bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tackling P3HT:Y‐Series Miscibility Through Advanced Processing for Tunable Aggregation
Authors: Eller Fabian , McNeill Christopher R. , Herzig Eva M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPolymer and small molecule blend thin films are of strong interest for organic electronics and particularly organic solar cells. The high miscibility in blends of ordinary P3HT and state‐of‐the‐art Y‐series non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) suppresses phase separation and aggregation challenging successful charge separation and transport. In a recent work, current‐induced doping (CID) is introduced, a method to precisely control the aggregation of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in solution. The highly ordered pre‐aggregation in solution is used here to control the P3HT aggregation in neat films and blends with Y12 (BTP‐4F‐12). This results in a 25‐fold increase in hole mobility in P3HT organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) devices and tunability of the P3HT aggregate quality in the presence of Y12 over large ranges. At the same time, particularly the Y12 long‐range ordering is heavily suppressed by increasing P3HT aggregation. However, solvent vapor annealing (SVA) leads to an extraordinarily high Y12 ordering, changes in the crystal orientation of Y12, and a further improvement of P3HT aggregation. A broad range of different degrees of aggregation of both materials can therefore be obtained in the final thin films solely by changing processing parameters without changing the composition of the material system.
Operando Investigation on the Role of Densification and Chemo‐Mechanics on Solid‐State Cathodes
Authors: Jeong Min‐Gi , Naik Kaustubh G. , Zheng Yanjie , Suk Won Joon , Vishnugopi Bairav S. , Lin Lin , Puthusseri Dhanya , Chuang Andrew C. , Okasinski John S. , Sakamoto Jeff , Mukherjee Partha P. , Hatzell Kelsey B. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAll solid‐state batteries are desirable for a range of energy storage applications which require high energy density. Achieving a high energy density in a solid‐state battery requires the operation of an energy dense anode with a composite solid‐state cathode. Pores and/or voids within a solid state cathode are ion‐blocking and thus control over the concentration and distribution of pores in the initial electrode and cycled electrode is desirable. This study provides an understanding of the interplay between electrode microstructure and mechanics on active material utilization in solid state cathodes composed of NCM 811 and Li6PS5Cl. Decreasing the solid electrolyte particle size leads to greater active material‐electrolyte contact and less total deformation when exposed to an external load. Composite cathodes with greater compliance can potentially decrease strain between the active material and solid electrolyte, decrease delamination events and result in higher overall active material utilization and high capacity retention.
Implementation of a workshop for mass casualty incident triage training using an immersive virtual reality simulation
Authors: Kman Nicholas E. , McGrath Jillian , Panchal Ashish R. , Malone Matthew , Sharkey‐Toppen Travis , Way David P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe offered a workshop at the 2023 annual meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine to teach the Sort–Assess–Lifesaving Interventions–Treatment/Transport (SALT) triage protocol for responding to mass casualty incidents (MCIs) using an immersive virtual reality (VR) simulator. Here, we report workshop outcomes.MethodsAfter a 1‐h didactic on the basics of triage protocols, workshop participants rotated through three skill stations at which learners learned how to use the VR headset and controllers, practiced applying SALT triage skills through a tabletop exercise, and then finally used our VR simulator for training responses to MCIs. During their encounter with VR, participants applied their new knowledge to triaging and treating the victims of an explosion in a virtual subway station. After a brief orientation, participants entered the scene to treat and triage virtual patients who had various life‐threatening (e.g., acute arterial bleed, penetrating injury, pneumothorax, amputations) and non–life‐threatening injuries (lacerations, sprains, hysteria, confusion). The simulator generated a performance report for each workshop attendee to be used for debriefing by a skilled facilitator.ResultsParticipants were mostly trainees (residents), all of whom properly initiated their encounter with global sort commands (walk and wave) to identify the most critically injured. On average, participants correctly treated 92% of 18 injuries, with all bleeding injuries being properly controlled (tourniquets or wound packing). On average, participants correctly tagged 87.7% of 11 patients, but only took the pulse of 67% of the 11 patients. Learners had difficulty with cases involving embedded shrapnel and properly tagging patients who were stable after treatments.ConclusionsOur VR simulator provided a practical, portable, reproducible training and assessment system for preparing future emergency medical systems (EMS) medical directors to teach their EMS professionals the triage and lifesaving intervention treatment skills needed to save lives.
Sleep functional connectivity, hyperexcitability, and cognition in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Moguilner Sebastian G. , Berezuk Courtney , Bender Alex C. , Pellerin Kyle R. , Gomperts Stephen N. , Cash Sydney S. , Sarkis Rani A. , Lam Alice D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONSleep disturbances are common in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may reflect pathologic changes in brain networks. To date, no studies have examined changes in sleep functional connectivity (FC) in AD or their relationship with network hyperexcitability and cognition.METHODSWe assessed electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep FC in 33 healthy controls, 36 individuals with AD without epilepsy, and 14 individuals with AD and epilepsy.RESULTSAD participants showed increased gamma connectivity in stage 2 sleep (N2), which was associated with longitudinal cognitive decline. Network hyperexcitability in AD was associated with a distinct sleep connectivity signature, characterized by decreased N2 delta connectivity and reversal of several connectivity changes associated with AD. Machine learning algorithms using sleep connectivity features accurately distinguished diagnostic groups and identified “fast cognitive decliners” among study participants who had AD.DISCUSSIONOur findings reveal changes in sleep functional networks associated with cognitive decline in AD and may have implications for disease monitoring and therapeutic development.Highlights
Brain functional connectivity (FC) in Alzheimer's disease is altered during sleep.
Sleep FC measures correlate with cognitive decline in AD.
Network hyperexcitability in AD has a distinct sleep connectivity signature.
Acetal‐thiol Click‐like Reaction: Facile and Efficient Synthesis of Dynamic Dithioacetals and Recyclable Polydithioacetals
Authors: Du Shuai , Yang Shuaiqi , Wang Binbo , Li Pengyun , Zhu Jin , Ma Songqi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDithioacetals are heavily used in organic, material and medical chemistries, and exhibit huge potential to synthesize degradable or recyclable polymers. However, the current synthetic approaches of dithioacetals and polydithioacetals are overwhelmingly dependent on external catalysts and organic solvents. Herein, we disclose a catalyst‐ and solvent‐free acetal‐thiol click‐like reaction for synthesizing dithioacetals and polydithioacetals. High conversion, higher than acid catalytic acetal‐thiol reaction, can be achieved. High universality was confirmed by monitoring the reactions of linear and cyclic acetals (including renewable bio‐sourced furan‐acetal) with aliphatic and aromatic thiols, and the reaction mechanism of monomolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN1) and auto‐protonation (activation) by thiol was clarified by combining experiments and density functional theory computation. Subsequently, we utilize this reaction to synthesize readily recyclable polydithioacetals. By simple heating and stirring, linear polydithioacetals with
w of ~110 kDa were synthesized from acetal and dithiol, and depolymerization into macrocyclic dithioacetal and repolymerization into polydithioacetal can be achieved; through reactive extrusion, a semi‐interpenetrating polymer dynamic network with excellent mechanical properties and continuous reprocessability was prepared from poly(vinyl butyral) and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate). This green and high‐efficient synthesis method for dithioacetals and polydithioacetals is beneficial to the sustainable development of chemistry.
Biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate microfiber membranes decorated with photoactive Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial and anti‐biofouling activities
Authors: Ladhari Safa , Vu Nhu‐Nang , Boisvert Cédrik , Polinarski Marcos Antonio , Venne Camille , Saidi Alireza , Barnabe Simon , Nguyen‐Tri Phuong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDeveloping advanced materials with antibacterial and antifouling activities offers an adequate protection solution against surface bacterial contamination—a common cause of infection threatening human health. The current work reports the preparation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) microfiber membranes decorated with photoactive Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles using electrospinning coupled with dip‐coating methods. The decoration of Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles strongly enhances the antibacterial properties of prepared membranes, particularly under light illumination, thanks to their photocatalytic activity. The best‐performing sample exhibits potent antibacterial efficiency exceeding 99% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis after 3 and 1 h of exposure to low‐power commercial LED light, respectively. The prepared samples also display excellent reusability with an insignificant antibacterial activity decrease after three cycles (<2% loss in antibacterial efficiency). Furthermore, these samples effectively prevent bacterial fouling due to their potent antibacterial properties. Notably, despite the strong antibacterial effect, decorated Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles promote the adhesion of microorganisms, accelerating the biodegradation of PHB microfibers. As a result, the prepared microfiber membranes with nanoparticle decoration exhibit biodegradability comparable to the non‐decorated membrane, with the soil degradation rates reaching almost 99% after only 6 weeks.
A novel starch‐based composite hydrogel enhanced by activated charcoal from the banana peel for water decontamination
Authors: Maia Lana S. , Pereira Paulo H. F. , da Silva Andressa I. C. , da Costa Talles B. , Mulinari Daniella R. , Rosa Derval dos S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe efficient removal of potential toxic elements (PTEs) from aqueous systems is an important challenge in water purification and industrial effluent treatment. Starch‐based hydrogels have shown promise in this context due to their unique properties, such as high absorption capacity and water retention. This work synthesized a novel hydrogel with and without activated charcoal (AC) from banana peel (5 wt.%) and trisodium citrate as a crosslinking agent and starch to remove PTEs. These hydrogels were characterized by Fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, TGA, XRD, water absorption, and zero‐charge point techniques. Subsequently, the affinity of AC, neat hydrogel, and the composite hydrogel for removing Cr6+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ in aqueous solution was evaluated. FTIR confirmed a crosslinking reaction between the starch molecules and the crosslinking agent (trisodium citrate). Besides, the addition of hydrogel+5%AC altered the crosslinking process. Adding AC to the hydrogel composite increased crystallinity, thermal stability, and porous size. The highest removal efficiency of neat hydrogel and hydrogel+5%AC was for Cr6+, obtaining 83.2% and 98.5%, respectively. As for the AC, the removal of Cu2+ was satisfactory, with 80.4%. Thus, hydrogel+5%AC proves to be a highly viable adsorbent for posttreatment of wastewater due to its ability to efficiently remove PTEs.
Non‐isocyanate polyurethane‐acrylate as UV‐ and thermo‐responsive plasticizer for thermoplastic elastomer
Authors: Lam Ki Yan , Lee Choy Sin , Pichika Mallikarjuna Rao , Cheng Sit Foon , Tan Rachel Yie Hang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA UV‐ and thermo‐responsive polyurethane‐acrylate prepolymer was synthesized from palm olein (POo) via a non‐isocyanate route. The process included epoxidation of POo, carbonation of epoxidized palm olein (EPOo) into polycyclic carbonate in a solvent‐free and mild condition (100°C, 1 atm), followed by reacting with ethylene diamine and acrylic acid. The chemical structure of the non‐isocyanate polyurethane‐acrylate (NIPUA) prepolymer was elucidated by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while weight average molecular weight of NIPUA was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The NIPUA (0–20 wt%) was incorporated with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as a plasticizer and cured under UV light and thermal stimulations. The cured NIPUA/TPE films were characterized by FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile strength test. Under UV and thermal stimulations, the NIPUA/TPE demonstrated enhanced tensile properties (elongation at break >1280%, Young's modulus ~25 MPa), thermal properties (lower Tg), lower water contact angle, and shortened curing time as compared with the blank TPE. The 20 wt% NIPUA/TPE films exhibited susceptibility to enzymatic biodegradation and noncytotoxic to HEK 293 cells in vitro, demonstrated it's potential as a UV‐ and thermo‐responsive plasticizer for TPE in manufacturing of medical devices.
Preparation and characterization of hydrophobic waterborne polyurethane self‐matting coating
Authors: Meng Yeyun , Liang Shengyuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA green method to synthesize self‐matting waterborne polyurethane acrylic hybrid emulsion with hydrophobic function is introduced in this study. A reactive waterborne polyurethane (RWPU) dispersion containing unsaturated CC double bonds was prepared from epoxidized soybean oil. Subsequently, the RWPU dispersion was copolymerized with fluorinated monomers of different carbon chain lengths to prepare polyurethane acrylic hybrid emulsion (PUF). The results revealed the gloss levels of PUF films to be as low as 12.4 gloss units at 60°. The morphology of PUF films was observed by scanning electron microscope and three‐dimensional surface profilometer, and the relationship between surface roughness and gloss was discussed in detail. In addition, thermal gravimetric analysis was conducted to determine the thermal stability of the PUF films, and the results denoted that these PUF films exhibited excellent thermal stability. Comprehensive performance tests indicated that the RWPU dispersion, which was copolymerized with hexafluorobutyl methacrylate at a weight of 10%, exhibited a low gloss, a high contact angle of 120°, and a high elongation percentage of 423%. Furthermore, the dynamic light scattering results showed small average particle size, revealing the excellent storage stabilities.
Various pharmacological agents in the pipeline against intractable epilepsy
Authors: Waris Abdul , Asim Muhammad , Ullah Ata , Alhumaydhi Fahad A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEpilepsy is a noncommunicable chronic neurological disorder affecting people of all ages, with the highest prevalence in low and middle‐income countries. Despite the pharmacological armamentarium, the plethora of drugs in the market, and other treatment options, 30%–35% of individuals still show resistance to the current medication, termed intractable epilepsy/drug resistance epilepsy, which contributes to 50% of the mortalities due to epilepsy. Therefore, the development of new drugs and agents is needed to manage this devastating epilepsy. We reviewed the pipeline of drugs in “ClinicalTrials. gov,” which is the federal registry of clinical trials to identify drugs and other treatment options in various phases against intractable epilepsy. A total of 31 clinical trials were found regarding intractable epilepsy. Among them, 48.4% (15) are about pharmacological agents, of which 26.6% are in Phase 1, 60% are in Phase 2, and 13.3% are in Phase 3. The mechanism of action or targets of the majority of these agents are different and are more diversified than those of the approved drugs. In this article, we summarized various pharmacological agents in clinical trials, their backgrounds, targets, and mechanisms of action for the treatment of intractable epilepsy. Treatment options other than pharmacological ones, such as devices for brain stimulation, ketogenic diets, gene therapy, and others, are also summarized.
Synthesis of selenophene‐containing flavonols and 2‐styrylchromones: Evaluation of their activities compared with selenophene‐containing chalcones as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Chen Ya‐Chen , Chang Chuan‐Hsin , Tang Mei‐Hsin , Ding Yu Chun , Wu I‐Ching , Ye Wei‐Tong , Shih Tzenge‐Lien 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPreviously, we documented the synthesis and assessed the biological effects of chalcones containing selenium against HT‐29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, demonstrating their significant potential. As research on selenium‐containing flavonoids remains limited, this article outlines our design and synthesis of three selenium‐based flavonols and three 2‐styrylchromones. We conducted evaluations of these compounds to determine their impact on human lung cancer cells (A549, H1975, CL1‐0, and CL1‐5) and their influence on normal lung fibroblast MRC5 cells. Additionally, we included selenium‐based chalcones in our testing for comparative purposes. Our findings highlight that the simplest compound, designated as compound 1, exhibited the most promising performance among the tested molecules.
Flower technique—A bailout technique to retrieve disrupted balloon catheters and stents
Authors: Yoshinaga Masataka , Ishiguro Hisaaki , Muramatsu Takashi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe report two case series in which we encountered the difficulties to retrieve disrupted devices during percutaneous coronary intervention and endovascular treatment. The broken devices were successfully and safely retrieved by the “flower technique” that creates multiple cut and slit in the tip of the guiding catheter. This technique can be easily and safely applied in situations where a balloon catheter or stent has been disrupted and device entrapment has occurred, as the technique simply involves manually placing multiple cuts or slits in the tip of the guiding catheter. Transcatheter interventionists should be familiar with this technique because it can be bailout from device entrapment without additional cost or clinical experience.
FDA perspectives on postmarket surveillance of peripheral and aortic vascular devices
Authors: Malone Misti , Johnson Carmen Gacchina 
Published: May 2024

Key points
Case examples in Pyun et al., highlight value of RWD to elucidate real‐world outcomes in expanded patient population and to discern potential signals.
CDRH actively engages with stakeholders through transparent communication and collaboration to resolve signals.
Additional improvements in the RWD infrastructure are warranted to ensure complete and accurate data collection across the total product lifecycle.
Commissural alignment and the ACURATE neo2 transcatheter aortic valve: Impact on valve performance
Authors: Travieso Alejandro , Toggweiler Stefan , Montarello Nicholas , Renker Matthias , Tirado‐Conte Gabriela , Loretz Lucca , Charitos Efstratios I. , Kim Won‐Keun , De Backer Ole 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly being used to treat severe aortic stenosis in younger patients. Accordingly, lifetime management regarding future reintervention and coronary access is a concern.AimsTo assess the impact of commissural alignment on ACURATE neo2 transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) performance.MethodsCOMALIGN‐neo2 was an observational, retrospective study enrolling consecutive TAVR patients treated with the ACURATE neo2 (October 2021 to October 2022). The degree of commissural (mis)‐alignment (CMA) with the native aortic valve commissures was determined and transvalvular gradient, effective orifice area, patient‐prosthesis mismatch (PPM), and aortic regurgitation (AR) were assessed.ResultsAmong 825 patients, the mean age was 80.7 years and 42% were female. Commissural alignment was achieved in 60% of cases; mild (26%), moderate (9%), and severe misalignment (5%) were found less often. Severe PPM occurred more frequently in patients with severe CMA (14.7%) compared to aligned valves (p = 0.034). By multivariate analysis, severe CMA (odds ratio [OR]: 3.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.09–8.90]; p = 0.033) and lack of postdilatation (OR: 3.85, [1.33–11.1]; p = 0.012) were associated with severe PPM. Higher rates of ≥mild AR (51.4%) were found in TAVs implanted with severe CMA compared to aligned (34.3%), mildly (38.1%) or moderately (36.0%) misaligned TAVs (p = 0.030). Multivariate analysis identified severe CMA (OR: 2.05, [1.05–4.02]; p = 0.037) to be an independent predictor of ≥mild AR.ConclusionsCOMALIGN‐neo2 is the largest study to date assessing the impact of commissural alignment on acute TAV performance. Severe CMA with the ACURATE neo2 platform was associated with worse valve hemodynamics and increased risk for mild AR.
Mimicry unveiled: The challenging diagnosis of pigmented purpura‐like mycosis fungoides initially misdiagnosed as pigmented purpura
Authors: Aryal Sabita , Zhu‐qian Jiang , Qiang Liu ye , Haque Md Ariful 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageUnlike most cases, the lesions were localized to the dorsum of the hand, lacked pruritus (itching), and did not exhibit “sperm‐like blood vessels,” which are typically pathognomonic to classical MF.AbstractThe study presents a rare case involving a 44‐year‐old woman who developed a skin condition on the base of her left thumb. Initially misdiagnosed as pigmented purpura, the need for further investigation arose to determine the nature of the condition accurately. The medical evaluation encompassed a comprehensive analysis of the patient's skin ailment. A series of diagnostic examinations were conducted to ascertain the underlying cause. Although routine blood tests yielded unremarkable results, the distinct characteristics of the rash prompted a more thorough investigation. Subsequent assessment revealed that the skin condition was not pigmented purpura, as initially presumed, but rather a manifestation of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) known as mycosis fungoides (MF). MF is an infrequent lymphoma predominantly affecting individuals aged 45–65, exhibiting a male‐to‐female sex ratio of 2:1. The annual incidence of MF ranges from 0.3 to 0.96 cases per 100,000 individuals. The woman's skin exhibited discrete patches adorned with colored dots, progressively thickening and pigmentation. Notably, the absence of pruritus did not dispel suspicion. This case underscores the significance of accurately diagnosing uncommon dermatological disorders to facilitate appropriate medical intervention. The unique appearance of the rash and its distinctive features, despite normal blood results, enabled the identification of MF. The patient's treatment encompassed a combination of steroids and narrowband UV therapy. Vigilance, continued research, and heightened awareness are paramount for early intervention and improved patient outcomes. Such efforts contribute to an enhanced understanding of the complexities of this condition.