bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic on medical publishing: The sacrifice of quality for quantity?
Authors: Becker Aliza
Published: October 2024

Facing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, medical publishers rose to the occasion, moving to make their full portfolio of COVID‐19–related research available to read for free and expediting peer review and production processes. With such a rapid transition from paper submission to publication, however, concerns also arose regarding whether the quality of the research publication process was being affected. This article seeks to document the transformation of medical publishers' practices in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic and briefly discuss where they may go from here. For this goal, a literature search was performed in PubMed at several points to identify papers that reported early trends in how medical publishers handled COVID‐19 research.
Highly Efficient Slow‐Light Mach–Zehnder Modulator Achieving 0.21 V cm Efficiency with Bandwidth Surpassing 110 GHz
Authors: Shen Jian , Zhang Yong , Zhang Lei , Li Jingchi , Feng Chenglong , Jiang Yongheng , Wang Hongwei , Li Xingfeng , He Yu , Ji Xingchen , Yin Guofeng , Tian Yonghui , Xiao Xi , Su Yikai
Published: October 2024

High‐speed electro‐optic modulators are key components in modern communication networks and various applications that require chip‐scale modulation with large bandwidth, high modulation efficiency, and compact footprint. However, fundamental trade‐offs make it challenging to achieve these metrics simultaneously, and thus new methodologies must be explored. To this end, a Mach–Zehnder modulator harnessing slow‐light waveguides and capacitively loaded slow‐wave electrodes are presented on silicon‐nitride‐loaded lithium niobate on an insulator platform. The increased group index and reduced microwave loss significantly improve the modulation efficiency. With the 1‐mm‐length modulation section, a low half‐wave voltage length product Vπ·L of 0.21 V cm is obtained, which is one order of magnitude smaller than that of conventional thin film lithium niobate Mach–Zehnder modulators, and a modulation bandwidth of surpassing 110 GHz is achieved. The digital signal processor‐free non‐return‐to‐zero signal and eight‐level pulse amplitude modulation signal of up to 180 and 300 Gbps, respectively, are generated by the modulator, which provides ultra‐large bandwidth, ultra‐high efficiency, and a compact solution for next‐generation electro‐optic systems.
The translation‐to‐policy learning cycle to improve public health
Authors: Kilbourne Amy M. , Braganza Melissa Z. , Bravata Dawn M. , Tsai Jack , Nelson Richard E. , Meredith Alex , Myrie Kenute , Ramoni Rachel
Published: October 2024

Objective

Learning Health Systems (LHSs) have not directly informed evidence‐based policymaking. The Translation‐to‐Policy (T2P) Learning Cycle aligns scientists, end‐users, and policymakers to support a repeatable roadmap of innovation and quality improvement to optimize effective policies toward a common public health goal. We describe T2P learning cycle components and provide examples of their application.

Methods

The T2P Learning Cycle is based on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Research and Development and Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), which supports research and quality improvement addressing national public health priorities to inform policy and ensure programs are evidence‐based and work for end‐users. Incorporating LHS infrastructure, the T2P Learning Cycle is responsive to the Foundations for Evidence‐based Policymaking Act, which requires U.S. government agencies to justify budgets using evidence.

Results

The learning community (patients, providers, clinical/policy leaders, and investigators) drives the T2P Learning Cycle, working toward one or more specific, shared priority goals, and supports a repeatable cycle of evidence‐building and evaluation. Core T2P Learning Cycle functions observed in the examples from housing/economic security, precision oncology, and aging include governance and standard operating procedures to promote effective priority‐setting; complementary research and quality improvement initiatives, which inform ongoing data curation at the learning system level; and sustainment of continuous improvement and evidence‐based policymaking.

Conclusions

The T2P Learning Cycle integrates research translation with evidence‐based policymaking, ensuring that scientific innovations address public health priorities and serve end‐users through a repeatable process of research and quality improvement that ensures policies are scientifically based, effective, and sustainable.
Enhancing Lubrication Performance of Ga–In–Sn Liquid Metal via Electrochemical Boronising Treatment
Authors: Li Pengfei , Wu Hongxing , Dong Jianxin , Yin Shaochong , Feng Ningbo , Hua Ke , Wang Haifeng
Published: October 2024

As one of the liquid metals, Ga–In–Sn liquid metals can function as an advanced lubricant with high conductivity in a tribology system. It has already revealed advancements in several applications, such as coolants and electromechanical relays. However, Ga–In–Sn liquid metal shows poor lubrication performance on industrial metallic materials, which limits its application in engineering. In this study, the electrochemical boronising strategy was applied to improve the lubrication effect of Ga–In–Sn liquid metal on steel friction pairs. Electrochemical boronising treatment was performed to the base material AISI 52100, and a boronised layer with a thickness of around 64 μm was generated. Tribology tests were carried out on both boronised and original samples with the lubrication of Ga–In–Sn liquid metal (68.5 wt% Ga, 21.5 wt% In and 10 wt% Sn). Results show that the wear resistance of the tribo‐system reveals great improvement: The coefficient of friction decreases by 59% and the wear rate drops 85% compared to the steel/steel friction pair. EDS and XPS results show that a tribofilm consisted of Fe/Ga was in situ–generated on the wear scar of the boronised sample, which results in the synergy effect between the boronised layer and the Ga–In–Sn liquid metal. Therefore, we provided a robust strategy to enhance the lubrication performance of Ga–In–Sn liquid metal on a steel friction pair by using electrochemical boronising treatment, which could broaden the application field of Ga–In–Sn liquid metals.
Weak and strong solutions for a fluid‐poroelastic‐structure interaction via a semigroup approach
Authors: Avalos George , Gurvich Elena , Webster Justin T.
Published: October 2024

A filtration system comprising a Biot poroelastic solid coupled to an incompressible Stokes free‐flow is considered in 3D. Across the flat 2D interface, the Beavers‐Joseph‐Saffman coupling conditions are taken. In the inertial, linear, and non‐degenerate case, the hyperbolic‐parabolic coupled problem is posed through a dynamics operator on a chosen energy space, adapted from Stokes‐Lamé coupled dynamics. A semigroup approach is utilized to circumvent issues associated to mismatched trace regularities at the interface. The generation of a strongly continuous semigroup for the dynamics operator is obtained via a non‐standard maximality argument. The latter employs a mixed‐variational formulation in order to invoke the Babuška‐Brezzi theorem. The Lumer‐Philips theorem then yields semigroup generation, and thereby, strong and generalized solutions are obtained. For the linear dynamics, density obtains the existence of weak solutions; we extend to the case where the Biot compressibility of constituents degenerates. Thus, for the inertial linear Biot‐Stokes filtration system, we provide a clear elucidation of strong solutions and a construction of weak solutions, as well as their regularity through associated estimates.
Building a pelvic organ prolapse diagnostic model using vision transformer on multi‐sequence MRI
Authors: Zhu Shaojun , Zhu Xiaoxuan , Zheng Bo , Wu Maonian , Li Qiongshan , Qian Cheng
Published: October 2024

Background

Although the uterus, bladder, and rectum are distinct organs, their muscular fasciae are often interconnected. Clinical experience suggests that they may share common risk factors and associations. When one organ experiences prolapse, it can potentially affect the neighboring organs. However, the current assessment of disease severity still relies on manual measurements, which can yield varying results depending on the physician, thereby leading to diagnostic inaccuracies.

Purpose

This study aims to develop a multilabel grading model based on deep learning to classify the degree of prolapse of three organs in the female pelvis using stress magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and provide interpretable result analysis.

Methods

We utilized sagittal MRI sequences taken at rest and during maximum Valsalva maneuver from 662 subjects. The training set included 464 subjects, the validation set included 98 subjects, and the test set included 100 subjects (training set n = 464, validation set n = 98, test set n = 100). We designed a feature extraction module specifically for pelvic floor MRI using the vision transformer architecture and employed label masking training strategy and pre‐training methods to enhance model convergence. The grading results were evaluated using Precision, Kappa, Recall, and Area Under the Curve (AUC). To validate the effectiveness of the model, the designed model was compared with classic grading methods. Finally, we provided interpretability charts illustrating the model's operational principles on the grading task.

Results

In terms of POP grading detection, the model achieved an average Precision, Kappa coefficient, Recall, and AUC of 0.86, 0.77, 0.76, and 0.86, respectively. Compared to existing studies, our model achieved the highest performance metrics. The average time taken to diagnose a patient was 0.38 s.

Conclusions

The proposed model achieved detection accuracy that is comparable to or even exceeds that of physicians, demonstrating the effectiveness of the vision transformer architecture and label masking training strategy for assisting in the grading of POP under static and maximum Valsalva conditions. This offers a promising option for computer‐aided diagnosis and treatment planning of POP.
Prediction of electron‐solid interaction parameters using machine learning
Authors: Akbari Fatemeh
Published: October 2024

Background

Electron backscattering coefficient and electron‐stopping power are essential concepts in many disciplines, from radiation to materials science, semiconductor manufacturing, and space exploration. They enable precise calculations, measurements, and simulations of electron interactions with matter, which contribute to advancing science, technology, and safety in a variety of applications. The availability of these data is fundamental to scientific research to validate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and explore new theories. A relatively novel machine learning approach has demonstrated notable success in enhancing data quality and completeness, significantly contributing to the facilitation of data discovery.

Purpose

Using fundamental material property data, the stacking ensemble machine learning (EML) technique was established in this study to generate electron‐solid interaction parameters for any target material over a wide range of energies. The final stacking EML was built using the base and meta learners bagging regressor (BR), K‐nearest neighbors (k‐NN), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB).

Methods

In this study, two publicly available databases with a total of 4030 data points were used. Training datasets have 785 and 525 data points for electron backscattering coefficient and stopping power, respectively, whereas testing datasets contain 262 and 175 data points. Five features were used as input variables to train different individual algorithms and their combinations. On both the training and test datasets, the model was evaluated using different error metrics, including R‐squared (R2), mean‐absolute‐error (MAE), root‐mean‐squared‐error (RMSE), and mean‐absolute‐percentage‐error (MAPE).

Results

Our model evaluation tests revealed that combining RF and XGB with a k‐NN meta‐learner outperformed other algorithms. The analysis of error metrics demonstrated a very close fit to all samples in each training dataset. Furthermore, predictions made by the model on unseen test data indicated accurate estimations of new backscattering and stopping power data.

Conclusions

The developed model achieved high prediction accuracy for various target materials across the broad electron energy spectrum. The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of machine learning methodology and the chosen models' suitability for addressing substantial physics challenges.
First Contact Physiotherapy: A 4‐Year Service Evaluation of UK Primary Care Data
Authors: Henning Michael , Henning Rose , Lynch Gethin
Published: October 2024

Background

The First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) role offers patients direct access to musculoskeletal (MSK) specialists in primary care settings and is designed to reduce GP workload while providing high‐quality care. Despite positive early evaluations of FCP services, there remains a need for up‐to‐date assessments of their impact.

Aim

To evaluate the FCP model of care implemented in an NHS Primary Care Network (PCN) against pre‐defined service objectives.

Method

A service evaluation was conducted using data from April 2020 to March 2024. Key performance indicators were based on national FCP evaluation criteria. Data included appointment utilisation, wait times, referral patterns, patient and staff satisfaction surveys, and audit results from clinical data.

Results

Over 4 years, 12,185 patients were seen. Of these, 69% of patients were seen as true first contacts. The majority of patients (86.4%) were managed within primary care, with a referral rate of 8.5% to outpatient physiotherapy and 5.1% to orthopaedics. Patient satisfaction was high, with 82% rating their FCP experience as excellent or outstanding.

Discussion

The FCP service successfully met its objectives by reducing GP workload and providing effective care. However, there was an increase in outpatient physiotherapy referrals over the 4‐year period. Staff satisfaction was generally positive, though some highlighted concerns about appointment duration and workload.

Conclusion

This evaluation demonstrates that FCP services provide a viable solution for managing MSK conditions in primary care. Future research should explore the most effective MSK service delivery models and incorporate digital solutions for comprehensive outcome and experience measures.
Exploring the efficacy and tolerability of two‐injection start regimen of long‐acting aripiprazole: A descriptive case series analysis
Authors: Sungur Ibrahim , Keskin Kaan , Aktaş Elif Özge , Eker Mehmet Çağdaş
Published: October 2024

Bipolar disorder is the fourth most debilitating psychiatric illness in the world regarding Disability Adjusted Life Years and manic episodes frequently lead to lengthy hospitalizations which restricts the freedom of patients. Therefore, decreasing the length of hospitalization with safer agents is of utmost importance in the treatment of manic episodes. Aripiprazole is a medication known for its efficacy in managing mania associated with bipolar disorder. Aripiprazole long‐acting injection is approved for the treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder in adults and found efficacious as a maintenance treatment. In the treatment of schizophrenia, European Medicines Agency has approved a simplified starting strategy of aripiprazole once a month, with two 400 mg injections and a single oral 20 mg dose of aripiprazole. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has reported the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of this regimen in adult bipolar disorder patients. We present a case series of eight patients who were admitted to the hospital in a manic episode with psychotic features. We observed that the double injection start regimen was effective in treating manic symptoms with no specific severe adverse events. We conclude from a small sample of manic patients that a double injection start regimen has good efficacy and tolerability.
Outcomes of relapsed favorable‐histology Wilms tumor in non‐clinical trial setting
Authors: Schneller Netta , Daw Najat , Throckmorton Whitney , Mullen Elizabeth , DeSmith Kylene , Mascarenhas Leo , O'Connell Cameron , Fernandez Conrad V. , Sutton Kathryn S. , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: October 2024

Background

The last major North American cooperative group clinical trial for relapsed favorable‐histology Wilms tumor (FHWT) was completed in 2002. The outcomes of patients with relapsed Wilms tumor subsequently treated outside of clinical trials are unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of salvage therapies used for patients with FHWT suffering first relapse.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated for first relapse of FHWT at six large North American institutions from January 2002 through August 2018.

Results

Ninety‐four patients were identified. Thirty‐six patients were classified as standard‐risk relapse (SRR), 49 patients as high‐risk relapse (HRR), and seven patients as very high‐risk relapse (VHRR). Two patients were unable to be classified. Twenty‐one patients with SRR were treated with Regimen I. The 4‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for SRR were 82.4% and 93.3%, respectively, with median follow‐up of 72 months. Twenty‐eight HRR/VHRR patients were treated with ICE therapy, while 13 received National Wilms Tumor Study (5th) (NWTS‐5) Stratum C. No patient completed protocol therapy per Stratum C; median maintenance cycles administered were two cycles. The 4‐year EFS and OS for HRR/VHRR were 32.6% and 58.3%, respectively, with median follow‐up of 33 months.

Conclusions

Outcomes for all strata of relapsed WT patients treated in a non‐clinical setting appear to have similar outcomes to historical cohorts treated on NWTS‐5. Improved strategies are urgently needed for HRR and VHRR relapses.
Vaping behavior among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A scoping review
Authors: Clayton Colter K. , Loecher Nele , Webster Rachel T.
Published: October 2024

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are vulnerable to future health complications and engage in risky health behaviors. Vaping or electronic cigarette use is increasing among AYA, yet little is known about the prevalence in AYA cancer survivors and associated morbidities. The objective of this research was to analyze the current state of the literature on vaping among AYA cancer survivors with scoping review methodology. Eligibility criteria included any vaping among people aged 13–39 years with cancer or a history of cancer. Database searches from PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus yielded eight cross‐sectional studies. Results suggest significant variability, with studies finding 2%–46% of AYA survivors have ever or currently vape. Medical (e.g., late effects), psychosocial (e.g., depression), and demographic correlates (e.g., younger age, male gender), as well as other risky health behaviors (e.g., cigarette smoking) were shown to be associated with vaping. Though the extant research is beginning the task of understanding comorbidities with vaping, few research has focused on those most vulnerable to vaping (survivors under age 18). More research is required to understand AYA survivors’ vaping behavior to better understand the significance and implications regarding the growing incidence of vaping among this vulnerable population.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the damage propagation in regularly arrayed short fiber reinforced composite laminates under low‐velocity impact
Authors: Hu Junfeng , Huang Yinyuan , Li Minglong , Zhang Siqi , Lu Wenlong , Zhu Rui , Yang Haotian , Wang Bowen , Zhao Jianping , Chen Dingding
Published: October 2024

The outstanding mechanical performance and flowability of unidirectionally arrayed chopped strands (UACSs) give them an advantage in the manufacture of engineering structures with complex geometry. For the application of practical structures, the impact responses and damage evolution of material under low‐velocity impact must be investigated in advance. In this study, UACS laminates and continuous carbon fiber laminates with a stacking sequence of [0/90]4s and a thickness of 2 mm were fabricated for low‐velocity impact tests at 7, 11, 15, and 20 J. The impact responses and postimpact intralaminar damage area were analyzed according to the experimental results, including impact load responses and ultrasound C‐scan inspections. Moreover, to predict the damage evolution of the internal structure, the 3D finite element models were constructed in ABAQUS using a progressive damage model (PDM) through a user‐material subroutine VUMAT. Compared with continuous carbon fiber laminates, the dissipated energy of UACS laminates increases by approximately 10.64% and 57.37% for the 15 and 20 J, respectively. However, the intralaminar damage area of UACS laminates decreased by 29.96% and 28.16% at 15 and 20 J, respectively, since the discontinuous slits in UACS laminates can guide damage paths and suppress damage propagation.

Highlights

The regularly arrayed short fiber reinforced composite was studied.

Revealed the low‐velocity impact responses and predicted the damage evolution.

UACS and CFRP laminates have comparable impact performance.

Illustrated the slits design can suppress the damage to a relatively small area.
Scratch load and indenter type dependent scratch evaluation of milled carbon fiber filled basalt fiber/epoxy composites with factorial design
Authors: Fidan Sinan , Ürgün Satilmiş , Bora Mustafa Özgür , Özsoy Mehmet Iskender
Published: October 2024

This work investigates the addition of milled carbon fiber reinforcement and its effect on scratch resistance and mechanical durability for basalt fiber/epoxy composites, assessed under varied loading conditions with the aid of different indenter types according to a factorial design. Composites with MCF content from 0 to 10 wt% were prepared. Scratch behaviors under Vickers and Rockwell indenters were studied for loads of 5, 10, and 15 N. The addition of 10 wt% MCF has resulted in scratch hardness increase from 13.255 N/mm2 up to 47.952 N/mm2, depending on the type of indenter used. Precisely, in conditions of a 5 N load and when a Rockwell‐type indenter was used, a scratch hardness maximum of 47.952 N/mm2 was achieved, while for a Vickers‐type indenter under the same conditions, the maximum value of its equivalent was 23.327 N/mm2. Profilometric and SEM analyses evidence that matrix cracks and surface deformation have been reduced with higher MCF content, at least for the application of lower scratch test loads. The mechanical and surface performances of the basalt fiber composites were found to be considerably improved by the reinforcement with MCF.

Highlights

Scratch resistance for milled carbon fibers increases and peaks at 10 wt% reinforcement.

The Rockwell indenter indicates a steady increase in hardness up to 47,952 N/mm2.

Peak hardness of 10 wt% is observed under the Vickers indenter for the 5 N load.

Higher milled carbon fiber content reduces matrix cracking and surface deformation.

There is a clear correlation between scratch performance, milled carbon fiber content, and indenter type.
Advancing self‐lubricating technology: Selective laser sintering molding assisted development of copper‐based polytetrafluoroethylene /graphite composites
Authors: Wu Haihua , Gao Aodong , Zhang Hualong , Gong Liang , Zeng Shiyu , Li Siwei , Liu Mingmin , Chen Yihao , Guo Yuxiong , Wang Xiaolong
Published: October 2024

This study introduces an innovative technique for the fabrication of copper‐based polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/graphite self‐lubricating composites. By harnessing the exceptional capabilities of selective laser sintering (SLS), we efficiently create three‐dimensional, continuous, and porous graphite preforms. Following this, the composite is formed through a combination of electroplating and vacuum extrusion methods. Subsequently, PTFE was vacuum impregnated into the microporous structure of the graphite preforms, and the composites were obtained through freeze‐drying, plasticizing, and machining processes. The resulting copper‐based PTFE/graphite self‐lubricating composites exhibit an exceptional blend of properties. Notably, there is a significant reduction in the average coefficient of friction, dropping from 0.14 to 0.02, and a marked decrease in the wear rate, from 1.358 × 10−5 to 1.109 × 10−5 mm3/N·m, as compared to graphite as a standalone lubricant. This represents a substantial improvement in performance, underscoring the effectiveness of the proposed fabrication method.

Highlights

The porous graphite with controllable shape distribution was prepared.

Surface copper plating improves surface bonding.

Controllable copper matrix composites with double lubricant were prepared.

The average friction coefficient is as low as 0.02.
Prenatal Phenotypic Analysis of Branchio‐Oto‐Renal Spectrum Disorder Attributable to EYA1 Gene Pathogenic Variants and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Tian Yuan , Lv Yuexia , Wang Handuo , Che Jia , Cui Fangying , Guo Jing , Tian Weifang , Peng Jia , Yang Bo , Li Haiyu , Zhou Baixue , Zhu Xiaolu , Cui Xueyin , Liu Ling
Published: October 2024

Background

Branchio‐oto‐renal (BOR) spectrum disorders are linked to pathogenic variants in the EYA1 gene, presenting significant challenges for prenatal ultrasound screening due to their phenotypic variability and complexity. Understanding these disorders' phenotypic expressions and genetic foundations is crucial.

Methods

Our study included pregnant women who underwent fetal whole‐exome sequencing at the Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan, China between January 2023 and March 2024. We identified a novel EYA1 gene pathogenic variant and conducted a systematic literature review of all reported prenatal cases associated with EYA1‐related diseases, focusing on the detectability of these conditions in prenatal ultrasound. Additionally, we systematically reviewed case reports related to the EYA1 gene, emphasizing missense pathogenic variants for functional predictions and locus position analysis.

Results

Our research discovered a new pathogenic variant within the EYA1 gene, highlighting the difficulty of detecting BOR spectrum disorder phenotypes through prenatal ultrasound due to their subtle manifestations. We found that amniotic fluid anomalies and cardiac abnormalities are more prevalent in prenatal cases compared to postnatal cases. A critical region within the EYA Homologous Region (eyaHR) was identified, where missense pathogenic variants significantly affect protein stability, indicating a crucial area associated with the severity of phenotypic expression in EYA1 gene‐associated disorders.

Conclusion

This study enhances the understanding of the genetic landscape of BOR spectrum disorders and suggests that certain phenotypic markers and genetic regions may be pivotal in improving prenatal screening and diagnosis for EYA1‐related diseases.
New insights into the catalyst and cocatalyst pre‐contact process in ethylene copolymerization
Authors: Davand Razieh , Sepahi Abdolhannan , Hosseini Shahin , Dehghani Ourmazd , Nikzinat Ehsan , Houshmandmoayed Saeed , Biglarkhani Mahdi
Published: October 2024

The influence of pre‐contacting time and temperature as well as mixing intensity on polyethylene copolymerization has been investigated employing DSC, rotational rheometry tests, as well as particle size distribution analysis. For this purpose, a commercial‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst has been pre‐contacted with Teal as cocatalyst under different time, temperature, and stirring speed followed by similar polymerization process. It was found that the increase in mixing intensity has no impact on rheological properties; it causes increase in crystallinity percentage of polymer due to better distribution of active centers. Moreover, the pre‐contacting time represents the most impact on catalyst activity and rheology of polymer powder while the pre‐contacting temperature changes is mostly effective on controlling the morphology of polymer. Additionally, the results reveal that 10‐min pre‐contacting of catalyst and Teal under 10°C and stirring speed of 500 rpm was accompanied by highest catalyst activity and lowest content of fine particles.

Highlights

Pre‐activation was studied under different time and temperature.

Adjusting pre‐contacting time influences the polymer morphology.

Pre‐contacting under lower temperature results in narrower molecular weight distribution.
Root causes analysis for improved containment integrity in LPG storage: A case study
Authors: Chakhrit Ammar , Guedri Abdelmoumene , Guetarni Islam H. M. , Bougofa Mohammed , Bouafia Abderraouf , Chennoufi Mohammed , Djelamda Imene
Published: October 2024

A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage system is a critical component designed for the storage of liquefied petroleum gas. LPG storage systems for hazardous materials require rigorous safety protocols to prevent catastrophic containment losses. However, complex interactions between equipment failure, human factors, and external events make prevention a persistent challenge. This study demonstrates the application of structured methods to systematically analyze, correct, and prevent loss of containment in LPG systems. In order to realize this, 8D methodology was used to analyze and solve the problem which included fault tree analysis (FTA) to identify the root causes. Additionally, the bow tie analysis (BTA) will be integrated into the analysis process to implement permanent mitigative actions and prevent the recurrence of similar issues in the future. As a result of this work, it was determined that by applying the proposed approach, the risk of undesired consequences was reduced compared to baseline levels. This study demonstrated the value of a structured suggested approach to improve containment integrity in high‐risk storage systems.
Carbocyclic setmelanotide analogs maintain biochemical potency at melanocortin 4 receptors
Authors: Gary Samuel , Roy Anuradha , Bloom Steven
Published: October 2024

The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) plays a critical role in satiety and energy homeostasis, and its dysregulation is implicated in numerous hyperphagic and obese disease states. Setmelanotide, a disulfide‐based cyclic peptide, can rescue MC4R activity and treat obesities caused by genetic defects in MC4R signaling. But this peptide has moderate blood–brain barrier penetrance and metabolic stability, which can limit its efficacy in practice. Based on the cryo‐electron microscopy structure of setmelanotide‐bound MC4R, we hypothesized that replacing its lone disulfide bond with more metabolically stable and permeability‐enhancing carbon‐based linker groups could improve pharmacokinetic properties without abolishing activity. To test this, we used chemistry developed by our lab to prepare 11 carbocyclic (alkyl, aryl, perfluoroalkyl, and ethereal) analogs of setmelanotide and determined their biochemical potencies at MC4R in vitro. Ten analogs displayed full agonism, showing that disulfide replacement is tolerant of linkers ranging in size, rigidity, and functional groups, with heteroatom‐ or aryl‐rich linkers displaying superior potencies.
DFT Analysis of Transition Metal (TM) Substitutions on Cu‐Based Chalcogenides: Structural, Electronic, and Thermophysical Properties for Interface Thermal Performance and Energy
Authors: Abbas Zeesham , Mirza Shafaat Hussain , Parveen Amna , Aslam Muhammad , Zatsepin Anatoly , Nassani Abdelmohsen A.
Published: October 2024

The current investigation employs first‐principles DFT (density functional theory) calculations to examine the influence of transition metal replacements on the structural, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of Cu‐based chalcogenides TMCu3Se4 (TM = Nb/Ta/V). The PBE‐generalized gradient approximation (GGA) model is utilized to compute the fundamental properties of Cu‐based chalcogenides under study. A thorough examination of the energy band structures indicates that these chalcogenides are semiconductor compounds with indirect energy bandgaps. We can infer from the calculated energy band structures that the bandgap values are 1.67, 1.77, and 1.05 eV for NbCu3Se4, TaCu3Se4, and VCu3Se4, respectively. The values for NbCu3Se4, TaCu3Se4, and VCu3Se4 are 0.661, 0.998, and 0.996, respectively. These values make them highly appropriate for usage in thermoelectric (TE) devices. The thermoelectric characteristics of pyrochlore oxides TMCu3Se4 (TM = Nb/Ta/V) suggest that these materials have promising potential for energy‐related applications. The analyzed thermodynamic properties demonstrate that the Cu0based chalcogenide materials TMCu3Se4 (TM = Nb/Ta/V) exhibit a notable level of thermal stability.
GC–MS quantification of fecal short‐chain fatty acids and spectrophotometric detection of indole: Do rectal swabs produce comparable results as stool samples? ‐ A pilot study
Authors: K K Vineetha , P R Archana , Rao Bhamini Krishna , Ballal Mamatha , Dutta Babi , R Vani Lakshmi , Bhat Rajeshwari G.
Published: October 2024

Rationale

The exploration of the gut microbiome and related metabolites holds an exciting future in health science. The challenges associated with fecal sample testing are proper sample collection, sterile transportation, optimal transport conditions, and processing as all these factors could potentially change the microbiome composition, further exacerbated by the patient's customary discomfort regarding feces samples. The study aimed to compare the usage of rectal swabs and stool samples for short‐chain fatty acid estimation using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and indole estimation using spectrophotometry.

Method

From May 2022 to June 2022, three women were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) in a secondary care hospital in coastal Karnataka. During their clinical visit, a rectal swab was collected, and the stool sample was transported to the hospital from the patient's home in sterile containers provided. After the extraction, short‐chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) were quantified using GC–MS. The fecal indole concentration was determined using a hydroxylamine‐based assay.

Results

The GC–MS analysis failed to detect the concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids in rectal swab samples. Indole concentrations in stool and swab samples were significantly different.

Conclusion

The study's findings do not support the use of rectal swabs to analyze gut metabolites.
Nanoporous Submicron Gold Particles Enable Nanoparticle‐Based Localization Optoacoustic Tomography (nanoLOT)
Authors: Nozdriukhin Daniil , Cattaneo Marco , Klingler Norman , Lyu Shuxin , Li Weiye , de Espinosa Francisco Montero , Bonvin Jerome , Supponen Outi , Razansky Daniel , Deán‐Ben Xosé Luís
Published: October 2024

Localization optoacoustic tomography (LOT) has recently emerged as a transformative super‐resolution technique breaking through the acoustic diffraction limit in deep‐tissue optoacoustic (OA) imaging via individual localization and tracking of particles in the bloodstream. However, strong light absorption in red blood cells has previously restricted per‐particle OA detection to relatively large microparticles, ≈5 µm in diameter. Herein, it is demonstrated that submicron‐sized porous gold nanoparticles, ≈600 nm in diameter, can be individually detected for noninvasive super‐resolution imaging with LOT. Ultra‐high‐speed bright‐field microscopy revealed that these nanoparticles generate microscopic plasmonic vapor bubbles, significantly enhancing opto‐acoustic energy conversion through a nano‐to‐micro size transformation. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo tests further demonstrated the biocompatibility and biosafety of the particles. By reducing the detectable particle size by an order of magnitude, nanoLOT enables microangiographic imaging with a significantly reduced risk of embolisms from particle aggregation and opens new avenues to visualize how nanoparticles reach vascular and potentially extravascular targets. The performance of nanoLOT for non‐invasive imaging of microvascular networks in the murine brain anticipates new insights into neurovascular coupling mechanisms and longitudinal microcirculatory changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Supported Supramolecular Hydrogel Nanoarchitectonics for Tunable Biocatalytic Flow Activity
Authors: More Shahaji H. , Runser Jean‐Yves , Ontani Aymeric , Fores Jennifer Rodon , Carvalho Alain , Blanck Christian , Serra Christophe A. , Schmutz Marc , Schaaf Pierre , Jierry Loïc
Published: October 2024

Enzymatically‐active polyelectrolyte multilayers containing n layers of phosphatase (APn‐PEM) induce the formation of supported biocatalytic supramolecular hydrogels when brought in contact with the precursor tripeptide Fmoc‐FFpY (Fmoc = N‐fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl; F = Phenylalanine; Y = Tyrosine; p = phosphate group). APn‐PEM triggers the spatially‐localized hydrogelation reaching 2, 17 and 350 µm of thickness for n = 1, 2 and 3, respectively. As observed by cryo scanning electron microscopy, a dense nanofibrous network underpinning the hydrogel shows parallelly orientated Fmoc‐FFY peptide‐based fibrils, perpendicular to the substrate. For the gel generated by the AP3‐PEM, fluorescence confocal microscopy images show that during the peptide self‐assembly, some enzymes are distributed in the hydrogel, preferentially located in few dozens of micrometers above the substrate. In addition, a self‐assembly growth rate of 5 µm min−1 is determined when the hydrogelation starts. Through transmission electron microscopy immuno‐labelling experiments on self‐assemblies generated in solution, we observe that AP are decorating the Fmoc‐FFY nanofibers. It is observed both a long‐term stability and a higher biocatalytic activity of the so AP‐encapsulated hydrogel compared to the bare APn‐PEM. This bioactivity can be tuned by the number n in batch and under continuous flow conditions. To illustrate the versatility of this enzyme‐supported strategy, multi‐catalytic transformations in continuous flow conditions have been successfully carried out using supported supramolecular hydrogel.
An Ultra‐Broadband Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing ZrB2‐Based Ceramic Composite Inspired by Barbule of Peacock
Authors: Dai Mengyu , Jia Yujun , Deng Yumeng , Ren Bin , Liu Sijian , Wang Qian , Lin Yixiang , Cheng Junjie , Li Hejun
Published: October 2024

Broadband electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing ceramic materials are highly required for the thermal parts of aerocraft. As members of ultrahigh temperature ceramics, ZrB2‐based ceramics have great potential for applications in more extreme environments relative to the currently used silicon‐based and oxide‐based ceramics. However, ZrB2 is not among the traditional EMW absorbing material candidates due to its high conductivity, which induces the strong reflection of EMW due to the impedance mismatch with free space. Herein, ZrB2‐based ceramic with a bionic microstructure inspired by peacock barbules is proposed. Boron nitride nanotubes acting as polarization centers inside the ZrB2‐based material cause massive EMW dissipation. The ceramic shows an ultra‐broadband absorption of 9.6 GHz (<−10 dB from 8.4 to 18 GHz), almost covering the entire X and Ku bands, superior to the reported ceramics. The polarization centers successfully turn the ZrB2‐based ceramic from EMW reflecting material to an excellent EMW absorbing material by the bionic barbule interspersed microstructure. The simulated metamaterial of the ceramic achieves an ultra‐broad absorption (lower than −15 dB) in the range of 2–40 GHz. This work provides valuable insights for the development of broadband absorption material for high‐temperature environments.
Partially Amorphous Ru‐Doped CoSe Nanoparticles with Optimized Intermediates Adsorption for Highly Efficient Sulfur Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Liu Xinzheng , Wang Wenwen , Wan Li , Hu Yubin , Xia Chenghui , Cao Lixin , Dong Bohua
Published: October 2024

The application of thermodynamically more favorable sulfur oxidation reaction (SOR) to replace oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in electrocatalytic water electrolysis is an appealing strategy to achieve low‐energy hydrogen production while removing toxic sulfur ions from wastewater. However, the study of SOR catalysts with both activity and stability still faces great challenges. Herein, this study prepares partially amorphous Ru‐doped CoSe (pa‐Ru‐CoSe) nanoparticles for SOR. The doping of Ru keeps Co in an electron‐deficient state, which enhances the adsorption of SOR intermediates and improves the catalytic activity. Meanwhile, the partially amorphous selenide possesses great corrosion resistance to sulfur species, thus ensuring stability in long‐term SOR. In addition, the pa‐Ru‐CoSe requires only 0.566 V to reach a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in the SOR‐HER coupled system and remains stable for 200 h. This work provides a promising partially amorphous strategy for SOR catalysts with both catalytic activity and long‐term stability, enabling hydrogen production with low energy consumption and simultaneous sulfur production.
Generating Immunological Memory Against Cancer by Camouflaging Gold‐Based Photothermal Nanoparticles in NIR‐II Biowindow for Mimicking T‐Cells
Authors: Xiong Xuefan , Zhang Ying , Huang Xinqi , Zhang Shusheng , Li Qiong
Published: October 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) against cancer not only directly ablates tumors but also induces tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD). However, the antitumor immune response elicited by ICD is insufficient to prevent relapse and metastasis because of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). A biomimetic nanoplatform (bmNP) mimicking cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) for combinational photothermal‐immunotherapy to effectively regulate the immunosuppressive TME is reported here. The bmNP is constructed by wrapping the T‐cell membrane onto a new type of photothermal agents, spherical Au‐based PNCs (sAuPNCs). Similar to T‐cells, the bmNP enhanced accumulation at the tumor site by targeting the tumor via adhesion proteins on T‐cell membrane. The obtained sAuPNCs have a wide absorption band in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) region with a high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) up to about 75% and excellent photostability. The bmNP with a smaller size is more superior compete with T‐cells to bond with tumor cells via PD‐1/PD‐L1 interaction to effectively block the PD‐1 checkpoint of T‐cells for preventing T‐cell exhaustion. Furthermore, in vivo studies reveal the immunological memory effect is significantly elicited in mice received bmNPs therapy. Collectively, bmNPs show great potential in photothermal‐enhanced immunotherapy.
Investigating the Dynamics of a Soft Crystalline Covalent Organic Framework during Benzene and Cyclohexane Adsorption by in situ Powder X‐ray Diffraction
Authors: Mauri Anna , Vismara Rebecca , Moroni Marco , Roldán‐Molina Esther , Navarro Jorge A. R. , Galli Simona
Published: October 2024

Due to their similar boiling points, separation of benzene and cyclohexane mixtures is among the current challenging processes faced by the petrochemical industry. As recently assessed, the soft imine‐based covalent organic framework [(TAM)(BDA)2] (COF‐300; TAM = tetrakis(4‐aminophenyl)methane, BDA = terephthaldehyde) possesses higher affinity for benzene than cyclohexane in both static conditions at 298 K and dynamic conditions in the range of 298–348 K. As shown in this contribution, in situ powder X‐ray diffraction while dosing benzene and cyclohexane vapors in the range of 0.01–4.74 bar on the narrow‐pore form of COF‐300 confirmed the coherent switchability of its framework, unveiling the progressive formation of different intermediate‐ and large‐pore forms. In addition, a basket of otherwise inaccessible key crystallochemical details—“on/off” structural‐feature changes cooperating to adsorption, primary adsorption sites, and host–guest and guest–guest interactions—was successfully retrieved. Overall, these findings allowed to shed light on the framework dynamics underneath the previously observed selectivity toward benzene over cyclohexane, completing this case of study and providing relevant information for the design of new‐generation adsorbents for this applicative context.
Faster and Safer “In situ” Synthesis of Germanane and Silicane
Authors: Georgantas Yiannis , Giousis Theodosis , Moissinac Francis P. , Tainton Gareth R. , Haigh Sarah J. , Bissett Mark A.
Published: October 2024

Germanane (GeH) and silicane (SiH), members of the Xanes family, have garnered significant attention as 2D materials due to their diverse properties, which hold promise for applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy storage, and sensing. Typically, highly concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) or hydrofluoric acid (HF) is employed in the synthesis of these Xanes, but both routes are problematic due to slow kinetics and safety concerns, respectively. Here for the first time, a faster and safer method is demonstrated for Xanes synthesis that harnesses the generation of HF “in situ” using a solution of HCl and lithium fluoride (LiF) salt, overcoming the key challenges of the conventional methods. A variety of characterization techniques to establish a baseline is utilized for both Xanes and to provide a holistic knowledge regarding this method, the possible consequences of this approach, and the possibility of applying it to other layered Zintl phases. The novel synthesis protocol results in high‐quality GeH and SiH with bandgaps (Eg) of 1.75 and 2.47 eV respectively, highlighting their potential suitability for integration into semiconductor applications.
Finite element analysis of ductility and flexural capacity of FRP and steel bars hybrid reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Wei Bingyan , He Xiongjun , Chen Tao , Wu Weiwei , He Jia
Published: October 2024

To study the flexural behavior of hybrid reinforced concrete (hybrid‐RC) beams with FRP and steel bars, this paper used ABAQUS finite element (FE) software to model and nonlinear analyze the hybrid‐RC beams and investigate the effects of effective reinforcement ratio, concrete strength, and FRP bars type on the flexural behavior of hybrid‐RC beams. In addition, the FRP bars stress, flexural bearing capacity, and ductility formulas for hybrid‐RC beams were fitted based on the FE results, and existing literature data were used to verify their accuracy. The FE model results indicated that the effective reinforcement ratio, FRP bars type, and concrete strength significantly impacted the flexural bearing capacity and deformation performance of hybrid‐RC beams. Increasing the strength of concrete improved the flexural bearing capacity and ductility of hybrid‐RC beams; increasing the effective reinforcement ratio and the elastic modulus of FRP bars increased the flexural bearing capacity of the hybrid‐RC beams but decreased its ductility. In addition, the fitted FRP bars stress, flexural bearing capacity, and ductility calculation formulas can quickly and conveniently predict the flexural bearing capacity and ductility of hybrid‐RC beams.