bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment outcomes of non‐curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial gastric neoplasia: A retrospective study at a tertiary care center in the United States
Authors: Nagao Sayaka , Nishimura Makoto , Koseki Mako , Beauvais Jacques , Laszkowska Monika , Tang Laura , Strong Vivian E. , Schattner Mark A.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer; additional treatment may be recommended for patients in whom resection is not curative per the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess treatment outcomes of ESD for gastric neoplasia, with a focus on cases of non‐curative resection.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all individuals undergoing ESD for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma or dysplasia in a high‐volume tertiary care center in the United States. Data on patient demographic characteristics, clinical history, lesion characteristics, and procedural and clinical outcomes were collected from the electronic medical record.

Results

Among 82 cases undergoing ESD for the management of gastric neoplasia, 32 cases resulted in non‐curative resection. 20 of these non‐curative cases did not get additional treatment, among which recurrence occurred in two cases with positive horizontal margins only. These patients did not show lymph node metastasis and underwent further endoscopic or surgical resection. There was no recurrence in 11 cases with undifferentiated carcinomas of ≤2 cm in size.

Conclusions

Although this study was limited by its retrospective design, small sample size, and follow‐up duration, our findings suggest that a risk‐adapted strategy could be employed for certain patients undergoing non‐curative ESD per American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines, with close follow‐up instead of routine surgery in select cases with favorable features. Further studies are needed to refine the criteria for additional treatment after non‐curative ESD in Western populations.
The MAIIA EPO Purification Gel Kit, 7D3—An Alternative Purification Kit for Screening and Confirmation Procedures
Authors: Schwenke D. , Hempel J. , Keiler A. M. , Voss S. C.
Published: November 2024

In this study, the performance of the new MAIIA EPO purification kit 7D3 was evaluated for human urine samples to confirm compliance with the WADA criteria of the WADA technical document 2024 (TD2024EPO). The kit was validated for selectivity, reliability at minimum required performance levels (MRPLs), limit of detection (LOD), carryover and recovery. A total of 81 urine samples were tested for selectivity, 29 samples for reliability at MRPL, LOD and 16 samples for recovery. The kit fulfils the criteria and the requirements of the upcoming WADA TD2024EPO and presents a valid solution for the purification of ERAs from human urine for doping analyses.
β‐Hydroxy β‐Methyl Butyric Acid (HMB) and Its Potential Doping Relevance: A Pilot Study on Its Urinary Excretion Profile
Authors: Camuto Cristian , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco , de Giorgio Fabio
Published: November 2024

β‐hydroxy β‐methyl butyric acid (HMB), either as the free acid or in the form of its calcium salt, is a component of several dietary supplements marketed to enhance sports performance, due to its role in protein synthesis. In this pilot study, we investigated the urinary excretion profile of HMB, an endogenous metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. The endogenous reference ranges of HMB, in human urine samples, were monitored by collecting samples from 20 volunteers. Data obtained were compared with those from controlled excretion studies, following the intake of a 3‐g oral dose of HMB. Urine samples were analyzed through a targeted procedure employing a conventional GC‐MS system operating in SIM mode. Our results show that the excreted urinary concentration of HMB significantly exceeds the range of endogenous concentrations for at least 24 h, making possible to detect its exogenous origin.
Assessing Fears of Negative Consequences in Children With Symptoms of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Authors: Gianneschi Julia R. , Washington Kara A. , Nicholas Julia , Pilato Ilana , LeMay‐Russell Sarah , Rivera‐Cancel Alannah M. , Mines Ellen V. , Jackson Jalisa E. , Marsan Samuel , Lachman Sage , Kim Young Kyung , Di Martino J. Matias , Pendergast Jane , Loeb Katharine L. , Katzman Debra K. , Marcus Marsha D. , Bryant‐Waugh Rachel , Sapiro Guillermo , Zucker Nancy L.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Fear of Aversive Consequences (FOAC), such as choking or vomiting, is an important associated feature of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). However, the manifestation of FOAC in young children is poorly understood. This study aimed to describe the fears of children with ARFID symptoms and examine the concordance between parent and child ratings of fear.

Method

Child‐reported FOAC was assessed using an interview designed for children between 6 and 10 years old, the Gustatory Avoidance and Gastrointestinal Stress Symptoms (GAGSS). Parents were administered a semi‐structured diagnostic interview regarding their child's symptoms, the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Interview.

Results

Among 68 children with ARFID diagnoses or symptoms (41.2% female, 85.3% White, mean age = 8.2 years, SD = 1.1 years; range 5.2–9.9 years), 91.2% of children endorsed at least one fear relative to 26.5% of parents. Among parent–child dyads, 36.8% disagreed about the child's fear of stomach pain (κ = 0.12) and 48.5% disagreed about the child's fear of vomiting, (κ = 0.08), both indicating low inter‐rater reliability. On average, children endorsed 4.3 (SD = 2.3) fears out of 9 options. The most frequently endorsed fears were that food will “taste bad,” (n = 43, 63.2%), “make you gag” (n = 37, 54.4%), and “look disgusting” (n = 36, 52.9%).

Discussion

Findings highlight ways in which fear may manifest in children with ARFID that are not easily discernable by adults. Greater precision in depicting childhood fears may facilitate the earlier detection of problematic eating behaviors.
Wheat Straw Incorporation Coupled With Direct Seeding Method Influence Nitrogen Uptake and Translocation in Rice
Authors: Tian Jinyu , Xing Zhipeng , Guo Baowei , Hu Yajie , Wei Haiyan , Gao Hui , Zhang Haipeng , Li Min , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: November 2024

On‐farm trials were performed to investigate the nitrogen (N) uptake, N translocation, and grain yield of rice planted via different direct seeding methods into a field after wheat straw incorporation. The study conducted using two direct seeding methods, dry direct seeding of rice (DDSR) and wet direct seeding of rice (WDSR), in a field without or with straw incorporation demonstrated that straw incorporation negatively influenced both grain yield and N uptake in direct‐seeded rice. Compared with WDSR, DDSR suffered significant negative effects, with a 7.2% decrease in grain yield and an 8.0% decrease in N uptake. Additionally, N uptake in direct‐seeded rice with straw addition decreased by 6.5% at the middle stage and 9.5% at the late stage compared with that without straw incorporation. Straw incorporation prolonged the initial phase of growth and thus shortened the N uptake days in the last two phases. Moreover, the total N uptake of rice was positively associated with the uptake rate and the uptake days during the latter stages. Specifically, WDSR exhibited a higher N uptake rate, N uptake days, and N translocation ability than DDSR, which increased the N uptake in stem and panicle, total N uptake, and grain yield at maturity. These results indicated that straw incorporation decreased grain yield and N uptake, which was related to the fewer N uptake days in the latter stages caused by the prolonged early growth stage for direct‐seeded rice. Nevertheless, using WSDR in a field incorporated with straw alleviated the losses in N uptake and grain yield.
Calibration Feedback With the Practical Scoring Rule Does Not Improve Calibration of Confidence
Authors: Martin Matthew , Mandel David R.
Published: November 2024

People are often overconfident in their probabilistic judgments of future events or the state of their own knowledge. Some training methods have proven effective at reducing bias, but these usually involve intensive training sessions with experienced facilitators. This is not conducive to a scalable and domain‐general training program for improving calibration. In two experiments (N1 = 610, N2 = 871), we examined the effectiveness of a performance feedback calibration training paradigm based on the Practical scoring rule, a modification of the logarithmic scoring rule designed to be more intuitive to facilitate learning. We examined this training regime in comparison to a control group and an outcome feedback group. Participants were tasked with selecting which of two world urban agglomerations had a higher population and to provide their confidence level. The outcome feedback group received information about the correctness of their choice on a trial‐by‐trial basis as well as a summary of their percent correct after each experimental block. The performance feedback group received this information plus the Practical score on a trial‐by‐trial basis and information about their overall over‐ or underconfidence at the end of each block. We also examined whether Actively Open‐Minded Thinking (AOMT) was predictive of calibration and its change across blocks. We found no improvement in calibration due to either training regime. Good calibration overall was predicted by AOMT, but not its change across blocks. The results shed light on the generalizability of other findings showing positive effects of performance training using the Practical scoring rule.
Combining Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction and Anammox for Treatment of Wastewater With Low C/N Ratio Nitrate
Authors: Gao Weichun , Du Yan , Liu Xueying , Zhang Libao , Li Dan
Published: November 2024

The treatment of high concentration and low C/N ratio of nitrate wastewater is a promising and challenging research topic. Combining electrochemical reduction and anammox is a technology with great development potential for nitrogen removal from wastewater. In this work, Cu─Ag─Co cathode materials were prepared by two‐step electrodeposition method. The effect of current density and initial pH value on nitrate reduction efficiency was investigated in a single chamber electrolytic cell equipped with Cu─Ag─Co cathode and Ti/RuO2─IrO2 anode. The results showed that under the conditions of initial NO3−─N concentration of 500 mg L−1, Na2SO4 concentration of 0.125 mol L−1, current density of 10 mA cm−2, initial pH value of 7, and treatment time of 5 h, NO3−─N removal ratio was 84.5%, the concentration of NO2−─N and NH4+─N was 180.2 mg L−1 and 173.2 mg L−1. Wastewater with a concentration ratio of NO2−─N and NH4+─N of 1.04:1 meets the influent requirements for anaerobic ammonia oxidation. Through the combination process, the final NO3−─N removal ratio was 82.6%, the NO2−─N concentration was 3.2 mg L−1, and the NH4+─N concentration was 26.4 mg L−1. It provided a reference for the treatment of wastewater with low C/N ratio nitrate by combining electrochemical reduction and anammox.
CO2 transport in supercritical state: Nikiski, Alaska pipeline study
Authors: Ophoff Mike , Chen Cheng‐fu , Zhang Yin
Published: November 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the supercritical state, being denser yet less viscous, is suitable for long‐distance transportation. Despite this well‐known principle, implementing an operational scheme with appropriate inlet pressure and mass flow rate for supercritical CO2 (srCO2) transportation is challenging due to the complex interplay among state variables, fluid properties, pipeline dimensions and materials, and the intricate boundary and ambient conditions surrounding the pipeline. This paper utilizes PIPESIM software to conduct a feasibility study of srCO2 transportation over a 10‐mile‐long model pipeline in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska, USA. The study aims to understand the limitations of operational parameters and develop a scheme for selecting feasible parameters for srCO2 transportation. Considering geographic location, elevation profiles, and ambient conditions, the simulations calculated pressure and temperature profiles, erosion kinetics, and fluid states for various conditions derived from a combinatorial set of pipeline diameters ranging from 11 to 16 in, inlet pressures between 1,400 and 1,900 psia, and mass flow rates from 10 to 275 lbm/s, with an inlet temperature of 200 °F. The major findings indicate that larger pressure losses are expected in smaller pipelines that are well‐insulated and/or operated at lower inlet pressures. Turbulent flow is more likely to occur in smaller pipelines and at higher mass flow rates, potentially altering the state of the transported fluid. The parametric modeling results provide a scenario‐driven approach to determining a feasible range of mass flow rates, pipeline inner diameters, and inlet pressures for srCO2 transportation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does induction or augmentation of labor increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women with anemia? A multicenter prospective cohort study in India
Authors: Cheng Tuck Seng , Zahir Farzana , Solomi Carolin , Verma Ashok , Rao Sereesha , Choudhury Saswati Sanyal , Deka Gitanjali , Mahanta Pranabika , Kakoty Swapna , Medhi Robin , Chhabra Shakuntala , Rani Anjali , Bora Amrit , Roy Indrani , Minz Bina , Bharti Omesh Kumar , Deka Rupanjali , Opondo Charles , Churchill David , Knight Marian , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Nair Manisha
Published: November 2024

Objective

To investigate whether induction/augmentation of labor in pregnant women with anemia increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and whether this risk varied by indications for labor induction/augmentation and by anemia severity in pregnancy.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study of 9420 pregnant women from 13 hospitals across India, we measured hemoglobin concentrations at recruitment (≥28 weeks of gestation) and blood loss after childbirth during follow‐up and collected clinical information about PPH. Clinical obstetric and childbirth information at both visits were extracted from medical records. Anemia severity in the third trimester was categorized using hemoglobin concentrations (no/mild anemia: hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL; moderate: hemoglobin 7 to 9.9 g/dL; severe: hemoglobin <7 g/dL), while PPH was defined based on blood loss volume (vaginal births: ≥500 mL or cesarean sections: ≥1000 mL) and clinical diagnosis. Indications for labor induction/augmentation were classified as clinically indicated and elective as per guidelines. We performed multivariable modified Poisson regression analyses to investigate the associations of anemia severity and indications for labor induction/augmentation, including their interaction, with PPH, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

PPH was associated with anemia but not with indications for labor induction/augmentation. However, there was a significant interaction between the two factors in relation to PPH (P = 0.003). Among pregnant women with severe anemia, a higher risk of PPH was associated with elective (adjusted risk ratio, 3.44 [95% confidence interval, 1.29–9.18]) but not with clinically indicated (adjusted risk ratio, 1.22 [95% confidence interval, 0.42–3.55]) labor induction/augmentation. No associations were observed among pregnant women with no/mild and moderate anemia.

Conclusion

The risk of PPH is higher in women who have moderate–severe anemia in late pregnancy. Induction/augmentation of labor is generally safe for women with anemia, but it can increase the risk of PPH in women with severe anemia if performed electively.
Efficacy of a Standardized Regimen of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and IVIG for Treatment of Antibody‐Mediated Rejection in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Wodajo Amelework , Sarode Ravi , De Simone Nicole , Kaza Vaidehi , Usmani Amena
Published: November 2024

Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) in lung transplantation has been associated with poor long‐term clinical course and is a risk factor for chronic lung allograft dysfunction and graft loss. Appropriate management of AMR is necessary to improve graft survival in lung transplant recipients. There is currently no standardized approach to the treatment of lung AMR, and practices vary by institution. We sought to examine the efficacy of a standardized protocol of plasma exchange (PLEX) and IVIG in decreasing donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) and improving AMR in lung transplant recipients. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all lung transplant recipients who completed a course of PLEX per UT Southwestern AMR protocol between January 2012 and December 2019 for diagnosis of AMR. Data were collected on the patient clinical course, treatment regimen, pre‐PLEX DSA, post‐PLEX DSA, follow‐up (> 1‐month post‐PLEX) DSA, and pre‐and post‐PLEX biopsy, when available. Of 527 patients who underwent lung transplantation during the study period, 56 (11%) received an acute course of PLEX every other day per protocol for AMR of lung transplant. Forty (71%) of 56 patients had one episode of AMR requiring PLEX; 16 patients (29%) had repeat episodes of AMR within 6 weeks to 47 months of the first episode. Most patients showed improvement in AMR on biopsy (69%) and a decline in DSA (68%). Our data suggest that treatment with combined PLEX and IVIG protocol appears effective for treating lung AMR.
Therapists in Wartime: Holding Others' Trauma While Contending With Your Own
Authors: Taubman – Ben‐Ari Orit , Erel‐Brodsky Hilit , Ben‐Kimhy Reut
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study explores the experience of Israeli therapists who both worked with clients in emergency interventions during the third week following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and were themselves exposed, to one extent or another, to the terrifying events.

Method

Open‐ended questionnaires were completed by 201 therapists during the third week following October 7. Using thematic analysis, therapists' reports of the themes their clients raised in therapeutic sessions were compared with their reports of the hardships they themselves experienced as individuals and professionals during the same period. Drawing on the concept of shared traumatic reality, the study considers how close the themes are, and how challenging it is to cope concurrently with a traumatic reality that is experienced both directly and indirectly.

Results

Seven main categories emerged from the responses to questions about both their clients and themselves: (1) uncertainty and worries about the near and more distant future; (2) overwhelming emotions; (3) physical sensations; (4) shattered meaning and loss of trust; (5) lack of routine; (6) self‐preservation; and (7) shared trauma.

Conclusions

The findings shed light on early reactions to a shared traumatic reality in the period closely following the trauma itself, indicating that professionals find it hard to differentiate between the personal, professional, and national levels when exposed to a large‐scale traumatic event they share with their clients.
Prediction of Fragility Fractures and Mortality in a Cohort of Geriatric Patients
Authors: Dovjak Peter , Iglseder Bernhard , Rainer Anna , Dovjak Gregor , Weber Michael , Pietschmann Peter
Published: November 2024

Background

Risk factors of refracture after fragility fractures include osteoporosis, female gender and advanced age among others. We hypothesized that the assessment of functionality, muscle health and nutrition status contribute to the risk prediction for further fractures and death.

Methods

We assessed 334 patients admitted to the department of acute geriatrics for sociodemographic data, bone fragility, selected laboratory tests, body composition and data on functionality using the comprehensive geriatric assessment. Patients had follow‐ups until the occurrence of further fractures or death. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and pulse echo measurements were performed to assess bone mineral density. Fracture risk was assessed using the FRAX score and muscle strength according to published guidelines on sarcopenia.

Results

The mean age was 81 years (70–95), and 82.3% (275/334) were women. An incidence of 10.4% (35/334) new fragility fractures was observed within 24 months, and the mortality rate was 12.2% (41/334). A significantly higher rate of further fractures was associated with lower BMI (body mass index) (HR 0.925, CI 0.872–0.98; p = 0.009), lower parathyroid hormone levels (HR 0.986, CI 0.973–0.998; p = 0.026) and with the diagnosis of osteoporosis (HR 2.546, CI 1.192–5.438; p = 0.016). No significant associations were present in patients with previous fractures, with higher age, higher FRAX scores, sarcopenia, in women, sarcopenic obesity, frail patients, lower grip strength, lower walking speed, lower Barthel index or lower DI (density index) values. The predictive power for further fractures was 10.7% higher adding osteosarcopenia, BMI and parathyroid hormone levels to standard assessment parameters osteoporosis, age and the status of previous fractures. Mortality was significantly higher with advanced age (HR 1.101, CI 1.052–1.151; p < 0.001), in men (HR 6.464, CI 3.141–13.305; p < 0.001), in smokers (p = 0.002), higher FRAX score (HR 1.039, CI 1.009–1.070; p = 0.010), lower renal function (HR 0.987, CI 0.976–0.997; p = 0.010), lower Tinetti test scores (HR 0.943, CI 0.900–0.987; p = 0.012), lower walking speed (HR 0.084, CI 0.018–0.382; p = 0.001), lower hand grip (HR 0.876, CI 0.836–0.919; p < 0.001) and lower Barthel index scores (HR 0.984, CI 0.971–0.997; p = 0.015).

Conclusions

In a cohort of geriatric patients, the addition of BMI, low parathyroid hormone levels and osteosarcopenia increases the predictive power for further fractures by 10.7%. These parameters are a valuable addition to the standard assessment parameters age and history of sustained fractures. Mortality is partly associated with potentially treatable functional parameters.
Resurgence in a discrete‐trial procedure in rats
Authors: Fujimaki Shun , Goto Natsumi , Sakagami Takayuki
Published: November 2024

Resurgence is a transient recovery of a previously extinguished target response following a worsening of reinforcement conditions for an alternative response. Laboratory studies with nonhuman animals typically assess resurgence in free‐operant situations where subjects can freely emit responses. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether resurgence would be observed in a discrete‐trial procedure where only a single response could occur in each trial, using rats as subjects. The experiment consisted of three phases, and each session ended after 200 trials. All trials began with the insertion of target and alternative levers and ended once a response was emitted. In Phase 1, both target and alternative responses were reinforced with a probability of .25. In Phase 2, the target response was extinguished while still reinforcing the alternative response with a probability of .25. Finally, resurgence was tested by placing the alternative response on extinction. All rats showed robust resurgence in this highly constrained discrete‐trial situation. We also found that the latencies of resurged target responses differed from those in Phase 1. Overall, the present discrete‐trial procedure could produce reliable resurgence as with typical free‐operant procedures and has several potential benefits for studying resurgence.
A Mura model‐based optical compensation for organic light‐emitting diode display luminance nonuniformity utilizing two image capturing
Authors: Kwon Hyuckwon , Park Chanjin , Kang Kyeong‐Soo , Park Ji‐Hwan , Lee Soo‐Yeon
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we proposed a new optical Mura compensation method that requires only a few Mura detections for all gray levels. We analyzed the characteristics of Mura resulting from process variations in the thin film transistor (TFT) of each pixel and developed a new model using a logarithmic function. The proposed compensation algorithm has been verified with simulation and experimental results. We found that the uniformity of the proposed compensation algorithm at 7G, 24G, 75G, 100G, 150G, and 255G, which required only two image captures, was comparable to those that required five captures. The model improved uniformity from 41.32% to 68.60% at 0.18 nit brightness, demonstrating its effectiveness. Additionally, the method significantly reduces the number of image captures needed from five to two and decreases the image capturing process time from 2183 to 150 ms, saving over 14 times in process efficiency. The proposed methodology demonstrates significant advancements in achieving luminance uniformity in OLED displays, addressing mass production constraints.
Grading Sonographic Severity of Adenomyosis
Authors: Trommelen Lisa M. , De Leeuw Robert A. , Van den Bosch Thierry , Huirne Judith A. F.
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The reported prevalence of adenomyosis ranges widely due to different study populations, diagnostic tests and criteria. Categorizing the severity of disease may prove important. This study aims to develop a semi‐quantifiable sonographic method to grade the severity of adenomyosis and assess the feasibility and interobserver reliability of this method.

Methods

Cross‐sectional pilot study performed at a gynecology outpatient clinic, included 35 premenopausal women with adenomyosis, not taking hormonal medication. Diagnosis required ≥1 direct sonographic feature of adenomyosis. Two‐dimensional (2D) grayscale video clips and 3‐dimensional (3D) volumes of the uterus of the first 5 patients were evaluated using 6 offline methods to assess feasibility. Feasible methods were analyzed for interobserver (n = 3) reliability (Fleiss kappa or intraclass correlation) and compared with current ultrasound methods (Cohen's weighted kappa and Spearman's rank correlation). Current methods include real‐time estimation (mild/moderate/severe) and counting the individual sonographic features.

Results

“eXtended Imaging virtual organ computer‐aided analysis (XI VOCAL) counting” (counting affected slices of 20 parallel slices in the 3D volume), “Multiplanar and 3D rendering (MPR) estimation” (grading volume by eyeballing in multiplanar render mode), and “2D‐clip estimation” (grading volume in 2D‐clips) emerged as feasible methods. “XI VOCAL counting” and “2D‐clip estimation” demonstrated good interobserver reliability, whereas “MPR estimation” had poor reliability. Comparison with real‐time estimation showed moderate reliability with all methods. “XI VOCAL counting” and “MPR estimation” correlated positively with the number of sonographic features.

Conclusion

“XI VOCAL counting” demonstrated to be feasible with good interobserver reliability to assess the severity of adenomyosis in an objective, systematic, and semi‐quantifiable fashion and should be validated with large‐scale studies for future use. Future studies should also explore the association between sonographic severity and symptoms of adenomyosis.
2‐Ethylhexyl‐4,6‐Dibromo‐3‐Cyano‐3‐Thieno[3,4‐b]Thiophene Enables Low HOMO Energy Level Polymer Donor
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Yude , Cao Lihua , Zhao Xiaohong , Li Haigang , Yuan Zhongyi
Published: November 2024

The new halogen‐free donor polymer PCN6 is constructed using 2‐ethylhexyl‐4,6‐dibromo‐3‐cyano‐thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene as acceptor (A) block, and is compared in detail with the commercially available PTB7‐Th. It is found that PCN6 has a wider film absorption (300–700 nm) and lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels (−5.52 eV) than PTB7‐Th (−5.34 eV), suggesting a great advantage of the monocyano‐functionalized modification strategy in terms of molecular absorption and energy level tuning. The performance difference between PCN6:Y6‐ and PTB7‐Th:Y6‐based organic solar cells (OSCs) is compared by a series of studies including light intensity dependence, carrier mobility, AFM, TEM, and GIWAXS. The results show that PCN6:Y6‐based OSCs have stronger crystallinity, better charge transport, higher and more balanced carrier mobility, and less exciton complex loss. Therefore, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PCN6:Y6‐based OSCs reaches 11.34%, while the PCE of PTB7‐Th:Y6‐based OSCs is only 9.02%. These results suggest that 2‐ethylhexyl‐4,6‐dibromo‐3‐cyano‐thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene is an excellent A block for the construction of halogen‐free donor polymers with low HOMO energy levels, and also demonstrate that the introduction of cyano in the conjugated backbone of polymers is a good strategy to achieve high‐performance OSCs.
Rapid, Controlled Branching Polymerization of Cyanoacrylate via Pathway‐Enabled, Site‐Specific Branching Initiation
Authors: Roxas Alexander Perez , Yu Han , Tamtaji Mohsen , Yang Zhenggen , Luo Zhengtang
Published: November 2024

Controlled branched structures remain a key synthetic limitation for monomeric tissue adhesives because their on‐site polymerization that enables adhesion formation requires rapid kinetics, high conversion, and straightforward setup. In this context, site‐specific branching initiation by using evolmers is potentially effective for structural control; however, the efficiency and kinetics in current reaction setups persists to be a major challenge. In this paper, an evolmer induces a controlled branching polymerization of cyanoacrylate amid the high monomer reactivity useful in rapid adhesion. The contrasting reactivities between the vinyl and the initiating groups in the evolmer molecule generate a kinetic pathway that favors a control‐enabling branching mechanism. Through density functional theory calculations, the reaction pathway toward branching is shown to kinetically favor site‐specific initiation by six orders of magnitude than the route toward non‐specificity. Reaction monitoring confirms the branching polymerization after the polymerization with the evolmer forms a more compact structure than the linear counterpart. Control of branching density is demonstrated in rapid polymerizations within minutes and in polymerizations completed in an instant. These results provide a template for achieving site‐specific branching initiation during adhesion formation and, broadly, where conditions for kinetic control are necessary.
Simulation of emissions from pottery kilns in the Roman period
Authors: Drüe Clemens
Published: November 2024

Present‐day air quality is known through dense monitoring and extensive pollution control mechanisms. In contrast, knowledge of historical pollution, particularly before the industrial revolution, is accessible only through occasional reports of singular local events and through natural archives such as ice or sediment cores that record global‐scale pollution. However, the regular local to regional pollution that most affects human life is hardly known. Historical sciences have argued both for and against significant air pollution in and around historic cities and manufacturing sites. For the Roman era, it has been hypothesized that air quality played a role in several patterns of action of the period. However, to the author's knowledge, there are no quantitative studies of Roman emissions. Using the results of modern experimental archaeology, this study attempts to quantify the emissions from Roman pottery kilns and their impact on surrounding human settlements. It is shown that although the pollution did not reach today's limits, it must have approached levels known to cause adverse health effects. A series of additional test simulations have been conducted to determine how these first results might be improved in the future.
Diverse general solitary wave solutions and conserved currents of a generalized geophysical Korteweg–de Vries model with nonlinear power law in ocean science
Authors: Adeyemo Oke Davies
Published: November 2024

This article presents an analytical investigation performed on a generalized geophysical Korteweg–de Vries model with nonlinear power law in ocean science. To start with, achieving diverse solitary wave solutions to the generalized power‐law model involves using wave transformation, which reduces the model to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. A direct integration approach is adopted to construct solutions in the beginning. This brings the emergence of interesting solutions like non‐topological solitons, trigonometric functions, exponential functions, elliptic functions, and Weierstrass functions in general structures. Besides, in a bid to secure more general exact solutions to the model, one adopts the extended Jacobi elliptic function expansion technique (for some specific cases of
). Thus, various cnoidal, snoidal, and dnoidal wave solutions to the understudied model are attained. The copolar trio explicated in a tabular form reveals that these solutions can be relapsed to various hyperbolic and trigonometric functions under certain criteria. Additionally, diverse graphical exhibitions of the dynamical attributes of the gained results are presented in a bid to have a sound understanding of the physical phenomena of the underlying model. Later, one gives the conserved vectors of the aforementioned equation by employing the standard multiplier approach.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis represents corticomotoneuronal system failure
Authors: Eisen Andrew , Vucic Steve , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: November 2024

Several decades have passed since the anterograde corticomotoneuronal hypothesis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was proposed. The intervening years have witnessed its emergent support based on anatomical, pathological, physiological, neuroimaging, and molecular biological studies. The evolution of an extensive corticomotoneuronal system appears restricted to the human species, with ALS representing a uniquely human disease. While some, very select non‐human primates have limited corticomotoneuronal projections, these tend to be absent in all other animals. From a general perspective, the early clinical features of ALS may be considered to reflect failure of the corticomotoneuronal system. The characteristic loss of skilled motor dexterity involving the limbs, and speech impairment through progressive bulbar dysfunction specifically involve those motor units having the strongest corticomotoneuronal projections. A similar explanation likely underlies the unique “split phenotypes” that have now been well characterized in ALS. Large Betz cells and other pyramidal corticomotoneuronal projecting neurons, with their extensive dendritic arborization, are particularly vulnerable to the elements of the ALS exposome such as aging, environmental stress and lifestyle changes. Progressive failure of the proteosome impairs nucleocytoplasmic shuffling and induces toxic but soluble TDP‐43 to aggregate in corticomotoneurons. Betz cell failure is further accentuated through dysfunction of its profuse dendritic arborizations. Clarification of system specific genomes and neural networks will likely promote the initiation of precision medicine approaches directed to support the key structure that underlies the neurological manifestations of ALS, the corticomotoneuronal system.
Formulation and Implicit Numerical Integration of a Kinematic Hardening Model for Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Monforte Lluís , Rouainia Mohamed
Published: November 2024

Currently, our understanding of material‐scale deterioration resulting from meteorologically induced variations in pore water pressure and its significant impact on infrastructure slopes is limited. To bridge this knowledge gap, we have developed an extended kinematic hardening constitutive model for unsaturated soils that refines our understanding of weather‐driven deterioration mechanisms in heterogeneous clay soils. This model has the capability of predicting the irrecoverable degradation of strength and stiffness that has been shown to occur when soils undergo wetting and drying cycles. The model is equipped with a fully coupled and hysteretic water retention curve and a hysteretic loading–collapse curve and has the capability to predict the irrecoverable degradation of strength and stiffness that occurs during cyclic loading of soils. Here, we employ a fully implicit stress integration technique and give particular emphasis to deriving a consistent tangent operator, which includes the linearisation of the retention curve. The proposed algorithm is evaluated for efficiency and performance by simulating various stress and strain‐driven triaxial paths, and the accuracy of the integration technique is evaluated through the use of convergence curves.
Change in the Chemical State of Phosphorus Sulfide Molecules Inside Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Okotrub Alexander V. , Vorfolomeeva Anna A. , Shlyakhova Elena V. , Sedelnikova Olga V. , Bulusheva Lyubov G.
Published: November 2024

This article presents the first experiments on filling single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with the phosphorus sulfides P4S3 and P4S10 using the ampoule method. Transmission electron microscopy examination reveals the encapsulation of phosphorus and sulfur species inside the cavities of SWCNTs without the formation of any regular structures. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy observes different oxidation states of P and S atoms, depending on the P/S ratio in the initial mixture used to fill the nanotubes. The Raman signals associated with the encapsulated species are low in intensity, and the vibrational modes are shifted and broadened as compared to those in crystalline P4S3 and P4S10. The proposed models for the arrangement of sulfur and phosphorus inside SWCNTs suggest the formation of 1D amorphous glassy phosphorus sulfides with stoichiometric ratios close to those of elemental phosphorus and sulfur in the initial mixtures.
Natural Products in the Prevention of Degenerative Bone and Joint Diseases: Mechanisms Based on the Regulation of Ferroptosis
Authors: Gao Kuanhui , Lv Longlong , Li Zhichao , Wang Chenmoji , Zhang Jiahao , Qiu Daodi , Xue Haipeng , Xu Zhanwang , Tan Guoqing
Published: November 2024

Degenerative bone and joint diseases (DBJDs), characterized by osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and chronic inflammation of surrounding soft tissues, are systemic conditions primarily affecting the skeletal system. Ferroptosis, a programmed cell death pathway distinct from apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that ferroptosis is intricately linked to the pathogenesis of DBJDs, and targeting its regulation could be beneficial in managing these conditions. Natural products, known for their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have shown unique advantages in preventing DBJDs, potentially through modulating ferroptosis. This article provides an overview of the latest research on ferroptosis, with a focus on its role in the pathogenesis of DBJDs and the therapeutic potential of natural products targeting this cell death pathway, offering novel insights for the prevention and treatment of DBJDs.
Identification of Cannabidiolic and Cannabigerolic Acids as MTDL AChE, BuChE, and BACE‐1 Inhibitors Against Alzheimer's Disease by In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Vitale Rosa Maria , Morace Andrea Maria , D'Errico Antonio , Ricciardi Federica , Fusco Antimo , Boccella Serena , Guida Francesca , Nasso Rosarita , Rading Sebastian , Karsak Meliha , Caprioglio Diego , Iannotti Fabio Arturo , Arcone Rosaria , Luongo Livio , Masullo Mariorosario , Maione Sabatino , Amodeo Pietro
Published: November 2024

Cannabidiolic (CBDA) and cannabigerolic (CBGA) acids are naturally occurring compounds from Cannabis sativa plant, previously identified by us as dual PPARα/γ agonists. Since the development of multitarget‐directed ligands (MTDL) represents a valuable strategy to alleviate and slow down the progression of multifactorial diseases, we evaluated the potential ability of CBDA and CBGA to also inhibit enzymes involved in the modulation of the cholinergic tone and/or β‐amyloid production. A multidisciplinary approach based on computational and biochemical studies was pursued on selected enzymes, followed by behavioral and electrophysiological experiments in an AD mouse model. The β‐arrestin assay on GPR109A and qPCR on TRPM7 were also carried out. CBDA and CBGA are effective on both acetyl‐ and butyryl‐cholinesterases (AChE/BuChE), as well as on β‐secretase‐1 (BACE‐1) enzymes in a low micromolar range, and they also prevent aggregation of β‐amyloid fibrils. Computational studies provided a rationale for the competitive (AChE) vs. noncompetitive (BuChE) inhibitory profile of the two ligands. The repeated treatment with CBDA and CBGA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) improved the cognitive deficit induced by the β‐amyloid peptide. A recovery of the long‐term potentiation in the hippocampus was observed, where the treatment with CBGA and CBDA also restored the physiological expression level of TRPM7, a receptor channel involved in neurodegenerative diseases. We also showed that these compounds do not stimulate GPR109A in β‐arrestin assay. Collectively, these data broaden the pharmacological profile of CBDA and CBGA and suggest their potential use as novel anti‐AD MTDLs.
Analytical study on plastic loosening zone of weak surrounding rocks tunnel in high cold areas
Authors: Li Anrun , Li Hao , Shu Xiaoyun , Xu Xueyong
Published: November 2024

The analysis of plastic loosening zone of tunnels with cold condition, high in situ stress, and weak stratum is the key scientific problem of tunnel construction in cold areas. Based on the unified strength theory and considering the coupling effect of high in situ stress and low‐temperature field, the analytical model of the plastic loosening zone of tunnel surrounding rocks was proposed, and the influence laws of physical parameters (initial ground stress, freezing temperature, excavation radius, and intermediate principal stress) was explored. The results illustrate that: (1) with the coupling of low temperature and stress fields, the in‐situ stress has a more significant effect on the radius of the plastic loosening zone of the tunnel surrounding rocks, showing a nonlinear correlation. When the in situ stress is small, the influence of the temperature field on the radius of the plastic loosening zone is more obvious. (2) The radius of the plastic loosening zone of the tunnel surrounding rocks increases synchronously with the excavation radius and gradually decreases with the increase of the intermediate principal stress. (3) The greater the temperature difference in the low‐temperature field, the tunnel stability has a more significant response to the intermediate principal stress and is positively correlated with the coefficient of the intermediate principal stress. (4) In the actual project, the proposed model can well describe the mechanical behavior and deformation characteristics of tunnel surrounding rocks in low‐temperature environment, showing applicability. The research results are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the study of tunnel stability in cold areas.
Creating Cation Vacancies in BiOCl Nanosheets Toward Exceptional Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhao Lulu , Wang Jinguo , Yan Ruifang , Wang Shuo , Liao Ziyi , Yang Hongli , Yang Dongjiang , Hou Huilin , Yang Weiyou
Published: November 2024

BiOCl‐based materials have emerged as promising photocatalysts for converting CO2 into valuable products and fuels. However, challenges such as low light absorption and inefficient charge carrier separation require effective solutions, with vacancy engineering offering a promising approach. Current research primarily focuses on anion vacancies, leaving cation vacancies less explored. In contrast, this study presents a novel method to enhance visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts by Bi cation vacancies in ultrathin BiOCl nanosheets through a straightforward hydrochloric acid etching process (HAE‐BiOCl). These introduced Bi vacancies not only expand the light absorption range and enhance carrier separation, but also serve as active sites for CO2 adsorption. Additionally, Bi vacancies can effectively lower the activation energy of COOH− species and thereby enhance overall reaction activity. As a result, the HAE‐BiOCl catalyst exhibits exceptional photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance without the need for co‐catalysts or sacrificial agents. It achieves high CO generation rates of 68.39 and 17.43 µmol g−1 h−1 under 300 W Xe lamp and visible light irradiation, respectively. These rates are significantly higher compared to counterparts without vacancy creation and surpass those of most reported Bi‐based photocatalysts. This study underscores the potential of inducing cation vacancies via acid etching as a valuable strategy for advancing photocatalysis.
One‐Step Synthesis of NiCo‐LDH@Ni(OH)2 Heterostructure Foams on Biomass‐Derived Porous Carbon for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Siwen , Li Mengqian , He Xiaoran , Li Na , Wang Xin , Liang Shuang , Sun Zhanying , An Haoran
Published: November 2024

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted much attention as pseudocapacitor supercapacitor electrodes because of their high theoretical specific capacity. However, LDHs have drawbacks such as poor electrical conductivity, and their specific capacities are lower than the theoretical values. In this work, NNCLDH@OPC electrodes are constructed via in situ synthesis of heterostructure foams (NNCLDH) consisting of NiCo‐LDH and Ni(OH)2 on pomelo peel‐derived porous carbon (OPC) through a one‐step solvothermal method using ZIF‐67 as a template. Owing to the synergistic effect of the 3D nanofoam structure and the multicomponent heterostructure as well as the conductive porous carbon support, the NNCLDH/OPC exhibited ultrahigh electrochemical performance as well as excellent cycling stability: a specific capacity of 3290 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a capacitance retention of 77.8% after 4000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1. In addition, the assembled NNCLDH@OPC//OPC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) has a maximum energy density of 51 Wh kg−1 with a power density of 812 W kg−1 and a maximum power density of 16 kW kg−1 at a current density of 20 A g−1. These results demonstrate the significant application potential of NNCLDH/OPC composites in supercapacitor electrodes.
Understanding of a Ni‐Rich O3‐Layered Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Synthesis Mechanism and Al‐Gradient Doping
Authors: Wang Binglu , Kong Xiangze , Obrezkov Filipp , Llanos Princess Stephanie , Sainio Jani , Bogdanova Alisa R. , Kobets Anna , Kankaanpää Timo , Kallio Tanja
Published: November 2024

O3‐type NaNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NaNMC811) cathode active materials for sodium–ion batteries (SIBs), with a theoretical high specific capacity (∼ 187 mAh g−1), are in the preliminary exploration stage. This study comprehensively investigates NaNMC811 from multiple perspectives. For the first time, the phase evolution ( ‐ ‐ ) during the solid‐state synthesis is systemically investigated, which elucidates in‐depth the mechanisms of the thermal sodiation process. Furthermore, an Al‐gradient doping of NaNMC811 was successfully implemented through Al2O3 coating on the cathode active material (CAM) precursor. The modified Al−NaNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (Al‐NaNMC811) exhibits excellent electrochemical dynamics and performance, maintaining a specific capacity above 100 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 C (1.5–4.1 V) while providing a promising capacity retention of 63%. Additionally, the material demonstrates excellent rate capabilities, retaining a specific capacity of 107 mAh g−1 at 5 C. Compared to pristine NaNMC811, the modified Al‐NaNMC811 is proven to have improved electrochemical kinetics with a higher Na+ diffusion coefficient due to dilated (003) interplanar spacing, and a more stable structure during the electrochemical charge–discharge processes, which is attributed to stronger Al–O bond energy. Understanding phase formations during the synthesis and comprehensive insight in the gradient doping for O3‐type NaNMC811 CAMs guides further development of next‐generation SIBs materials.