bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends of sustainable recycling technology for lithium‐ion batteries: Metal recovery from conventional metallurgical processes to innovative direct recycling
Authors: Dong Yongteng , Ji Haocheng , Wu Xiaoxue , Zheng Nengzhan , Wang Junxiong , Ji Guanjun , Chen Yuanmao , Zhou Guangmin , Liang Zheng
Published: October 2023

The remarkable market growth of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for various applications has been witnessed in the past two decades. However, as a retirement wave of more and more LIBs approaches, the disposed end‐of‐life batteries represent a growing hazard to ecosystem and human health. Recycling valuable metals from those spent LIBs still remain challenging because the current conventional metallurgical recycling processes involve the emission of toxic gas and waste chemicals as well as intensive energy consumption. These processes are not considered as green recycling approaches that contradict with the principles of carbon neutrality and circular economy embraced by the world. Hence, implementing green and sustainable recycling technologies of spent LIBs, especially for cathode materials, is an urgent need. This review provides a comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation of traditional pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and state‐of‐the‐art direct recycling for recovering valuable metal materials from the spent LIB cathode. The fundamentals, methods, efficiencies, and feasibility of the three recycling approaches are also assessed. In addition, the recent progress for green innovation of hydrometallurgical and direct recycling processes as well as the potential research tendency for spent LIBs are discussed.
The Alleviating Effects and Mechanisms of Betaine on Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Dou Weidong , Xu Hao , Feng Shuo , Liu Tao , Xiao Lin , Wu Yingchao , Chen Shanwen , Pan Yisheng , Wang Xin
Published: October 2023

Scope

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an intestinal disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent and is often overlooked in early stages, and its pathogenesis is often closely related to inflammatory processes. Betaine is a natural product with anti‐inflammatory effects that exists in a wide range of plants and animals.

Methods and results

In this study, the protective effects of betaine are investigated on intestinal barrier function in a mouse model, a dextran sulfate sodium‐induced ulcerative colitis and its mechanism of action in the inflammatory context. FITC‐dextran 4000 Da (FD‐4) flux, disease activity index, histopathological scores, and inflammatory factor levels in sera are determined across different groups. In addition, Caco‐2 cell monolayer barrier function is evaluated by transepithelial resistance and FD‐4 flux. The expression levels and distribution of tight junction proteins are determined using Western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Activation of the NF‐κBp65/MLCK/p‐MLC signaling pathway is detected by Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation is performed to examine the binding of NF‐κB to the MLCK gene promoter. The results indicated that betaine inhibits NF‐κB‐mediated activation of the MLCK/p‐MLC signaling pathway to protect the intestinal barrier function of mice with UC.

Conclusion

Betaine can be used as a potential candidate drug to improve intestinal barrier dysfunction in patients with UC.
Technical note: High‐efficient and wireless transcranial ultrasound excitation based on electromagnetic acoustic transducer
Authors: Huang Lin , Qiao Shuaiqi , Ling Wenwu , Wang Weipeng , Feng Qikaiyi , Cao Jiazhi , Luo Yan
Published: October 2023

Background

The generation of transcranial ultrasound is usually based on the piezoelectric effect, so it is necessary to attach transducers around the skull. However, the skull will cause serious attenuation and scattering of ultrasound, which makes it particularly difficult for transcranial ultrasound imaging and modulation.

Purpose

In transcranial ultrasound imaging, there is significant attenuation and scattering of ultrasound waves by the skull bone. To mitigate this influence and enable precise imaging and high‐efficient transcranial ultrasound for specific patients (such as stroke patients who already require craniotomy as part of their surgical care), this paper proposes to use EMAT to excite metal plates placed inside the skull based on the excellent penetration characteristics of EM waves into the skull, generating ultrasound signals, which can completely avoid the influence of skull on ultrasound transmission.

Methods

Based on an efficient wireless transcranial ultrasound experimental platform, we first verified that the skull would not affect the propagation of electromagnetic waves generated by EMAT. In addition, the distribution of the transcranial sound field generated by EMAT was measured.

Results

EMAT can generate 1.0 MHz ultrasound by wireless excitation of a 0.1 mm thick copper plate through an adult skull with a thickness of ∼1 cm, and the frequency and amplitude of the generated ultrasound are not affected by the skull. The results indicated that the electromagnetic waves successfully penetrated the skull, with a recorded strength of approximately 2 mV. We also found that the ultrasound signals generated by the EMAT probe through the skull remained unaffected, measuring around 2 mV. In addition, the measurement of the transcranial sound field distribution (80*50 mm2) generated by EMAT shows that compared with the traditional extracranial ultrasound generation method, the sound field distribution generated by the wireless excitation of the intracranial copper plate based on EAMT is no longer affected by the uneven and irregular skull.

Conclusion

Our experiments involved validating the penetration capabilities of electromagnetic waves utilizing the EMAT probe through a 7 (5+2) mm thick organic glass plate and a real human skull ranging from 8 to 15 mm in thickness. The efficient and wireless transcranial ultrasound excitation proposed in this paper may be possible for transcranial ultrasound imaging and therapy.
Molecular precursors to produce para‐hydrogen enhanced metabolites at any field
Authors: Jagtap Anil P. , Mamone Salvatore , Glöggler Stefan
Published: October 2023

Enhancing magnetic resonance signal via hyperpolarization techniques enables the real‐time detection of metabolic transformations even in vivo. The use of para‐hydrogen to enhance 13C‐enriched metabolites has opened a rapid pathway for the production of hyperpolarized metabolites, which usually requires specialized equipment. Metabolite precursors that can be hyperpolarized and converted into metabolites at any given field would open up opportunities for many labs to make use of this technology because already existing hardware could be used. We report here on the complete synthesis and hyperpolarization of suitable precursor molecules of the side‐arm hydrogenation approach. The better accessibility to such side‐arms promises that the para‐hydrogen approach can be implemented in every lab with existing two channel NMR spectrometers for 1H and 13C independent of the magnetic field.
Sensitivity analyses of probabilistic and deterministic DTI tractography methodologies for studying arm muscle architecture
Authors: Joshi Divya , Sohn M. Hongchul , Dewald Julius P. A. , Murray Wendy M. , Ingo Carson
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To determine the sensitivity profiles of probabilistic and deterministic DTI tractography methods in estimating geometric properties in arm muscle anatomy.

Methods

Spin‐echo diffusion‐weighted MR images were acquired in the dominant arm of 10 participants. Both deterministic and probabilistic tractography were performed in two different muscle architectures of the parallel‐structured biceps brachii (and the pennate‐structured flexor carpi ulnaris. Muscle fascicle geometry estimates and number of fascicles were evaluated with respect to tractography turning angle, polynomial fitting order, and SNR. The DTI tractography estimated fascicle lengths were compared with measurements obtained from conventional cadaveric dissection and ultrasound modalities.

Results

The probabilistic method generally estimated fascicle lengths closer to ranges reported by conventional methods than the deterministic method, most evident in the biceps brachii (p > 0.05), consisting of longer, arc‐like fascicles. For both methods, a wide turning angle (50º–90°) generated fascicle lengths that were in close agreement with conventional methods, most evident in the flexor carpi ulnaris (p > 0.05), consisting of shorter, feather‐like fascicles. The probabilistic approach produced at least two times more fascicles than the deterministic approach. For both approaches, second‐order fitting yielded about double the complete tracts as third‐order fitting. In both muscles, as SNR decreased, deterministic tractography produced less fascicles but consistent geometry (p > 0.05), whereas probabilistic tractography produced a consistent number but altered geometry of fascicles (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Findings from this study provide best practice recommendations for implementing DTI tractography in skeletal muscle and will inform future in vivo studies of healthy and pathological muscle structure.
Creatine mapping of the brain at 3T by CEST MRI
Authors: Wang Kexin , Huang Jianpan , Ju Licheng , Xu Su , Gullapalli Rao P. , Liang Yajie , Rogers Joshua , Li Yuguo , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Weiss Robert G. , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Xu Jiadi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of CEST‐based creatine (Cr) mapping in brain at 3T using the guanidino (Guan) proton resonance.

Methods

Wild type and knockout mice with guanidinoacetate N‐methyltransferase deficiency and low Cr and phosphocreatine (PCr) concentrations in the brain were used to assign the Cr and protein‐based arginine contributions to the GuanCEST signal at 2.0 ppm. To quantify the Cr proton exchange rate, two‐step Bloch–McConnell fitting was used to fit the extracted CrCEST line‐shape and multi‐B1 Z‐spectral data. The pH response of GuanCEST was simulated to demonstrate its potential for pH mapping.

Results

Brain Z‐spectra of wild type and guanidinoacetate N‐methyltransferase deficiency mice show a clear Guan proton peak at 2.0 ppm at 3T. The CrCEST signal contributes ∼23% to the GuanCEST signal at B1 = 0.8 μT, where a maximum CrCEST effect of 0.007 was detected. An exchange rate range of 200–300 s−1 was estimated for the Cr Guan protons. As revealed by the simulation, an elevated GuanCEST in the brain is observed when B1 is less than 0.4 μT at 3T, when intracellular pH reduces by 0.2. Conversely, the GuanCEST decreases when B1 is greater than 0.4 μT with the same pH drop.

Conclusions

CrCEST mapping is possible at 3T, which has potential for detecting intracellular pH and Cr concentration in brain.
Diagnostic clinical prediction rules for categorising low back pain: A systematic review
Authors: Hill Charles James , Banerjee Anirban , Hill Jonathan , Stapleton Claire
Published: October 2023

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a common complex condition, where specific diagnoses are hard to identify. Diagnostic clinical prediction rules (CPRs) are known to improve clinical decision‐making. A review of LBP diagnostic‐CPRs by Haskins et al. (2015) identified six diagnostic‐CPRs in derivation phases of development, with one tool ready for implementation. Recent progress on these tools is unknown. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate developments in LBP diagnostic‐CPRs and evaluate their readiness for implementation.

Methods

A systematic review was performed on five databases (Medline, Amed, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, and CINAHL) combined with hand‐searching and citation‐tracking to identify eligible studies. Study and tool quality were appraised for risk of bias (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2), methodological quality (checklist using accepted CPR methodological standards), and CPR tool appraisal (GRade and ASsess Predictive).

Results

Of 5021 studies screened, 11 diagnostic‐CPRs were identified. Of the six previously known, three have been externally validated but not yet undergone impact analysis. Five new tools have been identified since Haskin et al. (2015); all are still in derivation stages. The most validated diagnostic‐CPRs include the Lumbar‐Spinal‐Stenosis‐Self‐Administered‐Self‐Reported‐History‐Questionnaire and Diagnosis‐Support‐Tool‐to‐Identify‐Lumbar‐Spinal‐Stenosis, and the StEP‐tool which differentiates radicular from axial‐LBP.

Conclusions

This updated review of LBP diagnostic CPRs found five new tools, all in the early stages of development. Three previously known tools have now been externally validated but should be used with caution until impact evaluation studies are undertaken. Future funding should focus on externally validating and assessing the impact of existing CPRs on clinical decision‐making.
Employment intention and career planning of male nursing students in different levels of colleges and universities: A qualitative study
Authors: Zeng Xiaoting , Yang Fuxun , Xu Xinyi , He Tingting , Huang Shan , Luo Xiaoxiu , Min Lihua
Published: October 2023

Aim

To explore the employment intention and career planning of male nursing students at different levels of colleges and universities and provide references for formulating individualized training content.

Design

Phenomenological research method in qualitative research.

Methods

Using a phenomenological research method, 15 male nursing students from three levels of colleges and universities were interviewed in a one‐to‐half structure, and the data were analysed using NVivo12.0 software and the Colaizzi seven‐step analysis method.

Results

Four themes and 10 sub‐themes were extracted. The four themes included professional identity experience, nursing learning experience, career expectation and planning and educational needs. The 10 sub‐themes included the negative effects of traditional impressions, the gradual establishment of professional identity, public health events promote professional identity, negative experiences in learning, positive growth from learning, varied career plans, career expectations and influencing factors, a reasonable schedule, diversity of content requirements and the positive effect of teaching teachers.

Conclusions

Influenced by many factors, the employment intention and career planning of male nursing students at different higher education levels are varied. Schools and clinical practice units should strengthen the training of employment intention and career planning and make reasonable time adjustments to the training content.

Public Contribution

In total, 15 male interns accepted our interview request. We utilized their break time to conduct the interviews, resulting in significant contributions to the content of the article.
The association of resilience with self‐care and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pouw Tamara , de Man‐van Ginkel Janneke , Hardeman Johannes A. , Mager Johannes‐Jurgen , Trapman Lian , Jaarsma Tiny , Weldam Saskia
Published: October 2023

Aim

To investigate the association of resilience with self‐care and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected between February and May 2021. Self‐care was measured with the self‐care of chronic illness inventory, quality of life was measured with the clinical chronic obstructive pulmonary disease questionnaire and resilience was measured with the resilience evaluation scale. Possible confounders were included (sex, age, smoking, time since diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, educational level, social support and pulmonary function). Multiple regression analysis was performed among the determinants, confounders and both outcomes.

Results

Participants scored fairly well on resilience (mean 22.5). Self‐care scored reasonably well (mean maintenance 65.9, mean monitoring 70.9, mean management 59.9 and mean confidence 71.5). Quality of life scored mediocre (mean 2.6). The results of the linear multiple regression were resilience, which is associated with self‐care confidence and quality of life when adjusted for possible confounders. This means people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with higher resilience have better self‐care confidence and higher quality of life. The outcome contributes to strengthening nursing care and further developing nurses' knowledge. The results can contribute to increasing awareness for healthcare professionals that resilience can potentially increase self‐care and quality of life.
Stigmatized attitudes of medical staff toward people who use drugs and their determinants in Japanese medical facilities specialized in addiction treatment
Authors: Katayama Munenori , Fujishiro So , Sugiura Kanna , Konishi Jun , Inada Ken , Shirakawa Norihito , Matsumoto Toshihiko
Published: October 2023

Aim

Stigma within healthcare settings significantly impact the lives of people who use drugs (PWUD). Given the lack of quantitative data on stigma toward PWUD in healthcare settings and the unknown factors that contribute to it in the Japanese context, this study aimed to investigate the current status of stigma toward PWUD and its determinants.

Methods

We conducted a survey in five specialized addiction medical facilities across three prefectures in Japan. The survey included questions related to stigmatizing attitudes toward PWUD, knowledge about illicit drug use, and personal and professional interactions with PWUD.

Results

A substantial portion of respondents rejected the notion that drug addiction can be overcome through sheer willpower or attributed it solely to moral failings. However, the majority still considered them untrustworthy and viewing drug use as unacceptable and incomprehensible. Many respondents perceived PWUD as dangerous, despite the limited occurrence of hostile behavior from PWUD in clinical practice. A considerable proportion of respondents did not seek support for their own or their relatives' drug‐related issues, and less than half had collaborated with recovered PWUD, which serves as potential indicators of reduced stigma. While healthcare professionals recognized that involving law enforcement does not contribute to the recovery of PWUD, a considerable number still believed it was necessary to report them to the authorities.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals in specialized addiction medical facilities demonstrate strong stigmatizing attitudes toward PWUD. Comprehensive educational programs and large‐scale awareness campaigns are necessary to address and mitigate stigma in this context.
Implicit Runge‐Kutta with spectral Galerkin methods for the fractional diffusion equation with spectral fractional Laplacian
Authors: Zhang Yanming , Li Yu , Yu Yuexin , Wang Wansheng
Published: October 2023

An efficient numerical method with high accuracy both in time and in space is proposed for solving ‐dimensional fractional diffusion equation with spectral fractional Laplacian. The main idea is discretizing the time by an ‐stage implicit Runge‐Kutta method and approximating the space by a spectral Galerkin method with Fourier‐like basis functions. In view of the orthogonality, the mass matrix of the spectral Galerkin method is an identity and the stiffness matrix is diagonal, which makes the proposed method is efficient for high‐dimensional problems. The proposed method is showed to be stable and convergent with at least order in time, when the implicit Runge‐Kutta method with classical order () is algebraically stable. As another important contribution of this paper, we derive the spatial error estimate with optimal convergence order which depends on the regularity of the exact solution but not on the fractional parameter . This improves the previous result which depends on the fractional parameter . Numerical experiments verify and complement our theoretical results.
Consider Water Quality Needs for Breweries and Their Effects on Wastewater Utilities
Authors: Vail Tricia , Schneider Christine , Adams Hunter , English Zonetta
Published: October 2023

From water to wastewater, a brewery has a huge effect on a municipality's overall water system.
Coexistence across space and time: Social‐ecological patterns within a decade of human‐coyote interactions in San Francisco
Authors: Wilkinson Christine E. , Caspi Tal , Stanton Lauren A. , Campbell Deb , Schell Christopher J.
Published: October 2023

Global change is increasing the frequency and severity of human‐wildlife interactions by pushing people and wildlife into increasingly resource‐limited shared spaces. To understand the dynamics of human‐wildlife interactions and what may constitute human‐wildlife coexistence in the Anthropocene, there is a critical need to explore the spatial, temporal, sociocultural and ecological variables that contribute to human‐wildlife conflicts in urban areas.

Due to their opportunistic foraging and behavioural flexibility, coyotes (Canis latrans) frequently interact with people in urban environments. San Francisco, California, USA hosts a very high density of coyotes, making it an excellent region for analysing urban human‐coyote interactions and attitudes toward coyotes over time and space.

We used a community‐curated long‐term data source from San Francisco Animal Care and Control to summarise a decade of coyote sightings and human‐coyote interactions in San Francisco and to characterise spatiotemporal patterns of attitudes and interaction types in relation to housing density, socioeconomics, pollution and human vulnerability metrics, and green space availability.

We found that human‐coyote conflict reports have been significantly increasing over the past 5 years and that there were more conflicts during the coyote pup‐rearing season (April–June), the dry season (June–September) and the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conflict reports were also more likely to involve dogs and occur inside of parks, despite more overall sightings occurring outside of parks. Generalised linear mixed models revealed that conflicts were more likely to occur in places with higher vegetation greenness and median income. Meanwhile reported coyote boldness, hazing and human attitudes toward coyotes were also correlated with pollution burden and human population vulnerability indices.

Synthesis and applications: Our results provide compelling evidence suggesting that human‐coyote conflicts are intimately associated with social‐ecological heterogeneities and time, emphasizing that the road to coexistence will require socially informed strategies. Additional long‐term research articulating how the social‐ecological drivers of conflict (e.g. human food subsidies, interactions with domestic species, climate‐induced droughts, socioeconomic disparities, etc.) change over time will be essential in building adaptive management efforts that effectively mitigate future conflicts from occurring.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/high‐density polyethylene/aluminum hydroxide/clay composites by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Kim Dong‐Seop , Lee Byoung‐Min , Kim Hyun‐Rae , Park Sangwon , Park Jong‐Seok , Hwang Daeyoung , Kim Jaewoo , Choi Jae‐Hak
Published: October 2023

In this study, poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/aluminum hydroxide (ATH)/clays composites were prepared via melt‐mixing followed by electron beam irradiation (EBI). The effects of clays and EBI on the properties of the composites were investigated in terms of their flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties. As the clay content increased, the gel content, tensile strength, and elongation‐at‐break increased. The gel content, tensile strength, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of the composites increased with increasing absorbed dose due to the formation of crosslinked network structures. These results suggest that the addition of clays and the formation of crosslinked network structures by EBI can be an effective method for improving the physical properties and flame retardancy of composites.
Significance of fusion status, Oberlin risk factors, local and maintenance treatment in pediatric and adolescent patients with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma: Data of the European Soft Tissue Sarcoma Registry SoTiSaR
Authors: Heinz Amadeus T. , Schönstein Anton , Ebinger Martin , Fuchs Jörg , Timmermann Beate , Seitz Guido , Vokuhl Christian , Münter Marc , Pajtler Kristian W. , Stegmaier Sabine , von Kalle Thekla , Kratz Christian P. , Ljungman Gustaf , Juntti Hanna , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa , Sparber‐Sauer Monika ,   the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe
Published: October 2023

Background

Outcome of primary metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is poor. Certain risk factors as fusion status, Oberlin score, and local treatment of primary tumor are known to influence prognosis.

Procedure

Patients with metastatic RMS were treated according to Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) guidance with chemotherapy (CHT), radiotherapy (RT) excluding total lung irradiation (TLI), complete resection of the primary tumor, and metastasectomy if possible. Kaplan–Meier estimators and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) involving also landmark analyses.

Results

In the European Soft Tissue Sarcoma Registry SoTiSaR (2009–2018), 211 patients were analyzed. Many patients had fusion‐positive alveolar RMS (n = 83; 39%). Median age was 9.4 years [0.1–19.7 years]. Treatment primarily consisted of CHT with CEVAIE (carboplatin, epirubicine, vincristine, actinomycin‐D, ifosfamide, etoposide: 86%, other regimens: 14%), RT (71%), resection of primary tumor (37%), metastasectomy (19%), and lymph node sampling/dissection (21%). Maintenance treatment (MT) (oral trofosfamide, idarubicin, etoposide) was added in 74% of patients. Oberlin factors, fusion status, and MT were predictive for EFS and OS. MT with O‐TIE was not improving outcome when adjusting for the immortal time bias. Local treatment of the primary tumor and radical irradiation (except TLI) improved EFS, not OS, when adjusting for the Oberlin score. Patients with fusion‐negative alveolar RMS (n = 9) had an excellent outcome with a 5‐year EFS and OS of 100%, compared to patients with embryonal RMS (49%/62%), PAX7‐ (22%/47%) and PAX3/FOXO1‐positive ARMS (10/13%), respectively (p < .001).

Conclusions

Prognosis of metastatic RMS primarily depends on fusion status and Oberlin score. Fusion status needs to be considered in future trials to optimize treatment outcome. The role of radical irradiation needs further investigation.
Recent advancements in the applications of fiber‐reinforced polymer structures in railway industry—A review
Authors: Saeedi A. , Motavalli M. , Shahverdi M.
Published: October 2023

The application of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials and structures in various industrial sectors is expanding significantly to meet the rising demand for efficient, reliable, and functional building materials. Using FRPs can be an excellent strategy for enhancing railway structures and equipment because of their high strength‐to‐weight ratio, tailorable mechanical properties, and suitable long‐term characteristics. However, the railway industry appears to be hesitant to adopt composite materials compared to other transportation sectors like aerospace. It seems that there is still a long way to go before FRPs reach their full potential in railway applications. The goal of the current study is to explore the current uses of FRPs in the railway industry and the significant challenges, obstacles and difficulties that must be overcome to put FRP‐based concepts into practice for structural and rail vehicle applications.

Highlights

Applications of FRPs in railway vehicles and rail lines are reviewed.

Main challenges for utilization of FRP in railway industry are studied.

Future trends and applications of FRPs in the railway sector are introduced.
A micromechanical cyclic constitutive model for ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites with imperfect interface
Authors: Qin Fangping , Lu Fucong , Zhang Chuanbiao , Huang Long , Hou Yuhang
Published: October 2023

In this study, a micromechanical cyclic constitutive model for accurately describing the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites is proposed. The model is based on the mean‐field homogenization method and incorporates the nonlinear viscoelastic‐viscoplastic (VE‐VP) cyclic constitutive model of the polymeric matrix and the imperfect interface. First, the nonlinear VE‐VP model was linearized using the incremental affine method and then was introduced into the homogenization process. The imperfect interface was represented using a linear spring model. A modified Mori‐Tanaka model was developed to incorporate the nonlinear VE‐VP model and imperfect interface into the micromechanical constitutive model. To implement the proposed micromechanical model, a numerical algorithm was developed. The model is capable of capturing the influence of the imperfect interface on the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites. Furthermore, it is applicable to simulate various loading histories, including monotonic tension, stress relaxation, creep, and uniaxial ratchetting loads. The proposed model was validated by comparing its simulations with those obtained from the full‐field finite element method (FEM) model. The proposed model can predict the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites and promote the practical application of these material in structures.

Highlights

A micromechanical cyclic constitutive model is developed to describe the ratchetting deformation of polymeric composites with imperfect interface.

Nonlinear viscoelastic‐viscoplastic deformation of polymeric matrix is considered.

A modified Mori‐Tanaka method is employed to incorporate the nonlinear constitutive model and imperfect interface into the process of homogenization.

Good agreement between simulations of the proposed model and the full‐field FEM model under various loading histories.
Modification mechanism of modified diatomite with flexible amine‐based structure as a filler of epoxy resin and mechanical properties and curing kinetic of composites
Authors: Wang Huixiao , Lou Chunhua , Yu Jingjing , Yang Yuxin , Liu Yan , Gu Xiaohua
Published: October 2023

In this study, the binding of amine‐based hyperbranched macromolecular polyethyleneimine (PEI) to diatomite (DE) was carried out by using the silane coupling agent KH560 (PEI‐KH560‐DE). Fourier infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the structure of the modified DE. Then, the composites were prepared using PEI‐KH560‐DE as the filler in the epoxy resin matrix and then cured with dimethylimidazole. The cured composites were tested for impact resistance, flexural properties, and tensile properties, and then subjected to DSC. The experimental results showed that when different proportions of diatomite or modified diatomite were added to the epoxy resin matrix, the strength and toughness of the composites could be significantly enhanced. When the content of PEI‐KH560‐DE was 15 wt%, the impact strength of the composites reached the maximum value of 5.39 kJ/m2, which was 156.67% higher than that of the pure epoxy resin (2.10 kJ/m2). The tensile strength was also improved from 16.38 MPa of the pure epoxy resin to 26.55 MPa, corresponding to an increase of 62.09%. With the addition of modified diatomite, the Tdmax and char yield of the composites were significantly enhanced, indicating that the addition of diatomite can enhance the heat resistance and thermal stability of the composites. The curing kinetics study showed that the addition of PEI‐KH560‐DE can significantly reduce the apparent activation energy required for the curing reaction of epoxy resin probably due to the presence of amine group in PEI, which plays a role in promoting the curing behavior.

Highlights

Amine groups and flexible chain segments were introduced into diatomite.

Mechanism of polyethyleneimine‐modified diatomite was investigated.

Improved mechanical and thermal properties of PEI‐KH560‐DE/EP composites.

Curing kinetics showed that amine groups reduce apparent activation energy.
Expected yield and economic improvements of a yam seed system in West Africa using agro‐physiological modelling
Authors: Cornet Denis , Sierra Jorge , Tournebize Régis , Dossa Komivi , Gabrielle Benoît
Published: October 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Yam is a major tropical root crop and a staple food for millions of people in West Africa. The model used in this study shows that promoting the use of improved seed tubers would help increase yields and profitability for farmers. This could lead to improved food security, increased income and higher standards of living. Additionally, the model serves as a useful decision‐support tool for farmers and technicians to choose, depending on the species, the optimum seed‐tuber weight and planting date. This study provides agronomic arguments to justify investments in the improvement of yam planting materials in West Africa.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a major tropical root crop, grown mainly in West Africa using traditional extensive techniques. Farmers typically reuse seed tubers by setting aside up to 30% of their production for the next season, leading to high planting material variability that affects yields. Several initiatives aim to promote the use of improved seed tubers. However, to help their adoption, it is necessary to quantify the agronomic and economic advantages.

To address this, a model for individual plant growth and development was developed based on six experiments in Benin from 2007 to 2009. This model simulates the combined effect of emergence (through photoperiod and temperature) and seed‐tuber weight on yam plant growth and development. Its predictions were highly correlated with observed plant tuber yield (R2 > 0.83).

Results highlight the crucial role of key processes such as seed‐tuber physiological age and photoperiod sensitivity. The study shows that for the traditional planting dates, the use of improved planting material could lead to a yield increase of 22%–27% and a gain in profitability of 30% and 40% for Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata, respectively. The model proved to be a useful decision‐support tool for choosing an optimum seed‐tuber weight, depending on the species and the planting date.

This study validates investments in yam seed systems in West Africa. However, beyond seed size and health, other factors such as dormancy, storage time and their management need to be considered to address emergence heterogeneity and its impact on yield.
Comparison of the modified shuttle walk test in children with cystic fibrosis and healthy controls
Authors: Mucha Francieli Camila , Gonçalves Wamosy Renata Maba , Scalco Janaina Cristina , Almeida Ana Carolina da Silva , Itaborahy Bianca Dana Horongozo , Cardoso Juliana , Mayer Anamaria Fleig , Santos Schivinski Camila Isabel
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate and compare performance in the modified shuttle walk test (MSWT) with cardiorespiratory parameters and respiratory muscle strength in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and healthy controls.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with children divided into the CF group (CFG) and healthy control group (HCG). Two MSWTs were performed and the data from the test with the longest distance walked and its cardiorespiratory parameters (blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and dyspnea sensation) were considered, the last three every 4 levels. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated using a manometer. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the parameters before and after the MSWT, and the Mann‐Whitney and independent t‐tests were applied to compare the data between the groups. The distance walked and its association with the variation in cardiorespiratory parameters and respiratory muscle strength were analyzed by Spearman's correlation.

Results

Sixty‐two children (31 in each group) participated, with an average age of 10.2 (2.1) years. Children with CF had poorer performance in the average distance walked (CFG 716.7 (274.3)) when compared to the HCG (948.0 (202.8)). Both groups exhibited an increase in all the cardiorespiratory parameters at the end of the test, but the CFG displayed less variation in some parameters. Children with CF presented a positive correlation between distance walked and respiratory muscle strength, HR variation, and systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

There was no difference in respiratory muscle strength between the groups. In the CFG, the greater the respiratory muscle strength, the better the performance in the MSWT. The CFG exhibited less variation in cardiorespiratory parameters than the HCG.
Lessons on protein structure from interleukin‐4: All disulfides are not created equal
Authors: Vaz Daniela C. , Rodrigues J. Rui , Loureiro‐Ferreira Nuno , Müller Thomas D. , Sebald Walter , Redfield Christina , Brito Rui M. M.
Published: October 2023

Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) is a hematopoietic cytokine composed by a four‐helix bundle stabilized by an antiparallel beta‐sheet and three disulfide bonds: Cys3‐Cys127, Cys24‐Cys65, and Cys46‐Cys99. IL‐4 is involved in several immune responses associated to infection, allergy, autoimmunity, and cancer. Besides its physiological relevance, IL‐4 is often used as a “model” for protein design and engineering. Hence, to understand the role of each disulfide in the structure and dynamics of IL‐4, we carried out several spectroscopic analyses (circular dichroism [CD], fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on wild‐type IL‐4 and four IL‐4 disulfide mutants. All disulfide mutants showed loss of structure, altered interhelical angles, and looser core packings, showing that all disulfides are relevant for maintaining the overall fold and stability of the four‐helix bundle motif, even at very low pH. In the absence of the disulfide connecting both protein termini Cys3‐Cys127, C3T‐IL4 showed a less packed protein core, loss of secondary structure (~9%) and fast motions on the sub‐nanosecond time scale (lower S2 order parameters and larger τc correlation time), especially at the two protein termini, loops, beginning of helix A and end of helix D. In the absence of Cys24‐Cys65, C24T‐IL4 presented shorter alpha‐helices (14% loss in helical content), altered interhelical angles, less propensity to form the small anti‐parallel beta‐sheet and increased dynamics. Simultaneously deprived of two disulfides (Cys3‐Cys127 and Cys24‐Cys65), IL‐4 formed a partially folded “molten globule” with high 8‐anilino‐1‐naphtalenesulphonic acid‐binding affinity and considerable loss of secondary structure (~50%decrease), as shown by the far UV‐CD, NMR, and MD data.
Dauricine attenuates Oct4/sonic hedgehog co‐activated stemness and induces reactive oxygen species‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis via AKT/β‐catenin signaling in human neuroblastoma and glioblastoma stem‐like cells
Authors: Liu Cuicui , Yang Tianfeng , Cheng Cheng , Huo Jian , Peng Xiuhong , Zhang Yanmin
Published: October 2023

Neuroblastoma and glioblastoma are primary malignant tumors of the nervous system, with frequent relapse and limited clinical therapeutic drugs. The failure of their treatment is due to the tumor cells exhibiting cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs) properties. Octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) is involved in mediating CSLCs, our previous work found that Oct4‐driven reprogramming of astrocytes into induced neural stem cells was potentiated with continuous sonic hedgehog (Shh) stimulation. In this study, we aimed to study the importance of Oct4 and Shh combination in the stemness properties induction of neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells, and evaluate the anti‐stemness effect of dauricine (DAU), a natural product of bis‐benzylisoquinoline alkaloid. The effect of Oct4 and Shh co‐activation on cancer stemness was evaluated by tumor spheres formation model and flow cytometry analysis. Then the effects of DAU on SH‐SY5Y and T98‐G cells were assessed by the MTT, colony formation, and tumor spheres formation model. DAU acts on Oct4 were verified using the Western blotting, MTT, and so on. Mechanistic studies were explored by siRNA transfection assay, Western blotting, and flow cytometry analysis. We identified that Shh effectively improved Oct4‐mediated generation of stemness in SH‐SY5Y and T98‐G cells, and Oct4 and Shh co‐activation promoted cell growth, the resistance of apoptosis. In addition, DAU, a natural product, was found to be able to attenuate Oct4/Shh co‐activated stemness and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via blocking AKT/β‐catenin signaling in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma, which contributed to the neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells growth inhibition by DAU. In summary, our results indicated that the treatment of DAU may be served as a potential therapeutic method in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma.
Educating patients with upper limb dysfunction on self‐adjustment of the CPAP/NPPV mask: A case series
Authors: Kuroda Tomoko , Ichikawa Kazushige , Hinata Satoshi , Chiba Kaoru , Okabayashi Ken , Asato Yuko , Aono Hiromi , Marumo Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2023

We share our experiences of instructing three patients with severe upper limb dysfunction on how to self‐adjust CPAP/NPPV masks. In Case 1, we simplified the procedure by suturing a part of the headband as the left forearm was amputated. In Case 2, the patient had congenitally short limbs with short stature; thus, we provided an additional belt to the headband to maintain the headband's configuration while wearing the mask. In Case 3, the patient had left hemiplegia due to stroke and, repetitive coaching was conducted during the recovery phase rehabilitation program. Difficulties with self‐adjusting NPPV/CPAP masks can occur whenever there is limited hand mobility above the head, including upper limb dysfunction. Simplifying procedures and providing sufficient time for instruction could help achieve independence. There have been no previous reports describing similar training details. We believe that sharing this knowledge will be helpful to both patients and healthcare professionals.
Upregulation of iNOS and phosphorylated eNOS in the implantation‐induced blastocysts of mice
Authors: Seki Misato , Takeuchi Eisaku , Fukui Emiko , Matsumoto Hiromichi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine expressions of iNOS and phosphorylated eNOS (p‐eNOS) in implantation‐induced blastocysts. We also examined the upstream of p‐eNOS.

Methods

To address the protein expressions in implantation‐induced blastocysts, we performed immunohistochemical analysis using a delayed implantation mouse model. Immunostaining for iNOS, p‐eNOS, and p‐Akt was done. To address the relationship between p‐eNOS and p‐Akt, activated blastocysts were treated with an Akt inhibitor, MK‐2206.

Results

iNOS expression was at low levels in dormant blastocysts, whereas the expression was significantly increased in the activated blastocysts. Double staining of p‐eNOS and p‐Akt in individual blastocysts showed colocalization of p‐eNOS and p‐Akt of the trophectoderm. p‐eNOS and p‐Akt expressions were at low levels in dormant blastocysts, whereas both of them were significantly increased in the activated blastocysts. Both dormant and activated blastocysts showed significant positive correlations between p‐eNOS and p‐Akt. MK‐2206 treatment for activated blastocysts showed that blastocysts with lower p‐Akt had significantly lower p‐eNOS levels.

Conclusions

iNOS and p‐eNOS, Ca2+ independent NOS, are upregulated by E2 in the blastocysts during implantation activation. Furthermore, p‐eNOS is upregulated in implantation‐induced blastocysts downstream of p‐Akt.
Electroencephalographic findings post‐COVID‐19 vaccination: A systematic review of case reports and case series
Authors: Fazlollahi Asra , Zahmatyar Mahdi , Shamekh Ali , Motamedi Alireza , Seyedi Fatemeh , Seyedmirzaei Homa , Mousavi Seyed Ehsan , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Sullman Mark J. M. , Kolahi Ali‐Asghar , Arshi Shahnam , Safiri Saeid
Published: October 2023

A number of different neurological complications have been reported following vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the modalities used to evaluate the neurological complications of diseases. The aim of the present study was to identify the EEG changes in participants vaccinated against COVID‐19. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, medRxiv, and Google Scholar were searched up to 1 September 2022, with terms related to COVID‐19 vaccines, EEG, neurological signs/symptoms, or neurological disorders. All case reports and case series were included if the participants had received at least one dose of a COVID‐19 vaccine and a post vaccination EEG report was also reported. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for case reports and case series to appraise the methodological quality of the included studies. Thirty‐one studies were included, which were comprised of 24 case reports and seven case series and a total of 36 participants. Generalised slowing and non‐convulsive focal status epilepticus were the most common EEG findings post‐COVID‐19 vaccination. The most frequent symptoms were headache, fatigue, generalised weakness, and vomiting. In addition, the most common signs were encephalopathy, post‐ictal phases, and confusion. Encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and post‐vaccinal encephalopathy were the most commonly diagnosed adverse events. Furthermore, most of the imaging studies appeared normal. The EEG reports mainly showed background slowing and epileptiform discharges, encephalitis, encephalopathies, and demyelinating disorders. Future studies with larger samples and more vaccine types may help to further unravel the potential neurological effects of COVID‐19 vaccinations on recipients.
A GES joint position trajectory tracking smooth controller of torque‐driven robot manipulators affected by disturbances
Authors: Sandoval Jesús , Cervantes‐Pérez Luis , Santibáñez Víctor , Moreno‐Valenzuela Javier , Kelly Rafael
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a controller for joint position tracking of torque‐driven robot manipulators affected by torque disturbances. In particular, the proposed approach allows concluding global exponential stability (GES) of the state‐space origin of the closed‐loop system when constant disturbances affect the robot dynamics. Besides, when time‐varying disturbances are presented, the trajectories of the closed‐loop system are proven to be bounded as result of the input‐to‐state stability. The main contribution is the design of the control law and a nonlinear observer based on an alternative energy shaping approach. The nonlinear observer is designed to compute and compensate for unknown disturbances, whether they are constant or time‐varying. Furthermore, a detailed stability analysis of the closed‐loop system based on Lyapunov theory and input‐to‐state stability is presented. As far as the authors know, this is the first energy‐shaping controller for trajectory tracking control of robot manipulators affected by constant disturbances that achieves global exponential stability. Real‐time experiments on a manipulator arm of two degrees‐of‐freedom illustrate the performance of the proposed controller.