqi , Liu Fangyang , Wang Dezhi , Wu Zhuangzhi
Published: June 2024

Maintaining a consistently high current density growth rate in the hydrogen evolution reaction is highly challenging because the limited mass transfer rate at the electrode/electrolyte interface will make the adsorption reaction as the rate‐determining step associated with a low hydrogen coverage, exhibiting a Tafel slope >120 mV dec–1. Therefore, maximizing the current density range in which the desorption reaction is the rate‐determining step, can significantly reduce the overpotential. Herein, a surface sulfur decoration strategy is presented to modify the molybdenum carbide electrocatalyst and achieve coordinated adsorption/desorption kinetics, leading to a dominant Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism across a wide range of current densities. Both experimental and theoretical results validate the surface charge redistribution induced by sulfur decoration, which subtly optimizes the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption and enhances the in‐plane polarization field. As a result, the as‐obtained surface sulfur‐decorated molybdenum carbide electrocatalyst exhibits coordinated adsorption/desorption kinetics and efficient hydrogen delivery, ultimately surpassing the commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst for high‐efficiency hydrogen evolution.
Controlled Regulation of N‐Involved TiO2 Nanoflowers in Size and Morphology via Solvothermal Synthesis for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Han Yandong , Xu Yongde , Guo Zilong , Han Mingyong , Yang Wenshang
Published: June 2024

The precise control of size and morphology of photocatalysts through solvothermal methods is a challenge in the basic research of 3‐D titanium dioxide (TiO2) hierarchical structures. This study utilizes the solvothermal method to synthesize N‐involved TiO2 nanoflowers with nanosheet‐assembled structures ranging from microscale (1.3 µm ± 0.2 µm) to nanoscale (200 nm ± 50 nm), achieved by varying the volume fraction (percentage by volume, vol%) of N‐N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) from 0% to 75% in a mixed solution of DMF and isopropanol (IPA). The synthesized TiO2:VFDMF = 0–75% catalyst exhibits good monodispersity and uniform particle size. With increasing DMF volume percentage, the size of TiO2:VFDMF = 0–75% decreased regularly, and the number of nanosheets constructed with a single TiO2:VFDMF = 0–75% particle decreased without any stacking or reassembly occurring. This study monitors the solvothermal processes of DMF 5% and DMF 75%, revealing the changing rules of nanoparticle size and morphology. Furthermore, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange shows that TiO2:VFDMF = 50% and TiO2:VFDMF = 75% are structurally stable and exhibit good photocatalytic activity without any noble metal doping. The degradation efficiency reaches 99.9%, and after repeated use, the catalysts demonstrate excellent degradation performance.
Symmetrical Design of Biphenazine Derivative Anode for Proton Ion Batteries with High Voltage and Long‐Term Cycle Stability
Authors: Wang Caixing , He Dunyong , Wang Huaizhu , Guo Jiandong , Bao Zhuoheng , Feng Yuge , Hu Linfeng , Zheng Chenxi , Zhao Mengfan , Wang Xuemei , Wang Yanrong
Published: June 2024

Organic anodes have emerged as a promising energy storage medium in proton ion batteries (PrIBs) due to their ability to reversibly accommodate non‐metallic proton ions. Nevertheless, the currently available organic electrodes often encounter dissolution issues, leading to a decrease in long‐cycle stability. In addition, the inherent potential of the organic anode is generally relatively high, resulting in low cell voltage of assembled PrIBs (<1.0 V). To address these challenges, a novel long‐period stable, low redox potential biphenylzine derivative, [2,2′‐biphenazine]‐7,7′‐tetraol (BPZT) is explored, from the perspective of molecular symmetry and solubility, in conjunction with the effect of the molecular frontier orbital energy levels on its redox potential. Specifically, BPZT exhibited a low potential of 0.29 V (vs SHE) and is virtually insoluble in 2 m H2SO4 electrolyte during cycling. When paired with MnO2@GF or PbO2 cathodes, the resulting PrIBs achieve cell voltages of 1.07 V or 1.44 V, respectively, and maintain a high capacity retention of 90% over 20000 cycles. Additionally, these full batteries can operate stably at a high mass loading of 10 mgBPZT cm−2, highlighting their potential toward long‐term energy storage applications.
Craniectomy versus craniotomy: What can we do for acute subdural hematoma?
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Gao Guoyi , Liu Weiming
Published: June 2024

Compared with hematoma evacuation craniotomy, decompressive craniectomy has a higher incidence of intracranial complications and no outcome benefit over craniotomy, which gives surgeons a safer decision‐making options during surgery.
Guideline for the cognitive assessment and follow‐up in the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area (2024 edition)
Authors: Peng Jialing , Mai Yingreng , Liu Jun
Published: June 2024

This practice guideline focuses on the cognitive assessment for mild cognitive impairment in the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area. To achieve the standardization and normalization of its clinical practice and generate individualized intervention, the National Core Cognitive Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the Cognitive Disorders Branch of Chinese Geriatic Society, the Dementia Group of Neurology Branch of Guangdong Medical Association and specialists from Hong Kong and Macao developed guidelines based on China's actual conditions and efficiency, economic cost and accuracy. The article addresses the significance, background, and the process of the assessment and follow‐up to realize the promotion and dissemination of cognitive assessment.
Exploratory bibliometric analysis and text mining to reveal research trends in cardiac aging
Authors: Kamihara Takahiro , Tanaka Ken , Omura Takuya , Kaneko Shinji , Hirashiki Akihiro , Kokubo Manabu , Shimizu Atsuya
Published: June 2024

Objectives

We conducted a text mining analysis of 40 years of literature on cardiac aging from PubMed to investigate the current understanding on cardiac aging and its mechanisms. This study aimed to embody what most researchers consider cardiac aging to be.

Methods

We used multiple text mining and machine learning tools to extract important information from a large amount of text.

Results

Analysis revealed that the terms most frequently associated with cardiac aging include “diastolic,” “hypertrophy,” “fibrosis,” “apoptosis,” “mitochondrial,” “oxidative,” and “autophagy.” These terms suggest that cardiac aging is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impairment of autophagy, especially mitophagy. We also revealed an increase in the frequency of occurrence of “autophagy” in recent years, suggesting that research on autophagy has made a breakthrough in the field of cardiac aging. Additionally, the frequency of occurrence of “mitophagy” has increased significantly since 2019, suggesting that mitophagy is an important factor in cardiac aging.

Conclusions

Cardiac aging is a complex process that involves mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impairment of autophagy, especially mitophagy. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of cardiac aging and develop strategies to mitigate its detrimental effects.
Association between advanced lung cancer inflammation index and in‐hospital mortality in ICU patients with community‐acquired pneumonia: A retrospective analysis of the MIMIC‐IV database
Authors: Yang Feng , Gao Lianjun , Xu Cuiping , Wang Qimin , Gao Wei
Published: June 2024

Objective

The objective of the present study was to explore the correlation between the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) and in‐hospital mortality among patients diagnosed with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

Data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care‐IV database were adopted to analyze the in‐hospital mortality of ICU patients with CAP. Upon admission to the ICU, fundamental data including vital signs, critical illness scores, comorbidities, and laboratory results, were collected. The in‐hospital mortality of all CAP patients was documented. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis together with subgroup analyses were conducted.

Results

This study includes 311 CAP individuals, involving 218 survivors as well as 93 nonsurvivors. The participants had an average age of 63.57 years, and the females accounted for approximately 45.33%. The in‐hospital mortality was documented to be 29.90%. MLR analysis found that ALI was identified as an independent predictor for in‐hospital mortality among patients with CAP solely in the Q1 group with ALI ≤ 39.38 (HR: 2.227, 95% CI: 1.026–4.831, P = 0.043). RCS analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between the ALI and in‐hospital mortality, with a turning point at 81, and on the left side of the inflection point, a negative correlation was observed between ALI and in‐hospital mortality (HR: 0.984, 95% CI: 0.975–0.994, P = 0.002). The subgroup with high blood pressure showed significant interaction with the ALI.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated a nonlinear correlation of the ALI with in‐hospital mortality among individuals with CAP. Additional confirmation of these findings requires conducting larger prospective investigations.
Gut microbiota in centenarians: A potential metabolic and aging regulator in the study of extreme longevity
Authors: Lozada‐Martinez Ivan David , Lozada‐Martinez Luz Miryam , Anaya Juan‐Manuel
Published: June 2024

Centenarians, those aged 100 years or older, are considered the most successful biological aging model in humans. This population is commonly characterized by a low prevalence of chronic diseases, with favorable maintenance of functionality and independence, thus determining a health phenotype of successful aging. There are many factors usually associated with extreme longevity: genetics, lifestyles, diet, among others. However, it is most likely a multifactorial condition where protective factors contribute individually to some extent. The gut microbiota (GM) has emerged as a potential factor associated with the establishment of a favorable health phenotype that allows for extreme longevity, as seen in centenarians. To understand the possible impact generated by the GM, its changes, and the probable causes for successful aging, the aim of this review was to synthesize evidence on the role of the GM as a potential protective factor for achieving extreme longevity, using its relationship with centenarians.
A clusteroluminescent supramolecular polymer network constructed by pillararene and its application in information encryption
Authors: Zhang Meiru , Cheng Yujie , Zhang Ting , Liang Bicong , Wei Xuehong , Wang Pi , Xia Danyu , Yan Xuzhou
Published: June 2024

Clusterization‐triggered emissive (CTE) materials have attracted great attention in recent years. The regulation of the emission property of materials with CTE property through supramolecular interactions is an excellent strategy for the construction of smart fluorescent materials. In this work, we have prepared a regulatable supramolecular polymer network with CTE properties through pillararene‐based host−guest interactions. The pillar[5]arene‐grafted poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) showed a classic CTE character. After adding Brooker's merocyanine‐grafted polymer to the solution of the pillar[5]arene‐containing PMMA, the supramolecular polymer network gel formed by the host−guest interactions between pillararene and Brooker's merocyanine guest. This supramolecular network showed brighter fluorescence than the pillar[5]arene‐grafted PMMA in the solid state. In addition, the fluorescence emission of the supramolecular network can be further regulated by pH conditions. After adding an acid, the Brooker's merocyanine‐containing guest polymer was protonated, and the supramolecular network changed to a protonated network through host−guest interactions between protonated Brooker's merocyanine guest and pillararene. Interestingly, the fluorescence was quenched when the supramolecular network turned into the protonated network. After adding a base, the protonated network can convert back to the original network, along with recovery of the fluorescence. Therefore, the regulation of the fluorescence of the supramolecular polymer materials with CTE was successfully realized by pillararene‐based host−guest interactions. Furthermore, this tailorable fluorescent supramolecular polymer network system was applied as an information encryption material.
Expanding the phenotype of Harel‐Yoon syndrome: A case report suggesting a genotype/phenotype correlation
Authors: Abdul‐Raheem Jareatha , Nikkola Elina , Chen Zhenbin , Rohena Luis
Published: June 2024

Harel‐Yoon syndrome (HAYOS) is a unique neurodevelopmental genetic disorder characterized by hypotonia, spasticity, intellectual disability, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and global developmental delay. It primarily results from mutations in the ATAD3A gene, pivotal for mitochondrial function. This report presents a 5‐year‐old girl with HAYOS harboring a de novo heterozygous variant c.1064G>A; (p.G355D) in ATAD3A. Her clinical profile includes delayed milestones, hypotonia, spastic quadriplegia, and ptosis. Notably, dermatologic anomalies such as hypopigmentation, café au lait macules, and freckling are observed, expanding the known phenotype of HAYOS. The inclusion of dermatologic features challenges our understanding of the syndrome and emphasizes the importance of further research to elucidate the molecular connections between ATAD3A mutations and dermatologic manifestations.
Mild behavioral impairment domains are longitudinally associated with pTAU and metabolic biomarkers in dementia‐free older adults
Authors: Gonzalez‐Bautista Emmanuel , Momméja Marie , de Mauléon Adelaïde , Ismail Zahinoor , Vellas Bruno , Delrieu Julien , Soto Martin Maria E.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms linking mild behavioral impairment (MBI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been insufficiently explored, with conflicting results regarding tau protein and few data on other metabolic markers. We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association of the MBI domains and a spectrum of plasma biomarkers.

METHODS

Our study is a secondary analysis of data from NOLAN. The longitudinal association of the MBI domains with plasma biomarkers, including pTau181, was tested using adjusted linear mixed‐effects models.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 359 participants (60% female, mean age: 78.3, standard deviation: 0.3 years). After 1 year, the MBI domain of abnormal perception was associated with steeper increases in plasma pTau181. Abnormal perception, decreased motivation, and impulse dyscontrol were associated with homocysteine or insulin dysregulation.

DISCUSSION

Apart from the association with plasma pTau181, our results suggest that MBI might also represent metabolic dysregulation, probably contributing to dementia transition among older adults with subjective cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment.

Highlights

Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) psychosis was associated with steeper increases in plasma p.

pTau could be a pharmacological target to treat agitation and psychosis symptoms.

MBI domains were linked to metabolic dysregulation involving insulin and homocysteine.
Mode of Onset Modifies the Effect of Time to Endovascular Reperfusion on Clinical Outcomes after Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Analysis of the DAWN Trial
Authors: Nogueira Raul G. , Doheim Mohamed F. , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Aghaebrahim Amin , Frankel Michael R. , Jankowitz Brian T. , Budzik Ronald F. , Bonafe Alain , Bhuva Parita , Yavagal Dileep R. , Hanel Ricardo A. , Hassan Ameer E. , Ribo Marc , Cognard Christophe , Sila Cathy A. , Jenkins Paul , Smith Wade S. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Liebeskind David S. , Jovin Tudor G. , Haussen Diogo C.
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aimed to assess the impact of time to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) on clinical outcomes in the DAWN trial, while also exploring the potential effect modification of mode of stroke onset on this relationship.

Methods

The association between every 1‐h treatment delay with 90‐day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 90‐day mortality was explored in the overall population and in three modes of onset subgroups (wake‐up vs. witnessed vs. unwitnessed).

Results

Out of the 205 patients, 98 (47.8%) and 107 (52.2%) presented in the 6 to 12 hours and 12 to 24 hours time window, respectively. Considering all three modes of onset together, there was no statistically significant association between time last seen well to randomization with either functional independence or mortality at 90 days in either the endovascular thrombectomy (mRS 0–2 1‐hour delay OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.93–1.24; mRS 6 OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.65–1.03) or medical management (mRS 0–2 1‐hour delay OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.80–1.14; mRS 6 1‐hour delay OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.79–1.09) groups. Moreover, there was no significant interaction between treatment effect and time (p = 0.439 and p = 0.421 for mRS 0–2 and 6, respectively). However, within the thrombectomy group, the models that tested the association between time last seen well to successful reperfusion (modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b) and 90‐day functional independence showed a significant interaction with mode of presentation (p = 0.013). This appeared to be driven by a nominally positive slope for both witnessed and unwitnessed strokes versus a significantly (p = 0.018) negative slope in wake‐up patients. There was no association between treatment times and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Interpretation

Mode of onset modifies the effect of time to reperfusion on thrombectomy outcomes, and should be considered when exploring different treatment paradigms in the extended window. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:356–364
Ambient Air Processed Inverted Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with over 21 % Efficiency Enabled by Multifunctional Ethacridine Lactate
Authors: Li Tianxiang , Li Wan , Wang Kun , Tong Yu , Wang Hao , Chen Yali , Qi Heng , Kang Ziyong , Wang Hongqiang
Published: June 2024

All‐inorganic cesium lead triiodide perovskites (CsPbI3) have attracted increasing attention due to their good thermal stability, remarkable optoelectronic properties, and adaptability in tandem solar cells. However, N2‐filled glovebox is generally required to strictly control the humidity during film fabrication due to the moisture‐induced black‐to‐yellow phase transition, which remains a great hinderance for further commercialization. Herein, we report an effective approach via incorporating multifunctional ethacridine lactate (EAL) to mitigate moisture invasion and enable the fabrication of efficient inverted (p‐i‐n) CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) under ambient condition. It is revealed that the lactate anions accelerate the crystallization of CsPbI3, shortening the exposure time to moisture during film fabrication. Meanwhile, the conjugated backbone and multiple functional groups in the ethacridine cations can interact with I− and Pb2+ to reduce the undesired defects, stabilize the perovskite structure and facilitate the charge transport in the film. Moreover, EAL incorporation also leads to better energy alignment, thus favoring charge extraction at both upper and bottom interfaces. Consequently, the device efficiency and stability are enormously enhanced, with the champion efficiency reaching 21.08 %. This even surpasses the highest value reported for the devices fabricated in glovebox, representing a record efficiency of inverted all‐inorganic PSCs.