bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Stress-Buffering Function of Meaning in Life Among Older People
Authors: Krause Neal
Published: September 2007

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to see if a strong sense of meaning in life helps older adults cope more effectively with the effects of lifetime trauma. Methods : The data were obtained from a nationwide longitudinal survey of older adults ( N = 1,093). Questions were asked about traumatic events arising at any point in an individual's life and depressive symptoms. Results : The findings suggest that meaning tends to offset the deleterious impact of traumatic life events on depressive symptoms. However, these effects were observed only when the cross-sectional data were examined. In contrast, statistically significant stress-buffering effects were not present when the impact of trauma and meaning on change in depressive symptoms over time was evaluated. Discussion: The findings from this study provide a basis for devising interventions to help older people cope more effectively with the effects of traumatic events that have arisen in their lives.
Pediatric Home Chemotherapy: Infusing “Quality of Life”
Authors: Lashlee Marilyn , O'Hanlon Curry Joan
Published: September 2007

A pediatric home chemotherapy program is described that has operated as part of the pediatric oncology services at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore since 2004. Currently the chemotherapy regimens include high-dose methotrexate; 5-day high-dose ifosfamide and etoposide; cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine; ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide; and cisplatin and doxorubicin. The pediatric hematology/oncology program provides care to children with blood disorders and cancer of Bronx, NY, and surrounding areas. By providing patients receiving chemotherapy treatment with this special type of home infusion capability, the child and his or her family are able to spend more time at home and have less disruption in their family schedule.
Behaviors That College Women Label as Stalking or Harassment
Authors: Amar Angela Frederick
Published: September 2007

Stalking is a significant public health and criminal justice issue. Lack of clarity exists about which behaviors constitute stalking or harassment. This study sought to understand behaviors that college women identify as stalking. Using a cor-relational design, 841 college women responded to stalking items from the National Violence Against Women Survey. Although 32% (n = 259) self-identified the experience as stalking, when a legal definition was applied, the rate of stalking identification dropped to 26% (n = 117). Specific stalking behaviors most predictive of an experience's being labeled as stalking were identified. Psychiatric nurses interact with individuals who experience stalking, which necessitates the importance of familiarity with stalking definitions. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2007; 13(4), 210-220 .
Loneliness: An Exploration of Meaning
Authors: Rosedale Mary
Published: September 2007

Although loneliness is acknowledged as a common human experience and a variable of concern for psychiatric clinicians, the nursing literature has primarily treated it as a social deficit or pathological phenomenon. Loneliness has been studied in conjunction with other variables but rarely as a central focus itself. A review of the literature shows more multifaceted ways of viewing loneliness and thinking about its meaning. Examining dictionary, sacred, philosophical, psychological, and nursing views and theories of loneliness, it is apparent that nurses have only begun to investigate this ubiquitous phenomenon. Consistent with her own research findings of survivor-loneliness following breast cancer, the author suggests that nurses look beyond the contemporary encapsulated meaning of loneliness and begin asking patients to inform them of their understanding about its meaning. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2007; 13(4), 201-209.
A Novel Phosphodiesterase Type 4 Inhibitor, HT-0712, Enhances Rehabilitation-Dependent Motor Recovery and Cortical Reorganization After Focal Cortical Ischemia
Authors: MacDonald Erin , Van der Lee Heidi , Pocock David , Cole Christy , Thomas Nagheme , VandenBerg Penny M. , Bourtchouladze Rusiko , Kleim Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2007

Rehabilitation-dependent motor recovery after cerebral ischemia is associated with functional reorganization of residual cortical tissue. Recovery is thought to occur when remaining circuitry surrounding the lesion is “retrained” to assume some of the lost function. This reorganization is in turn supported by synaptic plasticity within cortical circuitry and manipulations that promote plasticity may enhance recovery. Activation of the cAMP/CREB pathway is a key step for experience-dependent neural plasticity. Here we examined the effects of the prototypical phosphodiesterase inhibitor 4 (PDE4) rolipram and a novel PDE inhibitor (HT-0712), known to enhance cAMP/CREB signaling and cognitive function, on restoration of motor skill and cortical function after focal cerebral ischemia. Adult male rats were trained on a skilled reaching task to establish a baseline level of motor performance. Intracortical microstimulation was then used to derive high-resolution maps of forelimb movement representations within the caudal forelimb area of motor cortex contralateral to the trained paw. A focal ischemic infarct was created within approximately 30% of the caudal forelimb area. The effects of administering either rolipram or the novel PDE4 inhibitor HT-0712 during rehabilitation on motor recovery and restoration of movement representations within residual motor cortex were examined. Both compounds significantly enhanced motor recovery and induced an expansion of distal movement representations that extended beyond residual motor cortex. The expansion beyond the initial residual cortex was not observed in vehicle injected controls. Furthermore, the motor recovery seen in the HT-0712 animals was dose dependent. Our results suggest that PDE4 inhibitors during motor rehabilitation facilitate behavioral recovery and cortical reorganization after ischemic insult to levels significantly greater than that observed with rehabilitation alone.
Species status of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: evolutionary and epidemiological inferences from multilocus sequence typing
Authors: Bennett Julia S , Jolley Keith A , Sparling P Frederick , Saunders Nigel J , Hart C Anthony , Feavers Ian M , Maiden Martin CJ
Published: September 2007

Background

Various typing methods have been developed for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but none provide the combination of discrimination, reproducibility, portability, and genetic inference that allows the analysis of all aspects of the epidemiology of this pathogen from a single data set. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) has been used successfully to characterize the related organisms Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria lactamica. Here, the same seven locus Neisseria scheme was used to characterize a diverse collection of N. gonorrhoeae isolates to investigate whether this method would allow differentiation among isolates, and to distinguish these three species.

Results

A total of 149 gonococcal isolates were typed and submitted to the Neisseria MLST database. Although relatively few (27) polymorphisms were detected among the seven MLST loci, a total of 66 unique allele combinations (sequence types, STs), were observed, a number comparable to that seen among isolate collections of the more diverse meningococcus. Patterns of genetic variation were consistent with high levels of recombination generating this diversity. There was no evidence for geographical structuring among the isolates examined, with isolates collected in Liverpool, UK, showing levels of diversity similar to a global collection of isolates. There was, however, evidence that populations of N. meningitidis, N. gonorrhoeae and N. lactamica were distinct, with little support for frequent genetic recombination among these species, with the sequences from the gdh locus alone grouping the species into distinct clusters.

Conclusion

The seven loci Neisseria MLST scheme was readily adapted to N. gonorrhoeae isolates, providing a highly discriminatory typing method. In addition, these data permitted phylogenetic and population genetic inferences to be made, including direct comparisons with N. meningitidis and N. lactamica. Examination of these data demonstrated that alleles were rarely shared among the three species. Analysis of variation at a single locus, gdh, provided a rapid means of identifying misclassified isolates and determining whether mixed cultures were present.
Skewed distribution of proinflammatory CD4+CD28nullT cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fasth Andreas ER , Snir Omri , Johansson Anna AT , Nordmark Birgitta , Rahbar Afsar , af Klint Erik , Björkström Niklas K , Ulfgren Ann-Kristin , van Vollenhoven Ronald F , Malmström Vivianne , Trollmo Christina
Published: September 2007

Expanded populations of CD4+ T cells lacking the co-stimulatory molecule CD28 (CD4+CD28null T cells) have been reported in several inflammatory disorders. In rheumatoid arthritis, increased frequencies of CD4+CD28null T cells in peripheral blood have previously been associated with extra-articular manifestations and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, but their presence in and contribution to joint manifestations is not clear. In the present article we investigated the distribution of CD4+CD28null T cells in the synovial membrane, synovial fluid and peripheral blood of RA patients, and analysed the association with erosive disease and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies. CD4+CD28null T cells were infrequent in the synovial membrane and synovial fluid, despite significant frequencies in the circulation. Strikingly, the dominant TCR-Vβ subsets of CD4+CD28null T cells in peripheral blood were often absent in synovial fluid. CD4+CD28null T cells in blood and synovial fluid showed specificity for HCMV antigens, and their presence was clearly associated with HCMV seropositivity but not with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in the serum or synovial fluid, nor with erosive disease. Together these data imply a primary role for CD4+CD28null T cells in manifestations elsewhere than in the joints of patients with HCMV-seropositive rheumatoid arthritis.
Goal-directed fluid management based on pulse pressure variation monitoring during high-risk surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lopes Marcel R , Oliveira Marcos A , Pereira Vanessa Oliveira S , Lemos Ivaneide Paula B , Auler Jose Otavio C , Michard Frédéric
Published: September 2007

Introduction

Several studies have shown that maximizing stroke volume (or increasing it until a plateau is reached) by volume loading during high-risk surgery may improve post-operative outcome. This goal could be achieved simply by minimizing the variation in arterial pulse pressure (ΔPP) induced by mechanical ventilation. We tested this hypothesis in a prospective, randomized, single-centre study. The primary endpoint was the length of postoperative stay in hospital.

Methods

Thirty-three patients undergoing high-risk surgery were randomized either to a control group (group C, n = 16) or to an intervention group (group I, n = 17). In group I, ΔPP was continuously monitored during surgery by a multiparameter bedside monitor and minimized to 10% or less by volume loading.

Results

Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiology score, type, and duration of surgery. During surgery, group I received more fluid than group C (4,618 ± 1,557 versus 1,694 ± 705 ml (mean ± SD), P < 0.0001), and ΔPP decreased from 22 ± 75 to 9 ± 1% (P < 0.05) in group I. The median duration of postoperative stay in hospital (7 versus 17 days, P < 0.01) was lower in group I than in group C. The number of postoperative complications per patient (1.4 ± 2.1 versus 3.9 ± 2.8, P < 0.05), as well as the median duration of mechanical ventilation (1 versus 5 days, P < 0.05) and stay in the intensive care unit (3 versus 9 days, P < 0.01) was also lower in group I.

Conclusion

Monitoring and minimizing ΔPP by volume loading during high-risk surgery improves postoperative outcome and decreases the length of stay in hospital.

Trial registration

NCT00479011
Antiangiogenics: The Potential Role of Integrating This Novel Treatment Modality With Chemoradiation for Solid Cancers
Authors: Duda Dan G. , Jain Rakesh K. , Willett Christopher G.
Published: September 2007

Although still in very early stages of clinical development, the combination of antiangiogenics with contemporary chemoradiotherapy regimens has emerged as a feasible and promising approach to many cancers. We review the rationale and the current understanding of antiangiogenics and their therapeutic potential in combination with chemoradiotherapy. Finally, we offer a perspective on future research directions aimed at making this complex therapeutic approach successful in the clinic.
Chemoradiotherapy in Malignant Glioma: Standard of Care and Future Directions
Authors: Stupp Roger , Hegi Monika E. , Gilbert Mark R. , Chakravarti Arnab
Published: September 2007

Glioma has been considered resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. Recently, concomitant and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with temozolomide has become the standard treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Conversely (neo-)adjuvant PCV (procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine) failed to improve survival in the more chemoresponsive tumor entities of anaplastic oligoastrocytoma and oligodendroglioma. Preclinical investigations suggest synergism or additivity of radiotherapy and temozolomide in glioma cell lines. Although the relative contribution of the concomitant and the adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively, cannot be assessed, the early introduction of chemotherapy and the simultaneous administration with radiotherapy appear to be key for the improvement of outcome. Epigenetic inactivation of the DNA repair enzyme methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) seems to be the strongest predictive marker for outcome in patients treated with alkylating agent chemotherapy. Patients whose tumors do not have MGMT promoter methylation are less likely to benefit from the addition of temozolomide chemotherapy and require alternative treatment strategies. The predictive value of MGMT gene promoter methylation is being validated in ongoing trials aiming at overcoming this resistance by a dose-dense continuous temozolomide administration or in combination with MGMT inhibitors. Understanding of molecular mechanisms allows for rational targeting of specific pathways of repair, signaling, and angiogenesis. The addition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors vatalanib (PTK787) and vandetinib (ZD6474), the integrin inhibitor cilengitide, the monoclonal antibodies bevacizumab and cetuximab, the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors temsirolimus and everolimus, and the protein kinase C inhibitor enzastaurin, among other agents, are in clinical investigation, building on the established chemoradiotherapy regimen for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
Enhancing Radiotherapy With Genetically Engineered Viruses
Authors: Advani Sunil J. , Weichselbaum Ralph R. , Chmura Steven J.
Published: September 2007

Concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy have been used to treat a variety of tumors to improve local control and overall survival. Gene therapy strategies represent a novel means to further improve the therapeutic ratio of ionizing radiation. Cancer gene therapy strategies in clinical trials include the use of replication-defective shuttle vectors to deliver exogenous genes and replication-competent oncolytic viruses. This review focuses on these approaches in the context of radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy. In the shuttle vector approach, exogenous gene products that enhance ionizing radiation–mediated tumor cell destruction have been selected. Moreover, the expression of exogenous genes encoding therapeutic proteins can be regulated through the use of ionizing radiation–enhanced promoters. Also, genetically engineered attenuated replication-competent viruses have been investigated in clinical trials. Preclinical data indicate that ionizing radiation interacts with replication-competent oncolytic viruses to enhance viral replication and tumor destruction. Here, we review the background preclinical and current clinical data utilizing gene therapy with radiotherapy.
A Role for the Forebrain in Mediating Time-of-Day Differences in Glucocorticoid Counterregulatory Responses to Hypoglycemia in Rats
Authors: Gorton Lori M. , Khan Arshad M. , Bohland MaryAnn , Sanchez-Watts Graciela , Donovan Casey M. , Watts Alan G.
Published: September 2007

The time of day influences the magnitude of ACTH and corticosterone responses to hypoglycemia. However, little is known about the mechanisms that impart these time-of-day differences on neuroendocrine CRH neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH). Rats received 0–3 U/kg insulin (or 0.9% saline) to achieve a range of glucose nadir concentrations. Brains were processed to identify phosphorylated ERK1/2 (phospho-ERK1/2)-immunoreactive cells in the PVH and hindbrain and CRH heteronuclear RNA in the PVH. Hypoglycemia did not stimulate ACTH and corticosterone responses in animals unless a glucose concentration of approximately 3.15 mm or below was reached. Critically the glycemic thresholds required to stimulate ACTH and corticosterone release in the morning and night were indistinguishable. Yet glucose concentrations below the estimated glycemic threshold correlated with a greater increase in corticosterone, ACTH, and phospho-ERK1/2-immunoreactive neurons in the PVH at night, compared with morning. In these same animals, the number of phospho-ERK1/2-immunoreactive neurons in the medial part of the nucleus of the solitary tract was unchanged at both times of day. These data collectively support a model whereby changes in forebrain mechanisms alter the sensitivity of neuroendocrine CRH to the hypoglycemia-related information conveyed by ascending catecholaminergic afferents. Circadian clock-driven processes together with glucose-sensing elements in the forebrain would seem to be strong contenders for mediating these effects.
Sexual Maturation Modulates Expression of Nuclear Receptor Types in Laser-Captured Single Cells of the Cichlid (Oreochromis niloticus) Pituitary
Authors: Kitahashi Takashi , Ogawa Satoshi , Soga Tomoko , Sakuma Yasuo , Parhar Ishwar
Published: September 2007

The role of steroid/thyroid hormones in the regulation of endocrine cells at the level of the pituitary has remained unclear. Therefore, using single-cell quantitative real-time PCR, we examined absolute amounts of transcripts for nuclear receptors [estrogen receptors (ERs) α, β, and γ; androgen receptors (ARs) a and b; glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) 1, 2a, and 2b; and thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) α1, α2, and β] in pituitary cells of immature (IM) and mature (M) male tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. In the two reproductive stages, ACTH cells expressed only ERβ, whereas all other pituitary cell types expressed ERα + β, and a subpopulation coexpressed ARa, ARb, GR1, GR2b, and TRβ but lacked ERγ, GR2a, TRα1, and TRα2. IM males had high percentages of LH cells (IM 46.0% vs. M 10.0%), GH cells (IM 23.3% vs. M 7.9%), and prolactin cells (IM 68.8% vs. M 6.0%) with ERβ, and TSH cells (IM 19.2% vs. M 0.0%) and MSH cells (IM 25.6% vs. M 0.0%) with ERα + TRβ. A high percentage of FSH cells in IM males expressed ERβ (IM 46.9% vs. M 18.8%), and FSH cells in M males showed significantly high GR1 transcripts (IM 76.0 ± 5.0 vs. M 195.0 ± 10.7 copies per cell; P < 0.05), suggesting that FSH cells are regulated differently in the two reproductive stages. Coexpression of ERα + β in high percentages of cells of the GH family (GH, IM 43.8% vs. M 14.3%; prolactin, IM 8.3% vs. M 59.7%; somatolactin, IM 22.2% vs. M 42.2%) suggests that the expression of both ERs is important for functionality. Thus, differential coexpression of genes for nuclear receptors in subpopulations of pituitary cell types suggests multiple steroid/thyroid hormone regulatory pathways at the level of the pituitary during the two reproductive stages.
The Link between Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A Role for Regulatory T Cells
Authors: McLachlan Sandra M. , Nagayama Yuji , Pichurin Pavel N. , Mizutori Yumiko , Chen Chun-Rong , Misharin Alexander , Aliesky Holly A. , Rapoport Basil
Published: September 2007

Hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease is caused by thyroid-stimulating autoantibodies to the TSH receptor (TSHR), whereas hypothyroidism in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is associated with thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin autoantibodies. In some Graves’ patients, thyroiditis becomes sufficiently extensive to cure the hyperthyroidism with resultant hypothyroidism. Factors determining the balance between these two diseases, the commonest organ-specific autoimmune diseases affecting humans, are unknown. Serendipitous findings in transgenic BALB/c mice, with the human TSHR A-subunit targeted to the thyroid, shed light on this relationship. Of three transgenic lines, two expressed high levels and one expressed low intrathyroidal A-subunit levels (Hi- and Lo-transgenics, respectively). Transgenics and wild-type littermates were depleted of T regulatory cells (Treg) using antibodies to CD25 (CD4+ T cells) or CD122 (CD8+ T cells) before TSHR-adenovirus immunization. Regardless of Treg depletion, high-expressor transgenics remained tolerant to A-subunit-adenovirus immunization (no TSHR antibodies and no hyperthyroidism). Tolerance was broken in low-transgenics, although TSHR antibody levels were lower than in wild-type littermates and no mice became hyperthyroid. Treg depletion before immunization did not significantly alter the TSHR antibody response. However, Treg depletion (particularly CD25) induced thyroid lymphocytic infiltrates in Lo-transgenics with transient or permanent hypothyroidism (low T4, elevated TSH). Neither thyroid lymphocytic infiltration nor hypothyroidism developed in similarly treated wild-type littermates. Remarkably, lymphocytic infiltration was associated with intermolecular spreading of the TSHR antibody response to other self thyroid antigens, murine thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin. These data suggest a role for Treg in the natural progression of hyperthyroid Graves’ disease to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism in humans.
German border incursions into Portuguese Angola prior to the First World War
Authors: Southern Paul
Published: September 2007

This paper aims to assess the effect on Angola of the penetration of its borders by individuals, religious bodies and military forces from neighbouring German South West Africa. It covers the period of the creation of the German colony in 1883 and its attempts at self-sufficiency up
to the outbreak of hostilities in 1914. It recounts the ill-starred attempts by Portuguese civil and military authorities to securely occupy the southern region culminating in the successful military occupation of the border area in 1907. It examines the period of the creation and role of
the German Angola Bund and of the Joint Portuguese-German Economic Commission to southern Angola and their impact on Portuguese governorgeneral Norton de Matos and on Portuguese policy. The paper catalogues German military aggression in southern Angola prior to 1914. It recounts the
circumstances leading to the dispatch to Angola by Lisbon of Portuguese troops and of their defeat by inferior German forces and the ensuing chaos leading to the consequent fall in Portuguese prestige in the entire southern Angolan region.
Modelling compressive strength of eccentrically loaded masonry
Authors: Roberts T. M. , Hughes T. G.
Published: September 2007

A mechanical model for explaining and quantifying the variation of the uniaxial compressive strength of brick masonry with load eccentricity has been developed. The model is based on the development of tensile cracks from shear plane flaws in the bricks and the stress intensity factor resulting from the applied loading and tensile stresses induced by lateral straining of the mortar. Calibration of the model requires knowledge of only the compressive strengths of the bricks, mortar and brick masonry under uniform compression. Theoretical predictions of the lower bound, mean and upper bound compressive strengths of brick masonry under non-uniform loading are compared and show close correlation with test data.
Ultrasonographic Fetal Nuchal Translucency Measurements and Cytogenetic Outcomes
Authors: Bellai-Dussault Kara , Dougan Shelley D. , Fell Deshayne B. , Little Julian , Meng Lynn , Okun Nan , Walker Mark C. , Armour Christine M. , Potter Beth K.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Ultrasonographic measurement of fetal nuchal translucency is used in prenatal screening for trisomies 21 and 18 and other conditions. A cutoff of 3.5 mm or greater is commonly used to offer follow-up investigations, such as prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening or cytogenetic testing. Recent studies showed a possible association with chromosomal anomalies for levels less than 3.5 mm, but extant evidence has limitations.

Objective

To evaluate the association between different nuchal translucency measurements and cytogenetic outcomes on a population level.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from the Better Outcomes Registry & Network, the perinatal registry for Ontario, Canada. All singleton pregnancies with an estimated date of delivery from September 1, 2016, to March 31, 2021, were included. Data were analyzed from March 17 to August 14, 2023.

Exposures

Nuchal translucency measurements were identified through multiple-marker screening results.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Chromosomal anomalies were identified through all Ontario laboratory-generated prenatal and postnatal cytogenetic tests. Cytogenetic testing results, supplemented with information from cfDNA screening and clinical examination at birth, were used to identify pregnancies without chromosomal anomalies. Multivariable modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation and adjustment for gestational age was used to compare cytogenetic outcomes for pregnancies with varying nuchal translucency measurement categories and a reference group with nuchal translucency less than 2.0 mm.

Results

Of 414 268 pregnancies included in the study (mean [SD] maternal age at estimated delivery date, 31.5 [4.7] years), 359 807 (86.9%) had a nuchal translucency less than 2.0 mm; the prevalence of chromosomal anomalies in this group was 0.5%. An increased risk of chromosomal anomalies was associated with increasing nuchal translucency measurements, with an adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 20.33 (95% CI, 17.58-23.52) and adjusted risk difference (ARD) of 9.94% (95% CI, 8.49%-11.39%) for pregnancies with measurements of 3.0 to less than 3.5 mm. The ARR was 4.97 (95% CI, 3.45-7.17) and the ARD was 1.40% (95% CI, 0.77%-2.04%) when restricted to chromosomal anomalies beyond the commonly screened aneuploidies (excluding trisomies 21, 18, and 13 and sex chromosome aneuploidies).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of 414 268 singleton pregnancies, those with nuchal translucency measurements less than 2.0 mm were at the lowest risk of chromosomal anomalies. Risk increased with increasing measurements, including measurements less than 3.5 mm and anomalies not routinely screened by many prenatal genetic screening programs.
Methylprednisolone Pulses and Prolonged Remission in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Propensity Score Analysis of the Longitudinal Lupus‐Cruces‐Bordeaux Inception Cohort
Authors: Ruiz‐Irastorza Guillermo , Paredes‐Ruiz Diana , Herrero‐Galvan Maria , Moreno‐Torres Victor , Hernandez‐Negrin Halbert , Ruiz‐Arruza Ioana , Leonard Cedric , Richez Christophe , Lazaro Estibaliz
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of methylprednisolone pulses (MP), given during the first year after the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in achieving prolonged remission according to the degree of lupus activity at presentation.

Methods

We conducted an observational study of routine clinical care data from the Lupus‐Cruces‐Bordeaux cohort. The end point was prolonged remission (ie, during five consecutive yearly visits). The effect of MP on remission during the first year was analyzed in the whole cohort and according to the baseline Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 score: <6, 6 to 12, and >12, reflecting mild, moderate, and severe activity, respectively. For adjustment, logistic regression with propensity score (PS) and other therapeutic covariates was performed.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐three patients were included. Prolonged remission was achieved by 132 patients (57%). MP were associated with prolonged remission (PS‐adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–623, P = 0.042). A strong clinical effect was seen among patients with moderate (adjusted OR 5.28, 95% CI 1.27–21.97, P = 0.022) and moderate‐severe SLE activity (adjusted OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.11–14.82, P = 0.033). The administration of MP resulted in reduced average dosages of prednisone during the first year among patient with moderate (mean 6.6 vs 10.2 mg/day, P = 0.017) and severe activity (mean 14 vs 28 mg/day, P = 0.015). The odds of prolonged remission were increased by longer‐term use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and decreased by higher initial doses of prednisone.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of MP to induce prolonged remission in patients with SLE, particularly in those with moderate and severe activity. The extended use of HCQ also contributes to achieve prolonged remission.

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A new propulsion system GUI based control amenable model development for high‐power rockets
Authors: Prajapati Soham , Thakar Parth S. , Markana Anilkumar
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a new algorithm to model and characterize an autonomous high‐power rocket using an indigenously developed graphical user interface (GUI) platform. This platform features a newly devised app, termed as THIEC Rocketry App which embeds the simulation based analysis to determine the design parameters of the rocket, required for a vertical flight. A solid propellant using potassium nitrate and sucrose, also known as rocket‐candy, is considered for the GUI development. The GUI facilitates the designer to specify the desired flight parameters for the rocket propulsion system. Various characteristic plots for visualization and analysis are made available in GUI. The obtained parameters from the GUI are then utilized in computer‐aided designing (CAD) for further identification of geometrical parameters like inertia tensor, center of gravity (CG) and center of pressure (CP). The mathematical control amenable model of the rocket is then developed using first principles so as to achieve an altitude up to 3 km. The overall system represents a complex nonlinear multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) dynamics, having six degrees of freedom. The Newton‐Euler formulation is employed to develop the equations of motion. The attitude control using canards is analyzed via simulations for the complete flight path ‐ the boost and coast flights. Finally, the developed GUI based model is validated by practically manufacturing the components of the propulsion system for the small‐scale high‐power rocket. The proposed model will create the pathway for the development of some robust model‐based control schemes for such autonomous rockets in future.
Directed Instability as a Mechanism for Fabricating Multistable Twisting Microstructure
Authors: Ben‐Abu Ezra , Abramov Yossi , Fine Anthony , Elbaz Shai , Zemah Nadav , Zigelman Anna , Ram Omri , Gat Amir D.
Published: March 2024

Herein, The study of multistable structures, particularly those that can twist, has attracted significant attention in recent years. This ability to transition between multiple stable geometries of these structures paves the way for advances in diverse applications, such as morphing structures and robot actuation mechanisms. Conventional methods of designing and fabricating these structures often involve complex and resource‐intensive fabrication processes, which restrict their widespread adoption and limit their miniaturization. Here, we present a novel inflatable multistable twisting structure, based on helical folds of an elastic tube. Our fabrication approach utilizes directed mechanical instability as a method for a rapid fabrication, which is readily implemented at various length scales. We developed a theoretical model for the deformation of the bistable helical elements comprising the twisting structure, and compared the theoretical results to the experimental data. Furthermore, we demonstrate our fabrication methodology using a variety of polymers, including medical grade polymers, as well as various inner radii ranging from 5 mm to 44 μm and thicknesses of the tubes’ walls ranging from 250 μm to 19 μm.
Barium Ferrite/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites for Millimeter‐Wave Electromagnetic Shielding Enhanced by Ferromagnetic Resonance Absorption
Authors: Mears Brenden M. , Freeman Faith M. , Yoon Yong‐Kyu , Arnold David P.
Published: March 2024

In this work, a composite of barium ferrite (BaM) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a polymer matrix of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are reported for the purpose of suppressing electromagnetic interference (EMI). Shielding is accomplished primarily through absorption, which arises from a combination of the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) from the BaM and conductive losses from the CNTs. The composite is fabricated by mixing commercially available BaM nanoparticles and CNTs into PDMS, screen printing the mixture into molds, then curing at 80 °C in a DC magnetic field. Characterization involves placing the composite in the cross‐section of a rectangular waveguide, then using a vector network analyzer (VNA) to measure scattering (S) parameters from 33–50 GHz. Using the measured S parameters, power reflected and absorbed can be calculated and used to characterize the composite's shielding effectiveness (SE), and the complex permittivity and permeability can be determined. The resulting 2.4 mm thick composite shows a peak absorption of 26.9 dB at the FMR frequency of 47.4 GHz. When normalized for thickness, the composite, on average, absorbs 11.3 dB mm−1 and operates at a higher frequency than other shielding composites found in the literature.
Highly Stretchable, Low‐Hysteresis, and Adhesive TA@MXene‐Composited Organohydrogels for Durable Wearable Sensors
Authors: Liu Ying , Tian Guoxing , Du Yingjie , Shi Pengju , Li Na , Li Yunfeng , Qin Zhihui , Jiao Tifeng , He Ximin
Published: March 2024

As wearable sensors advance rapidly, demands for multifunctional conductive soft materials are ever higher, including high stretchability, resilience, adhesiveness and stability, simultaneously in one material, for stable long‐term use. Nanocomposite hydrogels incorporating conductive two‐dimensional (2D) nanofillers, such as MXene‐composited gels, emerge as promising candidates. Yet, fulfilling all above requirements, particularly large stretchability with low hysteresis, remains a challenge, owing to the easy oxidation and weak interactions of MXene nanosheets with polymer chains. Herein, an interfacial engineering strategy is proposed, where tannic acid (TA) with high‐density hydroxyl groups is introduced to encapsulate MXene into a stable TA@MXene nano‐motif and meanwhile increase the hydrogen‐bonding interactions between TA@MXene and polymer network. By incorporating TA@MXene into poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) network in a glycerol/water binary solvent, the obtained organohydrogel exhibits integrated properties of high stretchability (>500%) with low hysteresis (<3%), superior fatigue resistance (consistent hysteresis over 500 cycles at 300% strain), good adhesiveness, along with long‐term stability (>7 days) and antifreezing abilities (−40 °C). Such organohydrogels demonstrate superior strain‐sensitivity and thermosensitive capacities, enabling accurate and reliable detection of human movements, electrocardiogram signals, and body temperature. This general approach of stabilizing nanomaterials while effectively enhancing nanomaterial‐polymer bonding is applicable for synthesizing diverse high‐performance nanocomposited gels.
Engineering an Artificial Coating Layer of Metal Porphyrin‐Based Porous Organic Polymers Toward High Stable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Xupeng , Liu Yuying , Shen Pengfei , Ren Liqiu , Han Donglai , Feng Ming , Wang Heng‐Guo
Published: March 2024

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) possess high theoretical capacity and good safety, making them highly hopeful for large‐scale energy storage applications. Nevertheless, the uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites on anode significantly reduces the cycle life of AZIBs. In this study, a series of porphyrin‐based porous organic polymers (CuTAPP‐NTCDA‐POP and ZnTAPP‐NTCDA‐POP) are synthesized using aminophenylporphyrin (TAPP) and aromatic dianhydride, which are served as porous protective coating layers for Zn anode. The coating effectively prevents the formation of Zn dendrites and guides the deposition of Zn2+ because of the abundance of zincophilic sites. As expected, the symmetric cells equipped with the optimum ZnTAPP‐NTCDA‐POP@Zn anode demonstrate a longer cycle life of over 1200 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 compared to bare Zn (64 h). Moreover, when the ammonium vanadate (NHVO) cathode is coupled with ZnTAPP‐NTCDA‐POP@Zn anode, the resulting full cell displays superior cycle stability that sustains over 350 cycles with a higher invertible capacity (225 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1). This performance surpasses that of a full cell equipped with just a bare Zn anode. This work proposes a viable strategy to address Zn dendrites, presenting a promising horizon for the widespread application of AZIBs.
Achieving Long‐Life Ni‐Rich Cathodes with Improved Mechanical‐Chemical Properties Via Concentration Gradient Structure
Authors: Huang Zhiyong , Yan Jie , Liu Zhengbo , Wang Wei , Tang Yu , Zhang Zhibo , Yang Tingting , Wang Xingyu , Li Xingjun , Kong Qingyu , Lan Si , Zhu He , Ren Yang , Liu Qi
Published: March 2024

The irreversible deterioration of electrochemical performance in Ni‐rich cathode materials, attributed to crack propagation and undesired side reactions, poses a critical barrier to the further development of high‐energy power batteries for electrical vehicles (EVs). Herein, a concentration gradient strategy is proposed for synthesizing a Ni‐rich cathode with enhanced mechanical and electrochemical stability to address the issues related to the irreversible structural deterioration. Notably, the concentration gradient structure contributes to superior mechanical strength in secondary particles due to the radially orientated primary particles resulted from Mn composition grading, which effectively alleviate the internal strain caused by structural changes and fatigue destruction during successive cycling. Moreover, the Mn‐rich surface minimizes the parasitic side reactions at the electrode–electrolyte interface. Benefitting from the above, the concentration gradient sample can deliver ≈180.1 mA h g−1 at 1 C and retain 96.2% of its initial discharge capacity after 100 cycles. This work demonstrates that the concentration gradient structure can simultaneously improve the mechanical and chemical stabilities of Ni‐rich cathode and offers a feasible way for designing stable lithium‐ion batteries with high energy density.
Boosting Charge Carrier Transport by Layer‐Stacked MnxV2O6/V2C Heterostructures for Wide‐Temperature Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Feng , Kang Yongchao , Zhao Xiaoru , Li Houzhen , Dong Huitong , Wei Wangran , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Hong , Wang Shuhua
Published: March 2024

Vanadium‐based materials are considered promising cathodes for high‐energy‐density zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) owing to their open skeleton structure and multielectron redox reactions. However, most vanadium‐based materials have low intrinsic conductivities and sluggish reaction kinetics, resulting in poor cycling properties. Herein, a layer‐stacked MnxV2O6+V2CTx (MVO+V2C) heterostructure cathode with high capacity and superior cyclic stability based on an electrostatic self‐assembly strategy is proposed. The abundant heterointerfaces between MVO and V2C dramatically enhanced the intrinsic conductivity of the composites. Moreover, the generation of built‐in electric fields at the layer‐stacked MVO/V2C heterointerface reduced the migration energy barrier of Zn2+, accelerated charge carrier transport, and enhanced the reaction kinetics of the cathode. In addition, the abundance of nano‐channels in the heterostructures facilitates rapid electrolyte transport in composites. Therefore, the MVO+V2C cathode showed a capacity of 389.4 mAh g−1 after 590 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 and 290.2 mAh g−1 after 6000 cycles at 5 A g−1, demonstrating its superior cycling stability. In particular, the assembled MVO+V2C batteries exhibited remarkable electrochemical performance at −20–40 °C, revealing its excellent wide‐temperature adaptability. This work offers important insights into the design of cathode materials for long‐lifespan and wide‐temperature ZIBs.
In Situ Synthesized Low‐Dimensional Perovskite for >25% Efficiency Stable MA‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Yong , Duan Yuwei , Liu Zhike , Yang Lu , Li Hongxiang , Fan Qunping , Zhou Hui , Sun Yiqiao , Wu Meizi , Ren Xiaodong , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning , Yang Shaoming , Liu Shengzhong
Published: March 2024

Developing an additive to effectively regulate the perovskite crystallization kinetics for the optimized optoelectronic properties of perovskite film plays a vital role in obtaining high efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a new additive is designed and directly synthesized in perovskite precursor solution by utilizing an addition reaction between but‐3‐yn‐1‐amine hydrochloride (BAH) and formamidinium iodide. It is found that its product may control the intermediate precursor phase for regulating perovskite nucleation, leading to advantageous 2D perovskite to induce growth of perovskite along the preferred [001] orientation with not only released lattice strain but also strong interaction with perovskite to passivate its surface defects. By taking advantage of the above synergistic effects, the optimized PSC delivers an efficiency of 25.19% and a high open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.22 V. Additionally, the devices demonstrate good stability, remaining over 90% of their initial efficiencies under ambient atmosphere conditions for 60 days, high temperature of 85 °C for 200 h, or maximum power point tracking for 500 h.
Observation of Omnidirectional Exchange Bias at All‐Antiferromagnetic Polycrystalline Heterointerface
Authors: Asakura Mihiro , Higo Tomoya , Matsuo Takumi , Uesugi Ryota , Nishio‐Hamane Daisuke , Nakatsuji Satoru
Published: March 2024

Due to promising functionalities that may dramatically enhance spintronics performance, antiferromagnets are the subject of intensive research for developing the next‐generation active elements to replace ferromagnets. In particular, the recent experimental demonstration of tunneling magnetoresistance and electrical switching using chiral antiferromagnets has sparked expectations for the practical integration of antiferromagnetic materials into device architectures. To further develop the technology to manipulate the magnetic anisotropies in all‐antiferromagnetic devices, it is essential to realize exchange bias through the interface between antiferromagnetic multilayers. Here, the first observation on the omnidirectional exchange bias at an all‐antiferromagnetic polycrystalline heterointerface is reported. This experiment demonstrates that the interfacial energy causing the exchange bias between the chiral‐antiferromagnet Mn3Sn/collinear‐antiferromagnet MnN layers is comparable to those found at the conventional ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interface at room temperature. In sharp contrast with previous reports using ferromagnets, the magnetic field control of the unidirectional anisotropy is found to be omnidirectional due to the absence of the shape anisotropy in the antiferromagnetic multilayer. The realization of the omnidirectional exchange bias at the interface between polycrystalline antiferromagnets on amorphous templates, highly compatible with existing Si‐based devices, paves the way for developing ultra‐low power and ultra‐high speed memory devices based on antiferromagnets.
Multi‐Functional Actuators Made with Biomass‐Based Graphene‐Polymer Films for Intelligent Gesture Recognition and Multi‐Mode Self‐Powered Sensing
Authors: Weng Mingcen , Zhou Jiahao , Zhou Peidi , Shang Ruzhi , You Minghua , Shen Guozhen , Chen Huamin
Published: March 2024

Multi‐functional actuation systems involve the mechanical integration of multiple actuation and sensor devices with external energy sources. The intricate combination makes it difficult to meet the requirements of lightweight. Hence, polypyrrole@graphene‐bacterial cellulose (PPy@G‐BC) films are proposed to construct multi‐responsive and bilayer actuators integrated with multi‐mode self‐powered sensing function. The PPy@G‐BC film not only exhibits good photo‐thermoelectric (PTE) properties but also possesses good hydrophilicity and high Young's modulus. Thus, the PPy@G‐BC films are used as active layers in multi‐responsive bilayer actuators integrated with self‐powered sensing functions. Here, two types of multi‐functional actuators integrated with self‐powered sensing functions is designed. One is a light‐driven actuator that realizes the self‐powered temperature sensing function through the PTE effect. Assisted by a machine learning algorithm, the self‐powered bionic hand can realize intelligent gesture recognition with an accuracy rate of 96.8%. The other is humidity‐driven actuators integrated a zinc‐air battery, which can realize self‐powered humidity sensing. Based on the above advantages, these two multi‐functional actuators are ingeniously integrated into a single device, which can simultaneously perform self‐powered temperature/humidity sensing while grasping objects. The highly integrated design enables the efficient utilization of environmental energy sources and complementary synergistic monitoring of multiple physical properties without increasing system complexity.
A Combined Wind Harvesting and Speed Sensing System Based on Constant‐Voltage Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Hu Yuexiao , Li Xinyuan , Gao Yikui , Zhao Zhihao , Liu Xiaoru , He Lixia , Zhang Baofeng , Zhou Linglin , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: March 2024

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) holds significant potential for applications in energy harvesting and environment monitoring. However, a notable challenge lies in developing a combined system capable of efficiently harvesting energy and providing real‐time self‐powered sensing. Here, a combined wind energy harvesting and speed sensing (EHSS) system is constructed based on a noncontact electricity‐induced constant‐voltage TENG (EICV‐TENG) that achieves constant output by coupling two different phases and incorporates a parasitic sensing module in a single phase. Through the optimization of system integration, the EICV‐TENG achieves a current density of 28.7 mA m−2 and an average power density of 0.26 W m−2 Hz−1. With an optimal power management, the energy output efficiency of the EICV‐TENG reaches up to 96%. And EICV‐TENG can stably power 32 commercial hygrothermographs connected in parallel with the PMC at a wind speed of 7 m s−1. In addition, the EHSS system demonstrates excellent real‐time sensing performance based on the correlation between the peak number of pulse output in a single phase and wind speeds. This work contributes to the advancement of TENG technology for a combined energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing system in the context of the Internet of Things (IoTs).