bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the Accelerated Capacity Decay of a High‐Voltage LiCoO2 upon Harsh Charging Procedure
Authors: Li Zijian , Yi Haocong , Ding Wangyang , Ren Hengyu , Du Yuhao , Shang Mingjie , Zhao Wenguang , Chen Hui , Zhou Lin , Lin Hai , Zhao Qinghe , Pan Feng
Published: December 2023

In practical applications, LiCoO2 (LCO) cathode is usually charged with a constant current plus constant voltage (CC+CV) procedure to obtain higher capacity delivery. However, the harsh condition upon CC+CV procedure causes the accelerated capacity decay of LCO. Herein, the fading mechanism of LCO cycling upon CC+CV procedure at 4.6 V versus Li/Li+ is first revealed. Comparing with a pure CC charging, the accelerated capacity decay of LCO upon CC+CV procedure is attributed to both the bulk and surface structure damages: i) the CV charging triggers more H1‐3 phase separation, leading to the generation of lattice dislocations, curved Co‐O layers, and ultimately the bulk microcracks inside the LCO particles; ii) upon cycle, the CV charging causes more side reactions and more surface structure collapse issues, including forming thick surface phase transition layer (PTL), causing more Co dissolution, forming thick and loose CEI layer, etc., which seriously increases the charge transfer resistance and reduces the interface Li+ transport kinetics. This work provides a new insight into the fading mechanism, and shows a new pathway for designing more advanced LCO cathodes.
Strong and Tough Biofibers Designed by Dual Crosslinking for Sutures
Authors: Xiao Yao , Yang Ze , Guo Baoling , Wu Baiheng , Liu Rongrong , Zhang Shikai , Zhao Peng , Ruan Jian , Lu Xingyu , Liu Kai , Chen Dong
Published: December 2023

High‐performance bio‐based fibers have unique advantages in biocompatibility for biomedical applications, such as sutures, hernia patches, and blood vessels. Herein, strong and tough biofibers based on regenerated silk fibroins (RSFs) are designed by a dual‐crosslinking strategy and prepared continuously in situ via a single‐channel microfluidic device. During the wet spinning process, covalent bonds between tyrosines are introduced by photo crosslinking and coordination interactions of Zn2+ ions with serines are built between RSFs, forming a dual‐crosslinked, and inter‐connected network and effectively improving the mechanical performances of RSF fibers. By optimizing the wet spinning parameters and applying an optimal post‐stretching treatment, dual‐crosslinked RSF fibers exhibit an excellent tensile strength of 891 MPa, a remarkable Young's modulus of 15.0 GPa, a large tensile strain of 20.1%, and an outstanding toughness of 114 MJ m−3, which are superior to other regenerated biofibers. In addition to the outstanding mechanical performances, dual‐crosslinked RSF fibers also possess excellent temperature adaptability, fatigue resistance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, making them ideal candidates for biomedical applications. In vivo tests of dual‐crosslinked RSF fibers as sutures demonstrate a good wound healing performance with smaller scar and lower inflammation.
Polysiloxane Inks for Multimaterial 3d Printing of High‐Permittivity Dielectric Elastomers
Authors: Danner Patrick M. , Pleij Tazio , Siqueira Gilberto , Bayles Alexandra V. , Venkatesan Thulasinath Raman , Vermant Jan , Opris Dorina M.
Published: December 2023

Dielectric elastomer transducers (DET) are promising candidates for electrically‐driven soft robotics. However, the high viscosity and low yield stress of DET formulations prohibit 3D printing, the most common manufacturing method for designer soft actuators. DET inks optimized for direct ink writing (DIW) produce elastomers with high stiffness and mechanical losses, diminishing the utility of DET actuators. To address the antagonistic nature of processing and performance constraints, principles of capillary suspensions are used to engineer DIW DET inks. By blending two immiscible polysiloxane liquids with a filler, a capillary ink suspension is obtained, in which the ink rheology can be tuned independently of the elastomer electromechanical properties. Rheometry is performed to measure and optimize processibility as a function of filler and secondary liquid fraction. Including polar polysiloxanes as the secondary liquid produces a printed elastomer exhibiting a four‐fold permittivity increase over commercial polydimethylsiloxane. The characterization and multimaterial printing into layered DET devices demonstrates that the immiscible capillary suspension improves the processability of the inks and enhances the properties of the elastomers, enabling actuation of the devices at comparatively low voltages. It is anticipated that this formulation approach will allow soft robotics to harness the full potential of DETs.
Microarchitected Compliant Scaffolds of Pyrolytic Carbon for 3D Muscle Cell Growth
Authors: Taale Mohammadreza , Schamberger Barbara , Monclus Miguel A. , Dolle Christian , Taheri Fereydoon , Mager Dario , Eggeler Yolita M. , Korvink Jan G. , Molina‐Aldareguia Jon M. , Selhuber‐Unkel Christine , Lantada Andrés Díaz , Islam Monsur
Published: December 2023

The integration of additive manufacturing technologies with the pyrolysis of polymeric precursors enables the design‐controlled fabrication of architected 3D pyrolytic carbon (PyC) structures with complex architectural details. Despite great promise, their use in cellular interaction remains unexplored. This study pioneers the utilization of microarchitected 3D PyC structures as biocompatible scaffolds for the colonization of muscle cells in a 3D environment. PyC scaffolds are fabricated using micro‐stereolithography, followed by pyrolysis. Furthermore, an innovative design strategy using revolute joints is employed to obtain novel, compliant structures of architected PyC. The pyrolysis process results in a pyrolysis temperature‐ and design‐geometry‐dependent shrinkage of up to 73%, enabling the geometrical features of microarchitected compatible with skeletal muscle cells. The stiffness of architected PyC varies with the pyrolysis temperature, with the highest value of 29.57 ± 0.78 GPa for 900 °C. The PyC scaffolds exhibit excellent biocompatibility and yield 3D cell colonization while culturing skeletal muscle C2C12 cells. They further induce good actin fiber alignment along the compliant PyC construction. However, no conclusive myogenic differentiation is observed here. Nevertheless, these results are highly promising for architected PyC scaffolds as multifunctional tissue implants and encourage more investigations in employing compliant architected PyC structures for high‐performance tissue engineering applications.
Photothermal and Photocatalytic Glycol Chitosan and Polydopamine‐Grafted Oxygen Vacancy Bismuth Oxyiodide (BiO1‐xI) Nanoparticles for the Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy of Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Kong Jianglong , Ma Sihan , Chu Runxuan , Liu Jiawen , Yu Hongrui , Mao Meiru , Ge Xiaohan , Sun Yuting , Wang Yi
Published: December 2023

Treatment of diabetic wounds is a significant clinical challenge due to the massive infections caused by bacteria. In this study, multifunctional glycol chitosan and polydopamine‐coated BiO1‐xI (GPBO) nanoparticles (NPs) with near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal and photocatalytic abilities are prepared. When infection occurs, the local microenvironment becomes acidic, and the pH‐switchable GPBO can target the bacteria of the wound site. The NIR‐assisted GPBO treatment exhibits anti‐bacterial effects with fast response, high efficiency, and long duration to Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. GPBO achieves excellent photothermal imaging and CT imaging of the mouse subcutaneous abscess model. With the assistance of NIR irradiation, the GPBO promotes the healing of the diabetic wound model with the effects of anti‐bacteria, anti‐inflammation, the M2 polarization promotion of macrophages, and angiogenesis. This is the first‐time report of nano‐sized BiO1‐xI. The synthesis and selected application for the imaging and targeted therapy of diabetic wounds are presented. This study offers an example of the NP‐assisted precise diagnosis and therapy of bacterial infection diseases.
Cross Relaxation Enables Spatiotemporal Color‐Switchable Upconversion in a Single Sandwich Nanoparticle for Information Security
Authors: Huang Jinshu , Yan Long , An Zhengce , Wei Haopeng , Wang Chao , Zhang Qinyuan , Zhou Bo
Published: December 2023

Smart control of ionic interaction dynamics offers new possibilities for tuning and editing luminescence properties of lanthanide‐based materials. However, it remains a daunting challenge to achieve the dynamic control of cross relaxation mediated photon upconversion, and in particular the involved intrinsic photophysics is still unclear. Herein, this work reports a conceptual model to realize the color‐switchable upconversion of Tm3+ through spatiotemporal control of cross relaxation in the design of NaYF4:Gd@NaYbF4:Tm@NaYF4 sandwich nanostructure. It shows that cross relaxation plays a key role in modulating upconversion dynamics and tuning emission colors of Tm3+. Interestingly, it is found that there is a short temporal delay for the occurrence of cross relaxation in contrast to the spontaneous emission as a result of the slight energy mismatch between relevant energy levels. This further enables a fine emission color tuning upon non‐steady state excitation. Moreover, a characteristic quenching time is proposed to describe the temporal evolution of cross relaxation quantitatively. These findings present a deep insight into the physics of ionic interactions in heavy doping systems, and also show great promise in frontier applications including information security, anti‐counterfeiting and nanophotonics.
Synthesis of Pigmented Parylene Coatings and Control of the Chromatism Based on Chemical Vapor Deposition Copolymerization
Authors: Wu Ting‐Ying , Chuang Chih‐Peng , Chou Fang‐Yu , Chiang Yu‐Chih , Jhang Jia‐Rong , Guan Zhen‐Yu , Chiu Chih‐Hao , Huang Sheng‐Tung , Wu Chen‐Chi , Chen Hsien‐Yeh
Published: December 2023

Coloring and identification procedures for medical devices are important to reduce the risks of defective medical devices or incorrect operations and implantations. The study herein reports a novel platform of color pigment‐modified Parylene coatings to fulfill the needs of medical coatings, providing a surface modification route to alter the important property of color for an underlying material and/or device from its original color. Modification with a naphthalimide derivative is employed for the Parylene precursor. The synthesis of the final color Parylene coating is performed based on a vapor‐phase deposition polymerization process, and the coating is conformally coated on a variety of materials regardless of the shape or dimension. Furthermore, control of the color to create a series of color‐changing Parylene coatings is enabled by vapor deposition copolymerization with a second Parylene derivative source, and predictable color tuning from a primary to a secondary and/or tertiary color is achievable in the experiments and shows accordance with color theory. The reported coating platform represents a colored coating tool and is biocompatible for biotechnological applications.
Wearable MXene‐Graphene Sensing of Influenza and SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus in Air and Breath: From Lab to Clinic
Authors: Li Yanxiao , Peng Zhekun , Li Jiaoli , Wei Congjie , Liu Shangbin , Hao Weixing , Cheng Huanyu , Burton Casey , Wang Yang , Huang Yue‐Wern , Kim Chang‐Soo , Hou Fang Yao Stephen , Kim DongHyun , Wu Chenglin
Published: December 2023

The rapidly expanding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and its variants demand a continuous monitoring method through portable and wearable devices. Utilizing the rich surface chemistry and high chemical‐to‐electrical signal conversion of 2D MXene‐graphene heterostructure thin films, a field‐effect‐transistor (FET) sensor, which has a flexible substrate to be assembled onto the mask and combines with a Bluetooth system for wireless transmission is developed, to detect the influenza and SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses in air and breath. At first, the developed sensors are examined in the laboratory through direct contact with sensing targets in solution form. The results show a low limit of detection (LOD) of 1 fg mL−1 for recombinant SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein and 125 copies mL−1 for inactivated influenza A (H1N1) virus with high specificity in differing recombinant SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein and inactivated H1N1 virus. Then the sensors are tested under various simulated human breathing modes through controlled exposure to atomizer‐generated aerosols in an enclosed chamber and mask coverage. The results show the high sensitivity of the developed sensors under varying distances to the source, viral load, flow rate, and enclosed conditions. At last, clinical tests are carried out to demonstrate the robustness and potential field applications of the sensors.
Developing Porous Microneedles Patch for the Detection of Wound Infections
Authors: Xue Wenjing , Na Jintong , Zhang Lexiang , Zu Yan , Lin Faquan
Published: December 2023

Wound infections caused by invasive pathogens become an increasing global challenge health. Porous microneedles (MNs) present distinctive advantages for non‐invasive and in situ detection of wound infections, enabling the extraction of interstitial fluid, skin sweat, saliva and other biological samples. Consequently, porous MNs find widespread acceptance in medical detection, drug delivery, and monitoring physiological indicators. Based on these advantages, the emerging clinical applications and classifications of MNs is first introduced, covering mechanical strength, methods for antibody probe modification onto porous MNs, and signal amplification techniques for biomarkers analysis. At the same time, the specific applications of immunology and electrochemistry on porous MNs, introducing methods to enhance the detection signal of target molecules, such as rolling circle amplification, gold/silver nanoparticles, fluorescence amplification origami microneedle and so on is try to summarized. The improvement of detection sensitivity is realized by integrating various signal amplification strategies and diverse detection methods. Meanwhile, it is briefly illustrated applications in wound detections. Finally, challenges and future prospects of using porous MNs for detection in practical applications is discussed.
Rational Design of Circularly Polarized Luminescent Molecular Structures Toward NIR and Single Molecule White Light Emission
Authors: Liu Jianxun , He Tengfei , Gong Zhong‐Liang , Liang Ning , Feng Yansong , Long Guankui , Zhong Yu‐Wu , Yao Chang‐Jiang
Published: December 2023

Single‐molecule white‐light and near‐infrared circularly polarized luminescent materials are effective complements to the demonstrated enhancements of visible emission in the high contrast 3D images or organic light‐emitting diodes. In this contribution, two binaphthalene‐containing luminogenic enantiomers (BIT or BITM) with aggregation‐induced emission are synthesized which exhibit circularly polarized luminescence in solution with dissymmetry factors of ±5.0 × 10−3 and ±4.8 × 10−3, respectively. Additionally, the dual‐fluorescence spectra of single‐molecule white emission (CIE: 0.33, 0.34) in toluene solution are observed with (R)/(S)‐BIT in low polarity solvent originating from locally excited and twisted intramolecular charge‐transfer emission. While (R)/(S)‐BITM only shows single NIR luminescence with peaks at 720 nm in powder state. The nondoped OLEDs exhibit high maximum external quantum efficiencies of up to 4.2% with small efficiency roll‐off and NIR electroluminescence peak at 709 nm.
Ultrafine and Microinvasive Temperature Probe for Real‐Time Monitoring Core Body Temperature
Authors: Jia Meng , Wen Jinxiu , Lan Peisheng , Liu Bo , Li Shichang , Zhou Tingliang , Li Zi , Luo Jianyi , Wu Rihui
Published: December 2023

Anesthetics can affect temperature regulation when administered to an anesthetized individual, which can be tracked by measuring the core body temperature. This is useful in assessing the depth and consistency of the anesthesia, as well as its effect on temperature control. In this study, a temperature probe measurement system is created with a remarkable sensitivity of 685.3 Ω °C−1, a high resolution of 0.01 °C, and a fast response rate of 0.16 s °C−1. This ultrafine and biocompatible probe is composed of a single carbon fiber with a diameter of 5.4 µm, encased in a 0.7 mm needle. The system is reliable and provides faster temperature measurements than existing technologies. By inserting the probe beneath the scapula to measure core body temperature in real‐time, a linear correlation can be seen between the duration of anesthesia, the minimum core body temperature, and the respiratory rate when different doses of tribromoethanol anesthetic are administered. This can improve the effectiveness and safety of clinical practice, accelerate the progress and utilization of anesthetic drugs, and give a better comprehension of the physiological mechanisms of anesthesia.
Synthesis and Catalytic Applications of Advanced Sn‐ and Zr‐Zeolites Materials
Authors: Liu Xue , Zhu Zhiguo
Published: December 2023

The incorporation of isolated Sn (IV) and Zr (IV) ions into silica frameworks is attracting widespread attention, which exhibits remarkable catalytic performance (conversion, selectivity, and stability) in a broad range of reactions, especially in the field of biomass catalytic conversion. As a representative example, the conversion route of carbohydrates into valuable platform and commodity chemicals such as lactic acid and alkyl lactates, has already been established. The zeotype materials also possess water‐tolerant ability and are capable to be served as promising heterogeneous catalysts for aqueous reactions. Therefore, dozens of Sn‐ and Zr‐containing silica materials with various channel systems have been prepared successfully in the past decades, containing 8 membered rings (MR) small pore CHA zeolite, 10‐MR medium pore zeolites (FER, MCM‐56, MEL, MFI, MWW), 12‐MR large pore zeolites (Beta, BEC, FAU, MOR, MSE, MTW), and 14‐MR extra‐large pore UTL zeolite. This review about Sn‐ and Zr‐containing metallosilicate materials focuses on their synthesis strategy, catalytic applications for diverse reactions, and the effect of zeolite characteristics on their catalytic performances.
Unveiling Pseudo‐Inert Basal Plane for Electrocatalysis in 2D Semiconductors: Critical Role of Reversal‐Activation Mechanism
Authors: Zang Yanmei , Wu Qian , Wang Shuhua , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying , Heine Thomas , Ma Yandong
Published: December 2023

Partially occupied orbitals play a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of electrocatalyst by facilitating electron acceptance and donation, thus enabling the activation of molecular bonds. According to this principle, the basal plane of most 2D semiconductors is inert for electrocatalysis because of the fully occupied orbitals at the surface. Here, taking monolayer CrX (X = P, As, Sb) and Cr2PY (Y = As, Sb) as examples and through first‐principles calculations, it is revealed that even with fully occupied surface orbitals, the basal planes exhibit remarkable catalytic activity for the nitrogen oxide reduction reaction (NORR). This leads to the concept of the pseudo‐inert electrocatalyst. The underlying physics behind such pseudo‐inert character can be attributed to the reversal‐activation mechanism: contrary to conventional expectations, the adsorbed NO molecule reversely triggers the activity of the inert basal plane first, and then the basal plane activates NO molecules, forming the intriguing “Reversal Activation‐Transfer‐Donation‐Backdonation” process. This study further predicts that such pseudo‐inert character can demonstrate many distinctive properties, for example, it can introduce a novel type of surface catalysis, one that selectively targets radicals possessing an inherent dipole moment such as NO. The explored phenomena and insights greatly enrich the realms of electrocatalysis and 2D materials.
Dislocations in Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Libo , Liu Jinpei , Li Yanzheng , Wei Ganghui , Li Qiong , Fan Zining , Liu Hao , An Yue , Liu Chenxi , Li Junshuai , Fu Yujun , Liu Qiming , He Deyan
Published: December 2023

Dislocation is a common extended defect in crystalline silicon solar cells, which affects the recombination characteristics of solar cells by forming deep‐level defect states in the silicon bandgap, thereby reducing the lifetime of minority carrier. Hence, reducing the impact of defects on device performance is an effective strategy to optimize the performance of photovoltaic devices. This article reviews the observation and engineering of dislocation in Si solar cell. The structure and deformation of Si can be directly observed by chemical etching combined with electron microscopy. Also, more information about dislocation is obtained indirectly by monitoring the electrical and optical properties of Si. The classification, density, distribution of dislocations, and their interactions with other defects in Si can affect the lifetime of minority carriers and thereby reduce the performance of Si solar cells. In order to achieve higher cell efficiency, crystals with less or even no dislocation should be obtained. In addition to the specification of controlling the relevant parameters during the growth of silicon ingots to obtain the minimum dislocation density, it is necessary to study the behavior of dislocation in Si wafers under the combined action of external stress, temperature, and other defects.
Exploring the utility of bedside tests for predicting cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults
Authors: Carrick Laura , Doleman Brett , Wall Joshua , Gates Amanda , Lund Jon N. , Williams John P. , Phillips Bethan E.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) declines with advancing and has also, independent of age, been shown to be predictive of all‐cause mortality, morbidity, and poor clinical outcomes. In relation to the older patient, there is a particular wealth of evidence highlighting the relationship between low CRF and poor surgical outcomes. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is accepted as the gold‐standard measure of CRF. However, this form of assessment has significant personnel and equipment demands and is not feasible for those with certain age‐associated physical limitations, including joint and cardiovascular comorbidities. As such, alternative ways to assess the CRF of older patients are very much needed.

Methods

Sixty‐four participants (45% female) with a median age of 74 (65–90) years were recruited to this study via community‐based advertisements. All participants completed three tests of physical function: (1) a step‐box test; (2) handgrip strength dynamometry; and (3) a CPET on a cycle ergometer; and also had their muscle architecture (vastus lateralis) assessed by B‐mode ultrasonography to provide measures of muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length. Multivariate linear regression was then used to ascertain bedside predictors of CPET parameters from the alternative measures of physical function and demographic (age, gender, body mass index (BMI)) data.

Results

There was no significant association between ultrasound‐assessed parameters of muscle architecture and measures of CRF. VO2peak was predicted to some extent from fast step time during the step‐box test, gender, and BMI, leading to a model that achieved an R2 of 0.40 (p < 0.001). Further, in aiming to develop a model with minimal assessment demands (i.e., using handgrip dynamometry rather than the step‐box test), replacing fast step time with non‐dominant HGS led to a model which achieved an R2 of 0.36 (p < 0.001). Non‐dominant handgrip strength combined with the step‐box test parameter of fast step time and BMI delivered the most predictive model for VO2peak with an R2 of 0.45 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings show that simple‐to‐ascertain patient characteristics and bedside assessments of physical function are able to predict CPET‐derived CRF. Combined with gender and BMI, both handgrip strength and fast step time during a step‐box test were predictive for VO2peak. Future work should apply this model to a clinical population to determine its utility in this setting and to explore if simple bedside tests are predictive of important clinical outcomes in older adults (i.e., post‐surgical complications).
Identification of patients at high risk for recurrence in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater: Analysis in 460 patients
Authors: Narita Masato , Hatano Etsuro , Kitamura Koji , Fukumitsu Ken , Kitagawa Hirohisa , Hamaguchi Yuhei , Yazawa Takefumi , Terajima Hiroaki , Kitaguchi Kazuhiko , Hata Toshihiko ,   the Kyoto University Hepato‐Biliary Pancreatic surgery Study Group (KUHBPS)
Published: December 2023

Aim

Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (CAV) shows a favorable prognosis compared to that with the other periampullary tumors, while some cases have a poor prognosis. The aims of the present study are to clarify the clinicopathological factors associated with poor recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in patients with CAV after curative resection and to validate the usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC).

Patients

The study design is a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Patients with CAV who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy between January 2008 and December 2020 at 26 hospitals were analyzed. The 30 clinicopathological factors were evaluated. A propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare between patients with and without AC.

Results

Finally, 460 patients were analyzed. Median duration of follow‐up was 47.2 months. Twenty‐one prognostic factors associated with poor RFS were identified by univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, aged ≥71, tumor diameter ≥12 mm, pT2 or higher stage (pT≥2), portal vein invasion (PV+), venous invasion(V+), and node positive disease (pN+) were independent prognostic factors for poor RFS. Out of 80 patients who received AC, 63 patients were assigned to analysis for PSM. The results showed no beneficial effect of AC on RFS. The preoperative factors potentially predicting pT≥2, V+, and/or N+ were at least one of following; (1) CA19‐9 > 37 IU/mL, (2) ulcerative or mixed type appearance, (3) except for well‐differentiated tumor, or (4) except for intestinal subtype of histology.

Conclusions

Aged ≥71, tumor diameter ≥12 mm, pT≥2, PV+, V+, and pN+ were independent prognostic factors for poor RFS in patients with CAV. An additional therapeutic strategy may be desirable in CAV patients at high risk for recurrence.
Stylized Crowd Formation Transformation Through Spatiotemporal Adversarial Learning
Authors: Yan Dapeng , Huang Kexiang , Zhang Longfei , Ding Gang Yi
Published: December 2023

Achieving crowd formation transformations has wide‐ranging applications in fields such as unmanned aerial vehicle formation control, crowd simulation, and large‐scale performances. However, planning trajectories for hundreds of agents is a challenging and tedious task. When modifying crowd formation change schemes, adjustments are typically required based on the style of formation change. Existing methods often involve manual adjustments at each crucial step, leading to a substantial amount of physical labor. Motivated by these challenges, this study introduces a novel generative adversarial network (GAN) for generating crowd formation transformations. The proposed GAN learns specific styles from a series of crowd formation transformation trajectories and can transform a new crowd with an arbitrary number of individuals into the same styles with minimal manual intervention. The model incorporates a space–time transformer module to aggregate spatiotemporal information for learning distinct styles of formation transformation. Furthermore, this article investigates the relationship between the distribution of training data and the length of trajectory sequences, providing insights into the preprocessing of training data.
Improved Arithmetic Performance by Combining Stateful and Non‐Stateful Logic in Resistive Random Access Memory 1T–1R Crossbars
Authors: Brackmann Leon , Ziegler Tobias , Jafari Atousa , Wouters Dirk J. , Tahoori Mehdi B. , Menzel Stephan
Published: December 2023

Computing‐in‐memory (CIM) is a promising approach for overcoming the memory‐wall problem in conventional von‐Neumann architectures. This is done by performing certain computation tasks directly in the storage subsystem without transferring data between storage and processing units. Stateful and non‐stateful CIM concepts are recently attracting lots of interest, which are demonstrated as logical complete, energy efficient, and compatible with dense crossbar structures. However, sneak‐path currents in passive resistive random access memory (RRAM) crossbars degrade the operation reliability and require the usage of active 1 Transistor–1 Resistance (1T‐1R) bitcell designs. In this article, the arithmetic performance and reliability are investigated based on experimental measurements and variability‐aware circuit simulations. Herein, it is aimed for the evaluation of logic operations specifically with fully integrated 1T–1R crossbar devices. Based on these operations, an N‐bit full adder with optimized energy consumption and latency is demonstrated by combining stateful and non‐stateful CIM logic styles with regard to the specific conditions in active 1T–1R RRAM crossbars.
Toward Bionic Arthroscopy: A Comprehensive Perspective of Continuum Robotics Principles and Prototypes for the Inception of Arthroscopic Surgery Robots
Authors: Huang Hao , Shi Zhenyun , Gao Xiangsheng , Zhou Jian , Yu Tengbo , Liu Chaozong , Liu Ziyu , Zhang Yingze
Published: December 2023

In this study, an innovative exploration of leveraging bionics and continuum robotics principles to develop a novel solution for arthroscopic surgery is embarked on. Inspired by the flexibility and adaptability of organisms like snakes and octopuses, the continuum robot concept aims to address the inherent challenges in traditional arthroscopy, including lower precision, manual tremors, and long surgeon learning curves. The implementation of these principles in the human body, however, faces significant obstacles, particularly achieving high‐performance motion control amid strong nonlinearity and coupling between modules. This research focuses on intelligent integration and enhanced safety in human‐machine interaction, aiming for improved control precision and flexibility in arthroscopic procedures. A thorough literature review of endoscopic continuum robots is conducted, highlighting current advancements in actuation, structure, sensing, and control technologies.  The study concludes with an assessment of these technologies, their limitations, and future potential, in light of the unique demands of arthroscopic continuum robots. This comprehensive review bridges bionics and robotics, presenting the opportunities and challenges in applying continuum robotics to arthroscopic surgery. The goal is to encourage further research in this area, contributing to the development of prototype robots that enhance the precision and safety of arthroscopic surgery.
Inequalities in adiposity trends between 1979 and 1999 in Guatemalan children
Authors: Johnson William , Mansukoski Liina , Galvez‐Sobral J. Andres , Furlán Luis , Bogin Barry
Published: December 2023

Background

Guatemala suffered from civil war and high levels of inequality and childhood stunting in the second half of the 20th century, but little is known about inequalities in secular trends in adiposity.

Objectives

To investigate differences in childhood body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness trajectories from 1979 to 1999 between three groups of children: High socioeconomic position (SEP) Ladino, Low SEP Ladino, and Low SEP Indigenous Maya.

Methods

The sample comprised 19 346 children aged 7–17 years with 54 638 observations. The outcomes were height, BMI, triceps skinfold thickness (TST), and subscapular skinfold thickness (SST) Z‐scores according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) references. Sex‐specific multilevel models were used to estimate and compare mean trajectories from 1979 to 1999 between the three groups.

Results

Mean Z‐scores were always highest for High SEP Ladino children and lowest for Low SEP Maya children. Despite their very short stature, the Low SEP groups had SST trajectories that were above the 50th centile. The BMI trajectories were relatively flat and within one major centile band of the CDC median, with differences between the three groups that were small (0.2–0.3 Z‐scores) and did not attenuate over time. Conversely, the TST Z‐score trajectories demonstrated larger positive secular trends (e.g., from −1.25 in 1979 to −0.06 in 1999 for Low SEP Maya boys), with differences between the three groups that were large (0.5–1.2 Z‐scores) and did attenuate over time (in boys). Secular trends and between‐group difference in the SST Z‐score trajectories were less pronounced, but again we found stronger evidence in boys that the estimated inequalities attenuated over time.

Conclusions

Secular trends and inequalities in skinfolds differ from those for BMI in Guatemalan children. Differences between groups in skinfolds attenuated over time, at least in boys, but whether this is good news is questionable given the very short stature yet relatively large subscapular skinfolds of the Low SEP groups.
Tau seeds from Alzheimer's disease brains trigger tau spread in macaques while oligomeric‐Aβ mediates pathology maturation
Authors: Darricau Morgane , Dou Changsong , Kinet Remi , Zhu Tao , Zhou Li , Li Xianglei , Bedel Aurélie , Claverol Stéphane , Tokarski Caroline , Katsinelos Taxiarchis , McEwan William A. , Zhang Ling , Gao Ran , Bourdenx Mathieu , Dehay Benjamin , Qin Chuan , Bezard Erwan , Planche Vincent
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

The “prion‐like” features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) tauopathy and its relationship with amyloid‐β (Aβ) have never been experimentally studied in primates phylogenetically close to humans.

METHODS

We injected 17 macaques in the entorhinal cortex with nanograms of seeding‐competent tau aggregates purified from AD brains or control extracts from aged‐matched healthy brains, with or without intracerebroventricular co‐injections of oligomeric‐Aβ.

RESULTS

Pathological tau injection increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) p‐tau181 concentration after 18 months. Tau pathology spreads from the entorhinal cortex to the hippocampal trisynaptic loop and the cingulate cortex, resuming the experimental progression of Braak stage I to IV. Many AD‐related molecular networks were impacted by tau seeds injections regardless of Aβ injections in proteomic analyses. However, we found mature neurofibrillary tangles, increased CSF total‐tau concentration, and pre‐ and postsynaptic degeneration only in Aβ co‐injected macaques.

DISCUSSION

Oligomeric‐Aβ mediates the maturation of tau pathology and its neuronal toxicity in macaques but not its initial spreading.

Highlights

This study supports the “prion‐like” properties of misfolded tau extracted from AD brains.

This study empirically validates the Braak staging in an anthropomorphic brain.

This study highlights the role of oligomeric Aβ in driving the maturation and toxicity of tau pathology.

This work establishes a novel animal model of early sporadic AD that is closer to the human pathology.
Effect of prehospital advanced airway management on out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest due to asphyxia: A JAAM‐OHCA registry‐based observational study in Japan
Authors: Bunya Naofumi , Hirofumi Ohnishi , Igarashi Yutaka , Norii Tatsuya , Katayama Yoichi , Kasai Takehiko , Sawamoto Keigo , Narimatsu Eichi
Published: December 2023

Aim

To investigate the relationship between prehospital advanced airway management (AAM) and neurological outcomes in patients with asphyxia‐related out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine OHCA registry between June 2014 and December 2017. Patients with asphyxia‐related cardiac arrest aged ≥18 years were included. The primary outcome was a 1‐month favorable neurological outcome (cerebral performance category [CPC] 1–2).

Results

Of the 34,754 patients in the 2014–2017 JAAM‐OHCA Registry, 1956 were included in our analysis. Cerebral performance category 1–2 was observed in 31 patients (1.6%), while CPC 3–5 was observed in 1925 patients (98.4%). Although prehospital AAM was associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes (odds ratio [OR], 0.269; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.114–0.633; p = 0.003) in the univariate analysis, the association was not significant in the multivariate analysis. Compared with the AAM group, the non‐AAM group showed increased rates of cardiac arrest after emergency medical service contact (4.3 vs. 7.2%, p = 0.009) and Glasgow Coma Scale ≥4 at hospital admission (1.9% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.004). Among the 903 patients for whom the time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) could be calculated, the time from witnessed cardiac arrest to ROSC was significantly shorter (median, 8.5 vs. 37.0 min; p < 0.001) for those with favorable neurological outcomes than for those without.

Conclusion

Prehospital AAM is not associated with improved neurological outcomes among those with asphyxia‐related OHCA. However, the time from cardiac arrest to the first ROSC was significantly shorter among those with favorable outcomes.
Does a Presurgical Antisepsis Protocol Decrease Surgical Site Infections in Young Children?
Authors: Lapp Valerie , Ben Khallouq Bertha , Bentley Dana , Kirkland Allie , Dykstra‐Nykanen Jill , Ayotte Keith
Published: December 2023

National standards for surgical site infection (SSI) prevention for children remain elusive. Our institution developed a presurgical antisepsis protocol that included the three components of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing wipes, chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse, and povidone‐iodine nasal swab. This retrospective cohort study examined data from electronic health records to compare SSI rates before and after protocol implementation. We included children aged 2 through 11 years undergoing any surgical procedure with the use of an incision in the OR (N = 1,356). We did not find any difference in the occurrence of SSI before and after the protocol was implemented. Logistic regression showed that an infection present at the time of surgery was the only significant predictor of an SSI. The implementation of a presurgical antisepsis protocol was not associated with SSI rate reduction in this pediatric cohort.
Acrylonitrile‐styrene‐acrylate particles with different acrylonitrile contents for improving the toughness of poly(vinyl chloride) resin
Authors: Tang Qianyi , Liu Mengen , Liu Baijun , Zhang Mingyao
Published: December 2023

Poly(butyl acrylate) grafted styrene and acrylonitrile copolymer (PBA‐g‐SAN, ASA) with core–shell structures were prepared by emulsion polymerization technology to improve the toughness of the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The mechanical properties of the PVC/ASA blends were investigated. The notch impact strength of the PVC/ASA blend could reach 1200 J/m when the 13 phr ASA was added to the PVC. This was several times more than pure PVC resin. Scanning electron microscopy analysis results indicated that the improvement in impact strength of the PVC/ASA blend was attributed to shear yielding induced by ASA particles. Additionally, subtle changes in the ratio of monomers in the shell layer led to significant fluctuations in the mechanical properties of the composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the intermolecular interaction forces between ASA particles and PVC resins played a key role in improving the toughness of PVC/ASA blend.
Preparation of aminated poly (L‐lactic acid) film coated with multilayers of mussel‐inspired heparin‐like carboxymethylcellulose sodium and chitosan for anticoagulant materials
Authors: Wang Kun , Li Wei , Yu Ying , Li Hui
Published: December 2023

In this study, dopamine hydrochloride was grafted onto the sulfated carboxymethylcellulose sodium with different sulfated degree (DA‐g‐SCMCS) as heparin‐like polysaccharides. By studying the preliminary structure and coagulation time of DA‐g‐SCMCS, the DA‐g‐SCMC2 possessing good anticoagulant properties were selected to be assembled layer by layer on the surface of aminated poly (L‐lactic acid) (APLLA) film with chitosan (CS). The characterization properties including morphologies and wettability of DA‐g‐SCMC2/CS multilayers modified APLLA films were studied by scanning electron microscope and water contact angle instrument. Anticoagulation tests revealed that the (DA‐g‐SCMC2/CS)15 multilayers modified APLLA film experienced a decrease of 37.5% and 73.68% in the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen (FBG), respectively. And the platelet adhesion ability was reduced by 92.42% compared with the APLLA film. The degree of platelet activation (PF4 and TAT) and hemolysis rates of modified APLLA films also decreased significantly. Besides, the modified APLLA films promoted the growth of L929 cells and exhibited remarkable anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial abilities. To summarize, the APLLA films modified with heparin‐like multifunctional DA‐g‐SCMC2/CS multilayers exhibit outstanding biocompatibility, cytocompatibility, anti‐inflammatory, and antibacterial characteristics, showcasing their potential as anticoagulation materials.
Flame retardant biogenic building insulation materials from hemp fiber
Authors: Jadhav Porus Sunil , Sarkar Arpita , Zhu Long , Ren Shenqiang
Published: December 2023

Biogenic thermal insulation materials are in high demand because of its carbon‐sequestration nature. However, high flammability, moisture condensation, and relatively high thermal conductivity of biogenic material are major concerns for sustainable building applications. In this study, we report the fire‐retardant cellulose xerogel insulation nanocomposites derived from hemp fiber recycling and silica xerogel, in which the boric acid treatment improves its fire retardancy. The as‐prepared materials show a low thermal conductivity of 31.3 mW/m K, high flexural modulus of 665 MPa, hydrophobicity with the water contact angle of 115°, and fire retardancy with 30% weight loss over a period of burning time 10 min. Overall, this work provides an effective method for the synthesis of fire‐retardant biogenic thermal insulation materials and shows a promising way for next‐generation bio‐based insulation materials.
Synthesis and Reactivity of an Aluminium N‐heterocyclic Aminal
Authors: Wilde Taylor , Murphy Fáinché , Smylie Cooper R. T. , Kennedy Alan R. , Weetman Catherine E.
Published: December 2023

Tethered N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are an emerging class of ligand, as they feature all the desirable aspects of NHCs (ease of synthesis, high tunabilty) but also enable metal‐ligand cooperativity when combined with Lewis acidic metal centres due to the donor‐acceptor nature of the complexes formed. Herein we report a simple ethoxy‐tethered NHC for the stabilisation of Al(III) hydrides, resulting in the unexpected formation of a bicyclic N‐heterocyclic aminal (1). Compound 1 behaves as a metal hydride, capable of reducing benzophenone and carbodiimide to yield compounds 2 and 3, respectively. Furthermore, we show that 1 behaves as an efficient catalyst in the dehydrocoupling of amine‐boranes due to the hemi‐labile nature of the supporting ligand.
Teledyne imaging sensors' recent contributions to astronomy, earth science, and planetary science
Authors: Beletic James W. , Auyeung John , Pan Jianmei , Corrales Liz , Dorn Meghan , Maitra Devraj , Farris Mark , Zandian Majid , Piquette Eric , Rangel Liz , Petersen Anders , Yulius Aristo , Bai Yibin , Bhargava Sid
Published: December 2023

Teledyne Imaging Sensors (TIS) is the leading supplier of infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) to astronomy and TIS plays a strong role in providing image sensors for Earth and Planetary Science. This article starts with a brief introduction to TIS' technologies and image sensor products. We then present some of TIS' deliveries to space missions and ground‐based telescopes. The space missions include ESA's Euclid Dark Universe mission and several NASA missions (James Webb Space Telescope, Roman Space Telescope, SPHEREx, EMIT). TIS continues to serve ground‐based astronomy by providing the H2RG and the world's largest high‐performance infrared astronomy FPA, the H4RG‐15, to several ground‐based observatories. Active programs will be described. Ongoing work includes NASA's NEO Surveyor asteroid surveillance mission, ESA's Ariel exo‐planet spectroscopy mission, and deliveries to the European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope.
Receptive language and receptive‐expressive discrepancy in minimally verbal autistic children and adolescents
Authors: Chen Yanru , Siles Brynn , Tager‐Flusberg Helen
Published: December 2023

Among the approximately one‐third of autistic individuals who experience considerable challenges in acquiring spoken language and are minimally verbal (MV), relatively little is known about the range of their receptive language abilities. This study included 1579 MV autistic children and adolescents between 5 and 18 years of age drawn from the National Database for Autism Research and the SFARI Base data repository. MV autistic children and adolescents demonstrated significantly lower receptive language compared to the norms on standardized language assessment and parent report measures. Moreover, their receptive language gap widened with age. Overall, our sample demonstrated significantly better receptive than expressive language. However, at the individual level, only about 25% of MV autistic children and adolescents demonstrated significantly better receptive language relative to their minimal expressive levels. Social skills explained a significant proportion of the variance in parent‐reported receptive language skills, while motor skills were the most significant predictor of greater receptive‐expressive discrepancy. Findings from this study revealed the heterogeneous language profiles in MV autistic children and adolescents, underscoring the importance of individualizing interventions to match their different communication strengths and needs and integrating multiple interconnected areas to optimize their overall development of language comprehension, socialization, and general motor skills.
One Pot Synthesis of Ammonium Rich Nickel Hexacyanoferrate as Stable Cathode Material for Ammonium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Xiangguang , Liu Dahui , Xiang Ao , Lu Jun , Jiang Yan , Yang Ze , Hu Pei
Published: December 2023

Rechargeable aqueous batteries based on ammonium‐ion (NH4+) redox reactions shows great potential for large‐scale energy‐storage due to its plentiful supplies, environmental friendliness, intrinsic security, and sustainability. Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) are regarded to be one of the most promising electrode materials owning to high energy storage density, ease of synthesis, and excellent electrochemical performances. However, the synthesis of ammonium rich Prussian blue analogues is too complicated. Herein, a one pot synthesis of NH4+‐rich nickel hexacyanoferrate (NNiHCF) is developed and the NH4+ storage chemistry is investigated. NNiHCF cathode is coupled with an activated carbon (AC) anode and (NH4)2SO4 aqueous electrolyte to assemble ammonium‐ion batteries. The aqueous full cell demonstrates good electrochemical performance, such as 50.2 mAh g−1 at the current rate of 2 C, and 60 % capacity retention in 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the fundamental characteristics of the reversible redox reaction and the durable structure of NNiHCF are revealed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical measurements. This work proposes a facile method for the synthesis of ammonium‐rich Prussian.