bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Load ratio effects on the structural fire behaviour of glass fibre‐reinforced polymer‐reinforced concrete beams with mid‐span bar lap splices – Experimental study
Authors: Gurung Sobita , Salem Osama (Sam)
Published: May 2022

Fibre‐reinforced polymer (FRP)‐reinforced concrete members have been gaining attention as an alternative to conventional steel‐reinforced concrete members due to their advantageous characteristics. A few to mention are excellent resistance to corrosion, high strength‐to‐weight ratio, and reduced maintenance cost in the long term. Nevertheless, FRPs are often limited in use mainly due to fire safety considerations since they can encounter significant deprivation of strength and bond with concrete in fire conditions. This paper presents the results of an experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of the applied load level on the structural behaviour of glass fibre‐reinforced polymer (GFRP)‐reinforced concrete beams having mid‐span bar lap splices when exposed to standard fire. Two 2750‐mm long beams with cross‐sectional dimensions of 300 mm wide × 350 mm high were exposed to elevated temperatures that followed the CAN/ULC‐S101 standard fire time–temperature curve while being subjected to a load level equivalent to 85% of the beam ultimate design load. The experimental results of the two beams were compared to those obtained for identical beams but subjected to a lower load level that is equivalent to only 40% of the beam's ultimate design load. Results show that the increased load level (slightly more than double the load ratio) unexpectedly did not impact the fire resistance time of the GFRP‐reinforced concrete beams but affected other structural responses of the beam, such as its midspan deflections and cracking patterns.
Fabrication and characterization of a smart film based on cassava starch and pomegranate peel powder for monitoring lamb meat freshness
Authors: Esfahani Azadeh , Mohammadi Nafchi Abdorreza , Baghaei Homa , Nouri Leila
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, the development of pH‐sensitive smart edible films using biopolymers and natural plant extracts (especially those rich in anthocyanins) has attracted much attention. Therefore, in this study, the intelligent edible film was produced and characterized using cassava starch and pomegranate peel powder (PPP) and the possibility of using production films to monitor the freshness of lamb meat. The smart films were prepared using different concentrations of PPP (2, 4, 6, and 8% w/w) and the solvent casting method. The results showed that the incorporation of PPP had a significant effect on the mechanical parameters of the starch films. With increasing the levels of PPP, the color of the films became darker and redder. Increasing the PPP levels also led to an increase in total phenol content (TPC) (from 0 to 13 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/g) and antioxidant activity (from 0% to 70% DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging) of the produced films (p < .05). The intelligent film was used in the lamb meat packaging, and the color of the film changed from red to green during the storage period at 25°C. The amount of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) in the meat could be detected by color changes of the intelligent films. Finally, this study demonstrated that the film based on cassava starch and PPP could be used as an intelligent and pH‐sensitive film to monitor the freshness of meat and meat products.
Lipocalin‐2 activates hepatic stellate cells and promotes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in high‐fat diet–fed Ob/Ob mice
Authors: Kim Kyung Eun , Lee Jaewoong , Shin Hyun Joo , Jeong Eun Ae , Jang Hye Min , Ahn Yu Jeong , An Hyeong Seok , Lee Jong Youl , Shin Meong Cheol , Kim Soo Kyoung , Yoo Won Gi , Kim Won Ho , Roh Gu Seob
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims:

In obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, leptin promotes insulin resistance and contributes to the progression of NASH via activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the pathogenic mechanisms that trigger HSC activation in leptin‐deficient obesity are still unknown. This study aimed to determine how HSC‐targeting lipocalin‐2 (LCN2) mediates the transition from simple steatosis to NASH.

Approach and Results:

Male wild‐type (WT) and ob/ob mice were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to establish an animal model of NASH with fibrosis. Ob/ob mice were subject to caloric restriction or recombinant leptin treatment. Double knockout (DKO) mice lacking both leptin and lcn2 were also fed an HFD for 20 weeks. In addition, HFD‐fed ob/ob mice were treated with gadolinium trichloride to deplete Kupffer cells. The LX‐2 human HSCs and primary HSCs from ob/ob mice were used to investigate the effects of LCN2 on HSC activation. Serum and hepatic LCN2 expression levels were prominently increased in HFD‐fed ob/ob mice compared with normal diet‐fed ob/ob mice or HFD‐fed WT mice, and these changes were closely linked to liver fibrosis and increased hepatic α‐SMA/matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein levels. HFD‐fed DKO mice showed a marked reduction of α‐SMA protein compared with HFD‐fed ob/ob mice. In particular, the colocalization of LCN2 and α‐SMA was increased in HSCs from HFD‐fed ob/ob mice. In primary HSCs from ob/ob mice, exogenous LCN2 treatment induced HSC activation and MMP9 secretion. By contrast, LCN2 receptor 24p3R deficiency or a STAT3 inhibitor reduced the activation and migration of primary HSCs.

Conclusions:

LCN2 acts as a key mediator of HSC activation in leptin‐deficient obesity via α‐SMA/MMP9/STAT3 signaling, thereby exacerbating NASH.
The sampling strategy of oral microbiome
Authors: Lu Hongye , Zou Peihui , Zhang Yifei , Zhang Qian , Chen Zhibin , Chen Feng
Published: May 2022

There are multiple habitats in the oral cavity with bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa residing in, which together constitute the oral micro‐ecosystem. These microflorae in the oral cavity primarily include saliva, supragingival dental plaque, subgingival dental plaque, submucosal plaque around implants, plaque in root canals, and plaque on the mucosal surface. The interest and knowledge of the microbiome have dynamically increased with the advancement of technology. Therefore, a reliable, feasible, and practical sampling strategy for the oral microbiome is required for the investigation. This paper introduced the sampling strategy of oral microorganisms, consisting of sample collection, transport, processing, and storage. The materials and devices involved in this study are all commonly used in clinical practice or laboratory. The feasibility and reliability of the sampling methods described in this paper have been verified by multiple studies.
Identification of immune‐related lncRNA panel for predicting immune checkpoint blockade and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Qun , Shen Zhisen , Shen Yi , Deng Hongxia , Shen Yiming , Wang Jianing , Zhan Guowen , Zhou Chongchang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Immunotherapy is changing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment pattern. According to the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) guidelines, immunotherapy has been deemed as first‐line recommendation for recurrent/metastatic HNSCC, marking that advanced HNSCC has officially entered the era of immunotherapy. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) impact every step of cancer immunity. Therefore, reliable immune‐lncRNAs able to accurately predict the immune landscape and survival of HNSCC are crucial to clinical management.

Methods

In the current study, we downloaded the transcriptomic and clinical data of HNSCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas and identified differentially expressed immune‐related lncRNAs (DEir‐lncRNAs). Further then, Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were performed to identify proper DEir‐lncRNAs to construct optimal risk model. Low‐risk and high‐risk groups were classified based on the optimal cut‐off value generated by the areas under curve for receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were utilized to validate the prediction model. We then evaluated the model based on the clinical factors, immune cell infiltration, and chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic efficacy between two groups.

Results

In our study, we identified 256 Deir‐lncRNAs in HNSCC. A total of 18 Deir‐lncRNA pairs (consisting of 35 Deir‐lncRNAs) were used to construct a risk model significantly associated with survival of HNSCC. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis confirmed that our risk model could be served as an independent prognostic indicator. Besides, HNSCC patients with low‐risk score significantly enriched of CD8+ T cell, and corelated with high chemosensitivity and immunotherapeutic sensitivity.

Conclusion

Our risk model could be served as a promising clinical prediction indicator, effective discoursing of the immune cell infiltration of HNSCC patients, and distinguishing patients who could benefit from chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
On the fabrication of atom probe tomography specimens of Al alloys at room temperature using focused ion beam milling with liquid Ga ion source
Authors: Mondal Soumita , Bansal Ujjval , Makineni Surendra Kumar
Published: May 2022

In this work, a simple rectangular milling technique was demonstrated to prepare needle shape atom probe tomography (APT) specimens from Al alloys by focused‐ion‐beam (FIB) milling using Ga+ ions at room temperature. Ga has high miscibility in Al owing to which electropolishing technique is preferred over Ga+ ion FIB instruments for the fabrication of APT specimens. Although, site specific sample preparation is not possible by the electropolishing technique. This led to the motivation to demonstrate a new rectangular milling technique using Ga+ FIB instrument that resulted a significant reduction of Ga+ ion impregnation into the specimens. This is attributed to the reduction of milling time (<30 s at 30 kV acceleration voltage) and the use of lower currents (<0.3 nA) compared to the conventional annular milling method. The yield of specimens during field evaporation in APT was also significantly increased from around 8 million ions to more than 86 million ions due to the avoidance of Ga+ ion embrittlement. Therefore, the currently demonstrated rectangular milling technique can be used to prepare APT specimens from Al‐alloys and obtained accurate compositions of matrix, phases, and hetero‐phase interfaces with Ga < 0.1 at%.

Research Highlights

Feasibility of using Ga+ ions for the preparation of needle shaped specimens at room temperature from aluminum alloys.

Demonstration of using a rectangular milling technique instead of annular milling technique that led to a significant reduction in impregnation of Ga+ ions into the specimen needles.

Due to very low Ga+ ion damage, the yield of the APT data increased by 10–12 times.
Establishment of achievable benchmarks of care in the neurodiagnostic evaluation of simple febrile seizures
Authors: Stephens John R. , Hall Matt , Molloy Matthew J. , Markham Jessica L. , Cotter Jillian M. , Tchou Michael J. , Aronson Paul L. , Steiner Michael J. , McCoy Elisha , Collins Megan E. , Shah Samir S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Current guidelines recommend against neurodiagnostic testing for the evaluation of simple febrile seizures.

Objectives

(1) Assess overall and institutional rates of neurodiagnostic testing and (2) establish achievable benchmarks of care (ABCs) for children evaluated for simple febrile seizures at children's hospitals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross‐sectional study of children 6 months to 5 years evaluated in the emergency department (ED) 2016–2019 with simple febrile seizures at 38 children's hospitals in Pediatric Health Information System database. We excluded children with epilepsy, complex febrile seizures, complex chronic conditions, and intensive care.

Outcome Measures

Proportions of children who received neuroimaging, electroencephalogram (EEG), or lumbar puncture (LP) and rates of hospitalization for study cohort and individual hospitals. Hospital‐specific outcomes were adjusted for patient demographics and severity of illness. We utilized hospital‐specific values for each measure to calculate ABCs.

Results

We identified 51,015 encounters. Among the study cohort 821 (1.6%) children had neuroimaging, 554 (1.1%) EEG, 314 (0.6%) LP, and 2023 (4.0%) were hospitalized. Neurodiagnostic testing rates varied across hospitals: neuroimaging 0.4%–6.7%, EEG 0%–8.2%, LP 0%–12.7% in patients <1‐year old and 0%–3.1% in patients ≥1 year. Hospitalization rate ranged from 0%–14.5%. Measured outcomes were higher among hospitalized versus ED‐only patients: neuroimaging 15.3% versus 1.0%, EEG% 24.7 versus 0.1% (p < .001). Calculated ABCs were 0.6% for neuroimaging, 0.1% EEG, 0% LP, and 1.0% hospitalization.

Conclusions

Rates of neurodiagnostic testing and hospitalization for simple febrile seizures were low but varied across hospitals. Calculated ABCs were 0%–1% for all measures, demonstrating that adherence to current guidelines is attainable.
Interleukin‐1α, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist share a common U‐shaped recognition epitope on interleukin‐1 receptor surface
Authors: Ma Huaijun , Liu Jie , Wu Wei , He Ping
Published: May 2022

Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) plays a central role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. There are two forms of IL‐1 agonists (IL‐1α and IL‐1β) and one form of IL‐1 antagonist (IL‐1Ra); they share a similar binding mode to the IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1R) but exhibit opposite biological functions on the receptor. In this study, the intermolecular interactions of IL‐1R receptors with IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐1Ra ligands were systematically investigated at structural, energetic and dynamic levels. It was found that the receptor primarily adopts a U‐shaped, double‐stranded and linear/conformational‐hybrid epitope to commonly interact with the three ligands. The epitope covers a common protein segment (residues 107‐127), which is fully located within the C2T2 subdomain of the IL‐1R extracellular domain and contributes ~40% to the total binding energy of IL‐1R/ligand association. The epitope is natively folded into an ordered conformation in the IL‐1R protein context but would become largely disordered out of the context. Here, we adopted a disulfide bridge to staple U‐shaped epitope‐derived peptides, which can be effectively constrained into a native‐like conformation and thus exhibit an improved affinity to ligands as compared to their unstapled counterpart, with affinity increase by up to ~15‐fold. These disulfide bridges were designed to point out of ligand/peptide complex interface and thus would not disrupt the direct complex interaction. Energetic decomposition imparted that the stapling has only a modest influence on the interaction enthalpy and desolvation effect of ligand/peptide binding, but can substantially reduce entropy penalty upon the binding. For a peptide, the stapling‐addressed entropic reduction can be roughly regarded as a constant, which only improves peptide affinity to these ligands, but does not change peptide selectivity over different ligands.
A fun and educative way for students to learn the nanofabrication through hands‐on processing: Microletters
Authors: Saldana Fernandez Francisco , Jones David J. , Kim Gyuseok L.
Published: May 2022

A 12‐h hands‐on processing protocol for a nanofabrication lab module is developed with the intention of teaching high school to college undergraduate students major fabrication techniques. The nanofabrication techniques employed are thin film deposition, direct‐write lithography, conventional UV lithography with a mask aligner, etch, dicing, and characterization. The lab module protocol concludes with the student fabricating their own microletter silicon chip with a personalized message with letters and images through hands‐on processing. For academic discussion, the light interference in thin film, deposition and etch rate, and etch selectivity are studied during the lab module.
How Does Deep Brain Stimulation Change the Course of Parkinson's Disease?
Authors: Mahlknecht Philipp , Foltynie Thomas , Limousin Patricia , Poewe Werner
Published: May 2022

A robust body of evidence from randomized controlled trials has established the efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in reducing off time and dyskinesias in levodopa‐treated patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). These effects go along with improvements in on period motor function, activities of daily living, and quality of life. In addition, subthalamic DBS is effective in controlling drug‐refractory PD tremor. Here, we review the available data from long‐term observational and controlled follow‐up studies in DBS‐treated patients to re‐examine the persistence of motor and quality of life benefits and evaluate the effects on disease progression, major disability milestones, and survival. Although there is consistent evidence from observational follow‐up studies in DBS‐treated patients over 5–10 years and beyond showing sustained improvement of motor control, the long‐term impact of DBS on overall progression of disability in PD is less clear. Whether DBS reduces or delays the development of later motor and non‐motor disability milestones in comparison to best medical management strategies is difficult to answer by uncontrolled observational follow‐up, but there are signals from controlled long‐term observational studies suggesting that subthalamic DBS may delay some of the late‐stage disability milestones including psychosis, falls, and institutionalization, and also slightly prolongs survival compared with matched medically managed patients. These observations could be attributable to the sustained improvements in motor function and reduction in medication‐induced side effects, whereas there is no clinical evidence of direct effects of DBS on the underlying disease progression. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Bill would reauthorize MD, SUD programs, strengthen parity
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2022

Strengthening existing mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) parity laws, improving community mental health services and authorizing a significant increase in the Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG), are among the provisions present in the legislation to reauthorize key programs that are set to expire in September and are endorsed by more than 30 health, addiction and mental health organizations.
Combined proton–photon therapy for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Amstutz Florian , Fabiano Silvia , Marc Louise , Weber Damien Charles , Lomax Antony John , Unkelbach Jan , Zhang Ye
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still a challenging indication for conventional photon radiotherapy. Proton therapy has the potential to improve outcomes, but proton treatment slots remain a limited resource despite an increasing number of proton therapy facilities. This work investigates the potential benefits of optimally combined proton–photon therapy delivered using a fixed horizontal proton beam line in combination with a photon Linac, which could increase accessibility to proton therapy for such a patient cohort.

Materials and methods

A treatment planning study has been conducted on a patient cohort of seven advanced NSCLC patients. Each patient had a planning computed tomography scan (CT) and multiple repeated CTs from three different days and for different breath‐holds on each day. Treatment plans for combined proton–photon therapy (CPPT) were calculated for individual patients by optimizing the combined cumulative dose on the initial planning CT only (non‐adapted) as well as on each daily CT respectively (adapted). The impact of inter‐fractional changes and/or breath‐hold variability was then assessed on the repeat breath‐hold CTs. Results were compared to plans for IMRT or IMPT alone, as well as against combined treatments assuming a proton gantry. Plan quality was assessed in terms of dosimetric, robustness and NTCP metrics.

Results

Combined treatment plans improved plan quality compared to IMRT treatments, especially in regard to reductions of low and medium doses to organs at risk (OARs), which translated into lower NTCP estimates for three side effects. For most patients, combined treatments achieved results close to IMPT‐only plans. Inter‐fractional changes impact mainly the target coverage of combined and IMPT treatments, while OARs doses were less affected by these changes. With plan adaptation however, target coverage of combined treatments remained high even when taking variability between breath‐holds into account.

Conclusions

Optimally combined proton‐photon plans improve treatment plan quality compared to IMRT only, potentially reducing the risk of toxicity while also allowing to potentially increase accessibility to proton therapy for NSCLC patients.
The acute effects of azithromycin use on cardiovascular mortality as compared with amoxicillin–clavulanate in US Veterans
Authors: DerSarkissian Maral , Young‐Xu Yinong , Duh Mei Sheng , Bhak Rachel H. , Palmetto Niki , Mortensen Eric , Anzueto Antonio , Nguyen Catherine , Cheng Mu , Frajzyngier Vera , Park Suna , Lax Angela , Weatherby Lisa B. , Walker Alexander M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Azithromycin is a common first‐line antibiotic for respiratory infection; however, there is conflicting evidence regarding risk of cardiovascular death. We assessed cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality associated with azithromycin versus amoxicillin–clavulanate among US Veterans treated for nonear–nose–throat respiratory infection (“respiratory”) or ear–nose–throat infection indication.

Methods

Electronic health record data from the US Veterans Health Administration database were used to identify Veterans (30–74 years) with outpatient dispensings of oral azithromycin versus amoxicillin–clavulanate for respiratory or ear–nose–throat infection (January 01, 2000–December 31, 2014). Outcomes assessed were risk of cardiovascular death and noncardiovascular death within 1–5 and 6–10 days postdispensing. Inverse probability of treatment‐weighted proportional hazards models and binomial regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and compute risk differences (RD) per million courses of therapy. Cardiac death (subset of cardiovascular death) was assessed in sensitivity analyses.

Results

There were 629 345 azithromycin and 168 429 amoxicillin–clavulanate dispensings for respiratory indications, 143 783 azithromycin, and 203 142 amoxicillin–clavulanate dispensings for ear–nose–throat indications. For respiratory indications, azithromycin was not associated with a significantly different risk of cardiovascular death versus amoxicillin–clavulanate within 1–5 days postdispensing (HR [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.12 [0.63, 2.00]; RD [95% CI]: 11 [−43, 64] deaths/million courses of therapy). No elevated risk for azithromycin was found for ear–nose–throat indications. Pooled results for both indications via meta‐analysis showed no association between antibiotics and cardiovascular mortality. There was no significant difference in risk of noncardiovascular or cardiac death between antibiotics postdispensing.

Conclusion

Azithromycin was not associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular or noncardiovascular death versus amoxicillin–clavulanate among US Veterans.
Failure diagnosis and trend‐based performance losses routines for the detection and classification of incidents in large‐scale photovoltaic systems
Authors: Livera Andreas , Theristis Marios , Micheli Leonardo , Stein Joshua S. , Georghiou George E.
Published: May 2022

Fault detection and classification in photovoltaic (PV) systems through real‐time monitoring is a fundamental task that ensures quality of operation and significantly improves the performance and reliability of operating systems. Different statistical and comparative approaches have already been proposed in the literature for fault detection; however, accurate classification of fault and loss incidents based on PV performance time series remains a key challenge. Failure diagnosis and trend‐based performance loss routines were developed in this work for detecting PV underperformance and accurately identifying the different fault types and loss mechanisms. The proposed routines focus mainly on the differentiation of failures (e.g., inverter faults) from irreversible (e.g., degradation) and reversible (e.g., snow and soiling) performance loss factors based on statistical analysis. The proposed routines were benchmarked using historical inverter data obtained from a 1.8 MWp PV power plant. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the routines for detecting failures and loss mechanisms and the capability of the pipeline for distinguishing underperformance issues using anomaly detection and change‐point (CP) models. Finally, a CP model was used to extract significant changes in time series data, to detect soiling and cleaning events and to estimate both the performance loss and degradation rates of fielded PV systems.
Low temperature ATRP of POSS‐MA and its amphiphilic pentablock copolymers
Authors: Ullah Asad , Ahmad Saira , Maric Milan , Shah Syed Mujtaba , Hussain Hazrat
Published: May 2022

A low temperature ATRP of methacryloisobutyl POSS (POSS‐MA) is carried out, using poly(propylene glycol) (PPG)‐based macroinitiator, in toluene with CuCl/PMDETA as the catalyst system, generating well‐defined P(POSS‐MA)‐b‐PPG‐b‐P(POSS‐MA) triblock copolymer with Ð ~ 1.1. The semilogarithmic kinetic plot reveals first‐order kinetics and the dispersity is observed to decrease as the reaction progresses—an indication of the controlled behavior of the polymerization. To assess the chain‐end fidelity of the produced block copolymer, chain extension is carried out with oligo(ethylene glycol methacrylate) (OEGMA) that afforded water‐soluble P(OEGMA)‐b‐P(POSSMA)‐b‐PPG‐b‐P(POSSMA)‐b‐P(OEGMA) pentablock copolymers. The SEC profiles suggest a quantitative initiation by the macroinitiator. By varying the monomer to initiator molar ratio, block copolymers with various P(OEGMA) chain lengths, ranging from 19 to 58 units on each side have been achieved with relative lower dispersity (Ð < 1.4). Kinetic analysis of the ATRP of OEGMA, with P(POSSMA)‐b‐PPG‐b‐P(POSSMA) as the macroinitiator, suggests first‐order kinetics and controlled nature of the polymerization. The PPG and P(OEGMA) segments impart a thermosensitive character to the obtained water‐soluble amphiphilic hybrid block copolymers; hence they display temperature‐dependent self‐assembly behavior in aqueous medium.
Research on the frequency of battery energy storage system failures
Authors: Wong Wun K.
Published: May 2022

An introduction to the current state of failure frequency research for battery energy storage systems (BESS) is provided. The article discusses the many failure modes of BESS and how the reliability data are scarce and the design changes are fast‐paced. Current public resources available for overcycle datasets and battery datasets are summarized. Efforts are under way to better communicate failure rate research among stake holders. This is the second article in a six‐part series.
Excellent Lubricity of PVA/PEG/CS Composite on Ceramic Surface and Stainless Steel Friction Pair
Authors: Liu Tao , Lu Hailin , Wei Qianyang , Li Chengzhi , Chen Lu , Feng Ziqin , Tu Nan
Published: May 2022

At present, polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and chitosan (CS) are widely studied because of their excellent lubricating properties. Herein, powder combinations of different mass ratios are obtained by changing the mass of CS, and polymer films are obtained by hot pressing on the surface of the aluminum disk after microarc oxidation (MAO). The structure and crystallinity of the polymer composite film are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which show that there is no chemical reaction between various substances. The tribological properties of the composite film are evaluated. Experiments show that when the mass ratio of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PEG, and CS is 5:5:1.5, the composite film has excellent lubrication performance, and the friction coefficient reaches 0.068 under long‐time running in. This effect meets the social requirements for lubrication performance to a certain extent and is expected to replace some mature solid lubricants.
Optical and Electrical Properties of ZnMgO with High Mg Content Elaborated by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis Using Water‐Based Solutions
Authors: Bose Sourav , Chevallier Christyves , Ould Saad Hamady Sidi , Fressengeas Nicolas
Published: May 2022

ZnMgO thin films are elaborated by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis using water‐based solutions only, for an Mg composition as high as 70 mol%. The elaboration conditions are optimized and the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the ZnMgO films are investigated with respect to the Mg concentration using X‐Ray fluorescence, X‐Ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Raman and transmission spectroscopies, and van der Pauw/Hall effect electrical measurements. The obtained properties are correlated to analyze the miscibility and, for single‐phase material, the optoelectronic, optical, and transport properties with respect to the composition. The elaborated thin films exhibit a monotonous increase in the bandgap, a high transparency above 90% in the visible region, and a dramatic decrease in the n‐type carrier concentration, for Mg compositions lower than 30 mol% where wurtzite single‐phase structure is evidenced. A compensation mechanism of the n‐type dopants in ZnO, attributed to interstitial Zn which acts as a shallow donor, is given as an explanation of this variation of the carrier concentration. These optoelectronic properties show that ZnMgO can be efficiently used in applications such as UV detectors and solar cells.
Magnetic Carbon Composites Derived from Coal Hydrogasification Residue for Microwave Absorption
Authors: Mao Lutao , Li Lingxiao , Liang Liping , Gao Fei , Zhu Baoshun , Wang Yake , Zhang Rong , Li Guomin
Published: May 2022

To cut the cost of microwave absorption materials (MAMs) and achieve the recycling of semicoke (SC), the by‐product in coal hydrogasification process, SC was applied to prepare composite MAMs. The facile synthesis process involves liquid‐phase impregnation, and then in situ carbothermal reduction treatment. Champion sample prepared under 800 °C (FeSC800) exhibits the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −39.3 dB under a coating thickness of 2.5 mm, and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) can reach 3.9 GHz (14.1–18 GHz) at a coating thickness of 1.5 mm. The enhancement of interfacial and dipole polarization, as well as the synergistic effect between the dielectric properties of SC matrix and the magnetic properties of Fe particles, can account for the excellent microwave absorption (MA) performance. In view of the source of SC matrix, the prepared FeSC800 was not only expected to become a candidate in the field of MAMs, but also presented a promising approach for the resource utilization of SC.
Interactions of Hydrogen Atoms with Acceptor–Dioxygen Complexes in Czochralski‐Grown Silicon
Authors: Abdul Fattah Tarek O. , Markevich Vladimir P. , De Guzman Joyce Ann T. , Coutinho José , Lastovskii Stanislau B. , Hawkins Ian D. , Crowe Iain F. , Halsall Matthew P. , Peaker Anthony R.
Published: May 2022

It is debated in the silicon PV community whether or not the presence of hydrogen is essential for the permanent suppression (“regeneration”) of the recombination activity of the boron–oxygen (BO) defect, which is responsible for light‐induced degradation (LID) of solar cells produced from B‐doped oxygen‐rich silicon. The BO‐LID defect has been identified as a BsO2complex which has negative‐Uproperties. This study focuses on the interactions of hydrogen with the BsO2defect to elucidate the BO‐LID regeneration mechanism. With the use of junction spectroscopy techniques, the changes in concentration of the BsO2donor state in diodes which are fabricated on Czochralski‐grown (Cz) B‐doped Si and subjected to hydrogenation and subsequent heat treatments have been monitored. It is found that annealing of the hydrogenated Cz‐Si:B diodes in the temperature range 398–448 K under the application of reverse bias (RBA) results in nearly total disappearance of the BsO2defect. It is argued that electrically neutral BsO2–H complexes have been formed upon the RBA treatments. According to ab initio calculations, the binding energy of H+to BsO2−exceeds that of H+to Bs−by at least 0.1 eV, and the resulting BsO2–H complexes are electrically inactive.
Acute eosinophilic pneumonia caused by nicotine‐free vaping in an adolescent patient: A case report
Authors: Takigawa Yuki , Sato Ken , Inoue Ayumi , Nagae Momoka , Inoue Tomoyoshi , Onishi Kiriko , Mitsumune Sho , Watanabe Hiromi , Kudo Kenichiro , Sato Akiko , Fujiwara Keiichi , Shibayama Takuo
Published: May 2022

An 18‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital with pneumonia 4 days after he initiated vaping. The patient did not show improvement after ceftriaxone and azithromycin treatment. The cell count of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed 64% eosinophils and 18% lymphocytes. Based on the BALF findings, the patient met the current diagnostic criteria and was diagnosed with vaping‐induced acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP). AEP caused by nicotine‐free vaping is rare in Japan. Thus, in cases of AEP, the patient's history of cigarette smoking as well as vaping should be considered.
Inhibiting Mn Migration by Sb‐Pinning Transition Metal Layers in Lithium‐Rich Cathode Material for Stable High‐Capacity Properties
Authors: Cao Fei , Zeng Weihao , Zhu Jiawei , Xiao Jinsheng , Li Zilan , Li Ming , Qin Rui , Wang Tingting , Chen Junxin , Yi Xiaoli , Wang Jiexi , Mu Shichun
Published: May 2022

Owing to the interacted anion and cation redox dynamics in Li2MnO3, the high energy density can be obtained for lithium‐rich manganese‐based layered transition metal (TM) oxide [Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2, LNMO]. However, irreversible migration of Mn ions and oxygen release during highly de‐lithiation can destroy its layered structure, leading to voltage and capacity decline. Herein, non‐TM antimony (Sb) is pinned to the TM layer of LNMO by a facile sol‐gel method. High‐resolution ex and in situ characterization technologies manifest that the introduction of trace Sb inhibits the migration of Mn ions, forming a more stable structure. Sb can impressively adjust the Mn‐O interaction between anions and cations, beneficial to decrease the energy level of Mn 3d and O 2p orbitals and expand their band gap according to the  theoretical calculation results. As a result, the discharge specific capacity and the energy density for SbLi1.2[Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2 (SLNMO) reaches as high as 301 mAh g−1 and 1019.6 Wh kg−1 at 0.1 C, respectively. Moreover, the voltage decay is reduced by 419.8 mV compared with LNMO. The regulative interaction between Mn 3d and isolated O 2p bands provides an accurate guidance for solving electrochemical performance deficiencies of lithium‐rich manganese‐based cathode oxide.
Achieving Ultrahigh Effective Surface Charge Density of Direct‐Current Triboelectric Nanogenerator in High Humidity
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhao Zhihao , Li Yanhong , Li Xinyuan , Liu Di , Li Shaoxin , Gao Yikui , Zhou Linglin , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: May 2022

As an emerging energy‐harvesting technology, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is considered a powerful driving force toward the new‐era of Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, but its output performance is dramatically influenced by environmental humidity. Herein, a direct current TENG (DC‐TENG) based on the triboelectrification effect and electrostatic breakdown is reported to address the problem of output attenuation in high humidity environments for the conventional TENGs. It is found that high humidity not only enhances the sliding triboelectrification effect of hydrophobic triboelectric materials, but also promotes the electrostatic breakdown process for DC‐TENG, thus contributing to the improvement of DC‐TENG output. Furthermore, taking poly(vinyl chloride) film as the friction layer, the effective surface charge density of DC‐TENG with microstructure‐designed electrode achieves a milestone value of ≈2.97 mC m−2 under 90% relative humidity, which is almost 1.42‐fold larger than that under 30% RH. This work not only establishes an effective methodology to boost the output performance of TENG in a high humidity environment, but also establishes a foundation for its practical applications in large‐scale energy harvesting.
FeSb2 Nanoparticles Embedded in 3D Porous Carbon Framework: An Robust Anode Material for Potassium Storage with Long Activation Process
Authors: Wu Yuanji , Sun Yingjuan , Tong Yong , Li Hongyan
Published: May 2022

Due to their characteristics of high capacity and appropriate potassiation/depotassiation potential, Sb‐based materials have become a class of promising anode materials for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). However, the huge strain induced by potassiation/depotassiation limits their ability to periodically accept/release K+. Herein, a composite with FeSb2 nanoparticles embedded in a 3D porous carbon framework (FeSb2@3DPC) is successfully constructed as an extremely stable anode material for PIBs. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of the design of nano and porous structures, the introduction of the inactive metal Fe, the firm anchoring of the FeSb2 nanoparticles by the carbon material, and the incomplete reaction of the FeSb2, the FeSb2@3DPC can achieve an ultra‐long cycle life of over 4000 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g−1. Furthermore, ex situ X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal a gradual activation process of FeSb2 for potassium storage. Fortunately, after activation, the electrochemical polarization of the FeSb2@3DPC anode gradually alleviates and the capacitance‐controlled charge storage mode further dominates compared with the diffusion‐controlled mode, all of which promote the FeSb2@3DPC to maintain the stable potassium storage capability.
Boosting Total Conversion Efficiency of Hybrid Photovoltaic–Thermal via a Spectral Splitter/Absorber Based on Lossy Periodic Structured Media
Authors: Wu Zuoxu , Wang Jian , Yin Li , Mao Jun , Liu Xingjun , Zhang Qian , Cao Feng
Published: May 2022

A spectral splitter plays a crucial role in the hybrid photovoltaic (PV)–thermal design for efficient solar energy harvesting. Herein, the lossy medium periodic structure of ITO/Si is utilized to construct a novel spectral splitter/absorber that selectively reflects the solar energy in PV band while absorbing the rest of solar energy. The as‐prepared spectral splitter/absorber demonstrates a weighted reflectance of 75.6% in the PV band, an absorptance of 83.1% in the photothermal (PT) band, as well as superior angular performance across a broad incident range of 0°–60°. The proposed hybrid photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) system assembled with the spectral splitter/absorber with 1100 nm long edge of the PV band enhances the total electrical efficiency to 26.5%, higher than that of the individual Si PV cell (19.1%), resulting from the precise modulation of solar spectrum via the splitter/absorber to realize efficient utilization of solar energy in different bands. The temperature of PV cells in a hybrid PVT system also declines by ≈25 °C compared with the single‐Si PV cell. The PV band can be easily shifted to match other narrow‐bandgap PV cells due to intrinsic properties of near‐zero k of both ITO and Si at near‐infrared wavelength range and the large difference in n between them.
A synopsis of Philippine Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae)
Authors: Olivar Jay Edneil C. , Atkins Hannah J. , Bramley Gemma L.C. , Pelser Pieter B. , Hauenschild Frank , Muellner‐Riehl Alexandra N.
Published: May 2022

A taxonomic synopsis of Philippine Cyrtandra (Gesneriaceae) is presented. Following a study of 138 published names and their types, we accept 98 Cyrtandra species for the Philippine flora. Except for C. angularis, C. elatostemoides, and C. yaeyamae, all are endemic to the country. Lectotypes or neotypes are designated for all names for which this is necessary, except for six names for which we were unable to locate original material. We also validate a species name that was previously described without a Latin diagnosis (C. peninsula), synonymize three names, and provide taxonomic notes for each species. In addition, we propose two replacement names for taxa for which a legitimate name in Cyrtandra does not currently exist: C. edanoi for a Philippine species and C. siporensis for a Sumatran species. A look‐up table is provided to facilitate referencing of currently accepted names in Philippine Cyrtandra.
Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound for detection of endometriosis using International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) approach: prospective international pilot study
Authors: Leonardi M. , Uzuner C. , Mestdagh W. , Lu C. , Guerriero S. , Zajicek M. , Dueckelmann A. , Filippi F. , Buonomo F. , Pascual M. A. , Stepniewska A. , Ceccaroni M. , Van den Bosch T. , Timmerman D. , Hudelist G. , Condous G.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) in predicting deep endometriosis (DE) following the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) consensus methodology.

Methods

This was an international multicenter prospective diagnostic accuracy study involving eight centers across six countries (August 2018–November 2019). Consecutive participants with endometriosis suspected based on clinical symptoms or historical diagnosis of endometriosis were included. The index test was TVS performed preoperatively in accordance with the IDEA consensus statement. At each center, the index test was interpreted by a single sonologist. Reference standards were: (1) direct visualization of endometriosis at laparoscopy, as determined by a non‐blinded surgeon with expertise in endometriosis surgery; and (2) histological assessment of biopsied/excised tissue. Surgery was performed within 12 months following the index TVS. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR–) of TVS in the diagnosis of DE were calculated.

Results

Included in the study were 273 participants with complete clinical, TVS, laparoscopic and histological data. Of these, based on histology, 256 (93.8%) were confirmed to have endometriosis, including superficial endometriosis, and 190 (69.6%) were confirmed to have DE. Based on surgical visualization, 207/273 (75.8%) patients had DE. For DE overall, the diagnostic performance of TVS based on surgical visualization as the reference standard was as follows: accuracy, 86.1%; sensitivity, 88.4%; specificity, 78.8%; PPV, 92.9%; NPV, 68.4%; LR+, 4.17; LR–, 0.15, and the diagnostic performance of TVS based on histology as the reference standard was as follows: accuracy, 85.9%; sensitivity, 89.8%; specificity, 75.9%; PPV, 90.4%; NPV, 74.6%; LR+, 3.72; LR–, 0.13.

Conclusions

Using the IDEA consensus methodology provides strong diagnostic accuracy for TVS assessment of DE. We found a higher TVS detection rate of DE overall than that reported by the most recent meta‐analysis on the topic (sensitivity, 79%), albeit with a lower specificity. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Mirror twin Higgs cosmology: constraints and a possible resolution to the H0 and S8 tensions
Authors: Bansal Saurabh , Kim Jeong Han , Kolda Christopher , Low Matthew , Tsai Yuhsin
Published: May 2022

Abstract

The mirror twin Higgs model (MTH) is a solution to the Higgs hierarchy problem that provides well-predicted cosmological signatures with only three extra parameters: the temperature of the twin sector, the abundance of twin baryons, and the vacuum expectation value (VEV) of twin electroweak symmetry breaking. These parameters specify the behavior of twin radiation and the acoustic oscillations of twin baryons, which lead to testable effects on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and large-scale structure (LSS). While collider searches can only probe the twin VEV, through a fit to cosmological data we show that the existing CMB (Planck18 TTTEEE+lowE+lowT+lensing) and LSS (KV450) data already provide useful constraints on the remaining MTH parameters. Additionally, we show that the presence of twin radiation in this model can raise the Hubble constant H0 while the scattering twin baryons can reduce the matter fluctuations S8, which helps to relax the observed H0 and S8 tensions simultaneously. This scenario is different from the typical ΛCDM + ∆Neff model, in which extra radiation helps with the Hubble tension but worsens the S8 tension. For instance, when including the SH0ES and 2013 Planck SZ data in the fit, we find that a universe with ≳ 20% of the dark matter comprised of twin baryons is preferred over ΛCDM by ∼ 4σ. If the twin sector is indeed responsible for resolving the H0 and S8 tensions, future measurements from the Euclid satellite and CMB Stage 4 experiment will further measure the twin parameters to O(1 − 10%)-level precision. Our study demonstrates how models with hidden naturalness can potentially be probed using precision cosmological data.
Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure selectively impairs neuroligin 1-dependent neurogenesis by suppressing astrocytic FGF2–neuronal FGFR1 axis
Authors: Choi Gee Euhn , Chae Chang Woo , Park Mo Ran , Yoon Jee Hyeon , Jung Young Hyun , Lee Hyun Jik , Han Ho Jae
Published: May 2022

Exposure to maternal stress irreversibly impairs neurogenesis of offspring by inducing life-long effects on interaction between neurons and glia under raging differentiation process, culminating in cognitive and neuropsychiatric abnormalities in adulthood. We identified that prenatal exposure to stress-responsive hormone glucocorticoid impaired neurogenesis and induced abnormal behaviors in ICR mice. Then, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural stem cell (NSC) to investigate how neurogenesis deficits occur. Following glucocorticoid treatment, NSC-derived astrocytes were found to be A1-like neurotoxic astrocytes. Moreover, cortisol-treated astrocytic conditioned media (ACM) then specifically downregulated AMPA receptor-mediated glutamatergic synaptic formation and transmission in differentiating neurons, by inhibiting localization of ionotropic glutamate receptor (GluR)1/2 into synapses. We then revealed that downregulated astrocytic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and nuclear fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) of neurons are key pathogenic factors for reducing glutamatergic synaptogenesis. We further confirmed that cortisol-treated ACM specifically decreased the binding of neuronal FGFR1 to the synaptogenic NLGN1 promoter, but this was reversed by FGFR1 restoration. Upregulation of neuroligin 1, which is important in scaffolding GluR1/2 into the postsynaptic compartment, eventually normalized glutamatergic synaptogenesis and subsequent neurogenesis. Moreover, pretreatment of FGF2 elevated neuroligin 1 expression and trafficking of GluR1/2 into the postsynaptic compartment of mice exposed to prenatal corticosterone, improving spatial memory and depression/anxiety-like behaviors. In conclusion, we identified neuroligin 1 restoration by astrocytic FGF2 and its downstream neuronal nuclear FGFR1 as a critical target for preventing prenatal stress-induced dysfunction in glutamatergic synaptogenesis, which recovered both neurogenesis and hippocampal-related behaviors.