bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functionalized Nanocomposite Gel Polymer Electrolyte with Strong Alkaline‐Tolerance and High Zinc Anode Stability for Ultralong‐Life Flexible Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Fan Xiayue , Wang Haozhi , Liu Xiaorui , Liu Jie , Zhao Naiqin , Zhong Cheng , Hu Wenbin , Lu Jun
Published: December 2022

Increasing pursuit of next‐generation wearable electronics has put forward the demand of reliable energy devices with high flexibility, durability, and enhanced electrochemical performances. Flexible aqueous zinc–air batteries (FAZABs) have attracted great interests owing to the high energy density, safety, and environmental benignity, for which quasi‐solid‐state gel polymer electrolytes (QSGPEs) are state‐of‐the‐art electrolytes with high ionic conductivity, flexibility, and resistance to leakage problems of traditional liquid electrolytes. Compared to commonly used PVA–KOH electrolyte with poor electrolyte retention capability and cycling stability, a new type of sulfonate functionalized nanocomposite QSGPE is applied in FAZABs with high ionic conductivity, strong alkaline tolerance, and high zinc anode stability. Notably, the existence of (1) strong anionic sulfonate groups of QSGPEs, contributing to the exposure of preferred Zn (002) plane that is more resistant to zinc dendrite formation, and (2) nano‐attapulgite electrolyte additives, beneficial for the enhancement of ionic conductivity, electrolyte uptake, and retention capability, endows a ultralong cycling life of 450 h for the fabricated FAZAB. Furthermore, flexible energy belts and knittable energy wires fabricated with a series/parallel unit of several FAZABs can be used to power various wearable electronics.
Preventing Space Charge Accumulation by Incorporating Electrets
Authors: Saha Pradip Chandra , Faruqe Omar , Haque Farhina , Park Chanyeop
Published: December 2022

Space charge accumulates near electrodes in insulating materials under high voltage direct current. Electric stress created by charge accumulation distorts electric field, reduces the remaining useful life of insulating materials, and decreases partial discharge inception voltage that are critical for ensuring the dielectric integrity of power applications. In this article, a novel approach that mitigates space charge accumulation using electrets is presented. Electrets are used to reduce electric fields that cause charge injection and space charge accumulation in dielectric materials. The validity of using electrets for preventing space charge accumulation is numerically and experimentally demonstrated. Bipolar charge transport model is developed to simulate space charge injection and accumulation in silicone rubber without and with the incorporation of electret. Space charge experiments are performed to confirm the numerical results. The results show that electrets can effectively mitigate space charge accumulation in dielectric materials. The results also show that the incorrect use of electret such as reversing the polarity can lead to more substantial space charge accumulation.
Three‐Dimensional Atomic‐Scale Tomography of Buried Semiconductor Heterointerfaces
Authors: Koelling Sebastian , Stehouwer Lucas E. A. , Paquelet Wuetz Brian , Scappucci Giordano , Moutanabbir Oussama
Published: December 2022

Atom probes generate three‐dimensional atomic‐scale tomographies of material volumes corresponding to the size of modern‐day solid‐state devices. Here, the capabilities of atom probe tomography are evaluated to analyze buried interfaces in semiconductor heterostructures relevant for electronic and quantum devices. Employing brute‐force search, the current dominant reconstruction protocol to generate tomographic three‐dimensional images from Atom Probe data is advanced to its limits. Using Si/SiGe heterostructure for qubits as a model system, the authors show that it is possible to extract interface properties like roughness and width that agree with transmission electron microscopy observations on the sub‐nanometer scale in an automated and highly reproducible manner. The demonstrated approach is a versatile method for atomic‐scale characterization of buried interfaces in semiconductor heterostructures.
Multi‐Stimuli Responsive Thiazolothiazole Viologen‐Containing Poly(2‐Isopropyl‐2‐Oxazoline) and Its Multi‐Modal Thermochromism, Photochromism, Electrochromism, and Solvatofluorochromism Applications
Authors: Rathod Pramod V. , Puguan John Marc C. , Kim Hern
Published: December 2022

Smart materials are highly desirable over the recent decade due to the growing demand on complicated nature. Smart materials with stable stimuli‐responsive properties are widely applied in sensors, smart windows, displays, and chemical valves, but they are relatively rare. Most of the current chromic materials are triggered by one or two external stimuli, and only a few multi‐stimuli responsive instances still suffer by their restricting functional states, such as solution or polymer. To address these challenges, researchers are focusing their efforts on developing a new generation of multi‐stimulus responsive chromic materials. In this article, our group has adopted a new strategy for the synthesis of the multi‐stimuli responsive single polymeric material, which can be useful for different applications (such as thermochromism, photochromism, electrochromism, and solvatofluorochromism). Thiazolothiazole viologen (TTv)‐containing poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PiPO) was synthesized using a one‐pot reaction where the living cationic polymer chains were reacted with thiazolothiazole viologen to produce multi‐stimuli responsive PiPO‐TTv. PiPO‐TTv‐based device demonstrated multi‐responsive properties due to the thermoresponsive properties of PiPO segments and photo‐, electro‐responsive properties of TTv monomer, respectively. PiPO‐TTv material, additionally exhibits fluorescence characteristics that makes it appealing for environmental and molecular biological sensor applications.
Tungsten Phosphide Microsheets In‐Situ Grown on Carbon Fiber as Counter Electrode Catalyst for Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Mian , Shen Zhitao , Liu Xiansheng , Yue Gentian , Gao Yueyue , Huo Jinghao , Dong Chen , Tan Furui
Published: December 2022

The development of low‐cost, green, and pollution‐free counter electrode materials with high catalytic activity plays a critical role in improving the photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In recent years, transition metal phosphides have been widely used in DSSCs due to their outstanding catalytic activity and stability. Herein, a novel binary phosphide is immobilized on carbon paper (CP) by a two‐step strategy. This strategy involves the preparation of WO3 precursor by the hydrothermal method, and synthesis of tungsten phosphide (WP) with the vapor deposition method, which finally leads to the uniform dispersion of WP on carbon paper. The acquired WP/CP counter electrode demonstrates high electrical conductivity and prefect catalytic ability for reducing triiodide, and the DSSCs assembled with WP/CP counter electrode achieve a high‐power conversion efficiency of 10.29%, which is superior to that of the Pt‐based (7.34%). These findings illustrate that the WP microsheets in‐situ grown on carbon paper are a potential candidate to replace Pt as an economical and efficient counter electrode for DSSCs.
Plant‐Inspired Multifunctional Bioadhesives with Self‐Healing Adhesion Strength to Promote Wound Healing
Authors: Bu Yazhong , Zhang Wenwen , Martin‐Saldaña Sergio , Alsharabasy Amir M. , Da Costa Mark , Feng Luyao , Zhang Ze , Ge Xinlan , Li Chonghui , Lu Shichun , Pandit Abhay
Published: December 2022

Bioadhesives are revolutionizing wound closure procedures. However, traditional bioadhesives lack functions to promote wound healing with a higher wound dehiscence rate than those treated with sutures. As a result, creating multifunctional bioadhesives to improve wound healing and facilitate wound care is extremely desirable in clinical settings. This study develops a series of multifunctional bioadhesives using succinic anhydride‐modified hyaluronic acid (HASA) and plant‐derived tannic acid (TA) with centrifuging and freeze‐drying. By varying the ratio of HASA to TA, HASATA 1:2, 1:7, and 1:14 are fabricated with tunable adhesive strength from 39.6 ± 8.2 to 63.0 ± 12.0 kPa. The bioadhesives exhibit self‐healing adhesive strength due to the reversible cohesion network developed by HASA and TA, enabling 25 to 50 times repeated wound closure. The animal studies reveal that the developed bioadhesives accelerate wound healing in the first week with a higher collagen content, more M2 macrophage upregulation and less oxidative stress. Moreover, the plant‐derived TA endows the bioadhesives with antioxidant properties against four kinds of free radicals, and antibacterial activity against both gram positive and negative bacteria. Altogether, these bioadhesives may open new avenues for noninvasive wound closure in the clinical setting.
Advanced Functional Hybrid Proton Exchange Membranes Robust and Conductive at 120 °C
Authors: Richard Jason , Haidar Fatima , Alzamora Madeline K. , Maréchal Manuel , Rovira Natalia , Vacquier Christophe , Sanchez Clément , Laberty‐Robert Christel
Published: December 2022

Proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell vehicles offer a low‐carbon alternative to traditional oil fuel vehicles, but their performances still need improvement to be competitive. Raising their operating temperature to 120 °C will enhance their efficiency but is currently unfeasible due to the poor mechanical properties at high temperatures of the state‐of‐the‐art proton‐exchange membranes consisting of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers. To address this issue, xx designed composite membranes made of two networks: a mat of hybrid fibers to maintain the mechanical properties filled with a matrix of PFSA‐based ionomer to ensure the proton conductivity. The hybrid fibers obtained by electrospinning are composed of intermixed domains of sulfonated silica and a fluorinated polymer. The inter‐fiber porosity is then filled with a PFSA ionomer to obtain dense composite membranes with a controlled fibers‐to‐ionomer ratio. At 80 °C, these obtained composite membranes show comparable performances to a pure PFSA commercial membrane. At 120 °C however, the tensile strength of the PFSA membrane drastically drop down to 0.2 MPa, while it is maintained at 7.0 MPa for the composite membrane. In addition, the composite membrane shows a good conductivity of up to 0.1 S cm−1 at 120 °C/90% RH, which increases with the ionomer content.
Increasing the Strength, Hardness, and Survivability of Semiconducting Polymers by Crosslinking
Authors: Chen Alexander X. , Hilgar Jeremy D. , Samoylov Anton A. , Pazhankave Silpa S. , Bunch Jordan A. , Choudhary Kartik , Esparza Guillermo L. , Lim Allison , Luo Xuyi , Chen Hu , Runser Rory , McCulloch Iain , Mei Jianguo , Hoover Christian , Printz Adam D. , Romero Nathan A. , Lipomi Darren J.
Published: December 2022

Crosslinking is a ubiquitous strategy in polymer engineering to increase the thermomechanical robustness of solid polymers but has been relatively unexplored in the context of π‐conjugated (semiconducting) polymers. Notwithstanding, mechanical stability is key to many envisioned applications of organic electronic devices. For example, the wide‐scale distribution of photovoltaic devices incorporating conjugated polymers may depend on integration with substrates subject to mechanical insult—for example, road surfaces, flooring tiles, and vehicle paint. Here, a four‐armed azide‐based crosslinker (“4Bx”) is used to modify the mechanical properties of a library of semiconducting polymers. Three polymers used in bulk heterojunction solar cells (donors J51 and PTB7‐Th, and acceptor N2200) are selected for detailed investigation. In doing so, it is shown that low loadings of 4Bx can be used to increase the strength (up to 30%), toughness (up to 75%), hardness (up to 25%), and cohesion of crosslinked films. Likewise, crosslinked films show greater physical stability in comparison to non‐crosslinked counterparts (20% vs 90% volume lost after sonication). Finally, the locked‐in morphologies and increased mechanical robustness enable crosslinked solar cells to have greater survivability to four degradation tests: abrasion (using a sponge), direct exposure to chloroform, thermal aging, and accelerated degradation (heat, moisture, and oxygen).
Bioinspired, Ultra‐Sensitive Flexible Strain Sensor Based on Ceramic Fiber Paper With Superhydrophobic and High‐Temperature‐Resistant Properties
Authors: Sun Tao , Zhang Junqiu , Chen Yu , Zhao Houqi , Liu Linpeng , Liu Yahua , Niu Shichao , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan , Lin Qiao
Published: December 2022

Flexible strain sensors are indispensable components providing repeatable electronic signals responding to mechanical deformations. Nevertheless, there is a stringent demand for flexible sensors to maintain normal performance in daily use and even in harsh conditions, such as high humidity and high temperature. Herein, inspired by scorpions, a highly sensitive flexible strain sensor based on ceramic fiber paper (CFP) with superhydrophobic and high‐temperature‐resistant properties is developed by a combination of mechanical cutting and spray coating method, which minimizes performance degradation commonly seen in polymer‐based and textile‐based sensors under harsh conditions. The prepared strain sensor exhibits high sensitivity (gauge factor ≈1254), low detection limit (0.078%), fast response time (108 ms), and notable stability (over 10 000 cycles). The ultra‐high sensitivity originates from the existence of the micro‐scale cracks. To further improve stability of the device in some harsh conditions, superhydrophobic and heat‐resisting coatings consisting of SiO2 aerogels and SiO2 nanoparticles are introduced onto the surface of CFP. Owing to the synergistic effect of the high‐temperature resistance of ceramics fibers and the coatings, the device operates normally at temperature up to 220 °C with a water contact angle of 159°, showing great promises for harsh conditions, especially in the industrial and aerospace fields.
Textile‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Smart Wearable Systems: Comfort, Integration, and Application
Authors: Tian Xiao , Dong Shanshan , Yang Mengyan , Ng Hoiyan , Liu Yanping , Hu Hong , Hua Tao
Published: December 2022

Textile‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (t‐TENGs) possess the unique wearability characteristics of fabrics. The advent of t‐TENGs not only broadens the development direction of new materials in the textile industry but also endows TENGs with greater application potential. However, the electrical output and desired comfort properties of t‐TENGs remain limited and impractical. Important progress has been made in the exploitation of t‐TENGs in recent years. In this review, the basic classifications of comfort, including sensorial and tactile comfort, fit comfort, heat–moisture comfort, and appearance aesthetics, are introduced. Combining the wearability of textiles, the recent progress in the development of comfortable t‐TENGs is systematically summarized and discussed from the following aspects: tactile comfort of t‐TENGs, stretchability of t‐TENGs, breathability of t‐TENGs, washability of t‐TENGs, aesthetics of t‐TENGs, and multifunctionality of t‐TENGs. Additionally, the enhanced output performance, power management, integration strategies, and mass production of t‐TENGs are discussed, and the main applications of wearable t‐TENGs are described. Finally, the existing challenges and future research direction of t‐TENGs are presented, which may contribute to promoting further research and applications of wearable t‐TENGs.
Forage yield and biological nitrogen fixation of pea–cereal intercrops for hay production
Authors: Gungaabayar Amarjargal , Jha Ambuj , Warkentin Thomas , Knight Diane , Penner Gregory , Biligetu Bill
Published: December 2022

Intercropping forage pea (Pisum sativum L.) with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) or oat (Avena sativa L.) is an alternative way of cropping to improve forage yield and quality for hay production compared to monocropping. A 2‐year (2016–2017) field study was conducted at three sites in Saskatchewan, Canada, to evaluate forage production and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of pea–cereal intercrops in comparison to pea, barley, and oat monocrops with and without 60 kg N ha−1 fertilization. Barley and oat were dominant (p < 0.001) in the intercrop by accounting for 65%–92% of the total dry matter (DM) yield. Compared to the pea monocrops, pea–cereal intercrops significantly increased forage DM yield at Melfort (52%–73%), Saskatoon (68%–118%), and Swift Current (25%–69%). At Melfort, nitrogen (N) fertilization increased total forage DM yield (p = 0.003) of monocrops and intercrops but it reduced N fixation by 22%–63% (p < 0.01). At Swift Current site, N fixation was reduced by 35%–65% (p = 0.019) when N fertilizer was applied. The total amount of N fixation varied from 18 kg N ha−1 (Swift Current) to 59 kg N ha−1 (Melfort), whereas the N transfer rate ranged from 17% (pea:oat) to 43% (pea:barley) in the intercrops. This study indicates that intercropping forage pea with forage barley or oat increased forage DM yield and N fixation. Effect of N fertilization on BNF was site specific, reducing N fixation of pea at two of three sites in the study.
Synthesis and characterization of novel heterocyclic diazenyl pyridinone copper(II) complexes with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties
Authors: Basha Maram T. , Al‐Sulami Ahlam I. , Althagafy Hanan S. , Alamshany Zahra M. , Abdel‐Rahman Laila H. , Shehata Mohamed R. , Al‐Zaydi Khadijah M.
Published: December 2022

The novel diazenyl pyridinone heterocyclic ligands and their Cu(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized utilizing miscellaneous analytical tools, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies. The investigated ligands are coordinated in a bidentate fashion through the azo nitrogen atom and the hydroxyl oxygen atom to the Cu(II) center. The EPR spectra indicated that the obtained complexes were monomeric, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that the Cu(II) atom adopted a six‐coordinated octahedral geometry. The ligands and their complexes were investigated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against some types of bacteria and fungi. The antioxidant and anticancer activities of the complexes were also assessed. The results show that these complexes exhibit higher antitumor efficiency and selectivity index against the models of human breast adenocarcinoma cells MCF‐7 and human primary hepatocytes THLE‐2 than the reference standard material doxorubicin. The results were supported by DFT calculations, molecular docking, and Hirshfeld surface analysis.
Thermal, rheological, and mechanical characterization of compression and injection molded ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene, high density polyethylene, and their blends
Authors: Yang Huaguang , Yilmaz Galip , Jiang Jing , Langstraat Thomas , Chu Raymond , van Es Martin , Garg Priya , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: December 2022

Tensile and impact test samples of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and their blends at various UHMWPE/HDPE weight ratios were prepared via compression molding and injection molding for thermal, rheological, and mechanical characterization. A twin‐screw extruder with either a tapered die with air‐cooling or a regular die was used to compound and extrude the materials prior to pelletization and molding. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no publication on pelletizing neat UHMWPE using a regular extruder. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis suggested the occurrence of re‐crystallization and co‐crystallization for all the blends. The rheology test confirmed that all the blends exhibited a solid‐like behavior and the degree of compatibility increased with increasing HDPE content in the blends. A strong synergistic effect was observed the blends possessed a higher tensile and impact strength than their neat UHMWPE and HDPE counterparts. The compression molded (95/5) UHMWPE/HDPE samples extruded using the tapered die yielded the highest tensile strength (50.1 MPa), which was about 40% higher than that of the neat UHMWPE samples. The best composition of these blends for compression and injection molded parts is 10% HD and 50% HD, respectively.
Lag schedules to increase variability in responding in a home setting
Authors: Parilla Stephanie , Gussin Rosaria , Moss‐Lourenco Patricia , Fienup Daniel M.
Published: December 2022

Several studies have demonstrated that lag schedules can be used to increase variability in controlled settings. In this study, we replicated these procedures during regular home applied behavior analysis services using available resources with an adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The participant had learned multiple responses to questions but responded with little to no variability. The intervention included scripted prompts and lag schedules implemented across social contexts in a multiple baseline design. The scripted prompts assisted the participant in varying his responding and assisted the interventionists in monitoring and accurately implementing the lag schedule intervention. Results showed a systematic increase in varied responses across multiple social contexts, suggesting that lag schedules can be implemented with positive effects in naturalistic therapy settings.
nc‐RNA‐mediated high expression of CDK6 correlates with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhao Yu‐Xuan , Xu Bo‐Wen , Wang Fang‐Qing , Jiang Feng‐Yang , Xu Jian‐Wei , Yu De‐Xin
Published: December 2022

Background

Emerging evidence manifests that cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) plays an essential part in the initiation and progression of several types of human cancer, and its descending expression is correlated with an adverse prognosis. However, the precise role of CDK6 in Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains obscure.

Aims

To identify the potential ceRNA regulatory axis of CDK6 in PC and explore its relationship with immune cells and immune checkpoints.

Materials & Methods

Using The Cancer Genome Atlas TCGA and GTEx data analyze the expression and survival of CDK6 in patients in pan‐cancer, and cellular experiments were performed to verify the effect of CDK6 on cell function. Using GEPIA and STARBASE databases to analyze prognosis, expression and survival, and identify non coding RNA (ncRNA) that mediates CDK6 overexpression. The TIMER 2.0 database was used for immune correlation analysis.

Results

We revealed CDK6 might be an oncogene in PC, and the HOXA11‐AS /NR2F1‐AS1‐ miR‐454‐3p axis was identified as the possible upstream ncRNA‐associated pathway of CDK6 in PC. In addition, CDK6 show significant association with three immune checkpoints (PD‐L1, PD‐L2, and HAVCR2), the infiltration level of immune cells, and immunity biomarkers.

Discussion

We discussed some applications of CDK6 in breast cancer, melanoma, and hemorrhagic malignancies. The role of miR‐15a‐5p, HOXA11‐AS and NR2F1‐AS1 in tumor development was also discussed based on existing studies. The potential mechanism of CDK6 affecting immune cells in pancreatic cancer was discussed.

Conclusions

Overall, these results established that nc‐RNA‐mediated high expression of CDK6 is associated with patient outcomes and immune invasion in pancreatic cancer.
A scoping review of deliberate practice in the acquisition of therapeutic skills and practices
Authors: Mahon Daryl
Published: December 2022

Objective

The use of deliberate practice (DP) as an adjunct method of training practitioners in the acquisition of therapy skills is gaining increasing attention. However, to date, no evidence synthesis has been reported on.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley's five‐stage method, which was compliant with the preferred method for reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis extension for scoping reviews. Three databases (Scopus, Embase and PubMed) were searched for articles reporting on primary data, in English. The initial search yielded 1,087 articles, of which 14 are included in this review.

Results

Findings suggest that DP is still in its infancy and is being used to train practitioners in a host of therapeutic skills and practices in various training and educational contexts, including using technology as a platform. DP compares more favourably than usual didactic workshops for skill acquisition across variables such as techniques, communication skills and interpersonal and evidence‐based relationship factors.

Conclusion

Further research needs to replicate and extend these initial findings, and recommendations for practice and research are considered. This is the first scoping review of this rapidly developing area of practice.
Optimizing the Pt‐FeOx Interaction over Atomic Pt/FeOx/CeO2 Catalysts for Improved CO Oxidation Activity
Authors: Wang Bao‐Ju , Luo Yong , Chu Guang‐Wen , Zhao Yufei , Duan Xue , Chen Jian‐Feng
Published: December 2022

The metal‐supported CeO2 catalysts (such as Pt/CeO2) have been considered as the most promising exhaust‐treatment catalyst to meet the future emission standard. However, the Pt‐O‐Ce interface on Pt/CeO2 system seems to over‐stabilize the Pt sites to cause low activity for CO oxidation. In this work, by adding Fe oxides, the enhanced Pt‐FeOx interaction was formed with the disappearance of the Pt‐O‐Ce interface, facilitating the electron transfer from the support to the atomically dispersed Pt on the Pt‐FeOx interface for the dramatically CO (preferential) oxidation performance. The single‐atom Pt/1.5FeOx/CeO2 performed the best catalytic activity with a reaction rate of 0.58 s−1 at 144 °C (T100). Such strategy in resorting the special metal‐support interaction to tune the active sites can be extended to other metal‐oxide systems for further optimized catalysis.
Investigation of Metal Powder Injection into a Combustion Chamber by Large Eddy Simulation for Power to X Studies
Authors: Sandmann Krischan , Falcone Manuel , Buss Lizoel , Riefler Norbert , Abdoly Kiyoumars , Oltmann Hergen , Fritsching Udo
Published: December 2022

The numerical modeling and simulation of particle dispersion during the filling process of a tubular combustion chamber are presented. By means of multiphase large eddy simulations (LES) the particle distribution inside a circular diffuser‐reactor chamber is studied to analyze the two‐phase flow dynamics for metal powder combustion in a tubular reactor with flame propagation. Typical particle accumulations are found that form close to the reactor wall and also particles tend to segregate and preferentially concentrate at vortex surfaces in particle bands. Particle segregation and accumulation effects aside vortex structures are analyzed using the LES approach. The causes of particle segregation and inhomogeneities are studied and measures for its reduction by changes in the reactor design are discussed. Alterations of the diffuser geometry are adapted to minimize the central particle jet formation and the particle distribution inhomogeneities during the filling process.
Bioequivalence and Pharmacokinetic Profiles of 2 Trimetazidine Modified‐release Tablets Under Fasting and Fed Conditions in Chinese Healthy Subjects
Authors: Wang Jue , Yang Yuanying , Huang Xiaomei , Huang Jian , Zhang Bikui
Published: December 2022

This study aims to assess the bioequivalence of test and reference formulations of trimetazidine dihydrochloride in healthy Chinese volunteers under fasting and fed conditions, and to determine the effect of food on the pharmacokinetic profiles of both formulations. A randomized, open‐label, crossover, four‐period study with a 7‐day washout period was conducted in 24 healthy Chinese subjects. The subjects fasted for at least 10 hours before being given a single 35‐mg dose of the test and reference tablets. Venous blood samples were taken from predose at 0 hours to postdose at 36 hours at scheduled time points. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a noncompartmental model. The nonparametric test of Tmax under both conditions showed no significant difference between the two formulations (P > .05). The 90% confidence intervals of geometric mean ratio of lnCmax and lnAUC0→∞ (the logarithmic values of area under the plasma concentration‐time curve [AUC] and mean maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]) all fell within 80%–125%. Cmax in the fed state was slightly higher than that in the fasting state (P < .05), while other pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable. No severe adverse events occurred. The test and reference formulations were bioequivalent under both fasting and fed conditions. Food did not affect the pharmacokinetic profiles of trimetazidine in Chinese healthy volunteers, therefore trimetazidine is suitable for administration under fasting or fed conditions.
Evaluating differences in setting expected body weight for children and adolescents in eating disorder treatment
Authors: Steinberg Dori M. , Perry Taylor R. , Freestone David , Hellner Megan , Baker Jessica H. , Bohon Cara
Published: December 2022

Objective

Weight restoration or weight gain is a common goal in eating disorder treatment. However, approaches to determine expected body weight (EBW) vary. A standardized approach based on normative data for a patient's age and gender uses weight associated with median BMI (mBMI). An individualized approach predicts EBW based on a patient's individual growth trajectory. Little research has examined differences in these approaches.

Method

Weight and clinical data were collected from patients ages 6–20 enrolled in virtual eating disorder treatment. EBW associated with mBMI was compared with EBW using the individualized approach. Linear mixed effects models examined differences in weight, eating disorder symptoms, depression, and anxiety, and whether EBW approach varied by patient characteristics.

Results

Patients (N = 609) were on average age 15.6 (2.29), 85% were cisgender female, and predominantly diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (83.1%). The individualized approach led to significantly higher EBW on average (mean difference = 8.4 lbs [SE: .75]; p < .001) compared to mBMI; 70% of patients had a higher EBW using the individualized approach. Notably, EBW varied based on gender and diagnosis and it took longer on average to achieve individualized EBW. Time was the strongest predictor of changes in psychosocial outcomes and there were no significant differences by EBW approach.

Discussion

Results from this study indicate that an individualized approach led to significantly higher EBWs compared with using mBMI. As underestimation of EBW may lead to higher risk of relapse, eating disorder professionals should consider using an individualized approach for setting EBW.

Public Significance

For eating disorder patients who need to gain weight, accurately estimating target body weight for eating disorder treatment is critical to recovery and preventing relapse. An individualized, patient‐centered approach to estimating target body weight more accurately estimated target body weight than the standardized, median body mass index approach. Using an individualized approach to treatment may improve a patient's likelihood of full recovery.
Four Polyoxometalate‐Viologen Discoloration Materials for UV Probing, Inkless and Erasable Printing and Visual Detection of Hg2+
Authors: Lu Qinghai , Tian Aixiang , Yu Shuang , Xu Xi , Ma Shufang , Yang Mengle
Published: December 2022

In this work, four POM‐based compounds containing viologen ligands were synthesized, namely {CuII(tybipy)2(DMF)2[H2(β‐Mo8O26)]2} ⋅ 4 C2H7N (1), (Htybipy)2 ⋅ (β‐Mo8O26) (2) (tybipy⋅Br=1‐Thiophen‐3‐ylmethyl‐[4,4’]bipyridinyl‐1‐ium bromide), [CuII(nibipy)2(4,4’‐bipy)] ⋅ (SiW12O40) (3), (Hnibipy)2 ⋅ (δ‐Mo8O26) (4) (nibipy⋅Cl=1‐(4‐Nitro‐benzyl)‐[4,4’]bipyridinyl‐1‐ium chloride, 4,4’‐bipy=4,4’‐bipyridine). In compounds 1 and 3, Cu2+ and mixed organic ligands modify POM anions. On the other hand, 2 and 4 are supramolecular structures only containing ligands and anions. Under Xe lamp with filter (300‐400 nm) irradiation, these four compounds showed good photoresponse and photochromic ability, which can be used in mixed matrix films for visible UV detectors. Compounds 1–4 also have photoluminescence property and show good fluorescence quenching effect. A suspension of four compounds can be evenly spread on filter paper as inkless and erasable printing materials. Compounds 1 and 2 were also used as Hg2+ fluorescence detectors. The fluorescence intensity of 1 decreased by ca. 90 % when the concentration of Hg2+ increased to 40 mM. Moreover, we also prepared composites 1/2@Hg2+,1@Cu2+, 1@Co2+ by introducing 1/2 and Hg2+, Cu2+ and Co2+ to detection paper respectively, which can act as photochromic materials with features of fast color recovery.
Adaptive secure transmission for two‐way energy harvesting relay networks with two‐sided eavesdropping
Authors: Song Xin , Zhu Jiahui , Zhang Runfeng , Peng Mingjv , Xu Siyang
Published: December 2022

In this paper, for energy harvesting (EH) two‐way relay (TWR) networks with two‐sided eavesdroppers, the problem of secure information transmission is investigated. Based on this system model, a novel full‐duplex (FD) relaying jamming scheme is proposed to achieve simultaneously information reception, EH and jamming signal transmission at the cooperative relay. Particularly, the entire transmission phase and received signal at relay node are divided into two different time durations and three different parts by time allocation (TA) and power splitting (PS), respectively. For the aim of maximizing the sum secrecy rate, adaptive TA factor and PS factor are jointly optimized. We derive the non‐convex optimization function. To solve this highly non‐convex optimization problem, a heuristic approach based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed. Numerical results verify the superior sum secrecy rate of the proposed scheme. Besides, the impact of system parameters on the output performance is analyzed.
Membrane lipid metabolism is involved in regulating γ‐aminobutyric acid‐mediated cold tolerance in peach fruit
Authors: Song Chunbo , Yang Zhenfeng , Xiao Xiang
Published: December 2022

The cold‐sensitive peach fruits are prone to chilling injury (CI). γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been confirmed to effectively improve peaches’ cold tolerance. This research aimed to probe the role of dynamic changes in membrane lipid metabolism in GABA‐mediated peaches’ cold tolerance and reveal the underlying mechanisms based on lipid metabolomics. GABA treatment improved peaches’ cold tolerance by reducing phosphatidic acid (PA) accumulation via inhibiting phospholipid degradation, attenuating PA biosynthesis, and maintaining higher phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) levels. Under chilling conditions, GABA treatment protected peaches against low‐temperature stress and delayed CI by maintaining higher PC and PE levels and enhancing the massive accumulation of diacylglycerol (DAG) and triacylglycerol (TAG). This study provides a novel mechanism regulating cold tolerance of postharvest peach fruits.
Hyaluronic acid treatment versus standard of care in chronic wounds in a German setting: Cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Blunck Dominik , Schöffski Oliver
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Chronic wounds are a major burden for worldwide health care systems. In the management of chronic wounds several strategies with innovative and active agents emerged in the past few years, such as hyaluronic acid containing wound dressings. Evidence comparing the cost‐effectiveness of hyaluronan and standard of care dressings (hydrofiber with silver) is still missing. The aim of the study is thus, to assess the cost‐effectiveness of hyaluronan versus standard of care dressings (hydrofiber with silver) in chronic wounds from a German statutory health insurance perspective.

Methods

A decision tree was modeled to quantify the cost and healing rate at 12 weeks for the hyaluronan and silver dressings strategies. Input parameters were collected literature‐based, accounting for healing rates, dressing prices and prices for dressing changes and associated home care. Parameter uncertainty was accounted for by one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results

Hyaluronic acid showed a better healing rate (60.68%) and noticeable lower cost (749.80 Euro) compared to standard of care (silver containing) dressings (59.62%; 883.05 Euro), resulting in an Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio of −12,570.57. The hyaluronan approach is hence a dominant strategy in chronic wound management. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these results, giving a range of 60%– 70% of cost‐effective scenarios.

Conclusions

Hyaluronic acid dressings showed to be a clinical more effective strategy at significantly lower cost in chronic wounds compared to standard of care (hydrofiber with silver).
Simulation for flow across heated square cylinders
Authors: Patil Ravibala A. , Nandgaonkar Milankumar R. , Sewatkar Chandrashekhar M.
Published: December 2022

The thermal lattice Boltzmann method is used to examine forced convection heat transfer from six inline heated square cylinders forRe = 100 at 0.5 ≤ s/d ≤ 4.0, wheresis the distance between the surfaces of two cylinders anddis the cylinder size. Such a heat transfer is transient in nature for which the present work reports heat transfer regimes such as synchronous, quasiperiodic and chaotic. For 0.5 ≤ s/d ≤ 1.5 the heat transfer is synchronous, for 1.5 ≤ s/d ≤ 3.0 it is quasiperiodic and for 3.0 ≤ s/d ≤ 4.0 it is chaotic in nature atRe = 100. These regimes are confirmed through cylinder Nusselt number signals, its power spectra, and heat wake interference. The appearance of heat transfer regimes for inline heated cylinders is similar to the appearance of flow regimes for inline unheated cylinders except for the fact that transition from synchronous to quasiperiodic regime occurs ats/d = 1.5 for heat transfer and ats/d = 1.1 for flow. The synchronous heat transfer regime is characterized by a single heat wake that envelopes all cylinders while quasiperiodic heat transfer regime is characterized by the formation of thermal blobs in the gap between cylinders. A chaotic heat transfer regime is characterized by the shedding of thermal blobs and interference of thermal blobs by downstream cylinders. Regardless of spacing, the average Nusselt number encountered by cylinders is smaller than that for the isolated cylinder. The novelty of the work is that transitions occurring in the flow of heat are considered for an understanding of heat flow from bluff bodies.
Blood‐based tumor fibrosis markers as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in patients with biliary tract cancer
Authors: Christensen Troels D. , Jensen Christina , Larsen Ole , Leerhøy Bonna , Hansen Carsten P. , Madsen Kasper , Høgdall Dan , Karsdal Morten A. , Chen Inna M. , Nielsen Dorte , Johansen Julia S. , Willumsen Nicholas
Published: December 2022

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is characterized by a desmoplastic extracellular matrix (ECM). We tested the diagnostic and prognostic use of seven circulating biomarkers of ECM remodeling: pro‐peptides of type III collagen (PRO‐C3), VI (PRO‐C6) and XI (PRO‐C11), matrix metalloprotease (MMP) degraded type III collagen (C3M) and type IV collagen (C4M) fragments, granzyme B degraded type IV collagen fragments (C4G) and MMP degraded and citrullinated vimentin (VICM) a marker of macrophage activation. The study included 269 patients with all stages of BTC and 49 patients with benign biliary tract diseases. Serum samples from BTC patients were collected before surgery, or before first‐ or second‐line chemotherapy. C3M, C4M, PRO‐C3, PRO‐C6, PRO‐C11 and VICM levels were elevated in patients with BTC compared to patients with benign disease. Receiver operating characteristics curve analyses identified PRO‐C3 (area under curve [AUC] = 0.87) as the ECM marker with the best diagnostic performance. The ECM biomarkers correlated with inflammation biomarkers (C‐reactive protein [CRP], interleukin‐6 [IL‐6] and YKL‐40) but not with CA19‐9. To investigate prognostic performance, patients were split into three cohorts (first‐line, second‐line and surgery). Elevated ECM biomarker levels were associated with short overall survival (OS), but only pretreatment PRO‐C3 and PRO‐C6 were associated with OS in both the first‐line and second‐line settings when adjusting for CA19‐9, performance status and stage in a multivariate Cox‐regression analyses. Our results indicate that collagen remodeling is increased in patients with BTC and associated with survival. The collagen pro‐peptides (PRO‐C3 and PRO‐C6) could be used as novel biomarkers in these patients.
Guide to lower urogenital tract neoplasia in dogs
Authors: Néčová Slavomíra
Published: December 2022

Background: With the improvement of healthcare in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer. However, this comes with a higher risk of cancer diagnosis, such as lower urogenital tract neoplasia. As veterinary medicine progresses, improved diagnostic techniques and treatment are becoming available and more pets may benefit from cancer treatment.

Aim of the article: This article summarises current information about lower urogenital tract neoplasia in dogs, and outlines the clinical signs, staging, differential diagnoses and treatment options that are available within the veterinary practice.
Introducing the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway: role of the farm vet
Authors: Statham Jonathan , Russell James
Published: December 2022

Background: The sustainable farming incentive (SFI), which is one of the schemes introduced in the Agricultural Transition Plan, aims to address specific environmental issues alongside food production. Part of this will involve making improvements to farming via the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to drive better standards and efficiency. Vets will be heavily involved in delivering this pathway, particularly through undertaking annual health and welfare reviews on farm.

Aim of the article: This article details to practitioners how the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway was developed and what it aims to achieve both in year one and its longer‐term ambitions. It also outlines how vets will play a vital role in the delivery of the pathway, and the benefits that this will bring for the profession, farming industry and wider society.
Clinical value of long non‐coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 in estimating the stenosis, lipid level, inflammation status, and prognostication in coronary heart disease patients
Authors: Zhu Lin , Feng Qiang , Fan Jie , Huang Jing , Zhu Yanling , Wu Yanqiang , Hou Aijun , Huo Yanfei
Published: December 2022

Objective

Long non‐coding RNA KQT‐like subfamily, member 1 opposite strand/antisense transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) could regulate lipid metabolism, vascular smooth muscle cell function, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 could serve as a biomarker for reflecting coronary heart disease (CHD) patients' disease situation and prognosis.

Methods

LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 expression was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 267 CHD patients, 50 disease controls (DCs) (unexplained chest pain), and 50 healthy controls (HCs) by the RT‐qPCR method. TNF‐α, IL‐17A, VCAM‐1, and ICAM‐1 were determined by the ELISA procedure in serum from CHD patients only. The mean (95% confidential interval) follow‐up duration was 16.0 (15.3–16.8) months.

Results

LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 was highest in CHD patients, followed by DCs, and lowest in HCs (p < 0.001). LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 could distinguish the CHD patients from DCs (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.757) and from the HCs (AUC: 0.880). LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 was positively associated with triglyceride (p = 0.026), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.023), cardiac troponin I (p = 0.023), and C‐reactive protein (p = 0.001). Besides, lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 was also positively linked with the Gensini score (p = 0.008). Furthermore, lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 was positively related to the TNF‐α (p < 0.001), IL‐17A (p = 0.008), and VCAM‐1 (p = 0.003). LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 was elevated in CHD patients with MACE compared to those without MACE (p = 0.006); moreover, lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 high was associated with shorter MACE‐free survival (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

Circulating lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 expression not only reflects the stenosis degree, blood lipid level, and inflammation status but also predicts the MACE risk, while a large‐scale study is needed for verification.
Exploring parental cystic fibrosis disclosure to well children
Authors: Boyer Amanda , Raraigh Karen , Riley Stephanie , Frank Julie
Published: December 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease and chronic illness, affects multiple organ systems and requires exceptional medical care and treatment. Few studies have assessed the diagnosis disclosure process to well children when their sibling(s) have CF, and none have evaluated the association between parental knowledge of CF and the disclosure of CF. The objectives of this study were to assess parental understanding of CF, demonstrate the most commonly shared topics and their frequencies of discussion with well children, and identify associations between parental understanding of CF and aspects of the disclosure process to well children. Parents were recruited from CF support organizations and asked to complete an online, anonymous survey. Individuals were eligible to participate in the study if they had at least one living child with CF and at least one living child without CF. Completed surveys from 48 individuals revealed that most parents began discussing a sibling's diagnosis of CF with the first‐born well child at 5.4 years old. Topics related to CF were discussed openly and as needed with their well children (n = 44). The most frequently discussed topic, and the topic ranked most important (1.93 of 5, SD: 1.17) by 40 participants (90.9%), was medical concerns and treatment for CF. Fewer parents (n = 18, 40.9%) reported discussing the financial impact of CF, and many ranked this as least important to share (4.64 of 5, SD: 0.75). The CF knowledge assessment revealed that participants were well‐informed about CF, with a mean total score of 8.9/10 (SD: 0.91). There were no associations between CF knowledge assessment scores, education level, income, and the topics discussed with well children. These results can be utilized by genetic counselors and other healthcare specialists in discussion with parents about the disclosure process of a diagnosis of CF to well children.
Impact of large amount of intra‐abdominal lavage on surveillance of surgical site infection after hepato‐pancreato‐biliary surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yasukawa Koya , Umemura Kentaro , Shimizu Akira , Kubota Koji , Notake Tsuyoshi , Hosoda Kiyotaka , Hayashi Hikaru , Soejima Yuji
Published: December 2022

Background/Purpose

In hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) surgery, the role and significance of intra‐abdominal lavage (IAL) for surgical site infection (SSI) is controversial.

Methods

This prospective study was performed between July 2020 and July 2022. A total of 150 patients, 10‐L IAL was performed. The lavage fluid at 1‐L, 5‐L, and 10‐L was subjected to bacterial culture examination. Risk factors for SSI were evaluated.

Results

Bacterial positivity rate significantly decreased as follows: 1‐L, 36% (n = 54); 5‐L, 27% (n = 41); 10‐L, 23% (n = 35) (36% vs 23%, p = .001). Patients with positive lavage fluid culture at 10‐L had significantly higher incidence of both incisional (37% vs 6%, p < .01) and organ/space (54% vs 3%, p < .01) SSI. Multivariate analysis revealed positivity for bacterial culture at 10‐L as the strongest independent risk factor for incisional SSI (OR 13.0, 95% CI: 3.86–43.6, p < .01), followed by postoperative pancreatic fistula (OR 11.7, 95% CI: 3.03–45.6, p < .01). Likewise, in organ/space SSI, positivity for bacterial culture at 10‐L was the strongest independent risk factor (OR 48.9, 95% CI:12.1–197.7, p < .01), followed by digestive reconstruction (OR 5.20, 95% CI: 1.45–18.6, p = .01).

Conclusion

IAL decreased the intraperitoneal contamination rate in a volume‐dependent manner and can be useful in the surveillance of SSI development in HBP surgery.