bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single and Multiple Suicide Attempts and Associated Health Risk Factors in New Hampshire Adolescents
Authors: Rosenberg Harriet J. , Jankowski Mary K. , Sengupta Anjana , Wolfe Rosemarie S. , Wolford II George L. , Rosenberg Stanley D.
Published: November 2005

In this study we examined self‐reported suicide attempts and their relationship to other health risk factors in a community sample of 16,644 adolescents. Fifteen percent endorsed suicide attempts (10% single; 5% multiple attempts). We hypothesized that multiple attempters would show higher prevalence of comorbid health risks than single or non‐attempters. The three groups showed significant differences in ten health risk domains, on factors such as depressed mood, sexual assault, weight problems, and drug and alcohol use (ORs: 3.26–13.57). Repeated suicide attempts appear to be related to increased vulnerability and likelihood of harm in multiple domains of health risk.
Living Circumstances of Suicide Mortality in a South African City: An Ecological Study of Differences Across Race Groups and Sexes
Authors: Burrows Stephanie , Laflamme Lucie
Published: November 2005

In this study the importance of living area circumstances for suicide mortality was explored. Suicide mortality was assessed across race and sex groups in a South African city and the influence of area‐based compositional and sociophysical characteristics on suicide risk was considered. Suicide mortality rates are highest among Whites, in particular White males. Main—and independent—dimensions of the living circumstances of residential areas (i.e., socioeconomic circumstances, economic need, and matrimony) influence age‐adjusted suicide rates for both sexes but minimally so for race groups. Less favorable clusters of circumstances have a protective effect.
Interfacing capillary electrophoresis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for redox speciation of plutonium
Authors: Ambard Chrystel , Delorme Arnaud , Baglan Nicolas , Aupiais Jean , Pointurier Fabien , Madic Charles
Published: November 2005

A robust and efficient interface between a capillary electrophoresis (CE) and an ICP-MS for actinide speciation studies was developed. This interface was made of two stainless steel T-shape pieces connected to the ICP-MS through a PFA-50 nebulizer. Fast separations (typically in less that 15 min) were obtained. The performances of the technique in terms of chemical separations carried out by the capillary electrophoresis and in terms of detection limits were investigated. Concerning the detection limit of the CE-ICP-MS system for plutonium, it was determined as 5 × 10−10 mol L−1 or 9 × 10−18 mol under our injection conditions. The coupling enables to separate at least three (III, V and VI) of the four plutonium oxidation states which can exist in aqueous solutions and to monitor oxidation and reduction processes.
Influence of reaction channel on the isomeric cross-section ratio
Authors: Qaim Syed M. , Sudár S. , Fessler A.
Published: November 2005

The influence of reaction channel on the isomeric cross-section ratio was investigated by analysing the experimental data on the reactions 52Cr(p, n)52m,gMn, 52Cr(3He, t)52m,gMn, 54Fe(d, α)52m,gMn, 54Fe(n, t)52m,gMn and 54Fe(3He, α p)52m,gMn over the incident particle energy range extending up to 35 MeV. The influence is most pronounced when the channels differ widely, for example (p, n) and (3He, t) processes, i.e. when the reaction mechanisms are different. The nuclear model calculational code EMPIRE-II described the isomeric cross-section ratio rather well in the case of a simple nucleon emission reaction, but not when complex reaction channels were involved.
Chemical studies on rutherfordium (Rf) at JAERI
Authors: Nagame Yuichi , Tsukada K. , Asai M. , Toyoshima A. , Akiyama K. , Ishii Y. , Kaneko-Sato T. , Hirata M. , Nishinaka I. , Ichikawa S. , Haba H. , Enomoto Shuichi
Published: November 2005

Chemical studies on element 104, rutherfordium (Rf), at JAERI (Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute) are reviewed. The transactinide nuclide261Rf has been produced in the reaction248Cm(18O, 5n) at the JAERI tandem accelerator with the production cross section of about 13 nb. On-line anion-exchange experiments on Rf together with the lighter homologues, group-4 elements Zr and Hf, in acidic solutions have been conducted with a rapid ion-exchange separation apparatus. From the systematic study of the anion-exchange behavior of Rf, it has been found that the properties of Rf in HCl and HNO3solutions are quite similar to those of Zr and Hf, definitely confirming that Rf is a member of the group-4 elements. However, we have observed an unexpected chemical behavior of Rf in HF solutions; the fluoride complex formation of Rf is significantly different from those of the homologues. Prospects of extending chemical studies on transactinide elements in the near future at JAERI are briefly considered.
The effect of parameter uncertainty on blind prediction of Np(V) sorption onto hematite using the Diffuse Double Layer Model
Authors: Richter Anke , Brendler V. , Nebelung C.
Published: November 2005

The aim of this work is to illustrate the effect of parameter uncertainty (protolysis constants) in surface complexation modeling. As example the blind prediction of Np(V) sorption onto hematite was selected, applying the Diffuse Double Layer Model (DDLM).

None of the pK parameter sets randomly generated within a space of two standard deviations did deliver unacceptable predictions for the distribution coefficients. Thus, the formally large spreading of the pK values as extracted from literature (even after normalization and extrapolation to infinite dilution) is actually not critical. For well-defined mineral systems, provided a suitable database is accessible, the DDLM approach seems to be promising.
Investigation on the chemical behaviour of a crown ether irradiated in high gamma radiation fields
Authors: Fornaciari Iljadica María C. , Furnari J. C. , Cohen Isaac M.
Published: November 2005

The performance, after irradiation at high gamma radiation doses, of the material known under the commercial name SrResin (Eichrom Industries, USA), consisting of a crown ether, 4,4′(5′)-bis(t-butyl-cyclohexane)-18-crown-6, in a solution of 1-octanol absorbed in a polymeric support, has been characterised. The matrix, disposed in columns moistened with dilute HNO3 or imbibed with 8 M HNO3, was irradiated with a 60Co radiation field at doses from 2 kGy up to 40 kGy, and the separative properties of the columns were measured through the barium–strontium separation. Although the effects of the irradiation are displacement of the elution volumes and an increase of losses of the elements, quantitative separation of barium and strontium is still feasible.
Ion chromatographic analysis of aqueous iodine species by conductivity and radioactivity measurements
Authors: Schumann Dorothea , Grasser R. , Dressler R. , Bruchertseifer H.
Published: November 2005

A new device was developed for the identification of several iodine species in aqueous solution using ion chromatography. Iodide, iodate and molecular iodine can be determined. (The equipment allows both conductivity and radioactivity detections.) The method is applicable for the determination of radioactive iodine contaminations in the cooling water of nuclear power plants.
Determination of actinides and 90Sr in spent ion exchange resins
Authors: Tavčar Polona , Benedik Ljudmila
Published: November 2005

In the present work, we focused on determination of some important activation products like 238Pu, 239Pu/ 240Pu, 241Am, and 237Np, and 90Sr as a fission product in spent ion exchange resins. The activation products of interest are alpha emitters, while 90Sr is a beta emitter. Radioactive solutions of 241Am, 238Pu, 237Np, and 90Sr and pure ion exchange resins were used to prepare artificial samples which were subsequently subjected to an analytical procedure. This consisted of wet destruction of the resins with Fenton's reagent followed by separations using ion exchange. The activities found showed good agreement with calculated values and yields were also very good (above 50%). We also analysed five samples of spent ion exchange resin from the TRIGA Mark II research reactor. Activities of selected radionuclides were below expectations in all samples except in sample 1, which had higher activities of 90Sr, 137Cs, 60Co, 152Eu, and 154Eu. Total beta/gamma activity did not exceed the max. permitted level for low level waste.
Determination of neptunium in soil by ICP-MS
Authors: Ayranov Marin , Krähenbühl Urs , Sahli Hans , Röllin Stefan , Burger Mario
Published: November 2005

A fast and simple method for the determination of237Np in soil is presented. The borate fusion decreases the sample pre-treatment time and a TEVA extraction chromatography separates neptunium from uranium and the interfering matrix components. A comparison of the sensitivities of alpha spectrometry and sector field ICP-MS for determination of237Np is presented.
Channel Catfish Maturation in Mississippi Streams
Authors: Shephard Samuel , Jackson Donald C.
Published: November 2005

Commercial fisheries for wild channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in Mississippi are subject to a single statewide minimum length limit of 300 mm. This assumes either that all populations of channel catfish in Mississippi are biologically similar or that known differences are not significant enough to override social issues, such as the enforcement of more specific regulations. We quantified sexual maturity of channel catfish from nine rivers in Mississippi to establish a biologically appropriate spatial resolution for application of length-based harvest regulations. Age and length at 50% maturity differed among channel catfish populations from different rivers. Age and length at 50% maturity for channel catfish from all rivers combined differed among years but did not differ between sexes. Age at 50% maturity was negatively related to watershed soil fertility and positively related to mean watershed elevation, whereas length at 50% maturity was not related to any tested environmental factor (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that sexual maturity is reached sooner in systems that have greater fertility or a longer growing season. This effect is modified by annual climatic variability (e.g., rainfall) but indicates that length-based regulations should be applied at a river- or watershed-specific scale.
Angler Catch Rates and Catchability of Walleyes in Oneida Lake, New York
Authors: VanDeValk Anthony J. , Forney John L. , Jackson James R. , Rudstam Lars G. , Brooking Thomas E. , Krueger Scott D.
Published: November 2005

Understanding the relationship between anglers and fish is important to the management of angling fisheries. We compared angler catch rates estimated from creel surveys with (1) population density estimates of age-3 and older walleyes Sander vitreus based on mark–recapture and (2) mean growth of walleyes aged 4–6 in Oneida Lake during 1957–1959, 1997, and 2002– 2003. We also compared walleye catchability to walleye population density. Angler catch rates were not related to walleye population density; however, by combining population density and walleye growth, we were able to explain 97% of the variability in angler catch rates, perhaps because growth rates were related to prey abundance. Catchability of walleyes decreased as population density increased. Consideration of these effects should improve our understanding of angler–fish dynamics and allow fishery managers to better predict the effects of management actions.
Racial/Ethnic Variations in Veterans’ Ambulatory Care Use
Authors: Washington Donna L. , Villa Valentine , Brown Arleen , Damron-Rodriguez JoAnn , Harada Nancy
Published: October 2005

Objectives. We assessed racial/ethnic variations in patterns of ambulatory care use among Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care–eligible veterans to determine if racial/ethnic differences in health care use persist in equal-access systems.

Methods. We surveyed 3227 male veterans about their health and ambulatory care use.

Results. Thirty-eight percent of respondents had not had a health care visit in the previous 12 months. Black (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5), Hispanic (OR = 0.4), and Asian/Pacific Islander veterans (OR=0.4) were less likely than White veterans to report any ambulatory care use. Alternately, Whites (OR=2.2) were more likely than other groups to report ambulatory care use. Being White was a greater predictor of health care use than was having fair or poor health (OR=1.4) or functional limitations (OR=1.5). In non-VA settings, racial/ethnic minorities were less likely to have a usual provider of health care. There was no VA racial/ethnic variation in this parameter.

Conclusions. Racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care use are present among VA health care–eligible veterans. Although the VA plays an important role in health care delivery to ethnic minority veterans, barriers to VA ambulatory care use and additional facilitators for reducing unmet need still need to be investigated.
Information Technology as a Tool to Improve the Quality of American Indian Health Care
Authors: Sequist Thomas D. , Cullen Theresa , Ayanian John Z.
Published: October 2005

The American Indian/Alaska Native population experiences a disproportionate burden of disease across a spectrum of conditions. While the recent National Healthcare Disparities Report highlighted differences in quality of care among racial and ethnic groups, there was only very limited information available for American Indians. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently enhancing its information systems to improve the measurement of health care quality as well as to support quality improvement initiatives.

We summarize current knowledge regarding health care quality for American Indians, highlighting the variation in reported measures in the existing literature. We then discuss how the IHS is using information systems to produce standardized performance measures and present future directions for improving American Indian health care quality.
Genomics and the Public Health Code of Ethics
Authors: Thomas James C. , Irwin Debra E. , Zuiker Erin Shaugnessy , Millikan Robert C.
Published: October 2005

We consider the public health applications of genomic technologies as viewed through the lens of the public health code of ethics. We note, for example, the potential for genomics to increase our appreciation for the public health value of interdependence, the potential for some genomic tools to exacerbate health disparities because of their inaccessibility by the poor and the way in which genomics forces public health to refine its notions of prevention.

The public health code of ethics sheds light on concerns raised by commercial genomic products that are not discussed in detail by more clinically oriented perspectives. In addition, the concerns raised by genomics highlight areas of our understanding of the ethical principles of public health in which further refinement may be necessary.
Latino Populations: A Unique Opportunity for the Study of Race, Genetics, and Social Environment in Epidemiological Research
Authors: González Burchard Esteban , Borrell Luisa N. , Choudhry Shweta , Naqvi Mariam , Tsai Hui-Ju , Rodriguez-Santana Jose R. , Chapela Rocio , Rogers Scott D. , Mei Rui , Rodriguez-Cintron William , Arena Jose F. , Kittles Rick , Perez-Stable Eliseo J. , Ziv Elad , Risch Neil
Published: October 2005

Latinos are the largest minority population in the United States. Although usually classified as a single ethnic group by researchers, Latinos are heterogeneous from cultural, socioeconomic, and genetic perspectives.

From a cultural and social perspective, Latinos represent a wide variety of national origins and ethnic and cultural groups, with a full spectrum of social class. From a genetic perspective, Latinos are descended from indigenous American, European, and African populations.

We review the historical events that led to the formation of contemporary Latino populations and use results from recent genetic and clinical studies to illustrate the unique opportunity Latino groups offer for studying the interaction between racial, genetic, and environmental contributions to disease occurrence and drug response.
Accuracy of Labeling of Galantamine Generic Drugs and Dietary Supplements
Authors: Cohen Pieter A. , Jacobs Bram , Van Hoorde Koenraad , Vanhee Céline
Published: February 2024

This study examines the accuracy of labeling for galantamine products formulated as both generic drugs and dietary supplements, as well as tests for contamination with microorganisms.
Use of Efficiency Frontiers to Align Prices and Clinical Benefits of Biologic Therapies for Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Egilman Alexander C. , Kesselheim Aaron S. , Avorn Jerry , Raymakers Adam J. N. , Rome Benjamin N.
Published: February 2024

Importance

The US lacks a systematic approach for aligning drug prices with clinical benefit, and traditional cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) faces political obstacles. The efficiency frontier (EF) method offers policymakers an alternative approach.

Objective

To assess how the EF approach could align prices and clinical benefits of biologic medications for plaque psoriasis and estimate price reductions in the US vs 4 peer countries: Australia, Canada, France, and Germany.

Design and Setting

This health economic evaluation used the EF approach to compare the prices and clinical benefits of 11 biologics and 2 biosimilars for plaque psoriasis in the US, Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. Data were collected from February to March 2023 and analyzed from March to June 2023.

Main Outcome Measures

EFs were constructed based on each biologic’s efficacy, measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 response rate, and annual treatment cost as of January 2023; US costs were net of estimated manufacturer rebates. Prices based on the EF were compared with traditional CEA-based prices calculated by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review at a threshold of $150 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

Results

Among 13 biologics, PASI 90 response rates ranged from 17.9% (etanercept) to 71.6% (risankizumab); US net annual treatment costs ranged from $1664 (infliximab-dyyb) to $79 277 (risankizumab). The median (IQR) net annual treatment cost was higher in the US ($34 965 [$20 493-$48 942]) than prerebate costs in Australia ($9179 [$6691-$12 688]), Canada ($15 556 [$13 017-$16 112]), France ($9478 [$6637-$11 678]), and Germany ($13 829 [$13 231-$15 837]). The US EF included infliximab-dyyb (PASI 90: 57.4%; annual cost: $1664), ixekizumab (PASI 90: 70.8%; annual cost: $33 004), and risankizumab (PASI 90: 71.6%; annual cost: $79 277). US prices for psoriasis biologics would need to be reduced by a median (IQR) of 71% (31%-95%) to align with those estimated using the EF; the same approach would yield smaller price reductions in Canada (41% [6%-57%]), Australia (36% [0%-65%]), France (19% [0%-67%]), and Germany (11% [8%-26%]). Except for risankizumab, the EF-based prices were lower than the prices based on traditional CEA.

Conclusions and Relevance

This economic evaluation showed that for plaque psoriasis biologics, using an EF approach to negotiate prices could lead to substantial price reductions and better align prices with clinical benefits. US policymakers might consider using EFs to achieve prices commensurate with comparative clinical benefits, particularly for drug classes with multiple therapeutic alternatives for which differences can be adequately summarized by a single outcome measurement.
Incarceration History and Access to and Receipt of Health Care in the US
Authors: Zhao Jingxuan , Star Jessica , Han Xuesong , Zheng Zhiyuan , Fan Qinjin , Shi Sylvia Kewei , Fedewa Stacey A. , Yabroff K. Robin , Nogueira Leticia M.
Published: February 2024

Importance

People with a history of incarceration may experience barriers in access to and receipt of health care in the US.

Objective

To examine the associations of incarceration history and access to and receipt of care and the contribution of modifiable factors (educational attainment and health insurance coverage) to these associations.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Individuals with and without incarceration history were identified from the 2008 to 2018 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort. Analyses were conducted from October 2022 to December 2023.

Main Measures and Outcomes

Access to and receipt of health care were measured as self-reported having usual source of care and preventive service use, including physical examination, influenza shot, blood pressure check, blood cholesterol level check, blood glucose level check, dental check, and colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings across multiple panels. To account for the longitudinal study design, we used the inverse probability weighting method with generalized estimating equations to evaluate associations of incarceration history and access to care. Separate multivariable models examining associations between incarceration history and receipt of each preventive service adjusted for sociodemographic factors; sequential models further adjusted for educational attainment and health insurance coverage to examine their contribution to the associations of incarceration history and access to and receipt of health care.

Results

A total of 7963 adults with 41 614 person-years of observation were included in this study; of these, 586 individuals (5.4%) had been incarcerated, with 2800 person-years of observation (4.9%). Compared with people without incarceration history, people with incarceration history had lower percentages of having a usual source of care or receiving preventive services, including physical examinations (69.6% vs 74.1%), blood pressure test (85.6% vs 91.6%), blood cholesterol level test (59.5% vs 72.2%), blood glucose level test (61.4% vs 69.4%), dental check up (51.1% vs 66.0%), and breast (55.0% vs 68.2%) and colorectal cancer screening (65.6% vs 70.3%). With additional adjustment for educational attainment and health insurance, the associations of incarceration history and access to care were attenuated for most measures and remained statistically significant for measures of having a usual source of care, blood cholesterol level test, and dental check up only.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this survey study suggest that incarceration history was associated with worse access to and receipt of health care. Educational attainment and health insurance may contribute to these associations. Efforts to improve access to education and health insurance coverage for people with an incarceration history might mitigate disparities in care.
Expansion of Child Tax Credits and Mental Health of Parents With Low Income in 2021
Authors: Nam Jaehyun , Kwon Sarah Jiyoon
Published: February 2024

Importance

The 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) expansion, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, offered financial relief through generous monthly tax benefits to families with children amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of heightened concerns about mental health during the pandemic, the expanded CTC may have alleviated parental mental health challenges, especially within families with low income.

Objective

To investigate the association between the 2021 CTC expansion and mental health among parents with low income as measured by depression and anxiety symptoms.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This repeated cross-sectional study used data from the Household Pulse Survey covering April 14, 2021, to January 10, 2022, in the US. A difference-in-difference-in-differences estimator combined with propensity score matching was used to estimate the association of the expanded CTC with mental health symptoms among households with income less than $35 000.

Exposure

The monthly payment of expanded CTC from July 15 to December 15, 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Parental mental health was measured by analyzing depression and anxiety symptoms using logistic regression.

Results

The weighted sample comprised 546 366 adults (mean [SD] age, 43.02 [14.54] years; 52.9% female). The most common education level was high school or less (36.0%), the highest frequency of household income distribution was $50 000 to $74 999 (16.1%), and the majority of the sample was employed (67.3%). The weighted mean (SD) number of children in the household was 0.92 (1.18). For the full sample, receiving expanded CTC benefits was associated with lower odds of experiencing anxiety symptoms (odds ratio, 0.730; 95% CI, 0.598-0.890). Subgroup analyses indicated that the positive associations of the policy with anxiety symptoms were particularly pronounced among the female, working-age (17-60 years), non-Hispanic White, and higher education groups. However, the policy expansion had no association with depression.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings may provide valuable evidence for policy makers to consider when deliberating on the possibility of making the CTC expansion permanent or transforming it into a universal program.
Childhood Factors Associated With Unnatural Death Through Midadulthood
Authors: Roth Kimberly B. , Kahn Geoffrey , Storr Carla L. , Wilcox Holly C.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Life expectancy is decreasing in the US. Without national efforts to address factors that support policies and programs directed at children living in areas of concentrated poverty, life expectancy will likely continue to decline while costs and suffering associated with unnatural deaths will increase.

Objective

To identify which childhood factors are associated with death from unnatural causes through midadulthood.

Design, Setting, and Participants

For this cohort study, longitudinal data on childhood characteristics came from a group-randomized intervention trial implemented in Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, Maryland (baseline 1985-1986; all students entering first grade were selected to participate at age 6 years). Participants were followed up to midadulthood with a National Death Index search through December 31, 2020. Data analysis was performed from February to May 2023.

Exposures

Exposures included individual factors (ie, sociodemographic characteristics, teacher-reported aggressive behavior, self-reported depression, anxiety, early alcohol and cannabis use, and assaultive violence exposure), family and peer factors (ie, household structure and education level, deviant peer affiliation, and parental monitoring), and neighborhood factors (ie, rates of neighborhood assault and public assistance).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was unnatural death, defined as death due to unintentional injury, suicide, and homicide. A National Death Index search ascertained participants who died by age 41 to 42 years and cause of death. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify whether the exposures were independently associated with future mortality by unnatural causes.

Results

The initial trial included 2311 children, and longitudinal data were available for 2180 participants (median [IQR] age in first grade, 6.3 [6.0-6.5] years; 1090 female [50.0%]; 1461 Black [67.0%]; 1168 received free or reduced lunch in first grade [53.6%]). A total of 111 male participants (10.2%) and 29 female participants (2.7%) died; among those who died, 96 male participants (86.5%) and 14 female participants (48.3%) died of unnatural causes. Two factors remained significantly associated with mortality from unnatural causes: female sex was associated with reduced risk (hazard ratio, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.08-0.22), and neighborhood public assistance was associated with increased risk (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.09-3.30).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this urban population-based cohort study, no modifiable risk factors of mortality at the level of the individual (eg, depression or anxiety and substance use) or the family (eg, household education level) were identified. However, the degree of neighborhood poverty in early childhood was significantly associated with death by unnatural causes in early adulthood, suggesting that economic policies are needed to advance health equity in relation to premature mortality.
Polymorphic Structure Determination of the Macrocyclic Drug Paritaprevir by MicroED
Authors: Bu Guanhong , Danelius Emma , Wieske Lianne H.E. , Gonen Tamir
Published: February 2024

Paritaprevir is an orally bioavailable, macrocyclic drug used for treating chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Its structures have been elusive to the public until recently when one of the crystal forms is solved by microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED). In this work, the MicroED structures of two distinct polymorphic crystal forms of paritaprevir are reported from the same experiment. The different polymorphs show conformational changes in the macrocyclic core, as well as the cyclopropyl sulfonamide and methyl pyrazinamide substituents. Molecular docking shows that one of the conformations fits well into the active site pocket of the HCV non‐structural 3/4A (NS3/4A) serine protease target, and can interact with the pocket and catalytic triad via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. These results can provide further insight for optimization of the binding of acyl sulfonamide inhibitors to the HCV NS3/4A serine protease. In addition, this also demonstrates the opportunity to derive different polymorphs and distinct macrocycle conformations from the same experiments using MicroED.
Water Soluble, Ionically Generated Thiopolymers
Authors: Dale Joseph J. , Smith Martin W. , Hasell Tom
Published: February 2024

Sodium allyl sulfonate (SAS) is a surfactant molecule that has occasional use as a monomer for the formation of functional polymers. A polymerization method is detailed herein, whereby it is demonstrated that the positioning of the individual functional groups can allow for the removal of protons adjacent to a sulfonate position before reaction with an electrophilic center to generate a polymeric material. In this case, sodium polysulfides are applied to promote the formation of a sulfur polymer using a mild synthesis that poses significant safety and energy benefits when compared to other methods of sulfur polymer generation, for example, inverse vulcanization. The polymer product that forms is demonstrated to retain all starting functionalities. Poly‐S‐SAS polymer also demonstrates impressive properties for application as a desiccant with a sorption maximum of 345 w/w % water, or as a flocculant material capable of removing up to 87% of different metals from low ppm solutions rapidly.
A Multifaceted Competitive Zn–Cu Battery Unleashed by Optimizing Charge Protocols
Authors: Shang Wenxu , Ma Yanyi , Tan Peng
Published: February 2024

Rechargeable alkaline Zn–Cu batteries show great potential for energy storage systems due to their high capacity, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental‐friendliness. However, restricted by the severe dissolution upon charging, rapid capacity decline occurs throughout the cycle. Herein, the charging protocol is adjusted to bypass the dissolution stage of high‐valent states, thereby preserving the optimal reaction section of Zn–Cu batteries and greatly improving cycling stability. Additionally, a self‐activation process in the initial stage led to the spontaneous transformation of the original electroplated Cu particles on nickel foam from 10 to 4 mm, enhancing both conductivity and mass transfer, ultimately increasing the utilization of active materials. The battery achieved a discharge capacity of 349.5 mAh g−1, an ultra‐flat charge–discharge voltage platform, over 92% energy efficiency, a low cost of only $43.25 per kWh, and an exceptionally stable cyclic performance with no noticeable decay over 400 cycles. These 5D improvements position the Cu electrode as a robust candidate for the positive electrode material in the next generation of commercial Zn batteries.
Oriented Exfoliating 3D Metal–Organic Frameworks into Ultrathin Metal–Organic Nanosheets with Different Crystal Faces
Authors: Shao Bing , He Xing‐Lu , Huang Du , Xiang Yi‐Lei , Luo Yan , Wei Yan‐Mei , Jiang Linbin , Huang Rui‐Kang , Dong Min , Huang Jin
Published: February 2024

Manufacturing two‐dimensional (2D) materials or nanosheets with desired crystal faces originating from an established intrinsic 3D structure is a significant challenge. Herein, an intrinsic t3D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be exfoliated into ultrathin metal–organic nanosheets with (001) and (101) crystal faces, which is regulated by the solute's shard and soft acid−base and pH value in the exfoliating solution. The inorganic ligands (with different charges) possessing the similar hardness of Lewis acid‐base of metal center can replace some of the organic ligands along the established crystal faces of the 3D MOFs with different electrostatic potentials, resulting in the exfoliating of the 3D MOFs into metal–organic nanosheets with different crystal faces. Using the Knoevenagel reaction as the catalytic reaction model, the catalytic activity of (001) crystal faces is three times that of (101) crystal faces, which is determined by the different locations of open metal sits in the 3D lamellar structure, further confirming the occurrence of oriented exfoliation.
Near‐Ideal Schottky Junction Photodetectors Based on Semimetal‐Semiconductor Van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Wang Guangcan , Sun Yang , Yang Zhe , Lu Weixi , Chen Shuo , Zhang Xinhao , Ma Heqi , Sun Tianyu , Huo Panpan , Cui Xiangyong , Man Baoyuan , Wang Xiangling , Yang Cheng
Published: February 2024

Schottky junction barrier is promising to suppress dark current in photodetectors by blocking the tunneling electrons. Due to the Fermi pinning effect, designing the Schottky barrier with a conventional 3D metal/2D semiconductor interface is challenging. Here, it is shown that a 2D semimetal‐semiconductor van der Waals Schottky junction can be utilized to design the near‐ideal Schottky barrier for the high Ion/Ioff ratio photodetectors. It is demonstrated that the experimental barrier height (≈467 meV) of the 1T′‐MoTe2/WS2 Schottky junction can largely follow the Schottky‐Mott rule by effectively resolving the Fermi pinning effect. Such increased barrier height suppresses the thermionic emission (TE) and the tunneling of the electrons. However, for the photo‐generated electron‐hole pairs with the higher energy case, holes cannot be prevented, while most of the electrons with the higher energy can also be easily transferred. The 1T′‐MoTe2/WS2/1T′‐MoTe2 photodetector exhibits the dark current density of 5 × 10−13 A µm−1, a light on/off ratio of 106, a responsivity of 30 A W−1, and a detectivity of 1.82 × 1014 Jones. Modulated Schottky barrier height is adopted to construct a self‐powered 1T′‐MoTe2/WS2/Au photodetector.
Single‐Atom Control of Arsenic Incorporation in Silicon for High‐Yield Artificial Lattice Fabrication
Authors: Stock Taylor J. Z. , Warschkow Oliver , Constantinou Procopios C. , Bowler David R. , Schofield Steven R. , Curson Neil J.
Published: February 2024

Artificial lattices constructed from individual dopant atoms within a semiconductor crystal hold promise to provide novel materials with tailored electronic, magnetic, and optical properties. These custom‐engineered lattices are anticipated to enable new, fundamental discoveries in condensed matter physics and lead to the creation of new semiconductor technologies including analog quantum simulators and universal solid‐state quantum computers. This work reports precise and repeatable, substitutional incorporation of single arsenic atoms into a silicon lattice. A combination of scanning tunneling microscopy hydrogen resist lithography and a detailed statistical exploration of the chemistry of arsine on the hydrogen‐terminated silicon (001) surface are employed to show that single arsenic dopants can be deterministically placed within four silicon lattice sites and incorporated with 97 ± 2% yield. These findings bring closer to the ultimate frontier in semiconductor technology: the deterministic assembly of atomically precise dopant and qubit arrays at arbitrarily large scales.
Dynamic Acoustic Beamshaping with Coupling‐Immune Moiré Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhou Hong‐Tao , Li Chen‐Yang , Zhu Jia‐Hui , Hu Chuanjie , Wang Yan‐Feng , Wang Yue‐Sheng , Qiu Cheng‐Wei
Published: February 2024

Moiré effects arising from mutually twisted metasurfaces have showcased remarkable wave manipulation capabilities, unveiling tantalizing emerging phenomena such as acoustic moiré flat bands and topological phase transitions. However, the pursuit of strong near‐field coupling in layers has necessitated acoustic moiré metasurfaces to be tightly stacked at narrow distances in the subwavelength range. Here, moiré effects beyond near‐field interlayer coupling in acoustics are reported and the concept of coupling‐immune moiré metasurfaces is proposed. Remote acoustic moiré effects decoupled from the interlayer distance are theoretically, numerically, and experimentally demonstrated. Tunable out‐of‐plane acoustic beam scanning is successfully achieved by dynamically controlling twist angles. The engineered coupling‐immune properties are further extended to multilayered acoustic moiré metasurfaces and manipulation of acoustic vortices. Good robustness against external disturbances is also observed for the fabricated coupling‐immune acoustic moiré metasurfaces. The presented work unlocks the potential of twisted moiré devices for out‐of‐plane acoustic beam shaping, enabling practical applications in remote dynamic detection, and multiplexed underwater acoustic communication.
IGZO Phototransistor with Ultrahigh Sensitivity at Broad Spectrum Range (450–950 nm) Realized by Incorporating PM6:Y6 Bulk Heterojunction
Authors: Ko Hyung Min , Yang Seok Joo , Jeung Jinpyeo , Park Hyuk , Seo Taewon , Kim Seung‐Mo , Lee Byoung Hun , Cho Kilwon , Chung Yoonyoung
Published: February 2024

Among various photoresponsive materials, organic materials have gained interest due to their low cost, large‐scale yields, and compatibility with flexible substrates. However, their low photoresponsivity compared to inorganic counterparts has been consistently pointed out as a limitation. To address this issue, a highly photoresponsive PM6:Y6/IGZO hybrid phototransistor is presented with a broad spectral range of 450–950 nm. The photoresponse of the device is enhanced by controlling the PM6:Y6 blending ratio, active layer thickness, and solvent additive treatment. The PM6:Y6 blending ratio and thickness are optimized to promote charge separation and efficient charge transport, leading to a significant increase in photoresponsivity. Moreover, solvent additives are employed to improve the crystallinity of the PM6:Y6 film, which further enhanced the charge transport. As a result, the PM6:Y6/IGZO hybrid phototransistor exhibited exceptional performance, with an ultrahigh photoresponsivity of 2.2 × 108 A W−1 and specific detectivity of 9.8 × 1016 Jones under 750 nm light with an intensity of only 1.03 nW cm−2. These results highlight the potential of organic materials in developing high‐performance phototransistors.
Catalytic Generation and Intermolecular Addition of Diarylmethyl Anions Utilizing [1,2]‐Phospha‐Brook Rearrangement Under Brønsted Base Catalysis
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Terada Masahiro
Published: February 2024

An intermolecular addition reaction involving an unconventional combination of a diarylmethyl anion and an electrophile, which is mediated by the [1,2]‐phospha‐Brook rearrangement under Brønsted base catalysis, was developed. Diarylmethyl anions having a benzofuran moiety were generated through the rearrangement with the aid of a catalytic amount of phosphazene base P2‐tBu. The resulting carbanion intermediates were trapped by various electrophiles, such as α,β‐unsaturated ketones, aryl aldehydes, α‐ketoesters, and N‐Boc imines, providing the corresponding diarylalkane derivatives in good yields.
The 90‐Day Survival Threshold: A Pivotal Determinant of Long‐Term Prognosis in HBV‐ACLF Patients – Insights from a Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Xiao Lanlan , Chen Jiajia , Zhao Shuai , Zhoudi Wenxin , He Keting , Qian Xiaohan , Zhang Fen , Liu Qiuhong , Li Tan , Zhu Danhua , Wu Xiaoxin , Pu Zhangya , Huang Jianrong , Xie Zhongyang , Xu Xiaowei
Published: February 2024

This work aims to explore the long‐term prognosis of hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF). In this prospective study, eligible inpatients with HBV‐ACLF are enrolled and followed up from December 2012 to February 2023, for clinical events, laboratory tests at least every 6 months. Overall, the survival rates at 28 days, 90 days, 1 year, 5 years, and 8 years are 64.7%, 48.8%, 46.1%, 43.8%, and 42.2%, respectively. Among the 8‐year mortality and liver transplant cases, ACLF survivors (who survived over 90 days) accounted for 7.8% (9/115). Among 101 patients who survived for more than 90 days, 97.9% of patients achieve virologic response at 1 year. For HBeAg‐positive patients, the HBeAg seroconversion are 25.5%, 63.6%, and 76.9% at 1, 5, and 8 years, respectively. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, INR, white blood cell count, and albumin levels gradually improve within the first year. Fibrosis biomarkers APRI, FIB‐4 and Chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) levels decreases within the first 5 years. The Cox proportional hazards regression reveal that high total bilirubin (HR = 1.008, p = 0.021) is the independent risk factor for 8‐year survival of ALCF survivors. The 90‐day period following of HBV‐ACLF represented a critical juncture for long‐term prognosis, revealing favorable outcomes beyond this timeframe.
Disposable and Flexible Paper‐Based Optoelectronic Synaptic Devices for Physical Reservoir Computing
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki , Hosoda Norika , Kounoue Toshiya , Tokiwa Kazuyasu , Ikuno Takashi
Published: February 2024

Health monitoring using wearable artificial intelligence (AI) sensors with sensing and cognitive capabilities has garnered significant attention. The development of self‐contained AI sensors that can operate with low power consumption, akin to the human brain, is necessary. Physical reservoir computing (PRC), which mimics the human brain using physical phenomena, offers a low‐power consumption architecture. Nevertheless, creating a flexible and easily disposable sensors using PRC capable of processing optical signals with sub‐second response times suitable for biological signals presents a challenge. In this study, a disposable and flexible paper‐based optoelectronic synaptic devices are designed, which are composed of nanocellulose and ZnO nanoparticles, for PRC. This device exhibits synaptic photocurrent in response to optical input. To assess its performance, a classification and time‐series forecasting tasks are conducted. The memory capacity of short‐term memory task, indicating the device's ability to store past information, is 1.8. The device can recognize handwritten digits with an accuracy of 88%. These results highlight the potential of the device for PRC. In addition, subjecting the device to 1000 rounds of bending do not affect its accuracy. Furthermore, the device burn in a few seconds, much like regular office paper, demonstrating its disposability.
Component Fluctuation Modulated Gelation Effect Enable Temperature Adaptability in Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ji Shanguo , Luo Hao , Qin Shuo , Zhang Xinyue , Hu Yuanyuan , Zhang Weiwei , Sun Jianchao , Xu Jing , Xie Haijiao , Yan Zhenhua , Yang Kai
Published: February 2024

The active H2O and slow ion kinetics behavior deteriorate the performance of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries at a wide temperature range, even in hydrogel electrolyte. Herein, a component fluctuation modulated gelation effect is applied to optimize Zn2+ solvation structure, realizing a balance between H2O activity limitation and Zn2+ kinetics retention. The as‐prepared hydrogel electrolyte via in situ copolymerization of [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] dimethyl‐(3‐sulfopropyl) and acrylamide in the electrolyte salt matrix facilitates stable overall performance at both normal and low temperatures. Theoretical calculations and experimental results attest that polymer functional groups exhibit a higher efficacy in substituting bound water in the Zn2+ solvated shell with the polymer content increasement, thereby alleviating water‐associated parasitic reactions. Furthermore, the hydrogel with abundant zwitterionic groups not only interacts with H2O to limit hydrolysis, but also constructs separated ionic migration channels to promote uniform and fast Zn2+ transport. As a result, the hydrogel electrolytes promote stable Zn2+ plating/stripping behaviors over 1050 h and 3000 h at 25 and −20 °C, respectively. The full batteries achieve a capacity retention of 98.8% over 2000 cycles at 25 °C and stably cycle for 600 times at −20 °C. This work yields novel insights into the development and design of hydrogel electrolytes.
Application of motor learning theory to teach the head impulse test to emergency medicine resident physicians
Authors: Lenning Jacob C. , Messman Anne M. , Kline Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The objective was to develop an innovative method of training emergency medicine (EM) resident physicians to perform the head impulse test (HIT) component of the HINTS (head impulse test, nystagmus, test of skew) examination using video‐oculography (VOG) device feedback.

Methods

Using principles from motor learning theory and Ericsson's framework for expertise, we developed a training innovation utilizing VOG device feedback to teach the degree (10°–20°) and velocity (>100°/s) of head turn required for the HIT. We assessed the technical ability of participants to perform the HIT using the VOG device, without feedback, to count the number of successful HITs out of 20 attempts before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the training innovation. Participants rated their confidence on a 1 to 5 Likert scale before and 2 weeks after training.

Results

Most participants (11 of 14, 78%) were unable to perform even one successful HIT in 20 attempts before training despite brief verbal and visual instruction regarding the head turn parameters. However, most participants achieved more than one success, in fact, all with at least five successes, immediately after training (13 of 14, 93%) and again 2 weeks after training (nine of 11, 82%). The median (interquartile range) number of successful HITs was 0 (0, mean 0.79) during baseline testing, 7.5 (5.8) immediately after training, and 10 (8.0) 2 weeks after training (p < 0.01, Kruskal–Wallis). The median confidence rating increased from 1.5 (1) before baseline testing to 3 (1.5) after follow‐up testing (p = 0.02, Mann–Whitney U).

Conclusions

Prior to motor training, most participants failed to properly perform the HIT. Feedback training with VOG devices may facilitate development of the skills required to properly perform the HIT. Further study is needed to assess the ability to train the interpretive aspect of the HIT and other components of the HINTS examination.
Modified cadaver technique to simulate contaminated airway scenarios to train medical providers in suction‐assisted laryngoscopy and airway decontamination
Authors: Chadason Kathryn , Root Christopher , Boyle Jess , St. George Jonathan , Ducanto James
Published: February 2024

Simulation training plays a vital role in modern medical education, fostering safe skill development. Task‐trainer manikin and cadaveric airway management training (CAMT) offer realistic airway management practice. Simulation allows learners the opportunity to manage high‐risk, low‐frequency scenarios, including difficult airways and massive airway contamination, common in emergent airway management. The suction‐assisted laryngoscopy and airway decontamination (SALAD) technique was developed to address massive airway contamination. This paper describes two methods to simulate massive airway contamination utilizing cadavers. We detail our techniques for both esophageal and nasopharyngeal delivery of simulated airway contaminant. Nasopharyngeal delivery was less invasive and required less time to set up. Utilizing cadavers to simulate massive airway contamination in CAMT provides learners with tools to manage airway complications effectively, enhancing readiness for complex airway challenges while promoting patient safety in clinical practice.