bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inorganic carbon fluxes across the vadose zone of planted and unplanted soil mesocosms
Authors: Thaysen E. M. , Jacques D. , Jessen S. , Andersen C. E. , Laloy E. , Ambus P. , Postma D. , Jakobsen I.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The efflux of carbon dioxide (CO2) from soils influences atmospheric CO2 concentrations and thereby climate change. The partitioning of inorganic carbon fluxes in the vadose zone between emission to the atmosphere and to the groundwater was investigated. Carbon dioxide partial pressure in the soil gas (pCO2), alkalinity, soil moisture and temperature were measured over depth and time in unplanted and planted (barley) mesocosms. The dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) percolation flux was calculated from the pCO2, alkalinity and the water flux at the mesocosm bottom. Carbon dioxide exchange between the soil surface and the atmosphere was measured at regular intervals. The soil diffusivity was determined from soil radon-222 (222Rn) emanation rates and soil air Rn concentration profiles, and was used in conjunction with measured pCO2 gradients to calculate the soil CO2 production. Carbon dioxide fluxes were modelled using the HP1 module of the Hydrus 1-D software. The average CO2 effluxes to the atmosphere from unplanted and planted mesocosm ecosystems during 78 days of experiment were 0.1 ± 0.07 and 4.9 ± 0.07 μmol carbon (C) m−2 s−1, respectively, and largely exceeded the corresponding DIC percolation fluxes of 0.01 ± 0.004 and 0.06 ± 0.03 μmol C m−2 s−1. Post-harvest soil respiration (Rs) was only 10% of the Rs during plant growth, while the post-harvest DIC percolation flux was more than one third of the flux during growth. The Rs was controlled by production and diffusivity of CO2 in the soil. The DIC percolation flux was largely controlled by the pCO2 and the drainage flux due to low solution pH. Plant biomass and soil pCO2 were high in the mesocosms as compared to a standard field situation. Our results indicate no change of the cropland C balance under elevated atmospheric CO2 in a warmer future climate, in which plant biomass and soil pCO2 are expected to increase.
Amplatzer™ Occlusion Device Implantation in a Patient with Biventricular Heartware®
Authors: Rawa Arif , Ruhparwar Arjang , Kallenbach Klaus , Weymann Alexander , Schmack Bastian , Karck Matthias , Gorenflo Matthias
Published: March 2014

There have been several reports of right-to-left shunting through patent foramen ovale (PFO) after implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The atrial pressure changes after assist implantation leading to revelation of undetected PFOs may cause severe systemic hypoxemia. A percutaneous closure approach has been shown to be an adequate therapy option in patients with LVAD. We report a successful interventional occlusion of a PFO with right-to-left shunt in a patient with biventricular HeartWare® ventricular assist device (HVAD) support.
Simulation of Apical and Atrio-aortic VAD in Patients with Transposition or Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Di Molfetta Arianna , Jacobs Steven , Fresiello Libera , Verbelen Tom , Trivella Maria G. , Meyns Bart , Ferrari Gianfranco
Published: March 2014

Purpose

VADs could be used for transportation of the great arteries (TGA) and for congenitally corrected transposition (ccTGA) treatment. A cardiovascular numerical model (NM) may offer a useful clinical support in these complex physiopathologies. This work aims at developing and preliminarily verifying a NM of ccTGA and TGA interacting with VADs.

Methods

Hemodynamic data were collected at the baseline (BL) and three months (FUP) after apical (atrio-aortic) VAD implantation in a TGA (ccTGA) patient and used in a lumped parameter NM to simulate the patient's physiopathology. Measured (MS) and simulated (SIM) data were compared.

Results

MS and SIM data are in accordance at the BL and at FUP. Cardiac output (l/min): BL_m = 2.9 ± 0.4, BL_s = 3.0 ± 0.3; FUP_m = 4.2 ± 0.2, FUP_s = 4.1 ± 0.1. Right atrial pressure (mmHg): BL_m = 21.4 ± 4.1, BL_s = 18.5 ± 4.5; FUP_m = 13 ± 4, FUP_s = 14.8 ± 3.6. Pulmonary arterial pressure (mmHg): BL_m = 56 ± 6.3, BL_s = 57 ± 2, FUP_m = 37.5 ± 7.5, FUP_s = 35.5 ± 5.9. Systemic arterial pressure (mmHg): BL_m = 71 ± 2, BL_s = 74.6 ± 2.1; FUP_m = 84 ± 9, FUP_s = 81.9 ± 9.8.

Conclusions

NM can simulate the effect of a VAD in complex physiopathologies, with the inclusion of changes in circulatory parameters during the acute phase and at FUP. The simulation of differently assisted physiopathologies offers a useful support for clinicians.
Median Frequencies of Prolonged Ventricular Fibrillation treated by V-A ECMO Correspond to a Return of Spontaneous Circulation Rate
Authors: Havranek Stepan , Belohlavek Jan , Mlcek Mikulas , Huptych Michal , Boucek Tomas , Svoboda Tomas , Fichtl Jaromir , Hrachovina Matej , Linhart Ales , Kittnar Otomar
Published: March 2014

Background

The aim of our study was to analyze, in a pig model of prolonged ventricular fibrillation (VF) treated by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), the time dependent changes of VF wavelet frequency obtained from intracardial signals and its relations to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Methods

11 female pigs (50.3 ± 3.4 kg) under general anesthesia had undergone 15 min of VF with ECMO flow of 5 to 10 ml/kg per min simulating “untreated” VF followed by continued VF with full ECMO flow of 100 ml/kg per min. The median frequency (MF) of VF from right ventricular apex, coronary perfusion pressure, myocardial oxygen metabolism and resuscitability were determined.

Results

Median (interquartile range) of MF of fibrillatory wavelets in minute 15 of low ECMO flow [9.7 Hz (8.3; 10.1)] was not significantly changed in comparison to minute 1 [10.5 Hz (9.8; 12.4)], p = 0.12. Five minutes after full ECMO initiation MF increased [11.6 Hz (10.6; 13.5)], p = 0.04 (compared to minute 15 of VF) and did not deteriorate during the rest of ECMO treatment. Out of all subjects, three animals did not reach ROSC. Those subjects demonstrated deeper decrease of MF at the VF minute 15 as compared to others [-2.4 Hz (-2.5; −2.3) vs. −0.6 Hz (-1.6; −0.1)] and continuously significantly higher increase in MF on full ECMO support [4.3 Hz (2.9; 5.6) vs. 1.1 Hz (0.6; 1.6)] with p = 0.05 for both observations, respectively.

Conclusions

The veno-arterial ECMO reperfusion influences MF of VF wavelet obtained from right ventricular apex. The course of changes in wavelet frequency corresponds to a presence of later ROSC.
Studying the Flow Dynamics in an Aortic Endograft with Crossed-limbs
Authors: Georgakarakos Efstratios , Xenakis Antonios , Manopoulos Christos , Georgiadis George S. , Argyriou Christos , Tsangaris Sokrates , Lazarides Miltos K.
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the flow phenomena within an aortic endograft with crossed-limbs, comparing to an endograft with the ordinary limb bifurcation.

Methods

An endograft model with crossed-limbs was computationally reconstructed based on Computed Tomography patient-specific data, using commercially available software. Accordingly, its analogue model was reconstructed in the ordinary fashion (ordinary bifurcation). Computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed to determine and compare the flow fields, velocity profiles, pressure and shear stress distribution throughout the different parts of both endograft configurations, in different phases of the cardiac cycle.

Results

The flow patterns between the “Ballerina” and the classic endograft were similar, with flow disturbance near the inlet zone at late diastole and smooth flow patterns during the systolic phase. Both configurations presented similar pressure distribution patterns throughout the cardiac cycle. The highest and lowest pressures were demonstrated in the inlet-main body area and the iliac limbs, respectively. Marked differences were observed in the velocity profiles of the proximal limb segments between the two configurations, mostly in the peak- and end-systolic phase. The regions of lower velocities correlated well to low shear values. Differences in the shear stress distribution were noted between the two configurations in the systolic and, predominantly, in the diastolic phase.

Conclusions

There are differences in the velocity profiles and shear distribution between the limbs of the two endograft configurations. The pathophysiologic implication of our findings and their possible association with clinical events, such as thrombus apposition, deserves further investigation.
Design and Evaluation of a Hybrid Mock Circulatory Loop for total Artificial Heart Testing
Authors: Cuenca-Navalon Elena , Finocchiaro Thomas , Laumen Marco , Fritschi Andreas , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: March 2014

Aims

A hybrid mock circulatory loop (MCL) was developed for total artificial heart (TAH) performance evaluation. The hybrid MCL consists of hydraulic hardware components and a software computer model.

Design

The hydraulic components are divided into the systemic and pulmonary circulation, each of which includes electrically controlled compliances, resistors, and a venous volume which can be adjusted for a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. The software model simulates the baroreflex autoregulatory response by automatically adjusting the hydraulic parameters according to changes of condition in the MCL.

Results

The experimental results demonstrated a good representation of the human cardiovascular system and the capability of real-time variation of physiological and pathological conditions. The functionality of the baroreflex autoregulatory mechanism was evaluated by simulation of a postural change.

Conclusions

The hybrid MCL that we developed allows variable and continuous in vitro evaluation of mechanical circulatory support devices in TAH configuration and particularly their control algorithms in response to various cardiovascular conditions. The system has been built in a modular configuration to allow testing of different types of devices and thus provides a valuable test platform prior to animal experiments.
L’histoire littéraire du contemporain : l’éternel retour
Authors: Vaillant Alain
Published: March 2014

L’histoire littéraire du contemporain n’est pas une nouveauté. En fait, on n’a jamais cessé de vouloir faire l’histoire du contemporain, et l’histoire littéraire, dès sa naissance à l’époque romantique, semble avoir été inventée pour penser ce contemporain absolu que paraissait être la littérature postrévolutionnaire. Or on voit bien quels risques épistémologiques fait courir à l’histoire littéraire cette perpétuelle tentation. La question qui se pose aujourd’hui est donc de se demander en quoi le contemporain du xxie siècle se distinguerait de ses avatars du passé et, plus généralement, si le contemporain peut être regardé comme un concept du point de vue de la science historique, ou s’il n’est qu’un mot, servant à la fois à renouveler le vocabulaire critique et à traduire en termes esthétiques (en les masquant du même coup) les transformations de la demande sociale en matière de littérature. Pour éviter un débat où les enjeux idéologiques sont très évidemment prépondérants, je me propose, en historien de la littérature, de comparer trois moments où l’histoire littéraire du contemporain a été le terrain de débats critiques particulièrement vifs et étendus hors de la sphère savante : l’époque romantique, la Troisième République et l’époque actuelle. En substituant une histoire pluriséculaire aux actuelles théories du contemporain, je m’efforcerai de montrer que le contemporain est une notion nodale, à la fois nécessaire et trompeuse, où se cristallisent, à chaque époque, les représentations de la littérature — de son devenir formel comme de son rôle social.
Un projet contrarié. L’histoire de la littérature contemporaine française au tournant du xxe siècle1
Authors: Barraband Mathilde , Bougie Julien
Published: March 2014

Au tournant du xxe siècle, alors que l’histoire littéraire se transforme profondément et s’essaie à de nouvelles approches, alors que s’opposent des visions contradictoires de la fonction de la critique littéraire et que le lectorat s’élargit et se diversifie, il semble qu’un goût pour le contemporain s’affirme de manière relativement consensuelle au sein de la discipline. Le consensus est d’autant plus étonnant que l’ambition d’une histoire du présent est paradoxale et qu’elle contrevient à une certaine idée de l’histoire littéraire comme conservatrice. L’article propose d’observer le sort que les historiens de la littérature du tournant du xxe siècle ont réservé dans leurs histoires à la littérature de leur temps, et de répondre à quelques-unes des interrogations que cette pratique contradictoire soulève. L’observation des pratiques mais aussi des justifications des premiers historiens modernes de la littérature quant à l’étude du contemporain sera ainsi l’occasion de saisir plus largement les préoccupations et les principes de l’histoire littéraire au moment où elle se fonde et s’institue, se faisant alors la chambre d’échos des inquiétudes nationales et identitaires de la France du dernier xixe siècle.
L’historiographie française et le temps présent. Processus de légitimation et remise en question de l’historien
Authors: Walsh Francis
Published: March 2014

Le présent article a pour but d’éclairer l’apport des réflexions sur la notion de « temps présent » dans l’historiographie française contemporaine et, sans s’y restreindre, principalement celles issues des recherches de l’Institut d’histoire du temps présent fondé par François Bédarida en 1978. Après avoir rapidement brossé un tableau général du contexte épistémologique du second après-guerre, j’y propose trois stades de légitimation de cette pratique historienne controversée (manifeste, bilan et banalisation), stades qui coïncident avec les différents états successifs des arguments en faveur de l’étude du contemporain. Il s’agit donc de montrer comment les défenseurs de l’histoire du temps présent ont pensé l’histoire en prenant position par rapport à l’historiographie générale.
Immigration et intégration chez de jeunes croyants pratiquants montréalais : repenser la condition de minoritaire
Authors: Mossière Géraldine , Le Gall Josiane
Published: March 2014

À partir de deux recherches ethnographiques menées à Montréal, nous comparons le rapport à l’espace public et à l’intégration de jeunes Congolais pentecôtistes et Libanais chiites croyants et pratiquants. Nous décrivons les modes d’initiation à la religion et les activités sociales et religieuses des jeunes dans des mosquées et des églises, et montrons comment les représentations qu’ils entretiennent concernant leur statut de minoritaire dans la société d’accueil influencent leur participation à la vie publique. Dans les deux cas, ces comportements politiques révèlent des définitions identitaires qui s’articulent autour de pratiques transnationales variées. Finalement, nous proposons de repenser les notions de société d’accueil, d’espace public et d’intégration en considérant le transnationalisme comme un répertoire de styles de vie, en lien avec le mode d’engagement public des groupes étudiés.
Identité et gouvernance autochtones dans les ententes d’autonomie et de revendications territoriales globales au Canada
Authors: Motard Geneviève
Published: March 2014

Dans cet article, l’auteure examine les règles d’appartenance retenues dans les ententes d’autonomie gouvernementale et de revendications territoriales globales qui ont recours au principe de personnalité des lois. Dans un régime de personnalité des lois, il est de la prétention de l’auteure que l’identité de la nation signataire des ententes a le potentiel de devenir un enjeu de pouvoir. En effet, l’identité autochtone devient alors une « frontière » du pouvoir entre l’État et la nation autochtone, ce qui encourage l’État à s’intéresser de près aux règles identitaires des nations signataires des ententes. Ce faisant, l’État porte atteinte au droit fondamental des peuples autochtones de s’autodéfinir. Après un bref historique du traitement de l’identité autochtone dans les traités conclus entre l’État et les peuples autochtones, l’auteure présente les dispositifs des ententes ayant pour effet de favoriser l’intervention étatique dans les choix identitaires des nations signataires. Pour finir, l’auteure met en lumière quelques conséquences des choix identitaires effectués dans les ententes sur la gouvernance des nations signataires.
Fraternité, souveraineté et autonomie des Autochtones en Nouvelle-France
Authors: Morin Michel
Published: March 2014

Aux xviie et xviiie siècles, les principes juridiques encadrant les relations entre les Algonquiens de la vallée du Saint-Laurent et les Français sont généralement bien compris par chacune des parties en présence. Initialement fondés sur les concepts d’amitié, d’alliance ou de fraternité, ces principes postulent l’existence de nations indépendantes possédant leurs propres structures décisionnelles et leurs coutumes, ainsi que de chefs locaux ou régionaux qui jouissent en pratique d’une grande autorité. De 1628 à 1663, le statut de sujet du roi de France est d’ailleurs accordé uniquement aux nouveaux convertis, puis, de 1664 à 1674, à leurs descendants. Par la suite, la situation est ambiguë. Toutefois, les communautés de chrétiens vivant près des villes françaises conservent une grande autonomie à laquelle elles acceptent rarement de renoncer. Elles sont parfois qualifiées d’enfants du roi, parce qu’elles soutiennent inconditionnellement les Français sur le plan militaire. Dans la deuxième moitié du xviie siècle, des nations non converties reconnaissent également le statut de père au roi de France, mais cette dépendance socio-économique et militaire ne remet pas en question leur indépendance, ce que les Français comprennent fort bien.
Familial Loss of a Loved One and Biological Aging
Authors: Aiello Allison E. , Mishra Aura Ankita , Martin Chantel L. , Levitt Brandt , Gaydosh Lauren , Belsky Daniel W. , Hummer Robert A. , Umberson Debra J. , Harris Kathleen Mullan
Published: July 2024

Importance

The link between familial loss of a loved one and long-term health decline is complex and not fully understood.

Objective

To test associations of losing a parent, sibling, child, or partner or spouse with accelerated biological aging.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a US population-based longitudinal cohort study, were analyzed. Participants were enrolled from 1994 to 1995 for wave 1, while in grades 7 to 12, and followed up through wave 5 in 2018. The study analyzed participant reports of loss collected at each wave from 1 to 5 over 24 years and used a banked wave 5 blood sample for subsequent DNA methylation testing and epigenetic clock calculation from 2018 to 2024. Data were analyzed from January 2022 to July 2024.

Exposure

Loss of biological parents or parental figures, partners or spouses, siblings, or children at waves 1 to 3 or during childhood, adolescence (aged <18 years), or adulthood at wave 4 to wave 5 (aged 18-43 years).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Biological aging assessed from blood DNA methylation using the Horvath, PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE epigenetic clocks at wave 5.

Results

Data from 3963 participants were analyzed, with a weighted mean (range) age of 38.36 (36.78-39.78) years at wave 5; 2370 (50.3%) were male, 720 (15.97%) were Black, 400 (8.18%) were Hispanic, and 2642 (72.53%) were White. Nearly 40% of participants experienced loss by wave 5 when they were aged 33 to 43 years, and participants who were Black (379 participants [56.67%]), Hispanic (152 participants [41.38%]), and American Indian (18 participants [56.08%]) experienced a greater proportion of losses compared with White participants (884 participants [34.09%]). Those who experienced 2 or more losses tended to have older biological ages for several of the clocks (PhenoAge β = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.28; GrimAge β = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.45; DunedinPACE β = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.34) compared with those with no losses. In contrast, there were no associations with 2 or more losses for the Horvath clock (β = −0.08; 95% CI, −0.23 to 0.06).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study reveals associations between various measures of loss experienced from childhood to adulthood and biological aging in a diverse sample of the US population. These findings underscore the potentially enduring impact of loss on biological aging even before middle age and may contribute to understanding racial and ethnic disparities in health and mortality.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Treatment of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Scheperjans Filip , Levo Reeta , Bosch Berta , Lääperi Mitja , Pereira Pedro A. B. , Smolander Olli-Pekka , Aho Velma T. E. , Vetkas Nora , Toivio Lotta , Kainulainen Veera , Fedorova Tatyana D. , Lahtinen Perttu , Ortiz Rebekka , Kaasinen Valtteri , Satokari Reetta , Arkkila Perttu
Published: July 2024

Importance

Dysbiosis has been robustly demonstrated in Parkinson disease (PD), and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown promising effects in preclinical PD models.

Objective

To assess the safety and symptomatic efficacy of colonic single-dose anaerobically prepared FMT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted between November 2020 and June 2023 with a follow-up period of 12 months at 4 hospitals in Finland. Patients with PD aged 35 to 75 years in Hoehn & Yahr stage 1-3 with a mild to moderate symptom burden and dysbiosis of fecal microbiota were included. Of 229 patients screened, 48 were randomized and 47 received the intervention. One patient discontinued due to worsening of PD symptoms. Two further patients were excluded before analysis and 45 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis.

Intervention

Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive FMT or placebo via colonoscopy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the change of Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale parts I-III (part III off medication) at 6 months. Safety was assessed by recording adverse events (AEs).

Results

The median (IQR) age was 65 (52.5-70.0) years in the placebo group and 66 (59.25-69.75) years in the FMT group; 9 (60.0%) and 16 (53.3%) patients were male in the placebo group and the FMT group, respectively. The primary outcome did not differ between the groups (0.97 points, 95% CI, −5.10 to 7.03, P = .75). Gastrointestinal AEs were more frequent in the FMT group (16 [53%] vs 1 [7%]; P = .003). Secondary outcomes and post hoc analyses showed stronger increase of dopaminergic medication and improvement of certain motor and nonmotor outcomes in the placebo group. Microbiota changes were more pronounced after FMT but differed by donor. Nevertheless, dysbiosis status was reversed more frequently in the placebo group.

Conclusions and Relevance

FMT was safe but did not offer clinically meaningful improvements. Further studies—for example, through modified FMT approaches or bowel cleansing—are warranted regarding the specific impact of donor microbiota composition and dysbiosis conversion on motor and nonmotor outcomes as well as medication needs in PD.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04854291
α‐Arylation of Cyclopentanones by Palladium/Enamine Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Xue Yibin , Parsad Arjuna , Dong Guangbin
Published: July 2024

This chapter presents the procedure for α‐arylation of cyclopentanones by palladium/enamine cooperative catalysis. The procedures inOrganic Synthesesare intended for use only by persons with proper training in experimental organic chemistry. Among various ketone functionalization strategies, the Buchwald–Hartwig–Miura (BHM) arylation has been a widely used approach for α‐arylation of ketones via transition metal‐catalyzed cross‐couplings with aryl halides. However, simple or less substituted cyclopentanones have been very difficult substrates for the BHM reaction, attributed to the side reaction of cyclopentanones under strong basic conditions. To address the challenge of α‐arylation of cyclopentanones, a new strategy based on the palladium/enamine cooperative catalysis was developed in 2016. Good site‐selectivity was observed with the α‐substituted cyclopentanones, favoring arylation at the less sterically hindered side. Therefore, this reaction could represent a general method for mono‐α‐arylation of cyclopentanones.
Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation During Exercise in Older Adults with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome
Authors: da Costa Kell Grandjean , Fontes Eduardo Bodnariuc , Menta Alekya , Kramer Arthur F. , Fielding Roger A. , Verghese Joe , Kowaleski Christopher , Ward Nathan , Reid Kieran F.
Published: July 2024

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a pre‐dementia syndrome characterized by subjective memory complaints and gait impairments that may be related to lower prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. Acute bouts of aerobic exercise are shown to improve PFC function, however, the acute effects of exercise on PFC oxygenation have not yet been examined in MCR. This study aims to characterize the PFC oxygenation responses during acute exercise in older adults with MCR. Nineteen older adults with MCR performed a submaximal cycling exercise protocol. Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is used to measure concentrations of oxygenated (OxyHb) and deoxygenated (DeoxyHb) hemoglobin from the PFC. There is a trend for increased OxyHb concentrations and decreased DeooxyHb concentrations during exercise. Exercise also induced significant increases in ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) and heart rate. A significant, positive correlation between PFC OxyHb and RPEs during the cycling exercise are also observed. The findings reveal that PFC oxygenation increases during exercise in an intensity‐dependent manner and the subjective perception of exertion is associated with the magnitude of PFC oxygenation. These results suggest that moderate‐intensity cycling exercise may have beneficial effects on increasing cerebral blood flow in the PFC of older adults with MCR.
Unraveling the Impact of Solution Filtration on Organic Solar Cell Stability
Authors: Yang Emily J. , Luke Joel , Fu Yuang , Qiao Zhuoran , Bidwell Matthew , Marsh Adam V. , Heeney Martin , Gasparini Nicola , Kim Ji‐Seon
Published: July 2024

Despite major advances in efficiency, the operational stability of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices remains poor. Therefore, understanding the degradation mechanisms and identifying potential solutions to improve device stability is critical to enabling the widespread commercialization of OPVs. Herein, simple filtration of the PBDB‐T:ITIC photoactive layer (PAL) solution prior to film deposition is demonstrated to enhance OPV device operational stability without compromising initial device performance. The effect of filtration, a commonly used but poorly understood OPV fabrication step, is investigated using a range of chemical, structural, and optoelectronic methods, on solutions and films. Filtration is found to remove large aggregates from solution without disrupting nanoscale preaggregation, resulting in enhanced acceptor ordering in PBDB‐T:ITIC thin films, significantly improving morphological stability and photostability. This simple and facile method is confirmed to be a general strategy that also works for other PBDB‐T‐containing OPV blends, including Y6‐based systems, and highlights how subtle changes in morphology can result in dramatic differences in operational stability.
Mussel‐Bioinspired Lignin Adhesive for Wearable Bioelectrodes
Authors: Hu Oudong , Lu Mingjin , Cai Minkun , Liu Junyu , Qiu Xueqing , Guo Chuan Fei , Zhang Can Yang , Qian Yong
Published: July 2024

As a natural “binder,” lignin fixes cellulose in plants to foster growth and longevity. However, isolated lignin has a poor binding ability, which limits its biomedical applications. In this study, inspired by mussel adhesive proteins, acidic/basic amino acids (AAs) are introduced in alkali lignin (AL) to form ionic‐π/spatial correlation interactions, followed by demethylation to create catechol residues for enhanced adhesion activity. Atomic force microscopy reveals that catechol residues are the primary adhesion structures, with basic AAs exhibiting superior synergistic effects compared to acidic AAs. Demethylated lysine‐grafted AL exhibits the strongest adhesion force toward skin tissue. Molecular dynamic simulation and density functional theory calculations indicate that adhesion against skin tissue mainly results from hydrogen bonds and cation‐π interactions, with the adhesion mechanism being based on the Gibbs free energy of the Schiff base reaction. In summary, a biomimetic electrode based on lignin inspired by mussel adhesive proteins is prepared; the presented method offers a straightforward strategy for the development of biomimetic adhesives. Furthermore, this mussel‐inspired adhesive can be used as a wearable bioelectrode in biomedical applications.
Flexible Tribo‐Enhanced Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Based on Aluminium Ferrite Electrospun Hybrid Nanofibers for Energy Harvesting and Patient Rehabilitation Application
Authors: Das Nishat Kumar , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: July 2024

Mechanical energy harvesters have recently emerged as promising options for self‐powering sensors and small electronic devices. In this work, aluminum ferrite (AlFeO3)/PVDF hybrid perovskite electrospun nanofiber‐based tribo‐enhanced piezoelectric nanogenerators (TPENGs) are developed for energy harvesting. The as‐fabricated TPENG achieves an average voltage output of 52.3 V and an average current output of 1.23 µA. Additionally, the power density of the TPENG is calculated to be 0.085 W.m−2 at an 80 MΩ external resistance load. A 3D‐printed device is fabricated, containing nylon fabric (tribo‐positive) as a rotor attached to printed fins, while six (AlFeO3)/PVDF hybrid perovskite electrospun nanofiber piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) wrapped with Kapton tape (tribo‐negative) serve as the stator. The three printed fins of the device are moved by a string‐based pulley, generating an open circuit voltage of 200 V and a short circuit current of 4.5 µA. The as‐fabricated 3D‐printed device with TPENGs is used to power small electronics (e.g., LEDs and watch) and an exercise setup, allowing patients to generate power by pulling the attached string, thereby estimating the level of impairment. Integrating energy harvesting into rehabilitation motivates patients to move impaired body parts, enhancing TPENG's application in healthcare as a practical and engaging tool for patient rehabilitation.
Supramolecular Nano‐Tracker for Real‐Time Tracking of Drug Release and Efficient Combination Therapy
Authors: Chen Xi , Chen Fang‐Yuan , Lu Yi , Li Qiushi , Li Shujie , Zheng Chunxiong , Zheng Yadan , Dang Lin , Li Ru‐Yi , Liu Yang , Guo Dong‐Sheng , Sun Shao‐Kai , Zhang Zhanzhan
Published: July 2024

Real‐time tracking of drug release from nanomedicine in vivo is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic efficacy in clinical settings, particularly in dosage control and determining the optimal therapeutic window. However, most current real‐time tracking systems require a tedious synthesis and purification process. Herein, a supramolecular nano‐tracker (SNT) capable of real‐time tracking of drug release in vivo based on non‐covalent host‐guest interactions is presented. By integrating multiple cavities into a single nanoparticle, SNT achieves co‐loading of drugs and probes while efficiently quenching the photophysical properties of the probe through host‐guest complexation. Moreover, SNT is readily degraded under hypoxic tumor tissues, leading to the simultaneous release of drugs and probes and the fluorescence recovery of probes. With this spatial and temporal consistency in drug loading and fluorescence quenching, as well as drug release and fluorescence recovery, SNT successfully achieves real‐time tracking of drug release in vivo (Pearson r = 0.9166, R2 = 0.8247). Furthermore, the released drugs can synergize effectively with fluorescent probes upon light irradiation, achieving potent chemo‐photodynamic combination therapy in 4T1‐bearing mice with a significantly improved survival rate (33%), providing a potential platform to significantly advance the development of nanomedicine and achieve optimal therapeutic effects in the clinic.
Recent Advances in Flexible Temperature Sensors: Materials, Mechanism, Fabrication, and Applications
Authors: Liu Lin , Dou Yingying , Wang Junhua , Zhao Yan , Kong Wenwen , Ma Chaoyan , He Donglin , Wang Hongguang , Zhang Huimin , Chang Aimin , Zhao Pengjun
Published: July 2024

Flexible electronics is an emerging and cutting‐edge technology which is considered as the building blocks of the next generation micro‐nano electronics. Flexible electronics integrate both active and passive functions in devices, driving rapid developments in healthcare, the Internet of Things (IoT), and industrial fields. Among them, flexible temperature sensors, which can be directly attached to human skin or curved surfaces of objects for continuous and stable temperature measurement, have attracted much attention for applications in disease prediction, health monitoring, robotic signal sensing, and curved surface temperature measurement. Preparing flexible temperature sensors with high sensitivity, fast response, wide temperature measurement interval, high flexibility, stretchability, low cost, high reliability, and stability has become a research target. This article reviewed the latest development of flexible temperature sensors and mainly discusses the sensitive materials, working mechanism, preparation process, and the applications of flexible temperature sensors. Finally, conclusions based on the latest developments, and the challenges and prospects for research in this field are presented.
Purely Electric‐Driven Field‐Free Magnetization Switching in L10‐FePt Single Film for Reconfigurable Spin Logic Computing
Authors: Wang Yuanbo , Zhang Jingyan , Dou Pengwei , Deng Xiao , Zhao Yunchi , Qi Jie , Zhang Yi , Shao Bokai , Xu Jiawang , Zheng Xinqi , Huang He , Wu Yanfei , Shen Baogen , Wang Shouguo
Published: July 2024

Magnetization switching driven by spin‐orbit torques (SOTs) in perpendicular single magnets contributes to the development of high‐efficiency next‐generation spintronic memory and logic. However, the in‐plane magnetic fields required for deterministic magnetization switching in single magnets hamper the design of all‐electric‐control devices. Herein, a simple, efficient, and reliable all‐electric‐control magnetization switching in a sputtered single L10‐FePt film with an artificial lateral gradient is reported. The deterministic magnetization switching exhibits a strong angle dependence and can be effectively tuned through lateral asymmetry. A maximum self‐switching ratio of 18% is achieved without magnetic fields. The structural characterization results reveal that this deterministic magnetization self‐switching can be primarily attributed to the ordering degree gradient. Furthermore, a programmable Boolean logic device together with a full adder is constructed using the single L10‐FePt magnet. The findings of the study highlight an effective route to accomplish electrical spin manipulation in single magnets. This enables the design of purely electrically controlled SOTs‐based logic and in‐memory computing.
A Transformer‐Based Network for Full Object Pose Estimation with Depth Refinement
Authors: Abdulsalam Mahmoud , Ahiska Kenan , Aouf Nabil
Published: July 2024

In response to increasing demand for robotics manipulation, accurate vision‐based full pose estimation is essential. While convolutional neural networks‐based approaches have been introduced, the quest for higher performance continues, especially for precise robotics manipulation, including in the Agri‐robotics domain. This article proposes an improved transformer‐based pipeline for full pose estimation, incorporating a Depth Refinement Module. Operating solely on monocular images, the architecture features an innovative Lighter Depth Estimation Network using a Feature Pyramid with an up‐sampling method for depth prediction. A Transformer‐based Detection Network with additional prediction heads is employed to directly regress object centers and predict the full poses of the target objects. A novel Depth Refinement Module is then utilized alongside the predicted centers, full poses, and depth patches to refine the accuracy of the estimated poses. The performance of this pipeline is extensively compared with other state‐of‐the‐art methods, and the results are analyzed for fruit picking applications. The results demonstrate that the pipeline improves the accuracy of pose estimation to up to 90.79% compared to other methods available in the literature.
Examining the impact of Native American myopathy on the quality of life and healthcare accessibility of patients and caregivers
Authors: Wang Magnolia G. , Lancaster Kristen , Powell Cynthia M.
Published: July 2024

Native American myopathy (NAM, also known as STAC3 disorder) (OMIM 255995) is an ultra‐rare genetic disease impacting multiple body systems. The quality of life and caregiver burden associated with this condition remain poorly characterized. In this study, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and a survey comprised of de novo questions concerning genetic testing, counseling, and caregiver burden were employed to investigate the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients and caregivers with NAM. Study findings uncovered a concerning trend: patients with NAM experienced a notable decline in HRQoL, with reasons that warrant further investigation. Particularly striking was the downturn observed during the transition from adolescence to adulthood—across Physical, Social, and Emotional Functioning domains. Taken together, this study has elucidated novel insights into the impact of NAM, and areas of concern to improve HRQoL have subsequently been highlighted.
Alzheimer's disease genetic pathways impact cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and imaging endophenotypes in non‐demented individuals
Authors: Lorenzini Luigi , Collij Lyduine E. , Tesi Niccoló , Vilor‐Tejedor Natàlia , Ingala Silvia , Blennow Kaj , Foley Christopher , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Haller Sven , Holstege Henne , van der van der Lee Sven , Martinez‐Lage Pablo , Marioni Riccardo E. , McCartney Daniel L. , O’ Brien John , Oliveira Tiago Gil , Payoux Pierre , Reinders Marcel , Ritchie Craig , Scheltens Philip , Schwarz Adam J. , Sudre Carole H. , Waldman Adam D. , Wolz Robin , Chatelat Gael , Ewers Michael , Wink Alle Meije , Mutsaerts Henk J. M. M. , Gispert Juan Domingo , Visser Pieter Jelle , Tijms Betty M. , Altmann Andre , Barkhof Frederik
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Unraveling how Alzheimer's disease (AD) genetic risk is related to neuropathological heterogeneity, and whether this occurs through specific biological pathways, is a key step toward precision medicine.

METHODS

We computed pathway‐specific genetic risk scores (GRSs) in non‐demented individuals and investigated how AD risk variants predict cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and imaging biomarkers reflecting AD pathology, cardiovascular, white matter integrity, and brain connectivity.

RESULTS

CSF amyloidbeta and phosphorylated tau were related to most GRSs. Inflammatory pathways were associated with cerebrovascular disease, whereas quantitative measures of white matter lesion and microstructure integrity were predicted by clearance and migration pathways. Functional connectivity alterations were related to genetic variants involved in signal transduction and synaptic communication.

DISCUSSION

This study reveals distinct genetic risk profiles in association with specific pathophysiological aspects in predementia stages of AD, unraveling the biological substrates of the heterogeneity of AD‐associated endophenotypes and promoting a step forward in disease understanding and development of personalized therapies.

Highlights

Polygenic risk for Alzheimer's disease encompasses six biological pathways that can be quantified with pathway‐specific genetic risk scores, and differentially relate to cerebrospinal fluid and imaging biomarkers.

Inflammatory pathways are mostly related to cerebrovascular burden.

White matter health is associated with pathways of clearance and membrane integrity, whereas functional connectivity measures are related to signal transduction and synaptic communication pathways.
Scenarios for the long‐term efficacy of amyloid‐targeting therapies in the context of the natural history of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Raket Lars Lau , Cummings Jeffrey , Moscoso Alexis , Villain Nicolas , Schöll Michael
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Recent clinical trials of amyloid beta (Aβ)‐targeting therapies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have demonstrated a clinical benefit over 18 months, but their long‐term impact on disease trajectory is not yet understood. We propose a framework for evaluating realistic long‐term scenarios.

METHODS

Results from recent phase 3 trials of Aβ‐targeting antibodies were integrated with an estimate of the long‐term patient‐level natural history trajectory of the Clinical Dementia Rating‐Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) score to explore realistic long‐term efficacy scenarios.

RESULTS

Three distinct long‐term efficacy scenarios were examined, ranging from conservative to optimistic. These extrapolations of positive phase 3 trials suggested treatments delayed onset of severe dementia by 0.3 to 0.6 years (conservative), 1.1 to 1.9 years (intermediate), and 2.0 to 4.2 years (optimistic).

DISCUSSION

Our study provides a common language for long‐term impact of disease‐modifying treatments. Our work calls for studies with longer follow‐up and results from early intervention trials to provide a comprehensive assessment of these therapies' true long‐term impact.

Highlights

We present long‐term scenarios of the efficacy of AD therapies.

In this framework, scenarios are defined relative to the natural history of AD.

Long‐term projections with different levels of optimism can be compared.

It provides a common language for expressing beliefs about long‐term efficacy.
Reduktive Eliminierung von Tetraalkylcupraten [MenCu(CF3)4−n]− (n=0–4): jenseits einfacher Oxidationsstufen
Authors: Zimmer Bastian , Havenith Remco W. A. , Klein Johannes E. M. N. , Koszinowski Konrad
Published: July 2024

In den letzten Jahren haben Organocuprate im Allgemeinen und der Komplex [Cu(CF3)4]− im Besonderen wegen ihrer elektronischen Strukturen erhebliches Interesse auf sich gezogen. Obwohl der Reaktivität dieser Spezies in diesem Zusammenhang eine Schlüsselrolle zukommen dürfte, fand dieser Aspekt bisher nur wenig Beachtung. Wir untersuchen hier systematisch die Reihe der Tetraalkylcuprate [MenCu(CF3)4−n]− und ihre Gasphasenreaktivität, die sowohl konzertierte reduktive Eliminierungen als auch Radikalverluste umfasst. Mit Hilfe quantenchemischer Rechnungen charakterisieren wir die elektronischen Strukturen der Komplexe und zeigen, wie sie mit der Reaktivität zusammenhängen. Wir finden, dass alle Ionen [MenCu(CF3)4−n]− invertierte Ligandenfelder aufweisen und dass sich die unterschiedlichen Reaktivitäten der individuellen Komplexe aus dem Zusammenspiel verschiedener Effekte ergeben.
Ring‐Size Control and Guest‐Induced Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Heteroleptic Pd3A3B3 and Pd4A4B4 Assemblies
Authors: Ebbert Kristina E. , Benchimol Elie , Platzek André , Drechsler Christoph , Openy Joseph , Hasegawa Shota , Holstein Julian J. , Clever Guido H.
Published: July 2024

Two new structural motifs within the class of heteroleptic PdnAnBn assemblies, namely syn‐cis‐Pd3A3B3 bowls and bowl‐ (syn) or saddle‐ (anti) shaped cis‐Pd4A4B4 rings are introduced. All of the ten examples share a common longer fluorenone‐based bis‐monodentate ligand, equipped with meta‐pyridine donor groups. The ring size (3‐ vs. 4‐membered) and conformational preference (bowl vs. saddle) are controlled by the choice of the shorter ligand. These carry para‐pyridine donors, different aromatic backbones (benzene, thiophene or selenophene) and either no or small or bulky endohedral substituents, serving to control the nuclearity of the heteroleptic rings through different effects (ligand angle, charge distribution or backbone bulk). Moreover, the luminescence of the fluorenone ligand is conserved in the formed architectures. Emission intensity as well as host–guest properties vary depending on the inward‐pointing functions. All Pd3A3B3 assemblies are shown to bind chiral guest BINOL bis‐sulfonate which imparts its chirality to the entire host–guest complex. This results in a guest‐induced circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with dissymmetry factor glum up to 10−3.
Progress in analytical methods for pesticide detection in palm oil and palm kernel oil matrices, and pesticide fate studies in oil palm plantations
Authors: Ping Bonnie Tay Yen , Maurad Zulina Abdul
Published: July 2024

This review presents a comprehensive overview of instrumental analyses for both single‐component and multicomponent pesticide detection within palm oil matrices. It meticulously examines the analytical attributes of these methods across various pesticide categories, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The discussion extends to sample preparation methodologies tailored for palm oil, encompassing techniques such as low‐temperature precipitation followed by solid‐phase extraction, liquid–liquid extraction, and variations of the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method. Additionally, it explores the QuEChERS method employing different sorbent combinations to optimize extraction efficiency. The second part of the review focuses on the fate study of pesticides within oil palm plantations which covers laboratory‐scale simulations elucidating pesticide behavior, comparative analysis of field studies with predictive programs, and investigations into the influence of climatic and microbiological factors on pesticide persistence within the oil palm agroenvironment system.
Guidelines in Practice: Safe Patient Handling and Movement
Authors: Speth Jennifer
Published: July 2024

The perioperative environment presents unique ergonomic challenges related to lifting and moving patients. These challenges place perioperative team members and patients at an increased risk for injury. The updated AORN “Guideline for safe patient handling and movement” provides perioperative nurses with guidance on safe patient handling and movement practices to help minimize the incidence of injuries to patients and health care workers. This article provides an overview of the guideline and discusses recommendations for a safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) program, ergonomic planning and facility design, SPHM technology, an individualized SPHM and ergonomic plan, and fall risk and mobility assessments. It also includes a scenario describing concerns related to patient and perioperative team member safety. Perioperative nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and apply the recommendations for safe patient handling and movement.