Volume Changes Research Articles

Functioning of unidirectional ventilation in flying hawkmoths evaluated by pressure and oxygen measurements and X-ray video and tomography.

Flying sphingids generate unidirectional ventilation with an inflow through the anterior thoracic spiracles and an outflow through the posterior thoracic spiracles. This phenomenon was documented by the CO2 emission and tracheal air pressure in split-chamber experiments in preceding studies. In the present study, we evaluated the function of the air pump mechanism by measuring the tracheal pressure and PO2in the air sacs and monitoring the wing beat using photocells. Microelectrodes recorded the abdomen flexing muscles and abdominal transverse muscle septum. The crucial structure was the vertical mesophragma, with longitudinal flight muscles attached anteriorly and large fused metathoracic air sacs posteriorly, continuous to the first abdominal segment. Longitudinal flight muscles and abdomen lifting muscles contracted synchronously, producing positive pressure pulses within the mesothoracic air sacs. In the scutellar air sacs, the PO2with starting full flight was elevated to 18-20 kPa, with a pressure increase of 35-50 Pa. In contrast, in the metathoracic air sacs, the O2 concentration during flight could rise to 10 kPa, then decline to 5±1 kPa. The metathoracic air sacs provided compliance for ventilation by the flight muscles. The initial rise and subsequent decrease of the PO2in these posterior metathoracic air sacs indicated the unidirectional flow path of the air used. Serial X-ray frames of flying Acherontia atropos visualised the cyclic phragma movement and volume changes in the metathoracic air sacs. The results showed that the contracting dorsolongitudinal flight muscles expanded the metathoracic air sacs, acting as a suction pump.

PSI-18 Intra-articular triamcinolone acetonide administration does not affect microbial culture or synovial fluid volume in young, exercising Quarter Horses

Abstract Intra-articular corticosteroids (IAC) are administered to horses experiencing joint inflammation, at times with a concurrent articular antibiotic for prophylaxis. However, information regarding the biologic effects of IAC and potential for microbial contamination in IAC-administered joints is limited in young, exercising horses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of IAC on traditional microbial culture, synovial fluid (SF) volume, and the presence of IAC; hypothesizing negative microbial culture, no change of SF volume, and detection of IAC in SF post-administration. To test this, 2-yr-old Quarter Horses {n = 24; body weight (BW) = 409 ± 6 kg; 825 ± 21 d of age; 12 fillies, 12 geldings) were stratified by BW, age, and sex, and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups for a 56-d trial. Horses were housed individually in stalls with runs and fed concentrate offered at 0.75% BW/d split evenly every 12 h with ad libitum Coastal bermudagrass hay and water. Every 21 d, BW and body condition score (BCS) were recorded, and concentrate was adjusted accordingly. Horses were exercised 5 d/wk, up to 45 min/d in a progressive workload using a free-stall exerciser. Blood was collected post-exercise during wk 1, 4, and 7 via jugular venipuncture and lactate (BL) was measured to monitor increasing workload. Intra-articular treatments consisted of 0 mg (CON; n = 8), 6 mg (CORT6; n = 8), or 12 mg (CORT12; n = 8) of triamcinolone acetonide (TA). On d 0, treatments were administered in one randomly selected radiocarpal joint per horse. Following aseptic preparation, SF from both radiocarpal joints was collected before administration (pre), and on d 7, 14, 28, and 56. Volume of SF was recorded, and standard microbial culture and detection of TA were performed by a commercial laboratory. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED (BW, BCS, BL, SF volume) and PROC GLM (TA) of SAS. For SF volume, data from the contralateral radiocarpal joint were used as a covariate. Horses increased BW and BCS over time (P ≤ 0.01) across treatments. Post-exercise BL increased from wk 1 to 4 and remained increased through wk 7 (P < 0.01). Microbial culture for all horses and time points were negative. Concentration of TA was not evaluated on d 7 due to limited SF volume, but TA was detected on d 14 and concentration did not differ between CORT6 and CORT12 (P = 0.13). Recorded SF volume did not change from d 0 (pre) to 7 but increased to d 56, regardless of treatment (P < 0.01). These results indicate that, based on standard culture, TA administration did not result in positive microbial culture, or decrease SF volume in young horses undergoing regular exercise, however, TA was detectable to d 14.

Decrease of excessive daytime sleepiness after shunt treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Sleepiness and apathy are often reported in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus. However, research on outcomes after shunt surgery has mainly focused on the classical triad symptoms, that is, gait, cognition, and bladder dysfunction. This study aimed to describe the effects of shunt treatment on excessive daytime sleepiness and whether there was a relation to changes in ventricular volume. Pre- and postsurgical excessive daytime sleepiness was investigated using the Epworth sleepiness scale in a sample of 32 patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus who underwent shunt surgery. Data were gathered before surgery and at 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery and with different settings of the shunt. In the total sample, the Epworth sleepiness scale improved by a median of 1.5 points at 1 month after surgery, p = 0.026. The improvement was predominately found in the group (n = 6) with high presurgical daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale >12) (median = 12 points, p = 0.035) compared with a median change of 0 points (p = 0.47) in the group with Epworth sleepiness scale ≤12 (n = 26). Between the postsurgical follow-ups, no further change in the Epworth sleepiness scale score was observed. The Epworth sleepiness scale score did not correlate with clinical tests nor with ventricular volume. Daytime sleepiness seems to be another domain of normal pressure hydrocephalus symptomatology in addition to the classical triad that is responsive to treatment, at least when pronounced. The Epworth sleepiness scale is a quick test to administer and could be a valuable addition to pre-surgical screening for treatable symptoms.

Datopotamab-deruxtecan plus durvalumab in early-stage breast cancer: the sequential multiple assignment randomized I-SPY2.2 phase 2 trial.

Sequential adaptive trial designs can help accomplish the goals of personalized medicine, optimizing outcomes and avoiding unnecessary toxicity. Here we describe the results of incorporating a promising antibody-drug conjugate, datopotamab-deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in combination with programmed cell death-ligand 1 inhibitor, durvalumab, as the first sequence of therapy in the I-SPY2.2 phase 2 neoadjuvant sequential multiple assignment randomization trial for high-risk stage 2/3 breast cancer. The trial includes three blocks of treatment, with initial randomization to different experimental agent(s) (block A), followed by a taxane-based regimen tailored to tumor subtype (block B), followed by doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (block C). Subtype-specific algorithms based on magnetic resonance imaging volume change and core biopsy guide treatment redirection after each block, including the option of early surgical resection in patients predicted to have a high likelihood of pathologic complete response, which is the primary endpoint assessed when resection occurs. There are two primary efficacy analyses: after block A and across all blocks for six prespecified HER2-negative subtypes (defined by hormone receptor status and/or response-predictive subtypes). In total, 106 patients were treated with Dato-DXd/durvalumab in block A. In the immune-positive subtype, Dato-DXd/durvalumab exceeded the prespecified threshold for success (graduated) after block A; and across all blocks, pathologic complete response rates were equivalent to the rate expected for the standard of care (79%), but 54% achieved that result after Dato-DXd/durvalumab alone (block A) and 92% without doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (after blocks A + B). The treatment strategy across all blocks graduated in the hormone-negative/immune-negative subtype. No new toxicities were observed. Stomatitis was the most common side effect in block A. No patients receiving block A treatment alone had adrenal insufficiency. Dato-DXd/durvalumab is a promising therapy combination that can eliminate standard chemotherapy in many patients, particularly the immune-positive subtype.ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT01042379 .

Modulating the lattice structure via Cr3+ doping in LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4 cathode for improved rate behavior and promoted cyclic performance

Although LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4 cathode shows high potential in battery industry, the cyclic performance and rate behavior are still the concerns to overcome. In this paper, Cr3+ doping in the cathode is confirmed very effective to improve both the performance via increased Li migration kinetics and suppressed lattice expansion during the redox process. It is found from the XRD refinement that Li − O bond length is increased upon Cr3+ intercalation, which in turn leads to the decrease in migration energy barrier (from 48.41 KJ·mol−1 to 19.57 KJ·mol−1) and the increase in Li diffusion coefficient. GITT investigation reveals a big promotion of DLi from 7.38 × 10−11 cm2·s−1 to 4.47 × 10−10 cm2·s−1, which is regarded as the reason for the excellent rate capacity of 126.62 mAh·g−1 (80.8 % of the value at 0.1C) at 5C current density. Further study with ex-situ XRD investigation reveals that the lattice expansion during redox process is suppressed after Cr3+ doping due to the smaller radius and stronger bond energy of the substituted cations. The suppressed volume change decreases both the internal resistance and the polarization of the electrode, which therefore leads to an improved capacity retention. The initial discharge specific capacity of LFMP-2%Cr cathode material reaches 156.8 mAh·g−1 at 0.1C, and the capacity retention rate of the material is maintained as 98.4 % after 100 cycles at 0.5C. The above results reveal the effectiveness of Cr3+ in promoting the electrochemical performance and further confirm the Cr- doped LFMP cathode high potential in future application.

Cyclic response of unsaturated weathered red mudstone: Experimental investigation and a cyclic model

The mechanical properties and constitutive model of unsaturated soils under cyclic loading are crucial for understanding the behavior of foundations and slopes subjected to dynamic motions such as earthquakes and traffic loading. In this study, multilevel strain-controlled cyclic simple shear tests of unsaturated weathered red mudstone (WRM) were conducted. The detailed investigation focused on cyclic responses, including shear stress-strain behavior and volume change, strain-dependent secant shear modulus and damping ratio, and stress–dilatancy behavior. This study revealed the significant influences of the degree of saturation and vertical stress on these responses, with the initial static shear stress mainly affecting the shear stress-strain behavior and volume changes at the initial loading stage. Based on the experimental observations, a cyclic constitutive model was proposed for unsaturated WRM. The model incorporates a slightly revised Davidenkov model and Masing criterion to generate shear stress-strain hysteresis loops with or without initial static shear stress. Additionally, a stress-dilatancy equation was included to capture the volume changes during cyclic loading. The proposed model was verified by comparing representative test data and calculation results, demonstrating the excellent performance of the proposed model in modeling the main features of unsaturated WRM under cyclic loading.

Inversion of creep parameters and their application in underground salt cavern energy storage systems for enhancing wind power integration

While the development of wind energy presents great potential and opportunities, the high level of uncertainty inherent in wind farms also poses considerable challenges for operators, especially when it comes to participating in the energy market. The intermittent and unpredictable fluctuation characteristics of wind power generation may cause significant deviations in the frequency and voltage of the grid, which pose a certain threat to the stability of the grid and power quality and need to be mitigated by advanced energy storage solutions. Salt caverns, these geological structures deep in underground space, are widely used in oil and gas storage, compressed air energy storage(CAES), and other projects around the world. In the operation of underground salt caverns as storage, there is no effective technical means to monitor the deformation of deep caverns in real-time. Therefore, developing a high-precision real-time prediction method for cavern volume deformation is of great significance for the safety assessment during the underground salt cavern operation. In this context, this paper proposes a comprehensive technical approach to meet the needs of real-time monitoring of the cavern status, including volume changes, in the intelligent construction of underground salt cavern facilities in China. Firstly, through the shut-in pressure test of the brine well, the volume shrinkage of the cavern during the monitoring period is obtained, and the creep parameters of the salt rock strata in the regional salt mine are inversely derived. Secondly, for a typical cavern in operation in this region, the creep deformation is predicted using numerical simulation methods. By analyzing the cavern volume deformation under different pressures, an empirical equation for cavern volume deformation is established. Finally, by combining the volume changes obtained from sonar tests conducted during the operation of the cavern, the accuracy of the simulated results and the theoretical model derived from the inverted creep parameters is verified. The real-time analysis method for cavern volume deformation developed from this research will be applied to the intelligent construction of underground salt cavern facilities, ensuring safe and controllable operation management of the storage facilities.

Influence of mechanochemical reactions between Si and solid electrolytes in the negative electrode on the performance of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries

All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries that employ Si negative electrodes are the most promising candidates for next-generation batteries because of their high safety performance and energy density. However, the contact between Si and the solid electrolyte becomes insufficient because of the volume changes of Si associated with charging and discharging, resulting in a significant drop in battery performance. Although mechanical milling forms good interparticle contacts, the reaction between Si and a sulfide solid electrolyte increases the resistance, thereby decreasing battery performance. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of the mechanochemical reactions between several solid electrolytes and Si on battery performance. A decrease in electronic conductivity was observed from the reaction between Si and sulfide or oxide solid electrolytes, whereas no significant decrease was observed with halide solid electrolytes. Consequently, an Si composite electrode constructed with a halide solid electrolyte showed high reversibility, achieving a high area capacity of 4.6 mA h cm−2 and specific energy density of 470 Wh kg−1 (masses of positive and negative composite electrodes) in a full-battery cell with an Li2S positive composite electrode at 0.25 mA cm−2 and 25 °C. The study contributes to understanding the important factors in the advancement of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

Comparison of different elastic strain definitions for largely deformed SEI of chemo-mechanically coupled silicon battery particles

Amorphous silicon is a highly promising anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Large volume changes of the silicon particle have a critical effect on the surrounding solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) due to repeated fracture and healing during cycling. Based on a thermodynamically consistent chemo-elasto-plastic continuum model we investigate the stress development inside the particle and the SEI. Using the example of a particle with SEI, we apply a higher order finite element method together with a variable-step, variable-order time integration scheme on a nonlinear system of partial differential equations. Starting from a single silicon particle setting, the surrounding SEI is added in a first step with the typically used elastic Green–St-Venant (GSV) strain definition for a purely elastic deformation. For this type of deformation, the definition of the elastic strain is crucial to get reasonable simulation results. In case of the elastic GSV strain, the simulation aborts. We overcome the simulation failure by using the definition of the logarithmic Hencky strain. However, the particle remains unaffected by the elastic strain definitions in the particle domain. Compared to GSV, plastic deformation with the Hencky strain is straightforward to take into account. For the plastic SEI deformation, a rate-independent and a rate-dependent plastic deformation are newly introduced and numerically compared for three half cycles for the example of a radial symmetric particle.

Adaptive COF-PVDF composite artificial solid electrolyte interphase for stable aqueous zinc batteries

The cyclability of aqueous zinc (Zn) – based batteries is limited by the formation of dendrites and side reactions. Herein, this work presents a composite- artificial solid electrolyte interphase (ASEI) in two stages. Firstly, a covalent organic framework (COF) is synthesized via an interfacial reaction between aldehyde and amine linkers. Secondly, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is additionally coated on top of the COF film via spin coating. Results demonstrate that the COF-PVDF composite regulates Zn ion flux, preventing dendrite formation and reducing side reactions, while dynamically adapting to large volume changes. Zn plating/stripping tests with a symmetrical cell reveal that PVDF@COF@Zn exhibits enhanced stability and higher coulombic efficiency (CE) compared to bare Zn. Furthermore, the full cell incorporating PVDF@COFs@Zn//I2@C signifies significantly enhanced stability, making PVDF@COFs a promising ASEI material for stable aqueous Zn batteries. It is crucial to emphasize that the chemical and mechanical properties are the key parameters in designing the ASEI, as these factors directly influence its performance and longevity.

Safety, Tolerability, and Short-Term Efficacy of Low-Level Light Therapy for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has become a promising approach for slowing the progression of early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD) to advanced AMD. This technique uses light to penetrate tissues and activate molecules that influence biochemical reactions and cellular metabolism. This preliminary analysis is aimed at assessing the safety, tolerability, and short-term effectiveness of the EYE-LIGHT®PBM treatment device in patients with dAMD. The EYE-LIGHT® device employs two wavelengths, 590nm (yellow) and 630nm (red), in both continuous and pulsed modes. Patients over 50years of age with a diagnosis of dAMD in any AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) category were randomly assigned to either the treatment group or the sham group. The treatment plan consisted of an initial cycle of two sessions per week for 4weeks. Safety, tolerability, and compliance outcomes, along with functional and anatomical outcomes, were assessed at the end of the fourth month. This preliminary analysis included data from 76 patients (152 eyes). All patients were fully compliant with treatment sessions, and only one fifth of patients treated with PBM reported mild ocular adverse events, highlighting exceptional results in terms of tolerability and adherence. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 4 differed significantly between the sham and PBM-treated groups, favoring the latter, with a higher proportion achieving a gain of five or more letters post-treatment (8.9% vs. 20.3%, respectively; p = 0.043). No significant differences in central subfield thickness (CST) were observed between the two groups over the 4-month period. The study also found a statistically significant disparity in mean drusen volume changes from baseline to month 4 between the groups in favor of patients treated with PBM (p = 0.013). These preliminary results indicate that PBM treatment using the EYE-LIGHT® system is safe and well tolerated among patients with dAMD. Furthermore, both functional and anatomical data support the treatment's short-term efficacy. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06046118.

CD206 accelerates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the tumour immune microenvironment and increasing M2-type polarisation of tumour-associated macrophages and inflammation factor expression

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of CD206 on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the regulation of the tumour immune microenvironment.MethodsA subcutaneous mouse model of HCC was established and treated with CD206-overexpressing adenovirus by tail vein injection or CD206 antibody C068C2 by intratumoral injection. The hepatocarcinoma-bearing mice were divided into four groups (IgG+ tail vein adenovirus group, IgG group, C068C2+ tail vein adenovirus group and C068C2 group) to observe the changes in tumour weight and volume with different expression levels of CD206. The proportion of M2-type tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) was detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The apoptosis of tumour cells was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) staining, and inflammatory factors in serum and tissues were detected using the ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY.ResultsCompared with the mice with low CD206 expression, the hepatocarcinoma-bearing mice with high CD206 expression in HCC exhibited faster tumour growth and more aggressive progression. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining revealed that the expression level of CD206-positive M2-type TAMs was highest in the IgG + adenovirus group and lowest in the C068C2 group (p < 0.001). Compared with the IgG + adenovirus group, the proportion of TUNEL-positive cells in tumour cells was significantly reduced in the C068C2 group. The IgG + adenovirus group had the highest concentrations of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in both serum and tumour tissues.ConclusionThe overexpression of CD206 accelerates the progression of HCC and changes the tumour immune microenvironment. The high expression of CD206 in HCC increases the M2-type polarisation of TAMs and induces the expression of both TGF-β and IL-6 in tumour tissues and serum, thereby promoting HCC progression.

Studies on highly stable Na7Fe3(P2O7)4 as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries and migration behavior of lithium ions

In this paper, Na7Fe3(P2O7)4 target material is firstly evaluated as potential anode material for lithium ion batteries. It is found to have good electro-chemical performance and high stability as anode material for lithium batteries. It shows a capacity of 290 mAh g−1 for 200 cycles and increases to 388 mAh g−1 for 1000 cycles at a current density of 150 mA g−1. The Coulomb efficiency is maintained at about 98 % during the long cycling. The ex-situ experimental results indicate that Na7Fe3(P2O7)4 has high structural stability and the changes of cell volume and cell parameters are <0.62 % during charging and discharging. The results of GITT data show that the diffusion coefficients range from 3.15 × 10−11 cm2 S−1 to 1.12 × 10−12 cm2 S−1.The Li+/Na+ diffusion paths are estimated by the Bond valence-energy landscape (BEL) method and the exact energy barriers and minimal energy paths (MEPs) are determined using the nudged elastic band (NEB) method implemented in density functional theories (DFT). A two dimensional Na+ diffusion network is observed and Na+ diffusion along c-axis is prohibited. For the initial discharge stage, Na+ migrates in the Na+ transportation channel with an energy barrier of 0.48 eV along a-axis and 0.46 eV along b-axis. For the discharge later on, the intercalated Li+ enters the nearby Na+ vacancies and also migrate in the Na+ channel except Li+ at 8f Lid sites, which will stay where it is firstly introduced because of the higher energy barrier of 0.75 eV. The immobility of Lid is one of the important reasons for the irreversible capacity loss after the initial charge/discharge cycle.

One-step oil bath preparation of cobalt-doped MnO2/coconut activated carbon composite with superior zinc ion storage performance

MnO2 is a prospective cathode material for aqueous zinc ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, bare MnO2 usually suffers from large volume change and dissolution problems. In this work, Co-doped MnO2/coconut activated carbon composite (Co-β-MO/CAC) has been successfully synthesized by a one-step oil bath method. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) tests demonstrate that both the Co doping and the incorporation of coconut activated carbon can effectively reduce the electrochemical reaction resistance of MnO2 and improve the intercalation and deintercalation abilities of H+ and Zn2+. The combined effect of the Co doping and CAC compositing has resulted in excellent electrochemical property of Co-β-MO/CAC. After 120 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, the capacity of Co-β-MO/CAC increases from 224.7 mAh g−1 to 436.7 mAh g−1. Moreover, the composite can also deliver a high reversible capacity of 233.2 mAh g−1 after 900 cycles at 0.5 A g−1.

Polymer-Ion Interaction Prompted Quasi-Solid Electrolyte for Room-Temperature High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries using quasi-solid gel electrolytes (QSEs) have gained increasing interest due to their enhanced safety features. However, their commercial viability is hindered by low ionic conductivity and poor solid-solid contact interfaces. In this study, a QSE synthesized by in situ polymerizing methyl methacrylate (MMA) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)-based electrolyte is introduced, which exhibits remarkable performance in high-loading graphite||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) pouch cells. Owing to the unique solvent-lacking solvation structure, the graphite exfoliation caused by the well-known solvent co-intercalation is prohibited, and this unprecedented phenomenon is found to be universal for other graphite-unfriendly solvents. The high ionic conductivity and great interfacial contact provided by DME enable the quasi-solid graphite||NCM811 pouch cell to demonstrate superior C-rate capability even at a high cathode mass loading (17.5mgcm-2), surpassing liquid carbonate electrolyte cells. Meanwhile, the optimized QSE based on carbonates exhibits excellent cycle life (92.4% capacity retention after 1700 cycles at 0.5C/0.5C) and reliable safety under harsh conditions. It also outperforms liquid electrolytes in other high-energy-density batteries with larger volume change. These findings elucidate the polymer's pivotal role in QSEs, offering new insights for advancing quasi-solid-state battery commercialization.

Impact of amyloid and cardiometabolic risk factors on prognostic capacity of plasma neurofilament light chain for neurodegeneration

BackgroundPlasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a blood biomarker of neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, its usefulness may be influenced by common conditions in older adults, including amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and cardiometabolic risk factors like hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired kidney function, and obesity. This longitudinal observational study using the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort investigated how these conditions influence the prognostic capacity of plasma NfL.MethodsNon-demented participants (cognitively unimpaired or mild cognitive impairment) underwent repeated assessments including the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) scores, hippocampal volumes, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes at 6- or 12-month intervals. Linear mixed-effect models were employed to examine the interaction between plasma NfL and various variables of interest, such as Aβ (evaluated using Florbetapir positron emission tomography), hypertension, DM, impaired kidney function, or obesity.ResultsOver a mean follow-up period of 62.5 months, participants with a mean age of 72.1 years (n = 720, 48.8% female) at baseline were observed. Higher plasma NfL levels at baseline were associated with steeper increases in ADAS-Cog scores and WMH volumes, and steeper decreases in hippocampal volumes over time (all p-values < 0.001). Notably, Aβ at baseline significantly enhanced the association between plasma NfL and longitudinal changes in ADAS-Cog scores (p-value 0.005) and hippocampal volumes (p-value 0.004). Regarding ADAS-Cog score and WMH volume, the impact of Aβ was more prominent in cognitively unimpaired than in mild cognitive impairment. Hypertension significantly heightened the association between plasma NfL and longitudinal changes in ADAS-Cog scores, hippocampal volumes, and WMH volumes (all p-values < 0.001). DM influenced the association between plasma NfL and changes in ADAS-Cog scores (p-value < 0.001) without affecting hippocampal and WMH volumes. Impaired kidney function did not significantly alter the association between plasma NfL and longitudinal changes in any outcome variables. Obesity heightened the association between plasma NfL and changes in hippocampal volumes only (p-value 0.026).ConclusionThis study suggests that the prognostic capacity of plasma NfL may be amplified in individuals with Aβ or hypertension. This finding emphasizes the importance of considering these factors in the NfL-based prognostic model for neurodegeneration in non-demented older adults.

Chloride-Ion-Enriched Solid Electrolyte Interphase with Rapid Na+ Migration toward High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as potential alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), particularly for large-scale applications. Alloy-type anode materials for sodium-ion batteries are esteemed as prospective candidate materials for sodium-ion anodes, owing to their elevated theoretical capacity, heightened utilization efficiency, and minimal production of insulating byproducts. However, the severe volume changes and sluggish ion diffusion kinetics can lead to irreversible particle fragmentation and reaggregation phenomena, ultimately resulting in electrode degradation. Additionally, repetitive volume changes can cause an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). This study presents the synthesis of chloride-ion-modulated bimetallic SnSb/C nanoparticle anode materials, highlighting the following advantages: (i) Designing a bimetallic SnSb alloy structure serves to buffer the structural stresses generated during sodium insertion/extraction processes, effectively mitigating particle fracture phenomena induced by electrode material expansion/contraction. (ii) Nanostructuring both alloy materials enables the full utilization of active materials and shortens diffusion pathways, thereby significantly enhancing the diffusion rate of sodium ions. (iii) Introducing a carbonaceous matrix serves to alleviate self-agglomeration phenomena of the material during charge/discharge cycles, enhancing the material's conductivity and structural stability. (iv) Utilizing chloride-ion interface modification to achieve a chloride-rich solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) enhances battery performance.

High cycling stability polyaniline/carbon sphere/graphene ternary nanocomposite cathode material for asymmetric supercapacitors

Here, an asymmetric supercapacitor of the ternary nanocomposite polyaniline/carbon sphere/graphene (PANI/CS/G) is developed through a green strategy via the in-situ polymerization of aniline in carbon sphere/graphene (CS/G) dispersion prepared in a ball-mill method coupled with hydrothermal treatment. A strong interaction and thus the coverage of CS/G with PANI is revealed from the material characterization using XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopic techniques, and also from FESEM and HRTEM images. Uniform distribution of PANI over the CS/G provided an effective conducting network and enhanced diffusion of the electrolyte ions. PANI/CS/G showed a specific capacitance of 145.02 mF/cm2 at a current density of 1 mA/cm2 in 1 M H2SO4 originating from the electrostatic double layer capacitance behavior of the CS/G and pseudocapacitance of PANI. The fabricated asymmetric coin cell device with PANI/CS/G cathode and CS/G anode showed the highest areal capacitance of 320.78 mF/cm2 (@ 1 mA/cm2), a maximum energy density of 18.99 Wh/kg (@ 0.21 A/g), and a highest power density of 6088.48 W/kg (@ 8.68 A/g). The device displayed 101.6 % capacitance retention after 10000 cycles, indicating the effect of CS/G in diminishing the volume changes of PANI during the charge-discharge process, which usually affects the cyclic stability. By lighting a green LED, the real sense energy storage application of the supercapacitor is evaluated.

Association between ossific nucleus volume changes and postoperative avascular necrosis risk in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ossific nucleus volume and avascular necrosis (AVN) in pediatric patients diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Analyzing 211 cases, including 119 open reduction (OR) and 92 closed reduction (CR) procedures, we quantified ossific nucleus volume using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Categorizing the OR group based on ossific nucleus volume revealed no statistically significant difference in AVN incidence. Similarly, in the CR cohort, there was no significant discrepancy in AVN occurrence between subgroups with or without the ossific nucleus. Logistic regression in CR identified the international hip dysplasia institute (IHDI) grade as a significant AVN risk factor (p = 0.007). IHDI grades 3 and 4 exhibited a 6.94 times higher likelihood of AVN compared to grades 1 and 2. Across CR and OR, neither initial age nor ossific nucleus volume emerged as AVN risk factors. In conclusion, ossific nucleus volume does not pose a risk for AVN in DDH children undergoing CR or OR, emphasizing the clinical significance of IHDI grading in predicting AVN risk during CR and the importance of early intervention to prevent treatment delays.

Deciphering the energy storage mechanism of CoS2 nanowire arrays for High-Energy aqueous copper-ion batteries

Transition metal sulfide (TMs) offers ultra-high specific capacity through multi-electron transfer, showing promise for aqueous batteries. However, the poor cycling performance and the uncleared energy storage mechanism are restricted from further development. Herein, CoS2 nanowire arrays grown on carbon cloth (CoS2/CC) are proposed as binder-free and self-supporting electrodes for aqueous copper-ion batteries. The energy storage mechanism is clarified by a series of ex-situ tests: a multi-electron electrode reaction through a three-step reaction of CoS2 → CuS → Cu7S4 → Cu2S. Electrochemical results suggest that the CoS2/CC cathode exhibits excellent long cycle stability (capacity retention of 99.7 % after 1000 cycles at 10 A/g) along with high specific capacity (762.3 mAh g−1 at 1 A/g). The carbon cloth with stable three-dimensional (3D) conductive structure can not only offer high-speed pathways to promote the transfer of electrons but also inhibit the volume change. Meanwhile, CoS2 nanowire arrays with high surface-to-volume ratios can improve wettability of electrolyte and promote redox reactions. Furthermore, an advanced Zn-CoS2/CC hybrid ion aqueous battery reveals an energy density of 724 Wh kg−1 and an output voltage of 1.24 V, providing a promising strategy for the establishment of transition metal sulfide cathode in high-energy aqueous batteries.