bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ranibizumab for Eyes Previously Treated With Pegaptanib or Bevacizumab Without Clinical Response
Authors: Kaiser Richard S. , Gupta Omesh P. , Regillo Carl D. , Ho Allen C. , Fineman Mitchell S. , Vander James F. , McNamara J. Arch , Brown Gary C.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To assess the safety and efficacy of ranibizumab in patients who had inadequate response to pegaptanib or bevacizumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In this single-center study, 19 patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) previously treated with pegaptanib (n = 1), bevacizumab (n = 13), or both (n = 5) received 12 monthly ranibizumab injections (0.5 mg). Outcomes were measured from start of previous therapy (baseline) to start of ranibizumab treatment (day 0) through 12 months.

RESULTS:

No drug- or injection-related adverse events and no serious adverse events were reported. At 6 and 12 months, 4 and 5 patients gained 3 or more lines of VA, respectively; 3 patients lost less than 3 lines of VA at 6 months, and 6 patients lost less than 3 lines at 12 months. At 6 and 12 months, VA increased by a mean (± standard error of the mean) of 2.06 ± 1.23 and 1.17 ± 0.62 lines, respectively. Central retinal thickness decreased by a mean of 62.65 ± 22.46 and 62.16 ± 29.20 μm at months 6 and 12, respectively. When stratified by pigment epithelial detachment (PED) status, patients without PED had better visual and anatomical outcomes than patients with PED.

CONCLUSION:

Ranibizumab has favorable safety and efficacy profiles for patients with AMD without previous response to pegaptanib or bevacizumab.
Lipase Activity among Bacteria Isolated from Amazonian Soils
Authors: Willerding André Luis , Oliveira Luiz Antonio de , Moreira Francisco Wesen , Mariana Germano Gomes , Chagas Aloísio Freitas
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was to select lipase-producing bacteria collected from different counties of the Amazon region. Of the 440 bacteria strains, 181 were selected for the lipase assay in qualitative tests at Petri dishes, being 75 (41%) lipase positive. The enzymatic index was determined during fifteen days at different temperatures (30°, 35°, 40°, and 45°C). The highest lipase activity was observed within 72 hours at 30°C. Twelve bacteria strains presented an index equal to or greater than the standard used like reference, demonstrating the potential of microbial resource. After the bioassay in Petri dishes, the selected bacteria strains were analyzed in quantitative tests onp-nitrophenyl palmitate (p-NPP). A group of the strains was selected for other phases of study with the use in oleaginous substrates of the Amazonian flora, aiming for the application in processes like oil biotransformation.
Severe hypoxia following video capsule endoscopy
Authors: Degani Adil T. , Forseen Caralee J. , Chang Albert S.Y.
Published: October 2011

Video capsule endoscopy is generally associated with gastrointestinal complications, but there have been few instances of asymptomatic aspiration. We present a 74-year-old male being evaluated for gastrointestinal bleed. A video capsule was deployed with no acute respiratory symptoms. However, after airway intubation for emergent gastrointestinal surgery, he developed profound hypoxia. The video capsule was found to be completely occluding his left main stem bronchus. Due to a significantly surgically altered airway secondary to previous head and neck carcinoma and the capsule’s difficult size and shape, the capsule was dislodged only through the use of a Fogarty catheter with eventual removal from the oropharynx using forceps.
Tension Pneumoperitoneum: Innovative Decompression of This General Surgical Emergency
Authors: Jones Alun E. , Godfrey Dean , Nash Guy F.
Published: October 2011

We describe the novel use of a cannula in decompressing a large tension pneumoperitoneum secondary to perforated sigmoid diverticulum, in which the patient did not subsequently require an emergency laparotomy. Needle decompression was successfully used as part of a conservative regimen, thus avoiding potentially high-risk surgery.
Palatal Ttiffening via Transoral, Retrograde Interstitial Laser Coagulation
Authors: Krespi Yosef , Kizhner Victor
Published: October 2011

Current treatment modalities for snoring may include mucosal removal, coblation or radiofrequency palatoplasty, injection snoreplasty and placement of palatal implants with described disadvantages. We introduce a new laser assisted method avoiding intraoral injury. A pilot study treating 13 loud snorers having an RDI < 8 was conducted. A diode laser coupled to a flexible fiberand a handle with curved needle was used. The fiber was introduced into the nasal surface of soft palate between palatoglossal and glossopharyngeal arches and advanced progressively anteriorly after pulling the uvula forward three times to create palatal scarring and stiffening. All responded to a phone survey. Six patients reported significant improvement, 4 had some improvement, 2 had mild improvement and one patient had no change. Pain score was moderate for 3 patients while the rest had mild pain. The laser harbors many advantages over other methods. Results with this technique are encouraging further studies.
The effects of data reduction on remotely sensed LiDAR-based DEMs
Authors: Immelman Jaco
Published: October 2011

LiDAR-derived DEMs can take weeks to process, thus minimising the effectiveness of timely solutions. In order to reach realistic processing times, data sets need to be reduced. However, data reduction needs to be conducted with the minimum loss of accuracy. This study investigates the effects of data reduction on LiDAR-derived DEMs.
Reconstruction of cracks and material losses by perimeter-like penalizations and phase-field methods: numerical results
Authors: Ring Wolfgang , Rondi Luca
Published: October 2011

We numerically implement the variational approach for reconstruction in the inverse crack and cavity problems developed by one of the authors. The method is based on a suitably adapted free-discontinuity problem. Its main features are the use of phase-field functions to describe the defects to be reconstructed and the use of perimeter-like penalizations to regularize the ill-posed problem. The numerical implementation is based on the solution of the corresponding optimality system by a gradient method. Numerical simulations are presented to show the validity of the method.
Long-time behavior of a Hele-Shaw type problem in random media
Authors: Požár Norbert
Published: October 2011

We study the long-time behavior of an exterior Hele–Shaw problem in random media with a free boundary velocity that depends on the position in dimensions

n ≥ 2

. A natural rescaling of solutions that is compatible with the evolution of the free boundary leads to the homogenization of the free boundary velocity. By studying a limit obstacle problem for a Hele–Shaw problem with a point source, we are able to show the uniform convergence of the rescaled solution to a self-similar limit profile and we deduce that the rescaled free boundary uniformly approaches a sphere.
Pinning of interfaces in random media
Authors: Dirr Nicolas , Dondl Patrick W. , Scheutzow Michael
Published: October 2011

For a model for the propagation of a curvature sensitive interface in a time independent random medium, as well as for a linearized version which is commonly referred to as Quenched Edwards–Wilkinson equation, we prove existence of a stationary positive supersolution at non-vanishing applied load. This leads to the emergence of a hysteresis that does not vanish for slow loading, even though the local evolution law is viscous (in particular, the velocity of the interface in the model is linear in the driving force).
Sociotechnical Challenges of Developing an Interoperable Personal Health Record
Authors: Longhurst C.A. , Slayton R. , Das A.K. , Gaskin G.L.
Published: October 2011

Objectives: To analyze sociotechnical issues involved in the process of developing an interoperable commercial Personal Health Record (PHR) in a hospital setting, and to create guidelines for future PHR implementations.

Methods: This qualitative study utilized observational research and semi-structured interviews with 8 members of the hospital team, as gathered over a 28 week period of developing and adapting a vendor-based PHR at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. A grounded theory approach was utilized to code and analyze over 100 pages of typewritten field notes and interview transcripts. This grounded analysis allowed themes to surface during the data collection process which were subsequently explored in greater detail in the observations and interviews.

Results: Four major themes emerged: (1) Multidisciplinary teamwork helped team members identify crucial features of the PHR; (2) Divergent goals for the PHR existed even within the hospital team; (3) Differing organizational conceptions of the end-user between the hospital and software company differentially shaped expectations for the final product; (4) Difficulties with coordination and accountability between the hospital and software company caused major delays and expenses and strained the relationship between hospital and software vendor.

Conclusions: Though commercial interoperable PHRs have great potential to improve healthcare, the process of designing and developing such systems is an inherently sociotechnical process with many complex issues and barriers. This paper offers recommendations based on the lessons learned to guide future development of such PHRs.
Aerosol chemical composition at Cabauw, the Netherlands as observed in two intensive periods in May 2008 and March 2009
Authors: Mensah A. A. , Holzinger R. , Otjes R. , Trimborn A. , Mentel T. F. , ten Brink H. , Henzing B. , Kiendler-Scharr A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Observations of aerosol chemical composition in Cabauw, the Netherlands, are presented for two intensive measurement periods in May 2008 and March 2009. Sub-micron aerosol chemical composition was measured by an Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS) and is compared to observations from aerosol size distribution measurements as well as composition measurements with a Monitor for AeRosol and GAses (MARGA) based instrument and a Thermal-desorption Proton-transfer-reaction Mass-spectrometer (TD-PTR-MS). An overview of the data is presented and the data quality is discussed. In May 2008 enhanced pollution was observed with organics contributing 40% to the PM1 mass. In contrast the observed average mass loading was lower in March 2009 and a dominance of ammonium nitrate (42%) was observed. The semi-volatile nature of ammonium nitrate is evidenced in the diurnal cycles with maximum concentrations observed in the morning hours in May 2008 and little diurnal variation observed in March 2009. Size dependent composition data from AMS measurements are presented and show a dominance of organics in the size range below 200 nm.
Study of OH-initiated degradation of 2-aminoethanol
Authors: Karl M. , Dye C. , Schmidbauer N. , Wisthaler A. , Mikoviny T. , D'Anna B. , Müller M. , Borrás E. , Clemente E. , Muñoz A. , Porras R. , Ródenas M. , Vázquez M. , Brauers Th.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The degradation of 2-aminoethanol (MEA) by the hydroxyl radical (OH) was studied in the European Photoreactor (EUPHORE), a large outdoor environmental chamber. High-Temperature Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry (HT-PTR-MS) and Fast Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) were used to follow concentrations of reactants in the gas phase. Aerosol mass concentrations were tracked with Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (AMS). The chamber aerosol model MAFOR was applied to quantify losses of MEA to the particle phase. The rate constant k(OH+MEA) was determined relative to the rate constant of the 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene reaction with OH and was found to be (9.2 ± 1.1)×10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, and thus the reaction between OH radicals and MEA proceeds a factor of 2–3 faster than estimated by structure-activity relationship (SAR) methods. Main uncertainty of the relative rate determination is the unknown temporal behaviour of the loss rate of MEA to chamber wall surfaces during the sunlit experiments. Nucleation and growth of particles observed in the experiments could be reproduced by the chamber model that accounted for condensation of gaseous oxidation products, condensation of ethanolaminium nitrate and nucleation involving MEA and nitric acid.
Impact of postglacial warming on borehole reconstructions of last millennium temperatures
Authors: Rath V. , González Rouco J. F. , Goosse H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The investigation of observed borehole temperatures has proved to be a valuable tool for the reconstruction of ground surface temperature histories. However, there are still many open questions concerning the significance and accuracy of the reconstructions from these data. In particular, the temperature signal of the warming after the Last Glacial Maximum is still present in borehole temperature profiles. It is shown here that this signal also influences the relatively shallow boreholes used in current paleoclimate inversions to estimate temperature changes in the last centuries by producing errors in the determination of the steady state geothermal gradient. However, the impact on estimates of past temperature changes is weaker. For deeper boreholes, the curvature of the long-term signal is significant. A correction based on simple assumptions about glacial-interglacial temperature changes shows promising results, improving the extraction of millennial scale signals. The same procedure may help when comparing observed borehole temperature profiles with the results from numerical climate models.
The anomalous high temperatures of November 2010 over Greece: meteorological and climatological aspects
Authors: Tolika K. , Pytharoulis I. , Maheras P.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. This paper presents an analysis of the exceptionally high maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures which occurred during November 2010 and affected the entire Greek region. This severe "warm cold-season spell" was unusual because of its prolonged duration and intensity for the entire month and particularly the maximum temperature anomalies, which in comparison with the 1958–2000 climatological average, exceeded 5 °C at several stations. Comparing the observed record with future projections from three regional climate models revealed that Tmax and Tmin, on several days in November 2010, exceeded the 90th percentile of the simulated data. An examination of the atmospheric – synoptic conditions during this period showed that the anomalous high temperatures could probably be related to the negative phase of the Eastern Mediterranean Pattern (EMP), with an intense pole of negative anomalies located over the British Isles, and to the east, a second pole of positive anomalies, centred over the Caspian Sea. Finally, an attempt is made to further investigate the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon, for example, the thermal forcing in the tropics (Niño 3 or Niño 3.4).
Volcanic hazard assessment for the Canary Islands (Spain) using extreme value theory
Authors: Sobradelo R. , Martí J. , Mendoza-Rosas A. T. , Gómez G.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The Canary Islands are an active volcanic region densely populated and visited by several millions of tourists every year. Nearly twenty eruptions have been reported through written chronicles in the last 600 yr, suggesting that the probability of a new eruption in the near future is far from zero. This shows the importance of assessing and monitoring the volcanic hazard of the region in order to reduce and manage its potential volcanic risk, and ultimately contribute to the design of appropriate preparedness plans. Hence, the probabilistic analysis of the volcanic eruption time series for the Canary Islands is an essential step for the assessment of volcanic hazard and risk in the area. Such a series describes complex processes involving different types of eruptions over different time scales. Here we propose a statistical method for calculating the probabilities of future eruptions which is most appropriate given the nature of the documented historical eruptive data. We first characterize the eruptions by their magnitudes, and then carry out a preliminary analysis of the data to establish the requirements for the statistical method. Past studies in eruptive time series used conventional statistics and treated the series as an homogeneous process. In this paper, we will use a method that accounts for the time-dependence of the series and includes rare or extreme events, in the form of few data of large eruptions, since these data require special methods of analysis. Hence, we will use a statistical method from extreme value theory. In particular, we will apply a non-homogeneous Poisson process to the historical eruptive data of the Canary Islands to estimate the probability of having at least one volcanic event of a magnitude greater than one in the upcoming years. This is done in three steps: First, we analyze the historical eruptive series to assess independence and homogeneity of the process. Second, we perform a Weibull analysis of the distribution of repose time between successive eruptions. Third, we analyze the non-homogeneous Poisson process with a generalized Pareto distribution as the intensity function.
Inferring internal properties of Earth's core dynamics and their evolution from surface observations and a numerical geodynamo model
Authors: Aubert J. , Fournier A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Over the past decades, direct three-dimensional numerical modelling has been successfully used to reproduce the main features of the geodynamo. Here we report on efforts to solve the associated inverse problem, aiming at inferring the underlying properties of the system from the sole knowledge of surface observations and the first principle dynamical equations describing the convective dynamo. To this end we rely on twin experiments. A reference model time sequence is first produced and used to generate synthetic data, restricted here to the large-scale component of the magnetic field and its rate of change at the outer boundary. Starting from a different initial condition, a second sequence is next run and attempts are made to recover the internal magnetic, velocity and buoyancy anomaly fields from the sparse surficial data. In order to reduce the vast underdetermination of this problem, we use stochastic inversion, a linear estimation method determining the most likely internal state compatible with the observations and some prior knowledge, and we also implement a sequential evolution algorithm in order to invert time-dependent surface observations. The prior is the multivariate statistics of the numerical model, which are directly computed from a large number of snapshots stored during a preliminary direct run. The statistics display strong correlation between different harmonic degrees of the surface observations and internal fields, provided they share the same harmonic order, a natural consequence of the linear coupling of the governing dynamical equations and of the leading influence of the Coriolis force. Synthetic experiments performed with a weakly nonlinear model yield an excellent quantitative retrieval of the internal structure. In contrast, the use of a strongly nonlinear (and more realistic) model results in less accurate static estimations, which in turn fail to constrain the unobserved small scales in the time integration of the evolution scheme. Evaluating the quality of forecasts of the system evolution against the reference solution, we show that our scheme can improve predictions based on linear extrapolations on forecast horizons shorter than the system e-folding time. Still, in the perspective of forthcoming data assimilation activities, our study underlines the need of advanced estimation techniques able to cope with the moderate to strong nonlinearities present in the geodynamo.
Near-surface climate and surface energy budget of Larsen C ice shelf, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Kuipers Munneke P. , van den Broeke M. R. , King J. C. , Gray T. , Reijmer C. H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Data collected by two automatic weather stations (AWS) on the Larsen C ice shelf, Antarctica, between 22 January 2009 and 1 February 2011 are analyzed and used as input for a model that computes the surface energy budget (SEB), including melt energy. The two AWSs are separated by about 70 km in the north-south direction, and both the near-surface meteorology and the SEB show similarities, although small differences in all components (most notably the melt flux) can be seen. The impact of subsurface absorption of shortwave radiation on melt and snow temperature is significant, and discussed. In winter, longwave cooling of the surface is entirely compensated by a downward turbulent transport of sensible heat. In summer, the positive net radiative flux is compensated by melt, and quite frequently by upward turbulent diffusion of heat and moisture, leading to sublimation and weak convection over the ice shelf. The month of November 2010 is highlighted, when strong westerly flow over the Antarctic Peninsula led to a dry and warm föhn wind over the ice shelf, resulting in warm and sunny conditions. Under these conditions the increase in shortwave and sensible heat fluxes is larger than the reduction of net longwave and latent heat fluxes, providing energy for significant melt.
A Review of the Predictive Role of Plasma D-Lactate Level in Acute Appendicitis: A Myth or Truth?
Authors: Unverir Pinar , Karcioglu Ozgur
Published: October 2011

Acute appendicitis (AA) is a common condition which warrants emergency surgery. Detailed history, physical exam, and laboratory findings are often nonspecific in suspected patients. There is substantial evidence to indicate that plasma levels of D-lactate were useful to establish a diagnosis of AA in the medical literature. It has been suggested that it is useful for patients with abdominal pain, especially patients with perforated AA. This paper is designed to highlight the value of D-lactate biomarker in establishing a diagnosis of AA. Based on the literature, it is not helpful for a decision of operation in patients with AA. According to the results of the studies, laboratory involvement was observed between plasma D-lactate level and the final diagnosis of AA, particularly in perforated appendices. It can be considered for routine use in patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain in the emergency department setting.
The Long Walk
Authors: Swee Mary Ellen
Published: June 2024

In this narrative medicine essay, a patient who has outlasted all the other patients with her diagnosis cannot explain why or how she has survived and decides to commemorate her good fortune with a long walk from her home to the hospital.
Ice‐Mediated Reactions and Assemblies in Diverse Domains
Authors: Wang Dan , Wu Jiahui , Wu Shaojun , Chen Xiaoting , Li Wei , Chen Xiaofei , Gao Chong , He Zhiyuan
Published: June 2024

In chemistry, biology, and materials science, ice‐mediated reactions and ice‐template assembly techniques are garnering increasing attention due to their unique advantages. Such approaches not only offer deep insights into the fundamental roles of ice in nature but also pave new avenues for various applications. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms and applications of ice‐mediated reactions and assembly. It begins by examining the principles of ice‐mediated reactions, particularly how certain chemical reactions are accelerated in the micro‐environment of ice through freeze‐concentration and freeze‐potential effects, and the relationship between the surface structure and properties of ice and chemical reactions. This work then studies significant chemical reactions within the realms of environmental, biological, and materials science engineering, shedding light on the role of ice in these reactions. Furthermore, this work explores the fundamentals of ice templating in material assembly, describe the main ice‐templating methods, and highlight the ice‐templated materials along with their diverse applications. This work concludes by summarizing the prospective challenges and untapped potentials in the field of ice‐mediated reactions and assembly. This review not only accentuates the transformative impact of ice‐mediated techniques in scientific domains but also serves as an useful guide for future research initiatives and practical applications in this burgeoning field.
A 2D Porous Cu3N Catalyst for Efficient CO Electroreduction to Multicarbon Products at an Ampere Level Current Density
Authors: Cheng Liming , He Dayin , Ma Xianhui , Deng Hongfan , Ruan Yaner , Sun Rongbo , Tian Lin , Zhou Huang , Chen Jian , Wang Xinqiang , Pan Hongge , Guo Wenxin , Wu Yuen
Published: June 2024

The maturation of CO2 electrolysis to CO technology has rendered a cascade catalysis scheme, utilizing CO reduction as a media step, a promising strategy to produce high‐value C2+ fuel. However, the current catalysts employed in CO electroreduction (ECORR) face severe hydrogen evolution reactions at high current densities. Herein, a 2D porous Cu3N (2D‐P‐Cu3N) catalyst is reported with outstanding ECORR performance prepared by a two‐step pyrolysis strategy. This strategy mainly relies on the sequential annealing of the Cu2(OH)2CO3 precursors in an oxidation and reduction atmosphere, which can not only convert it into high‐purity Cu3N, but also endow it with an abundant hierarchical pores structure. The pores can significantly improve the in‐plane conductivity and mass transfer capacity of Cu3N, enabling a C2+ faradaic efficiency exceeding 90% at a current density of 0.6 A cm−2. Even at an ampere grade current density of 1 A cm−2, it maintains an impressive 87% selectivity, surpassing most of the reported Cu‐based catalysts. In‐situ Raman spectroscopy confirms that 2D‐P‐Cu3N exhibits high coverage and adsorption of CO intermediates, thus enhancing C‐C coupling and promoting the generation of C2+ products. This discovery opens further exploration of catalysts for selective CORR to C2+ products.
Achieving 19.78%‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells by 2D/1A Ternary Blend Strategy with Reduced Non‐Radiative Energy Loss
Authors: Jiang Xiaolin , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Yifan , Ran Guangliu , Liu Wenlong , Lu Hao , Li Hongxiang , Wei Nan , Wei Zhengdong , Lin Yi , Ma Zaifei , Liu Yahui , Zhang Wenkai , Xu Xinjun , Bo Zhishan
Published: June 2024

Reducing non‐radiative energy loss (∆Enr) is critical for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). To achieve this, a small molecular donor, LJ1, is introduced as the third component in the host system D: A system (D18: BTP‐eC9‐4F). The cascade‐like energy level alignment of D18, LJ1, and BTP‐eC9‐4F facilitates efficient charge transfer. LJ1's good solubility in the processing solvent and high miscibility with BTP‐eC9‐4F delay the precipitation of BTP‐eC9‐4F, leading to improved phase morphology in blend films. Additionally, LJ1 increases spacing between the polymer donor (PD) and the small molecule acceptor (SMA), optimizing blend film morphology and reducing non‐radiative energy loss in OSCs. Ternary OSCs based on D18:LJ1:BTP‐eC9‐4F achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.43% with reduced ∆Enr. Notably, the ternary device using D18:LJ1:L8‐BO attains an outstanding PCE of 19.78%, which is one of the highest device efficiency for ternary OSC. The work highlights the effectiveness of the ternary blend strategy in enhancing OSC performance while minimizing ∆Enr.
Dynamic Covalent Hydrogel as a Single‐Dose Vaccine Adjuvant for Sustained Antigen Release and Significantly Elevated Humoral Immunity
Authors: Shi Zhiyuan , Gao Zihan , Zhuang Xinyu , Si Xinghui , Huang Zichao , Di Yaxin , Ma Sheng , Guo Zhaopei , Li Chang , Jin Ningyi , Huang Leaf , Tian Mingyao , Song Wantong , Chen Xuesi
Published: June 2024

Vaccine is the most important way for fighting against infection diseases. However, multiple injections and unsatisfied immune responses are the main obstacles for current vaccine application. Herein, a dynamic covalent hydrogel (DCH) is used as a single‐dose vaccine adjuvant for eliciting robust and sustained humoral immunity. By adjusting the mass ratio of the DCH gel, 10–30 d constant release of the loaded recombinant protein antigens is successfully realized, and it is proved that sustained release of antigens can significantly improve the vaccine efficacy. When loading SARS‐CoV‐2 RBD (Wuhan and Omicron BA.1 strains) antigens into this DCH gel, an over 32 000 times and 8000 times improvement is observed in antigen‐specific antibody titers compared to conventional Aluminum adjuvanted vaccines. The universality of this DCH gel adjuvant is confirmed in a Nipah G antigen test as well as a H1N1 influenza virus antigen test, with much improved protection of C57BL/6 mice against H1N1 virus infection than conventional Aluminum adjuvanted vaccines. This sustainably released, single‐dose DCH gel adjuvant provides a new promising option for designing next‐generation infection vaccines.
Multifaceted Hydrogel Scaffolds: Bridging the Gap between Biomedical Needs and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Mamidi Narsimha , De Silva Fátima Franco , Vacas Alejandro Bedón , Gutiérrez Gómez Javier Adonay , Montes Goo Naomi Yael , Mendoza Daniela Ruiz , Reis Rui L. , Kundu Subhas C.
Published: June 2024

Hydrogels are dynamically evolving 3D networks composed of hydrophilic polymer scaffolds with significant applications in the healthcare and environmental sectors. Notably, protein‐based hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix, promoting cell adhesion. Further enhancing cell proliferation within these scaffolds are matrix‐metalloproteinase‐triggered amino acid motifs. Integration of cell‐friendly modules like peptides and proteins expands hydrogel functionality. These exceptional properties position hydrogels for diverse applications, including biomedicine, biosensors, environmental remediation, and the food industry. Despite significant progress, there is ongoing research to optimize hydrogels for biomedical and environmental applications further. Engineering novel hydrogels with favorable characteristics is crucial for regulating tissue architecture and facilitating ecological remediation. This review explores the synthesis, physicochemical properties, and biological implications of various hydrogel types and their extensive applications in biomedicine and environmental sectors. It elaborates on their potential applications, bridging the gap between advancements in the healthcare sector and solutions for environmental issues.
Graphene‐Perovskite Fibre Photodetectors
Authors: Akhavan S. , Najafabadi A. Taheri , Mignuzzi S. , Jalebi M. Abdi , Ruocco A. , Paradisanos I. , Balci O. , Andaji‐Garmaroudi Z. , Goykhman I. , Occhipinti L. G. , Lidorikis E. , Stranks S. D. , Ferrari A. C.
Published: June 2024

The integration of optoelectronic devices, such as transistors and photodetectors (PDs), into wearables and textiles is of great interest for applications such as healthcare and physiological monitoring. These require flexible/wearable systems adaptable to body motions, thus materials conformable to non‐planar surfaces, and able to maintain performance under mechanical distortions. Here, fibre PDs are prepared by combining rolled graphene layers and photoactive perovskites. Conductive fibres (~500 Ωcm‐1) are made by rolling single‐layer graphene (SLG) around silica fibres, followed by deposition of a dielectric layer (Al2O3 and parylene C), another rolled SLG as a channel, and perovskite as photoactive component. The resulting gate‐tunable PD has a response time~9ms, with an external responsivity~22kAW‐1 at 488nm for a 1V bias. The external responsivity is two orders of magnitude higher, and the response time one order of magnitude faster, than state‐of‐the‐art wearable fibre‐based PDs. Under bending at 4mm radius, up to~80% photocurrent is maintained. Washability tests show~72% of initial photocurrent after 30 cycles, promising for wearable applications.
Pressure‐Induced Successive Phase Transitions and Optical Properties in Lu2SiO5
Authors: Qi Wenming , Hushur Anwar , He Lin , Tursun Rabigul , Gao Min
Published: June 2024

Herein, lutecium silicate is used as a rock example to investigate its two high‐pressure phases (7.4 GPa: HP‐II and 25.3 GPa: HP‐III) and lattice dynamics by in situ high‐pressure Raman scattering up to 35.1 GPa. The evidence for a highly symmetrical insulator HP‐III phase is obtained. Importantly, the high‐pressure structure (metastable phases) after pressure quenching is also intercepted, indicating pressure‐induced permanent densification. These findings provide Raman evidence for pressure‐induced successive phase transitions of highly symmetric insulators intercepted in prototype Lu2SiO5 and physical insights to explain the self‐regulation of rare earth‐rich regions in facilitating highly effective global carbon cycling.
Ultrafast Terahertz Superconductor Van der Waals Metamaterial Photonic Switch
Authors: Delfanazari Kaveh
Published: June 2024

The high‐temperature layered superconductor (HTS) BSCCO is one of the key quantum material platforms in THz science and technology. Compact, stable, and reliable BSCCO THz photonic integrated circuit components can be developed to effectively and efficiently control and manipulate THz wave radiation, especially for future communication systems and network applications. Herein, the design, simulation, and modeling of ultrafast THz metamaterial photonic integrated circuits are reported on a few nanometer‐thick HTS BSCCO van der Waals (vdWs), capable of the active modulation of phase with constant transmission coefficient over a narrow‐frequency range. Meanwhile, the metamaterial circuit works as an amplitude modulator without significantly changing the phase in a different frequency band. Under the application of ultrashort optical pulses, the transient modulation dynamics of the THz metamaterial offer a fast‐switching timescale of 50 ps. The dynamics of picosecond light–matter interaction, Cooper pairs breaking, photoinduced quasiparticles generation and recombination, phonon bottleneck effect, and emission and relaxation of bosons in BSCCO vdW metamaterial arrays are discussed for the potential application of multifunctional superconducting photonic integrated circuits in communication and quantum technologies.
Coherent and Incoherent Breathing Solitons in a Bidirectional Ultrafast Thulium Fiber Laser
Authors: Zhou Yi , Kang Jiqiang , Wong Kenneth K. Y.
Published: June 2024

Mode‐locked lasers are prone to exhibit a wide range of dynamics, including the coherent dissipative soliton with high robustness or the possible emission of incoherent pulse bursts. Herein, it is proposed to expand the notion of dissipative breathing solitons to incoherent localized formation, which is illustrated experimentally by reporting original coherent and incoherent breathing solitons generated in a 2 μm bidirectional ultrafast fiber laser. A real‐time spectral characterization of the breathing soliton dynamics with different coherence is provided, highlighting salient features of the self‐organization. The switching between coherent breathing soliton and noise‐like pulse is also experimentally demonstrated, corresponding to the multiple transient decoherence and coherence recovery. High behavior similarity exists in bidirectional solitons evolution owing to the common gain and loss modulation. Numerical simulations using a discrete laser model validate the experimental findings. This research generalizes previous observations of breathing solitons made in the coherent case and opens up new possibilities for generating breathers in various dissipative systems.
Pancharatnam–Berry‐Phase‐Based Plasmonic Metasurfaces Enable Wavelength‐Selective Directional Focusing and Vortex
Authors: Zhang Heyi , Zhu Chunhui , Song Zhengyong
Published: June 2024

Multifoci focusing has always been a problem that researchers continue to pay attention to and urgently needs to be solved. Metasurfaces display unprecedented capabilities and flexibilities to solve this problem. In this work, Pancharatnam–Berry (PB)‐phase‐based plasmonic metasurfaces are presented to realize wavelength‐selective directional focusing on the same focal plane. Ultrathin meta‐atoms with the half‐wave plate effect have only three layers, and 360° phase modulation is obtained by axially rotating gold strip based on PB phase. Two metasurfaces are designed to verify our strategy. Above all, a wavelength‐selective directional focusing metasurface is presented to converge right‐handed circularly polarized wave with wavelengths of 187, 271, and 355 μm at different predetermined positions at 810 μm. Next, the second metasurface exhibits the function that three vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentums with different topological charges can be produced under the irradiation of incident wave at the aforementioned wavelengths. In this research, a solid step is paved toward practical applications of flat photonics.
Protruding‐Shaped Co Polarization Field on Ultrathin Covalent Triazine Framework Nanosheets for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Ma Zhixue , Yin Huang , Lyu Pengbo , Xu Yuxi
Published: June 2024

Single‐atom photocatalysts (SAPs) engineered on various supports offer a promising pathway to efficiently convert CO2 into high‐valued products. However, most SAPs with near‐planar metal atom coordination structure suffer from low conversion efficiency, mainly due to the weak local polarized electric field which retards the reaction kinetics. Herein, this study reports for the first time a photocatalyst which simultaneously integrates protruding‐shaped Co single atom and strong polarization field in ultrathin crystalline covalent‐triazine‐framework nanosheets (donate as Co1/CTF‐NSs). Both experimental results and theoretical simulations demonstrated that giant local polarization field is successfully triggered on the Co1/CTF‐NSs, which induced directional charge migration and greatly promoted the separation of photogenerated carriers. The protruding‐Co centers enhanced the overlap between CO2 2p and Co 3d orbitals, thereby facilitating a strong affinity for CO2 adsorption. Furthermore, the local polarization fields between the protruding‐Co and CO2 drove the injection of a substantial number of electrons from Co 3d into CO2 π antibonding orbitals, leading to the effective activation and reduction of the CO2 molecules. Consequently, the as‐synthesized Co1/CTF‐NSs exhibited a remarkable CO production rate of 5391 µmol g−1 h−1 and a high selectivity (97.3%) under visible light irradiation, which represents one of the best molecular framework photocatalysts to date.
Multi‐strategy Grey Wolf Optimizer for Engineering Problems and Sewage Treatment Prediction
Authors: Tang Chenhua , Huang Changcheng , Chen Yi , Heidari Ali Asghar , Wang Shuihua , Chen Huiling , Zhang Yudong
Published: June 2024

Grey wolf optimizer (GWO) is a highly valued heuristic algorithm in many fields. However, for some complex problems, especially high‐dimensional and multimodal problems, the basic algorithm has limited computational power and cannot get a satisfactory answer. In order to find a better solution, an improved algorithm based on GWO is proposed herein. Gaussian barebone, random selection and chaotic game mechanisms are introduced into the GWO algorithm to enhance the global search ability. The GWO enhanced by three mechanisms is called CBRGWO. To verify the performance of CBRGWO, using IEEE CEC 2017 as a test function, CBRGWO is compared to five GWO variants, five basic algorithms, six advanced algorithms, and four champion algorithms. CBRGWO is evaluated using the Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Then, the stability of CBRGWO is analyzed. To verify that CBRGWO is still effective in practical application, CBRGWO is applied to five engineering problems and a water quality prediction problem. The experimental findings indicate that CBRGWO maintains excellent optimization ability in practical engineering problems.
A Stepwise Control of Multiple Magnetic Millirobots for Flow Manipulation Applications
Authors: Loganathan Dineshkumar , Hsieh Chia‐Ling , Ou Chen‐Yi , Chen Chia‐Yuan
Published: June 2024

Small‐scale magnetic robots are extensively recognized as promising untethered devices that can be controlled externally for numerous microscale applications. This study is proposed to address the independent control of multiple magnetic millirobots using an array of electromagnetic coils. Herein, each of the fabricated magnetic millirobots is magnetized with a dissimilar magnetization profile. Further, these millirobots are independently controlled using the mentioned magnetization strategy in addition to the supply of controlled current to each electromagnetic coil. To explore the physics of this combined stepwise approach in controlling the millirobots, theoretical and numerical investigations are carried out that further ensure the practical significance for broad applications. For demonstration purposes, three different shear‐induced flow manipulation experiments, including the particle manipulation task, fluid color transition task, and micromixing task, are conducted using more than one millirobot with distinct motions. A maximum of three millirobots controlled with different motions are employed in the micromixing task, and further, it is observed to achieve nearly 80% mixing efficiency within 45 s. The presented work with the introduced actuation system and motion control strategies can strengthen the existing methods of small‐scale robots for various applications, particularly for tasks that demand multiple millirobots.
Design and Scalable Fast Fabrication of Biaxial Fabric Pouch Motors for Soft Robotic Artificial Muscle Applications
Authors: Yilmaz Ayse Feyza , Ozlem Kadir , Celebi Mehmet Fatih , Taherkhani Bahman , Kalaoglu Fatma , Atalay Aslı Tunçay , Ince Gokhan , Atalay Ozgur
Published: June 2024

Soft pouch motors, engineered to mimic the natural movements of skeletal muscles, play a crucial role in advancing robotics and exoskeleton development. However, the fabrication techniques often involve multistage processes; they lack soft sensing capabilities and are sensitive to cutting and damage. This work introduces a new textile‐based pouch motors with the capacity for biaxial actuation and capacitive sensory functions, achieved through the application of computerized knitting technology using ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene yarn (Spectra) and conductive silver yarns. This method enables the rapid and scalable mass fabrication of robust pouch motors. The resulting pouch motors exhibit maximum lifting capacity of 10 kg, maximum contraction of 53.3% along the y‐axis, and transverse extension of 41.18% along the x‐axis at 50 kPa pressure. Finite element analysis closely matches the experimental data. The capacitance signals in relation to contraction motion are well suited for detecting air pressure levels and hold promise for applications requiring robotic control. Notably, it effectively elevates an ankle joint simulator at a 20° angle, highlighting its potential for applications such assisting individuals with foot drop. This study presents a practical demonstration of the soft ankle exosuit designed to provide lifting support for individuals facing this mobility challenge.
3D‐Printed Mechano‐Optic Force Sensor for Soft Robotic Gripper Enabled by Programmable Structural Metamaterials
Authors: Hegde Chidanand , Mysa Ravi Chaithanya , Chooi Aaron , Dontu Saikrishna , Tan Joel Ming Rui , Wong Lydia Helena , Alvarado Pablo Valdivia y , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: June 2024

Rapid deployment of automation in today's world has opened up exciting possibilities in the realm of design and fabrication of soft robotic grippers endowed with sensing capabilities. Herein, a novel design and rapid fabrication by 3D printing of a mechano‐optic force sensor with a large dynamic range, sensitivity, and linear response, enabled by metamaterials‐based structures, is presented. A simple approach for programming the metamaterial's behavior based on mathematical modeling of the sensor under dynamic loading is proposed. Machine learning models are utilized to predict the complete force–deformation profile, encompassing the linear range, the onset of nonlinear behavior, and the slope of profiles in both bending and compression‐dominated regions. The design supports seamless integration of the sensor into soft grippers, enabling 3D printing of the soft gripper with an embedded sensor in a single step, thus overcoming the tedious and complex and multiple fabrication steps commonly applied in conventional processes. The sensor boasts a fine resolution of 0.015 N, a measurement range up to 16 N, linearity (adj. R2–0.991), and delivers consistent performance beyond 100 000 cycles. The sensitivity and range of the embedded mechano‐optic force sensor can be easily programmed by both the metamaterial structure and the material's properties.
A Highly Durable and UV‐Resistant Graphene‐Based Knitted Textile Sensing Sleeve for Human Joint Angle Monitoring and Gesture Differentiation
Authors: Zhou Yi , Sun Yilin , Li Yangfangzheng , Shen Cheng , Lou Zhiyuan , Min Xue , Stewart Rebecca
Published: June 2024

Flexible strain sensors based on textiles have attracted extensive attention owing to their light weight, flexibility, and comfort when wearing. However, challenges in integrating textile strain sensors into wearable sensing devices include the need for outstanding sensing performance, long‐term monitoring stability, and fast, convenient integration processes to achieve comprehensive monitoring. The scalable fabrication technique presented here addresses these challenges by incorporating customizable graphene‐based sensing networks into knitted structures, thus creating sensing sleeves for precise motion detection and differentiation. The performance and real‐world application potential of the sensing sleeve are evaluated by its precision in angle estimation and complex joint motion recognition during intra‐ and intersubject studies. For intra‐subject analysis, the sensing sleeve only exhibits a 2.34° angle error in five different knee activities among 20 participants, and the sensing sleeves show up to 94.1% and 96.1% accuracy in the gesture classification of knee and elbow, respectively. For inter‐subject analysis, the sensing sleeve demonstrates a 4.21° angle error, and it shows up to 79.9% and 85.5% accuracy in the gesture classification of knee and elbow, respectively. An activity‐guided user interface compatible with the sensing sleeves for human motion monitoring in home healthcare applications is presented to illustrate the potential applications.
Enhancing Time Series Predictability via Structure‐Aware Reservoir Computing
Authors: Guo Suzhen , Guan Chun , Leng Siyang
Published: June 2024

Accurate prediction of the future evolution of observational time series is a paramount challenge in current data‐driven research. While existing techniques struggle to learn useful representations from the temporal correlations, the high dimensionality in spatial domain is always considered as obstacle, leading to the curse of dimensionality and excessive resource consumption. This work designs a novel structure‐aware reservoir computing aiming at enhancing the predictability of coupled time series, by incorporating their historical dynamics as well as structural information. Paralleled reservoir computers with redesigned mixing inputs based on spatial relationships are implemented to cope with the multiple time series, whose core idea originates from the principle of the celebrated Granger causality. Representative numerical simulations and comparisons demonstrate the superior performance of the approach over the traditional ones. This work provides valuable insights into deeply mining both temporal and spatial information to enhance the representation learning of data in various machine learning techniques.