bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood Malnutrition in Egypt using Geoadditive Gaussian and Latent Variable Models
Authors: Khatab Khaled
Published: March 2010

Major progress has been made over the last 30 years in reducing the prevalence of malnutrition amongst children less than 5 years of age in developing countries. However, approximately 27% of children under the age of 5 in these countries are still malnourished. This work focuses on the childhood malnutrition in one of the biggest developing countries, Egypt. This study examined the association between bio-demographic and socioeconomic determinants and the malnutrition problem in children less than 5 years of age using the 2003 Demographic and Health survey data for Egypt. In the first step, we use separate geoadditive Gaussian models with the continuous response variables stunting (height-for-age), underweight (weight-for-age), and wasting (weight-for-height) as indicators of nutritional status in our case study. In a second step, based on the results of the first step, we apply the geoadditive Gaussian latent variable model for continuous indicators in which the 3 measurements of the malnutrition status of children are assumed as indicators for the latent variable “nutritional status”.
A Case of Yellow Fever Vaccine–Associated Viscerotropic Disease in Ecuador
Authors: Douce Richard W. , Freire Diana , Tello Betzabe , Vásquez Gavino A.
Published: March 2010

We report the first case of viscerotropic syndrome in Ecuador. Because of similarities between yellow fever and viscerotropic syndrome, the incidence of this recently described complication of vaccination with the 17D yellow fever vaccine is not known. There is a large population in South America that is considered at risk for possible reemergence of urban yellow fever. Knowledge of potentially fatal complications of yellow fever vaccine should temper decisions to vaccinate populations where the disease is not endemic.
Human CD8+ T Cells Clear Cryptosporidium parvum from Infected Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Pantenburg Birte , Castellanos-Gonzalez Alejandro , Dann Sara M. , Connelly Rhykka L. , Lewis Dorothy E. , Ward Honorine D. , Clinton White A.
Published: March 2010

Intracellular protozoans of the genus Cryptosporidium are a major cause of diarrheal illness worldwide, especially in immunocompromised individuals. CD4+ T cells and interferon-gamma are key factors in the control of cryptosporidiosis in human and murine models. Previous studies led us to hypothesize that CD8+ T cells contribute to clearance of intestinal epithelial Cryptosporidium infection in humans. We report here that antigen expanded sensitized CD8+ T cells reduce the parasite load in infected intestinal epithelial cell cultures and lyse infected intestinal epithelial cells. These effects are most likely mediated by the release of cytotoxic granules. Elimination of parasites seems to require antigen presentation through both human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A and HLA-B. These data suggest that cytotoxic CD8+ T cells play a role in clearing Cryptosporidium from the intestine, a previously unrecognized feature of the human immune response against this parasite.
Successful Treatment with Posaconazole of a Patient with Chronic Chagas Disease and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Pinazo María-Jesús , Espinosa Gerard , Gállego Montserrat , López-Chejade Paulo Luis , Urbina Julio A. , Gascón Joaquim
Published: March 2010

American Trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease that affects Latin American people worldwide. Two old antiparasitic drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, are currently used for specific CD treatment with limited efficacy in chronic infections and frequent side effects. New drugs are needed for patients with chronic CD as well as for immunosuppressed patients, for whom the risk of reactivation is life-threatening. We describe a case of chronic CD and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that required immunosuppression to control the autoimmune process. It was found that benznidazole induced a reduction, but not an elimination, of circulating Trypanosoma cruzi levels, whereas subsequent treatment with posaconazole led to a successful resolution of the infection, despite the maintenance of immunosuppressive therapy.
High Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum Infection in Water Buffaloes in the Philippines Assessed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Wu Hai-Wei , Qin Yuan-Fang , Chu Kai , Meng Rui , Liu Yun , McGarvey Stephen T. , Olveda Remigio , Acosta Luz , Ji Min-Jun , Fernandez Tomas , Friedman Jennifer F. , Kurtis Jonathan D.
Published: March 2010

Difficulty in controlling human Schistosoma japonicum infection is partly attributed to the presence of non-human definitive hosts. Water buffaloes are a major reservoir for transmission of S. japonicum to humans in China. However, in the Philippines, reports based on microscopic examination of buffalo stool identified a low prevalence of S. japonicum, and mathematical models using these data concluded that water buffaloes are not a major reservoir for transmission of S. japonicum to humans. We collected stool from 81 buffaloes in Macanip, Leyte, the Philippines, and assayed for S. japonicum infection by the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory technique, the Kato-Katz technique, miracidia hatching, and a highly validated real-time polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence defined by each assay was 3.7%, 3.7%, 0%, and 51.5% respectively. Our results demonstrate that microscopic-based techniques dramatically underestimate the prevalence of S. japonicum infection in water buffaloes in the Philippines and warrant reexamination of the role of bovines in transmission of S. japonicum to humans in the Philippines.
Leishmaniasis in the Tongue of an Immunocompetent Man
Authors: Leitner Verena , Weingast Jessika , Harmankaya Kaan , Walochnik Julia , Pehamberger Hubert , Petzelbauer Peter , Auer Herbert , Binder Michael
Published: March 2010

A 49-year-old immunocompetent white man had a painful ulcer (1.5 cm in diameter) on the left ventrolateral surface of a grossly enlarged tongue. The ulcer was present for two months. Impaired swallowing resulted in substantial weight loss and fatigue. Histopathologic analysis of a punch biopsy specimen indicated numerous Leishman Donovan bodies within macrophages. A polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of L. donovani. Therapy with two cycles of liposomal amphotericin B over a three-month period was administered. Four months after discharge, the ulcer had healed completely and the tongue returned to its normal size and function.
Prevalence of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Stages in US Adults, 2011-2020
Authors: Aggarwal Rahul , Ostrominski John W. , Vaduganathan Muthiah
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence and temporal evolution of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome stages.
Chloracne
Authors: Singh Shrishti , Manoj Rohan , Gupta Aayush
Published: May 2024

This case report describes hyperpigmented, pruritic lesions on the patient’s face and chest that worsened over the previous 3 weeks.
Comparison of Sales From Vending Machines With 4 Different Food and Beverage Messages
Authors: Gibson Laura A. , Stephens-Shields Alisa J. , Hua Sophia V. , Orr Jennifer A. , Lawman Hannah G. , Bleich Sara N. , Volpp Kevin G. , Bleakley Amy , Thorndike Anne N. , Roberto Christina A.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Point-of-sale food messaging can encourage healthier purchases, but no studies have directly compared multiple interventions in the field.

Objective

To examine which of 4 food and beverage messages would increase healthier vending machine purchases.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized trial assessed 13 months (February 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020) of vending sales data from 267 machines and 1065 customer purchase assessments from vending machines on government property in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Data analysis was performed from March 5, 2020, to November 8, 2022.

Interventions

Study interventions were 4 food and beverage messaging systems: (1) beverage tax posters encouraging healthy choices because of the Philadelphia tax on sweetened drinks; (2) green labels for healthy products; (3) traffic light labels: green (healthy), yellow (moderately healthy), or red (unhealthy); or (4) physical activity equivalent labels (minutes of activity to metabolize product calories).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Sales data were analyzed separately for beverages and snacks. The main outcomes analyzed at the transaction level were calories sold and the health status (using traffic light criteria) of each item sold. Additional outcomes were analyzed at the monthly machine level: total units sold, calories sold, and units of each health status sold. The customer purchase assessment outcome was calories purchased per vending trip.

Results

Monthly sales data came from 150 beverage and 117 snack vending machines, whereas 1065 customers (558 [52%] male) contributed purchase assessment data. Traffic light labels led to a 30% decrease in the mean monthly number of unhealthy beverages sold (mean ratio [MR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55-0.88) compared with beverage tax posters. Physical activity labels led to a 34% (MR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51-0.87) reduction in the number of unhealthy beverages sold at the machine level and 35% (MR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50-0.86) reduction in mean calories sold. Traffic light labels also led to a 30-calorie reduction (b = −30.46; 95% CI, −49.36 to −11.56) per customer trip in the customer purchase analyses compared to physical activity labels. There were very few significant differences for snack machines.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this 13-month randomized trial of 267 vending machines, the traffic light and physical activity labels encouraged healthier beverage purchases, but no change in snack sales, compared with a beverage tax poster. Corporations and governments should consider such labeling approaches to promote healthier beverage choices.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06260176
Burden of Mental Disorders and Suicide Attributable to Childhood Maltreatment
Authors: Grummitt Lucinda , Baldwin Jessie R. , Lafoa’i Johanna , Keyes Katherine M. , Barrett Emma L.
Published: May 2024

Importance

The proportion of mental disorders and burden causally attributable to childhood maltreatment is unknown.

Objective

To determine the contribution of child maltreatment to mental health conditions in Australia, accounting for genetic and environmental confounding.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This meta-analysis involved an epidemiological assessment accounting for genetic and environmental confounding between maltreatment and mental health and 3 cross-sectional national surveys: the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS) 2023, National Study of Mental Health and Well-being 2020-2022, and Australian Burden of Disease Study 2023. Causal estimates were derived on the association between childhood maltreatment and mental health conditions from a meta-analysis of quasi-experimental studies. This was combined with the prevalence of maltreatment from the ACMS to calculate the population attributable fraction (PAF). The PAF was applied to the number and burden of mental health conditions in Australia, sourced from 2 population-based, nationally representative surveys of Australians aged 16 to 85 years, to generate the number and associated burden of mental disorders attributable to child maltreatment.

Exposure

Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect prior to age 18 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion and number of cases, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life-years of mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, harmful alcohol and drug use, self-harm, and suicide attempt) attributable to childhood maltreatment.

Results

Meta-analytic estimates were generated from 34 studies and 54 646 participants and applied to prevalence estimates of childhood maltreatment generated from 8503 Australians. Childhood maltreatment accounted for a substantial proportion of mental health conditions, ranging from 21% (95% CI, 13%-28%) for depression to 41% (95% CI, 27%-54%) of suicide attempts. More than 1.8 million cases of depressive, anxiety, and substance use disorders could be prevented if childhood maltreatment was eradicated. Maltreatment accounted for 66 143 years of life lost (95% CI, 43 313-87 314), primarily through suicide, and 184 636 disability-adjusted life-years (95% CI, 109 321-252 887).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study provides the first estimates of the causal contribution of child maltreatment to mental health in Australia. Results highlight the urgency of preventing child maltreatment to reduce the population prevalence and burden of mental disorders.
Polygenic liability for anxiety in association with comorbid anxiety in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kowalec Kaarina , Harder Arvid , Dolovich Casandra , Fitzgerald Kathryn C. , Salter Amber , Lu Yi , Bernstein Charles N. , Bolton James M. , Cutter Gary , Fisk John D. , Gelernter Joel , Graff Lesley A. , Hägg Sara , Hitchon Carol A. , Levey Daniel F. , Lublin Fred D. , McKay Kyla A. , Patten Scott , Patki Amit , Stein Murray B. , Tiwari Hemant K. , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Marrie Ruth A.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Comorbid anxiety occurs often in MS and is associated with disability progression. Polygenic scores offer a possible means of anxiety risk prediction but often have not been validated outside the original discovery population. We aimed to investigate the association between the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2‐item scale polygenic score with anxiety in MS.

Methods

Using a case–control design, participants from Canadian, UK Biobank, and United States cohorts were grouped into cases (MS/comorbid anxiety) or controls (MS/no anxiety, anxiety/no immune disease or healthy). We used multiple anxiety measures: current symptoms, lifetime interview‐diagnosed, and lifetime self‐report physician‐diagnosed. The polygenic score was computed for current anxiety symptoms using summary statistics from a previous genome‐wide association study and was tested using regression.

Results

A total of 71,343 individuals of European genetic ancestry were used: Canada (n = 334; 212 MS), UK Biobank (n = 70,431; 1,390 MS), and the USA (n = 578 MS). Meta‐analyses identified that in MS, each 1‐SD increase in the polygenic score was associated with ~50% increased odds of comorbid moderate anxious symptoms compared to those with less than moderate anxious symptoms (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09–1.99). We found a similar direction of effects in the other measures. MS had a similar anxiety genetic burden compared to people with anxiety as the index disease.

Interpretation

Higher genetic burden for anxiety was associated with significantly increased odds of moderate anxious symptoms in MS of European genetic ancestry which did not differ from those with anxiety and no comorbid immune disease. This study suggests a genetic basis for anxiety in MS.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in brain tissues and Extracellular Vesicles Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome
Authors: Yao Pamela J. , Manolopoulos Apostolos , Eren Erden , Rivera Susan Michelle , Hessl David R. , Hagerman Randi , Martinez‐Cerdeno Veronica , Tassone Flora , Kapogiannis Dimitrios
Published: May 2024

Objective

Mitochondrial impairments have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) based on analysis of mitochondria in peripheral tissues and cultured cells. We sought to assess whether mitochondrial abnormalities present in postmortem brain tissues of patients with FXTAS are also present in plasma neuron‐derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) from living carriers of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein1 (FMR1) gene premutations at an early asymptomatic stage of the disease continuum.

Methods

We utilized postmortem frozen cerebellar and frontal cortex samples from a cohort of eight patients with FXTAS and nine controls and measured the quantity and activity of the mitochondrial proteins complex IV and complex V. In addition, we evaluated the same measures in isolated plasma NDEVs by selective immunoaffinity capture targeting L1CAM from a separate cohort of eight FMR1 premutation carriers and four age‐matched controls.

Results

Lower complex IV and V quantity and activity were observed in the cerebellum of FXTAS patients compared to controls, without any differences in total mitochondrial content. No patient‐control differences were observed in the frontal cortex. In NDEVs, FMR1 premutation carriers compared to controls had lower activity of Complex IV and Complex V, but higher Complex V quantity.

Interpretation

Quantitative and functional abnormalities in mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes IV and V seen in the cerebellum of patients with FXTAS are also manifest in plasma NDEVs of FMR1 premutation carriers. Plasma NDEVs may provide further insights into mitochondrial pathologies in this syndrome and could potentially lead to the development of biomarkers for predicting symptomatic FXTAS among premutation carriers and disease monitoring.
Fuzzy finite‐time adaptive control of switched nonlinear systems with input nonlinearities
Authors: Wang Huanqing , Tong Miao
Published: May 2024

This article addresses the fuzzy finite‐time command filtering tracking control problem for switched nonlinear systems with input nonlinearities via using backstepping technique. An equivalent transformation method is proposed for the purpose of handling the impediment problem caused by the nonlinearity of control input. Finite‐time command filtering control technology can solve the “explosion of complexity” issue, which is caused by the multiple derivation of virtual controllers appeared in the classic backstepping control. A filtering compensation scheme is developed to reduce the filtering error. By combining the fuzzy logic system's approximation ability and the finite‐time theory, a new fast convergence adaptive control scheme is proposed so that the output of the system can converge to a small area near the desired signal and the boundedness of all signals of the controlled system can be assured in finite time. Finally, a simulation example successfully verifies the feasibility of the developed control scheme.
Probability‐guaranteed encoding–decoding‐based state estimation for delayed memristive neutral networks with event‐triggered mechanism
Authors: Hu Chen , Zhang Shuhua , Zhao Hongyuan , Ma Lifeng , Guo Jian
Published: May 2024

This article handles the probability‐guaranteed state estimation problem for a class of nonlinear memristive neural networks (MNNs) by using an event‐triggered mechanism. Both time‐varying delays and incomplete measurements are considered in the MNNs dynamics. To mitigate the impact of limited communication bandwidth, a communication protocol is proposed that incorporates an encoding–decoding technique in addition to an event‐triggered scheme. The aim is to devise a state estimator that can estimate the states of MNNs, ensuring that the state estimation error falls within the required ellipsoidal area with a desired chance. We obtain sufficient conditions for the feasibility of the addressed problem, where the requested gains can be found iteratively by solving certain convex optimization problems. On the basis of the proposed framework, some issues are further presented to determine locally optimal estimator parameters according to different specifications. Finally, we utilize an illustrative numerical example to show the validity of our provided theoretical results.
Enhancement of Phase Stability and Thermoelectric Performance of Meta‐Stable AgSbTe2 by Thermal Cycling Process
Authors: Kim Jin Hee , Yun Jae Hyun , Cha Seunghun , Byeon Seokyeong , Park Junyoung , Jin Hyungyu , Kim Sujin , Kim Sung‐Jin , Park JongHo , Jang Jeongin , Park SuDong , Rhyee Jong‐Soo
Published: May 2024

Thermoelectric materials are crucial components in thermoelectric devices employed for environmentally friendly solid‐state cooling and waste heat recovery, demanding not only high performance but also superior thermal or phase stability. The high‐performance thermoelectric material AgSbTe2 encounters challenges when utilized in thermoelectric modules due to the precipitation of Ag2Te, resulting in both thermally unstable characteristics and diminished performance. In this study, a thermal cycling process is employed to enhance the thermal stability and thermoelectric performance of AgSbTe2. Through thermal cycling, secondary phases of AgSbTe2 are made uniform, and the undesired Ag2Te is substituted with Sb2Te3 using an optimized thermal cycling process. As a result, the thermal stability of AgSbTe2 is enhanced due to its meta‐stable state, with <5% variance in thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) measurements, and the ZT value is raised from 0.8 to 1.7 at 643 K through the optimized thermal cycling. The findings indicate that thermal cycling is an effective strategy for enhancing the thermal stability and thermoelectric performance of AgSbTe2, presenting a novel approach for achieving uniform secondary phases in materials with phase separation or phase change characteristics.
Low‐Temperature Deposited Amorphous Poly(aryl ether ketone) Hierarchically Porous Scaffolds with Strontium‐Doped Mineralized Coating for Bone Defect Repair
Authors: Sun Tianze , Huang Huagui , Zhao Yantao , Li Zhonghai , Wang Honghua , Zhou Guangyuan
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the demand for clinical bone grafting has increased. As a new solution for orthopedic implants, polyether ether ketone (PEEK, crystalline PAEK) has excellent comprehensive performance and is practically applied in the clinic. In this research, a noteworthy elevated scheme to enhance the performance of PEEK scaffolds is presented. The amorphous aggregated poly (aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) resin is prepared as the matrix material, which maintains high mechanical strength and can be processed through the solution. So, the tissue engineering scaffolds with multilevel pores can be printed by low‐temperature deposited manufacturing (LDM) to improve biologically inert scaffolds with smooth surfaces. Also, the feature of PAEK's solution processing is profitable to uniformly add the functional components for bone repair. Ultimately, A system of orthopedic implantable PAEK material based on intermolecular interactions, surface topology, and surface modification is established. The specific steps include synthesizing PAEK that contain polar carboxyl structures, preparing bioinks and fabricating scaffolds by LDM, preparation of scaffolds with strontium‐doped mineralized coatings, evaluation of their osteogenic properties in vitro and in vivo, and investigation on the effect and mechanism of scaffolds in promoting osteogenic differentiation. This work provides an upgraded system of PAEK implantable materials for clinical application.
KIr4O8 Nanowires with Rich Hydroxyl Promote Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer
Authors: Li Zhenyu , Li Xiang , Wang Mengna , Wang Qi , Wei Pengfei , Jana Subhajit , Liao Ziqi , Yu Jingcheng , Lu Fang , Liu Tianfu , Wang Guoxiong
Published: May 2024

The sluggish kinetics for anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and insufficient catalytic performance over the corresponding Ir‐based catalysts are still enormous challenges in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE). Herein, it is reported that KIr4O8 nanowires anode catalyst with more exposed active sites and rich hydroxyl achieves a current density of 1.0 A cm−2 at 1.68 V and possesses excellent catalytic stability with 1230 h in PEMWE. Combining in situ Raman spectroscopy and differential electrochemical mass spectroscopy results, the modified adsorbate evolution mechanism is proposed, wherein the rich hydroxyl in the inherent structure of KIr4O8 nanowires directly participates in the catalytic process for favoring the OER. Density functional theory calculation results further suggest that the enhanced proximity between Ir (d) and O (p) band center in KIr4O8 can strengthen the covalence of Ir–O, facilitate the electron transfer between adsorbents and active sites, and decrease the energy barrier of rate‐determining step from OH* to O* during the OER.
Ultrastable Electrolytic Zn–I2 Batteries Based on Nanocarbon Wrapped by Highly Efficient Single‐Atom Fe‐NC Iodine Catalysts
Authors: Wang Yueyang , Jin Xiangrong , Xiong Jiawei , Zhu Qingyi , Li Qi , Wang Runze , Li Jiazhan , Fan Yanchen , Zhao Yi , Sun Xiaoming
Published: May 2024

Aqueous Zn–iodine (Zn–I2) conversion batteries with iodine redox chemistry suffers the severe polyiodide shuttling and sluggish redox kinetics, which impede the battery lifespan and rate capability. Herein, an ultrastable Zn–I2 battery is introduced based on single‐atom Fe–N–C encapsulated high‐surface‐area carbon (HC@FeNC) as the core–shell cathode materials, which accelerate the I−/I3−/I° conversion significantly. The robust chemical–physical interaction between polyiodides and Fe–N4 sites tightly binds the polyiodide ions and suppresses the polyiodide shuttling, thereby significantly enhancing the coulombic efficiency. As a result, the core–shell HC@FeNC cathode endows the electrolytic Zn–I2 battery with an excellent capacity, remarkable rate capability, and an ultralong lifespan over 60 000 cycles. More importantly, a practical 253 Wh kg−1 pouch cell shows good capacity retention of 84% after 100 cycles, underscoring its considerable potential for commercial Zn–I2 batteries.
3D Laser Writing of Low‐Loss Cross‐Section‐Variable Type‐I Optical Waveguide Passive/Active Integrated Devices in Single Crystals
Authors: Chen Daoyuan , Chen Zhi , Yang Yi , Wang Yuying , Han Xuhu , Lau Kuen Yao , Wu Zhemin , Zou Chen , Zhang Yu , Xu Beibei , Liu Xiaofeng , Ma Zhijun , Dong Guoping , Barillaro Giuseppe , Zhong Lijing , Qiu Jianrong
Published: May 2024

Optical waveguides fabricated in single crystals offer crucial passive/active optical components for photonic integrated circuits. Single crystals possess inherent advantages over their amorphous counterpart, such as lower optical losses in visible‐to‐mid‐infrared band, larger peak emission cross‐section, higher doping concentration. However, the writing of Type‐I positive refractive index modified waveguides in single crystals using femtosecond laser technology presents significant challenges. Herein, this work introduces a novel femtosecond laser direct writing technique that combines slit‐shaping with an immersion oil objective to fabricate low‐loss Type‐I waveguides in single crystals. This approach allows for precise control of waveguide shape, size, mode‐field, and refractive index distribution, with a spatial resolution as high as 700 nm and a high positive refractive index variation on the order of 10−2, introducing new degrees of freedom to design and fabricate passive/active optical waveguide devices. As a proof‐of‐concept, this work successfully produces a 7 mm‐long circular‐shaped gain waveguide (≈10 µm in diameter) in an Er3+‐doped YAG single crystal, exhibiting a propagation loss as low as 0.23 dB cm−1, a net gain of ≈3 dB and a polarization‐insensitive character. The newly‐developed technique is theoretically applicable to arbitrary single crystals, holding promising potential for various applications in integrated optics, optical communication, and photonic quantum circuits.
Inorganic Composition Modulation of Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Fast Charging Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Tan Yi‐Hong , Liu Zhu , Zheng Jian‐Hui , Ju Zhi‐Jin , He Xiao‐Ya , Hao Wei , Wu Ye‐Chao , Xu Wen‐Shan , Zhang Hao‐Jie , Li Guo‐Qing , Zhou Li‐Sha , Zhou Fei , Tao Xinyong , Yao Hong‐Bin , Liang Zheng
Published: May 2024

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with lithium fluoride (LiF) is critical to the performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) due to its high stability and mechanical properties. However, the low Li ion conductivity of LiF impedes the rapid diffusion of Li ions in the SEI, which leads to localized Li ion oversaturation dendritic deposition and hinders the practical applications of LMBs at high‐current regions (>3 C). To address this issue, a fluorophosphated SEI rich with fast ion‐diffusing inorganic grain boundaries (LiF/Li3P) is introduced. By utilizing a sol electrolyte that contains highly dispersed porous LiF nanoparticles modified with phosphorus‐containing functional groups, a fluorophosphated SEI is constructed and the presence of electrochemically active Li within these fast ion‐diffusing grain boundaries (GBs‐Li) that are non‐nucleated is demonstrated, ensuring the stability of the Li || NCM811 cell for over 1000 cycles at fast‐charging rates of 5 C (11 mA cm−2). Additionally, a practical, long cycling, and intrinsically safe LMB pouch cell with high energy density (400 Wh kg−1) is fabricated. The work reveals how SEI components and structure design can enable fast‐charging LMBs.
A Binder‐Free Nickel‐Rich Cathode Composite Utilizing Low‐Bundled Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Mousavihashemi Seyedabolfazl , Khabushev Eldar M. , Lahtinen Jouko , Bogdanova Alisa R. , Novikov Ilya V. , Krasnikov Dmitry V. , Nasibulin Albert G. , Kallio Tanja
Published: May 2024

In this study, the performance of a binder‐free LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NMC622) positive electrode utilizing single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is investigated and compared to the conventional state‐of‐the‐art NMC622 composite positive electrode. The binder‐free electrode has been prepared without using toxic and expensive N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent and it is free‐standing that allows a wider range of applications such as flexible devices. Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge reveal that the binder‐free positive electrode performance is similar to the conventional composite cathodes, deducing that only ≈1% of SWCNTs perform well not only as a conductive agent but also as a binder. The NMC622 composite electrode with SWCNTs provided specific capacity of 135.8 mAh g−1 at a 5C rate during discharge, with above 97% capacity retention after the rate capability test in a half cell.
Regioselective Synthesis of Multisubstituted Fluoropyrazoles via Silver‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Cyclization Reaction of Diazo Reagents with Fluoronitroalkenes
Authors: Wang Rong , Nie Jing , Deng Xiaojuan , Ding Guosheng , Zhang Fa‐Guang , Ma Jun‐An
Published: May 2024

A silver‐catalyzed regioselective one‐pot cyclization reaction of diazo reagents with fluoronitroalkenes was developed. This transformation presents a method for accessing a series of 4‐aryl‐3‐fluoropyrazoles that are substituted with various groups such as trifluoromethyl, carboxylic ester, nitrile, and phosphonate ester. Further synthetic transformations offered the corresponding fluorinated and trifluoromethylated analogues of two fungicide compounds.
Circularity of Polymers Used in Hospitals: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Solutions
Authors: Zechel Maria , Zechel Stefan , Schubert Ulrich S. , Ruckdäschel Holger
Published: May 2024

Polymers are applied extensively in the healthcare sector and enable a variety of different applications. In addition to packaging and personal protective equipment, a large number of medical devices are also coated with or consist of polymers. Today's medicine is therefore inconceivable without these materials. However, the huge challenge is to design these polymers more sustainable and to find new possibilities for the future of medicine with polymers. This study therefore highlights potential ways, in how polymers applied in the healthcare sector and in particular in hospitals can be utilized in a circular manner, but also indicates what risks and challenges this entails.
Efficient Ionic Conductor Anode Materials with Heterojunction Structure of MnOx/Si@C Utilized in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Zheng Jiameng , Li Zhenrui , Wu Jinwei , Xu Anding , Sun Wenqing , Li Xue , Wu Songping
Published: May 2024

The rapid development of alternative energy vehicles has raised higher requirements for electrode materials. Silicon, with superhigh specific capacity, is highly anticipated in the field of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Unfortunately, the original drawbacks of serious volumetric effect and poor conductivity have confined its commercial steps severely. Herein, a novel composite, based on submicron silicon flakes embedded into carbon shell, with heterojunction‐bearing MnOx nanoparticles, is designed and synthesized successfully via sanding process and in situ thermal reduction methods. The results of electrochemical performance tests and related fitting data show that the presence of MnOx particles facilitates rapid Li+ transport and reduces the impedance associated with Li+ diffusion from the surface to the inner core of the MnOx/Si@C material. The two‐dimensional (2D) silicon flakes and uniform carbon shell have positive influence on structural stability and electronic conductivity. Benefit from the rational design, the optimized MnOx/Si@C composite delivers an outstanding cycling stability of 1106.59 mAh·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 over 1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 71.09%. Besides, the goal material possesses a lithium‐ion diffusion coefficient of ≈1.04×10−9 cm2·s−1. This work provides a reference for the mass preparation of advanced anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Ultra‐Low Power and Reliable Dynamic Memtransistor Based on Charge Storage Junction FET with Step‐Wise Potential Barrier for Energy‐Efficient Edge Computing Framework
Authors: Park Taehoon , Seo Seokho , Kim Yujin , Park See‐On , Choi Soobin , Hong Seokman , Jeong Hakcheon , Choi Shinhyun
Published: May 2024

The emergence of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in the era of big data. The demand for low‐power hardware systems and efficient algorithms has become more imperative. In this study, an ultra‐low‐power dynamic memtransistor based on the charge storage junction Field‐Effect Transistor (FET) with a step‐wise potential barrier is developed. A simple yet efficient device structure allows for analog programming and spontaneous relaxation. The device demonstrated fast speed (tens of nanoseconds (ns)) and low current (in picoamperes (pA)), resulting in ultra‐low programming power (in attojoules (aJ)). Furthermore, the device exhibited high reliability, with a 0.4% cycle‐to‐cycle variation and endurance over 107pulses, owing to its non‐structural destructive operation process. An operation scheme is developed that enables read on/off and program/inhibition mode for 2T (1 memtransistor‐1 selecting transistor) array. The capability to distinguish temporal data using the device's spontaneous relaxation characteristics is demonstrated. A reservoir computing (RC) system framework is constructed using simulation and verified that the dynamic memtransistor can extract features efficiently from a hand‐written digit dataset. It is anticipated that the developed dynamic memtransistor, with its distinctive temporal characteristics, will play a pivotal role in developing a novel low‐power computing framework.
2,2′‐Thienoviologens with Low Reduction Potential for Electrochromism and Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution Using g‐C3N4‐Based Composites via Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Gao Yujing , Liu Chenjing , Li Yawen , Li Guoping , Sun Qi , Shi Shuai , He Gang
Published: May 2024

A series of sulfur‐bridged 2,2′‐viologens, 2,2′‐thienoviologens (2,2′‐SV2+) with propyl bridge and hydroxyl bridges, are synthesized for the first time. The 2,2′‐thienoviologens exhibited improved visible‐light absorption, narrow energy gap, more negative reduction potential (160 mV lower than 4,4′‐thienoviologens) and more stable free radical states compared with 4,4′‐thienoviologens and parent 2,2′‐viologens. The utilization of femtosecond transient absorption (fs‐TA) demonstrated that 2,2′‐thienoviologen can produce distinct charge‐separated states under visible light excitation. Due to their excellent photophysical and electrochemical properties, the 2,2′‐thienoviologens are used for electrochromic devices and combined with g‐C3N4 via hydrogen bonds for visible‐light catalytic production. Based on the advantageous electron‐donating properties of 2,2′‐SV2+, the hydrogen release efficiency of the 2,2′‐thienoviologens‐modified composites is 8542 µmol·h−1·g−1, a value that is the highest reported for hydrogen production from organic small‐molecule‐modified g‐C3N4 and 78 times higher than that of unmodified g‐C3N4. This study presents a concise method to convert solar energy and broaden the potential applications of 2,2′‐viologens in photocatalytic systems.
Toward Collaborative Multitarget Search and Navigation with Attention‐Enhanced Local Observation
Authors: Xiao Jiaping , Pisutsin Phumrapee , Feroskhan Mir
Published: May 2024

Collaborative multitarget search and navigation (CMTSN) is highly demanded in complex missions such as rescue and warehouse management. Traditional centralized and decentralized approaches fall short in terms of scalability and adaptability to real‐world complexities such as unknown targets and large‐scale missions. This article addresses this challenging CMTSN problem in three‐dimensional spaces, specifically for agents with local visual observation operating in obstacle‐rich environments. To overcome these challenges, this work presents the POsthumous Mix‐credit assignment with Attention (POMA) framework. POMA integrates adaptive curriculum learning and mixed individual‐group credit assignments to efficiently balance individual and group contributions in a sparse reward environment. It also leverages an attention mechanism to manage variable local observations, enhancing the framework's scalability. Extensive simulations demonstrate that POMA outperforms a variety of baseline methods. Furthermore, the trained model is deployed over a physical visual drone swarm, demonstrating the effectiveness and generalization of our approach in real‐world autonomous flight.
Significance of perioperative inter‐departmental collaboration for obstetric emergency response: A mini‐review
Authors: Komasawa Nobuyasu
Published: May 2024

This review underscores the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing obstetric emergencies such as crisis bleeding. Prompt clinical judgment and coordinated interventions involving various departments are emphasized for the well‐being of both the mother and newborn. The review explores the importance of emergency response infrastructure in obstetric facilities and delves into the 2022 Obstetric Crisis Bleeding Guidelines, emphasizing the relevance of a DIC score for severity assessment. The collaborative efforts within the operating room, involving different healthcare professionals, are detailed, stressing meticulous coordination during emergencies like massive bleeding. The necessity of interprofessional collaboration for building a responsive perioperative management team is discussed, with a focus on leadership, followership, and effective communication. The abstract also proposes simulation‐based education for inter‐departmental training, emphasizing a modified non‐technical skill evaluation tool tailored to the unique characteristics of obstetric crisis management in the operating room. Continuous formative assessment of these factors is deemed essential for effective training in various obstetric emergency situations.
Highly efficient reactive compatibilization of biodegradable PBAT/EVOH blend by pMDI
Authors: Soltani Ensieh , Motlagh Ghodratollah Hashemi , Elhamnia Mehdi , Dadashi Parsa
Published: May 2024

Polymeric methylene diphenyl isocyanate (pMDI) was used as a reactive compatibilizer to improve the mechanical properties of the PBAT/EVOH blend. Initially, pMDI was blended with pure polymers. Adding pMDI led to a 10‐fold rise in the viscosity of PBAT/pMDI compared to pure PBAT, with an enhancement in tensile properties, attributed to pMDI's chain‐extending effect in the PBAT phase. Conversely, a reduction in the elongation at the break of EVOH/pMDI indicated a cross‐linking role for pMDI in the EVOH phase. Notably, the blend with 1 wt% of pMDI showed a high tensile strength of 38 MPa by route II, much above 13.5 MPa for the one prepared by route I, and 14 MPa for the blank PBAT/EVOH blend without pMDI. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, FE‐SEM images, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) results confirmed the occurrence of effective reactions in route II. Modification of the blend with pMDI decreased the crystallinity of EVOH, the size of EVOH droplets, and the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the blends. However, an increase in the pMDI content above 0.5 wt% decreased OTR. Therefore, the modified blends of PBAT/EVOH with pMDI can be used as an efficient compatibilizer or adhesive layer in PBAT/EVOH blends or multilayer films for agricultural or food packaging applications.
Optimizing the fatigue‐resistant actuation performance of gel‐based bionic artificial muscles (GBAMs): A comparative study on crosslinking agents
Authors: Yang Junjie , Wang Shengong , Wang Siyong , Yao Jintong , Wei Kang , Yu Tao , Fang Mingjian , Jiang Zhen , Sha Tong , Wen Yuan
Published: May 2024

The study examined the impact of various calcium salts crosslinking agents on the fatigue‐resistant actuation performance of gel‐based bionic artificial muscles (GBAMs) that exhibited directional bending deflection and generated actuation force when electrically stimulated, thereby converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. Furthermore, a comparative investigation was carried out to examine the mechanical properties, electrochemical characteristics, microstructure, material composition, and actuation lifespan of GBAMs doped with various calcium salts, which were commonly found in biological muscles. Moreover, this research paper offered a comprehensive analysis of the mechanoelectric coupling's contribution towards optimizing the fatigue‐resistant actuation performance of the GBAM. The findings indicated that the GBAM, synthesized through the cross‐linking of calcium iodide doped with a 25% volume fraction of ethanol absolute, exhibited superior mechanical properties, electrochemical characteristics, microstructure, and actuation lifespan when compared to various other calcium salts. Hence, following a comprehensive comparison, it could be deduced that the fatigue‐resistant actuation performance of the GBAM, synthesized using calcium iodide doped with a 25% volume fraction of ethanol absolute as a crosslinking agent, exhibited the highest level of effectiveness when compared to the other four calcium salts.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of Indenylidene Derivatives via 1,5‐Acryl Migration
Authors: Karunakar Galla V. , Bharath Kumar Perla , Rami Reddy Pammi Venkata , Sunil Komalla , Emmaniel Raju Chittala , Sridhar Balasubramanian
Published: May 2024

A novel gold (I)‐catalyzed synthetic strategy has been achieved for an efficient construction of indenylidene derivatives from substituted 1,6‐diynes. This reaction describes the unique reactivity of gold catalysis in facilitating the intramolecular [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement, 5‐exo dig cyclization followed by 1,5‐migration of acryl group, resulting in the formation of substituted indenylidenes. Various substituted indenylidenes were successfully synthesized with up to 92 % yields. In this protocol, two new C−C bonds were sequentially formed atom economically in one pot.
Intercalated Water Drives Anomalous Thermal Expansion in the Tetragonal Zircon Structured Bismuth Vanadate BiVO4Photocatalyst
Authors: Mullens Bryce G. , Marlton Frederick P. , Nicholas Maria K. , Permana Ahmadi J. , Brand Helen E. A. , Maynard‐Casely Helen E. , Chater Philip A. , Kennedy Brendan J.
Published: May 2024

The thermal transformation of the tetragonal‐zircon (tz‐) to tetragonal‐scheelite (ts‐)BiVO4was studied byin situsynchrotron X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy. Upon heating, the tetragonal zircon polymorph of BiVO4(tz‐BiVO4) transitioned to thets‐polymorph between 693–773 K. Above 773 K, single phasets‐BiVO4was observed before transitioning to the monoclinic fergusonite (mf‐) polymorph upon cooling. An anomaly in thermal expansion was observed between 400–500 K, associated with the loss of intercalated H2O/NH4+from the coprecipitation procedure. Heatingtz‐BiVO4resulted in contraction of the V−O bond distance and VO4polyhedra volume, ascribed to rotation of the tetrahedra groups. Attempts to study this by neutron diffraction failed due to the large incoherent scatter from the hydrogenous species. Efforts to remove these species while maintaining thetz‐BiVO4structure were unsuccessful, suggesting they play a role in stabilizing thetz‐polymorph. The local structure of bothmf‐BiVO4 andtz‐BiVO4 were investigated by X‐ray pair distribution function analysis, revealing local distortions.
Weighted information entropy‐based Kalman filter for outliers and structural noise
Authors: Ma Haiping , Yao Jiuyi , Huang Jiyuan , Jiang Zheheng
Published: May 2024

Structural noise and outliers are widely present in real‐world state estimate scenarios, and they significantly degrade the performance of most filtering algorithms based on minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion. To address this problem, this paper first models structural noise and outliers as independent and piecewise identical distribution (IPID). Then, a minimum error weighted entropy‐based Kalman filter (MEWE‐KF) is proposed, where a new cost function is constructed by introducing a weight function related to error location distances in an original information space into the minimum error entropy (MEE) criterion. Further, the iterative formulations of the proposed filter are derived, and the computational complexity and the convergence are also analyzed. Simulation results show that the proposed filter with adaptive weights has the superior performance for suppressing structural noise and outliers.
Reversible effects on female rat fertility with abrocitinib, a Janus kinase 1 inhibitor
Authors: Bowman Christopher J. , Campion Sarah N. , Catlin Natasha R. , Nowland William S. , Stethem Christine M. , Radi Zaher A. , Cappon Gregg D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Abrocitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) 1 selective inhibitor approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Female reproductive tissues were unaffected in general toxicity studies, but an initial female rat fertility study resulted in adverse effects at all doses evaluated. A second rat fertility study was conducted to evaluate lower doses and potential for recovery.

Methods

This second study had 4 groups of 20 females each administered abrocitinib (0, 3, 10, or 70 mg/kg/day) 2 weeks prior to cohabitation through gestation day (GD) 7. In addition, 2 groups of 20 rats (0 or 70 mg/kg/day) were dosed for 3 weeks followed by a 4‐week recovery period before mating. All mated females were evaluated on GD 14.

Results

No effects were observed at ≤10 mg/kg/day. At 70 mg/kg/day (29x human exposure), decreased pregnancy rate, implantation sites, and viable embryos were observed. All these effects reversed 4 weeks after the last dose.

Conclusions

Based on these data and literature on the potential role of JAK signaling in implantation, we hypothesize that these effects may be related to JAK1 inhibition and, generally, that peri‐implantation effects such as these, in the absence of cycling or microscopic changes in nonpregnant female reproductive tissues, are anticipated to be reversible.