bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting Nano Catalysts for the Selective Hydrogenation of Biomass‐derived Compounds
Authors: Su Chunjing , Zou Sibei , Li Jiaquan , Wang Lizhuo , Huang Jun
Published: May 2024

The selective hydrogenation of biomass derivatives presents a promising pathway for the production of high‐value chemicals and fuels, thereby reducing reliance on traditional petrochemical industries. Recent strides in catalyst nanostructure engineering, achieved through tailored support properties, have significantly enhanced the hydrogenation performance in biomass upgrading. A comprehensive understanding of biomass selective upgrading reactions and the current advancement in supported catalysts is crucial for guiding future processes in renewable biomass. This review aims to summarize the development of supported nanocatalysts for the selective hydrogenation of the US DOE′s biomass platform compounds derivatives into valuable upgraded molecules. The discussion includes an exploration of the reaction mechanisms and conditions in catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) and high‐pressure hydrogenation. By thoroughly examining the tailoring of supports, such as metal oxide catalysts and porous materials, in nano‐supported catalysts, we elucidate the promoting role of nanostructure engineering in biomass hydrogenation. This endeavor seeks to establish a robust theoretical foundation for the fabrication of highly efficient catalysts. Furthermore, the review proposes prospects in the field of biomass utilization and address application bottlenecks and industrial challenges associated with the large‐scale utilization of biomass.
MAFLD and glomerular hyperfiltration in subjects with normoglycemia, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional population study
Authors: Abbate Manuela , Parvanova Aneliya , López‐González Ángel Arturo , Yañez Aina M. , Bennasar‐Veny Miquel , Ramírez‐Manent José Ignacio , Reseghetti Elia , Ruggenenti Piero
Published: May 2024

Background

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD, 2020 diagnostic criteria) and glomerular hyperfiltration share common risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

Aims

To assess the prevalence of MAFLD and its association with glomerular hyperfiltration and age‐related worsening of kidney function in subjects with normoglycemia, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We analysed data recorded during occupational health visits of 125,070 Spanish civil servants aged 18–65 years with a de‐indexed glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated with the chronic‐kidney‐disease‐epidemiological (CKD‐EPI) equation (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) ≥60 mL/min. Subjects were categorised according to fasting plasma glucose levels <100 mg/dL (normoglycemia), ≥100 and ≤ 125 mg/dL (prediabetes), or ≥126 mg/dL and/or antidiabetic treatment (T2DM). The association between MAFLD and glomerular hyperfiltration, defined as a de‐indexed eGFR above the age‐ and gender‐specific 95th percentile, was assessed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In the whole study group, MAFLD prevalence averaged 19.3%. The prevalence progressively increased from 14.7% to 33.2% and to 48.9% in subjects with normoglycemia, prediabetes and T2DM, respectively (p < 0.001 for trend). Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for the association between MAFLD and hyperfiltration was 9.06 (8.53–9.62) in the study group considered as a whole, and 8.60 (8.03–9.21), 9.52 (8.11–11.18) and 8.31 (6.70–10.30) in subjects with normoglycemia, prediabetes and T2DM considered separately. In stratified analyses, MAFLD amplified age‐dependent eGFR decline in all groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

MAFLD prevalence increases across the glycaemic spectrum. MAFLD is significantly associated with hyperfiltration and amplifies the age‐related eGFR decline.
The favourable alliance between CardioMEMS and levosimendan in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Visco Valeria , Esposito Cristina , Rispoli Antonella , Di Pietro Paola , Izzo Carmine , Loria Francesco , Di Napoli Daniele , Virtuoso Nicola , Bramanti Alessia , Manzo Michele , Vecchione Carmine , Ciccarelli Michele
Published: May 2024

Aims

We report the results of a real‐world study based on heart failure (HF) patients' continuous remote monitoring strategy using the CardioMEMS system to assess the impact of this device on healthcare outcomes, costs, and patients' management and quality of life.

Methods and results

We enrolled seven patients (69.00 ± 4.88 years; 71.43% men) with HF, implanted with CardioMEMS, and daily remote monitored to optimize both tailored adjustments of home therapy and/or hospital infusions of levosimendan. We recorded clinical, pharmacological, biochemical, and echocardiographic parameters and data on hospitalizations, emergency room access, visits, and costs. Following the implantation of CardioMEMS, we observed a 50% reduction in the total number of hospitalizations and a 68.7% reduction in the number of days in the hospital. Accordingly, improved patient quality of life was recorded with EQ‐5D (pre 58.57 ± 10.29 vs. 1 year post 84.29 ± 19.02, P = 0.008). Echocardiographic data show a statistically significant improvement in both systolic pulmonary artery pressure (47.86 ± 8.67 vs. 35.14 ± 9.34, P = 0.022) and E/e′ (19.33 ± 5.04 vs. 12.58 ± 3.53, P = 0.023). The Quantikine® HS High‐Sensitivity Kit determined elevated interleukin‐6 values at enrolment in all patients, with a statistically significant reduction after 6 months (P = 0.0211). From an economic point of view, the net savings, including the cost of CardioMEMS, were on average €1580 per patient during the entire period of observation, while the analysis performed 12 months after the implant vs. 12 months before showed a net saving of €860 per patient. The ad hoc analysis performed on the levosimendan infusions resulted in 315 days of hospital avoidance and a saving of €205 158 for the seven patients enrolled during the observation period.

Conclusions

This innovative strategy prevents unplanned access to the hospital and contributes to the efficient use of healthcare facilities, human resources, and costs.
Leveraging Propargyl Sulfides as Radical Trappers for the Synthesis of Sulfonyl Allenes
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Zhongtian , Sun Yifan , Qiu Xiancheng , Liu Huiying , Wu Xinxin , Zhu Chen
Published: May 2024

This work showcases a novel visible‐light mediated allenylation protocol employing propargyl sulfides as a pioneering radical trapping methodology. A diverse array of substituted sulfonyl allenes were successfully synthesized under mild conditions with commendable levels of chemo‐ and regio‐selectivity. Mechanistically, this process entails the formation of sulfonyl radicals, their subsequent addition to alkynes, the subsequent elimination of S‐centered radicals, and Cl‐atom abstraction, thereby facilitating the propagation of this radical chain reaction.
Human musical capacity and products should have been induced by the hominin‐specific combination of several biosocial features: A three‐phase scheme on socio‐ecological, cognitive, and cultural evolution
Authors: Morita Masahito , Nishikawa Yuri , Tokumasu Yudai
Published: May 2024

Various selection pressures have shaped human uniqueness, for instance, music. When and why did musical universality and diversity emerge? Our hypothesis is that “music” initially originated from manipulative calls with limited musical elements. Thereafter, vocalizations became more complex and flexible along with a greater degree of social learning. Finally, constructed musical instruments and the language faculty resulted in diverse and context‐specific music. Music precursors correspond to vocal communication among nonhuman primates, songbirds, and cetaceans. To place this scenario in hominin history, a three‐phase scheme for music evolution is presented herein. We emphasize (1) the evolution of sociality and life history in australopithecines, (2) the evolution of cognitive and learning abilities in early/middle Homo, and (3) cultural evolution, primarily in Homo sapiens. Human musical capacity and products should be due to the hominin‐specific combination of several biosocial features, including bipedalism, stable pair bonding, alloparenting, expanded brain size, and sexual selection.
Superficial fibromas with CTNNB1 mutation
Authors: Kuntze Anna , Meliß R. R. , Ermert L. , Falkenberg K. D. , Puller A. C. , Trautmann M. , Hartmann W. , Wardelmann E.
Published: May 2024

Superficial fibromas are a group of mesenchymal spindle cell lesions with pathomorphological heterogeneity and diverse molecular backgrounds. In part, they may be indicators of an underlying syndrome. Among the best‐known entities of superficial fibromas is Gardner fibroma, a plaque‐like benign tumor, which is associated with APC germline mutations and occurs in patients with familial adenomatosis polyposis (Gardner syndrome). Affected patients also have an increased risk to develop desmoid fibromatosis (DTF), a locally aggressive neoplasm of the deep soft tissue highly prone to local recurrences. Although a minority of DTFs occur in the syndromic context and harbor APC germline mutations, most frequently their underlying molecular aberration is a sporadic mutation in Exon 3 of the CTNNB1 gene. Up to date, a non‐syndromic equivalent to Gardner fibroma carrying a CTNNB1 mutation has not been defined. Here, we present two cases of (sub‐)cutaneous tumors with a hypocellular and collagen‐rich Gardner fibroma‐like appearance and pathogenic, somatic CTNNB1 mutations. We aim to differentiate these tumors from other fibromas according to their histological appearance, immunohistochemical staining profile and underlying somatic CTNNB1 mutations. Furthermore, we distinguish them from locally aggressive desmoid fibromatosis regarding their biological behavior, prognosis and indicated therapeutic strategies. Consequently, we call them CTNNB1‐mutated superficial fibromas as a sporadic counterpart lesion to syndromic Gardner fibromas.
Ultrasonography is an effective method for evaluating hepatosplenic fungal infections in pediatric onco‐hematological patients
Authors: Zhang Wenhua , Nie Wei , Li Bin , Wang Hui
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This prospective study assessed the value of ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of hepatosplenic fungal infections (HSFI).

Methods

Thirty‐two pediatric participants with confirmed onco‐hematological diseases and HSFI were included. Lesions in the liver and/or spleen were detected by US, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT).

Results

Of the participants, 11 (34%) had confirmed HSFI, while 21 (66%) had highly suspected HSFI. The US, CT, MRI, and fungal blood cultures demonstrated positive results in 31, 19, 25, and 7 patients, respectively. US had a significantly higher detection rate than CT, MRI, and fungal blood cultures (p < 0.05). The “bull's eye” phenomenon was a distinctive US feature of HSFI. Follow‐up examinations indicated that after a mean of 7.7 (1–15) months, liver and/or spleen lesions disappeared in five patients. The lesion was significantly smaller in 10 patients. Residual calcifications were detected in 15 patients. Two patients died.

Conclusion

Conclusively, the US may substitute for tissue biopsy, other imaging modalities, or fungal blood culture for the confirmation of HSFI, and may guide better antifungal treatment, thus achieving better outcomes.
Breaking the bamboo ceiling and de‐bunking the model minority myth
Authors: Saksena Yun
Published: May 2024

Leadership roles must incorporate representation from all involved individuals for the resulting decision‐making process to reflect the interests and expertise of a diverse organization. Many resources have rightly focused on developing historically underrepresented racial and ethnic (HURE) leaders. Though numbers of Black and Hispanic dental school deans have increased, more work is needed for these and other HURE groups such as American Indians. Asians are not classified as HURE. As an aggregated group they have robust presence in the dental workforce in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. The assumption is they are fine, so the group is ignored. Previous research indicates Asians are almost invisible in leadership roles in dentistry, and while the “Glass Ceiling” phenomenon for women persists, Asian women face even greater obstacles to leadership.

This paper explores cultural factors contributing to the “Bamboo Ceiling”, such as Confucian values emphasizing collectivism and deference to authority. It examines challenges faced by Asian women at the intersection of gender and race. The impact of the “Model Minority Myth” compounds these challenges, leading to overlooking diverse needs. The importance of dispelling these harmful myths is underscored. This paper provides strategies to combat them, urging proactive efforts from minorities and management. By shedding light on the “Bamboo Ceiling” and the “Model Minority Myth”, this paper aims to reassess existing norms, current policies and procedures pertaining to equitable representation and leadership opportunities for Asian women in academic dentistry, community oral health, research, and in dental corporations.
A novel multi‐stage enrichment workflow and comprehensive characterization for HEK293F‐derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Vo Nhan , Tran Chau , Tran Nam H. B. , Nguyen Nhat T. , Nguyen Thieu , Ho Duyen T. K. , Nguyen Diem D. N. , Pham Tran , Nguyen Tien Anh , Phan Hoa T. N. , Nguyen Hoai‐Nghia , Tu Lan N.
Published: May 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as a promising drug delivery vehicle as they are biocompatible and capable of targeted delivery. However, clinical translation of EVs remains challenging due to the lack of standardized and scalable manufacturing protocols to consistently isolate small EVs (sEVs) with both high yield and high purity. The heterogenous nature of sEVs leading to unknown composition of biocargos causes further pushback due to safety concerns. In order to address these issues, we developed a robust quality‐controlled multi‐stage process to produce and isolate sEVs from human embryonic kidney HEK293F cells. We then compared different 2‐step and 3‐step workflows for eliminating protein impurities and cell‐free nucleic acids to meet acceptable limits of regulatory authorities. Our results showed that sEV production was maximized when HEK293F cells were grown at high‐density stationary phase in semi‐continuous culture. The novel 3‐step workflow combining tangential flow filtration, sucrose‐cushion ultracentrifugation and bind‐elute size‐exclusion chromatography outperformed other methods in sEV purity while still preserved high yield and particle integrity. The purified HEK293F‐derived sEVs were thoroughly characterized for identity including sub‐population analysis, content profiling including proteomics and miRNA sequencing, and demonstrated excellent preclinical safety profile in both in‐vitro and in‐vivo testing. Our rigorous enrichment workflow and comprehensive characterization will help advance the development of EVs, particularly HEK293F‐derived sEVs, to be safe and reliable drug carriers for therapeutic applications.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles: Recent therapeutics and targeted drug delivery advances
Authors: Bhat Anjali , Malik Anshu , Yadav Poonam , Ware Wend‐Pingda Jessica , Kakalij Pratiksha , Chand Subhash
Published: May 2024

The targeted drug delivery field is rapidly advancing, focusing on developing biocompatible nanoparticles that meet rigorous criteria of non‐toxicity, biocompatibility, and efficient release of encapsulated molecules. Conventional synthetic nanoparticles (SNPs) face complications such as elevated immune responses, complex synthesis methods, and toxicity, which restrict their utility in therapeutics and drug delivery. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising substitutes for SNPs, leveraging their ability to cross biological barriers, biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, and natural origin. Notably, mesenchymal stem cell‐derived EVs (MSC‐EVs) have garnered much curiosity due to their potential in therapeutics and drug delivery. Studies suggest that MSC‐EVs, the central paracrine contributors of MSCs, replicate the therapeutic effects of MSCs. This review explores the characteristics of MSC‐EVs, emphasizing their potential in therapeutics and drug delivery for various diseases, including CRISPR/Cas9 delivery for gene editing. It also delves into the obstacles and challenges of MSC‐EVs in clinical applications and provides insights into strategies to overcome the limitations of biodistribution and target delivery.
How Much Retrieval Ability Is in Originality?
Authors: Weiss Selina , Goecke Benjamin , Wilhelm Oliver
Published: May 2024

Creative fluency and originality are pivotal indicators of creative potential. Both have been embedded in hierarchical intelligence models as part of the ability to retrieve information from long‐term memory; an ability that is often measured with indicators of retrieval fluency. Creative fluency and retrieval fluency, both expressed by the count of correct responses, are procedurally highly similar. This raises the question how creative fluency and originality are related with retrieval fluency and how both are predicted by other cognitive abilities. In a multivariate study (N = 320), we found that retrieval fluency is very strongly related with creative fluency (r = .87) and substantially related with originality (r = .59). A combined fluency factor still fitted the data well. Cognitive abilities accounted for 63% variance in fluency and 47% variance in originality. After controlling for established cognitive abilities, latent variables for fluency and originality were unrelated with one another. This suggests that the procedural proximity of the ability to fluently generate either information from long‐term memory or ad‐hoc solutions to unusual tasks and the ability to come up with original ideas needs reconsideration. Locating originality below an overarching retrieval factor is contradicted by the present data.
The deltoid ligament is constantly formed by four fascicles reaching the navicular, spring ligament complex, calcaneus and talus
Authors: Dalmau‐Pastor Miki , Malagelada Francesc , Guelfi Matteo , Kerkhoffs Gino , Karlsson Jon , Calder James , Vega Jordi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The medial collateral ligament of the ankle, or deltoid ligament, can be injured in up to 40% of patients who sustain an ankle inversion sprain. Reporting injuries of the deltoid ligament is not easy due to confusion in the current anatomical descriptions, with up to 16 fascicles described, with variable frequencies. The purpose of this study was to clarify the anatomy of the deltoid ligament.

Methods

Thirty‐two fresh‐frozen ankle specimens were used for this study. Careful dissection was undergone until full visualization of the deltoid ligament was achieved and measurements taken.

Results

The deltoid ligament was found to have four constant fascicles in two layers. The superficial layer consists of the tibionavicular, tibiospring and tibiocalcaneal fascicles, while the deep layer consists of the tibiotalar fascicle. Measurements of these fascicles are given in detail. The tibiotalar fascicle and the anterior part of the tibionavicular fascicle were found to be intra‐articular structures.

Conclusion

The deltoid ligament has a constant number of fascicles divided into a superficial and a deep layer. This clarification of the anatomy and terminology of the deltoid ligament and its fascicles will help clinical view, diagnosis and (interdoctor)communication and treatment. The ligamentous fibres of the deep layer, as well as the anterior fibres of the superficial layer (tibionavicular fascicle) are intra‐articular, which could negatively impact its healing capacity, explaining chronicity of these types of injuries.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable (cadaveric study).
Soil erosion‐induced decline in aggregate stability and soil organic carbon reduces aggregate‐associated microbial diversity and multifunctionality of agricultural slope in the Mollisol region
Authors: Yang Qingsong , Peng Jue , Ni Shimin , Zhang Chenyang , Wang Junguang , Cai Chongfa
Published: May 2024

Soil erosion has become a serious ecological problem hindering the agricultural and economic development in Northeast China. Soil aggregates are basic units that regulate soil fertility and microbial activity. However, there have been few reports on the role of soil erosion in regulating the microbial diversity, multiple ecosystem services, and functions (multifunctionality) of soil aggregates. In this study, we investigated the effects of soil erosion on microbial diversity and the activities of various extracellular enzymes associated with soil aggregates by using Mollisol soil in Northeastern China at different positions of a slope, and how soil erosion affects soil multifunctionality indexes obtained by normalized calculation of soil enzyme activities. The results showed that soil erosion could reduce the physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activity, and microbial diversity of the aggregates, resulting in accumulation of aggregate nutrients and increase in microbial diversity and enzyme activity in the sedimentation area. Compared with smaller soil aggregates, larger soil aggregates had higher nutrient content, enzyme activity, and microbial diversity. However, with the intensification of soil erosion, the differences in microbial diversity and soil enzyme activities among different sizes of aggregates were reduced. Soil erosion also significantly reduced soil multifunctionality (p < 0.001). The multifunctionality of 2000–250 μm, 250–53 μm, and <53 μm aggregates respectively declined from 0.52, 0.20, and 0.08 (no erosion sites) to −0.17, −0.66, and −0.77 (heavy erosion sites). Additionally, microbial diversity was found to have a linear positive correlation with soil multifunctionality (R2 = 0.23, p < 0.01). Structural equation modeling and random forest analysis revealed that soil organic carbon and aggregate water stability are main predictors of soil multifunctionality. Furthermore, soil physicochemical properties had a greater influence on soil multifunctionality than microbial diversity. Collectively, our results demonstrate that soil erosion negatively affects the structure, resource effectiveness, and microbial activity of soil aggregates, thereby reducing to differential soil multifunctionality.
Stream CO2 emissions are overestimated without consideration of diel water and atmospheric CO2 variability
Authors: Reichenpfader Theresa , Attermeyer Katrin
Published: May 2024

Streams are significant emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere that are influenced by diel CO2 dynamics. However, we know little about diel CO2 variability within streams, the diel dynamics of CO2 in the air above streams, and the consequences for emission calculations. We studied five pre‐alpine streams by equipping three sites per stream in close proximity (~ 1 km apart) with automatic logging stations that continuously recorded water and air CO2 partial pressures (pCO2) for 2–4 d. All streams and sites showed increased pCO2 at night and decreased pCO2 during the day, however, with fourfold higher diel amplitudes for atmospheric pCO2 compared to the water. Calculating diffusive CO2 fluxes with fixed compared to dynamic measured atmospheric CO2 resulted in negligible to 431% lower estimates. We might thus currently overestimate fluvial CO2 emissions and should include diel water and air CO2 variability to more accurately assess stream CO2 emissions.
Mexican patient with Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome and cleft palate: Importance of functional hemizygosity and phenotype expansion
Authors: León‐Madero Luis Felipe , Fregoso‐Ron Cesar Humberto , De León‐Carbajal Juan Carlos , Valdés‐Miranda Juan Manuel
Published: May 2024

Background

Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome (EvCS) is a chondroectodermal dysplasia caused by germline pathogenic variants in ciliary complex subunit 1 and 2 genes (EVC, EVC2) on chromosome 4p16.2. This disease has a broad phenotype, and there are few described phenotype–genotype correlations.

Methods

Ethical Compliance: Written informed consent was obtained from the parents. Here, we report a genetically confirmed Mexican patient with EvCS having two inherited pathogenic variants in trans in EVC2: c.[1195C>T];[2161delC].

Results

This patient allowed a genotypic–phenotypic comparison with another Mexican subject who presented a more attenuated phenotype; furthermore, our patient also presented cleft palate, a rarely reported feature.

Conclusion

Our case shows the importance of comparing functional hemizygosity between patient's phenotypes when they share a variant, and our case also supports the association of alterations in the palate as part of the EvCS phenotype.
Dynamics of nonlinear stochastic operators and associated Markov measures
Authors: Jamilov Uygun , Mukhamedov Farrukh , Mukhamedova Farzona , Souissi Abdessatar
Published: May 2024

The aim of this paper is to examine the stability of a class of nonlinear stochastic operators on a finite‐dimensional simplex. We identify a number of properties of the set of the class of stochastic operators, including the stability of each operator. We then use these operators to define non‐homogeneous Markov measures that rely on initial data and carry out an investigation into the absolute continuity and singularity of these measures.
Some results on a nonlinear fractional equation with nonlocal boundary condition
Authors: Li Chenkuan , Saadati Reza , Beaudin Joshua , Tariq Elisha , Brading McKayla
Published: May 2024

The aim of this paper is to derive sufficient conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and Hyers–Ulam stability of solutions to a new nonlinear fractional integro‐differential equation with functional boundary conditions, using several fixed‐point theorems, the multivariate Mittag‐Leffler function and Babenko's approach. A few examples are also presented to illustrate the applications of our results based on approximate values of a couple of Mittag‐Leffler functions calculated by Python codes. Furthermore, the approaches used have a wide range of applications to various fractional differential equations with initial or boundary conditions or integral equations in complete spaces.
The use of pencil ionization chamber with temporal readout capabilities to measure CT beam full width half maximum
Authors: Fadhel Muhannad N. , Grizzard Kevin , Vergara Daniel , Franco Roberto Perez , Zhao Anzi , Hoerner Matthew
Published: May 2024

Background

Measurement of Computed Tomography (CT) beam width is required by accrediting and regulating bodies for routine physics evaluations due to its direct correlation to patient dose. Current methods for performing CT beam width measurement require special hardware, software, and/or consumable films. Today, most 100‐mm pencil chambers with a digital interface used to evaluate Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDIvol) have a sufficiently high sampling rate to reconstruct a high‐resolution dose profile for any acquisition mode.

Purpose

The goal of this study is to measure the CT beam width from the sampled dose profile under a single helical acquisition with the 100‐mm pencil chamber used for CTDIvol measurements.

Methods

The dose profiles for different scanners were measured for helical scans with varying collimation settings using a 100‐mm pencil chamber placed at the isocenter and co‐moving with the patient table. The measured dose profiles from the 100‐mm pencil chamber were corrected for table attenuation by extracting a periodic correction function (PCF) to eliminate table interference. The corrected dose profiles were then deconvolved with the response function of the chamber to compute the beam profile. The beam width was defined by the full width half maximum (FWHM) of the resulting beam profile. Reference dose profiles were also measured using Gafchromic film for comparison.

Results

The beam widths, estimated using the innovative deconvolution method from the 100‐mm pencil chamber, exhibit an average percentage difference of 1.6 ± 1.8 when compared with measurements obtained through Gafchromic film for beam width assessment.

Conclusion

The proposed approach to deconvolve the pencil chamber response demonstrates the potential of obtaining the CT beam width at high accuracy without the need of special hardware, software, or consumable films. This technique can improve workflow for routine performance evaluation of CT systems.
Understanding residents' engagement for the protection of urban green spaces by enriching the value‐belief‐norm theory with relational values—A case study of Munich (Germany)
Authors: Hossu Constantina Alina , Artmann Martina , Saito Tomomi , Van Lierop Martina , Ioja Cristian I. , Pauleit Stephan
Published: May 2024

Urban green spaces (UGS) provide mechanisms through which people connect and interact with each other, strengthening social relationships as well as human‐nature connections, both of high relevance for sustainable development. However, what determines urban residents' engagement in activities for the protection of UGS still lacks a systematic understanding.

Our study aims to address this gap by enriching the value‐belief‐norm (VBN) theory with relational values based on a questionnaire (N = 221) among residents engaging in UGS maintenance in the city of Munich (Germany).

Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling showed that both individual responsibility and societal responsibility guide urban residents in their actions towards UGS protection.

Furthermore, we found a direct impact of biospheric, altruistic and hedonic values on engagement for the protection of UGS.

Therefore, this study signals the importance of investing in actively promoting pluralistic values among urban residents as cities today urgently need a reconnection of the human‐nature relationship and UGS stewardship actions.

As we further confirm that relational values have impact on the constructs of the VBN theory, we conclude with a plea for recognizing the potential of relational values as enablers of change towards more responsible behaviours towards urban nature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
An efficient viscoelastic multiscale model for investigation on the cure‐induced microscopic residual stresses of composite laminates
Authors: Liu Chao , Liu Huanyu , Cao Xi , Wu Xiaojun , Zhang Junfeng , Yan Long
Published: May 2024

The cure‐induced residual stresses have a significant influence on the deformation and mechanical properties of composites. Moreover, the cure‐induced residual stresses exhibit multi‐level and multiscale distributions due to the complexity of micro‐structure of composites and anisotropic characteristics. In this paper, a computationally efficient multiscale procedure is proposed to predict the microscopic residual stresses induced by cure temperature, cure shrinkage and macroscopic residual stresses, which is based to the linear viscoelastic theory combined with the micro‐mechanics method. The instantaneous microscopic residual stresses are expressed as a linear combination of the instantaneous temperature increment, degree of cure increment and macroscopic strain increment at all times of the cure process until to the current time. The proposed method is verified in comparison with the published results in literature and the microscale FEA at different length scales, respectively. The results show that the proposed method is about a thousand times faster than directly using FEA in the microscale RVE model once the influence coefficient matrices are determined. At length, the microscale stresses of all nodes of the entire macroscale model are examined by using the proposed method. It is found that the thermal‐chemical‐mechanical loads lead to serious microscopic stresses for the matrix and interphase constituents, especially for those due to the macroscopic residual stresses.

Highlights

Microscale residual stress is written as a linear combination of macroscale loads.

Applying macroscale loads on microscale FEA model to obtain influence matrices.

The presented model avoids repeatedly FEA microscopic to improve the efficiency.

The online time required for the proposed model is much less than microscale FEA.

The microscale stress increases the risk of matrix cracking and interface bonding.
Odor awareness modulates the association between perceived stress and chemosensory anhedonia in women
Authors: Hu Qian , Tuluhong Muyesaier , Han Pengfei
Published: May 2024

Chronic stress alters reward sensitivity and contributes to anhedonia. Chemosensation is dominated by a hedonic dimension, but little is known about the association between chronic perceived stress and hedonic chemosensation in non‐clinical populations. In the current study, 325 participants (201 females) completed a questionnaire‐based survey measuring their chronic perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS), chemosensory pleasure (Chemosensory Pleasure Scale; CPS), and olfactory metacognitive abilities (odor awareness, affective impact of odor, importance of olfaction). For females, higher PSS scores significantly predicted lower CPS scores, which is mediated by the positive odor awareness. Moreover, negative odor awareness was identified as a moderator underlying the relationship between PSS and CPS scores in females  but not in males. For females, higher PSS predicted lower CPS for those with lower, but not for those with higher levels of negative odor awareness. These results show that the link between chronic perceived stress and chemosensory anhedonia is pronounced in females, with olfactory perception playing a key role. The current study provides insights into the understanding of stress‐related anhedonia and into the development of effective treatments.
Waste mask supported PES membranes for efficient separation of oil/water emulsion
Authors: Huang Jiaxun , Tang Jianhao , Zhang Jing , Yang Lin , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2024

In this study, waste masks were modified by coating them with polyethersulfone (PES) to prepare a hydrophilic and oleophobic membrane for oil/water emulsion separation. Optimal performance was achieved when the PES concentration in the waste masks was 17 wt%. The water flux of the modified membrane reached 8131 L/(m2·h·bar), with an oil/water emulsion separation efficiency of 98.8% for a 1‰ concentration. The maximum tensile force was measured as 0.8 N. Even after two cleaning cycles, the modified membrane retained an oil retention rate of over 80%. This technology not only enables the resource utilization of waste masks but also offers potential for modifying industrial melt‐blown nonwoven fabrics.

Highlights

The WM/PES membrane exhibits high mechanical properties and high roughness.

The WM/PES membrane exhibits superior oil/water emulsion separation performance and contamination resistance compared with PES membranes.

The WM/PES membrane exhibits significantly higher water and oil/water emulsion flux compared with PES membranes.
Solid‐state extrusion of nascent disentangled ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Christakopoulos Fotis , Busato Stephan P. , Kong Xiang , Troisi Enrico , Friederichs Nic , Tervoort Theo A.
Published: May 2024

Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) stands out as the preferred material across a wide spectrum of demanding applications, thanks to its remarkable mechanical, chemical and physical attributes. Nevertheless, processing UHMWPE can be an arduous and time‐consuming endeavor. Traditional melt‐processing techniques, commonly employed for polymers, prove impractical due to the exceedingly high viscosity of the melt that follows from the highly entangled macromolecular chains. Several methods are known to lower the entanglement density of UHMWPE, such as crystallization from a semidilute solution or direct polymerization, resulting in a less interconnected polymer structure. Unfortunately, even with low‐entangled UHMWPE, melt processing remains unviable because of the rapid re‐entanglement of polymer chains upon melting. However, these low‐entangled UHMWPE materials can still be effectively processed in the solid state, a technique employed in the production of high‐performance UHMWPE fibers and tapes, currently the only two feasible geometries. This research reports the development of a solid‐state extrusion method for nascent low‐entangled powder, centering on manipulating the surface energy of the interior wall materials within the extruder and die. Ordinary steel dies proved ineffective for solid‐state extrusion, as they generated excessive friction between the die and UHMWPE, resulting in a rapidly escalating extrusion pressure. However, utilizing dies constructed from temperature‐resistant polymers allowed for extrusion at a consistent pressure without the need for lubricating agents. We demonstrate the practicality of the developed solid‐state extrusion method by fabricating UHMWPE monofilaments and tubes, showcasing its potential in expanding the range of producible UHMWPE geometries. Additionally, a first evaluation of the influence of processing conditions and the entanglement density of the reactor powder used on extrudability, and the properties of the resulting components is presented.

Highlights

A process for the solid‐state extrusion of UHMWPE is developed.

UHMWPE processing with higher design flexibility than current industrial standards.

UHMWPE processing with higher throughput than current industrial standards.

Contrary to previous techniques no lubricating agent or co‐extrudate is used.
Multifidus atrophy and/or dysfunction following lumbar radiofrequency ablation: A systematic review
Authors: Tieppo Francio Vinicius , Glicksman Michael , Leavitt Logan , Gill Benjamin , Shah Anuj , Westerhaus Benjamin D. , Lam Christopher M. , D'Souza Ryan S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Lumbar medial branch nerve radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) is an interventional procedure used to treat chronic lumbar facet joint pain. Because the medial branch nerves also innervate the multifidus muscle, it has been proposed that LRFA may pose a risk of multifidus atrophy and/or dysfunction. However, the quality and level of evidence to answer this clinical question have not been established. Therefore, this review aimed to systematically appraise the literature to discern whether the prevailing evidence substantiates the hypothesis in question.

Methods

A systematic review compliant with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines was performed to evaluate the quality and level of evidence of studies reporting functional and/or structural changes in the multifidus muscle following LRFA.

Results

Only five cohort studies met inclusion criteria. Two studies assessed changes in multifidus function following LRFA with confirmed denervation at electromyography and significant reduction in multifidus shear modulus with ultrasound shear wave elastography. Of the four studies that evaluated changes in multifidus structure with magnetic resonance imaging following LRFA, two demonstrated a decrease in cross‐sectional area or an increase in fat infiltration, one demonstrated no change, and one revealed an apparent increase. Given the destructive nature attributed to LRFA, some degree of multifidus atrophy and/or dysfunction may be plausible, albeit with a very low certainty that relies on a restricted body of literature of modest quality and with a presence of high bias.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of studies discussing the potential association between LRFA and multifidus atrophy and/or dysfunction. In light of the shortage of high‐quality studies and the absence of standardized protocols to assess both changes in the structure and function of the multifidus subsequent to LRFA, there is a pressing need for more prospective studies with a high methodological rigor to comprehensively address and answer this enduring debate in clinical practice.
Integral reinforcement learning‐based optimal tracking control for uncertain nonlinear systems under input constraint and specified performance constraints
Authors: Chang Ru , Liu Zhi‐Meng , Li Xiao‐Bin , Sun Chang‐Yin
Published: May 2024

This article addresses the optimal tracking control problem with prescribed performance for uncertain nonlinear systems subject to input constraint and unknown disturbances. First, a fixed‐time monotonic convergence function is introduced to restrain tracking error, and a nonlinear mapping technique is employed to transform the constrained error into an unconstrained variable, then the fixed‐time output tracking issue is boiled down to the boundedness problem of the transformed variable. With the aid of a nonquadratic cost function, the input constraint is encoded into the optimization problem. To solve the unknown disturbances, an auxiliary system and an auxiliary disturbance policy are constructed, and the optimal control problem is formulated as a two‐player zero‐sum game. Moreover, a Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs (HJI) equation associated with this nonquadratic zero‐sum game is established to give the optimal control and the worst‐case disturbance policy solution. Subsequently, to avoid using knowledge of the system dynamics, three neural network approximators, namely, actor, critic, and disturbance, which are tuned online and simultaneously for approximating the solution of HJI, are constructed based on the integral reinforcement learning algorithm. Theoretical analysis shows that the reconstructed error system states and the weight estimation errors are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the simulation study further tests the availability of the proposed control strategy.
HIV estimation using population‐based surveys with non‐response: A partial identification approach
Authors: Adegboye Oyelola A. , Fujii Tomoki , Leung Denis Heng‐Yan , Siyu Li
Published: May 2024

HIV estimation using data from the demographic and health surveys (DHS) is limited by the presence of non‐response and test refusals. Conventional adjustments such as imputation require the data to be missing at random. Methods that use instrumental variables allow the possibility that prevalence is different between the respondents and non‐respondents, but their performance depends critically on the validity of the instrument. Using Manski's partial identification approach, we form instrumental variable bounds for HIV prevalence from a pool of candidate instruments. Our method does not require all candidate instruments to be valid. We use a simulation study to evaluate and compare our method against its competitors. We illustrate the proposed method using DHS data from Zambia, Malawi and Kenya. Our simulations show that imputation leads to seriously biased results even under mild violations of non‐random missingness. Using worst case identification bounds that do not make assumptions about the non‐response mechanism is robust but not informative. By taking the union of instrumental variable bounds balances informativeness of the bounds and robustness to inclusion of some invalid instruments. Non‐response and refusals are ubiquitous in population based HIV data such as those collected under the DHS. Partial identification bounds provide a robust solution to HIV prevalence estimation without strong assumptions. Union bounds are significantly more informative than the worst case bounds without sacrificing credibility.
Atomic Molybdenum Nanomaterials for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Chen Jianmei , Guo Shanlu , Wang Longlu , Liu Shujuan , Wang Hao , Zhao Qiang
Published: May 2024

As a sustainable energy technology, electrocatalytic energy conversion requires electrocatalysts, which greatly motivates the exploitation of high‐performance electrocatalysts based on nonprecious metals. Molybdenum‐based nanomaterials have demonstrated promise as electrocatalysts because of their unique physiochemical and electronic properties. Among them, atomic Mo catalysts, also called Mo‐based single‐atom catalysts (Mo‐SACs), have the most accessible active sites and tunable microenvironments and are thrivingly explored in various electrochemical conversion reactions. A timely review of such rapidly developing topics is necessary to provide guidance for further exploration of optimized Mo‐SACs toward electrochemical energy technologies. In this review, recent advances in the synthetic strategies for Mo‐SACs are highlighted, focusing on the microenvironment engineering of Mo atoms. Then, the representative achievements of their applications in various electrocatalytic reactions involving the N2, H2O, and CO2 cycles are summarized by combining experimental and computational results. Finally, prospects for the future development of Mo‐SACs in electrocatalysis are provided and the key challenges that require further investigation and optimization are highlighted.
A Difluoro‐Methoxylated Ending‐Group Asymmetric Small Molecule Acceptor Lead Efficient Binary Organic Photovoltaic Blend
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Zou Bosen , Ma Ruijie , Yao Jia , Li Chunliang , Luo Zhenghui , Xie Bomin , Qammar Memoona , Dela Peña Top Archie , Li Mingjie , Wu Jiaying , Yang Chuluo , Fan Qunping , Ma Wei , Li Gang , Yan He
Published: May 2024

Developing a new end group for synthesizing asymmetric small molecule acceptors (SMAs) is crucial for achieving high‐performance organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Herein, an asymmetric small molecule acceptor, BTP‐BO‐4FO, featuring a new difluoro‐methoxylated end‐group is reported. Compared to its symmetric counterpart L8‐BO, BTP‐BO‐4FO exhibits an upshifted energy level, larger dipole moment, and more sequential crystallinity. By adopting two representative and widely available solvent additives (1‐chloronaphthalene (CN) and 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO)), the device based on PM6:BTP‐BO‐4FO (CN) photovoltaic blend demonstrates a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.62% with an excellent open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.933 V, which surpasses the optimal result of L8‐BO. The PCE of 18.62% realizes the best efficiencies for binary OPVs based on SMAs with asymmetric end groups. A series of investigations reveal that optimized PM6:BTP‐BO‐4FO film demonstrates similar molecular packing motif and fibrillar phase distribution as PM6:L8‐BO (DIO) does, resulting in comparable recombination dynamics, thus, similar fill factor. Besides, it is found PM6:BTP‐BO‐4FO possesses more efficient charge generation, which yields better VOC–JSC balance. This study provides a new ending group that enables a cutting‐edge efficiency in asymmetric SMA‐based OPVs, enriching the material library and shed light on further design ideas.
Low‐Temperature Epitaxy of Perovskite WO3 Thin Films under Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Sun Zhuotong , Yuan Ziyi , Xiao Ming , Fairclough Simon M. , Jan Atif , Di Martino Giuliana , Ducati Caterina , Strkalj Nives , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L.
Published: May 2024

As Si electronics hits fundamental performance limits, oxide integration emerges as a solution to augment the next generation of electronic and optical devices. Specifically, oxide perovskites provide diverse functionalities with a potential to create, tune, and combine emergent phenomena at interfaces. High‐level crystalline order is needed to realize these functionalities, often achieved through epitaxy. However, large‐scale implementation in consumer devices faces challenges due to the need for high‐temperature deposition in complex vacuum systems. Herein, this challenge is addressed using atmospheric pressure spatial chemical vapor deposition, a thin‐film fabrication technique that can rapidly produce uniform films at sub‐400 °C temperatures under atmospheric conditions over ≈cm2 areas. Thus, the deposition of epitaxial perovskite tungsten trioxide, WO3, thin films is demonstrated at a rate of 5 nm min−2 on single‐crystal substrates at 350 °C in open‐air conditions enabling a high‐throughput process. The resulting films exhibit crystallographic and electronic properties comparable to vacuum‐based growth above 500 °C. The high‐quality epitaxy is attributed to the energetics of the exothermic decomposition reaction of the W[CO]6 precursors combined with the stabilization of a hot zone near the substrate surface. From this work, the way can be paved for low‐temperature atmospheric‐pressure epitaxy of a wide range of other perovskite thin films.