bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper Sulphate Toxicity of to the Golden Mussel, Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857), in Untreatment Water
Authors: Soares Miriam de Freitas Soares , Pereira Daniel , Santos C. P. dos , Mansur M. C. D. , Pires M. , Breintenbach J. O. , Grespan C.
Published: June 2010

Bench tests were performed in order to evaluate copper sulphate toxicity for golden mussels (Limnoperna fortunei), aiming to discover its lethal dose (CE50 and CE95 48 h) for mollusk control. Copper residue levels were also evaluated within the tested water volumes, shells and mollusk tissues through a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, (LD 0.0012 mg L–1 for copper). Water and golden mussel specimen samples were gathered from the Guaíba Lake, in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. L. fortunei was exposed to 1.24; 2.33; 3.88; 5.43; 7.76; 10.08; 13.19 and 15.50 mg L–1 copper concentrations through analogous copper sulphate solutions (CuSO4.5H2O). Test organisms (1.8-2 mm in length) were acclimatized (20 °C ± 1, 24 hours) in aquariums with air pumps and subjected to acute tests (48 hours). For each performed test, control groups (unexposed to copper sulphate) were submitted to the same conditions. The average Cu concentration, the standard error and minimum and maximum values obtained from golden mussel shells and tissues were 3.502 ± 0.056 (3.240-3.970) and 27.560 ± 2.406 (20.360-40.700) mg kg–1, respectively. The average, minimum and maximum CE50 and CE95 values in tested Cu concentrations were 2.16 (1.70 and 2.65) and 4.86 (3.97 and 6.47) mg L–1. The tested concentrations were responsible for 90.8% of the mortality. Lethal concentrations verified in this study are above those indicated for golden mussel control in water inlets supplying the city of Porto Alegre (0.5 to 2.0 mg L–1). According to statistic tests concerning behavioral and lethality indicators, the mussels reduced their filtration activities, their mobility and their reaction to contact after being exposed to copper, presenting a lethargic state.
The Eyjafjallajökull eruption in April 2010 – detection of volcanic plume using in-situ measurements, ozone sondes and a new generation ceilometer network
Authors: Flentje H. , Claude H. , Elste T. , Gilge S. , Köhler U. , Plass-Dülmer C. , Steinbrecht W. , Thomas W. , Werner A. , Fricke W.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Volcanic emissions from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano on the Southern fringe of Iceland were detected at different places in Germany by means of in-situ measurements, ozone sondes and a dense network of ceilometers of the German Meteorological Service (DWD). In-situ measurements of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter were performed at the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) station Zugspitze/Hohenpeissenberg. At Hohenpeissenberg, a number of reactive gases, e.g. sulphuric acid, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides were additionally measured during the period of interest. Also ozone sondes were launched at Hohenpeissenberg in the pre-alpine area. A newly established network of ceilometers (Jenoptik CHM15K) at currently 36 meteorological stations in Germany provided the temporal evolution of emissions over Germany. The sensitivity of these instruments with respect to atmospheric aerosols further allowed the inversion of gathered backscatter profiles, and aerosol extinction coefficients and particle mass concentration were finally obtained.
Influence of cracking clays on satellite estimated and model simulated soil moisture
Authors: Liu Y. Y. , Evans J. P. , McCabe M. F. , de Jeu R. A. M. , van Dijk A. I. J. M. , Su H.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Vertisols are clay soils that are common in the monsoonal and dry warm regions of the world. One of the characteristics of these soil types is to form deep cracks during periods of extended dry, resulting in significant variation of the soil and hydrologic properties. Understanding the influence of these varying soil properties on the hydrological behavior of the system is of considerable interest, particularly in the retrieval or simulation of soil moisture. In this study we compare surface soil moisture (θ in m3 m−3) retrievals from AMSR-E using the VUA-NASA (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in collaboration with NASA) algorithm with simulations from the Community Land Model (CLM) over vertisol regions of mainland Australia. For the three-year period examined here (2003–2005), both products display reasonable agreement during wet periods. During dry periods however, AMSR-E retrieved near surface soil moisture falls below values for surrounding non-clay soils, while CLM simulations are higher. CLM θ are also higher than AMSR-E and their difference keeps increasing throughout these dry periods. To identify the possible causes for these discrepancies, the impacts of land use, topography, soil properties and surface temperature used in the AMSR-E algorithm, together with vegetation density and rainfall patterns, were investigated. However these do not explain the observed θ responses. Qualitative analysis of the retrieval model suggests that the most likely reason for the low AMSR-E θ is the increase in soil porosity and surface roughness resulting from cracking of the soil. To quantitatively identify the role of each factor, more in situ measurements of soil properties that can represent different stages of cracking need to be collected. CLM does not simulate the behavior of cracking soils, including the additional loss of moisture from the soil continuum during drying and the infiltration into cracks during rainfall events, which results in overestimated θ when cracks are present. The hydrological influence of soil physical changes are expected to propagate through the modeled system, such that modeled infiltration, evaporation, surface temperature, surface runoff and groundwater recharge should be interpreted with caution over these soil types when cracks might be present. Introducing temporally dynamic roughness and soil porosity into retrieval algorithms and adding a "cracking clay" module into models are expected to improve the representation of vertisol hydrology.
Newborn Screening for 6 Lysosomal Storage Disorders in China
Authors: Chang Siyu , Zhan Xia , Liu Yuchao , Song Huanlei , Gong Zizhen , Han Lianshu , Maegawa Gustavo H. B. , Gu Xuefan , Zhang Huiwen
Published: May 2024

Importance

Newborn screening (NBS) for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) is becoming an increasing concern in public health. However, the birth prevalence of these disorders is rarely reported in the Chinese population, and subclinical forms of diseases among patients identified by NBS have not been evaluated.

Objective

To evaluate the birth prevalence of the 6 LSDs in the Shanghai population and determine subclinical forms based on clinical, biochemical, and genetic characteristics.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included 50 108 newborns recruited from 41 hospitals in Shanghai between January and December 2021 who were screened for 6 LSDs using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Participants with screen-positive results underwent molecular and biochemical tests and clinical assessments. Data were analyzed from January 2021 through October 2022.

Exposures

All participants were screened for Gaucher, acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD), Krabbe, mucopolysaccharidosis type I, Fabry, and Pompe diseases using dried blood spots.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcomes were the birth prevalence and subclinical forms of the 6 LSDs in the Shanghai population. Disease biomarker measurements, genetic testing, and clinical analysis were used to assess clinical forms of LSDs screened.

Results

Among 50 108 newborns (26 036 male [52.0%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 38.8 [1.6] weeks), the mean (SD) birth weight was 3257 (487) g. The MS/MS-based NBS identified 353 newborns who were positive. Of these, 27 newborns (7.7%) were diagnosed with 1 of 6 LSDs screened, including 2 newborns with Gaucher, 5 newborns with ASMD, 9 newborns with Krabbe, 8 newborns with Fabry, and 3 newborns with Pompe disease. The combined birth prevalence of LSDs in Shanghai was 1 diagnosis in 1856 live births, with Krabbe disease the most common (1 diagnosis/5568 live births), followed by Fabry disease (1 diagnosis/6264 live births), and ASMD (1 diagnosis/10 022 live births). Biochemical, molecular, and clinical analysis showed that early-onset clinical forms accounted for 3 newborns with positive results (11.1%), while later-onset forms represented nearly 90% of diagnoses (24 newborns [88.9%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, the combined birth prevalence of the 6 LSDs in Shanghai was remarkably high. MS/MS-based newborn screening, combined with biochemical and molecular genetic analysis, successfully identified and characterized newborns who were screen-positive, which may assist with parental counseling and management decisions.
Telehealth Expansion and Medicare Beneficiaries’ Care Quality and Access
Authors: Saharkhiz Morteza , Rao Tanvi , Parker-Lue Sara , Borelli Sara , Johnson Karin , Cataife Guido
Published: May 2024

Importance

Understanding the association of telehealth use with health care outcomes is fundamental to determining whether telehealth waivers implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency should be made permanent. The current literature has yielded inconclusive findings owing to its focus on select states, practices, or health care systems.

Objective

To estimate the association of telehealth use with outcomes for all Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries by comparing hospital service areas (HSAs) with different levels of telehealth use.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This US population-based, retrospective cohort study was conducted from July 2022 to April 2023. Participants included Medicare claims of beneficiaries attributed to HSAs with FFS enrollment in Parts A and B.

Exposures

Low, medium, or high tercile of telehealth use created by ranking HSAs according to the number of telehealth visits per 1000 beneficiaries.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were quality (ambulatory care–sensitive [ACS] hospitalizations and emergency department [ED] visits per 1000 FFS beneficiaries), access to care (clinician encounters per FFS beneficiary), and cost (total cost of care for Part A and/or B services per FFS Medicare beneficiary) determined with a difference-in-difference analysis.

Results

In this cohort study of claims from approximately 30 million Medicare beneficiaries (mean [SD] age in 2019, 71.04 [1.67] years; mean [SD] percentage female in 2019, 53.83% [2.14%]) within 3436 HSAs, between the second half of 2019 and the second half of 2021, mean ACS hospitalizations and ED visits declined sharply, mean clinician encounters per beneficiary declined slightly, and mean total cost of care per beneficiary per semester increased slightly. Compared with the low group, the high group had more ACS hospitalizations (1.63 additional hospitalizations per 1000 beneficiaries; 95% CI, 1.03-2.22 hospitalizations), more clinician encounters (0.30 additional encounters per beneficiary per semester; 95% CI, 0.23-0.38 encounters), and higher total cost of care ($164.99 higher cost per beneficiary per semester; 95% CI, $101.03-$228.96). There was no statistically significant difference in ACS ED visits between the low and high groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries across all 3436 HSAs, high levels of telehealth use were associated with more clinician encounters, more ACS hospitalizations, and higher total health care costs. COVID-19 cases were still high during the period of study, which suggests that these findings partially reflect a higher capacity for providing health services in HSAs with higher telehealth intensity than other HSAs.
Egg White Photocrosslinkable Hydrogels as Versatile Bioinks for Advanced Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Mahmoodi Mahboobeh , Darabi Mohammad Ali , Mohaghegh Neda , Erdem Ahmet , Ahari Amir , Abbasgholizadeh Reza , Tavafoghi Maryam , Mir Hashemian Paria , Hosseini Vahid , Iqbal Javed , Haghniaz Reihaneh , Montazerian Hossein , Jahangiry Jamileh , Nasrolahi Fatemeh , Mirjafari Arshia , Pagan Erik , Akbari Mohsen , Bae Hojae , John Johnson V. , Heidari Hossein , Khademhosseini Ali , Hassani Najafabadi Alireza
Published: May 2024

Three dimensional (3D) bioprinting using photocrosslinkable hydrogels has gained considerable attention due to its versatility in various applications, including tissue engineering and drug delivery. Egg White (EW) is an organic biomaterial with excellent potential in tissue engineering. It provides abundant proteins, along with biocompatibility, bioactivity, adjustable mechanical properties, and intrinsic antiviral and antibacterial features. Here, a photocrosslinkable hydrogel derived from EW is developed through methacryloyl modification, resulting in Egg White methacryloyl (EWMA). Upon exposure to UV light, synthesized EWMA becomes crosslinked, creating hydrogels with remarkable bioactivity. These hydrogels offer adjustable mechanical and physical properties compatible with most current bioprinters. The EWMA hydrogels closely resemble the native extracellular matrix (ECM) due to cell‐binding and matrix metalloproteinase‐responsive motifs inherent in EW. In addition, EWMA promotes cell growth and proliferation in 3D cultures. It facilitates endothelialization when investigated with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), making it an attractive replacement for engineering hemocompatible vascular grafts and biomedical implants. In summary, the EWMA matrix enables the biofabrication of various living constructs. This breakthrough enhances the development of physiologically relevant 3D in vitro models and opens many opportunities in regenerative medicine.
Direct Z‐Scheme Xylan‐Based Carbon Dots@TiO2‐x Nanocomposites for Visible Light Driven Photocatalytic of Dye Degradation and Antibacterial
Authors: Cong Shurui , Cai Jihai , Li Xiaoyun , You Junqin , Wang Lei , Wang Xiaoying
Published: May 2024

TiO2 photocatalysis has gained attention as a cost‐effective way of degrading contaminants. However, it relies on UV excitation and experiences rapid carrier recombination. To address these drawbacks, novel xylan‐based carbon dots@hydrogenated TiO2 (CDs@TiO2‐x) composited by direct Z‐scheme heterojunction is fabricated as a visible light‐driven photocatalytic material, which broadens the range of light absorption to visible light and suppresses the recombination of photogenerated carriers. The spindle‐shaped CDs@TiO2‐x has C/N/O/S groups, positive charges, and oxygen vacancies on its surface, and can degrade 89% of methylene blue and 87% of methyl orange within 90 min, and 99% of rhodamine B within 60 min in visible light. It also eradicates 99.9% of E. coli in 2 h and 97.1% of S. aureus in 2.5 h. These performances surpass CDs and TiO2‐x, and exhibit advantages in similar composite materials. The degradation pathways of dyes and the specific antibacterial processes induced by ROS are thoroughly investigated through LC‐MS testing and related enzyme activity assays. DFT calculations study the role of oxygen vacancies, heterojunction mechanism, and catalytic sites. This study has developed a novel nanocomposite with applications in both dye degradation and sterilization, offering insights for multifunctional materials based on photocatalysis and heterojunction.
Multiscale Porous Architecture Consisting of Graphene Aerogels and Metastructures Enabling Robust Thermal and Mechanical Functionalities of Phase Change Materials
Authors: Lee Joohyoung , Han Hyesu , Noh Dowon , Lee Jeongwoo , Lim Dahyun Daniel , Park Jinwoo , Gu Grace X. , Choi Wonjoon
Published: May 2024

Passive thermal energy storage systems using phase change materials (PCMs) are promising for resolving temporal‐spatial overheating issues from small‐ to large‐scale platforms, yet their poor shape stability due to solid–liquid transition incurs PCM leakage and weak resistance against mechanical disturbance, limiting practical applications. While foam‐stable templates for PCMs have shown complement, they reveal massive leakage and collapse of liquefied PCMs under external loads or impacts. Herein, a multiscale porous architecture consisting of graphene aerogels (GAs) and meta structures enabling robust thermal‐mechanical functionalities of PCMs (3D‐MPGA) toward sustainable phase change thermal energy storage composites is reported. 3D‐printed mechanical metamaterials employing octet‐truss cells provide supportive strength and directionally‐assisted leakage reduction, while GAs serve as porous templates with surface‐interfacial contacts, thereby fixing paraffin wax as PCM inside their nano/micropores. The 3D‐MPGA shows intrinsic thermal characteristics of bulk PCMs, and improved thermal‐mechanical‐chemical stability, confirmed by long‐term heating‐cooling cycle tests over 10 h. Moreover, it exhibits highly reinforced strength (200–5000%) within a low density across ambient and melting temperatures, and maintains original shapes in the liquefied PCMs without severe leakage, against external loads. This work inspires rational strategies for advancing robust thermal‐mechanical functionalities for PCM‐based thermal energy storage systems.
On‐Chip Annealing Using Embedded Micro‐Heater for Highly Sensitive and Selective Gas Detection
Authors: Park Jinwoo , Shin Hunhee , Jung Gyuweon , Hong Seongbin , Park Min‐Kyu , Hwang Joon , Bae Jong‐Ho , Kim Jae‐Joon , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: May 2024

The demand for gas sensing systems that enable fast and precise gas recognition is growing rapidly. However, substantial challenges arise from the complex fabrication process of sensor arrays, time‐consuming data transmission to an external processor, and high energy consumption in multi‐stage data processing. In this study, a gas sensing system using on‐chip annealing for fast and power‐efficient gas detection is proposed. By utilizing a micro‐heater embedded in the gas sensor, the sensing material of adjacent sensors in the same substrate can be easily varied without further fabrication steps. The response to oxidizing gas is constrained in metal oxide (MOX) sensing material with small grain sizes, as the depletion width of grain cannot extend beyond the grain size during the gas reaction. On the other hand, the response to reducing gases and humidity, which decrease the depletion width, is less affected by grain sizes. A readout circuit integrating a differential amplifier and dual FET‐type gas sensors effectively emphasizes the response to oxidizing gases by canceling the response to reducing gases and humidity. The selective on‐chip annealing method is applicable to various MOX sensing materials, demonstrating its potential for application in commercial fields due to its simplicity and expandability.
Self‐Healing Magnetic Field‐Assisted Threshold Switching Device Utilizing Dual Field‐Driven Filamentary Physics
Authors: Chu Daeyoung , Han Donghwan , Kang Sanghyun , Kim Gwon , Choi Yejoo , Jang Eungyo , Shin Changhwan
Published: May 2024

Advanced filamentary devices are crucial for developing low‐power devices to implement high‐speed logic and neuromorphic devices. Among these, HfO2‐based filamentary devices have attracted attention as viable options due to their threshold‐switching characteristics and compatibility with complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology. However, the unpredictability of conventional filament formation/rupture driven by an electric field challenges consistency and reliability. A paradigm shift from conventional stochastic electric field‐driven ion migration to controllable ion‐based transportation is essential to devise functional low‐power devices capable of controlling the filament process. This work introduces a magnetic field‐assisted threshold switching (MA‐TS) device, which integrates a neodymium magnet and a nickel (Ni) barrier layer to enable controlled dual field‐driven ion transportation. The dual field‐driven process combining the conventional vertical electric field‐driven ion migration with lateral magnetic field‐driven ion transportation, reveals a distinctive aspect of ion movement. The MA‐TS device achieves superior performances characterized by an ultra‐low threshold voltage (≈0 V), minimized leakage current in the off‐state, a variation‐immune hysteresis‐free characteristic, enhanced yield, and revival‐ability (i.e., self‐healing) after a failed TS operation. By overcoming the limitations of conventional filamentary devices, the MA‐TS device opens up a promising avenue for efficient and stable low‐power applications.
An Alkyne‐Bridged Covalent Organic Framework Featuring Interactive Pockets for Bromine Capture
Authors: De Ankita , Haldar Sattwick , Schmidt Johannes , Amirjalayer Saeed , Reichmayr Fanny , Lopatik Nikolaj , Shupletsov Leonid , Brunner Eike , Weidinger Inez M. , Schneemann Andreas
Published: May 2024

The high degree of corrosivity and reactivity of bromine, which is released from various sources, poses a serious threat to the environment. Moreover, its coexistence with iodine forming an equilibrium compound, iodine monobromide (IBr) necessitates the selective capture of bromine from halogen mixtures. The electrophilicity of halogens to π‐electron rich structures enabled us to strategically design a covalent organic framework for halogen capture, featuring a defined pore environment with localized sorption sites. The higher capture capacity of bromine (4.6 g g−1) over iodine by ~41 % shows its potential in selective capture. Spectroscopic results uncovering the preferential interaction sites are supported by theoretical investigations. The alkyne bridge is a core functionality promoting the selectivity in capture by synergistic physisorption, rationalized by the higher orbital overlap of bromine due to its smaller atomic size as well as reversible chemical interactions. The slip stacking in the structure has further promoted this phenomenon by creating clusters of molecular interaction sites with bromine intercalated between the layers. The inclusion of unsaturated moieties, i.e. triple bonds and the complementary pore geometry offer a promising design strategy for the construction of porous materials for halogen capture.
Stepwise Protonation of Three‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhancing Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis
Authors: Dong Pengfei , Xu Xinyu , Wu Taikang , Luo Rengan , Kong Weisu , Xu Zhiyuan , Yuan Shuai , Zhou Jun , Lei Jianping
Published: May 2024

Three‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs), recognized for their tailorable structures and accessible active sites, offer a promising platform for developing advanced photocatalysts. However, the difficulty in the synthesis and functionalization of 3D COFs hinders their further development. In this study, we present a series of 3D‐bcu‐COFs with 8 connected porphyrin units linked by linear linkers through imine bonds as a versatile platform for photocatalyst design. The photoresponse of 3D‐bcu‐COFs was initially modulated by functionalizing linear linkers with benzo‐thiadiazole or benzo‐selenadiazole groups. Furthermore, taking advantage of the well‐exposed porphyrin and imine sites in 3D‐bcu‐COFs, their photocatalytic activity was optimized by stepwise protonation of imine bonds and porphyrin centers. The dual protonated COF with benzo‐selenadiazole groups exhibited enhanced charge separation, leading to an increased photocatalytic H2O2 production under visible light. This enhancement demonstrates the combined benefits of linker functionalization and stepwise protonation on photocatalytic efficiency.
A ternary composite hydrophilic electrospinning membrane containing Au for fast oil–water separation and antibiotics degradation
Authors: Qi Ningxuan , Gao Mingyuan , Xu Tong , Li Chunping , Bai Jie
Published: May 2024

Water pollution from industrial wastewater and oil spills, which threat marine lives and mankind continually have turned into one of the most severe challenges in worldwide due to the fast development of global industrialization and human activities. Various water‐treatment methods have been developed to solve the problems. However, these processes are often complicated and costly, making them fail to address the complicate water environment. Herein, a visible light‐responsive Au‐BiOCl/TiO2/PAN composite membrane with hydrophilic surface was prepared by combing electrospinning with solvothermal method. The composite membranes can efficiently separate emulsions with the highest flux of 50.16 L m−2 h−1 and oil/water mixtures (the highest flux was 4777.07 L m−2 h−1 bar−1). Moreover, the membranes can rapidly degrade antibiotics with an excellent degradation rate (95.70% in 60 min) under the visible light. Additionally, they can simultaneously degrade organic dye and separate oil/water emulsions under a gravity condition. It is expected that composite membranes will be an attractive candidate for complex wastewater treatment.
Machine learning investigation of polylactic acid bead foam extrusion
Authors: Shah Karim Ali , Brütting Christian , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Ruckdäschel Holger
Published: May 2024

This study employs machine learning algorithms to analyze the bead foam extrusion process and to assess the impact of processing parameters, specifically focusing on their effects on bead foam density and melt pressure in under water granulation (UWG) for polylactic acid (PLA). These interrelated parameters, influenced by processing parameters such as temperature, screw speed, and blowing agent, possess challenges for traditional empirical methods to capture. The key factors that significantly impact the prediction of melt pressure in UWG are blowing agent, injector pressure, temperature in B‐extruder and die size. Likewise, essential parameters for predicting bead foam density comprise blowing agent, injector pressure, temperature in B‐extruder, die plate temperature, melt temperature in B‐extruder, and melt pressure in B‐extruder. Machine learning (ML) models were employed to forecast bead foam density and melt pressure in UWG using various processing parameters in PLA bead foam extrusion. The random forest model achieved a high coefficient of determination score of 0.96 for predicting melt pressure in UWG. Additionally, the decision tree model demonstrated effective predictions for bead density, with the score: 0.81. These ML models can be applied to diverse materials, leading to more sustainable, efficient processes for bead foam extrusion.
Investigating the effect of electromagnetic field and Eucalyptus oil Citriodora on polymorphism of PVDF film
Authors: Doaei Marjan , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Saljoughi Ehsan , Karkhanechi Hamed
Published: May 2024

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films were prepared for evaluating the effect of electromagnetic field and Eucalyptus oil Citriodora as an additive on the polymorphism. The values of PVDF crystalline phases were determined by attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry was performed to achieve the crystallinity degree of the PVDF films. To evaluate the impact of the electromagnetic field on the PVDF crystalline phases, the polymeric solution was placed in 1 tesla electromagnetic field for different times. The proper time for dominating the β phase was determined 10 min. Additionally, the sum of β and γ phases percentages augmented from 28.8 for the sample without the additive of Eucalyptus oil Citriodora to 65.2 for the sample containing 8% additive.
Ameliorating carbon capture efficiency of polysulfone membranes via collegial incorporation of zeolite imidazole frameworks and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Sarfraz Muhammad , Alomar Muneerah , Ma Xiaohua , Riaz Aqib
Published: May 2024

Continuously exacerbating situation of global warming can be effectively mitigated by controlling carbon emissions from combustion processes through economically attractive membrane technology. Carbon capture efficiency of prospective membranes can be significantly improved via synergistically incorporating CO2‐selective ZIF‐300 nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polysulfone (PSF) matrix. Solution‐casting coupled with phase‐inversion processes were employed to concoct hybrid membranes containing varying loadings of both nanofillers. Manufactured composite membranes showed improved matrix structure, uniform nanofillers scattering, enhanced thermal resistance, and ameliorated nanofillers‐polysulfone interfacial adhesion as evidenced by morphological and thermal analysis. Both sorption and permeation measurements for CO2 and N2 gases performed on created membranes indicated upgraded CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 permselectivity on account of collegial impact of added nanofillers. In contrast to pristine polysulfone membrane rendering CO2 intake of 4.1 and CO2/N2 sorption selectivity of 12, hybrid membrane containing 15% ZIF‐300 and 3% CNTs uplifted corresponding values to 12 and 22, respectively. As compared to unadulterated polysulfone membrane, CO2 permeability and CO2/N2 permselectivity of hybrid membrane doped with optimized nanofillers loading of were, respectively, elevated by five‐ and three‐folds. Unique features of manufactured membranes can best be manifested in terms of their ability to maintain gas separation performance from post‐combustion effluents.
Emergence of a Hidden Magnetic Phase in LaFe11.8Si1.2 Investigated by Inelastic Neutron Scattering as a Function of Magnetic Field and Temperature
Authors: Morrison Kelly , Betouras Joseph J. , Venkat Guru , Ewings Russell A. , Caruana Andrew J. , Skokov Konstantin P. , Gutfleisch Oliver , Cohen Lesley F.
Published: May 2024

The NaZn13 type itinerant magnet LaFe13−xSix has seen considerable interest due to its unique combination of large magnetocaloric effect and low hysteresis. Here, this alloy with a combination of magnetometry, bespoke microcalorimetry, and inelastic neutron scattering is investigated. Inelastic neutron scattering reveals the presence of broad quasielastic scattering that persists across the magnetic transition, which is attributed to spin fluctuations. In addition, a quasielastic peak is observed at Q = 0.52 Å−1 for x = 1.2 that exists only in the paramagnetic state in proximity to the itinerant metamagnetic transition and argue that this indicates emergence of a hidden mag the netic phase that drives the first‐order phase transition in this system.
Observation of Hydrostatic‐Pressure‐Modulated Giant Caloric Effect and Electronic Topological Transition
Authors: Yang Jinying , Liu Xingchen , Wang Yibo , Zhang Shen , Liu Yang , Dong Xuebin , Feng Yiting , Ren Qiusa , He Ping , Lyu Meng , Wang Binbin , Wang Shouguo , Wu Guangheng , Zhang Xixiang , Liu Enke
Published: May 2024

Phase transition is a fundamental phenomenon in condensed matter physics, in which states of matter transform to each other with various critical behaviors under different conditions. The magnetic martensitic transformation features significant multi‐caloric effects that benefit the solid‐state cooling or heat pumping. Meanwhile, the electronic topological transition (ETT) driven by pressure has been rarely reported in martensitic systems. Here, the modulation effects of hydrostatic pressure on phase transitions in a magnetic martensitic alloy are reported. Owing to the huge volume expansion during the transition, the martensitic transition temperature is driven from 339 to 273 K by pressure within 1 GPa, resulting in highly tunable giant baro‐ and magneto‐caloric effects (BCE and MCE) in a wide working temperature range. Interestingly, an ETT is further induced by pressure in the martensite phase, with a sudden drop of the measured saturation magnetization around 0.6 GPa. First‐principles calculations reveal a sharp change in the density of states (DOS) due to the orbit shift around the Fermi level at the same pressure and reproduce the experimental observation of magnetization. Besides, the ETT is accompanied by remarkable changes in the lattice parameters and the unit‐cell orthorhombicity. The study provides insight into pressure‐modulated exotic phase‐transition phenomena in magnetic martensitic systems.
Weaving feathers of intangible and tangible knowledge: Historical records and human‐bird interactions in the Marquesas Islands
Authors: Pillay Patricia
Published: May 2024

Birds fulfilled an essential role in ancient Polynesian cultures. They were prized for their bones and colourful feathers, fat, and protein; their cultural importance is further highlighted in Polynesian oral histories. This research investigates the dynamics of human‐bird interactions over time in the Marquesas Archipelago as known from archaeology, oral histories, ethnohistorical records, and museum collections. I analyse the range of avian taxa represented across the various datasets and their cultural uses. The results demonstrate that while some species are represented across one or more datasets, understanding the full extent of species’ cultural roles and use requires more than one thread of analysis, particularly for those taxa with limited or no archaeological signature. Two forms of managed resource use emerge from this study. One is tapu (prohibition of use), and the second is the conservative use of birds as a resource such as restricted feather collecting. Red feathers, represented in museum objects and historical accounts, highlight multiple taxa being used for specific adornment types. The combined analyses provide insights into the loss and persistence of species, as well as aspects of Marquesan cultural management.
From genetic mosaicism to tumorigenesis through indirect genetic effects
Authors: Capp Jean‐Pascal , Catania Francesco , Thomas Frédéric
Published: May 2024

Genetic mosaicism has long been linked to aging, and several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the potential connections between mosaicism and susceptibility to cancer. It has been proposed that mosaicism may disrupt tissue homeostasis by affecting intercellular communications and releasing microenvironmental constraints within tissues. The underlying mechanisms driving these tissue‐level influences remain unidentified, however. Here, we present an evolutionary perspective on the interplay between mosaicism and cancer, suggesting that the tissue‐level impacts of genetic mosaicism can be attributed to Indirect Genetic Effects (IGEs). IGEs can increase the level of cellular stochasticity and phenotypic instability among adjacent cells, thereby elevating the risk of cancer development within the tissue. Moreover, as cells experience phenotypic changes in response to challenging microenvironmental conditions, these changes can initiate a cascade of nongenetic alterations, referred to as Indirect non‐Genetic Effects (InGEs), which in turn catalyze IGEs among surrounding cells. We argue that incorporating both InGEs and IGEs into our understanding of the process of oncogenic transformation could trigger a major paradigm shift in cancer research with far‐reaching implications for practical applications.
Transfemoral‐only transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A single center experience of 400 consecutive patients
Authors: Moccetti Federico , Wolfrum Mathias , Bossard Matthias , Attinger‐Toller Adrian , Loretz Lucca , Cuculi Florim , Toggweiler Stefan
Published: May 2024

Background

In transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transfemoral (TF) access offers several advantages over alternative access routes. Advances in sheaths and valve delivery technology have catalyzed the feasibility of TF‐TAVR, even in challenging anatomies.

Aims

Report procedural characteristics and outcomes of a TAVR program aiming for a 100% TF access rate.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TAVR were enrolled in a prospective registry. Equipment used to facilitate TF‐access in challenging anatomies included low‐profile sheaths, dilatators, peripheral balloons, covered and uncovered self‐expanding and balloon‐expandable stents, and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL).

Results

A total of 400 patients with a mean age of 81 ± 6 years (42% female) were analyzed. Minimal iliofemoral artery diameter (MLD) of the main access side was <5 mm in 42 (10.5%), extreme tortuosity was present in 65 (16.3%), and severe calcification in 59 (14.8%). TF‐access was successful in 399 (99.8%) patients. A transaxillary access was used in one patient. In multivariable analysis, an MLD < 5 mm was the strongest predictor for vascular complications (11.9% vs. 3.9%, OR: 3.86, 95% CI: 1.38−10.8, p = 0.01). Such patients also had more major/life‐threatening bleeding (14.2% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001) and required more planned and unplanned peripheral interventions to enable TF access (35.8% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study shows that utilization of dedicated sheaths, peripheral balloons, stents, and IVL enables TAVR via TF access in >99% of patients. However, rates of vascular and bleeding complications in patients with narrow iliofemoral arteries (MLD < 5 mm) were high.
A case of post‐renal acute kidney injury caused by bilateral ureterolithiasis
Authors: Morino Junki , Hirai Keiji , Morishita Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Bilateral ureterolithiasis is rare but can cause acute kidney injury (AKI). Clinicians should first examine for post‐renal causes of AKI, even if the patient lacks subjective symptoms.

This letter describes a case of bilateral ureterolithiasis which presented with post‐renal acute kidney injury (AKI) and was successfully treated by bilateral retrograde ureteric stenting. Clinicians should be aware of post‐renal AKI caused by bilateral ureterolithiasis when acute worsening of renal function with oliguria is observed.
Squamous cell papilloma of the hypopharynx with elongated villous projections
Authors: Suzuki Masami , Yoshida Naohiro , Miura Takaya , Okabe Naota , Hiruta Masahiro
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Squamous cell papilloma with elongated villous projections may occur in the hypopharynx and present with symptoms observable on physical examination.
Acute splenic hematoma: A rare complication of snake bite
Authors: Thapa Niranjan , Regmi Shiva K. , Basukala Sunil , Paudel Sandip , Shrestha Oshan , Mehta Bipin , Manoj K. C. , Singh Kaushal K.
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Splenic hematoma secondary to snake bite is a potential complication due to snake envenomation and poses a significant risk to the health of the patients. Although relatively rare, this complication once diagnosed, should be initiated with timely anti‐venom administration and supportive care. Clinicians must be aware of any signs of hematological abnormalities in snakebite patients, as the development of splenic hematoma can have serious implications for patient outcomes. Awareness of this potential complication and multidisciplinary collaboration among medical teams are crucial to ensuring effective management and optimal patient care in these clinical scenarios. Understanding this concern can improve patient prognosis and advance the overall approach to snakebite management in healthcare settings.
Bioorthogonal Cycloadditions of C3‐Trifluoromethylated 1,2,4‐Triazines with trans‐Cyclooctenes
Authors: Šlachtová Veronika , Motornov Vladimir , Beier Petr , Vrabel Milan
Published: May 2024

1,2,4‐triazines are a valuable class of heterodienes that can be employed in inverse electron‐demand Diels–Alder reactions. However, their broader application in bioorthogonal chemistry is limited due to their low reactivity. This article focuses on 3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1,2,4‐triazines, which can be efficiently prepared in a one‐pot reaction from NH‐1,2,3‐triazoles. These triazines are highly reactive in reactions with strained cyclooctenes, giving second‐order rate constants as high as 230 M−1 s−1. Despite their high reactivity, the compounds remain sufficiently stable under biologically relevant conditions. We show that some of the compounds are fluorogenic, a property of potential use in bioimaging. In addition, we demonstrate the successful application of the triazines in labeling model biomolecules. Our work shows that the reactivity of 1,2,4‐triazines can be enhanced by the 3‐CF3‐substitution, which we consider an important step toward the wider use of this promising class of reagents.
Influence of Chemical Modifications of the Crystallophore on Protein Nucleating Properties and Supramolecular Interactions Network
Authors: Roux Amandine , Alsalman Zaynab , Jiang Tao , Mulatier Jean‐Christophe , Pitrat Delphine , Dumont Elise , Riobé François , Gillet Natacha , Girard Eric , Maury Olivier
Published: May 2024

Crystallophores are lanthanide complexes that have demonstrated outstanding induction of crystallization for various proteins. This article explores the effect of tailored modifications of the crystallophore first generation and their impact on the nucleating properties and protein crystal structures. Through high‐throughput crystallization experiments and dataset analysis, we evaluated the effectiveness of these variants, in comparison to the first crystallophore generation G1. In particular, the V1 variant, featuring a propanol pendant arm, demonstrated the ability to produce new crystallization conditions for the proteins tested (hen‐egg white lysozyme, proteinase K and thaumatin). Structural analysis performed in the case of hen egg‐white lysozyme along with Molecular Dynamics simulations, highlights V1′s unique behavior, taking advantage of the flexibility of its propanol arm to explore different protein surfaces and form versatile supramolecular interactions.
Revealing the Mechanistic Features of an Electrosynthetic Catalytic Reaction and the Role of Redox Mediators through DFT Calculations and Microkinetic Modeling
Authors: Díaz‐Ruiz Marina , Nieto‐Rodríguez Marc , Maseras Feliu
Published: May 2024

Organic electrosynthesis is an emerging field that provides original selectivity while adding features of atom economy, sustainability, and selectivity. Electrosynthesis is often enhanced by redox mediators or electroauxiliaries. The mechanistic understanding of organic electrosynthesis is however often limited by the low lifetime of intermediates and its difficult detection. In this work, we report a computational analysis of the mechanism of an appealing reaction previously reported by Mei and co‐workers which is catalyzed by copper and employs iodide as redox mediator. Our scheme combines DFT calculations with microkinetic modeling and covers both the reaction in solution and the electrodic steps. A detailed mechanistic scheme is obtained which reproduces well experimental data and opens perspectives for the general treatment of these processes.
A century of statistical Ecology
Authors: Gilbert Neil A. , Amaral Bruna R. , Smith Olivia M. , Williams Peter J. , Ceyzyk Sydney , Ayebare Samuel , Davis Kayla L. , Leuenberger Wendy , Doser Jeffrey W. , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: May 2024

As data and computing power have surged in recent decades, statistical modeling has become an important tool for understanding ecological patterns and processes. Statistical modeling in ecology faces two major challenges. First, ecological data may not conform to traditional methods, and second, professional ecologists often do not receive extensive statistical training. In response to these challenges, the journal Ecology has published many innovative statistical ecology papers that introduced novel modeling methods and provided accessible guides to statistical best practices. In this paper, we reflect on Ecology's history and its role in the emergence of the subdiscipline of statistical ecology, which we define as the study of ecological systems using mathematical equations, probability, and empirical data. We showcase 36 influential statistical ecology papers that have been published in Ecology over the last century and, in so doing, comment on the evolution of the field. As data and computing power continue to increase, we anticipate continued growth in statistical ecology to tackle complex analyses and an expanding role for Ecology to publish innovative and influential papers, advancing the discipline and guiding practicing ecologists.
Nickel–Nitrogen–Carbon (Ni–N–C) Electrocatalysts Toward CO2 electroreduction to CO: Advances, Optimizations, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Pang Qingqing , Fan Xizheng , Sun Kaihang , Xiang Kun , Li Baojun , Zhao Shufang , Kim Young Dok , Liu Qiaoyun , Liu Zhongyi , Peng Zhikun
Published: May 2024

Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 into high energy‐density fuels and value‐added chemicals under mild conditions can promote the sustainable cycle of carbon and decrease current energy and environmental problems. Constructing electrocatalyst with high activity, selectivity, stability, and low cost is really matter to realize industrial application of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (ECR). Metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C), especially Ni–N–C, display excellent performance, such as nearly 100% CO selectivity, high current density, outstanding tolerance, etc., which is considered to possess broad application prospects. Based on the current research status, starting from the mechanism of ECR and the existence form of Ni active species, the latest research progress of Ni–N–C electrocatalysts in CO2 electroreduction is systematically summarized. An overview is emphatically interpreted on the regulatory strategies for activity optimization over Ni–N–C, including N coordination modulation, vacancy defects construction, morphology design, surface modification, heteroatom activation, and bimetallic cooperation. Finally, some urgent problems and future prospects on designing Ni–N–C catalysts for ECR are discussed. This review aims to provide the guidance for the design and development of Ni–N–C catalysts with practical application.
Improvement of both human and animal memory by synergy between fructooligosaccharide and L‐theanine function establishing a safe and effective food supplement
Authors: Li Yuan , Jiang Yuying , Zhang Zubing , Loake Verity I. P. , Bao Xu , Loake Gary J.
Published: May 2024

Aging is classically associated with a decline of cognitive abilities, especially in relation to memory. While the development of potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases has been in sharp focus, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a form of age‐related memory loss, in the absence of severe functional impairment, a condition experienced by many healthy adults, has received relatively little attention. Advances in this space would make significant contributions to the goal of healthy aging and may also help promote cognitive performance across the wider population. The individual action of either fructooligosaccharide (FOS) or L‐theanine, both natural plant‐derived molecules, has been tentatively linked with improvements in cognition, but our understanding remains far from complete. We therefore determined the effect of different dose combinations of FOS and L‐theanine (termed MT‐01/GBL‐Memory1) in mice against FOS and L‐theanine monotherapy. FOS and L‐theanine were found to synergistically enhance murine memory in our animal tests at a dose of 100 mg/kg (coefficient of drug interaction (CDI) < 1). In a subsequent human trial, we demonstrated that MT‐01 improved the memory of healthy adults after 1 month of consumption. Our results suggest that a combination of FOS and L‐theanine synergistically enhances murine memory within a specific dose range. We show that this plant natural product regimen also improves human memory in a population of healthy adults. MT‐01 therefore represents a novel, safe, and effective dietary supplement to promote human memory and cognition.