bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mirtazapine's effect on the QT interval in medically hospitalized patients
Authors: Allen Nicholas D. , Leung Jonathan G. , Palmer Brian A.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Mirtazapine is generally well tolerated in medically ill patients with and without formal psychiatric comorbidity to target sleep, appetite, nausea, and pain. However, there is little data regarding mirtazapine's potential to prolong the corrected QT interval (QTc) in this population.

Methods

From a retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized on a variety of medical units for whom a psychiatric consult recommended mirtazapine, electrocardiogram (ECG) data were extracted for ECGs obtained up to 3 days before and 6 days after the initial consult. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the QTc changes and adverse cardiac outcomes, including incident ventricular tachycardia, torsades de pointes, and sudden cardiac death. Multiple linear regression models were completed to assess the effect of potential confounding variables on QTc changes.

Results

Complete premirtazapine and postmirtazapine ECG data were available for 61 patients, and the average change in QTc was –0.31 ms (SD = 36.62 ms). No incidental adverse cardiac outcomes were found. QTc changes were not significantly affected by patient age and sex, initial and maximum mirtazapine dose, days between ECGs, number of concomitant QTc prolonging medications, Charlson comorbidity scores, and electrolyte abnormalities. Due to incomplete potassium, magnesium, and ionized calcium data, electrolytes were excluded from the final regression model.

Discussion

Despite the limitations of this retrospective study, these data suggest that modest doses of mirtazapine may not significantly affect the QTc in medically ill patients. Retrospective cohorts are more feasibly analyzed, but prospective controlled trials could more systematically assess QTc changes with higher doses of mirtazapine in medical settings.
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Years After Cessation of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Use
Authors: Bulut Yeliz , Rasmussen Jon Jarløv , Brandt-Jacobsen Niels , Frystyk Jan , Thevis Mario , Schou Morten , Gustafsson Finn , Hasbak Philip , Kistorp Caroline
Published: December 2024

Importance

Long-term use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) is associated with a high risk of left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure with reduced systolic function, and early sudden death, with the mechanism of progression being understudied. Early and persistent impaired myocardial microcirculation could be of clinical importance and a potential underlying mechanism of frequent and early cardiac disease among individuals with AAS use and a future potential target for intervention.

Objective

To investigate coronary microcirculation by measuring myocardial flow reserve (MFR) in men with current and former AAS use compared with controls with no prior AAS use, using cardiac rubidium 82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included men involved in recreational strength training without established cardiovascular disease grouped according to their history of AAS use. The study was conducted November 24, 2021, to August 16, 2023.

Exposure

Cardiac PET/CT with 82Rb was performed at rest and after adenosine-induced stress.

Main Outcome and Measure

The primary outcome of this study was the MFR among the study groups; a secondary outcome was the coronary calcium score. By definition, impaired myocardial microcirculation was determined using a cutoff of MFR less than 2, and subclinically impaired microcirculation was determined using a cutoff of MFR less than 2.5.

Results

A total of 90 men (32 with current AAS use, 31 with former AAS use, and 27 controls) were included. Mean (SD) age was 35.1 (8.7) years. Elapsed duration since AAS cessation was a geometric mean of 1.5 (95% CI, 0.9-2.5) years. Eighteen men (58.1%) with former use discontinued AAS use more than 1 year before enrollment. Impaired MFR was present in those with current (6 [18.8%]) and former (1 [3.2%]) use, whereas no impairment was observed among the controls (P = .02). Subclinically impaired MFR was higher among men with current (9 [28.1%]) and former (8 [25.8%]) AAS use than the controls (1 [3.7%]) (P = .02). In a multivariable logistic regression model among men with former AAS use, every doubling of the accumulated weekly duration of AAS use (log2) was independently associated with a factor 2 increase in the risk of impaired MFR less than 2.5 (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.03-4.35; P = .04).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, men with former AAS use displayed impaired MFR years after AAS cessation, suggesting impaired coronary microcirculation persists beyond active use.
Heatwaves and Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Subramanian Indu , Saad Ali
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint discusses strategies for people with neurodegenerative diseases to manage their health and safety during a heat wave.
Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Mimicking a Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Hui Ferdinand K.
Published: December 2024

This case report describes a patient’s experience after seeking a second opinion regarding a brain tumor.
Anechoic Chambers
Authors: Chung Boon‐Kuan
Published: December 2024

The geometric shape of the anechoic chamber can be optimized to achieve better performance. Microwave absorbers to be installed over the entire inner surfaces of the anechoic chamber must be properly selected. The selection criteria may include the reflectivity levels for normal and oblique incident angles, operating frequency, bandwidth, type of bulk materials, size, shape, weight, mechanical stability, mounting method, fire retardant, and lifespan. The anechoic chamber must be sufficiently large to provide the required dimensions of the quiet zone. Shielding enclosure is provided to prevent extraneous energy from masking measurements of the intended signals. Ventilation, access doors, lighting, cabling, and heating–ventilation–air conditioning (HVAC) will be incorporated in the design according to the operational purpose of the facility. Different construction methods will give rise to varying degrees of imperfection that determine the shielding effectiveness. The performance of the anechoic environment may be evaluated in terms of amplitude ripple and phase change across the quiet zone. There is much interest in trying to reduce the required investment in constructing an anechoic chamber while still maintaining adequate performance. With a suitable computer simulation tool, together with a reasonable absorber model, the design of anechoic chamber can be made more economical.
Application of Wavelets and Machine Learning Techniques to Electromagnetic Problems
Authors: Goswami Jaideva C. , Tentzeris Manos M.
Published: December 2024

In this article, we discuss some wavelet applications to electromagnetic problems, provide an overview of wavelet theory, solve integral equations developing from electromagnetic scattering and transmission‐line problems, and consider differential equations. Examples from geophysical applications are also included. Combined wavelet‐machine learning technique is presented for numerical modeling.
Conical Antennas
Authors: Adachi Saburo , Lu Mingyu
Published: December 2024

This article describes the characteristics such as input impedance, radiation pattern, and directivity gain of conical antennas consisting of solid conducting cones, conducting conical plates, or their modifications. Conical conducting structures on which simple antenna elements such as dipole and a slot are mounted are also described.
Dielectric Resonator Antennas
Authors: Yang Nan , Leung Kwok W.
Published: December 2024

Dielectric resonator (DR) antenna (DRA) has been studied for decades, for its compact size, various radiation modes and radiation patterns, high efficiency, high design flexibility, and so on. As a fabrication‐friendly shape, cylindrical DRA is investigated in this chapter. To begin, the fundamentals of cylindrical DRA have been introduced first, including its mode nomenclature, resonant frequency calculation, field distribution, and various excitation methods. Especially, two kinds of planar feeding methods for exciting TM modes of a cylindrical DRA were developed recently and introduced. Researchers all over the world are exploring the diversity potential of DRA, including pattern diversity. However, it can be found that the resonant frequencies of the and modes cannot coincide, implying there are theoretical limitations for pattern‐diversity designs using fundamental modes. In this chapter, two pattern‐diversity designs are presented with the fundamental modes. The first wideband design uses a cylindrical DRA with a centrally loaded high‐permittivity material. This kind of material can lengthen the electrical length of the mode and therefore lower its resonant frequency. At the same time, the resonant frequency of the mode can be affected little. This design features an overlapping impedance bandwidth of 23.6%. For the latter compact design, a meanderline‐loaded ring slot is employed to excite the mode. By lengthening the current paths on the ground plane with the meander lines, the resonant frequency of the mode can be reduced, whereas that of the mode can be found to be unchanged. This compact design has a volume of and a profile of , where is the resonant wavelength in the dielectric. Both of the designs have low envelope correlation coefficients (ECCs), proving to be good diversity antennas.
Fractal Antennas
Authors: Anguera Jaume , Puente Carles , Borja Carmen , Soler Jordi
Published: December 2024

The combination of fractal geometry with electromagnetic theory opens an interesting window for research to find new antenna designs and applications. Fractal antenna technology applications can be divided into six main groups:

Multifrequency: antenna elements, frequency‐selective surfaces (FSSs), and arrays.

Miniaturization: electrically small antennas, decoupling structures, and metamaterials.

High directivity radiating elements.

Low‐sidelobe arrays.

Undersampled arrays.

Fast computational methods.

This chapter reviews salient results of the work done in the fractal technology field covering the last six fields.
Frequency Selective Surfaces
Authors: Wu Te‐Kao
Published: December 2024

A summary description of frequency‐selective surface (FSS) is provided. Subjects covered include various kinds of FSS and characteristics, bandpass and bandstop FSS, aperture and patch element FSS, thin/thick‐screen FSS, FSS analysis techniques and design tools, dielectric loading effects, grating lobe and Wood's anomaly, as well as various FSS applications and developments. An FSS bibliography is also provided listing all the references necessary for further research on the subject of FSS.
Orthomode Transducers
Authors: Gentili Gian Guido , Nesti Renzo , Pelosi Giuseppe , Selleri Stefano
Published: December 2024

In the present work, orthomode transducers (OMTs) and polarizers are presented. First, field configurations and propagation properties in common waveguides, which are extensively used in OMTs and polarizers, are analyzed to provide the reader with the necessary background to understand both devices.

As a second step, some OMTs and polarizers are described in an attempt to highlight their electromagnetic features; this is not intended as a full review of all the known OMT and polarizer configurations, which is beyond the scope of this work, but to provide the reader with a basic knowledge of the principles of their operation. This is done by choosing a small, but representative, set of configurations largely used in practice that analyzed in depth, in the author's opinion, gives the reader a fundamental understanding and a broad knowledge of the argument.

Finally, three example designs of two OMTs and one polarizer are presented.
Radiowave Propagation Concepts
Authors: Yi Cheng , He Yaping , Wang Haiming
Published: December 2024

Although radiowaves also propagate in waveguides, cables, and transmission lines, the term radiowave propagation is used generally, and specifically in this chapter, for signal travel between a source and a receiver without guidance by such artificial devices. Examples of such systems are radio and television broadcasting, radio point‐to‐point communication, radar, radio navigation, and remote sensing. Much has been learned about radiowave propagation since Hertz first demonstrated wireless transmission from one room to another. Now, radiowave propagation is considered a moderately mature science, yet new understanding continues to emerge. This chapter presents an overview of radiowave propagation concepts.

An advantage of electronic communication is that an artificial link (e.g., transmission line, cable, or waveguide) is not necessarily required between the signal source and the receiver. Indeed, the term “wireless” is used in many parts of the world in preference to “radio,” and even in the United States, “wireless” is often used to describe commercial personal communication by radio. Although radiowaves also propagate in waveguides, cables, and transmission lines, the term “radiowave propagation” is used generally, and specifically in this chapter, for signal travel between a source and a receiver without guidance by such artificial devices. Examples of such systems are radio and television broadcasting, radio point‐to‐point communication, radar, radio navigation, and remote sensing.

The concept of radiowave propagation allows the division of the total system problem into three separate parts: the transmitter or signal source, the receiver, and propagation. Thus, propagation is defined as what happens between the source and the receiver. For this concept to be valid, the distances must be such that far‐field criteria for the antennas are satisfied; this allows separating antenna effects from propagation effects. In radar, two propagation paths are involved: from the transmitter to the target and from the target to the receiver.

Much has been learned about radiowave propagation since Hertz first demonstrated wireless transmission from one room to another. Now radiowave propagation is considered a moderately mature science, yet new understanding continues to emerge. This chapter presents an overview of radiowave propagation concepts. More detailed information will be found in articles on specific topics in radiowave propagation.
Reflector Antennas
Authors: Terada Marco A. B.
Published: December 2024

This chapter presents a glimpse into the universe of reflector antennas. The initial sections offer an overview of reflector antennas and their main applications at a level suitable for high school and lower‐division college students, as well as the basic principles necessary for the proper understanding of their functionality. The following sections present a more in‐depth treatment of the subject, including methodologies for analyzing and designing practical reflector systems. Finally, advanced topics covering the current state of the art within the field are discussed at a level targeting both graduate students and researchers, as well as the practicing engineer. An effort is made to illustrate the theory and discussions with examples of reflector antennas embedded in real‐world scenarios, from digital communication systems to astronomical measurements.
Spiral Antennas
Authors: Cencich Thomas , Samson Timothy
Published: December 2024

Spiral antennas were introduced in the mid‐1950s. They were the first antennas to exhibit uniform impedance and pattern performance over multioctave bandwidths. Spirals were the cornerstone and mathematical quintessence of a new concept in antenna theory termed
frequency‐independent antennas
. In this chapter, various aspects related to the analysis and design of spiral antennas are discussed. The theory of spiral operation, often referred to as
band theory
, is discussed. Also included are characteristic geometries and shapes including equiangular and Archimedean planar and conical spirals. Theoretical and practical aspects needed for successful design and understanding of spiral antennas are reviewed. Special attention is given to understanding the modal performance of multiarm spiral antennas and its importance to overall antenna characteristics, analysis theory, mode‐forming networks, multimode excitations, etc. Various feeding methods including infinite and tapered baluns, as well as coaxial bundles are described. Dual‐polarized spiral designs including inside/outside‐fed spirals and modulated armwidth (MAW) spirals, and bandwidths of various spiral geometries are discussed. The chapter also includes some aspects of spiral miniaturization; discussions of the challenges of nondissipative cavity backing, utilization of spirals as reflector feeds, the modal decomposition technique; and an overview of numerical methods utilized for successful design of spiral antennas. The chapter is organized into several sections, each devoted to a separate topic, with illustrations and tables utilized for further clarification and demonstration of discussed concepts.
Submarine Antennas
Authors: Rivera David F. , Bansal Rajeev
Published: December 2024

The design of a submarine antenna differs from its commercial counterpart in two important respects. The antenna must be (1) physically smaller yet able be accommodate numerous electrical functions simultaneously and (2) rugged enough to survive the effects of an unforgiving ocean environment. The successful design of an antenna for such a demanding application is thus an outgrowth of cross‐disciplinary efforts from diverse fields such as materials science, electrochemistry, fluid mechanics, and other allied areas. This article briefly summarizes those aspects of submarine antenna design of importance to the engineer, with an emphasis on its implementation above, beneath, or on the sea surface.
Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) with Applications to Six‐Port Technology
Authors: Tatu Serioja O. , Bosisio Renato G.
Published: December 2024

Quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) is a modulation technique used for sending data over radio or cable networks.

This article presents in detail the QPSK principle, as well as modulators and demodulators, using the conventional approach. A new concept to modulate or demodulate a QPSK signal using the six‐port circuit at microwave/millimeter‐wave frequencies is also presented.

The coherent carrier‐recovery circuit for the demodulation of QPSK signals is an important aspect to be considered. Three regeneration schemes (Costas loop, multiplication loop, and reverse‐modulation loop) are presented.

The probability of error for QPSK in the presence of noise is derived using the equations of I‐ and Q‐demodulated signals.
Nonlinear Circuit Analysis
Authors: Suárez Almudena
Published: December 2024

The reliable prediction of the circuit response prior to manufacturing demands realistic element models and accurate analysis methods. This analysis has added difficulties in the case of nonlinear circuits, such as those based on transistors and diodes, in which the superposition principle does not hold. This gives rise to a dependence of the circuit response on the input amplitude and the generation of harmonic and intermodulation frequencies, among other phenomena. The special characteristics of nonlinear circuits are often undesired, but they also make them the only choice to obtain essential functions such as frequency mixing, frequency multiplication, oscillation, and frequency division. This article presents a detailed summary of numerical simulation methods in both the time and frequency domains, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and providing application examples.
Phase‐Locked Loops
Authors: Kolumbán Géza
Published: December 2024

Phase‐locked loops (PLLs) are used everywhere in information and communication technology (ICT) and measurement engineering to implement various applications such as modulators and demodulators, frequency synthesizers, and clock recovery circuits, just to mention a few examples. Depending on the operation principle of their building blocks, analog, digital, and hybrid‐type PLLs are distinguished. This article starts with the analog PLL theory in order to introduce the PLL terminology and analysis, and then it discusses the theory and implementation of more complex PLL configurations such as zero‐crossing digital, sampling, and charge‐pump PLLs. Because the key PLL building block is the phase detector, its variants are also analyzed. Finally, the various PLL applications are surveyed.
Electromagnetic Materials
Authors: Choudhury Pankaj K.
Published: December 2024

This article describes the electromagnetic properties of certain types of mediums or materials in which the process of electromagnetics takes place. The introductory part discusses the evolution of electromagnetics based on theories and experiments by the pioneering scientists in the past. The following portions of the article deal with the different types of mediums, including isotropic and anisotropic dielectrics, conductors, semiconductors, superconductors, electrooptic, and optically active mediums. The fundamentals of magnetic materials are described in greater detail, explaining the mechanisms of magnetization and special materials such as ferrites. Bianisotropic materials and their constitutive equations are also discussed. Here, the focus is on some of the fundamental aspects of the constitutive characterization of bianisotropic mediums. The last three sections describe the basics and important applications of the phenomena of magnetostriction, piezoelectricity, and metamaterials.
Coulomb Gauge in Electromagnetics
Authors: Nevels Robert D. , Michalski Krzysztof A.
Published: December 2024

Problems in high frequency electromagnetic scattering and diffraction, where the fields are expressed in terms of magnetic vector and scalar potentials, have in the past almost exclusively been solved with the Lorenz gauge. However, in this chapter it will be shown that any wave guidance or scattering problem that can be found through an application of the Lorenz gauge can as well be solved subject to the Coulomb gauge. It will be shown that the Coulomb gauge formulation displays some unique mathematical characteristics that provide insight into the meaning and structure of potentials. Also, the component parts of the mathematical expressions for the field arising from an application of the Coulomb gauge provide a way of directly determining how the field changes with a change in frequency.
Monopulse Tracking Systems
Authors: Sierra‐Pérez Manuel
Published: December 2024

Since its first conception at the end of World War II, the monopulse principle has become the most extended way to get accurate information about the target angular position in radar systems. Both tracking radars and scan radars use this principle in the accurate determination of the angular deviation with respect to the antenna axis (OBA, off‐boresight angle). Now, not only radar but any radio communication systems that need to orientate a narrow beam antenna to the transmitter use monopulse tracking systems. Satellite or deep space sound communications use this kind of system to secure links with very narrow beam antennas. Identification friend and foe (IFF) military systems use this principle to get narrow beam information links.

In this paper, the main characteristics of a monopulse tracking system are presented. First, a comparison to other angular detection tracking system is done to give the advantages of the monopulse. A brief description of the monopulse principle is introduced and a more extended description of antennas to obtain the main diagrams and monopulse processors to get the error signals are presented in the third and fourth sections.
Multiphysics Modeling with Computational Electromagnetics
Authors: Jin Jian‐Ming , Yan Su
Published: December 2024

As computational methods for solving Maxwell's equations become rather mature, the time has come to tackle much more challenging multiphysics problems, which have a great range of applications in science and technology. In this chapter, we use four examples to illustrate the challenges and resolutions of multiphysics modeling. The first example is related to electromagnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment, which requires solving electromagnetic and bioheat transfer equation for the planning and optimization of the treatment process. The second example concerns the heat problem in integrated circuits due to electromagnetic dissipated power and its effects and a potential cooling solution, which requires an electrical–thermal–fluid–mechanical co‐simulation. The third example considers modeling of monolithic microwave integrated circuits, which consist of both distributive and lumped circuit components. The fourth example simulates the air and dielectric breakdown in high‐power microwave devices by coupling electromagnetic modeling with various plasma models. With these examples, we discuss in detail some of the technical challenges typically encountered in multiphysics modeling and their potential solutions.
Tonabersat enhances temozolomide‐mediated cytotoxicity in glioblastoma by disrupting intercellular connectivity through connexin 43 inhibition
Authors: Schmidt Elena N. C. , Evert Bernd O. , Pregler Barbara E. F. , Melhem Ahmad , Hsieh Meng‐Chun , Raspe Markus , Strobel Hannah , Roos Julian , Pietsch Torsten , Schuss Patrick , Fischer‐Posovszky Pamela , Westhoff Mike‐Andrew , Hölzel Michael , Herrlinger Ulrich , Vatter Hartmut , Waha Andreas , Schneider Matthias , Potthoff Anna‐Laura
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma cells rely on connexin 43 (Cx43)‐based gap junctions (GJs) for intercellular communication, enabling them to integrate into a widely branched malignant network. Although there are promising prospects for new targeted therapies, the lack of clinically feasible GJ inhibitors has impeded their adoption in clinical practice. In the present study, we investigated tonabersat (TO), a blood–brain‐barrier‐penetrating drug with GJ‐inhibitory properties, in regard to its potential to disassemble intercellular connectivity in glioblastoma networks. Fluorescence‐guided measurements of calcein cell‐to‐cell transfer were used to study functional intercellular connectivity. Specific DNA fragmentation rates of propidium iodide‐stained nuclei were measured as a surrogate readout for cell death using flow cytometry. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing of Cx43 served as a validation tool of cellular effects related to Cx43 GJ inhibition. 3′ mRNA sequencing was performed for molecular downstream analysis. We found that TO reduced intercellular GJ‐mediated cytosolic traffic and yielded a significant reduction of tumor microtube (TM) length. TO‐mediated inhibition of cellular tumor networks was accompanied by a synergistic effect for temozolomide‐induced cell death. CRISPR/Cas9 Cx43‐knockout revealed similar results, indicating that TO‐mediated inhibitory effects rely on the inhibition of Cx43‐based GJs. Gene set enrichment analyses found that GJ‐mediated synergistic cytotoxic effects were linked to a significant upregulation of cell death signaling pathways. In conclusion, TO disrupts TM‐based network connectivity via GJ inhibition and renders glioblastoma cells more susceptible to cytotoxic therapy. Given its previous use in clinical trials for migraine therapy, TO might harbor the potential of bridging the idea of a GJ‐targeted therapeutic approach from bench to bedside.
Nanostructured Bubbles‐Enhanced Fluorescence for Ultrasensitive Portable MicroRNA Detection
Authors: Tang Yuteng , Xiang Yuanhang , Yang Yu , Zhang Yuyuan , Wei Binqi , Qin Xiaojie , Fang Min , Wang Qiqin , Li Xinchun , Yang Fan
Published: December 2024

The unmet on‐site clinical diagnostics are increasingly demanding portable bioassays, but compromised by sensitivity and throughput. Herein, a nanostructured bubbles‐enhanced fluorescence (nBEF) assay is reported by interfacing with smartphone imaging system to enable portable, ultrasensitive, and specific miRNA detection in parallel. In nBEF, the high‐curvature bubbles allow physically enhancing optical propagation, chemically enhancing fluorescence, assembling more DNA probes, undergoing faster self‐suspension and more efficient self‐aggregation fluorescence enhancement relative to their smooth counterparts. By coupling with bubble‐driven signal amplification by a plug‐and‐play DNA concatemer, and with a smartphone imaging system, this nBEF assay achieves a portable and ultrasensitive fluorescent assay of miRNA at the femtomolar level with one‐base resolution in a single test, and is capable of monitoring drug‐induced miRNA dynamic expression and accurate cancer diagnosis (AUC = 1) through profiling 40 plasma samples after RNA extraction. This assay further integrates an R‐value analysis in RGB module with the smartphone to realize automated, on‐site miRNA readout. Such a high‐performance nBEF assay provides a low‐cost, portable, and highly sensitive tool to enable accurate clinical diagnosis.
Fast Recoverable Shape Memory Cryogels Engineered with Surfactant‐Stabilized Bubbles and Vermiculite for Non‐Compressible Hemostasis
Authors: Wang Binhui , Zhu Bin , Liu Yihao , Ren Bowen , Chen Yurong , Feng Luyao , Martin‐Saldana Sergio , An Bochen , Gong Yining , Ren Yiming , Li Jinqing , Huang Da , Du Baoji , Liu Jianheng , Bu Yazhong
Published: December 2024

Shape memory cryogels hold immense promise for non‐compressible hemostasis due to their shape recovery after contacting with blood. However, there is still a lack of an easy way to accelerate the shape‐recovery speed which is highly associated with its performance. Meanwhile, the incorporation of extra pro‐coagulation mechanisms will further improve the hemostatic efficacy. Herein, surfactant‐stabilized bubbles are used to improve the shape‐recovery speed of cryogels (GHP) through the modulation of porosity and pore size based on the capillary action. Additionally, 2D nanosheet vermiculite (VMT) is fabricated and incorporated into the system to get VMT@GHP cryogels. Remarkably, VMT@GHP exhibits a fast shape recovery speed (1.3 ± 0.3 s in the blood) among reported hemostats and the ability to promote blood coagulation. Animal studies show that VMT@GHP significantly accelerates the hemostasis in both rat and pig models, even in heparinized situations. In summary, VMT@GHP represents a highly effective solution for non‐compressible hemorrhage control, with promising prospects for clinical translation.
Orientation Engineering of Nanoporous BiVO4 Photoanodes Toward Boosted Glycerol Valorization and Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Wu Zihao , Ren Kexin , Zhou Jiayi , Zhang Yujing , Qi Limin
Published: December 2024

Photoelectrocatalysis has the capability to utilize solar energy to produce hydrogen and valuable chemicals; however, their conversion efficiency remains to reach practical thresholds. Here, a rapid‐ramping annealing strategy is reported to synthesize nanoporous Mo‐doped bismuth vanadate (MBVO) photoanodes with (001)‐preferred orientation. This approach leverages the enhanced carrier transport along the crystallographic [001] direction, optimizing the bulk photoelectrical properties of the MBVO photoanodes. By substituting the surface oxygen evolution reaction with the glycerol oxidation reaction, the photoconversion efficiency is significantly boosted, reaching a photocurrent density of 7.45 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus RHE and an incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency of ≈100% for hydrogen generation, accompanied by the production of value‐added products in a high rate (≈1700 mmol m−2 h−1 in total) with a total Faradaic efficiency up to 96%. These results shed light on the construction of practical photoelectrocatalysis systems by demonstrating the potential of bulk‐phase engineering coupled with surface reaction design.
Designing High Reversibility Free‐Standing Hierarchical Porous High‐Entropy Oxide as Anodes for Advanced Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pei Linyuan , Kang Jianli , He Chunnian , Shi Chunsheng , Chen Biao , Sha Junwei , Ma Liying , Liu Enzuo , Zhao Naiqin
Published: December 2024

Designing high‐entropy oxides (HEOs) anodes with fast reaction kinetics and superior cycling stability for lithium‐ion battery energy storage is extremely promising but still challenging. Little attention has been paid to solving the poor cyclability caused by structural damage and volume expansion by optimizing the structural design strategies of HEOs. Herein, a free‐standing hierarchical porous high‐entropy alloy (HEA)/oxide (hp‐HEA/HEO) anode is prepared by melt‐dealloying and solution treatment method. The origins of rapid ion diffusion and electron transport, as well as cyclability, are systematically illustrated by different levels of synergy. Specifically, the hierarchical porous structure buffers the volume expansion (only 12.9%) at macroscopic, and the microcrystalline stabilization mechanism benefiting from high‐entropy effects is responsible for the overall frame during cycling at the microscopic level. As a result, the hp‐HEA/HEO exhibits satisfactory performance with 7.42 mAh cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2 and capacity retention of 98% at 1.0 mA cm−2 after 100 cycles. This work provides a new idea for designing advanced HEO anode materials in structure and composition for energy storage‐related applications.
Streamlining the Highly Reproducible Fabrication of Fibrous Biomedical Specimens toward Standardization and High Throughput
Authors: Lamberger Zan , Mussoni Camilla , Murenu Nicoletta , Andrade Mier Mateo , Stahlhut Philipp , Ahmad Taufiq , Schaefer Natascha , Villmann Carmen , Zwingelberg Sarah , Groll Jürgen , Lang Gregor
Published: December 2024

Soft nano‐ and microfiber‐based polymer scaffolds bear enormous potential for their use in cell culture and tissue engineering since they mimic natural collagen structures and may thus serve as biomimetic adhesive substrates. They have, however, so far been restricted to small‐scale production in research labs with high batch‐to‐batch variation. They are commonly produced via electrospinning or melt electrowriting and their delicate nature poses obstacles in detachment, storage, and transportation. This study focuses on overcoming challenges in the high throughput production and practical handling, introducing new methods to reproducibly prepare such scaffolds suitable for quantitative cell culture applications. Attention is given to the seamless handling and transfer of samples without compromising structural integrity. Challenges in detaching fibers without damage as well as storage, and transport are addressed. Cell culture studies demonstrate the methodological advantages, emphasizing the potential for standardized testing and biological readouts of these delicate fiber materials. The developed methods are applicable across various electrospinning and melt electrowriting approaches and can essentially contribute to their utilization in laboratory research and commercial applications.
Deeply Implantable, Shape‐Morphing, 3D MicroLEDs for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lee Jae Hee , Lee Chae Gyu , Kim Min Seo , Kim Seungyeob , Song Myoung , Zhang Haohui , Yang Eunbyeol , Kwon Yoon Hee , Jung Young Hoon , Hyeon Dong Yeol , Choi Yoon Ji , Oh Seyong , Joe Daniel J. , Kim Taek‐Soo , Jeon Sanghun , Huang Yonggang , Kwon Tae‐Hyuk , Lee Keon Jae
Published: December 2024

Controlled photooxidation‐mediated disruption of collagens in the tumor microenvironment can reduce desmoplasia and enhance immune responsiveness. However, achieving effective light delivery to solid tumors, particularly those with dynamic volumetric changes like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), remains challenging and limits the repeated and sustained photoactivation of drugs. Here, 3D, shape‐morphing, implantable photonic devices (IPDs) are introduced that enable tumor‐specific and continuous light irradiation for effective metronomic photodynamic therapy (mPDT). This IPD adheres seamlessly to the surface of orthotopic PDAC tumors, mitigating issues related to mechanical mismatch, delamination, and internal lesions. In freely moving mouse models, mPDT using the IPD with close adhesion significantly reduces desmoplastic tumor volume without causing cytotoxic effects in healthy tissues. These promising in vivo results underscore the potential of an adaptable and unidirectional IPD design in precisely targeting cancerous organs, suggesting a meaningful advance in light‐based therapeutic technologies.
Shedding Light on the Mid‐Infrared Complex Refractive Index of Anodic Aluminum Oxide
Authors: Díaz‐Lobo Alba , Castro‐Fernández Irene , Blanco Eduardo , Ramos Daniel , Martin‐Gonzalez Marisol , Manzano Cristina V.
Published: December 2024

In the current scientific landscape, the understanding of optical properties in the mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) range (3–30 µm) is crucial in simulations and models to explore the potential of materials for various applications. However, due to the challenges associated with mid‐IR characterization, accurate refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (κ) data are often lacking in the literature. This study addresses this gap by investigating the mid‐IR n and κ spectra of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanostructures anodized under different conditions, using two distinct approaches: IR ellipsometry and a theoretical model based on multilayer reflection and effective medium. The results demonstrate a strong agreement: the anodizing conditions have a significant influence on the optical properties of the AAO nanostructures. These differences enable accurate simulations of the emissivity spectra of AAO nanostructures on Al foils, which align closely with experimental measurements. This theoretical approximation is versatile and extensible to a broad range of materials. Different materials are tested, namely, a sapphire, a polycarbonate film, and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film achieving a useful qualitative description. This study paves the way for a novel approach in the engineering of new micro and nano‐optical materials, facilitating their evaluation for suitability in mid‐IR applications.
Effective Electrolyte Combination Composed of 1,1‐Diethoxyethane and Lithium Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide for Dendrite‐suppressible Li Metal Anodes
Authors: Park Juhwi , Mun Junyoung , Yim Taeeun
Published: December 2024

Although Li metal is considered the most promising anode material owing to its high theoretical capacity, there are numerous restrictions on expanding its application because of undesired surface reactions occurring at the Li anode. To solve this, an effective electrolyte combination consisting of 1,1‐diethoxyethane (DEE) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) is used in this work, which can provide an organic/inorganic‐hybridized solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the Li anode. The DEE solvent affords flexible carbon‐abundant components, whereas LiFSI offers mechanically rigid lithium fluoride‐type components; these undergo electrochemical reduction to form SEI layers that are balanced in terms of organic and inorganic components. Systematic analysis results exhibit that when the SEI layer integrated with DEE and LiFSI is embedded in the lithium anode, electrolyte decomposition, and dendritic lithium growth are suppressed in Li/Li cells, thereby improving surface stability. Similarly, it provides stable cycle life characteristics even at 150 cycles in Li/S cells (72.0% vs 52.6%).
Sustainable Soft Electronics with Biodegradable Regenerated Cellulose Films and Printed Recyclable Silver Nanowires
Authors: Meza Luz , Shukla Darpan , Sadeghifar Hasan , Hsiao Lilian , Zhu Yong , Venditti Richard A.
Published: December 2024

This study describes the production of biodegradable and recyclable flexible electronic devices created by screen‐printing silver nanowires (AgNWs) onto regenerated cellulose films (RCFs). RCFs, derived from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), are developed and further enhanced for flexibility with additives such as glycerol and poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDE). The resulting cellulose films display relatively high tensile strength (up to 120 MPa), low Young's Modulus (down to 1500 MPa), and 90% optical transparency. Ink with AgNWs and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a binder is screen‐printed on regenerated cellulose films. The printed AgNWs patterns exhibit high electrical conductivity, excellent electromechanical performance, and strong interfacial adhesion with RCFs. To demonstrate the application of printed AgNWs on RCFs for soft electronics, transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) are fabricated. Grid and honeycomb structures are printed separately and evaluated in terms of sheet resistance and optical transparency. TCEs with ≈80% transparency and very low sheet resistance (0.045 Ω sq−1) are obtained. Furthermore, enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulose substrate and the recovery for reuse of the AgNWs are demonstrated, showing the potential of integrating natural polymers and recyclable nanomaterials for eco‐friendly and sustainable soft flexible electronics.
Unveiling Tissue‐Specific RNA Landscapes in Mouse Organs During Fasting and Feeding Using Nanopore Direct RNA Sequencing
Authors: Jiang Chengfei , Li Ping , Cao Haiming
Published: December 2024

Understanding tissue‐specific RNA landscapes is essential for uncovering the functional mechanisms of key organs in mammals. However, current knowledge remains limited, as short‐read RNA sequencing—the predominant method for assessing gene expression—depends on incomplete gene annotations and struggles to resolve the diverse transcripts produced by genes. To address these limitations, an integrative approach combining nanopore direct RNA sequencing (DRS), ATAC‐Seq, and short‐read RNA‐seq is used. This method enabled the analysis of RNA landscapes across major mouse organs under fasting and fed conditions, representing two extremes of the caloric cycle. This study uncovered tens of thousands of novel transcripts and identified hundreds of genes with tissue‐specific expression, revealing additional layers of regulated pathways within each organ that conventional short‐read RNA‐seq cannot resolve. By profiling transcript expression across multiple organs under identical conditions, it is conducted comparative analyses exposing significant differences in transcript isoforms and regulations. Moreover, nanopore DRS revealed dynamic changes in poly(A) tail length and m6A modifications of transcripts, many regulated in a tissue‐specific manner. These changes likely contribute to functional differentiation and metabolic specialization of various organs. Collectively, this findings reveal previously unrecognized layers of gene regulation, offering new insights into the metabolic basis of organ function.
Hepatic Steatosis Aggravates Vascular Calcification via Extracellular Vesicle‐Mediated Osteochondrogenic Switch of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Zeng Zhao‐Lin , Zhao Zhi‐Bo , Yuan Qing , Yang Shi‐Qi , Wang Zhen‐Xing , Wang Zuo , Zeng Shi‐Yu , Li An‐Qi , Chen Qian , Zhu Guo‐Qiang , Xiao Xin‐Hua , Luo Guang‐Hua , Luo Hai‐Yan , Li Jiao‐Yang , Zu Xu‐Yu , Xie Hui , Liu Jiang‐Hua
Published: December 2024

The global incidence of metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has risen sharply. This condition is strongly associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but how MAFLD affects the development and progression of CVD, particularly concerning vascular calcification, remains unclear. Herein, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are identified from steatotic hepatocytes as a trigger that accelerated the progression of both vascular intimal and medial calcification. Steatotic hepatocytes are found to release more EVs, which are able to reach the vascular tissue, be taken up by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and promote their osteogenic differentiation. Within these toxic vesicles, a protein cargo is identified called lectin galactoside‐binding soluble 3 binding protein (Lgals3bp) that acted as a potent inducer of osteochondrogenic transformation in VSMCs. Both the inhibition of EV release and the liver‐specific knockdown of Lgals3bp profoundly attenuated vascular calcification. This work partially explains the reason for the high incidence of vascular calcification in MAFLD and unveils a novel mechanism that may be used to prevent or treat cardiovascular complications in patients with MAFLD.
Reversing Persistent PTEN Activation after Traumatic Brain Injury Fuels Long‐Term Axonal Regeneration via Akt/mTORC1 Signaling Cascade
Authors: Shi Ziyu , Mao Leilei , Chen Shuning , Du Zhuoying , Xiang Jiakun , Shi Minghong , Wang Yana , Wang Yuqing , Chen Xingdong , Xu Zhi‐Xiang , Gao Yanqin
Published: December 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to enduring axonal damage and persistent neurological deficits. While PTEN's role in neuronal growth is recognized, its long‐term activation changes post‐TBI and its effects on sensory‐motor circuits are not well understood. Here, it is demonstrated that the neuronal knockout of PTEN (PTEN‐nKO) significantly enhances both structural and functional recovery over the long term after TBI. Importantly, in vivo, DTI‐MRI revealed that PTEN‐nKO promotes white matter repair post‐TBI. Additionally, calcium imaging and electromyographic recordings indicated that PTEN‐nKO facilitates cortical remapping and restores sensory‐motor pathways. Mechanistically, PTEN negatively regulates the Akt/mTOR pathway by inhibiting Akt, thereby suppressing mTOR. Raptor is a key component of mTORC1 and its suppression impedes axonal regeneration. The restoration of white matter integrity and the improvements in neural function observed in PTEN‐nKO TBI‐treated mice are reversed by a PTEN/Raptor double knockout (PTEN/Raptor D‐nKO), suggesting that mTORC1 acts as a key mediator. These findings highlight persistent alterations in the PTEN/Akt/mTORC1 axis are critical for neural circuit remodeling and cortical remapping post‐TBI, offering new insights into TBI pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets.
Precise Tuning of Flexoelectricity in SrTiO3 by Ion Irradiation
Authors: Nan Shuai , Xu Shipu , Ren Yunlong , Yuan Xin , Ma Yuhua , Zhai Pengfei , Zhang Fuxiang
Published: December 2024

Flexoelectric coefficient is a tetradic and its introduction enables centrosymmetric materials to exhibit piezoelectricity. However, the flexoelectric paradigm currently lacks a strategy to effectively tune the strain gradient for optimal electro‐mechanical coupling. This study proposes a quantized collision model accessible through ionic irradiation technology to explore the flexoelectricity and precisely modulate the strain gradient. The lattice strain is introduced in SrTiO3 (STO) single crystals and tuned broadly by irradiation with ions of He+, C+, and P+ at dose of 1 × 1014 and 2 × 1015 ion cm−2, respectively. Under C+ ion irradiation at a dose of 2 × 1015 ion cm−2, thin‐film X‐ray diffraction reveals a strain gradient up to ≈0.65% nm−1. The resulted polarization is found to orient out‐of‐plane, as observed through X‐ray reciprocal space mapping and high‐angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Piezoresponse force microscopy characterization reveals that the electric‐induced out‐of‐plane polarization reversal emerges at room temperature, corresponding to a stain gradient ≈0.05% nm−1 in STO's flexoelectric response. This study demonstrates that ion irradiation is an effective strategy for precisely tuning the flexoelectric properties.