bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Prompt” for PREEMPT: Dotting the I's and Crossing the T's With Ultrasound
Authors: Abdulsalam Ahmad Jasem , Analay Pelin , Kara Murat , El Oumri Ahmed Amine , Özçakar Levent
Published: July 2024

The management of chronic migraine (CM) underwent a significant shift with the introduction of onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT‐A) injections following the landmark PREEMPT trial in 2010. Despite its efficacy, the existing injection protocol lacks precision, prompting a call for revision in light of modern ultrasound (US)‐guided techniques. This article highlights the potential of US‐guided injections to enhance accuracy, safety, and efficacy in CM treatment. By providing real‐time visualization and addressing anatomical variations, US guidance offers a promising avenue for optimizing BoNT‐A delivery, minimizing adverse effects, and ensuring therapeutic success.
Geschmacksaktive Naturstoffe in Kammmuscheln und weiteren Meeresfrüchten
Authors: Dirndorfer Sebastian , Hofmann Thomas F.
Published: July 2024

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden geschmacksaktive Verbindungen in Kammmuscheln und weiteren Meeresfrüchten identifiziert, quantifiziert sowie sensorisch untersucht. Zur massenspektrometrischen Quantifizierung der meeresfrüchtespezifischen Geschmacksstoffe wurden stabilisotopenmarkierte und methylveresterte interne Standards synthetisiert. Basierend auf den so ermittelten quantitativen und sensorischen Daten der identifizierten Verbindungen wurde der Einfluss dieser Verbindungen auf den Geschmack eines Kammmuschelextrakts bestimmt. Besonderer Fokus lag hierbei auf den Substanzklassen der Opine und Mycosporinähnlichen Aminosäuren.
Measurement of the Dispersion of χ(3)$\chi ^{(3)}$ of SiO2${\rm SiO}_2$ and SiN Across the THz and Far‐Infrared Frequency Bands
Authors: Zhou Binbin , Rasmussen Mattias , Zibod Soheil , Yan Siqi , Noori Narwan Kabir , Nagy Oliver , Ding Yunhong , Lange Simon Jappe , Dolgaleva Ksenia , Boyd Robert W. , Jepsen Peter Uhd
Published: July 2024

Terahertz (THz) radiation sources based on two‐color femtosecond plasmas in air are becoming a mature technology for coherent spectroscopy and strong‐field physics across the extended THz range to several tens of THz. The field‐resolved detection of such THz transients relies on the third‐order nonlinearity of the detection medium. Here, a comparative measurement is demonstrated with air‐biased coherent detection (ABCD) and solid‐state biased detection (SSBCD) as a novel method to measure the dispersion of the magnitude and phase of the relevant third‐order nonlinearity for fused silica () and silicon nitride (SiN). Based on the development of the ultrabroadband SSBCD device with a detection bandwidth exceeding 30 THz, measurements are obtained across the 1–28 THz frequency range, hence covering the THz and far‐infrared. It is shown that the vibrational modes in and SiN in the THz range lead to strong resonant enhancement and dispersion of the nonlinearity. The SSBCD devices operate down to nanojoule (nJ) probe energy, and their is demonstrated by measuring the dielectric function of the Lorentzian line profile of transverse‐optical (TO) phonon mode at 9 THz in single‐crystal gallium arsenide (GaAs) and observing the weak phonon combination bands near the TO phonon.
Energy Transfer‐Assisted Color Conversion of Persistent Mechanoluminescence in RhB@SiO2/SrAl2O4:Eu,Dy System for Multilevel Information Encryption
Authors: Deng Yuan , Peng Danni , Shen Cheng‐Long , Sun Junlu , Zheng Guangsong , Chang Shulong , Liang Yachuan , He Jun , Shan Chong‐Xin , Dong Lin
Published: July 2024

Persistent mechanoluminescence (PML) is highly desirable for its ability to overcome transient‐emitting behavior, but its applications are hindered by the limited emission wavelengths. Herein, a universal chemical interlinkage‐assisted efficient energy transfer (ET) strategy is introduced to achieve color conversion from green to red in traditional PML materials. A straightforward chemical route to create the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system is established via covalent chemical interlinkage by depositing mesoporous silica‐encapsulated Rhodamine B (RhB) nanoparticles (RhB@SiO2) onto SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy (SAOED) particles. The resulting system exhibits a high ET efficiency of 53.5%. The multicolor PML of the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system remains visible to the naked eye for exceeding 28 s after mechanical stimulation. With this unique PML behavior, the RhB@SiO2/SAOED system demonstrates the potential applications ranging from visualized reading activities to multi‐mode anticounterfeiting. This universal PML color‐conversion strategy provides a new approach to high‐performance mechanical light energy‐conversion systems and may further inspire more diverse functional applications of classical PML materials.
Operational risk management – Measurement and evaluation of friction coefficients for geotextile sandbags for flood protection
Authors: Thomisch M. , Lock L. , Eckstein T. , Forderer B.
Published: July 2024

The present work focuses on the friction coefficient for various geotextile sandbag structures especially dikes under different conditions. Based on the review of existing investigations there are several gaps to close. Former investigations do not include the whole scope of needed surfaces and conditions. Especially the friction coefficients for polypropylene and even for jute as material mainly used for small geotextile sandbags are not fully available. Additionally, the influence of the surface moisture is not consequently investigated, particularly for jute. Due to this, eleven test series (three with sandbag on sandbag configuration and eight with sandbag on ground surface) with 780 single readings are finalized. In comparison to former studies there are results for surface combinations of good harmonization and those with differences. A comparison of the earlier studies already shows different results Summarized it can be stated that the presented results are representative friction coefficients for calculation of realistic sandbag structures e. g., sandbag dikes or spring cascades.
Measurement of T1ρ dispersion with compressed sensing and magnetization prepared radial balanced steady‐state free precession in spontaneous human osteoarthritis
Authors: Pala S. , Paajanen A. , Ristaniemi A. , Nippolainen E. , Afara I. O. , Nykänen O. , Nissi M. J.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To assess the potential for accelerating continuous‐wave (CW) T1ρ dispersion measurement with compressed sensing approach via studying the effect that the data reduction has on the ability to detect differences between intact and degenerated articular cartilage with different spin‐lock amplitudes and to assess quantitative bias due to acceleration.

Methods

Osteochondral plugs (n = 27, 4 mm diameter) from femur (n = 14) and tibia (n = 13) regions from human cadaver knee joints were obtained from commercial biobank (Science Care, USA) under Ethical permission 134/2015. MRI of specimens was performed at 9.4T with magnetization prepared radial balanced SSFP (bSSFP) readout sequence, and the CWT1ρ relaxation time maps were computed from the measured data. The relaxation time maps were evaluated in the cartilage zones for different acceleration factors. For reference, Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) grading and biomechanical measurements were performed and correlated with the MRI findings.

Results

Four‐fold acceleration of CWT1ρ dispersion measurement by compressed sensing approach was feasible without meaningful loss in the sensitivity to osteoarthritic (OA) changes within the articular cartilage. Differences were significant between intact and OA groups in the superficial and transitional zones, and CWT1ρ correlated moderately with the reference measurements (0.3 < r < 0.7).

Conclusion

CWT1ρ was able to differentiate between intact and OA cartilage even with four‐fold acceleration. This indicates that acceleration of CWT1ρ dispersion measurement by compressed sensing approach is feasible with negligible loss in the sensitivity to osteoarthritic changes in articular cartilage.
Rasch analysis of the modified Fatigue Severity Scale in neuromuscular disorders and comparison between sex, age and diagnoses
Authors: Fulton Joshua P. J. , Holt James K. L. , Mills Roger J. , Young Carolyn A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction/Aims

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom encountered in the neuromuscular clinic. The 7‐item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS‐7) is a Rasch‐modified assessment validated in inflammatory neuropathies but not across a typical neuromuscular patient population. The aim of this study was to validate this measure in neuromuscular disorders and to compare between patient sex, age and diagnoses.

Methods

The modified FSS‐7 was mailed to patients recruited from a specialist neuromuscular clinic at the Walton Centre. Responses were subjected to Rasch analysis and descriptive statistics were performed on the Rasch converted data.

Results

The mFSS‐7 met the Rasch model expectations with an overall Chi‐square probability of 0.4918, a strict unidimensional scale free from differential item functioning (DIF) that satisfied the model with substantial test–retest reliability using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.77). A 15.7% ceiling effect was observed in this patient cohort. Post hoc analysis did not show any significant difference in fatigue between sex, age or neuromuscular diagnoses.

Discussion

The self‐completed Rasch mFSS‐7 showed acceptable test–retest reliability across patients with varied disorders under follow‐up in a specialist neuromuscular clinic. The ceiling effect constrains its use for those with the most severe fatigue. Future considerations could include assessment of the benefits of clinical interventions, particularly multidisciplinary team input or dedicated fatigue clinics.
Urodynamic analysis of the effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on the bladder after spinal cord injury
Authors: Lu Junyan , Cheng Bo , Lin Le
Published: July 2024

Objective

Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongji (CV3) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) are the most frequently used acupoints for treating neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, there has been no investigation to clarify the differences in effects of these acupoints in different types of neurogenic bladder.

Methods

The study was structured with a randomized, two‐phase cross over design with a washout period. A routine urodynamic examination was performed first, then, in the order of grouping, electroacupuncture was performed on CV4, CV3, and SP6, respectively，and urodynamic examination was performed to observe the changes of urodynamic indexes in real time.

Results

When undergoing electroacupuncture at CV4, CV3, and SP6 in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO), the bladder volume at the first occurrence of DO and maximum cystometric capacity increased (p < 0.05), but maximum detrusor pressure (Pdetmax) at DO decreased (p < 0.05), and the changes using CV4 and CV3 was more significantly than using SP6 (p < 0.05). And in patients with in neurogenic detrusor underactivity, there were no significant changes in maximum urinary flow rate and Pdetmax during urination (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The immediate relief effect of electroacupuncture at CV4, CV3 on DO was greater than at SP6.
Impact of Reduced Acidic Earwax pH and Earwax‐Determinant Genotypes in Acquired Middle Ear Cholesteatoma
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Kusunoki Takeshi , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Kamiya Kazusaku , Toyoda Yu , Takata Yusuke , Anzai Takashi , Furukawa Masayuki , Okada Hiroko , Nakayama Takumi , Ikeda Katsuhisa , Matsumoto Fumihiko
Published: July 2024

Objective

The development of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma is associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism, 538G>A, in the human adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter C11 (ABCC11) gene, which is a determinant of the earwax morphotype, such as wet‐ and dry‐type earwax; however, the mechanism underlying this association is unclear. We focused on the earwax pH and aimed to elucidate the mechanism between ABCC11 genotypes and acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Single‐center, academic hospital.

Methods

We recruited 40 patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma who underwent surgery and 115 controls with no history of middle ear cholesteatoma. We assessed the earwax pH and ABCC11 genotypes in all participants. Clinical information was collected from the patients with cholesteatoma.

Results

The earwax pH was significantly less acidic in patients with cholesteatoma and those carrying wet earwax genotypes (ABCC11 538G/G or 538G/A) than in the controls and those carrying the dry earwax genotype (ABCC11 538A/A), respectively. Furthermore, earwax pH was significantly positively correlated with high preoperative cholesteatoma stages in the patients with cholesteatoma.

Conclusion

Our results show that the less acidic earwax pH was significantly related to the development and progression of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma. The less acidic earwax pH may play an important role in the mechanism underlying the association between acquired middle ear cholesteatoma and the ABCC11 gene at site 538.
The impact of comparative genomic hybridization/single‐nucleotide polymorphism microarray in risk stratification of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gourmel Antoine , Perrault Héloïse , Colaiacovo Marie‐Laure , Laramée Louise , Rozendaal Marieke , Bittencourt Henrique , Laverdière Caroline , Champagne Josette , Cellot Sonia , Silverman Lewis B. , Lemyre Emmanuelle , Maftei Catalina , Mathonnet Géraldine , Tihy Frédérique , Pelland‐Marcotte Marie‐Claude , Léveillé France , Tran Thai Hoa
Published: July 2024

Background

The objective of this study is to assess the concordance and added value of combined comparative genomic hybridization plus single‐nucleotide polymorphism microarray (CGH/SNP) analyses in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) risk stratification compared to conventional cytogenetic methods.

Procedure

This is a retrospective study that included patients aged 1–18 years diagnosed with de novo ALL at Sainte‐Justine Hospital between 2016 and 2021. Results from conventional cytogenetic and molecular analyses were collected and compared to those of CGH/SNP.

Results

A total of 135 ALL patients were included. Sample failures or non‐diagnostic analyses occurred in 17.8% cases with G‐banding karyotypes versus 1.5% cases with CGH/SNP. The mean turnaround time for results was significantly faster for CGH/SNP than karyotype with 5.8 versus 10.7 days, respectively. The comparison of ploidy assessment by CGH/SNP and G‐banding karyotype showed strong concordance (r = .82, p < .001, r2 = .68). Furthermore, G‐banding karyotype did not detect additional clinically relevant aberrations that were missed by the combined analysis of CGH/SNP and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The most common gene alterations detected by CGH/SNP were deletions involving CDKN2A (35.8%), ETV6 (31.3%), CDKN2B (28.4%), PAX5 (20.1%), IKZF1 (12.7%), and copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN‐LOH) of 9p (9.0%). Among these, only ETV6 deletion was found to have a significant prognostic impact with superior event‐free survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted hazard ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.50, p = .02).

Conclusion

CGH/SNP provided faster, reliable, and highly concordant results than those obtained by conventional cytogenetics. CGH/SNP identified recurrent gene deletions in pediatric ALL, of which ETV6 deletion conferred a favorable prognosis.
Assessment of bronchodilator response in preschoolers: A systematic review
Authors: Wong Matthew D. , Condon Kathleena , Robinson Paul D. , Suresh Sadasivam , Zahir Syeda Farah , Sly Peter D. , Blake Tamara L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Several techniques can be used to assess bronchodilator response (BDR) in preschool‐aged children, including spirometry, respiratory oscillometry, the interrupter technique, and specific airway resistance. However, there has not been a systematic comparison of BDR thresholds across studies yet.

Methods

A systematic review was performed on all studies up to May 2023 measuring a bronchodilator effect in children 2–6 years old using one of these techniques (PROSPERO CRD42021264659). Studies were identified using MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL via EBSCO, Web of Science databases, and reference lists of relevant manuscripts.

Results

Of 1224 screened studies, 43 were included. Over 85% were from predominantly European ancestry populations, and only 22 studies (51.2%) calculated a BDR cutoff based on a healthy control group. Five studies included triplicate testing with a placebo to account for the within‐subject intrasession repeatability. A relative BDR was most consistently reported by the included studies (95%) but varied widely across all techniques. Various statistical methods were used to define a BDR, with six studies using receiver operating characteristic analyses to measure the discriminative power to distinguish healthy from wheezy and asthmatic children.

Conclusion

A BDR in 2‐ to 6‐year‐olds cannot be universally defined based on the reviewed literature due to inconsistent methodology and cutoff calculations. Further studies incorporating robust methods using either distribution‐based or clinical anchor‐based approaches to define BDR are required.
Near‐Infrared Thermometer Based on Stark Energy Levels of Yb3+ in Garnet
Authors: Zhang Qixuan , Ueda Jumpei , Zheng Ruilin , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: July 2024

A Yb3+‐doped Gd3Al2Ga3O12 garnet (GAGG) Boltzmann thermometer is prepared and studied in this work. Due to the Boltzmann distribution of the population of Stark sublevels of Yb3+, the photoluminescence peaks of Yb3+ in the wavelength range of 950–1000 and 1000–1050 nm exhibit opposite temperature dependencies, which makes the luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) of two Yb3+ peaks work as a luminescence thermometer with a relative sensitivity of 1.6% K−1 at 200 K. It is worth nothing that this LIR value still follows the Arrhenius model at temperatures as low as 200 K. In these results, it is suggested that Yb3+‐doped GAGG thermometer can achieve high sensitivity for accurate temperature measurements. In addition, the accurate position of various Stark sublevels of Yb3+ in GAGG is obtained for the first time. In this work, it is confirmed that the Yb3+‐doped GAGG thermometer exhibits potential applications in the fields of microelectronics and biology.
Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors with Composite Film of Indium Tin Oxide Nanocrystals Dispersed in Poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Xia Yijie , Huang Pengju , Lin Xinming , Wu Luchao , Li Ke , Gao Chenming , Zhong Gaoyu
Published: July 2024

Flexible pressure sensors have attracted much attention because of their application prospects in wearable devices, electronic skin, and health monitoring. However, it is still difficult to obtain pressure sensors with excellent performance simply and efficiently. Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a widely used transparent conductive material, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is an elastic insulating material with the advantages of easy processing and stable mechanical properties. ITO nano‐crystalline particles are dispersed into PVA polymers to form an ITO nanocrystalline‐PVA composite film with good electrical conductivity as a piezorestoresistive material, fabricating a pressure sensor with excellent performance. The pressure sensor possesses superior sensitivity (641.15 kPa−1), wide detection range (0–80 kPa), fast response time (10.93 ms), and recovery time (8.05 ms), and excellent stability (more than 1500 cycles). The pressure sensor shows excellent performance in a variety of applications, such as pulse testing, speech recognition, and detection of various joint movements of the human body (such as knees, fingers, elbows, etc.). The sensor has application prospects in health monitoring and motion perception.
Using a Negative Poisson's Ratio to Mitigate Stress Concentrations in Perforated Composite Plates
Authors: Harkati Amine , Chouai Said , Harkati El‐Haddi , Bezazi Abderrezak , Ellagoune Salah , Scarpa Fabrizio
Published: July 2024

Stress concentrations pose a significant challenge in designing and optimizing composite components, often resulting in structural alterations and crack formation. This study delves into a detailed numerical and analytical analysis of stress concentration factors in composite materials, with a specific focus on the influence of negative Poisson's ratio and out‐of‐plane modulus. By exploring the interaction of these material properties, the objective is to devise effective strategies for alleviating stress concentrations in composite structures. Through analytical and numerical simulations, a robust correlation between the customized Poisson's ratio and modulus and the mitigation of stress concentration factors, particularly in epoxy/graphite‐reinforced composites are established. This tailored approach has the potential to enhance energy absorption capabilities and consequently reduce the risk of crack propagation in perforated laminated composite plates. This research findings offer valuable insights into composite material design, presenting innovative solutions for enhancing structural integrity and reducing susceptibility to stress‐related issues.
Tin Gallium Oxide Epilayers on Different Substrates: Optical and Compositional Analysis
Authors: Hunter Daniel. A. , Naresh‐Kumar Gunasekar , Edwards Paul R. , Makydonska Olha , Massabuau Fabien C. P. , Hatipoglu Isa , Mukhopadhyay Partha , Schoenfeld Winston V. , Martin Robert W.
Published: July 2024

Electron beam techniques have been used to analyze the impact of substrate choice and growth parameters on the compositional and optical properties of tin gallium oxide [(SnxGa1−x)2O3] thin films grown by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Sn incorporation and film quality are found to be highly dependent on growth temperature and substrate material (silicon, sapphire, and bulk Ga2O3) with alloy concentrations varying up to an x value of 0.11. Room temperature cathodoluminescence spectra show the Sn alloying suppressing UV (3.3–3.0 eV), enhancing blue (2.8–2.4 eV), and generating green (2.4–2.0 eV) emission, indicative of the introduction of a high density of gallium vacancies (VGa) and subsequent VGa–Sn complexes. This behavior was further analyzed by mapping composition and luminescence across a cross section. Compared to Ga2O3, the spectral bands show a clear redshift due to bandgap reduction, confirmed by optical transmission measurements. The results show promise that the bandgap of gallium oxide can successfully be reduced through Sn alloying and used for bandgap engineering within UV optoelectronic devices.
Consumer Financial Protection Versus Catastrophic Healthcare Expenditure in Zambia
Authors: Fombang MccPowell , Wanzala Richard Wamalwa
Published: July 2024

Background

Out‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenses for healthcare are regarded as catastrophic, especially if they account for a substantial amount of a poor household's effective income. This study looks at the frequency and severity of catastrophic healthcare expenditures (CHE) to evaluate the level of monetary safeguarding provided by the present healthcare system in Zambia.

Methods

The study relied on the 2014 Zambia Household Health Expenditure and Utilization Survey, which was carried out in 10 different provinces. The investigated population is divided into quintiles, which divide family units into five groups, each of which represents 20% of the population. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and pairwise comparisons among the quintiles.

Results

At 5% level of significance, pairwise analyses of the average of OOP healthcare expenditures as a proportion of non‐food spending reveal that the quintiles have statistically different means. If 10% limit is employed, the concentration index was −0.41, whereas was −0.67. At a 10% limit, the adjusted headcount () is 0.37, and the adjusted overshoot () is 0.15%.

Conclusion

The frequency and severity of CHE were negligible during the study period. However, the less fortunate are more susceptible compared to the wealthy to be subjected to the occurrence and severity of CHE. Therefore, policy changes ought to emphasize the protection of the poor and vulnerable to accomplish the goal of universal healthcare (UHC). Finally, research is suggested to include equity and quality in the use of healthcare services.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Health Workers and Caregivers Towards Retinopathy of Prematurity in Uganda: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Lusobya Rebecca Claire , Atukunda Immaculate , Semulimi Andrew Weil , Nalukenge Carol , Kalinaki Abubaker , Denis Erima , Nyanzi Mary , Batte Charles , Mukunya David , Mukisa John , Otiti‐Sengeri Juliet , Wabulembo Geoffrey
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant global issue and a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness. Early screening and timely management of preterm babies at risk are crucial. To effectively implement this strategy, it is essential that caregivers and health workers are well‐informed about ROP. This study plays a vital role in assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of caregivers and healthcare workers towards ROP in Uganda, providing valuable insights into the current understanding and approach towards this condition.

Method

We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods study, involving 214 participants. This group included 12 paediatricians, 56 neonatal nurses and 146 caregivers, all of whom play crucial roles in the healthcare system. The study was conducted at two tertiary hospital neonatal clinics in Uganda. A researcher‐administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the data on the participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices. Descriptive statistics were used to describe variables, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

We recruited 146 caregivers with a mean age of 29.4 (±standard deviation 6.5) years, 12 paediatricians with a median age of 37 years (IQR: 36–41) and 56 nurses with a median age of 35 years (30–42). The median working duration of health workers at the neonatal unit was 3 (IQR: 1.8–4.2) years. Thirty‐two (21.92%) caregivers and 28 (49.12%) health workers had good knowledge about ROP, whereas 9 nurses and 2 paediatricians did not know about ROP. Barriers to ROP screening included limited resources (equipment, time and skilled personnel) and limited parental involvement. Enhancing collaboration among medical care teams has the potential to improve ROP screening.

Conclusion

Insufficient knowledge about ROP among caregivers calls for increased efforts to educate and sensitise them about ROP and its risk factors.
Atomically Dispersed Ni on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Substrate Enhances Basic HER Performance of Ru Clusters**
Authors: Jiao Penggang , Chen Shuang , Wu Wenliu , Li Zhiwei , Xu Peng , Gomaa Hassanien , An Cuihua , Qin Chunling , Deng Qibo , Hu Ning
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a viable method to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources. Nonetheless, water electrolysis necessitates using effective electrocatalysts to enhance the efficiency of converting electrical energy into chemical energy. Compared with the high cost of platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru)‐based materials show significant promise as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, a Ru cluster supported on a nitrogen‐doped carbon substrate containing an atomically dispersed nickel electrocatalyst is synthesized (NiRu‐NC). In NiRu‐NC electrocatalyst, Ru clusters act as primary active sites, while atomically dispersed Ni atoms act as auxiliary sites. The HER activity of Ru clusters is enhanced by modifying the electronic structure of Ru sites. This unique structure enhances the interaction between the Ru cluster and the substrate, showing excellent HER performance in an alkaline environment. The overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 is only 25 mV, and the Tafel slope is 29 mV dec−1. In continuous operation for 24 h, the overpotential value hardly rose, indicating exemplary stability behavior of the applied NiRu‐NC electrocatalyst.
Electrochemical Investigation of ZnS/NiO Nanocomposite based Symmetric Supercapattery
Authors: Saleem Shumaila , Khalid Sadia , Nazir Aalia , Khan Yaqoob , Farooq Khizir
Published: July 2024

Supercapattery is an ideal energy storage device combining the features of supercapacitors and batteries, offers a high‐energy density as well as high‐power density with extended operational lifespan. In this work, zinc sulfide (ZnS) and zinc sulfide/nickel oxide (ZnS/NiO) nanocomposite was synthesized via chemical coprecipitation method and characterized using state‐of‐the‐art analytical tools. The ZnS/NiO electrode exhibited remarkable electrochemical performance as an electrode material than pure ZnS. The ZnS/NiO nanocomposite exhibited high crystallinity, and spherical nanoparticles with an average grain size of 20–40 nm having a homogeneous dispersion. The ZnS/NiO electrode exhibited an ultrahigh specific capacity of 1803.87 Cg−1 at a relatively low scan rate of 10 mVs−1 in a 1 M KOH solution from cyclic voltammetry and 393 Cg−1 at 16 Ag−1 from charge discharge measurements, and it showed exceptional cycling stability (98 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles). Furthermore, the ZnS/NiO symmetric supercapattery device exhibited 44.43 Fg−1 specific capacitance, 5.52 Wh kg−1 energy density, and 1600 Wkg−1 power density at current density of 0.8 Ag−1 in 1 M KOH solution from galvanostatic charge discharge. After 3000 cycles, the ZnS/NiO nanomaterial demonstrated promising cyclic stability of 95 %. The ZnS/NiO supercapattery nanocomposite might be considered as a potential hybrid electrode material for the future development of electrochemical energy storage devices.
Advances in pH Sensing: From Traditional Approaches to Next‐Generation Sensors in Biological Contexts
Authors: Hassan Akhtar Mahmood , Azhar Hayat Nawaz Muhammad , Abbas Manzar , Liu Ning , Han Wenzhao , Lv Yan , Yu Cong
Published: July 2024

pH has been considered one of the paramount factors in bodily functions because most cellular tasks exclusively rely on precise pH values. In this context, the current techniques for pH sensing provide us with the futuristic insight to further design therapeutic and diagnostic tools. Thus, pH‐sensing (electrochemically and optically) is rapidly evolving toward exciting new applications and expanding researchers’ interests in many chemical contexts, especially in biomedical applications. The adaptation of cutting‐edge technology is subsequently producing the modest form of these biosensors as wearable devices, which are providing us the opportunity to target the real‐time collection of vital parameters, including pH for improved healthcare systems. The motif of this review is to provide insight into trending tech‐based systems employed in real‐time or in‐vivo pH‐responsive monitoring. Herein, we briefly go through the pH regulation in the human body to help the beginners and scientific community with quick background knowledge, recent advances in the field, and pH detection in real‐time biological applications. In the end, we summarize our review by providing an outlook; challenges that need to be addressed, and prospective integration of various pH in vivo platforms with modern electronics that can open new avenues of cutting‐edge techniques for disease diagnostics and prevention.
Attention Similarity Outlier Suppression with Hierarchical Feature Integration for Defect Segmentation
Authors: Wang Jiamin , Yu Jiawei , Shi Hongbin , Wang Ying
Published: July 2024

Defect segmentation holds significant importance in industrial applications. However, most existing algorithms are tailored to specific scenarios, lacking a unified defect segmentation algorithm for defect segmentation. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of defects, we aim to propose a unified transformer‐based defect segmentation algorithm. On the one hand, the defect foreground exhibits significant differences from the normal background. Nevertheless, the attention mechanism in the transformer involves all feature nodes in the feature map to the similarity score of one patch with all other patches. This approach may compromise the features of potential defect areas where the defect foreground significantly contrasts with the background. We introduce the Attention Similarity Outlier Suppression (ASOS) strategy to address this challenge. Our method is designed to select valid attention scores and filter out outlier scores for appropriate attention fusion, in which the feature of potential defect areas is not easily affected by background. On the other hand, the defect regions often have relatively small areas. We incorporate a Hierarchical Feature Integration (HFI) module in our framework to facilitate defect recognition at different scales. By progressively up‐sampling, features can achieve better integration to generate the final segmentation result. Extensive experiments have verified the effectiveness of our proposed method in defect segmentation tasks. Moreover, thorough ablation studies have demonstrated the efficacy of our algorithm, reinforcing its robust performance. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Topology change and heterotic flux vacua
Authors: Israël Dan , Melnikov Ilarion V. , Minasian Ruben , Proto Yann
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We investigate the interrelation between topology and Narain T-duality of heterotic flux vacua. We present evidence that all 5 and 4-dimensional Minkowski space heterotic flux backgrounds with 8 supercharges have a locus in the moduli space with a T-dual description in terms of a compactification on the product of a K3 surface with a circle or a torus. A test of this equivalence is provided by calculating the new supersymmetric index on both sides of the duality. We examine the implications of these dualities for CHL-like orbifolds that reduce the rank of the gauge group, as well as those that lead to minimal supersymmetry in 4 dimensions. We also discuss properties of flux vacua that preserve minimal supersymmetry in 4 dimensions that cannot be related to conventional compactifications by Narain T-duality. Along the way we point out a number of properties of these vacua, including the role played by non-trivial flat gerbes, the appearance of rational worldsheet CFTs in decompactification limits, and the role of attractive K3 surfaces in backgrounds with minimal supersymmetry. Finally, we discuss the dual pairs from the perspective of M-theory/heterotic duality.
Superradiant instability of charged extremal black holes in Einstein-Born-Infeld gravity
Authors: Wu Zhe-Hua , Lü H.
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We study charged scalar perturbations of charged extremal black holes in Einstein-Born-Infeld theory. Our numerical results indicate that these black holes all suffer from superradiant instability by the unstable quasi-bound states, regardless how small the coupling constant is. We therefore provide a new example that the superradiant stability of the Reissner-Nordström black hole is a fine-tuned result, as in the case when it is embedded in the STU supergravity model. The work is also motivated by the weak gravity conjecture since at the linear coupling constant level, the theory belongs to a subsect of four-derivative corrections in the effective field theory. Our results appear to support the notion that the black holes do decay when gravity is weaker by the correction, but the decaying halftime requires nonlinear effects and cannot be seen at the level of linear coupling constant. The full nonlinear effects also indicate that the black holes can decay even when gravity is stronger.
The Convergence of Some Positive Linear Operators on the Space of Multivariate Continuous Periodic Functions
Authors: Popa Dumitru
Published: July 2024

As a consequence of a general result, we prove that in the case of singular integrals the set of convergence consists only of the two functions $$\textbf{1}$$
1
and $$\cos $$
cos
. We prove also a multivariate version of this result and apply it to find the necessary and sufficient conditions for the convergence of the sequences of positive linear operators associated to the rectangular and triangular summation.
The Similarities in Microbial and Chemical Patterns of Fermentation in Two Open Environments were Promoted by Using 150-Year-Old Nukadoko as Starters
Authors: Yamaguchi Marin , Imai Kota , Chen Dominique , Seong Young ah , Jo Kazuhiro , Ito Kohei
Published: July 2024

Nukadoko, a fermented rice bran employed in traditional Japanese pickling, uses lactic acid bacteria to ferment vegetables. Here, we report the microbial and chemical data of a mixture of matured 150-year-old nukadoko and commercially available rice bran placed in two open environments over 29 days. Across the two environments, Loigolactobacillus was identified as the dominant microbial genera in the later stages of fermentation in nukadoko. The period of increase in the relative abundance of Loigolactobacillus correlated with a decrease in pH and Oxidation–Reduction Potential (ORP) values. While the two environments showed a difference in the rate of change in microbial diversity, they shared the common process through which Loigolactobacillus outcompeted adventitious bacteria in nukadoko, as indicated by the alpha and beta diversity index. Thus, the similarities in microbial and chemical data across two open environments during fermentation using starters indicate that starters contribute to the stability of fermentation in open environments.
Use of the Saccharomycopsis schoenii MET17 promoter for regulated heterologous gene expression
Authors: Rij Mareike , Wendland Jürgen
Published: July 2024

The ability to regulate the expression of genes is a central tool for the characterization of fungal genes. This is of particular interest to study genes required for specific processes or the effect of genes expressed only under specific conditions. Saccharomycopsis species show a unique property of necrotrophic mycoparasitism that is activated upon starvation. Here we describe the use of the MET17 promoter of S. schoenii as a tool to regulate gene expression based on the availability of methionine. Conditional expression was tested using lacZ and GFP reporter genes. Gene expression could be strongly down-regulated by the addition of methionine or cysteine to the growth medium and upregulated by starvation for methionine. We used X-gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-d-galactopyranoside) to detect lacZ-expression in plate assays and ONPG (ortho-nitrophenyl-β-galactopyranoside) as a substrate for β-galactosidase in liquid-phase assays. For in vivo expression analyses we used fluorescence microscopy for the detection and localization of a MET17-driven histone H4-GFP reporter gene. With these assays we demonstrated the usefulness of the MET17 promoter to regulate expression of genes based on methionine availability. In silico analyses revealed similar promoter motifs as found in MET3 genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Ashbya gossypii. This suggests a regulation of the MET17 promoter by CBF1 and MET31/MET32 in conjunction with the transcriptional activator MET4, which were also identified in the S. schoenii genome.
Towards a Classification of Steady-State Bifurcations for Networks with Asymmetric Inputs
Authors: Aguiar Manuela , Dias Ana , Soares Pedro
Published: July 2024

We consider homogeneous coupled cell networks with asymmetric inputs. We obtain general results concerning codimension-one steady-state bifurcations for networks with any number of cells and any number of asymmetric inputs. These results rely solely on the network adjacency matrices eigenvalue structure and the existence, or not, of network synchrony subspaces. For networks with three cells, we describe the possible lattices of synchrony subspaces annotated with the eigenvalues on each synchrony subspace. Applying the previous results, we classify the synchrony-breaking steady-state bifurcations that can occur for three-cell minimal networks with one, two or six asymmetric inputs.
Semantic guidance incremental network for efficiency video super-resolution
Authors: He Xiaonan , Xia Yukun , Qiao Yuansong , Lee Brian , Ye Yuhang
Published: July 2024

In video streaming, bandwidth constraints significantly affect client-side video quality. Addressing this, deep neural networks offer a promising avenue for implementing video super-resolution (VSR) at the user end, leveraging advancements in modern hardware, including mobile devices. The principal challenge in VSR is the computational intensity involved in processing temporal/spatial video data. Conventional methods, uniformly processing entire scenes, often result in inefficient resource allocation. This is evident in the over-processing of simpler regions and insufficient attention to complex regions, leading to edge artifacts in merged regions. Our innovative approach employs semantic segmentation and spatial frequency-based categorization to divide each video frame into regions of varying complexity: simple, medium, and complex. These are then processed through an efficient incremental model, optimizing computational resources. A key innovation is the sparse temporal/spatial feature transformation layer, which mitigates edge artifacts and ensures seamless integration of regional features, enhancing the naturalness of the super-resolution outcome. Experimental results demonstrate that our method significantly boosts VSR efficiency while maintaining effectiveness. This marks a notable advancement in streaming video technology, optimizing video quality with reduced computational demands. This approach, featuring semantic segmentation, spatial frequency analysis, and an incremental network structure, represents a substantial improvement over traditional VSR methodologies, addressing the core challenges of efficiency and quality in high-resolution video streaming.
Menschen mit Demenz anlügen und täuschen? Eine prinzipienorientierte Falldiskussion
Authors: Erdmann Anke
Published: July 2024

In der Langzeitbetreuung von Menschen mit Demenz finden kommunikative Handlungen, die das Potenzial haben, Menschen mit Demenz zu täuschen, auf der Seite des Personals eine unterschiedliche Akzeptanz. Bushaltestellen, an denen kein Bus fährt, falsche Zugabteile, in denen ein Film die vorbeiziehende Landschaft simuliert, das Verstecken von Medikamenten in Nahrungsmitteln sind Interventionen, die Menschen in die Irre führen können, ohne ihnen tatsächlich falsche Informationen zu geben. Derartige kommunikative Praktiken wie Täuschungen, aber auch Lügen, definiert als absichtlich mitgeteilte irreführende Nachrichten, werfen die Frage auf, wie sie ethisch begründet werden können. Anhand einer fiktiven Fallschilderung, in dem eine Pflegeheimbewohnerin mit Hilfe eines vorgetäuschten Telefonanrufs daran gehindert wird, das Heim zu verlassen, zeige ich, dass die Täuschung, als eine von drei möglichen Handlungsoptionen, aus der Fürsorgeperspektive positiv bewertet werden kann, da die Bewohnerin ohne Zwang am Verlassen des Heimes gehindert wird. Das Prinzip der Autonomie aber wird verletzt, da die Bewohnerin nicht frei zwischen der Täuschung und der Realität wählen kann. Hinsichtlich der Verpflichtung gegenüber Dritten ist die Täuschung problematisch, da orientierte Bewohner und Bewohnerinnen die Szene beobachten und befürchten könnten, sie würden ebenfalls getäuscht. Die Synthese der verschiedenen Argumente zeigt, dass ein Spaziergang in Verbindung mit einem validierenden Gespräch als weitere Handlungsoption die Prinzipien der Fürsorge und Autonomie in Einklang bringt, aber aufgrund des Zeitaufwands das Risiko einer ungerechten Verteilung der Pflegeressourcen birgt.
Hemifacial microsomia: a scoping review on progressive facial asymmetry due to mandibular deformity
Authors: Atiba Peterson Makinde , Omotoso Bukola Rukayat , Madaree Anil , Lazarus Lelika
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This scoping review explores various parameters of the mandible in progressive facial asymmetry (FA) in hemifacial microsomia (HFM) patients, highlighting its relationship with sex, population, and age group.

Methods

The review was based on a comprehensive search of PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science. Eligible studies that met the inclusion criteria form part of the selection study. The included studies were appraised using screening and quantitative criteria of mixed-method appraisal tools. The authors utilised a pre-set data extraction form to obtain information from the included studies.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The mandible parameters used were angular measurements, chin point, ramal height, body length, and total length. There was no relationship between FA and sex in HFM patients in the included studies. Most of the studies were comprised of European participants (55%), followed by Americans (36%) and Chinese (9%). The age groups included in the selected studies were categorised as dentition age (18%), early-to-middle childhood (18%), and varied ages (64%). The data presented in this review only pertains to the anomalous characteristics recorded on the affected side in HFM patients. No concomitant control data was recorded in this review.

Conclusion

An assessment of the included studies revealed that FA does not increase with age in HFM. Hence, FA is non-progressive in HFM patients. This information is relevant to diagnosing and managing HFM patients. More reports are needed on the progression of FA in HFM patients.
Comparison of in-person vs. remote administration of cognitive screening tools for people with ALS
Authors: Didcote Lyndsay , Vitoratou Silia , Al-Chalabi Ammar , Goldstein Laura H.
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study investigated whether cognitive screening tools used for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pwALS) are affected by the screen being administered face-to-face or remotely online. It also investigated whether demographic variables predicted total cognitive screen scores.

Methods

The cognitive component of the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECASc), the cognitive component of the ALS Cognitive Behavioural Screen (ALS-CBSc), and the Mini Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (Mini-ACE) were administered to 41 pwALS and 41 controls face-to-face. Versions of the cognitive screens designed to be administered remotely were administered to 57 pwALS and 44 controls via videoconferencing methods.

Backwards stepwise linear regressions were conducted to assess whether total scores on the ECASc, ALS-CBSc, and Mini-ACE scores were predicted by administration mode (face-to-face or remote) or demographic variables.

Results

Mode of administration significantly affected scores on the ECASc and ALS-CBSc; remote administration was associated with better total scores. Administration mode did not significantly affect Mini-ACE scores. All cognitive screens were significantly affected by IQ scores; higher IQ scores predicted better screening tool scores. Only ECASc scores were significantly affected by age, with older age predicting poorer scores. Being female was associated with better Mini-ACE scores; sex did not predict ECASc and ALS-CBSc scores.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that videoconferencing versions of the ECASc and ALS-CBSc may function differently to the original, face-to-face versions. There are advantages to using remote versions of cognitive screening tools but clinicians and researchers who use them should consider that they may not yield equivalent scores.