bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radio Frequency Ablation
Authors: Sackenheim Maureen McDaniel
Published: April 2003

Radio frequency (RF) ablation is the latest and most promising treatment for nonsurgical cancer patients. This article will explain the history of how RF ablation was developed, moving us through the quest for larger ablations. It will take the reader step by step through the actual procedure; explain the different RF systems available; describe the physics of how RF ablation works and why it is preferred over other predecessors, such as cryoablation, microwave ablation, laser ablation, chemoablation, and ethanol ablation; and describe the pitfalls of each. It will also mention the reasons why ultrasonography is the most popular guidance method, while computed tomography is used for follow-up.
Evaluation of Left Atrial Size and Pressure as It Relates to Left Ventricle Diastolic Measurements in Patients With Left Ventricle Hypertrophy
Authors: Valentine April Lynn , Pope Jeff , Read Terry
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether left atrial size, pressure, and ejection fraction are useful in diagnosing patients with left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction through noninvasive means. Mitral valve and pulmonary vein Doppler measurements are used currently to diagnose LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). The left atrium (LA) influences these Doppler measurements. By coordinating Doppler and LA values, an understanding of the LA could help with LVDD patients. Thirty-four patients (15 men, 19 women; mean age 65.6 ± 14 years) were evaluated by echocardiography. M-mode of the left ventricle and mitral flow E/A ratio were used in determining LV diastolic dysfunction. Apical four- and two-chambers were measured to find left atrial volume and area. Left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) was calculated as the percentage of blood expelled in a cycle. LA pressure evaluated through pulmonary wedge pressure was related to E/A wave velocity ratio ( P = 1.11E-07, r = .77). Maximum left atrial volume was significant in patients with mild LVH measurements ( P = .03, r = .53) and patients with E/A wave velocity ratio < 1.0 ( P = .02, r = .65). While LA pressure and maximum left atrial volumes prove to be useful in evaluating patients with LV diastolic dysfunction throughout this study, LAEF is not significant when correlated with these patients.
Ventral/Incisional Abdominal Wall Hernia With Urinary Bladder Component
Authors: Guse Jeffrey W.
Published: April 2003

Abdominal wall hernia is a common condition for which sonography is used. Diagnosis is made by visualization of a fascial defect and herniated contents, usually loops of bowel. The following case represents an unexpected sonographic finding of displacement of the urinary bladder within a large incisional hernia.
3D Sonohysterographic Demonstration of an Endometrial Placental Site Nodule/Plaque With Multiplanar Reconstruction
Authors: Hill Donald , Cassin Kathleen
Published: April 2003

Recent advances in ultrasound and computer technology have given quick rise to 3D sonographic imaging. This case report demonstrates a placental site nodule/plaque within the endometrial cavity. The evaluation of the nodule was enhanced by the use of 3D imaging during sonohysterography, as well as coronal multiplanar reconstruction.
Functional expression and release of ligands for the activating immunoreceptor NKG2D in leukemia
Authors: Salih Helmut Rainer , Antropius Holger , Gieseke Friederike , Lutz Stefan Zoltan , Kanz Lothar , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Steinle Alexander
Published: April 2003

NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) mark malignant cells for recognition by natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes via the activating immunoreceptor NKG2D. This led to the hypothesis that NKG2DLs play a critical role in tumor immune surveillance. The human NKG2DLs MICA and MICB are expressed on tumors of epithelial origin in vivo. For the other recently described set of human NKG2DLs, the UL16-binding proteins (ULBPs), expression in vivo is as yet undefined. In this study we investigated expression and function of NKG2DLs in leukemia using a panel of newly generated NKG2DL-specific monoclonal antibodies. We report that leukemia cells from patients variously express MIC and ULBP molecules on the cell surface with MICA most frequently detected. Patient leukemia cells expressing MICA were lysed by NK cells in an NKG2D-dependent fashion. Sera of patients, but not of healthy donors, contained elevated levels of soluble MICA (sMICA). We also detected increased sMICB levels in patient sera using a newly established MICB-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reduction of leukemia MIC surface expression by shedding may impair NKG2D-mediated immune surveillance of leukemias. In addition, determination of sMICA and sMICB levels may be implemented as a prognostic parameter in patients with hematopoietic malignancies.
Biochemical evidence for free radicalinduced lipid peroxidation as a mechanism for subchronic toxicity of malathion in blood and liver of rats
Authors: Akhgari Maryam , Abdollahi Mohammad , Kebryaeezadeh Abbas , Hosseini Ruhollah , Sabzevari Omid
Published: April 2003

Organophosphorus compounds may induce oxidative stress leading to generation of free radicals and alterations in antioxidant and scavengers of oxygen free radicals (OFRs). The effect of subchronic exposure to malathion in the production of oxidative stress was evaluated in male Wistar rats. Administration of malathion (100, 316, 1000, 1500 ppm) for 4 weeks increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in red blood cells (RBC) and liver. However, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cholinesterase (ChE) activities were decreased in these samples. The increase in RBC and liver lipid peroxidation correlated well with the inhibition in RBC AChE and liver ChE activities. Elevation of MDA concentrations and increased activities of CAT and SOD showed significant correlations in both RBC and liver samples when different doses of malathion were used. The results of the present study suggest the usefulness of RBC AChE measurement as a good biomarker in the estimation of malathion-induced oxidative stress affecting blood and liver.
The mental health of prisoners
Authors: Birmingham Luke
Published: April 2003

Mental health problems are the most significant cause of morbidity in prisons. Over 90% of prisoners have a mental disorder. The prison environment and the rules and regimes governing daily life inside prison can be seriously detrimental to mental health. Prisoners have received very poor health care and, until recently, the National Health Service (NHS) had no obligations to service this group, which was the Home Office's responsibility. The NHS is expected to take responsibility eventually, following a new health partnership with the Prison Service. NHS psychiatrists will have to be much more active in the development and delivery of health care to prisoners who now have the right to equal health care. There are positive developments but concerted and determined action is required to bring prison health care up to acceptable standards.
Bijenefits and Opportunities for Coal Combustion Products
Authors: Brennan Peter
Published: April 2003

At the present time some 55 million tonnes of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) are produced each year in Europe (EU 15). These CCPs include combustion residues such as boiler slag, bottom ash and fly ash from different types of boilers as well as desulphurisation products such as spray dry absorption product and FGD gypsum. Out of this total production of 55 million tonnes of CCPs, the amount of coal ash produced is around 47 million tonnes while approximately 8 million tonnes are products obtained from flue gas desulphurisation processes. CCPs are mainly utilised in the building material industry, in civil engineering, in road construction, for construction work in underground coal mining as well as for recultivation and restoration purposes in open cast mining. The majority of CCPs are produced to meet the requirements of standards or other specifications with respect to utilisation in certain areas. The utilisation rate of CCPs differs across European countries depending upon local conditions in respect of issues such as legislation, taxes and climate. The establishment of markets for CCPs has evolved over several decades and has involved a considerable amount of product development and research. As new technologies have been introduced, such as Cleaner Coal Technology (CCT), the power industry has had to adapt by carrying out further development and research to establish both technically and environmentally acceptable utilisation options for CCPs. While much development work has been carried out at a national level, recent years have seen an increasing amount of co-operation between different countries. In Europe an organisation known as ECOBA, the European Association for Coal Combustion, ‥Products has facilitated this.
Role of Fluoxetine in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Kim Sara S
Published: April 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of fluoxetine in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

DATA SOURCES:

Literature obtained through searching MEDLINE (1966–January 2003).

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Studies conducted on the efficacy of fluoxetine in treating anorexia nervosa have conflicting results. Study design and methodology should be carefully evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fluoxetine played a role in the reduction of symptoms of obsessive–compulsive disorder and depression in anorexic patients. While psychotherapy, nutritional therapy, and behavioral therapy should be the mainstays of treatment, fluoxetine should be considered as an option to prevent relapse or to treat associated symptoms of anorexia nervosa following adequate weight restoration as a part of maintenance therapy and not as a primary or acute therapy. Although fluoxetine appears to be promising for the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa, further studies need to be performed with a larger sample size and/or better design.
Anaphylactic Reaction to a Dietary Supplement Containing Willow Bark
Authors: Boullata Joseph I , McDonnell Patrick J , Oliva Cynthia D
Published: April 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of anaphylaxis resulting from the use of a willow bark–containing dietary supplement in a patient with a history of an aspirin allergy.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 25-year-old white woman presented to the emergency department of a community teaching hospital with anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine, diphenhydramine, methylprednisolone, and volume resuscitation to which she responded favorably. Medication history revealed that she had ingested 2 capsules of Stacker 2 (NVE Pharmaceuticals, Newton, NJ), a dietary supplement promoted for weight loss, prior to experiencing her initial symptoms. Among other active ingredients, this product contains willow bark. Of significance is that this patient also reported a history of allergy to acetylsalicylic acid. No other causes for anaphylaxis were identified. She continued to receive routine supportive care and the remaining hospital course was uncomplicated.

DISCUSSION:

Dietary supplements, including herbal products, are used by many individuals who consider them to be inherently safe despite limited regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration. While there may be value to specific botanical ingredients, a potential for adverse effects also exists. The popular product consumed by our patient is used for weight loss and contains willow bark, a source of salicylates. Based on the Naranjo probability scale, it is probable that this case of anaphylaxis was due to this dietary supplement.

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of any willow bark–containing dietary supplement may present a risk of anaphylactic reaction to patients with a history of allergy to salicylates. Clinicians need to recognize the potential for adverse effects from dietary supplements.
A Review on Vibration Characteristics of Additively Manufactured Metal Alloys
Authors: Azher Kashif , Shah Mussadiq , Bakhtari Ahmad Reshad , Castelluccio Gustavo M. , Tüfekci Celal Sami , Cini Andrea , Akturk Nizami , Salamci Metin U.
Published: January 2024

The advent of additive manufacturing (AM) has dramatically shifted the manufacturing sector conceptualization, design, and creation of products. AM can facilitate the production of complicated geometries and create functioning components with distinctive features for aerospace and automotive applications. However, defects such as pores, voids, interfaces, and inclusions can impair the quality and functionality of AM components. Vibration analysis (VA) has become a popular tool for the dynamic qualification and testing of products and nondestructive testing, but the literature lacks a comprehensive review of VA applied to AM. Hence, in this article, recent advances in the application of VA for identifying and characterizing flaws in metal alloys, including titanium, aluminum, and nickel‐based alloys produced by AM, are summarized. In this review, studies on defects such as porosity, cracks, and inclusions and their effect on VA are also included. Herein, this article concludes with a discussion of the limitations of VA for defect characterization and future research directions. Overall, VA is a promising nondestructive testing method for quality assurance in AM and offers insights on overcoming the difficulties for further development and application of this technology.
Retrievable Hierarchically Porous Ferroelectric Ceramics for “Greening” the Piezo‐Catalysis Process
Authors: Gong Hanyu , Zhang Yan , Ye Jingjing , Zhou Xiang , Zhou Xuefan , Zhao Yan , Feng Kaiyu , Luo Hang , Zhang Dou , Bowen Chris
Published: January 2024

Powder‐based piezo‐catalysis, as an effective approach to degrade wastewater and produce hydrogen from water splitting, has been widely used in the field of energy conservation and pollution reduction. However, these hard‐to‐recycle powders pose a challenge of secondary pollution in the environment. As a result, this paper provides an alternative strategy based on the manufacture of porous ceramics as a green chemistry approach to replace ferroelectric powders currently used in traditional piezo‐catalysis. The piezo‐catalytic properties of Ba0.75Sr0.25TiO3 (BST) ceramics prepared using freeze casting and direct ink writing techniques are investigated in detail. The positive effect of introducing micro‐ and macro‐pores is explored and discovered, where a BST ceramic with hierarchical pore channels is prepared by a combination of direct ink writing and freeze casting and exhibts the highest first‐order kinetic rate constant per mass of catalysts, k, of up to 2.91 min−1 kg−1 compared to bulk BST ceramics. This study therefore provides the first report for the benefits of hierarchical porous ferroelectric ceramics used in water splitting, with an average H2 production rate reaching 848.88 nmol g−1 h−1.
Exciplex Hosts for Constructing Green Multiple Resonance Delayed Fluorescence OLEDs with High Color Purity And Low Efficiency Roll‐Offs
Authors: Lu Xueying , Wang Qingyang , Cai Xinliang , Qu Yupei , Li Zhiqiang , Li Chenglong , Wang Yue
Published: January 2024

A carbazole‐based hole‐transport‐type (p‐type) host, BPhCz, is developed using a nonsymmetrical connection strategy between two identical groups. Two benzimidazole–triazine‐based electron acceptor materials with superior electron transport abilities, namely SFX‐PIM‐TRZ and DSFX‐PIM‐TRZ, are designed to fabricate exciplex‐host systems combined with BPhCz. Exciplexes exhibit excellent carrier transport characteristics and appropriate energy levels and can serve as hosts for green multiple resonance‐induced thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) devices. Efficient green MR‐TADF organic light‐emitting diodes with high color purity and low efficiency roll‐offs are successfully fabricated using the exciplexes prepared from BPhCz:SFX‐PIM‐TRZ and BPhCz:DSFX‐PIM‐TRZ as hosts, which show low driving voltages of 2.6 and 2.7 V, high maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 35.7% and 35.5%, ultrapure green emission with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates of (0.27, 0.69) and (0.28, 0.69), and high EQEs of 31% and 30.5% at 1000 cd m−2, respectively.
Understanding the Air‐Exposure Degradation Chemistry of the Sacrificial Cathode Additive Li5FeO4 for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Bin , Zhang Wei , Wang Qiyu , Lai Yanqing , Zheng Jingqiang , Wen Naifeng , Zhang Zhian
Published: January 2024

Li5FeO4 (LFO) is emerging as a promising prelithiation additive due to the high lithium donor capacity (>700 mAh g−1), cheap raw materials, good environmental adaptability, and reliable synthesis approach. However, LFO suffers from extremely poor air stability and the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Herein, LFO is subjected to different atmospheres (the main component of air) of O2, CO2, N2, and 30% humidity air to unravel its reaction mechanism with air and the interfacial chemistry. It is found that Li+ ions will escape from the LFO crystal lattice to construct Li2O, Li2CO3, and LiOH impurity phases with an obvious change of LFO surface morphology in contact with O2, CO2, and humidity air. These insulating species remarkedly inhibit Li+ ion diffusion from the material and thus lead to an increment of interfacial impedance and an apparent capacity degradation. Consequently, the initial charging capacity decays rapidly from 681.5 to 169.4 mAh g−1 (under O2) and to 54.8 mAh g−1 (under CO2), respectively. In this regard, a facile coating strategy is proposed on the surface of LFO to effectively improve its air stability.
Engineering Improved CAR T Cell Products with A Multi‐Cytokine Particle Platform for Hematologic and Solid Tumors
Authors: Lin Heather K. , Uricoli Biaggio , Freeman Ruby , Hossian AKM Nawshad , He Zhulin , Anderson Ji Young L. , Neffling Milla , Legier Jonathan M. , Blake Dejah A. , Doxie Deon B. , Nair Remya , Koff Jean L. , Dhodapkar Kavita M. , Shanmugam Mala , Dreaden Erik C. , Rafiq Sarwish
Published: January 2024

Despite the remarkable clinical efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in hematological malignancies, only a subset of patients achieves a durable complete response (dCR). DCR has been correlated with CAR T cell products enriched with T cells memory phenotypes. Therefore, reagents that consistently promote memory phenotypes during the manufacturing of CAR T cells have the potential to significantly improve clinical outcomes. A novel modular multi‐cytokine particle (MCP) platform is developed that combines the signals necessary for activation, costimulation, and cytokine support into a single “all‐in‐one” stimulation reagent for CAR T cell manufacturing. This platform allows for the assembly and screening of compositionally diverse MCP libraries to identify formulations tailored to promote specific phenotypes with a high degree of flexibility. The approach is leveraged to identify unique MCP formulations that manufacture CAR T cell products from diffuse large B cell patients   with increased proportions of memory‐like phenotypes MCP‐manufactured CAR T cells demonstrate superior anti‐tumor efficacy in mouse models of lymphoma and ovarian cancer through enhanced persistence. These findings serve as a proof‐of‐principle of the powerful utility of the MCP platform to identify “all‐in‐one” stimulation reagents that can improve the effectiveness of cell therapy products through optimal manufacturing.
Recent Advances in Gut‐ and Gut–Organ‐Axis‐on‐a‐Chip Models
Authors: Kim Raehyun , Sung Jong Hwan
Published: January 2024

The human gut extracts nutrients from the diet while forming the largest barrier against the outer environment. In addition, the gut actively maintains homeostasis through intricate interactions with the gut microbes, the immune system, the enteric nervous system, and other organs. These interactions influence digestive health and, furthermore, play crucial roles in systemic health and disease. Given its primary role in absorbing and metabolizing orally administered drugs, there is significant interest in the development of preclinical in vitro model systems that can accurately emulate the intestine in vivo. A gut‐on‐a‐chip system holds great potential as a testing and screening platform because of its ability to emulate the physiological aspects of in vivo tissues and expandability to incorporate and combine with other organs. This review aims to identify the key physiological features of the human gut that need to be incorporated to build more accurate preclinical models and highlights the recent progress in gut‐on‐a‐chip systems and competing technologies toward building more physiologically relevant preclinical model systems. Furthermore, various efforts to construct multi‐organ systems with the gut, called gut–organ‐axis‐on‐a‐chip models, are discussed. In vitro gut models with physiological relevance can provide valuable platforms for bridging the gap between preclinical and clinical studies.
Multi‐Material Volumetric Additive Manufacturing of Hydrogels using Gelatin as a Sacrificial Network and 3D Suspension Bath
Authors: Riffe Morgan B. , Davidson Matthew D. , Seymour Gabriel , Dhand Abhishek P. , Cooke Megan E. , Zlotnick Hannah M. , McLeod Robert R. , Burdick Jason A.
Published: January 2024

Volumetric additive manufacturing (VAM) is an emerging layerless method for the rapid processing of reactive resins into 3D structures, where printing is much faster (seconds) than other lithography and direct ink writing methods (minutes to hours). As a vial of resin rotates in the VAM process, patterned light exposure defines a 3D object and then resin that has not undergone gelation can be washed away. Despite the promise of VAM, there are challenges with the printing of soft hydrogel materials from non‐viscous precursors, including multi‐material constructs. To address this, sacrificial gelatin is used to modulate resin viscosity to support the cytocompatible VAM printing of macromers based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), hyaluronic acid (HA), and polyacrylamide (PA). After printing, gelatin is removed by washing at an elevated temperature. To print multi‐material constructs, the gelatin‐containing resin is used as a shear‐yielding suspension bath (including HA to further modulate bath properties) where ink can be extruded into the bath to define a multi‐material resin that can then be processed with VAM into a defined object. Multi‐material constructs of methacrylated HA (MeHA) and gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) are printed (as proof‐of‐concept) with encapsulated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), where the local hydrogel properties guide cell spreading behavior with culture.
Intestinal Delivery of Probiotics: Materials, Strategies, and Applications
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Wang Zi‐Xi , Xiao Huining , Wu Fu‐Gen
Published: January 2024

Probiotics with diverse and crucial properties and functions have attracted broad interest from many researchers, who adopt intestinal delivery of probiotics to modulate the gut microbiota. However, the major problems faced for the therapeutic applications of probiotics are the viability and colonization of probiotics during their processing, oral intake, and subsequent delivery to the gut. The challenges of simple oral delivery (stability, controllability, targeting, etc.) have greatly limited the use of probiotics in clinical therapies. Nanotechnology can endow the probiotics to be delivered to the intestine with improved survival rate and increased resistance to the adverse environment. Additionally, the progress in synthetic biology has created new opportunities for efficiently and purposefully designing and manipulating the probiotics. In this article, a brief overview of the types of probiotics for intestinal delivery, the current progress of different probiotic encapsulation strategies, including the chemical, physical, and genetic strategies and their combinations, and the emerging single‐cell encapsulation strategies using nanocoating methods, is presented. The action mechanisms of probiotics that are responsible for eliciting beneficial effects are also briefly discussed. Finally, the therapeutic applications of engineered probiotics are discussed, and the future trends toward developing engineered probiotics with advanced features and improved health benefits are proposed.
Identifying Electronic Transitions of Defects in Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Quantum Memories
Authors: Cholsuk Chanaprom , Çakan Aslı , Suwanna Sujin , Vogl Tobias
Published: January 2024

A quantum memory is a crucial keystone for enabling large‐scale quantum networks. Applicable to the practical implementation, specific properties, i.e., long storage time, selective efficient coupling with other systems, and a high memory efficiency are desirable. Though many quantum memory systems are developed thus far, none of them can perfectly meet all requirements. This work herein proposes a quantum memory based on color centers in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), where its performance is evaluated based on a simple theoretical model of suitable defects in a cavity. Employing density functional theory calculations, 257 triplet and 211 singlet spin electronic transitions are investigated. Among these defects, it is found that some defects inherit the Λ electronic structures desirable for a Raman‐type quantum memory and optical transitions can couple with other quantum systems. Further, the required quality factor and bandwidth are examined for each defect to achieve a 95% writing efficiency. Both parameters are influenced by the radiative transition rate in the defect state. In addition, inheriting triplet‐singlet spin multiplicity indicates the possibility of being a quantum sensing, in particular, optically detected magnetic resonance. This work therefore demonstrates the potential usage of hBN defects as a quantum memory in future quantum networks.
Recent Advances in Terahertz Manipulations Using C‐Shape‐Split‐Ring‐Resonator Metasurfaces (Review)
Authors: Hao Xiaoyuan , Chen Yupeng , Liu Mai , Min Xuetao , Cheng Xiaomeng , Wang Qiu , Xu Quan , Zhang Xueqian , Han Jiaguang
Published: January 2024

Metasurfaces have garnered significant interest owing to their inherent advantages over traditional optical components in manipulating electromagnetic waves unconventionally. Among the fundamental building blocks of metasurfaces, C‐shaped‐split‐ring resonators (CSRRs) have emerged as a highly promising option, enabling strong resonances and precise control over various characteristics of electromagnetic waves, such as phase, amplitude, and polarization. This review aims to showcase recent advancements in CSRR metasurfaces for manipulating THz waves, particularly focusing on both passive and active methods employed for controlling THz waves using single‐layer and multi‐layer CSRR metasurfaces. Moreover, this review will provide valuable insights into potential research directions in this rapidly evolving field.
Palladium‐Catalyzed γ‐Arylation of Acylketene Synthons with Aryl Chlorides Enabled by Ylide‐Functionalized Phosphines (YPhos)
Authors: Manna Sourav , Papp Florian , Hisata Yusei , Löffler Julian , Rybka Martyna , Gessner Viktoria H. , Hoshimoto Yoichi , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: January 2024

A catalyst system based on palladium 2‐methylnaphthyl complexes bearing ylide‐functionalized phosphines (YPhos) was found to enable the selective γ‐arylation of 1,3‐dioxinone derivatives with diversely functionalized aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl chlorides. The products were further converted into 1,3‐diketones and heterocycles, highlighting their function as synthetic hubs. Experimental and computational studies revealed that bulky, electron‐rich YPhos ligands are uniquely effective because they enable the oxidative addition of aryl chlorides at room temperature while at the same time efficiently promoting the rate‐limiting reductive elimination step of the thermally sensitive enolates.
High‐Temperature and High‐Electron Mobility Metal‐Oxide‐Semiconductor Field‐Effect Transistors Based on N‐Type Diamond
Authors: Liao Meiyong , Sun Huanying , Koizumi Satoshi
Published: January 2024

Diamond holds the highest figure‐of‐merits among all the known semiconductors for next‐generation electronic devices far beyond the performance of conventional semiconductor silicon. To realize diamond integrated circuits, both n‐ and p‐channel conductivity are required for the development of diamond complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) devices, as those established for semiconductor silicon. However, diamond CMOS has never been achieved due to the challenge in n‐type channel MOS field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs). Here, electronic‐grade phosphorus‐doped n‐type diamond epilayer with an atomically flat surface based on step‐flow nucleation mode is fabricated. Consequently, n‐channel diamond MOSFETs are demonstrated. The n‐type diamond MOSFETs exhibit a high field‐effect mobility around 150 cm2 V−1s−1at 573 K, which is the highest among all the n‐channel MOSFETs based on wide‐bandgap semiconductors. This work enables the development of energy‐efficient and high‐reliability CMOS integrated circuits for high‐power electronics, integrated spintronics, and extreme sensors under harsh environments.
Breaking the scaling relationship via lattice expansion of Ag for CO2 electroreduction over a wide potential window
Authors: Tuo Yongxiao , Liu Wanli , Lu Qing , Zhang Xinling , Zhou Xin , Zhou Yan , Feng Xiang , Wu Mingbo , Wang Zhihua , Chen De , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2024

The achievement of excellent catalytic activity for electricity‐driven CO2 reduction over a wide potential window is significant for the mature applications. However, the efficient potential range is always limited by the dilemma in CO2 activation and product desorption at different potentials, due to the scaling relationships of adsorption energy. Herein, we developed a nanostructured Ag‐CO3 electrocatalyst featuring metallic Ag with Ag(220) orientation on the surface and Ag2CO3 beneath. The interactions between Ag and Ag2CO3 lead to lattice expansion on the surface of Ag, resulting in electron localization and accordingly enhanced CO2 activation to *COOH on Ag. Furthermore, this lattice expansion induces a change in the *CO adsorption geometry from a bridge mode to a linear mode, which compensates the promotion effect of electron localization on *CO adsorption energy. As a result, the scaling relationship between *COOH and *CO adsorption energy was disrupted, leading to enhanced *COOH adsorption and inferior *CO adsorption. Consequently, the Ag‐CO3 catalyst exhibited a high FECO (>80%) over a robust potential window of −0.8 to −1.8 V (vs. RHE), with a maximum FECO of 95% at −1.2 V (vs. RHE). The mechanism described herein offers a universal design principle for the development of high‐efficiency CO2 electroreduction catalysts that operate effectively within a broad potential range.
Cubic Iodide LixYI3+x Superionic Conductors through Defect Manipulation for All‐Solid‐State Li Batteries
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Zhao Feipeng , Su Han , Zhong Yu , Liang Jianwen , Chen Jiatang , Zheng Matthew Liu , Liu Jue , Chang Lo‐Yueh , Fu Jiamin , Alahakoon Sandamini H. , Hu Yang , Liu Yu , Huang Yining , Tu Jiangping , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Sun Xueliang
Published: January 2024

Halide solid electrolytes (SEs) have attracted significant attention due to their competitive ionic conductivity and good electrochemical stability. Among typical halide SEs (chlorides, bromides, and iodides), substantial efforts have been dedicated to chlorides or bromides, with iodide SEs receiving less attention. Nevertheless, compared with chlorides or bromides, iodides have both a softer Li sublattice and lower reduction limit, which enable iodides to possess potentially high ionic conductivity and intrinsic anti‐reduction stability, respectively. Herein, we report a new series of iodide SEs: LixYI3+x (x=2, 3, 4, or 9). Through synchrotron X‐ray/neutron diffraction characterizations and theoretical calculations, we revealed that the LixYI3+x SEs belong to the high‐symmetry cubic structure, and can accommodate abundant vacancies. By manipulating the defects in the iodide structure, balanced Li‐ion concentration and generated vacancies enables an optimized ionic conductivity of 1.04 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C for Li4YI7. Additionally, the promising Li‐metal compatibility of Li4YI7 is demonstrated via electrochemical characterizations (particularly all‐solid‐state Li‐S batteries) combined with interface molecular dynamics simulations. Our study on iodide SEs provides deep insights into the relation between high‐symmetry halide structures and ionic conduction, which can inspire future efforts to revitalize halide SEs.
Tailoring the Position of Ester Group on N‐Alkyl Chains of Benzotriazole‐based Small Molecule Acceptors for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Liuyang , Yu Han , Zhang Jinyuan , Qiu Dingding , Fu Yuang , Yi Jicheng , Xie Lan , Li Xiaojun , Meng Lei , Zhang Jianqi , Lu Xinhui , Wei Zhixiang , Li Yongfang , Yan He
Published: January 2024

Side chain engineering plays a vital role in exploring high‐performance small molecule acceptors (SMAs) for organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of A‐DA'D‐A type SMAs by introducing different N‐substituted alkyl and ester alkyl side chains on benzotriazole (BZ) central unit and aimed to investigate the effect of different ester substitution positions on photovoltaic performances. All the new SMAs with ester groups exhibit lower the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels and more blue‐shifted absorption, but relatively higher absorption coefficients than alkyl chain counterpart. After blending with the donor PM6, the ester side chain‐based devices demonstrate enhanced charge mobility, reduced amorphous intermixing domain size and long‐lived charge transfer state compared to the alkyl chain counterpart, which are beneficial to achieve higher short‐circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF), simultaneously. Thereinto, the PM6 : BZ‐E31 based device achieves a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.33 %, which is the highest PCE among the OSCs based on the SMAs with BZ‐core. Our work demonstrated the strategy of ester substituted side chain is a feasible and effective approach to develop more efficient SMAs for OSCs.
Post‐synthetic Rhodium (III) Complexes in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photothermal Heterogeneous C−H Activation
Authors: Li Teng , Zhang Pei‐Lin , Dong Long‐Zhang , Lan Ya‐Qian
Published: January 2024

Although photocatalytic C−H activation has been realized by using heterogeneous catalysts, most of them require high‐temperature conditions to provide the energy required for C−H bond breakage. The catalysts with photothermal conversion properties can catalyze this reaction efficiently at room temperature, but so far, these catalysts have been rarely developed. Here, we construct bifunctional catalysts Rh‐COF‐316 and ‐318 to combine photosensitive covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and transition‐metal catalytic moiety using a post‐synthetic approach. The Rh‐COF enable the heterogeneous C−H activation reaction by photothermal conversion for the first time, and exhibit excellent yields (up to 98 %) and broad scope of substrates in [4+2] annulation at room temperature, while maintaining the high stability and recyclability. Significantly, this work is the highest yield reported so far in porous materials catalyzing C(sp2)−C(sp2) formation at room temperature. The excellent performances can be attributed to the COF‐316, which enhances the photothermal effect (ΔT=50.9 °C), thus accelerating C−H bond activation and the exchange of catalyst with substrates.
Design of compostable toughened PLA/PBAT blend with algae via reactive compatibilization: The effect of algae content on mechanical and thermal properties of bio‐composites
Authors: Letwaba John , Muniyasamy Sudhakar , Lekalakala Rakgoshi , Mavhungu Lucey , Mbaya Richard
Published: January 2024

A binary blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), along with algae in their respective composites, were successfully produced using a melt extrusion process. The produced in‐house coupling agent was used to enhance interfacial adhesion and algae dispersion. The influence of algae content incorporated into the compatibilized binary blend was thoroughly investigated, focusing on the bio‐composites morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties. The addition of PLA‐g‐MA to the binary blend led to notable improvements in the storage modulus, mechanical strength, and thermal properties of the binary blend. Subsequently, the introduction of algae into the compatibilized binary blend further augmented the storage modulus, with an optimum algae concentration of 10 wt%. However, higher algae content led to decreased tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact resilience. The optimal balance of these properties was achieved at an optimal loading of 5–10 wt% of algae into the compatibilized binary blend. The thermal stability of the bio‐composites was notably impacted by algae concentration, with the 10 wt% algae bio‐composite exhibiting increased thermal stability. Increasing algae content correlated with decreased bio‐composite crystallinity. These findings underscore the potential of optimized biobased algae composites for achieving desired mechanical and thermal properties, contributing to the development of sustainable and eco‐friendly polymer bio‐composites.
Effect of trimethylene carbonate segments on the structure and properties of poly(L‐lactide‐glycolide‐trimethylene carbonate) terpolymers for biodegradable vascular stents
Authors: Xia Qi , Liu Dongyang , Jin Qiuming , Zhang Shinuo , Yu Wenjie , Fan Zhongyong , Liu Qing , Cao Lu
Published: January 2024

The total biodegradable vascular stent made of poly(L‐lactide‐glycolide‐trimethylene carbonate) terpolymers with excellent performances has the potential to be used in a new generation of medical implant devices. In this work, the properties and structure of terpolymers were investigated, which were found to be controlled by the composition of the copolymer chain. The amorphous trimethylene carbonate segments not only disturbed the sequence regularity of the L‐lactide segment, but also reduced the crystallization ability of the material. Furthermore, it is the flexible segments in the terpolymer chains that improve the plastic flow capacity, increase the flexibility of chains as well as reduce the apparent activation energy of thermal degradation of materials. Such a chain structured terpolymer exhibited good extrudability and buildability in 3D printing and formed a vascular stent with a cohesion entanglement characteristic microstructure during the process. The crush resistance with radially applied load and crush resistance with parallel plates of stent were 2561.4 mm Hg and 0.24 N/mm, respectively.
Coupling effect of non‐relaxing and high temperature on fatigue properties of carbon‐black filled isoprene rubber
Authors: Luo Ganfang , Song Ziwei , Guo Jialin , Zhang Chi , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an extensive experimental investigation on fatigue properties of carbon‐black filled isoprene rubber under complex loadings. A basic life prediction model taking strain energy density as fatigue parameter is first proposed based on fatigue crack growth tests and uniaxial tension fatigue tests under relaxing loads at room temperature. A database of fatigue life including relaxing and non‐relaxing is established through a great number of fatigue tests under five temperatures. Based on the database, two empirical parameters, that is, temperature factor (NRT/NHT) and life reinforcement factor (Re), are introduced to quantitatively characterize the coupling effects of high temperature and non‐relaxing loads on fatigue life. The fatigue mechanisms under different conditions are compared via wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction tests and postmortem analysis. It reveals that the weakening of life reinforcement at high temperatures is closely related to the strain induced crystallization behavior of rubber.
Symptomatic creatine phosphokinase elevation in a Crohn's disease patient caused by upadacitinib
Authors: Schuitema Anna , Anjie Suzanne I. , van Eeghen Agnies M. , Tas Sander W. , Löwenberg Mark
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

We present a Crohn's disease patient receiving high dose upadacitinib treatment with elevated CPK levels and myopathy, and provide the reader with practical tips on stopping and restarting upadacitinib, emphasizing the need for adequate monitoring.
Mediastinal hematoma due to traumatic injury to the azygous vein
Authors: Kase Shiori , Shikino Kiyoshi , Katahira Tatsuro , Higuchi Kazuki , Aoki Shinya
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Rupture of the azygous vein may result from abrupt deceleration applied to the mobile azygous arch, which can initiate shearing forces within the thorax.
Proteome‐wide assessment of human interactome as a source of capturing domain–motif and domain‐domain interactions
Authors: Idrees Sobia , Paudel Keshav Raj
Published: January 2024

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) play a crucial role in various biological processes by establishing domain–motif (DMI) and domain–domain interactions (DDIs). While the existence of real DMIs/DDIs is generally assumed, it is rarely tested; therefore, this study extensively compared high‐throughput methods and public PPI repositories as sources for DMI and DDI prediction based on the assumption that the human interactome provides sufficient data for the reliable identification of DMIs and DDIs. Different datasets from leading high‐throughput methods (Yeast two‐hybrid [Y2H], Affinity Purification coupled Mass Spectrometry [AP‐MS], and Co‐fractionation‐coupled Mass Spectrometry) were assessed for their ability to capture DMIs and DDIs using known DMI/DDI information. High‐throughput methods were not notably worse than PPI databases and, in some cases, appeared better. In conclusion, all PPI datasets demonstrated significant enrichment in DMIs and DDIs (p‐value <0.001), establishing Y2H and AP‐MS as reliable methods for predicting these interactions. This study provides valuable insights for biologists in selecting appropriate methods for predicting DMIs, ultimately aiding in SLiM discovery.
Electrochemical Water Splitting for Scale Hydrogen Production: From the Laboratory to Industrial Applications
Authors: Deng Rongrong , Zhang Bo , Zhang Qibo
Published: January 2024

Hydrogen energy is an important carrier for global energy transformation and development due to its advantages of rich sources, green and carbon‐free, and wide application. The generation of clean hydrogen can be achieved through electrochemical water splitting driven by renewable energy, which has gained wide attention, but its large‐scale industrial application still faces challenges. This review summarizes the research status and bottleneck of industrial hydrogen production via electrolysis in developing electrocatalysts and optimizing electrolytic systems. It highlights that the deviation of electrocatalysts developed in the laboratory and their industrial application in the working environment and evaluation indicators should be corrected. Combining material recycling from solid waste with the recyclable design of electrocatalysts is necessary to achieve low‐cost and sustainable production of high‐performance electrocatalysts. In addition, the future design of hybrid water electrolysis with low energy consumption and the ecological cycle issues that should be addressed in the industrial water electrolysis system are discussed.
Exploring Electrophilic Hydrophosphination via Metal Phosphenium Intermediates
Authors: Belli Roman G. , Muir Vanessa , Dyck Nicholas B. , Pantazis Dimitrios A. , Sousa Tânia P. A. , Slusar Carly R. , Parkin Hayley C. , Rosenberg Lisa
Published: January 2024

Two Mo(0) phosphenium complexes containing ancillary secondary phosphine ligands have been investigated with respect to their ability to participate in electrophilic addition at unsaturated substrates and subsequent P−H hydride transfer to “quench” the resulting carbocations. These studies provide stoichiometric “proof of concept” for a proposed new metal‐catalyzed electrophilic hydrophosphination mechanism. The more strongly Lewis acidic phosphenium complex, [Mo(CO)4(PR2H)(PR2)]+ (R=Ph, Tolp), cleanly hydrophosphinates 1,1‐diphenylethylene, benzophenone, and ethylene, while other substrates react rapidly to give products resulting from competing electrophilic processes. A less Lewis acidic complex, [Mo(CO)3(PR2H)2(PR2)]+, generally reacts more slowly but participates in clean hydrophosphination of a wider range of unsaturated substrates, including styrene, indene, 1‐hexene, and cyclohexanone, in addition to 1,1‐diphenylethylene, benzophenone, and ethylene. Mechanistic studies are described, including stoichiometric control reactions and computational and kinetic analyses, which probe whether the observed P−H addition actually does occur by the proposed electrophilic mechanism, and whether hydridic P−H transfer in this system is intra‐ or intermolecular. Preliminary reactivity studies indicate challenges that must be addressed to exploit these promising results in catalysis.
Key Insights on the Classification and Theranostic Applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Sridharr Manasvini
Published: January 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non‐invasive molecular imaging tool being extensively employed in clinical and biomedical research for the detection of a broad spectrum of diseases. This technique offers remarkable spatial resolution, good tissue penetration and a high soft tissue contrast. Contrast agents (CAs) have been regularly used in MRI tests to enhance the resolution of MR images and to visualize the diseased sites in the body. In the past years, considerable efforts have been devoted towards developing new theranostic MRI agents that can be tailored to integrate the targeting and therapeutic functions in a single agent. In this review, we have underlined the role of the MRI CAs in the developing field of ‘theranostics’ and their recent applications in the combined imaging and therapy of different types of tumors. In addition, this review also outlines the different categories of MRI CAs and their comprehensive classification based on different criteria such as chemical composition, relaxation mechanism and biodistribution with clinically relevant examples.
Making progress against rare cancers: A case study on neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: O’Rorke Michael , Chrischilles Elizabeth ,   the NET‐PRO Study Investigators
Published: January 2024

In April 2023, the National Cancer Institute offered a roadmap for cancer research to achieve Cancer Moonshot goals. To reach these goals requires making progress for all cancers, not just those that are most common. Achieving progress against rare cancers, as well as common cancers, requires involvement of large clinical research networks. In 2020, the Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) launched an initiative on Conducting Rare Disease Research using PCORnet, the National Patient‐Centered Clinical Research Network. The purpose of this commentary is to introduce the broader community of cancer researchers to the PCORnet NET‐PRO study (comparing the effects of different treatment approaches for neuroendocrine tumors on patient‐reported outcomes) thereby demonstrating how researchers can use the PCORnet infrastructure to conduct large‐scale patient‐centered studies of rare cancers.