bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revealing the Role of Lithium Carbonate at Lithium Metal Anodes Through Study of Gas-Reacted Interphases
Authors: Steinberg Katherine , Gallant Betar M. 
Published: August 2024

A stable, ionically-conductive solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is vital to lithium (Li) metal anodes, yet key properties of common SEI phases remain unknown. Among these, Li2CO3, central to foundational SEI models, has been difficult to probe given its metastability on Li. To address this, we adopted two approaches: (i) synthesis and study of model Li2CO3-based SEI and (ii) cycling and titration-based analysis of SEI from Li–Cu cells with or without additive CO2, with the aim of modulating Li2CO3 content natively. In (i), reductive instability of Li2CO3 led to co-formation of Li2O and Li2C2 in a multiphasic film with a Li+ conductivity (∼8 × 10−9 S cm−1) more than 4x higher than previously-measured Li2O or LiF films. Li2CO3 content in native interphases from (ii) was found to correlate with decreased inactive Li0 accumulation and improved Coulombic efficiency (CE) across diverse electrolytes having moderate CE. In high CE electrolytes, however, capacity losses become dominated by SEI formation rather than inactive Li0, and Li2CO3 enrichment had negligible impact. This work updates understanding of SEI Li2CO3 formed in modern electrolytes, reveals a leading mechanism by which Li2CO3 can boost CE despite its metastability, and indicates the potential and limitations of enriching this phase through electrolyte design.
A Hybrid Solid-State Electrolyte with High Lithium-Ion Conductivity and Thermal Stability for Highly Stable Long-Cycle Lithium-Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Li Jie , He Xinlong , Ding Yuhang , Yu Mingfu , Li Qiang , Yuan Wei , Xu Luyan , Sun Hong 
Published: August 2024

Solid-state electrolytes in lithium-oxygen batteries have garnered attention due to their high energy density and stability. Traditional electrolytes suffer from high interfacial resistance and poor ionic conductivity. We have developed a novel hybrid solid electrolyte by optimizing the ratio of inorganic to polymer electrolytes, incorporating doped and modified PVDF-HFP-SO3 as the polymer electrolyte in lithium-air batteries for the first time. The crystallinity and performance of this hybrid electrolyte improve with increasing LATP content. Notably, the HSE-SO3-3 electrolyte with 60% LATP exhibits exceptionally high conductivity (4.76 × 10−4 S∙cm−1 at room temperature) and a stability window exceeding 5 V, with stable operation in lithium symmetric cells for over 3500 h. Thermal stability tests indicate that the material does not ignite or deform under flame exposure. In quasi-solid-state lithium-oxygen batteries, using manganese dioxide as a catalyst and HSE-SO3-3 as the electrolyte, the battery demonstrates high discharge capacity, long-term cyclability, and stable charging performance at high rates. Therefore, this novel hybrid solid electrolyte shows great potential for high-voltage solid-state lithium-oxygen batteries.
Association Between Serial B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels, Vasoactive Drug Weaning, and Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Pediatric Heart Failure
Authors: Loss Karla L. , Su Jennifer , Menteer JonDavid , Weisert Molly A. , Shaddy Robert E. , Kantor Paul F. 
Published: August 2024

Background
Children hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) frequently require intravenous vasoactive (IVV) support drugs and are at risk for adverse cardiovascular (ACV) outcomes. We wished to assess whether serial changes in B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are associated with successful weaning off IVV support and/or prespecified ACV outcomes in children hospitalized with ADHF.

Methods and Results

Children hospitalized with ADHF from 2005 to 2021 at our institution were assessed for serial changes in BNP, weaning off of IVV support, and ACV outcomes. Changes in BNP level were evaluated using linear mixed‐effects modeling. Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple hypothesis testing. In 131 hospitalizations of children with ADHF, the median age was 4.8 years, with 74% receiving IVV support. ACV outcomes occurred in 62 children. IVV support was associated with lower admission left ventricular ejection fraction (26.7% versus 32%,
P
=0.002), more severe left ventricular dilation (left ventricular internal diastolic dimension
Z
score 5.9 versus 3.1,
P
=0.021) moderate or more mitral regurgitation (41.3% versus 20.6%,
P
=0.038), and qualitative right ventricular systolic dysfunction (in 45.4% versus 11.8%,
P
<0.001). Decline in BNP levels was more rapid in patients who were successfully weaned from IVV support (−0.20 versus –0.03 2log pg/mL per day,
P
<0.001) and in the non‐ACV group (−0.17 versus –0.03 2log pg/mL per day,
P
<0.001). Right ventricular systolic dysfunction was an independent risk factor for ACV (odds ratio, 2.49;
P
=0.045).

Conclusions
The declining rate of serial BNP levels was associated with weaning from IVV support and no ACV outcomes in children hospitalized with ADHF. Right ventricular systolic dysfunction was associated with ACV outcomes.
Systematic Druggable Genome‐Wide Mendelian Randomization Identifies Therapeutic Targets for Functional Outcome After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Lu‐Yang , Chu Yun‐Hui , You Yun‐Fan , Dong Ming‐Hao , Pang Xiao‐Wei , Chen Lian , Zhu Li‐Fang , Yang Sheng , Zhou Luo‐Qi , Shang Ke , Deng Gang , Xiao Jun , Wang Wei , Qin Chuan , Tian Dai‐Shi 
Published: August 2024

Background
Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, with a lack of effective treatments for improving the prognosis. The aim of the present study was to identify novel therapeutic targets for functional outcome after ischemic stroke .

Methods and Results

Cis‐expression quantitative trait loci data for druggable genes were used as instrumental variables. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months after ischemic stroke, evaluated as a dichotomous variable (3–6 versus 0–2) and also as an ordinal variable. Drug target Mendelian randomization, Steiger filtering analysis, and colocalization analysis were performed. Additionally, phenome‐wide Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to identify the safety of the drug target genes at the genetic level. Among >2600 druggable genes, genetically predicted expression of 16 genes (
ABCC2
,
ATRAID
,
BLK
,
CD93
,
CHST13
,
NR1H3
,
NRBP1
,
PI3
,
RIPK4
,
SEMG1
,
SLC22A4
,
SLC22A5
,
SLCO3A1
,
TEK
,
TLR4
, and
WNT10B
) demonstrated the causal associations with ordinal modified Rankin Scale (
P
<1.892×10
−5
) or poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3–6 versus 0–2,
P
<1.893×10
−5
). Steiger filtering analysis suggested potential directional stability (
P
<0.05). Colocalization analysis provided further support for the associations between genetically predicted expression of
ABCC2
,
NRBP1
,
PI3
, and
SEMG1
with functional outcome after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, phenome‐wide Mendelian randomization revealed additional beneficial indications and few potential safety concerns of therapeutics targeting
ABCC2
,
NRBP1
,
PI3
, and
SEMG1
, but the robustness of these results was limited by low power.

Conclusions
The present study revealed 4 candidate therapeutic targets for improving functional outcome after ischemic stroke, while the underlying mechanisms need further investigation.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure Compared With Oral Anticoagulants for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Oliva Angelo , Ioppolo Anna Maria , Chiarito Mauro , Cremonesi Alberto , Azzano Alessia , Miccichè Eligio , Mangiameli Andrea , Ariano Francesco , Ferrante Giuseppe , Reimers Bernhard , Garot Philippe , Amabile Nicolas , Mehran Roxana , Condorelli Gianluigi , Stefanini Giulio , Cao Davide 
Published: August 2024

Background
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been suggested as an alternative to long‐term oral anticoagulation for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, but comparative data remain scarce. We aimed to assess ischemic and bleeding outcomes of LAAC compared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the prevention of cardioembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results
Embase and MEDLINE were searched for randomized trials comparing LAAC, VKAs, and DOACs. The primary efficacy end point was any stroke or systemic embolism. Treatment effects were calculated from a network meta‐analysis and ranked according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. Seven trials and 73 199 patients were included. The risk of the primary end point was not statistically different between LAAC versus VKAs (odds ratio [OR], 0.92 [95% CI, 0.62–1.50]) and LAAC versus DOACs (OR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.71–1.73]). LAAC and DOACs resulted in similar risk of major or minor (OR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.61–1.42]) and major bleeding (OR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.58–1.46]); however, after exclusion of procedural bleeding, bleeding risk was significantly lower in those undergoing LAAC. Both LAAC and DOACs reduced the risk of all‐cause death compared with VKAs (LAAC versus VKAs: OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.53–0.91]; DOACs versus VKAs: OR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.85–0.95], respectively). DOACs ranked as the best treatment for stroke or systemic embolism prevention (66.9%) and LAAC for reducing major bleeding (63.9%) and death (96.4%).

Conclusions
As a nonpharmacological alternative to oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, LAAC showed similar efficacy and safety compared with VKAs or DOACs. Prospective confirmation from larger studies is warranted.
Delivering Democracy? Comparing Catholic Bishops’ Advocacy for Democracy in Malawi and Zambia, 1987–2022
Authors: Sperber Elizabeth , Wietzel Paige 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
As national leaders of the Catholic Church, bishops were widely recognized as ‘midwives’ of democratic transitions in many African states in the 1990s. This paper expands understanding of bishops’ subsequent political engagement by systematically analyzing their attempts to ‘deliver’ democracy during the difficult decades following transition. Focusing on Malawi and Zambia between 1987 and 2022, we situate and analyse bishops’ most influential public communications: pastoral letters. The article first illuminates the bishops’ public conceptualisations of political participation as a Christian duty, and the roles they prescribed for politicians, citizens, and Christian leaders at the outset of democratisation. We then document the bishops’ consistent commitment to civic education and voter mobilisation across countries, alongside context-specific efforts to defend or advance democracy, which led to some variation in priorities and rhetorical appeals across countries. These findings challenge influential models of religion-state relations, raise new interdisciplinary research questions, and offer insights for democratic advocates.
Reconstruction of Historical Site-Scale Dust Optical Depth (DOD) Time Series from Surface Dust Records and Satellite Retrievals in Northern China: Application to the Evaluation of DOD in CMIP6 Historical Simulations
Authors: Yao Wenrui , Gui Ke , Zhao Hengheng , An Linchang , Shang Nanxuan , Zhang Xutao , Li Lei , Zheng Yu , Wang Hong , Wang Zhili , Sun Junying , Ren Hong-Li , Li Jian , Che Huizheng , Zhang Xiaoye 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The biases generated by state-of-the-art climate models in simulating dust optical depth (DOD) remain to be detailed. Here, a site-scale DOD dataset in March–August over northern China (NC) during 1980–2001 was reconstructed using the empirical relationship between MODIS-retrieved DOD and dust-event frequencies during 2001–21. Then, through the combined use of MODIS-based and reconstructed DOD, we evaluated the reproducibility of DOD from 10 models participating in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) for the historical period (1980–2001 and 2002–14) and under different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) during 2015–21. The results demonstrate that CMIP6 models and multimodel ensemble mean (MEM) are capable of capturing the spatial pattern of DOD, but with considerable uncertainty and intermodel variability in magnitude. Regionally averaged DOD is underestimated by 56.09% during 1980–2001 and overestimated by 30.97% during 2002–14 in MEM over NC. Simultaneously, the intermodel standard deviations are greater than MEM during 2002–14, suggesting large discrepancies among individual models. Very few models accurately capture the trends in DOD, which can mainly be attributed to the different trends in simulated wind speed (WS), soil moisture, and vegetation cover, and their contributions to dust evolution. Under four SSPs, despite the best correlation between SSP1-2.6-modeled and MODIS DOD over Gobi Desert (GD), overestimation of DOD is still observed. More models under SSP1-2.6 capture the positive DOD trend, mainly attributable to positive changes in simulated WS over GD.
The Life-Space Mobility of Community-Dwelling Older Adults is Associated With Personality Traits
Authors: Shinohara Tomoyuki , Yamauchi Rina , Yabana Yuta , Maruyama Ayumi , Saito Shota 
Published: August 2024

Life-space mobility (LSM) in older adults is influenced by physical, cognitive, and psychological states. However, the relationship between LSM and personality traits remains unclear. Thus, our cross-sectional study investigated this correlation, which included 144 participants aged ≥60 years. LSM was assessed using the life-space assessment (LSA), and personality traits were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI-J). Physical data were also collected. Univariate analyses revealed that among young-older adults, extroversion in the TIPI-J showed a significant association with LSA scores in addition to handgrip strength. Among old-older adults, openness to experience in the TIPI-J demonstrated a significant association with LSA scores in addition to quadriceps strength. This study revealed correlations between personality traits (extroversion and openness to experience) and LSM, in addition to physical function. Considering older adults’ personality traits is crucial for designing support and interventions to maintain and expand LSM.
A New Genetic Signature of Lactate Metabolism-Associated Genes Predicting Clinically Distinctive Features and Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Kaiwen , Lou Yu , Tao Zhihui 
Published: August 2024

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by its high malignancy and challenging prognosis. A significant aspect of cancer is metabolic reprogramming, where lactate serves as a crucial metabolite that contributes to the development of cancer and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Current studies have indicated that lactate plays a significant role in the progression of CRC. However, the relationship between lactate and the tumor microenvironment remains understudied, underscoring the potential of lactate as a novel biomarker. Methods We sourced transcriptomic data for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) portals, along with the corresponding clinical information. Utilizing univariate Cox regression in conjunction with LASSO regression analysis, we identified genes involved in lactate metabolism that are associated with CRC prognosis. Subsequently, we developed models based on multi-factor Cox regression. To evaluate the correlation between tumor mutational burden (TMB), tumor microenvironment (TME), and lactate scores with patient survival, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immunogenic signature analyses. Results 3 lactate metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) (SLC16A8, GATA1, and PYGL) were used to construct models that categorized patients into 2 subgroups based on their lactate scores. The function of the differential genes between the 2 subgroups was mainly enriched in cell cycle and mRNA division, and the prognosis of patients in the high score subgroup was poor. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between TMB and LMRGs scores in the high-scoring group ( P = 0.003, r 2 = 0.12). Lastly, LMRGs also reflected the characteristics of TME, with differences in immune cells and immune checkpoints between the 2 subgroups. Conclusions LMRGs may serve as a promising biomarker for predicting prognostic survival in CRC patients and to assess the TME.
Design and experimental study of piezoelectric energy harvester from driving motor system of electric vehicle based on high–low excitation frequency profiles
Authors: Yang Ping , Saad Abdullah Aziz , Ahmad Mazlan Ahmad Zhafran 
Published: August 2024

There is a lot of wasted vibration induced from the driving motor system of an electric vehicle. Due to this, the vibration characteristics of the driving motor are performed, and the acceleration vibration responses are measured and analyzed. This investigation will explore an opportunity in vibration energy harvesting technology of a vehicle drive motor. Based on the vibration characteristics of the drive motor, two rectangular piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) beams and two optimized T-shaped PEH beams with 15 Hz and 250 Hz of frequencies are designed, and the electro-mechanical characteristics and stress distribution of the PEHs are simulated using finite element method. The optimized T-shape PEHs are selected and fabricated for the experimental validation, and the result proves that the output performance of T-shape PEHs is reliable and can be used for further research. The voltage outputs of the optimized PEHs under different test points and similar steady-state operation are measured, with the maximum output voltage of 15 V determined from the motor casing. The voltage outputs under cyclic operational conditions load are also obtained, which indicates that the operation of driving motor generates an abundance of high and low-frequency vibration energy, with the maximum voltage up to 144 V. The optimized PEHs can efficiently convert the high and low-frequency vibration energy of the drive motor. This provides a practical method for supplying electrical energy to electronic devices and offers new insights for the vibration energy harvesting technology in automobiles.
Bubble-graft coverage after Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty depending on gaze angle
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian , Son Hyeck-Soo , Buhl Rebecca Charlotte , Meyer Christine Maria , Yildirim Timur Mert , Khoramnia Ramin , Auffarth Gerd Uwe , Augustin Victor Aristide 
Published: August 2024

Purpose In Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) a gas bubble is usually used to attach the graft to the host cornea. In this study, we observed the bubble size and bubble-graft coverage at different gaze angles following DMEK. Methods This observational prospective study analyzed 465 images of patients who underwent an uneventful DMEK. Intraoperatively, the anterior chamber was filled up to 90% of its volume with a 20% Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas-air mixture. Postoperatively, the bubble was photographed daily in different gaze angles ranging from a supine position (0°) to an upright position (90°) and a slightly inclined position (105°). The primary outcomes were bubble-graft coverage and bubble diameters depending on the gaze angle and time after DMEK. Results The highest bubble-graft coverage was achieved at a 0° gaze angle at all times of measurement. In the first 48 h after DMEK, the mean bubble-graft coverage was over 85% at a gaze angle between 0° and 45°. Starting 72 h after DMEK, the graft coverage declined at all gaze angles. The graft coverage at a 0° gaze angle was 88.61 ± 10.90% after 96 postoperative hours, while the graft coverage was below 85% at all other gaze angles. Conclusion Our clinical results provide novel insight into variation in bubble-graft coverage as a function of gaze angle and may be used to aid in patient counselling for appropriate body positioning following DMEK to prevent early graft detachment. Maintaining supine positioning seems to be most advantageous starting 48 h after DMEK.
People with dementia and family carers are welcoming of a model of dementia palliative care, but sceptical of its implementation
Authors: Fox Siobhan , Faherty Mary , Drennan Jonathan , Guerin Suzanne , Kernohan W George , Murphy Aileen , Timmons Suzanne 
Published: August 2024

Introduction A palliative care approach can improve quality-of-life for people with dementia. It is the preference of many people with dementia to remain living at home until death, with the appropriate care. To develop a successful model for dementia palliative care in the community, it is essential to assimilate the perspectives and experiences of those affected. The guiding research question for this study was: What are people with dementia and family carers’ views on a model for dementia palliative care?. Methods Focus groups ( n = 3) were conducted with bereaved or current family carers ( n = 11), and people with dementia ( n = 2). Discussions centred around a proposed model of dementia palliative care. These were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Three main themes were identified: living and dying well with dementia; reducing carer burden to fulfil the wish for home care; and lack of faith in the healthcare system. One statement which summarised the analysis was: “Dementia palliative care is a dream, but not a reality.” This reflected participants’ repeated “wish” for this “ideal” model of care, but simultaneous scepticism regarding its implementation, based on their prior experiences of healthcare services. Conclusion All participants were welcoming of the proposed model for dementia palliative care and were generally positive about palliative care as a concept relating to dementia. There was consensus that the model would allow people to live and die well with dementia, and reducing the carer burden would fulfil the wish to remain at home. However systemic changes in the healthcare system will be needed to facilitate a truly person-centred, holistic, individualised and flexible model of care.