bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Extraction Techniques on Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacities of Two Oregano Leaves
Authors: Karimi Ahmad , Min Byungjick , Brownmiller Cindi , Lee Sun-Ok
Published: December 2014

The effects of dried oregano leaves (Mediterranean and Mexican oregano) extracted using different extraction techniques, solvent types, and six different ratios of each solvent to distilled water on total phenolic (TP) content and antioxidant properties were examined. The Folin-Ciocalteu and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays were performed to assess the antioxidant capacity. The different species of oregano had a significant effect on TP content (107.6 vs. 34.5 mg GAEg-1 in Mexican vs. Mediterranean oregano, respectively) (P<0.05). Comparing extraction techniques, the vortex procedure significantly increased the measured TP content compared to sonication or shaking (P<0.05); however, its effectiveness was sample species and solvent type dependent. Solvent type also had a significant impact on TP content of extracts in decreasing order of acetone, methanol, ethanol, and water (P<0.05). The solvent:water ratio on TP content of each extract was significant (P<0.05); higher TP content was measured for 40:60 and 60:40 acetone:water ratios for Mediterranean and 60:40 and 80:20 acetone:water ratios for Mexican oregano. The antioxidant capacity had a strong relationship with total phenolic contents. The current findings indicated that the species, extraction techniques, solvent type and the ratio of solvent:water had a significance influence on the TP content of two different species of dried oregano leaf, which may be a possible reason behind most variability reported on TP compounds of herbal and medicinal plants.
La jubilación, hito de la vejez: revisión de aproximaciones psicosociales recientes
Authors: Sahagún Padilla Miguel Angel , Hermosillo de la Torre Alicia Edith , Selva Olid Clara
Published: December 2014

La jubilación es un fenómeno de transiciónde considerable relevancia por las posibilidades y exigencias de adaptación que supone para quienes pasan por él. Este trabajo presenta una revisión de literatura reciente sobre el tema. La revisión incluye artículos que reportan investigación empírica, publicados entre los años 2006 y 2012. Los resultados apuntan a la primacía de estudios relativos al bienestar y la satisfacción con la jubilación, así como investigaciones centradas en el proceso de toma de decisiones, especialmente en cuanto a jubilación anticipada se refiere. Destacan también los cambios en un entorno de población envejecida que lleva a gobiernos y organizaciones a plantear medidas para retener a los trabajadores de edad avanzada. La revisión presenta algunas orientaciones teóricas empleadas en los estudios revisados y concluye señalando algunas necesidades y orientaciones para abordar el estudio del fenómeno desde la óptica del desarrollo psicosocial en su sentido más amplio.
Terapia sistémica y violencia familiar: una experiencia de investigación e intervención
Authors: Barbosa Gonzalez Alejandro
Published: December 2014

Este proyecto involucró al equipo de terapeutas y diez familias. Las familias aceptaron participar por medio de un consentimiento informado. Se grabaron y trascribieron literalmente las sesiones (promedio de diez por caso) y se realizó un análisis individual y otro comparativo con el fin de contrastar similitudes y diferencias. Se tuvieron en cuenta no sólo el contenido sino el discurso y los relatos dominantes. De la discusión del equipo de terapeutas investigadores se puede decir que en este grupo de familias existe una marcada tendencia a repetir las pautas de violencia en forma intergeneracional, debido a que los padres trasmiten a sus hijos significados que suscitan maneras violentas para solucionar problemas. También se encontró que el consumo de alcohol y las creencias machistas están íntimamente asociadas a la violencia familiar y su mantenimiento. Finalmente, se lograron cambios importantes en todos los casos que validan la efectividad de la terapia narrativa.
Indigenous Farming Families of Ifugao: Partners in Safeguarding the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
Authors: MARASIGAN SHERRY B. , SERRANO JOANE V.
Published: December 2014

The Ifugao farming families are partners in safeguarding the sustainable use of naturalresources through their continued conservation of the rice terraces. However, in recent years ithas been observed that many Ifugao children coming from families whose main livelihood isfarming no longer participate and involve themselves in farming activities.  A number of familymembers migrate to urban places and some who have been educated totally abandon theirfarming duties and roles. The objectives of this study are: to determine the involvement offamilies in farming particularly in areas which farming has been the primary source of incomeand explore how farming families can contribute to safeguarding the sustainable use of naturalresources. Conversational method was used for this study wherein key informants andmembers of the farming families were interviewed.  The data were analyzed using thematicanalysis guided by the Indigenous perspective. A number of thematic insights emerged showingthe strong involvement of the different family members in the various farming activities. Thefamily members are involved in farming through the different roles they play, the resourcesthey contribute, and the honor they bring to the family. The farming families play a major rolein safeguarding natural resources through: reviving the traditional and natural practices; andbringing back the interests among the younger generations in farming.Keywords: Ecology, Ifugao rice terraces, farming families, natural resources, indigenous people, qualitative research, Ifugao, Philippines
Perioperative Management of Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Douketis James D. , Spyropoulos Alex C.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), comprising apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran, are commonly used medications to treat patients with atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Decisions about how to manage DOACs in patients undergoing a surgical or nonsurgical procedure are important to decrease the risks of bleeding and thromboembolism.

Observations

For elective surgical or nonsurgical procedures, a standardized approach to perioperative DOAC management involves classifying the risk of procedure-related bleeding as minimal (eg, minor dental or skin procedures), low to moderate (eg, cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair), or high risk (eg, major cancer or joint replacement procedures). For patients undergoing minimal bleeding risk procedures, DOACs may be continued, or if there is concern about excessive bleeding, DOACs may be discontinued on the day of the procedure. Patients undergoing a low to moderate bleeding risk procedure should typically discontinue DOACs 1 day before the operation and restart DOACs 1 day after. Patients undergoing a high bleeding risk procedure should stop DOACs 2 days prior to the operation and restart DOACs 2 days after. With this perioperative DOAC management strategy, rates of thromboembolism (0.2%-0.4%) and major bleeding (1%-2%) are low and delays or cancellations of surgical and nonsurgical procedures are infrequent. Patients taking DOACs who need emergent (<6 hours after presentation) or urgent surgical procedures (6-24 hours after presentation) experience bleeding rates up to 23% and thromboembolism as high as 11%. Laboratory testing to measure preoperative DOAC levels may be useful to determine whether patients should receive a DOAC reversal agent (eg, prothrombin complex concentrates, idarucizumab, or andexanet-α) prior to an emergent or urgent procedure.

Conclusions and Relevance

When patients who are taking a DOAC require an elective surgical or nonsurgical procedure, standardized management protocols can be applied that do not require testing DOAC levels or heparin bridging. When patients taking a DOAC require an emergent, urgent, or semiurgent surgical procedure, anticoagulant reversal agents may be appropriate when DOAC levels are elevated or not available.
Ventilation measures to control aerosol transmission based on COVID‐19 outbreaks in hospitals in Japan
Authors: Hayashi Motoya , Honma Yoshinori , Kikuta Koki , Hasegawa Asako , Murata Sayaka , Yamada Hiromi , Ogata Masayuki , Kagi Naoki , Yanagi U , Yamanaka Toshio , Kim Hoon , Kobayashi Kenichi , Kaihara Noriko , Ito Akira , Shinohara Fumihiko , Morimoto Shoichi
Published: August 2024

COVID‐19 outbreaks occurred in several hospitals, and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, local authorities, and universities carried out investigations into ventilation in hospitals. The results indicated that ventilation performance was insufficient to prevent aerosol infection due to poor air conditioning, equipment maintenance, and existing ventilation design guidelines. The authors investigated guidelines for ventilation measures for general patient wards with the cooperation of The Society of Air‐Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan and the Japanese Society for Infection Prevention and Control. Based on a survey of COVID‐19 outbreaks in hospitals, ventilation countermeasure plans for 3 stages (a. normal conditions, b. increased risk of outbreaks, and c. infected patients treated) were compiled.
Fault detection for saturated nonlinear system subject to redundant channel and additive time‐varying delays
Authors: Wu Zhihui , Zhao Xue , Ma Siteng , Chen Dongyan
Published: August 2024

Under the influence of sensor saturation and packet dropout, this paper is concerned with the fault detection (FD) problem for a class of nonlinear systems with two additive time‐varying delay components. In the addressed measurement model, the sensor is assumed to have two communication channels, which can contribute to improving the probability of successfully delivering the measurements. A FD filter is designed to generate residual signals, and the sufficient criteria are established to ensure the stochastic finite‐time stability (SFTS) of the residual system with performance constraint by constructing new Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals. Based on the established criteria, the explicit expression of the desired FD filter is obtained via solving a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, the usefulness of the proposed FD scheme is verified by a simulation example.
Flexible Exchange‐Biased Films with Superior Strain Stability
Authors: Bao Xilai , Yang Huali , Xie Yali , Wang Jiabin , He Ri , Makushko Pavlo , Pan Lili , Wang Yubo , Chen Jinxia , Zou Mengting , Zou Ruoan , Liu Chenxu , Guo Lin , Zhu Tao , Makarov Denys , Li Run‐Wei
Published: August 2024

The exchange bias (EB) effect plays an undisputed role in the state‐of‐art spintronic devices, both rigid and flexible. However, the poor stability of EB under mechanical strain is detrimental to the construction of reliable flexible spintronic devices, which poses a great challenge for potential wearable applications. Here, it is revealed that the strain‐induced variation of EB field can be greatly suppressed by engineering flexible IrMn/[Co/Pt]3 systems featured with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). Particularly, in the multi‐stacks with strong PMA, poorly crystallized IrMn structure, and parallel alignment of the ferromagnetic (FM) moments with the biasing magnetic field applied during deposition, an exceptional good strain stability of EB among reported flexible systems is realized, which results from the stable perpendicular FM moments, the low strain transfer efficiency, and the eliminated strain‐driven training effect. These results provide an effective approach to develop flexible spintronic devices with superior strain stability, rendering them strong contenders in the realms of sensor and storage applications.
Hippophae Rhamnoides‐derived Phytomedicine Nano‐System Modulates Bax/Fas Pathways to Reduce Proliferation in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Farheen Jabeen , Iqbal M. Zubair , Mushtaq Asim , Hou Yike , Kong Xiangdong
Published: August 2024

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most common primary tumor of the breast with limited effectual drug availability. Therefore, the aim of the study is to develop an innovative phyto‐nanomedicine (PNM) to cure TNBC with the least genotoxicity. Hereinafter, the sea buckthorn’ extracted polyphenols (SBP), combine with metformin (MET), are synthesized as a novel PNM to evaluate its anti‐tumor properties, effectiveness, and mechanism of action in TNBC in vitro and in vivo models. The SBP exhibits 16 new kinds of polyphenols that are been reported earlier which regulated cell development, proliferation, and programmed cell death (PCD) effectively. SBP‐MET PNM inhibits MDA‐MB‐231 (47%), MDA‐MB‐436 (46%), and 4T1 (46%) cell proliferation but does not affect L929 normal murine cell development and successfully induce PCD (73.19%) in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Mechanistically, in vivo SBP‐MET proteome expression profiling reveals upregulation of proapoptotic Bax protein and activation of Fas signaling pathways convince downstream Daxx and FADD proteins, which further triggers Caspase‐3 that prompts apoptosis in human TNBC cells by cleaving PARP‐1 protein. Current findings establish innovative highly biocompatible phyto‐nanomedicine that has significant potential to inhibit TNBC cell growth and induce regulated cell death (RCD) in vivo model, thereby opening a new arena for TNBC therapy.
Rational Design of Human Hair Keratin−Driven Proteins for Hair Growth Promotion
Authors: Zhang Haojie , Qing Rui , Li Wenfeng , Yuan Yuhan , Pan Yinping , Tang Ni , Huang Qiulan , Wang Bochu , Hao Shilei
Published: August 2024

Keratins, the most abundant proteins in human hair, are excellent hair nutrients for growth. However, the complex components of keratin extract hinder their mechanism investigation, and the pure recombinant keratin with poor solubility limited its hair growth promotion efficiency. Here, the water−soluble recombinant keratins (RKs) of K31 and K81 are rationally designed through QTY Code methodology, which are then used to fabricate the microneedles to study the effect of keratin on hair growth. Interestingly, it is discovered that more than 40% of the hair follicles (HFs) in the RK81QTY group entered the anagen on day 12 and the diameter of new hair is 15.10 ± 2.45 µm, which significantly promoted growth and development of HFs and improved new hair quality compared to RK31QTY. Water‐soluble RKs significantly enhanced HFs activity and de novo regeneration of robust hairs compared to extract and minoxidil by upregulating the PI3K/AKT/Nf−κB signaling axis. These findings highlight the potential of designing solubilized recombinant keratins with distinct properties to improve therapeutical effects and open new avenues to designing keratin−based proteins.
Melanin‐Like Nanomedicine Functions as a Novel RPE Ferroptosis Inhibitor to Ameliorate Retinal Degeneration and Visual Impairment in Dry Age‐Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Huang Keke , Deng Haoyue , Wang Shuang , Zhang Fuxiao , Huang Ge , Wang Lu , Liu Jianyu , Zhao Xuli , Ren Hui , Yang Guang , Lin Zhiqing
Published: August 2024

Ferrous ion accumulation and lethal oxidative stress mediate irreversible retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell ferroptosis and subsequent photoreceptor degeneration, a potential key pathogenic factor in the onset of dry age‐related macular degeneration (dAMD), causing irreversible vision loss in the global elderly population. However, currently, no effective interventional treatment strategy exists in clinical practice. Herein, lesion site‐targeted melanin‐like nanoparticles, named ConA‐MelNPs, are designed as a novel ferroptosis inhibitor for retinal degenerative diseases. ConA‐MelNPs possessed chelating iron ion characteristics, alleviating severe mitochondrial damage caused by oxidative stress and protecting RPE cells from ferroptosis induced by sodium iodate (NaIO3). In a preclinical dAMD mouse model, a single intravitreal injection of ConA‐MelNPs yielded significant responses in electroretinograms and visually‐driven optomotor responses in visually impaired mice, resisting the challenge posed by secondary NaIO3‐induced injuries, with the long‐term sustainability of its therapeutic effect. Mechanistically, ConA‐MelNPs achieve a therapeutic effect by interrupting the detrimental cascade involving “RPE cell ferroptosis, lethal oxidative stress, and microglial proinflammatory activation,” affording the restoration of retinal homeostasis. The synthesized ConA‐MelNPs demonstrated good biosafety, with no detected ophthalmic or systemic side effects. Collectively, ConA‐MelNPs are proposed as a promising therapeutic option for atrophic retinal diseases such as dAMD.
Room‐Temperature Magneto‐Photoresponse in All‐2D Optoelectronic Devices for In‐Sensor Vision Systems
Authors: Zhu Wenxuan , Sun Jiacheng , Wang Yuyan , Li Yuankun , Bai Hua , Wang Qian , Han Lei , Zhang Qingtian , Wu Huaqiang , Song Cheng , Pan Feng
Published: August 2024

Interplay between magnetism and photoelectric properties introduces the effective control of photoresponse in optoelectronic devices via magnetic field, termed as magneto‐photoresponse. It enriches the application scenarios and shows potential to construct in‐sensor vision systems for artificial intelligence with gate‐free architecture. However, achieving a simultaneous existence of room‐temperature magnetism and notable photoelectric properties in semiconductors is a great challenge. Here, the room‐temperature magneto‐photoresponse is accomplished in all‐2D optoelectronic devices, employing 2D ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 as the source and drain, with WSe2 forming the channel. The interplay between room‐temperature magnetism and photoelectric properties is realized by introducing the unique magneto‐band structure effect from 2D interface, resulting in magneto‐tunable charge transfer between Fe3GaTe2 and WSe2. The photocurrent in this 2D optoelectronic device exhibits robust response to both the direction and amplitude of external magnetic fields. Utilizing constructed 2D optoelectronic devices with magneto‐photoresponse, traditional gate‐controlled phototransistors are replaced and a prototype in‐sensor vision system with visual adaptation, significantly improving the recognition accuracy to over four times in low‐contrast environments is established. These findings pave a way for achieving high‐temperature magneto‐photoresponse, thereby guiding the construction of robust in‐sensor vision systems toward high performance and broad applications.
Highly Conductive and Stretchable Hydrogel Nanocomposite Using Whiskered Gold Nanosheets for Soft Bioelectronics
Authors: Lim Chaehong , Lee Seunghwan , Kang Hyejeong , Cho Ye Seul , Yeom Da‐Hae , Sunwoo Sung‐Hyuk , Park Chansul , Nam Seonghyeon , Kim Jeong Hyun , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Kim Dae‐Hyeong , Hyeon Taeghwan
Published: August 2024

The low electrical conductivity of conductive hydrogels limits their applications as soft conductors in bioelectronics. This low conductivity originates from the high water content of hydrogels, which impedes facile carrier transport between conductive fillers. This study presents a highly conductive and stretchable hydrogel nanocomposite comprising whiskered gold nanosheets. A dry network of whiskered gold nanosheets is fabricated and then incorporated into the wet hydrogel matrices. The whiskered gold nanosheets preserve their tight interconnection in hydrogels despite the high water content, providing a high‐quality percolation network even under stretched states. Regardless of the type of hydrogel matrix, the gold‐hydrogel nanocomposites exhibit a conductivity of ≈520 S cm−1 and a stretchability of ≈300% without requiring a dehydration process. The conductivity reaches a maximum of ≈3304 S cm−1 when the density of the dry gold network is controlled. A gold‐adhesive hydrogel nanocomposite, which can achieve conformal adhesion to moving organ surfaces, is fabricated for bioelectronics demonstrations. The adhesive hydrogel electrode outperforms elastomer‐based electrodes in in vivo epicardial electrogram recording, epicardial pacing, and sciatic nerve stimulation.
Toughening Ceramic Joints through Strategic Fracture Path Control
Authors: Feng Jian , Herrmann Marion , Hurtado Antonio
Published: August 2024

Ceramic‐on‐ceramic joints are notorious for their inherent brittleness, posing challenges for high‐performance applications. To address this, a novel approach is proposed to enhance the involvement of filler metals during fracture. This study investigates the controlled initiation and propagation of cracks in Al2O3–Al2O3 joints through a strategic combination of laser pre‐cracking, laser patterning, and laser active brazing techniques. By introducing pre‐cracking and African daisy‐like patterning, crack propagation dynamics are altered, with cracks initially confined within pre‐crack regions before navigating through pattern intrusions. Additionally, laser active brazing effectively managed titanium diffusion, optimizing interface strength control. Evaluation via SEVNB tests demonstrated a significant enhancement in fracture toughness, achieving maximal 25.6 ± 4.6 MPa·m0.5 compared to ≈3–5 MPa·m0.5 for alumina ribbons. This integrated approach offers precise control over fracture paths, thereby augmenting the performance of ceramic‐on‐ceramic joints, and holds promise for advancing their applications in demanding environments.
Frequency‐Locked Wireless Multifunctional Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors
Authors: Bo Luyu , Li Jiali , Wang Zhide , Qiu Chongpeng , Cai Bowen , Du Yingshan , Li Teng , Liu Hongye , Tian Zhenhua
Published: August 2024

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) have shown great potential for developing sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM) and lab‐on‐a‐chip (LOC) applications. Existing SAW sensors mainly rely on measuring the frequency shifts of high‐frequency (e.g., >0.1 GHz) resonance peaks. This study presents frequency‐locked wireless multifunctional SAW sensors that enable multiple wireless sensing functions, including strain sensing, temperature measurement, water presence detection, and vibration sensing. These sensors leverage SAW resonators on piezoelectric chips, inductive coupling‐based wireless power transmission, and, particularly, a frequency‐locked wireless sensing mechanism that works at low frequencies (e.g., <0.1 GHz). This mechanism locks the input frequency on the slope of a sensor's reflection spectrum and monitors the reflection signal's amplitude change induced by the changes of sensing parameters. The proof‐of‐concept experiments show that these wireless sensors can operate in a low‐power active mode for on‐demand wireless strain measurement, temperature sensing, and water presence detection. Moreover, these sensors can operate in a power‐free passive mode for vibration sensing, with results that agree well with laser vibrometer measurements. It is anticipated that the designs and mechanisms of the frequency‐locked wireless SAW sensors will inspire researchers to develop future wireless multifunctional sensors for SHM and LOC applications.
Catalyst‐Free Transformation of Carbon Dioxide to Small Organic Compounds in Water Microdroplets Nebulized by Different Gases
Authors: Mehrgardi Masoud A. , Mofidfar Mohammad , Li Jia , Chamberlayne Christian F. , Lynch Stephen R. , Zare Richard N.
Published: August 2024

A straightforward nebulized spray system is designed to explore the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) within water microdroplets surrounded by different gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and compressed air. The collected droplets are analyzed using water‐suppressed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Formate anion (HCOO−), acetate anion (CH3COO−), ethylene glycol (HOCH2CH2OH), and methane (CH4) are detected when water is nebulized. This pattern persisted when the water is saturated with CO2, indicating that CO2 in the nebulizing gas triggers the formation of these small organics. In a pure CO2 atmosphere, the formate anion concentration is determined to be ≈70 µm, referenced to dimethyl sulfoxide, which has been introduced as an internal standard in the collected water droplets. This study highlights the power of water microdroplets to initiate unexpected chemistry for the transformation of CO2 to small organic compounds.
Agglomerate Engineering to Boost PEM Water Electrolyzer Performance
Authors: Zhao Congfan , Yuan Shu , Cheng Xiaojing , Shen Shuiyun , Zhan Ninghua , Wu Rui , Mei Xiaohan , Wang Qian , An Lu , Yan Xiaohui , Zhang Junliang
Published: August 2024

Densely packed IrOx‐ionomer agglomerates play a crucial role in the high mass transport resistance inside the anode catalyst layer (ACL), which in turn greatly affects the electrolysis performance at high current density. Therefore, agglomerate engineering for PEMWE is proposed in this work to enhance the oxygen transport process inside ACLs. Using self‐assembling nanotechnology, tightly packed primary aggregates are avoided and introduce the interconnected submicron pores and nanocavities into the catalyst‐ionomer agglomerate, confirmed by synchrotron radiation‐based nano‐CT, TEM, and BET. Such agglomerate engineering results in the enhancement of both dissolved oxygen and oxygen bubble transport inside the ACL confirmed by RDE tests and in‐situ bubble visualization. As a result, the mass transport overpotential is significantly reduced from 330 to 30 mV at 5 A cm−2 in PEMWE, optimized Ohmic resistance and catalyst utilization are also observed. Finally, high operating current density is achieved, i.e., 5 A cm−2 @2.04 V with Nafion 115 membrane and 7 A cm−2 @ 2.07 V with Nafion 212 membrane, under a low catalyst loading of 0.72 mgIr cm−2. This study proves the importance and feasibility of agglomerate engineering in further elevating the performance of PEMWE.
Exploring the Thermal and Ionic Transport of Cu+ Conducting Argyrodite Cu7PSe6
Authors: Ghata Anupama , Bernges Tim , Maus Oliver , Wankmiller Björn , Naik Aakash Ashok , Bustamante Joana , Gaultois Michael W. , Delaire Olivier , Hansen Michael Ryan , George Janine , Zeier Wolfgang G.
Published: August 2024

Understanding the origin of low thermal conductivities in ionic conductors is essential for improving their thermoelectric efficiency, although accompanying high ionic conduction may present challenges for maintaining thermoelectric device integrity. This study investigates the thermal and ionic transport in Cu7PSe6, aiming to elucidate their fundamental origins and correlation with the structural and dynamic properties. Through a comprehensive approach including various characterization techniques and computational analyses, it is demonstrated that the low thermal conductivity in Cu7PSe6 arises from structural complexity, variations in bond strengths, and high lattice anharmonicity, leading to pronounced diffuson transport of heat and fast ionic conduction. It is found that upon increasing the temperature, the ionic conductivity increases significantly in Cu7PSe6, whereas the thermal conductivity remains nearly constant, revealing no direct correlation between ionic and thermal transport. This absence of direct influence suggests innovative design strategies in thermoelectric applications to enhance stability by diminishing ionic conduction, while maintaining low thermal conductivity, thereby linking the domains of solid‐state ionics and thermoelectrics. Thus, this study attempts to clarify the fundamental principles governing thermal and ionic transport in Cu+‐superionic conductors, similar to recent findings in Ag+ argyrodites.
In Situ Polymerized Flame‐Retardant Crosslinked Quasi Solid‐State Electrolytes for High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Jixiao , Li Chunyue , Yao Yutong , Li Zhangling , Yao Jiaozhi , Luo Lingpeng , Liao Weili , Ye Xing , Dai Wenming , Li Fei , Zhang Xiaokun , Xiang Yong
Published: August 2024

The construction of poly‐dioxolane (PDOL) solid‐state electrolytes by in situ polymerization is an effective way to achieve high performance lithium‐metal batteries. However, the poor electrochemical stability and safety issues of linear PDOL limit their further application. In this work, a multifunctional crosslinker has been introduced to construct a flame retardant crosslinked quasi solid‐state electrolyte (FCDOL). Due to the synergistic effect of the crosslinked network, the prepared FCDOL achieves excellent room temperature ionic conductivity (0.72 mS cm−1), high Li+ transference number (0.655), wide electrochemical stabilization window (4.8 V vs Li/Li+), and impressive performance when matched with lithium metal anodes (>4000 h plating/stripping) and high‐voltage cathodes, and the corresponding pouch cells can withstand abusive tests such as bending and cutting, encouraging that in situ polymerization of SPEs provides new insights into high‐energy density and high‐safety solid‐state batteries.
Exercise and training in sickle cell disease: Safety, potential benefits, and recommendations
Authors: Connes Philippe , Stauffer Emeric , Liem Robert I. , Nader Elie
Published: August 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by complex pathophysiological mechanisms leading to vaso‐occlusive crisis, chronic pain, chronic hemolytic anemia, and vascular complications, which require considerations for exercise and physical activity. This review aims to elucidate the safety, potential benefits, and recommendations regarding exercise and training in individuals with SCD. SCD patients are characterized by decreased exercise capacity and tolerance. Acute intense exercise may be accompanied by biological changes (acidosis, increased oxidative stress, and dehydration) that could increase the risk of red blood cell sickling and acute clinical complications. However, recent findings suggest that controlled exercise training is safe and well tolerated by SCD patients and could confer benefits in disease management. Regular endurance exercises of submaximal intensity or exercise interventions incorporating resistance training have been shown to improve cardiorespiratory and muscle function in SCD, which may improve quality of life. Recommendations for exercise prescription in SCD should be based on accurate clinical and functional evaluations, taking into account disease phenotype and cardiorespiratory status at rest and in response to exercise. Exercise programs should include gradual progression, incorporating adequate warm‐up, cool‐down, and hydration strategies. Exercise training represents promising therapeutic strategy in the management of SCD. It is now time to move through the investigation of long‐term biological, physiological, and clinical effects of regular physical activity in SCD patients.
Proteomic analyses reveal plasma EFEMP1 and CXCL12 as biomarkers and determinants of neurodegeneration
Authors: Duggan Michael R. , Yang Zhijian , Cui Yuhan , Dark Heather E. , Wen Junhao , Erus Guray , Hohman Timothy J. , Chen Jingsha , Lewis Alexandria , Moghekar Abhay , Coresh Josef , Resnick Susan M. , Davatzikos Christos , Walker Keenan A.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Plasma proteomic analyses of unique brain atrophy patterns may illuminate peripheral drivers of neurodegeneration and identify novel biomarkers for predicting clinically relevant outcomes.

METHODS

We identified proteomic signatures associated with machine learning‐derived aging‐ and Alzheimer's disease (AD) ‐related brain atrophy patterns in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (n = 815). Using data from five cohorts, we examined whether candidate proteins were associated with AD endophenotypes and long‐term dementia risk.

RESULTS

Plasma proteins associated with distinct patterns of age‐ and AD‐related atrophy were also associated with plasma/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers, cognition, AD risk, as well as mid‐life (20‐year) and late‐life (8‐year) dementia risk. EFEMP1 and CXCL12 showed the most consistent associations across cohorts and were mechanistically implicated as determinants of brain structure using genetic methods, including Mendelian randomization.

DISCUSSION

Our findings reveal plasma proteomic signatures of unique aging‐ and AD‐related brain atrophy patterns and implicate EFEMP1 and CXCL12 as important molecular drivers of neurodegeneration.

Highlights

Plasma proteomic signatures are associated with unique patterns of brain atrophy.

Brain atrophy‐related proteins predict clinically relevant outcomes across cohorts.

Genetic variation underlying plasma EFEMP1 and CXCL12 influences brain structure.

EFEMP1 and CXCL12 may be important molecular drivers of neurodegeneration.
Whole exome sequencing analyses identified novel genes for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Ru , Wu Bang‐Sheng , Chen Shi‐Dong , Yang Liu , Deng Yue‐Ting , Guo Yu , Wu Xin‐Rui , Liu Wei‐Shi , Kang Ju‐Jiao , Feng Jian‐Feng , Cheng Wei , Yu Jin‐Tai
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

The heritability of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is estimated to be 58%–79%. However, known genes can only partially explain the heritability.

METHODS

Here, we conducted gene‐based exome‐wide association study (ExWAS) of rare variants and single‐variant ExWAS of common variants, utilizing data of 54,569 clinically diagnosed/proxy AD and related dementia (ADRD) and 295,421 controls from the UK Biobank.

RESULTS

Gene‐based ExWAS identified 11 genes predicting a higher ADRD risk, including five novel ones, namely FRMD8, DDX1, DNMT3L, MORC1, and TGM2, along with six previously reported ones, SORL1, GRN, PSEN1, ABCA7, GBA, and ADAM10. Single‐variant ExWAS identified two ADRD‐associated novel genes, SLCO1C1 and NDNF. The identified genes were predominantly enriched in amyloid‐β process pathways, microglia, and brain regions like hippocampus. The druggability evidence suggests that DDX1, DNMT3L, TGM2, SLCO1C1, and NDNF could be effective drug targets.

DISCUSSION

Our study contributes to the current body of evidence on the genetic etiology of ADRD.

Highlights

Gene‐based analyses of rare variants identified five novel genes for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD), including FRMD8, DDX1, DNMT3L, MORC1, and TGM2.

Single‐variant analyses of common variants identified two novel genes for ADRD, including SLCO1C1 and NDNF.

The identified genes were predominantly enriched in amyloid‐β process pathways, microglia, and brain regions like hippocampus.

DDX1, DNMT3L, TGM2, SLCO1C1, and NDNF could be effective drug targets.
The Impact of Supersaturated Electrode on Heterogeneous Lithium Nucleation and Growth Dynamics
Authors: Park Jimin , In Jung Ji , Ha Son , Hyun Kim Do , Jang Hyun‐Seok , Hoon Kim Byung , Lim Hyung‐Kyu , Jin Hyoung‐Joon , Soo Yun Young
Published: August 2024

The concept of a lithiophilic electrode proves inadequate in describing carbon‐based electrode materials due to their substantial mismatch in surface energy with lithium metal. However, their notable capacity for lithium chemisorption can increase active lithium concentration required for nucleation and growth, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium metal anodes (LMAs). In this study, we elucidate the effects of the supersaturated electrode which has high active lithium capacity around equilibrium lithium potential on LMAs through an in‐depth electrochemical comparison using two distinct carbon electrode platforms with differing carbon structures but similar two‐dimensional morphologies. In the supersaturated electrode, both the dynamics and thermodynamic states involved in lithium nucleation and growth mechanisms are significantly improved, particularly under continuous current supply conditions. Furthermore, the chemical structures of the solid‐electrolyte‐interface layers (SEIs) are greatly influenced by the elevated surface lithium concentration environment, resulting in the formation of more conductive lithium‐rich SEI layers. The improved dynamics and thermodynamics of surface lithium, coupled with the formation of enhanced SEI layers, contribute to higher power capabilities, enhanced Coulombic efficiencies, and improved cycling performances of LMAs. These results provide new insight into understanding the enhancements in heterogeneous lithium nucleation and growth kinetics on the supersaturated electrode.
Nonfullerene Acceptors Bearing Spiro‐Substituted Bithiophene Units in Organic Solar Cells: Tuning the Frontier Molecular Orbital Distribution to Reduce Exciton Binding Energy
Authors: Wang Kai , Jinnai Seihou , Urakami Takumi , Sato Hirofumi , Higashi Masahiro , Tsujimura Sota , Kobori Yasuhiro , Adachi Rintaro , Yamakata Akira , Ie Yutaka
Published: August 2024

The development of nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs), represented by ITIC, has contributed to improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). Although tuning the electronic structures to reduce the exciton binding energy (Eb) is considered to promote photocharge generation, a rational molecular design for NFAs has not been established. In this study, we designed and developed two ITIC‐based NFAs bearing spiro‐substituted bithiophene or biphenyl units (named SpiroT‐DCI and SpiroF‐DCI) to tune the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) distribution of NFAs. While the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) of SpiroF‐DCI and ITIC are delocalized in the main π‐conjugated framework, the HOMO of SpiroT‐DCI is distributed on the bithiophene unit. Reflecting this difference, SpiroT‐DCI exhibits a smaller Eb than either SpiroF‐DCI or ITIC, and exhibits greater external quantum efficiency in single‐component OSCs. Furthermore, SpiroT‐DCI shows improved PCEs for bulk‐heterojunction OSCs with a donor of PBDB‐T, compared with that of either SpiroT‐DCI or ITIC. Time‐resolved spectroscopy measurements show that the photo‐induced intermolecular charge separation is effective even in pristine SpiroT‐DCI films. This study highlights the introduction of spiro‐substituted bithiophene units that are effective in tuning the FMOs of ITIC, which is desirable for reducing the Eb and improving the PCE in OSCs.
Nacre‐Inspired Structure Enables Ultrahigh ‘Strong‐Tough’ Design of Phosphorus Anode
Authors: Sun Baoyu , Wang Shuai , Mao Caiwang , Qiao Rui , Ravivarma Mahalingam , Liu Shude , Fan Hao , Xie Jingying , Song Jiangxuan
Published: August 2024

Red phosphorus anode, attributed to its high specific capacity of 2596 mAh g−1, is expected to improve the energy density of Na‐ion batteries. However, the P anode currently is unsatisfactory for practical usage due to the large volume expansion beyond 300 %, which brings out uncontrolled brittle failure. To address this challenge, we here design a nacre‐like phosphorus anode by resilient graphene oxide staggered together. The staggered structure simultaneously offers mechanical strength and interwoven toughness. Finite element modeling reveals that the sodiation stress from P nanoparticles will be transferred into interlayer pillars as the elastic medium to release sodiation stress. The prepared anode achieves an ultrahigh areal capacity of 13 mAh cm−2 at a mass loading of 5.8 mg cm−2. Notably, the volume change of the anode is limited to approximately 8.1 % at full sodiation, significantly lower than that of the traditional phosphorus electrodes.
Oxyanion Engineering on RuO2 for Efficient Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Duan Ying , Wang Lin‐Lin , Zheng Wen‐Xing , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Wang Xiao‐Ran , Feng Guo‐Jin , Yu Zi‐You , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: August 2024

In acidic proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), the anode oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts rely heavily on the expensive and scarce iridium‐based materials. Ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) with lower price and higher OER activity, has been explored for the similar task, but has been restricted by the poor stability. Herein, we developed an anion modification strategy to improve the OER performance of RuO2 in acidic media. The designed multicomponent catalyst based on sulfate anchored on RuO2/MoO3 displays a low overpotential of 190 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and stably operates for 500 hours with a very low degradation rate of 20 μV h−1 in acidic electrolyte. When assembled in a PEMWE cell, this catalyst as an anode shows an excellent stability at 500 mA cm−2 for 150 h. Experimental and theoretical results revealed that MoO3 could stabilize sulfate anion on RuO2 surface to suppress its leaching during OER. Such MoO3‐anchored sulfate not only reduces the formation energy of *OOH intermediate on RuO2, but also impedes both the surface Ru and lattice oxygen loss, thereby achieving the high OER activity and exceptional durability.
Modulating Magnetic Performance in DyIII Single Ion Magnets With N5O2 Ligands
Authors: Fondo Matilde , Oreiro‐Martínez Paula , Corredoira‐Vázquez Julio , García‐Deibe Ana M. , Sanmartín‐Matalobos Jesús , Aravena Daniel
Published: August 2024

[Dy (LMe)(H2O)]CF3SO3·0.25H2O (1·0.25H2O), where H2LMe is the reported ligand 2,2′‐(((pyridine‐2,6‐diylbis (methylene))bis((pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)azanediyl))bis (methylene))bis(4‐methylphenol), shows the DyIII ion in an N5O3 environment, with triangular dodecahedral geometry (D2d symmetry). 1·0.25H2O is a single ion magnet (SIM) with an energy barrier for spin reversal of 510 K, and open hysteresis loops up to 8 K. The magnetostructural comparison of 1·0.25H2O with some closely related complexes and with other eight‐coordinated SIMs with high energy barriers (> 300 K) allows to draw some conclusions to enhance the magnetic performance in these nanomagnets with non‐purely axial geometries. Ab initio calculations complement and support the experimental results.
Efficacy Versus Effectiveness: The HORIZON‐Pivotal Fracture Trial and Its Emulation in Claims Data
Authors: D'Andrea Elvira , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Franklin Jessica M. , Kim Seoyoung C. , Glynn Robert J. , Lee Su Been , Wang Shirley V.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the concordance of results between the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly (HORIZON)–Pivotal Fracture Trial (PFT) and a nonrandomized database study designed to emulate the trial.

Methods

HORIZON‐PFT evaluated the efficacy of zoledronic acid versus placebo in reducing the risk of hip fractures and found a 41% risk reduction over a three‐year treatment period (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.42–0.83). Using two US claims databases from August 2007 to December 2020 or June 2021, we applied eligibility criteria from HORIZON‐PFT and identified women with osteoporosis who initiated zoledronic acid or raloxifene as a proxy for placebo. The study protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04736693) before inferential analyses. We compared HORIZON‐PFT and database study results using prespecified metrics.

Results

Because of low adherence in clinical practice, on‐treatment follow‐up was truncated at 18 months in the database study. The hip fracture risk after 18 months was 9.3 in 1,000 in the trial and 8.3 in 1,000 in the database analysis. In the database study, zoledronic acid was associated with a 28% reduction in hip fractures risk compared with raloxifene (HR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.51–0.92). The attenuated effect of zoledronic acid in the database study may be explained by its shorter follow‐up, because the interpolated estimate of the effect in HORIZON‐PFT at 18 months was HRRCT (randomized controlled trial), 0.74, nearly identical to the observational estimate HRdatabase 0.72.

Conclusion

Real‐world emulation of the HORIZON‐PFT found that zoledronic acid reduced hip fractures risk over an 18‐month follow‐up period. Limited adherence in clinical practice diminished the magnitude of its preventive effect and precluded long‐term estimation of effectiveness in this setting.
Adjusting the Covalency of Metal‐Oxygen Bonds in CuBi2O4 by Zn Cation Doping to Achieve Highly Efficient Photocathodes
Authors: Zhang Yuheng , Xu Yusheng , Zhang Kejing , Li Zhixue , Lin Zeze , Hu Junhua , Song Angang
Published: August 2024

Zn doped CuBi2O4 photocathodes are prepared by using a low‐cost solution‐based spray pyrolysis method. The doping of Zn in CuBi2O4 promotes the separation and migration of carriers and effectively increases the carrier density. Compared with CuBi2O4 alone, the photoelectrochemical activity of the Zn doped CuBi2O4 photoelectrode is improved with the photocurrent density of −0.56 mA/cm2 at 0.4 V vs. RHE. This improvement is due to the lower electronegativity of Zn, which leads to the covalent increase of Cu−O and Bi−O bonds in CuBi2O4, which limits the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and improves charge separation and transport. This study presents an innovative approach to enhance the charge separation efficiencies of photocathodes by implementing element doping strategies, which may contribute to further research on photocatalytic water splitting.
Exploring the Impact of Oxygen Vacancies in Co/Pr‐CeO2 Catalysts on H2 Production via the Water‐Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Saini Pallavi , Koley Paramita , Damma Devaiah , Jampaiah Deshetti , Bhargava Suresh K.
Published: August 2024

In this study, we utilized various Pr‐doped CeO2 catalysts (Pr=5, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%) as a support medium for the dispersion of cobalt (Co) nanoparticles, aiming to investigate the impact of oxygen vacancies on the water‐gas shift (WGS) reaction. Different characterization techniques were employed to understand the insights into the structure‐activity relationship governing the performance of Pr doped ceria supported Co catalysts towards WGS reaction. Our findings reveal that Co/Pr‐CeO2 catalysts at optimum Pr loading (10 wt.%) exhibit a superior CO conversion (88 %) facilitated by the presence of more oxygen vacancies induced by Pr doping into the CeO2 lattice, as opposed to the performance of the pure Co/CeO2 catalytic system. It was also found that the highest activity was obtained at increased intrinsic oxygen vacancies and strong synergy between Co and Pr/CeO2 support, fostering more favorable CO activation at the interfacial sites, thus accounting for the observed enhanced activity.
Bewertung von Steinschlagschutzzäunen für Niedrigenergiebereiche
Authors: Koch Andreas , Berger Simon , Hofmann Robert , Jansen Philipp
Published: August 2024

Aktuelle Untersuchungen zum Thema Steinschlagschutzverbauungen konzentrieren sich i. d. R. auf mittlere bis hohe Einwirkungsenergien. Für flexible Steinschlagschutzzäune existieren bereits Systeme mit einer Energieaufnahmefähigkeit in einer Größenordnung bis ca. 10.000 kJ. In vielen Regionen ist die Stein‐ und Blockschlaggefahr aber oft mit deutlich geringeren Energien verbunden. Dies ist insbesondere entlang von Infrastruktur wie Verkehrswegen der Fall. Die Bayerische Staatsbauverwaltung hat demzufolge Drahtzäune als Abrollschutz im Einsatz, welche explizit den Bereich mit einer Energieaufnahmefähigkeit bis 60 kJ abdecken. Die Drahtzäune bestehen aus handelsüblichen und bei entsprechenden Fachfirmen lagernden Komponenten und wurden durch die Zentralstelle Ingenieurbauwerke und Georisiken (ZIG) mit einer Bauhöhe von 2,30 m in einem Steinbruch nahe Passau getestet. Während der Versuche wurden von der Universität Innsbruck, Arbeitsbereich Geotechnik, die maßgeblichen Seilkräfte gemessen und die Kinematik der Versuchsblöcke über Videoanalysen ausgewertet. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Konstruktionsdetails des Drahtzauns, die Randbedingungen der 1 : 1‐Belastungsversuche, die Auswertung der Messdaten sowie die weiteren Erkenntnisse für die Ausführung. Zusätzlich wird der zeitliche Verlauf der Kräfte bei der Bestimmung der Bemessungseinwirkungen auf Verankerungen bzw. Fundationen untersucht.