bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple method to import CAD mesh format models in FLUKA
Authors: Dong Sixue , Sheng Yinxiangzi , Wang Jiazhou , Hu Weigang
Published: August 2023

Background

Monte Carlo (MC) code FLUKA possesses widespread usage and accuracy in the simulation of particle beam radiotherapy. However, the conversion from computer‐aided design (CAD) mesh format models to FLUKA readable geometries could not be implemented directly and conveniently. A simple method was required to be developed.

Purpose

The present study proposed a simple method to voxelize CAD mesh format files by using a Python‐based script and establishing geometric models in FLUKA.

Methods

Five geometric models including cube, sphere, cone, ridge filter (RGF), and 1D‐Ripple Filter (1D‐RiFi) were created and exported as CAD mesh format files (.stl). An open‐source Python‐based script was used to convert them into voxels by endowing X, Y, and Z (following the Cartesian coordinates system) of solid materials in the three‐dimensional (3D) grid. A FLUKA (4‐2.2, CERN) predefined routine was used to establish the voxelized geometry model (VGM), while Flair (3.2‐1, CERN) was used to build the direct geometry model (DGM) in FLUKA for comparison purposes. Uniform carbon ion radiation fields 8×8 cm3 and 4×4 cm3 were generated to transport through the five pairs of models, 2D and 3D dose distributions were compared. The integral depth dose (IDD) in water of three different energy levels of carbon ion beams transported through 1D‐RiFis were also simulated and compared. Moreover, the volume between CAD mesh and VGMs, as well as the computing speed between FLUKA DGMs and VGMs were simultaneously recorded.

Results

The volume differences between VGMs and CAD mesh models were not more than 0.6%. The maximum mean point‐to‐point deviation of IDD distribution was 0.7% ± 0.51% (mean ± standard deviation). The 3D dose Gamma‐index passing rates were never lower than 97% with criteria of 1%–1 mm. The difference in computing CPU time was 2.89% ± 0.22 on average.

Conclusions

The present study proposed and verified a Python‐based method for converting CAD mesh format files into VGMs and establishing them in FLUKA simply as well as accurately.
Structural Foot Characteristics in People With Midfoot Osteoarthritis: Cross‐Sectional Findings From the Clinical Assessment Study of the Foot
Authors: Lithgow Merridy J. , Buldt Andrew K. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Marshall Michelle , Thomas Martin J. , Peat George , Roddy Edward , Menz Hylton B.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study compared radiographic measures of foot structure between people with and without symptomatic radiographic midfoot osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of adults aged 50 years and older registered with four UK general practices who reported foot pain in the past year. Bilateral weightbearing dorsoplantar and lateral radiographs were obtained. Symptomatic radiographic midfoot OA was defined as midfoot pain in the last 4 weeks, combined with radiographic OA in one or more midfoot joints (first cuneometatarsal, second cuneometatarsal, navicular‐first cuneiform, and talonavicular). Midfoot OA cases were matched 1:1 for sex and age to controls with a 5‐year age tolerance. Eleven radiographic measures were extracted and compared between the groups using independent sample t‐tests and effect sizes (Cohen's d).

Results

We identified 63 midfoot OA cases (mean ± SD age was 66.8 ± 8.0 years, with 32 male and 31 female participants) and matched these to 63 controls (mean ± SD age was 65.9 ± 7.8 years). There were no differences in metatarsal lengths between the groups. However, those with midfoot OA had a higher calcaneal‐first metatarsal angle (d = 0.43, small effect size, P = 0.018) and lower calcaneal inclination angle (d = 0.46, small effect size, P = 0.011) compared with controls.

Conclusions

People with midfoot OA have a flatter foot posture compared with controls. Although caution is required when inferring causation from cross‐sectional data, these findings are consistent with a pathomechanical pathway linking foot structure to the development of midfoot OA. Prospective studies are required to determine the temporal relationships between foot structure, function, and the development of this common and disabling condition.

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Effect of Nano‐TiC Ceramic Particles on Microstructures and Properties of High‐Cr Steel under Different Heat‐Treatment Conditions
Authors: Chang Fang , Shu Shi-Li , Li Chuan-De , Qiu Feng , Jiang Qi-Chuan
Published: August 2023

Herein, to improve the service life of die steels, many methods are used to improve their properties. However, some properties may be weakened after different heat treatments. In this study, a novel method of nanoparticle treatment is used to improve the service performance of high‐Cr steel (HCS), and the effect of nano‐TiC ceramic particles on its microstructures and properties under different heat‐treatment conditions is investigated. After forging and isothermal spheroidization, the nano‐TiC ceramic particles treatment HCS has a mixed grain with equiaxed grain and striated grain. Under different heat‐treatment conditions, the nano‐TiC reinforced HCS has refined martensite laths, carbides, and a higher content of retained austenite. In contrast, the nano‐TiC ceramic‐particles‐reinforced HCS that have higher strength and strain, the yield strength (σ
0.2), tensile strength (σ
b), fracture strain, product of strength and strain, and impact toughness of HCS‐51 with nano‐TiC (HCSN‐51) are 1349 MPa (1531 MPa), 1662 MPa (1770 MPa), 9.4% (12.1%), 12 405 MPa% (18 766 MPa%), and 266 J cm−2 (445 J cm−2), which is 13.5%, 6.5%, 28.7%, 51.3%, and 67.3% higher, respectively. The primary strengthening mechanisms included fine‐grain strengthening and precipitation strengthening. The main toughness mechanism was fine‐grain and transformation‐induced plasticity.
A Non‐Expendable Leveler as Electrolyte Additive Enabling Homogenous Lithium Deposition
Authors: Chu Fulu , Liu Jiamin , Guan Zengqiang , Deng Rongyu , Mei Lin , Wu Feixiang
Published: August 2023

Li metal anodes are extensively studied owing to their unparalleled advantages in achieving high energy density. However, safety issues originating from dendritic Li growth are always a huge hindrance for applications in Li metal batteries (LMBs). In this study, a functional additive, 4,6‐dimethyl‐2‐mercaptopyrimidine (DMP), which is a typical leveler in the copper electroplating industry, is selected to suppress Li dendrite formation. Various Li‐metal‐based batteries are systematically investigated and they show stable performances, such as excellent cycling stability above 800 h at 3 mA cm−2 in Li||Li cells and 400 cycles with high coulombic efficiencies (CEs >98%) at 1 mA cm−2 in Li||Cu cells. Furthermore, a comprehensive verification of the protective mechanism induced by the DMP leveling agent shows that the leveler updated the Li+ solvation structure and occupied the inner Helmholtz plane of the Li anode. The planar DMP molecular layer absorbed on the surface of the Li metal can suppress side reactions and modify the Li deposition behavior via steric hindrance, inducing homogeneous Li deposition. Interestingly, the DMP leveler does not participate in the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase. This study can stimulate further ideas on non‐depleting but effective levelers as electrolyte additives for high‐performance LMBs.
Generation of Terahertz Radiation via the Transverse Thermoelectric Effect
Authors: Yordanov Petar , Priessnitz Tim , Kim Min‐Jae , Cristiani Georg , Logvenov Gennady , Keimer Bernhard , Kaiser Stefan
Published: August 2023

Terahertz (THz) radiation is a powerful tool with widespread applications ranging from imaging, sensing, and broadband communications to spectroscopy and nonlinear control of materials. Future progress in THz technology depends on the development of efficient, structurally simple THz emitters that can be implemented in advanced miniaturized devices. Here, it is shown how the natural electronic anisotropy of layered conducting transition metal oxides enables the generation of intense terahertz radiation via the transverse thermoelectric effect. In thin films grown on off‐cut substrates, femtosecond laser pulses generate ultrafast out‐of‐plane temperature gradients, which in turn launch in‐plane thermoelectric currents, thus allowing efficient emission of the resulting THz field out of the film structure. This scheme is demonstrated in experiments on thin films of the layered metals PdCoO2and La1.84Sr0.16CuO4, and model calculations that elucidate the influence of the material parameters on the intensity and spectral characteristics of the emitted THz field are presented. Due to its simplicity, the method opens up a promising avenue for the development of highly versatile THz sources and integrable emitter elements.
Optimal Design of Infrared Wavelength‐Selective and Microwave Transmitting Bionic Metasurface
Authors: Song Kuilong , Ai Qing , Guo Yanming , Xie Ming , Shuai Yong
Published: August 2023

The radar and infrared (IR) compatible stealth technology is an important technology in the military field. Inspired by the special triangular‐shaped hairs from the Saharan silver ants, a bionic structure with IR wavelength‐selective emission and large microwave transmission simultaneously is presented. An algorithm based on the combination of Bayesian optimization and finite different time domain method is proposed for optimal design. The proposed structure is an indium tin oxide (ITO)‐hairs/ITO‐film/PET‐substrate structure. The IR wavelength‐selectivity is reached by the hair covered ITO film, and the microwave transmission is realized by patterning gap arrays on continuous films. After optimal calculation, the optimal bionic structure is obtained. The change of the structural parameters of the meta‐atom will lead to a change in microwave transmission. When p = 0.1 mm and w = 0.9 mm, the maximum and minimum transmittivity of the infrared stealth layer (IRSL) in 2–20 GHz are 0.972 and 0.764, respectively, while the estimated emissivity in 3–5, 5–8, and 8–14 µm wavebands are 0.592, 0.730, and 0.373, respectively. It illustrates that the IRSL maintains IR wavelength‐selective emission while maintaining high microwave transmission. This study provides a strategy for bionic structure applied in compatible stealth.
Fabrication of Large‐Area Organic Thin Film Transistor Array with Highly Uniform Water‐Borne Polyimide Gate Dielectric via Green Solvent‐Engineered Bar‐Coating Process
Authors: Ha Jinha , Kim Dongkyu , Park Hyunjin , Yoo Sungmi , So Yujin , Kim Jinsoo , Park Jongmin , Won Jong Chan , Kim Yun Ho
Published: August 2023

Here, the utilization of a highly uniform water‐borne polyimide (W‐PI) thin film as a gate dielectric layer for large‐scale organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) exceeding 100 cm2 is presented, employing the bar‐coating technique. The W‐PI thin films are obtained uniformly over a large area by systematically manipulating the surface tension of the water‐soluble poly(amic acid) salts (W‐PAAS) solution using alcohol as a co‐solvent in a “Green” process. The thickness of the W‐PI thin film is precisely controlled within the range of tens to hundreds of nanometers by adjusting key parameters, including the concentration of the W‐PAAS solution, wire diameter, and bar‐coating speed. As a result, 500 pentacene‐based OTFTs are successfully fabricated on a 10 × 10 cm2 substrate, utilizing a 280 nm thick W‐PI gate dielectric film. These devices exhibit excellent uniformity, with field‐effect mobility of 0.20 ± 0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1. Furthermore, the fabrication of electronic devices using an environmental‐friendly bar‐coating method on large‐area flexible substrates is demonstrated. This study highlights the considerable potential of eco‐friendly W‐PI thin films as dielectric materials, offering advantages such as cost‐effectiveness and high efficiency for reliable industrial applications.
Highly Integrated Triboelectric‐Electromagnetic Wave Energy Harvester toward Self‐Powered Marine Buoy
Authors: Zhu Chuanqing , Wu Mengwei , Liu Chang , Xiang Cheng , Xu Ruijiang , Yang Hengyi , Wang Zhaoyang , Wang Ziyu , Xu Peng , Xing Fuzhen , Wang Hao , Xu Minyi
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a highly integrated triboelectric‐electromagnetic wave energy harvester (TEWEH) that can efficiently collect wide‐frequency wave energy and realize a self‐powered marine buoy. The innovative design of a permanent magnet‐polytetrafluoroethylene (PM‐PTFE) ball ensures high integration between the magnetic material forming the electromagnetic generator (EMG) and the dielectric material forming the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). In the condition of swinging (1 Hz and ±30°), the output of the TENG component can reach 230.25 V, 1.34 µA, and the average output of the EMG is 2.30 V, 10.43 mA. Remarkably, even at an extremely low frequency (0.2 Hz), the TEWEH maintains exceptional output. The output power density of the TENG component and EMG component reach 13.77 W m−3 and 148.24 W m−3, respectively, which are much higher than in previous work. The TEWEH can quickly charge the 330 µF capacitor to a certain voltage, and then light up navigation mark lights and power thermometers. A sealed TEWEH with circuits works as a self‐powered marine buoy that can transmit actual marine ambient temperatures to land. In conclusion, the TEWEH has broad application prospects in the field of wave energy harvesting and the self‐powered marine Internet of Things.
A novel combined C‐reactive protein‐albumin ratio and modified albumin‐bilirubin score can predict long‐term outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection
Authors: Aida Takashi , Haruki Koichiro , Akaoka Munetoshi , Furukawa Kenei , Onda Shinji , Shirai Yoshihiro , Shiozaki Hironori , Takahashi Keita , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Ikegami Toru
Published: August 2023

Background

Systemic inflammatory response represented by C‐reactive protein and albumin ratio (CAR) and modified albumin‐bilirubin (mALBI) grade both have been associated with long‐term outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the prognostic utility of combined score of CAR and mALBI score to predict the prognosis of HCC patients after hepatic resection.

Methods

This study included 214 patients who had undergone primary hepatic resection for HCC between 2008 and 2018. Systemic inflammatory response and mALBI were evaluated preoperatively and patients were classified into three groups based on the combination of CAR and mALBI score: low CAR and low mALBI grade (score 0), either high CAR or high mALBI grade (score 1), and both high CAR and high mALBI grade ≥2b (score 2). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to assess disease‐free and overall survival.

Results

In multivariate analysis, sex (p < 0.01), HBsAg positivity (p < 0.01), serum AFP level ≥20 ng/mL (p < 0.01), microvascular invasion (p = 0.02), multiple tumors (p < 0.01), type of resection (p < 0.01), and CAR‐mALBI score ≥2 (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.39–3.44, p < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors of disease‐free survival, while sex (p = 0.01), HBsAg positivity (p < 0.01), poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.03), multiple tumors (p < 0.01), CAR‐mALBI score ≥2 (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.51–4.83, p < 0.01) were independent prognostic factors of overall survival.

Conclusions

CAR‐mALBI score is associated with disease‐free and overall survival in patients with HCC after hepatic resection, suggesting the importance of evaluating both hepatic functional reserve and host‐inflammatory state in the risk assessment of HCC patients.
Ionic liquid‐induced deep grafting of polyelectrolyte to reform polyamide layer for antifouling nanofiltration membrane
Authors: Liu Lulu , Liu Yuxuan , Wan Yinhua , Song Weijie , Lu Hongwei , Luo Jianquan
Published: August 2023

Surface grafting has been widely used to tune hydrophilicity and chargeability of nanofiltration membranes for reducing membrane fouling potential. However, surface grafting typically leads to a significant pore narrowing and resultant permeability loss, and monocharged surface still struggles to resist mixed foulants with different charges. Herein, ionic liquid (IL)‐ethanol (EtOH) solution containing polyethyleneimine (PEI) is used to rearrange the nascent polyamide layer. The high affinity of IL to the PA layer and the low diffusion steric hindrance of EtOH contribute to the polyamide swelling and PEI deep grafting, during which the “self‐regulation” effect (larger pores would be filled with more PEI molecules) narrows the pore size distribution and enhances hydrophilicity. The nearly charge‐neutral and smooth separation layer shows impressive antifouling capacity to hydrophobic macromolecules and mixed charged molecules, along with long‐term operating stability for real wastewater treatment. This study emphasizes the importance of solvent properties on the membrane grafting behavior.
Interpolation of probability‐driven model to predict hydrodynamic forces and torques in particle‐laden flows
Authors: Zhu Li‐Tao , Wachs Anthony
Published: August 2023

The development of hydrodynamic force/torque closure models with physical fidelity is crucial for ensuring reliable Euler–Lagrange simulations in particle‐laden flows. Our previous work (Seyed‐Ahmadi and Wachs. J Fluid Mech. 2020;900:A21) proposed a microstructure‐informed probability‐driven point‐particle (MPP) method to construct a data‐driven particle‐position‐dependent closure model, incorporating the effect of surrounding particle positions on forces/torques. However, the MPP model is not pluggable in Euler–Lagrange simulations due to the computation of constant coefficients through linear regression and reliance on statistical arguments to obtain the probability map for a pair of values of solid volume fraction (Φ) and Reynolds number (Re). To overcome this limitation, we propose an interpolated MPP (iMPP) method, involving interpolation in the Φ and Re spaces. Our results demonstrate that the iMPP method can capture over 70% of the total fluctuations in hydrodynamic forces/torques in approximately 97.8% of the tested cases. This advancement contributes to a more versatile closure model suitable for integration into E‐L simulations.
Social isolation and loneliness in family caregivers of people with severe mental illness: A scoping review
Authors: Guan Ziyao , Poon Abner Weng Cheong , Zwi Anthony
Published: August 2023

Family caregivers of people with severe mental illness (SMI) have been increasingly observed to experience social isolation and/or loneliness (SI/L) which are risk factors for ill health. This scoping review aimed to map existing evidence and identify knowledge gaps in studies on SI/L in this population using the Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Parallel searches (2011–2021) conducted in 10 databases identified 51 publications from 18 countries fully meeting the inclusion criteria. Over half of the included studies were quantitative. We found that the definition of loneliness reached a consensus, while the definition of social isolation varied across studies. Risk factors and correlates of SI/L were grouped into sociodemographic factors, illness‐related factors, health and wellbeing, and stigma. The evidence showed a lack of comprehensive measurements assessing SI/L, few longitudinal studies, and little knowledge of interventions specifically addressing SI/L. Future studies are recommended to address these knowledge gaps and explore effective interventions on SI/L in family caregivers of people with SMI.
Skeletal muscle mass in competitive physique‐based athletes (bodybuilding, 212 bodybuilding, bikini, and physique divisions): A case series
Authors: Moreno Enrique N. , Hammert William B. , Montgomery Tony R. , Abe Takashi , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Buckner Samuel L.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

(1) To examine the muscle thickness of various muscle groups of the body to estimate the absolute and relative skeletal muscle mass (SM) in competitive physique‐based athletes (Bodybuilding, 212 Bodybuilding, Bikini, and Physique divisions) and (2) to compare values across various divisions of competition and to resistance trained and non‐resistance trained individuals.

Methods

Eight competitive physique‐based athletes (2 M and 6 F), two recreationally resistance trained (1 M and 1 F) and two non‐resistance trained (1 M and 1 F) participants had muscle thickness measured by ultrasound at nine sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of the body. SM was estimated from an ultrasound‐derived prediction equation and SM index was used to adjust for the influence of standing height (i.e., divided by height squared).

Results

SM values ranged from 19.6 to 60.4 kg in the eight competitive physique‐based athletes and 16.1 to 32.6 kg in the four recreationally resistance trained and non‐resistance trained participants. SM index ranged from 7.2 to 17.9 kg/m2 in the eight competitive physique‐based athletes and 5.8 to 9.3 kg/m2 in the four recreationally resistance trained and non‐resistance trained participants.

Conclusion

Overall, varying magnitudes of SM and SM index were present across competitors and their respective divisions of bodybuilding. The Men's Open Bodybuilder in the present study had greater values of total SM and SM index compared to previously published values in the literature. Our data provides insight into the extent of SM present in this population and further extends the discussion regarding SM accumulation in humans.
The association between the incidence of postmenopausal breast cancer and occupational exposure to selected organic solvents, Montreal, Canada, 2008–2011
Authors: Westra Sydney , Goldberg Mark S. , Labrèche France , Baumgartner Jill , Ho Vikki
Published: August 2023

Background

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women and recognized risk factors explain 25%–47% of cases. Organic solvents are used widely in the workplace and exposure may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, yet there are insufficient data to confirm this hypothesis. We sought to determine whether past occupational exposures to selected organic solvents were associated with the incidence of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women in Montréal, Canada.

Methods

From a population‐based case–control study (2008–2011), using in‐depth interviews we elicited information on risk factors and lifetime occupational histories. Industrial hygienists and chemists translated job descriptions into specific chemical and physical exposures. We assessed 11 individual solvents and four solvent groups. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for metrics of past exposures to selected solvents. Exposure metrics included any previous exposure, average frequency in hours per week, duration in years, and average cumulative concentration weighted by hours per workweek exposed.

Results

We enrolled 695 cases and 608 controls. We found increased ORs for average cumulative concentration of exposure to mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.28), chlorinated alkanes (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.23, 5.68), toluene (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.59), and a group of organic solvents with reactive metabolites (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.24). Positive associations were found across all exposure metrics and were higher among women with estrogen‐positive/progesterone‐negative tumors.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest occupational exposure to certain organic solvents may increase the risk of incident postmenopausal breast cancer.
Copper Oxide Decorated Carbon Nanofiber Skeleton for Dendrite‐Free Lithium‐Metal Anodes
Authors: Shao Shikun , Liu Hong , Wang Chao , Li Dabing , Zhao Xiaoxue , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: August 2023

Lithium metal, possessing a high theoretical capacity, holds great promise as a desirable anode candidate for the next‐generation high energy density lithium batteries. However, the practical implementation of lithium metal faces significant challenges, including dendrite growth and volume expansion. Herein, a carbon nanofiber (CNF) three‐dimensional (3D) current collector was developed, complemented by the addition of copper oxide nanoparticles to the CNF framework, resulting in the creation of a lithiophilic 3D current collector known as CuO‐CNF. Subsequently, a 3D lithium metal composite anode (CuO‐CNF−Li) was fabricated through an electrochemical plating process. The utilization of a 3D structure based on carbon nanofibers provides sufficient space and a stable framework for lithium ion plating, effectively accommodating the substantial volume changes that occur during repetitive Li plating and stripping. The copper oxide nanoparticles loaded onto the CNF serve as active sites for lithium nucleation, facilitating an ordered and uniform plating/stripping process of lithium ions, thereby preventing dendrite formation. Consequently, the CuO‐CNF current collector enables dendrite‐free Li plating/stripping with an average Coulomb efficiency of up to 99 % and a low nucleation overpotential of only 15 mV. Moreover, symmetric cell tests demonstrated an extended lifespan of 2700 h at 2 mA cm−2 for the CuO‐CNF−Li composite anode.
SDS‐capped 1‐pyrenecarboxaldehyde nanoprobe for selective detection of Cu2+ ion from water samples: Spectroscopic approach
Authors: Kamble Avinash A. , Dalavi Dattatray K. , Desai Netaji K. , Mahajan Prasad G. , Kolekar Govind B. , Patil Shivajirao R.
Published: August 2023

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐capped 1‐pyrenecarboxaldehyde nanoparticles (PyalNPs) were prepared using a reprecipitation method in an aqueous medium and exhibited red‐shifted aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AIEE). The dynamic light scattering (DLS) examination showed narrower particle size distribution with an average particle size of 41 nm, whereas −34.5 mV zeta potential value indicate the negative surface charge and good stability of nanoparticles (NPs) in an aqueous medium. The AIEE was seen at λmax = 473 nm in a fluorescence spectrum of a PyalNP suspension. In the presence of Cu2+ ions, the fluorescence of PyalNPs quenches very significantly, even in the presence of other metal ions like Ba2+, Ca2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Al3+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Ni2+ and Mg2+. The changes in the fluorescence lifetime of PyalNPs in the presence of Cu2+ ions suggested that the type of quenching was dynamic. The fluorescence quenching data for the NPs suspension fitted well into a typical Stern–Volmer relationship in the concentration range 1.0–25 μg/ml of Cu2+ ions. The estimated value of the correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9877 was close to 1 and showed the linear relationship between quenching data and Cu2+ ion concentration. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.94 ng/ml and is far below the tolerable intake limit value of 1.3 μg/ml accepted by the World Health Organization for Cu2+ ions in drinking water. The fluorescence quenching approach for a SDS‐capped Pyal nanosuspension for copper ion quantification is of high specificity and coexisting ions were found to interfere very negligibly. The developed method was successfully applied for the estimation of copper ions in river water samples.
The significance of countable and treatable metastatic liver disease in patients with gallbladder carcinoma after curative‐intent surgery: A 10‐year experience in China
Authors: Lv Tian‐Run , Liu Fei , Ma Wen‐Jie , Hu Hai‐Jie , Jin Yan‐Wen , Li Fu‐Yu
Published: August 2023

Objective

Our study was performed to evaluate the significance of countable and treatable metastatic liver disease (CTMLD) in patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) after curative‐intent surgery.

Methods

Resected GBC patients between September 2010 and January 2021 were reviewed. Comparative analyses between patients with CTMLD and those without it were performed. A propensity score matching analysis was conducted for further validation.

Results

A total of 326 resected GBC patients were identified (33 with CTMLD). A significantly higher preoperative CA199 level was detected in those with CTMLD (p = 0.0160). Significantly higher incidences of major hepatectomy (p = 0.0010), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.0001), direct liver invasion (p < 0.0001), moderate to poor differentiation status (p < 0.0001), and T3–4 disease (p < 0.0001) were detected in patients with CTMLD. Even sharing comparable surgical margin status, patients with CTMLD still shared a significantly higher recurrence rate (93.9% vs. 57.3%, p < 0.0001) as well as a significantly higher recurrence rate within 6 months after surgery (63.6% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.0001). A significantly worse overall survival (median survival time: 12 vs. 33 months, p < 0.0001) or disease‐free survival (median recurrence‐free time: 6 vs. 30 months, p < 0.0001) was acquired in patients with CTMLD. After matching, a significantly higher early recurrence rate was still detected. Adjuvant chemotherapy seemed to have survival benefit for patients with CTMLD.

Conclusion

CTMLD was an indicator of advanced disease and served as an independent predictor of early recurrence among resected GBC patients. Whether curative‐intent surgery is superior to nonsurgical treatment among GBC patients with CTMLD remains to be explored in future prospective studies.
The impact of preexisting comorbidities on receipt of cancer therapy among women with Stage I–III breast cancer in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors cohort
Authors: Raychaudhuri Sreejata , Kyko Jaclyn M. , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Pandolfi Stephanie S. , Beebe‐Dimmer Jennifer L. , Schwartz Ann G. , Simon Michael S.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Pre‐existing comorbidities play an important role in choice of cancer treatment. We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between pre‐existing comorbidities and receipt of local and systemic therapy in a cohort of Black women with Stage I–III breast cancer.

Methods

The study population for analysis included 1169 women with Stage I–III disease enrolled in the Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (ROCS) cohort. Information on comorbidities, socio‐demographic, and clinical variables were obtained from self‐reported questionnaires and the cancer registry. Comorbidities were analyzed individually, and comorbidity burden was categorized as low (0–1), moderate (2–3) or high (≥4). We used logistic regression analysis to evaluate factors associated with receipt of local treatment (surgery ± radiation; N = 1156), hormonal (N = 848), and chemotherapy (N = 680). Adjusted models included variables selected a priori that were significant predictors in univariate analysis.

Results

Receipt of treatment was categorized into local (82.6%), hormonal (73.7%), and/or chemotherapy (79.9%). Prior history of arthritis and depression were both associated with a lower likelihood to receive local treatment, [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66, 0.47–0.93, and 0.53, 0.36–0.78], respectively. Obesity was associated with higher likelihood of receiving hormonal therapy (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.26), and heart failure a lower likelihood (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.90). Older age (Ptrend <0.01) and increasing co‐morbidity burden (Ptrend = 0.02) were associated with lower likelihood of receiving chemotherapy.

Conclusion

History of prior co‐morbidities has a potentially detrimental influence on receipt of recommended cancer‐directed treatment among women with Stage I–III breast cancer.
Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on Structure, Antibacterial Activity of Sugarcane Leaf Polysaccharides
Authors: Mo Meng‐Miao , Chen Wei‐Ming , Jiang Feng‐Yu , Ding Zhen‐Dong , Bi Yong‐Guang , Kong Fan‐Sheng
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the impact of ultrasonic extraction (UE) on the structure and in vitro antibacterial activity of polysaccharides from sugarcane leaves (SLW). Native sugarcane leaf polysaccharides were treated with ultrasound (480 W) for 3 h to yield sugarcane leaf polysaccharides (SLU). Compared to SLW (33.59 kDa), the molecular weight of SLU (13.08 kDa) was significantly decreased, while the monosaccharide composition of SLU was unchanged. The results of SEM and XRD indicated that UE significantly changed the surface morphology of SLW and destroyed its inner crystalline structure. In vitro experiments showed that SLU had stronger antibacterial activity. These findings revealed that UE treatment could alter the tertiary structure of SLW but had no impact on its primary structure. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of SLW could be greatly enhanced after UE treatment. As a bioactive additive, SLU has great application potential in functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Phytochemicals, Essential Oils Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Astragalus spp., Phlomis olivieri and Daphne mucronata in Habitats of Central Iran
Authors: Ghorbani Leila , Golkar Pooran , Jafari Reza , Ahmadi Mohsen , Allafchian Alireza
Published: August 2023

This study evaluated several secondary metabolites, essential oils (EOs) compositions, and antioxidant activity in four medicinal plants that originated in Isfahan rangelands. The species were Astragalus verus, Astragalus adscendens, Daphne mucronata, and Phlomis olivieri. Thirty‐two genotypes of these species were evaluated for different biochemical traits. Based on the evaluation of EOs compounds, GC/MS analysis revealed the total number of identified compounds. These compounds were 25, 22, 12, and 22 for A. adscendens, A. verus, D. mucronata, and P. olivieri, respectively. The dominant compounds were phthalate (59.88 %) in A. adscendens, phytol (38.02 %) in A. verus, hexanoic acid (32.05 %) in D. mucronata and β‐cubebene (30.94 %) in P. olivieri. Phytochemical analysis showed that D. mucronata, A. adscendens, and P. olivieri had the highest total phenolics content (TPC) (18.24 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), total flavonoids content (5.57 mg QE/g DW), and total anthocyanins content (0.23 mg/g DW), respectively. The highest total chlorophyll (0.27 mg/g DW), total carotenoids (0.03 mg/g DW), and antioxidant activity (71.36 %) were observed in A. adscendens, A. adscendens and A. verus, respectively. Among all genotypes, the highest TPC (20.1 mg GAE/g DW) was observed in genotype 5 of D. mucronata. This study provided new information on the chemical compounds within the distribution range of these ecologically dominant rangeland species in Isfahan province, Iran. The data revealed that superior genotypes from these species are rich in natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Thus, they can be used in ethno pharmacological fields, food, and industrial applications.
Long‐lasting mood deterioration following transcranial direct current stimulation treatment for fibromyalgia: A case report
Authors: Rahimibarghani Sarvenaz , Fateh Hamid R.
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

While tDCS has been studied as a safe and effective tool for managing pain in fibromyalgia, there is a possibility of triggered long‐lasting mood changes. TDCS may potentially negatively affect mood in specific individuals with fibromyalgia.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulator that showed promising results in pain reduction among individuals with fibromyalgia (FM). Despite the potential benefits, it may have some adverse events that are mainly transient. However, long‐lasting effects can also occur. We presented a 31‐year‐old man whose symptoms and signs were consistent with fibromyalgia, and he received tDCS over C3 to reduce diffuse pain. Although, immediately after fulfilling the session, he became restless, agitated, and aggressive, and his symptoms lasted approximately 2 months later.
Positioning a Measurement System for Determining the Mixing Quality in Biogas Digesters
Authors: Huber Bernhard , Krebs Georg Johann , Putra Lingga Aksara , Gaderer Matthias
Published: August 2023

Mixing quality in agricultural biogas plants is crucial for nutrition supply to the microorganisms and needs to be ensured by an energy‐efficient mixing strategy. Various approaches have been proposed to determine the mixing quality in biogas digesters. Among them are magnetic‐inductive or force sensors brought into vertical digesters through the concrete wall. This article presents an approach to locating these sensors effectively around the circumference of the digester to avoid positioning in dead zones and maximize information quality regarding flow and mixing behavior. Particle image velocimetry is used to measure flow fields in a transparent model digester. Finally, optimum measurement locations considering three widely used agitator geometries are suggested.
Non‐precious Metal Catalysts for Two‐Electron Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Byeon Ayeong , Yun Won Chan , Kim Jong Min , Lee Jae W.
Published: August 2023

Hydrogen peroxide has been used in many industrial sectors including applications such as water purification, bleaching, oxidizing agents, and rocket fuels. As the conventional anthraquinone route of hydrogen peroxide production consumes significant energy and generates a substantial amount of chemical waste, an alternative method, the electrochemical production through the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), has garnered attention on the basis of eco‐friendly in situ synthesis with low energy input. For practical viability, the use of non‐precious metal‐based catalysts is necessary, such as a transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni)‐heteroatom (N, B, O, P, S) moiety or mesoporous structures with efficient mass transfer of the reactants and products from metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). The ORR reaction pathway and the adsorption energy of the reaction intermediate of *OOH are affected by the combination of transition metals and heteroatoms. For the MOF, the interaction between metal and ligands, types of transition metals, and the synergistic effect between the two metal species of metal alloys can alter the ORR activity. This review discusses recently reported non‐precious metal catalysts for the two‐electron ORR focusing on modification of the atomic configuration for increasing the electrocatalytic activity towards the two‐electron ORR.
Border‐hunting optimization for mobile agent‐based intrusion detection with deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Kaur Prabhjot , Batra Shalini , Rana Prashant Singh
Published: August 2023

The sensor nodes, which are available in the wireless sensor networks (WSN), are equipped with sensing abilities, and communication. Several domains require the sensor nodes to be arranged in aggressive surroundings, in which observing malicious activities within the sensor network. Therefore, the present research proposes the border‐hunting optimization‐based deep CNN (BHO‐DCNN) for the mobile agent (MA)‐based intrusion detection in WSN. The importance of the research relies on the BHO‐DCNN model for identifying the intrusion available in the network is established by integrating the optimization with its features through a deep classifier for detection in a precise manner. The algorithm follows the communal hierarchy, surrounding, group hunting, and prey attacking, which provides an enhanced rate of convergence in the method of detection. The analysis is achieved through the database IDS 2018 Intrusion CSVs depending on the performance like delay, alive nodes, normalized energy, as well as throughput. The obtained number of alive nodes through the developed BHO‐DCNN algorithm is 45, end‐to‐end delay is 0.2572 ms, normalized energy is 0.1622 J, as well as throughput, is 0.3125% for nodes 50 at the populate rate of 100, respectively.
Uniform Fe2O3Nanospheres Anchored on Multilayer Graphene as Anode Materials for High‐Rate Ni−Fe Batteries
Authors: Xu Junming , Wei Ke , Wu Jianfeng , Wu Jun , Zhou Tao , Cheng J. P. , Hu Xiaoping
Published: August 2023

Ni−Fe battery is one of prospective aqueous alkaline batteries due to its high safety, eco‐friendliness and cost‐effectiveness. However, the electrochemical performance of Fe‐based anodes is limited due to the particle aggregation and low electric conductivity. In this work, iron powder is used as a precursor in a chemical bath deposition method. By optimizing the concentration of HNO3, a balanced dissolution‐crystallization process is achieved to obtain uniform Fe2O3nanospheres in size between 60 and 90 nm, which are separately anchored on ultrasonically prepared multilayer graphene (MLG). This composite delivers specific discharge capacities of 191.1 and 160.8 mAh g−1at the current densities of 2 and 10 A g−1, respectively. A Ni−Fe battery with the as‐prepared Fe2O3/MLG as anode and Ni(OH)2/MLG as cathode exhibits an energy density of 69.5 Wh kg−1at a high power density of 3931.6 W kg−1.
Experimental study on the characteristics of V‐type arc plasma torch with four electrodes
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Wang Cheng , Zhu Cheng , Yu Zhaoyu , Li Kuan , Xia Weidong
Published: August 2023

The arc plasma is widely used in various fields due to its excellent advantages, such as elevated temperature, high enthalpy, and increased energy density. Under this direction, a four‐electrode V‐shaped arc plasma torch was developed to increase both the arc power and plasma volume. The arc dynamic characteristics, the volt‐ampere characteristics, and the thermal efficiency of the arc plasma torch were systematically studied. From the acquired results, a large‐scale, and low‐frequency re‐strike process between the arc channels was demonstrated. Compared with the common twin‐electrode structure, the stability of the four‐electrode structure during the discharging process was improved, exhibiting a wider frequency distribution of the re‐strike events. The electrode layout may also affect the dynamic evolution process of the arc. However, from a statistical point of view, no significant differences in electrical characteristics were recorded. The four‐electrode V‐shaped arc plasma torch presented a typical descending volt‐ampere characteristic, and the re‐strike frequency increased with an increase in the current. A high thermal efficiency (above 83%) was obtained in the range of arc current of 80–200 A. At a current value of 200 A, the jet enthalpy and the average gas temperature can reach 17.41 MJ/kg and 6590 K, and the corresponding jet length was close to 80 cm because of both the high thermal efficiency and enthalpy. The stable discharge process, high thermal efficiency, high jet enthalpy value, and large volume rendered the proposed four‐electrode V‐shaped arc plasma torch to be suitable for various applications including nanomaterial preparation, metal powder spheroidization, etc.
Intra‐nucleus mosaic pattern (InMop) and whole‐cell Haralick combined‐descriptor for identifying and characterizing acute leukemia blasts on single cell peripheral blood images
Authors: Tarquino Jonathan , Arabyarmohammadi Sara , Tejada Rafael Enrique , Madabhushi Anant , Romero Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Acute leukemia is usually diagnosed when a test of peripheral blood shows at least 20% of abnormal immature cells (blasts), a figure even lower in case of recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities. Blast identification is crucial for white blood cell (WBC) counting, which depends on both identifying the cell type and characterizing the cellular morphology, processes susceptible of inter‐ and intraobserver variability. The present work introduces an image combined‐descriptor to detect blasts and determine their probable lineage. This strategy uses an intra‐nucleus mosaic pattern (InMop) descriptor that captures subtle nuclei differences within WBCs, and Haralick's statistics which quantify the local structure of both nucleus and cytoplasm. The InMop captures WBC inner‐nucleus structure by applying a multiscale Shearlet decomposition over a repetitive pattern (mosaic) of automatically‐segmented nuclei. As a complement, Haralick's statistics characterize the local structure of the whole cell from an intensity co‐occurrence matrix representation. Both InMoP and Haralick‐based descriptors are calculated using the b‐channel from Lab color‐space. The combined‐descriptor is assessed by differentiating blasts from nonleukemic cells with support vector machine (SVM) classifiers and different transformation kernels, in two public and independent databases. The first database‐D1 (n =260) is composed of healthy and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) single cell images, and second database‐D2 contains acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts (n =3294) and nonblast (n =15,071) cell images. In a first experiment, blasts versus nonblast differentiation is performed by training with a subset of D2 (n =6588) and testing in D1 (n =260), obtaining a training AUC of 0.991 ± 0.002 and AUC = 0.782 for the independent validation. A second experiment automatically differentiates AML blasts (260 images from D2) from ALL blasts (260 images from D1), with an AUC of 0.93. In a third experiment, state‐of‐the‐art strategies, VGG16 and RESNEXT convolutional neural networks (CNN), separate blast from nonblast cells in both databases. The VGG16 showed an AUC of 0.673 and the RESNEXT of 0.75. Reported metrics for all the experiments are area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy and F1‐score.
Nomogram for predicting cardiac death and heart transplantation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Luo Yiju , Chen Xin , Zhang Yuhua , Zhang Qianhuan , Liu Fangzhou , Luo Guanhao , Wu Shulin , Xue Yumei , Deng Hai , Jiang Fengyu , Chen Zien , Liu Yang , Liao Hongtao
Published: August 2023

Aims

In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a competing risk nomogram for predicting cardiac death and heart transplantation (HT) in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 149 consecutive patients with ARVC diagnosed at our institution between 2008 and 2022. Cox proportional hazards model was primarily used to identify variables associated with cardiac death and HT. On the basis of these indicators, a competing risk nomogram was developed to predict the 1, 3, and 5 year probabilities of cardiac death and HT. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Harrell's C‐index, and calibration curves were used to evaluate and internally validate the performance of the model. Decision curve analysis was performed to assess the clinical utility of the nomogram.

Result

Of the 149 patients with ARVC, the mean age was 38.77 ± 15.94 years, and most of the patients were men (67.11%, 100/149). Fourteen patients experienced cardiac death and nine underwent HT, during a median follow‐up period of 5.8 years (interquartile range, 0.62–5.56 years). Multivariable COX analysis revealed that extent of TWI in the anterior and inferior leads (P = 0.0057), right atrial diameter on transthoracic echocardiography (P = 0.0498), RVEF (P = 0.1036), and LVEF (P < 0.001) all showed statistical significance. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year cumulative incidence of cardiac death and HT were 3.35%, 8.05%, and 11.4%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the nomogram for predicting cardiac death and HT at 1, 3, and 5 years after diagnosis of ARVC were 0.860, 0.935, and 0.956. The value of Harrell's C‐index is 0.9273 (95% confidence interval 0.8954–0.9590; P < 0.001), indicating that the model had good discriminative ability in internal validation. Decision curve analysis revealed that our model was clinically useful within the entire range of potential treatment thresholds in most cases. The cumulative incidence of the primary outcomes was significantly different between the three risk groups according to nomogram‐derived scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

On the basis of a retrospective review of patients with ARVC at a single centre, we developed a novel nomogram for predicting the risk of cardiac death and HT after ARVC diagnosis. This competing risk nomogram based on four readily available clinical parameters (right atrial diameter, right and left ventricular ejection fraction, and T‐wave inversion) is a potentially useful tool for individualized prognostic assessment in patients with ARVC.