bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient awareness, disease-specific knowledge, and patient adherence to endovascular treated elective infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Deniz Gokay , Mola Serkan , Iscan Hakki Zafer , Yasar Muhammet Selim , Yildirim Alp , Tumer Naim Boran , Özen Anıl
Published: July 2023

Aim: Patient awareness and disease-specific knowledge are essential for shared decision-making of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. With this pilot survey, we aimed to figure out the obstacles to patient's awareness about the aortic aneurysm before and after the procedure. Material and Methods: Patients who experienced elective endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in our Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic between 2019 to 2023 were the selected patient cohort. The first 50 patients who visited our outpatient clinic were given a questionnaire about their awareness of the aneurysm disease, disease-specific knowledge, and the comprehensibility of the patient information provided before and after the procedure. Results: The mean age of our patients was 66±6.9. Younger patients were more aware of the situation before the information (p=0.013). Patients anxious about the disease were also more conscious about the aortic aneurysm (p=0.02). Although all patients were given preoperative information and disease-specific information by the same team, 13 patients (26%) could not recall anything about the disease and did not recall what operation was performed and why. Thirty-seven patients (74%) gained awareness about the disease. The patients with at least an educational level above high school gained more awareness than others (p=0.04). Conclusion: The Classical informatory model seems insufficient for gaining awareness and consciousness for older patients and with patients with low level of education. Strengthened patient-practitioner interaction with supplemental technologies (leaflets, interactive media, audio tapes, etc.) may improve these patients' shared decision-making. More prospective research is required in this regard.
School-Based Mandatory Masking Policies and Absenteeism in Ottawa, Canada, in 2022
Authors: Thampi Nisha , Schwartz Kevin L. , Science Michelle , Brown Kevin A.
Published: July 2023

This cohort study assesses the association between school-based mandatory masking policies and educational disruption in Ottawa, Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Substances Detected During Coroner Postmortem Toxicology Analyses in Poisoning- and Nonpoisoning-Related Suicides
Authors: Lim Jessy S. , Buckley Nicholas A. , Cairns Rose , Schumann Jennifer , Schaffer Andrea L. , Chitty Kate M.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Determining the association between drug use and suicide is complicated but can help to inform targeted suicide prevention strategies.

Objective

To examine the substances prevalent in poisoning- and nonpoisoning-related suicides in Australia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a multiple-year, cross-sectional study of suicides from July 2013 to October 2019 in Australia with toxicology data available in a national coronial database. The cause of death was classified as poisoning related if any type of poisoning was determined by the coroner to contribute to the cause of death. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated to compare substance detection in poisoning- vs nonpoisoning-related suicides. Data were analyzed from October 2021 to April 2023.

Exposures

All substances detected in decedents at the time of death according to toxicology reports were recorded.

Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)

The most common individual substances and substance classes were identified. From these, blood concentrations of substances of interest were analyzed, and the most commonly occurring combinations of substance classes were listed.

Results

Toxicology was performed on 13 664 suicide decedents (median [IQR] age, 44 [31-57] years; 10 350 male [76%]). From these, 3397 (25%) were poisoning-related suicides (median [IQR] age, 50 [38-63] years; 2124 male [63%]). The remainder were classified as nonpoisoning-related suicides (median [IQR] age, 42 [29-55] years; 8226 male [80%]). PRs for common medicine classes being detected in poisoning-related suicides compared with nonpoisoning-related suicides were as follows: antidepressants (PR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.54-1.73), benzodiazepines (PR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.90-2.13), nonopioid analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs (PR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.78-2.00), and opioids (PR, 2.72; 95% CI, 2.58-2.87). Alcohol (as ethanol ≥0.03 g/100 mL) was almost equally prevalent in poisoning- and nonpoisoning-related deaths (PR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14), whereas amphetamines (PR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.61-0.77) and cannabinoids (PR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.60-0.74) were detected more often in nonpoisoning-related suicides. Combinations of multiple sedative agents in poisoning-related suicides were common.

Conclusions and Relevance

Both poisoning- and nonpoisoning-related suicide deaths featured a high prevalence of psychotropic medicines or potential intoxication, which suggests the association of suicide with poor mental health and substance misuse. Findings suggest that substances with a high involvement in poisoning-related suicides should be prescribed cautiously, including antidepressants that are toxic in overdose, sedatives, opioids, and potentially lethal combinations.
Identification of tumor mutations in plasma based on mutation variant frequency change (MVFC)
Authors: Chen Geng , Peng Fang , Dong Xiuqing , Cai Zhixiong , Li Zhenli , He Lei , Hu Jinpan , Deng Xiaoxu , Guo Yutong , Qiu Liman , Zhou Yang , Liu Jingfeng , Zhang Huqin , Liu Xiaolong
Published: July 2023

To overcome the dependency of strategies utilizing cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) on tissue sampling, the emergence of sequencing panels for non‐invasive mutation screening was promoted. However, cfDNA sequencing with panels still suffers from either inaccuracy or omission, and novel approaches for accurately screening tumor mutations solely based on plasma without gene panel restriction are urgently needed. We performed unique molecular identifier (UMI) target sequencing on plasma samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 85 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients receiving surgical resection, which were divided into an exploration dataset (20 patients) or an evaluation dataset (65 patients). Plasma mutations were identified in pre‐operative plasma, and the mutation variant frequency change (MVFC) between post‐ and pre‐operative plasma was then calculated. In the exploration dataset, we observed that plasma mutations with MVFC < 0.2 were enriched for tumor mutations identified in tumor tissues and had frequency changes that correlated with tumor burden; these plasma mutations were therefore defined as MVFC‐identified tumor mutations. The presence of MVFC‐identified tumor mutations after surgery was related to shorter relapse‐free survival (RFS) in both datasets and thus indicated minimum residual disease (MRD). The combination of MVFC‐identified tumor mutations and Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) could further improve MRD detection (P < 0.0001). Identification of tumor mutations based on MVFC was also confirmed to be applicable with a different gene panel. Overall, we proposed a novel strategy for non‐invasive tumor mutation screening using solely plasma that could be utilized in HCC tumor‐burden monitoring and MRD detection.
Instructional efficiency: The role of prior knowledge and cognitive load
Authors: Ngu Bing Hiong , Phan Huy P. , Usop Hasbee , Hong Kian Sam
Published: July 2023

We used a 2 (prior knowledge: low vs. high) × 4 (instructional approach: unitary vs. unitary‐pictorial vs. equation vs. equation‐pictorial) ANOVA to examine the relationship between instructional approach, student prior knowledge, and personal belief of best practice for learning of the find‐whole percentage problems, which pose a challenge for many middle school students. The unit percentage concept is central to both the unitary approach and the unitary‐pictorial approach, where the latter has a diagram to scaffold the unit percentage concept. Both the equation approach and the equation‐pictorial approach, in contrast, are algebra approaches that integrate relevant information to form an equation, allowing learners to solve for an unknown (e.g., x). Furthermore, the equation‐pictorial approach relies on the proportional concept, scaffolded by a diagram to form an equation. A student's best practice, reflected by what is known as the ‘actual – optimal bests dichotomy’, details her belief in capability to perform task complexity (i.e., simple task vs. complex task). The concept of element interactivity within cognitive load theory framework predicts differential instructional efficiency: equation‐pictorial > equation approach > unitary‐pictorial > unitary. Our findings (N = 218 secondary students) showed that performance outcomes favored high prior knowledge students for complex problems and, to a lesser extent, practice problems and simple problems. Low prior knowledge students benefitted most from the equation‐pictorial approach, and they invested higher mental effort than high prior knowledge students across three approaches (unitary, unitary‐pictorial, equation) but not the equation‐pictorial approach. Importantly, cognitive load imposition, by proxy of students' mental effort, was unrelated to students' belief in optimal best.
Adaptive backstepping event‐triggered attitude tracking fault‐tolerant control for spacecraft systems
Authors: Sun Haibin , Zhu Chunjie , Hou Linlin
Published: July 2023

This article is dedicated to study the problem of attitude tracking fault‐tolerant control for fractionated spacecraft via wireless communication. The practical case is that the spacecraft system always subject to external disturbances, uncertain inertia parameters, and even unknown actuator faults. Under the backstepping control scheme framework, an adaptive attitude tracking fault‐tolerant controller is constructed, where the triggering strategy is set not only in the sensor‐to‐controller channel, but also in the controller‐to‐actuator channel. Hence, continuous communication and Zeno phenomenon are successfully avoided. Then, a fuzzy‐logic system is used to deal with system parameter uncertainties and adaptive control schemes are constructed to estimate unknown parameters. By using Lyapunov function theory, the uniform ultimate boundedness of the closed‐loop system is proved. Finally, the validity of the developed method is demonstrated via simulation results.
“Alcoholic liver disease” — not a perfect term, but a growing problem
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2023

It used to be called alcoholic hepatitis. Many people assumed this meant you had to be an alcoholic — a person with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), in contemporary terms — for alcohol to hurt your liver. And while alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is still used, alcohol‐induced hepatitis has been used more recently. Now, the word “alcohol” is being removed. But this doesn't mean anything: alcohol is the culprit.
Youths' cannabis ER visits continued to rise during pandemic
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2023

Rates of cannabis‐involved emergency department visits among young people, which already were rising prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic, continued to climb in 2020‐22, a newly published report states. Among the many likely contributing factors to the trend include the use of more highly concentrated THC products and an increased use of cannabis to cope with pandemic‐related stress, particularly among girls.
Materials and Manufacturing for Ankle–Foot Orthoses: A Review
Authors: Nouri Alireza , Wang Lijing , Li Yuncang , Wen Cuie
Published: July 2023

Ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) assist patients with gait impairment by correcting ankle and foot deformities, restoring mobility, reducing pain, and providing protection and immobilization. AFOs can effectively manage various types of gait pathologies, including foot drop, crouch gait, equinus gait, and stiff knee gait. AFOs are available in prefabricated or custom‐made forms in various designs. The selection criteria for the fabrication of an AFO are the duration of usage, the amount of applied force, the degree of axial loading, the patient's skin condition, and the cost. The accessibility of diverse materials in the last century has significantly improved orthoses. Ideal orthotic materials must be light, stiff, and strong, and can be made of plastics, metals, polymer‐based composites, leather, or a hybrid of different materials. A deeper understanding of the materials employed in the fabrication of AFOs holds the potential for more advanced and efficient orthoses, which can improve patients’ ability to ambulate in the real world. The present review provides insight into the various materials utilized for the fabrication of AFOs and describes the benefits and challenges associated with the materials. An attempt has also been made to highlight typical gait pathologies and design concepts in response to them.
Effect of Sc Addition on Magnetocaloric Properties of GdTbDyHo High‐Entropy Alloys
Authors: Wang Liang , Lu Zhichao , Wu Yuan , Zhang Yibo , Zhao Rui , Jiang Suihe , Liu Xiongjun , Wang Hui , Ma Dong , Lu Zhaoping
Published: July 2023

The magnetocaloric properties of as‐cast (GdTbDyHo)100−xScx (x = 0–0.5 at%) high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have been studied via microalloying strategy. The results show that microalloying of Sc can effectively enhance the working temperature range and the refrigeration capacity of the base HEA—GdTbDyHo. In particular, with addition of only 0.3 at% Sc, the working temperature range can be elevated up to 108 K under an applied magnetic field of 5 T. This, in turn, results in a remarkable refrigeration capacity as high as 802 J kg−1, which is 30% larger than that of GdTbDyHo HEA. This work shows that microalloying of Sc can be used as an effective way to improve the magnetocaloric performance of rare‐earth HEAs.
Superior Thermoelectric Performance of Textured Ca3Co4−xO9+δ Ceramic Nanoribbons
Authors: Maor Itzhak I. , Kruppa Katharina , Rozencweig Adi , Sterzer Amir , Steinbach Frank , Beilin Vadim , Breidenstein Bernd , Shter Gennady E. , Mann‐Lahav Meirav , Feldhoff Armin , Grader Gideon S.
Published: July 2023

Calcium cobaltite Ca3Co4−xO9+δ (CCO) is a promising p‐type thermoelectric (TE) material for high‐temperature applications in air. The grains of the material exhibit strong anisotropic properties, making texturing and nanostructuring mostly favored to improve thermoelectric performance. On the one hand multitude of interfaces are needed within the bulk material to create reflecting surfaces that can lower the thermal conductivity. On the other hand, low residual porosity is needed to improve the contact between grains and raise the electrical conductivity. In this study, CCO fibers with 100% flat cross sections in a stacked, compact form are electrospun. Then the grains within the nanoribbons in the plane of the fibers are grown. Finally, the nanoribbons are electrospun into a textured ceramic that features simultaneously a high electrical conductivity of 177 S cm−1 and an immensely enhanced Seebeck coefficient of 200 µV K−1 at 1073 K are assembled. The power factor of 4.68 µW cm−1 K−2 at 1073 K in air surpasses all previous CCO TE performances of nanofiber ceramics by a factor of two. Given the relatively high power factor combined with low thermal conductivity, a relatively large figure‐of‐merit of 0.3 at 873 K in the air for the textured nanoribbon ceramic is obtained.
Immersion‐Triggered Switchable Quasi‐BIC with Optical Encryption from 1.5D Metagratings
Authors: Tang Jiao , Dai Chenjie , Shi Yangyang , Wan Shuai , Li Zhe , Li Zhongyang
Published: July 2023

Actively tuning quasi‐bound states in the continuum (q‐BIC) has emerged as a prominent theme in nanophotonics due to its tailored light–matter interaction. However, the practical controllable q‐BIC metadevices still exhibit critical challenges for achieving convenient tuning in the visible regime with strong reversibility and large‐area implementation. Herein, an immersion‐triggered tuning approach is demonstrated for switchable q‐BIC in the visible regime using 1.5D metagratings. Moreover, by employing the water as the trigger, active q‐BIC‐based optical information encryption is demonstrated due to the spectra alternation. In addition, the proposed q‐BIC is insensitive to incident angles regarding quality factor, resonant wavelength, and modulation depth (MD). This immersion‐triggered strategy for q‐BIC offers a practical tuning approach for achieving dynamic switchable optical functionalities, with potential applications in metasurface‐empowered active q‐BIC optical devices.
Boolean Logic Computing Based on Neuromorphic Transistor
Authors: Wang Yifei , Sun Qijun , Yu Jinran , Xu Nuo , Wei Yichen , Cho Jeong Ho , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: July 2023

General‐purpose computers usually use logic gate computing units based on complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS). Due to the separate memory and computing units in Von Neumann architecture, data transmission requires great energy and time consumption. Developing novel neuromorphic devices and comprehensively investigating their logical computing mode are crucial to achieve high‐performance and low‐power neuromorphic computation. Here, a systematic summary of Boolean logic computing based on emerging neuromorphic transistors is presented. This summary encompasses logical operation modes, materials, device structures, and working mechanisms. The input mode of Boolean logic operation is classified into electrical input, optical input, and synergistic optical/electrical input. Besides, additional modulation strategies to construct programmable logic functions by electrical, optical, and thermal signals are also summarized. These strategies hold great significance as they enable dynamic reconfiguration of logic operations and provide neuromorphic devices with decision‐making capabilities. Finally, the application prospects and current challenges to Boolean logic computing based on dendritic integration are discussed from the aspects of device integration, synergistic input/modulation modes, auxiliary peripheral circuit, software/hardware system, etc. It is believed that comprehensive investigations on neuromorphic Boolean logic operations are crucial to push forward the development of future neuromorphic computing toward high efficiency and high integration density.
Creating and Transferring an Innervated, Vascularized Muscle Flap Made from an Elastic, Cellularized Tissue Construct Developed In Situ
Authors: Sato Hideyoshi , Kohyama Keishi , Uchibori Takafumi , Takanari Keisuke , Huard Johnny , Badylak Stephen F. , D'Amore Antonio , Wagner William R.
Published: July 2023

Reanimating facial structures following paralysis and muscle loss is a surgical objective that would benefit from improved options for harvesting appropriately sized muscle flaps. The objective of this study is to apply electrohydrodynamic processing to generate a cellularized, elastic, biocomposite scaffold that could develop and mature as muscle in a prepared donor site in vivo, and then be transferred as a thin muscle flap with a vascular and neural pedicle. First, an effective extracellular matrix (ECM) gel type is selected for the biocomposite scaffold from three types of ECM combined with poly(ester urethane)urea microfibers and evaluated in rat abdominal wall defects. Next, two types of precursor cells (muscle‐derived and adipose‐derived) are compared in constructs placed in rat hind limb defects for muscle regeneration capacity. Finally, with a construct made from dermal ECM and muscle‐derived stem cells, protoflaps are implanted in one hindlimb for development and then microsurgically transferred as a free flap to the contralateral limb where stimulated muscle function is confirmed. This construct generation and in vivo incubation procedure may allow the generation of small‐scale muscle flaps appropriate for transfer to the face, offering a new strategy for facial reanimation.
Buried‐Interface Engineering of Conformal 2D/3D Perovskite Heterojunction for Efficient Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells on Industrially Textured Silicon
Authors: Zhang Fu , Tu Binbin , Yang Shaofei , Fan Ke , Liu Zhiliang , Xiong Zhijun , Zhang Jie , Li Wei , Huang Haitao , Yu Cao , K.‐Y. Jen Alex , Yao Kai
Published: July 2023

Exploring strategies to control the crystallization and modulate interfacial properties for high‐quality perovskite film on industry‐relevant textured crystalline silicon solar cells is highly valued in the perovskite/silicon tandem photovoltaics community. The formation of a 2D/3D perovskite heterojunction is widely employed to passivate defects and suppress ion migration in the film surface of perovskite solar cells. However, realizing solution‐processed heterostructures at the buried interface faces solvent incompatibilities with the challenge of underlying‐layer disruption, and texture incompatibilities with the challenge of uneven coverage. Here, a hybrid two‐step deposition method is used to prepare robust 2D perovskites with cross‐linkable ligands underneath the 3D perovskite. This structurally coherent interlayer benefits by way of preferred crystal growth of strain‐free and uniform upper perovskite, inhibits interfacial defect‐induced instability and recombination, and promotes charge‐carrier extraction with ideal energy‐level alignment. The broad applicability of the bottom‐contact heterostructure for different textured substrates with conformal coverage and various precursor solutions with intact properties free of erosion are demonstrated. With this buried interface engineering strategy, the resulting perovskite/silicon tandem cells, based on industrially textured Czochralski (CZ) silicon, achieve a certified efficiency of 28.4% (1.0 cm2), while retaining 89% of the initial PCE after over 1000 h operation.
Permittivity‐Based Microparticle Classification by the Integration of Impedance Cytometry and Microwave Resonators
Authors: Tefek Uzay , Sari Burak , Alhmoud Hashim Z. , Hanay Mehmet S.
Published: July 2023

Permittivity of microscopic particles can be used as a classification parameter for applications in materials and environmental sciences. However, directly measuring the permittivity of individual microparticles has proven to be challenging due to the convoluting effect of particle size on capacitive signals. To overcome this challenge, a sensing platform is built to independently obtain both the geometric and electric size of a particle, by combining impedance cytometry and microwave resonant sensing in a microfluidic chip. This way the microwave signal, which contains both permittivity and size effects, can be normalized by the size information provided by impedance cytometry to yield an intensive parameter that depends only on permittivity. The technique allows to differentiate between polystyrene and soda lime glass microparticles—below 22 µm in diameter—with more than 94% accuracy, despite their similar sizes and electrical characteristics. Furthermore, it is shown that the same technique can be used to differentiate between normal healthy cells and fixed cells of the same geometric size. The technique offers a potential route for targeted applications such as environmental monitoring of microplastic pollution or quality control in pharmaceutical industry.
Spatial Position Regulation of Cu Single Atom Site Realizes Efficient Nanozyme Photocatalytic Bactericidal Activity
Authors: Ou Honghui , Qian Yuping , Yuan Lintian , Li He , Zhang Ludan , Chen Shenghua , Zhou Min , Yang Guidong , Wang Dingsheng , Wang Yuguang
Published: July 2023

Recently, single‐atom nanozymes have made significant progress in the fields of sterilization and treatment, but their catalytic performance as substitutes for natural enzymes and drugs is far from satisfactory. Here, a method is reported to improve enzyme activity by adjusting the spatial position of a single‐atom site on the nanoplatforms. Two types of Cu single‐atom site nanozymes are synthesized in the interlayer (CuL/PHI) and in‐plane (CuP/PHI) of poly (heptazine imide) (PHI) through different synthesis pathways. Experimental and theoretical analysis indicates that the interlayer position of PHI can effectively adjust the coordination number, coordination bond length, and electronic structure of Cu single atoms compared to the in‐plane position, thereby promoting photoinduced electron migration and O2 activation, enabling effective generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic bactericidal activity of CuL/PHI against aureus is ≈100%, achieving the same antibacterial effect as antibiotics, after 10 min of low‐dose light exposure and 2 h of incubation.
Enhancing Stability and Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells with a Bilayer Hole Transporting Layer of Nickel Phthalocyanine and Poly(3‐Hexylthiophene)
Authors: Kim Hyeonwoo , Lee Do Yoon , Lim Jihoo , Kim Jongbeom , Park Jaewang , Seidel Jan , Yun Jae Sung , Seok Sang Il
Published: July 2023

To expedite the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), researchers are exploring the feasibility of employing nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) as a hole transport material (HTM) due to its cost‐effectiveness, excellent thermal stability, and suitability for solution coating. However, the low LUMO energy level of the NiPc may limit its ability to block photoelectrons generated in the perovskite layer from recombining with holes, which can reduce the overall efficiency of the solar cell. One solution is to use cascaded bilayers with HTMs that have relatively higher LUMO levels. In this study, a bilayer consisting of NiPc and poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is employed as the HTM, where the P3HT exhibits vertical phase separation during the coating process. By optimizing the mixing amount of P3HT into the NiPc, a record power conversion efficiency of 23.11%, the highest reported for NiPc‐based PSCs is achieved. Moreover, an excellent long‐term stability is demonstrated by encapsulating the PSC in polyisobutylene, with the device retaining 90% of its initial efficiency after exposure to 85 °C and 85% relative humidity for 1000 h.
Luminescent Solar Concentrators with Dual Functions of Photovoltaic and Piezoelectric Properties for Wireless Self‐Powered Speed Measurement
Authors: Xia Pengfei , Sun Hongcan , Xu Shuhong , Zhou Tong , Zong Shenfei , Lu Changgui , Wang Chunlei
Published: July 2023

The solar‐only response nature limits the luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) to solar harvesting rather than responding to other stimuli, which restricts the role of LSCs to energy supply in self‐powered internet of things (IoT) systems, and the application potential of LSCs in self‐powered devices has been seriously overlooked. In this work, LSCs with photovoltaic and piezoelectric features are proposed for the first time, extending the application scenario of LSCs to self‐powered sensors with pressure responsiveness. The luminescent layer of perovskite‐polymer composite film is prepared via in situ blade coating with the piezoelectric polymer matrix of poly(vinylidenefluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)). P(VDF‐TrFE) possesses stronger DMF adsorption capacity and higher electroactive phase content than a conventional piezoelectric matrix of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), which not only reduces the residual‐solvent‐induced defects in perovskite luminophores, but also brings a sensitive pressure response to LSCs. The dual‐functional LSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency of 1.01% and a output piezoelectric voltage of 0.95 V can be obtained even at a low pressure of 0.16 kPa. A self‐powered speed measurement system is demonstrated, and the actual speed measurement is carried out. Such dual‐functional LSCs show great potential in self‐powered electrical devices, which can be applied to low‐energy‐consumption IoT systems and other commercial smart home products.
Insights into the Y chromosome human diversity in Uruguay
Authors: Mut Patricia , Bertoni Bernardo , Sapiro Rossana , Hidalgo Pedro C. , Torres Alejandra , Azambuja Carlos , Sans Mónica
Published: July 2023

Background

With regard to the origin of its population and microevolutionary processes, Uruguay exhibits distinctive features that distinguish it from other countries in Latin America, while at the same time sharing several similarities. In this article, we will focus on the variability of paternal genetic lineages in two geographical regions with different histories that can be considered as examples of distinct populations for the continent. In general terms, the genetic diversity is a result of different demographic processes related to the American conquest and colonisation. These resulted in distinct ancestral components which vary geographical and depend on the distribution by sex within these components. In Uruguay, native maternal haplogroups are significantly more frequent in the North. Although there are several studies about the geneticvariability of Uruguay, little is known about male genetic lineages.

Aims

The aim of this work is to present an updated study of the male genetic variability of the Uruguayan population.

Methods

We analyzed 13 biallelic markers and 27 STRs located in the male‐specific region of the Y chromosome for 157 males: 98 from the capital, Montevideo, and 59 from Tacuarembó.

Results

Almost all haplogroups found in both locations are European (99% and 93.2% respectively). One Sub‐Saharan African haplogroup was found in Montevideo (1%) and 2 in Tacuarembó (3%), while Native haplogroups were found only in Tacuarembó, evidencing a strong sex‐biased admixture. By crossing genetic and genealogical information we could relate European haplogroups with different waves and times of migrations.

Discussion

Network analysis indicated a very diverse male population, suggesting that European migrants came from heterogeneous geographic locations and in different waves. Tacuarembó has closer population affinities with Iberian populations while Montevideo is more diverse. Male population expansion expansion, can be explained by the large number of migrants that arrived during the XIX century and the first half of the XX century.

Conclusions

The Uruguayan male gene pool is the result of several migration waves with diverse origins, with strong sex‐biased admixture that can be explained by the European migration, the violence against the indigenous males, and the segregation of the Africansadmixture that can be explained due to European migration, violence against Natives, and segregation against African males.admixture that can be explained due to European migration, violence against Natives, and segregation against African males.admixture that can be explained due to European migration, violence against Natives, and segregation against African males.admixture that can be explained due to European migration, violence against Natives, and segregation of hte Africans.
PhIO‐Mediated Cascade Reactions of Activated Acetylamides and Cyclic Amidines: Access to Polysubstituted Imidazolidin‐2‐ones
Authors: Ye Xuebei , Zhang Rui , Wang Yu , Li Jiacheng , Dong Dewen
Published: July 2023

A facile and efficient synthesis of polysubstituted imidazolidin‐2‐ones has been developed via an oxidative cyclization reaction of activated acetyl amides and cyclic amidines mediated by iodosobenzene (PhIO). A mechanism is proposed for this transformation, which involves sequential intermolecular addition, Hofmann‐type rearrangement and intramolecular cyclization reactions. The novel protocol features readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions, simple execution, metal‐free oxidative cyclization, and one‐pot procedure.
Insights into the Correlation of Cross‐linking Modes with Mechanical Properties for Dynamic Polymeric Networks
Authors: Deng Jingxi , Bai Ruixue , Zhao Jun , Liu Guoquan , Zhang Zhaoming , You Wei , Yu Wei , Yan Xuzhou
Published: July 2023

Simultaneously introducing covalent and supramolecular cross‐links into one system to construct dually cross‐linked networks, has been proved an effective approach to prepare high‐performance materials. However, so far, features and advantages of dually cross‐linked networks compared with those possessing individual covalent or supramolecular cross‐linking points are rarely investigated. Herein, on the basis of comparison between supramolecular polymer network (SPN), covalent polymer network (CPN) and dually cross‐linked polymer network (DPN), we reveal that the dual cross‐linking strategy can endow the DPN with integrated advantages of CPN and SPN. Benefiting from the energy dissipative ability along with the dissociation of host–guest complexes, the DPN shows excellent toughness and ductility similar to the SPN. Meanwhile, the elasticity of covalent cross‐links in the DPN could rise the structural stability to a level comparable to the CPN, exhibiting quick deformation recovery capacity. Moreover, the DPN has the strongest breaking stress and puncture resistance among the three, proving the unique property advantages of dual cross‐linking method. These findings gained from our study further deepen the understanding of dynamic polymeric networks and facilitate the preparation of high‐performance elastomeric materials.
Iridium(III)‐Catalyzed Intermolecular C(sp3)‐H Amidation for the Synthesis of Chiral 1,2‐Diamines
Authors: Geraci Andrea , Stojiljković Uros , Antien Kevin , Salameh Nihad , Baudoin Olivier
Published: July 2023

Chiral 1,2‐diamines are privileged scaffolds among bioactive natural products, active pharmaceutical ingredients, ligands for transition‐metal‐based asymmetric catalysis and organocatalysts. Despite this interest, the construction of chiral 1,2‐diamine motifs still remains a challenge. To address this, an iridium(III)‐catalyzed intermolecular C(sp3)‐H amidation reaction was developed. This method relies on the design of a new, cheap and cleavable exo‐protecting/directing group derived from camphorsulfonic acid, which is directly installed from easily accessible precursors, and furnishes scalemic free 1,2‐diamines upon cleavage of both nitrogen substituents. It was found applicable to both α‐secondary and α‐tertiary‐1,2‐diamines, for which a two‐step protocol involving intermolecular olefin hydroamination and C(sp3)‐H amidation was developed. Kinetic and computational studies provided insights into the observed reactivity difference between pairs of diastereoisomeric substrates.
Thermo‐responsive ReO4− composite membranes with SiO2 modified: Preparation, performances and application in secondary resources
Authors: Xu Wan , Zhao Shengyuan , Zhang Huijuan , Niu Fangfang , Liu Xingsheng , Chen Zhenbin , Sun Yuan
Published: July 2023

With the continuous depletion of global rhenium resources, the separation and purification of rhenium (Re) from secondary resources became very important. Herein, an imprinted composite membrane with “flexible chain” thermo‐responsive imprinted separation layer structure (Re‐TIICM) was prepared to achieve selective separation and recovery of Re from secondary resources with complex composition. Re‐TIICM's thermo‐responsive imprinted separation layer occurred sol/gel phase transition by adjusting the temperature, which effectively mitigated the trade‐off between selectivity and desorption. The structure and performance of Re‐TIICM under optimum process conditions were tested and evaluated. The results showed that Re‐TIICM exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 0.1036 mmol/g at 35°C, a separation degree of 4.37 (MnO4− as disturbing ions), and remained good adsorption capacity and selectivity after 9 adsorption/desorption cycles. When Re‐TIICM was applied in secondary resources, the purity of Re increased from 35.412% to 70.208% after one adsorption/desorption cycle, showing a great potential for industrial applications.
Generation of Electric Current by Magnetic Field at the Boundary: Quantum Scale Anomaly Versus Semiclassical Meissner Current Outside of the Conformal Limit
Authors: Chernodub Maxim , Goy Vladimir , Molochkov Alexander
Published: July 2023

The scale (conformal) anomaly can generate an electric current near the boundary of a system in the presence of a static magnetic field. The magnitude of this magnetization current, produced at zero temperature and in the absence of matter, is proportional to a beta function associated with the renormalization of the electric charge. Using first‐principle lattice simulations, this paper investigates how the breaking of the scale symmetry affects this “scale magnetic effect” near a Dirichlet boundary in scalar quantum electrodynamics (Abelian Higgs model). This study demonstrates the interplay of the generated current with vortex excitations both in symmetric (normal) and broken (superconducting) phases and compares the results with the anomalous current produced in the conformal, scale‐invariant regime. Possible experimental signatures of the effect in Dirac semimetals are discussed.
Intrauterine management and outcomes of persistent fetal atrial flutter: A case report
Authors: Du Runxuan , Wang Fangna , Dong Yuewen , Chu Wei , Ma Lishuang , Gao Jian
Published: July 2023

Background

Fetal atrial flutter (AF), accounting for 30% of all fetal tachyarrhythmias, predominantly (over 80%) manifests as a 2:1 atrioventricular conduction. Swift referral and timely intervention become imperative in instances of severe persistent arrhythmia.

Case Presentation

We discuss the case of a 32‐year‐old multiparous Chinese woman, at 30+2 weeks of gestation, wherein an ultrasonographic examination revealed persistent fetal AF (atrial rate ranging from 219 to 445 beats/min and ventricular rate from 219 to 228 beats/min, with a 2:1 or 1:1 down transmission) and minor ascites. Despite the maternal ingestion of digoxin and sotalol, the fetal heart rhythm remained uncorrected. Following this, at 32+3 weeks of gestation, an intramuscular injection of cedilanid, guided by ultrasound, was administered to the fetus. Postoperatively, the fetal ventricular rate demonstrated a decline after 6 days, and the ascites resolved. Subsequently, at 33+3 weeks, a cesarean section was necessitated due to maternal intolerance to the medication, resulting in the delivery of the infant. Remarkably, the infant's cardiac rhythm spontaneously converted to sinus rhythm within 5 min of birth. A follow‐up conducted 1 year postpartum revealed no recurrence of AF.

Conclusions

This case illustrates that in the event of transplacental drug treatment failure, intrauterine therapeutic intervention should be considered. Moreover, it highlights the encouraging prognosis associated with fetal AF, as the cardiac rhythm spontaneously reverted to sinus rhythm postbirth in this instance.
The effect of exposure to radiofrequency LTE signal and coexposure to mitomycin‐C in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast V79 cells
Authors: Sannino Anna , Romeo Stefania , Scarfì Maria Rosaria , Pinchera Daniele , Schettino Fulvio , Alonzo Mario , Allocca Mariateresa , Zeni Olga
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate the cellular effects of radiofrequency exposure, 1950 MHz, long‐term evolution (LTE) signal, administered alone and in combination with mitomycin‐C (MMC), a well‐known cytotoxic agent. Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79) cells were exposed/sham exposed in a waveguide‐based system under strictly controlled conditions of both electromagnetic and environmental parameters, at specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.3 and 1.25 W/kg. Chromosomal damage (micronuclei formation), oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species [ROS] formation), and cell cycle progression were analyzed after exposure and coexposure. No differences between exposed samples and sham‐controls were detected following radiofrequency exposure alone, for all the experimental conditions tested and biological endpoints investigated. When radiofrequency exposure was followed by MMC treatment, 3 h pre‐exposure did not modify MMC‐induced micronuclei. Pre‐exposure of 20 h at 0.3 W/kg did not modify the number of micronuclei induced by MMC, while 1.25 W/kg resulted in a significant reduction of MMC‐induced damage. Absence of effects was also detected when CW was used, at both SAR levels. MMC‐induced ROS formation resulted significantly decreased at both SAR levels investigated, while cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were not affected by coexposures. The results here reported provide no evidence of direct effects of 1950 MHz, LTE signal. Moreover, they further support our previous findings on the capability of radiofrequency pre‐exposure to induce protection from a subsequent toxic treatment, and the key role of the modulated signals and the experimental conditions adopted in eliciting the effect.
Characterization of chemical constituents and metabolites in vivo and in vitro after oral administration of Wuteng tablets in rats by UHPLC–Q/TOF–MS
Authors: Chen Pengyi , Pang Chengguo , Xu Tianen , Dong Peiliang , Han Hua
Published: July 2023

Waste medicinal plants are widely used in drug production. With the increasing demand for botanical drugs, there is an urgent need to identify new and effective drugs and improve the utilization of medicinal plant resources. Wuteng tablets (WTP) are extracted from the stem of Schisandra chinensis and have a good therapeutic effect on Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, a holistic identification strategy based on UHPLC–Q/TOF–MS was developed for the first time to investigate the metabolites and metabolic pathways involved in the in vitro metabolism and liver microsomal incubation and in the in vivo metabolic system of rats after WTP administration. After the oral administration of WTP, 21 metabolites were identified in the serum and 25 metabolites were identified in the urine, of which six were new metabolites; 33 metabolites were inferred from the microsomal metabolites in vitro. The metabolic pathways related to WTP mainly involve demethylation, hydroxylation, dehydroxylation and dehydrogenation. In this study, the metabolites and metabolic pathways of WTP were elucidated via UHPLC–Q/TOF–MS, which provided a basis for an in‐depth study of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacotoxicological effects of WTP.
Recent Advances in Base‐Metal‐Catalyzed Carbonylation of Unactivated Alkyl Electrophiles†
Authors: Li Wei , Jiang Donghao , Wang Cheng , Cheng Li‐Jie
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Transition metal‐catalyzed carbonylation reactions represent a direct and atom‐economical approach to synthesize carbonyl compounds or their derivatives by using CO as a cheap and readily available C1 feedstock. While carbonylation of C(sp2)‐hybridized electrophiles (e.g., aryl halides) is well developed, carbonylation of less reactive unactivated alkyl electrophiles remains challenging. Recently, the use of earth‐abundant base metals including Cu, Co, Mn, Fe, Ni as catalysts has enabled advances in carbonylative coupling of alkyl electrophiles for approaching diverse carbonyl compounds or their derivatives, notably, some of which are of synthetic importance but difficult to be synthesized through previous reported methods. Herein, we have summarized and discussed these recent achievements in base‐metal‐catalyzed carbonylative C—C, C—N, C—O, C—X coupling and other carbonylation reactions of unactivated alkyl electrophiles using CO as C1 source.
Sudden cardiac arrest in athletes and strategies to optimize preparedness
Authors: Malik Aneeq , Hanson Justin , Han Janet , Dolezal Brett , Bradfield Jason S. , Boyle Noel G. , Hsu Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2023

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in young athletes. Despite efforts to improve preparedness for cardiac emergencies, the incidence of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests in athletes remains high, and bystander awareness and readiness for SCA support are inadequate. Initiatives such as designing an emergency action plan (EAP) and mandating training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator use (AED) for team members and personnel can contribute to improved survival rates in SCA cases. This review provides an overview of SCA in athletes, focusing on identifying populations at the highest risk and evaluating the effectiveness of different screening practices in detecting conditions that may lead to SCA. We summarize current practices and recommendations for improving the response to SCA events, and we highlight the need for ongoing efforts to optimize preparedness through the implementation of EAPs and the training of individuals in CPR and AED use. Additionally, we propose a call to action to increase awareness and training in EAP development, CPR, and AED use for team members and personnel. To improve outcomes of SCA cases in athletes, it is crucial to enhance bystander awareness and preparedness for cardiac emergencies. Implementing EAPs and providing training in CPR and AED use for team members and personnel are essential steps toward improving survival rates in SCA cases.
Band Structure Engineering of Polyimide Photocatalyst for Efficient and Selective Oxidation of Biomass‐Derived 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Chu Sheng , Shao Jingjing , Qu Hongyu , Wang Xintie , Xiao Rui , Zhang Huiyan
Published: July 2023

Solar‐driven high‐value utilization of biomass and its derivatives has attracted tremendous attention in replacing fossil sources to generate chemicals. Developing high‐performance photocatalysts to selectively catalyze bio‐platform molecules remains a challenge. Herein, biomass‐based 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was efficiently and selectively photooxidized to 2, 5‐diformylfuran (DFF) using a metal‐free polyimide (PI). PI with moderate photooxidation capacity delivered high DFF selectivity of 91 % and high apparent quantum efficiency of 1.13 %, nearly 7 times higher than that of graphitic carbon nitride. Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations revealed that the band structure and photooxidation capability of PI can be continuously modulated by varying the molar ratio of amine and anhydride. Mechanism analysis depicted that holes and superoxide radicals play crucial roles in the efficient photooxidation of HMF to DFF. This work provides guidance on designing efficient polymeric photocatalysts for oxidating biomass and its derivatives to value‐added chemicals.
Active disturbance rejection controller design for harmonic suppression in MPC optimal control based on harmonic state space modeling
Authors: Lin Jican , Liu Shenquan , Wang Gang
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a harmonic suppression strategy for photovoltaic‐voltage source converters (PV‐VSC). The proposed method utilizes a harmonic state space (HSS) model‐combine model predictive control (MPC) algorithm, which provides a comprehensive representation of the global characteristics of AC/DC harmonic coupling impedance in photovoltaic systems. The HSS‐based converter model operates as a linear time‐varying periodic system, which allows for the implementation of MPC to optimize the HSS equation. This optimization yields voltage increments across various harmonic orders, providing feedforward compensation for the current controller. By incorporating feedback signals into the current control, harmonic compensation is achieved, resulting in improved power quality. Furthermore, a decoupled proportional resonance‐linear adaptive disturbance rejection control (PR‐LADRC) is employed to effectively mitigate steady‐state errors and decrease total harmonic distortion in the presence of DC‐side disturbances. This is accomplished by decoupling the disturbance observer from the controller and integrating the increment feedback signal derived from the MPC‐HSS. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed method and the analysis results are corroborated through numerical simulations.