bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biosorption potential of natural, pyrolysed and acid-assisted pyrolysed sugarcane bagasse for the removal of lead from contaminated water
Authors: Shah Ghulam Mustafa , Nasir Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Bakhat Hafiz Faiq , Rabbani Faiz , Sajjad Muhammad , Umer Farooq Abu Bakr , Ahmad Sajjad , Song Lifen 
Published: September 2018

Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous pollutant which poses serious threats to plants, animals and humans once entered into the food chain via contaminated industrial effluents on their discharge into the surface of water bodies and/or geological materials. This study aimed to examine and compare the biosorption potential of natural sugarcane bagasse (NB), pyrolysed sugarcane bagasse (PB) and acid assisted pyrolysed sugarcane bagasse (APB) for the removal of Pb from contaminated water. To explore this objective, a series of batch experiments were conducted at various adsorbent mass (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 g per 100 ml contaminated water), initial Pb concentration (7, 15, 30, 60 and 120 ppm), and contact time (7, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min). Results revealed that all the tested bio-sorbents have potential to adsorb and remove Pb ions from the contaminated water. In this regard, APB proved more effective since it removed 98% of Pb from aqueous solution at initial Pb concentration of 7 ppm and mass of 0.25 g per 100 ml of aqueous solution. The respective values in case of NB and PB were 90 and 95%. For a given adsorbent type, Pb adsorption decreased by increasing the mass from 0.25 to 1.0 g per 100 ml of aqueous solution. However, the greatest Pb removal occurred at adsorbent mass of 1.0 g per 100 ml of aqueous solution. Initial Pb concentration had a great impact on Pb adsorption and removal by adsorbent. The former increased and the latter decreased with the increase in initial Pb concentration from seven to 120 ppm. At seven ppm Pb concentration, maximum Pb removal took place irrespective to the adsorbent type. Out of the total Pb adsorption and removal, maximum contribution occurred within 15 min of contact time between the adsorbate and adsorbent, which slightly increased till 30 min, thereafter, it reached to equilibrium. Application of equilibrium isotherm models revealed that our results were better fitted with Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. Overall, and for the reasons detailed above, it is concluded that sugarcane bagasse has capabilities to adsorb and remove Pb ions from contaminated water. Its bio-sorption potential was considerably increased after pyrolysis and acid treatment.
Distinguishing between enduring and dynamic concussion symptoms: applying Generalisability Theory to the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ)
Authors: Medvedev Oleg N. , Theadom Alice , Barker-Collo Suzanne , Feigin Valery ,   BIONIC Research Group
Published: September 2018

Background
The Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) is a widely-used, 16-item measure of concussion symptoms yet its ability to assess change in the symptom experience over time has come under criticism. We applied Generalisability theory to differentiate between dynamic and enduring aspects of post-concussion symptoms and to examine sources of measurement error in the RPQ.

Materials and Methods
Generalisability theory was applied using the longitudinal design with persons as the object of measurement. Patients with a traumatic brain injury (n = 145; aged ≥16 years) were assessed at three time occasions (1, 6 and 12 months post-injury) using the RPQ.

Results
The RPQ showed overall strong generalisability of scores (G = .98) across persons and occasions with a minor proportion of variance attributed to the dynamic aspect of symptoms reflected by interaction between person and occasion. Items measuring concentration, fatigue, restlessness and irritability reflected more dynamic patterns compared to more enduring patterns of sensitivity to noise, impatience, nausea and sleep disturbance.

Conclusion
The RPQ demonstrated strong reliability in assessing enduring post-concussion symptoms but its ability to assess dynamic symptoms is limited. Clinicians should exercise caution in use of the RPQ to track dynamic symptom change over time. Further investigation is necessary to enhance the RPQ’s ability to assess dynamic symptoms and to address measurement error associated with individual items.
Functions ofCandida albicanscell wall glycosidasesDfg5pandDcw1pin biofilm formation and HOG MAPK pathway
Authors: Mancuso Ryan , Chinnici Jennifer , Tsou Charlene , Busarajan Sujay , Munnangi Raveena , Maddi Abhiram 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundCandida albicansis a commensal fungus that inhabits the oral mucosal surface and causes oral and systemic candidiasis. Oral candidiasis most commonly occurs in patients with AIDS, denture wearers and newborn children. Systemic candidiasis occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients and patients admitted to hospitals for prolonged periods.C. albicanshomologous genes,DFG5andDCW1, encode for two closely related cell wall proteins with putative glycosyltransferase enzyme activity and C-terminal GPI-anchors. Past studies have shown that individualDFG5andDCW1mutations are viable but simultaneous deletion ofDFG5andDCW1inC. albicansresults in lethality. However, the exact functions of these cell wall based enzymes, which represent potential drug targets, are not understood.MethodsC. albicansDFG5/DCW1heterologous and conditional double mutant strains were assessed for growth and biofilm formation in comparison to wild type and parental strains. Cell wall and heat stress susceptibility of the mutant and control strains were assessed using agar spotting assays. Growth was assessed under normal and osmotic stress conditions along with light microscopy imaging. Biofilm dry weight and microscopic imaging analysis of biofilms was performed. Hypha formation in response to serum was analyzed using light microscopy imaging. Western blot analysis of mutant strains and control strains was performed to assess Hog1 basal levels and phosphorylation status.ResultsAnalysis of the heterologous mutants indicated that Dfg5p is more important for growth while Dcw1p appeared to play a role in cell wall integrity response. The conditional double mutant was observed to be less resistant to cell wall stress. However, growth of the mutants was similar under control and osmotic stress conditions. The mutants were also able to grow similar to wild type under heat stress. Biofilm formation was reduced in the mutants whereDFG5was deleted or suppressed. Hyphal morphogenesis was reduced although germ tube formation was observed in the biofilms of the mutant strains. Basal Hog1 protein levels were reduced or absent in theDFG5andDCW1mutants. However, osmotic stress was able to induce Hog1 protein levels comparable to wild type. Hog1 phosphorylation appeared to be slightly reduced although not significantly. In addition to biofilm assays, serum dose response imaging analysis indicated that hyphae formation inDFG5andDCW1mutants was defective.ConclusionsThese data indicate thatDFG5andDCW1are required for hyphal morphogenesis and biofilm formation inC. albicans. These functions may be regulated via basal Hog1 MAPK which is required for transcriptional regulation of chitin synthesis.
Treatments and Patient Outcomes Following Stroke Center Expansion
Authors: Shen Yu-Chu , Kim Anthony S. , Hsia Renee Y. 
Published: November 2024

ImportanceIt is unclear how certified stroke center expansion contributes to improved access to stroke treatment and patient outcomes, and whether these outcomes differ by baseline stroke center access.ObjectiveTo examine changes in rates of admission to stroke centers, receipt of thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, and mortality when a community gains a newly certified stroke center within a 30-minute drive.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study compared changes in patient outcomes when a community (defined by area zip code) experienced a stroke center expansion relative to the same community type that did not experience a change in access. Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to hospitals between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019, were included. The data analysis was performed between October 1, 2023, and September 9, 2024.ExposureNew certification of a stroke center within a 30-minute driving time of a community.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe main outcomes were rates of admission to a certified stroke center, receipt of thrombolytics (delivered using drip-and-ship and drip-and-stay methods), mechanical thrombectomy, and 30-day and 1-year mortality estimated using a linear probability model with community fixed effects.ResultsAmong the 2 853 508 patients studied (mean [SD] age, 79.5 [8.5] years; 56% female), 66% lived in communities that had a stroke center nearby at baseline in 2009, and 34% lived in communities with no baseline access. For patients without baseline access, after stroke center expansion, the likelihood of admission to a stroke center increased by 38.98 percentage points (95% CI, 37.74-40.21 percentage points), and receipt of thrombolytics increased by 0.48 percentage points (95% CI, 0.24-0.73 percentage points). Thirty-day and 1-year mortality decreased by 0.28 percentage points (95% CI, −0.56 to −0.01) and 0.50 percentage points (95% CI, −0.84 to −0.15 percentage points), respectively, after expansion. For patients in communities with baseline stroke center access, expansion was associated with an increase of 9.37 percentage points (95% CI, 8.63-10.10 percentage points) in admission to a stroke center but no significant changes in other outcomes.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, patients living in communities without baseline stroke center access experienced significant increases in stroke center admission and thrombolysis and a significant decrease in mortality after a stroke center expansion. Improvements were smaller in communities with preexisting stroke center access. These findings suggest that newly certified stroke centers may provide greater benefits to underserved areas and are an important consideration when deciding when and where to expand health care services.
Enhancement of Synaptic Behavior in Organic Electrochemical Transistors via the Introduction of Layer‐by‐Layer Grown Metal‐Organic Framework
Authors: Park Sung Moon , Won Yousang , Oh Joon Hak , Lee Eun Kwang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOrganic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are promising for neuromorphic architectures as they can generate multiple electrical states through the control of ion transport. However, conventional OECTs face limitations in mimicking a fully functional biological synapse due to their inability to achieve long‐term plasticity. In this study, a metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐enhanced OECT (MOECT) is fabricated by introducing MOF into the ion‐organic semiconductor (OSC) layer. MOFs are synthesized using the layer‐by‐layer (LBL) method, and additional cross‐linked OSC is introduced to prevent damage to the semiconductor layers during synthesis. The synthesized MOF layers hinder the rediffusion of ions in OECT, allowing ions to remain in the OSC for an extended period. In this study, the MOECT showed a change in current depending on the doping level, recording a current state 4.4 × 107 times higher than that of pristine OECT. Ultimately, the developed MOECTs are applied as synaptic transistors. MOECTs show 14% higher excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) after 130 s compared to pristine OECT, thereby strengthening the long‐term plasticity characteristics of neuromorphic devices. This method enhances the performance of synaptic transistors by introducing MOF, offering various possibilities through the selection of different MOF structures and ions, indicating it is a methodological approach with high potential.
High‐Temperature Superconductivity in Perovskite Hydride Below 10 GPa
Authors: Du Mingyang , Huang Hongyu , Zhang Zihan , Wang Min , Song Hao , Duan Defang , Cui Tian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHydrogen and hydride materials have long been considered promising materials for high‐temperature superconductivity. However, the extreme pressures required for the metallization of hydrogen‐based superconductors limit their applications. Here, a series of high‐temperature perovskite hydrides is designed that can be stable within 10 GPa. The research covered 182 ternary systems and ultimately determined that eight new compounds are stable within 20 GPa, of which five exhibited superconducting transition temperatures exceeding 120 K within 10 GPa, including KGaH3 (146 K at 10 GPa), RbInH3 (130 K at 6 GPa), CsInH3 (153 K at 9 GPa), RbTlH3 (170 K at 4 GPa) and CsTlH3 (163 K at 7 GPa). Excitingly, KGaH3 and RbGaH3 are thermodynamically stable at 50 GPa. Among these perovskite hydrides, alkali metals are responsible for providing a fixed amount of charge and supporting alloy framework composed of hydrogen and IIIA group elements to maintain stable crystal structure, while the cubic hydrogen alloy framework formed by IIIA group elements and hydrogen is crucial for high‐temperature superconductivity. This work will inspire further experimental exploration and take an important step in the exploration of low‐pressure stable high‐temperature superconductors.
Fundamentals and Implication of Point of Zero Charge (PZC) Determination for Activated Carbons in Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Slesinska Sylwia , Galek Przemysław , Menzel Jakub , Donne Scott W. , Fic Krzysztof , Płatek‐Mielczarek Anetta 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe point of zero charge (PZC) is a crucial parameter for investigating the charge storage mechanisms in energy storage systems at the molecular level. This paper presents findings from three different electrochemical techniques, compared for the first time: cyclic voltammetry (CV), staircase potentio electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (SPEIS), and step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPECS), for two activated carbons (ACs) with 0.1 mol L−1 aqueous solution of LiNO3, Li2SO4, and KI. The charging process of AC operating in aqueous electrolytes appears as a complex phenomenon – all ionic species take an active part in electric double‐layer formation and the ion‐mixing zone covers a wide potential region. Therefore, the so‐called PZC should not be considered as an absolute one‐point potential value, but rather as a range of zero charge (RZC). SPECS technique is found to be a universal and fast method for determining RZC, as applied here together with the EQCM. In most cases, the RZC covers a potential range from ≈100 to ≈200 mV and the correlation of the range with the carbon microtexture is clear, highlighting the role of the ion‐sieving effect. It is postulated that PZC for porous materials in aqueous electrolytic solutions should be considered instead as RZC.
Tailor‐Made Buffer Materials: Advancing Uniformity and Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Danh , Yeo Doyeong , Chitumalla Ramesh Kumar , Kim Sun‐Ju , Jeong Gyeong‐Ho , Kwun Dong‐Gun , Jang Joonkyung , Jung In Hwan , Seo Ji‐Youn 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlong with the growing popularity of the p‐i‐n structure, bathocuproine (BCP) is increasingly recognized as a crucial buffer layer between the electron transport layer and electrode with the role of mitigating Schottky contact and enhancing performance. However, the chemical structure and role of its functional groups have not been thoroughly elucidated. This study introduces a novel modification of BCP in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by altering functional groups to optimize their geometrical molecular structures and electronic properties. The substitution of aromatic phenyl and p‐tolyl groups to 2,9‐position on the BCP is highly effective in increasing the planarity of the conjugated backbone and protecting the reactive nitrogen atoms of the phenanthroline core, thereby improving charge transport and device stability. Experimental analyses, including electrostatic force microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence, reveal that the modified BCP significantly enhances charge transport, reduces recombination losses, and markedly improves the structural stability of PSCs, leading to prolonged device lifetimes. The findings highlight the potential of structurally optimized BCP derivatives as a critical component in advancing high‐efficiency and durable PSCs.
Stretchable Energy Storage with Eutectic Gallium Indium Alloy
Authors: Gupta Adit , Al‐Shamery Noah , Lv Jian , Thangavel Gurunathan , Park Jinwoo , Mandler Daniel , Lee Pooi See 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe integration of electronics with the human body or wearables necessitates the evolution of energy storage devices capable of seamless adaptation to the conformability of the skin and textiles. This work focuses on developing an intrinsically stretchable electrode prepared by sedimenting the liquid metal particles in a conductive stretchable matrix. The liquid metal‐based electrode can be stretched to ≈900% strain, and its conductivity increases by extending to 250% and retaining its initial conductivity at 500% strain. Benefitting from these properties, the assembled all‐solid‐state energy storage device provides high stretchability of up to 150% strain and a capacity of 0.42 mAh cm−3 at a high coulombic efficiency of 90%. The charge storage mechanism is investigated by probing the electrode/electrolyte interface, uncovering the intricate gallium‐bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (Ga‐TFSI) complexation during electrochemical cycling through in situ Raman spectroscopy, ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work offers a promising avenue for the advancement of stretchable batteries.
In–Li Counter Electrodes in Solid‐State Batteries – A Comparative Approach on Kinetics, Microstructure, and Chemomechanics
Authors: Alt Christoph D. , Keuntje Sören , Schneider Inga L. , Westphal Johannes , Minnmann Philip , Eckhardt Janis K. , Peppler Klaus , Janek Jürgen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA key challenge for solid‐state batteries is the fabrication of high‐capacity cathodes with high area loading and good rate performance. To reliably quantify the performance of high‐capacity cathodes, electrochemically stable, and high‐rate counter electrodes are essential. Otherwise, a three‐electrode setup is required. In–Li alloy electrodes are used for years in a kind of standard approach, since these seem to offer stable operation. In this comparative study, seven preparation methods for In–Li electrodes are examined, determining their suitability for cathode testing. The microstructure of a planar (i.e., foil) and a particle‐based (i.e., composite) anode configuration is analyzed in more detail. Their rate‐dependent electrode performance as well as electrochemical and chemomechanical reversibility in full‐cell configuration are analyzed. The combined results demonstrate the limitations of In–Li electrodes for high‐capacity testing, especially at high rates, while confirming their suitability for simple lab‐scale testing. Preparation significantly influences the electrode microstructure and kinetics, consequently impacting the performance benchmarks of cathodes. These findings underscore both the challenges involved in applying In–Li counter electrodes and the resulting limited comparability of results from different laboratories.
Interfacial Engineering‐Assisted Energy Level Modulation Enhances the Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Performance of Bismuth Vanadate Photoanodes
Authors: Tian Kaige , Xu Zhuo , Yang Hua , Chen Guilin , An Pengfei , Zhang Jing , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yan Junqing 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBiVO4 faces significant challenges for widespread application in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation due to its poor hole transport ability, high surface defect density, and sluggish water oxidation reaction kinetics. Employing interfacial engineering to assist in energy level modulation is an effective strategy to address these challenges. Herein, a CuCrO2 hole transport layer (HTL) is coupled and further grew NiCo‐MOF in situ to prepare a NiCo‐MOF‐CuCrO2‐BiVO4 composite photoanode. The novel composite photoanode not only achieves a photocurrent density of 5.75 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE) but also maintains stable operation for over 24 h. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization and density‐functional theory calculations confirm that the built‐in electric field generated by the p–n heterojunction formed between the CuCrO2 HTL and BiVO4 photoanode enhances the hole transport ability. Moreover, the NiCo‐MOF chelated on the photoanode surface not only passivates the surface defect states but also accelerates the kinetics of the water oxidation reaction. Under the synergistic effect of dual modification, the PEC water oxidation performance of the BiVO4 photoanode is dramatically improved. This pioneering work presents a MOF/HTL/BiVO4 configuration that provides a blueprint for the future development of integrated photoanodes for efficient solar energy conversion.
Prognostic value of surgical treatment in elderly patients with ulcerative colitis‐associated colorectal cancer: A subanalysis of a nationwide Japanese multicenter study
Authors: Nagayoshi Kinuko , Mizuuchi Yusuke , Nakamura Masafumi , Okabayashi Koji , Uchino Motoi , Ikeuchi Hiroki , Noguchi Tatsuki , Ishihara Soichiro , Ajioka Yoichi , Sugihara Kenichi ,   from the Study Group for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Associated Intestinal Cancers by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
Published: November 2024

AbstractAimOur study aimed to examine the characteristics of elderly patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis‐associated colorectal cancer (UAC) and evaluate the impact of surgical intervention on prognosis.MethodsA total of 1086 patients diagnosed with UAC between 1980 and 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Data were collected through the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum project. The patients were divided into two groups: 248 elderly patients in the E‐UAC group and 838 nonelderly patients in the NE‐UAC group. Patients aged >65 y at cancer diagnosis were considered elderly.ResultsThe recurrence rate did not differ between the two groups. Segmental resection was the only common independent risk factor for recurrence in both the E‐UAC and the NE‐UAC groups. The E‐UAC patients had significantly better 5‐y disease‐specific survival (DSS) than the NE‐UAC patients (94.7% vs 91.0%, p = 0.04). There were no differences in 5‐y recurrence‐free survival (RFS; 89.3% vs 86.6%, respectively, p = 0.24) or overall survival (OS; 88.8% vs 89.6%, p = 0.50). The E‐UAC patients who underwent segmental resection had poorer RFS than those who underwent total proctocolectomy, but there were no significant differences in DSS or OS.ConclusionDespite the elevated risk of cancer recurrence observed in the UAC patients who underwent segmental resection in both the E‐UAC the NE‐UAC groups, our findings suggested that segmental resection may be a viable alternative to total proctocolectomy in terms of survival rate for the E‐UAC patients.