bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of DYRK1a in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by regulating ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Rui‐Ming , Cao Qiu‐Mei , Ma Bing‐Chen , Zhang Hao , Hao Hua‐Peng
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of DYRK1a regulating ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes during myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI). H9c2 cells treated with oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) were used as MIRI cell models and transfected with sh‐DYRK1a or/and erastin. Cell viability, apoptosis, and DYRK1a mRNA/protein expression were measured accordingly. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were determined. The expression of ferroptosis‐related proteins (GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, and TFR1) was detected using western blotting. The MIRI rat model was established to explore the possible role of DYRK1a suppression in cell injury and ferroptosis. OGD/R cells showed elevated mRNA and protein expression for DYRK1a. OGD/R cells transfected with sh‐DYRK1a showed elevated cell viability, GSH content, increased GPX4 and SLC7A11 expression, suppressed iron content, MDA, ROS, ACSL4, and TFR1 expression, and reduced apoptosis rate, whereas co‐transfection of sh‐DYRK1a with erastin reversed the attenuation of sh‐DYRK1a on MIRI. The suppressive effect of sh‐DYRK1a on MI/R injury was confirmed in an MIRI rat model. DYRK1a mediates ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes to deteriorate MIRI progression.
Characteristics of cabozantinib treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nouso Kazuhiro , Shiota Shohei , Fujita Rio , Wakuta Akiko , Kariyama Kazuya , Hiraoka Atsushi , Atsukawa Masanori , Tani Joji , Tada Toshifumi , Matsuo Yu , Nakamura Shinichiro , Tajiri Kazuto , Kaibori Masaki , Hirooka Masashi , Itobayashi Ei , Kakizaki Satoru , Naganuma Atsushi , Ishikawa Toru , Hatanaka Takeshi , Fukunishi Shinya , Tsuji Kunihiko , Kawata Kazuhito , Takaguchi Koichi , Tsutsui Akemi , Ogawa Chikara , Ochi Hironori , Yasuda Satoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi ,   the Real‐life Practice Experts for HCC (RELPEC) Study Group and HCC 48 Group (hepatocellular carcinoma experts from 48 clinics in Japan)
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

Cabozantinib is a molecular targeted agent (MTA) used for treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although its superiority over placebo has been proven, its effectiveness and risk factors in real‐world practice are needed to be elucidated.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 54 advanced HCC patients, who were treated with cabozantinib. The effectiveness of cabozantinib, adverse events (AE) and risk factors for survival was analysed.

Results

Majority of the patients (88.9%) were treated with two or more MTAs before starting cabozantinib and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was the most prevalent MTA used (59.3%). The median overall survival and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 6.9 and 4.4 months, respectively. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 3.7% and 40.7%, respectively. Grade 3/4 AE occurred in 37.0% of the patients; however, unpredictable AE was not observed. Multivariate analysis revealed that high neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR, >4) was a risk factor for survival (hazard ratio for death, 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41–4.82; p = 0.020). Moreover, the occurrence of Grade 3/4 AE was a negative risk factor for both survival (hazard ratio for death, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16–0.83; p = 0.016) and PFS (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15–0.73; p = 0.006). Neither preceding therapy with atezolizumab/bevacizumab nor a reduced starting dose correlated with patient survival.

Conclusions

Cabozantinib can be used safely in real‐world practice. The study identified high NLR as a positive risk factor and the occurrence of Grade 3/4 AE as a negative risk factor for survival.
Crosslinked Collagen‐Hyaluronic Acid Scaffold Enhances Interleukin‐10 Under Co‐Culture of Macrophages And Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Hausen Moema de Alencar , Moraes Ariana de Souza , Pedrini Flavia , Grabarz Felipe , Camilli José Angelo , Duek Eliana Aparecida de Rezende
Published: September 2023

The skin, the human body's largest organ, possesses a protective barrier that renders it susceptible to various injuries, including burns. Following burn trauma, the inflammatory process triggers both innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to the polarization of macrophages into two distinct phenotypes: the pro‐inflammatory M1 and the anti‐inflammatory M2. This dual response sets the stage for wound healing and subsequent tissue regeneration. Contributing to this transition from M1 to M2 polarization are human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs), which employ paracrine signaling and inflammation suppression to enhance the remodeling phase. ASCs, when combined with biocompatible polymers, can be integrated into functional scaffolds. This study introduces an 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide‐crosslinked (EDC‐crosslinked) collagen‐hyaluronic acid (Col‐HA) scaffold assembled with ASCs, designed as a natural biomaterial device to modulate macrophage behavior in vitro under co‐culture conditions. This innovation aims to improve wound healing processes. The EDC‐crosslinked Col‐HA scaffold favored the release of anti‐inflammatory cytokines by ASCs, which indicated the M2 prevalence. In tissue engineering, a critical objective lies in the development of functional biomaterials capable of guiding specific tissue responses, notably the control of inflammatory processes. Thus, this research not only presents original findings but also points toward a promising avenue within regenerative medicine.
Controlled Growth of Highly Oriented Perovskite Crystals in Polymer Solutions via Selective Solvent Vapor Diffusion
Authors: Li Yen‐Ting , Prakoso Suhendro Purbo , Hsu Li‐Che , Xu Xin‐Ni , Hung Chih‐Chien , Chen Ya‐Ling , Wu Yu‐Hao , Chen Wen‐Chang , Lin Bi‐Hsuan , Chiu Yu‐Cheng
Published: September 2023

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have garnered significant attention in optoelectronics owing to their outstanding tunable optical characteristics. Controlled growth of perovskite nanocrystals from solutions is key for controlling the emission intensity and photoluminescence lifetime of perovskites. In particular, most studies have focused on controlling the crystallization of perovskite through chemical treatment using chelating ligands or physical treatment via antisolvent diffusion, and there exists a trade‐off between the photoluminescence intensity and lifetime of perovskites. Herein, a selective solvent vapor‐assisted crystallization with the aid of a functional polymer, which nanoscale perovskite crystals are grown andante from precursor solution, is presented for tuning the crystallization and optical properties of a common halide perovskite, methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3). The proposed method here produces perovskite nanocrystals in the range of 200–300 nm. The spin‐coated thin film formed from the perovskite solution exhibits strong green photoluminescence with a long lifetime. The effects of the functional group and polymer dosage on the crystallization of MAPbBr3 are systematically investigated, and the crystallization mechanism is explained based on a modified LaMer model. This study provides an advanced solution process for precisely controlling perovskite crystallization to enhance their optical properties for next‐generation optoelectronic devices.
Loss of polarity protein Par3 in the intestinal epithelium promotes colitis‐associated colorectal cancer progression by damaging tight junction assembly
Authors: Luo Binbin , Song Linyi , Chen Limiao , Cai Yue , Zhang Mingwei , Wang Shenyi
Published: September 2023

Partitioning defective 3 (Par3) is a polarity protein critical in establishing epithelial cell polarity and tight junctions (TJs). Impaired intestinal epithelial barrier integrity is closely associated with colitis‐associated colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. According to the GEO and TCGA database analyses, we first observed that the expression of Par3 was reduced in CRC patients. To understand how Par3 is related to CRC, we investigated the role of Par3 in the development of CRC using an in vivo genetic approach. Our results show that the intestinal epithelium‐specific PAR3 deletion mice demonstrated a more severe CRC phenotype in the context of azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) treatment, with a corresponding increase in tumor number and inflammatory cytokines profile. Mechanistically, loss of Par3 disrupts the TJs of the intestinal epithelium and increases mucosal barrier permeability. The interaction of Par3 with ZO‐1 prevents intramolecular interactions within ZO‐1 protein and facilitates the binding of occludin to ZO‐1, hence preserving TJs integrity. Our results suggest that Par3 deficiency permits pathogenic bacteria and their endotoxins to penetrate the intestinal submucosa and activate TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling, promoting inflammation‐driven CRC development and that Par3 may be a novel potential molecular marker for the diagnosis of early‐stage CRC.
FOLR1‐stabilized β‐catenin promotes laryngeal carcinoma progression through EGFR/AKT/GSK‐3β pathway
Authors: Tuo Huawei , Li Xuemei , Du Haixia , Li Man , Xu Chenli , Yu Zizhong , Zhao Huzi
Published: September 2023

Folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) is overexpressed in numerous epithelial malignancies; however, its role in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that FOLR1 messenger RNA and protein expression levels were higher in LSCC tissues than in the adjacent normal tissues. Additionally, FOLR1 promoted the proliferation and migration of LSCC cells, whereas small interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown of β‐catenin abolished these effects. Moreover, FOLR1 stabilizes β‐catenin by inhibiting its ubiquitination and degradation. Furthermore, blocking the interaction between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the EGFR/AKT/glycogen synthase (GSK)3β signaling axis both abolished FOLR1's effects on the expression and nuclear aggregation of β‐catenin. In summary, our work reveals a novel mode in which FOLR1 promotes the proliferation and migration of LSCC by enhancing the stability and nuclear translocation of β‐catenin through the EGFR/AKT/GSK3β axis.
Rainy season and crop calendars comparison between past (1950–2018) and future (2030–2100) in Madagascar
Authors: Randriamarolaza Luc Yannick Andréas , Aguilar Enric
Published: September 2023

This paper analyzes rainfall data to characterize the rainy season and define rice and maize crop calendars for current and future conditions in Madagascar. The daily rainfall data are taken from observational climate records and climate model simulations from the CMIP6 under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. Rainy season characteristics are calibrated to fit rice and maize crop growth stages. The comparison between the past (1950–2018) and the future (2030–2100) highlights changes in the onset and cessation dates, which happen later and earlier, respectively. This causes the reduction of the rainy season duration, which affects the rice and maize crop calendars, especially its sowing or seeding periods. The worst (best) case is mainly observed in the southeast (southwest). On the one hand, the southwestern region may need to adapt to grow rice and maize crops with short or medium crop cycles in the future. In the Highland or Central land, the length of the sowing or seeding period increases. On the other hand, the North and East face a significant reduction in the length of the sowing or seeding period. Rice endures more than maize. Growing rice crops twice a year may not be possible in the future. But rather, we observe minor changes in the West. Our analysis suggests the imperative necessity to advise smallholder farmers to rely on short crop cycle varieties of rice and maize crops. Predominantly, the harvesting period is postponed. It is recommended to carefully consider our results for the definition of food policies.
Three‐dimensional super resolution ultrasound imaging with a multi‐frequency hemispherical phased array
Authors: Deng Lulu , Lea‐Banks Harriet , Jones Ryan M. , O'Reilly Meaghan A. , Hynynen Kullervo
Published: September 2023

Background

High resolution imaging of the microvasculature plays an important role in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the brain. However, ultrasound pulse‐echo sonography imaging the brain vasculatures has been limited to narrow acoustic windows and low frequencies due to the distortion of the skull bone, which sacrifices axial resolution since it is pulse length dependent.

Purpose

To overcome the detect limit, a large aperture 256‐module sparse hemispherical transmit/receive array was used to visualize the acoustic emissions of ultrasound‐vaporized lipid‐coated decafluorobutane nanodroplets flowing through tube phantoms and within rabbit cerebral vasculature in vivo via passive acoustic mapping and super resolution techniques.

Methods

Nanodroplets were vaporized with 55 kHz burst‐mode ultrasound (burst length = 145 μs, burst repetition frequency = 9–45 Hz, peak negative acoustic pressure = 0.10–0.22 MPa), which propagates through overlying tissues well without suffering from severe distortions. The resulting emissions were received at a higher frequency (612 or 1224 kHz subarray) to improve the resulting spatial resolution during passive beamforming. Normal resolution three‐dimensional images were formed using a delay, sum, and integrate beamforming algorithm, and super‐resolved images were extracted via Gaussian fitting of the estimated point‐spread‐function to the normal resolution data.

Results

With super resolution techniques, the mean lateral (axial) full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum image intensity was 16 ± 3 (32 ± 6) μm, and 7 ± 1 (15 ± 2) μm corresponding to ∼1/67 of the normal resolution at 612 and 1224 kHz, respectively. The mean positional uncertainties were ∼1/350 (lateral) and ∼1/180 (axial) of the receive wavelength in water. In addition, a temporal correlation between nanodroplet vaporization and the transmit waveform shape was observed, which may provide the opportunity to enhance the signal‐to‐noise ratio in future studies.

Conclusions

Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of vaporizing nanodroplets via low frequency ultrasound and simultaneously performing spatial mapping via passive beamforming at higher frequencies to improve the resulting spatial resolution of super resolution imaging techniques. This method may enable complete four‐dimensional vascular mapping in organs where a hemispherical array could be positioned to surround the target, such as the brain, breast, or testicles.
Exploiting high‐contrast Stokes preconditioners to efficiently solve incompressible fluid–structure interaction problems
Authors: Wichrowski Michał , Krzyżanowski Piotr , Heltai Luca , Stupkiewicz Stanisław
Published: September 2023

In this work, we develop a new algorithm to solve large‐scale incompressible time‐dependent fluid–structure interaction problems using a matrix‐free finite element method in arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian frame of reference. We derive a semi‐implicit time integration scheme which improves the geometry‐convective explicit scheme for problems involving the interaction between incompressible hyperelastic solids and incompressible fluids. The proposed algorithm relies on the reformulation of the time‐discrete problem as a generalized Stokes problem with strongly variable coefficients, for which optimal preconditioners have recently been developed. The resulting algorithm is scalable, optimal, and robust: we test our implementation on model problems that mimic classical Turek–Hron benchmarks in two and three dimensions, and investigate timing and scalability results.
A commentary on broader use of preoperative polysomnography in pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Garg Neha , Silber Elizabeth J. , Levi Jessica R.
Published: September 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by repeated episodes of prolonged airway obstruction during sleep, is a common condition in pediatric patients ages 2 to 6. Polysomnography (PSG) testing can be used to assess the severity of OSA or obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing prior to adenotonsillectomy. The article “Characteristics and Frequency of Children With Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Undergoing Elective Polysomnography” by Bains et al. notes the variability in guidelines regarding indication for PSG amongst professional societies, making it difficult for physicians to determine which patients require PSG. The purpose of this commentary is to emphasize and elaborate on the potential benefit for preoperative PSG in all patients considering adenotonsillectomy as presented by the aforementioned article. With broader use of preoperative PSG, providers would have a more accurate assessment of OSA severity and to aid in surgical decision‐making and postoperative planning.
Synthesis of Transparent CuI Thin Films by a Facile Low‐Cost High Pressure (HP)‐PECVD Method at Room Temperature for the Application in Solar Cells
Authors: Sanyal Dipto Arindam , Mondal Liton , Hossain Jaker , Rashid M. Mamunur , Hossain M. Khalid , Roy Nepal C. , Rashid Talukder Mamunur
Published: September 2023

Copper iodide (CuI) thin films were prepared on a glass substrate by a facile high pressure (HP)‐PECVD method at room temperature. For this, CuI powder was dissolved in CH3CN. The CuI vapor with plasma was investigated by Optical Emission Spectroscopic (OES) data for identifying the species in the plasma. The XRD study reveals the polycrystalline nature of the films. The SEM analyses indicate the homogeneity of the films. The EDS mapping confirms that the thin films mostly consisted of carbon followed by nitrogen, copper and iodine, respectively. The band gaps of CuI thin films were in the range of ~2.71–3.14 eV. The high transmittance and band gap engineering in HP‐PECVD‐synthesized CuI thin films indicates their potential use as window and hole transport layers in low cost solar cells.
Forecasts for a post‐Roe America: The effects of increased travel distance on abortions and births
Authors: Myers Caitlin
Published: September 2023

I compile novel data measuring county‐level travel distances to abortion facilities and resident abortion rates from 2009 through 2020. Using these data, I implement a difference‐in‐difference research design measuring the effects of driving distance to the nearest abortion facility on abortions and births. The results indicate large but diminishing effects: an increase from 0 to 100 miles is estimated to reduce abortion rates by 19.4% and increase birth rates by 2.2%, while the next 100 miles reduces abortions by an additional 12.8% and increases births by an additional 1.6%. Based on this evidence, I forecast the effects of post‐Roe abortion bans on abortion rates by county, state, and region. In a scenario in which total abortion bans take effect in 24 states, about one‐quarter of residents seeking abortions are predicted to become trapped by distance and about three‐quarters of those who are trapped are predicted to give birth as a result.
The implications of principal leadership styles on teachers' organizational commitment in the Israeli Arab educational minority
Authors: Abd El Qader Yasmin , Benoliel Pascale
Published: September 2023

The current study's purpose is to present a picture of the extent to and frequency at which Israeli Arab principals are perceived as displaying the leadership styles of participative leadership versus directive leadership and transformation versus transactional leadership and then investigating the relationship of these leadership styles to teachers' organizational commitment (OC). Data were collected from two sources: senior management team members and teachers to avoid same source and common method bias: 426 participants overall from 71 high schools in the Israeli Arab educational system. Unianova analysis and hierarchical regression analyses were used to test the proposed relationships. The results of the overall model indicated that although principals in the Arab society in Israel are perceived mostly as directive leaders, participative leadership was positively associated with teacher OC beyond the specific influence of directive leadership. Changes in teacher perceptions, toward freedom of self‐expression and career advancement, seem to be reflected in the influence of principals' leadership styles on teachers' OC that are derived in part from cultural features of the school's environment. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Uncrewed aerial vehicle radiometric calibration: A comparison of autoexposure and fixed‐exposure images
Authors: Bagnall G. Cody , Thomasson John Alex , Yang Chenghai , Wang Tianyi , Han Xiongzhe , Sima Chao , Chang Anjin
Published: September 2023

Remote sensing with uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) is increasingly being used in agriculture to provide data on the physical characteristics of plants under field conditions. Data accuracy is critical for decision making with a high degree of confidence. In this work, we compared two multispectral camera calibration methods for image data collected with a UAV: (1) an autoexposure method that relies on a single calibration panel and a post hoc calibration, and (2) a fixed‐exposure system that uses three in‐field gray calibration panels using the empirical line calibration method. Both methods were compared to reflectance data from (a) four ground calibration targets measured with a spectroradiometer and (b) a single manned aircraft image calibrated with commercial calibration tarps. In a band‐by‐band comparison, the autoexposure method produced almost twice as much radiometric error on average compared with fixed exposure. Because remote sensing data are commonly converted to spectral indices, the calibration methods were also evaluated by calculating the visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI) and comparing the resulting data to the manned aircraft image. Similarly, the autoexposure method in this case produced twice the error of the fixed‐exposure method. The effect of the error was considered in a production agriculture context by simulating a remote sensing‐based prescription map for pesticide application in a cotton (Gossypium) field and calculating the number of mislabeled management zones. The simulation showed that the autoexposure method would be more costly to the farm because of its higher error, roughly $8.00/ha based on the assumptions made.
Peripheral airway dysfunction in prematurity‐associated obstructive lung disease identified by oscillometry
Authors: Cousins Michael , Hart Kylie , Radics Bence L. , Henderson A John , Hantos Zoltán , Sly Peter D. , Kotecha Sailesh
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Mechanisms underlying lung dysfunction after preterm birth are poorly understood. Studying phenotypes of prematurity‐associated lung disease may aid understanding of underlying mechanisms. Preterm‐born children with and without lung dysfunction and term controls were assessed using oscillometry before and after exercise, and after postexercise bronchodilation.

Methods

Preterm‐born children, born at gestation of 34 weeks or less, were classified into those with prematurity‐associated obstructive lung disease (POLD; FEV1 < LLN, FEV1/FVC < LLN), prematurity‐associated preserved ratio of impaired spirometry (pPRISm; FEV1 < LLN, FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN) and compared to preterm (FEV1 ≥ LLN) and term controls (%predicted FEV1 > 90%). All children underwent cardiopulmonary exercise, and oscillometry assessment at baseline, postexercise, and after postexercise bronchodilator administration.

Results

From 241 participants aged 7–12 years, complete data were available from 179: 15 children with POLD and 11 with pPRISm were compared with 93 preterm and 60 term controls. POLD group, when compared to both control groups, had impaired impedance, greater resistance, more negative (greater magnitude) reactance at low frequencies, and also had decreased compliance. pPRISm group demonstrated impaired reactance and compliance compared to term controls. No differences were noted between the preterm and term controls. Exercise had little impact on oscillometry values, but children with POLD had greatest improvements after postexercise bronchodilator administration, with decreased resistance and decreased magnitude of reactance, particularly at low frequencies.

Conclusion

Preterm‐born children with obstructive airway disease had the greatest oscillometry impairments and the largest improvements after postexercise bronchodilator compared to control groups. Oscillometry can potentially be used to identify preterm‐born children with lung disease to institute treatment.
Unclassifiable interstitial lung disease and autoimmunity: Towards IPAF in children?
Authors: Aoust Laura , Berteloot Laureline , Drabent Philippe , Garcelon Nicolas , Bodemer Christine , Molina Thierry Jo , Bader‐Meunier Brigitte , Hadchouel Alice
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) has been defined for adults with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and autoimmunity who do not meet the criteria for a specific connective tissue disease (CTD). We aimed to determine whether IPAF criteria could apply to children.

Methods

We retrospectively studied patients with ILD and autoimmunity followed at Necker Hospital between 2008 and 2019. Children were classified according to specific CTD and IPAF criteria. The epidemiology and course of the disease were studied according to the final diagnosis.

Results

Among 27 patients, 6 fulfilled the criteria for IPAF and represented 4.5% of all patients with ILD during the study period. Other diagnoses included juvenile dermatomyositis (30%), overlap syndromes (19%), systemic lupus erythematosus (15%), systemic sclerosis (7%), mixed CTD (4%), and rheumatoid arthritis (4%). IPAF patients were more frequently boys versus CTD‐ILD patients (67% vs. 14%, p = .02). Two patients had severe respiratory distress that led to death for one of them. The course was favorable for the others, with a good response to steroids. The course tended to be more favorable for IPAF patients than for those with CTD‐ILD (0% lung fibrosis in the IPAF group vs. 43% in the CTD‐ILD group, p = .07).

Conclusion

We confirmed the existence of IPAF in children. Its prevalence was lower than in adults but comparable to that found for other pediatric series. Boys were more highly represented than in CTD‐ILD. The course was favorable for most cases. Larger and more prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Screening for sleep disordered breathing among children hospitalized for asthma exacerbation
Authors: Gurbani Neepa , Schuler Christine L. , Ignatiuk Daniel , Albrecht Jennifer , Guo Yuping , Waits Amanda , Kercsmar Carolyn M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) may exacerbate asthma and is a treatable comorbidity.

Objective

To design and implement a screening process for SDB in patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation using quality improvement (QI) methods. We sought to improve screening for SDB from zero to 60% from July 2019 to December 2020.

Design/Methods

A multidisciplinary team used QI methods to screen for SDB using the Michigan pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) in patients 2−18 years hospitalized for asthma exacerbation. Key interventions included: pairing the PSQ screen with another element of routine care (the asthma risk factor screen), educating staff and physicians, engaging respiratory therapists to complete the PSQ and document scores, and modifying the electronic medical record (asthma order set and flowsheet for PSQ score documentation). A run chart tracked progress and descriptive statistics were generated.

Results

There were 2067 patients admitted for asthma exacerbation during this project. The PSQ was completed for 1531 patients (74%) overall. Of screened patients, 360 (24%) had a positive PSQ; the mean age was 8.6 years. Approximately 14 months after the project began, ~90% of children admitted for asthma were being screened; subsequently, >80% of patients were being screened until May 2022. Screening with the PSQ occurred approximately 90% of the time when routine asthma risk screens were completed.

Conclusion

A screening process for SDB was successfully implemented and appeared feasible and sustainable. The high proportion of positive screens reinforces the importance of evaluating for SDB in the high‐risk population of children requiring hospitalization for asthma exacerbation.
Synthesis and characterization of the energetic 5,7‐diamino‐2‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine
Authors: Roux Maxwell A. , Zeller Matthias , Byrd Edward F. C. , Piercey Davin G.
Published: September 2023

The energetic compound 5,7‐diamino‐2‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine (ANTT) was synthesized through the selective nitration of 2,5,7‐triamine‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine (TTT). This facile synthetic strategy yields a highly insensitive energetic nitrogen bicycle with potential for further functionalization. ANTT was chemically characterized by NMR, IR, and single crystal X‐Ray crystallography. Its energetic sensitivities (impact, friction) were experimentally determined, and its energetic performances were calculated for the first time.
Modeling of Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide Solar Cells with Various Buffers Using SCAPS‐1D
Authors: Zhang Han , Chan Kah-Yoong , Ng Zi-Neng
Published: September 2023

Recently, researchers have shown a strong interest in research on quaternary semiconductor copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) photovoltaic cells. These cells have a high absorption coefficient, a direct bandgap, and excellent electrical properties. However, the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) in the cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer layer in standard CZTS solar cells, can generate severe environmental contamination that is hazardous to humans. As a result, building a Cd‐free CZTS solar cell is critical. Meanwhile, given that the peak power conversion efficiency of CZTS solar cells stands at a modest 11%, this study is dedicated to identifying an optimal approach for replacing the environmentally hazardous CdS layers to enhance overall efficiency. SCAPS‐1D is a one‐dimensional solar cell simulation program commonly used to examine proposed solar cells without building them. This study highlights the performance of CZTS with various nontoxic buffer layers, as well as the key results obtained through numerical research with SCAPS‐1D.
A Dendrite Net based decoupled framework for the reliability‐based control co‐design problem
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Yizhong , Qiao Ping
Published: September 2023

To improve the reliability of the dynamic system including physical and control design, the reliability‐based control co‐design (RB‐CCD) problem has been studied to account for the uncertainty stemming from the random physical design. However, when encountering RB‐CCD in the sophisticated system in which the dynamic model simulation is time‐consuming or the state equation is expressed implicitly, the available RB‐CCD methods will consume significant computational effort to perform numerous system simulations for the reliability analysis and deterministic optimization. Therefore, this work proposes a Dendrite Net‐based decoupled framework for RB‐CCD to alleviate the computational burden. Specifically, the Dendrite (DD) model constructed by the suggested training scheme integrated with an adaptive sampling strategy is used to approximate the state equation in the dynamic system. After that, the sequential optimization and reliability assessment method decouples RB‐CCD into the control co‐design (CCD) problem and time‐dependent reliability assessment problem, which are solved sequentially based on the cheap estimations of DD model, rather than the expensive simulations of the original system. Furthermore, two numerical examples and an engineering example of 3‐DOF robot system are applied to demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed framework.
State‐selected photo‐recombination cross sections of H‐like ions in the KLL resonant energy range
Authors: Ma K , Chu Y
Published: September 2023

We theoretically study the state‐selected photo‐recombination process of highly charged ions using the close‐coupling approximation and the full relativistic Dirac R‐matrix method combined with the Dirac Atomic R‐matrix Codes (DARC). Focusing on the interference between the direct and indirect processes and the relativistic effects on the spin‐orbit splitting, we calculate the total and partial photo‐recombination cross sections of the H‐like Ne, Cl, Fe, and Kr ions. The energies of the incident electrons are considered as in the resonant regions, in which the initial state is the ground state of the H‐like ions and the recombined states includes the ground state and six lower excited states , and of the He‐like ions. We utilize the multi‐configuration Dirac‐Fock method to calculate the target state wavefunctions, transition energies, and transition probabilities of both the one‐electron one‐photon (OEOP) and two‐electron one‐photon (TEOP) transitions from the resonant captured states to the recombined states. By analyzing the calculated atomic data, we identify all resonant peaks in each partial photo‐recombination process, and our results agree well with the available results in literature. Our study reveals a significant interference effect in the photo‐recombination cross sections, especially in the partial cross sections. Moreover, we present the eigenphase as a function of the electron energy for each partial photo‐recombination channel.
Fixed‐time fault‐tolerant control of manipulator systems based on sliding mode observer
Authors: Li Dan , Chen Ming , Peng Kaixiang , Wu Libing
Published: September 2023

A fixed‐time fault‐tolerant control scheme based on sliding mode observer is proposed, which makes the system more stable and stronger anti‐jamming ability. In our design, its distinct characteristic is to combine the passive fault‐tolerant control and non‐singular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM). And it ensures that the system states can converge to a very small neighborhood near the equilibrium point in a fixed time no matter in normal condition or fault condition. In addition, a novel sliding‐mode observer and a fast variable power reaching law are added to make the system converge faster and chattering smaller. Finally, the computer simulation results of a two‐joint manipulator demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed strategy.
Direct Z‐Scheme Heterostructure of Vertically Oriented SnS2 Nanosheet on BiVO4 Nanoflower for Self‐Powered Photodetectors and Water Splitting
Authors: Ma Nan , Lu Chunhui , Liu Yuqi , Han Taotao , Dong Wen , Wu Dan , Xu Xinlong
Published: September 2023

The construction of nanostructured Z‐scheme heterostructure is a powerful strategy for realizing high‐performance photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices such as self‐powered photodetectors and water splitting. Considering the band structure and internal electric field direction, BiVO4 is a promising candidate to construct SnS2‐based heterostructure. Herein, the direct Z‐scheme heterostructure of vertically oriented SnS2 nanosheet on BiVO4 nanoflower is rationally fabricated for efficient self‐powered PEC photodetectors. The Z‐scheme heterostructure is identified by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, PEC measurement, and water splitting. The SnS2/BiVO4 heterostructure shows a superior photodetection performance such as excellent photoresponsivity (10.43 mA W−1), fast response time (6 ms), and long‐term stability. Additionally, by virtue of efficient Z‐scheme charge transfer and unique light‐trapping nanostructure, the SnS2/BiVO4 heterostructure also displays a remarkable photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 54.3 µmol cm−2 h−1 in Na2SO3 electrolyte. Furthermore, the synergistic effect between photo‐activation and bias voltage further improves the PEC hydrogen production rate of 360 µmol cm−2 h−1 at 0.8 V, which is an order of magnitude above the BiVO4. The results provide useful inspiration for designing direct Z‐scheme heterostructures with special nanostructured morphology to signally promote the performance of PEC devices.
Highly Stretchable, Biodegradable, and Recyclable Green Electronic Substrates
Authors: Zhu Yan , Wang Zhongmin , Chen Zhenming , Xin Xiaozhou , Gan Weijiang , Lai Huajun , Lin Cheng
Published: September 2023

As a steady stream of electronic devices being discarded, a vast amount of electronic substrate waste of petroleum‐based nondegradable polymers is generated, raising endless concerns about resource depletion and environmental pollution. With coupled reagent (CR)‐grafted artificial marble waste (AMW@CR) as functional fillers, polylactic acid (PLA)‐based highly stretchable biodegradable green composite (AMW@CR‐SBGC) is prepared, with elongation at break up to more than 250%. The degradation mechanism of AMW@CR‐SBGC is deeply revealed. AMW@CR not only contributed to the photodegradation of AMW@CR‐SBGC but also significantly promoted the water degradation of AMW@CR‐SBGC. More importantly, AMW@CR‐SBGC showed great potential as sustainable green electronic substrates and AMW@CR‐SBGC‐based electronic skin can simulate the perception of human skin to strain signals. The outstanding programmable degradability, recyclability, and reusability of AMW@CR‐SBGC enabled its application in transient electronics. As the first demonstration of artificial marble waste in electronic substrates, AMW@CR‐SBGC killed three birds with one stone in terms of waste resourcing, e‐waste reduction, and saving nonrenewable petroleum resources, opening up vast new opportunities for green electronics applications in areas such as health monitoring, artificial intelligence, and security.
Effects of Skeleton Structure of Mesoporous Silica Nanoadjuvants on Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Tan Jia , Ding Binbin , Chen Hao , Meng Qi , Li Jing , Yang Chunzheng , Zhang Wenying , Li Xinyang , Han Di , Zheng Pan , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: September 2023

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been widely praised as nanoadjuvants in vaccine/tumor immunotherapy thanks to their excellent biocompatibility, easy‐to‐modify surface, adjustable particle size, and remarkable immuno‐enhancing activity. However, the application of MSNs is still greatly limited by some severe challenges including the unclear and complicated relationships of structure and immune effect. Herein, three commonly used MSNs with different skeletons including MSN with tetrasulfide bonds (TMSN), MSN containing ethoxy framework (EMSN), and pure −Si−O−Si− framework of MSN (MSN) are comprehensively compared to study the impact of chemical construction on immune effect. The results fully demonstrate that the three MSNs have great promise in improving cellular immunity for tumor immunotherapy. Moreover, the TMSN performs better than the other two MSNs in antigen loading, cellular uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lymph node targeting, immune activation, and therapeutic efficiency. The findings provide a new paradigm for revealing the structure‐function relationship of mesoporous silica nanoadjuvants, paving the way for their future clinical application.
Stereoisomeric Non‐Fullerene Acceptors‐Based Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Lixuan , Yan Yangjun , Zhao Shengda , Wang Tong , Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Jianqi , Hao Xiaotao , Zhang Yajie , Zhang Xinghua , Wei Zhixiang
Published: September 2023

Chiral alkyl chains are ubiquitously observed in organic semiconductor materials and can regulate solution processability and active layer morphology, but the effect of stereoisomers on photovoltaic performance has rarely been investigated. For the racemic Y‐type acceptors widely used in organic solar cells, it remains unknown if the individual chiral molecules separate into the conglomerate phase or if racemic phase prevails. Here, the photovoltaic performance of enantiomerically pure Y6 derivatives, (S,S)/(R,R)‐BTP‐4F, and their chiral mixtures are compared. It is found that (S,S) and (R,R)‐BTP‐4F molecule in the racemic mixtures tends to interact with its enantiomer. The racemic mixtures enable efficient light harvesting, fast hole transfer, and long polaron lifetime, which is conducive to charge generation and suppresses the recombination losses. Moreover, abundant charge diffusion pathways provided by the racemate contribute to efficient charge transport. As a result, the racemate system maximizes the power output and minimizes losses, leading to a higher efficiency of 18.16% and a reduced energy loss of 0.549 eV, as compared to the enantiomerically pure molecules. This study demonstrates that the chirality of non‐fullerene acceptors should receive more attention and be designed rationally to enhance the efficiency of organic solar cells.
One‐Step Fabricated Sn0 Particle on S‐Vacancies SnS2 to Accelerate Photoelectron Transfer for Sterling Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction in Pure Water Vapor Environment
Authors: Zhang Haoyu , Mao Liang , Wang Junyan , Nie Yu , Geng Zikang , Zhong Dichang , Tan Xin , Ye Jinhua , Yu Tao
Published: September 2023

Promoting the proton‐coupled electron transfer process in order to solve the sluggish carrier migration dynamics is an efficient way to accelerate the photocatalytic CO2 reduction (PCR) process. Herein, through the reduction of Sn4+ by amino and sulfhydryl groups, Sn0 particles are lodged in S‐vacancies SnS2 nanosheets. The high conductance of Sn0 particles expedites the collection and transport of photogenerated electrons, activating the surrounding surface of unsaturated sulfur (Sx2−) and thus lowering the energy barrier for generation of *COOH. Meanwhile, S‐vacancies boost H2O adsorption while Sx2− increases CO2 adsorption, as demonstrated by density functional theory (DFT), obtaining a selectivity of 97.88% CO and yield of 295.06 µmol g−1 h−1 without the addition of co‐catalysts and sacrificial agents. This work provides a new approach to building a fast electron transfer interface between metal particles and semiconductors, which works in tandem with S‐vacancies and Sx2− to boost the efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO in pure water vapor environment.
Targeted Nanocarriers for Systemic Delivery of IRAK4 Inhibitors to Inflamed Tissues
Authors: Park Youngrong , Korzun Tetiana , Moses Abraham S. , Singh Prem , Levasseur Peter R. , Demessie Ananiya A. , Sharma Kongbrailatpam Shitaljit , Morgan Terry , Raitmayr Constanze J. , Avila Uriel , Sabei Fahad Y. , Taratula Olena R. , Marks Daniel L. , Taratula Oleh
Published: September 2023

Persistent and uncontrolled inflammation is the root cause of various debilitating diseases. Given that interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is a critical modulator of inflammation, inhibition of its activity with selective drug molecules (IRAK4 inhibitors) represents a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory disorders. To exploit the full potential of this treatment approach, drug carriers for efficient delivery of IRAK4 inhibitors to inflamed tissues are essential. Herein, the first nanoparticle‐based platform for the targeted systemic delivery of a clinically tested IRAK4 inhibitor, PF‐06650833, with limited aqueous solubility (57 µg mL−1) is presented. The developed nanocarriers increase the intrinsic aqueous dispersibility of this IRAK4 inhibitor by 40 times. A targeting peptide on the surface of nanocarriers significantly enhances their accumulation after intravenous injection in inflamed tissues of mice with induced paw edema and ulcerative colitis when compared to non‐targeted counterparts. The delivered IRAK4 inhibitor markedly abates inflammation and dramatically suppresses paw edema, mitigates colitis symptoms, and reduces proinflammatory cytokine levels in the affected tissues. Importantly, repeated injections of IRAK4 inhibitor‐loaded nanocarriers have no acute toxic effect on major organs of mice. Therefore, the developed nanocarriers have the potential to significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy of IRAK4 inhibitors for different inflammatory diseases.
Ultrathin Flexible Ge Solar Cells for Lattice‐Matched Thin‐Film InGaP/(In)GaAs/Ge Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Moon Sunghyun , Kim Kangho , Kim Youngjo , Kang Ho Kwan , Park Kyung-Ho , Lee Jaejin
Published: September 2023

Ultrathin Ge single‐junction (1J) solar cells transferred onto a flexible substrate are envisioned to open up a novel lattice‐matched thin‐film InGaP/(In)GaAs/Ge tandem solar cell for enabling highly efficient, low‐cost, and light‐weight flexible devices. The ultrathin Ge 1J solar cell structures are epitaxially grown onto a GaAs substrate via a low‐pressure metal–organic chemical vapor deposition system using an isobutylgermane metalorganic source as a Ge precursor. A simple and fast epitaxial lift‐off method allows the epi structures to transfer onto the flexible substrates, by which 2 inch wafer‐scale flexible ultrathin Ge 1J solar cells with the mechanical stability under bending test (R = 12.5 mm) are fabricated. Their maximum power conversion efficiency (5.40%) is achieved with the optimum thickness of Ge p‐n junction as well as a delta‐doping technique that utilizes the multiple cycles of Ga‐dopant injection and halt during the growth of thick p‐Ge base layer. The power‐to‐weight ratio value of the ultrathin Ge 1J solar cells is 56.65 times higher than that of bulk‐type Ge solar cells, holding great potential to be used for the power sources of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as the portable and wearable devices.
Decoration of Defective Sites in Metal–Organic Frameworks to Construct Tight Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Qian Zhiping , Zhang Rui , Hu Haijun , Xiao Yan , Li Hui , Sun Xiaodong , Ma Tianyi
Published: September 2023

Zr–metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received much interest for their ultrahigh stability and are considered an up‐and‐coming class of catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting. However, their activity still needs to be improved. In this work, a series of defective UiO‐66‐NH2‐x@CdS nanoparticles (NPs) (x = 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, denotes the molar equivalent of the defect modulator) heterostructure photocatalysts is constructed for water splitting using defect engineering followed by a postmodification strategy. Defective structures are introduced to improve the photocatalytic activity of heterojunctions in the following ways: 1) modulating the energy band structure of UiO‐66‐NH2‐x, 2) providing chelate binding sites for modifying the bridging molecules and thus building strong interactions between UiO‐66‐NH2‐x and CdS NPs, and 3) serving as trapping sites to separate the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Hence, this constructed series of UiO‐66‐NH2‐xCdS NPs exhibit ultrahigh photocatalytic water splitting for H2 production, especially UiO‐66‐NH2‐150@CdS NPs with moderately defective levels showing catalytic activity up to 2303 μmol g−1 h−1, which is 2.36 times higher than pure CdS NPs. Furthermore, the heterojunction catalysts with different defect levels exhibit a volcano‐type trend, demonstrating the feasibility of defect engineering. This work provides novel insights for developing advanced defect‐based MOF‐constructed composite photocatalysts.