bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cold Sintering Enables the Reprocessing of LLZO‐Based Composites
Authors: Lan Yi‐Chen , Ghasemi Masoud , Hall Shelby L. , Fair Ryan A. , Maranas Christina , Shi Rui , Gomez Enrique D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAll‐solid‐state batteries have the potential for enhanced safety and capacity over conventional lithium ion batteries, and are anticipated to dominate the energy storage industry. As such, strategies to enable recycling of the individual components are crucial to minimize waste and prevent health and environmental harm. Here, we use cold sintering to reprocess solid‐state composite electrolytes, specifically Mg and Sr doped Li7La3Zr2O12 with polypropylene carbonate (PPC) and lithium perchlorate (LLZO−PPC−LiClO4). The low sintering temperature allows co‐sintering of ceramics, polymers and lithium salts, leading to re‐densification of the composite structures with reprocessing. Reprocessed LLZO−PPC−LiClO4 exhibits densified microstructures with ionic conductivities exceeding 10−4 S/cm at room temperature after 5 recycling cycles. All‐solid‐state lithium batteries fabricated with reprocessed electrolytes exhibit a high discharge capacity of 168 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C, and retention of performance at 0.2 C for over 100 cycles. Life cycle assessment (LCA) suggests that recycled electrolytes outperforms the pristine electrolyte process in all environmental impact categories, highlighting cold sintering as a promising technology for recycling electrolytes.
Translating the regulatory landscape of medical devices to create fit‐for‐purpose artificial intelligence (AI) cytometry solutions
Authors: Bogdanoski Goce , Lucas Fabienne , Kern Wolfgang , Czechowska Kamila 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe implementation of medical software and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms into routine clinical cytometry diagnostic practice requires a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements and challenges throughout the cytometry software product lifecycle. To provide cytometry software developers, computational scientists, researchers, industry professionals, and diagnostic physicians/pathologists with an introduction to European Union (EU) and United States (US) regulatory frameworks. Informed by community feedback and needs assessment established during two international cytometry workshops, this article provides an overview of regulatory landscapes as they pertain to the application of AI, AI‐enabled medical devices, and Software as a Medical Device in diagnostic flow cytometry. Evolving regulatory frameworks are discussed, and specific examples regarding cytometry instruments, analysis software and clinical flow cytometry in‐vitro diagnostic assays are provided. An important consideration for cytometry software development is the modular approach. As such, modules can be segregated and treated as independent components based on the medical purpose and risk and become subjected to a range of context‐dependent compliance and regulatory requirements throughout their life cycle. Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements enhances the communication and collaboration between developers, researchers, end‐users and regulators. This connection is essential to translate scientific innovation into diagnostic practice and to continue to shape the development and revision of new policies, standards, and approaches.
Metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma with nest‐like features presenting as malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Arienzo Francesca , Valenti Alessandra , Ricci Paolo , Ascoli Valeria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMetastatic urothelial carcinoma is a rare cause of pleural effusions. We report a case of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract in an oldest‐old male patient, a smoker, with situs inversus totalis, that presented uniquely with malignant pleural effusion at presentation without evidence of a primary tumor on imaging. Cytological smears of the massive left pleural effusion revealed epithelioid neoplastic cells arranged in short cords, small‐to‐large clusters, and raspberry‐like morules, mimicking mesothelioma; cell block preparations highlighted the presence of tubules and nest‐like structures. The tumor cells showed a high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear grooves, and mitotic figures. Cytomorphologic features coupled with the immunophenotype of neoplastic cells (p63, GATA3, and uroplakin II positive) allowed the diagnosis of metastatic urothelial carcinoma and a possible nested subtype. These findings were supported by a total body computed tomography (CT) showing no evidence of a mass in the bladder or elsewhere in the urinary tract but a concentric parietal thickening of the proximal left ureter, suggesting malignancy. To our knowledge, a malignant effusion as a primary manifestation of urothelial carcinoma with nest‐like features originating in the upper urinary tract has never been described previously. Our case focuses on the value of cell block in the working‐up of neoplastic effusions by revealing the architectural pattern of an uncommon malignancy and the correlation between cytopathology and imaging gross findings to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification of the antitumor effect and molecular mechanism of isocryptomerin on HepG2 cells
Authors: Cao Jing‐Long , Li Shu‐Mei , Tang Yan‐Jun , Hou Wen‐Shuang , Wang An‐Qi , Li Tian‐Zhu , Jin Cheng‐Hao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIsocryptomerin (ISO) is a flavonoid isolated from the natural medicine Selaginellae Herba, which has various pharmacological activities. This study investigated the antitumor effect and underlying molecular mechanism of ISO on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. The cell viability assay revealed that ISO has a considerable killing effect on HCC cell lines. The apoptosis assay showed that ISO induced mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis through the Bad/cyto‐c/cleaved (cle)‐caspase‐3/cleaved (cle)‐PARP pathway. The network pharmacological analysis found 13 key target genes, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), AKT, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathways were strongly associated with ISO against HCC. Further verification of the results showed that ISO induced apoptosis by increasing p‐p38 and p‐JNK expression and decreasing p‐EGFR, p‐SRC, p‐ERK, and p‐STAT3 expression. Furthermore, ISO induced G0/G1 phase arrest by downregulating p‐AKT, Cyclin D, and CDK 4 expression and upregulating p21 and p27 expression in HepG2 cells. Moreover, ISO inhibited HepG2 cell migration by decreasing p‐GSK‐3β, β‐catenin, and N‐cadherin expression and increasing E‐cadherin expression. Additionally, ISO promoted ROS accumulation in HepG2 cells, and ISO‐induced apoptosis, arrest cell cycle, and inhibition of migration were reversed by an ROS scavenger, N‐acetyl‐
l‐cysteine. Overall, ISO induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell migration by ROS‐mediated EGFR, AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways in HepG2 cells.
Phenotypic plasticity in mass loss during chick rearing in the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Authors: Hodinka Brett L. , Williams Tony D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIt has long been recognized that mass loss during breeding could be adaptive (e.g., by ameliorating the costs of increased parental activity). However, many studies still commonly interpret mass loss as evidence of “stress” or a cost of reproduction (i.e., a negative effect of high workload during chick provisioning). Despite several studies reporting evidence in support of both hypotheses, the ecological and/or life‐history contexts under which mass loss may be viewed as a “cost” or an adaptive strategy are still unclear. Here, we used a long‐term dataset from a breeding population of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) to investigate natural annual and individual variation in body mass and mass loss and to test whether mass loss during chick rearing represents a phenotypically plastic trait that varies predictably in relation to ecological context and individual quality. While there was significant annual variation in incubation mass, chick‐rearing mass, and mass change, there were no systematic relationships between mass loss and current breeding success or future fecundity and survival. In addition, we found no evidence of intra‐annual repeatability of mass loss between first and second broods ( = .00) but moderate interannual repeatability of mass loss (R = .61) during first broods, suggesting differences in mass loss under different selective pressures. However, we found no covariation between residual intra‐individual variation in mass loss for first broods and other reproductive or life‐history traits. We therefore found no support for the idea that mass loss reflects “reproductive stress” in our system: there were no negative relationships between mass loss and either current or future reproduction and survival (local return rate). Our results are consistent with mass loss being an individually plastic trait, with individuals using mass loss to “level the playing field” and individually optimize reproductive effort and fitness within their specific ecological context and relative to their individual quality for a given breeding attempt.
Microparticles from dental calculus disclose paleoenvironmental and palaeoecological records
Authors: D'Agostino Alessia , Di Marco Gabriele , Rolfo Mario Federico , Alessandri Luca , Marvelli Silvia , Braglia Roberto , Congestri Roberta , Berrilli Federica , Fuciarelli Maria Felicita , Ferracci Angelica , Canini Antonella , Gismondi Angelo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPlants have always represented a key element in landscape delineation. Indeed, plant diversity, whose distribution is influenced by geographic/climatic variability, has affected both environmental and human ecology. The present contribution represents a multi‐proxy study focused on the detection of starch, pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs in ancient dental calculus collected from pre‐historical individuals buried at La Sassa and Pila archaeological sites (Central Italy). The collected record suggested the potential use of plant taxa by the people living in Central Italy during the Copper‐Middle Bronze Age and expanded the body of evidence reported by previous palynological and palaeoecological studies. The application of a microscopic approach provided information about domesticated crops and/or gathered wild plants and inferred considerations on ancient environments, water sources, and past health and diseases. Moreover, the research supplied data to define the natural resources (e.g., C4‐plant intake) and the social use of the space during that period. Another important aspect was the finding of plant clues referable to woody habitats, characterised by broad‐leaved deciduous taxa and generally indicative of a warm‐temperate climate and grassy vegetation. Other unusual records (e.g., diatoms, brachysclereids) participated in defining the prehistoric ecological framework. Thus, this work provides an overview on the potential of the human dental calculus analysis to delineate some features of the ancient plant ecology and biodiversity.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage‐induced reversible cardiac dysfunction: time course and potential mechanisms
Authors: Xiao Yichao , Lai Xin , Wang Zhuo , Wang Songyun , Wu Zhihong , Liu Qiming , Chen Mingxian , Zhou Shenghua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsCardiac dysfunction is commonly observed in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). However, the specific timeline of cardiac remodelling and the underlying mechanisms responsible for this effect following SAH remain unknown. This study aims to explore the impact of SAH on cardiac dysfunction and its potential mechanisms over time.Methods and resultsIn Protocol 1, we investigated cardiac function and potential mechanisms in a Sprague‐Dawley rat model of SAH at six time points (baseline and Days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28) while exploring the underlying mechanisms. Our assessments included the haemodynamic profile, echocardiography, and the concentrations of plasma biomarkers at various time points post‐SAH. We determined neuropeptide Y (NPY) 1–5 receptor protein expression levels through western blotting. In Protocol 2, we administered an NPY1 receptor antagonist to evaluate the effects of cardiac dysfunction induced by SAH on Day 3. In Protocol 1, SAH gradually provoked cardiac systolic dysfunction during the acute phase, reaching its peak on Day 3 without concurrent alterations in wall thickness. However, no significant changes were observed from Days 14 to 28 compared with Day 0. The changes in cardiac dysfunction were consistent with myocardial injury, inflammatory biomarkers, and NPY levels. SAH resulted in a heightened heart rate and systolic blood pressure, correlating with elevated epinephrine and norepinephrine levels. In Protocol 2, the administration of the NPY1 receptor antagonist effectively ameliorated cardiac dysfunction.ConclusionsSAH induces transient cardiac dysfunction in the acute phase, and the underlying mechanisms for this response involve the NPY–NPY1 receptor pathway, otherwise known as catecholamines.
Is pain ever acceptable? A qualitative exploration concerning adult perceptions of chronic pain
Authors: Kahtan Hanaa , Jordan Abbie , Forget Patrice 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the challenges of living with chronic pain are widely documented within existing literature, to our knowledge, the acceptability of pain for people living with persistent pain, has not been fully explored. The current study aims to explore what ‘acceptable pain’ means to adults living with chronic non‐cancer pain (CPCP).MethodsA total of 117 participants (aged 21 to 77 years) worldwide were recruited using opportunity sampling. Participants completed an online qualitative survey. Qualitative analysis of the data used inductive reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsTwo themes were generated. The first theme—‘I grin and bear it’, described participants' desire and drive to push through their pain to live their daily lives to the best of their ability. Contrastingly, the second theme—‘Thriving versus surviving’, placed greater importance on leading meaningful and happy lives despite living with chronic pain. The acceptability of pain was found to be influenced by various factors including, but not limited to, pain severity, mental health, functionality, productivity and quality of life.ConclusionsIt can be difficult to identify when a clinically significant change in pain has occurred from numerical pain rating scales. We have identified two themes and a number of factors influencing the acceptability of pain. Understanding individuals' unique perceptions of what constitutes ‘acceptable pain’ is crucial for clinicians when assessing and managing chronic pain. Pain is a highly subjective experience, and what one person considers acceptable may differ significantly from another person's perspective. Recommendations to improve healthcare services for adults living with CNCP are proposed and directions for future research are explored.SignificanceAdults with CNCP have unique experiences of living with and managing their chronic pain. CNCP was found to affect biological, psychological, and social aspects of an individual's life. The acceptability of pain exists on a continuum where adjacent parts are not noticeably different from each other, but the extremes of the continuum appear very distinct. The acceptability of pain is determined by the different factors that influence an individuals' ability to function on a day‐to‐day basis as well as their quality of life. While acceptable pain and manageable pain represent distinct aspects of the pain experience, the relationship between them is complex and plays a crucial role in how individuals cope with and adapt to chronic pain.
Facile preparation of a conjugated polymer‐based biosensor for glucose monitoring
Authors: Bulut Umut , Cevher Şevki Can , Sayın Vuslat Öykü , Özbek Sevgi Sarıgül , Altın Nevra , Çırpan Ali , Söylemez Saniye 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDiabetes is an important public health problem all over the world that affects the quality of life, and its late diagnosis leads to serious complications such as stroke, blindness, limb amputations, and kidney failure. Fabrication of economical and user‐friendly biosensor systems allows the rapid and early detection of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, a novel, amino‐functionalized, conjugated, alternating polymer was synthesized, characterized, and coated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to be used as an immobilization platform for the glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme. The decline in oxygen level due to the enzymatic reaction at a potential of −0.7 V vs. silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) is screened as a biosensor response. The proposed biosensor displayed high selectivity and specificity for glucose with a broad linear range, a low detection limit, good reproducibility and repeatability, and a long shelf life. Surface modifications were characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) techniques. The real‐life sample application of the constructed biosensor to determine the glucose amount was performed in human serum.
From non‐doped to dopable: The impact of methoxy functionalization on doping and thermoelectric properties of conjugated polymers
Authors: Lee Hansol , Ayuningtias Landep , Kim Hoimin , Lee Jaehoon , Lee Jiyun , Kim Min‐Jae , Lee Dongki , Weon Byung Mook , Park Dong‐Am , Park Nam‐Gyu , Son Sung Yun , Kim Junki , Kim Yun‐Hi , Kang Boseok 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe introduction of alkoxy side chains into the backbone of conjugated polymers is an effective way to change their properties. While the impact on the structure and optoelectronic properties of polymer thin films was well‐studied in organic solar cells and transistors, limited research has been conducted on their effects on doping and thermoelectric properties. In this study, the effects of methoxy functionalization of conjugated backbones on the doping and thermoelectric properties are investigated through a comparative study of diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based conjugated polymers with and without methoxy groups (P29DPP‐BTOM and P29DPP‐BT, respectively). Methoxy‐functionalization significantly enhances doping efficiency, converting undopable pairs to dopable ones. This dramatic change is attributed to the structural changes in the polymer film caused by the methoxy groups, which increases the lamellar spacing and facilitates the incorporation of dopants within the polymer crystals. Moreover, methoxy‐functionalization is advantageous in improving the Seebeck coefficient and power factor of the doped polymers, because it induces a bimodal orientational distribution in the polymer, which contributes to the increased splitting of Fermi and charge transport levels. This study demonstrates the impact of methoxy‐functionalization of a conjugated polymer on doping behavior and thermoelectric properties, providing a guideline for designing high‐performance conjugated polymers for thermoelectric applications.image
Photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline using ZnO catalyst
Authors: Yildiz Sayiter , Canbaz Gamze Topal , Mihçiokur Hamdi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the present study, the degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) under ultraviolet (UV) light in the presence of ZnO catalyst was investigated, and optimum parameters for degradation efficiency were determined. Different pH values, ZnO dosages, reaction times, OTC concentrations, and UV lights were used in this study. The optimum conditions found were as follows: pH 4, ZnO 1 g L−1, reaction time 25 min, and OTC concentration 10 mg L−1. Degradation efficiency was 42.1%, 76%, 70.7%, and 61.7% for ZnO and photocatalytic (for UV‐A, UV‐B, and UV‐C) degradation at optimal conditions, respectively. The resulting products after the photocatalytic oxidation of OTC were determined in the study. To identify the toxicity of degradation products and OTC, the lowest LC 50 (50% lethal concentration) and EC 50 (50% effective concentration) values were found. The resulting ethanamine, 2‐(2,6‐dimethylphenoxy)‐N‐methyl‐ by‐products were observed to be more toxic than OTC. Furthermore, it was seen that isopropoxy carbamic acid, ethyl ester by‐products were formed, whose presence is environmentally risky for aquatic environments due to their low EC50 values.
Feasibility and utilization of a national virtual EEG course for Canadian residents and fellows
Authors: Shock Maria , Cerga Kristal , RamachandranNair Rajesh , Reid Aylin , Bui Esther , Kobayashi Eliane , Jones Kevin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveElectroencephalography (EEG) is an essential tool for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. There is a gap in EEG education for residents in Canadian neurology programs as EEG is only listed in the training requirements as a procedural skill. There is currently no standardized EEG curriculum among Canadian epilepsy fellowship programs.MethodsWe conducted two iterations of a structured virtual EEG course from June to October 2021, and from March to June 2022. Trainees were recruited via Canadian neurology residency and epilepsy fellowship programs and were required to join the Canadian League Against Epilepsy (CLAE) as junior members. We obtained trainee demographic information before and after each course as well as analytical data on the video recordings posted on the CLAE website.ResultsA total of 77 trainees registered for the two courses; majority of trainees were adult neurology residents (34%) and adult epilepsy fellows (32%). Prior theoretical EEG teaching was reported as limited by more than half (53%) of participants. The average number of unique viewers per recorded video in 2021 was 29.7 interquartile range (16–35.5), while in 2022, the average was 22.5, interquartile range (16–28). Post‐course questionnaire data revealed that 82% of participants strongly agreed that the course enhanced their knowledge. All participants were either likely (27%) or very likely (73%) to recommend the course to their peers.SignificanceNational virtual EEG education is both feasible and accessible; therefore, this is a promising modality of teaching to meet the significant demand for high‐quality EEG education among neurology trainees.
Effect of turbine's torque and speed variation on hydraulic vibration analysis during transient processes
Authors: Shen Aili , Cui Weijie , Zhou Jianxu , Cai Fulin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of large‐capacity hydraulic turbines and pumped‐storage power stations, hydraulic vibration analysis attracts increasing attention nowadays. To explore the influence of torque and speed variation on hydraulic vibration characteristics during transient processes and ensure the stability of hydropower stations, an improved analytical formula of turbine impedance involving the torque and speed variation was then derived. The free vibration analysis and forced vibration analysis using the transfer matrix method and the hydraulic impedance method were carried out. According to the numerical simulations, the obtained attenuation factors show differences in magnitude which illustrates that the torque variation and speed variation in transients do affect the damping rate of the vibration. In addition, the results indicated the natural angular frequencies of hydropower system were mainly dependent on the length of water conveyance system and pipe characteristics. It can be inferred form vibration mode shapes that for some specific frequencies, the magnitude of oscillatory pressure head and flow rate along the downstream tail tunnel are influenced by the hydraulic turbine. The correlation between the turbine impedance and guide vane openings tells that the hydraulic impedance is getting smaller as the opening increases. What's more, the corresponding free vibration analysis shows that the absolute value of the damping rate is closely related to the value of the flow rate.