bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Status and Future Prospects of Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4(CZTSSe) Thin Film Solar Cells Prepared via Electrochemical Deposition
Authors: Hwang Sun Kyung , Yoon Joo Ho , Kim Jin Young
Published: February 2024

The fabrication of kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4(CZTSSe) thin‐film solar cells using the electrochemical deposition (ED), which is valued for its industrial feasibility, offers a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly approach to the carbon‐free and clean energy production. However, the reported power conversion efficiency of approximately 10 % for electrodeposited CZTSSe thin‐film solar cells is lower compared to the alternative methods like sputtering and spin‐coating, which is mainly attributed to the phase inhomogeneity and the rough morphology generated during the ED process. Ensuring the microscopic and macroscopic uniformity of the electrodeposited films is crucial for the improvement of the film quality and the device performances. In this review, strategies to address these challenges including the intrinsic film control such as the deposition mode, pH, concentration of metal ions, and complexing agents, as well as the extrinsic approaches such as doping, substitution of metal elements, and the introduction of interfacial layers. In addition, the prospects for the electrochemically deposited CZTSSe solar cells were presented, focusing on the promising applications in tandem, flexible, and solar water‐splitting devices. Finally, this review will provide technical insights into the ED process for preparing CZTSSe solar cells, outlining a perspective for the future development of highly efficient CZTSSe thin film solar cells.
Electrochemical Multicomponent Synthesis of Alkyl Alkenesulfonates using Styrenes, SO2 and Alcohols
Authors: de A. Bartolomeu Aloisio , Breitschaft Florian A. , Schollmeyer Dieter , Pilli Ronaldo A. , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: February 2024

A novel electrochemical approach to access alkyl alkenesulfonates via a multicomponent reaction was developed. The metal‐free method features easy‐to‐use SO2 stock solution forming monoalkylsulfites from alcohols with an auxiliary base in‐situ. These intermediates serve a dual role as starting materials and as supporting electrolyte enabling conductivity. Anodic oxidation of the substrate styrene, radical addition of these monoalkylsulfites and consecutive second oxidation and deprotonation preserve the double bond and form alkyl β‐styrenesulfonates in a highly regio‐ and stereoselective fashion. The feasibility of this electrosynthetic method is demonstrated in 44 examples with yields up to 81 %, employing various styrenes and related substrates as well as a diverse set of alcohols. A gram‐scale experiment underlines the applicability of this process, which uses inexpensive and readily available electrode materials.
Distinct cellular expression and subcellular localization of Kv2 voltage‐gated K+ channel subtypes in dorsal root ganglion neurons conserved between mice and humans
Authors: Stewart Robert G. , Camacena Miriam , Copits Bryan A. , Sack Jon T.
Published: February 2024

The distinct organization of Kv2 voltage‐gated potassium channels on and near the cell body of brain neurons enables their regulation of action potentials and specialized membrane contact sites. Somatosensory neurons have a pseudounipolar morphology and transmit action potentials from peripheral nerve endings through axons that bifurcate to the spinal cord and the cell body within ganglia including the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Kv2 channels regulate action potentials in somatosensory neurons, yet little is known about where Kv2 channels are located. Here, we define the cellular and subcellular localization of the Kv2 paralogs, Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, in DRG somatosensory neurons with a panel of antibodies, cell markers, and genetically modified mice. We find that relative to spinal cord neurons, DRG neurons have similar levels of detectable Kv2.1 and higher levels of Kv2.2. In older mice, detectable Kv2.2 remains similar, while detectable Kv2.1 decreases. Both Kv2 subtypes adopt clustered subcellular patterns that are distinct from central neurons. Most DRG neurons co‐express Kv2.1 and Kv2.2, although neuron subpopulations show preferential expression of Kv2.1 or Kv2.2. We find that Kv2 protein expression and subcellular localization are similar between mouse and human DRG neurons. We conclude that the organization of both Kv2 channels is consistent with physiological roles in the somata and stem axons of DRG neurons. The general prevalence of Kv2.2 in DRG as compared to central neurons and the enrichment of Kv2.2 relative to detectable Kv2.1 in older mice, proprioceptors, and axons suggest more widespread roles for Kv2.2 in DRG neurons.
Evolution of larval gregariousness is associated with host plant specialisation, but not host morphology, in Heliconiini butterflies
Authors: McLellan Callum F. , Montgomery Stephen H.
Published: February 2024

Insect herbivores, such as lepidopteran larvae, often have close evolutionary relationships with their host plants, with which they may be locked in an evolutionary arms race. Larval grouping behaviour may be one behavioural adaptation that improves host plant feeding, but aggregation also comes with costs, such as higher competition and limited resource access. Here, we use the Heliconiini butterfly tribe to explore the impact of host plant traits on the evolution of larval gregariousness. Heliconiini almost exclusively utilise species from the Passifloraceae as larval host plants. Passifloraceae display incredible diversity in leaf shape and a range of anti‐herbivore defences, suggesting they are responding to, and influencing, the evolution of Heliconiini larvae. By analysing larval social behaviour as both a binary (solitary or gregarious) and categorical (increasing larval group size) trait, we revisit the multiple origins of larval gregariousness across Heliconiini. We investigate whether host habitat, leaf defences and leaf size are important drivers of, or constraints on, larval gregariousness. Whereas our data do not reveal links between larval gregariousness and the host plant traits included in this study, we do find an interaction between host plant specialisation and larval behaviour, revealing gregarious larvae to be more likely to feed on a narrower range of host plant species than solitary larvae. We also find evidence that this increased specialisation typically precedes the evolutionary transition to gregarious behaviour. The comparatively greater host specialisation of gregarious larvae suggests that there are specific morphological and/or ecological features of their host plants that favour this behaviour.
Induction of a memory‐like CD4+ T‐cell phenotype by airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Jang Joyce H. , Zhou Michael , Makita Kosuke , Sun Rui , El‐Hajjar Mikal , Fonseca Gregory , Lauzon Anne‐Marie , Martin James G.
Published: February 2024

In asthma, CD4+ T‐cell interaction with airway smooth muscle (ASM) may enhance its contractile properties and promote its proliferation. However, less is known about the effects of this interaction on T cells. To explore the consequences of interaction of CD4+ T cells with ASM we placed the cells in co‐culture and analyzed the phenotypic and functional changes in the T cells. Effector status as well as cytokine expression was assessed by flow cytometry. An increase in CD45RA−CD45RO+ memory T cells was observed after co‐culture; however, these cells were not more responsive to CD3/28 restimulation. A reduction in mitochondrial coupling and an increase in the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species by CD4+ T cells post‐restimulation suggested altered mitochondrial metabolism after co‐culture. RNA sequencing analysis of the T cells revealed characteristic downregulation of effector T‐cell‐associated genes, but a lack of upregulation of memory T‐cell‐associated genes. The results of this study demonstrate that ASM cells can induce a phenotypic shift in CD4+ T cells into memory‐like T cells but with reduced capacity for activation.
Previtamin D2, vitamin D2, and vitamin D4 amounts in different mushroom species irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light and occurrence of structurally related photoproducts
Authors: Sommer Katrin , Hillinger Marissa , Vetter Walter
Published: February 2024

Mushrooms are rich in ergosterol and ergosta‐5,7‐dienol, which can be partly converted into vitamin D2 and D4 through ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Typically, mushrooms have very low vitamin D contents, but it can be increased by UV irradiation. This process generates additional photoisomers scarcely studied in mushrooms due to analytical challenges. Here, we developed a new solid phase extraction (SPE) method to separate vitamin D2, vitamin D4, and other tri‐ and pentacyclic photoisomers from the much higher abundant ergosterol. Subsequent GC/MS analysis enabled the detection of ten photoisomers in eight UV‐treated mushroom species, including vitamin D2 (previtamin D2, tachysterol2, two suprasterol2 and trans‐vitamin D2 isomers) and vitamin D4 (previtamin D4). Quantitated vitamin D2 contents of 10–540 µg/100 g dry weight agreed well with the sparse literature data available for the investigated mushroom species. In addition, previtamin D2 (nd–1950 µg/100 g dry weight) and vitamin D4 (10–140 µg/100 g dw) were quantified in the samples. The content and photoproduct compositions varied considerably between different mushroom species.

Practical applications: The novel SPE method can be applied to study the vitamin D and photoisomer content of mushrooms.
Access to Saturated Aza‐Heterocycles using the Borrowing Hydrogen Methodology
Authors: Jacolot Maïwenn , Popowycz Florence
Published: February 2024

Borrowing hydrogen (BH) has reached a wide attention from the chemistry community as a new opportunity to construct efficiently C−N bond (as well as C−C or C−S bond). This straightforward strategy is usually supported by relevant organometallic catalysts, involved in the dehydrogenation‐reduction processes. This concept highlights specifically the application of the borrowing hydrogen to the preparation of saturated aza‐heterocycles (piperidines, pyrrolidines and piperazines) extensively present in high‐added value molecules of pharmaceutical industry over the last 40 years using homogenous catalysis in particular. A focus will be given to the appropriate metals (Ru, Ir and more recently earth‐abundant metals) used for this transformation. An extension to chiral induction in order to prepare enantiopure N‐heterocycles will be also reported.
A defect location method for power cable based on Burg power spectral
Authors: Tang Zhirong , Zhou Kai , Li Yun , Meng Pengfei
Published: February 2024

The frequency‐domain reflection (FDR) has been demonstrated to be a trustworthy technique in solving the defect location of power cable by field experiments. However, the location spectrum of the FDR requires manual window smoothing and can be disturbed by spurious peaks. Aiming at these shortcomings of FDR, a new method of cable defect location based on Burg power spectral (BPS) is introduced in this paper. The idea of this method is to use linear difference variance to fit the distribution of reflection coefficient spectrum and build an auto‐regressive (AR) model. The Burg algorithm is employed to estimate the coefficients model and calculate the power distribution of the AR model. Then, the cable defects will be located by BPS with high precision and resolution. In this method, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) with windowed function is replaced by an AR model without windowed function. This suppressed the impact of spurious peaks or spectrum leakage in FFT on the localization defects, and the localization resolution is higher. Finally, we validate the feasibility and effectiveness of BPS through experiments conducted on a 500 m laboratory cable and a 9.6 km submarine cable.
Myoclonus: Differential diagnosis and current management
Authors: Riva Antonella , D'Onofrio Gianluca , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Pascarella Angelo , Pasini Elena , Franceschetti Silvana , Panzica Ferruccio , Canafoglia Laura , Vignoli Aglaia , Coppola Antonietta , Badioni Valeria , Beccaria Francesca , Labate Angelo , Gambardella Antonio , Romeo Antonino , Capovilla Giuseppe , Michelucci Roberto , Striano Pasquale , Belcastro Vincenzo
Published: February 2024

Myoclonus classically presents as a brief (10–50 ms duration), non‐rhythmic jerk movement. The etiology could vary considerably ranging from self‐limited to chronic or even progressive disorders, the latter falling into encephalopathic pictures that need a prompt diagnosis. Beyond the etiological classification, others evaluate myoclonus' body distribution (i.e., clinical classification) or the location of the generator (i.e., neurophysiological classification); particularly, knowing the anatomical source of myoclonus gives inputs on the observable clinical patterns, such as EMG bursts duration or EEG correlate, and guides the therapeutic choices. Among all the chronic disorders, myoclonus often presents itself as a manifestation of epilepsy. In this context, myoclonus has many facets. Myoclonus occurs as one, or the only, seizure manifestation while it can also present as a peculiar type of movement disorder; moreover, its electroclinical features within specific genetically determined epileptic syndromes have seldom been investigated. In this review, following a meeting of recognized experts, we provide an up‐to‐date overview of the neurophysiology and nosology surrounding myoclonus. Through the dedicated exploration of epileptic syndromes, coupled with pragmatic guidance, we aim to furnish clinicians and researchers alike with practical advice for heightened diagnostic management and refined treatment strategies.

Plain Language Summary

In this work, we described myoclonus, a movement characterized by brief, shock‐like jerks. Myoclonus could be present in different diseases and its correct diagnosis helps treatment.
Impact of salicylic acid and sodium hydrosulfide applied singly or in combination on drought tolerance and grain yield in wheat plants
Authors: Akin Sabri , Kaya Cengiz
Published: February 2024

Climate change‐induced drought stress (DS) poses a significant threat to crop production, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Prior studies have demonstrated the distinct capacities of salicylic acid (SA) and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) to augment plant resilience against drought‐related stressors. However, little is known about how they work together or the specific processes by which they increase DS tolerance. The purpose of this research was to determine how SA and NaHS affected the performance of wheat plants during the growing seasons of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, when there was a drought. The research employed a block‐randomized experimental layout with split plots, where the primary factors included two irrigation levels: full irrigation (IW1, 100% of water requirement) and deficit irrigation (IW2, 50% of water requirement). Secondary factors included the application of mock control, 0.5 mM SA, and 0.3 mM NaHS, an H2S donor, either individually or in combination, administered before the onset of DS. The application of SA, NaHS, or their combination significantly enhanced wheat plant resistance to DS. Significant increases in a number of physiological markers, including proline content, relative water content (RWC), Fv/Fm, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity, demonstrated this improvement. Furthermore, in drought‐stressed wheat plants, SA and NaHS treatments decreased the amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and electrolyte leakage (EL). In conclusion, our study highlights the possibility of SA and NaHS, whether applied individually or in combination, to improve drought resistance in wheat plants, presenting a viable approach to lessen the effects of climate change on agricultural yield.
Neck management in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with parotid metastasis
Authors: Fang Qigen , Yuan Junhui , Zhang Xu , Dai Liyuan , Luo Ruihua , Xu Chunmiao
Published: February 2024

Objective

Our objective is to assess the oncologic outcomes of observation, elective neck dissection (END), and elective neck irradiation (ENI) in the neck management of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) with parotid metastasis (P+) and to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients who received END or ENI.

Methods

Patients with P+ HNcSCC were retrospectively enrolled. The impact of observation, END, and ENI on regional control (RC) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model with presentation via hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). QoL was evaluated using the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire.

Results

A total of 134 patients were included in our analysis. In the Cox model for RC, both END and ENI had decreased HRs of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.15–0.69) and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.18–0.86), respectively, in comparison with observation. In the Cox model for OS, both END (p = 0.001, HR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10–0.72) and ENI (p = 0.006, HR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.17–0.83) were superior to observation. In patients with three or more positive parotid lymph nodes, END resulted in significantly better RC (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.001) compared with ENI. The two groups were found to be comparable in all 12 domains of the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire.

Conclusion

In the neck management of P+ HNcSCC, observation is not recommended. END is the preferred option, but ENI is an alternative method without compromise to survival or QoL, except in cases with three or more metastatic parotid lymph nodes.
Benzylic C(sp3)−H Azidation: Copper vs Iron Catalysis
Authors: Rentería‐Gómez Angel , Torres‐Ochoa Rubén O. , Palamini Pierre , Simonet‐Davin Raphaël , Wang Qian , Waser Jérôme , Zhu Jieping
Published: February 2024

The generation of benzylic radicals through hydrogen atom abstraction (HAT) has been a recent research focus and various C(sp3)−H bond functionalization protocols have been developed relying on this elementary step. We report herein copper‐ and iron‐catalyzed C(sp3)−H benzylic azidation reactions using mCPBA and NFSI as oxidant, respectively, and TMSN3 as azide source. The reaction is thought to be initiated via intermolecular abstraction of benzylic hydrogen by the in situ generated heteroatom‐centered radicals. The Fe(OTf)3‐catalyzed azidation protocol displays good chemoselectivity as it takes place preferentially at the secondary and tertiary benzylic C(sp3)−H bonds over the primary benzylic and tertiary aliphatic carbons. Efforts on the development of catalytic enantioselective processes are also documented.
The nexus between bank efficiency and leverage
Authors: Baltas Konstantinos N.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we shed light on the impact of leverage on efficiency by introducing a new banking efficiency indicator that includes efficiency and stability conditions. This indicator relies on the leverage as a proxy of a bank's risk and stability. Banks' leverage played an important role in the last financial crash as well as in the Basel III regulatory rules. The results of the econometric investigation using a large sample of American commercial banks show that profit efficiency indicators including leverage are better predictors of future profits than current indicators, including other measures of bank risk. This is particularly evident for the period during the 2007–2009 financial crisis. Our findings have important policy implications, particularly in light of the recently implemented optimal leverage ratio.
Fertility decisions and the norm of intergenerational support to aging parents
Authors: Hsu Minchung , Le Thu Trang
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the impact of the social norm of intergenerational support to aging parents on fertility decisions in developing economies. The traditional expectation of receiving support from adult children in old age has historically been a significant factor in the decision to have children, especially in developing countries. The study develops a life cycle model that endogenizes fertility choices and incorporates the expectation of transfers from children based on the filial responsibility norm. We utilize household survey data from Indonesia to estimate earnings profiles and uncertainties over the life cycle, and to estimate the transfers from adult children to parents to indicate the current strength of the norm in 2000s. We conducted counterfactual experiments to explore the impact of the filial responsibility norm on fertility and found that a weakening of the norm could account for a significant proportion of the decline in the total fertility rate.
Accelerating the remodeling of collagen in cutaneous full‐thickness wound using FIR soldering technology with bio‐targeting nanocomposites hydrogel
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Chen Mengying , Wang Kehong , Huang Jun , Gupta HImadri S. , He Kexin , Rui Yunfeng
Published: February 2024

A novel composite wound dressing hydrogel by incorporating single‐walled carbon nanotubes and indocyanine green into a dual‐crosslinked hydrogel through Schiff base reaction was developed. The objective was to prevent wound infection and enhance the thermal effect induced by laser energy. The hydrogel matrix was constructed using oxidized gelatin, pre‐crosslinked with calcium ions, along with carboxymethyl chitosan, crosslinked via Schiff base reaction. Optimization of the blank hydrogel's gelation time, swelling index, degradation rate, and mechanical properties was achieved by adding 0.1% SWCNT and 0.1% ICG. Among them, the SWCNT‐loaded hydrogel BCG‐SWCNT exhibited superior performance overall: a gelation time of 102 s; a swelling index above 30 after equilibrium swelling; a degradation rate of 100.5% on the seventh day; and a compressive modulus of 8.8 KPa. It displayed significant inhibition against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in wounds. When combined with laser energy usage, the composite hydrogel demonstrated excellent pro‐healing activity in rats.
Effects of dopamine and melatonin treatment on the expression of the genes associated with artificially induced sexual maturation in Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica
Authors: Byun Jun‐Hwan , Hyeon Ji‐Yeon , Hettiarachchi Sachithra Amarin , Udagawa Shingo , Mahardini Angka , Kim Jong‐Myoung , Hur Sung‐Pyo , Takemura Akihiro
Published: February 2024

Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) is a commercially important fish species in Asia. Understanding factors like photoperiod, temperature, and lunar cycles is crucial for successful aquaculture and managing its reproduction. Melatonin and dopamine (DA) are essential for regulating reproduction in vertebrates, including fish. This study investigated the effects of melatonin and DA on the reproductive system of mature male Japanese eels to better understand reproductive regulation in fish. To clarify the effects of these hormones on sexual maturation in eels, a critical stage in the reproductive process, sexual maturation was induced by injecting human chorionic gonadotropin, which stimulates the production of sex hormones. To check the effect of melatonin and DA on sexual maturation, DA, melatonin, and DA + domperidone were intraperitoneally injected into fish from each group (six per treatment) at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight. The fish were then examined using quantitative RT‐PCR by comparing the messenger RNA level of reproduction‐related genes (gonadotropin releasing hormone 1; gnrh1, gonadotropin releasing hormone 2; gnrh2, follicle stimulating hormone; fshβ, luteinizing hormone; lhβ and DA receptor 2b; d2b), involved in the gonadotropic axis in eels, to those that received a control injection. The results indicate significant differences in the expression levels of gnrh1, gnrh2 and d2b in the brain and d2b, fshβ, lhβ in the pituitary at different stages of sexual maturation. Melatonin appears to enhance the production of sex gonadotropins, whereas DA inhibits them. These findings suggest an interaction between melatonin and DA in regulating reproduction in Japanese eels.
Body weight and blood pressure changes on dolutegravir‐, efavirenz‐ or atazanavir‐based antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe: a longitudinal study
Authors: Shamu Tinei , Egger Matthias , Mudzviti Tinashe , Chimbetete Cleophas , Manasa Justen , Anderegg Nanina
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Dolutegravir (DTG) is widely used for antiretroviral therapy (ART). We compared weight and blood pressure trends and examined the association between high blood pressure and weight gain among people living with HIV (PLHIV) switching to or starting DTG‐based, efavirenz (EFV)‐based and ritonavir‐boosted atazanavir (ATV/r)‐based ART in Zimbabwe.

Methods

PLHIV aged 18 years or older who started or switched to DTG, EFV or ATV/r‐based ART between January 2004 and June 2022 at Newlands Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe, were eligible. Weight was measured at all visits (Seca floor scales); blood pressure only at clinician‐led visits (Omron M2 sphygmomanometer). We used Bayesian additive models to estimate trends in weight gain and the proportion with high blood pressure (systolic >140 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg) in the first 2 years after starting or switching the regimen. Finally, we examined whether trends in the proportion with high blood pressure were related to weight change.

Results

We analysed 99,969 weight and 35,449 blood pressure records from 9487 adults (DTG: 4593; EFV: 3599; ATV/r: 1295). At 24 months after starting or switching to DTG, estimated median weight gains were 4.54 kg (90% credibility interval 3.88−5.28 kg) in women and 3.71 kg (3.07−4.45 kg) in men, around twice that observed for ATV/r and over four‐times the gain observed for EFV. Prevalence of high blood pressure among PLHIV receiving DTG‐based ART increased from around 5% at baseline to over 20% at 24 months, with no change in PLHIV receiving EFV‐ or ATV/r‐based ART. High blood pressure in PLHIV switching to DTG was associated with weight gain, with stronger increases in the proportion with high blood pressure for larger weight gains.

Conclusions

Among PLHIV starting ART or switching to a new regimen, DTG‐based ART was associated with larger weight gains and a substantial increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure. Routine weight and blood pressure measurement and interventions to lower blood pressure could benefit PLHIV on DTG‐based ART. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms and reversibility of these changes after discontinuation of DTG.
Female showed favorable left ventricle hypertrophy regression during post‐TAVR follow‐up
Authors: Chiu Cheng‐An , Chen Pin‐Rong , Li Yu‐Ju , Hsieh Chong‐Chao , Yu Hui‐Chen , Chiu Chaw‐Chi , Huang Jiann‐Woei , Chu Chun‐Yuan , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Lee Hsiang‐Chun
Published: February 2024

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well‐established procedure using a catheter‐introduced valve prosthesis for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). This retrospective study investigated sex‐related differences in pre‐ and post‐TAVR clinical and hemodynamic outcomes and analyzed data of the first 100 cases at Kaohsiung Medical University Chung‐Ho Memorial Hospital (KMUH) between December 2013 and December 2021. Baseline characteristics, procedural outcomes, mortality rates, and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed and compared between sexes. Among the 100 patients, male (46%) and female (54%) were of similar age (mean age, male 86.0 years vs. female 84.5 years) and of the same severity of AS (mean pressure gradient, male 47.5 mmHg vs. female 45.7 mmHg) at the time receiving the TAVR procedure. Women had smaller aortic valve areas calculated by continuity equation (0.8 ± 0.3 cm2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 cm2, p < 0.001). In addition, women had better left ventricle ejection fraction (59.6 ± 14.0% vs. men 54.7 ± 17.2%, p < 0.01). In the post‐TAVR follow‐up, regression of left ventricle mass and dimension was better in women than in men. None of the patient died within 30 days after the procedure, and women tended to have a more favorable survival than men (2‐year mortality and overall mortality rate in 8.3 year, women 9.1% and 22.2% vs. men 22.2% and 34.8%; p = 0.6385 and 0.1277, respectively). In conclusion, the sex‐based difference in post‐TAVR regression of LV remodeling suggests a need for sex‐based evaluation for patients with severe AS and their post TAVR follow‐up.
Validated Symptom Outcomes Following Septal Perforation Repair: Application of the NOSE‐Perf Scale
Authors: Taylor Cullen M. , Bansberg Stephen F. , Marino Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE)‐Perf scale was developed and validated to measure symptoms associated with nasal septal perforations. This study reports the application of the NOSE‐Perf scale to evaluate symptom change following septal perforation repair.

Methods

Patients with NOSE‐Perf evaluations ≥6 months following attempted perforation closure from July 2018 to December 2021 utilizing bilateral nasal mucosal flaps with an interposition graft were eligible for study inclusion. Change in NOSE‐Perf scores were noted. Patient demographics, perforation size, and concurrent functional procedures were analyzed for impact on symptom outcomes.

Results

One‐hundred and seventeen patients met the study criteria. Seventy‐nine (67.5%) of the patients were female and the mean (range) age at surgery was 47.3 (14–78) years. Repair failure was noted in 7 (6.0%) patients. Mean (SD) preoperative NOSE‐Perf score was 25.3 (95% CI, 23.5–27.1) and postoperative score was 7.9 (95% CI, 6.5–9.3). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was estimated and greater than 91% of patients had improvement above this threshold. Patient age, perforation size, or concurrent functional procedures did not impact outcomes. Postoperative scores at short (2–4 months), intermediate (5–8 months), and long‐term (≥9 months) time periods showed significant improvement (all p < 0.001) compared to preoperative NOSE‐Perf scores.

Conclusion

Significant reduction in nasal symptoms as measured by the NOSE‐Perf scale is noted following bilateral mucosal flap repair. Although the nose does not completely normalize following repair, clinically important improvement was noted in at least 91% of patients. The NOSE‐Perf scale is positioned to play a role in the standardization of septal perforation evaluation and outcomes assessment.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3067–3072, 2024
Multi‐modal deep learning for joint prediction of otitis media and diagnostic difficulty
Authors: Sundgaard Josefine Vilsbøll , Hannemose Morten Rieger , Laugesen Søren , Bray Peter , Harte James , Kamide Yosuke , Tanaka Chiemi , Paulsen Rasmus R. , Christensen Anders Nymark
Published: February 2024

Objectives

In this study, we propose a diagnostic model for automatic detection of otitis media based on combined input of otoscopy images and wideband tympanometry measurements.

Methods

We present a neural network‐based model for the joint prediction of otitis media and diagnostic difficulty. We use the subclassifications acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion. The proposed approach is based on deep metric learning, and we compare this with the performance of a standard multi‐task network.

Results

The proposed deep metric approach shows good performance on both tasks, and we show that the multi‐modal input increases the performance for both classification and difficulty estimation compared to the models trained on the modalities separately. An accuracy of 86.5% is achieved for the classification task, and a Kendall rank correlation coefficient of 0.45 is achieved for difficulty estimation, corresponding to a correct ranking of 72.6% of the cases.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the strengths of a multi‐modal diagnostic tool using both otoscopy images and wideband tympanometry measurements for the diagnosis of otitis media. Furthermore, we show that deep metric learning improves the performance of the models.
Mn2+/Er3+‐Codoped Cs2AgInCl6 Double Perovskites with Dual Emission and Photochromism Properties for Anti‐Counterfeiting Application
Authors: Zeng Zixun , Zhang Guodong , Wang Yingsheng , Zhang Min , Cheng Ziyong , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: February 2024

Highly transparent inorganic photochromic materials have several promising applications, especially for anti‐counterfeiting application. Enriching and enhancing the luminescent properties of perovskite by doping transition metals and rare earth elements into the host is a feasible and attractive route. Codoping of Mn2+ and Er3+ can realize novel anti‐counterfeiting properties with upconversion emission and photochromic ability within a double perovskite structure of Cs2AgInCl6.The Cs2AgInCl6: Mn2+, Er3+ single crystal can be observed in a reversible color variation from yellow to dark violet by implementing under 365, 520 nm illumination or thermal treatment. In addition, the crystal emits red and green light under the excitation of 365 nm ultraviolet and 980 nm laser, respectively. The introduction of Mn2+ endowed Cs2AgInCl6 with photochromic ability, and Mn2+ acted as a bridge for energy transfer from host excitons to Er3+, facilitating emission in the visible region. Er3+ achieve upconversion luminescence in the material through its abundant energy levels and acting synergistically with Mn2+. Herein, the Cs2AgInCl6:Mn2+, Er3+ combines various optical properties and has applications for specific anti‐counterfeiting demands.
Efficient Fluorescence Utilization and Photon Density of States‐Driven Design of Liquid Crystal Lasers
Authors: Qu Guangyin , Hu Lei , Li Siqi , Kuai Yan , Cao Zhigang , Liu Yu , Xie Kang , Yu Benli , Hu Zhijia
Published: February 2024

Liquid‐crystal random lasers (LCRLs) represent a burgeoning field in soft‐matter photonics, holding promise for ushering in an era of ultrathin, versatile laser sources. Such lasers encompass a multitude of remarkable features, including wide‐band tunability, large coherence area and, in some cases, multidirectional emission. In this paper, an LCRL is developed by doping a laser dye, pyrromethene 597 (PM597), into cholesteric LC, but achieving a wide‐range wavelength‐controllable (560–720 nm) bandgap lasing through voltage control. Bandgap lasing intriguingly occurs in media with extremely low dye gain, which is mainly contributed by the extremely high photon density of states (DOS) at the edge of the LC bandgap. In addition, the utilization rate of the fluorescence spectrum (550–750 nm) of laser dye PM597 is as high as 80%. The multivariate linear regression model is used to characterize the inherent relationship between the lasing intensity emitted by LC and the photon DOS, fluorescence quantum yield, and internal scattering under specific pumping energy. This model shows the potential to predict the critical conditions of laser emission accurately and provides the capability to design and fabricate large‐scale multifunctional responsive photonic crystals using a simple fabrication procedure.
Histological evaluation of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency microneedling treatment in a porcine model
Authors: Wang Hao , Hamblin Michael R. , Zhang Yi , Xu Yidan , Wen Xiang
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective

Fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) is widely used as an option for skin rejuvenation, however there is a lack of histological evidence for the various energy delivery systems available. The objective was to assess thermal denaturation of tissue and the wound healing response in monopolar mode versus bipolar mode. Histological analysis was performed to demonstrate the efficacy of automatic impedance feedback system in monopolar mode.

Study Design and Methods

In this study, the acute thermal effects caused by monopolar FRM treatment to the dorsal skin of pigs were assessed histologically by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. Then, one session of either monopolar or bipolar FRM was used to treat one or the other side of the pig using varying power levels and pulse widths. The acute and chronic tissue reactions were assessed using H&E, immunofluorescence, and western blot analysis at 0, 14, 30, and 90 days after treatment. The efficacy of the impedance feedback system was also monitored histologically.

Results

High‐energy FRM treatment produced tissue loss and necrosis. The power level and pulse duration significantly affected the coagulation amount. Histopathology at 0, 14, 30, and 90 days showed that the skin tissue reaction was more pronounced for bipolar compared to monopolar FRM. Immunofluorescence showed the expression of TGF‐β, Ki67, MMP3, and elastin increased dramatically with both modes, but were higher in the bipolar FRM treated side. The automatic impedance feedback system could effectively adjust the output energy.

Conclusions

We found that bipolar FRM produced greater thermal effects, more collagen coagulation, and more pronounced molecular changes compared with monopolar mode in a porcine animal model.
Anniversary highlights importance of protection and advocacy system
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2024

As the organization Disability Rights Iowa prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary as the state's protection and advocacy (P&A) entity, its top administrator is reflecting on accomplishments that can't always be measured in the precise numbers of individuals served.
Preconditioned discontinuous Galerkin method and convection‐diffusion‐reaction problems with guaranteed bounds to resulting spectra
Authors: Gaynutdinova Liya , Ladecký Martin , Pultarová Ivana , Vlasák Miloslav , Zeman Jan
Published: February 2024

This paper focuses on the design, analysis and implementation of a new preconditioning concept for linear second order partial differential equations, including the convection‐diffusion‐reaction problems discretized by Galerkin or discontinuous Galerkin methods. We expand on the approach introduced by Gergelits et al. and adapt it to the more general settings, assuming that both the original and preconditioning matrices are composed of sparse matrices of very low ranks, representing local contributions to the global matrices. When applied to a symmetric problem, the method provides bounds to all individual eigenvalues of the preconditioned matrix. We show that this preconditioning strategy works not only for Galerkin discretization, but also for the discontinuous Galerkin discretization, where local contributions are associated with individual edges of the triangulation. In the case of nonsymmetric problems, the method yields guaranteed bounds to real and imaginary parts of the resulting eigenvalues. We include some numerical experiments illustrating the method and its implementation, showcasing its effectiveness for the two variants of discretized (convection‐)diffusion‐reaction problems.
Preparation and corrosion resistance of polyaniline and waterborne polyurethane composite coating film
Authors: Yu Huan , Xu Zhenhua , Fang Tao , Zhang Man , Xu Yan , Liu Jiesheng , Tan Xiaoming
Published: February 2024

Polyaniline (PANI) particles were synthesized using aniline (AN), dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA), and ammonium persulfate (APS). The particles were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A PANI/waterborne polyurethane composite material (PANI‐WPU) was obtained by combining it with polyethylene glycol (PEG600), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), dimethylol propionic acid (DMPA), N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), and dibutyltin lauric acid (DBTDL). The structure was characterized by the FTIR spectrum. The mechanical characteristics of the coating film were evaluated with respect to the PANI content, as well as its water absorption, glossiness, electrochemical corrosion resistance, and acid and alkali resistance. The PANI/waterborne polyurethane film has a maximum tensile strength of 23  MPa, an elongation of 1012%, a pencil hardness of 5H, a flexibility of 2 mm, an impact resistance of 50 cm, the water absorption of 14.66%, and the glossiness of 99.9 at 60°. When the PANI content is 0.7%, the mechanical characteristics, glossiness, and anti‐corrosion performance of the composite film improve. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the aqueous polyurethane coating film with PANI can reach 99.74%, as shown by the examination of electrochemical polarization curves and impedance spectra. The tinplate is coated with a 0.7% PANI‐WPU composite material and edge sealing. This coating provides excellent protection against acid and alkali resistance, as demonstrated by its ability to withstand immersion in 10% H2SO4 and 10% NaOH solution for 90 days without any paint peeling off.
A study on theoretical predictive model and experimental findings of melt‐electrospinning process
Authors: Wubneh Abiy , Kim Chun‐Il , Ayranci Cagri
Published: February 2024

The current study extends a previous work published by the authors in which an analytical predictive model is proposed to simulate the melt‐electrospinning process. The analytical model is specifically designed to predict the various behaviors of the melt‐electrospun fiber under different material and processing conditions. A brief discussion of this model is presented here to establish context and help the reader capture the modeling philosophy employed. The current study complements the previous work by focusing on the experimental aspects of the research. Correlations between the independent process parameters and the topological attributes of the melt‐electrospun fibers are investigated and compared with findings from the theoretical model. The effects of changes in the process parameters on average fiber diameters and the collection diameter are experimentally analyzed using the design of experiments (DOE) techniques. Toward this end, polylactic acid (PLA) is melt‐electrospun at different treatment levels of the processing parameters in a controlled environment. Two regression‐based models—one for predicting the collection diameter and the other for the fiber diameter—are derived from the DOE data for benchmarking and quantitative evaluation of the predictive performance of the theoretical model. The theoretical model is run based on the same treatment levels as the experiment. The elastic parameter values used in the theoretical simulation are extracted from rheological tests. Comparison between the simulated and the observed fiber characteristics revealed that the collector diameter predictions by the theoretical model exhibited approximately a 16.7% difference compared to 24.2% for the average fiber diameter. Finally, a discussion is presented on the challenges and potential factors contributing to the observed differences. Overall, given the identified challenges and gaps in material characterization, the results of the theoretical predictive model are encouraging.
Effect of hybrid filler loading (Polyalthia longifolia seed and graphite) on the mechanical and thermal properties of vinyl ester composites
Authors: Manikandan Durairaj , Sathish Gandhi Veeramalai Chinnasamy , Kumaravelan Radhakrishnan , Vignesh Venkataraman
Published: February 2024

This research paper focuses on the use of solid biomass waste, specifically a combination of Polyalthia longifolia seed (PLSF) and graphite (GH) powder, as reinforcements in vinyl ester (VE) composites. The composites were produced via the hand layup method, with the filler concentration varying from 0 to 15 wt% of PLSF and 0–9 wt% of graphite. The objective was to examine the influence of the hybrid filler on the mechanical characteristics of the composites. The mechanical properties of composites prepared from P. longifolia seeds and graphite powder were experimentally characterized. These properties included tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, and hardness. The hybrid composite had a maximum tensile strength of 48.4 MPa, and its tensile modulus was 1.66 GPa. The hybrid filler at 15% wt% of PLSF and 6% of graphite has the highest flexural strength, which is around 148 MPa. The ultimate impact strength and hardness were measured to be 41.3 kJ/m2 and 44.5, respectively, after the addition of 15 and 6 wt% of hybrid filler. In comparison to neat vinyl ester resin, the PLSF/GH‐VE composites exhibited an increase in tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness of 2.69, 1.82, 3.03, and 1.59 times, respectively. Hybrid composite surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopes to determine surface characteristics and fractured surfaces. In addition, the PLSF/GH‐VE composites have been utilized in the production of components for four‐wheelers.

Highlights

Investigated the impact of hybrid filler‐reinforced vinyl ester composites.

Mechanical and thermal properties were experimentally characterized.

Surface characteristics and fractured surfaces were examined.

PLSF/GH‐VE composites are used in producing components for four‐wheelers.
Evidence for molecular tungsten ionic species presence in impurity‐seeded hydrogen plasma in contact with W surfaces
Authors: Stoica Silviu Daniel , Craciun Cristina , Acsente Tomy , Mitu Bogdana , Dinescu Gheorghe
Published: February 2024

We performed an investigation of tungsten ionic species presence in hydrogen plasmas in contact with a tungsten surface, both in the presence of air impurities and when injected with argon. The study was carried out in a magnetron sputtering system complemented with mass spectrometry diagnostics. Our findings reveal that these plasmas encompass a diverse range of tungsten molecular ionic species in the mass range of 180–250 amu, broadly described as WHxNyOz+ (x = 0–3; y = 0–2; z = 0–3). The validity of these results was further confirmed through dedicated mass spectrometry investigations involving tungsten sputtering discharges in argon–nitrogen and argon–oxygen mixtures.
Hygroscopicity of nitrocellulose with different nitrogen content
Authors: Cao Xiang , Nan Fengqiang , Zheng Yiying , Chen Ling , He Weidong
Published: February 2024

Research on the hygroscopic behavior of NC is essential because it affects the mechanical properties, combustion properties, and safe storage of NC‐based products. In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to characterize the chemical structure, crystal structure, and microscopic morphology of NC, respectively. The moisture adsorption isotherms of NC fibers with different nitrogen content are determined by dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) and fitted with Hailwood‐Horrobin (H−H) and Guggenheim‐Anderson‐de Boer (GAB) models. The specific surface area and surface energy of NC are also measured by inverse gas chromatography (IGC). The results show that as the nitrogen content of NC increases, the intensity of the −OH characteristic absorption peak is weakened, the crystallinity does not change much, the number of cracks and pores on the NC fiber surface increases, and the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of the NC decreases in general. In addition, the fitting results based on the H−H and GAB models show that, under low humidity conditions, the EMC value of NC is determined by the adsorbed water content of the monolayer, which is mainly related to the −OH content in NC. However, with the increase of humidity, the EMC value of NC is gradually determined by the multilayer adsorbed water content, which is influenced by both the nitrogen content and the fiber cleavage structure. Meanwhile, the IGC results show that the surface energy of the NC consists mainly of the dispersive surface energy (values >46 mJ m−2), with the specific surface energy contributing approximately 25 mJ m−2. The total surface energy of NC and the bonding strength between NC molecules and water molecules decrease with increasing nitrogen content.