bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly(ionic liquid) electrolytes at an extreme salt concentration for solid-state batteries
Authors: Kondou Shinji , Abdullah Mohanad , Popov Ivan , Martins Murillo L. , O'Dell Luke A. , Ueda Hiroyuki , Makhlooghiazad Faezeh , Nakanishi Azusa , Sudoh Taku , Ueno Kazuhide , Watanabe Masayoshi , Howlett Patrick , Zhang Heng , Armand Michel , Sokolov Alexei , Forsyth Maria , Chen Fangfang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Polymer-in-salt electrolytes offer a promising solution to the critical challenge of low Li-ion conductivity in solvent-free solid polymer electrolytes. One crucial aspect of their development is maintaining good stability and high conductivity of molten salts within a polymer system. Remarkably, cationic poly(ionic liquids) (polyIL) have emerged as a promising option. The high salt concentration in polyIL not only helps enhance ionic conductivity but also pushes the charge carrier ion transference number beyond 0.5. Nevertheless, stabilizing molten salt remains a challenging hurdle. Here, we report a novel poly(ionic liquid)s-in-salt system with an exceptionally high Li-salt content of up to 90 mol% by integrating a crystallization-resistive Li salt through an asymmetric anion. The resulting electrolyte maintains a stable amorphous phase and achieves considerable conductivity of 9.0×10− 5 S cm− 1 and an impressive Li transference number of 0.81 at 80°C. This leads to substantial improvements in electrolyte performance in prototype Li cells, including reduced interfacial resistance, lowered polarization, and a stable Li deposition/dissolution profile up to 0.5 mA cm− 2. This work provides a valuable opportunity to revisit polymer-in-salt electrolytes at an extremely high salt concentration, contributing new insights into the relationships between high salt concentrations, coordination structures, glass transitions, conductivity, and the decoupling/coupling of ion transport from structural dynamics. It also emphasises the unique role of cationic polymers and opens new prospects for the future design of polymer-in-salt electrolytes.
First fatal elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus type 5 infection in a captive Asian elephant in Germany
Authors: Abdelgawad Azza , Nascimento Mariana , Prahl Adriane , Flügger Michael , Szentiks Claudia A. , Holtze Susanne , Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Trimpert Jakob 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infection is the most common cause for lethal hemorrhagic disease in captive juvenile Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Although EEHV-1 is known as the most likely cause of fatal haemorrhagic disease in Asian elephants, EEHV-5 was lately involved in lethal cases of haemorrhagic disease in captive elephants.
Case presentation: Here we report the first death of a four-year old Asian elephant diagnosed with EEHV-5 in Germany. Molecular diagnosis yielded detection of EEHV-5 DNA in all tested tissues. Histopathological examination revealed typical features of hemorrhagic disease in all examined organs. EEHV-5 was sequenced from total DNA isolated from heart tissue by Illumina and Nanopore sequencing. Sequencing data showed 3881 variants, distributed across the entire genome, compared to the published EEHV-5 sequence.
Conclusions: We have detected EEHV-5 in a fatal disease case of a male Asian elephant. Whole genome sequencing revealed substantial differences of our DNA isolate compared to available EEHV-5 sequences. This report of fatal haemorrhagic disease associated with EEHV-5 infection should raise awareness for EEHV-5 as important elephant pathogen. Genome sequencing and downstream SNPs analysis will further encourage future research to understand genetic diversity, pathogenesis and virulence of EEHVs with respect to developing new diagnostic methods, prophylactic strategies, and implementation of surveillance and control measures.
A Clustering-based Multiple Kernel Learning Algorithm for Multi-Class Classification
Authors: xiaofeng Zhang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Multiple kernel learning algorithms typically optimize kernel alignment, structural risk minimization, and Bayesian functions. However, they have limitations, including inapplicability to multi-class classification, high time complexity, and no analytic solution. Analyzing clustering and classification similarities, we propose a novel clustering-based multiple kernel learning algorithm for multi-class classification (CBMKL). This algorithm transforms input space to high-dimension feature space using multiple kernel mapping functions. It estimates base kernel function weights and constructs the decision function using clustering objectives. This CBMKL algorithm has several advantages. 1) It handles multi-class problems directly. 2) This algorithm has an analytical solution, avoiding approximate solutions from sampling methods. 3) It also has polynomial time complexity. Experiments on two datasets illustrate these advantages.
Fuzzy clustering opposition multi-objective forensic-based investigation to tradeoff construction project time cost under limited resource
Authors: Le Huu Quoc-Phong , Le Thanh-Tan , Ngo Thi Cam-Tien , Tran Duc-Hoc 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Balancing the critical factors of project time and cost is essential for maximizing the overall benefits of construction projects. In construction scheduling, challenges often arise due to the varying start times of activities based on precedence relationships and resource availability. Moreover, the cost and duration of activities can fluctuate based on resource allocation. This paper presents a novel framework named Fuzzy Clustering Opposition Multi-Objective Forensic-Based Investigation (FOMOFBI) for solving the construction project time cost tradeoff under limited resource. The proposal algorithm utilizes opposition-based learning at initialization step and during optimization process to enhance exploration capabilities. Integration of fuzzy c-means clustering into the FBI framework aids in accelerating convergence by leveraging population information. A real-world construction case study illustrates ability of FOMOFBI to generate non-dominated solutions, assisting project managers in selecting suitable plans to balance project time and cost within resource limitations, a task typically challenging and time-intensive. In all evaluations, FOMOFBI consistently outperformed other multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, offering top-tier solutions. This evidence strongly suggests that FOMOFBI is well-suited for addressing intricate optimization challenges in real-world contexts.
Chlordane induced neurotoxicosis in urban and suburban Detroit, Michigan striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis)
Authors: Buchweitz John , Sheffler Rachel , Puschner Birgit , Fitzgerald Scott , Melotti Julie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Despite the ban of technical chlordane, contamination from this persistent organic pollutant threatens wildlife and human health nearly forty years since its last application. In this study, eight of seventeen skunks displaying illness and neurologic signs had brain tissue concentrations of combined oxychlordane, heptachlor epoxide, and trans-nonachlor exceeding a 1,000 ng/g wet weight diagnostic threshold for toxicosis. Liver tissue concentrations were ten-fold greater than brain when measured on a lipid weight basis, which can help predict lethal brain residues in skunks. The ongoing presence of chlordane in the environment is expected to cause further unintended consequences for wildlife across the Detroit Metropolitan area for decades to come. As with other pollutants in the River Rouge and River Raisin Areas of Concern, the presence of chlordane in the urban environment presents a significant risk for animal, human and ecological health.
Development and validation of a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the differentiation of tick-borne encephalitis infections caused by different virus subtypes
Authors: Freimane Zane , Dobler Gerhard , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Karelis Guntis , Girl Philipp , Kuzmane Sanita , Savicka Oksana , Erber Wilhelm , Zavadska Dace 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infection caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) that can lead to symptoms of central nervous system inflammation. There are five subtypes of TBEV, three of which – European, Siberian and Far Eastern – occur in Europe. As it is thought that different subtype infections exhibit varying clinical courses and outcomes, serological differentiation of the virus subtypes is clearly important. However, to date, this has proved difficult to achieve.
Methods
An ELISA format was developed based on TBE virus NS1 antigen against the European, Siberian and Far Eastern subtype. The three NS1 antigens were biotechnologically produced in a human cell line and used for ELISA coating. Sera from German (European subtype) and Russian (Siberian and/or Far Eastern subtypes) TBE patients with positive TBEV IgG were used to test the reactivity against these three NS1 antigens.
Results
Testing of 14 German and 32 Russian TBEV IgG-positive sera showed that the ELISA was able to differentiate between TBEV European subtype and TBEV Siberian and Far Eastern subtype infections.
Conclusions
In geographical areas where two or more TBEV subtype infections can occur, the NS1-IgG ELISA developed here constitutes an important diagnostic tool to differentiate between European subtype infections and Siberian/Far Eastern subtype infections and to use the new assay for epidemiological studies to clarify the importance of particular subtype infections in an area. Consequently, it may help to better describe and anticipate the clinical courses and outcomes of particular TBEV subtype infections.
Adolescents and Young Adults in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria: Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use, Perceived Health Effects, Intervention and Challenges
Authors: Umoren Otoh Dayo , Olukotun Stephen Tobi Abraham , Bolarinwa Abisola Christianah , Iche Laurel Chijioke , Anona Kenechukwu P. , OLAOMI Oluwatobi Adeola , Ayeni Lucky Aighowmanfe , Oribhabor Isaac , Badmus Mayowa Josiah 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Adolescent and young adult drug usage has been on the rise, and it is essential to understand the factors that contribute to illicit drug use in the group. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, perceived health effects, intervention strategies, and challenges related to illegal drug use among adolescents and young adults in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods
This survey was conducted in Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria between January- February 2023. It uses a purposive, descriptive study technique. A total of two hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires were administered to respondents (aged 0–30 years) to obtain information. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21.0) software. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between parameters (p ≤ 0.05).
Results
The results revealed that the majority of the respondents take drugs (79%), use drugs due to peer group pressure (34.0%), to get high (33.6%), due to family problems (16.8%) and occasionally the curiosity to know how it works (28.8%). Furthermore, the majority always take marijuana/cannabis (28%), and occasionally take Loud and Shisha (30%) respectively. The drugs are often obtained from friends (30%), local shops (29.2%), local chemists (28.4%) and occasionally from unknown dealers (29.6%). Interestingly, the majority of the respondents strongly agree that illicit drugs can cause cardiovascular, hepatological, pulmonary, neurological and nephrological conditions and that as an effort of intervention, the government provides anti-drug campaigns, drug education, drug awareness, research and non-governmental organization (NGO) liaison. The chi-square test revealed a significant association between age group and drug use due to peer group pressure, getting high, curiosity about how it works and family problems. Parental status and curiosity about how drugs work. Additionally, there is a significant association between the literacy level of the study group and parents with family problems. (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions
Multiple factors have exposed adolescents and young adults in the study area to drug use this includes peer pressure, curiosity, family issues, and the literacy level of both the study group and their parents.
Numerical Simulation and Evaluation of Constructed Wetland Designs for Effluent Treatment Based on MIKE21
Authors: Xiong Xing , Yang Shanrui , Zhang Junxiang , Chen Jiafan , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Qinghai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Constructed Wetlands for Effluent treatment (E-CW) play a vital role in the degradation of pollutants, purification of water, and the improvement of freshwater ecosystems. However, conventional designs often lack a methodical approach for quantifying the efficacy of these wetlands. The present study utilized the MIKE21 Hydrodynamic (HD) module in conjunction with the ECO-Lab Water Quality (AD) module to perform a numerical simulation of the Constructed Wetland for Effluent. The key parameters involved in effective water purification were calibrated and the system's ability to treat effluents from wastewater treatment facilities was assessed. The findings demonstrated significant removal efficiencies for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), and ammonia (NH3-N), with average rates of 51.14%, 43.14%, 63.82%, and 54.38%, respectively. In addition, the simulations exhibited a high degree of accuracy, with hydrodynamic predictions deviating by less than 5% and water quality approximations by less than 15%. Additionally, the use of numerical simulations can provide valuable guidelines for the future design and functional assessment of wetlands by offering crucial insights that aid in the optimization of purification processes and vegetation selection.
Ultrasound and x-ray imageable poloxamer-based hydrogel for loco-regional therapy delivery in the liver
Authors: Delgado Jose F. , Owen Joshua W. , Pritchard William F. , Varble Nicole A. , Lopez-Silva Tania L. , Mikhail Andrew S. , Arrichiello Antonio , Ray Trisha , Morhard Robert , Borde Tabea , Saccenti Laetitia , Xu Sheng , Rivera Jocelyne , Schneider Joel P. , Karanian John W. , Wood Bradford J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Intratumoral injections have the potential for enhanced cancer treatment efficacy while reducing costs and systemic exposure. However, intratumoral drug injections can result in substantial off-target leakage and are invisible under standard imaging modalities like ultrasound (US) and x-ray. A thermosensitive poloxamer-based gel for drug delivery was developed that is visible using x-ray imaging (computed tomography (CT), cone beam CT, fluoroscopy), as well as using US by means of integrating perfluorobutane-filled microbubbles (MBs). MBs content was optimized using tissue mimicking phantoms and ex vivo bovine livers. Gel formulations less than 1% MBs provided gel depositions that were clearly identifiable on US and distinguishable from tissue background and with minimal acoustic artifacts. The cross-sectional areas of gel depositions obtained with US and CT imaging were similar in studies using ex vivo bovine liver and postmortem in situ swine liver. The gel formulation enhanced multimodal image-guided navigation, enabling fusion of ultrasound and x-ray/CT imaging, which may enhance targeting, definition of spatial delivery, and overlap of tumor and gel. Although speculative, such a paradigm for intratumoral drug delivery might streamline clinical workflows, reduce radiation exposure by reliance on US, and boost the precision and accuracy of drug delivery targeting during procedures. Imageable gels may also provide enhanced temporal and spatial control of intratumoral conformal drug delivery.
Fluorescence/colorimetric dual-signal sensor based on carbon dots and gold nanoparticles for visual quantization of Cr 3+
Authors: Shi Jinyu , Wu Suyi , Xue Yu , Xie Qing , Danzeng Qunzeng , Liu Cui , Zhou Chuan-Hua 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A convenient and sensitive dual-signal visualization method is constructed for detection of trivalent chromium ions (Cr3+) based on fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) and glutathione-modified gold nanoparticles (GSH-Au NPs). The fluorescence of CDs can be quenched by GSH-Au NPs due to the inner filter effect. Cr3+ induces aggregation of GSH-Au NPs because of the coordination with GSH on the surface of Au NPs, leading to the red-shift of surface plasmon resonance absorption of Au NPs that provides a “turn-on” fluorescence and colorimetric assay for Cr3+. The fluorescence/colorimetric dual signal detection shows high sensitivity for Cr3+ with wide detection linear ranges (0.5–70 µM for fluorescence detection and 2–50 µM for colorimetric detection) and low detection limits (0.31 µM for fluorescence detection and 0.30 µM for colorimetric detection). Besides, the method has high selectivity for Cr3+and can be used for detection of Cr3+ in lake water samples, showing its great potential for visual detection of environmental Cr3+.
Gamma rays impact on 2D-MoS2 in water solution
Authors: Altucci Carlo , SINGH MANJOT , Bianco Davide , Adam Jaber , Capaccio Angela , Clemente Stefania , Sorbo Maria Rosaria Del , Feoli Chiara , Kaur Jasneet , Nappi Carmela , Panico Rori , Rusciano Giulia , Rossi Manuela , Sasso Antonio , Valadan Mohammadhasan , Cuoccolo Alberto , Battista Edmondo , Netti Paolo Antonio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, particularly MoS2, are interesting materials for many applications in aerospace research, radiation therapy and bioscience more in general. Since in many of these applications MoS2-based nanomaterials can be placed in an aqueous environment while exposed to ionizing radiation, both experimental and theoretical studies of their behaviour under these conditions is particularly interesting. Here we study the effects of tiny imparted doses of 511 keV photons to MoS2 nanoflakes in water solution. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study in which ionizing radiation on 2D-MoS2 occurs in water -. Interestingly, we find that, in addition to the direct interaction between high-energy photons and nanoflakes, reactive chemical species, generated by ϒ-photons induced radiolysis of water, come into play a relevant role. A radiation transport Monte Carlo simulation allowed determining the elements driving the morphological and spectroscopical changes of 2D-MoS2, experimentally monitored by SEM microscopy, DLS, Raman and UV-vis spectroscopy, AFM, and X-ray photoelectron techniques. Our study demonstrates that radiolysis products affect the Molybdenum oxidation state, which is massively changed from the stable +4 and +6 states into the rarer and more unstable +5. These findings will be relevant for radiation-based therapies and diagnostics in patients that are assuming drugs or contrast agents containing 2D-MoS2 and for aerospace biomedical applications of 2DMs investigating their actions into living organisms on space station or satellites.
The observed El Niño-induced droughts from April to May 2023 increase the risk of famine in West Africa
Authors: Kongo Vincent Ondima , Arreyndip Nkongho Ayuketang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The return of El Niño in 2023 brought record global temperatures, an increase in forest fires, floods, heat waves, and intense and severe droughts. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the impact of El Niño on rainfall patterns during the planting season and the potential consequences for agricultural productivity in West Africa. The study used the ERA5 dataset and the SPEI index dataset of the Global Drought Crop Monitoring and performed a thorough spatio-temporal analysis and anomaly calculation of precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, and soil moisture. We uncover El Niño footprints characterized by early rains in March, high temperatures and humidity, and low rainfall in the middle of the planting season (April to May) compared to 2022. Farmers in West Africa usually expect rainfall in early April to start the agricultural season. This shift in rainfall patterns can have a serious impact on agricultural activities and increase vulnerability to severe famine in the region. Rather than relying solely on rainfall, we recommend the use of advanced irrigation techniques and the development of drought-resistant crops to combat the effects of El Niño in the future.
Knockdown of microglial iron import gene, DMT1, worsens cognitive function and alters microglial transcriptional landscape in a sex-specific manner in the APP/PS1 model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Robertson Katrina Volk , Rodriguez Alec S. , Cartailler Jean-Philippe , Shrestha Shristi , Schroeder Kyle R. , Valenti Arianna M. , Harrison Fiona E. , Hasty Alyssa H. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Microglial cell iron load and inflammatory activation are significant hallmarks of late-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In vitro, microglia preferentially upregulate the iron importer, divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1, gene name Slc11a2) in response to inflammatory stimuli, and excess iron can augment cellular inflammation, suggesting a feed-forward loop between iron import mechanisms and inflammatory signaling. However, it is not understood whether microglial iron import mechanisms directly contribute to inflammatory signaling and chronic disease in vivo. These studies determined the effects of microglial-specific knockdown of Slc11a2 on AD-related cognitive decline and microglial transcriptional phenotype.
Methods
In vitro experiments and RT-qPCR were used to assess a role for DMT1 in amyloid-β-associated inflammation. To determine the effects of microglial Slc11a2 knockdown on AD-related phenotypes in vivo, triple-transgenic Cx3cr1Cre − ERT2;Slc11a2flfl;APP/PS1+ or – mice were generated and administered corn oil or tamoxifen to induce knockdown at 5–6 months of age. Both sexes underwent behavioral analyses to assess cognition and memory (12–15 months of age). Hippocampal CD11b + microglia were magnetically isolated from female mice (15–17 months) and bulk RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted.
Results
DMT1 inhibition in vitro robustly decreased Aβ-induced inflammatory gene expression and cellular iron levels in conditions of excess iron. In vivo, Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 female, but not male, mice displayed a significant worsening of memory function in Morris water maze and a fear conditioning assay, along with significant hyperactivity compared to control WT and APP/PS1 mice. Hippocampal microglia from Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 females displayed significant increases in Enpp2, Ttr, and the iron-export gene, Slc40a1, compared to control APP/PS1 cells. Slc11a2KD cells from APP/PS1 females also exhibited decreased expression of markers associated with disease-associated microglia (DAMs), such as Apoe, Ctsb, Csf1, and Hif1α.
Conclusions
This work suggests a sex-specific role for microglial iron import gene Slc11a2 in propagating behavioral and cognitive phenotypes in the APP/PS1 model of AD. These data also highlight an association between loss of a DAM-like phenotype in microglia and cognitive deficits in Slc11a2KD APP/PS1 female mice. Overall, this work illuminates an iron-related pathway in microglia that may serve a protective role during disease and offers insight into mechanisms behind disease-related sex differences.