bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Fibrosis Evaluation Using Real‐time Shear Wave Elastography in Hepatitis C–Monoinfected and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C–Coinfected Patients
Authors: Verlinden Wim , Bourgeois Stefan , Gigase Pierre , Thienpont Clara , Vonghia Luisa , Vanwolleghem Thomas , Michielsen Peter , Francque Sven
Published: May 2016

Objectives

A few studies have evaluated real‐time shear wave elastography (SWE) for assessing liver fibrosis by measuring liver stiffness in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but they excluded human immunodeficiency virus/HCV–coinfected patients. We investigated the diagnostic performance of liver stiffness measured by SWE as a noninvasive predictor of liver fibrosis in HCV using liver biopsy as a reference standard, including monoinfected and coinfected patients.

Methods

We measured liver stiffness in patients with HCV undergoing liver biopsy (METAVIR fibrosis staging).

Results

Eighty patients (53 monoinfected and 27 coinfected) were included. There was a significant correlation between liver stiffness and fibrosis stage (ρ = 0.685; P < .001). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.841, 0.879, and 0.975 when comparing fibrosis stages F0–F1 versus F2–F4, F0–F2 versus F3–F4, and F0–F3 versus F4, respectively. Suggested cutoff values were 8.5 kPa for F2, 10.4 kPa for F3, and 11.3 kPa for F4, with sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 84%, 81% and 95%, and 100% and 90%. There was no significant difference between the liver stiffness of monoinfected and coinfected patients (P = .453). When combining SWE with the fibrosis‐4 score, accuracy increased from 82% to 88% and from 88% to 96%, with incongruent results of 26% and 29%, for F0–F1 versus F2–F4 and F0–F2 versus F3–F4.

Conclusions

Shear wave elastography of the liver is an effective noninvasive predictor of liver fibrosis in patients with HCV. There was no significant difference between monoinfected and coinfected patients; hence, the same cutoff values can be used for both groups. Combination of SWE with the fibrosis‐4 score leads to higher accuracy, although at the expense of inconclusive results in some patients.
Melanoma Incidence and Mortality Trends Among Patients Aged 59 Years or Younger in Sweden
Authors: Helgadottir Hildur , Mikiver Rasmus , Schultz Karina , Nielsen Kari , Portelli Francesca , Lapins Jan , Puig Susana , Isaksson Karolin
Published: September 2024

Importance

Over the past decades, many global regions have experienced a steady increase in the incidence of cutaneous melanoma. However, more recently, a downward trend has been observed in the younger age groups in Australia and the US. Yet, in Europe, none of the countries have reported any significant decline in melanoma incidence for any age group.

Objective

To assess melanoma incidence and mortality trends in Sweden, with a focus on individuals younger than the average age of melanoma onset.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data on the national population from the Swedish Melanoma Registry and the Swedish Cancer Registry, which cover more than 99% of all primary invasive cutaneous melanomas diagnosed in the country. All patients diagnosed from 1990 to 2022 were included.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence and mortality rates per 100 000 inhabitants were calculated for each year and shown as average annual rates for every 5-year period from 1990 to 2022. Joinpoint regression models were used to evaluate statistical significance of temporal trends and points of change.

Results

There were 34 800 primary invasive cutaneous melanomas (19 582 [56.3%] in females and 15 218 [43.7%] in males) reported in 33 324 individuals younger than 60 years (median [IQR] age, 48 [36-58] years) from 1990 to 2022. A consistent rise in melanoma incidence was observed among those 50 to 59 years old. The age groups from 20 to 29 years, 30 to 39 years, and 40 to 49 years showed an incidence peak in 2013 to 2015 followed by stable or significantly declining rates until 2022. In patients younger than 20 years, melanoma incidence remained low with no significant trends. There was also a significant decline in melanoma mortality among 30- to 59-year-old individuals, but not in those 60 years and older.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study showed a significant recent downward trend in both melanoma incidence and melanoma mortality in the age group 30 to 49 years in Sweden. The reasons for these declines are unclear but may include UV protection, public health campaigns, changing population demographics, and the introduction of effective melanoma treatment. None of these possibilities were evaluated; further study is needed.
Texture Evolution of α‐Ti and β‐Ti Alloys During Rolling and Recrystallization
Authors: Cui Jin , Yu Hengyang , Gong Yong , Sharma Poorva , Kumar Ashwini , Tu Guiwei
Published: September 2024

Managing the metal's texture throughout the entire processing procedure is imperative for controlling the final properties of metal alloys. In the aerospace industry, α‐Ti alloys have been successfully utilized in applications such as aircraft skins, heat shields, and heat exchangers. However, inherent mechanical strength, fatigue sensitivity, and fracture toughness limitations have significantly restricted their wider adoption. On the other hand, β‐Ti alloys have received increasing attention in the biomedical field due to their lower elastic modulus. However, their actual application has been primarily restricted by the inability to match natural bone's Young's modulus sufficiently. Among these application limitations for both α‐Ti and β‐Ti alloys, texture is an essential factor affecting mechanical properties. Elucidating texture evolution on α‐Ti and β‐Ti alloys is crucial for enabling the expansion of their applications. This review summarizes detailed analyses of the intertwined evolution of texture and microstructure in α‐Ti and β‐Ti alloys during cold rolling, hot rolling, and annealing. Furthermore, based on these fundamental materials science insights, the resultant impact of texture and microstructure on achieving targeted mechanical properties is discussed. Finally, potential pathways are proposed to further guide texture and microstructure evolution in α‐Ti and β‐Ti alloys to meet application requirements.
Effects of B Addition on Microstructure Evolution and Efficient Hydrogen Evolution of Self‐Supported Cu–Fe–P Immiscible Alloy
Authors: Xu Zhice , Li Minghou , Xu Chengcheng , Yan Chenghe , Ju Yan , Liu Tongtong , Wang Yan , Zhao Degang , Zuo Min
Published: September 2024

Herein, the effect of B elements on the microstructure and catalytic properties of Cu–31.5Fe–4.5P immiscible alloy is systematically investigated. After microstructure characterizations, it is found that B elements are mainly concentrated in FexP (Fe2P, Fe3P) particles, which affect the Marangoni motion of the particles. With the concentration of B content increasing to 0.75%, the diameter size of the second‐phase particles in the alloys is first refined and then coarsened, in which the alloy with B content of 0.25% has the finest particle size and the proportion of second‐phase particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 10 μm reaches 97%. The electrochemical characterization of dealloyed specimens shows that the overpotential of Cu–Fe–P alloys containing 0.25% B reaches 193 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4 solution. The excellent catalytic performance might be attributed to the increase in the obviously specific surface area of Fe2P and Fe3P particles and the significant increase in the electron transfer.
Preparation and Wear Resistance of Porous TC4 Titanium Alloy Micro‐arc Oxidation Coating Produced by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Di Kexin , Ma Zhen , Li Muqin , Peng Tai , Zhao Hanqing
Published: September 2024

The porous TC4 titanium alloy prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) is modified by micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) technology. By introducing active elements such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) into the electrolyte, a wear‐resistant active coating is constructed on the surface of porous TC4. The effects of MAO process parameters on the surface morphology and wear resistance of the coating are discussed. The results show that the thickness and adhesion of the coating increase with the increase of the first‐stage oxidation time, and decrease with the increase of the second‐stage oxidation time. In all processes, the MAO‐2 coating has better surface morphology and performance, with a median pore size of 0.51 μm and a binding force of 18 N. XPS analysis confirms that the coating is mainly composed of TiO2, Ca2P2O7, and Ca(PO3)2 phases. The study of tribological behavior shows that the wear form of the substrate is abrasive wear, while the wear form of the coating is adhesive wear. The friction coefficient of the coating is significantly lower than that of the substrate, and the wear resistance is better. This study provides an effective way to optimize the surface properties of porous TC4 titanium alloy.
Effect of Cr Additions on the Coarsening Resistance of β′ Precipitates in Ferritic Fe–Ni–Al Alloys
Authors: Lozada‐Hernández Lesli J. , Dorantes‐Rosales Héctor J. , López‐Hirata Víctor M. , Beltrán‐Zúñiga Manuel A. , Moreno‐Palmerin Joel , Ferreira‐Palma Carlos
Published: September 2024

The effect of Cr additions ON the coarsening of β′(NiAl) precipitates in (Fe,Cr)‐α matrix is studied using Fe–10%Ni–15%Al–15%Cr (FAN15Cr) and Fe–10%Ni–15%Al–22%Cr (FAN22Cr) alloys. Specimens are homogenized and subsequently aged at 850, 900, and 950 °C for different periods of time. The characterization is carried out with conventional and high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Vickers hardness tests. Results indicate that the addition of Cr leads to an increase in the activation energy and the coarsening kinetics at high temperatures. The precipitate morphology during aging evolves from spheres with a random distribution, followed by cuboids aligned in preferential orientations and the formation of clusters. As aging progresses further, the morphology changes to semirounded precipitates with a polyhedral surface as revealed by the etching process. Transmission electron microscopy results reveal the formation of a dislocation network indicating a state of semicoherency in the precipitate–matrix interface. The activation energy for the coarsening process is determined from the coarsening kinetic constants. While the activation energy for the coarsening in FANCr15 is close to similar alloys, the value for FAN22Cr is unusually high and probably related to the dislocation networks observed.
A Study on Tailoring Silver Release from Micro‐Arc Oxidation Coating Fabricated on Titanium
Authors: Kayan Gizem Ozge , Muhaffel Faiz , Kayan Asgar , Nofar Mohammadreza , Cimenoglu Huseyin
Published: September 2024

This study is initiated with the aim of regulating the release of silver (Ag) as an antibacterial agent from the micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) coating. Herein, an external 5 wt% Tin(II) chloride (SnCl2) containing biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) layer is formed on the 0.8 wt% Ag‐incorporated MAO coating by the dip coating method. 5 wt% SnCl2 addition into PCL provides a steady release of Ag into concentrated simulated body fluid (1.5X SBF) from the underlying MAO coating at 37 °C. When the Ag release rate is taken into consideration, it is quantified as 0.0089 and 0.0586 ppm day−1 for PCL‐covered MAO and PCL‐free MAO coatings, respectively. It is finally concluded that the preliminary result of this study can be promising for minimizing the in vivo adverse effects of Ag+ ions arising from rapid release as well as maintaining antibacterial efficacy for prolonged periods, which is ideal for preventing the risk of postimplantation infections.
A Study on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 690 Subjected to Milling Process
Authors: Chen Zhen , Huang Chuanzhen , Shi Zhenyu , Liu Hanlian , Li Binghao , Tang Zhengyi , Niu Jiahui , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2024

The metallic materials subjected to machining‐induced severe plastic deformation can experience alterations of microstructures and mechanical properties, affecting the functional performances of the components. This study concentrates on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties analysis of Ni‐based superalloy Inconel 690 under severe plastic deformation induced by milling process. The obtained results show that the microstructures of the machined surface and subsurface exhibit the characteristic of gradient distribution. Plastic behaviors involving dislocation multiplication, grain deformation and refinement, increment of local misorientation and average intragranular misorientation, and transition from high‐angle grain boundaries to low‐angle grain boundaries occur in the superficial layer of the machined workpiece. Both the intensity and the affected depth of plastic deformation for the superficial layer are strengthened following the cutting speed and feed increase, which is attributed to higher cutting forces. No white layer and phase transformation is found under all cutting conditions. In addition, the nanohardness of the superficial layer shows the reduction tendency of hardening effect from the surface to the bulk of the machined workpiece material. With the increase in cutting speed and feed, the affected zones of residual stresses and work hardening below the machined surface become wider.
Exploring Broadband Electromagnetic Absorption Characteristics and Composition Optimization in Novel Synthesized Ni2Fe1+xGe1−x Alloy Powders
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhang Yifeng , Lv Binfeng , Zhang Zekun , Zhang Gaohe , Kang Baojuan , Jia Rongrong , Ge Junyi , Cao Shixun , Zhang Jincang , Feng Zhenjie
Published: September 2024

This study reports for the first time the successful synthesis of a novel series of Ni2Fe1+xGe1−x (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90) polycrystalline alloy materials with L21 austenite structure using the mechanical alloying method. Notably, the Ni2Fe1+xGe1−x alloys demonstrate excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance across the entire 2–18 GHz frequency range, and by adjusting the composition ratio of iron and germanium, it is possible to effectively regulate their complex permittivity () and permeability (), thereby adjusting the reflection loss. All Ni2Fe1+xGe1−x samples show an effective electromagnetic wave absorption effect of more than −10 dB, indicating that 90% of the electromagnetic waves are efficiently absorbed. Among them, the Ni2Fe1.5Ge0.5 sample achieves an outstanding −43.5 dB reflection loss at 3.2 GHz, and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth reaches 5.8 GHz (11.8–17.6 GHz) with just a 1.6 mm thickness, fully covering the Ku band. This excellent absorption ability comes from the strong ability of the material to reduce signal strength and its perfect impedance matching. This study first shows the high potential of Ni2Fe1+xGe1−x ferromagnetic alloys as effective, wide‐range electromagnetic wave absorbers. It suggests the ferromagnetic Ni2Fe1+xGe1−x alloys hold promise as appealing candidates for broadband and high‐efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption.
Preparation and Electrorheological Behavior of Rare‐Earth La Ion Doping MIL‐125 Nanoparticles
Authors: Chong Zhang , Liyue Wang , Xiang Ji , Liangkun Chen , Haochun Yan , Zhaoliang Xing , Wang Baoxiang , Chuncheng Hao
Published: September 2024

Herein, rare‐earth element (lanthanum)‐doped MIL‐125 is synthesized via the solvothermal method. The morphology, physicochemical structure, specific surface area, and other characteristics of the synthesized material are characterized via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer Emmett Teller, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, element mapping, etc. It is observed that appropriate La doping enhances the dielectric mismatch and conductive mismatch levels of the material. This enhancement leads to a stronger interface polarization capability, thereby influencing the material's dielectric properties. Ultimately, the electrorheological fluids with La‐doped MIL‐125 as the dispersive phase show an obvious electrorheological effect.
Simulation of Inhomogeneous Refractive Index Fields Induced by Hot Tailored Forming Components
Authors: Kern Pascal , Hinz Lennart , Kästner Markus , Reithmeier Eduard
Published: September 2024

For effective quality control in hot forming applications, it is imperative that optical geometry reconstruction is conducted while the workpiece remains in its hot state to ensure the early detection of material distortion effects. This requirement is especially vital in the fabrication of hybrid bulk metal components with locally adapted properties, which are essential to address current challenges and demands on components, as well as to conserve resources. The utilization of hybrid materials results in differing thermal expansion coefficients, which significantly impact the shrinkage behavior of the component. Furthermore, the formation of these components involves exposure to high‐temperature gradients up to 1100 °C, causing the surrounding air to heat up and result in density variations. These variations generate an inhomogeneous refractive index field (IRIF), which substantially affects the surface reconstruction capabilities of optical measurement systems. Understanding the formation and dynamics of these refractive index fields is crucial to minimize uncertainties in optical measurements. This study aims to provide a comprehensive simulation model for the IRIF generated by hot‐forged tailored forming components. Utilizing this model, a priori information on the propagation characteristics of the IRIF can be obtained, thereby facilitating optimized positioning of the measurement system and minimizing reconstruction errors.
Recent Advances in Hydrogel‐Based Soft Bioelectronics and its Convergence with Machine Learning
Authors: Lee Eun Seo , Lee Min Young , Kim Dae‐Hyeong , Koo Ja Hoon
Published: September 2024

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly machine learning (ML) techniques, have opened up a promising frontier in the development of intelligent soft bioelectronics, demonstrating unparalleled performance in interfacing with the human body. Hydrogels, owing to their unique combination of biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and high water content, have emerged as a versatile platform for constructing soft bioelectronic devices. Functionalized hydrogels, such as conductive hydrogels, can efficiently capture biosignals from various target tissues while seamlessly forming conformal and reliable interfaces. They can also function as an intermediary layer between biological tissues and soft bioelectronics for diagnosis and therapy purposes. Meanwhile, ML has demonstrated its efficacy in processing extensive datasets collected from the bioelectronics. The convergence of hydrogel‐based soft bioelectronics and ML has unlocked a myriad of possibilities in unprecedented diagnostics, therapeutics, and beyond. In this review, the latest advances in hydrogel‐based soft bioelectronics are introduced. After briefly describing the materials and device strategies for high‐performance hydrogel bioelectronics, how ML can be integrated to augment the functionalities is discussed. Recent examples of ML‐integrated hydrogel bioelectronics are then discussed. Finally, the review is concluded by introducing future potential applications of AI in hydrogel‐based bioelectronics, alongside inherent challenges in this interdisciplinary domain.
Morphology Control of Nanoporous Gold Through Selective Dissolution of Au–Ge Eutectic Microstructures
Authors: Portal Lotan , Polishchuk Iryna , Koifman‐Khristosov Maria , Katsman Alexander , Pokroy Boaz
Published: September 2024

The synthesis of nanoporous gold (np‐Au) through the conventional method of dealloying a more reactive element from AuTherma alloys has been extensively studied and applied in various fields, particularly catalysis. Herein, a novel approach to creating droplet‐like np‐Au through the selective dissolution of Au–Ge eutectic microstructures is explored. This work reveals that adjusting the undercooling of the eutectic melt during solidification allows for the tuning of pore and ligament sizes. It is demonstrated that this undercooling can be modified, either directly or indirectly, by adjusting either the cooling rate or the heterogeneous nucleation site density of the eutectic melt. The findings, aligned with the model based on classical theory for eutectic solidification, elucidate the connection between the tuning of pore and ligament sizes in the eutectic microstructure and the undercooling of the eutectic melt. Importantly, it is established that this phenomenon is applicable across a variety of compositions, including hypereutectic, eutectic, and hypoeutectic. The ability to regulate pore and ligament size in single crystals of np‐Au droplets offers a novel approach to synthesizing catalytic np‐Au crystals with enhanced mechanical and thermal stability compared to conventional methods.
Tin Multilayer‐Aided SAC305‐Based Lead‐Free Solder Joint Interface with Cu: An Investigation of the Stress Distribution by Finite Element Analysis and Nanoindentation Studies
Authors: Char Monalisa , Chakraborty Amit Kumar , Bhattacharyya Kushal , Bhattacharyya Arnab , Kar Abhijit
Published: September 2024

Two different types of lead‐free solder joints Cu/(Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu)/Cu and Cu/Sn/(Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu)/Sn/Cu have been investigated. Joints are produced following the transient liquid phase like soldering process. The microstructure of different intermetallic compounds (IMCs) present at the joint interfaces, as well as their indentation hardness and elastic modulus, have been investigated and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. The exact position of different microcracks inside the interfaces has been identified by analyzing the elastic–plastic properties and interfacial toughness of these solder joints. The modulus and hardness of the Sn multilayer‐assisted solder joint interface are found to be 60.08%, and 90.18% higher than those of its non‐layered counterpart, respectively. The finite element analysis (FEA) has been done to estimate and compute stress distributions over the interfacial region. The dislocation mechanics involved in strengthening the joint strength are related to the nature of stress flow; as observed in FEA. It is reconfirmed that the high susceptibility to brittle failure of the non‐layered Cu‐SAC305 solder joints could be avoided by using a Sn interlayer in between the Cu substrates and the SAC305 solder paste.
Auto‐transduction in lentiviral vector bioprocessing: A quantitative assessment and a novel inhibition strategy
Authors: Williams‐Fegredo Thomas , Davies Lee , Knevelman Carol , Miskin James , Mitrophanous Kyriacos , Rafiq Qasim A.
Published: September 2024

Lentiviral vectors are highly efficient gene delivery vehicles used extensively in the rapidly growing field of cell and gene therapy. Demand for efficient, large‐scale, lentiviral vector bioprocessing is growing as more therapies reach late‐stage clinical trials and are commercialized. However, despite substantial progress, several process inefficiencies remain. The unintended auto‐transduction of viral vector‐producing cells by newly synthesized lentiviral vector particles during manufacturing processes constitutes one such inefficiency which remains largely unaddressed. In this study, we determined that over 60% of functional lentiviral vector particles produced during an upstream production process were lost to auto‐transduction, highlighting a major process inefficiency likely widespread within the industry. Auto‐transduction of cells by particles pseudotyped with the widely used vesicular stomatitis virus G protein was inhibited via the adoption of a reduced extracellular pH during vector production, impairing the ability of the vector to interact with its target receptor. Employing a posttransfection pH shift to pH 6.7–6.8 resulted in a sevenfold reduction in vector genome integration events, arising from lentiviral vector‐mediated transduction, within viral vector‐producing cell populations and ultimately resulted in improved lentiviral vector production kinetics. The proposed strategy is scalable and cost‐effective, providing an industrially relevant approach to improve lentiviral vector production efficiencies.
Hybrid optimization‐based topology construction and DRNN‐based prediction method for data reduction in IoT
Authors: Pawar Bhakti B. , Jadhav Devyani S.
Published: September 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) acts as a prevalent networking setup that plays a vital role in everyday activities due to the increased services provided through uniform data collection. In this research paper, a hybrid optimization approach for the construction of heterogeneous multi‐hop IoT wireless sensor network (WSN) network topology and data aggregation and reduction is performed using a deep learning model. Initially, the IoT network is stimulated and the network topology is constructed using Namib Beetle Spotted Hyena Optimization (NBSHO) by considering different network parameters and encoding solutions. Moreover, the data aggregation and reduction in the IoT network are performed using a Deep Recurrent Neural Network (DRNN)‐based prediction model. In addition, the performance improvement of the designed NBSHO + DRNN approach is validated. Here, the designed NBSHO + DRNN method achieved a packet delivery ratio (PDR) of 0.469, energy of 0.367 J, prediction error of 0.237, and delay of 0.595 s.
High species richness of sheep‐grazed sand pastures is driven by disturbance‐tolerant and weedy short‐lived species
Authors: Kovacsics‐Vári Gergely , Sonkoly Judit , Tóth Katalin , McIntosh‐Buday Andrea , Díaz Cando Patricia Elizabeth , Törő‐Szijgyártó Viktória , Balogh Nóra , Guallichico Suntaxi Luis Roberto , Espinoza Ami Francis David , Matus Gábor , Tóthmérész Béla , Török Péter
Published: September 2024

We selected 15 sheep‐grazed sand pastures along a gradient of increasing grazing intensity to study the fine‐scale patterns of main biomass fractions (green biomass, litter) and that of plant species and functional groups (life forms and social behaviour types). We classified them into five grazing intensity levels based on stocking density, proximity to drinking and resting places and the number of faeces. We aimed to answer the following questions: (i) How does increasing intensity of sheep grazing affect the amount of green biomass, the species richness and their relationship in sand pastures? (ii) How does increasing intensity of sheep grazing affect the biomass of perennial and short‐lived graminoids and forbs? (iii) How does the disturbance value—expressed in the biomass ratio of disturbance‐tolerant and ruderal species—change along the gradient of grazing intensity? A unimodal relationship between green biomass and species richness was detected; however, the ordination (canonical correspondence analysis, CCA) showed no clustering of pastures subjected to the same levels of grazing intensity. Along the grazing intensity gradient we found an increasing trend in species richness and significant differences in green biomass (decreasing trend), litter (decreasing trend), graminoids (decreasing trend) and short‐lived forbs (increasing trend). We found an increasing amount of disturbance‐tolerant and ruderal species with increasing grazing intensity. We suggest that we might need to use multiple scales for sampling and a fine‐scale assessment of grazing intensity. Our findings might be instructive for pastures in densely populated regions, which are prone to the encroachment of disturbance‐tolerant and ruderal species.
Nanocomposites for Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes Made of Silicon and Polyaniline Doped with Phytic Acid
Authors: Astrova Ekaterina V. , Sapurina Irina Yu , Parfeneva Alesya V. , Li Galina V. , Nashchekin Alexey V. , Lozhkina Darina A. , Rumyantsev Aleksander M.
Published: September 2024

The properties of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anodes fabricated from nanoscale silicon Si and polyaniline (PANI) as a binder are reported. PANI is prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of phytic acid, which serves both as dopant and as a gel‐forming agent. PANI pellets obtained by dry compression are used to investigate the morphology and to measure the resistivity of PANI and Si/PANI composites. The anodes are fabricated using the slurry technique. Their properties as a function of precursor ratio are studied in the half‐cell cells by charge–discharge characteristics, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic lifetime. It is shown that stable cycling (>350 cycles at a current of 300 mA g−1) is inherent only to thin Si/PANI layers with composite loading <0.7 mg cm−2. The discharge capacity in this case is as high as 500–800 mAh g−1.
Uncovering possible silent acquired long QT syndrome using exercise stress testing in long‐term pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors
Authors: Harvey Audrey , Caru Maxime , Gonzalez Corcia Cecilia , Bertrand Émilie , Gagné Vincent , Dandekar Smita , Krajinovic Maja , Gravel Hugo , Laverdière Caroline , Raboisson Marie‐Josée , Andelfinger Gregor , Jacquemet Vincent , Sinnett Daniel , Curnier Daniel
Published: September 2024

An example of chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity in cancer survivors is acquired long QT syndrome (aLQTS), which may cause serious yet preventable life‐threatening consequences. Our objective was to identify and characterize childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors with possible aLQTS using maximal exercise testing. In this cross‐sectional study with exploratory analysis, a total of 250 childhood ALL survivors were evaluated for abnormal QT interval prolongation using the McMaster cycle exercise test. A total of 198 survivors (102 males; 96 females), having reached their peak (mean 32.1 ± 8.4 mL/kg/min; range 15.5–57.8 mL/kg/min), were included in our analyses. Two survivors were excluded for possible congenital LQTS. QT intervals were corrected for heart rate using the Bazett, Fridericia, and Rautaharju formulas at rest (supine, sitting, and standing positions), at the end of each stage of the CPET, and at 1, 3, and 5 minutes into the recovery period. The corrected QT (QTc) of borderline (n = 37) and long QT survivors (n = 20) was significantly longer than normal survivors (n = 141) at rest, exercise, and recovery. Out of 57 survivors presenting an abnormal QTc prolongation, 40 survivors (70%) showed no QT interval anomalies at rest but developed various anomalies during exercise. No significant differences were found between the groups for any of the measured clinical characteristics or cardiac parameters. The standardization of exercise testing in the regular follow‐up of oncology patients is necessary for appropriate cardiac prevention and surveillance to enhance the health and quality of life of the ever‐increasing number of cancer survivors.
Identification and evaluation of a serum microRNA panel to diagnose colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Ng Lui , Sin Ryan Wai‐Yan , Cheung David Him , Wong Carlos King‐Ho , Lam Cindy Lo‐Kuen , Leung Wai‐Keung , Law Wai‐Lun , Foo Dominic Chi‐Chung
Published: September 2024

Screening plays a crucial role in the early detection of colorectal cancer, greatly reducing mortality rates. The objective of this study was to identify a non‐invasive diagnostic method utilizing serum microRNA expression for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer patients. The study consisted of three stages. In the first stage, 129 patients with colorectal cancer and 129 normal subjects were recruited as the training set for the development of a blood miRNA panel. The second stage involved recruiting 200 patients from each group as the validation cohort. Finally, a blinded study was conducted in the third stage, with 260 patients recruited to determine the predictive value of our miRNA panel. Serum samples were prospectively collected from colorectal cancer patients and normal subjects between 2017 and 2021 at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. Quantitative PCR was utilized to detect the serum levels of candidate microRNAs, and a multiple linear regression model was employed to formulate a serum microRNA panel for diagnosing colorectal cancer patients. The performance of the panel was evaluated using ROC analysis. Our study showed that the values of three pairs of serum microRNAs, namely miR‐106b‐5p/miR‐1246, miR‐106b‐5p/miR‐16 and miR‐106b‐5p/miR‐21‐5p, exhibited statistically significant differences between colorectal cancer patients and normal subjects. A serum microRNA panel formulated from these three pairs of microRNAs demonstrated high accuracy in diagnosing colorectal cancer patients from normal subjects, with an AUC of approximately 0.9. The serum miRNA test proved to be a feasible and promising non‐invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer patients in comparison to normal subjects.
The value of cesarean scar diverticulum in diagnosis of adverse events during dilatation and curettage in patient with cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Yang Fengleng , Zhang Qian , Shuai Yongzhong , Wang Zhigang , Jing Huaibo , Wang Xiaodan , Deng Chen , Lin Fanyu , Lai Hua
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between the size of cesarean scar diverticulum (CSD) measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and adverse events during dilatation and curettage (D&C) procedure in patients with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

The MRI of 197 CSP patients from October 2019 to August 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The volume, area, and depth of CSD, residual myometrium thickness (RMT), and gestational sac diameter were recorded and tested for correlation with intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), and operation time and for any association with the intraoperative adverse events (intraoperative massive hemorrhage [39 cases] and D&C procedure failure [15 cases]). The Spearman test was used to characterize the correlation between the five MRI variables and both the EBL and operation time. The correlation between the five MRI variables and intraoperative adverse events was evaluated with student's t test and Mann–Whitney U test. Diagnostic power of the MRI variables was evaluated by the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The volume, area, and depth of CSD and gestational sac diameter were positively correlated with both EBL and operation time, with the CSD volume having the highest correlation with them (r = 0.543 and 0.461, respectively). Conversely, the RMT displayed a negative correlation with the EBL and operation time. All five MRI variables were significantly associated with both intraoperative massive hemorrhage and D&C failure (all P < 0.001). The CSD volume demonstrated the highest AUC for diagnosing intraoperative massive hemorrhage and D&C failure at 0.893 (95% CI: 0.82–0.92) and 0.901 (95% CI: 0.85–0.94), respectively. The optimal cutoff values for CSD volume in predicting massive hemorrhage and D&C failure were determined to be 5.41 and 8.92 cm3, respectively, with corresponding sensitivities/specificities of 92.31/74.68 and 93.33/82.42, respectively.

Conclusion

Quantifying the size of CSD based on preoperative MRI could aid in evaluating risk during D&C in CSP patients, with CSD volume possessing higher diagnostic efficacy than the other four MRI indicators.
Current status and influencing factors of protective motivation for body mass management during pregnancy
Authors: Zhao Jingyi , Zhou Xihong , Xu Nuo , Liu Sai , Tang Jiajun
Published: September 2024

Objective

Excessive weight gain, obesity, or insufficient weight gain during pregnancy can adversely affect both the mother and her offspring. This study aims to investigate the relationship between pregnant women's self‐perception and beliefs and their body weight management during pregnancy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey involving 350 pregnant women in Changsha City was conducted from July to September 2023. Instruments included a sociodemographic data sheet, protective motivation questionnaire for pregnancy body quality management, and scales measuring body image, anxiety, self‐efficacy, and social support. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were employed to identify factors influencing protective motivation for body quality management during pregnancy.

Results

The average score of the protective motivation questionnaire was 124 (SD = 13.07), suggesting a need for enhanced weight management. Key factors influencing protective motivation included household income, cooperation with healthcare workers, sources of pregnancy information, midnight snacking habits, prepregnancy exercise, body image, and self‐efficacy (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study highlights significant factors influencing pregnant women's motivation for body quality management. These include economic status, healthcare collaboration, information accessibility, lifestyle habits, and psychological factors. The findings underscore the need for healthcare professionals to integrate these factors into pregnancy care programs to improve body quality management.
Lubin method (lacing‐up method): A new technique of vaginal rejuvenation to treat women with vaginal laxity
Authors: Hu Pan , Liu Mingbo , Liu Lubin
Published: September 2024

Synopsis

Lacing‐up method as a new technique to treat vaginal laxity.
Risk factors and clinical features of pre‐eclampsia in Iranian and Afghan mothers: A comparative study
Authors: Kashanian Maryam , Khalili Pantea , Jaliliyan Ali , Baradaran Hamid Reza
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess variations in the presentation and clinical implications of pre‐eclampsia between Iranian and Afghan mothers at a maternity center in Tehran.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of Iranian and Afghan mothers diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia. Data were collected from March 2021 to February 2023 at a maternity center in Tehran, Iran. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses were employed to compare differences between Iranian and Afghan mothers, including Mann–Whitney U, Pearson χ2 tests, and logistic regression models.

Results

We included 822 pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia, predominantly Iranian (75.5%) and Afghan (24.5%). Regarding the multivariate logistic regression model, Iranian mothers were older, with a higher proportion over 35 years. Although Afghan mothers showed higher gravidity counts and greater gestational ages at delivery, they had lower rates of hypothyroidism. Iranian women were more often categorized as obese than Afghan women, and the difference was statistically significant. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase were significantly greater in Afghan women.

Conclusion

Pre‐eclampsia poses significant maternal health risks, especially among Afghan refugees in Iran. Variances in age, gravidity, and hypothyroidism prevalence highlight the need for tailored healthcare strategies. Addressing cultural barriers and implementing targeted interventions can improve maternal and fetal outcomes in these populations.
Disclosing the fates of rejected papers: A possible measure to enhance review ability
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki , Matsubara Daisuke
Published: September 2024

Synopsis

A system may be needed to register and display the final acceptance of submitted manuscripts.
Social annotation and dialogic teaching and learning in English language arts
Authors: Allred Johnny B. , Connors Sean P. , Goering Christian Z.
Published: September 2024

This research study explores the role of social annotation in supporting dialogic teaching in secondary English language arts. Grounded in Bakhtin's dialogism and building upon research into online discussion, this study describes how a high school English teacher and her students used a digital annotation tool to read and talk about texts. Analyzing student annotations based on discourse features associated with comprehension and high‐level thinking, the study examines the extent to which social annotation supports quality dialogue. Findings highlight the need for open‐ended prompts and teacher scaffolding of online discussions, and authors suggest that dialogue enhances comprehension of texts when students go beyond reporting on others' thoughts and instead share their own ideas, connections, and questions about the text.
Collectivism–Individualism Makes the Relationships Between Digital Games Use and Creativity Different
Authors: Ding Jinqi , Shi Yuxin , Yu Quanlei , Sun Suping , Liu Han , Zhou Wanjun , Zhao Wenhui , Zhao Qingbai , Jiang Suo
Published: September 2024

With the increasing popularity of the Internet, there is significant interest among academics and the public in understanding the relationship between the Internet and individual development. However, the association between digital games use and creativity has been a topic of controversy, as highlighted in previous research. This study aimed to investigate the potential moderating effect of cultural backgrounds on the relationship between digital games use and creativity. To examine this hypothesis, a meta‐analysis of 11 papers (51 effect values) was conducted. The findings revealed digital games use was significantly correlated with originality and elaboration, rather than fluency and flexibility. Moreover, the relationship between digital games use and originality was found to be moderated by cultural collectivism–individualism. Specifically, as the level of individualistic culture increased, the strength of the correlation between digital games use and originality gradually diminished. No such moderating effect was observed for other dimensions of creativity. These results hold important theoretical implications for understanding the impact of digital games use on individual cognitive development. Additionally, they provide practical insights for offering sensitive recommendations on how to effectively harness the positive effects of digital games.
Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Creativity from Life History Theory
Authors: Sun Suping , Yu Quanlei , Ding Jinqi , Shi Yuxin , Zhou Wanjun , Liu Han , Zhao Qingbai , Dang Junhua
Published: September 2024

From the perspective of survival adaption, adverse childhood experiences may promote creativity, and this effect would be enhanced by external threat. This study adopted three approaches to explore the impact of childhood harshness and unpredictability on creativity. By using a historiometric approach to investigate the adverse childhood experiences among eminent psychologists in 20tth century, Study 1 found that the proportion experiencing childhood adversity was significantly higher than the proportion who did not, especially in the group experiencing an external threat. Study 2 measured college students' early childhood experiences and creative thinking in a threatening circumstance (COVID‐19 pandemic), which showed that childhood harshness was significantly correlated with the originality of creative thinking. Study 3 explored the moderating role of threat through experimental manipulation. Results showed that childhood harshness predicted originality only in the threatening condition but not in the control condition. These results have theoretical significance for understanding individual creative development.
Rheological Equivalent Circuit Model Using Electrochemical Impedance Analysis
Authors: Choi Hwan Woo , Song Young Seok
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a rheological equivalent circuit model inspired by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze complex viscosity data. By exploiting the similarity between the Cole–Cole plot in rheology and the Nyquist plot in EIS, the study adopts circuit fitting methodologies to interpret rheological behavior of various polymers. The model employs redefined electrochemical elements, including dashpots, springs, rheological constant phase elements, and Warburg elements, to capture both linear and non‐linear responses. This approach offers both analytical and predictive capabilities, providing new insights into material composition.
Utilizing almond shell filler to improve strength and sustainability of jute fiber composites
Authors: Çetin Ahmet
Published: September 2024

In recent years, natural fibers have begun to replace synthetic fibers in automotive, building, and marine applications because of their sustainability, renewability, low cost, and availability of raw materials. However, because of their low strength, biocomposites are strengthened by hybridization with stronger synthetic fibers or adding fillers. This study reinforced high‐cellulose jute fiber composites with cellulose‐based almond (Prunus amygdalus) shell filler (ASF). Natural waste almond shells were ground to microparticle size. Hybrid composites were prepared by adding microparticulate ASF to the jute fiber composites at 0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6% by weight. A comprehensive experimental study included tensile, flexural, Charpy impact (flat and edgewise), and shear tests. The addition of ASF significantly improved the mechanical properties of the jute fiber composites, and the best values were obtained with 3 wt.% ASF addition. Tensile, flexural, impact, and shear properties increased by 48.2%, 63.5%, 24.4%, and 52.2%, respectively. Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs used in morphological structural analysis prove that the high mechanical values are achieved by ASF strengthening the interlaminar adhesion. This study contributed to developing a hybrid natural composite material reinforced with natural fillers that is stronger, environmentally friendly, and sustainable.

Highlights

The organic structure of Almond Shell Filler (ASF) ensured the sustainability of natural composites.

Cellulosic ASF significantly contributed to the structural stiffness and strength of jute fiber composites.

ASF reduced voids, improved fiber‐matrix bonding, and prevented debonding and delamination.

ASF optimized the mechanical performance of jute fiber composites at 3%.
Multiscale shear failure mechanisms within a prestrained composite
Authors: Zhao Chenmin , Wang Bing , Guan Chenglong , Jiang Shihan , Zhong Jianfeng , Zhong Shuncong
Published: September 2024

The elastic fiber prestressing (EFP) technique has been developed to balance the thermal residual stress generated during curing of a polymeric composite, where continuous fibers were prestretched under either constant stress or constant strain throughout the curing process. The tension was only removed after the resin was fully cured. It has been demonstrated that EFP is able to enhance the shear properties of the composite, while the underlying mechanics is still unknown. Here, we investigated the multiscale shear failure mechanisms induced by the EFP within a carbon composite. A bespoke biaxial fiber prestressing rig was developed to apply biaxial tension to a plain‐weave carbon prepreg, where the constant strain‐based EFP method was employed to produce prestrained composites with different prestrain levels. Effects of EFP on macro‐scale shear failure were subsequently characterized through mechanical tests and micro‐morphological analysis. Both the micro‐ and meso‐scale representative volume element (RVE) finite element models were established and experimentally verified. These were then employed to reveal the underlying stress evolution mechanics induced by EFP. It is found that EFP would improve the shear performance of a composite by enhancing the fiber/matrix interfacial bonding strength. This attributes to the elastic strain recoveries of the prestrained fibers locked within a polymeric composite, which generate compressive stresses to counterbalance the external loading. The multiscale shear failure mechanisms were then proposed. These findings are expected to facilitate structural design and application of the EFP for aerospace composites.

Highlights

Biaxial tension is applied to produce prestrained woven composite.

Prestrain effects on microstructural stress evolution mechanics are revealed.

Multiscale shear failure mechanisms are proposed for prestrained composites.