bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Alone on Expected Management of Patients With Cancer: Initial Results From the National Oncologic PET Registry
Authors: Hillner Bruce E. , Siegel Barry A. , Liu Dawei , Shields Anthony F. , Gareen Ilana F. , Hanna Lucy , Stine Sharon Hartson , Coleman R. Edward
Published: March 2008

Purpose

Under Medicare's Coverage with Evidence Development policy, positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and PET became covered services for previously noncovered cancer indications if prospective registry data were collected. The National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR) was developed to meet these coverage requirements and to assess how PET affects care decisions.

Methods

The NOPR collected questionnaire data from referring physicians on intended patient management before and after PET. After 1 year, the cohort included data from 22,975 studies (83.7% PET/CT) from 1,178 centers. The numbers of scans performed for diagnosis of suspected cancer (or unknown primary cancer), initial cancer staging, restaging, and suspected cancer recurrence were approximately equal. Prostatic, pancreatic and ovarian cancers represented approximately 30% of cases.

Results

If PET data were not available, the most common pre-PET plan would have been other imaging. In these patients, the post-PET strategies changed to watching in 37% and treatment in 48%. In patients with planned biopsy before PET, biopsy was avoided in approximately 70%. If the pre-PET strategy was treatment, the post-PET strategy involved a major change in type in 8.7% and goal in 5.6%. When intended management was classified as either treatment or nontreatment, the post-PET plan was three-fold more likely to lead to treatment than nontreatment (28.3% v 8.2%; odds ratio = 3.4; 95% CI, 3.2 to 3.6). Overall, physicians changed their intended management in 36.5% (95% CI, 35.9 to 37.2) of cases after PET.

Conclusion

This large, prospective, nationally representative registry of elderly cancer patients found that physicians often change their intended management on the basis of PET scan results across the full spectrum of its potential uses.
Preparation of Poly(acrylamide) with Configurational Sequences by Photo Living Polymerization
Authors: Fang Bing , Zhao Zhengguo , Li Xinxin , Wu Pingping , Han Zhewen
Published: March 2008

Poly(acrylamide) (PAM) with configurational sequences was synthesized under ultraviolet (UV) catalyzed by Lewis acid (here yttrium salts) and in the presence of dibenzyl trithiocarbonate (DBTTC). DBTTC is selected as the photoinitiator and also the chain-transfer agent to achieve a living manner for the polymerization process. A series of PAMs with narrow molecular weight distributions and different configurational sequences have been prepared. The catalysis effects on configurational control of different contents of the yttrium salts have been studied.
Coumarin-coupled Receptor as a Membrane-permeable, Cu2+-selective Fluorescent Chemosensor for Imaging Copper(II) in HEPG-2 Cell
Authors: Wang Mao-Xiang , Huang Sheng-Hai , Meng Xiang-Ming , Zhu Man-Zhou , Guo Qing-Xiang
Published: March 2008

A novel fluorescent chemosensor 1 for imaging labile Cu2+ in living biological samples was designed and synthesized; it exhibits very strong fluorescence responses to Cu2+, and its LSM images strongly support the existence of Cu2+ in HEGP-2 cell
A Novel Synthetic Route to Poly(crown ether) through Rotaxanation–Protection Protocol
Authors: Bilig Tuya , Koyama Yasuhito , Takata Toshikazu
Published: March 2008

Poly(crown ether) containing dibenzo-24-crown-8-ether moieties in the main chain was prepared by exploiting a rotaxanation–protection protocol, i.e., stepwise elaboration via the polymerization of cavity-filled [2]rotaxane and subsequent removal of the axle moiety.
Passenger Flow Model for Airline Networks
Authors: Dumas Jonathan , Soumis François
Published: March 2008

We present a model that rapidly finds an approximation of the expected passenger flow on an airline network, given forecast data concerning (1) the distribution of the demand for each itinerary, seen as a random variable; (2) the time distribution of booking requests for each itinerary; and (3) the proportion of spill (from an itinerary) that is attracted to a given alternative itinerary. Solutions are found in a few seconds for a 30,000 itinerary network. Results differ from the expected passenger flow found by a simulation by about 0.1% for load factors below 80%.
New processes for the synthesis of biologically relevant heterocycles
Authors: Banwell Martin G.
Published: March 2008

This article describes the utility of certain readily accessible, ring-fused gem-dihalogenocyclopropanes as building blocks for the synthesis of heterocyclic and biologically active compounds.
Heterocycles based on the chemistry of alkylidenecyclopropanes and (aza)-cyclopropenes
Authors: Ma Shengming
Published: March 2008

Alkylidenecyclopropyl, cyclopropenyl, or azacyclocyclopropenyl ketones or carboxylates have been demonstrated to be versatile starting materials for the synthesis of oxygen- and/or nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The reactivities and regioselectivities may be nicely controlled by subtle choice of the catalysts and reaction condition parameters.
Asperger's Coming Out of Our Ears: Making Sense of a Modern Epidemic
Authors: Stiefel Ingeborg , Shields Alexandra K. , Swain Michelle A. , Innes Waverney R.
Published: March 2008

Asperger's syndrome (AS) as a diagnostic category has gained enormous popularity and the label is being applied with increasing liberality. While greater awareness of the disorder may be of advantage to certain children and their families, we argue that the over‐inclusive use of the diagnosis may also lead to professional conflicts and ethical dilemmas. Perhaps most concerning of these is that diagnostic ‘generosity’ may exclude children from treatments they would have received if an alternative formulation had been considered. We present clinical scenarios, with special consideration of contextual and intergenerational influences on the children's early lives, and offer alternative conceptualisations. We argue that the new ‘epidemic’ of Asperger's should not be allowed to compromise our professional standards. Assessment should always include a detailed family and developmental history. Finally, we would be interested in feedback from clinicians working in this field.
Descriptive morphology and phylogenetic relationships among species of the Neotropical annual killifish genera Nematolebias and Simpsonichthys (Cyprinodontiformes: Aplocheiloidei: Rivulidae)
Authors: Costa Wilson J. E. M.
Published: March 2008

Structures of the external morphology and skeleton of the annual fish genera Nematolebias and Simpsonichthys are described and illustrated. Phylogenetic relationships among all included species of both genera and other cynolebiatins are estimated, based on 116 morphological characters in a total of 50 terminal taxa. Nematolebias is hypothesized to be the sister group of a clade including Simpsonichthys, Austrolebias , Megalebias, and Cynolebias, which is diagnosed by ventral portion of mesopterygoid not overlapping quadrate, third neural spine approximately as wide as fourth neural spine, ventral condyle of coracoid narrow, scales slightly extending over anal-fin base, loss of vomerine teeth, loss of neuromast anterior to infraorbital series, ventral process of the angulo-articular short and narrow, and dorsal portion of cleithrum elongated. Simpsonichthys is divided into five subgenera, including Spectrolebias, previously considered a separate genus, Simpsonichthys, and three new subgenera, Xenurolebias, Ophthalmolebias, and Hypsolebias. Monophyly of Simpsonichthys is supported by a small pointed dorsal process on the palatine, unbranched fin rays on the tip of the dorsal and anal fins in males, and frontal Escales overlapped.
Functional role of fouling community on an artificial reef at the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Krohling Werther , Brotto Daniel Shimada , Zalmon Ilana Rosental
Published: March 2008

The northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State lacks natural consolidate substrates, making it a proper environment to the development of researches using artificial structures. After studies about the type of substrate, concrete seems to be the most appropriate for studying fouling community development. This research was carried out to investigate the functional role of biofouling in the development of the ichthyic community in the north of Rio de Janeiro State. Percentage data of the epibenthic organisms' coverage and samples of the fish community with gillnet and visual census showed that biofouling in artificial reefs might have more than one functional role, acting as a facilitator in the recruitment of fish species and as a link in the trophic marine chain. Through the increase of localized structural complexity provided by the reef itself and by the fouling organisms which act as "engineering species", additional protection options are offered to the ichthyic community, especially recruits. Also, the epibiont biomass represents an important link in the food web, acting either as a direct source or in the transference of energy to higher trophic levels. Through the relationship between the ichthyic and fouling communities we concluded that the functional role of the latter in artificial reef habitats could be characterized mainly as shelter and feeding grounds for few fish species.
Closed Photobioreactor Assessments to Grow, Intensively, Light Dependent Microorganisms: A Twenty-Year Italian Outdoor Investigation
Authors: Carlozzi Pietro
Published: March 2008

Twenty years of Italian outdoor investigations on closed photobioreactors are discussed in this review. Many
photobioreactor designs have been projected; some have been built, tested and patented. The Italian research approach
from tubular (single tube and traditional loop) to flat and column and again to tubular photobioreactors (coil and loops)
has improved microalgal yield. It increased from 25.0 gm-2d-1 in 1986 (using a traditional loop set down on the ground) to
47.7 gm-2d-1 in 2003, when results of a new tubular undulating row photobioreactor (TURP) were reported. This very high
TURP productivity was attributed to a light dilution growth-strategy using Arthrospira platensis; the photic ratio (Rf)
ranged from 3 to 6.
Quantitative Doppler-Echocardiographic Determination of Regurgitant Volume in Patients with Aortic Insufficiency
Authors: Schoenhagen Paul , Drude Ludwig , Klein Hermann H , Garcia Mario J
Published: March 2008

Background:

The severity of aortic regurgitation (AR) can be determined by invasive or echocardiographic methods. We systematically compared quantitative invasive and echocardiographic data with semiquantitative invasive grades in a prospective series of patients.

Methods:

Using Doppler-echocardiography we determined the cardiac output over the aortic, pulmonary and mitral valve in 27 patients (20 with, 7 without AR). Aortic regurgitant volume was calculated as the difference between the cardiac output over aortic and pulmonary valve/ mitral valve. During angiography the severity of AR was assessed semiquantitatively by aortography and the regurgitant volume was calculated invasively as the difference between the left- and right ventricular cardiac output.

Results:

The echocardiographically and invasively determined regurgitant blood volume correlated closely (R≈0.8). The regurgitant volume increased with higher angiographic grade but there was significant overlap between adjoining qualitative grades.

Conclusion:

In patients with AR, quantitative echocardiographic and angiographic measurements of the regurgitant volume correlate closely.
The Complexity of Propositional Proofs
Authors: Segerlind Nathan
Published: March 2008

Propositional proof complexity is the study of the sizes of propositional proofs, and more generally, the resources necessary to certify propositional tautologies. Questions about proof sizes have connections with computational complexity, theories of arithmetic, and satisfiability algorithms. This is article includes a broad survey of the field, and a technical exposition of some recently developed techniques for proving lower bounds on proof sizes.
Maximal chains in the Turing degrees
Authors: Chong C. T. , Yu Liang
Published: March 2008

We study the problem of existence of maximal chains in the Turing degrees. We show that:

1. ZF + DC + “There exists no maximal chain in the Turing degrees” is equiconsistent with ZFC + “There exists an inaccessible cardinal”

2. For all a ∈ 2ω, (ω1)L[a] = ω1 if and only if there exists a [a] maximal chain in the Turing degrees. As a corollary, ZFC + “There exists an inaccessible cardinal” is equiconsistent with ZFC + “There is no (bold face) maximal chain of Turing degrees”.
There may be infinitely many near-coherence classes underu< ∂
Authors: Mildenberger Heike
Published: March 2008

We show that in the models ofu< ∂ from [14] there are infinitely many near-coherence classes of ultrafilters, thus answering Banakh's and Blass' Question 30 of [3] negatively. By an unpublished result of Canjar, there are at least two classes in these models.
Prompting in Web-Based Environments: Supporting Self-Monitoring and Problem Solving Skills in College Students
Authors: Kauffman Douglas F. , Ge Xun , Xie Kui , Chen Ching-Huei
Published: March 2008

This study explored Metacognition and how automated instructional support in the form of problem-solving and self-reflection prompts influenced students' capacity to solve complex problems in a Web-based learning environment. Specifically, we examined the independent and interactive effects of problem-solving prompts and reflection prompts on college students' problem solving and writing within a Web-based instructional module. We found that students who received problem-solving prompts solved problems and wrote with more clarity than did students who did not receive problem solving prompts. Reflection prompts also positively influenced problem solving and writing, but only when students also received the problem solving prompts. This suggests that asking student to reflect on their work has a positive influence on students' problem solving, but only when they have clear understanding of what they are being asked to reflect on. Results are discussed relative to feedback and self-regulation theories.
An Investigation of the Integrated Model of User Technology Acceptance: Internet User Samples in Four Countries
Authors: Fusilier Marcelline , Durlabhji Subhash , Cucchi Alain
Published: March 2008

National background of users may influence the process of technology acceptance. The present study explored this issue with the new, integrated technology use model proposed by Sun and Zhang (2006). Data were collected from samples of college students in India, Mauritius, Reunion Island, and United States. Questionnaire methodology and hierarchical multiple regression data analysis procedures were employed. The direct effects of the model's predictors were tested in relation to behavioral intention to use the Internet and self-reported Internet usage. Moderator effects were explored concerning users' country affiliation and extent of Internet experience. Findings supported the integrated model's prediction of intention. Country affiliation and experience appeared to moderate several of the relationships between model predictors and Internet criteria. Recommendations for encouraging student Internet use are based on the present findings and current literature.
Road Traffic Noise Pollution a Hazard
Authors: Aftab Tayyaba , Bashir Farzana , Shafiq Tahira
Published: March 2008

A road traffic noise study was conducted in Lahore at 18 busy places of high traffic flow in peak working hours of the day. It has been found that the day time average noise level has crossed the permissible limit of 85dB(A) at 90% busy points in the city. The maximum average noise level recorded in Lahore was 104 dB(A). This high level attributed to vehicular traffic specially auto rickshaw with ineffective silencers (without filters) and frequent use of the pressure horns by buses, wagons and trucks etc. The findings of the survey provide enough baseline data for engineering controls and interim legislation against traffic noise pollution.

Key words: Noise pollution, Traffics load , Community health, Lahore city

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(4), 435-440, 2007
Alkylation of m-Cresol with Cyclopentene in the Presence of p-Toluenesulphonic Acid
Authors: Karim Mohammad Ziaul , Ismail Mohammad , Islam Shams Tania Afroza , Saha Dipti , Saha Manoranjan
Published: March 2008

m-Cresol has been cycloalkylated with cyclopentene in the presence of p-toluenesulphonic acid as catalyst. The effects of the variation of temperature, molar ratio of m-cresol to cyclopentene, time of reaction and amount of catalyst have been investigated on the reaction and cyclopentyl m-cresol has been obtained in high yield.

Key words: Alkylation , m-Cresol, time frechtion, molar ration

Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 42(4), 499-502, 2007
Survey-Reported Coverage in 2019-2022 and Implications for Unwinding Medicaid Continuous Eligibility
Authors: McIntyre Adrianna , Smith Rebecca B. , Sommers Benjamin D.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Policy changes and the COVID-19 pandemic affected health coverage rates, and the “unwinding” of Medicaid’s continuous coverage provision in 2023 and 2024 may cause widespread coverage loss. Recent coverage patterns in national survey and administrative data can inform these issues.

Objective

To assess national and state changes in survey-based Medicaid, private insurance, and uninsured rates between 2019 and 2022, as well as how these changes compare with administrative Medicaid enrollment totals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study analyzes nationally representative survey data for all US residents in the American Community Survey (ACS) from 2019 to 2022 compared with administrative data on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Data analysis was conducted between June 2023 and January 2024.

Exposures

The COVID-19 pandemic, the Medicaid continuous coverage provision, and policy efforts to increase Marketplace coverage.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Medicaid coverage (self-reported [ACS] and administratively recorded [CMS]), survey-reported uninsured, Medicare, and private insurance status.

Results

A nationally representative sample consisted of 12 506 584 US residents of all ages (survey-weighted 59.7% aged 19-64 years and 50.6% female). CMS statistics showed an increase in Medicaid coverage of 5.2 percentage points as a share of the population from 2019 to 2022. However, changes in the uninsured rate and survey-reported Medicaid were smaller: −1.2 (95% CI, −1.3 to −1.2) percentage points and 1.3 (95% CI, 1.2-1.4) percentage points, respectively. There was a 3.9 percentage point increase in the ACS’s “undercount” of Medicaid enrollment, compared with CMS data, from 2019 to 2022. This undercount was larger among children than adults but smaller in states that recently expanded Medicaid. Rates of additional forms of coverage (such as private insurance) among those in Medicaid also grew during this time.

Conclusion and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the uninsured rate declined considerably from 2019 to 2022 but was just one-fourth as large as the growth in administrative Medicaid enrollment under the pandemic continuous coverage provision. Survey-based Medicaid growth was far smaller than administrative growth. This suggests that many people who remained enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic did not realize that their coverage had continued. These findings have implications for projecting uninsured changes during unwinding, as well as the effect of continuous coverage policies on continuity of care.
Drug Shortages Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Callaway Kim Katherine , Rothenberger Scott D. , Tadrous Mina , Hernandez Inmaculada , Gellad Walid F. , Devine Joshua W. , Hershey Tina B. , Maillart Lisa M. , Suda Katie J.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Drug shortages are a chronic and worsening issue that compromises patient safety. Despite the destabilizing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmaceutical production, it remains unclear whether issues affecting the drug supply chain were more likely to result in meaningful shortages during the pandemic.

Objective

To estimate the proportion of supply chain issue reports associated with drug shortages overall and with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This longitudinal cross-sectional study used data from the IQVIA Multinational Integrated Data Analysis database, comprising more than 85% of drug purchases by US pharmacies from wholesalers and manufacturers, from 2017 to 2021. Data were analyzed from January to May 2023.

Exposure

Presence of a supply chain issue report to the US Food and Drug Administration or the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was drug shortage, defined as at least 33% decrease in units purchased within 6 months of a supply chain issue report. Random-effects logistic regression models compared the marginal odds of shortages for drugs with vs without reports. Interaction terms assessed heterogeneity prior to vs during the COVID-19 pandemic and by drug characteristics (formulation, age, essential medicine status, clinician- vs self-administered, sales volume, and number of manufacturers).

Results

A total of 571 drugs exposed to 731 supply chain issue reports were matched to 7296 comparison medications with no reports. After adjusting for drug characteristics, 13.7% (95% CI, 10.4%-17.8%) of supply chain issue reports were associated with subsequent drug shortages vs 4.1% (95% CI, 3.6%-4.8%) of comparators (marginal odds ratio [mOR], 3.7 [95% CI, 2.6-5.1]). Shortages increased among both drugs with and without reports in February to April 2020 (34.2% of drugs with supply chain issue reports and 9.5% of comparison drugs; mOR, 4.9 [95% CI, 2.1-11.6]), and then decreased after May 2020 (9.8% of drugs with reports and 3.6% of comparison drugs; mOR, 2.9 [95% CI, 1.6-5.3]). Significant associations were identified by formulation (parenteral mOR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1-3.2] vs oral mOR, 5.4 [95% CI, 3.3-8.8]; P for interaction = .008), WHO essential medicine status (essential mOR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.3-5.2] vs nonessential mOR, 4.6 [95% CI, 3.2-6.7]; P = .02), and for brand-name vs generic status (brand-name mOR, 8.1 [95% CI, 4.0-16.0] vs generic mOR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.7-3.6]; P = .002).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this national cross-sectional study, supply chain issues associated with drug shortages increased at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing policy work is needed to protect US drug supplies from future shocks and to prioritize clinically valuable drugs at greatest shortage risk.
Common Seasonal Pathogens and Epidemiology of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Among Children
Authors: Felix Arthur , Assad Zein , Bidet Philippe , Caseris Marion , Dumaine Cécile , Faye Albert , Melki Isabelle , Kaguelidou Florentia , Valtuille Zaba , Ouldali Naïm , Meinzer Ulrich
Published: April 2024

Importance

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is the most common type of vasculitis in children. The factors that trigger the disease are poorly understood. Although several viruses and seasonal bacterial infections have been associated with HSP, differentiating the specific associations of these pathogens with the onset of HSP remains a challenge due to their overlapping seasonal patterns.

Objective

To analyze the role of seasonal pathogens in the epidemiology of HSP.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study comprised an interrupted time-series analysis of patient records from a comprehensive national hospital-based surveillance system. Children younger than 18 years hospitalized for HSP in France between January 1, 2015, and March 31, 2023, were included.

Exposure

Implementation and relaxation of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for the COVID-19 pandemic, such as social distancing and mask wearing.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were the monthly incidence of HSP per 100 000 children, analyzed via a quasi-Poisson regression model, and the estimated percentage of HSP incidence potentially associated with 14 selected common seasonal pathogens over the same period.

Results

The study included 9790 children with HSP (median age, 5 years [IQR, 4-8 years]; 5538 boys [56.4%]) and 757 110 children with the infectious diseases included in the study (median age, 0.7 years [IQR, 0.2-2 years]; 393 697 boys [52.0%]). The incidence of HSP decreased significantly after implementation of NPIs in March 2020 (−53.6%; 95% CI, −66.6% to −40.6%; P < .001) and increased significantly after the relaxation of NPIs in April 2021 (37.2%; 95% CI, 28.0%-46.3%; P < .001). The percentage of HSP incidence potentially associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae was 37.3% (95% CI, 22.3%-52.3%; P < .001), the percentage of cases associated with Streptococcus pyogenes was 25.6% (95% CI, 16.7%-34.4%; P < .001), and the percentage of cases associated with human rhino enterovirus was 17.1% (95% CI, 3.8%-30.4%; P = .01). Three sensitivity analyses found similar results.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that significant changes in the incidence of HSP simultaneously with major shifts in circulating pathogens after NPIs for the COVID-19 pandemic indicated that approximately 60% of HSP incidence was potentially associated with pneumococcus and group A streptococcus. This finding suggests that preventive measures against these pathogens could reduce the incidence of pediatric HSP.
Dosimetric validation of intensity‐modulated bolus electron conformal therapy planning and delivery using an anthropomorphic cylindrical head phantom
Authors: McGuffey Andrew S. , Pitcher Garrett M. , Erhart Kevin J. , Hogstrom Kenneth R.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This work investigated the dosimetric accuracy of the intensity‐modulated bolus electron conformal therapy (IM‐BECT) planning and delivery process using the decimal ElectronRT (eRT) treatment planning system.

Methods

An IM‐BECT treatment plan was designed using eRT for a cylindrical, anthropomorphic retromolar trigone phantom. Treatment planning involved specification of beam parameters and design of a variable thickness wax bolus and Passive Radiotherapy Intensity Modulator for Electrons (PRIME) device, which was comprised of 33 tungsten island blocks of discrete diameters from 0.158 to 0.223 cm (Intensity Reduction Factors from 0.937 to 0.875, respectively) inside a 10.1 × 6.7 cm2 copper cutout. For comparison of calculation accuracy, a BECT plan was generated by copying the IM‐BECT plan and removing the intensity modulation. For both plans, a 16 MeV electron beam was used with 104.7 cm source‐to‐surface distance to bolus. In‐phantom TLD‐100 measurements (N = 47) were compared with both eRT planned dose distributions, which used the pencil beam redefinition algorithm with modifications for passive electron intensity modulation (IM‐PBRA). Dose difference and distance to agreement (DTA) metrics were computed for each measurement point.

Results

Comparison of measured dose distributions with planned dose distributions yielded dose differences (calculated minus measured) characterized by a mean and standard deviation of −0.36% ± 1.64% for the IM‐BECT plan, which was similar to −0.36% ± 1.90% for the BECT plan. All dose measurements were within 5% of the planned dose distribution, with both the BECT and IM‐BECT measurement sets having 46/47 (97.8%) points within 3% or within 3 mm of the respective treatment plans.

Conclusions

It was found that the IM‐BECT treatment plan generated using eRT was sufficiently accurate for clinical use when compared to TLD measurements in a cylindrical, anthropomorphic phantom, and was similarly accurate to the BECT treatment plan in the same phantom.
Development of Low Anisotropic Commercially Pure Titanium Foils by Asymmetric Rolling and Annealing
Authors: Guo Baohong , Wang Wenshuai , Kong Bin , Wang Zhengyu , Kong Charlie , Yu Hailiang
Published: April 2024

This work studies the evolution of microstructure, texture, and anisotropy of pure titanium foils by symmetric rolling (SR) and asymmetric rolling (ASR) and subsequent annealing. The as‐received material shows equiaxed alpha grains and strong transverse texture (S‐T texture), which leads to severe anisotropy. The index of plane anisotropy (IPA) of yield stress (YS) and ultimate tensile stress (UTS) of the as‐received material is 15.2% and 7.5%, respectively. With the increase of deformation, the S‐T texture is mainly transformed into a mixed texture of transverse texture (T texture) and rolling direction texture (R texture), which balances the start‐up of the slip system when loading in the rolling direction (RD) and transverse direction (TD), so that the mechanical stress along RD and TD are close to each other and the anisotropy is improved. Especially for the samples prepared by ASR and annealing, the appearance of more R texture or basal texture (B texture) at the same deformation makes them show lower anisotropy. Therefore, after the same annealing treatment, the IPA of titanium foil with a thickness of 0.2 mm prepared by ASR is the smallest, which is 6.6% and 0.03%, respectively, while the IPA prepared by SR is 10.5% and 2.5%.
Reversible Colossal Barocaloric Effect of a New FeII Molecular Complex with Low Hysteretic Spin Crossover Behavior
Authors: Seredyuk Maksym , Li Ruixin , Znovjyak Kateryna , Zhang Zhe , Valverde‐Muñoz Francisco Javier , Li Bing , Muñoz M. Carmen , Li Quanjin , Liu Bingbing , Levchenko Georgiy , Real José Antonio
Published: April 2024

Barocaloric cooling, that is, lowering the temperature of a material under pressure action, is an attractive solid‐state effect that can potentially compete with volatile gas‐based cooling. To observe the barocaloric effect (BCE), it is necessary for materials to have high‐entropy, low‐hysteretic phase transitions with a large volume change between phases. Here details on a new FeII complex [Fe(L)(NCS)2], L = N1,N3‐bis((1‐propyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methylene)‐2,2‐dimethylpropane‐1,3‐diamine) possessing spin crossover (SCO) behavior near room temperature with large entropy and volume change are reported, which provides high sensitivity to external pressure. The observed BCE effect, characterized using variable pressure calorimetry, powder X‐ray diffraction, UV–vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopy, shows a colossal isothermal entropy change of >100 J kg−1 K−1 and a reversible adiabatic temperature change of ≈16 K at a pressure of 1 kbar, demonstrating a high refrigerant efficiency compared to other solid‐state materials. These results stimulate further investigations of SCO materials as barocaloric refrigerants, which depend on the proper design of their constituent organic ligands.
Constructing Coated Grain Nanocomposites and Intracrystalline Precipitates to Simultaneously Improve the Thermoelectric and Mechanical Properties of SnTe by MgB2 and Sb Co‐Doping
Authors: Yang Houjiang , Wu Luoqi , Feng Xiaobin , Huang Xiege , Wang Hongtao , Duan Bo , Li Guodong , Zhai Pengcheng , Zhang Qingjie
Published: April 2024

Thermoelectric materials should be highly efficient and mechanically robust to satisfy the requirements of engineering applications. Herein, an integrated optimization strategy to improve both the thermoelectric performance and mechanical strength of SnTe is proposed. First, grain boundary engineering is applied to SnTe via MgB2 doping. The decomposition of MgB2 results in the Mg‐substituted SnTe solid solution and a special “core–shell” structure of Mg‐B compounds coated SnTe grain remarkably reducing the lattice thermal conductivity. Subsequently, trivalent Sb atoms are introduced to tune the carrier concentration and optimize the electrical performance of the MgB2‐doped sample. Sb‐rich Sn‐Te precipitates inside the grains further diminish the lattice's thermal conductivity. Consequently, a prominent improvement in average ZT of ≈117% is achieved for Sn0.78Sb0.16Te(MgB2)0.09 compared to pristine Sn1.03Te. Moreover, the compressive yield strength and Vickers hardness of Sn0.78Sb0.16Te(MgB2)0.09 are significantly increased by ≈168% and 176% relative to pristine Sn1.03Te, respectively. The quantitative strengthening models including grain boundary, dislocation, solid solution, intergranular, and precipitation strengthening in MgB2‐ and MgB2‐Sb‐doped Sn1.03Te samples are proposed, showing that the dominant strengthening mechanism is precipitation strengthening. This work provides an avenue for designing efficient and robust thermoelectric materials toward commercial application.
Recent Progress on Computation‐Guided Catalyst Design for Highly Efficient Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Dai Tian‐Yi , Wang Tong‐Hui , Wen Zi , Jiang Qing
Published: April 2024

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) for ammonia synthesis has attracted great interest in recent years, which presents a carbon‐free alternative to the energy‐intensive Haber–Bosch process. Besides, NRR also provides a promising coverage route of renewable energy since NH3 is considered the second generation of hydrogen energy while possessing established technologies of liquefaction, storage, and transport. However, there are long‐term challenges in catalyst design for NRR due to its low intrinsic activity and unsatisfied selectivity. Fortunately, by conducting extensive explorations in this field, much progress is achieved in boosting the NRR performance. Herein, from a view of the atomic/electronic level, three promotion effects are summarized for NRR (i.e., electron effect, geometry effect, and ligand effect), which tackle the challenges of activity and selectivity. Representative studies with taking fully advantages of the promotion effects are reviewed, which realized remarkable NRR performance. Finally, the future research directions and prospects are discussed. It is highly expected that this review will enable the advancement of NRR catalysts and promote the further development of electrochemical NRR.
Significantly Improving the Flux Pinning of YBa2Cu3O7‐δ Superconducting Coated Conductors via BaHfO3 Nanocrystal Addition Using Multistep Film Growth Method
Authors: Huang Rongtie , Chen Jing , Liu Zhiyong , Wang Gang , Cai Chuanbing
Published: April 2024

A novel multistep film growth method is developed to prepare high‐performance BaHfO3(BHO)‐nanocrystal‐added YBa2Cu3O7−δ(YBCO) tapes. Upscaled YBCO tapes with high concentrations of 6.2 nm BHO nanocrystals exhibit better self‐field and in‐field performances when grown by the multistep method compared to those grown by the traditional method. The in‐field critical current (Ic) of the 1.6‐µm‐thick BHO‐added YBCO film at 30 K@3 T is enhanced by 50% in the optimal traditional cases, whereas it is further increased to 180% using a multistep growth strategy. The high‐performance YBCO layer is thickened to 2.3 µm using the multistep method, and the improvement of in‐field Ic at 30 K@3 T is enhanced by 215% to 360 A per 4 mm‐width compared to the pristine. The BHO size evolution during the high‐temperature process reveals that the added nanocrystals coarsened by 4 to 10.5 nm in both the traditional and multistep cases, thereby indicating that the further improvement in performance is attributed to the better film quality grown by the multistep method. This technique can be applied directly to the preparation of scaled REBCO tapes with a length of hundreds of meters.
Nanotransfer Printing of Functional Nanomaterials on Electrospun Fibers for Wearable Healthcare Applications
Authors: Ha Ji‐Hwan , Ko Jiwoo , Ahn Junseong , Jeong Yongrok , Ahn Jihyeon , Hwang Soonhyoung , Jeon Sohee , Kim Dahong , Park Su A , Gu Jimin , Choi Jungrak , Han Hyeonseok , Han Chankyu , Kang Byeongmin , Kang Byung‐Ho , Cho Seokjoo , Kwon Yeong Jae , Kim Cheolmin , Choi Sunkun , Sim Gi‐Dong , Jeong Jun‐Ho , Park Inkyu
Published: April 2024

With the advancement of functional textile technology, there is a growing demand for functional enhancements in textiles from both industrial and societal perspectives. Recently, nanopattern transfer technology has emerged as a potential approach for fabricating functional textiles. However, conventional transfer methods have some limitations such as transfer difficulties on curved fiber surfaces, polymer residues, and delamination of transferred nanopatterns. In this study, an advanced nanopattern transfer method based on surface modification and thermoforming principles is applied to microscale electrospun fibers. This transfer method utilizes covalent bonding and mechanical interlocking between nanopatterns and the fibers without requiring extra adhesives. Various nanopatterns transferred electrospun fibers possess significant potential for diverse wearable healthcare applications. This work introduces two specific application scenarios in the field of wearable healthcare, both of which leverage the light: diagnostics and antimicrobials. Versatile textile with silver nanogap‐pattern detects glucose in sweat, diagnosing hypoglycemia and diabetes by shifting Raman peaks from 1071.0 to 1075.4 cm−1 for 0 to 150 µm glucose. Additionally, a bactericidal mask using visible light to induce the photocatalytic degradation effect of titanium dioxide and silver nanopatterns is developed. Bactericidal efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is 99.9% due to photolysis from visible light irradiation.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions Between Terpolymers Enable Excellent Device Efficiency and Operational Stability of Non‐Halogenated Solvent‐Processed Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Arshad Fiza , Haris Muhammad , Oh Eun Sung , Ullah Zakir , Ryu Du Hyeon , Lee Seungjin , Lee Hang Ken , Lee Sang Kyu , Kim Taek‐Soo , Kwon Hyung‐Wook , Song Chang Eun , Shin Won Suk
Published: April 2024

Although polymer solar cells (PSCs) have shown considerable power conversion efficiency (PCE) potential, their poor operational stability is a major obstacle for their future commercialization. In this study, the ternary‐blend strategy based on D1–A–D1–D2‐type conjugated random terpolymers containing hydrogen–bonding sites is employed to simultaneously improve device efficiency and long‐term stability. Notably, the PM6‐ThEG:PM6‐ThOH:Y6‐BO ternary‐blend system exhibits a remarkable PCE of 17.2% with superior photo, thermal, and mechanical stability, outperforming those of binary devices based on PM6, PM6‐ThEG, and PM6‐ThOH polymer donors. These outstanding results are likely attributed to the robust molecular lock via hydrogen bonds between PM6‐ThEG and PM6‐ThOH terpolymers, which can induce strong intermolecular packing, a dense 3D terpolymer network, and optimized morphology. These results also correlate well with the computational study. A comprehensive analysis of optoelectronic and morphological properties as well as the exploration of underlying physical mechanisms collectively verifies the effectiveness of this approach based on mixed random terpolymers with hydrogen‐bonding moiety to achieve the non‐halogenated solvent‐processed PSCs with exceptional efficiency and operational stability.
An Electrostatic‐Induction‐Enabled Anti‐Touching Hydrogel Dressing for Chronic Wound Care
Authors: Yan Ren , Sun Zhaoqing , Du Wanyu , Liu Nian , Sun Qizeng , Li Peng , Liang Fei , Zhu Yangzhi , Huang Wei , Yu Hai‐Dong
Published: April 2024

Chronic wounds are inherently vulnerable to external mechanical contact owing to their impaired physiological states. Accidental touching may lead to secondary damage to delicate wound tissues, including deterioration of tissue and inflammation, thereby prolonging the healing process. In addition, patients encounter nociceptive sensations, indicative of physical discomfort and potential distress. However, the traditional dressings for chronic wounds fail to convey adequate perceptual information to prevent mechanical trauma. An electrostatic‐induction‐enabled anti‐touching hydrogel dressing (EAHD) is proposed, which promotes wound healing and reduces touching‐induced injuries. The EAHD combines a proximity sensor and a pro‐healing hydrogel. The proximity sensor can detect approaching objects, enabling remote perception. More importantly, EAHD and a wireless alarm system are integrated to warn against the detected potential hazards such as unintentional touching. Meanwhile, the EAHD significantly accelerates wound healing in preclinical diabetic mice, ≈38% faster than that of the control group. This study proposes a novel strategy for multifunctional wound dressing that promotes wound healing and prevents accidental touching‐induced secondary damage to the wound.
Demystifying the Influence of Precursor Structure on S‐Doped Hard Carbon Anode: Taking Glucose, Carbon Dots, and Carbon Fibers as Examples
Authors: Huang Yujie , Hu Xinyu , Li Yujin , Zhong Xue , He Zidong , Geng Zhenglei , Gan Siyang , Deng Wentao , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ji Xiaobo
Published: April 2024

Heteroatom doping is a promising strategy for adjusting the microstructure of hard carbon (HC) to promote its electrochemical sodium storage performance. However, clarifying the doping sites of heteroatoms and effectively regulating their doping levels remain serious challenges. Herein, this work reveals the impact of three distinct structural precursors on S‐doped hard carbon: namely glucose (small organic molecule), carbon dots (CDs, intermediate state between organic and inorganic), and graphitized carbon fibers (inorganic carbon materials). It is demonstrated that the S‐doped HC derived from CDs possesses a more significant number of C─S bonds within its carbon framework, which is attributed to the preferential bonding between sulfur and short polymeric chains abundant in unsaturated functional groups. And these chains cluster prominently on the surface of CDs, enhancing the affinity of sulfur. Furthermore, as a prominent feature of CDs, the extremely small size inherently distinguishes them from other precursors, enabling them to serve as fundamental units for constructing various carbon microstructures, such as three‐dimensional (3D) structure. In summary, this study explores the influence of different precursor structures on heteroatom doping, with CDs identified as the most useful precursor.
Photo‐Curable 3D Printing of Circularly Polarized Afterglow Metal–Organic Framework Monoliths
Authors: Zheng Ming‐Yi , Jin Zhi‐Bin , Ma Zhi‐Zhou , Gu Zhi‐Gang , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2024

Developing coordination complexes (such as metal–organic frameworks, MOFs) with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is currently attracting tremendous attention and remains a significant challenge in achieving MOF with circularly polarized afterglow. Herein, MOFs‐based circularly polarized afterglow is first reported by combining the chiral induction approach and tuning the afterglow times by using the auxiliary ligands regulation strategy. The obtained chiral R/S‐ZnIDC, R/S‐ZnIDC(bpy), and R/S‐ZnIDC(bpe)(IDC = 1H‐Imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylate, bpy = 4,4′‐Bipyridine, bpe = trans‐1,2‐Bis(4‐pyridyl) ethylene) containing a similar structure unit display different afterglow times with 3, 1, and <0.1 s respectively which attribute to that the longer auxiliary ligand hinders the energy transfer through the hydrogen bonding. The obtained chiral complexes reveal a strong chiral signal, obvious photoluminescence afterglow feature, and strong CPL performance (glum up to 3.7 × 10−2). Furthermore, the photo‐curing 3D printing method is first proposed to prepare various chiral MOFs based monoliths from 2D patterns to 3D scaffolds for anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption applications. This work not only develops chiral complexes monoliths by photo‐curing 3D printing technique but opens a new strategy to achieve tunable CPL afterglow in optical applications.
Dynamic Reversible Oxidation‐Reduction of Iodide Ions for Operationally Stable Perovskite Solar Cells under ISOS‐L‐3 Protocol
Authors: Lu Xiaoyi , Sun Kexuan , Wang Yaohua , Liu Chang , Meng Yuanyuan , Lang Xiting , Xiao Chuanxiao , Tian Ruijia , Song Zhenhua , Zhu Zewei , Yang Ming , Bai Yang , Ge Ziyi
Published: April 2024

Despite rapid advancements in the photovoltaic efficiencies of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), their operational stability remains a significant challenge for commercialization. This instability mainly arises from light‐induced halide ion migration and subsequent oxidation into iodine (I2). The situation is exacerbated when considering the heat effects at elevated temperatures, leading to the volatilization of I2 and resulting in irreversible device degradation. Mercaptoethylammonium iodide (ESAI) is thus incorporated into perovskite as an additive to inhibit the oxidation of iodide anion (I−) and  the light‐induced degradation pathway of FAPbI3→FAI+PbI2. Additionally, the formation of a thiol‐disulfide/I−‐I2 redox pair within the perovskite film provides a dynamic mechanism for the continuous reduction of I2 under light and thermal stresses, facilitating the healing of iodine‐induced degradations. This approach significantly enhances the operational stability of PSCs. Under the ISOS‐L‐3 testing protocol (maximum power point (MPP) tracking in an environment with relative humidity of ≈50% at ≈65 °C), the treated PSCs maintain 97% of their original power conversion efficieney (PCE) after 300 h of aging. In contrast, control devices exhibit almost complete degradation, primarily due to rapid thermal‐induced I2 volatilization. These results demonstrate a promising strategy to overcome critical stability challenges in PSCs, particularly in scenarios involving thermal effects.
Bone Mimetic Polyetheretherketone Implant Coating Facilitates Early Osseointegration
Authors: Knaus Jennifer , Tian Liangfei , Schuhmacher Tamara , Hauck Christof R. , Cölfen Helmut
Published: April 2024

Aging society demands advanced bone implants that can achieve long‐term success through osseointegration at the bone‐implant interface. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a bioinert implant material, often struggles with connecting to existing bone tissue, leading to inflammation and implant replacement. Following nature's lessons, a new strategy is introduced that masks the surface of bio‐ and chemically inert Polyetheretherketone implants with a covalently anchored bone‐mimetic surface. This method transforms PEEK into a bone‐integrative material by grafting a ≈300 nm thick gelatin layer onto its surface, subsequently mineralized with calcium phosphate. Herein, it is showed that this surface modification for implant materials combines excellent bulk implant properties with the characteristic structure and functional properties of natural bone. In vitro biocompatibility assays, employing NIH‐3T3 fibroblast and MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cell lines, confirm the enhanced biocompatibility of the modified material. This strategy offers promising prospects for improving bone implants and exemplifies the adaptation of a non‐osseointegrative material to a bone‐like interface.