bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How older men live with stress urinary incontinence: Patient experience and navigation to treatment
Authors: Shaw Nathan M. , Breyer Benjamin N. , Walter Louise C. , Sudore Rebecca L. , Suskind Anne M. , Baussan Caitlin , Quanstrom Kathryn , Allen Isabel E. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Dohan Dan , Hampson Lindsay A.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To explore the context in which older men navigate treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following prostate surgery by characterizing lived experience of men with symptomatic SUI.

Subjects/Patients and Methods

Mixed method study using surveys and semistructured interviews to examine a cohort of men who underwent evaluation for treatment of postprostatectomy SUI.

Results

Thirty‐six men were interviewed after consultation for SUI and 31 had complete quantitative clinical data. Twenty‐six underwent surgery and 10 chose no surgical intervention. In qualitative interviews, respondents experienced substantial decline in quality of life due to incontinence citing concerns associated with use of pads and worrying about incontinence. Most patients reported “workarounds”—efforts to mitigate or manage incontinence including Kegels, physical therapy, and garments. Participants also reported lifestyle changes including less strenuous physical activity, less sexual activity, and/or fewer social gatherings. Patients then described a “breaking point” where incontinence workarounds were no longer sufficient. After seeking evaluation, men described challenges in exploring treatment for SUI, including access to care and provider knowledge of treatment options.

Conclusion

In a novel study of patients living with SUI a predictable lived experience was observed that culminated in a desire for change or “breaking point.” In all men, this led to treatment‐seeking behaviors and for many it led to SUI intervention. Despite effective treatments, patients continue to meet barriers gaining access to SUI evaluation and treatment.
Topology reconstruction using time series data in telecommunication networks
Authors: Pisinger David , Sørensen Siv
Published: November 2023

We consider Hybrid fiber‐coaxial (HFC) networks in which data is transmitted from a root node to a set of customers using a series of splitters and coaxial cable lines that make up a tree. The physical locations of the components in a HFC network are always known but frequently the cabling is not. This makes cable faults difficult to locate and resolve. In this study we consider time series data received by customer modems to reconstruct the topology of HFC networks. We assume that the data can be translated into a series of events, and that two customers sharing many connections in the network will observe many similar events. This approach allows us to use maximum parsimony to minimize the total number of character‐state changes in a tree based on observations in the leaf nodes. Furthermore, we assume that nodes located physically close to each other have a larger probability of being closely connected. Hence, our objective is a weighted sum of data distance and physical distance. A variable‐neighborhood search heuristic is presented for minimizing the combined distance. Furthermore, three greedy heuristics are proposed for finding an initial solution. Computational results are reported for both real‐life and synthetic network topologies using simulated customer data with various degrees of random background noise. We are able to reconstruct large topologies with a very high precision.
Exposure–safety relationship for patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis treated with emapalumab
Authors: Jordan Michael B. , Locatelli Franco
Published: November 2023

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) is an immune‐mediated, hyperinflammatory disorder. Interferon‐γ (IFNγ) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of pHLH. Emapalumab, a fully human, anti‐IFNγ monoclonal antibody neutralizes both free and receptor‐bound IFNγ. However, inhibiting IFNγ‐mediated signaling could result in immune dysfunction and immunosuppression. This exploratory exposure–safety analysis investigated the relationship between emapalumab and the incidence of adverse events in patients with pHLH. Increased exposure to emapalumab was not associated with an increased predicted risk of severe adverse events, infection, or infusion‐related reactions. Emapalumab was associated with a favorable and manageable safety profile across all assessed doses and treatment durations.
Polydopamine in‐situ polymerized on graphene oxide for nitrile butadiene rubber with high strength, elasticity and aging resistance
Authors: Wan Songhan , Du Pan , Guo Zhenyin , You Longxiang , Mao Yaowen , He Xianru
Published: November 2023

The elasticity and aging resistance of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) will be reduced by reinforced filler. Herein, we report that polydopamine (PDA) polymerized in situ on graphene oxide (GO) to obtain polydopamine‐graphene oxide (PDA‐GO) nanofiller for simultaneously improving strength, elasticity and thermal oxidative aging‐resistant performance of NBR. The structure, composition and morphology of PDA‐GO and NBR composites were characterized. The effect of PDA‐GO on the performance of NBR was investigated. Results show that PDA microspheres improved the dispersion of GO in matrix. With incorporation 3 phr of PDA‐GO, the tensile strength of NBR raised from 3.8 to 9.2 MPa. It is satisfactory that the elasticity is also improved significantly. PDA‐GO/NBR composite equips better thermal oxidative stability and aging resistance. The tensile strength of 3 phr‐PDA‐GO/NBR after aging is even 3.4 MPa higher than that of unfilled NBR before aging. Our work proposes an insight for the manufacture of rubber composites with high strength, elasticity and aging resistance.

Highlights

GO modified by PDA is prepared via an in‐situ polymerization process.

In situ polymerized PDA microspheres greatly promotes the dispersion of GO in NBR matrix.

NBR filled with PDA‐GO shows a superior strength and elasticity simultaneously.

PDA‐GO endows NBR with prominent performance in aging resistance.
Piezoelectric, mechanical, and crystallographic properties of polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene based composites reinforced by different dimensional carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Haisen , Xu Tao
Published: November 2023

Polymer based piezoelectric materials are increasingly used because of their lightweight and flexibility. To understand the effects of different dimensional carbon nanomaterials on the properties of polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) based composites, carbon black (CB), carbon nanotube (CNT), and few‐layer graphene (FLG) were used to reinforce PVDF‐HFP for preparing different composites, respectively. Their piezoelectric, mechanical, and crystallographic properties were tested. The results show that CB/PVDF‐HFP composite film has the best piezoelectric property, successively followed by FLG/PVDF‐HFP and CNT/PVDF‐HFP at 0.5%, 0.05%, and 0.1% contents of CB, FLG, and CNT, respectively. In the initial crystallization stage, CB better plays the best role of crystallization core, increasing the electroactive crystalline phase content and crystallization rate. The appropriate contents of CNT and FLG promote the formation of β crystalline phase. In the polarization stage, CB forms a uniform nonconductive network in the composite film and shows the best polarization effect. CNT tends to form connections and has the worst polarization effect. FLG forms a “microcapacitor” structure to enhance the local polarization effect. The effects of CB, CNT, and FLG on crystalline phase changes and piezoelectric property enhancements of PVDF‐HFP based composites are mainly due to their differences in size, morphology, and quantity.

Highlights

Effects of CB, CNT, and FLG on the piezoelectricity of PVDF‐HFP are investigated;

CB more obviously increases the piezoelectricity of PVDF‐HFP than CNT and FLG;

α, β, and γ crystalline phase changes in PVDF‐HFP based composites are understood;

CB forms smaller and more uniform crystal cores in PVDF‐HFP than CNT and FLG;

CB markedly increases the contents of electroactive crystalline phases in PVDF‐HFP.
A review on versatile applications of polyvinyl alcohol thin films, specifically as sensor devices
Authors: Shekaryar Hasti , Norouzbahari Somayeh
Published: November 2023

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) thin films (PVATFs) have recently exhibited different applications in various fields, such as biomedical, optical, and energy storage. One of their outstanding applications has been known as sensor devices for various physical parameters, such as pH, pressure, gas, chemicals, strain, and humidity measurements. In this paper, after a brief review of the PVATFs biomedical, optical, and energy applications, their role as sensors is discussed in more detail. Afterward, the main preparation methods of the PVATFs sensors, for example, spin and dip coating, chemical bath deposition, and electrodeposition are surveyed. Eventually, the characterization methods of the fabricated PVATF sensors, along with their optimization techniques have been presented.

Highlights

Various applications of polyvinyl alcohol thin films (PVATFs) are presented.

One of their main applications as sensor devices is discussed in more detail.

PVATF sensors fabrication, characterization, and optimization are surveyed.
Fordern galaktische Zwerge die Kosmologie heraus?
Authors: Pawlowski Marcel S.
Published: November 2023

Die Milchstraße, wie auch die Andromeda‐ und Centaurus‐A‐Galaxien, ist von Satellitengalaxien umgeben. Die Verteilung und Bewegung dieser kleineren Galaxien ist überraschend abgeflacht und kohärent und erinnert an rotierende Satellitenebenen. Im kosmologischen Standardmodell, das auf der Existenz Dunkler Materie basiert, sollten Satellitengalaxiensysteme deutlich zufälliger arrangiert sein. Strukturen ähnlich den beobachteten Satellitenebenen sind in kosmologischen Simulationen sehr selten, weshalb sich aus diesen Beobachtungen das Satellitengalaxien‐Ebenen‐Problem des kosmologischen Modells ergibt.
Advancing breeding for climate‐resilient yam production in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kouakou Amani Michel , Chair Hana , Dibi Konan Evrard Brice , Dossa Komivi , Arnau Gemma , Ehounou Adou Emmanuel , Cornet Denis
Published: November 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Yam plays an important role in ensuring food security in Côte d'Ivoire, serving as a staple crop for 60% of the population and a significant source of income. It holds deep cultural significance for the Akan and Gour ethnic groups. Preserving yam production is essential for both food security and the preservation of cultural heritage. However, productivity is decreasing while demand is expected to double in the next 30 years. Soil degradation and climate change are major threats to yam production. This article contextualizes the main factors threatening yam production (i.e., soil degradation and climate change) and discusses the consequences and ways to mitigate them.

The anticipated twofold increase in Côte d'Ivoire's population within the next three decades poses a significant challenge for agricultural research to sustain food security. Despite being an under‐researched and often neglected crop, yam remains the primary staple food and a crucial source of income in the country. With an annual estimated market value of over 2000 billion CFA francs, yam ranks among the top five most economically valuable crops in Côte d'Ivoire. For the past 15 years, yam production has experienced a decline in productivity, which has been compensated for by expanding the cropped area. Unfortunately, this approach exacerbates the risk of deforestation and soil degradation. Additionally, the impact of climate change on yam production, coupled with a lack of financial resources to address it, has rendered this unsustainable mode of production even more precarious. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the effects of climate change on yam production in Côte d'Ivoire. We investigated the reasons for the productivity decline and described the risks on food security. Furthermore, we explained how varietal innovation of Dioscorea alata could play a critical role in mitigating these effects and outlined related research avenues that need to be explored. To help policymakers and research programme directors justify the importance of this agenda, this article presents the main arguments in favour of a substantial investment in adapting yam production to the global changes affecting Côte d'Ivoire.
Yield and cost–benefit analyses for apple scab sanitation practices in integrated and organic apple management systems
Authors: Antal Gabriella , Szabó Szilárd , Szarvas Péter , Holb Imre J.
Published: November 2023

Societal Impact statement

Reduced fungicide use lowers environmental pollution and enables safer food production. The usage of fungicides in apple orchards can be reduced through the application of sanitation practices which decrease the inoculum sources of apple scab disease on fallen leaves. This study found two non‐chemical sanitation practices, namely the collection of fallen leaves (CFL) and CFL combined with straw mulch in tree rows, were beneficial. These two practices are not only biologically and environmentally valuable, as they reduce disease levels and can replace chemical fungicides, but they are also economically efficient options for integrated and organic orchards compared to non‐sanitized ones.

Severe fungicide use can be reduced by applications of sanitation practices in order to reduce scab incidence, yield and fruit quality losses in apple orchards. In a 5‐year study, we aimed to investigate the effect of sanitation practices on biological and cost–benefit parameters in two sustainable apple management systems, and to find significant correlations among the parameters.

We investigated the effect of five sanitation treatments (lime sulphur, leaf collection, mulching, lime sulphur + leaf collection, leaf collection + mulching) on four biological (scab incidence, fruit parameters: total yield, yield class I and II) and seven cost–benefit (three cost types, three annual revenue types, income surplus/deficit) parameters in integrated and organic apple orchards. Correlation, linear regression and principal component analyses (PCA) were performed to find correlations among biological and cost–benefit parameters.

Results showed that fruit scab incidence was 3.4–8.1 times higher, while total yield was 1.4–1.8 times lower in the organic management system than in the integrated one. The treatment of leaf collection and/or leaf collection + mulching showed higher total cost (180.3 and 675.2 EUR ha−1) but lower scab incidence (5.3 and 27.3%; 4.8 and 26.7%, integrated and organic, respectively) and higher yield with greater total revenues (10,235 and 10,329 EUR ha−1; 8,136 and 8,230 EUR ha−1, integrated and organic, respectively) and income surpluses (851 and 451 EUR ha−1; 897 and 496 EUR ha−1, integrated and organic, respectively) compared to non‐sanitized control treatments in most cases. Other sanitation treatments provided fewer biological and/or no financial benefits. Results from correlation and linear regression analyses indicated strong relationships among the factors of total yield vs surplus, class I vs surplus, and fruit scab vs class II) in both management systems. Further relationships were detected among almost all parameters in the PCA.

Overall, our study demonstrated that two non‐chemical sanitation treatments could not only reduce scab incidence and increase fruit yield, but could show positive cost–benefit outcomes in both management systems.
Coal Pitch Derived Yellow‐Emissive Carbon Dots and Their Application in Luminescent Solar Concentrators
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Chang Qing , Xue Chaorui , Li Ning , Liu Bin , Zheng Wenjing , Yang Jinlong , Hu Shengliang
Published: November 2023

Using coal pitch as the carbon source to synthesize carbon dots (CDs), one of the most promising photoluminescence (PL) materials, can play an important role in the global demand for carbon neutralization. However, the reported CDs derived from coal pitch are mainly limited blue emission. Here, a new route to synthesize yellow‐emissive CDs from coal pitch is developed by extracting the lightweight aromatic compounds from coal pitch and solvothermally treating the extracts in dichloromethane in the presence of a small amount of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Notably, the obtained CDs exhibit excitation independent yellow emission, large Stokes shift and good photostability. The application of the CDs for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) is evaluated. It is found that the CDs can be well dispersed in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix and fabricated transparent LSCs. The synthesized LSC (4 × 4 × 0.2 cm3) with the optimal CDs concentration exhibits an optical conversion efficiency (ηopt) of 3.31% and power conversion efficiency (ηPCE) of 1.95% under simulated sun light illumination (100 mW cm−2). This research offers a new strategy to synthesize new kind of CDs with desired performance by exploiting the native chemistries of coal pitch.
Measurement of the interbronchial angle in acute viral bronchiolitis
Authors: Biondo Gabriela F. , Lorentz Bruna T. , Flores José Antônio Monteiro , Santana João Carlos Batista , Amantéa Sérgio L.
Published: November 2023

Background

Acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is the most common lower airway infection in children under 2 years. Attempts to determine disease severity based on clinical and radiological manifestations are a major challenge. Measurements of the anatomy of the trachea and main bronchi are not only limited to pure anthropometry, but are also useful for better care of critically ill patients. The purpose of the study is to verify the association between measurements of the interbronchial angle (ITB) and the severity of respiratory disease.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study, which included all patients admitted to the Santo Antônio Children's Hospital, over a period of 1 year, with diagnosis of AVB by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was designed. ITB angle was measured and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Quantitative variables were compared and correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve was performed. P‐value <0.05 was statistically significant.

Results

A total of 425 patients with AVB due to RSV were included. Most of these patients were male and the median age was 130 days, 91.11% of them required oxygen therapy through a nasal catheter, 3.3% used noninvasive ventilation and 4% used mechanical ventilation. Those who required MV or NIV and intensive care unit support were considered severe. The mean ITB was lower for these patients than for those of lesser severity (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that there is an association between ITB and AVB severity. The smaller the ITB, the greater the disease severity.
A comparative analysis of the Vasoactive‐Inotropic Score, the Vasoactive‐Ventilation‐Renal Score, and the Oxygenation Index as outcome predictors in infants with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Schroeder Lukas , Pommer Katrin , Geipel Annegret , Strizek Brigitte , Heydweiller Andreas , Kipfmueller Florian , Mueller Andreas
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To date, different severity scores and indices are available to predict outcome in infants with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The Oxygenation Index (OI) and the Vasoactive‐Inotropic Score (VIS) has already been evaluated in the CDH population. The Vasoactive‐Ventilation‐Renal (VVR) Score was recently evaluated as new severity score in several studies on infants with need for cardiac surgery. The score was shown to outperform the VIS and OI as outcome predictors in these infants, but no data are available regarding the evaluation of the VVR Score in CDH infants.

Patients and Methods

This was a retrospective single‐center analysis at the University Children's Hospital, Bonn, Germany, during the study period from January 2019 until December 2022. Of 108 CDH infants treated at our institution, a final cohort of 100 neonates met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of CDH (right‐sided, left‐sided, or bilateral). Exclusion criteria: early mortality (before surgical correction of the diaphragm), palliative care after birth, no available data for OI, VIS, and VVR Score calculation. The OI, the VIS, and the VVR Score were calculated at three selected timepoints: at 48–72 h after birth (T1), before surgery (T2), and after surgery (T3).

Main Results

The primary clinical endpoint (in‐hospital mortality) was reached in 21% of the infants. Infants surviving to discharge were allocated to group A, infants with fatal outcome to group B. In the univariate analysis, the OI was significantly higher in infants allocated to group B at T2 (p < .001), and T3 (p < .001). The VIS was significantly higher only at T1 in infants allocated to group B (p = .001). The VVR Score was significantly higher at T1 (p = .017), and at T3 (p = .002) in infants not surviving to discharge. In the multivariate analysis, the OI at T2 + T3 (p < .001), the VIS at T1 (p = .048), and the VVR Score at T1 + T3 (p = .023, and p = .048, respectively) remained significantly associated with in‐hospital mortality. The OI presented the highest area under the curve (AUC) at T2 and T3 (T2:0.867, p = .001; T3:0.833, p = .000) regarding the primary endpoint in the overall cohort. In the subgroup of infants without need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy (n = 60) the VVR Sore presented the best performance with an AUC of 0.942 (p = .000) at T3.

Conclusion

The severity scores OI, VIS, and VVR‐Score are independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality in CDH infants. The OI seems to outperform the VIS and VVR‐Score as outcome predictor immediately before and after CDH surgery, whereas the VVR Score presented the best performance in the subgroup of CDH infants without need for ECMO and mild‐to‐moderate CDH defects.
Lung ultrasound evaluation in people with cystic fibrosis: A new approach in the pulmonology outpatient clinic
Authors: Curatola Antonietta , Corona Federica , Squillaci Domenica , Saccari Alessia , Chiaretti Antonio , Barbi Egidio , Maschio Massimo
Published: November 2023

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes progressive lung disease with major impact on the quality of life. Lung ultrasound (LUS) allows to assess the lung involvement through the artefacts analysis and is increasingly used in children but is not yet used to monitor people with CF(pwCF). The main aim of this study was to describe the LUS pattern of pwCF during their routinary check‐up visit. The secondary objective was to correlate the LUS findings with pulmonary function indices.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional observational study, enrolling adolescents and young adults with CF. Each patient underwent clinical assessment, measurement of SpO2, assessment of lung function by spirometry and LUS.

Results

Twenty‐nine subjects with CF were included. The most frequent alterations were consolidations (72.4%) located in the left apical anterior and right apical posterior regions followed by interstitial syndrome (65.5%). The 41.4% of cases presented the lingula involvement, characterized by a consolidation with static air bronchogram, and 55.2% showed pleural irregularity mainly in the posterior apical regions. A significant correlation was found between the LUS total score and spirometric indices: FEV1 (p = .003), FVC (p = .002), Tiffenau Index <80% (p = .014), and FEF 25–75 (p = .004).

Conclusions

Our study describes LUS findings in pwCF. It also showed a correlation between LUS score and the patients' lung function measured by spirometric indices. We conclude that LUS may be useful in routine monitoring of pwCF in combination with clinical and spirometric assessment.
Pressure‐assisted binder jetting for additive manufacturing of mock energetic composites
Authors: Kirby Levi , Udaykumar H. S. , Song Xuan
Published: November 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a promising approach to achieve energetic materials (EMs) with intricate geometries and controlled microstructures, which are crucial for safety and performance optimization. However, current AM methods still face limitations such as limited densities and inadequate solids loading. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a pressure‐assisted binder jet (PBJ) process that has the potential to allow for the fabrication of intricate EMs while preserving their desired properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of printing parameters on the microstructures and properties of EMs, including density, solids loading, mechanical properties, and heterogeneity. Our results demonstrate that the PBJ process achieves exceptional properties in EMs, including densities up to 83.4 % and solids loading up to 95.4 %, surpassing those achieved by existing AM processes. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the fabricated EMs are comparable to those achieved using conventional fabrication techniques, including a compressive strength of 3.32 MPa, a Young's modulus of 16.68 MPa, a Poisson's ratio of 0.45, a shear modulus of 5.73 MPa, and a bulk modulus of 21.01 GPa. Various test cases were printed to showcase the ability of the PBJ process to create EMs with complex structures and exceptional properties. Micro‐computed tomography was employed to analyze the influence of printing parameters on the internal composition and microstructures of the printed specimens.
Structural response for vented hydrogen‐air deflagrations: Effects of volumetric blockage ratio
Authors: Wang Jingui , Liang Zhixing , Lin Jiacheng , Feng Hong , Zhang Su
Published: November 2023

The explosion venting experiments of hydrogen‐air premixed gas were carried out in a 1‐m3 cuboid container. The effects of the obstacles parallel to the vent on the structural response of the container during the explosion venting were investigated. The internal overpressure and acceleration of the vessel wall were captured by acceleration and pressure sensors, respectively. The time–frequency distributions of pressure and acceleration were obtained by a Short‐Time Fast Fourier Transform. The effects of obstacles on the dynamic structure response were studied by analyzing the internal overpressure, vibration acceleration, and high‐speed videos. With the increase of obstacles, the maximum overpressure and vessel vibration increased, and the maximum overpressure and maximum vibration acceleration appeared earlier. The vibration signals had two dominant frequencies, 300‐600 Hz and 900‐1200 Hz. The low‐frequency vibration (300–600 Hz) was induced by acoustic oscillation of the internal pressure. The high‐frequency vibration (900–1200 Hz) was a container resonance triggered by the coupling of the flame and the acoustic wave. As VBR increased, the duration of high‐frequency oscillations decreased gradually; the increase of obstacles would weaken the high‐frequency structural response of the container. The results can guide the design of hydrogen explosion protection and mitigation measures.
Investigating the Polarity Dependence of Multilevel Cell Operation in Conventional Mushroom Phase‐Change Memory Cells
Authors: Yadav Aakash , Lim Dong-Hyeok , Jeong Hongsik
Published: November 2023

Phase‐change materials have long been employed for rewriteable optical data storage at the industrial scale and are hailed as one of the most mature technologies for their applications in emerging nonvolatile memories. Memristors based on these materials have the potential to circumvent the long‐standing von Neumann bottleneck and offer significant computational advantage through neuromorphic computing. A very core fundamental concept that lies at the crux for such realization is their ability to offer multilevel cell (MLC) storage, in contrast to the binary counterpart. Yet, numerous challenges still remain to be tackled for their successful implementation in this regard. This work is a finite element analysis that particularly reports the polarity dependence of such MLC operation in the conventional mushroom geometry of devices employing this technology. The mechanism lying underneath is discussed and a perspective combining thermoelectric effects with the energy band diagrams resulting from metal–semiconductor contact formation is additionally put forth.
A passive method for sampling water in the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum for stable hydrogen and oxygen isotope analyses
Authors: El‐Shenawy Mohammed I. , Herwartz Daniel , Staubwasser Michael
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in water molecules are powerful tools to constrain the dynamics of water cycling within the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum (SPAC). However, the recovery of water from the SPAC requires logistical arrangements and implementation of different time‐ and cost‐consuming techniques in either the field or the laboratory.

Methods

We developed a passive method to sample water from the three compartments of the SPAC by using a hygroscopic salt of a high water absorbance capacity (CaCl2). This method allows either H2O(V)–H2O(L) isotope equilibration in the case of infinite water reservoir (atmospheric water vapor (WV)) or quantitative absorption of water from a finite water reservoir (e.g. soil and plants). The water absorbed by CaCl2 was distilled first and subsequently processed for hydrogen and triple oxygen isotope mass spectrometry analyses. The distillation step can be bypassed when employing isotope analytical techniques that are based on equilibration.

Results

Our experiments show that anhydrous CaCl2 absorbs WV of 210 ± 6% and 130 ± 6% of its dry weight from an infinite WV reservoir at relative humidity of 60% and 30%, respectively. Chemical and isotope equilibrations between WV and absorbed water were attained within 3 days at room temperature, enabling the back‐calculation of the isotope composition of atmospheric WV. Preliminary experiments to extract water from plant and sand (i.e. finite WV reservoir) demonstrate a quasi‐complete recovery of water in these matrices without significant isotope fractionation. The reproducibility of our method is better than 1.6‰, 0.32‰, 0.17‰ and 6‰ per meg for δ2H, δ18O, δ17O and 17O‐excess.

Conclusions

The CaCl2–H2O absorption (passive) method requires very limited logistics in the field facilitating spatial and temporal water vapor/water sampling from atmosphere and soil at low resolution (i.e. average of 3–5 days). Moreover, it allows high sample throughput for the extraction of plant water in the laboratory. The reproducibility of this method is similar to the analytical uncertainty in mass spectrometry analyses.
Retrospective analysis of robot‐assisted laparoscopic transabdominal anterior approach for the treatment of lumbar paravertebral schwannoma
Authors: Zhao Changfeng , Wei Haibin , Ji Alin , Yang Kaichuang , Lyu Jia , Yang YunKai
Published: November 2023

Background

The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of robot‐assisted laparoscopic resection on paravertebral tumours using the anterior peritoneal approach.

Methods

A retrospective analysis to identify patients with paravertebral tumours. A total of 21 patients, who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic transabdominal anterior approach surgery from March 2012 to August 2020.

Results

The median operation time was 66.2 ± 14.5 min, with a range of 0–100 min. Intraoperative blood loss was minimal, with a median of 11.4 ± 7.9 mL and a range of 5–30 mL. The median tumour length was 4.8 ± 2.3 cm, ranging from 2.1 to 11.3 cm. Postoperative hospitalisation lasted for a median of 3.2 ± 0.9 days. During the 48‐month follow‐up period, no tumour recurrence or residual was observed in any patient.

Conclusions

Robot‐assisted laparoscopic resection of lumbar paravertebral schwannoma proved to be a safe and viable surgical approach. It offers a relatively new treatment option for paraspinal schwannoma.
Construction of Sugar‐Gourd‐Shaped Carbon Nanofibers Embedded with Heterostructured Zinc‐Cobalt Selenide Nanocages for Superior Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Ding Yinxuan , Zhang Long , Gao Xinglong , Wei Mingzhi , Liu Qu , Li Yunbiao , Li Zhen , Cheng Lingli , Wu Minghong
Published: November 2023

Transition metal selenides are considered as promising anode materials for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) due to their high theoretical capacities. However, their applications are limited by low conductivity and large volume expansion. Herein, sugar‐gourd‐shaped carbon nanofibers embedded with heterostructured ZnCo‐Se nanocages are prepared via a facile template‐engaged method combined with electrospinning and selenization process. In this hierarchical ZnCo‐Se@NC/CNF, abundant phase boundaries of CoSe2/ZnSe heterostructure can promote interfacial electron transfer and chemical reactivity. The interior porous ZnCo‐Se@NC nanocage structure relieves volume expansion and maintains structural integrity during K+ intercalation and deintercalation. The exterior spinning carbon nanofibers connect the granular nanocages in series, which prevents the agglomeration, shortens the electron transport distance and enhances the reaction kinetics. As a self‐supporting anode material, ZnCo‐Se@NC/CNF delivers a high capacity (362 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles) with long‐term stability (95.9% capacity retention after 1000 cycles) and shows superior reaction kinetics with high‐rate K‐storage. Energy level analysis and DFT calculations illustrate heterostructure facilitates the adsorption of K+ and interfacial electron transfer. The K+ storage mechanism is revealed by ex situ XRD and EIS analyses. This work opens a novel avenue in designing high‐performance heterostructured anode materials with ingenious structure for PIBs.
Hybrid Triboelectric‐Electromagnetic‐Piezoelectric Wind Energy Harvester toward Wide‐Scale IoT Self‐Powered Sensing
Authors: Tian Shuo , Lai Lixiang , Xin Jianpeng , Qu Zongtao , Li Bin , Dai Yejing
Published: November 2023

Wind energy is the most promising alternative to fossil fuels as a clean, nonpolluting, and renewable source of energy. However, how to achieve stable and efficient harvesting of wind energy has been a major challenge. Here, a triboelectric‐electromagnetic‐piezoelectric hybrid wind energy harvester (TEP‐WEH) based on the cantilever is proposed. The TEP‐WEH achieves a power density of 62.79 mW (m3 rpm)−1 at a 3 m s−1 wind speed, attributable to a rational and optimized structural design. In addition, owing to the soft contact strategy of the TENG module, the TEP‐WEH provides excellent durability and drivability. The harvester is demonstrated to successfully and continuously light a commercial lighting bulb rated at 5 W and provide an energy supply for self‐powered sensing. This work provides an efficient solution for wind energy harvesting and wide‐scale self‐powered IoT sensing.
High‐Performance Single‐Crystal Lithium‐Rich Layered Oxides Cathode Materials via Na2WO4‐Assisted Sintering
Authors: Duan Jidong , Wang Fengqi , Huang Mengjie , Yang Maoxia , Li Shaomin , zhang Gen , Xu Chen , Tang Changyu , Liu Hao
Published: November 2023

Single‐crystal lithium‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) with excellent mechanical properties can enhance their crystal structure stability. However, the conventional methods for preparing single‐crystal LLOs, require large amounts of molten salt additives, involve complicated washing steps, and increase the difficulty of large‐scale production. In this study, a sodium tungstate (Na2WO4)‐assisted sintering method is proposed to fabricate high‐performance single‐crystal LLOs cathode materials without large amounts of additives and additional washing steps. During the sintering process, Na2WO4 promotes particle growth and forms a protective coating on the surface of LLOs particles, effectively suppressing the side reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface. Additionally, trace amounts of Na and W atoms are doped into the LLOs lattice via gradient doping. Experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that Na and W doping stabilizes the crystal structure and enhances the Li+ ions diffusion rate. The prepared single‐crystal LLOs exhibit outstanding capacity retention of 82.7% (compared to 65.0%, after 200 cycles at 1 C) and a low voltage decay rate of 0.76 mV per cycle (compared to 1.80 mV per cycle). This strategy provides a novel pathway for designing the next‐generation high‐performance cathode materials for Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs).
Intuition‐and‐Tactile Bimodal Sensing Based on Artificial‐Intelligence‐Motivated All‐Fabric Bionic Electronic Skin for Intelligent Material Perception
Authors: Niu Hongsen , Li Hao , Zhang Qichong , Kim Eun‐Seong , Kim Nam‐Young , Li Yang
Published: November 2023

Developing electronic skins (e‐skins) with extraordinary perception through bionic strategies has far‐reaching significance for the intellectualization of robot skins. Here, an artificial intelligence (AI)‐motivated all‐fabric bionic (AFB) e‐skin is proposed, where the overall structure is inspired by the interlocked bionics of the epidermis‐dermis interface inside the skin, while the structural design inspiration of the dielectric layer derives from the branch‐needle structure of conifers. More importantly, AFB e‐skin achieves intuition sensing in proximity mode and tactile sensing in pressure mode based on the fringing and iontronic effects, respectively, and is simulated and verified through COMSOL finite element analysis. The proposed AFB e‐skin in pressure mode exhibits maximum sensitivity of 15.06 kPa−1 (<50 kPa), linear sensitivity of 6.06 kPa−1 (50–200 kPa), and fast response/recovery time of 5.6 ms (40 kPa). By integrating AFB e‐skin with AI algorithm, and with the support of material inference mechanisms based on dielectric constant and softness/hardness, an intelligent material perception system capable of recognizing nine materials with indistinguishable surfaces within one proximity‐pressure cycle is established, demonstrating abilities that surpass human perception.
NiFe Nanoparticle Nest Supported on Graphene as Electrocatalyst for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lyu Zhaoyuan , Yu Sheng , Wang Maoyu , Tieu Peter , Zhou Jiachi , Shi Qiurong , Du Dan , Feng Zhenxing , Pan Xiaoqing , Lin Hongfei , Ding Shichao , Zhang Qiang , Lin Yuehe
Published: November 2023

Designing cost‐efffective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) holds significant importance in the progression of clean energy generation and efficient energy storage technologies, such as water splitting and rechargeable metal–air batteries. In this work, an OER electrocatalyst is developed using Ni and Fe precursors in combination with different proportions of graphene oxide. The catalyst synthesis involved a rapid reduction process, facilitated by adding sodium borohydride, which successfully formed NiFe nanoparticle nests on graphene support (NiFe NNG). The incorporation of graphene support enhances the catalytic activity, electron transferability, and electrical conductivity of the NiFe‐based catalyst. The NiFe NNG catalyst exhibits outstanding performance, characterized by a low overpotential of 292.3 mV and a Tafel slope of 48 mV dec−1, achieved at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits remarkable stability over extended durations. The OER performance of NiFe NNG is on par with that of commercial IrO2 in alkaline media. Such superb OER catalytic performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the NiFe nanoparticle nests and graphene, which arises from their large surface area and outstanding intrinsic catalytic activity. The excellent electrochemical properties of NiFe NNG hold great promise for further applications in energy storage and conversion devices.
Efficient and Stable pH‐Universal Water Electrolysis Catalyzed by N‐Doped Hollow Carbon Confined RuIrOx Nanocrystals
Authors: Lu Zhensui , Yang Hui , Qi Gaocan , Liu Qian , Feng Ligang , Zhang Hao , Luo Jun , Liu Xijun
Published: November 2023

A facile strategy is developed to fabricate 3 nm RuIrOx nanocrystals anchored onto N‐doped hollow carbon for highly efficient and pH‐universal overall water splitting and alkaline seawater electrolysis. The designed catalyst exhibits much lower overpotential and superior stability than most previously reported Ru‐ and Ir‐based electrocatalysts for hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions. It also manifests excellent overall water splitting activities and maintains ≈100% Faradic efficiency with a cell voltage of 1.53, 1.51, and 1.54 V at 10 mA cm−2 for 140, 255, and 200 h in acid, alkaline, and alkaline seawater electrolytes, respectively. The excellent electrocatalytic performance can be attributed to solid bonding between RuIrOx and the hollow carbon skeleton, and effective electronic coupling between Ru and Ir, thus inducing its remarkable electrocatalytic activities and long‐lasting stability.
Domain‐Limited Sub‐Nanometer Co Nanoclusters in Defective Nitrogen Doped Carbon Structures for Non‐Invasive Drug Monitoring
Authors: Yu Zhichao , Tang Juan , Gao Yuan , Wu Di , Chen Shuyun , Zeng Yongyi , Tang Dianping , Liu Xiaolong
Published: November 2023

In this work, sub‐nanometer Co clusters anchored on porous nitrogen‐doped carbon (C─N─Co NCs) are successfully prepared by high‐temperature annealing and pre‐fabricated template strategies for non‐invasive sensing of clozapine (CLZ) as an efficient substrate adsorption and electrocatalyst. The introduction of Co sub‐nanoclusters (Co NCs) provides enhanced electrochemical performance and better substrate adsorption potential compared to porous and nitrogen‐doped carbon structures. Combined with ab initio calculations, it is found that the favorable CLZ catalytic performance with C─N─Co NCs is mainly attributed to possessing a more stable CLZ adsorption structure and lower conversion barriers of CLZ to oxidized state CLZ. An electrochemical sensor for CLZ detection is conceptualized with a wide operating range and high sensitivity, with monitoring capabilities validated in a variety of body fluid environments. Based on the developed CLZ sensing system, the CLZ correlation between blood and saliva and the accuracy of the sensor are investigated by the gold standard method and the rat model of drug administration, paving the way for non‐invasive drug monitoring. This work provides new insights into the development of efficient electrocatalysts to enable drug therapy and administration monitoring in personalized healthcare systems.
Comprehensive Crystal Regulation Reduces Interfacial Energy Loss for Efficient Blue Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Tang Ying‐Yi , Shen Yang , Yu Yi , Zhang Kai , Wang Bing‐Feng , Tang Jian‐Xin , Li Yan‐Qing
Published: November 2023

As an essential component of future full‐color displays, blue perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) still lag far behind the red and green counterparts in the device performances. In the mainstream quasi‐2D blue perovskite system, trap‐mediated nonradiative loss, low energy transfer efficiency, and interface fluorescence quenching remain significant challenges. Herein, guanidinium thiocyanate (GASCN) and potassium cinnamate (PCA) are respectively introduced into the hole transport layer (HTL) and the perovskite precursor to achieve a dense and uniform perovskite thin film with greatly improved optoelectronic properties. Therefore, adequate GA+ acts as pre‐nucleation sites on the HTL surface, regulating crystallization through strong hydrogen bonding with perovskite intermediates. The realized polydisperse domain distribution is conducive to cascade energy transfer, and the improved hole transport ability alleviates interface fluorescence quenching. In addition, the SCN− and CA− groups can form coordination bonds with the defects at the buried perovskite interface and grain boundaries, respectively, which effectively suppresses the detrimental nonradiative recombination. Benefitting from the comprehensive crystal regulation, blue PeLEDs featuring stable emission at 484 and 468 nm exhibit improved external quantum efficiencies of 11.5% and 4.3%, respectively.
Facilitation of Fenton‐Like Reaction of Copper‐Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon‐Based Nanocatalysts by Enhancing Hydroxyl Adsorption on Single‐Atom Cu‐NxC4‐x Sites
Authors: Huang Jian , Gao Fucheng , Liu Qingshui , Gong Pengyu , Li Hui , Jiang Yanyan
Published: November 2023

Copper‐nitrogen‐doped carbon‐based nanocatalysts (Cu‐NCs), containing atomically dispersed Cu‐NxC4‐x sites, are efficient in boosting the Fenton‐like reaction. However, the mechanisms of the Fenton‐like reaction, including the pH effect on the products and the effect of the coordination environment on catalytic activity, remain controversial, restricting the development of Cu‐NCs. Cu‐NCs are experimentally synthesized with Cu‐N4 sites and prove that the Fenton‐like reaction generates mainly hydroxyl radicals (·OH) in the acidic but ·OH and superoxide radicals (·O2−) in the neutral. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the catalytic activity of Cu‐NCs in the Fenton‐like reaction is associated with the adsorption strength of ·OH at the Cu site. Further investigation of the effect of the coordination environment of Cu‐NCs indicates that the Cu‐N2C2 site, which can enhance the ·OH adsorption strength, is an ideal catalyst site for the Fenton‐like reaction. These results open the way to facilitating the catalytic activity of Cu‐NCs in the Fenton‐like reaction.
Advanced Nanomaterials in Medical 3D Printing
Authors: Liu Haofan , He Liming , Kuzmanović Maja , Huang Yiting , Zhang Li , Zhang Yi , Zhu Qi , Ren Ya , Dong Yinchu , Cardon Ludwig , Gou Maling
Published: November 2023

3D printing is now recognized as a significant tool for medical research and clinical practice, leading to the emergence of medical 3D printing technology. It is essential to improve the properties of 3D‐printed products to meet the demand for medical use. The core of generating qualified 3D printing products is to develop advanced materials and processes. Taking advantage of nanomaterials with tunable and distinct physical, chemical, and biological properties, integrating nanotechnology into 3D printing creates new opportunities for advancing medical 3D printing field. Recently, some attempts are made to improve medical 3D printing through nanotechnology, providing new insights into developing advanced medical 3D printing technology. With high‐resolution 3D printing technology, nano‐structures can be directly fabricated for medical applications. Incorporating nanomaterials into the 3D printing material system can improve the properties of the 3D‐printed medical products. At the same time, nanomaterials can be used to expand novel medical 3D printing technologies. This review introduced the strategies and progresses of improving medical 3D printing through nanotechnology and discussed challenges in clinical translation.
Automated Laboratory Kilogram‐Scale Graphene Production from Coal
Authors: Eddy Lucas , Luong Duy Xuan , Beckham Jacob L. , Wyss Kevin M. , Cooksey Tyler J. , Scotland Phelecia , Choi Chi Hun , Chen Weiyin , Advincula Paul A. , Zhang Zhiyong , Mancevski Vladimir , Kittrell Carter , Han Yimo , Tour James M.
Published: November 2023

The flash Joule heating (FJH) method converts many carbon feedstocks into graphene in milliseconds to seconds using an electrical pulse. This opens an opportunity for processing low or negative value resources, such as coal and plastic waste, into high value graphene. Here, a lab‐scale automation FJH system that allows the synthesis of 1.1 kg of turbostratic flash graphene from coal‐based metallurgical coke (MC) in 1.5 h is demonstrated. The process is based on the automated conversion of 5.7 g of MC per batch using an electrical pulse width modulation system to conduct the bottom‐up upcycle of MC into flash graphene. This study then compare this method to two other scalable graphene synthesis techniques by both a life cycle assessment and a technoeconomic assessment.