bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ser contemporâneo, sobrevivendo às classificações do pensamento sociológico
Authors: Silva Augusto Santos
Published: September 2014

O pensamento sociológico é muito influenciado por classificações de natureza dicotómica. Uma, especialmente influente, é a que se organiza em torno da categoria de modernidade, e que opõe quer moderno a pré-moderno, quer pós-moderno a moderno. Mas o que queremos dizer quando usamos estas categorias e fazemos este tipo de oposições binárias? Elas ainda fazem sentido hoje, para a teoria sociológica? Elas só podem ser empregues em dicotomias, ou há formas alternativas e mais produtivas? Este artigo procura responder a estas questões. Primeiro, mostra a enorme influência cultural e teórica da ideia de modernidade e das categorias que dela decorrem. Depois, que estas categorias devem ser consideradas na sua tensão relativa: ainda somos modernos e já não somos só modernos. Em seguida, que a redução dessa tensão à forma de uma dicotomia empobrece e enviesa a explicação sociológica. Finalmente, o artigo sugere um posicionamento ao mesmo tempo mais modesto e mais aberto, em matéria epistemológica: definirmo-nos apenas como contemporâneos, isto é membros da nossa circunstância, mas capazes de mobilizar todas as possibilidades que ela nos confere.
"O pessoal está interessado numa tour": ritos de procrastinação das cenas musicais underground
Authors: Gomes Rui Telmo
Published: September 2014

A relação entre culturas juvenis e música é objeto de estudo com um longo desenvolvimento na perspetiva do ritual. O presente artigo foca não tanto o significado metafórico, mas a prática padronizada e os quadros de interação da cena musical underground, baseando-se num extenso trabalho de observação realizado em Lisboa na década de 2000. Os estratagemas de envolvimento e sustentação de uma prática estética precária são definidos como ritos de procrastinação e debatidos enquanto formas culturais liminares nas sociedades contemporâneas pós-industriais.
Timing of Delivery and Neonatal Outcomes for Small‐for‐Gestational‐Age Fetuses
Authors: Visentin Silvia , Londero Ambrogio Pietro , Grumolato Francesca , Trevisanuto Daniele , Zanardo Vincenzo , Ambrosini Guido , Cosmi Erich
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To investigate whether antenatal recognition of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses with normal maternal and fetal Doppler values delivered after 34 weeks' gestation is associated with changes in the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 313 singleton SGA fetuses and 313 appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age control fetuses born between 34 and 42 weeks' gestation from 2009 to 2012. Small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses identified before delivery (n = 124), for whom antenatal surveillance was performed until delivery (estimated fetal weight twice weekly and Doppler evaluation of the fetal compartment once weekly), were compared to those not identified at delivery (n = 189). The latter group did not undergo antenatal surveillance for several reasons (women for whom a sonographic evaluation or gynecologic consultation was not performed in the third trimester and incorrect sonographic biometric evaluation in the third trimester). Main outcome measures were mode of delivery, perinatal complications, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. The risk of serious fetal complications was assessed by cross‐tabulation analysis adjusted for gestational age and degree of SGA.

Results

Prenatally recognized SGA fetuses were smaller and delivered earlier than unrecognized SGA fetuses (P< .05). Fetal acidemia (pH <7.10) was significantly more common in unrecognized SGA fetuses (3.7% versus 0%). Small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses at or below the 3rd percentile were more commonly recognized prenatally and hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. Unrecognized SGA fetuses also had worse fetal outcomes compared to controls (P< .05). Recognized and unrecognized SGA fetuses were born significantly more frequently by cesarean delivery (P < .05). No significant differences in perinatal outcomes were found between recognized SGA deliveries with or without medical induction.

Conclusions

Antenatal recognition of SGA fetuses delivered after 34 weeks' gestation might improve perinatal outcomes. Medical induction of labor did not modify neonatal outcomes among prenatally recognized SGA fetuses.
Detection of Fetal Structural Anomalies in a Basic First‐Trimester Screening Program for Aneuploidy
Authors: Bromley Bryann , Shipp Thomas D. , Lyons Jennifer , Navathe Reshama S. , Groszmann Yvette , Benacerraf Beryl R.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether first‐trimester aneuploidy screening sonography initially performed by credentialed sonographers was useful for detecting fetal anomalies between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients referred to a private ultrasound facility between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2012, for measurement of the nuchal translucency (NT) and crown‐rump length as part of a screening protocol for aneuploidy. Patients were included if there was at least 1 live fetus with a crown‐rump length between 34 and 84 mm. No specific anatomic imaging protocol was followed. The presence of anomalies was based on the sonographic report and review of the medical record. The absence of anomalies was based on the report from the anatomic survey. Anomalies were categorized as lethal, major, and minor. The anomaly category and gestational age at diagnosis (≤14 versus >14 weeks) were compared.

Results

An NT scan was performed on 9692 fetuses. Anatomic surveys were done on 9077 (93.7%) of these fetuses at a mean of 18 weeks' gestation. Anomalies were detected in 180 fetuses (1.8%): 50 (0.5%) at the NT scan and 130 (1.3%) at the anatomic scan. Overall, 46 of 111 fetuses (41.4%) with major or lethal anomalies were detected at the NT scan. Two suspected abnormalities at the NT scan were not present at the anatomic scan.

Conclusions

First‐trimester aneuploidy screening sonography initially performed by credentialed sonographers can identify a substantial proportion of major and lethal anomalies.
Enhanced Intensity on Preoperative Double Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography as a Useful Indicator of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Shi-yan , Huang Pin-tong , Xu Hai-shan , Liang Xiao , Lv Jiang-hong , Zhang Ying , Cai Xiu-jun , Cosgrove David
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of enhanced intensity on double contrast‐enhanced sonography in assessing lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 357 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. Double contrast‐enhanced sonography, in which an oral ultrasound contrast agent is combined with an intravenous contrast agent, was performed preoperatively, and the data were analyzed quantitatively. The predictive ability of enhanced intensity, a quantitative double contrast‐enhanced sonographic measure, for lymph node metastasis was evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Compared to negative lymph node metastasis cases, the presence of thicker lesions, deeper invasion, poorer differentiation, and higher enhanced intensity were found in positive cases (P< .05). An enhanced intensity cutoff value of 16.91 dB was the best point for balancing the sensitivity and specificity (71.50% and 79.30%, respectively) for prediction of lymph node metastasis, with the highest Youden index of 0.508. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.828 (P < .001; 95% confidence interval, 0.786–0.870). In cases in which the lesions were hyperenhanced (enhanced intensity >16.91 dB), the lesions were significantly thicker and had deeper invasion, poorer differentiation, and more positive metastasis findings compared to non‐hyperenhanced cases (enhanced intensity ≤16.91 dB; P < .05). On logistic regression analysis, the enhanced intensity of primary tumors and the invasion depth were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Double contrast‐enhanced sonography with quantitative analysis may be considered a novel alternative imaging modality for noninvasive preoperative evaluation of lymph node metastasis with good reliability.
Effect of Internal Carotid Artery Stenting on Superior Thyroid Artery Doppler Flow
Authors: Gunduz Yasemin , Akdemir Ramazan , Varim Perihan , Ayhan Lacin Tatli , Cakar Mehmet Akif , Vatan Mehmet Bulent , Kilic Harun
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Patients with carotid disease are frequently referred for carotid artery stenting based on the results of carotid duplex studies. During carotid artery stenting, the stent is usually extended into the common carotid artery, thereby crossing the external carotid artery. Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding internal carotid stenting and external carotid artery flow velocities, but the effect of stenting on ipsilateral superior thyroid artery velocities has not been defined. This study examined the effect of internal carotid angioplasty and stenting on the ipsilateral superior thyroid artery Doppler‐derived flow parameters.

Methods

We prospectively studied preinterventional and postinterventional duplex scans obtained from 41 patients (mean age ± SD, 64 ± 10 years) who underwent carotid artery stenting. The Doppler‐defined preprocedural peak systolic velocity (PSV) end‐diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) in the ipsilateral external carotid and superior thyroid arteries were compared with postprocedural values.

Results

Among patients with stenting, the preprocedural PSV, EDV, RI, and PI in the ipsilateral superior thyroid artery were 30 ± 11 cm/s, 13 ± 6 cm/s, 0.62 ± 0.11, and 1.04 ± 0.28,respectively; after stenting, they were 36 ± 8 cm/s, 14 ± 9 cm/s, 0.71 ± 0.07, and 1.11 ± 0.19. The preprocedural PSV, EDV, RI, and PI in the ipsilateral external carotid artery were 79 ± 24 cm/s, 17 ± 7 cm/s, 0.77 ± 0.26, and 1.27 ± 0.22; after stenting, they were 94 ± 31 cm/s, 20 ± 6 cm/s, 0.80 ± 0.4, and 1.25 ± 0.31. Despite a slight increase in superior thyroid and external carotid artery flow, there was no statistically significant change from before to after stenting.

Conclusions

This study showed no differences in blood velocity profiles in the ipsilateral superior thyroid and external carotid arteries after stenting.
Characteristics of Patients With Graves Disease and Intrathyroid Hypovascularity Compared to Painless Thyroiditis
Authors: Uchida Toyoyoshi , Shigihara Nayumi , Takeno Kageumi , Komiya Koji , Goto Hiromasa , Abe Hiroko , Sato Junko , Honda Akira , Fujitani Yoshio , Watada Hirotaka
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and sonographic and laboratory characteristics of Graves disease with intrathyroid hypovascularity in Japanese patients and to compare these characteristics in patients with painless thyroiditis.

Methods

A total of 194 consecutive patients with Graves disease and 21 patients with painless thyroiditis were enrolled. The patients underwent thyroid volume measurement, mean superior thyroid artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurement, power Doppler sonography, and proper blood testing to discriminate between Graves disease and painless thyroiditis. Based on the power Doppler sonographic findings, they were divided into 4 groups: from pattern 0 (most hypovascular thyroid) to pattern III (most hypervascular thyroid). Comparisons of multiple thyroid parameters were made among the groups.

Results

The prevalence of Graves disease with pattern 0 (n = 27) was 13.9% among the patients with Graves disease. The sonographic and laboratory data for patients with Graves disease and pattern 0 were compared to those of the 21 patients with painless thyroiditis, which typically shows intrathyroid hypovascularity. Free triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels and the superior thyroid artery PSV were significantly lower in patients with Graves disease and pattern 0 than those with patterns I, II, and III (P < .05). The thyroid volume and thyrotropin receptor antibody level were significantly lower in patients with Graves disease and pattern 0 than those with pattern III. In the comparison between patients with Graves disease and pattern 0 and those with painless thyroiditis and pattern 0, apart from thyrotropin receptor antibody, only the superior thyroid artery PSV was different.

Conclusions

Although the clinical features of patients with Graves disease and intrathyroid hypovascularity were similar to those patients with painless thyroiditis, the superior thyroid artery PSV showed a moderate ability to discriminate these patients.
Is Axillary Sonographic Staging Less Accurate in Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer Than in Ductal Breast Cancer?
Authors: Sankaye Prashant , Chhatani Sharmila , Porter Gareth , Steel Jim , Doyle Sarah
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine whether axillary sonography is less accurate in invasive lobular breast cancer than in ductal breast cancer.

Methods

Patients with invasive breast cancer were retrospectively identified from histologic records from 2010 to 2012. Staging axillary sonograms from 96 patients with primary breast cancer in each of 2 subgroups, invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), were reviewed. Preoperative sonographically guided 14‐gauge core biopsy was performed on morphologically abnormal lymph nodes.

Results

Thirty‐one of 96 patients (32%) in each subgroup were node positive on final postoperative histopathologic analysis. Axillary staging sensitivity was 17 of 31 patients (54%) in the IDC subgroup and 15 of 31(48%) in the ILC subgroup. Further analysis of the data showed no statistically significant differences between these subgroups.

Conclusions

We found that there was no statistically significant difference in the accuracy of axillary sonographic staging between ILC and IDC.
Use of Limited Transthoracic Echocardiography in Patients With Traumatic Cardiac Arrest Decreases the Rate of Nontherapeutic Thoracotomy and Hospital Costs
Authors: Ferrada Paula , Wolfe Luke , Anand Rahul J. , Whelan James , Vanguri Poornima , Malhotra Ajai , Goldberg Stephanie , Duane Therese , Aboutanos Michel
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Limited transthoracic echocardiography (LTTE) has been introduced as a hemodynamic tool for trauma patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of LTTE during the evaluation of nonsurviving patients who presented to the trauma bay with traumatic cardiac arrest.

Methods

Approval by the Institutional Review Board was obtained. All nonsurviving patients with traumatic cardiac arrest who reached the trauma bay were evaluated retrospectively for 1 year. Comparisons between groups of patients in whom LTTE was performed as part of the resuscitation effort and those in whom it was not performed were conducted.

Results

From January 2012 to January 2013, 37 patients did not survive traumatic cardiac arrest while in the trauma bay: 14 in the LTTE group and 23 in the non–LTTE group. When comparing the LTTE and non–LTTE groups, both were similar in sex distribution (LTTE, 86% male; non–LTTE, 74% male; P = .68), age (34.8 versus 24.1 years; P= .55), Injury Severity Score (41.0 versus 38.2; P= .48), and percentage of penetrating trauma (21.6% versus 21.7%; P = .29). Compared with the non–LTTE group, the LTTE group spent significantly less time in the trauma bay (13.7 versus 37.9 minutes; P = .01), received fewer blood products (7.1% versus 31.2%; P = .789), and were less likely to undergo nontherapeutic thoracotomy in the emergency department (7.14% versus 39.1%; P < .05). The non–LTTE group had a mean of $3040.50 in hospital costs, compared with the mean for the LTTE group of $1871.60 (P = .0054).

Conclusions

In this study, image‐guided resuscitation with LTTE decreased the time in the trauma bay and avoided nontherapeutic thoracotomy in nonsurviving trauma patients. Limited TTE could improve the use of health care resources in patients with traumatic cardiac arrest.
Sonography of the Accessory Head of the Biceps Brachii
Authors: Lutterbach-Penna Ricardo Augusto , Brigido Monica Kalume , Robertson Brian , Kim Sung Moon , Jacobson Jon A. , Fessell David P.
Published: September 2014

Anatomic variations in the anterior aspect of the shoulder, such as an accessory head of the biceps brachii muscle, are not uncommon. The magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic appearance of the accessory head of the biceps brachii has been recently described. This series demonstrates the sonographic appearance of the accessory head of the biceps brachii in the bicipital groove. It is an asymptomatic, flat, echogenic structure with average measurements of 7.7 × 1.2 mm in cross section. Knowledge of this anatomic variant can avoid the misdiagnosis of a longitudinal split tear and improve the accuracy of sonography.
Eleven Patients With Testicular Leydig Cell Tumors
Authors: Tsitouridis Ioannis , Maskalidis Charalampos , Panagiotidou Despoina , Kariki Eleni P
Published: September 2014

We present the sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings of Leydig cell tumors in a series of patients, along with a brief review of the literature. We evaluated the sonographic features of 11 cases of Leydig cell tumors, including echogenicity, size, margins, and patterns of vascularity. The magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of 9 patients were also assessed, with special attention to the appearance of the tumors on T2‐weighted imaging and postcontrast T1‐weighted imaging. Seven tumors were hypoechoic, and 4 were almost isoechoic. Ten patients showed various patterns of hypervascularity in the tumors, combined in some cases with feeding vessels. One case presented with a single feeding vessel. The tumors showed homogeneous or heterogeneous low signal intensity on T2‐weighted imaging and marked enhancement on postcontrast T1‐weighted imaging. The small size of these tumors, the various patterns of vascularity on color and power Doppler sonography, and the marked enhancement on postcontrast T1‐weighted imaging are considered valuable but generally nonspecific for identification of these tumors.
Bio‐Based Foams to Function as Future Plastic Substitutes by Biomimicry: Inducing Hydrophobicity with Lignin
Authors: Miranda‐Valdez Isaac Yair , Mäkinen Tero , Hu Xiang , Lejon Juha , Elamir Mohamed , Viitanen Leevi , Jannuzzi Luisa , Koivisto Juha , Alava Mikko Juhani
Published: August 2024

To replace common plastics, bio‐based alternatives are needed. Cellulose foams, as plant‐based materials, are the most attractive solution, being often biodegradable and inexpensive and having the potential for distributed production. Cellulose and its derivatives, as raw materials, present a fundamental challenge, as they are hydrophilic. Herein, this problem is solved by drawing inspiration from the hydrophobic barrier that lignin creates in wood and applying lignin to methylcellulose (MC) foams. The lignin (0.0–1.0 wt% being the range studied here) is applied directly to the suspension consisting of water and MC (1.8 wt%), which is then foamed and solidified to a dry 3D porous structure. By comparing different types of lignin and the resulting surface morphologies, it is shown that organosolv lignin (OL) most strongly self‐assembles to the air–foam interfaces, achieving area fractions up to 27%. Using different concentrations of OL, how hydrophobicity—described by the initial water contact angle and its time evolution—increases with increasing lignin concentration is then shown. Thus, significantly increased water resistance (up to 91 times higher compared to the pure MC foam), a crucial property for developing novel bio‐based materials that can compete with traditional plastics, is able to be achieved.
Morphological Control and Mechanical Properties of Porous Phenolic Resins Derived from Poly(4‐Vinylphenol): Effects of Molecular Weight and Polydispersity of Prepolymer
Authors: Hasegawa George , Takano Atsushi , Hiei Chika , Kusano Kyoka , Nakanishi Kazuki
Published: August 2024

Improvement of mechanical stability for porous polymer monoliths is one of the prime concerns as represented by the long‐standing research efforts on resorcinol‐formaldehyde (RF) aerogels. To this end, it is imperative not only to tailor mechanically robust porous morphology but also to design macromolecular structure of polymer scaffolds. Previously, we have developed porous RF gels showing a unique mechanical feature combining high mechanical strength and outstanding flexibility against uniaxial compression. Comparison of mechanical properties between the porous gels with varied morphologies has elucidated the influence of porous structure, whereas effects of macromolecular structure still remain elusive. Herein, we have fabricated a series of macroporous phenolic resins from three types of linear prepolymers with phenol pendant groups, poly(4‐vinylphenol) or poly(4‐hydroxystyrene), which differ in molecular‐weight properties, by the sol–gel process in conjunction with spinodal decomposition. The difference in gelation and phase separation behaviors observed for the discrete systems indicates the dissimilar cross‐linked networks developed in the respective gels, which consequently influence the mechanical strength and flexibility against uniaxial compression. This study also demonstrates the improvement of mechanical features by thermal treatment for the porous monoliths derived from the high‐molecular‐weight prepolymer with a view to the application in mechanical energy absorption.
Structural and Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis Properties of Cr–Al–B MAB Phase Thin Films
Authors: Mockute Aurelija , Kostka Aleksander , Abdellaoui Lamya , Krysiak Olga , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Scheu Christina , Ludwig Alfred
Published: August 2024

Thin‐film materials libraries (MLs) in the system Cr–Al–B are synthesized on 100 mm diameter Al2O3 sapphire substrates by combinatorial co‐sputtering from elemental targets at substrate temperatures of 600 and 700 °C to study phase formation of MAB phases (M = transition metal, A = A‐group element, B = boron). The formation of a mixture of two MAB phases Cr2AlB2 and Cr3AlB4 on the larger part of the ML prepared at 700 °C is observed by X‐ray diffraction and cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Anisotropic growth of large grains of the MAB phases extending throughout the entire film thickness is revealed. Depending on the composition, the microstructure shows different levels of porosity and grain interlinkage. Imaging in the high‐resolution TEM mode identifies regions with Cr2AlB2, Cr3AlB4, and intermixed Cr2AlB2 and Cr3AlB4 atomic stacking sequences. Additional to the structural properties, electrocatalytic activity toward the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction is measured. Higher activities are linked to crystalline MAB‐phase areas, further enhanced by increased porosity of the film which enlarges the surface area and the exposure of the active (010) planes.
Catalyst‐ and Solvent‐Free Upcycling of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Waste to Biodegradable Plastics
Authors: Fang Tianxiang , Jiang Weipo , Zheng Tengfei , Yao Xuxia , Zhu Weipu
Published: August 2024

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is an important polymer with annual output second only to polyethylene. Due to its low biodegradability, a large amount of PET is recycled for sustainable development. However, current strategies for PET recycling are limited by low added value or small product scale. It is urgent to make a breakthrough on the principle of PET macromolecular reaction and efficiently prepare products with high added value and wide applications. Here, the catalyst‐ and solvent‐free synthesis of biodegradable plastics are reported through novel carboxyl‐ester transesterification between PET waste and bio‐based hydrogenated dimer acid (HDA), which can directly substitute some terephthalic acid (TPA) units in PET chain by HDA unit. This macromolecular reaction can be facilely carried out on current equipment in the polyester industry without any additional catalyst and solvent, thus enabling low‐cost and large‐scale production. Furthermore, the product semi‐bio‐based copolyester shows excellent mechanical properties, regulable flexibility and good biodegradability, which is expected to substitute poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) plastic as high value‐added biodegradable materials. This work provides an environmental‐friendly and economic strategy for the large‐scale upcycling of PET waste.
Light‐Induced Quantum Reconfiguration of Oxyhydroxides for Photoanodes with 4.24% Efficiency and Stability Beyond 250 Hours
Authors: Xiang Fei , Li Ning , Burguete‐Lopez Arturo , He Zhao , Elizarov Maxim , Fratalocchi Andrea
Published: August 2024

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is attracting significant research interest in addressing sustainable development goals in renewable energy. Current state‐of‐the‐art, however, cannot provide photoanodes with simultaneously high efficiency and long‐lasting lifetime. Here, large‐scale NiFe oxyhydroxides‐alloy hybridized co‐catalyst layer that exhibits an applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency (ABPE) of 4.24% in buried homojunction‐free photoanodes and stability over 250 h is reported. These performances represent an increase over the present highest‐performing technology by 408% in stability and the most stable competitor by over 330% in efficiency. These results originate from a previously unexplored mechanism of light‐induced atomic reconfiguration, which rapidly self‐generates a catalytic‐protective amorphous/crystalline heterostructure at low biases. This mechanism provides active sites for reaction and insulates the photoanode from performance degradation. Photon‐generated NiFe oxyhydroxides are more than 200% higher than the quantity that pure electrocatalysis would otherwise induce, overcoming the threshold for an efficient water oxidation reaction in the device. While of immediate interest in the industry of water splitting, the light‐induced NiFe oxyhydroxides‐alloy co‐catalyst developed in this work provides a general strategy to enhance further the performances and stability of PEC devices for a vast panorama of chemical reactions, ranging from biomass valorization to organic waste degradation, and CO2‐to‐fuel conversion.
All‐Solid‐State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries of High Cycling Stability and Rate Capability Enabled by a Self‐Lithiated Sn‐C Interlayer
Authors: Ye Lei , Wang Daiwei , Lu Qian , Jhang Li‐Ji , Kou Rong , Pandey Alok Kumar , Lira Jasiel , Liao Meng , Wang Donghai
Published: August 2024

All‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) have attracted intense interest due to their high theoretical energy density and intrinsic safety. However, constructing durable lithium (Li) metal anodes with high cycling efficiency in ASSLSBs remains challenging due to poor interface stability. Here, a compositionally stable, self‐lithiated tin (Sn)‐carbon (C) composite interlayer (LSCI) between Li anode and solid‐state electrolyte (SSE), capable of homogenizing Li‐ion transport across the interlayer, mitigating decomposition of SSE, and enhancing electrochemical/structural stability of interface, is developed for ASSLSBs. The LSCI‐mediated Li metal anode enables stable Li plating/stripping over 7000 h without Li dendrite penetration. The ASSLSBs equipped with LSCI thus exhibit excellent cycling stability of over 300 cycles (capacity retention of ≈80%) under low applied pressure (<8 MPa) and demonstrate improved rate capability even at 3C. The enhanced electrochemical performance and corresponding insights of the designed LSCI broaden the spectrum of advanced interlayers for interface manipulation, advancing the practical application of ASSLSBs.
Shape Memory Polymers with Patternable Recovery Onset Regulated by Light
Authors: Huang Jiacheng , Qiu Lintao , Ni Chujun , Chen Guancong , Zhao Qian
Published: August 2024

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) show attractive prospects in emerging fields such as soft robots and biomedical devices. Although their typical trigger‐responsive character offers the essential shape‐changing controllability, having to access external stimulation is a major bottleneck toward many applications. Recently emerged autonomous SMPs exhibit unique stimuli‐free shape‐shifting behavior with its controllability achieved via a delayed and programmable recovery onset. Achieving multi‐shape morphing in an arbitrary fashion, however, is infeasible. In this work, a molecular design that allows to spatio‐temporally define the recovery onset of an autonomous shape memory hydrogel (SMH) is reported. By introducing nitrocinnamate groups onto an SMH, its crosslinking density can be adjusted by light. This affects greatly the phase separation kinetics, which is the basis for the autonomous shape memory behavior. Consequently, the recovery onset can be regulated between 0 to 85 min. With masked light, multiple recovery onsets in an arbitrarily defined pattern which correspondingly enable multi‐shape morphing can be realized. This ability to achieve highly sophisticated morphing without relying on any external stimulation greatly extends the versatility of SMPs.
Bifunctional Oxygen‐Defect Bismuth Catalyst toward Concerted Production of H2O2 with over 150% Cell Faradaic Efficiency in Continuously Flowing Paired‐Electrosynthesis System
Authors: Zhang Qiqi , Cao Changsheng , Zhou Shenghua , Wei Wenbo , Chen Xin , Xu Rongjie , Wu Xin‐Tao , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: August 2024

The electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from O2 or H2O via the two‐electron (2e−) oxygen reduction (2e− ORR) or water oxidation (2e− WOR) reaction provides a green and sustainable alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process. Herein, a paired‐electrosynthesis tactic is reported for concerted H2O2 production at a high rate by coupling the 2e− ORR and 2e− WOR, in which the bifunctional oxygen‐vacancy‐enriched Bi2O3 nanorods (Ov‐Bi2O3‐EO), obtained through electrochemically oxidative reconstruction of Bi‐based metal–organic framework (Bi‐MOF) nanorod precursor, are used as both efficient anodic and cathodic electrocatalysts, achieving concurrent H2O2 production at both electrodes with high Faradaic efficiencies. Specifically, the coupled 2e− ORR//2e− WOR electrolysis system based on such distinctive oxygen‐defect Bi catalyst displays excellent performance for the paired‐electrosynthesis of H2O2, delivering a remarkable cell Faradaic efficiency of 154.8% and an ultrahigh H2O2 production rate of 4.3 mmol h−1 cm−2. Experiments combined with theoretical analysis reveal the crucial role of oxygen vacancies in optimizing the adsorption of intermediates associated with the selective two‐electron reaction pathways, thereby improving the activity and selectivity of the 2e− reaction processes at both electrodes. This work establishes a new paradigm for developing advanced electrocatalysts and designing novel paired‐electrolysis systems for scalable and sustainable H2O2 electrosynthesis.
Design of Modular, 3D‐Printed Millifluidic Mixers to Enable Sequential NanoPrecipitation (SNaP) for the Tunable Synthesis of Drug‐Loaded Nanoparticles and Microparticles
Authors: Belinky Thomas Y. , Amri Nouha El , Lewis Parker K. , Karakosta LeMay Allie , Pollard Rachel E. , Pinkerton Nathalie M.
Published: August 2024

Sequential NanoPrecipitation (SNaP) is a nascent controlled precipitation process for the tunable formation of polymeric particles for drug delivery and bioimaging. While SNaP utilizes the same self‐assembly principles as one‐step Flash NanoPrecipitation, SNaP is a two‐step assembly process in which the particle core formation is initiated during a first mixing step followed by particle stabilization in a second mixing step. Current SNaP experimental set‐ups use commercial millifluidic mixers connected in series, which have several limitations, including the inability to access short inter‐mixer delay times (Td). A robust, 3D‐printed, modular mixer design that enables access to short Td's (〈 25 ms) not previously accessible is reported. For the first time, it is demonstrated that decoupling the assembly steps improves control over particle size, expanding the attainable size range to include both nanoparticles and microparticles. It is empirically proven that inter‐mixer Td is a key parameter for particle size control and that particle size scales with Td in agreement with Smoluchowski's model of diffusion‐limited growth. The formation of particles ranging in size from 160 nm to 1.2 µm is shown. Finally, the applicability of the new mixers is established by encapsulating fluorophores and therapeutics into particles for the first time via SNaP.
Robotic 3D Printing of Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Composites
Authors: Abdullah Arif M. , Dunn Martin L. , Yu Kai
Published: August 2024

3D printing offers a cost‐effective solution for rapidly prototyping and customizing composite products. The integration of multi‐axis robotic systems with the printing process significantly enhances motion control, design flexibility, and manufacturing scalability. In this study, a robot‐assisted manufacturing platform and the associated digital workflow for the 3D printing of UV‐curable continuous fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (CFRPCs) is introduced. Specifically, a transferable protocol is established for robotic 3D printing of CFRPCs, which involves coordinate calculation, trajectory generation, and validation checks. This protocol enables the printing of composite samples or large‐scale structures on both planar substrates and curved 3D substrates. Additionally, composite printing on substrates with unknown profiles using laser‐based 3D scanning is demonstrated. Overall, the developed printing method and workflow are applicable to a broader range of feedstock materials and robotic manipulators, which makes this study a valuable resource for future developments in 3D‐printed CFRPCs.
Autonomous Control of Ion Migration at α‐FAPbI3 Heterointerfaces via Interfacial‐Self‐Assembled 2D Perovskite
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Park Ji‐Sang , Kim Gee Yeong , Jo William
Published: August 2024

Harmonizing homogeneity in charge distribution within metal halide perovskite solar cells is essential for maintaining device quality. The adsorption of ions from perovskites onto the electron transport layer leads to the creation of redistributed space‐charge regions (SCR), which facilitate halide segregation and ionic migration, resulting in charge imbalances and diminished extraction capability at the interface. The research examines the intricate interplay between SCRs affecting iodide oxidation and their impact on photovoltaics, uncovering a previously overlooked aspect that the influence of ionic accumulation on electronic charge uniformity. A paradox is identified that electronic charge accumulation at interfaces improves initial open‐circuit voltage, however, compromises stability with a collapsed charge distribution. To address this issue, ion conduction is regulated by utilizing a self‐assembled 2D perovskite resulting from cationic exchange with a low migration barrier at the buried interface, thereby mitigating halide segregation and charge inhomogeneity. This approach exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.38% with a fill‐factor of 84% and maintains 91.87% of the initial PCE for a duration of 2070 h.
Risks of stannous chloride without filtration for hexavalent chromium treatment
Authors: Kennedy Anthony , Gregory Brittany , Medina Mathieu , Whichard Douglas , Edjan Elaine , Henrie Tarrah , Seidel Chad , Gorman Craig
Published: August 2024

With increasing interest in using stannous chloride without filtration to achieve hexavalent chromium maximum contaminant level compliance in California, there is new urgency to quantify its effects on water quality and risks to public health manifested in distribution and premise plumbing systems. Accordingly, a 12‐week groundwater pilot study was completed using ubiquitous premise plumbing materials under flowing (to waste) and stagnating conditions of hexavalent chromium‐containing groundwater following stannous chloride addition without filtration. Results quantified the accumulation and release of chromium and tin, with total chromium concentrations exceeding regulatory or acceptable levels under stagnating conditions. Sediment with elevated chromium, tin, arsenic, and manganese concentrations was also observed. Given these observations would likely occur and worsen over time in distribution systems that cumulatively serve large populations, the use of stannous chloride without filtration represents an unacceptable risk to public health compared to other, more well‐established, best available technologies.
The relationship of mental health symptoms to chemotherapy toxicity risk in older adults with cancer: Results from the geriatric assessment–driven intervention study
Authors: Jayani Reena V. , Hamparsumian Anahid , Sun Canlan , Li Daneng , Cabrera Chien Leana , Moreno Jeanine , Katheria Vani , Fernandes Dos Santos Hughes Simone , Taylor Warren D. , Dale William
Published: August 2024

Background

Depression and anxiety are prevalent in older adults with cancer but are often undertreated. Older adults are also at increased risk of chemotherapy toxicity (CT). This study evaluated the impact of depression and anxiety symptoms on severe CT risk in older adults with cancer.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial (2:1) evaluating geriatric assessment–driven intervention (GAIN) versus standard of care (SOC) to reduce grade 3+ CT in older adults with cancer. Mental health was assessed via the Mental Health Inventory 13. CT was graded by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0.

Results

A total of 605 patients enrolled (402 GAIN; 203 SOC). Overall, 35% were depressed and 47% were anxious. Patients with depression had increased CT in the SOC arm (70.7% vs. 54.3%; p = .02) but not in the GAIN arm (54.3% vs. 48.5%; p = .27). CT was more likely in SOC patients with depression (odds ratio [OR], 2.03; 95% CI, 1.10–3.72). This association persisted after adjusting for Cancer and Aging Research Group toxicity score (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.07–3.65) and for demographic, disease, and treatment factors (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.03–3.85). Depression and CT were not associated in the GAIN arm (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.84–1.91). Anxiety and CT were not associated in either arm.

Conclusions

Elevated depression symptoms are associated with increased risk of severe CT in older adults with cancer, which was mitigated with GAIN. This suggests that treating depression symptoms may lower toxicity risk. Future studies are needed to confirm and investigate the impact of depression‐specific interventions on outcomes.
Follicular neoplasms with nuclear atypia versus other types of atypia: Should follicular neoplasms be stratified according to the presence of nuclear atypia?
Authors: Tjendra Youley , Zuo Yiqin , Velez Torres Jaylou M.
Published: August 2024

Background

The third edition of The Bethesda System (TBS) subclassifies the atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) category on the basis of the presence of nuclear atypia (AUS‐Nuclear). This approach is supported by studies showing significant differences in the risk of malignancy (ROM) between AUS‐Nuclear and those without (AUS‐Other). Although aspirates of follicular neoplasms (FNs) are characterized by marked architectural atypia, TBS recognizes the infrequent occurrence of FNs with mild nuclear atypia (FN‐Nuclear). Furthermore, limited studies have shown significant differences in ROM between FN‐Nuclear and those without (FN‐Other). This study explored potential differences in ROM, molecular‐derived risk of malignancy (MDROM), and molecular alterations between FN‐Nuclear and FN‐Other.

Methods

A retrospective database search identified 93 FN aspirates. Cytology slides, molecular reports, and histologic follow‐ups were reviewed. Both groups' benign call rate (BCR), positive call rate (PCR), MDROM, and ROM were computed and compared.

Results

Eighty‐six percent of aspirates (80 of 93) comprised FN‐Other, whereas 14% (13 of 93) were FN‐Nuclear. The BCR and PCR for FN‐Other were 51% and 49%, respectively. In contrast, they were 23% and 77% for FN‐Nuclear, respectively. The MDROM significantly differed between FN‐Other (30%) and FN‐Nuclear (56%) (p < .05). HRAS mutation was the most common molecular alteration in FN‐Nuclear, whereas mutations in NRAS/KRAS and copy number alterations were more common in FN‐Other. The ROM1/ROM2 in FN‐Other and FN‐Nuclear were 16%/31% and 54%/88%, respectively.

Conclusions

These results reveal that FN‐Nuclear exhibits significantly higher MDROM and ROM than FN‐Other, which provides support for a subclassification scheme for FNs based on the presence of nuclear atypia.
The Sydney system for lymph node FNA biopsy cytopathology: A detailed analysis of recent publications and meta‐analysis and a proposal for the components of an ideal prospective study of a cytopathology reporting system
Authors: Liang Sharron , Cozzolino Immacolata , Zeppa Pio , Field Andrew S.
Published: August 2024

Background

The Sydney system for fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes has five categories, stressing the role of correlation of cytopathology with clinical, ultrasound, and ancillary findings to achieve diagnosis. The five categories constitute a hierarchical system with increasing risk of malignancy from benign to atypical, suspicious, and malignant categories, which informs recommendations for further workup to achieve a final diagnosis as possible. This article analyzes 10 publications using the Sydney system and a meta‐analysis of nine of these studies. The primary goal of the analysis is to ascertain the causes of the large ranges in risk of malignancy for the “atypical” and “inadequate” compared to “benign,” “suspicious,” and “malignant” categories, which were comparable to well‐established reporting systems. Research protocols are proposed to improve future studies.

Methods

PubMed literature search from January 2021 to December 2023 identified studies evaluating performance of the Sydney system.

Results

Ten studies showed heterogeneity with clinical setting, study design, ultrasound use and rapid on‐site evaluation, operator, cutoff points for “positive” cases, with inherent partial verification biases, resulting in a wide range of risk of malignancy, specificity, and sensitivity values.

Conclusion

Analysis shows the large range is due to heterogeneity of the studies, which suffer from biases and variable statistical analysis that are ultimately included in any meta‐analysis, detracting from the usefulness of the risk of malignancy derived by the meta‐analysis. Components for ideal analyses of reporting systems are presented.
The utility of next‐generation sequencing in challenging liver FNA biopsies
Authors: Balitzer Dana J. , Greenland Nancy Y.
Published: August 2024

Background

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is increasingly used for the diagnosis of hepatocellular masses. Because distinguishing well differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from other well differentiated hepatocellular lesions (e.g., large regenerative nodules or focal nodular hyperplasia) requires an assessment of architectural features, this may be challenging on FNA when intact tissue fragments are not sampled. Poorly differentiated HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) may exhibit overlapping pathologic features. Molecular testing can be helpful, because mutations in TERT promoter and CTNNB1 (β‐catenin) are characteristic of HCC, whereas mutations in BAP1, IDH1/IDH2, and PBRM1 may favor ICC. The goal of this study was to assess the role of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in further subclassifying indeterminate liver lesions sampled by FNA.

Methods

A retrospective review of liver cytology cases with NGS on cell block material was performed. Age, radiologic features, background hepatic disease and treatment, outcome, and NGS data were obtained from the electronic medical record.

Results

Twelve FNA biopsies that had cell blocks from clinically suspected primary hepatic masses were identified. The presence of a TERT promoter mutation supported a diagnosis of HCC for one well differentiated neoplasm. For three patients, the presence of mutations, such as IDH1, CDKN2A/CDKN2B, and BRAF, supported a diagnosis of ICC. Of the eight poorly differentiated carcinomas, NGS helped refine the diagnosis in six of eight cases, with one HCC, three ICCs, and two that had combined HCC‐ICC, with two cases remaining unclassified.

Conclusions

Molecular diagnostics can be helpful to distinguish HCC and ICC on FNA specimens, although a subset of primary hepatic tumors may remain unclassifiable.
Design of a new modular‐isolated‐forward‐based active snubber cell for power switches
Authors: Bodur Haci , Gundogan Abdulkerim , Bakan Ahmet Faruk
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a new modular‐isolated‐forward‐based active snubber cell (SC) for power switches is designed. In the proposed new SC, the zero voltage transition (ZVT) technique is implemented with a forward converter although the current counterparts generally use a flyback converter. In the converter with the new SC, the main switch is turned on with ZVT (full zero voltage switching [ZVS]) and turned off with ZVS, the main diode is turned off with zero current switching (ZCS), the auxiliary switch is turned on with ZCS and turned off with ZVS, and the parasitic capacitor energies are recovered. In addition, thanks to the forward converter, it has been possible to minimize the transformer leakage inductance and greatly reduce the current values of devices in the new SC. The new cell is applied to a single‐phase, grid‐connected, T‐type three‐level inverter (T2‐3LI) as an example. A detailed steady‐state analysis of this inverter was made, and the theoretical analysis was confirmed with measurement results taken from a prototype with 100 kHz and 3.3 kW values. Compared to its hard switching (HS) equivalent, in the converter with soft switching (SS) cell, the total circuit loss was reduced from about 248 W to 86 W, thus achieving an increase in the total efficiency from 92.5% to 97.4%.
A novel arc‐shaped magnetic coupler with dual‐channel receiver for rotational misalignment tolerance in AUV underwater wireless power transfer systems
Authors: Tang Hongmin , Shen Zhiwei , Xie Ronghuan , Pan Wenbin , Chen Xiaoying , Li Zhongqi , Zhang Yiming
Published: August 2024

Traditional wet plug charging for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) limits its application. Inductive power transfer (IPT) is an effective solution to this problem. This paper proposes an arc‐shaped magnetic coupler incorporated with solenoid coils to achieve a stable and efficient output against rotational misalignment for charging AUV. The novel magnetic coupler consists of two solenoid coils and an arc‐shaped coil with a reverse winding, guaranteeing a relatively constant total mutual inductance and decoupling from each other. This magnetic coupler has the characteristics of a compact structure, an ultra‐wide coupling range, and a relatively stable equivalent mutual inductance. The experimental IPT prototype can deliver 1.29 kW with a dc–dc efficiency of 93% under the fully aligned case and 1.2 kW with a dc–dc efficiency of 91% under the misaligned case.