bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individuals' experiences in genetic counseling and predictive testing for familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Steigerwald Connolly G. , Bertolini Carina , McElhiney Martin , Bergner Amanda L. , Harms Matthew B. , Harrington Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2024

As clinical genetic testing in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnostic setting increases, the identification of at‐risk family members has also expanded. No practice guidelines specifically for predictive genetic testing exist, and few studies about the psychological impacts of testing in this subgroup have occurred, limiting the ability to tailor recommendations and counseling in this community. We surveyed asymptomatic individuals at risk for inheriting an ALS‐associated gene mutation. The 80‐question survey was designed using a combination of validated measures (General Anxiety Disorder; FACToR; Decision Regret Scale) and original items. Ninety participants completed the survey, including those who completed predictive genetic testing (N = 42) and those who did not (N = 48). Gene positive individuals experienced greater negativity, uncertainty, and overall psychological impairment (p = 0.002; p < 0.001; p = 0.001). Individuals who had not undergone testing reported thinking about their risk multiple times per day and experiencing more decisional regret than those who tested (p = 0.006). In terms of decision‐making, being prepared for potential clinical drug trials was a more important potential benefit among those who underwent testing (p = 0.026). Participants valuing preparedness for clinical drug trials supports the concept that genetic testing for ALS will increase as research in gene‐targeted therapeutics progresses. This study describes factors relevant to the genetic testing decision‐making process and adaptation to results from the perspective of at‐risk individuals, which can ultimately guide genetic counseling practice in this population.
Early CAR− CD4+ T‐lymphocytes recovery following CAR‐T cell infusion: A worse outcome in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Gambella Massimiliano , Carlomagno Simona , Mangerini Rosa , Colombo Nicoletta , Parodi Alessia , Ghiggi Chiara , Giannoni Livia , Coviello Elisa , Setti Chiara , Luchetti Silvia , Serio Alberto , Laudisi Antonella , Passannante Monica , Bo Alessandra , Tedone Elisabetta , Sivori Simona , Angelucci Emanuele , Raiola Anna Maria
Published: March 2024

CAR− CD4+ T cell lymphopenia is an emerging issue following CAR‐T cell therapy. We analyzed the determinants of CD4+ T cell recovery and a possible association with survival in 31 consecutive patients treated with commercial CAR‐T for diffuse large B‐cell (DLBCL) or mantle cell lymphoma. Circulating immune subpopulations were characterized through multiparametric‐flow cytometry. Six‐month cumulative incidence of CAR− CD4+ T cell recovery (≥200 cells/μL) was 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28–0.65). Among possible determinants of CD4+ T cell recovery, we recognized infusion of a 4‐1BB product (tisagenlecleucel, TSA) in comparison with a CD28 (axicabtagene/brexucabtagene, AXI/BRX) (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI]: 5.79 [1.16–24.12] p = 0.016). Higher CD4+ T cell counts resulted with TSA at month‐1, ‐2 and ‐3. Moderate‐to‐severe infections were registered with prolonged CD4+ T cell lymphopenia. Early, month‐1 CD4+ T cell recovery was associated with a worse outcome in the DLBCL cohort, upheld in a multivariate regression model for overall survival (HR: 4.46 [95% CI: 1.12–17.71], p = 0.03). We conclude that a faster CAR− CD4+ T cell recovery is associated with TSA as compared to AXI/BRX. Month‐1 CAR− CD4+ T cell subset recovery could represent a “red flag” for CAR‐T cell therapy failure in DLBCL patients.
Interfragmentary compression force and fixation stability of lateral tibial plateau fractures in normal and osteoporotic bones
Authors: Jiang Jiang , Xu Daqiang , Ji Zhenhua , Jia Rui , Wang Fei , Tan Jinchuan , Hong Hong , Li Jianyi
Published: March 2024

Lateral platform collapse in fixations of lateral tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) using either double‐lag screws fixation (DSF) or locking‐plate fixation (LPF) is not rare. This study aimed to explore the effect of enhancing the interfragmentary compression force (IFCF) on fixation stability in lateral TPFs in normal and osteoporotic bones using finite element analysis. Finite element models of DSF in normal bone and LPF in normal and osteoporotic bones were established to simulate the fixations of lateral TPF. After model validation, axial compressive forces of 500, 1000, 1500, and 2500 N to the tibial plateau along with an IFCF of 0, 100, 200, and 300 N were applied. The maximum axial micromotion of the lateral fragment (MAM‐LF), maximal translational micromotion of the lateral fragment (MTM‐LF), peak von Mises stress (VMS), and peak equivalent elastic strain of the lateral fragment (EES‐LF) were evaluated. The MAM‐LF showed a decreasing trend as the IFCF increased in all models. For DSF models, the peak VMS of implants increased as the IFCF increased when the axial loads were 500 and 1000 N. The peak EES‐LF decreased as the IFCF increased under axial loads of 1000, 1500, and 2500 N. For the normal and osteoporotic LPF models, the peak VMS of the implants decreased as the IFCF increased. Peak EES‐LF decreased as IFCF increased. In conclusion, enhancing IFCF was beneficial in improving the fixation stability of lateral TPF. The optimal IFCF for DSF and LPF should be as high as reasonably feasible.
Sedation‐free transnasal esophagoscopy to evaluate and monitor esophageal diseases in children with esophageal atresia‐tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Joseph Michael , Corrado Michelle M. , Odiase Eunice , Friedlander Joel A. , Smith Clint , Nguyen Nathalie
Published: March 2024

Patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA‐TEF) are at increased risk of conditions including gastroesophageal reflux, peptic esophagitis, gastric metaplasia, anastomotic strictures, eosinophilic esophagitis, and dysphagia. Patients with TEF‐EA may need serial endoscopy in their lifetime given the known short‐ and long‐term GI complications. There has been increased interest in pediatric unsedated transnasal endoscopy (TNE) as an endoscopic alternative as it is lower cost, has shorter recovery time, and eliminates potential risks associated with anesthesia. We report on the use of TNE with EA‐TEF in four patients: One patient had gastroesophageal reflux disease, one patient had eosinophilic esophagitis and TNE was used for surveillance in two patients. Use of TNE allowed for close endoscopic monitoring and changes in medication management. The third and fourth patients underwent TNE as part of routine EA‐TEF screening which is recommended by societal guidelines (Krishnan et al, J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2016;63(5):550‐570). Unsedated TNE is an alternative endoscopic approach in the management of patients with EA‐TEF.
An adaptive spacing of root‐zone hole fertilization to improve production and fertilizer utilization of rapeseed
Authors: Chen Hui , Liu Wei , Gao Liping , Liao Yitao , Li Qiang , Liao Qingxi
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Root‐zone hole fertilization has a positive impact on enhancing crop production and fertilization efficiency. However, a suitable spacing for hole fertilization in rapeseed cultivation is unclear. To explore an adaptive hole spacing for improving rapeseed yield and fertilization efficiency, field experiments were conducted. Four spacings of hole fertilization were designed: 10 (FD10), 20 (FD20), 30 (FD30) and 40 cm (FD40), using no fertilization (F0) and deep‐banded placement of fertilizer (DBP) as controls. The burial depth was 10 cm for FD and DBP treatments.

RESULTS

Compared to DBP, hole fertilization impacted soil microenvironment, crop growth and yield components, resulting in a significant increase of 28.4% in seed yield and 25.6% in oil yield. Seed yield in FD20 (4345.43 kg ha−1) increased by 4.3%, 9.4% and 15.1% compared to FD10, FD30 and FD40, respectively. Fertilizer partial factor productivity under FD20 was 4.2%, 8.6% and 13.9% greater than FD10, FD30 and FD40, respectively; whereas the increase for agronomic efficiency was 6.0%, 12.7% and 21.0%, and the increase for N recovery efficiency was 39.5%, 52.5% and 62.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Fertilization with a hole spacing of 17 cm is a promising practice to maintain high production and fertilization efficiency when cultivating rapeseed. These results provide a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for improving rapeseed productivity and fertilizer utilization. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Porous poly(bismaleimide‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres as dispersive solid‐phase extraction adsorbent coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography for the determination of triazine herbicide residues in vegetable samples
Authors: Xu Yang , Bao Jingyi , Ning Yuhan , Wang Weiping , Wang Ai‐jun , Feng Jiu‐ju
Published: March 2024

In this work, monodisperse and nano‐porous poly(bismaleimide‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres with large specific surface area (427.6 m2/g) and rich pore structure were prepared by one‐pot self‐stable precipitation polymerization of 2,2′‐bis[4‐(4‐maleimidophenoxy) phenyl] propane and divinylbenzene. The prepared poly(bismaleimide‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres were employed as dispersive solid‐phase extraction (DSPE) adsorbent for the extraction of triazine herbicides. Under optimized conditions, good linearities were obtained between the peak area and the concentration of triazine herbicides in the range of 1–400 µg/L (R2 ≥ 0.9987) with the limits of detection of 0.12–0.31 µg/L. Triazine herbicides were detected using the described approach in vegetable samples (i.e., cucumber, tomato, and maize) with recoveries of 93.6%–117.3% and relative standard deviations of 0.4%–3.5%. In addition, the recoveries of triazine herbicides remained above 80.7% after being used for nine DSPE cycles, showing excellent reusability of poly(bismaleimide‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres. The adsorption of poly(bismaleimide‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres toward triazine herbicides was a monolayer and chemical adsorption. The adsorption mechanism between triazine herbicides and adsorbents might be a combination of hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and π‐π conjugation. The results confirmed the potential use of the poly(bismaleimide‐co‐divinylbenzene) microspheres‐based DSPE coupled to the high‐performance liquid chromatography method for the detection of triazine herbicide residues in vegetable samples.
Kinematic viscosity prediction of jet fuels and alternative blending components via comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography, partial least squares, and Yeo‐Johnson transformation
Authors: Caceres‐Martinez Louis Edwards , Kilaz Gozdem
Published: March 2024

This work presents an accurate yet simplified partial least squares model to predict the kinematic viscosity of conventional and alternative jet fuels at −20°C using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC × GC/FID). Three different normalization methods (mean‐centering, logarithmic, and Yeo‐Johnson) were evaluated to identify their impact in the prediction of middle distillates’ physical properties. Results using Yeo‐Johnson transformation exhibited improved viscosity prediction capabilities over the validation set with a mean absolute percentage error of 5.3%, a root‐mean‐squared error of 0.23, and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9404 using only 10 latent variables. Unlike previously reported correlations, this model allowed the identification of specific hydrocarbon groups and carbon numbers that drive jet fuel viscosity at low temperatures. The presence of even small amounts of large branched‐alkanes (C15–C17), dicyclic‐alkanes (C10), and cycloaromatics (C11) have the potential to strongly increase the kinematic viscosity of jet fuels. Contrastingly, light monocycloalkanes and branched‐alkanes (≤ C10) were associated with lower viscosity values. Novelly, this model suggests the implementation of Yeo‐Johnson transformations to predict the physical properties of middle distillates to further improve the performance metrics of partial least squares models based on GC data.
The Size Differences of Breast Cancer and Benign Tumors Measured by Two‐Dimensional Ultrasound and Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Tian Yang , Wang Weizhen , Hu Yanbin , Chen Fei , Liu Zheng , Li Liangzi , Tang Jiawei
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Ultrasound (US) imaging has been observed to underestimate tumor size in clinical practice. This study aims to compare the size measurements of breast cancer and benign tumors using two‐dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

Methods

The study included 42 clinically confirmed breast cancer and 47 benign breast tumors. Two experienced physicians independently measured the maximal longitudinal and transverse diameters of the masses in 2DUS and CEUS. All analyses were performed in R (4.2.2) and GraphPad Prism 6.

Results

The maximal longitudinal and transverse diameters of breast cancer measured by CEUS were 26.61 ± 0.21% and 26.24 ± 0.19% larger compared with 2DUS, and benign breast tumors had an 11.74 ± 0.21% and 11.06 ± 0.14% increase in size compared with 2DUS. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for the difference between 2DUS and CEUS was 0.870 for longitudinal diameters (95% CI: 0.795–0.945, sensitivity 0.842, specificity 0.783, threshold value 0.215), and 0.863 for transverse diameters (95% CI: 0.785–0.942, sensitivity 0.667, specificity 0.936, threshold value 0.203).

Conclusions

The size measurements of both breast cancer and benign tumors were larger in CEUS compared with 2DUS, with CEUS measurements of breast cancer being more pronounced than those of benign breast tumors. These findings suggest that CEUS may provide a more precise assessment of tumor size, which is crucial for determining optimal treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes in breast cancer management.
Ten‐year results from the UK National Ligament Registry: Patient characteristics and factors predicting nonresponders for completion of outcome scores
Authors: Gabr Ayman , Fontalis Andreas , Robinson James , Hage William , O'Leary Sean , Spalding Tim , S. Haddad Fares
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to report the demographic and mechanism of injury data in the UK National Ligament Registry (NLR) at 10 years and determine factors leading to poor compliance with completion of Patient‐Reported Outcome Scores (PROMs).

Methods

A retrospective review was performed for prospectively collected data on the NLR between January 2013 and December 2022. All patients who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) were included. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury and patient compliance with completing PROMs were analysed. Patient characteristics were further analysed in relation to compliance with completing the different PROMs at the predefined time points. Patients were identified as nonresponders if they had not completed either 1‐ or 2‐year postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

Results

A total of 17,492 patients were included in this study. The average age for patients undergoing ACLR between 2013 and 2022 was 29.4 (SD, 10.3). Seventy percent were men and 30% women. Football was the most common activity associated with an ACL injury. Patient compliance with recording PROMs was 55% preoperatively and 37%, 32% and 24% at 1‐, 2‐ and 5‐year postoperative follow‐up, respectively. Nonresponders represented 54% of eligible patients. Multivariate analyses showed that sex, age, smoking, time interval between injury and surgery and low socioeconomic status were associated with low compliance with postoperative PROM completion (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study reports the demographic characteristics for patients on the NLR since 2013. Male sex, young age, increased waiting time between injury and surgery, smoking and lower socioeconomic class were predictors of low compliance with completion of postoperative PROMs on the UK NLR. Understanding the factors that affect patient compliance with PROMs improves our ability to provide targeted interventions and information to specific patient populations with the aim of enhancing inclusiveness and representation of population in the registry.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
BATF promotes extramedullary infiltration through TGF‐β1/Smad/MMPs axis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Ru , Miao Jiyu , Zhai Meng , Liu Rui , Li Fangmei , Xu Xuezhu , Huang Lingjuan , Wang Ting , Yang Rui , Yang Ruoyu , Wang Yiwen , He Aili , Wang Jianli
Published: March 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most prevalent types of leukemia and is challenging to cure for most patients. Basic Leucine Zipper ATF‐Like Transcription Factor (BATF) has been reported to participate in the development and progression of numerous tumors. However, its role in AML is largely unknown. In this study, the expression and prognostic value of BATF were examined in AML. Our results demonstrated that BATF expression was upregulated in AML patients, which was significantly correlated with poor clinical characteristics and survival. Afterward, functional experiments were performed after knocking down or overexpressing BATF by transfecting small interfering RNAs and overexpression plasmids into AML cells. Our findings revealed that BATF promoted the migratory and invasive abilities of AML cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the target genes of BATF were searched from databases to explore the binding of BATF to the target gene using ChIP and luciferase assays. Notably, our observations validated that BATF is bound to the promoter region of TGF‐β1, which could transcriptionally enhance the expression of TGF‐β1 and activate the TGF‐β1/Smad/MMPs signaling pathway. In summary, our study established the aberrantly high expression of BATF and its pro‐migratory function via the TGF‐β1‐Smad2/3‐MMP2/9 axis in AML, which provides novel insights into extramedullary infiltration of AML.
Longitudinal Free‐Water Changes in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Chiu Shannon Y. , Chen Robin , Wang Wei‐en , Armstrong Melissa J. , Boeve Bradley F. , Savica Rodolfo , Ramanan Vijay , Fields Julie A. , Graff‐Radford Neill , Ferman Tanis J. , Kantarci Kejal , Vaillancourt David E. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2024

Background

Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) examines tissue microstructure integrity in vivo. Prior dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) diffusion tensor imaging studies yielded mixed results.

Objective

We employed free‐water (FW) imaging to assess DLB progression and correlate with clinical decline in DLB.

Methods

Baseline and follow‐up MRIs were obtained at 12 and/or 24 months for 27 individuals with DLB or mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI‐LB). FW was analyzed using the Mayo Clinic Adult Lifespan Template. Primary outcomes were FW differences between baseline and 12 or 24 months. To compare FW change longitudinally, we included 20 cognitively unimpaired individuals from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

Results

We followed 23 participants to 12 months and 16 participants to 24 months. Both groups had worsening in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) scores. We found significant FW increases at both time points compared to baseline in the insula, amygdala, posterior cingulum, parahippocampal, entorhinal, supramarginal, fusiform, retrosplenial, and Rolandic operculum regions. At 24 months, we found more widespread microstructural changes in regions implicated in visuospatial processing, motor, and cholinergic functions. Between‐group analyses (DLB vs. controls) confirmed significant FW changes over 24 months in most of these regions. FW changes were associated with longitudinal worsening of MDS‐UPDRS and MoCA scores.

Conclusions

FW increased in gray and white matter regions in DLB, likely due to neurodegenerative pathology associated with disease progression. FW change was associated with clinical decline. The findings support dMRI as a promising tool to track disease progression in DLB. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Advancing CO2 to CO conversion: Detailed impact analysis of atmospheric molecules in an ultrashort pulse laser filament plasma reactor
Authors: Wang Luping , Deng Lunhua , Huang Qian , Qiu Xuanbing , Li Chuanliang , Zhang Sanjun
Published: March 2024

Capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and transforming it into valuable fuels offers a dual benefit: the potential to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels and decrease our dependency on fossil fuels. Plasma‐assisted CO2 to carbon monoxide (CO) conversion stands out within the various CO2 recycling methods, with research primarily emphasizing its energy efficiency and conversion efficacy. However, investigations of CO2 conversion under real air conditions are relatively scarce, and the effects of the other atmospheric molecules on the CO2 conversion process require further exploration. We have induced plasma chemical reactions by generating ultrashort pulse laser filaments inside a sealed‐off cavity with variable air pressures. Simultaneously, we applied mid‐infrared laser absorption spectroscopy to monitor the time evolution of the reaction products. The peak CO2‐to‐CO conversion ratio was achieved at an air pressure of 8000 Pa, which resulted in a CO concentration of 82 ppm. The experimental results suggested that nitrogen (N2) plays a promoting role in CO2‐to‐CO conversion, while the presence of oxygen (O2) seems to hinder the process. The hydroxyl radical (OH) arising from water molecules (H2O) limits the accumulation of CO at lower air pressures. However, at higher air pressures, the reduced OH radical concentration shows negligible impact on the CO2‐to‐CO conversion ratios. In addition, the study revealed that atmospheric plasmas produce a high concentration of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which is directly proportional to the levels of ambient humidity. This research contributes to the development of strategies to mitigate the production of harmful gases like HCN in CO2 conversion, thereby promoting the ecofriendly conversion of atmospheric CO2.
A review of ADHD detection studies with machine learning methods using rsfMRI data
Authors: Taspinar Gurcan , Ozkurt Nalan
Published: March 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health condition that significantly affects school‐age children, causing difficulties with learning and daily functioning. Early identification is crucial, and reliable and objective diagnostic tools are necessary. However, current clinical evaluations of behavioral symptoms can be inconsistent and subjective. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non‐invasive technique that has proven effective in detecting brain abnormalities in individuals with ADHD. Recent studies have shown promising outcomes in using resting state fMRI (rsfMRI)‐based brain functional networks to diagnose various brain disorders, including ADHD. Several review papers have examined the detection of other diseases using fMRI data and machine learning or deep learning methods. However, no review paper has specifically addressed ADHD. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the literature by reviewing the use of rsfMRI data and machine learning methods for detection of ADHD. The study provides general information about fMRI databases and detailed knowledge of the ADHD‐200 database, which is commonly used for ADHD detection. It also emphasizes the importance of examining all stages of the process, including network and atlas selection, feature extraction, and feature selection, before the classification stage. The study compares the performance, advantages, and disadvantages of previous studies in detail. This comprehensive approach may be a useful starting point for new researchers in this area.
Construction of “hard‐soft‐hard” structures with ammonium cerium nitrate/sodium alginate/carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber surfaces for superior mechanical
Authors: Wu Yunhuan , Quan Guipeng , Gong Bao , Li Weiwen , Dai Shengtao , Li Daimei , Ao Yuhui , Xiao Linghan , Liu Yujing
Published: March 2024

The interface between carbon fiber (CF) and the resin matrix is of paramount importance in determining the overall performance of composite materials. This study employed ammonium ceric nitrate (ACN), sodium alginate (SA), and aminated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to fabricate “hard‐soft‐hard” nanostructure on the surface of CFs with the aim of enhancing the interfacial properties of the composites. The results indicated that interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), interfacial shear strength (IFSS), flexural strength, and modulus of the composites demonstrated a respective increase of 31.0%, 51.8%, 44.3%, and 85.3% following the modification process. The observed positive outcome can be ascribed to the creation of “hard‐soft‐hard” nanostructures achieved by the combination of ACN, SA, and CNTs through both hydrogen and covalent bonding. The nanostructures serve to augment the surface chemical activity of the fibers and amplify the specific surface area, thereby facilitating enhanced mechanical interlocking between the fibers and the resin. Furthermore, the composites of CF prepared through this method demonstrate outstanding mechanical characteristics, rendering them appropriate for the construction of longer‐lasting and more resilient wind turbine blades.

Highlights

ACN, SA, and CNT create a “hard‐soft‐hard” multi‐phase structure.

ACN/SA/CNT synergistically enhances composite interfacial bonding.

Inorganic–organic–inorganic materials on CF form novel interfacial phases.

Resultant structure improves composite interface properties.
Optimizing the crashworthy behaviors of hybrid composite structures through Taguchi approach
Authors: Awd Allah Mahmoud M. , Abd El Aal Mohamed I. , Abd El‐baky Marwa A.
Published: March 2024

This paper calculates the crashworthiness capability of glass‐reinforced epoxy composites over wrapped polyvinyl chloride (PVC) circular tubes with a triggering mechanism in the form of cutouts. The intended tubes were prepared by a wet wrapping method; after which they were subjected to quasi‐static axial compression. To compute crashworthiness indications, three design parameters, each at three levels, were used. The design parameters are the hole diameter (d), the hole's number (n), and the hole position (L). The Taguchi technique has been employed in the design of experiments (DOE) tactic to obtain the best crashworthiness parameters. With the maximum specific energy absorbed (SEA) and crashing force efficiency (CFE), the optimal parameters were found. Furthermore, the main effect, signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N), as well as the analysis of variance (ANOVA), have been studied using the commercial software programme MINITAB 18. A few experiments were accompanied by the L9 orthogonal array. According to the results, “N” has the largest impact on the value of SEA with a contribution percent of 29.27%. While “d” has the main influence on the value of CFE with a contribution percent of 67.29%. Lastly, tests for confirmation were performed. to verify the predicted values in light of the experimental results. The optimized SEA developed tube is 74.72%, which is higher than the intact PVC tube and 12.29% lower than the intact hybrid tube. However, the optimum CFE was also 48 and 29.82% higher than the intact PVC tube and the intact hybrid tube, respectively.

Highlights

The number of holes has the highest impact on SEA value by 29%.

The ideal specimen enhances SEA by 75% compared to the intact PVC tube.

Hole diameter has the most influence on CFE value by 67%.

The best specimen improves the CFE by 48% related to the intact PVC tube.
Hyperbranched boron nitride structure‐based epoxy composite: Simultaneous enhancement of mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and superior electrical insulation at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Zhao Yalin , Wu Zhixiong , Huang Rongjin , Li Laifeng , Ma Guangtong
Published: March 2024

Epoxy resins (EPs) are highly coveted as insulating materials for engineering applications. However, their limited mechanical properties and inadequate thermal conductivity at cryogenic temperatures significantly restrict their range of applications. Herein, a novel approach was introduced for crafting EP composites infused with boron nitride (BN) using hyperbranched polymer (HBP) grafting. The resulting HBP‐BN was uniformly dispersed within the EP and securely bonded to the matrix through robust chemical interactions, significantly improving the property enhancement efficiency of HBP‐BN on EP. Thus, the mechanical strength of EP/HBP‐BN composites was significantly enhanced, with maximum tensile and impact strengths achieved at 6 and 4 wt% HBP‐BN content. These values exceeded those of pure EP by 47% and 22% at room temperature (RT) and increased even more substantially to 72% and 135% at 77 K. Moreover, the composite demonstrated a remarkable 430% improvement in thermal conductivity, reaching 1.1627 W·m−1·K−1, when the HBP‐BN content reached 40 wt%. Simultaneously, EP/HBP‐BN composites exhibit low dielectric permittivity and high volume resistivity, signifying exceptional electrical insulation properties. HBP‐BN substantially enhances the cryogenic properties of EP composites, offering an efficient pathway for the utilization of EPs in engineering applications.

Highlights

A novel method to enhance the cryogenic properties of EP was introduced.

HBP‐BN significantly improves the cryogenic properties in EP composites.

The composites are of significant interest for various engineering applications.
Three‐dimensional skeleton assembled by nickel foam/silicon carbide as filler in polyurethane composites with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation
Authors: Zhu Jincheng , Ren Mengqing , Chen Ming , Wu Lili
Published: March 2024

High thermally conductive polymer composites have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional performance, given the ever‐decreasing size of electronic devices and the rise in power densities. Herein, a new three‐dimensional (3D) thermal conductivity network structure has been successfully prepared using double fillers of nickel foam (NF) and modified silicon carbide particles (KSiC). The study compared the effect of different filler contents on the thermal conductivity of composites. Compared to conventional composites, those based on 3D filling networks have significantly improved thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the NF/KSiC/PU composite containing 50 wt% KSiC was 1.18 Wm−1 K−1, exceeding the cumulative thermal conductivity of the NF/PU and KSiC/PU 50 wt% composites, and 637.5% greater than that of neat PU. Meanwhile, the synthesized NF/KSiC/PU composite maintained a high electrical resistivity above 1012 Ω·cm and good mechanical properties. This approach might offer novel solutions for developing high‐quality packaging materials for advanced electronic devices with exceptional thermal and mechanical properties.

Highlights

Using SiC and NF Constructs a dual filler network.

The dual filler thermal conductivity network can generate synergistic effects.

Improving thermal conductivity compared to original polyurethane.

Maintaining a high electrical resistivity and good mechanical properties.
The roles of extraversion and neuroticism in the relationship between childhood adversity and adolescent substance misuse
Authors: Davies Jodie N. , Harty Seth C. , Boden Joseph M.
Published: March 2024

Although the influences of extraversion and neuroticism on the relationship between childhood adversity and substance misuse have been considered in adults, they are not yet clear and have not been examined among adolescent samples. This study sought to investigate the relationship between childhood adversity and adolescent substance misuse, alongside the influences of extraversion and neuroticism, using data from a longitudinal birth cohort study. Statistical analyses were performed on a longitudinal dataset provided by the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS). After controlling for confounds, childhood adversity was a significant predictor of substance use disorder symptoms in adolescence. Moderation analyses showed that experiences of childhood adversity were most strongly associated with adolescent substance use disorder symptoms at higher levels of extraversion and at higher levels of neuroticism. Among adolescents who have experienced childhood adversity, extraversion and neuroticism may be risk factors for substance use disorder. By encouraging professionals to target adolescent substance misuse intervention and prevention approaches towards those who have experienced childhood adversity and are high in extraversion and/or neuroticism, these findings may help to diminish the prevalence of adolescent substance misuse and improve the health of adolescents.
On‐demand dissolvable hydrogel dressings for promoting wound healing
Authors: Yan Yu , Zhang Xiaonong , Ren Kaixuan , Xiao Chunsheng
Published: March 2024

The rapid and painless dressing change is a global challenge in wound management due to the traditional ways of dressing change often cause secondary damage on newly formed skin tissue. Recently, researchers have shown great interest in the development of on‐demand dissolvable hydrogel dressings that can be rapidly and safely dissolved under specific stimuli. These hydrogel dressings possess multifunctional properties, including injectability, self‐healing capacity, anti‐inflammation, antioxidation, and angiogenesis capabilities, which have successfully promoted healing for various types of wounds. In this review, we summarize current methods for fabricating on‐demand dissolvable hydrogels dressings, which include two strategies: (1) chemical stimuli, involving the introduction of external dissolving agents; (2) physical stimuli, where stimuli are applied without the use of dissolving agents. These approaches can decrease the density of cross‐links, resulting in the dissolution of hydrogel dressings. The advantages and drawbacks of these on‐demand dissolvable hydrogels dressings for promoting wound healing are discussed and addressed. The development and challenges for the clinical application of on‐demand dissolvable hydrogel dressings are prospected.
Multispecies comparative prostate anatomy by imaging: Implications for experimental models of prostatic disease
Authors: Berg Felipe M. , Correia Eduardo T. O. , Abenojar Eric C. , Basilion James P. , Rosol Thomas J. , Baroni Ronaldo H. , Exner Agata A. , Bittencourt Leonardo K.
Published: March 2024

Background

There is an increasing interest in using preclinical models for development and assessment of medical devices and imaging techniques for prostatic disease care. Still, a comprehensive assessment of the prostate's radiological anatomy in primary preclinical models such as dogs, rabbits, and mice utilizing human anatomy as a reference point remains necessary with no optimal model for each purpose being clearly defined in the literature. Therefore, this study compares the anatomical characteristics of different animal models to the human prostatic gland from the imaging perspective.

Methods

We imaged five Beagle laboratory dogs, five New Zealand White rabbits, and five mice, all sexually mature males, under Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval. Ultrasonography (US) was performed using the Vevo® F2 for mice (57 MHz probe). Rabbits and dogs were imaged using the Siemens® Acuson S3000 (17 MHz probe) and endocavitary (8 MHz) probes, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also conducted with a 7T scanner in mice and 3T scanner in rabbits and dogs.

Results

Canine transrectal US emerged as the optimal method for US imaging, depicting a morphologically similar gland to humans but lacking echoic zonal differentiation. MRI findings in canines indicated a homogeneously structured gland similar to the human peripheral zone on T2‐weighted images (T2W) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). In rabbits, US imaging faced challenges due to the pubic symphysis, whereas MRI effectively visualized all structures with the prostate presenting a similar aspect to the human peripheral gland on T2W and ADC maps. Murine prostate assessment revealed poor visualization of the prostate glands in ultrasound due to its small size, while 7T MRI delineated the distinct prostates and its lobes, with the lateral and dorsal prostate resembling the peripheral zone and the anterior prostate the central zone of the human gland.

Conclusion

Dogs stand out as superior models for advanced preclinical studies in prostatic disease research. However, mice present as a good model for early stage studies and rabbits are a cost‐effective alternative and serve as valuable tools in specific research domains when canine research is not feasible.
Modelling the impact of cabbage stem flea beetle larval feeding on oilseed rape lodging risk
Authors: Wilkinson Thomas DJ , Coston Duncan J. , Berry Pete M. , Pickering Frances , White Sacha , Kendall Sarah L.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB, Psylliodes chrysocephala L.) is a major pest of oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) in the UK and low availability of effective chemical control has increased the need for integrated pest management approaches. The risk of OSR to lodging is strongly related to stem strength, however, the impact of CSFB larval tunnelling on stem strength and subsequent risk to stem lodging is unknown. The study investigated this by applying the Generalised Crop Lodging Model to conventionally grown OSR crops scored for varying levels of CSFB larval tunnelling. Lodging risk mitigation strategies including plant growth regulators (PGR) and varying nitrogen regimes were tested under high CSFB larval pressure.

RESULTS

Stems of OSR plants were categorised by the proportion of visual damage (< 5%; 5–25%; 26–50%; 51–75%; 75–100%). Stems of 26–50% damage had significantly lower breaking strengths and diameters compared to plants that scored < 5%, with the associated reduction in stem failure windspeed equivalent to an order of magnitude increase in the risk of a lodging event occurring in the UK. PGR use reduced plant height and subsequently lodging risk variably across the sites.

CONCLUSION

Estimating the proportion of stem tunnelling alongside larval pressure may be a useful tool in considering the contribution of CSFB pressure to lodging risk. The research demonstrates that the use of canopy management principles to optimise canopy size through nitrogen management and PGR use may help offset increased lodging risk caused by CSFB tunnelling. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Innovative Packaging Strategies for Freshness and Safety of Food Products: A Review
Authors: Kishore Anand , S Mithul Aravind , Kumar Pushpendra , Singh Anupama , Kumari Khushbu , Kumar Nitin
Published: March 2024

In recent years, consumers have become more concerned about the freshness and safety of packaged food items with their shelf life and taste. Innovation in food packaging continuously evolves with various techniques, which improve or indicate the quality of the product throughout the supply chain. This review highlights the different packaging strategies for enhancing the freshness of various food products and proclaims an alternative to conventional food packaging systems. Also, this article emphasizes assorted packaging components for the safety of food products, implicating fresh and quality products for consumer health. Such packaging systems provide information on various concepts, including indicators, sensors, scavengers, absorbers and other smart integrated techniques and their application in food products. Moreover, this review highlights the need for exploration in toxicology and migration studies for industrial application and consumer health safety.
Nonlinear control of a hybrid pneumo‐hydraulic mock circuit of the cardiovascular system
Authors: Alhajyounis Ahmed , Aydoğan Yiğit , Canbaş Arda , Kulakoğlu Emir , Kurnaz Umut , Soysal Levent , Yiğit Mert , Arısoy Doğan , Kadıpaşaoğlu Kamuran
Published: March 2024

Hybrid cardiovascular mock circuits (HMC), designed for dynamic testing of Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD), offer physiologic accuracy by sequestering model complexity in silico and ease of construction by reducing number of model elements in vitro. Despite superior response time and precision, pneumatic actuation is avoided in HMCs due to nonlinear dynamics and noise. We tested the hypothesis that a HMC consisting of a variable elastance‐driven numerical cardiovascular circuit (CVS) coupled to a pneumo‐hydraulic physical circuit can be controlled without linearizing system dynamics. Reference left ventricular and aortic pressures were generated in silico in a seventh‐order electrical analogue of the CVS and transmitted via an electro‐hydraulic interface to the physical circuit. There, they were tracked in in vitro preload and afterload pneumo‐hydraulic reservoirs, respectively. The nonlinear pneumatic dynamics in the reservoirs was controlled using the Lyapunov stability criterion. A centrifugal pump, the speed (i.e., flow) of which was adjusted manually or using PID control, was interposed between the reservoirs and mimicked the VAD under evaluation. The flow of a recirculating gear pump was controlled by an integral backstepping method to equalize reservoir fluid volumes by rejecting pressure and flow disturbances. Sensor noise was reduced with discrete‐time Kalman filtering. Our results showed that normal, failing, and assisted cardiovascular physiologies simulated in silico were commensurate with clinical data obtained from subjects with similar pathologies. The numerical pressure references were tracked with high accuracy at the physical VAD terminals. Reservoir volumes remained stable at various combinations of heart rate, pressure, and VAD flow for prolonged durations with negligible steady‐state error. The HMC described here offers a stable performance testing platform for VAD prototypes.
Wood’s Light as a Noval Diagnostic Tool in Aquagenic Keratoderma
Authors: Alkhayal Fares A. , AlMuqrin Abdullah M.
Published: March 2024

Aquagenic keratoderma, also known as aquagenic wrinkling of the palms, transient reactive papulotranslucent acrokeratoderma, or transient aquagenic hyper-wrinkling, is an uncommon disorder that affects the palms and occasionally the soles. It presents with translucent whitish to yellowish papules and increased wrinkling upon water exposure. The frequency of this condition is yet to be determined among the general population. However, it is frequently observed in patients among patients with cystic fibrosis or carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, with frequency estimated to be up to 41%. In this paper, we report the utility and novelty of Wood’s light as a bedside adjunct tool to aid in diagnosing aquagenic keratoderma. To our knowledge, this is the first case reporting the use of Wood’s light in diagnosing aquagenic keratoderma.
Hydrolysis Precipitation Method for the Preparation of Cu‐ZnO@Al2O3 Catalyst in Methanol Steam Reforming
Authors: Wen Hui , Liu Yake , Kong Ang , Zhou Chong , Wang Zhuang , Guo Kai , Liu Di
Published: March 2024

A hydrolysis precipitation method was developed to prepare Cu based catalyst for methanol steam reforming. A comparison of the hydrolysis precipitation and the conventional coprecipitation method was conducted. The test results present that Cu‐ZnO@Al2O3 prepared by hydrolysis precipitation exhibits better catalytic activity and stability in MSR reaction. XRD, XRF, EDS, SEM, TPR, XPS and N2 adsorption/desorption reveal that the high catalytic performance of Cu based catalyst from hydrolysis precipitation could be attributed to developed pore organization, surface enrichment of active components and higher reducibility.
Dissolution‐Induced Surface Reconstruction of Ni0.95Pt0.05Si/p‐Si Photocathode for Efficient Photoelectrochemical H2 Production
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Li Shengyang , Xu Jing , Sun Xianglie , Xia Jing , She Guangwei , Yu Jiacheng , Ru Changzhou , Luo Jun , Meng Xiangmin , Mu Lixuan , Shi Wensheng
Published: March 2024

Metal silicide/Si photoelectrodes have demonstrated significant potential for application in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting to produce H2. To achieve an efficient and economical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), a paramount consideration lies in attaining exceptional catalytic activity on the metal silicide surface with minimal use of noble metals. Here, this study presents the design and construction of a novel Ni0.95Pt0.05Si/p‐Si photocathode. Dopant segregation is used to achieve a Schottky barrier height as high as 1.0 eV and a high photovoltage of 420 mV. To achieve superior electrocatalytic activity for HER, a dissolution‐induced surface reconstruction (SR) strategy is proposed to in situ convert surface Ni0.95Pt0.05Si to highly active Pt2Si. The resulting SR Ni0.95Pt0.05Si/p‐Si photocathode exhibits excellent HER performance with an onset potential of 0.45 V (vs RHE) and a high maximum photocurrent density of 40.5 mA cm−2 and a remarkable applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency (ABPE) of 5.3% under simulated AM 1.5 (100 mW cm−2) illumination. The anti‐corrosion silicide layer effectively protects Si, ensuring excellent stability of the SR Ni0.95Pt0.05Si/p‐Si photoelectrode. This study highlights the potential for achieving efficient PEC HER using bimetallic silicide/Si photocathodes with reduced Pt consumption, offering an auspicious perspective for the cost‐effective conversion of solar energy to chemical energy.
A Wetting and Capture Strategy Overcoming Electrostatic Repulsion for Electroreduction of Nitrate to Ammonia from Low‐Concentration Sewage
Authors: Xue Yinghao , Yu Qihui , Fang Junhua , Jia Yan , Wang Rongchang , Fan Jianwei
Published: March 2024

Ammonia production by electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) in water streams is anticipated as a zero‐carbon route. Limited by dilute nitrate in natural sewage and the electrostatic repulsion between NO3− and cathode, NO3RR can hardly be achieved energy‐efficiently. The hydrophilic Cu@CuCoO2 nano‐island dispersed on support can enrich NO3− and produce a sensitive current response, followed by electrosynthesis of ammonia through atomic hydrogen (*H) is reported. The accumulated NO3− can be partially converted to NO2− without external electric field input, confirming that the Cu@CuCoO2 nano‐island can strongly bind NO3− and then trigger the reduction via dynamic evolution between Cu–Co redox sites. Through the identification of intermediates and theoretical computation. it is found that the N‐side hydrogenation of *NO is the optimal reaction step, and the formation of N─N dimer may be prevented. An NH3 product selectivity of 93.5%, a nitrate conversion of 96.1%, and an energy consumption of 0.079 kWh gNH3−1 is obtained in 48.9 mg‐N L−1 naturally nitrate‐polluted streams, which outperforms many works using such dilute nitrate influent. Conclusively, the electrocatalytic system provides a platform to guarantee the self‐sufficiency of dispersed ammonia production in agricultural regions.