bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of yttrium oxide‐specific peptides for future recycling of rare earth elements from electronic scrap
Authors: Maass Danielle , Boelens Peter , Bloss Christoph , Claus Gerda , Harter Sonja , Günther Dominik , Pollmann Katrin , Lederer Franziska
Published: January 2024

Yttrium is a heavy rare earth element (REE) that acquires remarkable characteristics when it is in oxide form and doped with other REEs. Owing to these characteristics Y2O3 can be used in the manufacture of several products. However, a supply deficit of this mineral is expected in the coming years, contributing to its price fluctuation. Thus, developing an efficient, cost‐effective, and eco‐friendly process to recover Y2O3 from secondary sources has become necessary. In this study, we used phage surface display to screen peptides with high specificity for Y2O3 particles. After three rounds of enrichment, a phage expressing the peptide TRTGCHVPRCNTLS (DM39) from the random pVIII phage peptide library Cys4 was found to bind specifically to Y2O3, being 531.6‐fold more efficient than the wild‐type phage. The phage DM39 contains two arginines in the polar side chains, which may have contributed to the interaction between the mineral targets. Immunofluorescence assays identified that the peptide's affinity was strong for Y2O3 and negligible to LaPO4:Ce3+,Tb3+. The identification of a peptide with high specificity and affinity for Y2O3 provides a potentially new strategic approach to recycle this type of material from secondary sources, especially from electronic scrap.
Hexagonal boron nitride nanomaterials for biomedical applications
Authors: Wang Congling , Long Yanyang , Deng Yuxian , Han Yuxin , Tishkevich Daria , Ha Minh Ngoc , Weng Qunhong
Published: January 2024

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanomaterials are a rising star in the field of biomedicine. This review presents an overview of the progress in h‐BN nanomaterials for biological applications. It begins with a general introduction of the structural characteristics of h‐BN, followed by the brief introduction of its physical and chemical properties, including thermal, band and mechanical properties, chemical reactivity, biodegradability and biocompatibility, then emphasizes on the recent progress in the biomedical applications including drug delivery, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), bioimaging and nanozyme, and ends with the challenges and perspectives related to the biomedical applications. The advantages of BN nanomaterials used for biomedical applications were analyzed, and their problems were also discussed, inspiring the future rational designs of the BN nanomedicines.
Combined assessment of progressive apraxia of speech brain microstructure by diffusion tensor imaging tractography and multishell neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging
Authors: Gatto Rodolfo G. , Meade Gabriela , Duffy Joseph R. , Clark Heather M. , Utianski Rene L. , Botha Hugo , Machulda Mary M. , Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L.
Published: January 2024

Background

Progressive apraxia of speech (PAOS) is characterized by difficulties with motor speech programming and planning. PAOS targets gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) microstructure that can be assessed using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and multishell applications, such as neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI). In this study, we aimed to apply DTI and NODDI to add further insight into PAOS tissue microstructure.

Methods

Twenty‐two PAOS patients and 26 age‐ and sex‐matched controls, recruited by the Neurodegenerative Research Group (NRG) at Mayo Clinic, underwent diffusion MRI on 3T MRI. Brain maps of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) from DTI and intracellular volume fraction (ICVF) and isotropic volume fraction (IsoVF) from NODDI were generated. Global WM and GM, and specific WM tracts were identified using tractography and lobar GM regions.

Results

Global WM differences between PAOS and controls were greatest for ICVF, and global GM differences were greatest for MD and IsoVF. Abnormalities in key WM tracts involved in PAOS, including the body of the corpus callosum and frontal aslant tract, were identified with FA, MD, and ICVF, with excellent differentiation of PAOS from controls (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves >.90). MD and ICVF identified abnormalities in arcuate fasciculus, thalamic radiations, and corticostriatal tracts. Significant correlations were identified between an index of articulatory errors and DTI and NODDI metrics from the arcuate fasciculus, frontal aslant tract, and inferior longitudinal fasciculus.

Conclusions

DTI and NODDI represent different aspects of brain tissue microstructure, increasing the number of potential biomarkers for PAOS.
Patients with chronic cluster headache may show reduced activity energy expenditure on ambulatory wrist actigraphy recordings during daytime attacks
Authors: Vandenbussche Nicolas , Van Der Donckt Jonas , De Brouwer Mathias , Steenwinckel Bram , Stojchevska Marija , Ongenae Femke , Van Hoecke Sofie , Paemeleire Koen
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the changes in activity energy expenditure (AEE) throughout daytime cluster headache (CH) attacks in patients with chronic CH and to evaluate the usefulness of actigraphy as a digital biomarker of CH attacks.

Background

CH is a primary headache disorder characterized by attacks of severe to very severe unilateral pain (orbital, supraorbital, temporal, or in any combination of these sites), with ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms and/or a sense of restlessness or agitation. We hypothesized increased AEE from hyperactivity during attacks measured by actigraphy.

Methods

An observational study including patients with chronic CH was conducted. During 21 days, patients wore an actigraphy device on the nondominant wrist and recorded CH attack‐related data in a dedicated smartphone application. Accelerometer data were used for the calculation of AEE before and during daytime CH attacks that occurred in ambulatory settings, and without restrictions on acute and preventive headache treatment. We compared the activity and movements during the pre‐ictal, ictal, and postictal phases with data from wrist‐worn actigraphy with time‐concordant intervals during non‐headache periods.

Results

Four patients provided 34 attacks, of which 15 attacks met the eligibility criteria for further analysis. In contrast with the initial hypothesis of increased energy expenditure during CH attacks, a decrease in movement was observed during the pre‐ictal phase (30 min before onset to onset) and during the headache phase. A significant decrease (p < .01) in the proportion of high‐intensity movement during headache attacks, of which the majority were oxygen‐treated, was observed. This trend was less present for low‐intensity movements.

Conclusion

The unexpected decrease in AEE during the pre‐ictal and headache phase of daytime CH attacks in patients with chronic CH under acute and preventive treatment in ambulatory settings has important implications for future research on wrist actigraphy in CH.
Ultrasound molecular imaging for early detection of acute renal ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Ren Ling , Zhao Yuzhuo , Wang Tiantian , Tong Yan , Zhao Ping , Nie Fang , Luo Yukun , Zhu Lianhua
Published: January 2024

Background

Microcirculatory perfusion disorder and inflammatory response are critical links in acute kidney injury (AKI). We aim to construct anti‐vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1(VCAM‐1) targeted microbubbles (TM) to monitor renal microcirculatory perfusion and inflammatory response.

Methods

TM carrying VCAM‐1 polypeptide was constructed by biological coupling. The binding ability of TM to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was detected. Bilateral renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) models of mice were established to evaluate microcirculatory perfusion and inflammatory response using TM. Thirty‐six mice were randomly divided into six groups according to the different reperfusion time (0.5, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h) and sham‐operated group (Sham group). The correlation of TM imaging with serum and histopathological biomarkers was investigated.

Results

TM has advantages such as uniform distribution, regular shape, high stability, and good biosafety. TM could bind specifically to VCAM‐1 molecule expressed by tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐treated HUVECs. In the renal IRI‐AKI model, the area under the curve (AUC) of TM significantly decreased both in the renal cortical and medullary after 2 h of reperfusion compared with the Sham group (p < 0.05). Normalized intensity difference (NID) of TM at different reperfusion time was all higher than that of blank microbubbles (BM) and the Sham group (p < 0.05). Ultrasound molecular imaging of TM could detect AKI early before commonly used renal function markers, histopathological biomarkers, and BM imaging. AUC of TM was negatively correlated with serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and Cystatin C (Cys‐C) levels, and NID of TM was linearly correlated with VCAM‐1, TNF‐α, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ultrasound molecular imaging based on TM carrying VCAM‐1 polypeptide can accurately evaluate the changes in renal microcirculatory perfusion and inflammatory response, which might be a promising modality for early diagnosis of AKI.
Research on an educational virtual training system for ship life‐saving appliances
Authors: Qiu Shaoyang , Ren Hongxiang , Wang Delong , Qu Yizhou , Sun Jian
Published: January 2024

Life‐saving appliances (LSAs) play a crucial role in maritime emergencies, and seafarers need to undergo rigorous professional training on these appliances to ensure their competence in maritime work. However, traditional teaching and training that mainly rely on real appliances have several limitations. To address these limitations, we have developed a virtual training system that enables multiperson collaborative operation. To guarantee the system's scalability and versatility, the system framework is designed to be modular. In the networking function section, we establish a network architecture and apply state synchronization mechanisms to ensure consistent scenarios across multiusers. Additionally, we propose an interaction management model and an evaluation model for collaborative training and evaluation. Two collaborative training modes are designed to enhance the flexibility of the system. To evaluate the effectiveness of our system, we select 72 trainees to participate in a training and evaluation experiment. The evaluation model is validated by comparing it with expert evaluations. The results show that trainees can gain a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities and accurately remember the collaborative operation sequence. The training effect is positive, indicating that our system can effectively facilitate the teaching and training of LSAs.
Teaching practice of wind turbine practical training based on virtual teaching platform
Authors: Xiaoju Yin , Xue Pan , Shiyu Lu , Zhiliang Du , Tingting Zhao , Xin Guan , Shuaijie Wang
Published: January 2024

The wind turbine components are bulky and costly. Undergraduate students majoring in wind power cannot achieve professional skills training in the laboratory. To deepen the understanding of wind turbine installation, a virtual simulation platform for the teaching exploration of wind turbine assembly practice course is developed. The goal of the platform is to build a virtual simulation installation process of each huge component of the wind turbine through the model, so that students can experience the experiential learning of the installation of the wind turbine, and experience the learning opportunities of the visualization of parts and the operability of the assembly process, so as to lay the foundation of wind power engineering practice for undergraduate students. The teaching of simulation working process based on wind turbine assembly process and performance characteristics is discussed. The results and questionnaires of students in three classes are counted. The teaching experiment shows that the average score of the experimental group is 4.5 points higher than that of the control group. This method can significantly improve students' interest in learning and academic performance, improve students' wind turbine assembly ability, and meet the actual needs of students majoring in wind power. The research shows that the platform can be effectively used as a practical teaching tool for wind power students.
Effects of socioeconomic status on enrollment in clinical trials for cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Donzo Maja Wichhart , Nguyen Grace , Nemeth John K. , Owoc Maryanna S. , Mady Leila J. , Chen Amy Y. , Schmitt Nicole C.
Published: January 2024

Background

To achieve equitable access to cancer clinical trials (CCTs), patients must overcome structural, clinical, and attitudinal barriers to trial enrollment. The goal of this systematic review was to study the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), assessed either by direct or proxy measures, and CCT enrollment.

Methods

The review team and medical librarian developed search strategies for each database to identify studies for this systematic review, which was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were as follows: studies published in relevant scientific journals between January 2000 and July 2022, primary sources, English literature, and studies conducted in the US. Sixteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The risk of bias assessment was conducted independently by two reviewers using the Newcastle Ottawa scale.

Results

The initial search yielded 4070 citations, and 16 studies were included in our review. Four of the studies included used patient reported annual income as a measure of SES, while the remaining 12 studies used patient zip code as a proxy measurement of SES. Consistent with our hypothesis, 13 studies showed a positive association between high SES (patient‐reported or proxy measurement) and CCT enrollment. Two studies showed a negative association, and one study showed no relationship.

Conclusions

The existing literature suggests that low SES is associated with lower participation in CCT. The small number of studies identified on this topic highlights the need for additional research on SES and other barriers to CCT participation.
Practitioner psychologists' perspectives on working with clients with psychosis in a South‐East Asian city‐state: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Wen Siying , Mankiewicz Pawel D.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Previous qualitative studies have investigated the experiences of undergoing an evidence‐based psychotherapy for psychosis among individuals affected by such condition. However, the literature investigating the perspectives, experiences and needs of psychological practitioners providing the treatment remains considerably underrepresented. In the context of Asian cultures, where pervasive stigma towards psychosis and mental health services exists and interferes with proactive help‐seeking, such research appears even more pertinent. To address the gap in the existing literature, this study utilised qualitative methodology to investigate the experiences of practitioner psychologists working with clients with psychosis in a South‐East Asian city‐state.

Method

Six fully qualified participants were recruited from the local mental health services via convenience sampling. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Transcribed verbatim data were then subjected to inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Four superordinate themes emerged, as follows: therapeutic alliance, cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) as primary approach, cultural influences and needs of practitioners.

Conclusions

Results indicated that both practitioner psychologists and their clients contributed collaboratively to the establishment of therapeutic alliance. Although CBTp was utilised as a principal psychotherapeutic approach, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was also valued. Necessary adaptations in the treatment were reflected on to address the specificity of local cultures, including the use of language and addressing pervasive public stigma. The necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration, localised training and supervision was also expressed.
Site‐Specific Anchoring a Luminescent Tag in a Protein with Non‐Emissive Iridium(III) Complex
Authors: Guo Shu‐Li , Xiao Yu‐Hao , Pan Bin‐Bin , Su Xun‐Cheng
Published: January 2024

Site‐specific modification of proteins with synthetic fluorescent tag effectively improves the resolution of imaging, and such a labeling method with negligible three‐dimensional structural perturbations and minimal impact on the biological functions of proteins is of high interest to dissect the high‐resolution activities of biomolecules in complex systems. To this end, several non‐emissive iridium(III) complexes [Ir(C−N)2(H2O)2]+OTF− (C−N denotes various cyclometalated ligands) were designed and synthesized. These complexes were tested for attaching a protein by coordinating to H/X (HisMet, HisHis, and HisCys) that are separated by i and i+4 in α‐helix. Replacement of the two labile water ligands in the iridium(III) complex by a protein HisHis pair increases the luminescent intensity up to over 100 folds. This labeling approach has been demonstrated in a highly specific and efficient manner in a number of proteins, and it is also feasible for labeling target proteins in cell lysates.
Left atrial appendage occlusion in patients suffering from advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 4 and 5). Long‐term follow‐up
Authors: López‐Tejero Sergio , Antúnez‐Muiños Pablo , Fraile‐Gómez Pilar , Sousa Gilles Barreira‐de , Rodríguez‐Collado Javier , Herrero‐Garibi Jesús , Blanco‐Fernández Fabián , Diego‐Nieto Alejandro , Delgado‐Lapeira Gonzalo C. , del Villar‐Moro M. Candelas Pérez , Martín‐Moreiras Javier , Sánchez‐Fernández Pedro L. , Cruz‐González Ignacio
Published: January 2024

Introduction and Objectives

Advanced chronic kidney disease (A‐CKD) combined with atrial fibrillation increases the risk of both thrombogenic and bleeding events. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) may be an alternative to oral anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic events. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of LAAO in patients with A‐CKD.

Methods

Comparison at long‐term follow‐up of patients diagnosed with and without A‐CKD (eGFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m2) who underwent LAAO between 2009 and May 2022.

Results

Five hundred seventy‐three patients were included. Eighty‐one (14%) were diagnosed with A‐CKD. There were no differences in sex, age, and cardiovascular risk factors, except for diabetes which was more frequent in patients with A‐CKD. The control group had higher rates of stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic. There were no differences in the CHA2DS2‐VASc score, although A‐CKD patients had a higher bleeding risk according to the HASBLED scale. Global procedural success was 99.1%. At follow‐up, there were no differences in stroke rate: at 1‐year (HR: 1.22, IC‐95%: 0.14–10.42, p = 0.861); at 5‐years (HR: 0.60, IC‐95%: 0.08–4.58, p = 0.594). Although bleeding events were higher in the A‐CKD group, no differences were found in major bleeding (defined BARC ≥ 3) at 1‐year (HR: 1.34, IC‐95%: 0.63–2.88, p = 0.464) or at 5‐years follow‐up (HR: 1.30, IC‐95%: 0.69–2.48, p = 0.434). Mortality rate at 5 years was higher in the A‐CKD patients (HR: 1.84, IC‐95%: 1.18–2.87, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

LAAO is an effective and safe treatment in A‐CKD patients to prevent ischemic events and bleeding. This strategy could be an alternative to oral anticoagulation in this high‐risk group of patients.
Serratus anterior plane block and postoperative pain control in obese patients undergoing S‐ICD implantation: A case series and literature analysis
Authors: Coletta Francesco , Schettino Francesca , Tomasello Antonio , Sala Crescenzo , Pisanti Massimo , Villani Romolo
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

We report five case series of obese patients with severe left ventricular ejection fraction impairment undergoing Serratus Anterior Plane Block during S‐ICD Implantation. This anesthesia approach has a reduced impact on the patient's hemodynamics and adequately manages postprocedural pain.

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) procedures are frequently performed under analgosedation or general anesthesia, leading to prolonged postoperative hospital stays and increased costs. This anesthetic technique may also have a greater hemodynamic impact, particularly in obese and cardiac patients. However, an alternative anesthetic technique can be employed: ultrasound‐guided serratus anterior plane block (US‐SAPB). We analyzed the anesthetic clinical course in 5 patients, 3 males and 2 females, who were obese (BMI ≥ 30) and underwent S‐ICD implantation for primary prevention using a two‐incision intermuscular technique and ultrasound‐guided serratus anterior plane block. All patients had a left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 35%. It significantly facilitated pain control during the procedure and, especially, in the postoperative phase. However, the data available in the literature are mostly derived from case reports and small comparative studies. Therefore, further studies with a larger sample size and direct comparison with general anesthesia or deep sedation are needed.
Manufacturing AAl2O4 (A=Cu, Co, Ni, Zn) Spinel Catalysts for Toluene Combustion: Elucidating the A‐site Replacement Effect on the Reactivity
Authors: Lv Yu , Yan Haiming , Liu Teng , Xu Junwei , Xu Xianglan , Fang Xiuzhong , Wang Xiang
Published: January 2024

To decode the A‐site substitution effect on the reactivity of Al‐based spinel complex oxides, a series of AAl2O4 (A=Cu, Co, Ni, Zn) compounds were manufactured and tested by toluene combustion. It was confirmed that a pure spinel crystalline phase has been successfully synthesized for all the catalysts. The toluene and CO oxidation activity are sequenced as CuAl2O4>CoAl2O4>NiAl2O4>ZnAl2O4. As discovered, both active surface O2− and acid sites are the two critical factors to determine the reactivity, which can adsorb and activate the reactants effectively to form active intermediates, possibly following a Mars‐van‐Krevelen pathway. The activity improves positively with the amount increasing of these two kinds of active sites, thus showing an evident A‐site replacement effect. CuAl2O4 owns the biggest numbers of these two kinds of active sites, thereby exhibiting the optimal catalytic activity. Moreover, it also shows good stability in a dry feed, and considerable ability to resist water vapor and sulfur poisoning. In‐situ DRIFTS results have indicated that benzyl, benzoate, benzaldehyde and benzoquinone might be the major reaction intermediates.
Research Progress and Outlook on Photocatalytic Conversion of Methane to Methanol
Authors: Jia Taikang , Wang Wenzhong
Published: January 2024

Methane, a main component of natural gas, shale gas, and combustible ice, is widely distributed in nature. The direct conversion and efficient utilization of methane have become crucial topics within the scientific community. However, two main challenges persist in this field: methane activation and overoxidation inhibition. Recently, research on this subject has reached its pinnacle stage. Herein, we present some works addressing these concerns, particularly employing photocatalytic approaches, and with a specific focus on strategies aimed at enhancing the selectivity towards methanol as the desired product. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and propose potential solutions for advancing direct methane‐to‐methanol conversion technology.
Effect of Gas Environment on Metal‐Support Interactions of Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Jin Shiqing , Wang Zhen , Li Didi , Wang Yiming , Zhu Minghui
Published: January 2024

Supported‐metal catalysts, pivotal for industrial applications, have their catalytic properties affected by metal‐support interactions (MSIs), which notably influence both their electronic and geometric characteristics. Therefore, understanding internal and external factors that influence MSIs is crucial for the rational design of catalysts. Our minireview focuses on the effects of the gas environment on the MSIs, particularly the morphological changes in metal nanoparticles, the migrating behavior of reducible supports (strong metal‐support interaction), and the compositional rearrangement of the catalysts (reactive metal‐support interaction). Future directions are suggested to elucidate the fundamental aspects of gas environment induced structural reconstruction of catalysts, including the quantitative analysis of dynamic behavior of both the surface and interface, atomic‐level insights into the structures of the metal, support, and interface under pertinent conditions through advanced in situ/operando characterization, and the in situ manipulation of structural reconstruction.
Temperature‐Dependent Electrochemical Performance of Ta‐Substituted SrCoO3 Perovskite for Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Guanfu , Liu Liyuan , Li Gang , Wu Shibo , He Jiahao , Zhou Yang , Demir Muslum , Ma Pianpian
Published: January 2024

Developing new electrode materials with good temperature‐dependent electrochemical performance has become a great issue for the deployment of hybrid supercapacitors with wide temperature tolerance. In this work, a series of Ta‐substituted SrCo1‐xTaxO3‐δ (x=0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) perovskites have been studied as positive electrodes for hybrid supercapacitors in terms of their structures, elemental valence states and electrochemical performances. Incorporating Ta into SrCoO3‐δ perovskite not only stabilizes the crystallite structure but also notably improves electrochemical activities. The SrCo0.95Ta0.05O3‐δ@CC delivers the highest specific capacity (Qsp) of 227.91 C g−1 at 1 A g−1, which is attributed to the highest oxygen vacancy content and the fastest oxygen diffusion kinetics. The hybrid supercapacitor SrCo0.95Ta0.05O3‐δ@CC//AC@CC exhibits a high energy density of 22.82 Wh kg−1@775.09 W kg−1 and a stable long‐term cycle life (5000 cycles) with 90.7 % capacity retention. As temperature increases from 25 to 85 °C, the capacitance properties are improved at elevated temperatures for both electrode and device due to the increased electrolyte conductivity. The outstanding electrochemical results present that SrCo1‐xTaxO3‐δ perovskite holds good prospects for hybrid supercapacitors with wide temperature tolerance.
Cu‐Catalyzed Coupling of Aliphatic Amines with Alkylboronic Esters
Authors: Dennis Francesca M. , Romero Arenas Antonio , Rodgers George , Shanmugam Muralidharan , Andrews Jonathan A. , Peralta‐Arriaga Samantha L. , Partridge Benjamin M.
Published: January 2024

We report a Cu‐catalyzed oxidative coupling of aliphatic amines with benzylic and aliphatic boronic esters to give high value alkyl amines, products found widely in applications from medicinal chemistry to materials science. This operationally simple reaction, which can be performed on gram scale, runs under mild conditions and exhibits broad functional group tolerance. The terminal oxidant of the reaction is O2 from the air, avoiding the need for additional chemical oxidants. Investigation into the reaction mechanism suggests that the boronic ester is activated by an aminyl radical, formed through oxidation of the amine by the Cu catalyst, to give a key alkyl radical intermediate. To demonstrate its utility and potential for late‐stage functionalization, we showcase the method as the final step in the total synthesis of a TRPV1 antagonist.
Insights into the hydrodynamics in the annular pipe of industrial‐scale top‐blown smelting furnace
Authors: Wan Zhanghao , Yang Shiliang , Tang Duzuo , Yuan Haibin , Hu Jianhang , Wang Hua
Published: January 2024

The coaxial jet consisting of swirl jet and axial jet plays a critical role in the industrial processes but is rarely investigated; therefore, it is numerically explored by means of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach in the present work. The force on the swirler, axial and tangential velocity at the annular pipe outlet, and the spatial distribution of swirl number (SN) are selected to evaluate the effect of geometrical parameters on the swirling performance. The results clarify that the velocity and their azimuthal components in the transverse cross‐section can be categorized into six segments based on high/low velocity values. The coaxial jets form a weak swirl with high axial, certain tangential, and low radial velocities. x‐ and y‐vorticity vary within −200 to 200 s−1. Coaxial jet mixing decays the SN. Based on the multi‐objective matrix analysis, swirler height has the largest effect on swirl performance followed by diameter, angle, and number based on analysis. Optimal parameters are 130° vane angle, 240 mm diameter, 10 vanes, and 250 mm height of the swirler.
HeteroPP: A directive‐based heterogeneous cooperative parallel programming framework
Authors: Wan Lanjun , Cui Xueyan , Li Yuanyuan , Zheng Weihua , Yuan Xinpan
Published: January 2024

Heterogeneous platforms composed of multiple different types of computing devices (such as CPUs, GPUs, and Intel MICs) have been widely used recently. However, most of parallel applications developed in such a heterogeneous platform usually only utilize a certain kind of computing device due to the lack of easy‐to‐use heterogeneous cooperative parallel programming models. To reduce the difficulty of heterogeneous cooperative parallel programming, a directive‐based heterogeneous cooperative parallel programming framework called HeteroPP is proposed. HeteroPP provides an easier way for programmers to fully exploit multiple different types of computing devices to concurrently and cooperatively perform data‐parallel applications on heterogeneous platforms. An extension to OpenMP directives and clauses is proposed to make it possible for programmers to easily offload a data‐parallel compute kernel to multiple different types of computing devices. A source‐to‐source compiler is designed to help programmers to automatically generate multiple device‐specific compute kernels that can be concurrently and cooperatively performed on heterogeneous platforms. Many experiments are conducted with 12 typical data‐parallel applications implemented with HeteroPP on a heterogeneous CPU‐GPU‐MIC platform. The results show that HeteroPP not only greatly simplifies the heterogeneous cooperative parallel programming, but also can fully utilize the CPUs, GPU, and MIC to efficiently perform these applications.
An examination of adults with atypical anorexia nervosa at admission to treatment at higher levels of care: An attempt to increase diagnostic clarity
Authors: Manwaring Jamie L. , Blalock Dan V. , Duffy Alan , Le Grange Daniel , Mehler Philip S. , Riddle Megan , Rienecke Renee D.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious illness with a high mortality rate and multiple physiological complications. The vague definition of atypical AN allows for subjective interpretation. This retrospective study aimed to focus future research on the operational definition of atypical AN by examining four factors associated with atypical AN at admission to higher level of care treatment.

Methods

Adults with atypical AN (n = 69) were examined within sample analyses among four groups: (1) >10% versus ≤10% weight loss; (2) weight loss within the previous 3 months versus >3 months; (3) engaging in purging behaviors versus absence of purging behaviors; and (4) endorsing versus not endorsing significant cognitive aspects of AN.

Results

Patients with atypical AN endorsed elevated ED cognitions on the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire and depressive symptoms; a lack of association was found between weight loss severity and weight loss time frame with depressive symptoms, eating concern, and restraint. Purging behavior was associated with a higher expected body weight percentage (%EBW) and dietary restraint, while greater AN cognitions were associated with a higher EBW and weight loss percentage. Few patients demonstrated bradycardia, hypophosphatemia, or amenorrhea.

Discussion

This study demonstrated the severity of ED cognitions and depressive symptoms in this atypical AN sample and provided directions for future studies in the nosology of atypical AN. It may be important to distinguish between individuals with atypical AN who are purging and those who are not. Atypical AN was associated with a low frequency of physiological disturbances.

Public Significance

This study provides further clarification regarding the operational definition of atypical AN; currently, a constellation of symptoms under Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders. This study was consistent with previous research in reporting severe eating disorder cognitions in adults with atypical AN, and noted the potential importance of distinguishing a purging distinction. A minority of patients in this study had physiological impairments.
A policy portfolio approach to plastics throughout their life cycle: Supranational and national regulation in the European Union
Authors: Eckert Sandra , Karassin Orr , Steinebach Yves
Published: January 2024

The environmental and health problems caused by plastics throughout their life cycle have attracted considerable public attention over the past decade, triggering policy responses in many constituencies. Similarly, interdisciplinary research on plastics has been burgeoning in the past few years, and political science contributions have covered the manifold root causes and consequences of this shift in public policy including media coverage, evolving discourses and policy agendas. In view of this policy relevance that drives scholarly inquiry, it is surprising that we lack a systematic assessment of the actual policy outputs. This article fills this lacuna by developing a policy portfolio approach to plastic regulation. To illustrate and substantiate our approach, we provide an exploratory analysis of EU plastics regulation over the last twenty years, complementing this with Denmark, Germany, and Poland as diverse cases of member state regulation. Overall, our research shows that the number of policy measures targeting plastics has massively increased both at the supranational and national level. This policy growth, however, varies across policy targets and instruments. Our findings highlight first, that the policy targets addressed are mainly located at the end of the plastics life cycle; and second, that the instrument choice is privileging the use of hierarchical forms of intervention over the use of market‐ or information‐based instruments. We discuss these features of the policy portfolio approach in light of existing research on plastics and life‐cycle‐oriented policy approaches such as the Circular Economy.
Multi‐Color Magnetic Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Achiral Perovskite (Cs+Pb2+X3) Quantum Dots
Authors: Amasaki Ryo , Kitahara Maho , Tanaka Senku , Imai Yoshitane
Published: January 2024

High‐performance optoelectronic materials require luminescent materials capable of intense photoluminescence (PL). However, controlling the optical properties of luminescent materials requires complex synthesis and purification procedures. Herein, we propose a simple method for obtaining circularly polarized luminescence from achiral inorganic quantum dots. This method involves applying north‐up and south‐up 1.7 T magnetic fields at 25 °C to five types of achiral antimagnetic perovskite‐Pb‐quantum dots in a solution state. The wavelengths of magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (MCPL) and PL of achiral perovskite‐Pb quantum dots were successfully controlled according to the type and composition ratio of halogen ions. The magnitude of MCPL, gMCPL, was on the order of |gMCPL|=10−3 in a wavelength range of 406–697 nm. Although the perovskite‐Pb‐quantum dots were achiral, the rotation direction of the MCPL could be controlled by varying the direction of the applied magnetic field.
Optimization analysis of ultra‐high‐rise steel structure construction based on carbon emission
Authors: He Jianian , Fu Lei , Hu Jie , Lv Yanwei , Chen Shizhe , He Zhiming , Miao Weilin
Published: January 2024

Carbon reduction is an important issue of global concern today, and with the construction industry accounting for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, carbon reduction research for the civil engineering industry is becoming increasingly important. The current research on carbon emission of buildings mainly focus on energy consumption, choice of building materials, and energy‐saving technologies. While different construction programs can affect the construction sequence and have a significant impact on carbon emissions, especially for ultra‐high‐rise steel structures. In this paper, carbon emission is introduced as the optimization objective, and a nodal optimization procedure based on carbon emission is given to explore the optimization scheme of ultra‐high‐rise steel structure construction based on carbon emission. Calculations using the carbon emission factor method were carried out to analyze the differences in carbon emissions between different construction schemes and to explore the impact of the method of carbon emission optimization. Results show that the combined lifting scheme can save 463.4 kg carbon emissions and reduce the number of lifts by 780 times.
The Pitfalls of Deep Eutectic Solvents in the Recycling of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Meles Neguse Samuel , Yoon Songhak , Lim Hyunjung , Jang Jueun , Baek Sungho , Jöckel Dennis M. , Widenmeyer Marc , Balke‐Grünewald Benjamin , Weidenkaff Anke
Published: January 2024

The exponentially increasing demand for lithium‐ion batteries and their limited lifetime lead to a significant increase in spent batteries. With the goal to address the sustainability and recyclability to minimize negative effects for the environment, an efficient process is vital to recover valuable materials from spent batteries by recycling. In this regard, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted huge interest, due to their unique ability to efficiently extract valuable metals from spent batteries, while also being rendered greener and more cost‐effective compared to current pyrometallurgy and/or hydrometallurgy. However, the DES approach also has its own set of challenges and drawbacks, which hinder the widespread use in the industry, including its restricted recyclability, high viscosity, low thermal and chemical stability, complex chemistry, as well as limited scalability. In this perspective, it is claimed that ongoing future research on the recycling of lithium‐ion batteries requires the exploration of alternative processes including modification of current hydrometallurgy processes, if the consistent improvements cannot be achieved in DES system for recycling valuable elements.
A flexible transparent graphene/metal–organic framework complex hybrid chemical sensor for highly sensitive ethanol detection
Authors: Kim Yong Hee , Choi Chang Ho , Song Hyun Woo , Lee Eun Kwang , Kim Dong‐Pyo , Oh Joon Hak
Published: January 2024

High‐performance flexible and transparent chemical sensors are key to achieving wearable electronics. Graphene with high transmittance and electrical properties is a suitable material for flexible and transparent chemical sensors. However, graphene has low detectivity to chemical substances. Here, we report hybrid chemical sensors fabricated by introducing a highly flat and smooth metal–organic framework (MOF) on graphene. The graphene chemical sensors functionalized with MOF on SiO2/Si wafer exhibit 22 times higher sensitivity of 6.07 μA ppm−1 in detecting ethanol than that of pristine graphene transistors of 0.28 μA ppm−1 and a low detection limit of 1 ppm. Furthermore, a flexible transparent 7 × 7 chemical sensor array exhibits great driving stability after the bending cycles of 105 at a bending radius of 1.0 mm and shows sensitivity of 0.11 μA ppm−1. Our findings demonstrate an efficient way to improve the chemical sensing ability of graphene for application in wearable chemical sensors.

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Bilateral fumarate hydratase deficient renal cell carcinoma in a patient with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome
Authors: Ono Akihiro , Nakamura Masaki , Takada Takuya , Miura Sakiko , Tsuru Ibuki , Izumi Taro , Kusakabe Masashi , Mitarai Sachiko , Nagashima Yoji , Kume Haruki , Morikawa Teppei , Shiga Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC) syndrome have high risks of uterine and cutaneous leiomyomas and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which are caused by germline mutation of the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene. RCC lesions are mostly high‐grade tumors with a poor prognosis.

Case presentation

A 37‐year‐old man who had previously undergone treatment for a left RCC was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of right RCC. Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy was performed, and the pathological diagnosis revealed fumarate hydratase (FH)‐deficient RCC. The left RCC, which was originally diagnosed as mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma, was reviewed and diagnosed as FH‐deficient RCC. The patient's father and uncle both died of RCC, and the father's tumor was also immunohistochemically proven to be FH‐deficient RCC.

Conclusion

HLRCC‐related RCC should be considered in a differential diagnosis of young patients with a family history of RCC.
Hepatobiliary Disease in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Roy C. C. , Weber A. M. , Morin C. L. , Lepage G. , Brisson G. , Yousef I. , Lasalle R.
Published: January 2024

The incidence of hepatobiliary complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) has been increasing in parallel with the rate of survival. Detection of hepatic involvement remains a problem, as liver function tests, serum bile acid determinations, and ultrasonography do not permit an early diagnosis. The pathogenesis of cholelithiasis has been elucidated in the past few years. However, the mechanism leading to the pathognomonic CF lesion, focal biliary cirrhosis, is still unknown. There are indications that mucus plugging may be the ancestral lesion and the triggering factor. The possibility that correction of the abnormalities of bile acid metabolism could slow the progress or prevent CF cirrhosis is discussed in light of recent experimental data.
Feeding Practices and Early Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Kuhr Murray , Paneth Nigel
Published: January 2024

We studied rates of early neonatal jaundice in 135 consecutive well newborns in relation to feeding practice. Breast‐fed infants had significantly (p < 0.01) higher rates of jaundice than bottle‐fed infants. In a subset of breast‐fed infants, sugar water intake in the first 3 days of life was significantly and inversely related to estimated volume of breast milk intake on the 4th day (r = −0.35, p < 0.05). Breast‐fed infants with high sugar water intake in the first 3 days, and low breast milk intake on the 4th day, tended to have higher rates of jaundice, but these results were not statistically significant. These data raise the possibility that in breast‐fed infants, sugar water intake may reduce the stimulus to nurse, and thereby increase the risk of jaundice.
Serum Phosphorus in Protein Energy Malnutrition
Authors: Freiman Ida , Pettifor John M. , Moodley Gopal M.
Published: January 2024

Phosphorus depletion in malnutrition has not generally received attention. Serum phosphorus was measured in healthy infants (1.8 mmol/L), in well‐nourished infants with acute dehydrating gastroenteritis, and in infants suffering from malnutrition. Serum phosphorus levels were found to be low in well‐nourished infants with acute dehydrating gastroenteritis (1.32 mmol/L) and exceptionally low in infants with kwashiorkor (1.10 mmol/L) especially when the latter condition was accompanied by severe diarrhoea (0.66 mmol/L). Hypophosphatemia, as well as hypokalemia, was associated with marked hypotonia. Low levels of serum phosphorus occurred in nine of the 10 malnourished children who died.
Increased Binding of Limulin to α2‐Macroglobulin and Immunoglobulin M from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Owens‐Williams Laurina , Shapira Emmanuel
Published: January 2024

In the present study the binding of limulin, a lectin with sialic acid specificity, to three serum glycoproteins from controls and cystic fibrosis patients was compared. α2‐Macroglobulin from patients with cystic fibrosis was shown to have significantly increased binding to the lectin limulin when compared to that from healthy controls (t = 3.6, p < 0.01). The binding of limulin to immunoglobulin M (IgM) from cystic fibrosis patients was also shown to be significantly higher than the binding to IgM from controls (t = 3.6, p < 0.01). whereas no detectable binding of fluorescein‐conjugated limulin to immunoglobulin G from either cystic fibrosis patients or controls was observed. These findings support the hypothesis that the underlying inherited defect in cystic fibrosis might be an abnormal synthesis or degradation of glycoproteins and glycopeptides.
Application of a Rapid Dark Adaptation Test in Children
Authors: Solomons Noel W. , Russell Robert M. , Vinton Elizabeth , Guerrero Aura‐Marina , Mejia Luis
Published: January 2024

The rapid dark adaptation test (after Thornton) has been shown to correlate with classical dark adaptation test results and vitamin A nutriture in adults. Using this test, 27 children in Guatemala (aged 5–12 years) and 18 children in Baltimore (aged 4 and 5 years) were studied. Plasma for vitamin A and zinc analysis was obtained from the Guatemalan children and dietary histories were obtained from the parents of the Baltimore children. All but two children (ages 4 and 5) were able to complete the study. For the Guatemalan group, the mean time to complete the test was 144 s. and for the Baltimore group, 171 s. Rapid dark adaptation test performance was significantly correlated to the dietary intake of vitamin A by a logarithmic model, p < 0.05. The rapid dark adaptation test appears to be acceptable for use in childhood populations and could complement biochemical determination of vitamin A and/or zinc in clinical settings, field surveys, and research.
Thyroxin‐Evoked Increase of Sucrase Activity in Lower Villus in the Jejunum of Adrenalectomized Suckling Rats
Authors: Bustamante Sergio , Neal Darren , Yamada Kazuhiko , Koldovskyý Otakar
Published: January 2024

Intestinal sucrase activity, absent in the suckling rat, is evoked precociously by thyroid hormones. Since enterocytes migrate from crypt to villus tip, the question arises: at which level of the villus–crypt columns do the enterocytes respond with an increase of sucrase activity to thyroxin (T4)? Suckling rats (11 days old) were injected daily, subcutaneously, with T4 (2 μg/g BW/day). They were sacrificed 1, 2, and 3 days later. Sucrase activity was determined in homogenates of the entire jejunal wall and in serial homogenates of the villus–crypt columns using cryostat sectioning. Maximal increase of sucrase activity was seen after 3 days in the lower villus. Experiments were also done using rats adrenalectomized on day 10 to exclude the effect via precocious maturation of adrenal cortex. The same results were obtained. In conclusion, T4‐evoked increase of sucrase activity occurs first in enterocytes that are nearest the villus–crypt junction.