bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and prognostic significance of newly-diagnosed atrial fibrillation among older U.S. veterans hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Ko Darae , Treu Timothy M. , Tarko Laura , Ho Yuk-Lam , Preis Sarah R. , Trinquart Ludovic , Gagnon David R. , Monahan Kevin M. , Helm Robert H. , Orkaby Ariela R. , Lubitz Steven A. , Bosch Nicholas A. , Walkey Allan J. , Cho Kelly , Wilson Peter W. F. , Benjamin Emelia J.
Published: January 2024

Most prior studies on the prognostic significance of newly-diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) in COVID-19 did not differentiate newly-diagnosed AF from pre-existing AF. To determine the association between newly-diagnosed AF and in-hospital and 30-day mortality among regular users of Veterans Health Administration using data linked to Medicare. We identified Veterans aged ≥ 65 years who were hospitalized for ≥ 24 h with COVID-19 from 06/01/2020 to 1/31/2022 and had ≥ 2 primary care visits within 24 months prior to the index hospitalization. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to estimate adjusted risks, risk differences (RD), and odds ratios (OR) for the association between newly-diagnosed AF and the mortality outcomes adjusting for patient demographics, baseline comorbidities, and presence of acute organ dysfunction on admission. Of 23,299 patients in the study cohort, 5.3% had newly-diagnosed AF, and 29.2% had pre-existing AF. In newly-diagnosed AF adjusted in-hospital and 30-day mortality were 16.5% and 22.7%, respectively. Newly-diagnosed AF was associated with increased mortality compared to pre-existing AF (in-hospital: OR 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72–2.37; RD 7.58%, 95% CI 5.54–9.62) (30-day: OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.60–2.16; RD 9.04%, 95% CI 6.61–11.5) or no AF (in-hospital: OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.93–2.60; RD 8.40%, 95% CI 6.44–10.4) (30-day: 2.07, 95% CI 1.80–2.37; RD 10.2%, 95% CI 7.89–12.6). There was a smaller association between pre-existing AF and the mortality outcomes. Newly-diagnosed AF is an important prognostic marker for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Whether prevention or treatment of AF improves clinical outcomes in these patients remains unknown.
Percutaneous transaxillary approach through the first segment of the axillary artery for the Impella-supported PCI Versus TAVR
Authors: Sacha Jerzy , Krawczyk Krzysztof , Gwóźdź Witold , Lipski Przemysław , Milejski Wojciech , Feusette Piotr , Cisowski Marek , Gierlotka Marek
Published: January 2024

Percutaneous transaxillary approach (PTAX) through the first segment of the axillary artery is not widely recognized as a safe method. Furthermore, PTAX has never been directly compared between Impella-supported percutaneous coronary interventions (Impella-PCI) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of PTAX through the first axillary segment in Impella-PCI versus TAVR. In cases where standard imaging guidance was insufficient, a technique involving puncturing the axillary artery “on-the-balloon” was employed. The endpoints were bleeding and vascular complications, as defined by BARC and VARC-3 criteria. PTAX was successfully performed in all 46 attempted cases: 23 for Impella-PCI and 23 for TAVR. Strict adherence to BARC and VARC-3 criteria led to the frequent identification of major bleeding (57%) and a moderately frequent diagnosis of vascular complications (17%). These incidences were primarily based on post-procedural hemoglobin reduction (> 3 g/dl) but not overt bleeding. The Impella group exhibited a higher rate of BARC 3b bleeding due to a greater hemoglobin decline resulting from the prolonged implant duration and PCI itself. Left axillary access was linked to smaller blood loss. Bleeding and vascular complications, as per BARC and VARC-3 definitions, did not affect short-term prognosis, with only 3 Impella patients succumbing to heart failure unrelated to the procedures during one-month follow-up period.
Added value of positive intraluminal contrast CT over fluoroscopic examination for detecting gastrointestinal leakage after gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Kim Min Gwan , Kim Se Hyung , Jeon Sun Kyung , Han Seungchul
Published: January 2024

We aimed to evaluate the added value of positive intraluminal contrast computed tomography (CT) over fluoroscopy in detecting anastomotic leakage after gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. A total of 141 GI surgery patients who underwent fluoroscopic examination and CT were included. Two radiologists reviewed the fluoroscopic images with and without CT to determine anastomotic leakage on a 5-point confidence scale and graded the leakage on a 4-point grading system. The hospital stay duration and treatment type were recorded. The radiologists’ diagnostic performance in determining leakage was compared using the receiver operating characteristics analysis, and interobserver agreement was analyzed. Fifty-three patients developed GI leakage. When CT was added to the fluoroscopic images, the area under the curve (AUC) values significantly increased for both reviewers. The interobserver agreement for leakage between the two reviewers was excellent and improved with the addition of CT (weighted kappa value, 0.869 versus 0.805). Postoperative intervention was more frequently performed (P < 0.001), and patients with leakage had a significantly longer mean postoperative hospital stay (45 days vs. 27 days) (P = 0.003). Thus, positive intraluminal contrast CT provides added value over fluoroscopic examination for detecting GI leakage in patients undergoing GI tract surgery, increasing AUC values, and improving interobserver agreement.
Association between body mass index and respiratory symptoms in US adults: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Yuefeng , Zhang Yueyang , Liu Xiangyang , Liu Yingying , Wu Fan , Liu Xue
Published: January 2024

The correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the development of cough, shortness of breath, and dyspnea is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between these parameters. Data from individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2012 were analyzed. Weighted logistic regression analysis and smoothed curve fitting were used to examine the correlation between BMI and respiratory symptoms. In addition, the relationship between BMI, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchial asthma was examined. Stratified analysis was used to discover inflection points and specific groups. Weighted logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting revealed a U-shaped relationship between BMI and respiratory symptoms. The U-shaped relationship in BMI was also observed in patients with bronchial asthma and COPD. Stratified analysis showed that the correlation between BMI and wheezing and dyspnea was influenced by race. In addition, non-Hispanic black individuals had a higher risk of developing cough than individuals of the other three races [OR 1.040 (1.021, 1.060), p < 0.0001], and they also exhibited an inverted U-shaped relationship between BMI and bronchial asthma. However, the association of BMI with cough, wheezing, dyspnea, COPD, and asthma was not affected by sex. High or low BMI was associated with cough, shortness of breath, and dyspnea, and has been linked to bronchial asthma and COPD. These findings provide new insights into the management of respiratory symptoms and respiratory diseases.
Childhood conduct problems and parent–child talk during social and nonsocial play contexts: a naturalistic home-based experiment
Authors: Sun Sydney , Plate Rista C. , Jones Callie , Rodriguez Yuheiry , Katz Chloe , Murin Melissa , Pearson Jules , Parish-Morris Julia , Waller Rebecca
Published: January 2024

Parent–child interactions are a critical pathway to emotion socialization, with disruption to these processes associated with risk for childhood behavior problems. Using computational linguistics methods, we tested whether (1) play context influenced parent–child socioemotional language, and (2) child conduct problems or callous-unemotional traits were associated with patterns of socioemotional or nonsocial language across contexts. Seventy-nine parent–child dyads (children, 5–6 years old) played a socioemotional skills (“social context”) or math (“nonsocial context”) game at home. We transcribed and analyzed game play, which had been audio recorded by participants. The social context elicited more socioemotional and cognitive words, while the nonsocial context elicited more mathematical words. The use of socioemotional language by parents and children was more strongly correlated in the social context, but context did not moderate the degree of correlation in cognitive or mathematical word use between parents and children. Children with more conduct problems used fewer socioemotional words in the social context, while children with higher callous-unemotional traits used fewer cognitive words in both contexts. We highlight the role of context in supporting socioemotionally rich parent–child language interactions and provide preliminary evidence for the existence of linguistic markers of child behavior problems. Our results also inform naturalistic assessments of parent–child interactions and home-based interventions for parents and children facing socioemotional or behavioral challenges.
Approaching expert-level accuracy for differentiating ACL tear types on MRI with deep learning
Authors: Xue Yang , Yang Shu , Sun Wenjie , Tan Hui , Lin Kaibin , Peng Li , Wang Zheng , Zhang Jianglin
Published: January 2024

Treatment for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears depends on the condition of the ligament. We aimed to identify different tear statuses from preoperative MRI using deep learning-based radiomics with sex and age. We reviewed 862 patients with preoperative MRI scans reflecting ACL status from Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital. Based on sagittal proton density-weighted images, a fully automated approach was developed that consisted of a deep learning model for segmenting ACL tissue (ACL-DNet) and a deep learning-based recognizer for ligament status classification (ACL-SNet). The efficacy of the proposed approach was evaluated by using the sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared with that of a group of three orthopedists in the holdout test set. The ACL-DNet model yielded a Dice coefficient of 98% ± 6% on the MRI datasets. Our proposed classification model yielded a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 97%. In comparison, the sensitivity of alternative models ranged from 84 to 90%, while the specificity was between 86 and 92%. The AUC of the ACL-SNet model was 99%, demonstrating high overall diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic performance of the clinical experts as reflected in the AUC was 96%, 92% and 88%, respectively. The fully automated model shows potential as a highly reliable and reproducible tool that allows orthopedists to noninvasively identify the ACL status and may aid in optimizing different techniques, such as ACL remnant preservation, for ACL reconstruction.
Functional characterization of the dimeric form of PDGF-derived fusion peptide fabricated based on theoretical arguments
Authors: Sadeghi-Ardebili Maryam , Hasannia Sadegh , Dabirmanesh Bahareh , Khavari-Nejad Ramazan Ali
Published: January 2024

A skin wound leads to the loss of skin integrity and the influx of pathogens into the tissue. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are cytokines released from alpha granules during wound healing and interact with their cell surface receptors and activate signals involved in chemotaxis, growth, proliferation, and differentiation pathways. Due to the low stability of growth factors (GFs), a new peptide-derived PDGF-BB was designed, expressed in the Shuffle strain of E. coli, and purified by Ni-NTA agarose affinity column chromatography. The effect of fusion peptide was then evaluated on L929 fibroblast cells and animal models with skin lesions. In vitro, studies showed that the peptide led to an increase in the migration of fibroblast cells in the scratch assay. Its positive effect on wound healing was also observed in the skin-injured rats after 3, 7, and 12 days. A significant rise in neutrophils and granular tissue formation, re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen formation was exhibited on the third day of treatment when compared to the control group. The results showed that, despite reducing PDGF size, the fusion peptide was able to maintain at least some of the known functions attributed to full-length PDGF and showed positive results in wound healing.
Unveiling dysregulated lncRNAs and networks in non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate pathogenesis
Authors: Wu Caihong , Liu Haojie , Zhan Zhuorong , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Mengnan , You Jiawen , Ma Junqing
Published: January 2024

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a common congenital facial malformation with a complex, incompletely understood origin. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression, potentially shedding light on NSCL/P's etiology. This study aimed to identify critical lncRNAs and construct regulatory networks to unveil NSCL/P's underlying molecular mechanisms. Integrating gene expression profiles from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we pinpointed 30 dysregulated NSCL/P-associated lncRNAs. Subsequent analyses enabled the creation of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, lncRNA-RNA binding protein (RBP) interaction networks, and lncRNA cis and trans regulation networks. RT-qPCR was used to examine the regulatory networks of lncRNA in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, protein levels of lncRNA target genes were validated in human NSCL/P tissue samples and murine palatal shelves. Consequently, two lncRNAs and three mRNAs: FENDRR (log2FC = − 0.671, P = 0.040), TPT1-AS1 (log2FC = 0.854, P = 0.003), EIF3H (log2FC = − 1.081, P = 0.041), RBBP6 (log2FC = 0.914, P = 0.037), and SRSF1 (log2FC = 0.763, P = 0.026) emerged as potential contributors to NSCL/P pathogenesis. Functional enrichment analyses illuminated the biological functions and pathways associated with these lncRNA-related networks in NSCL/P. In summary, this study comprehensively delineates the dysregulated transcriptional landscape, identifies associated lncRNAs, and reveals pivotal sub-networks relevant to NSCL/P development, aiding our understanding of its molecular progression and setting the stage for further exploration of lncRNA and mRNA regulation in NSCL/P.
Seasonal to decadal variations of precipitation oxygen isotopes in northern China linked to the moisture source
Authors: Lin Fangyuan , Zhang Qiong , Sinha Ashish , Wang Zhenqian , Axelsson Josefine , Chen Lvfan , Wang Tianli , Tan Liangcheng
Published: January 2024

A precise characterization of moisture source and transport dynamics over the inland margins of monsoonal China is crucial for understanding the climatic significance of precipitation oxygen isotope (δ18Op) variability preserved in the regional proxy archives. Here, we use a general circulation model with an embedded water-tagging module to quantify the role of moisture dynamics on the seasonal to decadal variations of δ18Opin northern China. Our data indicate that during the non-monsoon season, the δ18Opvariability is dominated by the temperature effect. Conversely, in the summer monsoon season, the moisture contributions from the low-latitude land areas (LLA), the Pacific Ocean (PO), and the North Indian Ocean (NIO) override the temperature effect and influence the summer δ18Op. Intensified upstream convection along the NIO moisture transport pathway results in a more negative summer δ18Opcompared to moisture transported from the PO and LLA regions. Our analysis shows a decadal shift in summer δ18Oparound the mid-1980s, marking changes in the relative contribution of oceanic moisture from PO and NIO in response to changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns influenced by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. We suggest that such decadal-scale δ18Opvariability can be recorded in the natural archives from the region, which can provide valuable insights into understanding past climate variability.
Squalamine reverses age-associated changes of firing patterns of myenteric sensory neurons and vagal fibres
Authors: McVey Neufeld Karen-Anne , Mao Yu-Kang , West Christine L. , Ahn Matthew , Hameed Hashim , Iwashita Eiko , Stanisz Andrew M. , Forsythe Paul , Barbut Denise , Zasloff Michael , Kunze Wolfgang A.
Published: January 2024

Vagus nerve signaling is a key component of the gut-brain axis and regulates diverse physiological processes that decline with age. Gut to brain vagus firing patterns are regulated by myenteric intrinsic primary afferent neuron (IPAN) to vagus neurotransmission. It remains unclear how IPANs or the afferent vagus age functionally. Here we identified a distinct ageing code in gut to brain neurotransmission defined by consistent differences in firing rates, burst durations, interburst and intraburst firing intervals of IPANs and the vagus, when comparing young and aged neurons. The aminosterol squalamine changed aged neurons firing patterns to a young phenotype. In contrast to young neurons, sertraline failed to increase firing rates in the aged vagus whereas squalamine was effective. These results may have implications for improved treatments involving pharmacological and electrical stimulation of the vagus for age-related mood and other disorders. For example, oral squalamine might be substituted for or added to sertraline for the aged.
A single-cell atlas of the aging mouse ovary
Authors: Isola José V. V. , Ocañas Sarah R. , Hubbart Chase R. , Ko Sunghwan , Mondal Samim Ali , Hense Jessica D. , Carter Hannah N. C. , Schneider Augusto , Kovats Susan , Alberola-Ila José , Freeman Willard M. , Stout Michael B.
Published: January 2024

Ovarian aging leads to diminished fertility, dysregulated endocrine signaling and increased chronic disease burden. These effects begin to emerge long before follicular exhaustion. Female humans experience a sharp decline in fertility around 35 years of age, which corresponds to declines in oocyte quality. Despite a growing body of work, the field lacks a comprehensive cellular map of the transcriptomic changes in the aging mouse ovary to identify early drivers of ovarian decline. To fill this gap we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on ovarian tissue from young (3-month-old) and reproductively aged (9-month-old) mice. Our analysis revealed a doubling of immune cells in the aged ovary, with lymphocyte proportions increasing the most, which was confirmed by flow cytometry. We also found an age-related downregulation of collagenase pathways in stromal fibroblasts, which corresponds to rises in ovarian fibrosis. Follicular cells displayed stress-response, immunogenic and fibrotic signaling pathway inductions with aging. This report provides critical insights into mechanisms responsible for ovarian aging phenotypes. The data can be explored interactively via a Shiny-based web application.
Polarisation of Climate and Environmental Attitudes in the United States, 1973-2022
Authors: Smith E. Keith , Bognar M. Julia , Mayer Adam P.
Published: January 2024

Since the early 1990s, increasing political polarisation is among the greatest determinants of individual-level environmental and climate change attitudes in the United States. But several patterns remain unclear: are historical patterns of polarisation largely symmetrical (equal) or is rather asymmetrical (where one set of partisans shifts more than others)? How have polarisation patterns have changed over time? How generalizable are polarization patterns across different environmental and climate change attitudes? We harmonised four unique sets of historical, pooled cross-sectional survey data from the past 50 years to investigate shifts across seven distinct measures of citizen environmental and climate change attitudes. We find that contemporary attitudes are polarised symmetrically, with Democrats (higher) and Republicans (lower) attitudes are equidistant from the median. But the historical trends in polarisation differ by attitudes and beliefs. In particular, we find evidence of two distinct historical patterns of asymmetric polarisation within environmental and climate change attitudes: first, with Republicans becoming less pro-environmental, beginning in the early 1990s, and second, a more recent greening of Democratic environmental attitudes since the mid-2010s. Notably, recent increases in pro-environmental attitudes within Democrats is a potentially optimistic finding, providing opportunities towards overcoming decades-long inertia in climate action. These findings provide a foundation for further research avenues into the factors shaping increased pro-environmental attitudes within Democrats.
The Russian war in Ukraine increased Ukrainian language use on social media
Authors: Racek Daniel , Davidson Brittany I. , Thurner Paul W. , Zhu Xiao Xiang , Kauermann Göran
Published: January 2024

The use of language is innately political, often a vehicle of cultural identity and the basis for nation building. Here, we examine language choice and tweeting activity of Ukrainian citizens based on 4,453,341 geo-tagged tweets from 62,712 users before and during the Russian war in Ukraine, from January 2020 to October 2022. Using statistical models, we disentangle sample effects, arising from the in- and outflux of users on Twitter (now X), from behavioural effects, arising from behavioural changes of the users. We observe a steady shift from the Russian language towards Ukrainian already before the war, which drastically speeds up with its outbreak. We attribute these shifts in large part to users’ behavioural changes. Notably, our analysis shows that more than half of the Russian-tweeting users switch towards Ukrainian with the Russian invasion. We interpret these findings as users’ conscious choice towards a more Ukrainian (online) identity and self-definition of being Ukrainian.
Recent progress in beryllium organometallic chemistry
Authors: Parveen Darakshan , Yadav Rahul Kumar , Roy Dipak Kumar
Published: January 2024

Beryllium chemistry is on the rise. Examples of the beryllium compounds with formal oxidation state of 0, +1, cationic and neutral radical species, aromatic and antiaromatic heterocycles and a formal Be–Be bonded complex are the proof to it.
A low concentration electrolyte additive for constructing solid–electrolyte interphase on a Zn metal anode for aqueous batteries
Authors: Zhang Guoli , Zhu Jiaqi , Wang Kuo , Li Qianrui , Fu Wenchao , Liu Xiao-Xia , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: January 2024

A 1% dioxane electrolyte additive was introduced into aqueous Zn batteries, which adsorbed onto the Zn surface, coordinated with Zn2+ locally and generated a solid–electrolyte interphase on Zn. It enhanced the stability of Zn electrode.
3R-NbS2 as a highly stable anode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Vishwanathan Savithri , Chithaiah Pallellappa , Matte H. S. S. Ramakrishna , Rao C. N. R.
Published: January 2024

3R-NbS2 obtained from solid-state synthetic route was employed as an SIB anode material and exhibited a remarkable cycling stability for 2500 cycles at 0.5 A g−1.
The effect of solvent molecules on crystallisation of heterotrinuclear MII–TbIII–MII complexes with tripodal nonadentate ligands
Authors: Takahara Kazuma , Horino Yuki , Wada Koki , Sakata Hiromu , Tomita Daichi , Sunatsuki Yukinari , Isobe Hiroshi , Kojima Masaaki , Suzuki Takayoshi
Published: January 2024

Crystallisation behaviors of M–Tb–M complexes were varied depending on the solvents, exhibiting absolute spontaneous resolution or formation of meso-type isomers.
Structural, microstructure, dielectric relaxation, and AC conduction studies of perovskite SrSnO3 and Ruddlesden–Popper oxide Sr2SnO4
Authors: Jatiya Manisha , Yadav Vedika , Kumar Upendra , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Shalu
Published: January 2024

Here, we report a comparison study on the synthesis and characterization of perovskite SrSnO3 (SSO) and Sr2SnO4 (S2SO).
Mid-infrared spectroscopy of 1-cyanonaphthalene cation for astrochemical consideration
Authors: Palotás Julianna , Daly Francis C. , Douglas-Walker Thomas E. , Campbell Ewen K.
Published: January 2024

We present the low temperature gas-phase vibrational spectrum of ionised 1-cyanonaphthalene (1-CNN+) in the mid-infrared region.
Integrated CO2 capture and utilization: a review of the synergistic effects of dual function materials
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Zhao Shu , Li Linjia , Feng Jiaqi , Li Ke , Huang Zhen , Lin He
Published: January 2024

Recent years have witnessed rapid advancements in carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) technologies, which are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving sustainable development.
De novo molecule design towards biased properties via a deep generative framework and iterative transfer learning
Authors: Sattari Kianoosh , Li Dawei , Kalita Bhupalee , Xie Yunchao , Lighvan Fatemeh Barmaleki , Isayev Olexandr , Lin Jian
Published: January 2024

The RRCGAN, validated through DFT, demonstrates success in generating chemically valid molecules targeting energy gap values with 75% of the generated molecules have RE of <20% of the targeted values.
Co-operation of hydrogen bonds and dynamic covalent bonds enables an energy-dissipative crosslinked binder for silicon-based anodes
Authors: Lin Xiangyu , Wen Yong , Wang Jie , Wang Shanshan , Sun Xingshen , Liu He , Xu Xu
Published: January 2024

An energy-dissipative and self-healed binder is achieved by combining multiple H-bonds and covalent bonds. Good electrochemical performances of Si and Si/C anodes are delivered, showing great advancement in the development of Si-based anode binders.
Efficient and highly biocompatible 8-arm PEG-Chlorin e6 nanosystems for 2-photon photodynamic therapy of adrenergic disorders
Authors: Potter Natalie S. , Wang Zhen , Bornowski Evan C. , Swanson Scott D. , Wolfe John P. , McLean Alan , Kopelman Raoul
Published: January 2024

Two highly biocompatible nanosystems have been designed, synthesized, characterized, and demonstrated in vitro for enhanced 2-photon photodynamic therapy (2p-PDT) of adrenergic disorders.
Small molecule WDR5 inhibitors down-regulate lncRNA expression
Authors: Chang Jen-Yao , Neugebauer Cora , Mues genannt Koers Anne , 't Hart Peter
Published: January 2024

WDR5 inhibitors selective for either one of its binding sites shed light on its role in regulation of lncRNA expression.
Shedding light on the use of graphene oxide-thiosemicarbazone hybrids towards the rapid immobilisation of methylene blue and functional coumarins
Authors: Bradley Danielle , Sarpaki Sophia , Mirabello Vincenzo , Giuffrida Simone Giuseppe , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele I. , Calatayud David G. , Pascu Sofia I.
Published: January 2024

Methylene blue (MB) and other functional organic dyes such as coumarins are known pollutants, which can be immobilised by adsorbtion on graphene oxide nanohybrids and/or photo-catalytically degraded.
Gap-enhanced optical bistability in plasmonic core–nonlinear shell dimers
Authors: Movsisyan Artyom , Parsamyan Henrik
Published: January 2024

Localized surface plasmon resonance in capacitively-coupled metallic-core dielectric-shell nanoparticle dimers is accompanied by a substantial local field enhancement in the interparticle gap area enabling low-threshold optical bistability.
Immobilizing nanozymes on 3D-printed metal substrates for enhanced peroxidase-like activity and trace-level glucose detection
Authors: Koley Paramita , Jakku Ranjithkumar , Hosseinnejad Tayebeh , Periasamy Selvakannan , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: January 2024

Development and synthesis of thermally treated metal organic framework-based nanozyme immobilised on 3D-printed metal substrate, which exhibited extraordinary peroxidase-like enzymatic activity and trace-level glucose detection in real samples.
Simultaneous derivatization and exfoliation of a multilayered Ti3C2Tx MXene into amorphous TiO2 nanosheets for stable K-ion storage
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Bao Zhuoheng , Wang Rui , Su Yifan , Wang Yaping , Cao Xin , Hu Rongxiang , Sha Dawei , Pan Long , Sun ZhengMing
Published: January 2024

A facile one-step route is proposed to synthesize a-2D-TiO2@C by simultaneous derivatization and exfoliation of multilayered Ti3C2Tx. Due to structural and compositional synergies, a-2D-TiO2@C delivers good cycling stability in K-ion storage.
Applications of inverse opal photonic crystal hydrogels in the preparation of acid–base color-changing materials
Authors: Wei Hu , Chen Changbing , Yang Dafeng
Published: January 2024

Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D) crosslinked network hydrophilic polymers that have structures similar to that of biological protein tissue and can quickly absorb a large amount of water.
Synthesis and self-assembly of dendritic–linear block copolymers containing poly(mandelic acid) with discrete molecular weights and stereochemical structures
Authors: Lee Seul Woo , Kim Kyoung Taek
Published: January 2024

Synthesis of PMAs with precisely defined molecular weights and stereochemical structures.
Biogenic silver nanoparticles' antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity on human hepatocarcinoma cells (Huh-7)
Authors: Santana da Costa Thyerre , Rodrigues da Silva Mariana , Jerônimo Barbosa Júlio César , Da Silva Das Neves Uedson , de Jesus Marcelo Bispo , Tasic Ljubica
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to explore the antibacterial and anticancer potential of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles and how the biosynthesis of AgNP@Bio determines their biological roles.
Elucidation of the kinetic stabilities of carbenoid species by integration of theoretical and experimental studies
Authors: Okamoto Kazuhiro , Muta Kensuke , Yamada Hidetaka , Higuma Ryosuke , Ashikari Yosuke , Nagaki Aiichiro
Published: January 2024

The flash quench-flow kinetics of short-lived intermediates such as lithium halocarbenoids have revealed precise kinetics even in subsecond-order reactions.
Approaches for selectivity improvement of conductometric gas sensors: an overview
Authors: Li Jing , Zhao Hongchao , Wang Yanjie , Zhou Yong
Published: January 2024

Conductometric gas sensors (CGS) have been extensively explored in recent decades owing to easy fabrication and miniaturization, low cost and distributable detectability.
Self-organization of active colloids mediated by chemical interactions
Authors: Peng Zhiwei , Kapral Raymond
Published: January 2024

Self-propelled colloidal particles exhibit rich non-equilibrium phenomena and have promising applications in fields such as drug delivery and self-assembled active materials.
Reflecting on a year of innovation and looking ahead: the exciting future of energy materials and green energy
Authors: Presser Volker
Published: January 2024

Editor-in-Chief, Volker Presser, looks back on the second year of Energy Advances and looks ahead to 2024.
Destabilisation of T cell-dependent humoral immunity in sepsis
Authors: Davies Kate , McLaren James E.
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is a heterogeneous condition defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. For some, sepsis presents as a predominantly suppressive disorder, whilst others experience a pro-inflammatory condition which can culminate in a ‘cytokine storm’. Frequently, patients experience signs of concurrent hyper-inflammation and immunosuppression, underpinning the difficulty in directing effective treatment. Although intensive care unit mortality rates have improved in recent years, one-third of discharged patients die within the following year. Half of post-sepsis deaths are due to exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, whilst half are due to complications arising from a deteriorated immune system. It has been suggested that the intense and dysregulated response to infection may induce irreversible metabolic reprogramming in immune cells. As a critical arm of immune protection in vertebrates, alterations to the adaptive immune system can have devastating repercussions. Indeed, a marked depletion of lymphocytes is observed in sepsis, correlating with increased rates of mortality. Such sepsis-induced lymphopenia has profound consequences on how T cells respond to infection but equally on the humoral immune response that is both elicited by B cells and supported by distinct CD4+ T follicular helper (TFH) cell subsets. The immunosuppressive state is further exacerbated by functional impairments to the remaining lymphocyte population, including the presence of cells expressing dysfunctional or exhausted phenotypes. This review will specifically focus on how sepsis destabilises the adaptive immune system, with a closer examination on how B cells and CD4+ TFH cells are affected by sepsis and the corresponding impact on humoral immunity.
Robust self‐adaptive fuzzy controller for load‐frequency control of islanded airport microgrids considering electric aircraft energy storage and demand response
Authors: Shayeghi Hossein , Davoudkhani Iraj Faraji , Bizon Nicu
Published: January 2024

The rise of the renewable energy sources (RES) in microgrids has increased the impact of damping and low inertia on network stability. This gives rise to several issues in the power systems, including power fluctuations from variable RES, degradation of the frequency regulation, voltage surges, and oversupply from grid‐connected distributed generators. This paper presents a cascaded hybrid load‐frequency controller for an airport microgrid that addresses frequency fluctuations caused by load changes. It is combining a self‐adaptive fuzzy controller (SAF) and a classical two‐degree‐of‐freedom proportional integral derivative (PID) controller (2DOFPID) called CSAF‐2DOFPID. It is applied to the control section of a diesel generator, an electric aircraft energy storage system, and a demand response program. The controller parameters are optimized using a suggested hybrid differential artificial hummingbird algorithm (D‐AHA) to minimize frequency deviation. The proposed control framework is simulated on an airport microgrid comprising various components, and the impact of time delay on the controller's signals, system uncertainty is also examined. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed self‐adaptive cascaded fuzzy controller outperforms other controllers such as PID, CF‐PID, and CF‐2DOFPID in reducing frequency fluctuations, and the D‐AHA algorithm achieves favourable results compared to other algorithms in the optimal tuning controller parameters.
JADES: The emergence and evolution of Lyα emission and constraints on the intergalactic medium neutral fraction
Authors: Jones Gareth C. , Bunker Andrew J. , Saxena Aayush , Witstok Joris , Stark Daniel P. , Arribas Santiago , Baker William M. , Bhatawdekar Rachana , Bowler Rebecca , Boyett Kristan , Cameron Alex J. , Carniani Stefano , Charlot Stephane , Chevallard Jacopo , Curti Mirko , Curtis-Lake Emma , Eisenstein Daniel J. , Hainline Kevin , Hausen Ryan , Ji Zhiyuan , Johnson Benjamin D. , Kumari Nimisha , Looser Tobias J. , Maiolino Roberto , Maseda Michael V. , Parlanti Eleonora , Rix Hans-Walter , Robertson Brant E. , Sandles Lester , Scholtz Jan , Smit Renske , Tacchella Sandro , Übler Hannah , Williams Christina C. , Willott Chris
Published: January 2024

The rest-frame UV recombination emission line Lyα can be powered by ionising photons from young massive stars in star-forming galaxies, but the fact that it can be resonantly scattered by neutral gas complicates its interpretation. For reionisation-era galaxies, a neutral intergalactic medium will scatter Lyα from the line of sight, making Lyα a useful probe of the neutral fraction evolution. Here, we explore Lyα in JWST/NIRSpec spectra from the ongoing JADES programme, which targets hundreds of galaxies in the well-studied GOODS-S and GOODS-N fields. These sources are UV-faint (−20.4 < MUV < −16.4) and thus represent a poorly explored class of galaxy. We fitted the low spectral resolution spectra (R ∼ 100) of a subset of 84 galaxies in GOODS-S with zspec > 5.6 (as derived with optical lines) with line and continuum models to search for significant line emission. Through exploration of the R100 data, we find evidence for Lyα in 17 sources. This sample allowed us to place observational constraints on the fraction of galaxies with Lyα emission in the redshift range 5.6 < z < 7.5, with a decrease from z = 6 to z = 7. We also find a positive correlation between the Lyα equivalent width and MUV, as seen in other samples. We used these results to estimate the neutral gas fraction at z ∼ 7, and our estimates are in agreement with previous results (XHI ∼ 0.5 − 0.9).
Three-body encounters in black hole discs around a supermassive black hole
Authors: Trani A. A. , Quaini S. , Colpi M.
Published: January 2024

Context. Dynamical encounters of stellar-mass black holes (BHs) in a disc of compact objects around a supermassive BH (SMBH) can accelerate the formation and coalescence of BH binaries. It has been proposed that binary–single encounters among BHs in such discs can lead to an excess of highly eccentric BH mergers. However, previous studies have neglected how the disc velocity dispersion and the SMBH’s tidal field affect the three-body dynamics.

Aims. We investigate the outcomes of binary–single encounters considering different values of the disc velocity dispersion, and examine the role of the SMBH’s tidal field. We then demonstrate how their inclusion affects the properties of merging BH binaries.

Methods. We performed simulations of four-body encounters (i.e. with the SMBH as the fourth particle) using the highly accurate, regularised code TSUNAMI, which includes post-Newtonian corrections up to order 3.5PN. To isolate the effect of the SMBH’s tidal field, we compared these simulations with those of three-body encounters in isolation.

Results. The disc velocity dispersion controls how orbits in the disc are aligned and circular, and determines the relative velocity of the binary–single pair before the encounter. As the velocity dispersion decreases, the eccentricity of post-encounter binaries transitions from thermal to superthermal, and binaries experience enhanced hardening. The transition between these two regimes happens at disc eccentricities and inclinations of order e ∼ i ∼ 10−4. These distinct regimes correspond to a disc dominated by random motions (e ∼ i ≳ 10−4) and one dominated by the Keplerian shear (e ∼ i ≲ 10−4). The effect of the SMBH’s tidal field depends on the velocity dispersion of the disc. When the velocity dispersion is low, the resulting binaries are less eccentric compared to isolated encounters. Conversely, binaries become less eccentric compared to isolated encounters at high velocity dispersion. This also affects the number of BH mergers.

Conclusions. The inclusion of the SMBH’s tidal field and the disc velocity dispersion can significantly affect the number of GW mergers, and especially the number of highly eccentric inspirals. These can be up to ∼2 times higher at low velocity dispersion, and ∼12 times lower at high velocity dispersions. The spin–orbit alignment is influenced by the tidal field exclusively at high velocity dispersions, effectively inhibiting the formation of anti-aligned binary BHs. Nonetheless, encounters in random-motion-dominated discs around a SMBH are still more effective in producing GW mergers compared to those occurring in spherically symmetric nuclear star clusters without an SMBH.
Ending the prompt phase in photospheric models of gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Alamaa Filip , Daigne Frédéric , Mochkovitch Robert
Published: January 2024

The early steep decay, a rapid decrease in X-ray flux as a function of time following the prompt emission, is a robust feature seen in almost all gamma-ray bursts with early enough X-ray observations. This peculiar phenomenon has often been explained as emission from high latitudes of the last flashing shell. However, in photospheric models of gamma-ray bursts, the timescale of high-latitude emission is generally short compared to the duration of the steep decay phase, and hence an alternative explanation is needed. In this paper we show that the early steep decay can directly result from the final activity of the dying central engine. We find that the corresponding photospheric emission can reproduce both the temporal and spectral evolution observed. This requires a late-time behaviour that should be common to all gamma-ray burst central engines, and we estimate the necessary evolution of the kinetic power and the Lorentz factor. If this interpretation is correct, observation of the early steep decay can give us insights into the last stages of central activity, and provide new constraints on the late evolution of the Lorentz factor and photospheric radius.
Lagrangian dual method for solving stochastic linear quadratic optimal control problems with terminal state constraints
Authors: Zhang Haisen , Zhang Xianfeng
Published: January 2024

A stochastic linear quadratic (LQ) optimal control problem with a pointwise linear equality constraint on the terminal state is considered. A strong Lagrangian duality theorem is proved under a uniform convexity condition on the cost functional and a surjectivity condition on the linear constraint mapping. Based on the Lagrangian duality, two approaches are proposed to solve the constrained stochastic LQ problem. First, a theoretical method is given to construct the closed-form solution by the strong duality. Second, an iterative algorithm, called augmented Lagrangian method (ALM), is proposed. The strong convergence of the iterative sequence generated by ALM is proved. In addition, some sufficient conditions for the surjectivity of the linear constraint mapping are obtained.
CFD simulation of methane circulation dynamics in a ventilation installation's tubing
Authors: Gherghe Ion , Cioclea Doru , Ilcea Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Reducing the risk of occurrence of phenomena such as explosions, as a result of the untimely penetration of a certain amount of explosive gases, inside a ventilation installation, is a priority, regarding the health and safety of workers, material assets and the negative influence on the environment, due to the possible problems caused by the occurrence of explosive atmospheres, formed by mixing air with gases, vapors, mists and combustible dusts. The main measure to prevent explosive atmospheres is to provide adequate ventilation in closed or semi-closed industrial and non-industrial premises. In order to avoid dangerous situations at the level of poorly ventilated ventilation installations where explosive atmospheres can occur, it is necessary to know the behavior of explosive gases as well as their dispersion method. CFD technique was used to study the dynamics of methane circulation inside the piping of a ventilation installation with the help of the ANSYS MULTIPHISICS software package. The paper presents the CFD analysis regarding the influence of the state parameters on the methane flow dynamics inside the ventilation systems. Thus, the state parameters determined in the experimentation area and their introduction into CFD modeling are presented, namely the establishment of the methane flow and dispersion model in ventilation ducts with high complexity.
Aspects regarding the influence of internal explosions over the maximum surface temperature for equipment with type of protection flameproof enclosure
Authors: Moldovan Lucian , Magyari Mihai , Darie Marius , Moldovan Clementina Sabina
Published: January 2024

The type of protection flameproof enclosure “d” consists in placing the parts that could ignite an explosive atmosphere inside of an enclosure that can withstand the pressure developed during an internal explosion of an explosive mixture and which prevents the explosion transmission to the explosive atmosphere surrounding the enclosure. The protection to explosion must remain valid even in case of an internal explosion. The maximum surface temperature of electrical equipment is defined as the highest temperature which is attained in service under the most adverse conditions (but within the specified tolerances) by any part or surface of equipment. When determining the maximum surface temperature of a flameproof equipment the temperature of external surfaces is considered. The increase of temperature due to an internal explosion is not considered. The purpose of this paper is to highlight this temperature increase during an internal explosion in case of a flameproof enclosure.
Experimental investigation on the self-ignition behavior of dangerous dust accumulations
Authors: Nălboc Irina , Prodan Maria , Szollosi Moța Andrei , Șuvar Sonia
Published: January 2024

A process known as spontaneous combustion is brought on by the gradual oxidation of flammable organic particles and takes place when air passes over a mass of dust. Combustible powders react with air oxygen in a process known as oxidation, which produces carbon dioxide, carbon oxide, water, and other gases whose contents depend on the temperature at which the oxidation occurs. Combustible dusts can self-ignite depending on their chemical makeup, the characteristics of their constituent components, the particle size and mass geometry, and last but not least, the ambient temperature. Self-ignition is a complicated process that occurs in three subsequent or concurrent stages of development, namely self-heating, humidity evaporation, and self-ignition. Self-ignition is a complicated process that occurs in three separate or concurrent stages of development, namely self-heating, humidity evaporation and self-ignition, all of which interact with one another. Even at normal temperatures, the molecules on the surface of combustible dust particles are prone to exothermic interactions with oxygen in the air conveyed in the free volume between particles, which is the cause of self-heating (or possibly self-ignition). The temperature of the reactive-air dust system will then rise as a result of any heat emitted, hastening the reactivity of other dust molecules with oxygen. By using drying tests at constant temperatures, this work aims to demonstrate the self-ignition behavior of flammable dusts by volume.
Physico-chemical analysis and characterization of the flammability of metallic powders
Authors: Szollosi-Moța Andrei , Nălboc Vasilica Irina , Toplician Asimina Iuliana
Published: January 2024

When fine particles known as flammable powders are suspended in the air under specific circumstances, they have the potential to explode. There could be many serious fatalities, injuries, and structural damage as a result of a dust explosion. By being aware of the flammability parameters and the physico-chemical analysis for flammable powders and taking additional protective measures as a result of the occurrence of these kinds of catastrophic mixes, the risk of such incidents can be decreased. The goal of this study was to determine the flammability characteristics of two combustible powders, magnesium and aluminum powder. These characteristics included the lowest ignition temperature of the dust cloud and dust layer as well as certain physicochemical studies of the composition.
Identification of hazardous organic substances for fire investigation with portable GC-MS
Authors: Suvar Niculina-Sonia , Prodan Maria , Ghicioi Emilian , Toplician Asimina
Published: January 2024

First responders employ field-portable gas chromatograph - mass spectrometers (GC-MS) to chemically evaluate compounds that may be drugs, explosives, poisonous industrial chemicals or materials, chemical warfare agents, or other dangerous substances. They can measure a wide range of gases, volatile and semi-volatile liquids, and some solids' vapor emissions. Field-portable instrumentation is easily deployable to identify hazardous substances in-situ during an incident response. Using this strategy, real-time targeted risk mitigation and management decisions may be taken to put stronger safety precautions in place and help resolve incidents. The portable GC-MS was able to provide preliminary analytical data on the volatile organic chemicals present in air samples taken from both active and extinguished fires, according to controlled field testing.