bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Human Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Ocular Motor Behavior
Authors: PIERROT‐DESEILLIGNY CH , MÜRI R M , NYFFELER T , MILEA D
Published: April 2005

Abstract: The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is involved in the preparation of saccadic eye movements. Lesion studies and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies suggest that the human DLPFC is located in area 46 of Brodmann. The DLPFC has direct connections with the main cortical ocular motor areas, that is with the frontal eye field (FEF) and the supplementary eye field (SEF) in the frontal lobe; with several (associative, attentional, and motor) areas in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), including the parietal eye field (PEF); with the cingulate eye field in the anterior cingulate cortex; and directly downstream with the superior colliculus in the brainstem. Lesion and fMRI studies using the antisaccade paradigm have shown that the DLPFC is involved in the inhibition of unwanted reflexive saccades (triggered toward the target by the PEF), whereas the triggering of correct intentional antisaccades (made in the direction opposite to the target) may depend mainly upon the FEF. The DLPFC also controls short‐term spatial working memory involved in memory‐guided saccades, as shown by lesion and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies. By contrast, medium‐term spatial memory (after 25 s) may be controlled by the medial temporal cortex (MTC). Recently, TMS studies have suggested that the transmission of memorized information from the integrative parietal areas (PPC) to the MTC is performed via both an indirect pathway comprising the DLPFC (i.e., transmission in series) and a direct pathway bypassing the DLPFC (i.e., transmission in parallel). Furthermore, the DLPFC is involved in the preparation of predictive saccades (i.e., saccades made before the appearance of an expected target) and saccade sequences, and, therefore, also controls some aspects of temporal working memory. Lastly, the involvement of the DLPFC has recently been reported in tasks comprising a target selection or a directional decision to make for the forthcoming saccade. These different functions suggest that the DLPFC plays a major role in the decisional processes governing ocular motor behavior.
Short‐Latency Disparity Vergence in Humans: Evidence for Early Spatial Filtering
Authors: SHELIGA B.M. , CHEN K J , FITZGIBBON E J , MILES F A
Published: April 2005

Abstract: Our study was concerned with the disparity detectors underlying the initial disparity vergence responses (DVRs) that are elicited at ultrashort latencies by binocular disparities applied to large images. DVRs were elicited in humans by applying horizontal disparity to vertical square‐wave gratings lacking the fundamental (termed here, the “missing fundamental”). In the frequency domain, a pure square wave is composed of odd harmonics—first, third, fifth, seventh, etc.—such that the third, fifth, seventh, etc., have amplitudes that are one‐third, one‐fifth, one‐seventh, etc., that of the first, and the missing fundamental lacks the first harmonic. The patterns seen by the two eyes have a phase difference of one‐quarter wavelength, so the disparity of the features and 4n+ 1 harmonics (where n= integer) has one sign (crossed or uncrossed), whereas the 4n− 1 harmonics—including the strongest Fourier component (the third harmonic)—has the opposite sign (uncrossed or crossed): spatial aliasing. The earliest DVRs, recorded with the search‐coil technique, had minimum latencies of 70 to 80 ms and were generally in the direction of the third harmonic, that is, uncrossed disparities resulted in convergent eye movements. In other experiments on the DVRs, one eye saw a missing fundamental and the other saw a pure sine wave with the contrast and wavelength of the third harmonic but differing in phase by one‐quarter wavelength. This resulted in short‐latency vergence in accordance with matching of the third harmonic. These data all indicate the importance of the Fourier components, consistent with early spatial filtering prior to binocular matching.
Clinical Implications of a Mathematical Model of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: HAIN TIMOTHY C. , SQUIRES TODD M. , STONE HOWARD A.
Published: April 2005

Abstract: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most commonly diagnosed vertigo syndrome. It is caused by movement of detached otoconia within the inner ear (canalithiasis) or otoconia adherent to the cupula (cupulolithiasis). A mathematical model incorporating fluid dynamics of BPPV, which results in the following insights, has been developed recently: (1) The characteristic latency of BPPV is explained by movement of detached otoconia through the ampulla, as pressure caused by moving otoconia is negligible until otoconia enter the narrow duct of the semicircular canal. Typical otoconia move at a rate of 0.2 mm/s, or about 1% of the circumference of the canal each second. (2) Particle‐wall interactions can account for the considerable variability in duration and latency of BPPV. (3) Dispersion of a clump of otoconia creates more rather than less nystagmus. Thus, dispersion is not a viable explanation of fatigability. (4) Cupulolithiasis is predicted to cause a far weaker nystagmus than canalithiasis. (5) Inertial effects of treatment maneuvers cause negligible movement of otoconia.
Effect of 3,4‐Diaminopyridine on the Postural Control in Patients with Downbeat Nystagmus
Authors: SPRENGER ANDREAS , ZILS ELISABETH , RAMBOLD HOLGER , SANDER THURID , HELMCHEN CHRISTOPH
Published: April 2005

Abstract: Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) is a common, usually persistent ocular motor sign in vestibulocerebellar midline lesions. Postural imbalance in DBN may increase on lateral gaze when downbeat nystagmus increases. 3,4‐Diaminopyridine (3,4‐DAP) has been shown to suppress the slow‐phase velocity component of downbeat nystagmus and its gravity‐dependent component with concomitant improvement of oscillopsia. Because the pharmacological effect is thought to be caused by improvement of the vestibulocerebellar Purkinje cell activity, the effect of 3,4‐DAP on the postural control of patients with downbeat nystagmus syndrome was examined. Eye movements were recorded with the video‐based Eyelink II system. Postural sway and pathway were assessed by posturography in lateral gaze in the light and on eye closure. Two out of four patients showed an improvement of the area of postural sway by 57% of control (baseline) on eye closure. In contrast, downbeat nystagmus in gaze straight ahead and on lateral gaze did not benefit in these two patients, implying a specific influence of 3,4‐DAP on the vestibulocerebellar control of posture. It was concluded that 3,4‐DAP may particularly influence the postural performance in patients with downbeat nystagmus.
Comparison of Velocity Waveforms of Eye and Head Saccades
Authors: LIAO KE , KUMAR ARUN N. , HAN YANNING H. , GRAMMER VICTORIA A. , GEDEON BRIAN T. , LEIGH R.JOHN
Published: April 2005

Abstract: We compared the velocity waveforms of head and eye‐in‐head movements during eye‐head saccades over a range 5‐50 degrees. The velocity waveforms of eye‐in‐head saccades showed a skew ratio (acceleration period/saccade duration) that varied as a function of saccade size and duration. The velocity waveforms of head saccades showed a more constant skew of ∼0.5 for the range of movements tested. These results suggest independent system controllers for eye and head components of eye‐head saccades.
Fertility Preservation in Breast Cancer Patients: A Prospective Controlled Comparison of Ovarian Stimulation With Tamoxifen and Letrozole for Embryo Cryopreservation
Authors: Oktay Kutluk , Buyuk Erkan , Libertella Natalie , Akar Munire , Rosenwaks Zev
Published: April 2005

Purpose

To develop safe ovarian stimulation methods to perform in vitro fertilization (IVF) in breast cancer patients who wish to preserve their fertility via embryo cryopreservation before chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Sixty women (age range, 24 to 43 years) with breast cancer were prospectively studied. Twenty-nine patients underwent 33 ovarian stimulation cycles with either tamoxifen 60 mg/d alone (Tam-IVF) or in combination with low-dose follicle-stimulating hormone (TamFSH-IVF) or letrozole 5 mg in combination with FSH (Letrozole-IVF). After IVF, all resultant embryos were cryopreserved to preserve fertility. Recurrence rates were compared with controls (n = 31) who elected not to undergo IVF.

Results

Compared with Tam-IVF, both TamFSH-IVF and Letrozole-IVF patients had greater numbers of follicles (2 ± 0.3 v 6 ± 1 and 7.8 ± 0.9, respectively; P < .0001), mature oocytes (1.5 ± 0.3 v 5.1 ± 1.1 and 8.5 ± 1.6, respectively; P < .001), and embryos (1.3 ± 0.2 v 3.8 ± 0.8 and 5.3 ± 0.8, respectively; P < .001). Peak estradiol (E2) levels were lower with Letrozole-IVF and Tam-IVF compared with TamFSH-IVF. After 554 ± 31 days (range, 153 to 1,441 days) of follow-up, cancer recurrence rate was similar between IVF and control patients (three of 29 v three of 31 patients, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.29 to 7.4), and this estimate was not affected by cancer stage.

Conclusion

The combination of low-dose FSH with tamoxifen (TamFSH-IVF) or letrozole (Letrozole-IVF) results in higher embryo yield compared with Tam-IVF. Recurrence rates do not seem to be increased, but the letrozole protocol may be preferred because it results in lower peak E2 levels.
Flachheit: Eine nützliche Eigenschaft auch für Systeme mit Totzeiten (Flatness: A Useful Property also for Systems with Delays)
Authors: Rudolph Joachim
Published: April 2005

Die Trajektorienplanung sowie die Steuerung und die Folgeregelung nichtlinearer Systeme werden durch die Flachheitseigenschaft wesentlich vereinfacht. Davon zeugen zahlreiche Anwendungen im universitären wie im industriellen Bereich. Das Flachheitskonzept kann auf nichtlineare Totzeitsysteme und verteilte Systeme mit konzentrierten Stelleingriffen ausgedehnt werden. Anhand von Modellen chemischer Reaktoren wird beispielhaft in die flachheitsbasierten Methoden zur Systemanalyse, zur Trajektorienplanung und zum Reglerentwurf für nichtlineare Totzeitsysteme eingeführt.
Engineering in vernetzten, offenen, durchgängigen Systemen (Engineering in Linked and Open Systems)
Authors: Fay Alexander
Published: April 2005

Der Technologiewandel in der Automatisierungstechnik, insbesondere in der Prozessleittechnik, hat für das Engineering dieser Automatisierungssysteme vielfältige Konsequenzen. Der Beitrag berichtet von der Arbeit des GMA-Fachausschusses 6.12 (bis Ende 2004 FA 6.21), welcher sich mit dafür geeigneten Engineering-Methoden und Werkzeugkonzepten beschäftigt.
Work, Unemployment and Life Satisfaction among Patients with Diisocyanate Induced Asthma—A Prospective Study
Authors: Piirilä Päivi L , Keskinen Helena M , Luukkonen Ritva , Salo Suvi‐Päivikki , Tuppurainen Matti , Nordman Henrik
Published: April 2005

Work, Unemployment and Life Satisfaction among Patients with Diisocyanate Induced Asthma—A Prospective Study: Päivi L Piirilä, et al. Department of Occupational Medicin of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Finland—Occupational asthma has been found to be associated with lowered socio‐economic outcomes, an increased unemployment rate and a decreased quality of life. The compensation of occupational diseases is comparatively favourable in Finland. Our aim was to follow‐up the working status and life satisfaction of patients with diisocyanate‐induced asthma in 245 cases diagnosed during 1976–1992. A questionnaire was sent out on average 10 (3–19) yr after the diagnosis to the surviving 235 patients. The questionnaire was validated by re‐examining 91 of them clinically, and with spirometry, histamine challenge test and peak flow surveillance. Of the 213 responding patients, 14% were unemployed, and for 50% of them unemployment was caused by asthma. Unemployment was associated with nocturnal asthma symptoms (OR 10.93; CI 2.69– 44.452), increased PEF variability (OR 8.46; CI 1.52– 46.97) and with the use of short‐acting βsympathomimetic medication (p=0.045). Satisfaction with life was associated with present working (OR 3.50; CI 1.73–7.06) and with good condition of asthma as assessed by the use of asthma medication (OR 0.49; CI 0.27–0.89) and objective measurements of the asthma condition, e.g. PEF variability (OR 0.21; CI 0.08–0.59). As a conclusion, unemployment was remarkably low as compared with earlier reports and related to the period of simultaneous economic recession. Unemployment, as well as dissatisfaction with life were associated with poor conditions of asthma. Unemployment was associated with improper asthma care favouring the use of short‐acting βsympathomimetic medication. Proper follow‐up of asthma is essential for minimizing the social complaints of occupational asthma, as well as for enhancing life satisfaction.
The Associations between Menstrual Function and Life Style/Working Conditions among Nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Chung Fen‐Fang , Yao Chuan‐Chiang Chou , Wan Gwo‐Hwa
Published: April 2005

The Associations between Menstrual Function and Life Style/Working Conditions among Nurses in Taiwan: Fen‐Fang Chung, et al. Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Institute of Technology, Taiwan, R.O.C.—This study was aimed at understanding the relationship among menstrual pattern, dysmenorrhea, life style and working conditions in nurses. The nurses were randomly selected from a medical center in Northern Taiwan. Each subject completed daily records including life and working conditions during the study period. The study showed that there were statistically significant differences in work years, daily working hours and type of work shift among nurses that worked at different units in the hospital. In the perceived regular cycle group, nurses that worked the night shift only exhibited the shortest menstrual cycles, less than 25 d. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) among the nurses’ menstrual cycles. Many life factors (such as passive tobacco smoke exposure, perceived life satisfaction and perceived life stress) and working factors (such as work years, perceived work satisfaction and perceived work stress) were not significantly related to menstrual cycle regularity. In addition, 30% of the nurses complained of dysmenorrhea. Some factors including age, marital status and perceived life satisfaction were significantly related to dysmenorrhea. However, other life factors (such as passive tobacco smoke exposure, smoking, coffee, alcohol, cold drink habits, exercise and perceived life stress) and working factors (such as working places, type of work shift, daily work hours, perceived work satisfaction and perceived work stress) showed no correlation with dysmenorrhea. This study indicates that women should pay attention to their menstrual function and dysmenorrhea phenomenon.
Circulating Leukocyte Subsets Before and After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Kresovich Jacob K. , O’Brien Katie M. , Xu Zongli , Weinberg Clarice R. , Sandler Dale P. , Taylor Jack A.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Changes in leukocyte composition often precede chronic disease onset. Patients with a history of breast cancer (hereinafter referred to as breast cancer survivors) are at increased risk for subsequent chronic diseases, but the long-term changes in peripheral leukocyte composition following a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment remain unknown.

Objective

To examine longitudinal changes in peripheral leukocyte composition in women who did and did not develop breast cancer and identify whether differences in breast cancer survivors were associated with specific treatments.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prospective cohort study, paired blood samples were collected from 2315 women enrolled in The Sister Study, a US-nationwide prospective cohort study of 50 884 women, at baseline (July 2003 to March 2009) and follow-up (October 2013 to March 2015) home visits, with a mean (SD) follow-up interval of 7.6 (1.4) years. By design, approximately half of the included women had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer after enrollment and before the second blood draw. A total of 410 women were included in the present study, including 185 breast cancer survivors and 225 who remained free of breast cancer over a comparable follow-up period. Data were analyzed from April 21 to September 9, 2022.

Exposures

Breast cancer status and, among breast cancer survivors, cancer treatment type (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, or surgery).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Blood DNA methylation data were generated in 2019 using a genome-wide methylation screening tool and deconvolved to estimate percentages of 12 circulating leukocyte subsets.

Results

Of the 410 women included in the analysis, the mean (SD) age at enrollment was 56 (9) years. Compared with breast cancer–free women, breast cancer survivors had decreased percentages of circulating eosinophils (−0.45% [95% CI, −0.87% to −0.03%]; P = .03), total CD4+ helper T cells (−1.50% [95% CI, −2.56% to −0.44%]; P = .01), and memory B cells (−0.22% [95% CI, −0.34% to −0.09%]; P = .001) and increased percentages of circulating naive B cells (0.46% [95% CI, 0.17%-0.75%]; P = .002). In breast cancer survivor–only analyses, radiotherapy was associated with decreases in total CD4+ T cell levels, whereas chemotherapy was associated with increases in naive B cell levels. Surgery and endocrine therapy were not meaningfully associated with leukocyte changes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of 410 women, breast cancer survivors experienced lasting changes in peripheral leukocyte composition compared with women who remained free of breast cancer. These changes may be related to treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and could influence future chronic disease risk.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion With Cilioretinal Artery Sparing
Authors: Menia Nitin , Kapil Arun , Bansal Reema
Published: February 2024

This case report describes a diagnosis of central retinal artery occlusion in a patient in their early 30s who presented with decreased vision in the left eye for 1 week.
Examining the role of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in intimate partner violence among couples with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Flanagan Julianne C. , Hogan Jasara N. , Massa Andrea A. , Jarnecke Amber M.
Published: February 2024

Separate literatures indicate that both alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are robust risk factors for using intimate partner violence (IPV). Despite the strength of these relative literatures, and the common co‐occurrence of AUD and PTSD, their combined effects on IPV have rarely been examined. This study begins to address this gap by exploring the moderating effects of provisional PTSD diagnosis on the relation between heavy alcohol consumption and physical IPV using a multilevel modeling approach. Participants were adult romantic couples (N = 100) with current AUD and a history of physical IPV in their relationship. Results from the between‐couple comparison indicate that couples who reported more heavy drinking days also experienced more physical IPV when at least one partner had probable PTSD. However, the within‐couple comparison indicated that among partners without a provisional PTSD diagnosis, those with fewer heavy drinking days compared to their partner also reported more physical IPV perpetration. These preliminary and exploratory findings require replication and extension but provide new and important information regarding the complex intersection of heavy drinking, PTSD, and IPV among couples with AUD.
Implementation of a patient safety training program in radiation oncology residency: A pilot study
Authors: Chowdhury Imran H. , Garg Rashi , Huber Kathryn E. , Stambaugh Nathaniel P. , Stambaugh Cassandra
Published: February 2024

Purpose

An educational program using Radiation Oncology‐Incident Learning System (RO‐ILS) was developed to improve safety culture and training for radiation oncology (RO) residents.

Methods

The program included a pre‐training assessment, interactive training, integration of residents into quality assurance meetings, and a post‐training assessment over a 3 month rotation.

Results

Twelve residents completed the safety training program. Pre‐training assessment mean scores (five‐point scale) of experience with Incident Learning Systems (ILS), root‐cause analysis (RCA), failure‐mode and effect analysis (FMEA), safety training, and culture were 2.3, 2.8, 2.0, 4.0, and 4.4, respectively. Post‐training assessment showed a significant increase in ILS 4.0 (p < 0.001), RCA 3.8 (p = 0.008), and FMEA 3.3 (p = 0.006) and safety culture (4.8, p = 0.043). Additionally, residents were anonymously surveyed ≥ 10 months after graduation to determine the long‐term value of the program. The overall assessment from the graduated residents indicates that this education is valued by RO in many institutions. The majority of the residents are either currently utilizing or plan to utilize the information gained in this program in their new institutions.

Conclusions

We report a successful implementation of a safety training program in a RO residency with significant improvements in self‐reported confidence with the concepts of ILS, RCA, and FMEA and an improved perception of safety culture. This program can be implemented across all residency programs.
Synchronously Enhancing Mechanical Strength and Conductivity of MXene Nanofluidic Fibers with Multivalent Ion Crosslinking
Authors: Li Shuo , Yang Zhicheng , Hu Huimin , Wang Junchang , Yang Dongzi , Wang Yizhou , Zhang Liang , Tong Xiaoling , Xia Zhou , Chen Zhihui , Lian Xueyu , Shi Zixiong , Xu Xiangming , Guo Yinben , Alshareef Husam N. , Shao Yuanlong
Published: February 2024

Developing high‐performance nanofluidic fibers with synergetic ionic and electric conductivities is promising for human–machine interface interaction. In such a scenario, inter‐ and intra‐forces in constituent flakes are recognized as crucial factors in determining the derived nanofluidic fiber performance. In this work, the rheological properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene solution are systematically optimized by regulating the electrostatic interaction via introducing multivalent metal cations. As a result, such multivalent cations trigger ionic crosslinking and remarkably strengthen the interaction force between nanosheets, which even forms into a tight fiber‐shaped gel network. A series of cations, such as K+, Na+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Al3+, are introduced to enhance the ionic cross‐linking between interconnected flakes. The thus‐prepared Zn2+‐Ti3C2Tx fiber exhibits a remarkable electrical conductivity of 11 200 S cm−1, a tensile strength of 252 MPa, and an ionic conductivity of 2.51 × 10−3 S cm−1. This multivalent cation crosslinking strategy could offer some insights into developing functional nanofluidic fibers for wearable or healthcare applications.
Auger‐Assisted Secondary Hot Carrier Transfer in a Type I MoS2/PtSe2 Heterostructure
Authors: Yang Jin , Gong Shaokuan , Zhang Xiaguang , Liu Jianxun , Luo Wen , Lu Zhouguang , Liu Yanjun , Chen Xihan , Lienau Christoph , Zhong Jin‐Hui
Published: February 2024

Charge transfer is vital in determining the optoelectronic properties of atomically thin materials, yet remains elusive in type I heterostructures. Here, distinct two‐step charge transfer processes in a type I MoS2/PtSe2 heterostructure are reported. By exclusively exciting the smaller bandgap PtSe2, strong exciton photobleaching peaks of the larger bandgap MoS2 are observed, indicating primary hot carrier transfer from PtSe2 to MoS2 within 70 fs. More importantly, the amplitude of the exciton peaks shows a secondary increase after the initial rapid decay. These dynamics are distinctly different from the monotonic decrease in monolayer MoS2 and indicate a secondary charge transfer process that is attributed to hot carriers re‐generated in PtSe2 by intralayer Auger recombination. Concurrently, the exciton energy blue shifts within 100 ps, probing the dynamic buildup of a charge‐transfer induced electric field across the heterostructure interface, which displaces electron and hole wavefunctions of MoS2 excitons and reduces the exciton binding energy. The results are corroborated by carrier dynamics and transient absorption spectra simulations by considering the two‐step charge transfer processes. The work reveals Auger‐assisted hot carrier transfer processes in type I heterostructures and suggests the possibility for optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications by optical sub‐bandgap excitation.
Te Cluster Engineering for Tunable Optical Response
Authors: Dong Quan , Huang Yupeng , Chen Jingfei , Zhang Ke , Feng Xu , Li Xueliang , Qiu Jianrong , Zhou Shifeng
Published: February 2024

The construction of active materials with controllable optical response facilitates the development of advanced photonic devices. However, the achievement of robust active materials with wide wavelength tunable and broadband emission remains a great challenge, mainly due to the fixed energy levels of conventional active dopants and limited inhomogeneous broadening in common hosts. Here, the study proposes that the cluster in the mesoscopic scale of ≈1 nm may break this bottleneck issue and demonstrate a strategy for the management of photon emission by engineering the cluster evolution. The amorphous glass as the host to tailor the characteristic configuration of Te clusters from 1 to 2 nm by control of the topological structures in glass is employed. Impressively, it presents a distinct optical response totally different from the conventional active centers and this enables to construct of active photonic glass with continuously tunable emission from 888 to 1064 nm. More importantly, Te cluster‐activated photonic glass fibers are fabricated and the broadband on‐off gain is successfully achieved. Furthermore, benefiting from the unique tunable emission, novel near‐infrared devices are constructed and their application in imaging is demonstrated. The approach of cluster engineering mediated tunable optical response is believed to bring new opportunities for developing advanced photonic devices.
Monolithic Soft Fibrous Valves Capable of Generating Air Pressure Cutoff, Maintaining, and Oscillation for Pneumatic Systems
Authors: Lin Zhonghan , Shao Qi , Du Boyuan , Liu Xin‐Jun , Zhao Huichan
Published: February 2024

Soft pneumatic robotics are designed for safe and compliant interaction with the environment or humans. However, the pneumatic systems used for actuation and protection are still relatively bulky and rely on rigid components such as solenoid valves and pressure regulators. This study presents the design and analysis of soft fibrous valves (SFVs) with internal tiny channels and external helical structures, which could be used in soft pneumatic systems. Made from soft material, SFVs demonstrate unique capabilities in controlling pressure by partial expansion under specific pressure. Three types of SFVs are designed: 1) SFV‐C is designed to protect soft pneumatic actuators by cutting off airflow under excessive pressure; 2) SFV‐M maintains pressure in actuators when the input pressure abruptly drops, preventing potential damage to the operated object; 3) SFV‐O produces oscillating pressure output without electronic control supplied by constant pressure source. Theoretical modeling and experimental validations are conducted to investigate the performance of the SFVs under various stretching, twisting, and pressure conditions. Furthermore, fully flexible SFVs are designed to enhance their compliance and resistance to external impacts. Overall, the SFVs offer promising solutions for pressure control and protection in soft pneumatic systems, enabling safer and more effective operations in various scenarios.
Self‐Calibrated Flexible Holographic Curvature Sensor
Authors: Xiao Jianling , Plaskocinski Tomasz , Biabanifard Mohammad , Di Falco Andrea
Published: February 2024

Optical curvature sensors find regular use in deformation analysis, typically requiring pre‐calibration and post‐processing of the gathered data. In this work, a self‐calibrated curvature sensor based on flexible holographic metasurfaces operating in the visible range is presented. In contrast to existing solutions, the sensor can be fabricated independently from the target objects and provides an immediate readout of their curvature. The sensor consists of distinct patterned areas that create images of a reference scale and of a position indicator, which shift with respect to each other, as the metasurface is deformed. The results of this sensor are validated with an external calibration and critically discuss the types of deformations that the sensor can detect. This feature makes the sensor particularly attractive for applications where real‐time curvature monitoring is essential, such as in robotics, biomechanics, and structural health monitoring.
Tribovoltaic Effect: Origin, Interface, Characteristic, Mechanism & Application
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Gong Likun , Luan Ruifei , Feng Yuan , Cao Jie , Zhang Chi
Published: February 2024

Tribovoltaic effect is a phenomenon of the generation of direct voltage and current by the mechanical friction on semiconductor interface, which exhibits a brand‐new energy conversion mechanism by the coupling of semiconductor and triboelectrification. Here, the origin, interfaces, characteristics, mechanism, coupling effect and application of the tribovoltaic effect is summarized and reviewed. The tribovoltaic effect is first proposed in 2019, which has developed in various forms tribovoltaic nanogenerator (TVNG) including metal‐semiconductor, metal‐insulator‐semiconductor, semiconductor‐semiconductor, liquid‐solid and flexible interfaces. Compared with triboelectric nanogenerator, the TVNG has the characteristics of direct‐current, high current density (mA‐A cm−2) and low impedance (Ω‐kΩ). The two mainstream views on the tribovoltaic generation mechanism, one dominated by built‐in electric fields and the other dominated by interface electric fields, have been elaborated and summarized in detail. The tribo‐photovoltaic effect and tribo‐thermoelectric effect are also discovered and introduced because they can easily interact with other multi‐physical field effects. The TVNGs are suitable for making energy harvesting and self‐powered sensing devices for micro‐nano energy applications. This paper not only revisit the development of the tribovoltaic effect, but also makes prospects for mechanism research, device fabrication and integrated application, which can accelerate the evolution of smart wearable electronics and intelligent industrial components.
Concentric Hybrid Nanoelectrospray Ionization‐Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Source for High‐Coverage Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Single‐Cell Metabolomics
Authors: Xu Tianrun , Li Hang , Dou Peng , Luo Yuanyuan , Pu Siming , Mu Hua , Zhang Zhihao , Feng Disheng , Hu Xuesen , Wang Ting , Tan Guang , Chen Chuang , Li Haiyang , Shi Xianzhe , Hu Chunxiu , Xu Guowang
Published: February 2024

High‐coverage mass spectrometry analysis of single‐cell metabolomics remains challenging due to the extremely low abundance and wide polarity of metabolites and ultra‐small volume in single cells. Herein, a novel concentric hybrid ionization source, nanoelectrospray ionization‐atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (nanoESI‐APCI), is ingeniously designed to detect polar and nonpolar metabolites simultaneously in single cells. The source is constructed by inserting a pulled glass capillary coaxially into a glass tube that acts as a dielectric barrier layer. Benefitting from the integrated advantages of nanoESI and APCI, its limit of detection is improved by one order of magnitude to 10 pg mL−1. After the operational parameter optimization, 254 metabolites detected in nanoESI‐APCI are tentatively identified from a single cell, and 82 more than those in nanoESI. The developed nanoESI‐APCI is successively applied to study the metabolic heterogeneity of human hepatocellular carcinoma tissue microenvironment united with laser capture microdissection (LCM), the discrimination of cancer cell types and subtypes, the metabolic perturbations to glucose starvation in MCF7 cells and the metabolic regulation of cancer stem cells. These results demonstrated that the nanoESI‐APCI not only opens a new avenue for high‐coverage and high‐sensitivity metabolomics analysis of single cell, but also facilitates spatially resolved metabolomics study coupled with LCM.
Daytime Radiative Cooling under Extreme Weather Conditions
Authors: Hwang Jaesuk
Published: February 2024

Radiative cooling, taking advantage of the coldness of the sky, has a potential to be a sustainable alternative to meet cooling needs. The performance of a radiative cooling device is fundamentally limited by the emissivity of the sky, therefore depends heavily on the regional weather conditions. Although the sky emissivity is known to increase with the dew point temperature, the feasibility of radiative cooling remains elusive in the equatorial tropical climate, where the weather is humid, cloudy, and constantly changing. It is pointed out that a high degree of thermal insulation of the radiative cooling system can be effective under such extreme weather conditions. A new method to characterize dynamic sky conditions is presented, namely to measure the sky window emissivity in the zenith direction. It is shown that a sub‐ambient cooling up to 8 °C is possible during daytime and that the cloud base is not a complete blackbody and can be used as a heat sink for radiative cooling.
Mechanism and kinetics of self‐sensitized photocycloaddition of cyclohexenone and norbornene
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Xinfang , Guo Xiaolei , Ai Minhua , Shu Yumei , Shi Chengxiang , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji‐Jun , Pan Lun
Published: February 2024

Solar‐driven conversion of renewable biomass resources into high‐density hydrocarbon fuels can effectively realize biomass valorization and renewable energy conversion. In this work, an efficient self‐sensitized [2 + 2] photocycloaddition process is explored to develop highly strained fuel with high yield using norbornene and biomass‐derived cyclohexenone as feedstocks. The enhancement mechanism is revealed by phosphorescent measurement and theoretical calculation, and a reasonable reaction path for self‐sensitized [2 + 2] co‐cycloaddition is proposed. When using methanol as solvent, the apparent activation energy of co‐cycloaddition is 21.37 W/mol, which is lower than that of self‐cycloaddition (31.57 W/mol). Importantly, the jet‐fuel‐range highly strained fuel has high density (0.986 g/cm3) and high volumetric net heat of combustion (41.14 MJ/L), which are 5.34% and 4.39% higher than those of JP‐10, respectively. This work proposes a green and effective pathway for the preparation of high‐performance hydrocarbon fuel with polycyclic‐asymmetric structure.
Advancing Predictive Risk Assessment of Chemicals via Integrating Machine Learning, Computational Modeling, and Chemical/Nano‐Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationship Approaches
Authors: Singh Ajay Vikram , Varma Mansi , Rai Mansi , Pratap Singh Shubham , Bansod Girija , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas
Published: February 2024

The escalating use of novel chemicals and nanomaterials (NMs) across diverse sectors underscores the need for advanced risk assessment methods to safeguard human health and the environment. Traditional labor‐intensive approaches have given way to computational methods. This review integrates recent developments in chemical and nano‐quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) with machine learning and computational modeling, offering a comprehensive predictive assessment of NMs and chemicals. It explores nanodescriptors, their role in predicting toxicity, and the amalgamation of machine learning algorithms with chemical and nano‐QSAR for improved risk assessment accuracy. The article also investigates computational modeling techniques like molecular dynamics simulations, molecular docking, and molecular mechanics/quantum mechanics for predicting physical and chemical properties. By consolidating these approaches, the review advocates for a more accurate and efficient means of assessing risks associated with NMs/chemicals, promoting their safe utilization and minimizing adverse effects on human health and the environment. A valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, informed decision‐making, advancing our understanding of potential risks, is facilitated. Beyond studying systems at various scales, computational modeling integrates data from diverse sources, enhancing risk assessment accuracy and fostering the safe use of NMs/chemicals while minimizing their impact on human health and the environment.
PRKACA‐related, atrial defects‐polydactyly‐multiple congenital malformation syndrome in an Indian patient
Authors: Sithambaram Sivagamy , Jacob Prince , Neethukrishna Kausthubham , Bhavani Gandham SriLakshmi , Dalal Ashwin , Shah Hitesh , Girisha Katta Mohan
Published: February 2024

PRKACA‐related, atrial defects‐polydactyly‐multiple congenital malformation syndrome is a recently described skeletal ciliopathy, which is caused by disease‐causing variants in PRKACA. The primary phenotypic description includes atrial septal defects, and limb anomalies including polydactyly and short limbs. To date, only four molecularly proven patients have been reported in the literature with a recurrent variant, c.409G>A p.Gly137Arg in PRKACA. In this study, we report the fifth affected individual with the same variant and review the clinical features and radiographic findings of this rare syndrome.
The dementia care study (D‐CARE): Recruitment strategies and demographic characteristics of participants in a pragmatic randomized trial of dementia care
Authors: Yang Mia , Samper‐Ternent Rafael , Volpi Elena , Green Aval‐Na'Ree , Lichtenstein Maya , Araujo Katy , Borek Pamela , Charpentier Peter , Dziura James , Gill Thomas M. , Galloway Rebecca , Greene Erich J. , Lenoir Kristin , Peduzzi Peter , Meng Can , Reese Jordan , Shelton Amy , Skokos Eleni A. , Summapund Jenny , Unger Erin , Reuben David B. , Williamson Jeff D. , Stevens Alan B.
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

Pragmatic research studies that include diverse dyads of persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their family caregivers are rare.

METHODS

Community‐dwelling dyads were recruited for a pragmatic clinical trial evaluating three approaches to dementia care. Four clinical trial sites used shared and site‐specific recruitment strategies to enroll health system patients.

RESULTS

Electronic health record (EHR) queries of patients with a diagnosis of dementia and engagement of their clinicians were the main recruitment strategies. A total of 2176 dyads were enrolled, with 80% recruited after the onset of the pandemic. PLWD had a mean age of 80.6 years (SD 8.5), 58.4% were women, and 8.8% were Hispanic/Latino, and 11.9% were Black/African American. Caregivers were mostly children of the PLWD (46.5%) or spouses/partners (45.2%), 75.8% were women, 9.4% were Hispanic/Latino, and 11.6% were Black/African American.

DISCUSSION

Health systems can successfully enroll diverse dyads in a pragmatic clinical trial.
Total Synthesis of Dragocins A−C through Electrochemical Cyclization
Authors: Smith Brendyn P. , Truax Nathanyal J. , Pollatos Alexandros S. , Meanwell Michael , Bedekar Pranali , Garrido‐Castro Alberto F. , Baran Phil S.
Published: February 2024

The first total synthesis of dragocins A−C, remarkable natural products containing an unusual C4’ oxidized ribose architecture bridged by a polyhydroxylated pyrrolidine, is presented through a route featuring a number of uncommon maneuvers. Several generations towards the target molecules are presented, including the spectacular failure of a key C−H oxidation on a late‐stage intermediate. The final route features rapid, stereocontrolled access to a densely functionalized pyrrolidine and an unprecedented diastereoselective oxidative electrochemical cyclization to forge the hallmark 9‐membered ring. Preliminary studies suggest this electrochemical oxidation protocol is generally useful.
Building on Community Connections to Foster Environmental Justice
Authors: Dunn Alexandra Dapolito , Wettengel Jeffrey , Fader Zachary
Published: February 2024

Key Takeaways

Environmental justice is a significant community and social movement that continues to evolve.

As “anchor infrastructure,” water utilities are in a good position to meet this movement, using their relationships within their communities and experience with navigating complex issues.

New funding sources and “environmental big data” are opportunities for water utilities to improve their infrastructure and better protect public health in underserved communities.
Bilderkennungsmethoden für eine teilautomatisierte Inspektion von Brandschutzanlagen
Authors: Aziz Angelina , König Markus
Published: February 2024

Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht den potenziellen Einsatz von künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) und Computer Vision im Kontext des Building Information Modeling (BIM) für die Dokumentation von Brandschutzanlagen. Dabei werden Detektionsalgorithmen, insbesondere aktuelle You‐only‐look‐once‐ (YOLO‐)Modelle, genutzt, um Brandschutzeinrichtungen wie Feuerlöscher, Feuerlöschdecken, Rauchwarnmelder und Brandmelder automatisch in Bildern zu identifizieren. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine hohe Erkennungsgenauigkeit in Bildern. Zukünftig soll die automatisierte Detektion um die direkte Integration in BIM‐Modelle erweitert werden. Darüber hinaus wird die Bedeutung von Expertenwissen bei der Bestimmung des Löschmitteltyps eines Feuerlöschers thematisiert, um die Vorhersage einer KI‐basierten Brandschutzinspektion zu überprüfen und ggf. zu korrigieren. Durch die entwickelten KI‐Anwendungen wird eine Steigerung des Automatisierungsgrads bei Brandschutzinspektionen angestrebt, um die Sicherheit von Gebäuden in der Betriebsphase zu verbessern.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Camellia sinensis Leaf Extract: Promising Particles for the Treatment of Cancer and Diabetes
Authors: Hosen Md. Eram , Rahman Md. Ataur , Rahman Md. Sojiur , Akash Shopnil , Khalekuzzaman Md. , Alsahli Abdulaziz Abdullah , Bourhia Mohammed , Nafidi Hiba‐Allah , Islam Md. Asadul , Zaman Rashed
Published: February 2024

Both diabetes and cancer pose significant threats to public health. To overcome these challenges, nanobiotechnology offers innovative solutions for the treatment of these diseases. However, the synthesis of nanoparticles can be complex, costly and environmentally toxic. Therefore, in this study, we successfully synthesized Camellia sinensis silver nanoparticles (CS‐AgNPs) biologically from methanolic leaf extract of C. sinensis and as confirmed by the visual appearance which exhibited strong absorption at 456 nm in UV‐visible spectroscopy. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that phytochemicals of C. sinensis were coated with AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the spherical shape of CS‐AgNPs, with a size of 15.954 nm, while X‐ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD) analysis detected a size of 20.32 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the thermal stability of CS‐AgNPs. The synthesized CS‐AgNPs significantly inhibited the ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell growth with 53.42±1.101 %. The EAC cell line induced mice exhibited increased level of the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), however this elevated serum parameter significantly reduced and controlled by the treatment with CS‐AgNPs. Moreover, in a streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice model, CS‐AgNPs greatly reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and creatinine levels. These findings highlight that the synthesized CS‐AgNPs have significant anticancer and antidiabetic activities that could be used as promising particles for the treatment of these major diseases. However, pre‐clinical and clinical trial should be addressed before use this particles as therapeutics agents.
Counseling trainees’ academic burnout, meaningful work, and career choice satisfaction: A resilience framework
Authors: Um Byeolbee , Seon Youngwoon
Published: February 2024

This study focused on examining counseling trainees’ perceptions of meaningful work as a resilience factor against decreased career choice satisfaction, which is related to burnout experience. As a result of latent moderated structural equation modeling, academic burnout and meaningful work were significantly related to career choice satisfaction. Furthermore, meaningful work significantly buffered the negative relationship between academic burnout and career choice satisfaction. Our findings suggest that meaningful work plays both compensatory and protective roles against the negative effect of academic burnout on career choice satisfaction. We provided implications for counselor training and preparation.
Tungsten Carbide‐Based Materials for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting: A Review
Authors: Rafique Moniba , Fu Qiang , Han Jiecai , Wang Ran , Yao Tai , Wang Xianjie , Song Bo
Published: February 2024

Hydrogen has garnered considerable attention as an environmentally friendly due to its sustainability and exceptional energy density, surpassing other chemical fuels. For H2 production, electrochemical water splitting is an economically viable and eco‐friendly method. Developing well‐organized electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting is pivotal in enabling long‐term hydrogen production, the critical component in the transition toward a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable energy landscape. During the last decades, to aid in oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions, numerous tungsten carbide‐based electrocatalysts have been established. WC developed as a promising candidate for electrolytic hydrogen generation. This review first explores the historical background and fundamental mechanisms underlying water splitting and subsequently investigates the field of WC‐based electrocatalysts. Furthermore, in both HER and OER, the thorough analysis examines the electrocatalytic performance of electrocatalysts based on WC. Finally, it discusses the challenges and prospects of developing WC‐based electrocatalysts for OER and HER, shedding light on their potential contributions to the sustainable energy landscape.
Inhibitive Action of Sulfide Ions on Corrosion and Enhancing Charge‐Discharge Efficiency of Zinc and Zinc‐Indium Alloy as Anode for Alkaline Batteries
Authors: El‐Lateef Hany M. Abd , Elrouby Mahmoud , El‐Shafy Shilkamy Hoda A. , El‐Rahman El‐Sayed Abd
Published: February 2024

The obtained data reveal that the coverage of surface (θ) and protection efficiency (η%) for the studied electrodes increases gradually as the inhibitor concentration increases. Tafel plot is carried out at variant temperatures in the investigated basic electrolyte containing 1×10−1 M of S ions. This study reveals that the activation energy barrier of the studied alloy is higher than that of pristine zinc anode at a fixed inhibitor concentration. It is observed that ▵Goads. and η% values rise with rising solution temperature, indicating that S ions adsorption on the studied electrode surfaces occurs by a chemisorption mechanism. Other calculations are made for the additional thermodynamic parameters such as ▵Hoadsand ▵Soads. The zinc anodes get more efficient when S ions are added to the solution, considerably decreasing electrochemical polarization. In addition, the presence of indium sulfide improves the exposed surface area of the alloy, supplying additional improvement in charge‐discharge efficiency. Density functional theory (DFT) is utilized to extract the quantum data to acquire a deeper understanding of the chemical processes between sulfide ions at the interface.