bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients' Preoperative Dieting Attempts and Associations With Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Swager LeeAnn C. , Pratt Keeley J. , Kiser Haley M. , Pona Ashleigh A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Pre‐operative eating disorders are well documented within the metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) population, yet subthreshold dieting attempts are less understood. The objectives of this study were to define and categorize patients' preoperative dieting attempts, and to determine how attempts are associated with postoperative outcomes, eating disorders, and demographics.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred twenty‐one patients (81.0% female; 68.3% White) who had MBS (57.3% Roux‐en‐Y) between 2019 and 2020 were included. Preoperative dieting attempt responses were categorized as provider‐managed, non‐medically managed, and self‐directed attempts; subtypes of dieting methods (e.g., low calorie) were described. Descriptive analyses were conducted for attempt categories and subtypes, and between attempts and readmissions, complications, eating disorders, and demographics. ANOVAs determined associations between attempts and %TWL at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Patients reported an average of five to six preoperative dieting attempts; self‐directed attempts were the most common (91.9%), and exercise was the most common subcategory (70.7%). Patients with  ≥ 1 provider‐managed attempt were less likely to experience a complication (p < 0.001) and more likely to experience readmission (p = 0.018). Patients with 1 self‐directed attempt were less likely to experience a complication (p = 0.045) and readmission (p < 0.001). Patients who experienced  ≥ 2 low fat diet attempts were more likely to have complications (p < 0.001) and readmissions (p = 0.008); patients with  ≥ 2 VLCD attempts were more likely to have a complication (p < 0.001). Patients who experienced  ≥ 2 non‐medically managed attempts had higher preoperative BMIs (p = 0.03).

Discussion

Given that patients engaged in frequent dieting attempts that fall outside formal assessments, future work should seek to expand pre‐operative assessments.
Controlled conductive networks in 3D‐printed TPU/CNTs composites for enhanced EMI shielding
Authors: You Jinju , Zhang Jing , Chen Gang , Peng Biyou , Song Jiupeng , Liu Chenchen , Xie Delong , Feng Dong
Published: December 2024

Constructing effective conductive networks within polymer composites has proven to be a successful strategy for fabricating electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. Herein, we present a novel approach for creating high‐temperature EMI shielding materials by integrating 3D printing with compression molding. First, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) framework was printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM), enabling customization of the composite's conductivity. This framework was subsequently treated with solution immersion to load carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto the TPU surface, followed by compression molding to form TPU/CNTs composites with a segregated conductive network. The effects of coating cycles and hot‐pressing temperature on the conductive network and EMI shielding performance were systematically studied. The results revealed that hot pressing temperature significantly influences the development of the conductive network. At 130°C, a weak conductive network was formed due to spatial confinement within the TPU frame, yielding an EMI shielding effectiveness (SET) of 44 dB. However, at 190°C, a more extensive conductive network was developed as the CNTs‐rich phase overcomes spatial constrains, achieving an impressive SET of 52 dB. This high‐performance material, coupled with its simple and versatile fabrication process, holds promise for the development of advanced EMI shielding materials.

Highlights

Integrating 3D printing and compression molding, segregated conductive networks was established in TPU/CNTs composites, achieving up to 52 dB X‐band EMI SE.

Hot‐pressing temperature plays a critical role in constructing effective networks.

A weak conductive network formed at 130°C due to spatial confinement, resulting in a lower SET value.

At 190°C, CNTs‐rich phase formed a robust conductive network, yielding a SET of 52 dB.

TPU/CNTs composites demonstrates excellent electrical properties with a low R of 0.22, enabling next‐gen EMI shielding for high‐performance applications.
Pilot and feasibility study of dietary composition with elexacaftor‐tezacaftor‐ivacaftor concentrations in people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Rose Natalie R. , Bailey Julianna , Anderson Justin D. , Chalamalla Ashritha R. , Ryan Kevin J. , Acosta Edward P. , Guimbellot Jennifer S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Nutritional support for people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) after the implementation of novel drug therapies is shifting from managing malnutrition through a high‐fat, high‐calorie diet to managing emerging incidences of obesity in this population. Additionally, dietary recommendations prescribed with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) recommend taking this drug with a fat‐containing meal, which is variably interpreted by patients. This pilot and feasibility study was conducted to assess dietary fat intake and body composition on ETI plasma concentrations.

Methods

Ten participants were enrolled in a 1:1 crossover design by dietary recommendations. To mimic recommendations made during routine clinical care, participants were instructed to consume either a general healthful diet (no more than 30% calories from fat) or a high‐fat diet (>40% calories from fat) for a week before crossing over to the alternative diet.

Results

This pilot study was acceptable to and feasible for study participants. Most participants increased fat intake calories when following a high‐fat diet. Body composition measurements showed a trending correlation between lean mass and fat‐free mass with ETI plasma concentrations. ETI compounds were quantified in plasma at 0 h (prior to the ETI morning dose) and 6 h after ingestion, and consuming a high‐fat diet did not significantly impact ETI concentrations.

Conclusions

Consuming a higher‐fat diet did not significantly impact ETI plasma concentrations, and all participants were in range for clinical effectiveness of ETI regardless of fat intake. This work provides vital pilot data to design larger studies to clarify dietary composition for optimal ETI exposure for PwCF on this therapy.
Melodinines J Induces Apoptosis in Temozolomide‐Resistant Glioma Cells by Disrupting TMX1‐Dependent Homeostasis of Endoplasmic Reticulum‐Mitochondria‐Associated Membrane Contacts
Authors: Chen Fanfan , Cao Weiwei , Li Xuejuan , Chen Zebin , Ma Guoxu , Wang Sicen , Li Zongyang , Chen Lei , Li Weiping , Meng Xiangbao , Huang Guodong , Cui Ping
Published: December 2024

Glioma is recognized as one of the most lethal and aggressive brain tumors. Although the standard‐of‐care treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) involves maximal surgical resection and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, the discovery of novel anti‐tumor agents from nature sources is an effective strategy for glioma treatment. In this study, we conducted a screening process to identify the bisindole alkaloid melodinine J (MDJ) from Melodinus tenuicaudatus. We assessed its potency in overcoming TMZ resistance in patient‐derived recurrent glioma strains, TMZ‐resistant cell lines, and nude mouse tumor models of glioma cells. Our results first indicated that MDJ effectively inhibited malignancy and stimulated apoptosis in glioma. Mechanistic studies revealed that MDJ triggered deadly mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis by disrupting cross‐organellar communication between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria‐associated membranes (MAMs). We also showed that high levels of TMX1 may promote malignancy of glioma by ER–mitochondria communications, bioenergetics efficiency, and tumor growth. Overall, our study proved that MDJ interfered the function of TMX1‐mediated MAM networks, thereby overcoming the proliferation and chemo‐resistance of glioma cells.
Semiconductor nanocrystals‐based triplet‐triplet annihilation photon‐upconversion: Mechanism, materials and applications
Authors: Chen Kezhou , Luan Qingxin , Liu Tiegen , Albinsson Bo , Hou Lili
Published: December 2024

Triplet‐triplet annihilation photon upconversion (TTA‐UC) has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing solar energy harvesting efficiency by converting two low‐energy, long‐wavelength photons into a high‐energy, short‐wavelength photon. In recent years, semiconductor nanocrystals have gained significant attention as efficient photosensitizers for TTA‐UC due to their excellent triplet energy transfer efficiency and the ability to tune their bandgap across the solar spectrum. This review focuses on the mechanism of NC‐based TTA‐UC, emphasizing key parameters to evaluate the performance of TTA‐UC systems. The influence of various material‐related factors on the overall NC‐based TTA‐UC performance is thoroughly discussed. Moreover, recent advances in solid‐state approaches for NC‐based TTA‐UC are highlighted, along with an overview of the current status of applications in this field. Lastly, this review identifies the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the future development of NC‐based TTA‐UC, providing insights into the potential advancements and directions for further research.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of NdCoO₃@Nd₂O₃/rGO Hybrid for Electrochemical Sensing of Alpha‐Lipoic Acid and Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Korgaonkar Karuna , Teradal Nagappa L. , Seetharamappa J.
Published: December 2024

The present study reports a facile, simple, and eco‐friendly hydrothermal method of preparation of nanocomposite material, NdCoO3@Nd2O3‐rGO, and its utility as an electrochemical sensor and energy storage device. The synthesized NdCoO3@Nd2O3‐rGO nanocomposite was investigated in terms of structural and morphological characteristics. The electrochemical sensing performance of the reported material was tested by analyzing an antioxidant, α‐lipoic acid (ALA), in pharmaceutical formulations and biological samples. The sensing capability of demonstrated material was noticed to be improved by 28‐fold when compared to that at bare glassy carbon electrode. Good linearity was observed between the peak current and concentration of ALA in the range of (0.05–20.92) × 10−6 mol/L and (0.02–28.06) × 10−6 mol/L for DPV and SWV methods, respectively. Further, the electrochemical energy storage ability of NdCoO3@Nd2O3‐rGO was also investigated. For this, NdCoO3@Nd2O3‐rGO was fabricated over NF for supercapacitor application. The NdCoO3@Nd2O3‐rGO/NF electrode showed good super capacitive properties with a specific capacitance of 1502.22 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g in 1 M KOH electrolyte. The electrode showed good cycling stability with a retention of 78.0% after 5000 cycles.
DNA‐Assisted Separation of Nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Ying , Liu Yuchuan , Song Daqian , Chen Feng
Published: December 2024

DNA, as natural polymers, not only serves as the genetic material but also shows great potential as assistants for efficient and targeted nanoparticle separation. This is due to its high programmability, excellent biocompatibility, and stability for effectively binding with various types of nanoparticles or bioparticles, while modifying physical properties of target particles such as charge, mass and size. Researchers have achieved remarkable efficiency in separating nanoparticles by precisely designing DNA sequences and their interactions with target particles. This achievement primarily relies on the differences in physical properties of nanoparticles or medium modulated by DNA. In this minireview, diverse strategies are overviewed using DNA to assist nanoparticles separation, and the applications of these separation strategies are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and prospects in DNA‐assisted nanoparticles separation are discussed.
Internal Gas Injection into Ladle Shroud and Improvement in Tundish Hydrodynamic Performance
Authors: Maurya Abhinav , Singh Prince K.
Published: December 2024

In this article, two‐phase experimental and numerical investigations are performed to study the effect of inert gas injection to ladle shroud on the hydrodynamic performance of tundish. It is widely known that the flow of molten steel through a shroud, with or without inert gas injection, can influence the flow behavior in the tundish and, consequently, the hydrodynamic performance. However, large throughput rates may promote refractory wear, slag entrainment, and large tundish eye, which are known to seriously impair steel cleanliness, implying a severe need for optimization of the inert gas injection rate into the ladle shroud. In this study, two distinct reduced scale slab‐casting tundishes (from different plants) with scale factors of 0.35 and 0.40 fitted with various flow modifiers are considered. Experiments are performed considering gas‐to‐liquid loading ratios of 10, 20, and 30%. An improved tundish hydrodynamic performance is observed during the experiments, which is validated with numerical modeling results using ANSYS Fluent 2021R1. Although gas injection to the shroud certainly enhances the hydrodynamic performance of tundishes, the effect fades away beyond 20% of the gas‐to‐liquid loading ratio, regardless of the tundish design, capacity, and different flow modifiers used.
A Highly Sensitive RP HPLC‐PDA Analytical Method for Detection and Quantification of a Newly Synthesized (E‐2‐((E)‐4‐(5‐Ethoxy‐3‐Methyl‐1‐Phenyl‐1H‐Pyrazole‐4‐yl)but‐3‐en‐2‐Ylidene)) Hydrazine‐1‐Carbothioamide in Nanosuspension
Authors: Igbokwe Nkeiruka N. , Ismail Eman A. , Obakachi Vincent A. , Gamede Mlindeli , Karpoormath Rajshekhar , Faya Mbuso
Published: December 2024

Analytical methods development and validation are vital for the precise detection, quantification, and characterization of novel therapeutic compounds, especially those with poor aqueous solubility, such as pyrazolone derivatives. This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive, accurate, and efficient RP HPLC‐PDA method for the detection and quantification of novel (E‐2‐((E)‐4‐(5‐ethoxy‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐yl)but‐3‐en‐2‐ylidene) hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide in nanosuspension. The method was optimized for high sensitivity and specificity using a Shim‐pack GIST C18 (5 µm, 150 × 4.6 mm) column, with an isocratic mobile phase of ACN and 0.1% TFA in water (75:25 v/v). It employed a 0.5 mL/min flow rate, a 20 µL injection volume, and detected the compound at 333 nm. The method showed excellent linearity (R2 = 0.9994) over a concentration range of 2.5–50 µg/mL, with high precision, accuracy, and reproducibility, in compliance with ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. The LOD and LOQ were 2.43 and 7.38 µg/mL, respectively. Recovery rates ranged from 110% to 112%, with RSD below 2%. The validated RP HPLC‐PDA method was effectively applied to detect, characterize, and quantify the novel compound in its nanosuspension form. This method offers a reliable analytical tool for the quality control of this novel compound, both in raw material and finished product forms, as well as for impurity profiling, drug release, and stability testing, which will, in turn, facilitate new drug development.
Asymptotics of a chemotaxis-consumption-growth model with nonzero Dirichlet conditions
Authors: Knosalla Piotr , Lankeit Johannes
Published: December 2024

This paper concerns the asymptotics of certain parabolic–elliptic chemotaxis-consumption systems with logistic growth and constant concentration of chemoattractant on the boundary. First we prove that in two dimensional bounded domains there exists a unique global classical solution which is uniformly bounded in time, and then, we show that if the concentration of chemoattractant on the boundary is sufficiently low, then the solution converges to the positive steady state as time goes to infinity.
Remarkable Localized Integral Identities for 3D Compressible Euler Flow and the Double-Null Framework
Authors: Abbrescia Leonardo , Speck Jared
Published: December 2024

We derive new, localized geometric integral identities for solutions to the 3D compressible Euler equations under an arbitrary equation of state when the sound speed is positive. The integral identities are coercive in the derivatives of the specific vorticity (defined to be vorticity divided by density) and the derivatives of the entropy gradient vectorfield, and the error terms exhibit remarkable regularity and null structures. Our framework plays a fundamental role in our companion works (Abbrescia L, Speck J. The emergence of the singular boundary from the crease in 3D compressible Euler flow, 2022; Abbrescia and Speck, The emergence of the Cauchy horizon from the crease in 3D compressible Euler flow (in preparation)) on the structure of the maximal classical development for shock-forming solutions. It allows one to simultaneously unleash the full power of the geometric vectorfield method for both the wave- and transport- parts of the flow on compact regions, and our approach reveals fundamental new coordinate-invariant structural features of the flow. In particular, the integral identities yield localized control over one additional derivative of the vorticity and entropy compared to standard results, assuming that the initial data enjoy the same gain. Similar results hold for the solution’s higher derivatives. We derive the identities in detail for two classes of spacetime regions that frequently arise in PDE applications: (i) compact spacetime regions that are globally hyperbolic with respect to the acoustical metric, where the top and bottom boundaries are acoustically spacelike—but not necessarily equal to portions of constant Cartesian-time hypersurfaces; and (ii) compact regions covered by double-acoustically null foliations. Our results have implications for the geometry and regularity of solutions, the formation of shocks, the structure of the maximal classical development of the data, and for controlling solutions whose state along a pair of intersecting characteristic hypersurfaces is known. Our analysis relies on a recent new formulation of the compressible Euler equations that splits the flow into a geometric wave-part coupled to a div-curl-transport part. The main new contribution of the present article is our analysis of the spacelike, co-dimension one and two boundary integrals that arise in the div-curl identities. By exploiting interplay between the elliptic and hyperbolic parts of the new formulation and using careful geometric decompositions, we observe several crucial cancellations, which in total show that after a further integration with respect to an acoustical time function, the boundary integrals have a good sign, up to error terms that can be controlled due to their good null structure and regularity properties.
The “specific” P-glycoprotein inhibitor zosuquidar (LY335979) also weakly inhibits human organic cation transporters
Authors: Bajraktari-Sylejmani Gzona , Kamaraj Rajamanikkam , Theile Dirk , Pávek Petr , Weiss Johanna
Published: December 2024

Zosuquidar (LY335979) is a widely used experimental P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor, which is commended as very potent but also as very specific for P-gp. In this in vitro and in silico study, we demonstrated for the first time that zosuquidar also inhibits organic cation transporters (OCT) 1–3, albeit less potently than P-gp. This still has to be kept in mind when zosuquidar is used to inhibit cellular efflux of P-gp substrates that are concurrently transported into the cells by OCTs. To avoid interference in these assays, zosuquidar concentrations should be kept below 1 µM.
Conventional radiography for the assessment of focal bone lesions of the appendicular skeleton: fundamental concepts in the modern imaging era
Authors: Matcuk George R. , Waldman Leah E , Fields Brandon K. K. , Colangeli Marco , Palmas Marco , Righi Alberto , Filonzi Giacomo , Crombé Amandine , Spinnato Paolo
Published: December 2024

Bone lesions of the appendicular skeleton can be caused by primary benign or malignant tumors, metastases, osteomyelitis, or pseudotumors. Conventional radiography plays a crucial role in the initial assessment of osseous lesions and should not be underestimated even in this era of modern complex and advanced imaging technologies. Combined with patient age, clinical symptoms and biology, and lesion features including location, solitary versus multiplicity, density, margin (transitional zone evaluated with Lodwick-Madewell grading score), and, if present, the type of periosteal reaction and matrix mineralization can narrow the differential diagnosis or offer a likely diagnosis. These radiographic features help guide further follow-up or management.
Description of Cohnella rhizoplanae sp. nov., isolated from the root surface of soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P. , McInroy John A. , Busse Hans-Jürgen , Clermont Dominique , Criscuolo Alexis
Published: December 2024

A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic bacterium, designated strain JJ-181 T, was isolated from the root surface of soybean. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain JJ-181 T was grouped into the genus Cohnella, most closely related to Cohnella hashimotonis F6_2S_P_1T (98.85%) and C. ginsengisoli GR21-5 T (98.3%). The pairwise average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation values of the JJ-181 T genome assembly against publicly available Cohnella type strain genomes were below 84% and 28%, respectively. The fatty acid profile from whole cell hydrolysates, the cell wall diaminoacid, the quinone system, the polar lipid profile, and the polyamine pattern supported the allocation of strain JJ-181 T to the genus Cohnella. In addition, the results of physiological and biochemical tests also allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain JJ-181 T from its closely-related Cohnella species. Functional analysis revealed that strain JJ-181 T has different gene clusters related to swarming motility, chemotaxis ability, and endospore and biofilm formations. The gene content also suggests the ability of strain JJ-181 T to synthesise biotin and riboflavin, as well as indole-3-acetic acid, an important phytohormone for plant growth. Based on polyphasic analyses, strain JJ-181 T can be classified as a new species of the genus Cohnella, for which we propose the name Cohnella rhizoplanae sp. nov., with strain JJ-181 T (= LMG 31678 T = CIP 112018 T = CCM 9031 T = DSM 110650 T) as the type strain.
Geochemical and magnetic properties in fluvial and lacustrine systems as environmental quality proxies in the Atacama Desert
Authors: Aránguiz-Acuña Adriana , Pizarro Héctor , Flores-Varas Abraham , Tapia Joseline , Herrera Josefina , Maza Santiago
Published: December 2024

Rivers play a crucial role in landscape evolution and human development, especially in arid zones, where hydrological resources are scarce and in high demand. The Atacama Desert is one of the world’s oldest and driest non-polar deserts, and aquatic systems therein have been historically subjected to anthropogenic pressure mainly associated with natural resource exploitation, such as water consumption for industrial mining activities. The mining industry has experienced a systematic development since the early 20th century, making Chile one of the main worldwide copper producers. This study analyzed sediments from two Atacama Desert rivers, the Loa and Salado Rivers (Antofagasta Region, Northern Chile). Sedimentary short-cores were obtained from sampled locations at varying distances from the confluence of the rivers. The characterization of chemical components, grain size, mineralogy, and magnetic properties of the rivers’ sediments was assessed in surface and subsurface samples to determine their respective signatures in the Inka-Coya Lake near the rivers’ confluence. The magnetic mineralogy present in the sediments of both rivers is composed of detrital magnetite and maghemite interspersed with those of authigenic origin. However, the downstream Loa River concentrated more authigenic minerals than the Salado and increased the abundance of silt-sized particles. The grain size of the Loa’s channel bed suggests low stream competency and high formation of depositional habitats. The magnetic signal and mineralogical composition of sediments from the lake are dominated by detrital pyrite, magnetite, and authigenic greigite. In contrast, the river’s sediments were dominated by magnetite and maghemite of detrital origin intercalated with those of authigenic origin. The granulometry, mineralogy, and rock magnetic properties of Inka-Coya Lake sediments indicate recent detrital input alternating with authigenic mineral-rich layers, mainly reflecting shifts in hydrological regimes. The highest concentrations of copper were observed in the upper, more recent sediment layers. Future scenarios of risky climatic conditions associated with increasing global metal demands could modify the availability of potentially toxic elements and transport capability in fluvial sediments, increasing the threats to water resource conservation in the world’s most arid desert.
Fractional erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser-assisted drug delivery: impact of triamcinolone acetonide formulation on drug permeation
Authors: Thitilertdecha Premrutai , Wannawittayapa Teerapat , Buranaporn Panyapat , Rejuso-Kalbit Cyryl Rae Benjamine Santiago , Kupwiwat Rosalyn , Poungpairoj Poonsin , Tantithavorn Varangkana , Onlamoon Nattawat , Manuskiatti Woraphong
Published: December 2024

Ablative fractional laser-assisted drug delivery has gained attention as a promising method for enhancing dermal drug absorption and improving therapeutic outcomes in dermatological conditions, particularly for hypertrophic and keloid scars. However, despite the growing number of clinical trials and case reports supporting its efficacy, there remains a scarcity of robust evidence on the topical bioavailability and dermato-pharmacokinetics of drugs in human subjects. This study aimed to examine the enhancement of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) bioavailability following treatment with a fractional Erbium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er: YAG) laser. Stratum corneum (SC) uptake and transport of TAC from 0.1% TAC cream and 10 mg/mL TAC solution/suspension with and without the laser pre-treatment were determined through tape stripping method for SC collection. TAC therein was quantified by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array (UPLC-PDA) detection. TAC from both formulations without laser assistance was percutaneously absorbed within 6 h and TAC was delivered out from the solution to the SC remarkably higher. When the skin was pre-treated with the laser, permeability of TAC from the solution was escalated by 5 folds. TAC distribution profiles in the SC also confirmed this increased drug uptake, mainly the outer skin layers. On the other hand, amounts of absorbed TAC and their distribution patterns from the cream remained unchanged and low. No adverse events and unbearable pain were observed throughout the experiments. The fractional Er: YAG laser enhanced the dermal absorption of TAC, but this effect was confined to the solution formulation, with no significant improvement seen in the cream. This finding highlights the critical role that drug formulation plays in laser-assisted drug delivery. Moreover, factors such as drug selection, laser type, and optimal laser settings may also impact the efficacy of this approach and require further exploration.
Enhancing the performance and stability of organometal halide perovskite by using a feasible and economical interface material
Authors: Hsu Chou-Yi , Kanjariya Prakash , Rekha M. M. , Kumar M. Ravi , Kaur Sharnjeet , Mohammed Adil Ismael , Mishra Manoj Kumar , Al-Hedrewy Marwea
Published: December 2024

Organometal halide perovskites (OHPs) are one of the viable options for solar absorber materials because their power conversion efficiencies are getting better and better over time. In the conventional n-i-p-based configuration, TiO2 has been widely used as an electron transport layer (ETL). However, a number of constraints, such as low electron mobility and a mismatched band alignment with perovskite, restrict future advances in solar performance and device environmental stability. As a result, SnO2 has garnered a lot of interest as a potential replacement due to the comparatively low manufacturing temperature, better electron mobility and appropriate energy alignment w.r.t perovskite. In this experimental work, the primary emphasis was placed on enhancing the efficiency as well as the stability of OHPs by performing interface engineering at the ETL (SnO2)/perovskite interface. We improved the surface quality of the SnO2 ETL layer by using a material called 8-Hydroxyquinoline, which was quite inexpensive, and we prepared a favourable plane for the deposition of perovskite. Remarkably, the proposed surface modification material made the SnO2 layer easier to wet and impacted the growth of perovskite grains. This made the perovskite layer more compact and smooth. Our experimental findings imply that the OHPs’ enhanced charge recombination resistance and decreased charge transfer resistance are caused by effective defect passivation at the junction of the SnO2 and perovskite films, as well as a decrease in recombination due to unwanted trap states. The fabricated cell produced a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.42%, higher than a PCE of 17.9% obtained for a device without surface modification. The proposed material for changing the surface also made OHPs more stable by reducing the surface paths for the reaction with humidity and reducing the amount of extra PbI2 in the perovskite layer. Various research groups have investigated the modification of SnO2 ETL using interfacial engineering methods and have contributed to enhancing OHPs’ solar performance and device stability.
Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Progression to Alzheimer’s Disease in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Gelir Fatih , Akan Taymaz , Alp Sait , Gecili Emrah , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Disbrow Elizabeth A. , Conrad Steven A. , Vanchiere John A. , Kevil Christopher G. ,   The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), Bhuiyan Mohammad Alfrad Nobel
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is a condition that impairs cognition, memory, and behavior. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a transitional stage before AD, urgently needs the development of prediction models for conversion from MCI to AD.

Method

This study used machine learning methods to predict whether MCI subjects would develop AD, highlighting the importance of biomarkers (biological indicators from neuroimaging, such as MRI and PET scans, and molecular assays from cerebrospinal fluid or blood) and non-biomarker features in AD research and clinical practice. These indicators aid in early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and the development of potential treatments for MCI subjects. Using baseline data, which includes measurements of different biomarkers, we predicted disease progression at the patient’s last visit. The Shapley value explanation (SHAP) technique was used to identify key features for predicting patient progression.

Results

The study used the ADNI database to evaluate the effectiveness of eight classification methods for predicting progression from MCI to AD. Four fundamental data sampling approaches were compared to balance the dataset and reduce overfitting. The SHAP technique improved the ability to identify biomarkers and non-biomarker features, enhancing the prediction of disease progression. NEAR-MISS was found to be the most advantageous sampling method, while XGBoost was found to be the superior classification method, offering enhanced accuracy and predictive power.

Conclusion

The proposed SHAP for feature selection combined with XGBoost may provide improved predictive accuracy in diagnosing Alzheimer's patients.
Commuting involutions in finite simple groups
Authors: Guralnick Robert , Robinson Geoffrey R.
Published: December 2024

We prove that if G is a finite simple group and $$x, y \in G$$

x
,
y
∈
G

are involutions, then $$|x^G \,{\cap }\, C_G(y)| \rightarrow \infty $$

|

x
G

∩

C
G

(
y
)

|
→
∞

as $$|G| \rightarrow \infty $$

|
G
|
→
∞

. This extends results of Guralnick–Robinson and Skresanov. We also prove a related result about $$C_{G}(t)/O(C_G(t))$$

C
G

(
t
)

/
O

(

C
G

(
t
)

)

that does not require the classification of finite simple groups.
Profiling of driver mutations in lung adenocarcinoma patients identifies rare compound EGFR mutations sensitive to second-generation EGFR-TKIs
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Cuiyun , Guan Yuping , Wang Siyu , Zheng Jiawen , Feng Junnan , Han Sile , Ma Ruijuan , Ren Pengfei , Li Shasha , Groen Harry J. M. , Kok Klaas , van den Berg Anke , Wei Bing , Ma Jie , Li Hongle , Guo Yongjun
Published: December 2024

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most predominant histological subtype of lung cancer characterized by driver mutations detected in a substantial proportion of the cases. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are standard care for the patients with these mutations. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of an NGS-based 8-gene test in selecting TKIs-sensitive patients in a cohort of treatment-naive Chinese LUAD patients and evaluated the sensitivity of rare compound mutations to different EGFR-TKIs in vitro.

Material and methods

Targeted sequencing covering the hotspot regions of eight LUAD driver genes was performed across 853 treatment-naive LUAD patients admitted in Henan Cancer Hospital (HNCH cohort). The mutational landscape of HNCH patients was compared with TCGA patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with presence of these mutations. Genetically modified LUAD PC9 cells were established to evaluate the sensitivity of selected EGFR rare compound mutations to different EGFR-TKIs.

Results

A total of 574 single nucleotide variants (SNVs), 270 indels, 88 amplifications, and 87 rearrangements were identified in this study, with EGFR and KRAS being the most frequently mutated genes. Females, mostly life-long non-smokers, had significantly higher EGFR mutation rates than males. Males, primarily smokers, more frequently had KRAS mutations. HNCH patients in general had a higher mutation count than TCGA patients (1.09 vs 0.93 mutations per patient (m/p)), in consistent with its higher proportion of patients with advanced disease. Rare EGFR compound mutations identified in this study, including Exon19del plus L747S/I744V and L858R plus V843I/T854A/G873, conferred genetically modified PC9 cells more sensitive to second-generation EGFR-TKI afatinib in-vivo.

Conclusion

This NGS-based 8-gene test efficiently identified over 70% of Chinese treatment-naive LUAD patients who are targetable for TKIs. Patients with rare EGFR compound mutations might consider second-generation EGFR-TKIs for treatment.
Framing climate risk: the role of local and international media in reporting on Japan’s omiwatari ice tradition
Authors: Fukumura Yoshimi
Published: December 2024

This study examines how local media in Japan report on the risks of climate change through the lens of a cultural tradition, focusing on the Shinto ritual of omiwatari in Nagano Prefecture. Omiwatari celebrates ice ridges on Lake Suwa that are believed to be the footprints of a local deity, but are increasingly threatened by warming winters. By analyzing online news articles from Japanese and international media, supplemented by fieldwork and interviews with local journalists, the research highlights contrasting media frames. International media emphasize the disappearance of the ice ridges as a symbol of global climate change, aiming to promote broader awareness and mitigation efforts. In contrast, Japanese national and local media focus their coverage on the observations of the shrine community and predict the formation of the ridges without framing these changes in the context of climate change. Despite this divergence, the resilience of omiwatari storytelling offers opportunities to adapt the tradition to changing environmental challenges, preserving cultural continuity even as its iconic ice ridges fade.
A mixed methods study of zootherapy practices and associated risks for zoonotic disease spillover in Rwanda
Authors: Hall Hayley , Majyambere Denis , Sibomana Eric , Uwase Shadia , Mahoro Janvier , Amuguni Hellen J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Zootherapy, the use of animals for human medicine and related cultural purposes, is an important component of traditional medicine, which is used by 80% of the global population. Human-animal interaction within zootherapy practices is a potential pathway for zoonotic disease spillover, and understanding these interactions is integral to the One Health approach. The objectives of this study were to assess and document zootherapy practices in Rwanda and identify sociocultural factors driving zootherapy use.

Methods

Using a mixed methods approach, 12 traditional healers were interviewed, 11 focus group discussions with community members were held, and 75 people were surveyed in 4 sectors of the Nyagatare District, Rwanda. Methods of preparation and administration of zootherapies were detailed and analyzed, highlighting methods that pose a risk for zoonotic transmission and calculating salience and fidelity levels. The demographic, educational, and cultural factors that shape human-animal interactions in Rwanda were evaluated via thematic analysis and chi-squared testing.

Results

This study identified 60 animal species used in zootherapy, including high-risk taxa for zoonoses, for a total of 336 zootherapeutic practices divided into 273 medical uses and 63 cultural uses. Of the survey participants, 57.1% reported the use of traditional medicine involving zootherapies, indicating that the general population partakes in self-treatment using animal parts/products. Cattle, the species identified as most salient by traditional healers, were used in the greatest number of zootherapies and were rated as the most important by focus group discussion participants. There is a significant relationship between sex and knowledge of zoonotic disease, with men more likely to declare knowledge of zoonotic disease (p = 0.0095). Preparation and administration methods are highly variable and generate diverse opportunities for zoonotic spillover. Across the survey and key informant populations, 85.1% indicated knowledge of zoonotic disease but nearly all participants had a desire to learn more about disease prevention.

Conclusions

Zootherapy use is a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover due to high-risk behaviors dictating usage. Interventions aimed at mitigating zoonoses should consider the risk of zootherapy practices and create policies that take into account sociocultural contexts.
Topical application of emu oil and menthol alleviates inflammation via modulation of NF-κB pathway in mouse model
Authors: Huang Jing , Yao Lan , Sun Jialin , Huang Ying , Chen Xi , Beng Liew Choong , Yang Xiao
Published: December 2024

Objective

The anti-inflammatory effects of emu oil and menthol as functional foods and topical medicinal formulations have been established both in vivo and through topical application. However, the mechanisms underlying their anti-inflammatory effects during in vitro transdermal application remain elusive. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of a composite cream enriched with emu oil and menthol in a mouse ear swelling model and investigate its mechanisms underlying the local anti-inflammatory actions.

Methods

The xylene-induced ear swelling model was utilized to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory efficacy of the composite cream. Histopathological assessments of ear tissue were conducted using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionally, real-time quantitative PCR was performed to quantify the mRNA levels of NF-κB, IL-6, and IL-1β in ear tissues. Lastly, immunohistochemistry staining was performed to measure the protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and IL-6.

Results

The application of the composite cream effectively alleviated ear swelling elicited by xylene exposure. Moreover, it relieved ear tissue edema and microvascular bleeding induced by xylene and reversed alterations in the mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB and IL-6 in the same tissues. Additionally, emu oil and menthol exerted anti-inflammatory effects in mice, mitigating xylene-induced ear inflammation and exhibiting a synergy between these two.

Conclusions

The composite cream may serve as a promising topical formulation for alleviating localized inflammation, which is associated with the modulation of NF-κB pathway. Additionally, emu oil and menthol can be used as active anti-inflammatory ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
Precision autofocus in optical microscopy with liquid lenses controlled by deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Zhang Jing , Fu Yong-feng , Shen Hao , Liu Quan , Sun Li-ning , Chen Li-guo
Published: December 2024

Microscopic imaging is a critical tool in scientific research, biomedical studies, and engineering applications, with an urgent need for system miniaturization and rapid, precision autofocus techniques. However, traditional microscopes and autofocus methods face hardware limitations and slow software speeds in achieving this goal. In response, this paper proposes the implementation of an adaptive Liquid Lens Microscope System utilizing Deep Reinforcement Learning-based Autofocus (DRLAF). The proposed study employs a custom-made liquid lens with a rapid zoom response, which is treated as an “agent.” Raw images are utilized as the “state”, with voltage adjustments representing the “actions.” Deep reinforcement learning is employed to learn the focusing strategy directly from captured images, achieving end-to-end autofocus. In contrast to methodologies that rely exclusively on sharpness assessment as a model’s labels or inputs, our approach involved the development of a targeted reward function, which has proven to markedly enhance the performance in microscope autofocus tasks. We explored various action group design methods and improved the microscope autofocus speed to an average of 3.15 time steps. Additionally, parallel “state” dataset lists with random sampling training are proposed which enhances the model’s adaptability to unknown samples, thereby improving its generalization capability. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed liquid lens microscope with DRLAF exhibits high robustness, achieving a 79% increase in speed compared to traditional search algorithms, a 97.2% success rate, and enhanced generalization compared to other deep learning methods.
Putting piezoelectric sensors into Fano resonances
Authors: Wang Mengting , Huang Jianqiu , Huang Qing-An
Published: December 2024

Piezoelectric resonance sensors are essential to many diverse applications associated with chemical and biological sensing. In general, they rely on continuously detecting the resonant frequency shift of piezoelectric resonators due to analytes accreting on their surfaces in vacuum, gas or fluid. Resolving the small analyte changes requires the resonators with a high quality factor. Here, we propose theoretically and demonstrate experimentally a scheme using a physics concept, i.e., a Fano resonance, to enhance the quality factor rather than optimizing the structure and material of the resonator itself though these are important. The Fano resonance arises due to the interference between a discrete mode and a continuum of modes, leading to the asymmetric and steep dispersion. In our scheme, the as-fabricated piezoelectric sensors are put into the Fano resonance by connecting an external shunt capacitor to them. As a verification case, one-port surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators on LiNbO3 substrate, incorporating a composite of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and graphene oxide (GO) for humidity sensing, have been fabricated and characterized. We enhance the quality factor by up to a factor of about 8, from 929 for the as-fabricated sensor to 7682 for that with the external shunt capacitor. Our results pave the way for the practical development of piezoelectric resonance sensors with high quality factor.
Towards effective functionalization of nanopores/nanochannels: the role of amidation reactions
Authors: Lin Shijun , Liu Yiheng , Hu Jingjing , Xia Fan , Lou Xiaoding
Published: December 2024

Amidation reactions play a crucial role in the effective functionalization of nanopores and nanochannels.
Ultrahigh carrier mobility and multidirectional piezoelectricity in 2D Janus copper-containing chalcogenide monolayers
Authors: Liu Mengbing , Meng Xingxu , Yan Yuli , Yin Huabing
Published: December 2024

We predicted two 2D Janus copper-containing chalcogenide monolayers with the combination of ultrahigh carrier mobility and multidirectional piezoelectricity.
Green solid-state synthesis of Cu4O3/biochar composites with high antimicrobial activity
Authors: Sun Ke , Yang Wenyi , Shen Yiheng , Wang Zihan , Wang Yindian , Chen Hongxia , Liu Yi
Published: December 2024

Schematic of the solid-state preparation process for the Cu4O3/biochar composite.
A comparative review of biohydrogen and biomethane production from biowaste through photo-fermentation
Authors: Xie Dandan , Kong Lingfen , Hu Jiehua , Li Heng , Wang Yuanpeng
Published: December 2024

This review compares biohydrogen and biomethane production via photo-fermentation, emphasizing their complementary roles as sustainable bioenergy sources.
Processable and controllable all-aqueous gels based on high internal phase water-in-water emulsions
Authors: Lee EunSuk , Jo YoungSeon , Kim YeRin , Yoon Hojoon , Choi SeoYoung , Kim Baekmin Q. , Kim Subeen , Kim KyuHan
Published: December 2024

Processable all-aqueous gels that allow fine-tuning of interconnectivity are created in a single step by photopolymerization of great stable water-in-water high internal phase emulsions (W/W HIPEs).
Thermally tailoring dielectric genes of graphene hybrids for tuning electromagnetic properties
Authors: Zhang Min , Zheng Qi , Cao Wen-Qiang , Cao Mao-Sheng
Published: December 2024

Thermally tailoring dielectric genes are proposed for tuning electromagnetic properties of graphene hybrids. Dielectric genetic engineering is utilized to design diversified graphene hybrids, which can be tuned in extreme temperature environments.
C–H silylation and boronation enabled by alkyne insertion/vinyl to aryl 1,5-palladium migration
Authors: Cheng Zhendong , Xu Weiwei , Tan Xuliang , Zhou Zhengrui , Zhou Liwei , Liang Yun , Yang Yuan
Published: December 2024

An alkyne insertion/vinyl to aryl 1,5-palladium migration strategy has been disclosed for the α-C–H silylation and boronation of a naphthalene ring, enabling the synthesis of silylated and boronated benzo[f]isoquinolines and benzo[f]isochromenes.
Electrospun Fe-ZIF derived carbon nanofibers for boosting adsorption and redox kinetics of polysulfides in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Lee Gang-In , Park Deok-Hye , Kim Ji-Hwan , Jang Jae-Sung , Ahn So-Yeon , Kim Young-Kwang , Lim Jong-Won , Hong Ji-Min , Park Se-Jun , Kim Min-Jae , Jang Se-Yeon , Park Kyung-Won
Published: December 2024

Fe–N active site-exposed carbon nanofibers were synthesized via electrospinning and Fe-ZIF in situ growth. The Fe–S bonds enhanced polysulfide adsorption and redox kinetics, exhibiting excellent cycling stability in lithium–sulfur batteries.
Advancing oxygen evolution reaction efficiency in iron phthalocyanines: axial coordination as a key to structural and electronic tuning
Authors: Bo Jiangdong , Wang Yilin , Wang Jianghua , Zhang Guoxin , Yu Qian , Fan Xing , Lu Hongbing , Lin Haiping
Published: December 2024

Axial coordination significantly enhances the OER activity of Fe–N4 sites due to the electron-withdrawing effect of ligands, which destabilizes OER intermediates and improves catalysis.