bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A compact double‐sided four‐port printed antenna with pattern and polarization diversity for super‐wideband applications
Authors: Acharjee Juin , Chowdhury Marma Kundu , Mandal Kaushik
Published: May 2024

A compact, double‐sided four‐port printed antenna with pattern and polarization diversity performance is proposed for super‐wideband (SWB) applications. The proposed printed antenna consists of microstrip line‐fed corner truncated four identical square patches. One pair of patches is placed strategically on the top side of the substrate, and another pair is on the bottom side with rotational symmetry to realize a compact four‐port antenna with higher port isolation (>25 dB) throughout the operating band along with pattern diversity. A half‐circular slit is etched in the partial ground plane of all four antennas to achieve SWB (1–19.81 GHz) response. A meander‐shaped decoupling structure is incorporated on both sides of the substrate to enhance the port isolation. T‐shaped slots on the patch and corner truncations are conceived to achieve circular polarization (CP) across 5.15–5.83 GHz. The beauty of this structure lies in the easy switching between LHCP and RHCP by just controlling the port excitation. Moreover, the strategic placement of antenna elements produces bidirectional patterns with proper choice of port excitation. A good agreement is observed between the measured and simulation results.
Risk of dementia with hearing impairment and social isolation
Authors: Tomida Kouki , Shimoda Takahiro , Nakajima Chika , Kawakami Ayuka , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine whether the concomitance of hearing impairment and isolation with lack of conversation, which is considered self‐evident but has not been investigated extensively, is associated with the occurrence of dementia.

METHODS

A total of 2745 participants were divided into four groups according to the presence/absence of hearing impairment and isolation with lack of conversation. The association of dementia with hearing impairment and isolation with lack of conversation was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

The combined hearing impairment and isolation with lack of conversation (hazard ratio: 1.69, 95% confidence interval: 1.09‐2.61) and non‐hearing impairment and isolation with lack of conversation (hazard ratio: 1.60, 95% confidence: 1.07‐2.39) were associated with the development of dementia.

DISCUSSION

These findings emphasize the importance of promoting high‐quality social relationships throughout life by adopting preventive measures against isolation with lack of conversation from the early stage of awareness of hearing impairment.

Highlights

Dementia affects 12.9% of those with hearing impairment and isolation.

Hearing impairment and isolation are associated with increased risk of dementia.

Addressing these risk factors may help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Preventing isolation and promoting quality social relationships is important.
Lithium‐Metal‐Free Sulfur Batteries with Biochar and Steam‐Activated Biochar‐Based Anodes from Spent Common Ivy
Authors: Salimi Pejman , Vercruysse Willem , Chauque Susana , Yari Saeed , Venezia Eleonora , Lataf Amine , Ghanemnia Nahal , Zafar Muhammad Shajih , Safari Mohammadhosein , Hardy An , Proietti Zaccaria Remo , Vandamme Dries
Published: May 2024

Lithium‐sulfur batteries are emerging as sustainable replacements for current lithium‐ion batteries. The commercial viability of this novel type of battery is still under debate due to the extensive use of highly reactive lithium‐metal anodes and the complex electrochemistry of the sulfur cathode. In this research, a novel sulfur‐based battery has been proposed that eliminates the need for metallic lithium anodes and other critical raw materials like cobalt and graphite, replacing them with biomass‐derived materials. This approach presents numerous benefits, encompassing ample availability, cost‐effectiveness, safety, and environmental friendliness. In particular, two types of biochar‐based anode electrodes (non‐activated and activated biochar) derived from spent common ivy have been investigated as alternatives to metallic lithium. We compared their structural and electrochemical properties, both of which exhibited good compatibility with the typical electrolytes used in sulfur batteries. Surprisingly, while steam activation results in an increased specific surface area, the non‐activated ivy biochar demonstrates better performance than the activated biochar, achieving a stable capacity of 400 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and a long lifespan (>400 cycles at 0.5 A g−1). Our results demonstrate that the presence of heteroatoms, such as oxygen and nitrogen positively affects the capacity and cycling performance of the electrodes. This led to increased d‐spacing in the graphitic layer, a strong interaction with the solid electrolyte interphase layer, and improved ion transportation. Finally, the non‐activated biochar was successfully coupled with a sulfur cathode to fabricate lithium‐metal‐free sulfur batteries, delivering a specific energy density of ~600 Wh kg−1.
Enhancing Thermal Energy Storage: Investigating the Use of Graphene Nanoplatelets in Phase Change Materials for Sustainable Applications
Authors: Muppana Veera Nagendra , Fikri M. Arif , Samykano Mahendran , Suraparaju Subbarama Kousik , Rajamony Reji Kumar , Wan Hamzah Wan Azmi , Kadirgama Kumaran
Published: May 2024

The adoption of phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage in low‐ and medium‐temperature settings is witnessing a notable surge. However, the lesser thermal conductivity (TC) poses a noteworthy challenge to PCM's heat transfer and storage capabilities. One of the noteworthy solutions to augment the TC is incorporating nanoparticles in the PCM. Nevertheless, nanoparticles often clump together after several cycles due to poor compatibility and weak interfacial strength. Functionalization methods have been proposed to address this issue, offering improved performance for energy storage applications. Herein, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (FGNP) are dispersed into A70 PCM at mass fractions ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 wt% using two‐step method. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirms the successful integration of FGNP into A70 PCM without altering its chemical characteristics. Adding 1.0 wt% FGNP to A70 PCM increases its TC by 140.88%, with just a 3.02% decrease in latent heat enthalpy. However, incorporating pure GNP (1.0 wt%) improves TC by 48.83%. The engineered nano‐PCMs exhibit robust thermal and chemical stability even after undergoing 1000 thermal cycles, remaining unchanged up to 414.64 °C. This exceptional stability makes the formulated nanoenhanced PCM suitable for sustainable thermal applications.
Foliar spraying of chitosan promotes selenium uptake in grapevine planted in soil supplemented with sodium selenite
Authors: Zhu Yanzhou , Jin Xin , Zhang Lu , Wang Jin , Huang Kewen , Zhou Kexuan , Li Wan , Wang Xun , Lin Lijin
Published: May 2024

Selenium (Se) is an important trace element for human body, and the fruit Se source is one option for human Se supplementation. To increase grapevine uptake of Se, grape seedlings were transplanted in soils supplemented with sodium selenite, and the concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 g L−1 chitosan were sprayed on grapevine seedling leaves. Next, the effects of chitosan on grapevine Se uptake were studied. The chitosan‐based foliar application increased the biomass, photosynthetic pigment content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble protein content of grapevine. Chitosan application also increased the total Se, inorganic Se, and organic Se contents in grapevine. However, while the root organic Se was increased, the shoot inorganic Se was decreased. Compared to the control, the concentrations of 1, 2, 4, and 6 g L−1 chitosan increased the shoot total Se content by 9.29%, 12.39%, 17.70%, and 14.16%, respectively. Chitosan application also increased the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents in grapevine. Moreover, correlation, gray relational, principal component, and cluster analyses revealed that the root total Se, shoot total N, and root total K contents were the top three indicators closely associated with the shoot total Se content. Therefore, foliar‐based chitosan application on grape seedlings can promote the Se uptake in grapevine under sodium selenite supply, and 4 g L−1 is the best concentration.
Braden score can independently predict 90‐day mortality in critically ill patients with dementia
Authors: Cheng Hongtao , Li Xinya , Liang Xin , Tang Yonglan , Wei Fangxin , Wang Zichen , Lyu Jun , Wang Yu
Published: May 2024

Background

Dementia is a significant cause of death in the older population and is becoming an important public health issue as the population ages and the prevalence of dementia increases. The Braden score is one of the most commonly used clinical tools to assess the risk of skin pressure injury in patients, and some studies have reported that it may reflect the state of frailty of patients. The present study attempted to explore the association between Braden score and 90‐day mortality, pressure injury, and aspiration pneumonia in older patients with dementia in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

The study involved extracting crucial data from the Medical Information Market for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC‐IV) database using Structured Query Language, with a license certificate obtained after completing the necessary training and examination available on the MIMIC‐IV website. A retrospective analysis was performed on older patients with dementia, aged 65 or older, who were first admitted to the ICU. Ninth and tenth revision International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify patients with dementia. The primary outcome was 90‐day mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the association between Braden score and death, and hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Propensity score matching and E‐value assessments were employed for sensitivity analysis.

Results

A total of 2892 patients with a median age of approximately 85 years (interquartile range 78.74–89.59) were included, of whom 1625 were female (56.2%). Patients had a median Braden score of 14 (interquartile range 12–15) at ICU admission. Braden score at ICU admission was inversely associated with 90‐day mortality risk after adjustment for demographics, severity of illness, treatment and medications, delirium, and sepsis (adjusted HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.98, p = 0.006). Patients were divided into two groups with a cut‐off value of 15: high‐risk group and low‐risk group. Compared to the low‐risk group (Braden score >15), the risk of 90‐day mortality was significantly increased in the high‐risk group (Braden score ≤15) (adjusted HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10–2.09, p = 0.011, E‐value: 2.01), the risk of pressure injury (adjusted OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 2.02–3.43, E‐value: 2.62) and aspiration pneumonia (adjusted OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.84–3.61, E‐value: 2.57) was also significantly higher.

Conclusions

The Braden score may be a quick and simple screening tool to identify the risk of adverse outcomes in critically ill older adults with dementia.
The ‘scars’ left on children by exclusion, but re‐inclusion may ‘heal up’
Authors: Zheng Jun , Liu Wenlu , Qian Ping , Yan Linlin
Published: May 2024

Previous studies have shown that social exclusion can have negative effects on the well‐being of children and adolescents. However, there is inconsistent evidence regarding how the impact of social exclusion changes with age. This study used the Cyberball paradigm to investigate the effects of exclusion and subsequent inclusion on primary needs (such as belonging, self‐esteem, control and meaningful existence) and emotions (including happiness, sadness and anger) in a sample of Chinese school‐aged children (163 children aged 6–8, 8–10 and 10–11). The results revealed that children aged 6–8 showed lower susceptibility to ostracism, while threats to primary needs emerged around the ages of 8–10 and persisted until 10–12. Negative effects on moods were evident from the age of 6–8 and intensified with age. Brief inclusion following exclusion was found to effectively restore the primary needs and moods of ostracized children, serving as a reliable intervention for promoting rapid recovery. However, age‐related differences were observed in the restorative effects of re‐inclusion, with 8‐ to 10‐year‐olds benefiting more compared to 10‐ to 12‐year‐olds. These findings provide valuable insights for educational institutions seeking to create supportive environments that help children recover from the detrimental effects of ostracism.

Highlights

Ostracism can be detrimental to the primary needs and moods of school‐aged children.

There are developmental changes in the effects of ostracism on children's primary needs and moods, and 8–10 years old may be a critical period.

Re‐inclusion can effectively restore the damaged primary needs and moods of excluded children, but its effect is also age‐dependent.
Divergent association between pain intensity and resting‐state fMRI‐based brain entropy in different age groups
Authors: Del Mauro Gianpaolo , Sevel Landrew Samuel , Boissoneault Jeff , Wang Ze
Published: May 2024

Pain is a multidimensional subjective experience sustained by multiple brain regions involved in different aspects of pain experience. We used brain entropy (BEN) estimated from resting‐state fMRI (rsfMRI) data to investigate the neural correlates of pain experience. BEN was estimated from rs‐fMRI data provided by two datasets with different age range: the Human Connectome Project‐Young Adult (HCP‐YA) and the Human Connectome project‐Aging (HCP‐A) datasets. Retrospective assessment of experienced pain intensity was retrieved from both datasets. No main effect of pain intensity was observed. The interaction between pain and age, however, was related to increased BEN in several pain‐related brain regions, reflecting greater variability of spontaneous brain activity. Dividing the sample into a young adult group (YG) and a middle age‐aging group (MAG) resulted in two divergent patterns of pain–BEN association: In the YG, pain intensity was related to reduced BEN in brain regions involved in the sensory processing of pain; in the MAG, pain was associated with increased BEN in areas related to both sensory and cognitive aspects of pain experience.
One‐step Synthesis of UV‐Curable CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) Nanocrystal Inks for Printing
Authors: Wang Yixin , Yin Yongming , Liu Ming , Ali Muhammad Umair , Meng Hong
Published: May 2024

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have garnered significant attention due to their captivating optoelectronic properties. One promising application for these materials is their use as color‐conversion layers (CCLs) in blue micro‐LED technology, enabling the realization of full‐color displays. Nonetheless, a pivotal challenge revolves around producing efficient luminescent perovskite inks and subsequently employing them for inkjet printing finely patterned CCLs. In this study, a straightforward single‐step hot‐injection method is introduced for synthesizing inks comprising CsPbX3 NCs, where X represents Cl, Br, and I, or mixed halide systems such as Cl/Br and Br/I. Through precise composition control, the emission spectra can be effortlessly adjusted across the entire visible spectrum, spanning from 410 to 710 nm. The resulting CsPbX3 NCs exhibit narrow emission line‐widths, ranging from 21 to 39 nm, an expansive color gamut encompassing up to 130% of the National Television Standards Committee color standard, and exceptional quantum yields reaching up to 100%. With their superb optical performance, facile synthesis procedure, and robust stability, these CsPbX3 NCs emerge as highly suitable candidates for their use as CCLs with blue light‐emitting devices deployed as backlights.
Diagnostics of fs Laser‐Induced Plasmas in Solid Dielectrics
Authors: Jürgens Peter , Garcia Clara L. , Balling Peter , Fennel Thomas , Mermillod‐Blondin Alexandre
Published: May 2024

The formation of dense plasmas inside dielectric materials by ultrashort laser pulses has many applications ranging from refractive‐index modifications to the formation of channels and voids. Furthermore, such plasmas enable the fundamental investigation of ultrafast non‐equilibrium dynamics in highly excited materials. The present paper provides an overview of current experimental approaches to investigating such plasmas. Much information about the plasma relaxation is obtained by measuring the spatial and temporal evolution of the dielectric properties of the excited material through time‐resolved absorption and phase‐shift measurements. In order to investigate and resolve the individual stages of plasma formation, experimental approaches with a temporal resolution beyond the capabilities of traditional optical pump‐probe studies are required. Recent examples for schemes that may enable the investigation of the plasma formation with sub‐cycle time resolution are thus reviewed. These include recent results from time‐resolved high‐harmonic generation as well as the two‐color pump‐probe analysis of non‐perturbative low‐order wave mixing for the tracking of strong‐field excitation dynamics. Alternative approaches employ attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, attosecond polarization spectroscopy and nonlinear photoconductive sampling for resolving the temporal evolution of the carrier dynamics down to sub‐optical‐cycle timescales.
Multifunctional Waveguide Tunnelling via Leaky Modes
Authors: Hu Chuanjie , Li Jue , Kong Xianghong , Xue Shuwen , Zhang Zhibin , Tao Sicen , Xiao Wen , Zhu Shan , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Chen Huan‐yang
Published: May 2024

Much effort in the past few years has been made in tunnelling, however, no work has been reported so far on how to maintain the maximum tunnelling of complex optical fields in waveguides, due to the limitations of existing physical mechanisms. Here, a new paradigm is presented for realizing anomalous wave tunnelling through a general effective double‐barrier model constructed by dispersion engineering, while preserving mode information. The observed tunnelling mechanism is corroborated well by experimental results in the microwave realm. Specifically, evanescent waves bridge the gap between external space and potential well, allowing us to modulate the leaky modes within the potential well and thus achieve multiple resonant tunnelling. Due to the constant phase difference between adjacent maximum tunnelling, such mechanism broadens the potential of binary integrated devices. For example, assembling the tunnelling unit into arrays straightforwardly alleviates the trade‐off dilemma between diffraction law and cut‐off frequency. In addition, this approach provides an ideal toolbox for achieving multifunctional tunnelling across waveguide modes of various orders or polarizations, which can boost various applications in optical filters, tunneling lasers, optical switching, and sensing.
Controllable Modulation of Trapped Carriers in Mechano/Thermo Dual‐Responsive Particles for Advanced Stress‐Encoded Information Storage
Authors: Peng Danni , Sun Junlu , Deng Yuan , Jiao Fuhang , Li Xi , Liu Wenjin , Wang Lijun , Shan Chong‐Xin , Dong Lin
Published: May 2024

Mechanoluminescence (ML) is a fascinating phenomenon with diverse applications in pressure sensing, damage detection, and stress distribution visualization. However, most ML materials exhibit instantaneous photon emission that requires real‐time recording with a photodetector, and thereby circumscribing their applicability predominantly to real‐time stress‐sensing scenarios. In this work, a novel method is introduced for non‐real‐time stress sensing utilizing Li0.1Na0.9NbO3:Pr3+ phosphor, which allows for the retrieval of pressure location and intensity even 20 days after the event. The influence of heat and pressure on the trap depth distribution is analyzed using thermoluminescence (TL) and ML measurements, and it is proved that both heat and pressure release the captured electrons in the same traps. Leveraging the intricate competition between mechanical and thermal detrapping processes, stress information can be accessed through TL imaging. Furthermore, an algorithm is proposed based on this phenomenon to authenticate the stress information. This research not only advances the fundamental understanding of ML phenomena but also introduces a novel approach for applications such as mechano‐history indicators, security papers, and advanced data storage systems.
Photonic Metamaterial‐Inspired Polarization Manipulating Devices on Etchless Thin Film Lithium Niobate Platform
Authors: Liao Hongtao , Chen Li , Zhou Xudong , Guo Siyuan , Jiang Yongheng , Xiao Huifu , Low Mei Xian , Nguyen Thach Giang , Boes Andreas , Ren Guanghui , Mitchell Arnan , Tian Yonghui
Published: May 2024

Photonic metamaterials interact with light at the micro–nano scale, enabling unprecedented optical manipulation capabilities, which play a key role in nonlinear optics, spin optics, negative index, and zero index materials. Recently, thin‐film lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) has emerged as a promising platform for integrated photonics due to its unique material properties, including an excellent electro–optic effect, wide transparency window, and low waveguide losses. Metamaterial structures are promising for constructing novel integrated photonic circuit building blocks on LNOI as they can provide advantageous circuit functionality. In this work, as a proof of concept, high‐performance polarization manipulating devices including polarization splitter rotator (PSR), polarization rotator (PR), and polarizer are demonstrated using photonic metamaterials on the etchless LNOI platform by introducing a silicon nitride layer on the top of LNOI wafer as the loading material. In this way, full advantage of lithium niobate (LN) can be taken to achieve various high‐performance integrated photonic devices, while avoiding the etching of LN and simplifying the fabrication process greatly, which can bring bright prospects for achieving large‐scale lithium niobate integrated photonic circuits.
Highly Efficient and Thermally Stable Broadband NIR Phosphors with Superlong Afterglow Performance and their Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Ding Xin , Ma Xilin , Su Zhezhe , Liu Bin , Wang Yuhua
Published: May 2024

Near‐infrared (NIR) phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs) are considered as promising next‐generation light sources for optoelectronic and biomedical applications. Nevertheless, NIR phosphors with large bandwidths, long emission peaks, high external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) and valuable thermal stabilities are challenging to develop. Herein, this study reports a novel gallium germanate host, Ga3Al3Ge2O13 (GAGO), with a large bandgap and rigid host lattice for Cr3+ ion doping. The blue LED excitable GAGO:0.012Cr3+ phosphor can produce broadband NIR emission with a maximum intensity at 816 nm and a full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 187 nm. Notably, the phosphor also exhibits an excellent EQE of 35.8% and perfect thermal stability (I423 K/I298 K = 67.4%). Moreover, an attractive NIR afterglow duration of more than 24 h is achieved in the GAGO:0.004Cr3+ phosphor. The type and origin of the traps are discussed, and a possible long persistent luminescent (LPL) mechanism is proposed. Finally, an NIR pc‐LED based on a GAGO:0.012Cr3+ phosphor is fabricated. The results demonstrate that the obtained phosphors show great potential for use in night vision, nondestructive detection, bioimaging and information encryption. This study provides new insight into the development of broadband NIR luminescent materials with high efficiency, good thermal stability and extraordinary afterglow performance.
Multifaceted roles of PD‐1 in tumorigenesis: From immune checkpoint to tumor cell‐intrinsic function
Authors: Chen Huiqing , Wei Jiayu , Zhu Zhen , Hou Yongzhong
Published: May 2024

Programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1), a key immune checkpoint receptor, has been extensively studied for its role in regulating immune responses in cancer. However, recent research has unveiled a complex and dual role for PD‐1 in tumorigenesis. While PD‐1 is traditionally associated with immune cells, this article explores its expression in various cancer cells and its impact on cancer progression. PD‐1's functions extend beyond immune regulation, as it has been found to both promote and suppress tumor growth, depending on the cancer type. These findings have significant implications for the future of cancer treatment and our understanding of the immune response in the context of cancer. This article calls for further research into the multifaceted roles of PD‐1 to optimize its therapeutic potential and improve patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.
HER3 V104 mutations regulate cell signaling, growth, and drug sensitivity in cancer
Authors: Mishra Rosalin , Kilroy Mary Kate , Feroz Wasim , Patel Hima , Garrett Joan T.
Published: May 2024

HER3 is mutated in ~2%–10% of cancers depending on the cancer type. We found the HER3‐V104L mutation to be activating from patient‐derived mutations introduced via lentiviral transduction in HER3KO HER2 + HCC1569 breast cancer cells in which endogenous HER3 was eliminated by CRISPR/Cas9. Cells expressing HER3‐V104L showed higher p‐HER3 and p‐ERK1/2 expression versus cells expressing wild‐type HER3 or HER3‐V104M. Patients whose tumor expressed the HER3 V104L variant had a reduced probability of overall survival compared to patients lacking a HER3 mutation whereas we did not find a statistically significant difference in overall survival of various cancer patients with the HER3 V104M mutation. Our data showed that HER2 inhibitors suppressed cell growth of HCC1569HER3KO cells stably expressing the HER3‐V104L mutation. Cancer cell lines (SNU407, UC15 and DV90) with endogenous HER3‐V104M mutation showed reduced cell proliferation and p‐HER2/p‐ERK1/2 expression with HER2 inhibitor treatment. Knock down of HER3 abrogated cell proliferation in the above cell lines which were overall more sensitive to the ERK inhibitor SCH779284 versus PI3K inhibitors. HER3‐V104L mutation stabilized HER3 protein expression in COS7 and SNUC5 cells. COS7 cells transiently transfected with the HER3‐V104L mutation in the presence of HER binding partners showed higher expression of p‐HER3, p‐ERK1/2 versus HER3‐WT in a NRG‐independent manner without any change in AKT signaling. Overall, this study shows the clinical relevance of the HER3 V104L and the V104M mutations and its response to HER2, PI3K and ERK inhibitors.
From fairy rings to fairy chemicals: The story from nature phenomenon to commercial application
Authors: Liu Shaolong , Ye Chanjuan , Guo Jie , Chen Da‐gang , Liu Juan , Zhou Xin‐qiao , Jia Bin , Zheng Yixiong , Wu Jing , Kawagishi Hirokazu , Chen Ke , Liu Chuan‐guang
Published: May 2024

Fairy rings are naturally occurring phenomena that are circular or curved clusters of mushrooms that appear in meadows, forests, and other places. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in deciphering fairy chemicals (FCs) involved in the intricate crosstalk between mushrooms and plants. FCs contain three chemical components: 2‐azahypoxanthine (AHX), 2‐aza‐8‐oxohypoxanthine (AOH), and imidazole‐4‐carboxamide (ICA). FCs can enhance the plant's resistance to environmental stresses such as cold, heat, and salt, and can increase crop yields; In addition, it can also have biological activities such as skin barrier improvement, anti‐ageing, and anti‐tumour. This review systematically integrated multiple facets of FCs, encompassing their discovery, the biochemical synthesis pathways giving rise to FCs, the derivatives and compounds originated from FCs, and their emerging applications in agriculture, beauty industry and medical sciences. Moreover, the review also addresses outstanding questions in FCs and future challenges related to plant growth regulators and other compounds, promising a practical and innovative future in agriculture.
An end‐to‐end deep convolutional neural network‐based dose engine for parotid gland cancer seed implant brachytherapy
Authors: Xiong Tianyu , Cai Jing , Zhou Fugen , Liu Bo , Zhang Jie , Wu Qiuwen
Published: May 2024

Background

Seed implant brachytherapy (SIBT) is a promising treatment modality for parotid gland cancers (PGCs). However, the current clinical standard dose calculation method based on the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group 43 (TG‐43) Report oversimplifies patient anatomy as a homogeneous water phantom medium, leading to significant dose calculation errors due to heterogeneity surrounding the parotid gland. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) can yield accurate dose distributions but the long computation time hinders its wide application in clinical practice.

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an end‐to‐end deep convolutional neural network‐based dose engine (DCNN‐DE) to achieve fast and accurate dose calculation for PGC SIBT.

Methods

A DCNN model was trained using the patient's CT images and TG‐43‐based dose maps as inputs, with the corresponding MCS‐based dose maps as the ground truth. The DCNN model was enhanced based on our previously proposed model by incorporating attention gates (AGs) and large kernel convolutions. Training and evaluation of the model were performed using a dataset comprising 188 PGC I‐125 SIBT patient cases, and its transferability was tested on an additional 16 non‐PGC head and neck cancers (HNCs) I‐125 SIBT patient cases. Comparison studies were conducted to validate the superiority of the enhanced model over the original one and compare their overall performance.

Results

On the PGC testing dataset, the DCNN‐DE demonstrated the ability to generate accurate dose maps, with percentage absolute errors (PAEs) of 0.67% ± 0.47% for clinical target volume (CTV) D90 and 1.04% ± 1.33% for skin D0.1cc. The comparison studies revealed that incorporating AGs and large kernel convolutions resulted in 8.2% (p < 0.001) and 3.1% (p < 0.001) accuracy improvement, respectively, as measured by dose mean absolute error. On the non‐PGC HNC dataset, the DCNN‐DE exhibited good transferability, achieving a CTV D90 PAE of 1.88% ± 1.73%. The DCNN‐DE can generate a dose map in less than 10 ms.

Conclusions

We have developed and validated an end‐to‐end DCNN‐DE for PGC SIBT. The proposed DCNN‐DE enables fast and accurate dose calculation, making it suitable for application in the plan optimization and evaluation process of PGC SIBT.
Utilizing multicompartmental restriction spectrum magnetic resonance imaging for liver fibrosis characterization in a mouse model
Authors: Cai Yeyu , Liu Jiayi , Yang HaiTao , Zheng Liyun , Wu Dongmei , Xiao Enhua , Dai Yongming
Published: May 2024

Background

Currently, an advanced imaging method may be necessary for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnosis and quantify liver fibrosis (LF).

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of the multicompartmental restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) model to characterize LF in a mouse model.

Methods

Thirty mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced LF and eight control mice were investigated using multi‐b‐value (ranging from 0 to 2000 s/mm2) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) on a 3T scanner. DWI data were processed using RSI model (2–5 compartments) with the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) determining the optimal model. Conventional ADC value and signal fraction of each compartment in the optimal RSI model were compared across groups. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the diagnosis performances of different parameters, while Spearman correlation analysis was employed to investigate the correlation between different tissue compartments and the stage of LF.

Results

According to BIC results, a 4‐compartment RSI model (RSI4) with optimal ADCs of 0.471 × 10−3, 1.653 × 10−3, 9.487 × 10−3, and > 30 × 10−3, was the optimal model to characterize LF. Significant differences in signal contribution fraction of the C1 and C3 compartments were observed between LF and control groups (P = 0.018 and 0.003, respectively). ROC analysis showed that RSI4‐C3 was the most effective single diffusion parameter for characterizing LF (AUC = 0.876, P = 0.003). Furthermore, the combination of ADC values and RSI4‐C3 value increased the diagnosis performance significantly (AUC = 0.894, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The 4‐compartment RSI model has the potential to distinguish LF from the control group based on diffusion parameters. RSI4‐C3 showed the highest diagnostic performance among all the parameters. The combination of ADC and RSI4‐C3 values further improved the discrimination performance.
Operators Need to Know Industrial Pretreatment Programs
Authors: Thomas Dave , Begley Drew , Adams Hunter , Ash Steve , Southard Mark
Published: May 2024

Understanding how industrial pretreatment programs protect public health and the environment gives operators a more complete picture of an often‐overlooked area of the water industry.
Registration of ‘UC‐Alameda’, a California adapted, non‐glycosidic nitrile‐producer, two‐row spring malting barley
Authors: del Blanco Isabel A. , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: May 2024

The emerging malting industry in California needs adapted cultivars for a sustainable local barley production. ‘UC‐Alameda’ (Reg. no. CV‐381, PVP 202300263, PI 701932) is a two‐row, spring malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) released by the University of California, Davis, Agricultural Experiment Station, in 2022. UC‐Alameda is a highly productive cultivar with satisfactory malting quality for local craft maltsters. UC‐Alameda is adapted to the California Central Valley (Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys) and is resistant to the most common diseases present in this region (e.g., Barley yellow dwarf virus, Cereal yellow dwarf virus, stripe rust, and powdery mildew) and moderately resistant to scald and net blotch. It was evaluated in preliminary trials, as B9K62, from 2017 to 2023 at Davis, CA, and by the University of California Regional Small Grains Testing program, as UC1911, from 2018 to 2023 for late fall planting in the Central Valley. UC‐Alameda is a non‐glycosidic nitrile producer, which is an important trait for craft‐maltsters and distillers. UC‐Alameda satisfies the quality criteria of the local craft malting and brewing industry interested in sourcing locally grown malting barley.
A comprehensive study on the identification and characterization of degradation products of lipoglycopeptide Dalbavancin using LC and LC‐HRMS/MS
Authors: Paritala Sree Teja , Sharma Nitish , Shah Ravi P.
Published: May 2024

Dalbavancin is the second‐generation approved semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin‐structure infections. Unlike other lipoglycopeptides, the stability behavior of Dalbavancin was least explored, which is a prerequisite. The current study endeavors to elucidate the oxidative and hydrolytic stability behavior of Dalbavancin by exposing the drug to oxidative, acidic, and basic stress conditions. A simple liquid chromatography (LC) method was developed, where significant resolution between Dalbavancin, its homologs, and the generated degradation products was achieved. Seven degradation products were identified under acidic, basic, and oxidative stress conditions. Using liquid chromatography and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS), MS/MS studies, the generated degradation products were identified and characterized. Formation of isomeric degradation products was identified especially upon exposure to basic stress conditions. The mechanistic fragmentation pathway for the seven degradation products was established, and the chemical structure for the identified degradation products was elucidated. The results strongly suggest that Dalbavancin is highly susceptible to degradation under oxidative and hydrolytic stress conditions. This study provides insights into the hydrolytic and oxidative stability of Dalbavancin, which can be employed during drug development and discovery in synthesizing relatively stable analogs.
Optical Properties of GeSe1−xTex Chalcogenide Materials Promising for on‐Chip Low and Ultra‐Low Loss Reconfigurable Photonics and Nonlinear Devices
Authors: Albanese Anthony , Tomelleri Martina , Karam Lara , Dory Jean‐Baptiste , Licitra Christophe , Charbonnier Benoît , Jager Jean‐Baptiste , Coillet Aurélien , Cluzel Benoît , Noé Pierre
Published: May 2024

The highly promising linear and nonlinear optical properties of innovative thin films of GeSe1–xTex chalcogenide materials in the amorphous as‐deposited state, and after crystallization, are revealed here. These innovative alloys bridge the gap between two families of materials: chalcogenide glasses (GeSe) and phase‐change materials (GeTe). Their unique optical properties make them attractive candidates for reconfigurable and nonlinear photonic applications in the infrared. In this context, it is shown how, by varying the Te content of GeSe1–xTex thin films, it is possible to tailor their linear and nonlinear optical properties to optimize them for a wide range of innovative applications.
Assessing the utility of Munsell soil color in building and evaluating spectral models for soil clay content prediction
Authors: Dharumarajan S. , Gomez C. , Lalitha M. , Vasundhara R. , Hegde R. , Patil N. G.
Published: May 2024

The present study examined how the use of soil color can help build and evaluate clay content prediction models from laboratory visible and near infrared spectroscopic data. This study was based on a regional database containing 449 soil samples collected over Karnataka state in India, which has been divided into red soils (240 samples) and black soils (209 samples) based on their Munsell soil color. Partial least squares regression models were calibrated and validated from both the regional datasets and subsets stratified as red and black soils. In addition, a random forest model was used to classify the validation soil samples into black and red classes to evaluate models’ performance. First, while the clay content predicted by the regression model built from regional data was evaluated as correct at regional scale (R2val of 0.75), this model was evaluated as more accurate over black (R2val of 0.8) than red (R2val of 0.63) soil samples. Second, the regression models built from subsets stratified per soil color provided different performances than the regression model built from the regional data, both at the regional scale and soil color scale. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that (1) predictions are highly dependent on calibration data, (2) the interpretation of prediction performances relies heavily on validation data, and (3) pedological knowledge, such as soil color, can be effectively employed as an encouraging covariate in both the construction and evaluation of regression models.
Hydrophobic TaOx Species Overlayer Tuning Light‐Driven Methane Chlorination with Inorganic Chlorine
Authors: Li Dongmiao , Lin Min , Zhang Jiangjie , Qiu Chengwei , Chen Hui , Xiao Zhen , Shen Jinni , Zheng Yuanhui , Long Jinlin , Dai Wenxin , Wang Xuxu , Fu Xianzhi , Zhang Zizhong
Published: May 2024

Halogenated methane serves as a universal platform molecule for building high‐value chemicals. Utilizing sodium chloride solution for photocatalytic methane chlorination presents an environmentally friendly method for methane conversion. However, competing reactions in gas‐solid‐liquid systems leads to low efficiency and selectivity in photocatalytic methane chlorination. Here, an in situ method is employed to fabricate a hydrophobic layer of TaOx species on the surface of NaTaO3. Through in‐situ XPS and XANES spectra analysis, it is determined that TaOx is a coordination unsaturated species. The TaOx species transforms the surface properties from the inherent hydrophilicity of NaTaO3 to the hydrophobicity of TaOx/NaTaO3, which enhances the accessibility of CH4 for adsorption and activation, and thus promotes the methane chlorination reaction within the gas‐liquid‐solid three‐phase system. The optimized TaOx/NaTaO3 photocatalyst has a good durability for multiple cycles of methane chlorination reactions, yielding CH3Cl at a rate of 233 µmol g−1 h−1 with a selectivity of 83%. In contrast, pure NaTaO3 exhibits almost no activity toward CH3Cl formation, instead catalyzing the over‐oxidation of CH4 into CO2. Notably, the activity of the optimized TaOx/NaTaO3 photocatalyst surpasses that of reported noble metal photocatalysts. This research offers an effective strategy for enhancing the selectivity of photocatalytic methane chlorination using inorganic chlorine ions.
In Situ Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Calcination of Palladium Nitrate Supported on Zinc Oxide
Authors: Meise Ansgar , Heggen Marc , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Armbrüster Marc
Published: May 2024

Metallic nanoparticles are essential materials in various applications, such as nanomedicine, nanotechnology, and catalysis. While it is known that their catalytic performance is determined by their microstructure and thus by their preparation, the influence of an important but commonly used calcination treatment during nanoparticle preparation on their properties is often overlooked. Herein, structural and morphological changes during the calcination of Pd(NO3)2/ZnO are studied systematically by performing in situ heating experiments mimicking typical preparation conditions, by employing environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy. The effect of different calcination parameters on Pd(NO3)2/ZnO is explored and guidance to enhance control over the preparation of small supported nanoparticles is provided. It is shown that a calcination treatment of Pd(NO3)2/ZnO between 200 and 400 °C for 15–120 min is ideally suited to obtain particles smaller than 4 nm with a narrow size distribution.
Three‐dimensional electrically conductive–hydrophobic layer for stable Zn metal anodes
Authors: Mei Yang , Zhou Jiahui , Zhang Botao , Li Li , Wu Feng , Huang Yongxin , Chen Renjie
Published: May 2024

The interrelated side reactions and dendrites growth severely destabilize the electrode/electrolyte interfaces, resulting in the difficult application of aqueous Zn ion batteries (AZIBs). Hydrophobic protective layer possesses natural inhibition ability for side reactions. However, the conventional protective layer with plane structure is difficult to attain joint regulation of side reaction and Zn nucleation. Herein, a novel three‐dimensional (3D) electrically conductive and hydrophobic (3DECH) interface is elaborated to enable stable Zn anode. The as‐prepared 3DECH interface presents a uniform 3D morphology with hydrophobic property, large specific surface area, abundant zincophilic sites, and excellent electroconductivity. Therefore, the 3DECH interface achieves uniform nucleation and dendrite‐free deposition from synergetic benefits: (1) increased nucleation sites and reduced local current density through the special 3D structure and (2) uniform electric potential distribution and rapid Zn2+ transport due to the electroconductive alloy chemistry, thus coupling the hydrophobic property to obtain a highly reversible Zn anode. Consequently, the modified anode achieves a superior coulombic efficiency of 99.88% over 3500 cycles, and the pouch cells using modified anode and LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode retain a capacity of 84 mAh g−1 after 700 cycles at a reasonable depth discharge of 36%, without dendrite piercing and “dead Zn.”
Recruiting a prospective community cohort to study Alzheimer's disease and structural and social determinants of health among adults racialized as Black: The ARCHES cohort
Authors: Walker Alexis I. B. , Trani Jean‐Francois , Banks Christian F. , Murphy Samantha A. , Zha Wenqing , Williams Monique M. , Day Gregory S. , Zhu Yiqi , Ances Beau M. , Hill Carl V. , Hudson Darrell L. , Babulal Ganesh M.
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION

This ongoing, prospective study examines the effectiveness of methods used to successfully recruit and retain 238 Black older adults in a longitudinal, observational Alzheimer's disease (AD) study.

METHODS

Recruitment strategies included traditional media, established research registries, speaking engagements, community events, and snowball sampling. Participants were asked to complete an annual office testing session, blood‐based biomarker collection, optional one‐time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and community workshop.

RESULTS

Within the first 22 months of active recruitment, 629 individuals expressed interest in participating, and 238 enrolled in the ongoing study. Of the recruitment methods used, snowball sampling, community events, and speaking engagements were the most effective.

DISCUSSION

The systemic underrepresentation of Black participants in AD research impacts the ability to generalize research findings and determine the effectiveness and safety of disease‐modifying treatments. Research to slow, stop, or prevent AD remains a top priority but requires diversity in sample representation.

Highlights

Provide flexible appointments in the evening or weekends, offering transportation assistance, and allowing participants to complete study visits at alternative locations, such as senior centers or community centers.

Continuously monitor and analyze recruitment data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Implement targeted strategies to recruit participants who are underrepresented based on sex, gender, or education to increase representation.

Diversify the research team to include members who reflect the racial and cultural backgrounds of the target population, to enhance trust and rapport with prospective participants.
Effect of pyrite particle size on the denitrification performance of autotrophic or split‐mixotrophic bioreactors supported by pyrite/polycaprolactone
Authors: Guo Xihui , Peng Gang , Tan Lin , Zhang Yan , Wang Jing , Wang Weibo , Zhang Shiyang
Published: May 2024

In this study, a pyrite‐based autotrophic denitrification (PAD) system, a polycaprolactone (PCL)‐supported heterotrophic denitrification (PHD) system, and a pyrite+PCL‐based split‐mixotrophic denitrification (PPMD) system were constructed. The pyrite particle size was controlled in 1–3, 3–5, or 5–8 mm in both the PAD and PPMD systems to investigate the effect of pyrite particle size on the denitrification performance of autotrophic or split‐mixotrophic bioreactors. It was found that the PAD system achieved the best denitrification efficiency with an average removal rate of 98.98% in the treatment of 1‐ to 3‐mm particle size, whereas it was only 19.24% in the treatment of 5‐ to 8‐mm particle size. At different phases of the whole experiment, the nitrate removal rates of both the PHD and PPMD systems remained stable at a high level (>94%). Compared with the PAD or PHD system, the PPMD system reduced the concentrations of sulfate and chemical oxygen demand in the final effluent efficiently. The interconnection network diagram explained the intrinsic metabolic pathways of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon in the three denitrification systems at different phases. In addition, the microbial community analysis showed that the PPMD system was beneficial for the enrichment of Firmicutes. Finally, the impact mechanism of pyrite particle size on the performance of the PPMD system was proposed.

Practitioner Points

The reduction of pyrite particle size was beneficial for improving the efficiency of the PAD process.

The change in particle size had an effect on NO2−‐N accumulation in the PAD system.

The accumulation of NH4+‐N in the PPMD system increased with the decrease in particle size.

The reduction of pyrite particle size increased the production of SO42− in the PAD and PPMD systems.

The correlations among the effluent indicators of the PAD and PPMD systems could be well explained.