bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress testing the Centiloid: Precision and variability of PET quantification of amyloid pathology
Authors: Shekari Mahnaz , Vállez García David , Collij Lyduine E. , Altomare Daniele , Heeman Fiona , Pemberton Hugh , Roé Vellvé Núria , Bullich Santiago , Buckley Christopher , Stephens Andrew , Farrar Gill , Frisoni Giovanni , Klunk William E. , Barkhof Frederik , Gispert Juan Domingo ,   ADNI and the AMYPAD consortium
Published: July 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAssessing the potential sources of bias and variability of the Centiloid (CL) scale is fundamental for its appropriate clinical application.METHODSWe included 533 participants from AMYloid imaging to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease (AMYPAD DPMS) and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohorts. Thirty‐two CL pipelines were created using different combinations of reference region (RR), RR and target types, and quantification spaces. Generalized estimating equations stratified by amyloid positivity were used to assess the impact of the quantification pipeline, radiotracer, age, brain atrophy, and harmonization status on CL.RESULTSRR selection and RR type impact CL the most, particularly in amyloid‐negative individuals. The standard CL pipeline with the whole cerebellum as RR is robust against brain atrophy and differences in image resolution, with 95% confidence intervals below ± 3.95 CL for amyloid beta positivity cutoffs (CL < 24).DISCUSSIONThe standard CL pipeline is recommended for most scenarios. Confidence intervals should be considered when operationalizing CL cutoffs in clinical and research settings.Highlights
We developed a framework for evaluating Centiloid (CL) variability to different factors.
Reference region selection and delineation had the highest impact on CL values.
Whole cerebellum (WCB) and whole cerebellum plus brainstem (WCB+BSTM) as reference regions yielded consistent results across tracers.
The standard CL pipeline is robust against atrophy and image resolution variation.
Estimated within‐ and between‐pipeline variability (95% confidence interval) in absolute CL units.
A Rechargeable “Rocking Chair” Type Zn−CO2 Battery
Authors: Sun Xinyi , Yang Sixie , Mu Xiaowei , Li Wei , Sheng Chuanchao , Chen Aoyuan , Wen Zhang , Wang Yonggang , Zhou Haoshen , He Ping 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRising global temperatures and critical energy shortages have spurred researches into CO2 fixation and conversion within the realm of energy storage such as Zn−CO2 batteries. However, traditional Zn−CO2 batteries employ double‐compartment electrolytic cells with separate carriers for catholytes and anolytes, diverging from the “rocking chair” battery mechanism. The specific energy of these conventional batteries is constrained by the solubility of discharge reactants/products in the electrolyte. Additionally, H2O molecules tend to trigger parasitic reactions at the electrolyte/electrode interfaces, undermining the long‐term stability of Zn anodes. In this report, we introduce an innovative “rocking chair” type Zn−CO2 battery that utilizes a weak‐acidic zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate aqueous electrolyte compatible with both cathode and anode. This design minimizes side reactions on the Zn surface and leverages the high catalytic activity of the cathode material, allowing the battery to achieve a substantial discharge capacity of 6734 mAh g−1 and maintain performance over 65 cycles. Moreover, the successful production of pouch cells demonstrates the practical applicability of Zn−CO2 batteries. Electrode characterizations confirm superior electrochemical reversibility, facilitated by solid discharge products of ZnCO3 and C. This work advances a “rocking chair” Zn−CO2 battery with an enhanced specific energy and a reversible pathway, providing a foundation for developing high‐performance metal‐CO2 batteries.
Effects of chain extender types and contents on the properties of modified recycled polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Ongthip Laksika , Chaiwutthinan Phasawat , Chuayjuljit Saowaroj , Boonmahitthisud Anyaporn 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRecycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles post‐consumption is highly desirable but remains challenging because of their poor properties after recycling. Using a chain extender to rejoin the cleaved polymer chains is considered a reasonable solution to this issue. However, the functionality of the chain extenders affects the cross‐linking and properties of the resulting products. Therefore, this study focuses on the effects of functional groups and number of chain extenders on the properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). Three commercial chain extenders—methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), triphenyl phosphite (TPP), and Joncryl (JC), represented as di‐, tri‐, and multi‐functional chain extenders, respectively—are introduced into rPET by reactive blending. The intrinsic viscosity, rheological properties, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of the chain‐extended rPET are investigated. The results indicate that all the chain extenders increase the molecular weight of rPET. Di‐ and multi‐functional chain extenders (MDI and JC) induce branching and cross‐linking owing to the highly reactive functional groups, whereas a tri‐functional chain extender (TPP) showed the lowest improvement in mechanical properties, owing to chain scission from by‐products occurring during chain extension. Furthermore, increasing the content of all chain extenders significantly increased their intrinsic viscosity, cross‐linking, and mechanical properties.
Phenolic Profile, Bioactivities and In Silico Analysis of the Trunk Bark of Acacia Cyanophylla Lindl.
Authors: Beyaoui Ahlem , Kaplan Muammer , Saidi Ilyes , Jalouli Maroua , Ceyhan Goren Ahmet , Halim Harrath Abdel , Ben Jannet Hichem 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the current investigation, total phenolics and flavonoids of the methanolic extract obtained from the trunk bark of Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. were quantified by LC–HRMS technique. DPPH and ABTS reagents were employed to assay the antioxidant potential. The anti‐tyrosinase and anti‐α‐amylase potentials were also assayed. The findings revealed that thirteen polyphenolic compounds were detected in the methanolic extract with trans‐taxifolin (23.2 g/kg), as the major constituent. A. cyanophylla extract displayed a higher activity with DPPH test (IC50=10.14±1.00 μg/mL) than with ABTS (IC50=15.27±2.09 μg/mL). The same extract also exhibited interesting α‐amylase inhibitory action (IC50 value of 4.00±0.17 μg/mL). Moreover, methanolic trunk bark extract exerted strong anti‐tyrosinase capacity with an IC50 of 5.12±0.41 μg/mL in comparison to kojic acid (IC50=10.22±0.85 μg/mL) used as positive control. The antioxidant, anti‐tyrosinase and anti‐α‐amylase potentials of the methanolic extract of A. cyanophylla trunk bark were reinforced by in silico molecular docking analyses, which confirmed the results of the in vitro tests.
Effects of Thymbra spicata extract and Thymol on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice (insights to the liver function, antioxidant, and behavioral responses)
Authors: Maleki Maryam , Ghaneialvar Hori , Abbasi Naser , Moayeri Ardeshir , Moulaei Neda , Kenarkoohi Azra , Mokaribahar Pegah , Heidari Ali 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSafe chemicals for drug withdrawal can be extracted from natural sources. This study investigates the effects of clonidine and Thymbra spicata extract (TSE) on mice suffering from morphine withdrawal syndrome. Thymol, which is the active constituent in TSE, was also tested. A total of 90 mice were divided into nine groups. Group 1 was the control group, while Group 2 was given only morphine, and Group 3 received morphine and 0.2 mg/kg of clonidine. Groups 4–6 were given morphine along with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of TSE, respectively. Groups 7–9 received morphine plus 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg of Thymol, respectively, for 7 days. An oral naloxone challenge of 3 mg/kg was used to induce withdrawal syndrome in all groups. Improvement of liver enzyme levels (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase) (p < .01) and behavioral responses (frequencies of jumping, frequencies of two‐legged standing, Straub tail reaction) (p < .01) were significantly observed in the groups receiving TSE and Thymol (Groups 4–9) compared to Group 2. Additionally, antioxidant activity in these groups was improved compared to Group 2. Nitric oxide significantly decreased in Groups 4 and 6 compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p < .01). Superoxide dismutase increased dramatically in Groups 5, 8, and 9 compared to Groups 2 and 3 (p < .01). Groups 5–9 were significantly different from Group 2 in terms of malondialdehyde levels (p < .01). Certain doses of TSE and Thymol were found to alleviate the narcotics withdrawal symptoms. This similar effect to clonidine can pave the way for their administration in humans.
Barley semidwarf allele sdw1.d improves malting quality indirectly in a near isogenic line
Authors: Kandemir Nejdet , Saygili Ibrahim 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMalt barley is a specialty crop in which quality characteristics are as important as grain yields. Short stature genes used to increase grain yields in barley have variable effects on malt quality. Effects of sdw1.d semidwarf gene on malting quality were examined using a near isogenic line (NIL) in six field trials.Findingssdw1.d increased malt extract percentage significantly in five trials by 1.7% and decreased test weight (2.0–3.5 kg) in three trials. Grain weight increased in three trials where lodging was common while decreasing in two where lodging was not severe and not changing in one. Diastatic power of sdw1.d NIL was significantly higher in four trials and similar in two trials compared to recurrent parent Tokak. No change was observed for α‐amylase activity.ConclusionsThe lack of reports indicating a direct association of Sdw1 mutants with diastatic power and the presence of quantitative trait locus (QTL) around the Sdw1 gene in numerous studies implied that higher diastatic power of the NIL could be due to linkage rather than the pleiotropic effect of sdw1.d.Significance and NoveltyImproved malting quality of the NIL appeared to be the result of indirect effects of sdw1.d due to reduced lodging and linkage with diastatic power QTL.
Integration of Facet‐Dependent, Adsorbate‐Driven Surface Reconstruction into Multiscale Models for the Design of Ni‐Based Bimetallic Catalysts for Hydrogen Oxidation
Authors: Furrick Isabella , Omoniyi Ayodeji , Wang Shuqiao , Robinson Thomas , Hensley Alyssa J. R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNi‐based bimetallic catalysts (NiM) show promise to replace expensive Pt‐based catalysts for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). However, the effect of dopant and reaction conditions on the adsorbate‐driven surface reconstruction of NiM nanoparticles remains largely unexplored. Here, we use a multiscale modeling approach – integrating density functional theory, kubic harmonics interpolation, and microkinetic modeling – to investigate the interplay between dopant, reaction conditions, facet, adsorbate type, adsorbate coverage, in situ surface structure, and performance for NiM nanoparticles during HOR. Clear periodic trends appear in dopant effects on key adsorption energies, with dopants showing 7‐fold greater effects when located in the surface as compared to subsurface. Multi‐faceted nanoparticle models showed a non‐uniform correlation between O* coverage and surface reconstruction. HOR performance was facet‐dependent, with the highest performance occurring at reactive fronts formed between regions of high O* and OH* coverage. The nanoparticle averaged performance showed promotional effects for nearly all dopants compared to pure Ni, with the best‐performing dopants located preferentially in the surface layer (e. g. Au, Pd, Ag). Taken together, this work emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between reaction conditions, surface reconstruction, and HOR performance for NiM nanoparticles, enabling researchers to both predict and control the working nanoscale catalyst structure.
Concept of Utilizing Ionic Liquids for the Co‐Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen‐Containing Compounds
Authors: Dongare Saudagar , Coskun Oguz Kagan , Gurkan Burcu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFormation of C−N bonds through the electrochemical utilization of CO2 and nitrogen containing compounds (N‐compounds) is appealing for the purpose of converting waste and readily available sources or pollutants into value added chemicals at ambient conditions. Existing research predominantly explores these electrochemical reactions independently, often in aqueous electrolytes, leading to challenges associated with competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), low product selectivity, and yield. Functional electrolytes such as those containing ionic liquids (ILs) present selective solubility to the solute reactants and present unique interactions with the electrode surface that can suppress the undesired side reactions such as HER while simultaneously co‐catalyzing the conversion of CO2 and N‐compounds such as N2, NO, NO2, and NO3. In this concept paper, we discuss how the microenvironment enabled by ILs can be leveraged to stabilize reaction intermediates at the electrode‐electrolyte interface, thereby promoting C−N bond formation on an active electrode surface at reduced overpotential, with the case study of CO2 and N‐compounds co‐catalysis to generate urea.
Advances in Strain‐Induced Noble Metal Nanohybrids for Electro‐Catalysis: From Theoretical Mechanisms to Practical Use
Authors: Chen Zhao‐Yang , Li Ling‐Tong , Zhao Feng‐Ming , Zhu Ying‐Hong , Chu You‐Qun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn response to the climate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, efficient electrochemical energy conversion devices are garnering increasing attention. However, the enhancement of electrochemical performance using noble metal electrocatalysts, along with cost reduction and electrode fabrication, remain significant challenges. Noble metal hybrid nanostructures, possessing multiple surface functionalities, lead to outstanding electrocatalytic performances and low‐cost potential. Strain effects can bolster the bonding strength between the noble metal layers and the substrate or core layers, while simultaneously affecting electrocatalytic performance through tuning the binding strength between catalytically active sites and reactants, including intermediates. This review encapsulates the research efforts directed towards improving the performance of noble metal electrocatalysts and provides an overview of the latest advancements in controlling the surface state of noble metals by incorporating a secondary component. We discuss systematic approaches to adjusting surface strain effects on noble metals, characterization techniques, and application case studies, while extracting key design indicators for readers to consider from a macroscopic perspective. Further, we outline the challenges encountered and current solutions when advancing noble metal catalysts from theoretical mechanisms to practical use. Finally, the perspectives on the future research of noble metal surface layer control techniques were also provided.
CoCorrole‐Functionalized PCN‐222 for Carbon Monoxide Selective Adsorption
Authors: Loze Margerie , Brandès Stéphane , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Desbois Nicolas , Blondeau‐Patissier Virginie , Gros Claude P. , André Laurie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe high risk of CO poisoning justifies the need for indoor air quality control and warning systems based on the detection of low concentrations (ppm‐ppb) of CO. Cobalt corrole complexes selectively bind CO vs. O2, CO2, N2, opening new fields of applications. By combining the CO chemisorption properties of cobalt corroles with the known sorption capacity of MOFs, we hope to obtain high performance sensing materials for CO detection. In addition, the exposed metal sites of MOFs lead to CO2 physisorption, allowing the co‐detection of CO and CO2. In this work, PCN‐222, a stable Zr‐based MOF made from Ni(TCPP) with natural vacancies, has been used as a porous matrix for the grafting of electron‐poor metallocorroles. The materials were characterized by powder XRD, SEM and optical microscopy, BET analyses and gas adsorption measurements at 298 K. No degradation of the crystalline structure of PCN‐222 was observed. At 1 atm, the adsorbed CO(g) volumes measured for the best materials were 12.15 cm3 g−1 and 14.01 cm3 g−1 for CoCorr2@PCN‐222 and CoCorr3@PCN‐222 respectively, and both materials exhibited high CO chemisorption and selectivity against O2, N2, and CO2 at low pressure due to the highest energy of the chemisorption process vs physisorption.
Top advances of the year: Immunotherapy in endometrial cancer
Authors: Banerjee Susana , Hasson Shira Peleg 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the past year, notable advances were achieved toward improving oncological outcomes in patients with advanced and recurrent endometrial cancer because of reporting of high‐level results of several phase 3 clinical trial combining an immune checkpoint inhibitor with chemotherapy in the first‐line setting. For the first time, patients with recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer have options for treatment that are superior to traditional chemotherapy alone. What remains to be determined is population specificity of these recommendations. All four major studies were in agreement that patients with endometrial cancer with deficient mismatch repair markedly benefited from addition of an immune checkpoint inhibitor for progression‐free survival; some showed preliminary results demonstrating a potential overall survival. Molecular characterization details are needed to determine if and which patients with tumors that are mismatch proficient should receive this new combination approach.Plain Language Summary

Combining an immune checkpoint inhibitor with chemotherapy in the first‐line setting treatment of patients with advanced endometrial cancer improved progression‐free survival, especially in patients with mismatch repair deficiency.
Improving patient selection with potential biomarkers of sensitivity and biomarkers of resistance is key in developing the next clinical trials and will assist in directing therapy to the correct patients and minimize toxicity.
A 0.05%–0.08% THD, 762.9 Hz–10 MHz direct digital frequency synthesizer using a reconfigurable DAC for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements
Authors: Farouk Amr , Dessouky Mohamed , Naguib Ahmed 
Published: July 2024

SummaryA wide‐range direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDS) is considered an essential component that is used in measuring electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Since it depends on exciting the electrochemical sensor by a pure sine wave, total harmonic distortion (THD) is considered a challenging specification for an accurate EIS measurement. This paper introduces a complete system and circuit designs of a wide range DDS with a comprehensive system model using MATLAB environment. In addition, it presents the usage of a reconfigurable digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) on the circuit level that is used either as a 4‐bit delta‐sigma (
) DAC or an 8‐bit binary‐weighted DAC for both low‐ and high‐frequency ranges, respectively. The designed DDS generates an output frequency range from 762.933 Hz to 10 MHz using a physical 8‐bit DAC. The circuits are simulated using 0.18 μm CMOS technology. The designed DDS system achieves THD less than 0.05% with superior free dynamic range (SFDR) 66 dBc for low‐frequency range and 0.08% with SFDR 62 dBc for high‐frequency range. The DDS circuits occupy an area of 400  × 800 μm. The whole system consumes a 2.5 mW power consumption from a 1.8 V supply.
Fractional‐order modeling and nonlinear dynamics analysis of flyback converter
Authors: Zhang Zetian , Wang Xiaogang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo accurately investigate the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of a flyback converter, a fractional‐order state‐space averaged model of a flyback converter in continuous conduction mode (CCM) is established based on fractional calculus theory. And nonlinear dynamical bifurcation maps which use reference current as bifurcation parameters are obtained. The period‐doubling bifurcation is analyzed and compared with that of an integral‐order flyback converter. The results show that under certain operating conditions, the fractional‐order flyback converter exhibits period‐doubling bifurcation as certain circuit and control parameters change. Under the same circuit conditions, there is a difference in the stable parameter region between the fractional‐ and integral‐order models of the flyback converter. The stable zone of the fractional‐order flyback converter is larger than that of the integral‐order one. Therefore, the circuit is more difficult to enter the state of the period‐doubling bifurcation and chaos. The stability domain of period‐doubling bifurcation can be accurately predicted by using the predictive correction model of the fractional‐order flyback converter. Finally, by performing circuit simulations and hardware‐in‐the‐loop experiments, the rationality and correctness of the theoretical analysis are verified.
Sex‐specific diet differences in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) via spatial assortment
Authors: Conwell Holland C. , Lewis Zoë K. , Thomas Austen , Acevedo‐Gutiérrez Alejandro , Schwarz Dietmar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe lack of recovery of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Pacific Northwest has been blamed in part on predation by pinnipeds, particularly the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina). Previous work at a limited number of locations has shown that male seal diet contains more salmon than that of female seals and that sex ratios at haul‐out sites differ spatiotemporally. This intrapopulation variation in predation may result in greater effects on salmon than suggested by models assuming equal spatial distribution and diet proportion. To address the generality of these patterns, we examined the sex ratios and diet of male and female harbor seals from 13 haul‐out sites in the inland waters of Washington State and the province of British Columbia during 2012–2018. DNA metabarcoding was conducted to determine prey species proportions of individual scat samples. The sex of harbor seals was then determined from each scat matrix sample with the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). We analyzed 2405 harbor seal scat samples using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to examine the factors influencing harbor seal sex ratio at haul‐out sites and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to examine the influence of sex and haul‐out site on harbor seal diet composition. We found that the overall sex ratio was 1:1.02 (female:male) with notable spatiotemporal variation. Salmoniformes were about 2.6 times more abundant in the diet of males than in the diet of females, and Chinook salmon comprised ca. three times more of the average male harbor seal's diet than the average female's diet. Based on site‐specific sex ratios and diet data, we identified three haul‐out sites where Chinook salmon appear to be under high predation pressure by male harbor seals: Cowichan Bay, Cutts Area, and Fraser River. Our study indicates that combining sex‐specific pinniped diet data with the sex ratio of haul‐out sites can help identify priority sites of conservation concern.