bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thin-coating contact mechanics with adhesion
Authors: Reedy E.D.
Published: October 2006

An elementary theory for a rigid spherical indenter contacting a thin, linear elastic coating that is bonded to a rigid substrate was developed. This theory predicts that contact area varies as the square root of the compressive load in contrast to Hertz theory where contact area varies as the two-thirds power of the compressive load. Finite element analysis confirmed an approximate square root dependence of contact area on compressive load when the coating thickness-to-indenter radius ratio is less than 0.1 and when the coating Poisson’s ratio is less than 0.45. Thin-coating contact mechanics theories that use either the Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov (DMT) approximation or the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) approximation were also developed. In addition, a finite element simulation capability that includes adhesion was developed and verified. Illustrative finite element simulations that include adhesion were then performed for a thin elastic coating (rigid indenter/substrate). Results were compared with the thin-coating contact theories and the transition from DMT-like to JKR-like response was examined.
Formation of loops on the surface of carbon nanofibers synthesized by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using an inductively coupled plasma reactor
Authors: Tzeng Shinn-Shyong , Wang Pei-Lun , Wu Ting-Yu , Chen Kao-Shao , Chyou San-Der , Lee Win-Tai , Chen Chih-Shen
Published: October 2006

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were synthesized by both high-density plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and thermal CVD. The growth in the former was carried out in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor. The multilayer loop structure, which was reported to be found on both the inner and outer surfaces of cup-stacked-type CNFs grown using thermal CVD only after heat treatment above 1500 °C, was observed in the as-grown CNFs only on the outer surface using ICP-CVD. The dangling bonds caused by plasma etching and the bonding between edge carbon atoms aided by the high-density plasma are considered the main reasons of the formation of multilayer loops.
Exploring the Ethics of Clinical Research in an Urban Community
Authors: Grady Christine , Hampson Lindsay A. , Wallen Gwenyth R. , Rivera-Goba Migdalia V. , Carrington Kelli L. , Mittleman Barbara B.
Published: October 2006

Objectives. We consulted with representatives of an urban community in Washington, DC, about the ethics of clinical research involving residents of the community with limited access to health care.

Methods. A semistructured community consultation was conducted with core members of the Health Partnership Program of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Three research case examples were discussed; questions and probes (a predetermined question or series of questions used to further investigate or follow-up a response) guided the discussion.

Results. The community representatives who took part in the consultation were supportive of research and appreciated the opportunity to be heard. They noted the importance of respecting the circumstances, values, needs, and welfare of research participants; supported widely representative recruitment strategies; and cited the positive benefits of providing care or treatment to participants. Monitoring participants’ welfare and ensuring care at a study’s end were emphasized. Trust was a central theme; participants suggested several trust-enhancing strategies, including full disclosure of information and the involvement of advocates, physicians, and trusted church members.

Conclusions. Several important strategies emerged for conducting ethical research in urban communities whose residents have limited access to health care.
Blood and Oil: Vehicle Characteristics in Relation to Fatality Risk and Fuel Economy
Authors: Robertson Leon S.
Published: October 2006

I examined the potential for a lower risk of death compatible with increased fuel economy among 67 models of 1999–2002 model year cars, vans, and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) during the calendar years 2000 to 2004. The odds of death for drivers and all persons killed in vehicle collisions were related to vehicle weight, size, stability, and crashworthiness.

I calculated that fatality rates would have been 28% lower and fuel use would have been reduced by 16% if vehicle weights had been reduced to the weight of vehicles with the lowest weight per size, where size is measured by the lateral distance needed to perform a 180-degree turn. If, in addition, all vehicles had crashworthiness and stability equal to those of the top-rated vehicles, more than half the deaths involving passenger cars, vans, and SUVs could have been prevented by vehicle modifications.
Proteolysis and Characterization of Peptidases in Forage Plants
Authors: Pichard Gaston R. , Tesser Bruno R. , Vives Catalina , Solari Catterina , Hott Adolfo , Larraín Rafael E.
Published: October 2006

Plant peptidases are involved in protein degradation in the rumen of grazing animals, but little is known about the variation in their activity under anaerobic conditions at 39°C. We investigated the activity of endogenous peptidases in 342 accessions of grass and legume forages and the molecular weight and class of peptidases in a subsample of them. Proteolytic activity was measured by in vitro incubation of tissue over a gelatin substrate. Molecular weight and class of peptidases were assessed by zymograms. A wide range in proteolytic activity index (PAI) was detected (mean PAI = 0.35, ranged from 0.00 to 1.30). More than 88% of the observed variance was due to differences in genus, species, and cultivar. Most of the species had one main peptidase, and their molecular weights ranged from 54 to 130 kDa. In the six species tested, proteases present corresponded to the serine class. The wide variation in proteolysis observed and the predominant occurrence of one peptidase of the same enzyme class support the idea that a reduction of protease activity in forages can be achieved by genetic improvement.
Transformation of Fall‐Banded Urea: Application Date, Landscape Position, and Fertilizer Additive Effects
Authors: Tiessen Kevin H. D. , Flaten Donald N. , Bullock Paul R. , Burton David L. , Grant Cynthia A. , Karamanos Rigas E.
Published: October 2006

A 2‐yr study was initiated in the fall of 2000 to generate fundamental information on the effects of application date, landscape position, and a combined urease and nitrification inhibitor (NBPT [N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide] and DCD [dicyandiamide], respectively) on the rate of transformation of fall‐banded urea fertilizer into NH4+ and eventually NO3− under conditions typical for Manitoba, Canada. Landscape position did not have a large effect on the conversion of banded urea to NO3− under the moisture conditions present during the autumn period at the sites. Delaying application of fall‐banded urea fertilizer into the late fall and the presence of NBPT and DCD slowed nitrification and increased the recovery of fertilizer N as NH4+ (%RFN as NH4+) in the soil before it froze. Date of application, the soil temperature on the date of application, and the accumulation of SHU (soil heat units) and NHU (nitrification heat units) were all linearly related to the %RFN as NH4+ Accumulated SHU and NHU were most strongly correlated with the %RFN as NH4+ at the end of the fall, with and without inhibitors. The interactions between time, temperature, and nitrification demonstrate that producers in the Northern Great Plains region must consider the overall length of time that fall‐applied N fertilizer will be exposed to the soil before the soil freezes, even after the soil temperature has reached a given level and even if the fertilizer is banded.
Evaluating Crops for a Flexible Summer Fallow Cropping System
Authors: Felter Douglas G. , Lyon Drew J. , Nielsen David C.
Published: October 2006

Substituting a short‐season, spring‐planted crop for summer fallow when soil water is sufficient at planting might reduce soil degradation without significantly increasing the risk of crop failure. The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of crop grain or forage yield to plant available soil water at planting. The study was conducted on silt loam soils in 2004 and 2005 at Sidney, NE, and Akron, CO. A range of soil water levels was established with supplemental irrigation before planting. Four crops [spring triticale (X Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm.) for forage, dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) for grain, proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) for grain, and foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.) for forage] were no‐till seeded into corn (Zea mays L.) residue in a split‐plot design with four replications per location. Triticale forage yield increased by 229 kg ha−1 for each centimeter of soil water available at planting in 2004. Foxtail millet forage yield and grain yield of proso millet increased by 399 kg ha−1 cm−1 and 148 kg ha−1 cm−1, respectively, at Akron in 2004. Spring triticale, foxtail millet, and proso millet did not respond to soil water at planting in 2005, when precipitation was above the long‐term average. Dry pea did not demonstrate a consistent positive response to soil water availability at planting. Soil water at planting may be a useful indicator of potential yield for selected short‐season spring‐planted summer crops, particularly when crop production is limited by growing season precipitation.
Crimson Clover Seed Production and Volunteer Reseeding at Various Grazing Termination Dates
Authors: Evers Gerald W. , Smith Gerald R.
Published: October 2006

Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) is a widely used cool‐season annual clover in the southeastern USA, but is not considered a dependable reseeder. Grazing termination dates (GTD) of 2‐wk intervals from 1 April to 15 May for 3 yr were used on small plots of seven crimson cultivars. Seed production characteristics, seed germination after seed harvest, remaining hard seed percentage after 90 d heat treatment, and volunteer reseeding were determined. There was a general decline in flower density, seed weight flower−1 and seed yield as GTD was delayed. There was variability among cultivars for flower density and seed weight flower−1, but in only 1 out of 3 yr for seed production. Percentage germination, soft seed, and hard seed after seed harvest were not influenced by GTD. Cultivars did differ for percentage germination and hard seed in 2 of 3 yr. Cultivar ranking was not consistent among years except for Columbus that always had high germination and low hard seed percentages. ‘Auburn’ and ‘Flame’ maintained the best hard seed percentage after the 90 d heat treatment. Volunteer seedling densities of 100 m−2 or higher occurred if grazing was terminated by mid‐April except for Columbus. The poor reseeding of crimson clover is due to the initial low hard seed production and decline of hard seed percentage during the summer.
Starter Nitrogen Fertilizer Impact on Soybean Yield and Quality in the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Osborne S. L. , Riedell W. E.
Published: October 2006

Though there have been numerous studies on the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], relatively few have investigated early season N application in the unique environment of the northern Great Plains. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of starter N fertilization on soybean yield and quality in this cool environment. To achieve this objective a field experiment was established within a 2‐yr corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean rotation, using a split‐plot design with four replications. Whole plots were tillage [no‐tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT)] with starter fertilizer (N source by rate) as the split plot treatments. Nitrogen was band applied at planting as either ammonium nitrate (AN) or urea (UR), at rates to supply 0, 8, 16, and 24 kg N ha−1. Yields were greater for the 2004 growing season than 2002 and 2003, possibly due to more favorable environmental conditions. In 2 of the 3 yr there was an increase in grain yield and early (V3–V4 and R1) plant biomass and plant N due to starter N. The initial increase in plant vigor resulted in a grain yield increase compared to the no N treatment. Analysis pooled over the 3 yr of the experiment showed an average yield increase of 6% for the 16 kg N ha−1 rate, compared to the no N treatment, with no difference in grain N or oil concentration. This research demonstrates that applying N as starter has the potential to increase soybean yield and early plant growth, but this may or may not translate into improved grain quality in the unique environments of the northern Great Plains.
Creeping Signalgrass Versus Bahiagrass for Cow and Calf Grazing
Authors: Ezenwa Ike V. , Kalmbacher Robert S. , Arthington John D. , Pate Findlay M.
Published: October 2006

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) is the predominant pasture grass in Florida because it is well adapted to the extensive low‐input cattle management typical of Florida's beef production. Creeping signalgrass [Urochloa humidicola (Rendle) Morrone & Zuloaga), syn. Brachiaria humidicola (Rendle) Schweick.] shares many of the desirable characteristics of bahiagrass, but no comparative grazing trials have been conducted. We measured calf body weight (BW) gains on signalgrass and bahiagrass from May to early August (weaning) and monitored cow BW changes from August through October over 4 yr. Calf BW at weaning averaged 250 kg on signalgrass and 235 kg on bahiagrass (P = 0.13), and calf average daily gain was 0.66 kg d−1 for signalgrass and 0.48 kg d−1 for bahiagrass (P = 0.07). Cows grazing signalgrass weighed more (P = 0.03) in October (564 kg) than cows on bahiagrass (513 kg) and had higher (P = 0.01) body condition scores (5.7 vs. 4.7, respectively)]. There was no difference between bahiagrass and signalgrass [8380 and 9580 kg dry matter (DM) ha−1] for forage accumulation from May through October, but forage mass was greater for signalgrass than bahiagrass from July to October. A problem with signalgrass was that 33% of annual forage DM accumulation occurred in a 28‐d period beginning with the start of summer rain. Signalgrass had greater organic matter digestibility (545 g kg−1) than bahiagrass (476 g kg−1), but it always contained less crude protein (87 vs. 107 g kg−1). A freeze (−5°C) reduced signalgrass ground cover to ≈50% and delayed grazing in 1 of 4 yr. Forage production, nutritive value, and livestock gains on signalgrass equaled or exceeded those of bahiagrass, but poor cold tolerance, limited growth before May, and excessive growth in July are potential problems with signalgrass pasture production.
Generative Artificial Intelligence to Transform Inpatient Discharge Summaries to Patient-Friendly Language and Format
Authors: Zaretsky Jonah , Kim Jeong Min , Baskharoun Samuel , Zhao Yunan , Austrian Jonathan , Aphinyanaphongs Yindalon , Gupta Ravi , Blecker Saul B. , Feldman Jonah
Published: March 2024

Importance

By law, patients have immediate access to discharge notes in their medical records. Technical language and abbreviations make notes difficult to read and understand for a typical patient. Large language models (LLMs [eg, GPT-4]) have the potential to transform these notes into patient-friendly language and format.

Objective

To determine whether an LLM can transform discharge summaries into a format that is more readable and understandable.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study evaluated a sample of the discharge summaries of adult patients discharged from the General Internal Medicine service at NYU (New York University) Langone Health from June 1 to 30, 2023. Patients discharged as deceased were excluded. All discharge summaries were processed by the LLM between July 26 and August 5, 2023.

Interventions

A secure Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–compliant platform, Microsoft Azure OpenAI, was used to transform these discharge summaries into a patient-friendly format between July 26 and August 5, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes included readability as measured by Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and understandability using Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) scores. Readability and understandability of the original discharge summaries were compared with the transformed, patient-friendly discharge summaries created through the LLM. As balancing metrics, accuracy and completeness of the patient-friendly version were measured.

Results

Discharge summaries of 50 patients (31 female [62.0%] and 19 male [38.0%]) were included. The median patient age was 65.5 (IQR, 59.0-77.5) years. Mean (SD) Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was significantly lower in the patient-friendly discharge summaries (6.2 [0.5] vs 11.0 [1.5]; P < .001). PEMAT understandability scores were significantly higher for patient-friendly discharge summaries (81% vs 13%; P < .001). Two physicians reviewed each patient-friendly discharge summary for accuracy on a 6-point scale, with 54 of 100 reviews (54.0%) giving the best possible rating of 6. Summaries were rated entirely complete in 56 reviews (56.0%). Eighteen reviews noted safety concerns, mostly involving omissions, but also several inaccurate statements (termed hallucinations).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study of 50 discharge summaries suggest that LLMs can be used to translate discharge summaries into patient-friendly language and formats that are significantly more readable and understandable than discharge summaries as they appear in electronic health records. However, implementation will require improvements in accuracy, completeness, and safety. Given the safety concerns, initial implementation will require physician review.
Rate of Deceased Kidney Donation From Potential In-Hospital Deaths in the US, 2003-2021
Authors: Bragg-Gresham Jennifer , Licon Ana Laura , Kiryakos Jenna , Saran Rajiv , Roberts John P.
Published: March 2024

This cross-sectional study calculates deceased kidney donation rates in the US using deaths compatible with donation as the metric’s denominator.
NAMPT/NAD+/PARP1 Pathway Regulates CFA‐Induced Inflammatory Pain via NF‐κB Signaling in Rodents
Authors: Dai Yi , Lin Jiaqi , Chen Xiangde , Ren Jinxuan , Wu Chengwei , Shen Huihui , Li Xue , Yu Jing , Jiang Baochun , Yu Lina
Published: March 2024

Emerging evidence has implicated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism in various inflammatory diseases. In the study, the role of NAD+ metabolism in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)‐evoked inflammatory pain and the underlying mechanisms are investigated. The study demonstrated that CFA induced upregulation of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) without significant changes in the spinal cord. Inhibition of NAMPT expression by intrathecal injection of NAMPT siRNA alleviated CFA‐induced pain‐like behavior, decreased NAD+ contents in DRG, and lowered poly‐(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) activity levels. These effects are all reversed by the supplement of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Inhibition of PARP1 expression by intrathecal injection of PARP1 siRNA alleviated CFA‐induced pain‐like behavior, while elevated NAD+ levels of DRG. The analgesic effect of inhibiting NAMPT/NAD+/PARP1 axis can be attributed to the downregulation of the NF‐κB/IL‐1β inflammatory pathway. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that the expression of NAMPT/NAD+/PARP1 axis is restricted to DRG neurons. In conclusion, PARP1 activation in response to CFA stimulation, fueled by NAMPT‐derived NAD+, mediates CFA‐induced inflammatory pain through NF‐κB/IL‐1β inflammatory pathway.
Remanent Magnetic Field Scanning of Coating‐Graded Hybrid Foams
Authors: Kunz Francesco , Ibrahim Bashar , Becker Michael M. , Gao Haibin , Fischer Sarah C. L. , Jung Anne
Published: March 2024

The manufacturing of hybrid materials such as nickel/polyurethane (Ni/PU) hybrid foams and 3D printed hybrid materials with the aid of electrochemical coating of lightweight structures leads to new materials, which can be used as crash absorbers, but also for lightweight design applications. Optimizing the coating quality of the developed hybrid materials necessitates a characterization on different scales regarding the coating thickness distribution. The ferromagnetic properties of the nickel coating enable a remanent magnetization of the produced hybrid foams and a subsequent measurement of resulting magnetic fields, so that the time‐consumption of a coating distribution determination could be enormously reduced by automating the quantification method. Previous studies have shown, that the local strength of these fields correlates with the deposited mass thus the coating thickness. The here presented automated measurement gives useful information about the homogeneity and the local coating thickness distribution according to an appropriate calibration. In order to optimize the coating quality of the newly developed hybrid materials, improved deposition conditions, as well as semi‐automated characterization methods, are studied to establish a large‐scale industrial production and a higher applicability of hybrid materials in the near future.
Precision Culture Scaling to Establish High‐Throughput Vasculogenesis Models
Authors: Dennison Nicholas R. , Fusenig Maximilian , Grönnert Lisa , Maitz Manfred F. , Ramirez Martinez Maria Alejandra , Wobus Manja , Freudenberg Uwe , Bornhäuser Martin , Friedrichs Jens , Westenskow Peter D. , Werner Carsten
Published: March 2024

Hydrogel‐based 3D cell cultures can recapitulate (patho)physiological phenomena ex vivo. However, due to their complex multifactorial regulation, adapting these tissue and disease models for high‐throughput screening workflows remains challenging. In this study, a new precision culture scaling (PCS‐X) methodology combines statistical techniques (design of experiment and multiple linear regression) with automated, parallelized experiments and analyses to customize hydrogel‐based vasculogenesis cultures using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Variations of cell density, growth factor supplementation, and media composition are systematically explored to induce vasculogenesis in endothelial mono‐ and cocultures with mesenchymal stromal cells or retinal microvascular pericytes in 384‐well plate formats. The developed cultures are shown to respond to vasculogenesis inhibitors in a compound‐ and dose‐dependent manner, demonstrating the scope and power of PCS‐X in creating parallelized tissue and disease models for drug discovery and individualized therapies.
Lattice Plainification Leads to High Thermoelectric Performance of P‐Type PbSe Crystals
Authors: Liu Shibo , Wen Yi , Bai Shulin , Shi Haonan , Qin Yongxin , Qin Bingchao , Liu Dongrui , Cao Qian , Gao Xiang , Su Lizhong , Chang Cheng , Zhang Xiao , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: March 2024

Thermoelectrics has applications in power generation and refrigeration. Since only commercial Bi2Te3 has a low abundance Te, PbSe gets attention. This work enhances the near‐room temperature performance of p‐type PbSe through enhancing carrier mobility via lattice plainification. Composition controlled and Cu‐doped p‐type PbSe crystals are grown through physical vapor deposition. Results exhibit an enhanced carrier mobility ≈2578 cm2 V−1 s−1 for Pb0.996Cu0.0004Se. Microstructure characterization and density functional theory calculations verify the introduced Cu atoms filled Pb vacancies, realizing lattice plainification and enhancing the carrier mobility. The Pb0.996Cu0.0004Se sample achieves a power factor ≈42 µW cm−1 K−2 and a ZT ≈ 0.7 at 300 K. The average ZT of it reaches ≈0.9 (300–573 K), resulting in a single‐leg power generation efficiency of 7.1% at temperature difference of 270 K, comparable to that of p‐type commercial Bi2Te3. A 7‐pairs device paired the p‐type Pb0.996Cu0.0004Se with the n‐type commercial Bi2Te3 shows a maximum cooling temperature difference ≈42 K with the hot side at 300 K, ≈65% of that of the commercial Bi2Te3 device. This work highlights the potential of p‐type PbSe for power generation and refrigeration near room temperature and hope to inspire researchers on replacing commercial Bi2Te3.
Lymph node metastases in middle and upper mediastinum of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma: A real‐world retrospective study
Authors: Luo Peng , Chen Xiankai , Yang Yafan , Zhang Ruixiang , Kang Xiaozheng , Qin Jianjun , Qi Xiuzhu , Li Yin
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore whether the upper and/or middle mediastinal nodes (UMMN) should be dissected in Siewert type II adenocarcinoma (AC) according to the incidence of lymph node metastasis. Additionally, to investigate the association between the length of esophageal involvement (LEI) and the UMMN metastases.

Methods

A cohort with Siewert type II AC who were operated on by a surgical team that routinely treated esophagogastric junction (EGJ) tumors with esophagectomy and extended lymphadenectomy were assessed retrospectively. The primary endpoint of the research was the metastasis rate of UMMN.

Results

A total of 94 patients with EGJ tumor from July 2018 to September 2022 were enrolled. Station 106recR (6.4%, 6/94) was the only station among upper mediastinal nodes (UMN) that presented positive nodes. Middle mediastinal nodes (MMN) metastases of station 107, 109 and station 108 were 2.1% (2/94) and 5.0% (4/80), respectively. Among the 11 patients with MMN or UMN metastases, 63.6% (7/11) had lesser than seven metastatic nodes, and 54.5% (6/11) had a pathological N stage ≤2. LEI >3 cm (p = 0.042) showed a higher risk for MMN metastases in univariable logistic analysis. However, no independent risk factor for mediastinal node metastases was detected.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the incidence of positive MMN and UMN is relatively low in resectable Siewert type II AC, which indicated that it is not necessary to perform a routine dissection upon these stations. LEI >3 cm might be associated with higher risk for mediastinal node metastasis. Certain patients could benefit from extended lymphadenectomy since most of the patients with positive MMN or UMN have a limited number of metastatic nodes.
A male fetus with cyclopia was discovered after miscarriage: A rare case report from Syria
Authors: Dakkak Tala , Mansour Marah , Jarbouh Habib , Ktail Abdolmoin
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case of alobar holoprosencephaly and cyclopia emphasizes the value of prenatal check‐ups, particularly in low‐income countries. Early ultrasound diagnosis leads to early gestational termination, preventing psychological trauma for the parents.

Alobar holoprosencephaly is a rare‐occurrence malformation with a bad prognosis linked to cyclopia, the most severe cranial feature. Prenatal examinations are essential for identifying these deformities and preventing parental mental health damage.
Alternating 3rd‐ to 2nd‐Order Charge Reaction Kinetics on Bismuth Vanadate Photoanodes with Ultrathin Bismuth Metal–Organic–Frameworks
Authors: Cao Guangming , Liu Yanjie , Hu Jundie , Qu Jiafu , Zhang Zhichao , Xiong Xianqiang , Sun Wei , Yang Xiaogang , Li Chang Ming
Published: March 2024

The most challenging obstacle for photocatalysts to efficiently harvest solar energy is the sluggish surface redox reaction (e. g., oxygen evolution reaction, OER) kinetics, which is believed to originate from interface catalysis rather than the semiconductor photophysics. In this work, we developed a light–modulated transient photocurrent (LMTPC) method for investigating surface charge accumulation and reaction on the W‐doped bismuth vanadate (W : BiVO4) photoanodes during photoelectrochemical water oxidation. Under illuminating conditions, the steady photocurrent corresponds to the charge transfer rate/kinetics, while the integration of photocurrent (I~t) spikes during the dark period is regarded as the charge density under illumination. Quantitative analysis of the surface hole densities and photocurrents at 0.6 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode results in an interesting rate–law kinetics switch: a 3rd‐order charge reaction behavior appeared on W : BiVO4, but a 2nd‐order charge reaction occurred on W : BiVO4 surface modified with ultrathin Bi metal–organic–framework (Bi−MOF). Consequently, the photocurrent for water oxidation on W : BiVO4/Bi−MOF displayed a 50 % increment. The reaction kinetics alternation with new interface reconstruction is proposed for new mechanism understanding and/or high–performance photocatalytic applications.
Opportunities and challenges for gas coproduction from coal measure gas reservoirs with coal‐shale‐tight sandstone layers: A review
Authors: Liang Wei , Wang Jianguo , Leung Chunfai , Goh Sianghuat , Sang Shuxun
Published: March 2024

The extraction of coal measure gas has been shifted toward thin gas reservoirs due to the depletion of medium‐thick gas reservoirs. The coproduction of coalbed gas, shale gas, and tight sandstone gas (called a multisuperposed gas system) is a key low‐cost technology for the enhancement of natural gas production from thin gas reservoirs in coal measure. As an emerging engineering exploitation technology at its early stage of development, gas coproduction confronts various engineering challenges in hydraulic fracturing, bottom‐hole pressure regulation, well network arrangement, and extraction sequence. The current understanding of the opportunities and challenges in the gas coproduction from the multisuperposed gas system is not comprehensive enough. In this case, the previous achievements in the field of gas coproduction should be urgently reviewed to provide valuable guidance and recommendations for further development. This review first discusses the regional and spatial distribution characteristics and possible reservoir combinations of gas reservoirs in coal measure. Then, the basic properties of different reservoirs, engineering challenges, and interlayer interference are comparatively analyzed and discussed. The current simulation models for gas coproduction and potential future research directions are further explored. The results indicate that the coupling effects of reservoir heterogeneity, interwell interference, and geological structure for increasing coproduction prediction accuracy should be included in future simulation models for gas coproduction. Careful investigation is required to explore the mechanisms and their further quantifications on the effects of interlayer interference in gas coproduction. The fractal dimension as a scale can play an important role in the characterization of the gas and water transport in different reservoirs. The machine learning methods have tremendous potential to provide accurate and fast predictions for gas coproduction and interlayer interference.
Prediction of potential distributions of Morina kokonorica and Morina chinensis in China
Authors: Yuan Qing , Zhang Jingjing , Yao Zhiwen , Zhou Quan , Liu Penghui , Liu Wenhui , Liu Hairui
Published: March 2024

Changes in the habitats of species can provide insights into the impact of climate change on their habitats. Species in the genus Morina (Morinoideae) are perennial herbaceous plants that are mainly distributed in the South Asian Mountains and Eastern Mediterranean. In China, there are four species and two varieties of this genus distributed across the Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai, and Gansu provinces. This study used the optimal MaxEnt model to simulate past, current, and future potentially suitable habitats of Morina kokonorica and Morina chinensis. Seventy data of M. kokonorica occurrences and 3 of M. chinensis were used in the model to predict potentially suitable habitats. The model prediction results indicated that both M. kokonorica and M. chinensis exhibited trends of northward migration to higher latitudes and westward migration along the Himalayas to higher elevations, suggesting that the northern valleys of Hengduan Mountains and northern and eastern parts of the Himalayas were potential refugia for M. kokonorica, and the potential refugia for M. chinensis was located in the eastern part of Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The results of this niche analysis showed that the two species had higher levels of interspecific competition and that the environmental adaptability of M. chinensis was stronger. This research could help further understand the response pattern of Morina to environmental change, to understand the adaptability of species to the environment, and promote the protection of species.
Implications of tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular volume overload in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Kresoja Karl‐Patrik , Rosch Sebastian , Schöber Anne Rebecca , Fengler Karl , Schlotter Florian , Bombace Sara , Sagmeister Paula , von Roeder Maximilian , Kister Tobias , Gutberlet Matthias , Thiele Holger , Rommel Karl‐Philipp , Lurz Philipp
Published: March 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the pathophysiological implications of severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) by using tricuspid transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (T‐TEER) as a model of right ventricular (RV) volume overload relief.

Methods and results

This prospective interventional single arm trial (NCT04782908) included patients with invasively diagnosed HFpEF. The following parameters were prospectively assessed before and after T‐TEER: left ventricular (LV) diastolic properties by invasive pressure–volume loop recordings; biventricular time–volume curves and function as well as septal curvature by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; strain analyses for timing of septal motion. Overall, 20 patients (median age 78, interquartile range [IQR] 72–83 years, 65% female) were included. T‐TEER reduced TR by a median of 2 (of 5) grades (IQR 2–1). T‐TEER increased LV stroke volume and LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) (p < 0.001), without increasing LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) (p = 0.094), consequently diastolic function improved with a reduction in LVEDP/LVEDV (p = 0.001) and a rightward shift of the end‐diastolic pressure–volume relationship. The increase in LVEDV correlated with a decrease in RV end‐diastolic volume (p < 0.001) and LV transmural pressure increased (p = 0.028). Secondary to a decrease in early RV filling, improvements in early LV filling were observed, correlating with an alleviation of leftwards bowing of the septum (p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Diastolic LV properties in patients with HFpEF and severe TR are importantly determined by ventricular interaction in the setting of RV volume overload. T‐TEER reduces RV volume overload and improves biventricular interaction and physiology.
Explainable AI for optimizing oxygen reduction on Pt monolayer core–shell catalysts
Authors: Omidvar Noushin , Wang Shih‐Han , Huang Yang , Pillai Hemanth Somarajan , Athawale Andy , Wang Siwen , Achenie Luke E. K. , Xin Hongliang
Published: March 2024

As a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) has emerged as a versatile tool in accelerating catalytic materials discovery because of its ability to find complex patterns in high‐dimensional data. While the intricacy of cutting‐edge ML models, such as deep learning, makes them powerful, it also renders decision‐making processes challenging to explain. Recent advances in explainable AI technologies, which aim to make the inner workings of ML models understandable to humans, have considerably increased our capacity to gain insights from data. In this study, taking the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on {111}‐oriented Pt monolayer core–shell catalysts as an example, we show how the recently developed theory‐infused neural network (TinNet) algorithm enables a rapid search for optimal site motifs with the chemisorption energy of hydroxyl (OH) as a single descriptor, revealing the underlying physical factors that govern the variations in site reactivity. By exploring a broad design space of Pt monolayer core–shell alloys ( candidates) that were generated from thermodynamically stable bulk structures in existing material databases, we identified novel alloy systems along with previously known catalysts in the goldilocks zone of reactivity properties. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis reveals the important role of adsorbate resonance energies that originate from ‐band interactions in chemical bonding at metal surfaces. Extracting physical insights into surface reactivity with explainable AI opens up new design pathways for optimizing catalytic performance beyond active sites.
Ein modulares hypoplastisches Stoffmodell für granulare Böden unter nicht‐zyklischer Belastung
Authors: Pucker Tim
Published: March 2024

In diesem Artikel wird ein neues hypoplastisches Stoffmodell für granulare Böden vorgestellt, das modular aufgebaut ist. Die modulare Struktur ermöglicht die Anwendung des Stoffmodells unter Einschränkung der wiederzugebenden Bodeneffekte bereits mit sehr wenigen Materialinformationen. Je mehr Materialinformationen vorliegen, desto besser kann das Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Verhalten des Materials abgebildet werden. Das vorgestellte Stoffmodell wird zur Validierung mit den Ergebnissen einfacher Laborversuche verglichen. Darüber hinaus werden weitere Laborversuche simuliert, um die Leistungsfähigkeit des Stoffmodells zu zeigen.
Tuning the selectivity of CO2 conversion to CO on partially reduced Cu2O/ZnO heterogeneous interface
Authors: Xiang Tianci , Liu Ting , Ouyang Ting , Zhao Shenlong , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: March 2024

The development of stable and efficient low‐cost electrocatalysts is conducive to the industrialization of CO2. The synergy effect between the heterogeneous interface of metal/oxide can promote the conversion of CO2. In this work, Cu2O/ZnO heterostructures with partially reduced metal/oxide heterointerfaces in Zn plates (CZZ) have been synthesized for CO2 electroreduction in different cationic solutions (K+ and Cs+). Physical characterizations were used to demonstrate the heterojunction of Cu2O/ZnO and the heterointerfaces of metal/oxide; electrochemical tests were used to illustrate the enhancement of the selectivity of CO2 to CO in different cationic solutions. Faraday efficiency for CO with CZZ as catalyst reaches 70.9% in K+ solution (current density for CO −3.77 mA cm−2 and stability 24 h), and the Faraday efficiency for CO is 55.2% in Cs+ solution (−2.47 mA cm−2 and 21 h). In addition, in situ techniques are used to elucidate possible reaction mechanisms for the conversion of CO2 to CO in K+ and Cs+ solutions.
Ionic liquid‐supported copper‐catalyzed synthesis of 2H‐indazoles under microwave irradiation
Authors: Dasmahapatra Upala , Chanda Kaushik , Maiti Barnali
Published: March 2024

Five‐membered indazoles are recognized as a special scaffold having a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties among other heterocyclic compounds. New methods must be developed for the effective synthesis of 2H‐indazole because of the exceptionally high biological activity of compounds containing a 2H‐indazole core. We present the ionic liquid‐supported copper‐catalyzed one‐pot synthesis of 2H‐indazoles under microwave irradiation, continuing our ongoing investigation of the potential uses of bioactive compounds produced in the lab. The use of microwave and ionic liquid‐supported catalyst makes this process greener and more highly energy efficient than the conventional reported methods. Overall, by forming consecutive C‐N and N‐N bonds with the help of an ionic liquid‐supported copper catalyst, we have developed a novel green one‐pot technique for the synthesis of the 2H‐indazole motifs in very high yield.
High‐intensity focused ultrasound: Safety and efficacy of a novel treatment modality for neurofibromatosis type 1 cutaneous neurofibroma
Authors: Peltonen Sirkku , Serup Jørgen , Tang Mimmi , Gillstedt Martin , Kantere Despoina , Neittaanmäki Noora , Holmström Peter , Blakeley Jaishri O. , Rosner Karli , Roberts Joshua , Bove Torsten , Karmisholt Katrine Elisabeth
Published: March 2024

Background

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is widely used in the treatment of deep tumours, but clinical trials on skin tumours are not yet available. Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1) is among the most common single‐gene inherited conditions worldwide and predisposes to benign and malignant neoplasms of the nervous system. Multiple cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) often cause social and functional limitations, itching and pain.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the safety, local tolerability and efficacy of a novel method utilizing HIFU for the treatment of cNFs.

Methods

A 20 MHz HIFU‐device with an integrated dermoscopic guidance and a handpiece with a focus depth of 2.3 mm below the skin surface was used. Doses of acoustic energy with 0.7 J/dose and pulse duration of 250 ms/dose were manually positioned with 1–2 mm distance between each applied dose. Number of applied doses depended on the size of the cNF. No anaesthetic was applied.

Results

Twenty patients with NF1 were recruited in two centres, and 147 cNFs were treated. There were no serious adverse events. Immediate and transient wheal‐and‐flare reactions occurred at treatment sites and occasionally there was minor epidermal damage which healed in 1–2 weeks. Dyspigmentation occurred in some tumours after 3–9 months but no scarring was observed at 9‐month follow‐up. During treatment, the patient‐reported pain‐score median was 3.5 (range 1–7) on a 0–10‐point scale. Clinical rating of cNFs after 9 months showed 48.9% full or major tumour reduction. The median reduction in tumour thickness measured by ultrasound at 9 months was 0.53 mm (range: –100% to +19%).

Conclusions

HIFU treatment is a new noninvasive, rapid and tolerable treatment modality that with high precision targets intradermal lesions. This study demonstrates acceptable safety, local tolerance and efficacy of HIFU for the treatment of cNFs that may further be developed also for other skin tumours.
Early‐onset idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Roshith Deepika , Rawlingson Christopher , Clayton Timothy H. , Sethuraman Chitra , Arkwright Peter D.
Published: March 2024

Neutrophilic dermatoses are autoinflammatory disorders characterised by sterile cutaneous inflammatory neutrophilic infiltrates. This group of diseases is rare in infants and children, where sepsis is the diagnosis of exclusion. This report focuses on the clinical presentation, investigation and management of infants with idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum. It should allow for a better appreciation of the disease and a more patient‐focused approach to its diagnosis and management.
On radially symmetric oscillations of a collisional cold plasma
Authors: Rozanova Olga S. , Delova Maria I.
Published: March 2024

We study the influence of the friction term on the radially symmetric solutions of the repulsive Euler–Poisson equations with a non‐zero background, corresponding to cold plasma oscillations in multiple spatial dimensions. It is shown that for any arbitrarily small non‐negative constant friction coefficient, there exists a neighborhood of the zero equilibrium in the
norm such that the solution of the Cauchy problem with initial data belonging to this neighborhood remains globally smooth in time. Moreover, this solution converges to zero as
. This result contrasts with the situation of zero friction, where any small deviation from the zero equilibrium generally leads to a blow‐up. Our method allows us to estimate the lifetime of smooth solutions. Further, we prove that for any initial data, one can find such a coefficient of friction that the respective solution to the Cauchy problem keeps smoothness for all
and converges to zero. We also present the results of numerical experiments for physically reasonable situations, which allows us to estimate the value of the friction coefficient, which makes it possible to suppress the formation of singularities of solutions.
Kojic acid inhibits pig sperm apoptosis and improves capacitated sperm state during liquid preservation at 17°C
Authors: Hu Bingyan , Zhang Haize , Li Yuqing , Xue Qin , Yang Menghao , Cao Chaoyue , Gao Lei , Chu Guiyan , Cai Rui , Zheng Yi , Pang Weijun
Published: March 2024

The parameters of sperm apoptosis and capacitation during liquid storage at 17°C can indicate the quality of pig sperm and the potential development of early embryos. However, the effect of kojic acid (KA) on semen preservation and its mechanism has not been fully understood. In this study, we discovered that adding KA to the diluent improved the antioxidant capacity of sperm mitochondria, maintained the normal structure of sperm mitochondria, and reduced sperm apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that KA prevented the release of Cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, reduced the expression of pro‐apoptosis proteins cleaved Caspase‐3 and cleaved Caspase‐9, and increased the expression of the antiapoptosis protein Bcl‐XL. Furthermore, KA also enhanced the motility parameters, oxidative phosphorylation level, adenosine triphosphate level, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation of capacitated sperm, while preserving the acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity of capacitated sperm. In conclusion, this study offers new insights into the molecular mechanism of how KA inhibits porcine sperm apoptosis and improves capacitated sperm parameters. Additionally, it suggests that KA can serve as an alternative to antibiotics.
Feasibility study of micronutrient status and body mass index of newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients: Research commentary
Authors: Rogers Paul C. , Cheng Jeffrey , Lim Alecia , Potts James E.
Published: March 2024

We conducted a feasibility study to evaluate micronutrients and body mass index (BMI). Fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and trace elements copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) levels were evaluated. Weight, height, BMI, and Z‐scores were recorded. Side effects or specific adverse events were documented. No patient had a Z‐score for height, weight, or BMI of less than 2 SD or greater than 2 SD. Ninety percent of patients had one or more micronutrient levels below normal. These results suggest that micronutrient abnormalities are common despite no obvious evidence of malnutrition. Side effects of chemotherapy may be exacerbated by micronutrient depletion.
Single centre experience of the use of emicizumab in previously untreated and minimally treated patients under 18 months of age
Authors: Hassan Eman , Motwani Jayashree
Published: March 2024

Emicizumab has revolutionised haemophilia A treatment landscape and significantly reduced treatment burden, particularly in the paediatric population. We conducted a retrospective study, focused on infants aged ≤18 months with severe haemophilia A. The study included 16 patients, with a median age of 8.2 months and median treatment duration of 61.6 weeks. Before commencing emicizumab, six patients were minimally treated with ≤5 exposure days while 10 were previously untreated patients. Notably, all patients had no inhibitors at baseline, and none developed new inhibitors during the study period. Emicizumab was well tolerated, with no observed side effects or major bleeding events.