bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single‐nanoparticle electrochemical collision for study of the size‐dependent activity of Au nanoparticles during hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Bai Yi‐Yan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIdentifying the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of an individual nanoparticle is essential to reveal the structure‐activity relations of catalysts. However, it is challenging as the performance of catalysts is typically evaluated with ensembles, providing an elusive averaged response of complex catalyst‐modified electrodes. Herein, a single‐nanoparticle electrochemical collision (SNEC)‐based method was employed to characterize the electrocatalysis of citrate‐capped Au NPs with six different particle sizes, and investigate the size‐dependent electrocatalytic activity of Au NPs toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the single‐particle level. Results showed that the geometric activity of Au NPs showed a decreasing trend as the size increased from 5 nm to 40 nm, consisting with the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) data that the onset potentials and potentials to reaching at HER currents of 50 μA cm−2 shifted negatively as the size of Au NPs increased. Also noteworthy is that the measured geometric activity of single Au NP toward HER was 5~6 orders of magnitude higher than the ensemble data derived from the LSV tests. The extraordinary enhancement of catalytic activity is believed to originate from the high accessible surface area of monodispersed Au NPs. Hence, the proposed SNEC‐based method could investigate the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of NPs in solution at the single‐particle level, and achieve true size‐activity correlation, which may provide effective guidance for the rational design of advanced electrocatalysts.
Critical flicker fusion in patients with epilepsy under antiseizure medication
Authors: Steinhoff Bernhard J. , Schuler Mailin , Mighali Matteo , Intravooth Tassanai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveCritical flicker frequency (CFF) and flicker frequency (FF) are used as indicators for the neurotoxic adverse events of drugs in pharmacology. In this pilot study, we investigated whether patients with epilepsy (PWE) treated with various antiseizure medications (ASM) had significantly different CFFs compared with healthy controls. In addition, we investigated the appropriateness of CFF as an objective measurement tool in PWE who reported adverse events according to the adverse event profile (AEP).MethodsPatients receiving regular antiseizure treatment at our center, along with healthy controls, were included in this study. Clinical neurotoxic symptoms, AEP scores, and serum ASM levels were assessed in the PWE group. We used a CFF device that produced a red‐black, green‐black, blue‐black, or white‐black flicker. CFF and FF were compared between PWE and healthy controls. In PWE, the correlation of alterations in CFF and FF with AEP results and through ASM serum concentrations was calculated.ResultsA total of 33 PWE and 20 healthy controls participated in the study. Except for two light modalities, CFF and FF were significantly reduced in PWE compared with controls. CFF and FF did not differ significantly between PWE with AEP scores >44 points and those with lower scores. CFF and FF levels did not correlate with changes in AEP scores, serum concentrations, or doses.SignificanceCFF and FF distinguished PWE with ASM from healthy controls. No clinically relevant differentiation was detected in the heterogenous PWE group. To investigate whether CFF and FF may serve as subtle indicators of neurotoxicity or specific modes of action, additional studies are needed in more homogenous PWE groups.
Design of an effective air electrode using highly porous carbon‐aerogel on carbon cloth for oxygen intake toward improved reaction kinetics of aluminum‐air battery
Authors: Pandey Anant Prakash , Rani Bharti , Sharma Minakshi , Yadav Jitendra Kumar , Saini Priyanka , Shalu  , Dixit Ambesh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOne of the greatest alternatives to Li‐ion batteries is an Al‐air battery as it is more economically feasible and less toxic together with relatively better electrochemical performance. The design of the cell and the selection of electrode for improved electrochemical performance are the primary factors influencing the performance of the Al‐air battery. The present study focuses on designing an efficient air cathode host to lengthen the battery's lifespan using highly porous carbon aerogel. Initially, the carbon aerogel (CA) material is synthesized using sol‐gel polymerization process and characterized using XRD, RAMAN, SEM, and BET. The synthesized CA is used to fabricate the electrode stacking using the in‐house‐built Al‐air cell. The performance of carbon aerogel coated on carbon cloth as air cathode has been evaluated using a galvanostatic discharge of the assembly at different current rates, and the specific capacity is recorded. The highest specific capacity observed is ~683 mAh g−1 at 2.551 mA cm−2 current density. The acquired results demonstrate the superiority of the present electrodes material compared to currently used air electrode. The improved electrochemical stability and the robust pore network in CA allow oxygen to pass through the cathode end for chemical reaction. Overall, this enhances kinetics and makes the interactions between oxygen and aluminum easier to generate higher current.
Characterizing the Microplastic Content of Biosolids in Southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Letwin Nicholas V. , Gillespie Adam W. , Ijzerman Moira M. , Kudla Yaryna M. , Csajaghy Joel D. , Prosser Ryan S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The application of biosolids to agricultural land has been identified as a major pathway of microplastic (MP) pollution to the environment. Very little research, however, has been done on the MP content of biosolids within Canada. Fifteen biosolid samples from different treatment processes (liquid, dewatered, pelletized, and alkali-stabilized) were collected from 11 sources across southern Ontario to quantify and characterize the MP load within them. All samples exhibited MP concentrations ranging from 188 200 (±24 161) to 512 000 (±28 571) MPs/kg dry weight and from 4122 (±231) to 453 746 (±38 194) MPs/kg wet weight. Field amendment of these biosolids can introduce up to 3.73 × 106 to 4.12 × 108 MP/ha of agricultural soil. There was no significant difference in the MP concentrations of liquid, dewatered, and pelletized samples; but a reduction in MP content was observed in alkali-stabilized biosolids. Fragments composed 57.6% of the MPs identified, while 36.7% were fibers. In addition, MPs showed an exponential increase in abundance with decreasing size. Characterization of MPs confirmed that polyester was the most abundant, while polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyacrylamide, and polyurethane were present across the majority of biosolid samples. The results of the present study provide an estimate of the potential extent of MP contamination to agricultural fields through the amendment of biosolids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:793–806. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
6G‐edge support of Internet of Autonomous Vehicles: A survey
Authors: Ibn‐Khedher Hatem , Laroui Mohammed , Alfaqawi Mohammed , Magnouche Ahlam , Moungla Hassine , Afifi Hossam 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWith the commercial deployment of 5G mobile communication systems, 6G is proposed to meet the needs of new use cases including connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). In this article, we surveyed different 6G embracing technologies such as mobile edge computing, unmanned aerial vehicles, network function virtualization, software defined networking, and artificial intelligence that can enhance the Internet of Autonomous Vehicles (IoAV) network performance comparing to existing 5G enabled solutions. Then, we highlight the convergence path of 6G and IoAV to satisfy the next generation of CAV applications. Further, we propose 6G cellular communication to support the quality of next IoAV applications. Furthermore, the article attempts to study the serious challenges in the 6G‐IoAV research field and propose potential future directions.
Chronic hepatitis C elimination prison initiative: HCV‐intensive test and treat, a whole prisoner population HCV test‐and‐treat program in England
Authors: Halford Rachel , Christensen Lee , Cox Sean , Sheehan Julia , Brew Iain , Gillyon‐Powell Mark , Threadgold Georgia , O'Moore Éamonn , Troke Philip J. F. , Jones Andy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimPrison residents are at high risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV test‐and‐treat initiatives within prisons provide an opportunity to engage with prison residents and achieve HCV micro‐elimination. The aim of the prison HCV‐intensive test and treat initiative was to screen over 95% of all prison residents for HCV infection within a defined number of days determined by the size of the prison population and to initiate treatment within 7−14 days of a positive HCV RNA diagnosis.MethodsAn HCV‐intensive test and treat toolkit was developed based on learnings from pilot HCV‐intensive test and treat events. From January 2020 to September 2021, 13 HCV‐intensive test and treat events took place at prisons in England selected based on high levels of reception blood‐borne virus testing and good access to peers from The Hepatitis C Trust.ResultsAmong a total of 8487 residents, 8139 (95.9%) underwent testing for HCV. Across the 13 prisons included, HCV antibody and RNA prevalence was 8.2% and 1.5%, respectively. The treatment initiation rate among HCV RNA‐positive individuals (n = 124) was 79.0%.ConclusionThe HCV‐intensive test and treat initiative presented here provides a feasible and rapid test‐and‐treat process to achieve HCV elimination within individual prisons. The HCV‐intensive test and treat toolkit can be adapted for rapid HCV testing and treatment events at other prisons in the United Kingdom and worldwide.
Skin microcirculatory responses: A potential marker for early diabetic neuropathy assessment using a low‐cost portable diffuse optical spectrometry device
Authors: Vasudevan Vysakh , Unni Sujatha Narayanan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDiffuse optical measurement is an evolving optical modality providing a fast and portable solution for microcirculation assessment. Diffuse optics in static and dynamic modalities are combined here in a system to assess hemodynamics in skin tissues of control and diabetic subjects. The in‐house developed system consists of a laser source, fiber optic probe, a low‐cost avalanche photodiode, a finite element model (FEM) derived static optical property estimator, and a software correlator for continuous flow monitoring through microvasculature. The studies demonstrated that the system quantifies the changes in blood flow rate in the immediate skin subsurface. The system is calibrated with in vitro flow models and a proof‐of‐concept was demonstrated on a limited number of subjects in a clinical environment. The flow changes in response to vasoconstrictive and vasodilative stimuli were analyzed and used to classify different stages of diabetes, including diabetic neuropathy.
The mediation roles of intermuscular fat and inflammation in muscle mitochondrial associations with cognition and mobility
Authors: Tian Qu , Lee Philip R. , Yang Qi , Moore Anne Z. , Landman Bennett A. , Resnick Susan M. , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundMitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to brain and muscle health through inflammation or fat infiltration in the muscle, both of which are associated with cognitive function and mobility. We aimed to examine the association between skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and cognitive and mobility outcomes and tested the mediation effect of inflammation or fat infiltration.MethodsWe analysed data from 596 Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants who had concurrent data on skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and cognitive and mobility measures of interest (mean age: 66.1, 55% women, 24% Black). Skeletal muscle oxidative capacity was assessed as post‐exercise recovery rate (kPCr) via P31 MR spectroscopy. Fat infiltration was measured as intermuscular fat (IMF) via CT scan and was available for 541 participants. Inflammation markers [IL‐6, C‐reactive protein (CRP), total white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or albumin] were available in 594 participants. We examined the association of kPCr and cognitive and mobility measures using linear regression and tested the mediation effect of IMF or inflammation using the mediation package in R. Models were adjusted for demographics and PCr depletion.ResultskPCr and IMF were both significantly associated with specific cognitive domains (DSST, TMA‐A, and pegboard dominant hand performance) and mobility (usual gait speed, HABCPPB, 400 m walk time) (all P < 0.05). IMF significantly mediated the relationship between kPCr and these cognitive and mobility measures (all P < 0.05, proportion mediated 13.1% to 27%). Total WBC, neutrophil count, and ESR, but not IL‐6 or CRP, also mediated at least one of the cognitive and mobility outcomes (all P < 0.05, proportion mediated 9.4% to 15.3%).ConclusionsSkeletal muscle mitochondrial function is associated with cognitive performance involving psychomotor speed. Muscle fat infiltration and specific inflammation markers mediate the relationship between muscle mitochondrial function and cognitive and mobility outcomes. Future studies are needed to confirm these associations longitudinally and to understand their mechanistic underpinnings.
Automated data analysis of unstructured grey literature in health research: A mapping review
Authors: Schmidt Lena , Mohamed Saleh , Meader Nick , Bacardit Jaume , Craig Dawn 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe amount of grey literature and ‘softer’ intelligence from social media or websites is vast. Given the long lead‐times of producing high‐quality peer‐reviewed health information, this is causing a demand for new ways to provide prompt input for secondary research. To our knowledge, this is the first review of automated data extraction methods or tools for health‐related grey literature and soft data, with a focus on (semi)automating horizon scans, health technology assessments (HTA), evidence maps, or other literature reviews. We searched six databases to cover both health‐ and computer‐science literature. After deduplication, 10% of the search results were screened by two reviewers, the remainder was single‐screened up to an estimated 95% sensitivity; screening was stopped early after screening an additional 1000 results with no new includes. All full texts were retrieved, screened, and extracted by a single reviewer and 10% were checked in duplicate. We included 84 papers covering automation for health‐related social media, internet fora, news, patents, government agencies and charities, or trial registers. From each paper, we extracted data about important functionalities for users of the tool or method; information about the level of support and reliability; and about practical challenges and research gaps. Poor availability of code, data, and usable tools leads to low transparency regarding performance and duplication of work. Financial implications, scalability, integration into downstream workflows, and meaningful evaluations should be carefully planned before starting to develop a tool, given the vast amounts of data and opportunities those tools offer to expedite research.
Dual‐Site Passivation for Bright and Stable Blue‐emitting CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelets
Authors: Yun Rui , Sun Wenda , Lu Haolin , Li Yue , Liu Yuling , Huang Qian , Zhang Libing , Li Xiyan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBlue‐emitting perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are important components of high‐definition display device, but their instability to light and moisture severely hinders the commercial application. Here, a dual‐site passivation strategy is proposed and the halogen–halogen bond to surface capping molecules is applied. The bi‐functional molecule with a fluorine group and carboxyl group on the phenyl ring, would form a shell‐like molecular structure covering the nanocrystal surface at halogen and lead site via halogen‐halogen bond and coordination effect, respectively. Considering the binding strength and acid dissociation constant of several fluoro acids, the optimal optical properties and film stability confirm the para‐fluorobenzoic acid molecule provides the most effective protection for initial perovskite products account for their stronger anchoring affinity and more comprehensive surface coverage. Consequently, this work sheds light on the molecular functionality and configuration are crucial for surface properties of perovskite NCs.
ATR‐dependent ubiquitin‐specific protease 20 phosphorylation confers oxaliplatin and ferroptosis resistance
Authors: Tang Jianing , Long Guo , Xiao Desheng , Liu Shuang , Xiao Liang , Zhou Ledu , Tao Yongguang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOxaliplatin (OXA) resistance is a major clinic challenge in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ferroptosis is a kind of iron‐dependent cell death. Triggering ferroptosis is considered to restore sensitivity to chemotherapy. In the present study, we found that USP20 was overexpressed in OXA‐resistant HCC cells. High expression of USP20 in HCC was associated with poor prognosis. USP20 contributes OXA resistance and suppress ferroptosis in HCC. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of USP20 triggered ferroptosis and increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to OXA both in vitro and in vivo. Coimmunoprecipitation results revealed that the UCH domain of USP20 interacted with the N terminal of SLC7A11. USP20 stabilized SLC7A11 via removing K48‐linked polyubiquitination of SLC7A11 protein at K30 and K37. Most importantly, DNA damage‐induced ATR activation was required for Ser132 and Ser368 phosphorylation of USP20. USP20 phosphorylation at Ser132 and Ser368 enhanced its stability and thus conferred OXA and ferroptosis resistance of HCC cells. Our study reveals a previously undiscovered association between OXA and ferroptosis and provides new insight into mechanisms regarding how DNA damage therapies always lead to therapeutic resistance. Therefore, targeting USP20 may mitigate the development of drug resistance and promote ferroptosis of HCC in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Simulation study of protoacoustics as a real‐time in‐line dosimetry tool for FLASH proton therapy
Authors: Kim Kaitlyn , Pandey Prabodh Kumar , Gonzalez Gilberto , Chen Yong , Xiang Liangzhong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundApplying ultra‐high dose rates to radiation therapy, otherwise known as FLASH, has been shown to be just as effective while sparing more normal tissue compared to conventional radiation therapy. However, there is a need for a dosimeter that is able to detect such high instantaneous dose, particularly in vivo. To fulfill this need, protoacoustics is introduced, which is an in vivo range verification method with submillimeter accuracy.PurposeThe purpose of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of using protoacoustics as a method of in vivo real‐time monitoring during FLASH proton therapy and investigating the resulting protoacoustic signal when dose per pulse and pulsewidth are varied through multiple simulation studies.MethodsThe dose distribution of a proton pencil beam was calculated through a Monte Carlo toolbox, TOPAS. Next, the k‐Wave toolbox in MATLAB was used for performing protoacoustic simulations, where the initial proton dose deposition was inputted to model acoustic propagations, which were also used for reconstructions. Simulations involving the manipulation of the dose per pulse and pulsewidth were performed, and the temporal and spatial resolution for protoacoustic reconstructions were investigated as well. A 3D reconstruction was performed with a multiple beam spot profile to investigate the spatial resolution as well as determine the feasibility of 3D imaging with protoacoustics.ResultsOur results showed consistent linearity in the increasing dose‐per‐pulse, even up to rates considered for FLASH. The simulations and reconstructions were performed for a range of pulsewidths from 0.1 to 10 μs. The results show the characteristics of the proton beam after convolving the protoacoustic signal with the varying pulsewidths. 3D reconstruction was successfully performed with each beam being distinguishable using an 8 cm × 8 cm planar array. These simulation results show that measurements using protoacoustics has the potential for in vivo dosimetry in FLASH therapy during patient treatments in real time.ConclusionThrough this simulation study, the use of protoacoustics in FLASH therapy was verified and explored through observations of varying parameters, such as the dose per pulse and pulsewidth. 2D and 3D reconstructions were also completed. This study shows the significance of using protoacoustics and provides necessary information, which can further be explored in clinical settings.
Machine learning algorithm‐based estimation model for the severity of depression assessed using Montgomery‐Asberg depression rating scale
Authors: Shimamoto Masanori , Ishizuka Kanako , Ohtani Kento , Inada Toshiya , Yamamoto Maeri , Tachibana Masako , Kimura Hiroki , Sakai Yusuke , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Ozaki Norio , Ikeda Masashi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimDepressive disorder is often evaluated using established rating scales. However, consistent data collection with these scales requires trained professionals. In the present study, the “rater & estimation‐system” reliability was assessed between consensus evaluation by trained psychiatrists and the estimation by 2 models of the AI‐MADRS (Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale) estimation system, a machine learning algorithm‐based model developed to assess the severity of depression.MethodsDuring interviews with trained psychiatrists and the AI‐MADRS estimation system, patients responded orally to machine‐generated voice prompts from the AI‐MADRS structured interview questions. The severity scores estimated from two models of the AI‐MADRS estimation system, the max estimation model and the average estimation model, were compared with those by trained psychiatrists.ResultsA total of 51 evaluation interviews conducted on 30 patients were analyzed. Pearson's correlation coefficient with the scores evaluated by trained psychiatrists was 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.62–0.86) for the max estimation model, and 0.86 (0.76–0.92) for the average estimation model. The ANOVA ICC rater & estimation‐system reliability with the evaluation scores by trained psychiatrists was 0.51 (−0.09 to 0.79) for the max estimation model, and 0.75 (0.55–0.86) for the average estimation model.ConclusionThe average estimation model of AI‐MADRS demonstrated substantially acceptable rater & estimation‐system reliability with trained psychiatrists. Accumulating a broader training dataset and the refinement of AI‐MADRS interviews are expected to improve the performance of AI‐MADRS. Our findings suggest that AI technologies can significantly modernize and potentially revolutionize the realm of depression assessments.