bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of overhead line irregularity on current collection and diagnostics based on the measurement of pantograph dynamics
Authors: Collina A , Fossati F , Papi M , Resta F
Published: November 2007

As train speed increases, contact wire irregularity affects the quality of current collection more and more. The possibility of achieving the maximum operating speed depends also on the maintenance level of the overhead line (OHL). In the present paper, the influence of contact wire irregularity (in terms of vertical deviation of its position) is investigated both experimentally and by means of numerical simulation of the dynamic interaction of pantograph and catenary. In a first step, the capability of the simulation to reproduce the effect of a singularity in the contact wire height along the line has been tested by comparison with available experimental results. The same model has been subsequently used to perform numerical experiments concerning the effects of several types of distributed defects on the catenary. Afterwards, considering the data generated with the simulation as experimental data, a procedure to find the signature in terms of the contact force of the considered distributed defects on the OHL has been proposed. In this procedure, the contact force is not measured, but estimated from the motion of the pantograph, by means of an application of the extended Kalman filter. The adoption of an estimation procedure for the contact force, instead of a direct measurement, would allow the installation of a measurement system that is much simpler than the one required for the direct measurement of contact force. For this feature, it could be installed, at least in principle, on ordinary trains, allowing to perform an extensive monitoring and diagnostic activity with a large database.
The design and implementation of a simulated trackside environment test system for an electric point machine
Authors: Oyebande B O , Renfrew A C
Published: November 2007

The background and constraints involved in condition monitoring of railway point operation are reviewed and discussed. An approximate method to replicate maladjustment, based on industry experience, is proposed and a computer simulation of the point machine and load is introduced. In view of uncertainty in results, a mechanical solution was preferred and the design and implementation of a simulated trackside environment test system and the instrumentation and measurement techniques used to gather practical data are described. In view of the severe railway environment, only electrical quantities were monitored using non-invasive sensors. A comparison is made with site data. Conclusions include the estimated payback available from implementing the condition monitoring system.
Vehicle dynamics of a high-speed passenger car due to aerodynamics inside tunnels
Authors: Diedrichs B , Berg M , Stichel S , Krajnović S
Published: November 2007

High train speeds inside narrow double-track tunnels using light car bodies can reduce the ride comfort of trains as a consequence of the unsteadiness of the aerodynamics. This fact was substantiated in Japan with the introduction of the series 300 Shinkansen trains more than a decade ago, where the train speed is very high also in relatively narrow tunnels on the Sanyo line.

The current work considers the resulting effects of vehicle dynamics and ride comfort with multi-body dynamics using a model of the end car of the German high-speed train ICE 2. The present efforts are different from traditional vehicle dynamic studies, where disturbances are introduced through the track only. Here disturbances are also applied to the car body, which conventional suspension systems are not designed to cope with.

Vehicle dynamic implications of unsteady aerodynamic loads from a previous study are examined. These loads were obtained with large eddy simulations based on the geometry of the ICE 2 and Shinkansen 300 trains.

A sensitivity study of some relevant vehicle parameters is carried out with frequency response analysis (FRA) and time domain simulations. A comparison of these two approaches shows that results which are obtained with the much swifter FRA technique are accurate also for sizable unsteady aerodynamic loads. FRA is, therefore, shown to be a useful tool to predict ride comfort in the current context.

The car body mass is found to be a key parameter for car body vibrations, where loads are applied directly to the car body. For the current vehicle model, a mass reduction of the car body is predicted to be most momentous in the vicinity of 2 Hz.
Investigation of free vibrations of voided concrete sleepers in railway track system
Authors: Kaewunruen S , Remennikov A M
Published: November 2007

Concrete railway sleepers in ballasted track are laid on ballast and subgrade supporting systems. Full contact between sleepers and ballast is typically assumed for analysis and design purposes. Often, voids and pockets in the sleeper/ballast contact interface form between sleepers and the ballast underneath that could cause problems to both the sleepers and the track system as a whole. The current paper investigates the effects of ballast voids and pockets on free vibration response characteristics of in situ railway concrete sleepers. Finite-element modelling was employed to develop a dynamic model of the railway track incorporating concrete sleepers. This model includes the dynamic interaction of sleepers and ballast as part of the free vibration analyses of the in situ railway concrete sleepers. Several patterns of voids and pockets underneath railway sleepers were studied. The emphasis was placed on partial and full interaction between sleepers and ballast. The information on the vertical vibration modes provides an important insight into the dynamic response of concrete railway sleepers in different void-and-pocket configurations.
A Cluster-Randomized Trial of Screening for Language Delay in Toddlers: Effects on School Performance and Language Development at Age 8
Authors: van Agt Heleen M.E. , van der Stege Heleen A. , de Ridder-Sluiter Hanneke , Verhoeven Ludo T. W. , de Koning Harry J.
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVE. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of screening and early treatment of preschool children for language delay on language development and school performance at age 8.

METHODS. A cluster-randomized, controlled trial and follow-up study of 55 child health centers in 6 geographic regions were conducted from January 2002 to September 2005. A total of 9419 children who were from the general population and aged 15 months at entry were studied. School type end school progress was known for 5406 (57.4%) children. In the intervention group, a structured screening instrument was conducted twice (at ages 15/18 and 24 months), and usual care was applied in the control group. The screening instrument consisted of a uniform set of questions for the parents and test elements for the child. A positive screen result was followed by multidisciplinary assessments at speech and hearing centers and subsequent early treatment if needed. Percentages of children who attended a special school, repeated a class because of language problems, and scored low on standardized language tests, in intention-to-screen analyses, were measured.

RESULTS. At age 8, 2.7% in the intervention group and 3.7% in the control group attended a special school, 6.1% vs 4.9% had repeated a grade, 8.8% vs 9.7% had deficient oral language performance, 4.7% vs 4.7% had deficient reading, and 2.8% vs 4.2% had deficient spelling.

CONCLUSIONS. Screening toddlers for language delays reduces the number of children who require special education and leads to improved language performance at age 8. Nationwide implementation of the screening might be recommended.
To What Extent Do Educational Interventions Impact Medical Trainees' Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Industry-Trainee and Industry-Physician Relationships?
Authors: Carroll Aaron E. , Vreeman Rachel C. , Buddenbaum Jennifer , Inui Thomas S.
Published: November 2007

BACKGROUND. Recently, academic medical centers have been asked to take the lead in voluntarily instituting more stringent regulations regarding pharmaceutical industry interactions not only with physicians but also with medical trainees.

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to summarize the recent literature regarding the impact of educational interventions and regulatory policies on trainee perceptions of pharmaceutical industry interactions and/or pharmaceutical industry–related trainee behavior.

METHODS. We searched Medline and the bibliographies of review articles for relevant studies. Articles published before the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education standards for commercial support of continuing medical education were issued in 1991 were excluded. Two reviewers selected empiric studies that (1) reported empiric data about educational interventions that were meant to shape trainee knowledge, attitudes, or practices concerning the pharmaceutical industry or (2) evaluated the impact of regulatory policies on trainee attitudes or behaviors.

RESULTS. From 247 identified articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria. In 2 of these studies, the impact of regulatory policies on trainee attitudes and/or behaviors was assessed. In the remaining 10 studies, the impact of various educational interventions developed by training programs or schools to shape trainee knowledge, attitudes, or practices concerning the pharmaceutical industry were evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS. Although modest in size, a body of empirical research exists that might inform medical educators. Beyond institutional policy that excludes the pharmaceutical industry, the evidence reviewed suggests that well-designed seminars, role playing, and focused curricula can affect trainee attitudes and behavior, although it is not entirely clear whether these changes are sustainable over the long-term.
Victimization and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Runaway and Homeless Adolescents
Authors: Whitbeck Les B. , Hoyt Dan R. , Johnson Kurt D. , Chen Xiaojin
Published: November 2007

This article presents lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates and comorbidity for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among a sample of 428 homeless and runaway adolescents. Data are from baseline interviews of a longitudinal diagnostic study of 428 (187 males; 241 females) homeless and runaway adolescents aged 16–19 years (mean age = 17.4 years, SD = 1.05). The data were collected by full-time street interviewers on the streets and in shelters in eight Midwestern cities of various populations. About one-third (35.5%) of the runaways met lifetime criteria for PTSD and 16.1% met 12-month criteria for the disorder. More than 90% of the adolescents who met criteria for PTSD met criteria for at least one of the other four diagnoses. Multivariate analyses indicated that correlates of PTSD were age of adolescent, being female, having experienced serious physical abuse and/or sexual abuse from an adult caretaker, and having been assaulted or injured by weapon when on the street. The multiplicative interaction between sexual abuse by caretaker and sexual assault when the adolescents were on their own was statistically significant, indicating that rape victims were highly likely to meet criteria for PTSD regardless of early sexual abuse. At very high levels of early sexual abuse, the probability of meeting criteria for PTSD converges with that for sexual assault victims.
The New Anecdotes
Authors: Healy David
Published: November 2007

This article deals with the interpretation and clinical implications of findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antidepressant drug efficacy. It will also deal with a related issue, namely the differential response of journals to articles reporting individual clinical case outcomes compared with articles reporting controlled trial outcomes.
Comparison of Analgesic and Anti‐Inflammatory Efficacy of Selective and Non‐Selective Cyclooxygenase‐2 Inhibitors in Dental Implant Surgery
Authors: Karabuda Zihni Cuneyt , Bolukbasi Nilufer , Aral Ali , Basegmez‐Zeren Cansu , Ozdemir Tayfun
Published: November 2007

Background: The analgesic and anti‐inflammatory efficacy of tenoxicam and meloxicam were evaluated in this double‐masked, randomized, prospective study by analyzing pain scores and the need for rescue‐analgesic agents following dental implant surgery.

Methods: One hundred patients, in whom 241 dental implants were placed, were divided into two groups. For 4 days beginning the day before surgery, the first group received meloxicam, 15 mg daily, and the second group received tenoxicam, 20 mg daily, followed by 1 hour preoperatively and for 2 days thereafter. Pain intensity was rated by the subjects based on a visual analog scale on the operation day and on the following 6 days. The patients were recommended to use a rescue analgesic if the pain score was ≥4. Postoperative complications, such as edema, hematoma, infection, severe pain, paresthesia, or gastrointestinal complaints, were also noted.

Results: Statistical analysis revealed that 54% of patients in the tenoxicam group and 66% of patients in the meloxicam group used rescue analgesics on day 1. However, the difference between the groups was not significant (χ2 = 1.05; P = 0.30). The relationship between the reduction of consumption and time was not significant in either group (Z = 0.84; P = 0.40). The relationship between the use of rescue analgesics and the number of implants placed was not significant. Among patients who reported postoperative complications, there was not a statistically significant difference between the groups (χ2 = 0.04; P = 0.84).

Conclusion: Meloxicam and tenoxicam exhibited a similar analgesic and anti‐inflammatory efficacy in the present investigation.
Apoptosis and Expression of Caspase‐3 in Cyclosporin‐Induced Gingival Overgrowth
Authors: Bulut Sule , Özdemir B. Handan
Published: November 2007

Background: The pathogenesis of epithelial thickening in gingival overgrowth remains obscure. Apoptosis plays an important role in maintaining tissue hemostasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate apoptosis via immunohistochemical analyses in cyclosporin A–induced gingival overgrowth tissue samples to determine whether these processes play a role in the pathogenesis of gingival overgrowth.

Methods: Gingival biopsies (one per person) were harvested from 22 renal transplant recipients (eight men and 14 women; mean age, 36.4 ± 13.3 years) who had been diagnosed with cyclosporin A–induced gingival enlargement and from 12 systemically healthy persons (seven men and five women; mean age, 27.0 ± 16.0 years) with plaque‐induced gingivitis. Distributions of caspase‐3 and apoptosis were determined immunologically.

Results: Significant differences were found with regard to caspase‐3 levels and the extent of apoptosis between the cyclosporin A group and the control group. Plaque index, gingival index, and probing depths were significantly lower in the control group.

Conclusion: The extent of keratinocyte apoptosis and decreased levels of caspase‐3 may be an important factor affecting the gingiva of kidney transplant recipients with cyclosporin A‐induced gingival overgrowth.
Differences in Young People’s Reports of Sexual Behaviors According to Interview Methodology: A Randomized Trial in India
Authors: Jaya  , Hindin Michelle J. , Ahmed Saifuddin
Published: November 2007

Objectives. We compared reports of sexual behaviors given in standard face-to-face interviews with reports given in audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASIs) and culturally specific interactive interviews among adolescents in India. We sought to determine which of the interview methods leads to higher reporting of sexual behaviors among economically disadvantaged 15–19-year-olds in urban India.

Methods. We conducted a randomized trial in which each participant (583 boys and 475 girls) was assigned to 2 interview methods: face-to-face interview and ACASI or interactive interview. We used matched case–control analyses to assess differences in the individual’s reporting on the 2 methods.

Results. Female participants consistently reported fewer sexual behaviors in ACASIs than in face-to-face interviews, whereas male participants’ reports differed according to type of sexual behavior and interview mode. Both male and female participants reported more sexual behaviors during interactive interviews than during face-to-face interviews. Twenty-eight percent of male participants reported having engaged in heterosexual intercourse in interactive interviews, as compared with 20% in face-to-face interviews (P< .01); the corresponding percentages for female participants were 7% and 2% (P<.01).

Conclusions. Our results showed that young people were more likely to report sexual behaviors in culturally specific interactive interviews than in face-to-face interviews. By contrast, ACASIs did not uniformly lead to higher reporting levels than did face-to-face interviews.
Anaerobic treatment of municipal wastewater using the UASB-technology
Authors: Urban I. , Weichgrebe D. , Rosenwinkel K.-H.
Published: November 2007

The anaerobic treatment of municipal wastewater enables new applications for the reuse of wastewater. The effluent could be used for irrigation as the included nutrients are not affected by the treatment. Much more interesting now are renewable energies and the retrenchment of CO2 emission. With the anaerobic treatment of municipal wastewater, not only can the CO2 emission be reduced but “clean” energy supply can be gained by biogas. Most important for the sustainability of this process is the gathering of methane from the liquid effluent of the reactor, because the negative climate-relevant effect from the degassing methane is much higher than the positive effect from saving CO2 emission. In this study, UASB reactors were used with a flocculent sludge blanket for the biodegradation of the carbon fraction in the wastewater with different temperatures and concentrations. It could be shown that the positive effect is much higher for municipal wastewater with high concentrations in hot climates.
Hydraulic performance of biofilters for stormwater management: first lessons from both laboratory and field studies
Authors: Le Coustumer S. , Fletcher T.D. , Deletic A. , Barraud S.
Published: November 2007

In order to improve knowledge on stormwater biofiltration systems, the Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration (FAWB) was created at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. One of the aims of FAWB is to improve hydraulic performance of biofilters, given that there are numerous cases of infiltration devices failing after a few years of operation. Experiments were conducted in the field to evaluate the performance of existing systems, and in the lab to understand the factors that influence hydraulic behavior over time. The field experiments show that 43% of tested systems are below nominal Australian guidelines for hydraulic conductivity. The preliminary lab results show a decrease in hydraulic conductivity during the first weeks of operation (μ=66% reduction), although most remain within acceptable limits. Influences of the size of the biofilter relative to its catchment and the importance of the type of media, on the evolution of hydraulic conductivity, are examined.
Exploring the Role of Communities in Education
Authors: De Vries Bregje , Pieters Jules
Published: November 2007

In this article, the authors explore if and how knowledge communities have the potential to help improve the communal efforts of practitioners, intermediaries and researchers to change education. An explorative study was conducted with a survey that was distributed among 187 workers in the Dutch educational field to investigate if and how knowledge communities are realized, and could contribute to bridge the gap between educational research and practice. The survey explored the role of communities from four perspectives derived from the literature in the field: their heterogeneity, informality, interactivity and effectiveness. The findings show that many communities are active, and that their members perceive them as heterogeneous, informal, interactive and effective ways to collaborate with others. Frequent and face-to-face communication, as well as financial support, seems to positively influence how the community is perceived by its members. It is concluded that the potential of knowledge communities deserves to be investigated in more detail so that the collaborative educational change taking place in the communities can be optimized and sustained for the future.
Trends in Adolescent Suicide by Method in the US, 1999-2020
Authors: Ormiston Cameron K. , Lawrence Wayne R. , Sulley Saanie , Shiels Meredith S. , Haozous Emily A. , Pichardo Catherine M. , Stephens Erica S. , Thomas Aleah L. , Adzrago David , Williams David R. , Williams Faustine
Published: March 2024

Importance

Adolescent suicide in the US is a major public health problem, yet temporal trends in suicide methods by demographics are understudied.

Objective

To examine national trends in suicide mortality by method (firearm, poisoning, hanging and asphyxiation, and all other means) from 1999 to 2020 by demographic characteristics.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This serial cross-sectional study used national death certificate data of adolescent (aged 10-19 years) suicide decedents compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics from January 1, 1999, to December 31, 2020. Data analysis was performed from April 1, 2023, to July 9, 2023.

Exposures

Age, sex, and race and ethnicity.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Trends in age-standardized mortality rates and average annual percent change (AAPC) in rates were estimated by age, sex, and race and ethnicity for each suicide method.

Results

This study assessed data from 47 217 adolescent suicide decedents. From 1999 to 2020, suicide by firearm (AAPC, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.1-1.9), poisoning (AAPC, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0-4.4), hanging and asphyxiation (AAPC, 2.4; 95% CI, 0.2-4.6), and other means (AAPC, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-4.6) increased. Rapidly increasing rates were observed among female adolescents for poisoning (AAPC, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.3-6.7) and hanging and asphyxiation (AAPC, 5.9; 95% CI, 5.0-6.8) suicides. From 2007 to 2020, firearm suicides sharply increased among female (annual percent change [APC], 7.8; 95% CI, 6.0-9.5) and male (APC, 5.3; 95% CI, 4.3-6.3) adolescents. Firearm suicide rates increased among Black adolescents from 2012 to 2020 (APC, 14.5; 95% CI, 9.7-19.5), Asian and Pacific Islander adolescents from 2008 to 2020 (APC, 12.0; 95% CI, 9.7-14.5), American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents from 2014 to 2020 (APC, 10.6; 95% CI, 2.6-19.3), and Hispanic or Latino adolescents from 2011 to 2020 (APC, 10.2; 95% CI, 6.3-13.8). During the study period, Black adolescents had the highest average increase in hanging and asphyxiation suicides (AAPC, 4.2; 95% CI, 3.2-5.2). From 2011 to 2020, poisoning suicide deaths increased (APC, 12.6; 95% CI, 8.5-16.7) among female adolescents.

Conclusions and Relevance

Suicide rates increased across all methods from 1999 to 2020. Differences were noted by sex, age, and race and ethnicity. Increasing suicide rates among racial and ethnic minoritized youth are especially concerning, and effective prevention strategies are urgently needed.
Multi‐Frequency Ultrasound Directed Self‐Assembly
Authors: Presley Christopher Tre , Guevara Vasquez Fernando , Raeymaekers Bart
Published: April 2024

Ultrasound‐directed self‐assembly (DSA) utilizes the acoustic radiation force associated with a standing ultrasound wave field to organize particles dispersed in a fluid medium into specific patterns. State‐of‐the‐art ultrasound DSA methods use single‐frequency ultrasound wave fields, which only allow organizing particles into simple, periodic patterns, or require a large number of ultrasound transducers to assemble complex patterns. In contrast, this work introduces multi‐frequency ultrasound wave fields to organize particles into complex patterns. A method is theoretically derived to determine the operating parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) of any arrangement of ultrasound transducers, required to assemble spherical particles dispersed in a fluid medium into specific patterns, and experimentally validated for a system with two frequencies. The results show that multi‐frequency compared to single‐frequency ultrasound DSA enables the assembly of complex patterns of particles with substantially fewer ultrasound transducers. Additionally, the method does not incur a penalty in terms of accuracy, and it does not require custom hardware for each different pattern, thus offering reconfigurability, which contrasts, e.g., acoustic holography. Multi‐frequency ultrasound DSA can spur progress in a myriad of engineering applications, including the manufacturing of multi‐functional polymer matrix composite materials that derive their structural, electric, acoustic, or thermal properties from the spatial organization of particles in the matrix.
Efficient Protection of Paper‐Based Cultural Relics via In Situ Synthesis of Carbon Dots/Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Zhao Jinchan , Zhang Mingliang , Wang Sinong , Cui Zhongjie , Dai Zhenyu , He Haiyang , Qin Shuaitao , Mei Shiliang , Zhang Wanlu , Guo Ruiqian
Published: April 2024

Paper‐based cultural relics are of great value and have been facing irreversible damage caused by multiple factors, among which acid hydrolysis and ultraviolet photodegradation are the main processes leading to paper deterioration. Paper protection highly relies on a limited range of materials with single functions, and the design of new materials that ensure long‐term safety and efficiency by simultaneously addressing the issues of acidification and UV degradation in paper is highly desired. In this study, the introduction of carbon dots (CDs)‐enhanced layered double hydroxides (LDH) 0D/2D nanohybrids (CDs/Mg‐Al LDH)  is proposed as novel dual‐functional materials for paper protection against UV degradation and acidification. Through a CDs‐assisted in situ growth strategy, CDs/Mg‐Al LDH with ultrathin thickness (≈9.1 nm) and CDs‐intercalated structure are achieved. The CDs/Mg‐Al LDH nanohybrids demonstrate high dispersibility, strong UV absorption, and remarkable photostability, resulting in protected‐paper with decelerated acidification, oxidation, and yellowing degradation processes under both accelerated UV‐aging and dry‐heat conditions. Additionally, the protected‐paper can emit uniform blue light under 365 nm UV excitation allows for easy identification of the distributed CDs/Mg‐Al LDH within the paper, marking a unique and practical feature. This research paces a new direction for the protection of paper‐based relics with emerging carbon dots‐based 0D/2D nanomaterials.
Integrated Dual‐Phase Ion Transport Design Within Electrode for Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tu Shuibin , Zhang Yan , Ren Dongsheng , Chen Zihe , Wang Wenyu , Zhan Renming , Wang Xiancheng , Cheng Kai , Ou Yangtao , Duan Xiangrui , Wang Li , Sun Yongming
Published: April 2024

The development of fast‐charging lithium‐ion batteries with high energy density is hindered by the sluggish Li+ transport and substantial polarization within graphite electrodes. Herein, this study proposes that the integrated design of liquid electrolyte and solid electrolyte, a dual‐phase electrolyte (DP‐electrolyte), can facilitate Li+ transport within a thick electrode. A 3D Li3PS4 (LPS) network is constructed within the graphite electrode to form the LPS/graphite electrode. This is achieved through the in situ conversion of the P4S16 into the LPS, a process introduced during the slurry processing. Both experimental findings and simulation outcomes indicate that this design mitigates the concentration polarization due to the improved Li+ transport capability with an overall high Li+ transference number within the electrode. With a high capacity of ≈3.1 mAh cm−2 attributed to the graphite electrode, the LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622)||LPS/graphite cells demonstrate superior fast‐charging capability (4 C, 15 min, charging to ≈87.7%) and stable cycling performance (4 C, 700 cycles, ≈80% capacity retention). Furthermore, they exhibit commendable low‐temperature performance. The Ah‐level pouch cell achieves 87.5% recharge in 15 min with an energy density of ≈221.5 Wh kg−1. This work offers an alternative avenue for the advancement of fast‐charging lithium‐ion batteries with practical high energy density.
Development of Synergistically Efficient Ni–Co Pair Catalytic Sites for Enhanced Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhao Chongchong , Huo Feng , Yang Yi , Ruan Jingjing , Chai Fengtao , Xu Hui , Liu Yanxia , Zhang Lan , Cabot Andreu , Sun Zixu , Zhang Yatao
Published: March 2024

The performance of Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is constrained by the migration of lithium polysulfide (LiPS), the slow conversion of LiPS, and the significant reaction barrier encountered during the precipitation/dissolution of Li2S throughout the discharge/charge cycle. In this contribution, the study presents Ni–Co dual‐atom catalytic sites on hollow nitrogen‐doped carbon (NiCoNC). Theoretical calculations and experimental data reveal that the dual‐atom catalysts (DACs) accelerate the kinetic conversion of LiPSs and facilitate the formation/decomposition of Li2S during discharging and charging, which minimizes LiPS migration. Consequently, the utilization of S/NiCoNC cathodes manifests a substantial initial capacity of 1348.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, exceptional cycling stability with an average capacity degradation rate of 0.028% per cycle over 900 cycles at 0.5 C, and noteworthy rate capability with a capacity of 626 mAh g−1 at 2 C. Electrodes with a higher sulfur loading of 4.5 mg cm−2 and a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio of 8 µL mg−1 exhibit exceptional specific capacities of up to 1236 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, as well as noteworthy capacity retention of 494.2 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.2 C. This study effectively showcases the potential of DACs as catalysts for sulfur cathodes, thereby enhancing the overall performance of Li–S batteries.
Programmable DNA Interphase Layers for High‐Performance Anode‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Ouyang Zhaofeng , Wang Yan , Wang Shuo , Geng Shitao , Zhao Xiaoju , Zhang Xiao , Xu Qiuchen , Yuan Bin , Tang Shanshan , Li Jun , Wang Fei , Yao Guangbao , Sun Hao
Published: March 2024

Anode‐free lithium (Li) metal batteries are promising candidates for advanced energy storage, attributed to their appealing characteristics such as high energy density, low cost, and convenient production. However, their major challenges lie in the poor cycling and rate performance owing to the inferior reversibility and kinetics of Li plating and stripping, which significantly hinder their real‐world applications. Here, it is demonstrated that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the most important genetic material in nature, can serve as a highly programmable interphase layer for innovation of anode‐free Li metal batteries. It is found that the abundant base pairs in DNA can contribute transient Li–N bonds that facilitate homogeneous Li+ flux, thus resulting in excellent Li plating/stripping kinetics and reversibility even at a harsh areal current of 15 mA cm−2. The anode‐free LiFePO4 full batteries based on an ultrathin (0.12 µm) and ultralight (≈0.01 mg cm−2) DNA interphase layer show high CEs (≈99.1%) over 400 cycles, corresponding to an increase of ≈186% compared with bare copper (Cu) foil. These results shed light on the excellent programmability of DNA as a new family of interphase materials for anode‐free batteries, and provide a new paradigm for future battery innovation toward high programmability, high sustainability, and remarkable electrochemical performance.
Visible Light‐Mediated Defluorination to Access 1,1‐Difluoro‐1,3‐Enynes
Authors: Wang Xu , Huang Wei , Zhang Feng‐Hua
Published: March 2024

Herein, a visible light‐mediated defluorination reaction to access 1,1‐difluoro‐1,3‐enynes is described. Compared with previous studies, this protocol employs more readily accessible acids as a radical precursor under redox‐neutral conditions. Moreover, the reaction exhibits high compatibility with diverse primary, secondary and tertiary acids, especially natural amino acids and drug‐derived acids. Preliminary mechanistic investigations reveal that a radical pathway is involved in the catalytic cycle.
Peculiarities of the SCLC Effect in Gate‐All‐Around Silicon Nanowire Field‐Effect Transistor Biosensors
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Boichuk Nazarii , Pustovyi Denys , Chekubasheva Valeriia , Long Hanlin , Petrychuk Mykhailo , Vitusevich Svetlana
Published: April 2024

High‐quality liquid gate‐all‐around (LGAA) silicon nanowire (NW) field‐effect transistor (FET) biosensors are fabricated and studied their properties in 1 mm phosphate‐buffered saline solution with pH = 7.4 using transport and noise spectroscopy. At small VDS, the conventional current behavior of FET with a linear dependence on voltage is registered in the output current‐voltage (I‐VM) characteristics with M = 1. At drain‐source voltage VDS > 0.6 V, the I‐V characteristics with stronger power M are revealed. It is shown that the current in LGAA NW FETs follows current proportional to voltage in power M = 4 dependence on small liquid gate voltages. Transport and noise spectroscopy analyses demonstrate that the obtained results are associated with the space‐charge‐limited current (SCLC) effect. Moreover, a strong two‐level random telegraph signal (RTS) is found in the region corresponding to SCLC at VDS values exceeding 0.6 V. The RTS related to single trap phenomena results in a well‐resolved Lorentzian component of noise spectra. The results demonstrate that the SCLC and two‐level RTS phenomenon are correlated effects. They should be taken into account during the development of single‐trap‐based devices, including biosensors.
The six brain‐specific TAU isoforms and their role in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative dementia syndromes
Authors: Buchholz Sarah , Zempel Hans
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alternative splicing of the humanMAPTgene generates six brain‐specific TAU isoforms. Imbalances in the TAU isoform ratio can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the need for precise control over TAU isoform balance. Tauopathies, characterized by intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated TAU, exhibit extensive neurodegeneration and can be classified by the TAU isoforms present in pathological accumulations.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of TAU and related dementia syndromes literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and preprint server.

RESULTS

While TAU is recognized as key driver of neurodegeneration in specific tauopathies, the contribution of the isoforms to neuronal function and disease development remains largely elusive.

DISCUSSION

In this review we describe the role of TAU isoforms in health and disease, and stress the importance of comprehending and studying TAU isoforms in both, physiological and pathological context, in order to develop targeted therapeutic interventions for TAU‐associated diseases.

Highlights

MAPTsplicing is tightly regulated during neuronal maturation and throughout life.

TAU isoform expression is development‐, cell‐type and brain region specific.

The contribution of TAU to neurodegeneration might be isoform‐specific.

Ineffective TAU‐based therapies highlight the need for specific targeting strategies.
Factors influencing the at‐haulback mortality of striped marlin Tetrapturus audax caught by tuna longline fishery in the western Indian Ocean
Authors: Li Xiuzhen , Wang Xuefang , Guo Yingcong , Wu Feng , Zhu Jiangfeng
Published: April 2024

Striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax) is an oceanic pelagic migratory fish. The stock status of striped marlin in the Indian Ocean is now considered to be overfished and subject to overfishing. Quantifying the level of at‐haulback mortality caused by longline fisheries for tuna and tuna‐like species is critical to reducing fishing pressure and protecting the fate of billfish stocks.

This study was based on data from 2482 longline fishing operations recorded by Chinese observers in the western Indian Ocean from 2012 to 2019. The dataset includes information on the survival status of 774 striped marlin and their corresponding details. We used a generalized linear model (GLM) to analyse the level of at‐haulback mortality and its potential influencing factors. The results indicate that the distribution of 774 striped marlin had a lower jaw‐fork length (LJFL) range from 130 to 220 cm, and 51.5% of the specimens died at the time of haul‐back. The GLM model revealed that quarter, sea‐surface temperature (SST), hook type, LJFL, chlorophyll (CHL) and longitude had significant effects on at‐haulback condition when the fish were retrieved on board, with the quarter and sea surface temperature having the most significant effects. The interaction term between hook type and LJFL also had a significant effect on at‐haulback mortality, with the model predictions showing that mortality increased with LJFL when using circle hooks but decreased when using Japanese tuna hooks.

There has been limited observational analysis of hooking mortality rates for striped marlin, and the present study may provide an important reference for the conservation and management of striped marlin stocks in the Indian Ocean.
The effect of planting grass filter strips on fishes in agricultural headwater streams
Authors: Smiley Peter C.
Published: April 2024

Grass filter strips (i.e., herbaceous riparian buffers) are a widely used conservation practice in the United States to mitigate the impacts of agriculture on streams and rivers. Yet, only a limited amount of information is available on the effects of grass filter strips on stream fishes and instream habitat conditions and long‐term assessments are rare. The objective of this research was to document the long‐term effects of planting grass filter strips adjacent to channelized agricultural headwater streams on fish community structure and instream habitat.

Fishes, instream habitat and riparian characteristics were sampled from three channelized agricultural headwater streams without grass filter strips, three channelized agricultural headwater streams with grass filter strips and two unchannelized streams having forested riparian habitats in central Ohio from spring of 2006 to autumn of 2015.

Fish species richness, abundance, darter species richness, per cent darters, sunfish species richness, minnow species richness and per cent headwater fishes did not differ among riparian habitat types. Darter species richness and per cent darters differed annually. Mean water depth, velocity, wetted width, instream habitat diversity, dominant grain size and per cent instream wood did not differ among riparian habitat types. Mean water depth, water velocity, wetted width and instream habitat diversity exhibited annual differences. Additionally, mean riparian width, woody vegetation density and per cent canopy cover were greater in forested streams than the unplanted and grass filter strip streams. Riparian characteristics did not differ annually.

The lack of fish community responses 10–13 years after planting grass filter strips is probably due to the lack of corresponding changes in hydrological characteristics, substrate and instream wood amounts. These results suggest that grass filter strips should not be implemented alone but in conjunction with conservation practices that will improve physical habitat quality and water quality.
Lemongrass essential oil micro‐ and nanoencapsulation for industrial application: Production techniques and potential applications
Authors: Moreira da Silva Thais Leticia , Beltrame Flávio Luís , Ferrari Priscileila Colerato
Published: March 2024

Due to its characteristic aroma and diverse therapeutic properties, lemongrass essential oil (LEO) has garnered increased attention in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. However, LEO's volatile nature, low chemical stability, and limited solubility in water limits its applications in the industry. Micro‐ and nanoencapsulation technologies emerge as a promising solution to overcome these challenges. A systematic methodology involving keyword searches in databases was employed to gather relevant literature on LEO micro‐ and nanoencapsulation, providing an extensive overview of techniques, processes, encapsulating materials, and possible applications. Beyond established methods, emerging techniques were explored. This review highlights the critical role of encapsulation in enhancing the thermal and chemical stability, applicability, bioavailability, and controlled release of LEO.
New pyridine‐based chalcones and pyrazolines with anticancer, antibacterial, and antiplasmodial activities
Authors: Ramírez‐Prada Jonathan , Rocha‐Ortiz Juan S. , Orozco Marta I. , Moreno Pedro , Guevara Miguel , Barreto Mauricio , Burbano Maria E. , Robledo Sara , Crespo‐Ortiz Maria del Pilar , Quiroga Jairo , Abonia Rodrigo , Cuartas Viviana , Insuasty Braulio
Published: March 2024

New pyridine‐based chalcones 4a–h and pyrazolines 5a–h (N‐acetyl), 6a–h (N‐phenyl), and 7a–h (N‐4‐chlorophenyl) were synthesized and evaluated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) against 60 different human cancer cell lines. Pyrazolines 6a, 6c–h, and 7a–h satisfied the pre‐determined threshold inhibition criteria, obtaining that compounds 6c and 6f exhibited high antiproliferative activity, reaching submicromolar GI50 values from 0.38 to 0.45 μM, respectively. Moreover, compound 7g (4‐CH3) exhibited the highest cytostatic activity of these series against different cancer cell lines from leukemia, nonsmall cell lung, colon, ovarian, renal, and prostate cancer, with LC50 values ranging from 5.41 to 8.35 μM, showing better cytotoxic activity than doxorubicin. Furthermore, the compounds were tested for antibacterial and antiplasmodial activities. Chalcone 4c was the most active with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 2 μg/mL against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), while the pyrazoline 6h showed a MIC = 8 μg/mL against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. For anti‐Plasmodium falciparum activity, the chalcones display higher activity with EC50 values ranging from 10.26 to 10.94 μg/mL. Docking studies were conducted against relevant proteins from P. falciparum, exhibiting the minimum binding energy with plasmepsin II. In vivo toxicity assay in Galleria mellonella suggests that most compounds are low or nontoxic.
“My Dead Body”: Development, production, and reception of a documentary that publicly displays the dissection of a human donor
Authors: Smith Claire F. , Stone Danya , Munro Ross , Jayanth Aiden , Hennessy Catherine M. , O'Brien Dominic , Ingram Camilla , Ail Geetika , Koenig Michael , Arnold Laura , Bemment Matthew , Johnston Malcolm
Published: April 2024

Recently, there has been an emphasis on keeping the study of anatomy using donor material confined to the domain of medical and allied healthcare professionals. Given the abundance of both accurate and inaccurate information online, coupled with a heightened focus on health following the COVID‐19 pandemic, one may question whether it is time to review who can access learning anatomy using donors. In 2019, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) obtained a Human Tissue Authority Public Display license with the aim of broadening the reach of who could be taught using donor material. In 2020, BSMS received its first full‐body donor with consent for public display. Twelve workshops were delivered to student groups who do not normally have the opportunity to learn in the anatomy laboratory. Survey responses (10.9% response rate) highlighted that despite being anxious about seeing inside a deceased body, 95% felt more informed about the body. A documentary “My Dead Body” was filmed, focusing on the rare cancer of the donor Toni Crews. Viewing figures of 1.5 million, and a considerable number of social media comments highlighted the public's interest in the documentary. Thematic analysis of digital and social media content highlighted admiration and gratitude for Toni, the value of education, and that while the documentary was uncomfortable to watch, it had value in reminding viewers of life, their bodies, and their purpose. Fully consented public display can create opportunities to promote health‐conscious life choices and improve understanding of the human body.
Lithium‐Free Redox Flow Batteries: Challenges and Future Prospective for Safe and Efficient Energy Storage
Authors: Kanti Hazra Soumya , Kim Hyerim , Meskher Hicham , Singh Punit , Kansara Shivam , Kumar Thakur Amrit , Ali Khan Shahid , Mortuza Saleque Ahmed , Saidur R. , Shamsuddin Ahmed Mohammad , Hwang Jang‐Yeon
Published: April 2024

Considering the costs, waste, and impact on the environment of current energy consumption, accurate, cost‐effective, and safely deployed energy storage systems are required. Lithium (Li)‐free redox flow batteries (RFBs) are a feasible solution. RFBs can store enormous amounts of energy effectively and are increasingly used for large‐scale applications. The use of RFBs has significantly enhanced the performance of energy storage systems and effectively reduced the costs and wastage of energy storage operations. Vanadium‐based RFBs are an emerging energy‐storage technology being explored for large‐scale deployment owing to their numerous benefits, including zero cross‐contamination, scalability, flexibility, extended life cycle, and nontoxic working state. This study describes the fundamental operating principles of redox flow battery‐based systems as well as the design considerations and constraints placed on each component. It discusses recent progress in the design and deployment of RFBs for energy‐related applications and the remaining obstacles and prospects. Finally, this study highlights the enormous potential of RFBs and suggests some solutions to scale up the use of RFBs in the near future.
Recent advances in biomedical applications of carbon and graphene quantum dots: A review
Authors: Das Abhijit , Roy Manas , Saha Mitali
Published: March 2024

The carbon‐based nanostructures have led to the development of theranostic nanoplatforms for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy due to their effective cell membrane‐penetration ability, low degree of cytotoxicity, excellent pore volume, substantial chemical stability, and reactive surface. In the last few years, extensive efforts were made to design multifunctional nanoplatform strategies based on carbon nanostructures, involving multimodal imaging, controlled drug release capabilities, sensing in vitro, efficient drug loading capacity, and therapy. Carbon and graphene quantum dots (CQDs and GQDs) were the recent entrants, contingently being assessed for drug delivery and bioimaging. With the advancements, these quantum dots have ignited remarkable research interest and are now widely evaluated for diagnosis, bioimaging, sensing, and drug delivery applications. The last decade has witnessed their remarkable electrical, optical, and biocompatible properties since their inception. It is presumed that both of them have high potential as drug carriers and would serve as the next generation of approaches to address numerous unresolved therapeutic challenges. This review examined the recent advances of CQD and GQD based drug delivery applications, challenges, and future perspectives to pave the way for further studies in the future.