bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Metal‐Free Highly Conjugated Azomethine‐Functionalized Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Kapoor Atul , Rajput Jaspreet Kaur
Published: August 2023

The water‐splitting reaction via electrocatalyst is a potential method for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and metal‐free electrocatalytic material with excellent performance are in great demand for future applications. In this context, a novel, facile, and efficient route for the synthesis of highly conjugated azomethine‐functionalized graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) is proposed. The GCN functionalized with azomethine moiety by using various proportions of GCN–x% dimethyl amino cinnamaldehyde (DMAC) (x = 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 5.0%, and 10.0%) of p‐DMAC leads to introduction of azomethine moiety onto the GCN matrix that does not affect the original framework of GCN network, but it efficiently enlarges its π‐delocalized system, increases its surface area, and enhances the electrocatalytic properties. All the structural and morphological properties of synthesized materials are analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, High resolution transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy, with Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Furthermore, the GCN–5.0% DMAC exhibits superb HER performance with onset potential near to 0 V, and a low overpotential of 18.7 mV at 5 mA cm−2, and extremely ultrasmall Tafel slope (46.8 mV dec−1) in an 0.5 m H2SO4. In this study, the door is laid for interfacial engineering to be used as an efficient method for economically developing electrocatalysts.
Hole Selectivity of n‐Type Molybdenum Oxide Carrier Selective Layer for Commercial and Emerging Thin‐Film Photovoltaics: A Critical Analysis of Interface Energetics and Ensuant Device Physics
Authors: Menon Vidya Sudhakaran , Krishnamoorthy Ananthanarayanan
Published: August 2023

Energetics at the carrier selective layer/absorber interface plays a subtle, yet crucial role in influencing the performance of any photovoltaic technology. This review focuses on the interface energetics and resulting aspects of device physics associated with n‐type molybdenum oxide, which is adopted as a hole selective layer over a diverse class of photovoltaic technologies ranging from silicon heterojunction, organic, and perovskite solar cells. As existing literatures provide a very inconsistent picture of the electronic structure of transition metal oxides, specifically in the case of molybdenum oxide (MoOx), this review makes a first‐of‐its‐kind attempt to connect the scattered reports and thus highlight the ways in which device performance varies for a diverse class of photon absorbers used in conjunction with n‐type MoOxhole selective layer. In spite of the interfacial energy requirements and in turn fundamental working mechanism of varied photovoltaic technologies being the same, an attempt to compare and collate the contributions of MoOxas a charge selective layer for each of these technologies is yet to be done. Herein, the role played by MoOx/absorber interface engineering on the performance of varied photovoltaic technologies, which remains a fundamental and yet unaddressed theme till date, is focused on.
A novel energy storage and demand side management for entire green smart grid system for NEOM city in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Eltamaly Ali M.
Published: August 2023

Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) are gaining high interest in supplying electric energy for remote communities. Energy storage systems (ESS) are utilized by green autonomous HRESs to accommodate the variability of renewable resources such as wind and solar energy systems. The lack of any traditional energy source is adding a great reliability challenge which should be compensated using expensive ESS. This challenge can be avoided by using a pumped hydro energy storage system (PHES) in harmony with batteries. The PHES is an excellent option to be used in NEOM city due to the perfect topographical characteristic of this site. The minimum cost of energy and the highest reliability is used as an objective for sizing the proposed entire green HRES. Using smart grid principles (SGP) and demand‐side management (DSM) in the design and operation stages will minimize system size and cost, which can result in a significant reduction in consumer bills. As a result, this paper introduces an innovative DSM based on a dynamic tariff. The suggested DSM technique was developed utilizing a unique fuzzy logic that takes into account the present and day‐ahead ESS situations to intelligently determine the ideal tariff for the lowest cost and maximum reliability of the HRES. This paper introduces a modified grey wolf optimization (MGWO) technique to shorten convergence time while preserving the best accuracy. The suggested MGWO is assessed against 10 swarm optimization techniques. The payback period of the project is 7 years. The findings acquired from this unique program demonstrated its superiority, with conversion times reduced by 22% to 80% when compared to previous optimization procedures. Furthermore, as compared to the flat rate pricing tariff, the usage of the dynamic tariff lowered the LCOE by 53%.
Study on the correlation between cardiac function indices measured by velocity vector imaging and disease severity in patients with Parkinson disease
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Du Lijuan , He Wen , Zheng Shuai , Xu Xiaotong
Published: August 2023

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate cardiac function, particularly left ventricular systolic function, in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) using velocity vector imaging (VVI), and to determine whether a correlation exists between left ventricular global systolic function and PD severity.

Methods

A case–control study design was used to select 56 PD patients and 30 healthy controls from January 2019 to December 2019. The characteristics of age, sex, BMI and course of disease were collected. The Hoehn–Yahr (H‐Y) score was collected to record the grading of PD. The left ventricular systolic function of all patients was evaluated by variable vapor injection (VVI). The left ventricular systolic function was compared between the case group and the control group, and the correlation between cardiac dysfunction and the severity of PD symptoms was assessed using the modified H‐Y scale.

Results

Compared with control group, left ventricular global systolic function18.22 (17.08, 19.12) vs 18.88 (18.12, 20.01) was lower in PD patients as indicated by left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.039). Additionally, H‐Y scores (r = −0.404) and PD duration(r = −0.323) were significantly correlated with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (P < 0.01), GLS (P < 0.001), left ventricular global radial strain (GRS; P < 0.001), and left ventricular global circumferential strain (GCS; P < 0.001), along with their associated peak strain rates (GLSr, GRSr, and GCSr; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Subclinical left ventricular global systolic dysfunction in patients with PD can be detected using VVI, and reduced left ventricular systolic function correlates with the modified H‐Y score and duration of the disease.
The effect of a prior e‐learning tool on genetic counseling outcomes in diverse ethnic couples with abnormal Down syndrome screening tests: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aboleil‐Zoubi Olfat , Gafni‐Amsalem Chen , Peled‐Perets Lilach , Mamluk Efrat , Tamir Liron , Hakrosh Shadia , Kurtzman Shoshana , Chervinsky Elena , Aalimi Ula , Husam Bashir , Khayat Morad , Baram‐Tsabari Ayelet , Shalev Stavit A.
Published: August 2023

Genetic counseling (GC) following abnormal Down syndrome (DS) screening tests aims to ensure learning of complex medical concepts and discussion of counselees' personal desires. Pre‐GC use of electronic learning tools (e‐learning tools) can facilitate GC sessions by allowing more time for dialogue rather than learning medical and genetic concepts, enabling greater focus on the counselee's decisional, psychological, and personal needs. Few studies have investigated such tools for DS screening tests and those who have focused on screening uptake rather than abnormal results and implications. This study evaluated prenatal GC outcomes following implementation of an e‐learning tool utilizing an educational animated movie for couples of varied ethnic backgrounds in northern Israel, with abnormal DS screening tests. E‐learning tool impact was assessed as knowledge level, informed choices, satisfaction with the intervention and GC process, the state of anxiety and duration of the GC meeting. The 321 study participants were randomized to three groups: animation movie, booklet, and control. All participants had been asked to complete pre‐ and post‐counseling questionnaires. Outcome scores were compared between the research groups. Results showed increased knowledge level in general among participants in the animation group; among minority participants, the highest knowledge level was in the animation group. Anxiety levels and informed choices were not statistically different among the groups. However, watching the animation, Jewish ethnicity, good level of genetic literacy, and academic degree were significant predictors of informed choice, and those who watched the animation were three times more likely to make an informed choice than the control group. Our findings suggest that this e‐learning tool is efficient and acceptable for the general population. Special attention is needed for minorities with lower genetic literacy and education.
Three‐dimensional visualization of predatory gastropod feeding teeth with synchrotron scanning
Authors: Herbert Gregory S. , Hill Stephen A. , Pio Maria Jose , Carney Ryan , Carlson Amber , Newham Elis , Bright Jen A.
Published: August 2023

Several families of neogastropod mollusks independently evolved the ability to drill through mineralized prey skeletons using their own mineralized feeding teeth, sometimes with shell‐softening chemical agents produced by an organ in the foot. Teeth with more durable tooth shapes should extend their use and improve predator performance, but past studies have described only the cusped‐side of teeth, mostly overlooking morphologies related to functional interactions between teeth. Here, we describe the three‐dimensional morphology of the central drilling tooth (rachidian) from four species of the neogastropod family Muricidae using synchrotron tomographic microscopy and assemble a three‐dimensional model of a multitooth series in drilling position for two of them to investigate their dynamic form. We find two new types of articulating surfaces, including a saddle joint at either end of the rachidian and a large tongue‐and‐groove joint in the center. The latter has a shape that maximizes contact surface area between teeth as they rotate away from each other during drilling. Articulating joints have not been described in Neogastropod radula previously, but they are consistent with an earlier hypothesis that impact forces on individual teeth during predatory drilling are dispersed by tooth–tooth interactions.
Influence of Prior Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Extent on Dupilumab Effectiveness in CRSwNP Patients
Authors: Alicandri‐Ciufelli Matteo , Marchioni Daniele , Pipolo Carlotta , Garzaro Massimiliano , Nitro Letizia , Dell'Era Valeria , Ferrella Francesco , Campagnoli Massimo , Russo Paolo , Galloni Costanza , Ghidini Angelo , De Corso Eugenio , Lucidi Daniela
Published: August 2023

Background

Guidelines recommend that the vast majority of patients with severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) should have at least one endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) prior to starting biologics. Because ESS can be performed with a variable extension, the aim of this study would be to evaluate the association between surgical extensiveness, as measured by ACCESS score, and outcomes collected in patients treated with Dupilumab.

Materials and Methods

This is a multicentric retrospective study; patients affected by CRSwNP who were subjected to Dupilumab therapy and who underwent at least one ESS prior to Dupilumab initiation were included. ACCESS score was assigned to each patient's pre‐Dupilumab CT scan. Subjective and objective parameters (SNOT‐22, NPS, VAS scores, Sniffin’ Sticks) were collected before and during the administration of therapy. Statistical correlations between ACCESS scores and clinical outcomes were investigated.

Results

A total of 145 patients were included; mean time from last previous ESS was 68.6 months, and on average, patients were subjected to 2.2 surgeries. Many correlations with ACCESS scores were demonstrated: better NPS at all timepoints and subjective scores (30‐days SNOT‐22, VAS nasal obstruction, and rhinorrhea) were achieved in patients with low ACCESS score (more extensive ESS). On the other hand, significantly worse VAS loss of smell values were demonstrated in patients with lower ACCESS scores.

Conclusion

Dupilumab patients subjected to a prior extensive ESS may have reduced size of polyps and improved subjective indicators, together with a decreased chance to recover smell, when compared with patients who underwent a minimal excision.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1556–1563, 2024
Spatiotemporal evolution of growing‐season vegetation coverage and its natural‐human drivers in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Zang Yongge , Yu Bowei , Wu Chunsheng , Zhao Zhonghe
Published: August 2023

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) is an important ecological security barrier in northern China, where vegetation has undergone rapid changes under the high‐intensity anthropological activities and ongoing climate change in recent decades. This study focused on the spatiotemporal evolution of fractional vegetation cover (FVC) and the driving factors during the growing season in different sub‐basins of the YRB between 2000 and 2020. The trend analysis was employed to examine the FVC spatiotemporal changes, and the geographical detector model (GDM) and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model were utilized to explore spatial heterogeneity of natural‐human drivers on FVC. The 21‐year average FVC was 0.5780 in the growing season in the YRB, and the southeast region was greater than the northwest region. The FVC exhibited a fluctuating and rising trend of 0.44% yr−1 in the whole YRB from 2000 to 2020, and areas with improved FVC were 36.40% more than those with degraded FVC. The dominant factors influencing the growing‐season FVC were precipitation and temperature, followed by elevation and human activity intensity. The influence of natural factors on FVC showed a decreasing trend, whereas human factors exhibited an increasing trend. Natural factors promoted vegetation growth in most area of the YRB, especially in the northwest, whereas human factors had more negative effects, except for the middle parts of the basin. The spatial differentiation analyses of FVC and driving factors provide scientific guidance for ecological restoration and sustainable development in the YRB.
OPENING DOORS: FRANCES HESSELBEIN’S LEADERSHIP, COURAGE, IMAGINATION, AND VISION
Authors: Haas Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

The author had a long history with Frances Hesselbein, going back to Frances’s years as CEO Girl Scouts of the USA. She knew her through good times and exceedingly challenging ones. She writes, “Frances often said, ‘leadership is who you are, not what you do;’ but what she did at the vanguard of key social movements in the second half of the last century and the first two decades of this century made a real difference to our society. She helped make us who we are.” The author also includes comments made two decades ago during her interview with the late Tom Moran, when he was Chairman of Mutual of America, an organization Frances worked with closely, with offices in its headquarters building. Moran recounted “… the outstanding example Frances set. There is no way to measure the inspiration she provides others to give that extra effort to make the world a better place to live in and share.”
Functional Microneedle Patch for Wound Healing and Biological Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Wang Ye , Zong Qida , Wu Huiying , Ding Yan , Pan Xi , Fu Bo , Sun Wei , Zhai Yinglei
Published: August 2023

Wound healing, especially chronic wounds, has been one of the major challenges in the field of biomedicine. Drug therapy alone is not effective, so a variety of functional wound healing dressings have been developed. Microneedles have attracted more and more attentions in the field of wound healing dressings due to their penetration and high drug delivery efficiency. In this review, all the studies on the application of microneedles in wound healing in recent years are summarized, classify different microneedles according to their functions in the process of wound healing, discuss the current challenges in the transformation of microneedle technology toward clinical applications, and finally look forward to the future design and development directions of microneedles in this field.
Combining Step‐Growth and Chain‐Growth Polymerizations in One Pot: Light‐Induced Fabrication of Conductive Nanoporous PEDOT‐PCL Scaffold
Authors: Tabak Tugberk , Kaya Kerem , Isci Recep , Ozturk Turan , Yagci Yusuf , Kiskan Baris
Published: August 2023

A novel method based on light‐induced fabrication of a poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐polycaprolactone (PEDOT‐PCL) scaffold using phenacyl bromide (PAB) as a single‐component photoinitiator is presented. HBr released from the step‐growth polymerization of EDOT is utilized as an in situ catalyst for the chain‐growth polymerization of ε‐caprolactone. Detailed investigations disclose the formation of a self‐assembled nanoporous electroconductive scaffold (1.2 mS cm−1). Fluorescence emission spectra of the fabricated scaffold exhibit a mixed solvatochromic behavior, indicating specific interactions between the self‐assembled scaffold and solvents with varying polarities, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, the same light‐induced technique can also be applied for bulk photopolymerization showcasing the versatility and wide‐ranging scope of the originated method. In brief, this study introduces a novel approach for light‐induced polymerization reactions that is merging step‐growth and chain‐growth mechanisms. This innovative approach is promising to facilitate in situ polymerization of monomers possessing diverse functionalities.
Effectiveness of DPD Simulations to Predict the Dynamics of Polymer Chains in Solutions at Equilibrium and Steady Shear Flows
Authors: Kumar Praphul , Jana Sanjay , Shyam Hari , Saha Dalal Indranil
Published: August 2023

The suitability of dissipative particle dynamics simulations is investigated to predict the dynamics of polymer chains in dilute polymer solutions. The authors find that the predictions depend on the value of the repulsive parameter for bead‐bead pairwise interactions used in the DPD simulations (aij). For all systems, the chain sizes and the relaxation time spectrum are analyzed. For aij = 0, theta solvent behaviour is obtained, whereas the dynamics at equilibrium agrees well with the predictions of the Zimm model. For higher values of aij, the static properties of the chain show good solvent behaviour. However, the scaling laws for the chain dynamics at equilibrium show wide variations, with consistent results obtained only at an intermediate value of aij = 25. At higher values of the repulsive parameter (aij ⩾ 25), the simulations are also able to predict the abrupt cut‐off in the relaxation spectrum, which has been observed earlier in experiments of dilute solutions. To verify further, the chain dynamics in shear flow using DPD simulations is studied. Specifically, the variation of the chain is analysed stretch and end‐over‐end tumbling with shear rates. Overall, the trends obtained from DPD simulations agree well with those observed in earlier BD simulations.
Bandwidth‐improved self‐diplexing planar cavity‐backed slot antenna
Authors: Syed Avez , Almalki Mansour H. , Alzahrani Ahmed S. , Alsalami Omar M.
Published: August 2023

The authors present a novel self‐diplexing antenna (SDA) designed using substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. The antenna features a planar‐backed cavity with a radiating slot and two input ports tuned to produce two resonances in the operating band for enhanced bandwidth. The design is simple and easy to implement, with similar radiation characteristics across the bandwidth. Experimental validation of the antenna shows good agreement with simulated matching, with two operating frequency channels in the X‐band (8.21−8.47 GHz and 9.42−9.764 GHz). The SDA's stable wideband performance makes it suitable for various wireless access points and applications. Overall, the study contributes a new SDA design with improved bandwidth and radiation features.
Dual output feature fusion networks for femoral segmentation and quantitative analysis of the knee joint
Authors: He Dongdong , Guo Yuan , Zhang Xushu , Wang Changjiang , Zhao Zihui , Chen Weiyi , Zhang Kai , Ji Binping
Published: August 2023

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing knee disease. Segmentation of the knee MRI images is essential for subsequent quantification of clinical parameters and treatment planning for knee prosthesis replacement. However, the segmentation remains difficult due to individual differences in anatomy, the difficulty of obtaining accurate edges at lower resolutions, and the presence of speckle noise and artifacts in the images. In addition, radiologists must manually measure the knee's parameters which is a laborious and time‐consuming process.

Purpose

Automatic quantification of femoral morphological parameters can be of fundamental help in the design of prosthetic implants for the repair of the knee and the femur. Knowledge of knee femoral parameters can provide a basis for femoral repair of the knee, the design of fixation materials for femoral prostheses, and the replacement of prostheses.

Methods

This paper proposes a new deep network architecture to comprehensively address these challenges. A dual output model structure is proposed, with a high and low layer fusion extraction feature module designed to extract rich features through the cross‐fusion mechanism. A multi‐scale edge information extraction spatial feature module is also developed to address the boundary‐blurring problem.

Results

Based on the precise automated segmentation results, 10 key clinical parameters were automatically measured for a knee femoral prosthesis replacement program. The correlation coefficients of the quantitative results of these parameters compared to manual results all achieved at least 0.92. The proposed method was extensively evaluated with MRIs of 78 patients’ knees, and it consistently outperformed other methods used for segmentation.

Conclusions

The automated quantization process produced comparable measurements to those manually obtained by radiologists. This paper demonstrates the viability of automatic knee MRI image segmentation and quantitative analysis with the proposed method. This provides data to support the accuracy of assessing the progression and biomechanical changes of osteoarthritis of the knee using an automated process, thus saving valuable time for the radiologists and surgeons.
Metabolomic evolution of the postpartum dairy cow uterus
Authors: Aranciaga Nicolas , Ross Alastair B. , Morton James D. , McDonald Robin , Gathercole Jessica L. , Berg Debra K.
Published: August 2023

High rates of early pregnancy loss are a critical issue in dairy herds, particularly in seasonal, grazing systems. Components of the uterine luminal fluid (ULF), on which the early embryo depends for sustenance and growth, partly determine early pregnancy losses. Here, changes in ULF from early to mid‐postpartum in crossbred dairy cows were explored, linking them with divergent embryo development. For this, the uteri of 87 cows at Day 7 of pregnancy at first and third estrus postpartum were flushed to collect ULF. Eighteen metabolites (chiefly organic acids and sugars) significantly varied in abundance across postpartum, indicating a molecular signature of physiological recovery consistent of the upregulation of pyrimidine metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism, and downregulation of pentose phosphate and taurine metabolism pathways. Joint pathway analysis of metabolomics data and a previously generated proteomics data set on the same ULF samples suggests key links between postpartum recovery and subsequent successful embryo development. These include upregulation of VEGFA and downregulation of metabolism, NRF2, T‐cell receptor, which appear to improve the ULF's capacity of sustaining normal embryo development, and a putative osmo‐protectant role of beta‐alanine. These relationships should be further investigated to develop tools to detect and reduce early pregnancy loss in dairy cows.
Nurses' knowledge on assessment and management of cancer therapy‐associated oral mucositis
Authors: Raymond Barnabas Manlokiya , Agyeman‐Yeboah Joana
Published: August 2023

Aim

This study aimed to explore baseline nursing knowledge on assessment and management of patients at risk for developing cancer therapy‐associated oral mucositis (OM) at a tertiary hospital in Ghana.

Design

A descriptive generic qualitative study design was conducted. The study population were nurses who cared for patients diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

Participants were recruited using a purposive non‐probability sampling technique. Data were obtained through face‐to‐face interviews using semi‐structured interview guide. Data collection and analysis were done concurrently.

Results

The study found that nurses had knowledge on the pre‐treatment assessment of clients undergoing cancer treatment; however, they had insufficient knowledge on the standardized tool for the assessment of OM. They also lack a definitive approach to prevent and treat OM. Nurses provided general education on cancer treatment but paid little attention to the education on the possible side effect that includes OM. Additionally, insufficient knowledge level of nurses on cancer treatment‐associated mucositis and lack of structured protocol for OM coupled with unavailable tools for assessing the oral mucosa were also identified as militating against the management of OM. Findings from this study will guide policy that will improve the care that clients who are at risk of oral mucositis receive.
Optimizing Strategy for Charge Injection in the Single‐Emitting‐Layer Light‐Emitting Transistor
Authors: Tian Haoxin , Sun Jun , Jiang Jingzan , Ke Shichuan , Teng Xinlu , Lin Lin , Yan Luting , Lou Zhidong , Hou Yanbing , Hu Yufeng , Teng Feng
Published: August 2023

Herein, a single‐layer light‐emitting transistor with a good on/off ratio of more than 106 is presented based on the iridium complex as a light‐emitter layer. Comprehensive experiments and simulations demonstrate that the thickness of the emitting layer can significantly improve the majority carrier injection in the source electrode. The electrode work function determines the minority carrier injection in the drain electrode, which is crucial for the light emission of the transistor. Furthermore, the increased source injection allows for a higher channel current, thereby increasing drain injection. Most importantly, although the above methods can improve the device channel current and light‐emitting brightness, the electroluminescence efficiency cannot be optimized since the increased minority carriers are much less than the increased majority carriers, resulting in most increased majority carriers cannot be contributed to the charge recombination. To achieve a higher efficient device, the channel current is supposed to be low when a conductive channel is well formed. This goal is achieved by using an ionic liquid gate to replace SiO2 gate for fabricating the light‐emitting single‐layer transistor. The efficiency is improved from ≈0.1 to 1.5 cd A−1. This work provides a new strategy for constructing high‐performance single‐layer light‐emitting transistors.
First‐Principles Study of the Influences of Point Vacancies (VGa, Hi) on the Photocatalytic and Magnetic Performance of Ga2O3:Li/Na/K Systems
Authors: Bai Xuefei , Hou Qingyu , Li Wencai , Qi Mude , Gu Yulan , Si Riguleng
Published: August 2023

Under vacuum environment, an H interstitial must exist when Ga2O3 is prepared by organometallic chemical vapor deposition. However, few first‐principles systematic studies have been conducted on the influences of point vacancies (VGa, Hi) on the photocatalytic performance and magnetism of Ga2O3:(Li or Na or K) systems, and VGa is a challenge in experiments. Therefore, the first‐principles generalized gradient approximation GGA + U theory is adopted in this study. A first‐principles study is conducted on the formation energy (E
f), photocatalytic performance, and magnetism of Ga30MO48 (M = Li or Na or K) and Ga30MHiO48 systems. In the results, it is shown that under Ga‐poor conditions, the Ga30MO48 and Ga30MHiO48 systems are structurally stable and prone to doping. The Ga30MHiO48 system has lower E
f, more structural stability, and easier doping than the Ga30MO48 system. The Ga30KO48 system exhibits magnetism, mainly generated by the O1−‐2p spin‐polarized wandering electrons near VGa. The spin‐polarized O2−‐2p and Ga‐4s states near VGa contribute to the hybrid coupling double‐exchange interaction. Moreover, the visible spectrum of the Ga30LiHiO48 system exhibits a significant redshift, a relatively high carrier activity, carrier separation, and relative maximum lifetime. It is relatively best as a photocatalyst.
Simulating and reporting frequentist operating characteristics of clinical trials that borrow external information: Towards a fair comparison in case of one‐arm and hybrid control two‐arm trials
Authors: Kopp‐Schneider Annette , Wiesenfarth Manuel , Held Leonhard , Calderazzo Silvia
Published: August 2023

Borrowing information from historical or external data to inform inference in a current trial is an expanding field in the era of precision medicine, where trials are often performed in small patient cohorts for practical or ethical reasons. Even though methods proposed for borrowing from external data are mainly based on Bayesian approaches that incorporate external information into the prior for the current analysis, frequentist operating characteristics of the analysis strategy are often of interest. In particular, type I error rate and power at a prespecified point alternative are the focus. We propose a procedure to investigate and report the frequentist operating characteristics in this context. The approach evaluates type I error rate of the test with borrowing from external data and calibrates the test without borrowing to this type I error rate. On this basis, a fair comparison of power between the test with and without borrowing is achieved. We show that no power gains are possible in one‐sided one‐arm and two‐arm hybrid control trials with normal endpoint, a finding proven in general before. We prove that in one‐arm fixed‐borrowing situations, unconditional power (i.e., when external data is random) is reduced. The Empirical Bayes power prior approach that dynamically borrows information according to the similarity of current and external data avoids the exorbitant type I error inflation occurring with fixed borrowing. In the hybrid control two‐arm trial we observe power reductions as compared to the test calibrated to borrowing that increase when considering unconditional power.
Angelica sinensis polysaccharide improves mitochondrial metabolism of osteoarthritis chondrocytes through PPARγ/SOD2/ROS pathways
Authors: Ni Su , Yi Ning , Yuan Hang , Li Dong , Chen Xu , Zhuang Chao
Published: August 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, which is characterized by wear of articular cartilage and narrow joint space, resulting in joint movement disorder. At present, accurate molecular mechanisms and effective interventions are still being explored. Here, we propose that angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) alleviates OA progression by activating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Therapeutic effect of ASP improving mitochondrial metabolism of OA chondrocytes was evaluated in vitro and in vivo, respectively. During cell experiments, the concentration and time response of tert butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) and ASP were determined by cell viability. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial metabolism was detected by reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), release of cytochrome C, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) activity. Expressions of Aggrecan, collagen type II (Col2a1), PPARγ, and SOD2 were detected by qRT‐PCR and western blot. In animal experiments, we detected cell apoptosis and target protein expression separately through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) staining and immunohistochemistry. Pretreatment of ASP significantly activated PPARγ and SOD2 in rat chondrocytes incubated with TBHP, cleared ROS, improved mitochondrial metabolism, increased chondrocytes viability, and alleviated chondrocytes apoptosis. In vivo, the administration of ASP could effectively ameliorate cartilage degeneration in OA rats, promote extracellular matrix synthesis, and decelerate the progress of OA. Our research identifies the role of ASP in mitochondrial metabolism of OA chondrocytes through PPARγ/SOD2/ROS pathways, which provides a new idea for the treatment of OA.
Pre‐treatment methods for stable oxygen and carbon isotope analyses of structural carbonates of bones in marine teleost fishes
Authors: Chung Ming‐Tsung , Kitagawa Takashi , Murakami‐Sugihara Naoko , Tanaka Kentaro , Miki Shiono , Shirai Kotaro
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Although the proportion of structural carbonates in vertebrate bones is low, the values of isotopes, namely stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C), in structural carbonates provide environmental and physiological information, which can be beneficial for estimating the palaeontological and ecological parameters of vertebrates. However, a few studies have analysed the isotopes of structural carbonates in modern teleost fishes, and a well‐developed protocol for sample preparation is lacking.

Methods

We examined different pre‐treatment methods of preparing bone samples of three marine teleost fishes (Japanese flounder, Pacific bluefin tuna and yellowtail) and investigated the effects of the cleaning methods on the stable isotope values of structural carbonates among vertebrae in the same individual. Isotope values were analysed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Results

Physical cleaning was the most promising pre‐treatment method and resulted in δ18O values that were comparable to those of otoliths. Chemical treatments with NaOH and H2O2 changed the percentage of structural carbonates in the bone and affected δ18O and δ13C values. High‐temperature treatments, such as boiling and roasting, altered δ18O values due to the exchange of oxygen with environmental water or vapour.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that chemical cleaning methods used to prepare bone phosphate or collagen samples for isotope analyses are not suitable for structural carbonates. Physical cleaning is the appropriate pre‐treatment method for analysing the isotopes of structural carbonates. Also, we emphasise that standardising the vertebral number is necessary to make δ13C values comparable between specimens in the same species.
Automatic detection and segmentation of chorda tympani under microscopic vision in otosclerosis patients via convolutional neural networks
Authors: Huang Yu , Ding Xin , Zhao Yang , Tian Xu , Feng Guodong , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: August 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, especially deep learning (DL) techniques, have shown promising results for various computer vision tasks in the field of surgery. However, AI‐guided navigation during microscopic surgery for real‐time surgical guidance and decision support is much more complex, and its efficacy has yet to be demonstrated. We propose a model dedicated to the evaluation of DL‐based semantic segmentation of chorda tympani (CT) during microscopic surgery.

Methods

Various convolutional neural networks were constructed, trained, and validated for semantic segmentation of CT. Our dataset has 5817 images annotated from 36 patients, which were further randomly split into the training set (90%, 5236 images) and validation set (10%, 581 images). In addition, 1500 raw images from 3 patients (500 images randomly selected per patient) were used to evaluate the network performance.

Results

When evaluated on a validation set (581 images), our proposed CT detection networks achieved great performance, and the modified U‐net performed best (mIOU = 0.892, mPA = 0.9427). Moreover, when applying U‐net to predict the test set (1500 raw images from 3 patients), our methods also showed great overall performance (Accuracy = 0.976, Precision = 0.996, Sensitivity = 0.979, Specificity = 0.902).

Conclusions

This study suggests that DL can be used for the automated detection and segmentation of CT in patients with otosclerosis during microscopic surgery with a high degree of performance. Our research validated the potential feasibility for future vision‐based navigation surgical assistance and autonomous surgery using AI.
Superelastic Cobalt Silicate@Resorcinol Formaldehyde Resin Core‐Shell Nanobelt Aerogel Monoliths with Outstanding Fire Retardant and Thermal Insulating Capability
Authors: Li Fuzhong , Song Jiabei , Niu Yutong , Zhang Hewei , Niederberger Markus , Cheng Wei
Published: August 2023

The practical applications of resorcinol formaldehyde resin (RFR) aerogels are prevented by their poor mechanical properties. Herein, a facile template‐directed method is reported to produce macroscopic free‐standing cobalt silicate (CS)@RFR core‐shell nanobelt aerogels that display superelastic behavior and outstanding thermal insulating and fire‐resistant capability. The synthesis relies on the polymerization of RFR on pre‐formed CS nanobelts which leads to in situ formation of hydrogel monoliths that can be transformed to corresponding aerogels by a freeze‐drying method. The composite nanobelt aerogel can withstand a compressive load of more than 4000 times of its own weight and fully recover after the removal of the weight. It can also sustain 1000 compressive cycles with 6.9% plastic deformation and 91.8% of the maximum stress remaining, with a constant energy loss coefficient as low as 0.16, at the set strain of 30%. The extraordinary mechanical properties are believed to be associated with the structural flexibility of the nanobelts and the RFR‐reinforced joints between the crosslinked nanobelts. These inorganic‐organic composite aerogels also show good thermal insulation and excellent fire‐proof capability. This work provides an effective strategy for fabricating superelastic RFR‐based aerogels which show promising applications in fields such as thermal insulation, energy storage, and catalyst support.
Metal Nanoclusters as a Superior Polysulfides Immobilizer toward Highly Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Sun Kai , Fu Yujun , Sekine Taishu , Mabuchi Haruna , Hossain Sakiat , Zhang Qiang , Liu Dequan , Das Saikat , He Deyan , Negishi Yuichi
Published: August 2023

Due to their high designability, unique geometric and electronic structures, and surface coordination chemistry, atomically precise metal nanoclusters are an emerging class of functional nanomaterials at the forefront of materials research. However, the current research on metal nanoclusters is mainly fundamental, and their practical applications are still uncharted. The surface binding properties and redox activity of Au24Pt(PET)18 (PET: phenylethanethiolate, SCH2CH2Ph) nanoclusters are herein harnessed as an high‐efficiency electrocatalyst for the anchoring and rapid conversion of lithium polysulfides in lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs). Au24Pt(PET)18@G composites are prepared by using the large specific surface area, high porosity, and conductive network of graphene (G) for the construction of battery separator that can inhibit polysulfide shuttle and accelerate electrochemical kinetics. Resultantly, the LSB using a Au24Pt(PET)18@G‐based separator presents a high reversible specific capacity of 1535.4 mA h g−1 for the first cycle at 0.2 A g−1 and a rate capability of 887 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1. After 1000 cycles at 5 A g−1, the capacity is 558.5 mA h g−1. This study is a significant step toward the application of metal nanoclusters as optimal electrocatalysts for LSBs and other sustainable energy storage systems.
Suppressing the Intrinsic Photoelectric Response of Organic Semiconductors for Highly‐Photostable Organic Transistors
Authors: Wang Zhongwu , Ma Yining , Guo Shujing , Yuan Liqian , Hu Yongxu , Huang Yinan , Chen Xiaosong , Ji Deyang , Bi Jinshun , Lei Yong , Han Cheng , Li Liqiang , Hu Wenping
Published: August 2023

Suppressing the photoelectric response of organic semiconductors (OSs) is of great significance for improving the operational stability of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) in light environments, but it is quite challenging because of the great difficulty in precisely modulating exciton dynamics. In this work, photostable OFETs are demonstrated by designing the micro‐structure of OSs and introducing an electrical double layer at the OS/polyelectrolyte dielectric interface, in which multiple exciton dynamic processes can be modulated. The generation and dissociation of excitons are depressed due to the small light‐absorption area of the microstripe structure and the excellent crystallinity of OSs. At the same time, a highly efficient exciton quenching process is activated by the electrical double layer at the OS/polyelectrolyte dielectric interface. As a result, the OFETs show outstanding tolerance to the light irradiation of up to 306 mW·cm−2, which far surpasses the solar irradiance value in the atmosphere (≈138 mW·cm−2) and achieves the highest photostability ever reported in the literature. The findings promise a general and practicable strategy for the realization of photostable OFETs and organic circuits.
The Pillar Effect of Large‐Size Alkaline Ions on the Electrochemical Stability of Sodium Manganese Hexacyanoferrate for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Aijun , Guo Can , Jiang Jicheng , Wang Donghuang , Wang Xin , Ali Shamshad , Li Jingze , Xia Weiwei , Fu Maosen , Sun Wenwu
Published: August 2023

Sodium manganese hexacyanoferrate (NaMnHCF) is an attractive candidate as a cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries due to its low cost and high energy density. However, its practical application is hindered by poor electrochemical stability caused by the Jahn‐Teller effect of Mn and the unstable structure of NaMnHCF. Here, this paper aims to address this issue by introducing highly stable AMnHCF (where A = K, Rb, or Cs) through a facile method to composite with NaMnHCF. The findings reveal that all AMnHCFs have a “pillar effect” on the crystal structure of NaMnHCF. It is observed that the degree of pillar effect varies depending on the specific AMnHCF used. The less electrochemically inactive the alkaline ion is and the greater the degree of compositing with NaMnHCF, the more dramatic the pillar effect. KMnHCF shows limited pillar effect due to its rough composition with NaMnHCF and the loss of K+ upon (de)intercalation. RbMnHCF has lower electrochemical activity and can be better composited with NaMnHCF. On the other hand, CsMnHCF exhibits the strongest pillar effect due to the inactivation of Cs+ and the excellent coherent structure formed by CsMnHCF and NaMnHCF. This research provides a new perspective on stabilizing NaMnHCF with other alkaline elements.
Au16Cd16(SC6H11)20: A Glance at Structure‐Property Relationship
Authors: Ruan Chenhao , Xiang Huixin , Yan Hao , Deng Yuanxin , Zhao Yue , Xu Cong‐Qiao , Li Jun , Yao Chuanhao
Published: August 2023

Doping Cd atom(s) into gold clusters is very promising in both theoretical study and practical applications. However, it has long been a challenge to synthesize heavily Cd‐doped AuCd bimetallic clusters and thereby reveal their structure‐property correlations. Herein a novel AuCd bimetallic cluster: Au16Cd16(SC6H11)20 (SC6H11 denotes deprotonated cyclohexanethiol) with a Cd to Au atomic ratio of 1:1 is reported. The precise structure of the cluster determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction demonstrates that it has a unique hexatetrahedron Au14 core and a distinctive shell. Intriguingly, due to the special protecting motifs, the cluster exhibits high stability in various conditions studied, indicating that the geometric structure is crucial in determining the stability of the cluster. Most importantly, the photothermal property of the cluster has been investigated in comparison with those of M13‐kernel (M denotes metal atoms) clusters, and the results imply that the compactness and the Cd atom doping of the core play important roles in dictating the photothermal effect of the cluster. The authors believe that this work will provide some ideas for the rational design of clusters with high stability and excellent photothermal property.
Four‐fold increased mortality rate in patients with Wilson's disease: A population‐based cohort study of 151 patients
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Shang Ying , Strandberg Rickard , Wester Axel , Widman Linnea , Hagström Hannes
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Few studies have investigated mortality rates in patients with Wilson's disease and compared these to the general population. Here, we examined several clinical outcomes (including cardiovascular, psychiatric, neurologic conditions) in a population‐based study of patients with Wilson's disease.

Method

We used nationwide registers to identify all patients with a first diagnosis of Wilson's disease between 2002 and 2020 in Sweden. Each patient was matched by age, sex, and municipality with up to 10 reference individuals from the general population. Validated registers were used to investigate outcomes up to 19 years after baseline in patients and reference individuals.

Results

We identified 151 patients with Wilson's disease matched with 1441 reference individuals. Median age at baseline was 26 years (IQR 17–42) and 50% were males. During a median follow‐up of 6.6 years (IQR 2.9–12.9), 10 (6.6%) patients with Wilson's disease died compared with 31 (2.2%) reference individuals. This translated to a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.8 (95%CI = 1.8–8.1). Mortality was higher among Wilson's disease patients with baseline neuropsychiatric diagnoses (HR 7.9, 95%CI = 2.9–21.8). Cumulative mortality over 10 years was 9.3% (95%CI = 5.0–16.8) in Wilson's disease, compared to 2.4% (95%CI = 1.6–3.6) in reference individuals. We observed significantly elevated risks in the Wilson's disease group for incident cardiovascular disease, and incident psychiatric and neurological conditions when considering liver transplantation or death from other causes as competing events.

Conclusion

In this large population‐based cohort study, patients with Wilson's disease had an almost four‐fold increased mortality rate compared with matched individuals from the general population.