bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Region‐selective shift register by a single output enable signal for a multiple refresh frequency driving scheme
Authors: Chang Min Kyu , Kim Ji Hoon , Nam Hyoungsik
Published: September 2024

Many low‐power technologies have been developed for high‐performance displays. One method is to vary the refresh rate according to the input image, where frequencies are reduced over still images and slow‐moving videos. To support the variable refresh rate scheme, the programmable gate driver circuit should be integrated. This paper proposes a thin‐film transistor (TFT) shift register of which output pulse is simply controlled by an enable signal. Because the output pulse generation is directly adjusted without the previous programming period, various output pulse sequences are possible with the high flexibility. The shift register is composed by adding six TFTs and one capacitor to a conventional circuit that provides a carry pulse to a next stage. The simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulation ensures that gate pulses for any numbers of lines in any regions can be generated within one frame only by applying the enable signal at the corresponding timing, resulting in multiple refresh frequencies in a screen. In addition, it is verified that additional TFTs and capacitor contribute to only the negligible increase in power consumption by 2.1%, compared to a conventional shift register.
Viscoelastic Properties of Electrospray‐Deposited Polymer Shells via Quartz Crystal Microbalance With Dissipation (QCM‐D)
Authors: Green‐Warren Robert A. , McAllister Noah M. , Pasupathy Parameshwaran , Pelegri Assimina A. , Singer Jonathan P. , Murthy N. Sanjeeva
Published: September 2024

Multilayer polymer films are extensively used in multiphase separation. Electrospray deposition (ESD) is an important technique for fabricating such films with tunable morphology. Viscoelastic properties of polystyrene (PS) nanoshell coatings produced by ESD on gold and spin‐coated PS surfaces are evaluated using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM‐D). The thickness of PS films on gold increases with flow rate from ∼200 nm at 0.5 to ∼400 nm at 1.5 mL h−1, accompanied by an order‐of‐magnitude increase in dissipation due to larger particle sizes from shorter droplet flight times. This effect is absent on spin–coated PS films, suggesting the onset of the self‐limiting effect of charges. Although the shear moduli for ESD films calculated from Voigt models is only 0.08%–0.20% of the bulk PS modulus, the stiffness ratio of spray‐coated PS to a single shell is (5.00–13.3) × 103 m−1, due to shell–shell and shell–substrate interactions. These are novel results related to the interparticle friction obtained using QCM‐D for the first time. This work demonstrates  that mechanical properties of particulate viscoelastic films with potential applications in high surface area sensors, such as size‐selective membranes for protein or electrolyte adsorption, can be evalauted by QCM‐D with nanograms of material.
Development of an ultrasound‐based metric of muscle functional capacity for use in patients with neuromuscular disease
Authors: McCrady Allison N. , Masterson Chelsea D. , Barnes Laura E. , Scharf Rebecca J. , Blemker Silvia S.
Published: September 2024

Introduction/Aims

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are progressive neuromuscular disorders characterized by severe muscle weakness and functional decline (Pillen et al., Muscle Nerve 2008; 37(6):679–693). With new therapeutics, objective methods with increased sensitivity are needed to assess muscle function. Ultrasound imaging is a promising approach for assessing muscle fat and fibrosis in neuromuscular disorders. This study builds on prior work by combining ultrasound‐based measurements of muscle size, shape, and quality, relating these measures to muscle strength, and proposing a multivariable image‐based estimate of muscle function.

Methods

Maximum voluntary elbow flexion torque of 36 participants (SMA, DMD, and healthy controls) was measured by hand‐held dynamometry and elbow flexor muscles were imaged using ultrasound. Muscle size (cross‐sectional area, maximum Feret diameter or width, and thickness), quality (echogenicity, texture anisotropy index), and cross‐sectional shape (diameter ratio) were measured. Multivariable regression was used to select ultrasound measurements that predict elbow flexion torque.

Results

Significant differences were observed in muscle size (decreased), shape (thinned), and quality (decreased) with increased disease severity and compared to healthy participants. CSA (brachioradialis R2 = 0.51), maximum Feret diameter (biceps R2 = 0.49, brachioradialis R2 = 0.58) and echogenicity (brachioradialis R2 = 0.61) were most correlated with torque production. Multivariable regression models identified that muscle size (CSA, maximum Feret diameter) and quality (echogenicity) were both essential to predict elbow flexion torque (R2 = 0.65).

Discussion

A multivariable approach combining muscle size and quality improves strength predictions over single variable approaches. These methods present a promising avenue for the development of sensitive and functionally relevant biomarkers of neuromuscular disease.
Der Salpeterkönig
Authors: Offermanns Heribert
Published: September 2024

Im Kontorhausviertel in Hamburg steht das „Chilehaus“, eine Ikone des Backstein‐Expressionismus der 1920er Jahre. Erbaut wurde es vor 100 Jahren im Auftrag des „Salpeterkönigs“ Henry B. Sloman.
Osteosarcoma as a secondary malignancy following rhabdomyosarcoma: A report of 28 affected patients from the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS)
Authors: Bielack Stefan S. , Mettmann Vanessa , Hecker‐Nolting Stefanie , Borkhardt Arndt , Hardes Jendrik , Kager Leo , von Kalle Thekla , Kevric Matthias , Koscielniak Ewa , Kratz Christian P. , Kühne Thomas , Nathrath Michaela , Rossig Claudia , Sorg Benjamin , Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Werner Mathias , Blattmann Claudia
Published: September 2024

Background

Osteosarcoma may arise as a secondary malignancy following rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). We utilized the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS) database to better understand this association.

Patients and methods

The COSS database (1980‐05/2023) was searched for patients whose osteosarcoma was preceded by RMS. Eligible patients were analyzed for patient‐, tumor‐, and treatment‐related variables as well as outcomes.

Results

The search revealed 28 eligible osteosarcomas (27 high‐grade central, one periosteal; male:female = 16:12; median age RMS 2.1 [range: 0.9–10.0] years, osteosarcoma 13.5 [7.2–29.0] years). Genetic tumor‐predisposition syndromes were documented in 12 patients. One patient had had a distinct malignancy prior to RMS, two intermittently, seven following osteosarcoma. Local RMS treatment had included radiotherapy in 20/26 cases (two unknown). Secondary osteosarcoma sites were extremity 13, trunk seven, head and neck eight; 15 osteosarcomas were radiation‐associated. There was only one case of primary osteosarcoma metastases. Osteosarcoma treatment included chemotherapy (27), surgery (26), or radiotherapy (2). A macroscopically complete remission of all osteosarcoma sites was achieved in 24 cases. Median follow‐up was 5.8 (range: 0.5–18.4) years after osteosarcoma and 8.1 (1.0–15.4) years for 14 survivors. Actuarial 5‐year overall and event‐free survival were 66% (standard error 9%) and 45% (10%), respectively. Five of 14 deaths were caused by further malignancies.

Conclusion

This series offers a benchmark for patients who develop a secondary osteosarcoma after RMS. Affected patients are generally still in the pediatric age. The results obtained strongly argue for genetic predisposition testing in RMS and against therapeutic leniency in comparable situations.
Impact of graphene oxide lateral sizes on the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber composites
Authors: Ma Jiajun , Dai Shengtao , Guo Zongwei , Shang Lei , Ao Yuhui , Jin Lin
Published: September 2024

The impact of carbon fiber (CF) composites sizing with graphene oxide (GO) to form brick‐and‐mortar structures on their mechanical properties and thermal conductivity has not been closely examined. This study systematically investigates the effect of GO sheet size on the interfacial properties and thermal conductivity of CF composites. Three sizes of GO—small (0.11 μm), medium (0.33 μm), and large (0.97 μm)—were used to modify CF surfaces via layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly, forming the brick‐and‐mortar structures. The mechanical properties were assessed through flexural tests, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests and tensile tests, while thermal conductivity was measured using a thermal constant analyzer. The results revealed that medium‐sized GO (GO‐M) significantly enhanced the interfacial strength and toughness of the composites. This improvement is attributed to the orderly arrangement of GO‐M on the CF surface, which enhances stress transfer between the fiber and the matrix. In contrast, small‐sized GO (GO‐S) tended to scatter, resulting in less effective reinforcement, while large‐sized GO (GO‐L) exhibited stacking and agglomeration, limiting its reinforcement effectiveness. However, GO‐L provided the highest thermal conductivity due to the formation of continuous heat conduction pathways. These findings suggest that GO‐M offers a balanced improvement in mechanical properties, whereas GO‐L is more suitable for applications requiring high thermal conductivity. This work underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate GO sheet size to optimize the interfacial properties and thermal conductivity of CF composites, which is crucial for enhancing their performance in high‐end engineering applications, such as aerospace, automotive, and marine industries.

Highlights

Modification of CF composites by GO‐M sheets significantly improved toughness and strength.

GO‐L sheets formed an effective heat transfer channel with the highest thermal conductivity.

The study emphasized the critical role of selecting the appropriate GO sheet size to optimize the mechanical and thermal properties of CF composites.
Striving for healthy lungs: Enhancing respiratory outcomes of prematurity
Authors: Kugelman Amir
Published: September 2024

Infants born prematurely are born in a critical developmental time period and because of arrest of lung maturation at that period their pulmonary functions are below the normal for their age. Early lung development has a lifelong effect on respiratory health and disease. Can we affect that sequence of events and change the outcome of chronic lung disease of prematurity?
Soil dissipation and efficacy on itchgrass of soil‐applied residual herbicides pendimethalin and clomazone in Louisiana sugarcane
Authors: Wayment Darcey G. , Wright Alice A. , Bergeron Dallas R. , McCollam Gerald A. , White Paul M.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) growers in Louisiana report that the widely used soil residual herbicide, pendimethalin, is less effective at controlling itchgrass (Rottboellia chochinchinensis), possibly through accelerated dissipation from repeated applications. Some growers have started to use another herbicide, clomazone, in place of pendimethalin for itchgrass control when pendimethalin does not provide the necessary control. Little is known about the dissipation of these two herbicides, especially when applied together, in diverse sugarcane soils in Louisiana. Thus, the objective of the research was to measure the dissipation of pendimethalin and clomazone in soils having high itchgrass pressure. Soil samples from five fields were fortified (4 μg g−1) with clomazone and pendimethalin and monitored over the course of 163 days under laboratory conditions. Herbicide levels were determined by extracting the herbicides from soil with acetonitrile and analyzing the extracts with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

The results indicate that clomazone is persistent in the soils studied, with a degradation half‐life (DT50) of ≥79 days. Pendimethalin dissipates more rapidly in soil with a DT50 ranging from 7 to 59 days. All itchgrass plants showed injury to herbicide but many grew out of symptoms, and responses were not consistent between soil types.

CONCLUSION

Pendimethalin dissipation varied greatly between soil types, yet clomazone was generally persistent in each soil tested. However, when these soils were seeded with itchgrass, pendimethalin was more effective at controlling itchgrass than clomazone. Although persistent in the soils tested, the leaching potential of clomazone may limit its long‐term effectiveness. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Assessing potential for biological control of Japanese giant silkworm Caligula japonica using Anastatus gansuensis, a thelytokous parasitoid firstly reported in Eupelmidae
Authors: Chen Yong‐Ming , Gong Run‐Na , Wang Xingeng , Desneux Nicolas , Zang Lian‐Sheng
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Caligula japonica, commonly known as Japanese giant silkworm (JGS), is a serious defoliating pest of fruit and forest trees in East Asia. To develop eco‐friendly and cost‐effective control methods for this pest, we evaluated the potential for biological control of JGS using its egg parasitoid Anastatus gansuensis reared on the Chinese oak silkworm (COS) Antheraea pernyi. We compared the reproductive traits and population increase potential of the parasitoid on JGS and COS eggs, as well as its functional response to host egg densities and mutual interference at different parasitoid densities.

RESULTS

Anastatus gansuensis was confirmed to be strictly synovigenic, with most eggs maturing post‐emergence, and produced <1% male offspring on both host eggs. Although A. gansuensis females reared from COS eggs had longer longevity and oviposition period, and higher fecundity and net reproductive rate compared to those reared from JGS eggs, the parasitoid had a higher intrinsic rate of increase on JGS than COS eggs. The parasitoid exhibited a type II functional response to increasing host densities, with mutual interference among foraging female wasps occurred at higher parasitoid densities.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate a high potential for biological control of JGS using A. gansuensis. The parasitoid can be efficiently reared on COS eggs and used against JGS. It may be essential to provide food for emerging adult parasitoids allowing time for egg maturation prior to the rearing or augmentative release of the parasitoid. Some mutual interference at high parasitoid rearing densities likely reduces per capita parasitization efficiency of A. gansuensis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Unveiling the causal link between herpes virus infection and cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis: Insights from Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhang Heyi , Xie Jinglei , Wang Yifei , Li Ruolan , Mao Ying , Song Luyao , Yuan Zhenyang , Su Qinyi , Huo Yuehong , Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Shengxiao
Published: September 2024

Background

Cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis (CLA) is a clinically relevant condition, with previous studies suggesting an association with herpes virus infections. However, the causality of this association remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between herpes viruses and CLA.

Methods

Genetic variants linked to the herpes virus were retrieved from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol open genome‐wide association studies project and FinnGen database. Data on CLA, involving 262 CLA cases and 207,482 healthy controls, were obtained from the FinnGen consortium R7. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, including the inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR‐Egger, and weighted median methods, was performed. Sensitivity analyzes were conducted to ensure the accuracy of the results.

Results

Of the 15 herpes viruses investigated, only human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) demonstrated a causal association with CLA (odds ratio: 1.886, 95% confidence interval: 1.053–3.378, p = 0.033), indicating that HHV‐6 infection significantly increases the risk of CLA. Furthermore, IVW and MR‐Egger tests for heterogeneity confirmed homogeneous MR analysis results without evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (p > 0.05). No significant causal relationship was observed for other herpes viruses, such as herpes simplex virus, varicella‐zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein‐Barr virus.

Conclusion

Our MR analyzes strongly support a causal relationship between HHV‐6 and CLA, elucidating the etiology of this condition and highlighting the potential of HHV‐6‐targeted therapeutic interventions in CLA treatment. However, further research is necessary to expound the underlying mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting HHV‐6‐associated CLA.
I feel and I invest: Social emotions and sustainable investing in Germany and Japan
Authors: Lim Sijeong , Song Jaehyun , Uji Azusa , Yamada Takahiro
Published: September 2024

This research focuses on the increasing but unexplored role of individual investors in sustained sustainable investment. Sustainable investment with pecuniary motives tends to be fractured by economic downturns. Drawing on research on social emotions shaping decision‐making, this study explores how non‐pecuniary motives and emotions—empathy and self‐esteem—affect the attention to sustainability ratings by individual investors. We administered the original survey‐embedded experiments to nationals of two countries in the Global North, Germany, and Japan. We found that evoking empathy can lead experienced Japanese investors to focus on sustainability ratings while German investors are unaffected. On the other hand, self‐esteem stimuli are effective for German potential investors who have expressed an interest in investing but not for Japanese investors. These results underline the potential of emotional stimuli in promoting sustainable investment and highlight the importance of tailoring such stimuli to different cultural contexts and groups of people.
Ensuring the Global Comparability of XPS Data Through Intensity Scale Calibration: Summary of ISO 5861:2024
Authors: Reed Benjamen P. , Roussel Paul , Bushell Adam , Shard Alexander G.
Published: September 2024

For quantitative analyses of data acquired from x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instruments to be globally comparable across industry and academia, a consistent and traceable intensity calibration method is required. ISO 5861 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 201 Surface Chemical Analysis, Subcommittee 7, Electron Spectroscopies, and describes an intensity calibration method for x‐ray photoelectron spectrometers that use quartz‐crystal monochromated Al Ka x‐rays. The method employs low‐density polyethylene reference spectra that are corrected for any instrument geometry and are traceable to the true reference spectra for gold, silver and copper held by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), UK. This international standard generates a spectrometer relative response function for use in quantitative XPS analysis that is consistent with NPL's intensity calibration method to within 5% relative error.
The Role of ZSM‐5 Zeolite Paracrystalline on Compatibility of CMCh‐Based Composite Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Dho Tawa Bibiana , A. Aalstiary Kania , Theo Constan Lotebulo Ndruru Sun , Miftahul Munir Muhammad , Rakhmata Mukti Rino , Made Arcana I
Published: September 2024

Achieving compatibility of composite solid electrolytes among materials for fabricating lithium‐ion batteries presents a significant challenge. This work aimed to study the role of the ZSM‐5 zeolite paracrystalline on the compatibility of CMCh‐based CSE. The ZSM‐5 zeolite intermediates and products were synthesized using the free organic template method, while the CSE membranes were fabricated by combining CMCh, ZSM‐5, and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) using the solution‐casting method. The result showed that the synthesis of ZSM‐5 zeolite has been successfully performed. FTIR spectrum at wavenumber ~950 cm−1 of ZSM‐5 zeolite indicates that secondary building unit (SBU) structures exist. The SBU structure of ZSM‐5 zeolite indicates the paracrystalline structure of ZSM‐5 zeolite, which is compatible with the CMCh structure. The characterizations in this work were conducted to study the interaction, morphology, crystallinity index, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and ionic conductivity through FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, tensile tester, and EIS, respectively. The CSE of CMCh/Z5AH‐LiClO4 was the optimum condition exhibiting ionic conductivity as high as 4.35 x 10−6 S cm−1 with a crystallinity index of 34.25 %, a tensile strength of 46.67 MPa and onset thermal degradation of 262.61 °C. These results suggest that CMCh/Z5AH‐LiClO4 holds promise as a solid electrolyte material for lithium‐ion batteries.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Capsaicin Analogues Containing Heterocyclic Fatty Acids
Authors: Jadhaw Balbheem , Gandhi Bhukya , Jhansi M. , Kondreddy Vijay Kumar , Misra Sunil , Kaki Shiva Shanker
Published: September 2024

There is an urgent need to study safe and biocompatible medicinal compounds which necessitates the discovery of new agents from simple natural starting materials. In this study, eight novel capsaicin derivatives have been synthesized by combination of oxadiazole containing fatty acids with vanillyl amide. All the compounds were characterized by spectral analysis and were examined for their cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized derivatives was evaluated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays. All of the synthesized derivatives have exhibited significant antioxidant activity in comparison to butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) which is used as a reference antioxidant. The novel capsaicin derivatives with nitro (8 e) and methoxy substituents (8 f, 8 g and 8 h) exhibited the most significant antioxidant activity compared with BHT. In cytotoxicity assay against three cell lines, the derivative with bromo substituent showed excellent activity against B16‐melanoma cancer cell line followed by nitro and methoxy analogs which showed promising activity against HepG2‐ hepato and DU145‐prostate cancer cell lines respectively. In addition, all the derivatives exhibited moderate broad spectrum antibacterial, antifungal and anti‐inflammatory activity.
Construction of Mo/S/Ag Cluster Complexes from Dinuclear Molybdenum Precursors [R4N]2[(edt)2Mo2S2(μ‐S)2] (R = Et, nPr; edt = −SCH2CH2S−)
Authors: Chen Meng‐Ting , Liang Qing‐Wen , Pan Song , Shi Hua‐Tian , Jia Ai‐Quan , Zhang Qian‐Feng
Published: September 2024

We have demonstrated that complexes [(edt)2Mo2O2(μ‐S)2Ag2(dppm)2]·4CH3OH·DMF (2, edt = 1,2‐ethanedithiolate dianion, dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, DMF = N,N‐dimethylformamide) and [(μ‐Cl)2Ag4(μ3‐Cl)2(dppm)2]·4DMF (3), were generated by combining a dinuclear molybdenum precursor [Et4N]2[(edt)2Mo2S2(μ‐S)2] (1a) with two equimolar AgCl and dppm in a CH3OH‐DMF mixed solution. Treatment of complex 1a with one equimolar AgCl and DPEPhos in CH3OH and DMF mixed solutions, producing complex [Et4N][(edt)2Mo2S2(μ‐S)2Ag(DPEPhos)]·CH3OH (4, DPEPhos = bis(2‐diphenylphosphinophenyl)ether). Treatment of complex [nPr4N]2[(edt)2Mo2S2(μ‐S)2] (1b) with AgBr in acetonitrile followed by addition of (NH4)2S produced a dodecanuclear Mo–Ag–S cage cluster [nPr4N]2[{Mo2Ag2S2O2(edt)2}3(μ6‐S)]·1.5CH3CN (5). Complexes 2−5 have been characterized by infrared(IR), 1H NMR, UV‐vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies. Moreover, molecular structures of complexes 2−5 have been established by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography.
Regulating the Surface State of Carbon Dots as Ultrahigh‐Capacity Adsorbents for Water Treatment
Authors: Chen Xingzhong , Li Jiurong , Zou Wanrong , Gong Xiao
Published: September 2024

Adsorption is one of the most widely researched and highly effective methods for mitigating the environmental threat posed by recalcitrant dyes in aqueous solutions. This paper presents a solvent‐free synthesis method for the rapid and large‐scale production of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) co‐doped carbon dots (N, P‐CDs) which possess specific surface states and outstanding dye adsorption properties. Compared to the undoped CDs, the N, P‐CDs not only exhibit a higher yield of solid‐state luminescence but also endow them with the efficient adsorption and removal of Congo red (CR) from water. Due to the synergistic effects of π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction, the N, P‐CDs exhibit an ultra‐high adsorption capacity (3118.87 mg g−1) and a removal efficiency (97.4%, at 500 mg L−1) for CR, and also display excellent selective adsorption in both single‐dye and dual‐dye systems. This method offers a rational strategy for synthesizing novel CDs‐based adsorbents for CR, which provides a demonstration for future dye adsorption studies and practical wastewater treatment applications of CDs.
Ultra‐Low Alginate‐Based Multifunctional Composite Binders for Enhanced Mechanical, Electrochemical, and Thermal Performance of Li–S Batteries
Authors: Cui Shengrui , Li Weiya , Hu Hongkai , Wang Tiancheng , Xing Youjun , Yin Jiaxuan , Zhang Minghui , Liu Wei , Myung Seung‐Taek , Jin Yongcheng
Published: September 2024

The practical application of Li–S batteries, which hold great potential as energy storage devices, is impeded by various challenges, such as capacity degradation caused volume change, polysulfide shuttling, poor electrode kinetics, and safety concerns. Binder plays a crucial role in suppressing volume change of cathode side, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries. In this research, a novel network binder (SA‐Co‐PEDOT) composed of sodium alginate is presented, Co2+ ions as cross‐linking agent and PEDOT as an electronic conductor. The theoretical analysis and experimental testing confirm that the SA‐Co‐PEDOT binder with synergistic combination of catalytic center and electron transfer network effectively mitigates large volumetric changes during cycling while simultaneously enhancing electrode kinetics through controlling the deposition morphology of sulfur end product and its nucleation and dissolution. As a result, it achieves a capacity of 844 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.2 C. Moreover, the electrode with SA‐Co‐PEDOT binder subjected a bending test maintains a capacity of 395 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C, exhibiting an impressively low decay rate of only 0.11%. Even with an ultra‐low content of 2 wt.% SA‐Co‐PEDOT binder, the electrode still maintains a capacity of 999.7 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 C.
Enhancement of the Piezocatalytic Response of La‐Doped BiFeO3 Nanoparticles by Defects Synergy
Authors: Amdouni Wafa , Otoničar Mojca , Alamarguy David , Erdem Emre , Gemeiner Pascale , Mazaleyrat Frédéric , Maghraoui‐Meherzi Hager , Kreisel Jens , Glinsek Sebastjan , Dkhil Brahim
Published: September 2024

Because of their intrinsic polarization and related properties, ferroelectrics attract significant attention to address energy transformation and environmental protection. Here, by using trivalent‐ion‐lanthanum doping of BiFeO3 nanoparticles (NPs), it is shown that defects and piezoelectric potential are synergized to achieve a high piezocatalytic effect for decomposing the model Rhodamine B (RhB) pollutant, reaching a record‐high piezocatalytic rate of 21 360 L mol−1 min−1 (i.e., 100% RhB degradation within 20 min) that exceeds most state‐of‐the art ferroelectrics. The piezocatalytic Bi0.99La0.01FeO3 NPs are also demonstrated to be versatile toward various pharmaceutical pollutants with over 90% removal efficiency, making them extremely efficient piezocatalysts for water purification. It is also shown that 1% La‐doping introduces oxygen vacancies and Fe2+ defects. It is thus suggested that oxygen vacancies act as both active sites and charge providers, permitting more surface adsorption sites for the piezocatalysis process, and additional charges and better energy transfer between the NPs and surrounding molecules. Furthermore, the oxygen vacancies are proposed to couple to Fe2+ to form defect dipoles, which in turn introduces an internal field, resulting in more efficient charge de‐trapping and separation when added to the piezopotential. This synergistic mechanism is believed to provide a new perspective for designing future piezocatalysts with high performance.
Tailoring the d‐Band Center of WS2 by Metal and Nonmetal Dual‐Doping for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Wen Lulu , Chang Qingfang , Zhang Xilin , Li Xinyang , Zhong Shichuan , Zeng Pan , Shah Syed Shoaib Ahmad , Hu Xiaoye , Cai Weiping , Li Yue
Published: September 2024

Tuning the adsorption energy of nitrogen intermediates and lowering the reaction energy barrier is essential to accelerate the kinetics of nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), yet remains a great challenge. Herein, the electronic structure of WS2 is tailored based on a metal and nonmetal dual‐doping strategy (denoted Fe, F‐WS2) to lower the d‐band center of W in order to optimize the adsorption of nitrogen intermediates. The obtained Fe, F‐WS2 nanosheet catalyst presents a high Faradic efficiency (FE) of 22.42% with a NH3 yield rate of 91.46 µg h−1 mgcat.−1. The in situ characterizations and DFT simulations consistently show the enhanced activity is attributed to the downshift of the d‐band center, which contributes to the rate‐determining step of the second protonation to form N2H2* key intermediates, thereby boosting the overall nitrogen electrocatalysis reaction kinetics. This work opens a new avenue to enhanced electrocatalysis by modulating the electronic structure and surrounding microenvironment of the catalytic metal centers.
A Broadband Light‐Trapping Nanostructure for InGaP/GaAs Dual‐Junction Solar Cells Using Nanosphere Lithography‐Assisted Chemical Etching
Authors: Wu Shang‐Hsuan , Cossio Gabriel , Derkacs Daniel , Yu Edward T.
Published: September 2024

III–V‐based multijunction solar cells have become the leading power generation technology for space applications due to their high power conversion efficiency and reliable performance in extraterrestrial environments. Thinning down the absorber layers of multijunction solar cells can considerably reduce the production cost and improve their radiation hardness. Recent advances in ultrathin GaAs single‐junction solar cells suggest the development of light‐trapping nanostructures to increase light absorption in optically thin layers within III–V‐based multijunction solar cells. Herein, a novel and highly scalable nanosphere lithography‐assisted chemical etching method to fabricate light‐trapping nanostructures in InGaP/GaAs dual‐junction solar cells is studied. Numerical models show that integrating the nanostructured Al2O3/Ag rear mirror significantly enhances the broadband absorption within the GaAs bottom cell. Results demonstrate that the light‐trapping nanostructures effectively increase the short‐circuit current density in GaAs bottom cells from 14.04 to 15.06 mA cm−2. The simulated nanostructured InGaP/GaAs dual‐junction structure shows improved current matching between the GaAs bottom cell and the InGaP top cell, resulting in 1.12x higher power conversion efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of light‐trapping nanostructures to improve the performance of III‐V‐based multijunction photovoltaic systems, particularly for high‐efficiency applications in space.
UAV Jamming Localization Against Random Eavesdropper Positions Using Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Taleb Mohamed Ilies , Benssalah Mustapha
Published: September 2024

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) jammer localization refers to the process of determining the optimal location for a UAV jammer to be placed to interfere with an eavesdropper's communication with a target. In fact, the main goal is to maximize the jamming signal power at the eavesdropper's position while minimizing the jamming signal power at the target's position. This paper leverages Cuckoo Search algorithm for the secrecy rate optimization which refers to the amount of secure information transmitted from the target to the intended receiver. The model is composed with an UAV jammer, two ground nodes and an illegitimate user with unknown position. True uniform random deployment processes is used to model the randomness of the eavesdropper location. Further, a novel summed secrecy approach is proposed to determine the overall optimal UAV position. Simulations demonstrate the superiority of the novel approach versus other benchmark algorithms across various numbers of eavesdroppers.
Vision‐based monitoring system for in‐plan seismic tests conducted on a shaking table: The case study of prefabricated concrete shells
Authors: Valença Jónatas , Brandão Marco , Júlio Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Computer vision enables a much more efficient monitoring system of structural behavior, compared to traditional methods. This derives from the fact that it allows the assessment of displacements in a vast number of points that can be processed to the estimate deformations, accelerations, and other key parameters at relevant cross‐sections. This paper proposes a computer vision‐based methodology, specifically designed for monitoring seismic tests conducted on a shaking table with a reduced‐scale model, using a single camera approach. This innovative methodology uses artificial targets with predefined color and geometry to optimize their detection and tracking. These targets are positioned at key points of the reduced model—“Moving Targets”—and at reference points of the seismic table—“Control Targets.” Videos are recorded during the seismic tests and the coordinates (in pixels) of the targets' centers are automatically detected and captured. Then, transformations are applied to each frame to compute the targets coordinates in millimeters and based on the differences between frames, to calculate the displacements of each target. The methodology was first calibrated with dynamic tests performed on a reduced‐scale model (1:33) of a prefabricated concrete shell, printed in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), conducted on an educational shaking table. Afterwards, the methodology was validated with seismic tests performed on a 1:3 reduced model of a prefabricated concrete shell, produced according to the similitude theory to best reproduce the behavior of the corresponding prototype. It was demonstrated the ability of the methodology to monitoring seismic tests, enabling continuous tracking of the targets placed on a structure with complex geometry.
Track recurrence after remote‐access thyroid surgeries: A systematic review
Authors: Oh Moon Young , Chai Young Jun
Published: September 2024

Background

Remote‐access thyroidectomies have gained popularity, but track recurrence, which is the implantation of thyroid tissue or lesions along the surgical access route, has been reported in case studies. This systematic review aims to review cases of track recurrence following remote‐access thyroidectomies.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify case reports on track recurrence after endoscopic or robotic thyroidectomy up to June 2024. Data included patient demographics, details of the initial surgery and diagnosis, methods and timing of recurrence detection, and management strategies.

Results

The search yielded 1578 articles, of which 17 case reports comprising 18 patients were included. The patients (16 females and two males) had a mean age of 34.6 ± 14.9 years. The mean size of initial tumors was 3.9 ± 1.2 cm, with diagnoses of eight cancers and 10 benign lesions. The initial surgeries included 12 endoscopic and six robotic procedures. Track recurrence was most often detected by palpable nodules followed by routine imaging and elevated serum Tg levels. The interval between initial surgery and recurrence ranged from 3 months to 8 years. Management varied from surgical resection and radioactive iodine therapy to close observation. There were no further recurrences in all but one case postoperatively.

Conclusion

Track recurrence after remote‐access thyroidectomy is rare but significant. Proper surgical techniques, careful handling of thyroid tissue, and rigorous postoperative monitoring are essential to minimize this risk. Awareness and prompt management of track recurrence may lead to favorable outcomes.
Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from a submaximal 20-m shuttle-run test accurately predict children’s VO2peak, but when should we stop the test?
Authors: Kasai Daiki , Tsiros Margarita D. , Eston Roger , Parfitt Gaynor
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to explore the validity, test–retest reliability and affective responses of a submaximal 20-m shuttle-run test (20mSRT) stopped at 6 on the Eston–Parfitt (EP) scale. The secondary aim was to examine and compare two submaximal 20mSRT protocols with different RPE end points (EP6 vs. EP7) using previously published data.

Methods

Twenty-five children (16 boys; 13.4 ± 1.0 years; 162.1 ± 8.7 cm; 49.1 ± 6.6 kg) completed three exercise tests (graded exercise test [GXT], 2 submaximal 20mSRT). The EP scale and Feeling scale were used to measure RPE and affect, respectively. The two submaximal 20mSRTs were stopped after participants reported EP6. Individual speed–RPE relationships from the submaximal 20mSRTs were linearly regressed to predict peak speed and then used to estimate VO2peak. Previously published data (n = 25) used comparable methods, except that the participants stopped at EP7.

Results

In the EP6 protocol, a two-factor repeated measures ANOVA revealed non-significant Test and Sex main effects (p > 0.05). Reliability analysis revealed intraclass correlation coefficient of ~ 0.7 (95%CI [0.432,0.867], p < 0.001) between the submaximal 20mSRTs. Significant differences in end-test affect between the GXT and submaximal 20mSRTs were found (p < 0.001), with GXT more negative. ANOVA revealed no significant differences in end-test affect between EP6 and EP7 protocols; however, frequency count analysis revealed EP6 to result in more positive end-test affect.

Conclusion

Submaximal 20mSRT utilising RPE may offer valid predictions in VO2peak while minimising negative affect. Test end points of EP6 and EP7 both offer valid predictions in VO2peak. EP6 may be more beneficial in avoiding negative affect, even though a reduction in test–retest reliability was observed.
Radiographic identification of symptomless mandibular third molars without clinical pericoronitis
Authors: Vesala Tommi , Ventä Irja , Snäll Johanna , Ekholm Marja
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim was to identify radiographic characteristics of mandibular third molars in young adults without symptoms or clinical signs of pericoronal infection.

Materials and methods

An existing cross-sectional material, including records from clinical oral examination and panoramic radiographs (PANs) of university students, was submitted to retrospective analysis. The outcome variable was a symptomless and clinically pericoronitis-free mandibular third molar. Predictor variables for the third molar were clinical eruption level, pathological signs in the follicle, marginal bone level, radiographic depth in bone, inclination, stage of root development, and available space for eruption. Statistics included χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

Analysis included 345 mandibular third molars in 189 participants (20% men, 80% women; mean age 20.7 years; SD ± 0.6). Symptomless and clinically pericoronitis-free mandibular third molars were characterized as follows: clinically unerupted in 78% of teeth, associated with reduced marginal bone level in 70%, located deeper in the bone in 87%, mesially inclined in 73%, and stage of root development incomplete in 68% (p ≤ 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

Radiographic characteristics of symptomless mandibular third molars without clinical pericoronitis in young adults can be assessed from a PAN with 68–87% certainty.

Clinical relevance

These findings may prove useful when trying to exclude non-pathological mandibular third molars from diseased teeth.
Variational inference based adversarial domain adaptation
Authors: Zonoozi Mahta Hassan Pour , Seydi Vahid , Deypir Mahmood
Published: September 2024

Deep learning methods demand enormous amounts of labeled data. Although collecting labeled data is a challenge but it can be accomplished with difficulty. Nevertheless, domain shift or bias may occur due to some conditions. Recollecting data under similar conditions is too expensive or impossible. Domain adaptation is an effective technique to deal with this problem. Among domain adaptation methods, adversarial learning models handled domain shifts well. Adversarial learning’s biggest issue is matching the features to the appropriate classes. In other words, domain adaptation may lead to negative transfer. Utilizing adversarial learning and Variational Auto-Encoder (VAE) cluster-forming capabilities, we propose a method that overcomes these limitations. Our structure attempts to generate a smooth latent representation based on both the target and the source data using a variational auto-encoder. Then the affected data are fed into an adversarial learning component. The component includes an encoder and a discriminator. The discriminator aims to identify the source and target encoders’ features. The target encoder uses inverted domain labels to mislead the discriminator. To emphasize the desired effect of VAE on domain adaptation, we test the model performance without adversarial training. In comparison to the most prevalent adversarial domain adaptation benchmarks, our method yields approving and comparable results.
Endoscopic transorbital approach for recurrent spheno-orbital meningiomas: single center case series
Authors: Ricciuti V. , Peppucci E. , Montalbetti A. , Piras G. , Spena G. , Giussani C. G. , Zoia C.
Published: September 2024

Endoscopic transorbital approaches (ETOAs) are finding wide application for skull base lesions, particularly for spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs). These tumors have high recurrence rates, and second surgery can often represent a challenge. In this study we analyze our experience of management of recurrent SOMs through a slightly modified eyelid crease approach. Between May 2016 and September 2023, in the Department of Neurosurgery of Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo (Pavia, Italy), five consecutive recurrent SOMs have been treated using an endoscopic transorbital approach. Demographic data, preoperatory deficits, lesions characteristics, histology, grade of resection, eventual adjuvant treatments, complications, outcome in terms of symptoms improvement and cosmesis, and hospitalization are described. One patient maintained a right lateral rectus muscle palsy that was already present in the preoperatory, no cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks were reported. All patients had postoperative periorbital edema, but no other systemic complication was found. All patients had proptosis improvement, two had visual acuity improvement, and best cosmetic outcome was obtained in all cases. Hospitalization varied between 4 and 6 days. ETOAs in the management of recurrent SOMs are safe and have good outcome. Right selection of patients is mandatory, but when feasible, endoscopic surgery can allow a virgin route to a previously operated tumor, guaranteeing a good strategic option.
A Robust [18F]-PSMA-1007 Radiomics Ensemble Model for Prostate Cancer Risk Stratification
Authors: Pasini Giovanni , Stefano Alessandro , Mantarro Cristina , Richiusa Selene , Comelli Albert , Russo Giorgio Ivan , Sabini Maria Gabriella , Cosentino Sebastiano , Ippolito Massimo , Russo Giorgio
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET in differentiating high- and low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) through a robust radiomics ensemble model. This retrospective study included 143 PCa patients who underwent [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET/CT imaging. PCa areas were manually contoured on PET images and 1781 image biomarker standardization initiative (IBSI)-compliant radiomics features were extracted. A 30 times iterated preliminary analysis pipeline, comprising of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) for feature selection and fivefold cross-validation for model optimization, was adopted to identify the most robust features to dataset variations, select candidate models for ensemble modelling, and optimize hyperparameters. Thirteen subsets of selected features, 11 generated from the preliminary analysis plus two additional subsets, the first based on the combination of robust and fine-tuning features, and the second only on fine-tuning features were used to train the model ensemble. Accuracy, area under curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, precision, and f-score values were calculated to provide models’ performance. Friedman test, followed by post hoc tests corrected with Dunn-Sidak correction for multiple comparisons, was used to verify if statistically significant differences were found in the different ensemble models over the 30 iterations. The model ensemble trained with the combination of robust and fine-tuning features obtained the highest average accuracy (79.52%), AUC (85.75%), specificity (84.29%), precision (82.85%), and f-score (78.26%). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for some performance metrics. These findings support the role of [18F]-PSMA-1007 PET radiomics in improving risk stratification for PCa, by reducing dependence on biopsies.
The polyphonic principle in the novelistic thinking of Olga Tokarczuk
Authors: Novák Radomil
Published: September 2024

This study explores the influence of the musical principle of polyphony in the novelistic thinking of the Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk, with a particular focus on the structure of her novel Primeval and Other Times. This principle is manifested in various facets of the novels’ composition, their characters and their themes.

In the introductory part of this text, I apply the concept of intermediality to show how the polyphonic principle straddles the boundary-line between music and literature. As in music, also in literature the polyphonic principle is rooted in the principle of plurality: there is no single truth, no single perspective or way of looking at things, and each thought always exists in counterpoint with another thought. This creates a genuine multiplicity of voices each with equal status, which may exist in various relationships with each other (contrast, mirroring, divergence, complementing, etc.), though none of them represents a definitive truth.

The main focus in this study is on the novel Primeval and Other Times. When analyzing it, I apply the same approach as could be used for a complex polyphonic structure—specifically, a four-voice fugue with four clearly defined themes: space, time, God, and people. I trace how each of these themes is gradually developed through an elaborate counterpoint: (space: time, space: God, space: people, etc.), and I also set out to present a synthesis—because each voice (theme), despite its independence and equality of status, forms an integral part of the whole, contributing to the text’s meaning-making.