bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open Burn Pit Exposure in Headache Disorder and Migraine
Authors: Sico Jason J. , Anthony Sarah E. , Phadke Manali , Wang Kaicheng , Skanderson Melissa , Ney John P. , Seng Elizabeth K. , Shapiro Robert E. , Sandbrink Friedhelm , Scholten Joel D. , Graham Glenn D. , Martini Sharyl R. , Fenton Brenda T.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Open burn pits have commonly been used for waste disposal by the US military but have not been systematically investigated as an independent risk factor for headache disorders.

Objective

To evaluate the association between exposure to open burn pits and incidence of headache and migraine.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from the Veterans Health Administration Headache Cohort along with data from the US Department of Defense and the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit (AH&OBP) Registry to assess registry participants with potential exposure to open burn pits in the Veterans Health Administration from April 1, 2014, through October 31, 2022. Participants were included by linking data from the AH&OBP Registry to their US Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration electronic health records. Those with preexisting headache were removed from the analytic sample. The analysis was conducted between November 1, 2022, and January 31, 2024.

Exposure

Open burn pit exposure composite variables based on the registry questionnaire were examined, specifically being near open burn pits, days near open burn pits, and having open burn pit duties.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary incident outcomes included medically diagnosed headache disorders and medically diagnosed migraine.

Results

The analytic sample included 247 583 veterans (mean [SD] age, 27.9 [7.7] years; 222 498 [89.9%] male). After covariates were controlled for at baseline, participants who were near an open burn pit with open burn pit duties had the highest adjusted odds of medically diagnosed headache disorders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.59; 95% CI, 1.46-1.74), migraine (AOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.43-1.79), and self-reported disabling migraine (AOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.69-2.20) compared with those without exposure. The 2 highest quartiles of cumulative burn pit exposure (290-448 days and >448 days) had significantly higher adjusted odds of medically diagnosed headache (290-448 days: AOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09-1.31; >448 days: AOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.41-1.70) and migraine (290-448 days: AOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.34; >448 days: AOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.32-1.65).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, a dose-dependent association existed between open burn pit exposure and medically diagnosed headache and migraine. These new data identify potentially important associations between open burn bit exposure and new-onset headache among service personnel as well as a possible health condition that may be encountered more frequently in Veterans Health Administration facilities during mandatory screening for military exposures.
Growth Rate and Outcomes in Locally Recurrent Extremity and Truncal Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Li George Z. , Seier Kenneth , Qin Li-Xuan , Brennan Murray , Morris Carol D. , Crago Aimee M. , Singer Samuel
Published: September 2024

Importance

Improved prognostic tools are needed for patients with locally recurrent extremity or truncal soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

Objective

To examine the association between average local recurrence (LR) growth rate and outcomes following resection of locally recurrent extremity or truncal STS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used a prospectively maintained database from a single high-volume tertiary sarcoma referral center in the US to identify patients 16 years of age or older who underwent repeat resection of a locally recurrent extremity or truncal STS between July 1, 1982, and December 31, 2021. Patients with atypical lipomatous tumors, desmoid tumors, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, angiosarcomas, and prior or synchronous distant recurrence were excluded. Data were analyzed from November 1, 2022, to June 17, 2024.

Exposure

Average LR growth rate, defined as the sum of recurrent tumor maximal diameters divided by the disease-free interval after index operation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were cumulative incidences of disease-specific death (DSD), with death from other causes as a competing risk, and second LR, with death from any cause as a competing risk.

Results

The study cohort included 253 patients (median [IQR] age, 64 [51-73] years; 140 [55.3%] male). The 5-year cumulative incidence of DSD after repeat resection was 29%. Multivariable analysis indicated that LR growth rate (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08-1.18]; P < .001), younger age (HR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97-0.99]; P = .002), R1 or R2 margins (HR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.03-2.84]; P = .04), high LR grade (HR, 2.90 [95% CI, 1.17-7.20]; P = .02), and multifocality (HR, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.70-5.00]; P < .001) were independently associated with higher incidence of DSD. Using the minimum P value method, the optimal cutoff for growth rate was found to be 0.68 cm/mo. Patients with values above this cutoff had higher 5-year incidences of DSD following repeat resection (63% vs 19%; permutation test P < .001) and higher amputation rates (19% vs 7%; P = .008). Only R1 margins were independently associated with higher incidence of second LR (HR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.19-2.78]; P = .006).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients undergoing resection of a locally recurrent extremity or truncal STS, LR growth rate was independently associated with DSD. These findings suggest that patients with growth rates higher than 0.68 cm/mo who undergo LR resection may have high disease-specific mortality and amputation rates and should be considered for perioperative systemic therapy.
Short‐term trends in great ape density in a community‐based conservation area in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: van der Hoek Yntze , Van de Perre Frederik , Fastré Constance , Kirkpatrick Lucinda , Ngobobo Urbain , Tokunda Raymond , Binyinyi Escobar , Stoinski Tara S.
Published: September 2024

The forests of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) constitute a biodiversity hotspot and provide habitat to two globally threatened great apes, the Grauer's gorilla Gorilla beringei graueri and eastern chimpanzee Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii.

Community‐based conservation activities may provide protection to these primates and their environment, supplementing the role of protected areas.

We look at spatiotemporal trends in the ape populations that inhabit a community forest, the Nkuba Conservation Area (NCA), as trends in wildlife abundances and distributions may provide a first tentative measure of conservation impact. In the absence of a single systematic approach to gauge conservation effectiveness, we explore both temporal changes in ape abundances and spatial distributions as lines of evidence.

Using line transect data, we estimate that between 1000 and 2200 apes, with comparable numbers of gorillas and chimpanzees, live in the NCA.

In contrast to elsewhere in eastern DRC, we found no evidence of a declining ape population or shift in their distribution after the establishment of the NCA (~2012–2013). Spatial models revealed the presence of ape hotspots that remained spatially stable across study years (2013–2020).

Practical implication. That apes in the NCA do not experience rapid declines is a cautious but optimistic first sign of the conservation potential of the NCA and its associated intended (i.e. conservation activities) and unintended (e.g. researcher presence) protection interventions.
Assessment of lesion insertion tool in pelvis PET/MR data with applications to attenuation correction method development
Authors: Natsuaki Yutaka , Leynes Andrew , Wangerin Kristen , Hamdi Mahdjoub , Rajagopal Abhejit , Kinahan Paul E. , Laforest Richard , Larson Peder E. Z. , Hope Thomas A. , James Sara St.
Published: September 2024

Background

In modern positron emission tomography (PET) with multi‐modality imaging (e.g., PET/CT and PET/MR), the attenuation correction (AC) is the single largest correction factor for image reconstruction. One way to assess AC methods and other reconstruction parameters is to utilize software‐based simulation tools, such as a lesion insertion tool. Extensive validation of these simulation tools is required to ensure results of the study are clinically meaningful.

Purpose

To evaluate different PET AC methods using a synthetic lesion insertion tool that simulates lesions in a patient cohort that has both PET/MR and PET/CT images. To further demonstrate how lesion insertion tool may be used to extend knowledge of PET reconstruction parameters, including but not limited to AC.

Methods

Lesion quantitation is compared using conventional Dixon‐based MR‐based AC (MRAC) to that of using CT‐based AC (CTAC, a “ground truth”). First, the pre‐existing lesions were simulated in a similar environment; a total of 71 lesions were identified in 18 pelvic PET/MR patient images acquired with a time‐of‐flight simultaneous PET/MR scanner, and matched lesions were inserted contralaterally on the same axial slice. Second, synthetic lesions were inserted into four anatomic target locations in a cohort of four patients who didn't have any observed clinical lesions in the pelvis.

Results

The matched lesion insertions resulted in unity between the lesion error ratios (mean SUVs), demonstrating that the inserted lesions successfully simulated the original lesions. In the second study, the inserted lesions had distinct characteristics by target locations and demonstrated negative max‐SUV%diff trends for bone‐dominant sites across the patient cohort.

Conclusions

The current work demonstrates that the applied lesion insertion tool can simulate uptake in pelvic lesions and their expected SUV values, and that the lesion insertion tool can be extended to evaluate further PET reconstruction corrections and algorithms and their impact on quantitation accuracy and precision.
Factors Shaping the Morphology in Sol‐Gel Derived Mesoporous Zinc Titanate Films: Unveiling the Role of Precursor Competition and Concentration
Authors: Li Yanan , Li Nian , Harder Constantin , Yin Shanshan , Bulut Yusuf , Vagias Apostolos , Schneider Peter M. , Chen Wei , Roth Stephan V. , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S. , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter
Published: September 2024

Zinc titanate films with mesoporous structures have widespread applications ranging from sensors to supercapacitors and bio‐devices owing to their photoelectric properties and specific surface area. The present work investigates the morphology of mesoporous zinc titanate films obtained by calcination of hybrid thin films containing polymer templates and precursor mixtures of zinc acetate dihydrate (ZAD) and titanium isopropoxide (TTIP). ZnO and TiO2 films are fabricated for reference. The influences of hydrochloric acid contents (HCl), the ratios of ZAD and TTIP, and the solution concentrations on the film morphologies are studied. The amphiphilic diblock copolymer, polystyrene‐block‐polyethylene oxide (PS‐b‐PEO), plays the role of a structure directing template, as it self‐assembles into micelles in a solvent‐acid mixture of N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and HCl. Thin films are prepared with spin‐coating and subsequent calcination. Adjusting the ratio of TTIP and ZAD leads to the structure evolution from order to disorder in a film. It depends on the hydrolysis and condensation processes of the precursors, providing different time‐to‐growth processes to control the film morphologies. An increase in solution concentration enhances the surface coverage. As probed with grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering, the inner structures are larger than the surface structures seen in scanning electron microscopy.
Broad Adaptability of Coronavirus Adhesion Revealed from the Complementary Surface Affinity of Membrane and Spikes
Authors: García‐Arribas Aritz B. , Ibáñez‐Freire Pablo , Carlero Diego , Palacios‐Alonso Pablo , Cantero‐Reviejo Miguel , Ares Pablo , López‐Polín Guillermo , Yan Han , Wang Yan , Sarkar Soumya , Chhowalla Manish , Oksanen Hanna M. , Martín‐Benito Jaime , de Pablo Pedro J. , Delgado‐Buscalioni Rafael
Published: September 2024

Coronavirus stands for a large family of viruses characterized by protruding spikes surrounding a lipidic membrane adorned with proteins. The present study explores the adhesion of transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) particles on a variety of reference solid surfaces that emulate typical virus‐surface interactions. Atomic force microscopy informs about trapping effectivity and the shape of the virus envelope on each surface, revealing that the deformation of TGEV particles spans from 20% to 50% in diameter. Given this large deformation range, experimental Langmuir isotherms convey an unexpectedly moderate variation in the adsorption‐free energy, indicating a viral adhesion adaptability which goes beyond the membrane. The combination of an extended Helfrich theory and coarse‐grained simulations reveals that, in fact, the envelope and the spikes present complementary adsorption affinities. While strong membrane‐surface interaction lead to highly deformed TGEV particles, surfaces with strong spike attraction yield smaller deformations with similar or even larger adsorption‐free energies.
Multilevel Hollow‐Structured Particles through Halogen‐Bond Regulated Polymer Assembly under 3D Confinement
Authors: Zheng Xihuang , Zhao Yi , Zhang Yuping , Deng Renhua , Li Baohui , Chen Senbin , Zhu Jintao
Published: September 2024

Engineering of hollow particles with tunable internal structures often requires complicated processes and/or invasive cleavage. Halogen‐bond driven 3D confined‐assembly of block copolymers has shed light on the engineering of polymer organization along with the fabricating of unique nanostructures. Herein, a family of multilevel hollow‐structured particles (e.g., fully porous, multi‐chamber, multi‐shell, and concentric multi‐layer architectures) is reported via halogen‐bond regulated 3D confined‐assembly of amphiphilic polymer networks. To do so, polystyrene‐b‐poly(2‐vinyl pyridine)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PS‐b‐P2VP‐b‐PEO) amphiphilic triblock copolymer is selected, where P2VP blocks act as halogen acceptor. Meanwhile, poly(3‐(2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro‐4‐iodophenoxy) propyl acrylate) (PTFIPA) is employed as halogen donor. Halogen‐bond driven donor‐acceptor linking between PTFIPA and P2VP block presented in PS‐b‐P2VP‐b‐PEO, can lead to the formation of supramolecular polymeric networks, along with the increased P2VP domain and tunable hydrophobic volume. Therefore, an adjustable packing parameter (p) is thus anticipated, which can enable the morphology transformation sequence until an equilibrium state is reached. Moreover, computer simulations are further utilized as the tool to interpret such morphologies transition and identify the precise distribution of each component. Benefiting from the tunable hollow structure and a substantial surface for transporting purpose, these structurally novel particles open perspectives toward promising applications including encapsulation, nanoreactor, and catalyst support.
Spin Transport Modulation of 2D Fe3O4 Nanosheets Driven by Verwey Phase Transition
Authors: Jia Zhiyan , Zhao Mengfan , Chen Qian , Sun Rong , Cao Lulu , Ye Kun , Zhu Tao , Liu Lixuan , Tian Yuxin , Wang Yi , Du Jie , Zhang Fang , Lv Weiming , Ling FeiFei , Zhai Ya , Jiang Yong , Wang Zhongchang
Published: September 2024

Realizing spin transport between heavy metal and two‐dimensional (2D) magnetic materials at high Curie temperature (TC) is crucial to advanced spintronic information storage technology. Here, environmentally stable 2D nonlayered Fe3O4 nanosheets are successfully synthesized using a reproducible process and found that they exhibit vortex magnetic domains at room temperature. A Verwey phase transition temperature (TV) of ≈110 K is identified for ≈3 nm thick nanosheet through Raman characterization and spin Hall device measurement of the Pt/Fe3O4 bilayer. The anisotropic magnetoresistance ratio decreases near TV, while both the spin Hall magnetoresistance ratio and spin mixing conductance (Gr) increase at TV. As the temperature approaches 112 K, the anomalous Hall effect ratio tends to become zero. The maximum Gr reaches ≈5 × 1015 Ω−1m−2 due to the clean and flat interface between Pt and 2D nanosheet. The observed spin transport behavior in Pt/Fe3O4 spin Hall devices indicates that 2D Fe3O4 nanosheets possess potential for high‐power micro spintronic storage devices applications.
Impinging jet mixers: A review of their mixing characteristics, performance considerations, and applications
Authors: Devos Cedric , Mukherjee Saikat , Inguva Pavan , Singh Shalini , Wei Yi , Mondal Sandip , Yu Huiwen , Barbastathis George , Stelzer Torsten , Braatz Richard D. , Myerson Allan S.
Published: September 2024

Optimal control over fast chemical processes hinges on the achievement of rapid and effective mixing. Impinging jet mixers are a unique class of passive mixing devices renowned for their exceptional ability to achieve rapid mixing at micro‐length scales, whilst offering the possibility of a high throughput. Comprising of two co‐linear jets flowing in opposite directions and colliding with each other within a small (usually confined) volume, these devices effectively intensify various mixing‐controlled processes in a reproducible manner. Impinging jet mixers find extensive use in both the chemical and pharmaceutical industry for a plethora of applications, such as reaction injection molding and precipitation processes. This review provides an overview of research related to impinging jet mixers, with an emphasis on the mixing characteristics and the influence of design and process parameters on the mixing performance. Lastly, specific applications for which these devices are exceptionally suited are discussed.
Differential effects of confinement‐induced reactive oxygen species accumulation on highly motile cancerous and non‐cancerous cells
Authors: Keith William Collins , Hemmati Farnaz , Vaghasiya Ravi Sureshbhai , Amiri Farshad , Mistriotis Panagiotis
Published: September 2024

In vivo, migrating cells often encounter microenvironments that impose spatial constraints, leading to cell and nuclear deformation. As confinement‐induced DNA damage has been linked to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we sought to investigate the impact of oxidative stress on cell behavior within confined spaces. Using microchannel devices that enable control of the degree and duration of cell confinement, we demonstrate that confined migration increases ROS levels in both HT‐1080 fibrosarcoma cells and human dermal fibroblasts. Treatment with the antioxidant N‐Acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) counteracts confinement‐induced ROS accumulation, suppressing p53 activation and supporting cell survival in both cell lines. This intervention preferentially reduces dorsal perinuclear actin fibers in confined cancer cells. Loss of these fibers is associated with reduced nuclear rupture frequency and increased confined migration speed. Collectively, this work provides insights into the differential effects of ROS on cancerous and non‐cancerous cells and suggests that antioxidants may support tumor progression.
A Shared Control Method for Teleoperated Robot Using Artificial Potential Field
Authors: Qin Wenlei , Zhang He , Fan Zhibin , Zhu Yanhe , Zhao Jie
Published: September 2024

Retinal surgery requires enclosed spatial constraints to improve the safety and success of the surgery. Herein, a shared control method is proposed for master–slave robot systems, utilizing tubular guidance constraints based on a novel potential field function to optimize the commands of the surgeon. Within the tube, attractive constraints intensify with increasing task error and approach infinity at the boundary of the tube. This ensures that the surgery is confined within a closed tubular space. Haptic feedback provides force cues to inform the surgeon about the feasibility of the input commands. Theoretical derivations demonstrate that the entire closed‐loop system is passive. Two simulation experiments are conducted on the ophthalmic surgery robot platform to evaluate the functionality of the proposed method. The experimental results indicate that translational errors are kept less than certain predefined values. Furthermore, the proposed method outperforms the comparison method in terms of task accuracy and efficiency.
Multimodal Imaging, Drug Delivery, and On‐Board Triggered Degradation in Soft Capsule Rolling Microrobots
Authors: Castellanos‐Robles David , Doineau Raphaël C. L.‐M. , Aziz Azaam , Nauber Richard , Wu Song , Moreno Silvia , Mitropoulou Konstantina , Hebenstreit Franziska , Medina‐Sánchez Mariana
Published: September 2024

In the rapidly advancing field of medical microrobotics, designing robots capable of addressing various challenges—such as imaging, biodegradation, and multifunctionality—is crucial. Departing from conventional research that often focuses on isolated aspects of microrobot functionality, this study presents an innovative approach to comprehensive microrobot design. Soft capsule microrobots that integrate capabilities such as magnetic navigation, autonomous maneuverability, in situ biodegradation, biosafe imaging, and drug delivery are reported. These microrobots are fabricated within the range of 20–120 μm, with a notable throughput of ≈102–103 microrobots per second. Furthermore, their locomotion performance has been demonstrated to remain stable for a period exceeding 10 h, all while employing real‐time optical closed‐loop control. The incorporation of ultrasound contrast agents not only amplifies imaging resolution but also ensures imaging contrast stability in a biological environment for over a period of 3 h. Second, the intentional integration of enzyme‐loaded nanometric polymersomes establishes a self‐contained, biodegradable system, accentuating the microrobots’ capacity to degrade without the addition of high enzyme concentrations. This integrated approach lays the groundwork for minimally invasive treatments toward personalized and targeted medicine.
A Reactive Planning and Control Framework for Humanoid Robot Locomotion
Authors: Qiao Lichao , Liu Yuwang , Fu Chunjiang , Ge Ligang , Li Yibin , Rong Xuewen , Chen Teng , Zhang Guoteng
Published: September 2024

This article presents a reactive planning and control framework to enhance the robustness of humanoid robots locomotion against external disturbances. The framework comprises two main modules, reactive planning and motion optimization. In the reactive planning module, a reactive footstep compensation strategy based on the essential motion of the linear inverted pendulum model (LIPM) is proposed. This strategy leverages the periodic motion characteristics of the LIPM, deriving the correct footstep compensation based on the conditions for model stability restoration. The module generates the zero moment point planning trajectories based on the footstep compensation. In the motion optimization module, motion optimization based on reactive planning is performed. To make motion constraint based on capture point applicable to motion optimization, the impact of different truncation points on stability constraints to determine the appropriate truncation point is quantified. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated through experiments conducted on the humanoid robot UBTECH Walker2.
Discrete Pneumatic‐Tendon‐Coupled Actuators with Interconnected Air Circuit for Untethered Soft Robots
Authors: Xia Jiutian , Huang Jie , Fu Shiling , Qu Jingting , Mo Liyan , Li Yunquan , Ren Tao , Yang Yang , Li Yujia , Liu Hao
Published: September 2024

Untethered soft robots (USRs) based on single‐actuation methods face inherent limitations due to restricted energy resources, which adversely affect their performance. Pneumatic‐tendon‐coupled actuators (PTCAs) offer an effective approach for USRs by combining the compliance and variable stiffness of pneumatic actuation with the precision and rapid motion control of tendon‐driven actuation. However, current PTCA‐based USRs are limited in versatility and efficiency when executing complex tasks. This research introduces discrete pneumatic‐tendon‐coupled actuators with interconnected air circuit (DPTCAs‐IAC) to address these limitations through two major design approaches: 1) multiple discrete DPTCAs with integrated micro pump, providing additional degrees of freedom and independent motion control while regulating internal pressure without significantly adding weight; and 2) interconnecting multiple DPTCAs through air circuits to facilitate gas flow and enhance efficiency. Theoretical modeling and experimental tests conducted on single DPTCA and DPTCAs‐IAC show that the IAC effectively reduces actuation torque and that opposite‐direction movements consume less energy compared to same‐direction movements. An untethered soft robotic gripper and an untethered quadruped robot with soft legs based on DPTCAs‐IAC are developed. Both demonstrate excellent controllability, compact system integration, and multifunctionality, highlighting the potential of DPTCAs‐IAC in advancing the development of complex untethered soft robots.
The Asymmetrical Fe−O−Se Bonds in Fe2O(SeO3)2 Boosting Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalytic Performance for Zinc‐Air Battery
Authors: Xu Hui‐Min , Yue Kai‐Hang , Song Lian‐Jie , Zhang Hong‐Cheng , Zhu Hong‐Rui , Zhang Zhi‐Jie , Li Gao‐Ren
Published: September 2024

Zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) have the advantages of high energy density and rich zinc raw materials. It is a low‐cost, green and sustainable energy storage device. At present, one of the key technologies that hinder the large‐scale application of ZABs is the design and fabrication oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) bifunctional catalysts with excellent performance, especially the non‐platinum‐based catalysts. Here N‐doped carbon‐coated Fe‐based selenium oxide catalyst Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC with high performance has been fabricated by a one‐step pyrolysis and then the electrochemical oxidization. The experimental results confirmed that the existence of Fe−O−Se bonds in Fe2O(SeO3)2 crystal phase of Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC, and the Fe−O−Se bonds could obviously enhance ORR and OER catalytic performance of Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC. Density functional theoretical calculations (DFT) confirmed that the Fe2O(SeO3)2 in Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC had a higher d‐band center of Fe atom and a lower p‐orbital coupling degree with its own lattice O atom than Fe2O3, which leads to Fe site of Fe2O(SeO3)2 being more likely to adsorb external oxygen intermediates. The Fe−O−Se bonds in Fe2O(SeO3)2 results in the modification of coordination environment of Fe atoms and optimizes the adsorption energy of Fe site for oxygen intermediates. Compared with Fe2O3/Fe3C@NC, the Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC showed the obvious enhancements of ORR/OER catalytic activities with a half‐wave potential of 0.91 V for ORR in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte and a low overpotential of 345 mV for OER at 10 mA cm−2 in a 1.0 M KOH electrolyte. The peak power density and specific capacity of Fe2O(SeO3)2/Fe3C@NC‐based ZABs are higher than those of Pt/C+RuO2‐ZABs. The above results demonstrate that the asymmetrical Fe−O−Se bonds in Fe2O(SeO3)2 plays a key role in improving the bifunctional catalytic activities of ORR/OER for ZABs.
Effect of Π‐Π Conjugation in Benzylammonium Cations on Crystal Structure, Morphology, Optical Properties, and Optoelectronic Performance of Bi‐Based Perovskite
Authors: Wang Xueze , Zhou Huawei , Zhang Xianxi
Published: September 2024

Bi‐based organic halides have attracted widespread attention as potential substitutes for lead‐based organic halide perovskites and have been explored and applied in many optoelectronic devices. The rational design of organic Bi‐based halides is a popular research topic. In this work, we used benzylammonium (BA) cations to synthesize BA3Bi2I9 (BBI) perovskite material and FA3Bi2I9 (FBI, FA [formamidinium]) as control. We observe that the benzene rings in BA cations overlap with each other due to the benzene rings Π‐Π conjugation in the crystal structure of BBI, which exhibits large interplanar spacing due to large BA ions. BBI has preferential orientation along the (020) crystal plane. Due to conjugation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) mapping images indicate that the surface of the BBI thin film is smoother and more uniform than that of the FBI thin film. We fabricated the device by growing thin films of BBI and FBI on ITO interdigital electrodes. The photodetector based on BBI SC exhibits stability and regularity with turning on/off of the light at different intensities (10, 20, 30, and 40 W m−2) and wavelengths (386, 397, 405, and 433 nm). The ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption and reflection spectrum analysis shows that BBI has a slightly wider bandgap than FBI. This study can provide some ideas for the design Π‐Π conjugation in organic metal halides.
Free‐radical emulsion copolymerization of styrene/1‐hexene in an autoclave: Synthesis and property evaluation
Authors: Remanan Sanjay , Al‐Harthi Mamdouh Ahmed
Published: September 2024

A copolymer based on styrene and 1‐hexene was synthesized using free‐radical emulsion polymerization. Reaction pressure has a significant influence on copolymer formation. There was a phase separation when styrene was copolymerized with 1‐hexene at lower pressure (1 bar) and a stable emulsion was observed under a pressurized reaction (4.5 bar). Additionally, a phase separation was also observed at a lower reaction pH (7.2) and was evidenced by the reduced pH value at the end of the copolymerization. H1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis showed the disappearance of methylene proton peak intensities in both styrene and 1‐hexene after the copolymerization reaction indicating the increased conversion of monomers in emulsion. Synthesized copolymer was also studied using the C13 NMR analysis. It was further analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The emulsion was destabilized by the synergistic action of acid and temperature to recover solid polymer. The applicability of the copolymer as a polymer modifier was studied by blending with commercial PS. Copolymer thermal properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Other properties such as emulsion particle size, droplet morphology, and the effect of pH were also investigated in this study.
Synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of a high‐efficiency fully biobased biodegradable plasticizer
Authors: Hou Boyou , Sun Yinan , Guo Yanlin , Zhang Wei , Shan Xueying , Cui Qianqian , Chen Zhendong , Ni Qingting , Li Jinchun
Published: September 2024

Developing bio‐based plasticizers not only aids in the reduction of fossil fuel consumption but also presents a lower risk to human health. In this study, a fully biodegradable plasticizer—levulinate malate ethanol lactates (LMEL) was successfully synthesized from L‐lactic acid, DL‐malic acid, levulinic acid, and ethanol, and was compared with commercially plasticizers (acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and di‐2‐ethylhexyl terephthalate (DOTP)). 40 phr LMEL plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (40LMEL) yielded a remarkable elongation at break of 526.9%, compared with the pure PVC resin (4.5%), thereby significantly enhancing the flexibility of PVC. Moreover, the optical transparency of 40LMEL samples was found to be equivalent to PVC plasticized with three commercial plasticizers. Most importantly, compared with three commercial plasticizers, 40LMEL exhibited superior resistance to migration and volatility, with mass losses of 1.055% in H2O, 13.601% in n‐hexane, 14.636% in ethanol, and 1.496% in activated carbon, respectively. Soil degradation experiments have demonstrated that LMEL can be broken down by microorganisms in the soil into nontoxic aliphatic compounds (e.g., 4‐oxo‐pentanoic acid, and 4,5,7‐trihydroxy 2‐octenoic acid, et al.). Collectively, LMEL exhibited better overall performance than three commercial plasticizers. This work provides new options for the design of efficient fully bio‐based plasticizers.
Synergistic effects of dune sand‐based silica and alkali‐treated date palm fiber as efficient fillers for improving the properties of hybrid epoxy composites
Authors: Maou Samira , Meftah Yazid , Grohens Yves , Kervoelen Antoine , Magueresse Anthony , Selmani Wassila , Ferhad Fatima
Published: September 2024

Lignocellulosic fiber‐reinforced composites exhibit enhanced physical properties and eco‐friendliness, which has resulted in extended application of these biocomposite materials in important engineering sectors. In this study, we investigated the synergistic impacts of dune sand (DS)‐based silica (SiO2) and alkali‐treated date palm fiber (ADPF) fillers on the thermophysical and viscoelastic characteristics of epoxy (EP) hybrid composites. A hand layup procedure was employed to produce EP hybrid composites reinforced with 20 wt.% ADPF as well as 5, 7, and 10 wt.% DS. Compared to the other composite samples, the EP matrix reinforced with 20 wt.% ADPF and 10 wt.% DS (HC5) exhibited better thermal (Tmax = 380°C, Tg = 63.13°C) and dynamic mechanical properties (storage modulus = 2700 MPa). Additionally, Cole–Cole plots revealed the excellent interaction between ADPF, DS, and epoxy matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements further confirmed that the development of an effective interface between DS particles, ADPF fiber, and epoxy matrix caused a decrease in water absorption (1.5%). The best wetting conditions with the lowest thickness swelling (2.8%) were obtained by increasing the DS content up to 10 wt.%. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that, owing to their superior dynamic mechanical characteristics, hybrid composites containing 10 wt.% DS may be employed in important aircraft and aeronautic applications.
Advanced PEI/PAN Membrane to Suppress Zinc Dendrite Growth in Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Hussain Arshad , Mohamed Mostafa M. , Omer Aijaz Muhammad , Rezaul Karim Mohammad , Saeed Alzahrani Atif , Abdul Aziz Md.
Published: September 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are a potential new technology in energy storage due to their high energy density, affordability, and environmental friendliness. The development of AZIBs is still hampered by unchecked zinc dendrite formation during cycling, which results in an unstable interface, a short cycling life, and a considerable capacity decline with security issues. Herein, we demonstrate a novel nanofiber membrane based on polyetherimide‐polyacrylonitrile (PEI/PAN) polymer via electrospinning method with entangled nanofibers for AZIBs applications. The as‐fabricated PEI/PAN membrane has a homogeneous, tortuous, and linked porous structure, high porosity, and superior electrolyte wettability. The resulting PEI/PAN membrane exhibits a decent thermal stability of 200 °C and a strong ionic conductivity of up to 5.3×10−4 S cm−1. This membrane gives Zn/Zn symmetric cells an ultralong cycle life of more than 250 hours at 3 mA cm−2. In the meantime, the MnO2/Zn cell outperforms commercial filter paper regarding cycle stability and rate performance. This work demonstrates the design of a straightforward technique to fabricate advanced nanofiber membranes for AZIBs to modify Zn2+ deposition behavior and improve Zn dendrite resistance.
Pharmacokinetic study of iptacopan and its two acyl glucuronide metabolites in monkey plasma by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Jingchu , Liu Shanshan , Jia Chenglin , Li Jiacheng , Zhang Zhihui , Chen Jian , Cao Yongbin , Ma Chao
Published: September 2024

In this study, a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for the determination of iptacopan and two acyl glucuronidation metabolites in monkey plasma. The plasma sample was precipitated with acetonitrile and then separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) using 0.1% formic acid and 5 mM ammonium acetate in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The mass spectrometry (MS) detection was performed in positive multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode with precursor‐to‐production transitions. The developed assay was validated over the range of 1–2000 ng/mL for three analytes with correlation coefficient (r) more than 0.99. The validation parameters including accuracy, precision, carryover effect, matrix effect, recovery, and stability were all within the acceptable limits. The validated method has been applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of iptacopan and its two acyl glucuronidation metabolites in monkey plasma. After intravenous administration, iptacopan showed low clearance (2.75 mL/min/kg) in monkey plasma. After oral administration, the bioavailability was 55.43%. The exposure (AUC0−t) of direct acyl glucuronide (AG) of iptacopan accounts for 9.73% of the iptacopan plasma exposure. The AUC0−t of AG of dealkylated metabolite of iptacopan was present at a lower level, accounting for 0.5% of the iptacopan plasma exposure.
A comparison of the efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy and Beck cognitive therapy on the depression and anxiety of patients recovering from COVID‐19: A pilot study
Authors: Khajehnezhad Maryam , Veshki Sahar Khanjani
Published: September 2024

Background

Depression and anxiety are prevalent psychological symptoms among COVID‐19 survivors. This study compared the efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and Beck cognitive therapy (BCT) in addressing these issues.

Methods

Forty‐five COVID‐19 survivors were randomly assigned to one of three groups: MBCT, BCT or a control. Pre‐ and postintervention assessments, using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), were conducted. Both interventions consisted of eight 90‐minute sessions.

Results

An ANCOVA analysis revealed that BCT was more effective than MBCT in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. Both interventions led to significant improvements, but no significant differences were observed between post‐test and follow‐up.

Conclusion

BCT is a promising intervention for depression and anxiety in COVID‐19 survivors. Facilities providing cognitive therapy should be integrated into healthcare settings to support mental health recovery.
When the screen deepens the sense of connectedness: What therapists have found effective in successful cases of teletherapy
Authors: Werbart Andrzej , Dominicus Eric , Sheahan Luke , Philips Björn
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore therapists' new‐found experiences of what works in successful cases of teletherapy.

Design

This was a qualitative study of therapists' experiences, making their implicit knowledge explicit and systematised.

Methods

Twelve therapists were recruited via posts on social media and via the interviewers' professional networks. The therapists were interviewed at their office or via Zoom using a semi‐structured interview guide. The interviews were analysed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The therapists described a number of interacting favourable factors, together contributing to successful remote treatments. Establishing a good therapeutic relationship and cooperation was a general success factor common to in‐person and remote treatments. Specific factors included well‐functioning communication technology, co‐creating a sense of co‐presence, safeguarding therapeutic boundaries adjusted to the remote setting, finding ways of compensating for the loss of several cues available in an in‐person setting and the patient being motivated for a remote therapeutic endeavour.

Conclusions

In the successful cases, therapists in this study seem to have developed specific skills to counteract the inherent challenges and to benefit from the advantages specific to the remote setting. In the post‐pandemic era, when hybrid and remote therapeutic modalities become increasingly common, these specific skills and mechanisms have to be included in psychotherapy training programmes, supervision and continuing education.
The virtual cure for real‐world prejudice? Secondary transfer effects of intergroup contact in virtual reality
Authors: Tassinari Matilde , Harjunen Ville Johannes , Cocco Veronica Margherita , Vezzali Loris , Jasinskaja‐Lahti Inga
Published: September 2024

The secondary transfer effect (STE) of intergroup contact posits that contact with one social group may reduce prejudice not only towards contacted but also non‐contacted groups. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to facilitate intergroup contact on a large scale, but its effectiveness in generating the STE of intergroup contact has not been studied before. In two pre‐registered studies conducted in Finland and Italy, we examined whether cooperative (positive) contact in VR between participants' White avatar and an avatar representing a person with African ethnic background had an extended effect on more positive attitudes towards other non‐contacted minority groups. Study 1 (N = 53) revealed that positive contact with a Black avatar in VR decreased explicit prejudice towards secondary non‐contacted outgroups (Middle Eastern people, Muslims, homosexual people, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and immigrants) via attitude generalization but not via intergroup anxiety. Study 2 (N = 132) expanded the design of Study 1 by including a competitive (negative) contact situation to test the STE of both positive and negative contact in VR. The findings of Study 2 showed a trend towards improvement in explicit attitudes towards one secondary outgroup (East Asian people) for positive contact as compared to negative contact. Overall, our findings show the potential of VR contact to alleviate generalized prejudice through the STE of positive intergroup contact. However, caution must be exercised, as competitive activities in VR are common and may have detrimental effects on intergroup attitudes. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Natural α‐Methylene‐γ‐Butyrolactone Analogues: Synthesis and Evaluation of Isoaurone Derivatives as Antifungal Agents
Authors: Li Luwei , Chen Guangyou , Gu Huiping , Lei Peng , Gao Yanqing , Ma Zhiqing , Feng Juntao
Published: September 2024

In order to develop novel, efficient and green fungicides, a series of novel isoaurone derivatives were designed and synthesized, which were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, high‐resolution mass spectra and melting points. The target compounds showed different inhibitory activities against seven plant pathogenic fungi. Compounds 1, 12, 17, 20, 22, 24 and intermediate A showed more than 90 % inhibition rates against S. s at 50 mg/L. Interestingly, compound 22 and intermediate A showed the great inhibitory effect against S. s with EC50 values of 4.65 and 4.24 mg/L, which were better than the lead compound isoaurone (EC50=15.62 mg/L). The EC50 values of compounds 17 and 24 against B. c were 13.94 and 22.13 mg/L. Moreover, compound 19 displayed significant antifungal activity against G. g with the EC50 value of 11.88 mg/L. Theoretical calculations by DFT revealed that the α, β‐unsaturated carbonyl bond and the benzyl ring are very importantly linked to the strength of the fungicidal activity. Therefore, this study identified a valuable antifungal lead compound for further development of green fungicides.
Previously Published Phosphatase Probes have Limited Utility Due to their Unspecific Reactivity
Authors: ter Brake F. H. G. , van Luttikhuizen S. A. F. M. , van der Wel T. , Gagestein B. , Florea B. I. , van der Stelt M. , Janssen A. P. A.
Published: September 2024

This study explores the use of activity‐based protein profiling to study protein tyrosine phosphatases. With the discovery of allosteric SHP2 inhibitors, this enzyme family has resurfaced as interesting drug targets. Therefore, we envisioned that previously described direct electrophiles and quinone methide‐based traps targeting phosphatases could be applied in competitive activity‐based protein profiling assays. This study evaluates three direct electrophiles, specifically, a vinyl sulfonate, a vinyl sulfone, and an α‐bromobenzylphosphonate as well as three quinone methide‐based traps as activity‐based probes. For all these moieties it was previously shown that they could selectively engage in assays with purified or overexpressed phosphatases in bacterial lysates. However, this study demonstrates that probes based on these moieties all suffer from unspecific labelling. Direct electrophiles were either unspecific or not activity‐based, while quinone methide‐based traps showed dependence on phosphatase activity but also resulted in unspecific labelling due to diffusion after activation. This phenomenon, termed ′bystander’ labelling, occurred even with catalytically inactive SHP2 mutants. We concluded that alternative strategies or chemistries are needed to apply activity‐based protein profiling in phosphatase research. Moreover, this study shows that quinone methide‐based designs have limited potential in probe and inhibitor development strategies due to their intrinsic reactivity.
Organic Polymer Framework Enhanced PEO‐Based Electrolyte for Fast Li+ Migration in All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐ion Batteries†
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhou Quan , Xu Xiaoyan , Zhou Chuncai , Chen Guorong , Li Yan
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive Summary

With the rapid development of solid‐state batteries, solid‐state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent environmental friendliness, designability, and forming film ability. However, due to the limited conductive path of polymers, lithium‐ion diffusion kinetics are limited, and low ion conductivity is a huge challenge for SPEs in practical applications. This work provides a polyethylene oxide (PEO) based polymer electrolyte, which has multiple paths of ion diffusion caused by organic polymer framework of poly(hexaazatrinaphthalene) (PHATN). The unique porous channel, the specific surface characteristics, the coordination of ‐C=N‐ groups in PHATN with Li+, combined with the mobility of PEO segments, make the SPEs have a good ability to conduct Li+. Interestingly, the PHATN‐PEO/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) composite electrolytes exhibit excellent electrochemical properties. At room temperature, the conductivity of PHATN‐PEO electrolyte can reach 1.03 × 10–4 S·cm–1, which is greatly improved compared with 3.9 × 10–6 S·cm–1 of PEO. Delightedly, the lithium‐ion transference number of PHATN‐PEO electrolyte achieves 0.61, and the electrochemical window increases to 4.82 V. The LFP/1%PH‐PEO/Li solid‐state batteries show good electrochemical cycles. This work reveals an efficient stratagem for the design of polymer solid‐state electrolytes.