bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subtyping of microsatellite stability colorectal cancer reveals guanylate binding protein 2 (GBP2) as a potential immunotherapeutic target
Authors: Wang Haizhou , Zhou Yabo , Zhang Yangyang , Fang Shilin , Zhang Meng , Li Haiou , Xu Fei , Liu Lan , Liu Jing , Zhao Qiu , Wang Fan
Published: April 2022

Backgrounds

Proficient-mismatch-repair or microsatellite stability (pMMR/MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC) has limited efficacy for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Guanylate binding protein 2 (GBP2) is a member of the GTPase family and is crucial to host immunity against pathogens. However, the correlations between GBP2 and immunosurveillance and immunotherapy for pMMR/MSS CRC have not been reported.

Methods

Unsupervised clustering was employed to classify immune class and non-immune class in 1424 pMMR/MSS patients from six independent public datasets. This binary classification was validated using immune cells or response related signatures. The correlation between GBP2 and immune microenvironment was explored using well-established biological algorithms, multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results

We classified 1424 pMMR/MSS CRC patients into two classes, ‘immune’ and ‘non-immune’, and GBP2 was identified as a gene of interest. We found that lower GBP2 expression was correlated with poor prognosis and metastasis. GBP2 expression was also upregulated in the immune class and highly associated with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) signaling pathway and CD8 +T cell infiltration using gene set enrichment analysis, gene ontology analysis, single-cell sequencing and mIHC. Moreover, reduced GBP2 expression inhibited the antigen processing and presentation machinery and CXCL10/11 expression in MSS CRC cells on IFN-γ stimulation. A Transwell assay revealed that deletion of GBP2 in murine MSS CRC cells reduced CD8 +T cell migration. Mechanistically, GBP2 promoted signal transducer and transcription activator 1 (STAT1) phosphorylation by competing with SHP1 for binding to STAT1 in MSS CRC cells. Finally, an unsupervised subclass mapping (SubMap) algorithm showed that pMMR/MSS patients with high GBP2 expression may correlate with a favorable response to anti-PD-1 therapy. We further confirmed that GBP2 knockout reduced CD8 +T cell infiltration and blunted the efficacy of PD-1 blockade in tumor-bearing mice.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that pMMR/MSS CRC is immunogenically heterogeneous and that GBP2 is a promising target for combinatorial therapy with ICB.
OrienX010, an oncolytic virus, in patients with unresectable stage IIIC–IV melanoma: a phase Ib study
Authors: Cui ChuanLiang , Wang Xuan , Lian Bin , Ji Qing , Zhou Li , Chi Zhihong , Si Lu , Sheng Xinan , Kong Yan , Yu Jiayi , Li Siming , Mao Lili , Tang Bixia , Dai Jie , Yan Xieqiao , Bai Xue , Andtbacka Robert , Guo Jun
Published: April 2022

Background

Melanoma in people of Asian descent presents primarily in non-sun-exposed areas, such as acral and mucosal melanoma. Compared with the predominant sun-exposed area melanomas in Caucasians, acral and mucosal melanomas do not respond as well to immunotherapy and are associated with a worse prognosis. Hence, there is an urgent need for improved treatment for melanoma in Asians. This phase Ib trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of the modified herpes simplex virus-1 oncolytic virus OrienX010 in Chinese patients with unresectable stage IIIC–IV melanoma.

Methods

Patients were treated in two different cohorts. In cohort 08 (n=12), patients received up to 5 mL of 8×107pfu/mL OrienX010 intratumoral injections every 2 weeks until disease progression and responses were evaluated every 6 weeks. In cohort 09 (n=14), patients received up to 10 mL of 8×107pfu/mL OrienX010 intratumoral injections and responses were evaluated every 8 weeks.

Results

Between June 2014 and May 2017, 26 patients were enrolled, including 18 (69.2%) patients with acral melanoma. Fever and injection site reaction were the most frequent adverse events. Only one patient experienced a grade ≥3 adverse event and no dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The objective response rate was 19.2% and the disease control rate was 53.8%. The median duration of response was 6.0 months. Antitumor effects were observed in 54.6% of injected lesions and 48.8% of non-injected lesions, including one (16.7%) of six evaluable distant lung metastases. The median progression-free survival was 2.9 months and overall survival was 19.2 months. Compared with patients treated in cohort 08, patients treated in cohort 09 had an improved objective response rate (28.6% vs 8.3%) and a median progression-free survival of 3.0 months vs 2.8 months.

Conclusions

OrienX010 oncolytic virotherapy has a tolerable safety profile with antitumor effects in both injected and non-injected metastases and warrants further evaluation in patients with melanoma. Based on these results, the higher cohort 09 dose (up to 10 mL of 8×107pfu/mL every 2 weeks) was selected as the recommended phase II dose for ongoing trials.

Trial registration number

CTR20140631 (cohort 08), CTR20150881 (cohort 09).
Association of adverse childhood experiences with the development of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Eid Karine , Torkildsen Øivind , Aarseth Jan , Aalstad Mari , Bhan Alok , Celius Elisabeth G , Cortese Marianna , Daltveit Anne Kjersti , Holmøy Trygve , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Riise Trond , Schüler Stephan , Torkildsen Cecilie F , Wergeland Stig , Gilhus Nils Erik , Bjørk Marte-Helene
Published: April 2022

Objective

To study whether exposure to childhood emotional, sexual or physical abuse is associated with subsequent multiple sclerosis (MS) development.

Methods

A nationwide, prospective cohort study based on participants in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child cohort study. Enrolment took place 1999–2008, with follow-up until 31 December 2018. Childhood abuse before age 18 years was obtained from self-completed questionnaires. We identified MS diagnoses through data-linkage with national health registries and hospital records. The Cox model was used to estimate HRs for MS with 95% CIs, adjusting for confounders and mediators.

Results

In this prospective cohort study, 14 477 women were exposed to childhood abuse and 63 520 were unexposed. 300 women developed MS during the follow-up period. 71 of these (24%) reported a history of childhood abuse, compared with 14 406 of 77 697 (19%) women that did not develop MS. Sexual abuse (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.39) and emotional abuse (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.90) in childhood were both associated with an increased risk of developing MS. The HR of MS after exposure to physical abuse was 1.31 (95% CI 0.83 to 2.06). The risk of MS was further increased if exposed to two (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.67) or all three abuse categories (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.67).

Interpretation

Childhood sexual and emotional abuse were associated with an increased risk of developing MS. The risk was higher when exposed to several abuse categories, indicating a dose–response relationship. Further studies are needed to identify underlying mechanisms.
Validity of the EULAR recommendations on the use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Elisa , Monjo Irene , Peiteado Diana , Balsa Alejandro , De Miguel Eugenio
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) recommendations for the use of imaging in large vessel vasculitis establish that an imaging test supported by clinical pretest probability (PTP) is sufficient for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Our objective was to determine the validity of the EULAR recommendations on the use of Colour duplex ultrasound (CDUS) in GCA after calculating the PTP.

Methods

We collected data of all patients referred to our fast-track clinic between 2016 and 2020. The Southend pretest probability score (SPTPS) was calculated and classified as low (LR), intermediate and high risk (HR) according to the values obtained by its authors, <9, 9–12 and >12, respectively. All patients underwent a CDUS of the temporal arteries with their common, parietal and frontal branches, and the most also axillary (86.5%), and subclavian and carotid arteries. The gold-standard diagnosis was made according to the physician’s criteria after at least 9 months of follow-up.

Results

Of the 297 referred patients, 97 (32.7%) were diagnosed with GCA. The SPTPS area under the ROC curve was 0.787. The LR category included 105 patients (35.4%), of which 10 (9.5%) had GCA and 1 had a CDUS false negative result. The HR category included 67 patients (22.5%), 47 with GCA, and in 1 case the CDUS result was a false positive.

Conclusion

Combining the results of a PTP score, such as SPTPS, and the CDUS allows for an accurate diagnosis of GCA, as established by the EULAR group, with less than 2% misclassification of diagnosis.
Localization of the fungal symbiont (Chaetothyriales) inIpomoea carnea
Authors: Pistán María E. , Gutiérrez Susana A. , Schnittger Leonhard , Gardner Dale R. , Cholich Luciana A. , Gonzalez Ana M.
Published: April 2022

Plants belonging to the genera Astragalus,  Oxytropis,  Ipomoea,  Sida, and Swainsona often contain the toxin swainsonine (SW), which causes a neurological disorder in livestock. It has been demonstrated that SW is produced by a symbiont fungus associated with these plants. In I. carnea, the fungus belongs to the ascomycetes of the order Chaetothyriales and grows ectopically on the adaxial surface of leaves. In this study, the presence of the symbiont fungus in different organs of I. carnea was investigated using imaging techniques to understand the process of endophyte transmission. In I. carnea plants with whitish mycelia on the leaf surface, SW could be detected in seeds. Inside the seeds, the mycelium was located on the surface of the cotyledons and on the inner side of the seed coat. We corroborated that the presence of this fungus is a prerequisite for the presence of SW in I. carnea. The demonstration of the localization of the fungus within the seed strongly suggested that this endophyte is vertically transmitted. Our observations verified that the SW-producing fungus in I. carnea is an endosymbiont with epibiotic behavior.
Bianchi I cosmological solutions in teleparallel gravity
Authors: Tretyakov Petr V.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we discuss the dynamics of the anisotropic Bianchi I Universe filled with perfect fluid in teleparallel [Formula: see text]-gravity. Using both analytical and numerical approaches, we confirm the main results of the previous authors such as the presence of a future isotropic attractor, and find a number of new ones such as the existence of an essential number of bounce solutions and the possibility to construct late-time acceleration without any specific matter.
Thermodynamics of regular black hole with de Sitter core
Authors: Sharif M. , Khan Amjad
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we explore thermodynamics, thermal stability, effects of logarithmic corrections on thermodynamic quantities and phase transitions of spherically symmetric regular black hole with the de Sitter core. We first calculate the expressions for Hawking temperature as well as heat capacity and investigate its thermal stability. We also discuss the effects of logarithmic corrections on thermodynamical quantities such as pressure, Gibbs–Helmholtz free energy, internal energy and enthalpy of the system. Finally, we analyze the behavior of Hawking temperature as well as specific heat capacity of the regular black hole versus entropy for different values of the de Sitter parameter [Formula: see text]. It is found that Hawking temperature changes its phase from positive to negative and heat capacity changes its phase from negative to positive for large values of [Formula: see text].
A 9.8–12.5 Gb/s Low-Jitter Reference-Less Clock and Data Recovery Circuit
Authors: Song Shuxiang , Liu Zefa , Cen Mingcan , Cai Chaobo
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we propose a low-jitter reference-less clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit with a speed range of 9.8–12.5[Formula: see text]Gb/s. The proposed CDR uses a multi-stage half-rate bang-bang phase detector (ML-HR-BBPD) to maximize the quantization of the phase difference. In addition, a unit interval adjuster (UIA) is added to the CDR circuit. So that the circuit can minimize the phase detector’s phase error before the output clock frequency is locked. Finally, the loop filter (LF) is improved to realize the coarse and fine adjustment of the phase error over a wide range of phase differences. The CDR circuit’s total power consumption is reduced by using a half-rate phase detector. The CDR circuit was fabricated in TSMC 40[Formula: see text]nm CMOS process. The measured results are obtained in the proposed CDR circuit at a data rate of 12.5[Formula: see text]Gb/s. With a pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) of [Formula: see text], the measured result shows that the bit error rate (BER) is [Formula: see text], and the root mean square jitter recovered in the output is 0.302 [Formula: see text]. The circuit’s jitter tolerance (JTOL) is 0.46 UIpp, and its total power consumption is 74.8[Formula: see text]mW with a 5.98[Formula: see text]pJ/bit energy efficiency.
Formal Modeling and Performance Evaluation for Hybrid Systems: A Probabilistic Hybrid Process Algebra-Based Approach
Authors: Wang Fujun , Cao Zining , Tan Lixing , Li Zhen
Published: April 2022

Probabilistic behavior is omnipresent in computer-controlled systems, in particular, so-called safety-critical hybrid systems, due to various reasons, like uncertain environments or fundamental properties of nature. In this paper, we extend the existing hybrid process algebra ACP[Formula: see text] with probability without sacrificing the nondeterministic choice operator. The existing approximate probabilistic bisimulation relation is fragile and not robust in the sense of being dependent on the deviation range of the transition probability. To overcome this defect, a novel approximate probabilistic bisimulation is proposed which is inspired by the idea of Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) by relaxing the constraints of transition probability deviation range. Traditional temporal logics, even probabilistic temporal logics, are expressive enough, but they are limited to producing only true or false responses, as they are still logics and not suitable for performance evaluation. To settle this problem, we present a new performance evaluation language that expands quantitative analysis from the value range of [Formula: see text] to real number to reason over probabilistic systems. After that, the corresponding algorithms for performance evaluation are given. Finally, an industrial example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
A Systematic Mapping Study of Search-Based Software Engineering for Enterprise Application Integration
Authors: Mazzonetto Angela , Frantz Rafael Z. , Roos-Frantz Fabricia , Molina-Jimenez Carlos , Sawicki Sandro
Published: April 2022

Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE) is widely used in different fields of Software Engineering, notoriously, in Enterprise Application Integrations (EAIs). EAI encompasses methodologies, techniques and tools that a software engineer can use to create integration solutions. SBSE is currently an active research topic of increasing interest. The number and diversity of publications produced yearly are large to the extent that it is hard to identify the active research groups, their locations, techniques used and research topics that have not received enough attention. To answer these questions categorically, we have conducted systematic mapping study of the literature. In this paper, we report our methodology and findings. In our study, we used systematic search strategies that resulted in the retrieval of 560 articles, of which we first selected 25. Second, on the basis of the authors’ experience, we included eight additional articles. Finally, we used a snowballing sample technique to include another 12 articles. The results demonstrate that during the last two decades (1999–2020) EAI has benefited from the use of Search-Based Software Engineering techniques.
A NONLOCAL MODELING FOR SOLVING TIME FRACTIONAL DIFFUSION EQUATION ARISING IN FLUID MECHANICS
Authors: HOSSEINI VAHID REZA , REZAZADEH AREZOU , ZHENG HUI , ZOU WENNAN
Published: April 2022

This study mainly investigates new techniques for obtaining numerical solutions of time-fractional diffusion equations. The fractional derivative term is represented in the Lagrange operational sense. First, we describe the temporal direction of the considered model using the Legendre orthogonal polynomials. Moreover, to archive a full discretization approach a type of nonlocal method has been applied that is known as the nonlocal peridynamic differential operator (PDDO). The PDDO is based on the concept of peridynamic (PD) interactions by proposing the PD functions orthogonal to each term in the Taylor Series Expansion (TSE) of a field variable. The PDDO for numerical integration uses the vicinity of each point (referred to as the horizon, which does not need background mesh). The PDDO is exclusively described in terms of integration (summation) throughout the interaction domain. As a result, it is unsusceptible to singularities caused by discontinuities. It does, however, need the creation of PD functions at each node. We numerically investigate the stability, the convergence of the scheme, which verifies the validity of the proposed method. Numerical results show the simplicity and accuracy of the presented method.
NEW RESULTS FOR PARABOLIC EQUATION ON THE SPHERE WITH CAPUTO–FABRIZIO OPERATOR
Authors: TUAN NGUYEN ANH , LUC NGUYEN HOANG , TRANG NGUYEN PHAM QUYNH , VAN HO THI KIM
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we are interested in studying the initial value problem for parabolic problem associated with the Caputo–Fabrizio derivative. We deal the problem in two cases: linear inhomogeneous case and nonlinearity source term. For the linear case, we derive the convergence result of the mild solution when the fractional order [Formula: see text] under some various assumptions on the initial datum. For the nonlinear problem, we show the existence and uniqueness of the mild solution using Banach fixed point theory. We also prove the convergence result of the mild solution when the fractional order [Formula: see text].
DYNAMICS OF LOVE AFFAIR OF ROMEO AND JULIET THROUGH MODERN MATHEMATICAL TOOLS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS VIA FRACTAL-FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL OPERATOR
Authors: AHMAD ZUBAIR , ALI FARHAD , ALMUQRIN MUQRIN A. , MURTAZA SAQIB , HASIN FAIZA , KHAN NAVEED , RAHMAN ATA UR , KHAN ILYAS
Published: April 2022

Love is said to be pure, terrible, sweet, and horrible all at the same time. Love is, in fact, a basic requirement in everyone’s life. To live a normal and healthy life, everyone requires love. Love encompasses a wide range of emotions, sentiments, and attitudes. For some, love entails more than a physical attraction; it also includes an emotional bond. However, it is commonly believed that “Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe”, as evidenced by the transformation of every phenomenon into mathematical equations. On this basis, this study aims to express the feelings among Romeo and Juliet via mathematical tools. The love among Romeo and Juliet is shown as a coupled system of ODEs. The fractal fractional differential operator with the Mittag-Leffler function further generalizes the classical differential equations. Some theoretical analysis has been done for the considered problem. The graphical solution is obtained through a numerical scheme with the help of MATLAB software. The impact of the fractional-order parameter and fractal dimension parameter is shown on the feelings of both individuals. Furthermore, the impact of various physical parameters on the love or hate of Romeo and Juliet is displayed and discussed in detail. As a concern to the most sensitive parameter, it is observed that spending or saving money among both individuals has the ability to tend love into hate and vice versa.
ANALYSIS OF FRACTIONAL ORDER DIARRHEA MODEL USING FRACTAL FRACTIONAL OPERATOR
Authors: YAO SHAO-WEN , AHMAD AQEEL , INC MUSTAFA , FARMAN MUHAMMAD , GHAFFAR ABDUL , AKGUL ALI
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we construct a scheme of fractional-order mathematical model for the population infected by diarrhea disease by using the four compartments S, I, T and R. The fractal-fractional derivative operator (FFO) with generalized Mittag-Leffler kernel is employed to obtain the solution of the proposed system. The system is analyzed qualitatively as well as verify non-negative unique solution. The existence and uniqueness results of fractional-order model under Atangana–Baleanu fractal-fractional operator have been proved by fixed point theory. Also error analysis has been made for the proposed fractional-order model. Simulation has been carried out for derived fractional-order scheme to check the effectiveness of the results which will help, how to prevent and control such type of epidemic in society.
AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN STATIC POSTURAL BALANCE IN KOREAN ELDERLY ADULTS
Authors: SHIN CHOL , WOO KYUNG HWA , LEE DA SOL , KWON YU-RI , EOM GWANG-MOON , KIM REGINA EY , KIM JI-WON
Published: April 2022

Poor postural balance has been related to falls in older people. Although fall rates increase with age, age-related declines in postural balance of older people are still unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate age-related changes in the static postural balance ability of Korean elderly adults. Three hundred and eighty-nine normal elderly adults with ages ranging from 57 years to 87 years participated in this study. All elderly adults were instructed to stand in their preferred natural stance on a self-developed force platform. As postural sway variables, peak frequency, mean frequency, mean velocity, and mean distance were calculated from the center of pressure (COP) trajectories in both the medio-lateral (ML) and antero-posterior (AP) directions. The mean velocity in the older-elderly was significantly faster compared to those of the other age groups particularly in the AP direction ([Formula: see text]). In both the ML and AP directions, the older-elderly group showed a greater mean distance compared to the other age groups ([Formula: see text]). Conversely, no significant age group differences were found in mean frequency and peak frequency ([Formula: see text]). Our results mean that the older-elderly group showed postural balance with faster AP sway speed and overall sway size. The results of our study help in the understanding of age-related declines in postural balance for the prevention of falls and the development of a regression model for normative postural balance ability in Korean elderly adults.
Collective Actions and Leadership Attributes: A Cluster Analysis of Water User Associations in Chile
Authors: Bopp Carlos , Engler Alejandra , Jara-Rojas Roberto , Hunecke Claudia , Melo Oscar
Published: April 2022

Good leaders can greatly influence the effective governance of water resources, however, how their attributes relate to group cooperation in Water User Associations (WUAs) remains an open question. Using the case of Chile, we explore the factors of three non-cooperative behaviors in WUAs by performing a two-stage cluster analysis. The results describe four clusters that differ in structural and human characteristics, where highly cooperative WUAs are characterized by having presidents who dedicate more time to their duties, are more active in applying for governmental subsidies, are embedded in social organizations, have high levels of bridging social capital, and have a positive attitude toward the presidency. Our results add to the limited empirical knowledge about the role of leadership in fostering cooperation in the use of common-pool resources. This article sheds light on this matter as the results suggest that policy interventions should aim at strengthening social capital and providing incentives to increase the time dedication of presidents to the WUAs duties.
Channel, dune and sand sheet architectures of a strait-adjacent delta, Rifian Corridor, Morocco
Authors: Beelen Daan , Wood Lesli Joy , Zaghloul Mohamed Najib , Cardona Sebastian , Arts Michiel
Published: April 2022

Sea straits are elongated zones where geographical constriction can amplify marine currents. Sediment deposits that formed in sea straits are relatively well studied and robust models of tidal strait depositional systems have been developed. However, models of strait-adjacent systems remain uncommon. In this study, we present such a model which is based on detailed outcrop descriptions of Miocene deposits that formed adjacent to the Rifian Corridor, an ancient sea strait that existed in what is now northern Morocco. The kilometre-scale outcrops at the Ben Allou locality (30 km north of Fez, Morocco) contain a succession of claystones, siltstones and sandstones that formed under a sea strait-adjacent process regime characterized by marine current constriction, tidal amplification and reduced wave activity. Detailed descriptions of the sandstone's sedimentary architectures reflect a development from mud drape-bearing sand sheets in the proximal regions of the system to stacked cross-strata and channel forms nearer to the basin depocentre. In the deep, distal reaches of this system, sediment grain sizes are generally fine (silt and clay) and are sparsely interbedded with sandy turbidites. These results confirm existing models which show that proximal strait-adjacent deposits tend to be tide dominated, and wave and fluvial influence can be overprinted by tidal processes. Some insights into the formation of tidal dunes are discussed. For example, it is shown that compound tidal dunes may not be preserved differently than simple tidal dunes, which is relevant for predicting sedimentary architectures and fluid flow properties of ancient tide-dominated successions.
Understanding Health Inequalities Through the Lens of Social Epigenetics
Authors: Martin Chantel L. , Ghastine Lea , Lodge Evans K. , Dhingra Radhika , Ward-Caviness Cavin K.
Published: April 2022

Longstanding racial/ethnic inequalities in morbidity and mortality persist in the United States. Although the determinants of health inequalities are complex, social and structural factors produced by inequitable and racialized systems are recognized as contributing sources. Social epigenetics is an emerging area of research that aims to uncover biological pathways through which social experiences affect health outcomes. A growing body of literature links adverse social exposures to epigenetic mechanisms, namely DNA methylation, offering a plausible pathway through which health inequalities may arise. This review provides an overview of social epigenetics and highlights existing literature linking social exposures—i.e., psychosocial stressors, racism, discrimination, socioeconomic position, and neighborhood social environment—to DNA methylation in humans. We conclude with a discussion of social epigenetics as a mechanistic link to health inequalities and provide suggestions for future social epigenetics research on health inequalities.
Enabling Non-Carbonate Electrolytes for Silicon Anode Batteries Using Fluoroethylene Carbonate
Authors: Johnson Noah M. , Yang Zhenzhen , Liu Qian , Zhang Zhengcheng
Published: April 2022

Silicon is considered as one of the most promising anodes for next generation lithium-ion batteries, due to its high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, many technical barriers remain to its implementation, due to its high chemical/electrochemical reactivities with standard electrolytes and incomplete passivation. Here we take the most effective passivating additive of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and study its impact on non-carbonate electrolytes. Our results indicate that esters and ureas-based electrolytes are similarly stabilized by FEC, and have very similar capacity retentions and Coulombic efficiencies to the state-of-the-art carbonate electrolyte. This study indicates the discovery of more efficient additives other than FEC is vital in developing an electrolyte that can successfully enable a silicon-anode battery.
Polypyrrole Microsphere Modified Porous UiO-66 for Electrochemical Nitrite Sensing
Authors: Xu Mengmeng , Zhang Hongxia , Zheng Jianbin
Published: April 2022

Herein, A new nanocomposite material (PPy/UiO-66) composed of conductive polypyrrole microspheres(PPy) and UiO-66 was prepared by a simple in situ polymerization method and established a new method for detecting

NO

2

−

.

The relationship between the morphology and size of the PPy/UiO-66 interface material and its response performance and electrocatalytic performance was studied. The results show that the polypyrrole microspheres are uniformly compounded on the outer surface of the metal organic framework (MOF), which improves the surface properties of the material and greatly improves the conductivity of the MOF material. The particle size of the composite material is about 200 nm, and the particle size of the polypyrrole microspheres is about 30 nm. Electrochemical performance studies have shown that the composite material has an extended linear response concentration range of 0.05–1055.5 μM for detecting

NO

2

−

,

a detection limit of 0.037 μM (S/N = 3), and a sensitivity of 297.7μA mM−1 cm−2. The sensitivity of the sensor to detect nitrite is 2.5 times that of the polymer composite material PANI/SnO2/GCE; and it is an order of magnitude lower than the detection limit of the nitrite sensor based on MOF material. Therefore, the sensor can be used as a potential sensing material for the detection of nitrite.
Review—Electropolishing of Additive Manufactured Metal Parts
Authors: Chaghazardi Z. , Wüthrich R.
Published: April 2022

Most metal AM technologies are rapidly approaching, and in some cases even exceeding the Technology Readiness Level 8, indicating that they are widely available and capable of completing a wide range of projects despite identified process restrictions. Thanks to significant technological progress made in the last decade, more industries are incorporating metal additive manufacturing in their production process to obtain highly customized parts with complex geometries. However, the poor surface finish of AM parts is a major drawback to their aesthetics and functionality. Over the years, different approaches were proposed to enhance their surface quality, each bearing its limitations. Among the proposed technologies, electropolishing is a strong candidate for improving the surface finish of AM parts. This study aims to review the literature on electropolishing of AM parts. However, to provide a comprehensive study of the different aspects involved, a brief review is also presented on the origin and consequences of the surface properties of AM parts as well as an evaluation of other available post-treatment technologies. Finally, the existing challenges on the way and potential countermeasures to expedite the industrial application of the electropolishing process for post-treatment of AM parts as well as future research avenues are discussed.
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Performance for 2D/0D g-C3N4/Zn0.5Cd0.5S with g-C3N4 as a Transport Medium for Photogenerated Charge Carriers
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Lu Dingze , Wang Zhennan , Kondamareddy Kiran Kumar , Zhou Min , Khosla Ajit , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Yuhao , Wu Qiong , Zeng Yimei , Xie Lihao , Zhao Bang , Li Jing , Yang Tongtong , Fan Huiqing , Ho Wingkei
Published: April 2022

Two-dimensional g-C3N4 nanosheets are synthesized by high-temperature calcination. The prepared g-C3N4 is used further to synthesize a 2D/0D composite series based on g-C3N4/Zn0.5Cd0.5S heterojunction composite with varied amounts of g-C3N4. The structure, microscopic morphology, photoelectric and photocatalytic performance, and the mechanism for enhancement of photocatalytic performance of the samples are studied through various characterization methods. Microstructural studies revealed that 0D Zn0.5Cd0.5S nanoparticles (ca. 3 ∼ 5 nm) were uniformly dispersed over the surface of the g-C3N4 and thus the formation of a heterostructure. The photo-electrochemical test shows that an appropriate amount of g-C3N4 modification (10%-C3N4/Zn0.5Cd0.5S) can effectively improve photogenerated carriers’ separation and transfer efficiency. Besides, the hydrogen production performance of the g-C3N4/Zn0.5Cd0.5S samples first increased and then decreased with the amount of g-C3N4. The photocatalytic activity of the 10%-C3N4/Zn0.5Cd0.5S showed the highest hydrogen production of 3.53 mmol·g−1·h−1, which is 2.8 times than that of pure Zn0.5Cd0.5S (1.26 mmol·g−1·h−1). The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the introduced g-C3N4 that can supply more activity sites and lead to the formation of the heterojunction across the interface, which effectively improves the separation and migration of photogenerated charges. Designing this kind of sustainable, low cost, and efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production method that avoids the application of precious metals will provide a feasible solution to meet the increasing global energy demand and a sustainable future.
High Temperature Testing of NMC/Graphite Cells for Rapid Cell Performance Screening and Studies of Electrolyte Degradation
Authors: Taskovic T. , Eldesoky A. , Song Wentao , Bauer M. , Dahn J. R.
Published: April 2022

LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2/graphite cells with two different electrolytes underwent charge-discharge cycling at 70 °C. The 70 °C condition reduced the time it took for cells to lose significant capacity. Studies of the changes to the electrolyte after cycling by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) suggest that the same processes which cause cell failure and electrolyte degradation at 40 °C and 55 °C occur at 70 °C, only at an accelerated rate. Transition metal dissolution from the positive electrode was tracked using X-ray fluorescence studies of the negative electrode after testing. Based on the confidence obtained that the same degradation processes were occurring; advanced graphites were screened in NMC811/graphite cells at 70 °C. Differences in cell lifetime were apparent in weeks at 70 °C while the same differences took much longer to observe at 40 °C. It is our opinion that elevated temperature testing of Li-ion cells at 70 °C is a viable rapid screening technique for advanced electrolytes and advanced electrode materials.
Carbon-Black Integrated Polylactic Acid Electrochemical Sensor for Chloramphenicol Determination in Milk and Water Samples
Authors: Di-Oliveira Marina , Rocha Raquel G. , de Faria Lucas V. , Richter Eduardo M. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A.
Published: April 2022

Extrusion-based three-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising technology for the construction of electrochemical devices and some features can be highlighted such as low-cost, versatility, large-scale production, fast prototyping in varied designs and availability of conductive filaments. Herein, we show the detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in milk and tap water samples using carbon-black integrated polylactic acid (CB/PLA) electrodes fabricated by combining a 3D pen and 3D-printed substrates. The electrode surface activated in basic medium provided a considerable improvement of CAP response (12-fold) due to the removal of PLA and consequent higher exposure of conductive sites. Differential-pulse voltammetric measurements exploring the reduction of the nitro group of CAP at −0.45 V (vs. Ag∣AgCl∣KCl(sat.)) were performed. A wide linear range (10–331 μmol L−1, r = 0.998) with a detection limit of 0.98 μmol L−1 was obtained with a precision of 5.1% (n = 10). Tap water and milk samples were spiked with known amounts of CAP and analyzed by the standard-addition method. Recovery values between 88–93% demonstrated that sample matrix did not interfere on the CAP determination. Therefore, this work shows a promising tool for low-cost construction of electrodes for CAP detection in food and environmental samples which can be extended to other antibiotics.
Electrolytes Containing Triethyl Phosphate Solubilized Lithium Nitrate for Improved Silicon Anode Performance
Authors: Rynearson Leah , Rodrigo Nuwanthi D. , Jayawardana Chamithri , Lucht Brett L.
Published: April 2022

An electrolyte consisting of lithium nitrate (LiNO3) and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) in ethylene carbonate (EC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), and triethyl phosphate (TEP) is used to improve the long-term cycling stability of silicon anodes. TEP was selected for its ability to dissolve LiNO3 in carbonates to a concentration of ∼0.2 M. The large amount of LiNO3 combined with the LiDFOB salt leads to a capacity retention of 87.1% after one hundred cycles due to the formation of a relatively stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Ex-situ surface analysis reveals that the SEI consists of oxalates, lithium alkyl carbonates, borates, and nitrate reduction products. By selecting two components which are preferentially reduced (LiNO3 and LiDFOB), the SEI is able to inhibit continuous solvent decomposition and allows for improved electrochemical cycling for pure silicon anodes.
Electrochemical Performance Investigation of Sr(Ti1−xFex)O3−δ
Fuel Electrodes with Different Fe Contents for Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Zhang Jing-Hui , Han Fang-Ze , Li Cheng-Xin , Zhang Shan-Lin
Published: April 2022

Sr(Ti1−xFex)O3−δ
(STF) is an alternative to Ni-based cermet fuel electrodes for solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOCs) that can provide an improved tolerance to redox cycling, fuel impurities, and hydrocarbon fuels. Sr(Ti0.3Fe0.7)O3−δ
electrodes were recently found to exhibit an excellent performance, but lower Fe contents have not been studied. In this work, the electrochemical performance of STF-based fuel electrodes with 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 are explored in both full cells and symmetric cells at different fuel conditions. The electrode performance in the fuel cell mode (3% H2O humidified hydrogen) became slightly worse as x decreased from 0.7 to 0.5; however, it was much worse at x = 0.4. In the steam electrolysis mode from 50% H2O to 50% H2, the change in the electrode performance showed a similar trend, and a more significant degradation in the performance was found at x = 0.4. The worse electrochemical performance in a high-steam-concentration atmosphere is due to the higher electrode polarization and increased ohmic resistance. These results indicate that STF electrodes with x = 0.5 have a reasonable electrochemical performance for SOC applications.
Investigation of Electrochemical Parameters on Cost-Effective Zn/Ni-Based Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction to SYNGAS(H2+CO)
Authors: Shahrestani Shohreh , Beheshti Mohammadali , Kakooei Saeid
Published: April 2022

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has been studied in 0.1 M of KCl (pH of 6.96), NaHCO3 (pH of 8.3) and K2CO3 (pH of 11.36) cathodic solutions with various counter electrodes including graphite rod, SS316 rod and Pt mesh at different potential ranges on the Znx–Ni1-x bimetallic electrocatalysts. Among the Znx–Ni1-x electrocatalysts, the Zn–Ni electrode with a composition of 65 wt% Zn and 35 wt% Ni and cluster-like microstructure has the best performance for CO2RR by according to minimum coke formation and optimum CO and H2 faradaic efficiencies (CO FE% = 55% and H2 FE% = 45%). The cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements and gas chromatography (GC) analysis for the CO2RR showed that KCl solution as the cathodic electrolyte with pH of 7 has the best performance and appropriate faradaic efficiency for H2(40%) and CO(30%) products in low potential value (−0.6 v) in this study. The best potential range for the CO2RR on the Zn-Ni bimetallic electrocatalyst in KCl solution with the scan rate (SR) 0.05 V. s−1 is between −0.3 V to −1 V vs Ag/AgCl. The use of stainless-steel electrode (SS316) as a counter electrode for electrochemical CO2RR is cost-effective and performs better than graphite electrode, but at high applied potential it oxidizes and dissolves in the electrolyte and then ions transfer to the Nafion membrane and poisons it.
Improving Nickel Diselenide Performance toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction with Ruthenium Incorporation and Heat Treatment
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Shen Junfei , Gong Qing , Hu Peng , Cheng Xuan , Li Hengyi
Published: April 2022

A small amount of ruthenium (Ru) was introduced into carbon supported nickel diselenide (NiSe2/C) through a simple microwave route to obtain Ru incorporated ternary catalyst Ru(NiSe2)/C. A comparative study was performed without and with the heat treatment to examine the crystal phases, microstructures, electrocatalytic activities and stabilities toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for binary NiSe2/C and ternary Ru(NiSe2)/C. The results revealed that the half-wave potential (E
1/2) of the best performed Ru(NiSe2)/C-400 reached 0.64 V with the overall loss of 5.6% in E
1/2 after 1000 cycles in 0.1 mol·l−1 HClO4, showing the highly improved ORR activity and excellent stability as compared with those of the best performed NiSe2/C-350. When tested as a cathode catalyst in the H2/O2 single cell at 65 °C and ambient pressure, the open circuit potential and the maximum power density approached 0.78 V and 132 mW·cm−2, respectively. The achieved mass activity of 0.08 mA·(μg Ru)−1 at 0.75 V was comparable to that of Ru(CoSe2)/C-400 (0.09 mA·(μg Ru)−1). The simultaneous enhancement in the ORR activity and stability of Ru(NiSe2)/C in an acid electrolyte might be mainly contributed by a new stable (Ru, Ni)Se2 like structure. Furthermore, selenium evaporation and grain growth could be effectively prevented during the heat treatment by Ru incorporation.
Electrodeposition of Ternary BiTePd Nanofilm Electrocatalyst Using Surface-Limited Reaction for Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Mkhohlakali Andile , Fuku Xolile , Modibedi Mmalewane , Khotseng Lindiwe , Mathe Mkhulu
Published: April 2022

Herein, we report electro-synthesis of BiTePd using electrochemical atomic layer deposition (E-ALD). The SEM-EDS, AFM, and XRD were used to characterize Pd-based thin films’ surface morphology and structure composition. BiTePd electrocatalyst exhibit higher electrochemical activity, stability, and electron transfer kinetics as compared to its bimetallic counterparts using CV, CA, and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The higher peak current and more negative onset potential is observed for ternary (BiTePd) nanofilm electrocatalyst towards ethanol oxidation reaction, according to this order: BiTePd = (1.26 mA; −055 V) > TePd = (0.527 mA; −0.535 V) > BiPd = (0.24 mA; −0.39 V) > Pd (0.13 mA; 0.35 V). Moreover, BiTePd = Rct (2.01 kΩ) gave the faster interfacial charge transfer than TePd = 2.42 kΩ, BiPd = 3.97 kΩ and Pd = 14 kΩ. BiTePd nanofilm demonstrates promising characteristic features of an active electrocatalyst for a direct ethanol fuel cell.
Influence of an acute fast on ambulatory blood pressure and autonomic cardiovascular control
Authors: Gonzalez Joshua Eric , Cooke William Harold
Published: April 2022

Evidence suggests that intermittent fasting improves cardiovascular health by reducing arterial blood pressure, but contributing mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of an acute fast on hemodynamics, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and autonomic control at rest and during an arterial pressure challenge. Twenty-five young normotensive volunteers were tested twice, in the fed and fasted (24 h) states (randomized). Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure was measured before an autonomic function test, which consisted of a 10-min period of controlled breathing (CB) at 0.25 Hz followed by 3, 15-s Valsalva maneuvers (VMs). We recorded the ECG, beat-to-beat arterial pressure, and MSNA throughout the autonomic test. Vagal-cardiac modulation via heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed in both time and frequency domains, cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) was assessed with linear regression, and stroke volume was estimated from pulse contour. All fed versus fasted comparisons presented are different at P < 0.05. Fasting reduced ambulatory mean arterial pressure (81 ± 1 vs. 78 ± 1 mmHg) and heart rate (69 ± 2 vs. 65 ± 2 beats/min). CB revealed enhanced HRV through increased R-R intervals (992 ± 30 vs. 1,059 ± 37 ms) and normalized high frequency (HFnu) R-R interval spectral power (55 ± 3 vs. 62 ± 3%). Estimated stroke volume was higher after fasting (by 13%) as was cvBRS (20 ± 2 vs. 26 ± 5 ms/mmHg) and cvBRS during phase IV of the VM (9 ± 1 vs. 12 ± 1 ms/mmHg). MSNA ( n = 12) did not change (16 ± 11 vs. 15 ± 8 bursts/min; P = 0.18). Our results show that acute fasting is consistent with improved cardiovascular health: such improvements are driven by reduced ambulatory arterial pressure and enhanced vagal-cardiac modulation.
Mitochondria as mediators of systemic inflammation and organ cross talk in acute kidney injury
Authors: Hepokoski Mark , Singh Prabhleen
Published: April 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a systemic inflammatory disease that contributes to remote organ failures. Multiple organ failure is the leading cause of death due to AKI, and lack of understanding of the mechanisms involved has precluded the development of novel therapies. Mitochondrial injury in AKI leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and release of damage-associated molecular patterns, which are known to active innate immune pathways and systemic inflammation. This review presents current evidence suggesting that extracellular mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns are mediators of remote organ failures during AKI that have the potential to be modifiable.
Post-COVID-19 Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies
Authors: Yang Ellen , Husein Adnan , Martinez-Perez Jose , Li Terrence
Published: April 2022

Background. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody disease most commonly presents with optic neuritis, though myelitis is also possible. It is rare in the post-infectious and particularly post-COVID-19 setting. Case Presentation. We present the case of a 57-year-old man who tested positive for COVID-19 and experienced respiratory symptoms that completely resolved within one week. About 3 weeks after testing positive, he began experiencing acute onset anuria, followed by lower extremity paresthesia and paraparesis, which progressed to bilateral lower extremity paraplegia, complete loss of sensation of pain, temperature, vibration, and proprioception, and a T4 sensory level. He was initially diagnosed with and treated for acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), after which he made minimal clinical improvement. The diagnosis was shifted to longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, and his CSF tested positive for MOG antibodies. He is being treated with a steroid regimen and extensive outpatient physical therapy. Conclusion. The neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 are still being uncovered. Neurologic symptoms should be included in patient education on symptom monitoring, even after recovery of respiratory illness, so that COVID-19-related CNS pathology can be urgently treated.