bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrolyzer and Fuel Cell Recycling for a Circular Hydrogen Economy
Authors: Uekert Taylor , Wikoff Hope M. , Badgett Alex
Published: December 2023

Electrolyzers and fuel cells will be crucial for achieving global clean hydrogen and industrial decarbonization goals. However, the nascent clean hydrogen sector faces uncertainties around material supply chains and technology end‐of‐life management. This work aims to guide the transition to a circular hydrogen economy by using process modeling, techno‐economic analysis, and life cycle assessment to evaluate the material cost, energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, toxicity, and water use of five potential recycling strategies for proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMWE) and fuel cells (PEMFC). Hydrometallurgy, acid dissolution, and electrochemical dissolution are shown to offer 2–7 times improvement across all assessed metrics relative to the manufacturing of PEMWE and PEMFC from raw materials. Recycling can also lower the raw material demand, material cost, energy use, and GHG emissions associated with PEMWE and PEMFC deployment in the United States in 2050 by 23%, 19%, 21%, and 16%, respectively. This study provides key insights into the costs, benefits, and complexities of recycling strategies for PEMWE and PEMFC, aiding the development of a circular economy that is synergistic with clean hydrogen deployment.
An Erythrocyte‐Templated Iron Single‐Atom Nanozyme for Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Liu Ting , Chen Mengxia , Liang Qian , Jiang Jing , Chen Lei , Fan Kelong , Zhang Jinhua , Gao Lizeng
Published: December 2023

Iron single‐atom nanozymes represent a promising artificial enzyme with superior activity owing to uniform active sites that can precisely mimic active center of nature enzymes. However, current synthetic strategies are hard to guarantee each active site at single‐atom state. In this work, an erythrocyte‐templated strategy by utilizing intrinsic hemin active center of hemoglobin as sing‐atom source for nanozyme formation is developed. By combining cell fixation, porous salinization, and high‐temperature carbonization, erythrocytes are successfully served as uniform templates to synthesize nanozymes with fully single‐atom FeN4 active sites which derived from hemin of hemoglobin, resulting in an enhanced peroxidase (POD)‐like activity. Interestingly, the catalytic activity of erythrocyte‐templated nanozyme (ETN) shows dependence on animal species, among which murine ETN performed superior catalytic efficiency. In addition, the as‐prepared ETNs display a honeycomb‐like network structure, serving as a sponge to accelerate hemostasis based on the interactions with prothrombin and fibrinogen. These features enable ETN to effectively kill methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by combining POD‐like catalysis with near‐infrared (NIR) induced photothermal effect, and subsequently suitable to promote wound healing. This study provides a proof‐of‐concept for facile fabrication of multifunctional nanozymes with uniform single‐atom active sites by utilizing intrinsic iron structure characteristics of biogenic source like erythrocytes.
Multimolecular Competition Effect as a Modulator of Protein Localization and Biochemical Networks in Cell‐Size Space
Authors: Nishikawa Saki , Sato Gaku , Takada Sakura , Kohyama Shunshi , Honda Gen , Yanagisawa Miho , Hori Yutaka , Doi Nobuhide , Yoshinaga Natsuhiko , Fujiwara Kei
Published: December 2023

Cells are small, closed spaces filled with various types of macromolecules. Although it is shown that the characteristics of biochemical reactions in vitro are quite different from those in living cells, the role of the co‐existence of various macromolecules in cell‐size space remains still elusive. Here, using a constructive approach, it is demonstrated that the co‐existence of various macromolecules themselves has the ability to tune protein localization for spatiotemporal regulation and a biochemical reaction system in a cell‐size space. Both experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that enhancement of interfacial effects by a large surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio facilitates membrane localization of molecules in the cell‐size space, and the interfacial effects are alleviated by competitive binding to lipid membranes among multiple proteins even if their membrane affinities are weak. These results indicate that competition for membrane binding among various macromolecules in the cell‐size space plays a role in regulating the spatiotemporal molecular organization and biochemical reaction networks. These findings shed light on the importance of surrounding molecules for biochemical reactions using purified elements in small spaces.
Nanoscale Reconfigurable Si Transistors: From Wires to Sheets and Unto Multi‐Wire Channels
Authors: Wind Lukas , Behrle Raphael , den Hertog Martien I. , Murphey Corban G. E. , Cahoon James F. , Sistani Masiar , Weber Walter M.
Published: December 2023

In this work, bottom‐up Al–Si–Al nanowire (NW) heterostructures are presented, which act as a prototype vehicle toward top‐down fabricated nanosheet (NS) and multi‐wire (MW) reconfigurable field‐effect transistors (RFETs). Evaluating the key parameters of these transistors regarding the on‐ and off‐currents as well as threshold voltages for n‐ and p‐type operation exhibit a high degree of symmetry. Most notably also a low device‐to‐device variability is achieved. In this respect, the investigated Al–Si material system reveals its relevance for reconfigurable logic cells obtained from Si NSs. To show the versatility of the proposed devices, this work reports on a combinational wired‐AND gate obtained from a multi‐gate RFET. Additionally, up‐scaling the current is achieved by realizing a MW RFET without compromising reconfigurability. The Al–Si–Al platform has substantial potential to enable complex adaptive and self‐learning combinational and sequential circuits with energy efficient and small footprint computing paradigms as well as for native components for hardware security circuits.
Wide‐Bandgap Nickel Oxide with Tunable Acceptor Concentration for Multidimensional Power Devices
Authors: Ma Yunwei , Qin Yuan , Porter Matthew , Spencer Joseph , Du Zhonghao , Xiao Ming , Wang Boyan , Wang Yifan , Jacobs Alan G. , Wang Han , Tadjer Marko , Zhang Yuhao
Published: December 2023

Multidimensional power devices can achieve performance beyond conventional limits by deploying charge‐balanced p‐n junctions. A key obstacle to developing such devices in many wide‐bandgap (WBG) and ultra‐wide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors is the difficulty of native p‐type doping. Here the WBG nickel oxide (NiO) as an alternative p‐type material is investigated. The acceptor concentration (NA) in NiO is modulated by oxygen partial pressure during magnetron sputtering and characterized using a p‐n+ heterojunction diode fabricated on gallium oxide (Ga2O3) substrate. Capacitance and breakdown measurements reveal a tunable NA from < 1018 cm−3 to 2×1018 cm−3 with the practical breakdown field (EB) of 3.8 to 6.3 MV cm−1. This NA range allows for charge balance to n‐type region with reasonable process latitude, and EB is high enough to pair with many WBG and UWBG semiconductors. The extracted NA is then used to design a multidimensional Ga2O3 diode with NiO field‐modulation structure. The diodes fabricated with two different NA both achieve 8000 V breakdown voltage and 4.7 MV cm−1 average electric field. This field is over three times higher than the best report in prior multi‐kilovolt lateral devices. These results show the promise of p‐type NiO for pushing the performance limits of power devices.
Multilayer Superlattices of Monolayer Mesoporous Carbon Framework‐Intercalated MXene for Efficient Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Huang Xianwu , Lyu Xuanyu , Wu Guanhong , Yang Jing , Zhu Run , Tang Yi , Li Tongtao , Wang Yajun , Yang Dong , Dong Angang
Published: December 2023

Incorporating conductive and porous components as pillaring materials into the interlayers of two‐dimensional (2D) materials offers a solution to the restacking issue and enables the creation of multifunctional hetero‐superstructures. Here, multilayer MXene superlattices intercalated with monolayer mesoporous carbon frameworks (MMCFs) are synthesized by colloidal co‐assembly of MXene Ti3C2Tx nanosheets and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The intercalated MMCFs not only increase interlayer spacing and create porous channels for fast mass transport but also act as conductive pillars to facilitate electron transfer along the z‐direction. These unique structural features allow for the full utilization of unilamellar MXene, making the resulting Ti3C2Tx/MMCF superlattices particularly suitable for capacitive energy storage in organic electrolytes containing bulky ions. As a demonstration, supercapacitors made from Ti3C2Tx/MMCFs exhibit a volumetric capacitance of 317 F cm−3 in a tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate/propylene carbonate electrolyte. Furthermore, on‐chip micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) fabricated from Ti3C2Tx/MMCFs, using the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate as an electrolyte, achieve an areal energy density of 0.10 mWh cm−2, surpassing that of most state‐of‐the‐art MXene‐based MSCs developed to date. This study not only highlights the significant potential of Ti3C2Tx/MMCFs for efficient capacitive energy storage in organic electrolytes but also introduces a new method for synthesizing 2D porous hetero‐superstructures for various applications.
Mechanistic Understanding of Additive Reductive Degradation and SEI Formation in High‐Voltage NMC811||SiOx‐Containing Cells via Operando ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Weiling Matthias , Lechtenfeld Christian , Pfeiffer Felix , Frankenstein Lars , Diddens Diddo , Wang Jian‐Fen , Nowak Sascha , Baghernejad Masoud
Published: December 2023

The implementation of silicon (Si)‐containing negative electrodes is widely discussed as an approach to increase the specific capacity of lithium‐ion batteries. However, challenges caused by severe volume changes and continuous (re‐)formation of the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Si need to be overcome. The volume changes lead to electrolyte consumption and active lithium loss, decaying the cell performance and cycle life. Herein, the additive 2‐sulfobenzoic acid anhydride (2‐SBA) is utilized as an SEI‐forming electrolyte additive for SiOx‐containing anodes. The addition of 2‐SBA to a state‐of‐the‐art carbonate‐based electrolyte in high‐voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2, NMC811||artificial graphite +20% SiOx pouch cells leads to improved electrochemical performance, resulting in a doubled cell cycle life. The origin of the enhanced cell performance is mechanistically investigated by developing an advanced experimental technique based on operando attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. The operando ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy results elucidate the degradation mechanism via anhydride ring‐opening reactions after electrochemical reduction on the anode surface. Additionally, ion chromatography conductivity detection mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, and quantum chemistry calculations are employed to further elucidate the working mechanisms of the additive and its degradation products.
Adequate gross resection margin length ensuring pathologically complete resection in gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hayami Masaru , Ohashi Manabu , Kurihara Nozomi , Nunobe Souya
Published: December 2023

Aim

A positive resection margin (RM) is associated with poor survival after gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). However, the adequate RM length to avoid a positive RM remains controversial. We performed a systematic review to examine the RM length required to avoid a positive RM in gastrectomy for GC.

Methods

This systematic review involved all relevant articles identified in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov until August 2023. The incidence of a positive RM related to the RM length and the possible incidence of a positive RM estimated from the discrepancy between the gross and pathological RM length were evaluated. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to quantify study quality.

Results

Thirteen studies involving 8983 patients were analyzed. Investigation of the incidence of a positive RM in relation to the RM length showed that a proximal RM length of 6 cm guaranteed a negative RM in gastrectomy. Analyses of the possible incidence of a positive RM revealed that a negative RM would be guaranteed if the proximal RM length was 6 cm in distal gastrectomy, if the esophageal resection length was 2 cm in total gastrectomy for GC without esophageal invasion and 2.5 cm in total or proximal gastrectomy for GC with esophageal invasion or esophagogastric junction cancer, and if the distal RM length was 4 cm in proximal gastrectomy for early GC.

Conclusions

The adequate RM lengths to ensure a pathologically negative RM in each type of gastrectomy for GC were herein suggested.
Li‐ion hopping conduction enabled by associative Li‐salt in acetonitrile solutions
Authors: Koo Bonhyeop , Lee Hyejin , Park Kisung , Hwang Sunwook , Lee Hochun
Published: December 2023

To date, ionic conduction in nonaqueous electrolytes has been explained through the vehicle‐type migration mechanism. Yet, new research hints at another conduction mode: ion‐hopping, seen in highly concentrated solutions with multi‐coordinating solvents. Our research uncovers that Li‐ion hopping conduction also occurs in monodentate acetonitrile (AN) electrolytes, enabled by a highly associative Li‐salt. Using techniques like pulse‐field gradient NMR, Raman spectroscopy, and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, we examined AN solutions with lithium trifluoroacetate (LiTFA) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI). Results showed that Li‐ion diffusion in LiTFA‐AN was faster due to an anion‐bridge structure formed by the associative nature of LiTFA. In contrast, the LiFSI‐AN solution demonstrated slower Li‐ion movement. In practical applications, like LiFePO4 symmetric cells, 4 M LiTFA‐AN outperformed 1 M LiTFA‐AN in rate performance, despite its lower ionic conductivity. This challenges the belief that associative Li‐salts are unsuitable for battery electrolytes and prompts reconsideration of other associative Li‐salts.
Longitudinal dynamics of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of acute graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Qi Ling , Peng Jie , Huang Xianbao , Zhou Ting , Tan Genmei , Li Fei
Published: December 2023

Aim

The gut microbiota has been reported to be associated with acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Dynamic surveillance of the microbiota is required to understand the detailed pathogenesis involved in the process of aGvHD.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected prospectively at four timepoints, including pre‐HSCT (T1), graft infusion (T2), neutrophil engraftment (T3), and 30 days after transplantation (T4). Fecal samples were profiled by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to assess the microbiota composition.

Results

From the T1 to T4 timepoint, the diversity of the gut microbiota decreased, and the dominant species also changed, with a decrease in the obligate anaerobic bacteria and a shift toward a “pathogenic community”. Compared with non‐aGvHD patients, aGvHD patients had a lower abundance of Roseburia at T1 and a higher abundance of Acinetobacter johnsonii at T2. Furthermore, Acinetobacter johnsonii was negatively correlated with the secretion of IL‐4 and TNF‐α. At T3, Rothia mucilaginos was demonstrated to be linked with a decreased risk of aGvHD, which was accompanied by decreased secretion of IL‐8. At T4, higher abundances of Lactobacillus paracasei and Acinetobacter johnsonii were identified to be related with aGvHD. Lactobacillus paracasei was associated with the downregulation of IL‐10, and Acinetobacter johnsonii was associated with the downregulation of IL‐2 and TNF‐α.

Conclusions

Dynamic changes in gut microbiota composition and related cytokines were found to be related to aGvHD, including pathogenic or protective changes. These findings suggested that manipulation of gut microbiota at different timepoints might be a promising avenue for preventing or treating this common complication.
Five‐year follow‐up after percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation using the Venus P‐valve system for patients with pulmonary regurgitation and an enlarged native right ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Jin Qinchun , Long Yuliang , Zhang Gejun , Pan Xin , Chen Mao , Feng Yuan , Liu Jinfen , Yu Shiqiang , Pan Wenzhi , Zhou Daxin , Ge Junbo
Published: December 2023

Background

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) with the self‐expandable Venus P‐valve system is a promising treatment for patients with pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and a native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). However, limited data is available regarding its midterm outcomes. This study assessed the midterm clinical and echocardiographic outcomes following Venus P‐valve implantation.

Methods

From 2013 to 2018, 55 patients with moderate or severe PR after surgical RVOT repair with a transannular or RVOT patch were consecutively enrolled from six hospitals in China. Five‐year clinical and echocardiographic outcomes were collected and evaluated. The primary endpoint was a freedom from all‐cause mortality and reintervention.

Results

At 5 years, the primary endpoint was met for 96% of patients, corresponding to a freedom from all‐cause mortality of 96% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86%−99%) and freedom from reintervention of 98% (95% CI: 87%−100%). Endocarditis was reported in five patients (four patients within 1 year and one patient at 5 years) following PPVI. Transpulmonary gradient and stent orifice diameter remained stable compared to at discharge (p＞0.05). No paravalvular leak was reported while only 1 patient gradually increased to moderate PR during follow‐up. Significant improvement of RV diameter and LVEF (p＜0.001) sustained over the 5‐year follow‐up, in consistent with remarked improved New York Heart Association(NYHA) functional class (p＜0.001).

Conclusion

The 5‐year results of the China VenusP Study demonstrated the midterm benefits of Venus P‐valve implantation in the management of patients with severe PR with an enlarged native RVOT by providing sustained symptomatic and hemodynamic improvement.
Extralobar pulmonary sequestration: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhao Zonglei , Kong Lingqun , Lyu Xiaoqin , Cao Xuefeng , Zhang Xingyuan , Chen Qiangpu
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Pulmonary sequestration is a congenital malformation of lung development in which part of the lung tissue is separated from the normal lung during the embryonic phase and develops separately and receives blood supply from an aberrant systemic artery forming a nonrespiratory mass. In brief, early in embryonic development, certain tissues that should have atrophied and been gradually absorbed are left behind due to impairment of the atrophy process and form anomalous branches of the aorta, which pull parts of the lung tissue, isolating them from normal lung tissue and bronchi, and thus forming separate lung tissue. According to the relationship of the mass to the pleural covering, pulmonary sequestration can be divided into two types, intralobar pulmonary sequestration (ILS) and extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS), of which approximately 75% of cases are ILS, but ELS is less common. Symptoms are not obvious in either type, making diagnosis and differential diagnosis more difficult. Here we report a 33‐year‐old patient with only insignificant abdominal distension who was eventually diagnosed with retroperitoneal ELS.
Practical Synthesis of Valbenazine via 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition†
Authors: Peng Yalan , Lin Zuming , Zhu Lili , Han Shiqing , Huang Sha‐Hua , Hong Ran
Published: December 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Valbenazine (Ingrezza), a potent and highly selective inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) through the active metabolite hydrotetrabenazine (HTBZ), has been approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and, very recently, for chorea, which is associated with Huntington's disease. Despite numerous synthetic efforts dedicated to the synthesis of HTBZ, the industrial preparation of valbenazine uses dihydroisoquinoline as a starting material and the chiral resolution of racemic HTBZ derived from ketone reduction. Herein, we present a practical synthesis of HTBZ and valbenazine featuring a highly stereoselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and enzymatic kinetic resolution. The cascade process includes cycloaddition, N—O bond cleavage, and lactamization, which proved to be operationally simple. The allure of the enzymatic resolution developed in this work offers a rapid access toward affording tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ)‐fused piperidine in the production of medically significant compounds, such as yohimbine and reserpine.
Reproductive outcomes and reproductive health care utilization among male survivors of childhood cancer: A DCCSS‐LATER study
Authors: Claessens Joyce J. M. , Penson Adriaan , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , van der Heiden‐van der Loo Margriet , Tissing Wim J. E. , van der Pal Helena J. H. , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Versluys A. Birgitta , Bresters Dorine , Ronckers Cécile M. , Walraven Iris , Beerendonk Catharina C. M. , Loonen Jacqueline J. ,   for the Dutch LATER study group
Published: December 2023

Background

Treatment‐related gonadal dysfunction leading to fertility problems is a frequently encountered late effect in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). This study evaluated reproductive outcomes and reproductive health care utilization among male CCSs compared with male siblings.

Methods

A nationwide cohort study was conducted as part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor LATER study part 1, a questionnaire and linkage study. A questionnaire addressing reproductive outcomes and reproductive health care was completed by 1317 male CCSs and 407 male siblings. A total of 491 CCSs and 185 siblings had a previous or current desire for children and were included in this study.

Results

Fewer CCSs had biological children compared with siblings (65% vs. 88%; p < .001). The type of conception by men who fathered a child was comparable between CCSs and siblings (spontaneous conception of 90% of both groups; p = .86). The percentage of men who had consulted a reproductive specialist because of not siring a pregnancy was higher in CCSs compared with siblings (34% vs. 12%; p < .001). Following consultation, fewer CCSs underwent assisted reproductive techniques (ART) compared with siblings (41% vs. 77%; p = .001). After ART, fewer CCSs fathered a child compared with siblings (49% vs. 94%; p = .001).

Conclusions

More male survivors consult a reproductive specialist, but fewer survivors undergo ART and father a child after ART compared with siblings. This insight is important for understanding potential problems faced by survivors regarding family planning and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between oncologists and reproductive specialists.
Grounded synthetic series lossy inductor simulator circuits employing single current differencing buffered amplifier
Authors: Bhaskar Data Ram , Bhagat Ram , Raj Ajishek , Kumar Pragati
Published: December 2023

In this communication, two new positive lossy series inductor simulator circuits using single current differencing buffered amplifier (CDBA), one capacitor, and three resistors are presented. In both the proposed circuits, the inductance value is independently controllable through a grounded resistor, which may be implemented using a voltage‐controlled resistor (VCR), facilitating electronic tuning. Moreover, one of the circuits presented utilizes the intrinsic resistance (internal resistance available at input ports p and n) of the CDBA, thereby enabling electronic control and establishing the inductor simulator as canonical. Both the circuits are analyzed for non‐ideal behavior by taking into account the parasitic elements of CDBA and compared with their ideal counterparts. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed series RL simulator circuits, SPICE simulations are performed using CMOS CDBA, and the performance of the proposed circuits is evaluated by designing a lead compensator. The simulation and experimental results of the proposed circuits, along with the application examples employing CDBA realized with the off‐the‐shelf available IC AD844, have also been corroborated.
Economic costs associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors among Australian adolescents
Authors: Thai Thao T. H. , Le Ha N. D. , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Austin S. Bryn , Le Long Khanh‐Dao
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study explored the relationship between unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) and their associated economic costs among adolescents using the 2014–2018 Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC).

Methods

LSAC data in Wave 6 (n = 3538 adolescents aged 14–15 years), Wave 7 n = 3089 adolescents aged 16–17 years), and Wave 8 (n = 3037 adolescents aged 18–19 years) were derived from a representative sample of Australian adolescents. UWCBs were measured using the self‐reported Branched Eating Disorder Test questionnaire. UWCBs were sub‐classified into having fasting behaviors, using weight loss supplements or purging behaviors. Economic costs include healthcare and productivity costs to caregivers. Healthcare costs were measured using data from the Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits, which includes both medical and pharmaceutical costs. Productivity losses were measured using caregivers' lost leisure time due to UWCBs among adolescents.

Results

The mixed effect model identified statistically significant higher economic costs (mean difference = $453, 95% CIs $154, $752), higher health care costs (mean difference = $399, 95% CIs $102, $695), and higher productivity costs (mean difference = $59, 95% CIs $29, $90) for adolescents with UWCBs compared to their peers with no UWCBs. Subgroup analysis revealed that higher costs were associated with fasting and purging behaviors.

Discussion

UWCBs were associated with increased economic costs during adolescence. Our finding suggests there should be a policy focus on tackling UWCBs to reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system and society.

Public Significance

The study contributes to existing knowledge by investigating the direct healthcare costs and productivity losses associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors in Australian adolescents (14–18 years old) using a dataset that follows Australian adolescents over time. We found that engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors such as fasting, using weight loss supplements, and purging was linked to higher costs among adolescents, suggesting policies should focus on addressing these behaviors.
Analytical method of DC input impedance for stability analysis of IPM motor drive system
Authors: Karino Takaya , Kato Toshiji , Inoue Kaoru
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes an analytical calculation method of frequency characteristics of DC input impedances of an IPM motor drive system for design and stability analysis by the impedance method. The proposed method is based on an averaged frequency model linearized at an operating point. The developed small‐signal model considers control principles and mechanical perturbations. It is an analog and digital mixed model which is controlled by a digital signal processor system. Analysis examples of frequency characteristics for the impedance method by the proposed method are investigated and validated analytically and experimentally.
Synthesis of Spiro[4.5]ecanes by Au(I)‐Catalyzed Vinylogous Conia Ene Reaction
Authors: Liu Fuhai , Ruan Zhongting , Duan Xiaoguang , Ma Ruize , Su Xujuan , Liang Ning , Xie Xingang , She Xuegong
Published: December 2023

Au(I) catalysed vinylogous Conia ene reaction was developed to construct the densely functionalized spiro[4.5]‐deca‐1,6‐diene‐8‐ones from easily available 4‐alkyne tethered cyclohex‐2‐enones. 17 substrates with multiple substitutes on the cyclohex‐2‐enone ring were explored to afford the corresponding spiro[4.5]in 52–81 % yields. This reaction features mild conditions, wide substrate scope and atom economic characters.
Design consideration and recent developments in flexible, transparent and wearable antenna technology: A review
Authors: Soni Gaurav Kumar , Yadav Dinesh , Kumar Ashok
Published: December 2023

The wearable technology and flexible electronics have been convoluted in modern technologies and many of applications especially insensors, biomedical, displays, solar panels, glasses, smart cities, integrated circuits, and wireless body area network (WBAN). They offer capability of mechanical deformation conditions mainly stretchable, bendable, foldable features and capable to severe environmental conditions. Nowadays, a device having lightweight, low‐profile, compact in size and flexible deployment on the system platforms is preferred. With the flexibility in the design of the antenna, they require flexible, robust, easy to wear, visually imperceptible, unobtrusiveness, and planar material for the realization. The characteristics of the wearable antenna may vary according to the material conductivity and their optical transparency, substrate selection and their thickness along with permittivity opted for and mechanical deformation behavior. Generally, the textile material is utilized to design the flexible wearable antenna due to material flexibility which can minimize the losses and enhance the antenna performance. Conversely, the visually imperceptible and flexible material is utilized to design transparent wearable antenna due to appropriate trade‐off between conductivity and optical transparency of the materials. For diverse WBAN applications, the flexible, transparent, and wearable antennas are utilized. This paper elaborates the comprehensive review and the state‐of‐the‐art research on the diverse categories of the wearable antennas based on the substrate characteristics such as flexibility and transparency. In addition, it provides the broad investigation of the flexible and transparent materials utilized to design wearable antennas and different tissue layers with their dielectric properties to develop the human multilayer phantom model.
5‐Coloring reconfiguration of planar graphs with no short odd cycles
Authors: Cranston Daniel W. , Mahmoud Reem
Published: December 2023

The coloring reconfiguration graph has as its vertex set all the proper ‐colorings of , and two vertices in are adjacent if their corresponding ‐colorings differ on a single vertex. Cereceda conjectured that if an ‐vertex graph is ‐degenerate and , then the diameter of is . Bousquet and Heinrich proved that if is planar and bipartite, then the diameter of is . (This proves Cereceda's Conjecture for every such graph with degeneracy 3.) They also highlighted the particular case of Cereceda's Conjecture when is planar and has no 3‐cycles. As a partial solution to this problem, we show that the diameter of is for every planar graph with no 3‐cycles and no 5‐cycles.
Evaluation of reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay for the detection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in clinical laboratories: A single‐center study
Authors: Tian Wen , Zhang Yuanyuan , Geng Shuying , Wang Jianxin , Ji Wenjuan , Xu Yanli , Gao Xu , Li Xin , Lin Ling , Liu Yuanni , Song Chuan , Chen Zhihai , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2023

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute infectious disease prevalent in East Asia with a high mortality rate (5%–30%). Reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP), a rapid nucleic acid‐based diagnostic technique, is a useful alternative for the clinical diagnosis of SFTS, particularly in resource‐limited hospitals or rural clinics in SFTS virus‐endemic regions. However, the actual clinical sensitivity and specificity of RT‐LAMP remain unclear. This study evaluated the field application of RT‐LAMP. This prospective field study included 130 patients with laboratory‐confirmed SFTS from Yantai, Shandong Province, China. Two sets of RT‐LAMP primers were validated, and one set of RT‐LAMP assays was optimized for field detection. Nucleic acids of serially collected serum/plasma samples were identified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and RT‐LAMP. In laboratory tests, we optimized the detection time of primer set 2 for the RT‐LAMP to 60 min. Notably, the onsite testing of 279 plasma samples from patients with SFTS revealed that the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 81.9% and 96.3%, respectively. We also analyzed samples with different durations of the disease, and our study showed that the sensitivity of RT‐LAMP detection at the beginning of admission was 89.92%. Univariate analysis showed that the detection rate of RT‐LAMP was similar to that of RT‐qPCR in the first 5 days of the disease course and was lower than that of RT‐qPCR on Days 6 and 14–15 of the disease course. The positive detection rate in patients aged ≥ 65 years was significantly higher than that in younger age groups. RT‐LAMP is a simple, suitable, and rapid clinical detection method of SFTS onsite screening. It is more suitable for screening patients in the early stages of the disease and analyzing samples obtained from patients aged ≥ 65 years before the 6th day of the disease course.
A paradigm for post‐embryonic Oct4 re‐expression: E7‐induced hydroxymethylation regulates Oct4 expression in cervical cancer
Authors: Panayiotou Theofano , Eftychiou Marios , Patera Eleutherios , Promponas Vasilis J. , Strati Katerina
Published: December 2023

The Octamer‐binding transcription factor‐4 (Oct4) is upregulated in different malignancies, yet a paradigm for mechanisms of Oct4 post‐embryonic re‐expression is inadequately understood. In cervical cancer, Oct4 expression is higher in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related than HPV‐unrelated cervical cancers and this upregulation correlates with the expression of the E7 oncogene. We have reported that E7 affects the Oct4‐transcriptional output and Oct4‐related phenotypes in cervical cancer, however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we characterize the Oct4‐protein interactions in cervical cancer cells via computational analyses and Mass Spectrometry and reveal that Methyl‐binding proteins (MBD2 and MBD3), are determinants of Oct4‐driven transcription. E7 triggers MBD2 downregulation and TET1 upregulation, thereby disrupting the methylation status of the Oct4 gene. This coincides with an increase in the total DNA hydroxymethylation leading to the re‐expression of Oct4 in cervical cancer and likely affecting broader transcriptional patterns. Our findings reveal a previously unreported mechanism by which the E7 oncogene can regulate Oct4 re‐expression and global transcriptional patterns by increasing DNA hydroxymethylation and lowering the barrier to cellular plasticity during carcinogenesis.
Eliminating COVID‐19 as the immediate culprit for igniting pancreatitis
Authors: Ge Peng , Luo Yalan , Liu Jie , Liu Jin , Wen Haiyun , Zhang Guixin , Chen Hailong
Published: December 2023

The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection on the potential development of pancreatitis is a subject of ongoing debate within academic discourse. Establishing a causal link between COVID‐19 and pancreatitis may not be fully supported by relying only on retrospective studies or case reports. This study examined the relationship between COVID‐19 phenotypes and pancreatitis by Mendelian randomization (MR) method. The identification of instrumental variables (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that exhibit a robust association with the COVID‐19 phenotypes was accomplished through a meticulous process of rigorous screening procedures. We included acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis (CP) as the outcomes in the MR analysis, even though no definitive studies exist between COVID‐19 and CP. A direct causal relationship between genetically predicted COVID‐19 phenotypes and pancreatitis risk cannot be established. There is an ongoing debate over the designation of COVID‐19 as a definitive cause of pancreatitis.
Evolution of neutralizing antibodies through vaccination and breakthrough infections in the era of COVID‐19 endemicity
Authors: Yang Jinyoung , Kim Hye‐Jin , Kim Jun‐Won , Baek Jin Yang , Lee Young Jae , Choi Ju‐yeon , Kim Su‐Hwan , Jeong Hyeonji , Chung Eun Joo , Rhie Gi‐eun , Park Byoung Kwon , Lee So‐Young , Peck Kyong Ran , Kim Byoungguk , Ko Jae‐Hoon
Published: December 2023

Despite a high vaccination rate, the COVID‐19 pandemic continues with immune‐evading Omicron variants. The success of additional antigenic stimulation through breakthrough infection (BI) and updated vaccination in overcoming antigenic imprinting needs to be determined. Participants in a long‐term follow‐up cohort of healthcare worker (HCW) vaccinee were categorized according to their infection/vaccination status. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 spike/nucleocapsid protein antibodies were measured, and plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs) against wild‐type (WT), BA.5, BN.1, and XBB.1.5 were conducted. The neutralization activity of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products was evaluated to assess the immune status of the general population. Ninety‐five HCWs were evaluated and categorized into seven groups. The WT PRNT ND50 value was highest regardless of infection/vaccination status, and groups with recent antigenic stimulation showed high PRNT titers overall. Groups with double Omicron stimulation, either by BI plus BA.4/5 bivalent vaccination or repeated BI, exhibited significantly higher BA.5 and BN.1 PRNT to WT PRNT ratios than those with single Omicron stimulation. Overall group immunity was estimated to be boosted in January 2023, reflecting the effect of the BA.4/5 bivalent booster and additional BIs, but slightly declined in June 2023. A substantial increase in the antibody concentrations of IVIG products was noticed in 2022, and recently produced IVIG products exhibited a substantial level of cross‐reactive neutralizing activity against emerging variants. Neutralizing activity against emerging variants could be enhanced by repeated antigenic stimulation via BI and/or updated vaccination. Overall group immunity was elevated accordingly, and IVIG products showed substantial activity against circulating strains.
Broadband, high gain 2 × 2 subarray and 2 × 8 cavity‐backed antenna arrays for 5G mmWave applications
Authors: Asci Yavuz
Published: December 2023

In this study, linearly polarized 2 × 2 subarray and 2 × 8 element cavity‐backed antennas are proposed for 5G millimeter‐wave (mmWave) applications. Initially, the 2 × 2 subarray is designed, manufactured, and tested. According to the measured results, the 2 × 2 subarray has a wide fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 24.7% (|S11| < −10 dB, 22.3‒28.6 GHz) which covers the main spectrum allocations for the 5G cellular network. A broadband 1 × 4 corporate feed network is designed, which is challenging and crucial, to form 2 × 8 antenna array. The experimental results show that the final 2 × 8 antenna array has a wide FBW of 23% (|S11| < −10 dB, 22.3‒28 GHz), with a boresight gain of 20.5 dBi. Throughout the operating band, a stable gain of 19.5 ± 1 dBi is achieved. The 2 × 8 antenna array has good and stable radiation characteristics; SLLs are less than −13 dB and XPol is better than −20 dB for both E‐ and H‐planes across the entire operating frequency. Stubs are added between adjacent subarrays in the E‐plane to suppress mutual coupling and to improve gain of 2 × 8 antenna, which results in broadband impedance characteristics. The size of the 2 × 8 antenna array is 6.3λο × 8.1λο × 1.3λο, where λοis the free space wavelength at 25 GHz. These results show that the proposed antenna has potential for 5G millimeter‐wave applications requiring broadband and high gain.
High‐gain wideband all‐dielectric digital metasurface reflectarray antenna for millimeter‐wave applications
Authors: Bansal Shivam , Singh Amit Kumar , Bashir Gazali
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an additive manufacturing technique to design and prototype a reflective metasurface antenna for Ka‐band applications. The dielectric cuboidal element with an air‐filled void is designed to act as a unit cell for designing a three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed phase‐graded metasurface reflector. The designed phase‐graded metasurface reflector is a 3‐bit quantized highly reflective surface, designed by rigorous unit cell optimizations. The quantized unit cells are distributed to provide a 45° phase gradient and wideband reflections operating from 24 to 38 GHz. The designed reflector is excited by a wideband 3D‐printed horn antenna placed at the optimized focal point. The simulated and measured results indicate the designed antenna achieves a maximum gain of 23.66 dBi with a gain enhancement of 60%. The designed antenna is found to have a 1 dB stable gain bandwidth of 4 GHz, from 28 to 32 GHz with a maximum gain of 23.66 dBi at 30 GHz.
Are the attitudes and beliefs of Australian exercise‐based practitioners associated with their use of, and confidence in, treatment modalities for people with chronic low back pain?
Authors: Gibbs Mitchell T. , Last Theo , Marshall Paul , Jones Matthew D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Practitioners' attitudes and beliefs towards chronic low back pain (CLBP) influence their clinical decision making, but few studies have investigated decision making outside the context of patient vignettes for a range of first‐ and second‐line treatment options for CLBP, or in accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs).

Methods

Using an online survey, Australian AEPs and physiotherapists rated their use of different treatments for CLBP (exercise, education, manual therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy) and their confidence in these treatments for reducing pain and disability. Their biomedical and biopsychosocial beliefs were also assessed using the Pain and Attitudes Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists. Differences between disciplines in treatment use and confidence were analysed using Mann–Whitney U tests and independent t‐tests, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to explore factors associated with treatment choices.

Results

Two‐hundred thirty‐three practitioners (n = 143 physiotherapists, n = 90 AEPs) completed the survey. Most practitioners were confident in treating CLBP, had a moderate—high level of confidence in the different treatments, and regularly used them in practice. Practitioners with higher biomedical beliefs had greater use of, and confidence in, specific exercise, manual therapy, and combined exercise and manual therapy. Practitioners with higher biopsychosocial beliefs were more confident in general exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, pain education and combined exercise and pain education.

Conclusion

Practitioner beliefs influence their use of, and confidence in different treatments for CLBP. These findings suggest a need for strategies to enhance biopsychosocial beliefs/reduce biomedical beliefs in Australian exercise‐based practitioners.
Simultaneous time‐of‐flight MR angiography and quantitative susceptibility mapping with key time‐of‐flight features
Authors: De Ashmita , Grenier Justin , Wilman Alan H.
Published: December 2023

A technique for combined time‐of‐flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) was developed with key features of standard three‐dimensional (3D) TOF acquisitions, including multiple overlapping thin slab acquisition (MOTSA), ramped RF excitation, and venous saturation. The developed triple‐echo 3D TOF‐QSM sequence enabled TOF‐MRA, susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI), QSM, and R2* mapping. The effects of ramped RF, resolution, flip angle, venous saturation, and MOTSA were studied on QSM. Six volunteers were scanned at 3 T with the developed sequence, conventional TOF‐MRA, and conventional SWI. Quantitative comparison of susceptibility values on QSM and normalized arterial and venous vessel‐to‐background contrasts on TOF and SWI were performed. The ramped RF excitation created an inherent phase variation in the raw phase. A generic correction factor was computed to remove the phase variation to obtain QSM without artifacts from the TOF‐QSM sequence. No statistically significant difference was observed between the developed and standard QSM sequence for susceptibility values. However, maintaining standard TOF features led to compromises in signal‐to‐noise ratio for QSM and SWI, arising from the use of MOTSA rather than one large 3D slab, higher TOF spatial resolution, increased TOF background suppression due to larger flip angles, and reduced venous signal from venous saturation. In terms of vessel contrast, veins showed higher normalized contrast on SWI derived from TOF‐QSM than the standard SWI sequence. While fast flowing arteries had reduced contrast compared with standard TOF‐MRA, no statistical difference was observed for slow flowing arteries. Arterial contrast differences largely arise from the longer TR used in TOF‐QSM over standard TOF‐MRA to accommodate additional later echoes for SWI. In conclusion, although the sequence has a longer TR and slightly lower arterial contrast, provided an adequate correction is made for ramped RF excitation effects on phase, QSM may be performed from a multiecho sequence that includes all key TOF features, thus enabling simultaneous TOF‐MRA, SWI, QSM, and R2* map computation.
Fatigue‐crack‐propagation behavior and mechanism of long hemp‐fiber‐enhanced styrene–butadiene rubber/carbon black compounds
Authors: Liang Jiuming , Zhang Hao , Luo Zhu , Zhong Jincheng , Wang Xingyu
Published: December 2023

Biomass renewable fiber has the advantages of low cost and environmental friendliness; however, its application as a reinforcement material is limited owing to its poor reinforcement effect. Thus, expanding its application is still a major challenge. This study investigates the effect of hemp fiber (HF) of different lengths on the mechanical properties and fatigue behavior of styrene‐butadiene rubber/carbon black (SBR/CB) compounds using high‐pressure low‐shear extrusion. The results showed that the length of the HF retained by the extrusion process was approximately 10 times that of the traditional internal mixing process (internal mixing and open mixing). Interface bonding between the long HF coated with butadiene‐vinyl pyridine latex (VPL) and the SBR/CB matrix was improved significantly. This inhibited the fatigue‐crack propagation and considerably improved the dynamic fatigue life of the notched specimens. The dynamic fatigue life of the notched specimens of the composite prepared by the extrusion process was approximately nine times longer than that of the traditional internal mixing process. The results showed that the long HF length retained after the extrusion process effectively enhanced the strength of the rubber composites and significantly improved the dynamic fatigue life of rubber products under alternating stress.

Highlights

The raw material, hemp fiber, is a renewable resource, low cost and environmentally friendly.

Pioneering a new process for preparing rubber composite materials, replacing the traditional process for preparing composite materials.

High‐pressure, low‐shear extrusion process retains the length of the hemp fibers and improves rubber composites properties.

Compared to traditional processes，long fiber length is 10 times longer by the extrusion process and fatigue life is increased to 9 times.

High‐pressure, low‐shear extrusion process enables mass production, opening up new ideas for rubber industrial production.