Free Water Research Articles

Zinc-Lithium Dual Ion Deep Eutectic Mixtures As Electrolyte for Stable Zinc-Based Hybrid Batteries

Anode-free zinc batteries (AFZBs) are proposed as promising energy storage systems due to their high energy density, low cost, high safety, and easy production characteristics. However, the high reactivity of water molecules can induce passivation and dendritic growth within zinc-based aqueous batteries, thereby affecting the durability of the battery.A deep eutectic solvent (DES) is a solvent created through a suitable combination of salts or zwitterions, acting as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors (HBD). Its melting point is considerably lower than the combined melting points of its components, attributed to its engagement in a complex network of hydrogen bonds. Due to the distinctive properties of deep eutectic solvents, they possess a notable ability to decrease water activity substantially Consequently, we design a novel deep eutectic electrolyte and examine its performance on zinc-based batteries.This electrolyte design composed of 1 mole of zinc chloride combing with 1 mole of lithium acetate as the ion sources. Subsequently, 4 moles of N-methyl acetamide are added to the mixture, and the resulting mixture is heated to 353 K with continuous stirring until a liquid state of deep eutectic electrolyte is achieved. Due to the high viscosity of the electrolyte, different cosolvents, namely 2 moles of methanol and 2 moles of acetonitrile, are introduced after cooling to improve the viscosity. The positive electrode material, lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4, LMO), is employed to construct a Zn//LMO half-cell and conduct electrochemical tests.The study commences by investigating the electrochemical performance of Zn//Zn symmetric cells, Zn//Cu asymmetric cells, Zn//LMO half-cell, and Cu//LMO anode-free cells, both with and without the addition of cosolvents (methanol, acetonitrile). Various electrochemical tests, including AC impedance, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), are then performed. In addition, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques will be utilized to glean the solvation structure of the electrolyte. Lastly, viscosity, conductivity, and differential scanning calorimetry (DCS) tests will be also performed.The results demonstrate that in the Zn//Zn symmetric cell, the addition of cosolvent reduces the overpotential of Zn plating/stripping by 0.6 V compared to the case without cosolvent. Furthermore, in the Zn//Cu asymmetric cell, the inclusion of cosolvent exhibits a remarkable Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% after 450 cycles at a current density of 0.5 mA/cm². In the Zn//LMO half-cell, the best cyclic performance is observed with 2 moles of methanol, maintaining a specific capacity of 80 mAh/g after 900 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g, with a capacitance retention of 97.5%. For the Cu//LMO anode-free cell, a specific capacity of 70 mAh/g is retained with a capacitance retention of 96.5% after 900 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g. Additionally, a Coulombic efficiency of 96.5% is maintained after 900 cycles. Compared to methanol cosolvent, acetonitrile as cosolvent in the Zn//LMO half-cell and Cu//LMO anode-free cell exhibit inferior performance. After 900 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g, exhibits a significantly reduced specific capacity of only 20 mAh/g, with a capacitance retention of only 62.5%.The electrolyte analysis reveals that the Raman peak at 870 cm-1 and the FTIR peak at 990 cm-1, corresponding to N-CH3 vibrations, for electrolytes showing blue shift compared to pure N-methyl acetamide. Additionally, a blue shift is also observed in the Raman peak at 1340 cm-1 and the FTIR peak at 1160 cm-1 in, corresponding to N-C vibrations. These shifts suggest that N-methyl acetamide coordinates with zinc ion and lithium ion, forming a deep eutectic electrolyte and altering the structure of the solvated shell as results. The addition of 2 moles of methanol, the conductivity is improved and the viscosity reduced significantly. The DCS shows the freezing point of the deep eutectic electrolyte is decreased compared to N-methyl acetamide, reaching a temperature of around 214 K.This study demonstrate that deep eutectic solvents can alter the structure of the solvated shell within the electrolyte, significantly reduce the activity of free water, and mitigate passivation and dendrite formation on the zinc anode surface. This leads to enhanced stability in the electrochemical performance of the battery. Figure 1

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Psychogenic Polydipsia and Hyponatremia in Chronic Schizophrenia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Compulsive drinking of excessive quantities of water, called psychogenic polydipsia (PP), is a challenging complication of chronic psychotic disorders, which can lead to hyponatremia and downstream morbidity or mortality. Treatments include behavioral modifications such as free water restriction, medications to modify free water excretion, and psychotropic medications to target psychotic symptoms. However, in many cases, these options remain ineffective and/or intolerable, necessitating chronic institutionalization with poor patient quality of life. Here we report the use of an acute course of 8 sessions of bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a 57-year-old man with chronic schizophrenia, PP, and moderate hyponatremia refractory to standard treatments in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Serum sodium normalized and remained stable during and immediately following his ECT course, despite chronic hyponatremia with high variability for months prior to ECT initiation. A literature review found remarkably few reported cases of ECT for PP in chronic schizophrenia, a surprising result given the use of this modality for patients with psychotic illness in many countries. Our findings support future investigation into the clinical utility and mechanism of ECT for PP in this patient population.

Exploring white matter microstructural alterations in mild cognitive impairment: a multimodal diffusion MRI investigation utilizing diffusion kurtosis and free-water imaging.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage from normal aging to dementia, characterized by noticeable changes in cognitive function that do not significantly impact daily life. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) plays a crucial role in understanding MCI by assessing white matter integrity and revealing early signs of axonal degeneration and myelin breakdown before cognitive symptoms appear. This study utilized the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database to compare white matter microstructure in individuals with MCI to cognitively normal (CN) individuals, employing advanced dMRI techniques such as diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), mean signal diffusion kurtosis imaging (MSDKI), and free water imaging (FWI). Analyzing data from 55 CN subjects and 46 individuals with MCI, this study found significant differences in white matter integrity, particularly in free water levels and kurtosis values, suggesting neuroinflammatory responses and microstructural integrity disruption in MCI. Moreover, negative correlations between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and free water levels in the brain within the MCI group point to the potential of these measures as early biomarkers for cognitive impairment. In conclusion, this study demonstrates how a multimodal advanced diffusion imaging approach can uncover early microstructural changes in MCI, offering insights into the neurobiological mechanisms behind cognitive decline.

BIODIVERSITY OF CELLULOLYTIC BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM FERMETODEGE FOR RUMINANTS

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Fermetodege as a source of cellulolytic bacteria that degrade cellulosic materials.- Enhances ruminant feed by improving palatability and digestibility.- Utilizes water hyacinth, reducing invasive plant spread and supporting ecosystems.- Bioprospecting reveals new bacteria for effective fermentation starter development.ABSTRACTFermetodege is a name of fermented ruminant feed produced from free heavy metals water hyacinth, rice bran, and corn cobs. Its quality, as well as the fermentation process, are affected by numerous factors, such as the diversity, evenness, and dominance of indigenous cellulolytic bacterial species. A proper understanding of these influential factors is needed to improve the quality of the fermented feed. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the diversity, evenness, and dominance of cellulolytic bacteria isolated from fermetodege. The cellulolytic activity of the isolates was tested by observing their growth on the carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) media. Isolates with cellulolytic activity formed a clear zone after the colonies were soaked with 0.1% Congo red and rinsed with 1 M NaCl. The Shannon-Weiner's diversity and evenness indexes, as well as Simpson's species dominance, were then calculated. The result showed that the Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index ranged from 0.6849 to 1.8173, and it was categorized as medium. The evenness index was between 0.7778 and 0.9983, which indicates a stable distribution of species. Meanwhile, the Simpson’s species dominance ranged from 0.1835 to 0.5082, which implies that none of the species was dominant. These results show that fermetodege is potentially a source of bacterial isolates and can be used as a fermentation consortium starter.

Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Computational Study on Microsolvated [B10H10]2- Clusters and Comparisons to Their [B12H12]2- Analogues.

Microhydrated closo-boranes have attracted great interest due to their superchaotropic activity related to the well-known Hofmeister effect and important applications in biomedical and battery fields. In this work, we report a combined negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical investigation on hydrated closo-decaborate clusters [B10H10]2-·nH2O (n = 1-7) with a direct comparison to their analogues [B12H12]2-·nH2O and free water clusters. A single H2O molecule is found to be sufficient to stabilize the intrinsically unstable [B10H10]2- dianion. The first two water molecules strongly interact with the solute forming B-H···H-O dihydrogen bonds while additional water molecules show substantially reduced binding energies. Unlike [B12H12]2-·nH2O possessing a highly structured water network with the attached H2O molecules arranged in a unified pattern by maximizing B-H···H-O dihydrogen bonding, distinct structural arrangements of the water clusters within [B10H10]2-·nH2O are achieved with the water cluster networks from trimer to heptamer resembling free water clusters. Such a distinct difference arises from the variations in size, symmetry, and charge distributions between these two dianions. The present finding again confirms the structural diversity of hydrogen-bonding networks in microhydrated closo-boranes and enriches our understanding of aqueous borate chemistry.

Determination of Variable Humidity Profile for Lactic Acid Maximization in Fungal Solid-State Fermentation

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is the bioprocess where microorganisms are cultivated in the absence of free water under controlled conditions. Lactic acid can be produced by Rhizopus oryzae SSF of grape stalks. During the microorganism’s growth, the temperature and water content of the solid bed fluctuate, leading to areas of either dry or excessive moisture in the solid substrate. Therefore, it is crucial to control the water supply to the matrix. In this work, we obtain lactic acid through SSF of grape stalks using Rhizopus oryzae NCIM 1299. The SSF was conducted at a fixed temperature of 35 °C, with five constant relative humidity (RH) levels: 50, 57, 65, 72, and 80%RH. Mathematical models, including the Logistic and First-Order Plus Dead-Time models for fungal biomass growth and the Luedeking and Piret with Delay Time model for lactic acid production, were adjusted to kinetic curves. Growth kinetic parameters (Xmax, μmax, Tp, T0, Yp/x, and td) were determined for all conditions. These kinetic parameters were then correlated with relative humidity using a second-degree polynomial relationship. We observed a decrease in Xmax with an increasing %RH, while the value of Yp/x increased at a higher %RH. Finally, the optimal variable relative humidity profile was obtained by applying the dynamic optimization technique, resulting in a 16.63% increase in lactic acid production.

Unlocking the potential of rice bran oil body as fat replacement in cookies: single and double crosslinked binary emulsion-filled gels based on lutein-loaded rice bran oil body emulsion.

Rice bran oil body is rich in nutritional value, which is a byproduct of rice processing. The aim of this study is to develop a novel emulsion-filled gel with lutein-loaded rice bran oil body and investigate its functionality as a fat replacer in cookies. The effects of incorporating structured oil body in the form of emulsion-filled gel instead of butter in cookies with a ratio of 0, 10, 20 and 50 wt% formulation were determined by measuring appearance, texture, thermodynamic properties, moisture distribution and microstructure. The results demonstrated the relationship between geometry, moisture and structure. The 20 wt% emulsion-filled gel substitution ratio yielded mobility and distribution abilities of melted fat and sugar in the cookies that were closest to those of butter. The addition of emulsion-filled gel increased the L* value and decreased the a* value, while the b* value of the cookie increased due to the advanced delivery of lutein by oil body. By controlling the addition ratio, the texture of the cookies can be adjusted. Starch granules were separated due to colloidal particles, reducing saturated fat content and decreasing cookie gelatinization enthalpy. The fat coating on starch particles enhanced the binding capacity of free water, improving air entrapment and forming a constrained gluten network structure. These findings provide a theoretical basis for rice bran oil body as a novel substitute for butter in the development of healthy, high-quality cookies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Supramolecular Metal-Organic Framework for the High Stability of Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Batteries.

Aqueous rechargeable Zn batteries (AZBs) are considered to be promising next-generation battery systems. However, the growth of Zn dendrites and water-induced side reactions have hindered their practical application, especially with regard to long-term cyclability. To address these challenges, we introduce a supramolecular metal-organic framework (SMOF) coating layer using an α-cyclodextrin-based MOF (α-CD-MOF-K) and a polymeric binder. The plate-like α-CD-MOF-K particles, combined with the polymeric binder create dense and homogeneous Zn2+ ion conductive pore channels that can vertically transport Zn2+ ions through the cavity while restricting the contact of water molecules. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation verifies that Zn2+ ions can reversibly migrate through the pores of α-CD-MOF-K by partial dehydration. The uniform Zn deposition/dissolution promotes a smooth solid-electrolyte interface layer on the Zn metal anode and effectively suppresses side reactions with free water molecules. The α-CD-MOF-K@Zn symmetric cell exhibits stable cycling and a small polarization voltage of 70 mV for 800 h at 5 mA cm-2, and the α-CD-MOF-K@Zn|α-MnO2 full cell shows only 0.12% capacity decay per cycle at a rate of 1 A g-1.

Effects of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome on cerebral white matter and emotional health among non-hospitalized individuals.

Post-acute COVID syndrome (PACS) is a growing concern, given its impact on mental health and quality of life. However, its effects on cerebral white matter remain poorly understood, particularly in non-hospitalized cohorts. The goals of this cross-sectional, observational study were to examine (1) whether PACS was associated with distinct alterations in white matter microstructure, compared to symptom-matched non-COVID viral infection; and (2) whether microstructural alterations correlated with indices of post-COVID emotional health. Data were collected for 54 symptomatic individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 (mean age 41 ± 12 yrs., 36 female) and 14 controls who tested negative for COVID-19 (mean age 41 ± 14 yrs., 8 female), with both groups assessed an average of 4-5 months after COVID testing. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were collected, and emotional health was assessed via the NIH emotion toolbox, with summary scores indexing social satisfaction, well-being and negative affect. Despite similar symptoms, the COVID-19 group had reduced mean and axial diffusivity, along with increased mean kurtosis and neurite dispersion, in deep white matter. After adjusting for social satisfaction, higher levels of negative affect in the COVID-19 group were also correlated with increased mean kurtosis and reduced free water in white matter. These results provide preliminary evidence that indices of white matter microstructure distinguish PACS from symptomatic non-COVID infection. Moreover, white matter effects seen in PACS correlate with the severity of emotional sequelae, providing novel insights into this highly prevalent disorder.

Mercury removal from water: insights from MOFs and their composites

Abstract Mercury pollution is disturbing, human health by causing many serious types of diseases. Therefore, elimination of mercury from water bodies is very important that is gaining attention among researchers, and researchers are setting priority measures to make mercury free water. One such measure is the use of MOFs and their composites which are extensively applied for the removal of Hg from water, because of displaying majestical characteristics like high water stability, tunable porosity and surface area as well as easy to synthesize. In this review, we discussed the elimination of Hg ions using MOFs and their composites. We also discussed how MOFs and their composites can be modified that can be more reliable and efficient for removal of pollutants from water particularly mercury ions. Furthermore, we explored the challenges in the application of MOFs and present measures to boost the application range of MOFs. In the same way we also discussed potential of MOFs and their composites to overcome difficulties and research directions for the elimination of Hg (II) ions from water bodies. We expect that this review will offer inclusive and clear understanding to researchers about MOFs and their composite for practical applications to remove mercury from water bodies.

Phase transition and gel properties of chemically modified cassava starch in choline acetate and water mixtures

This work studied the phase transition and gel properties of cassava starch in aqueous choline acetate ([Ch][OAc]) solution at different [Ch][OAc]:water weight ratios. The paste viscosity and gel strength followed a similar pattern to the starch phase transition temperature, increasing at a 2:3 [Ch][OAc]:water ratio and then decreasing at 3:2 and 4:1 ratios. However, the mobility of free water in the starch gel decreased as the [Ch][OAc]:water ratio increased. At the same [Ch][OAc]:water ratios, acetylated cassava starch (ACS) underwent phase transition more easily than native cassava starch (NCS), leading to greater granule destruction. Nevertheless, ACS gels displayed more viscous-dominated rheological behavior, lower paste viscosity, viscoelasticity, and weaker water-holding capacity (WHC) than NCS gels. In contrast, cross-linked cassava starch (CCS) gels had higher paste viscosity, gel viscoelasticity, and WHC. However, at a 4:1 [Ch][OAc]:water ratio, the viscoelasticity of CCS gel was lower than NCS gel, and the differences in WHC were minimal, likely due to the incomplete phase transition of especially CCS under this condition. Our findings show that starch chemical modification significantly affects phase transition behavior and gel properties in [Ch][OAc]:water mixtures, with outcomes influenced by the viscosity of the aqueous [Ch][OAc] solution and the interaction between [Ch][OAc] and water.

Pretreatment with nano-silver extends the post-harvest longevity of gladiolus cut flowers by reducing free water mobility

The water content of cut flowers is a significant factor in their post-harvest quality. In this study, we examine the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (NS) on the longevity of cut gladiolus, with a focus on water state and distribution. We used Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technology to identify three water fractions with different transverse relaxation times (T2) values: bound water T21 (<10 ms), intermediate immobilized water T22 (10–100 ms), and the slowest component free water T23 (>10 ms). During the opening process, T23 increased at stages 2 and 3 and then decreased, T22 decreased slowly, and T21 remained unchanged. Free water values were consistently higher than bound water and immobilized water and reached their maximum from stage 2 until stage 4, when the petals were extended and began to wilt. The vascular bundles responsible for transporting water had higher water content, as detected by proton density-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Bound water and free water with NS pretreatments in bracts were initially lower but then two days later the signal amplitude of each water state exceeded those of the control, indicating that the treatment enhanced the water-holding capacity over time. Furthermore, NS pretreatments reduced the free water mobility of the cut flowers and inhibited stem decay. Additionally, we found that NS can enter the stem and are primarily transported upward along the xylem with water using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) technology. Overall, our findings indicate that NS pretreatment reduces free water in gladiolus cut flowers, enhancing their water retention and prolonging their vase life.

Effect of freezing on physicochemical properties and microstructure of soy protein gels

This study aimed to analyze the dynamic evolution of physicochemical properties and microstructure in soybean protein gels subjected to freezing conditions. SPI, 7S, and 11S were used in experiments. A 12g/100g protein gel was formulated after 1 and 5 days of freezing. Subsequent determination and analysis encompassed various indices, including texture, subunit composition, sulfhydryl group content, water distribution, and microstructure. The findings revealed a significant increase in the hardness of SPI, 7S, and 11S protein gels with prolonged freezing time. The 11S gel exhibited the most substantial increase, followed by SPI and 7S. And the decreases in the water-holding properties of the protein gels were 10.08%, 1.19%, and 49.34%, with the largest decrease in the water-holding properties of the 11S protein gels. Conversely, the water-holding capacity and total sulfhydryl content of SPI, 7S, and 11S protein gels decreased over time during freezing. Subunit distribution analysis indicated darker bands at the top of concentrated and separation gels. The freezing process induced the formation and growth of ice crystals, altering the spatial network structure of protein gels. Consequently, the proportion of free water in all three soybean protein gels increased, leading to enhanced mobility and a looser network structure.

An improved macroscopic model for sloshing flow-combined porous structure interaction

The design of the aquaculture tank system is important for fish survival, as it directly affects the behavior of farmed fish. To avoid violent liquid sloshing, this study proposes a side-mounted bracket-shaped perforated baffle and a special porous layer to explore their anti-sloshing performance. A macroscopic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, applicable to the combined porous structure, is developed by introducing the volume-averaged porous media theory, with corresponding experimental tests conducted. In this study, the macroscopic CFD method is first achieved to solve the fluid force on the perforated baffle by reasonably predicting the momentum flux through the porous surface. The microscopic model is also established to further verify the reliability of our proposed macroscopic model. The amplitudes of the free water surface and sloshing loads are adopted to assess the sloshing response. In addition, an index referred to as area-weighted-average velocity is introduced to quantify the kinetic energy. Results reveal that the established macroscopic model reliably replicates the free water surface and sloshing loads and greatly improves computational efficiency. Moreover, the high-frequency component of the wave energy is more easily dissipated, thus the transfer of energy from low frequency to high frequency resulting from the porous structure enhances its anti-sloshing performance, while conversely, the performance is weakened; the suppressing performance of the porous structure is closely related to the filling depth and excitation frequency, which dominate the frequency components of the sloshing behavior.

Functional group-specific reduction of Cr(VI) by low molecular weight organic acids in frozen solution: Kinetics, mechanism and DFT calculation

Low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) are commonly present in natural water and play a pivotal role in the reduction of Cr(VI). In frozen solutions, the efficiency of Cr(VI) reduction is significantly enhanced due to the freezing concentration effect. However, this facilitation is found to be contingent upon the functional groups of LMWOA in this study. To be specific, LMWOA and Cr(VI) can form five-membered ring complexes, which greatly enhance electron transfer efficiency through Ligand-to-Metal Charge Transfer (LMCT). DFT calculations indicate that oxygen-containing groups located on carbon atoms at α positions play a crucial role in forming these complexes, ultimately determining the kinetics of Cr(VI) reduction. Moreover, freezing not only increases proton concentrations but also reduces free water molecule content in the liquid-like layer (LLL), thereby affecting LMWOA species through regulation of protonation and hydrolysis, and subsequently impacting reaction mechanisms. The stoichiometric ratios between LMWOA and Cr(VI) exceed theoretical values due to complexation with Cr(III). The reduction of Cr(VI) by LMWOA in frozen solutions is inhibited by soil solution, while the degree of inhibition varies among different types of LMWOA.

Assessment of causal relationships between white matter brain imaging-derived phenotypes and CSVD-mediated Stroke: Genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization

ObjectiveCerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and its associated stroke are significant contributors to mortality and long-term disability globally. Despite this, there remains a lack of established predictors or preventive strategies for stroke mediated by CSVD, beyond the management of hypertension. In this study, we explored the potential utility of imaging-derived phenotypes (IDPs) of white matter (WM) as risk predictors for CSVD-mediated stroke and clarify the underlying causal relationships. MethodsWe performed a genetic correlation analysis to assess the relationship between WM IDPs and CSVD-mediated stroke, identifying genetically correlated pairs for follow-up Mendelian randomization (MR) studies. Subsequently, we examined the mediating role of WM IDPs in the correlation between blood pressure (BP) traits and CSVD-mediated stroke. ResultsOur findings demonstrate a significant causal relationship between genetic predisposition to increased isotropic or free water volume fraction (ISOVF) in the anterior limb of the left internal capsule (ALLIC) and CSVD-mediated stroke (IVW: odds ratio [OR] = 1.57; 95 % CI: 1.25 to 1.96, p = 8.27 × 10–5). ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for a potential causal link between WM IDPs and CSVD-mediated stroke, which may enhance the predictive capacity for CSVD-mediated stroke.

Very-long T2-weighted imaging of the non-lesional brain tissue in multiple sclerosis patients.

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that T2-weighted imaging with very long echo time (TE > 300 ms) can provide relevant information in neurodegenerative/inflammatory disorder. Twenty patients affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with stable disease course underwent 1.5T 3D FLAIR, 3D T1-weighted, and a multi-echo sequence with 32 echoes (TE = 10-320 ms). Focal lesions (FL) were identified on FLAIR. T1-images were processed to segment deep gray matter (dGM), white matter (WM), FL sub-volumes with T1 hypo-intensity (T1FL), and dGM volumes (atrophy). Clinical-radiological parameters included Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration, patient age, T1FL, and dGM atrophy. Correlation analysis was performed between the mean signal intensity (SI) computed on the non-lesional dGM and WM at different TE versus the clinical-radiological parameters. Multivariable linear regressions were fitted to the data to assess the association between the dependent variable EDSS and the independent variables obtained by T1FL lesion load and the mean SI of dGM and WM at the different TE. A clear trend is observed, with a systematic strengthening of the significance of the correlation at longer TE for all the relationships with the clinical-radiological parameters, becoming significant (p < 0.05) for EDSS, T1FL volumes, and dGM atrophy. Multivariable linear regressions show that at shorter TE, the SI of the T2-weighted sequences is not relevant for describing the EDSS variability while the T1FL volumes are relevant, and vice versa, at very-long TEs (around 300 ms); the SI of the T2-weighted sequences significantly (p < 0.05) describes the EDSS variability. By very long TE, the SI primarily originates from water with a T2 longer than 250 ms and/or free water, which may be arising from the perivascular space (PVS). Very-long T2-weighting might detect dilated PVS and represent an unexplored MR approach in neurofluid imaging of neurodegenerative/inflammatory diseases.

Multi-shelled hollow porous carbon nanospheres-based evaporator for highly efficient solar-driven desalination

Carbon-based materials stand out as photothermal materials for interfacial solar evaporation due to their high solar absorptance, chemical stability, adjustable structure, ease of preparation, and low cost compared to other candidate materials. Development of multifunctional carbon-based materials that can endow the fabricated evaporators with reduced energy loss and evaporation enthalpy is highly demanded to achieve extraordinary evaporation rates. Herein, high-solar-absorptivity multi-shelled hollow porous carbon nanospheres are fabricated and incorporated with an insulating hydrogel bottom layer into an integrated solar evaporator. It achieves a fast photothermal response and a remarkably high solar evaporation rate of 2.4 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun. Multiphysics simulation indicates that the porous multi-shelled hollow structure enables sufficient and effective interactions between water and the hydrophilic carbon surfaces, thus producing more intermediate water (IW) and lowering the evaporation enthalpy. The solar-driven water evaporation in the evaporator is probed by in-situ low-field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time measurements, based on which conversion of free water (FW) into IW during solar evaporation is proposed. The molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the evolution of FW clusters into IW is facilitated on the carbon surface, thus replenishing the evaporated IW and maintaining continuous high evaporation rates. The demonstrated solar evaporator exemplifies the effectiveness of structural and thermal management in enhancing solar-driven desalination.

Advances in diffuse glioma assessment: preoperative and postoperative applications of chemical exchange saturation transfer.

Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) is a technique that uses specific off-resonance saturation pulses to pre-saturate targeted substances. This process influences the signal intensity of free water, thereby indirectly providing information about the pre-saturated substance. Among the clinical applications of CEST, Amide Proton Transfer (APT) is currently the most well-established. APT can be utilized for the preoperative grading of gliomas. Tumors with higher APTw signals generally indicate a higher likelihood of malignancy. In predicting preoperative molecular typing, APTw values are typically lower in tumors with favorable molecular phenotypes, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations, compared to IDH wild-type tumors. For differential diagnosis, the average APTw values of meningiomas are significantly lower than those of high-grade gliomas. Various APTw measurement indices assist in distinguishing central nervous system lesions with similar imaging features, such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, central nervous system lymphoma, solitary brain metastases, and glioblastoma. Regarding prognosis, APT effectively differentiates between tumor recurrence and treatment effects, and also possesses predictive capabilities for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

The Influence of Pomace Powder of Musky Squash on the Characteristics of Foamy Confectionery Products during Storage

This paper analyzes the possibility of using pomace powder of musky squash (PPMS, 10–30% of the formulation) for the manufacture of foamy confectionery products based on Jerusalem artichoke syrup, which is a natural substitute for sugar syrup used in the food industry. The content of biologically active compounds (polyphenols, carotenoids) as well as the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of pumpkin powder were evaluated. Sensory analysis was applied to measure the degree of product acceptance and the analysis revealed that the optimal amount of PPMS accepted by the tasters was 15%. The addition of PPMS increased pH and free water retention, color, and lightness intensification. During the storage period (40 days), the hardness and gumminess showed an essential increase and the cohesion of the samples gradually decreased. The addition of PPMS led to the improvement of textural parameters, thus contributing to the extension of the shelf life of products by 10 days, compared to the control sample. Mutual information analysis was applied to determine the influence of PPMS concentration and storage time of foamy confectionery products on mean total score, mean sensory profile score, moisture content, water activity, antioxidant activity, hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess. The results of this research indicate that the use of pumpkin pulp in the manufacture of foamy confectionery products can significantly increase their biological value and sensory characteristics and ensure an extension of the products’ shelf life.