bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gasification for material recycling—A solution to the plastic flood?
Authors: Schulze‐Netzer Corinna
Published: April 2024

Since 1950, only 9% of all plastic produced has undergone recycling, and a mere 10% of that has been recycled multiple times. Most discarded plastic (around 73%) ends up in landfills or is improperly managed, resulting in widespread littering. The main reason for low recycling rates is the lack of recycling technology for multi‐polymer and multi‐layer materials and unsortable mixed plastic waste. This plastic waste is one of the most accumulating types, including for example single‐use food packaging with an average lifetime of less than 6 months. These multi‐layer films, consisting of various polymer types, are not feasible for traditional mechanical recycling, which requires well‐sorted, clean, and homogeneous materials. Several methods for plastic recycling have been proposed to address this issue and tackle the overwhelming influx of plastic waste, among which steam gasification stands out as one of the most promising approaches for recycling mixed, contaminated, and unsortable plastics. This method utilizes high temperatures (800°C) to atomize the plastics, resulting in a gas mixture of , CO, and and small hydrocarbons. The resulting gas can be reformed through hydrocarbon syntheses, for example, via methanol to propylene and ethylene, and successive into new mono‐ and polymers of equal quality to fossil‐based plastics. Moreover, since the high temperatures atomize any organic structure, biomass can be used as a substitute for an extension of the carbon feed, ultimately reducing reliance on fossil feedstock. With these advantages, steam gasification can significantly increase recycling rates and contribute to a bio‐integrated circular carbon economy.
Does corporate governance influence environmental, social and governance disclosure practices of state‐owned enterprises? An international study
Authors: Nicolo' Giuseppe , Andrades‐Peña Francisco Javier
Published: April 2024

This paper provides fresh insights into the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure practices of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). To accomplish this study's research objective, we collected ESG and corporate governance data from Refinitiv Eikon's database on a balanced sample of 253 SOEs from 37 worldwide countries over 5 years (2018–2022), obtaining a total of 1265 observations. A battery of fixed and random effects panel regression models has been estimated to test the impact of board characteristics, like board size, board independence, board gender diversity, number of board meetings, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) duality and the presence of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee, on overall and individual ESG disclosure scores of sampled SOEs. Results show that while board size and CEO duality negatively affect SOE ESG disclosure, board independence and gender diversity, as well as the number of board meetings and the existence of a CSR committee, exert a positive influence.
A high‐precision voltage reference with a curvature‐compensated bandgap for fluorescence detection
Authors: Xiong Bingjun , Mo Wenji , Yan Feng , Guan Jian , Ge Weijie , Liu Jingjing
Published: April 2024

Fluorescent optical fiber temperature sensors require accurate online temperature monitoring in hazardous environments with strong electromagnetic fields, high voltages, flammability, or explosiveness. This imposes stringent requirements on the temperature coefficient stability of the bandgap reference (BGR) circuit. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a high‐order curvature compensation bandgap reference (HCC_BGR) circuit fabricated using a 0.18‐μm bipolar‐CMOS‐DMOS (BCD) process. A traditional first‐order bandgap reference (TRA_BGR) circuit is also fabricated for comparison. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed HCC_BGR circuit generates a stable 1.22‐V reference voltage with a low‐temperature coefficient of 5.56 ppm/°C from −20°C to 85°C. Compared to the TRA_BGR circuit, the HCC_BGR reduces the temperature coefficient by 3.07 times. Furthermore, the low‐dropout regulator (LDO) using the proposed HCC_BGR exhibits excellent line sensitivity of 1.52%/V from 3.4 to 5 V.
Inductor integration for internal parallel inverters
Authors: Wu Kunchong , Ye Yuanmao , Liu Jiaxin , Chen Haolin , Wang Xiaolin
Published: April 2024

In addition to inheriting the merits of interleaved parallel inverters, the internal parallel structure (IPS) inverter has the advantages of reduced circulating current and lower switching loss. Currently, however, the suppression of circulating current and output current ripple individually results in an evident increase in the number and volume of inductors. In this work, an inductor integration scheme is developed to improve the IPS inverter. Two integrated inductors are developed for different application configurations. As a result, the circulating current and output current ripple are simultaneously suppressed by an integrated inductor, making each phase of the IPS inverter to be equipped with only one integrated inductor implemented by wounding two coils on one magnetic core. The feasibility of the inductor integration scheme for the IPS inverter is experimentally verified by a downscale prototype.
Gray matter gamma‐hydroxy‐butyric acid and glutamate reflect beta‐amyloid burden at old age
Authors: Schreiner Simon J. , Van Bergen Jiri M. G. , Gietl Anton F. , Buck Alfred , Hock Christoph , Pruessmann Klaas P. , Henning Anke , Unschuld Paul G.
Published: April 2024

Gamma‐hydroxy‐butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate are neurotransmitters with essential importance for cognitive processing. Here, we investigate relationships between GABA, glutamate, and brain ß‐amyloid (Aß) burden before clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thirty cognitively healthy adults (age 69.9 ± 6 years) received high‐resolution atlas‐based 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) at ultra‐high magnetic field strength of 7 Tesla for gray matter‐specific assessment of GABA and glutamate. We assessed Aß burden with positron emission tomography and risk factors for AD. Higher gray matter GABA and glutamate related to higher Aß‐burden (ß = 0.60, p < 0.05; ß = 0.64, p < 0.02), with positive effect modification by apolipoprotein‐E‐epsilon‐4‐allele (APOE4) (p = 0.01‐0.03). GABA and glutamate negatively related to longitudinal change in verbal episodic memory performance (ß = ‐0.48; p = 0.02; ß = ‐0.50; p = 0.01). In vivo measures of GABA and glutamate reflect early AD pathology at old age, in an APOE4‐dependent manner. GABA and glutamate may represent promising biomarkers and potential targets for early therapeutic intervention and prevention.

Highlights

Gray matter‐specific metabolic imaging with high‐resolution atlas‐based MRSI at 7 Tesla.

Higher GABA and glutamate relate to ß‐amyloid burden, in an APOE4‐dependent manner.

Gray matter GABA and glutamate identify older adults with high risk of future AD.

GABA and glutamate might reflect altered synaptic and neuronal activity at early AD.
Prognostic impact of heart failure admission in survivors of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Takeuchi Satoshi , Honda Satoshi , Nishihira Kensaku , Kojima Sunao , Takegami Misa , Asaumi Yasuhide , Saji Mike , Yamashita Jun , Hibi Kiyoshi , Takahashi Jun , Sakata Yasuhiko , Takayama Morimasa , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Ogawa Hisao , Kimura Kazuo , Yasuda Satoshi ,   JAMIR Investigators
Published: April 2024

Aims

The incidence and prognosis of symptomatic heart failure following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention era have rarely been reported in the literature. This study aimed to (i) determine the incidence of heart failure admission among AMI survivors, (ii) compare 1 year outcomes between patients with heart failure admission and those without, and (iii) identify the independent risk factors associated with heart failure admission.

Methods and results

The Japan Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry is a prospective multicentre registry from which data on consecutively enrolled patients with AMI from 50 institutions between 2015 and 2017 were obtained. Among the 3411 patients enrolled, 3226 who survived until discharge were included in this study. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. The secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (defined as cardiovascular mortality, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, or non‐fatal cerebral infarction) and major bleeding events corresponding to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium Type 3 or 5. Clinical outcomes were compared between the patients who were and were not admitted for heart failure. Over a median follow‐up of 12 months, 124 patients (3.8%) were admitted due to heart failure. Independent risk factors for heart failure admission included older age, female sex, Killip class ≥2 on admission, left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤30 mL/min/1.73 m2, a history of malignancy, and non‐use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors at discharge. The cumulative incidence of all‐cause mortality was significantly higher in the heart failure admission group than in the no heart failure admission group (11.3% vs. 2.5%, P < 0.001). The rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (16.9% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001) and major bleeding (6.5% vs. 1.6%, P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the heart failure admission group. Heart failure admission was associated with a higher risk of all‐cause mortality, even after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.33–4.39, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Utilizing real‐world data of the contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention era from the Japan Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry database, this study demonstrates that the heart failure admission of AMI survivors was significantly associated with higher all‐cause mortality rates.
Relationship of interleukin‐16 with different phenogroups in acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Tamaki Shunsuke , Sotomi Yohei , Nagai Yoshiyuki , Shutta Ryu , Masuda Daisaku , Makino Nobuhiko , Yamashita Shizuya , Seo Masahiro , Yamada Takahisa , Nakagawa Akito , Yasumura Yoshio , Nakagawa Yusuke , Yano Masamichi , Hayashi Takaharu , Hikoso Shungo , Nakatani Daisaku , Ohtani Tomohito , Sakata Yasushi ,   the OCVC‐Heart Failure Investigators
Published: April 2024

Aims

Interleukin‐16 (IL‐16) has been reported to mediate left ventricular myocardial fibrosis and stiffening in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We sought to elucidate whether IL‐16 has a distinct impact on pathophysiology and prognosis across different subphenotypes of acute HFpEF.

Methods and results

We analysed 211 patients enrolled in a prospective multicentre registry of acute decompensated HFpEF for whom serum IL‐16 levels after stabilization were available (53% female, median age 81 [interquartile range 75–85] years). We divided this sub‐cohort into four phenogroups using our established clustering algorithm. The study endpoint was all‐cause death. Patients were subclassified into phenogroup 1 (‘rhythm trouble’ [n = 69]), phenogroup 2 (‘ventricular‐arterial uncoupling’ [n = 49]), phenogroup 3 (‘low output and systemic congestion’ [n = 41]), and phenogroup 4 (‘systemic failure’ [n = 52]). After a median follow‐up of 640 days, 38 patients had died. Among the four phenogroups, phenogroup 2 had the highest IL‐16 level. The IL‐16 level showed significant associations with indices of cardiac hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and congestion only in phenogroup 2. Furthermore, the IL‐16 level had a significant predictive value for all‐cause death only in phenogroup 2 (C‐statistic 0.750, 95% confidence interval 0.606–0.863, P = 0.017), while there was no association between the IL‐16 level and the endpoint in the other phenogroups.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the serum IL‐16 level had a significant association with indices that reflect the pathophysiology and prognosis of HFpEF in a specific phenogroup in acute HFpEF.
Light‐assisted drying (LAD): A new process for producing an amorphous trehalose preservation matrix for the storage of biologics
Authors: Furr Daniel P. , Tsegaye Anteneh A. , Kern Madeline R. , Olson Gunnar , Ye Tang , Zhang Yong , Trammell Susan R.
Published: April 2024

The requirement for temperature‐controlled storage can be challenging and expensive for the transportation and storage of biologics. Light‐assisted drying (LAD) is a new processing technique to prepare biologics for storage in a trehalose amorphous solid matrix at ambient temperatures. Samples are illuminated with near‐infrared laser light to speed dehydration. Previous work has shown LAD can prepare small‐volume (40 μL) samples, but the feasibility of applying LAD to larger samples remains unexplored. Here, LAD is applied to large‐volume samples (250 μL). Samples of a trehalose solution with an embedded protein were LAD processed and stored for 1 month. The end moisture contents of samples were determined after processing and storage. Thermal histories were monitored to determine optimal drying times. The trehalose matrix was characterized using polarized light imaging and Raman spectroscopy. Karl‐Fischer (KF) titration was used to measure the water content. The end moisture contents and thermal histories show high repeatability for LAD processing. Polarized light imaging demonstrates that the trehalose matrix was resistant to crystallization. Raman spectroscopy indicates uniform water distribution and KF titration reveals a low average water content (2.5%). LAD can stabilize large‐volume samples for dry‐state storage at ambient temperatures and offers a potential solution for cold‐chain storage challenges.
A Self‐Powered Smart White Cane for Improving Mobility of Visually Impaired Person Using a Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Song Heewon , Panda Swati , Hajra Sugato , Hwang Subhin , Jo Junghun , Kim Nayoon , Panigrahi Basanta Kumar , Yu Jaesok , Jeong Soon Moon , Kim Hoe Joon
Published: April 2024

The present research offers an innovative approach to enhance the safety and mobility of people with visual impairments by using a smart white cane sensor. Herein, an aluminum electrode, Kapton film, and an inexpensive PET substrate are employed to develop an origami‐shaped multilayered triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) device. The multilayered integration of three‐unit TENGs produces output with a high power of 51 μW at 50 MΩ, along with 155 V and 4.5 μA. Capacitor charging, low‐power electronics powering, and the integration of mechanoluminescent materials are demonstrated. The integration of mechanoluminescent materials enables efficient identification of visually impaired people in regions with poor lighting. A single‐electrode TENG is also implemented for successful surface material detection. To further enhance the sensor's capabilities, digital signal processing techniques are employed for obstacle recognition on their route. The intelligent white cane sensor effectively detects obstructions, offering the user instantaneous feedback and enabling more secure navigation in sophisticated environments. This study highlights the possibility of integrating TENG technologies to provide a complete solution for people with visual impairments. The smart white cane sensor has the potential to greatly increase the safety and independence of visually impaired people in a variety of outdoor and public spaces.
Accelerated time history iteration method for offline real‐time hybrid testing
Authors: Guo Youming , Pan Peng
Published: April 2024

Real‐time hybrid testing (RTHT) is an efficient method to simulate the dynamic behavior of complex engineering systems. A novel offline RTHT method has been developed in recent years, wherein the computation of the numerical substructure and the loading of the experimental substructure are independent. Offline RTHT has obvious advantages in terms of accuracy, stability, and cost compared with conventional online RTHT. However, due to the excessive number of iterations, the application range of the existing offline RTHT methods is limited. This paper proposes an accelerated time history iteration (ATHI) method based on system identification and virtual iteration. A two‐loop parameter optimization (TLPO) method is developed to obtain an accurate discrete transfer function. Virtual iterations are performed by replacing the real system with an identified transfer function, which can reduce the number of real iterations. Physical tests were performed on structures equipped with a tuned mass damper or active mass damper, where resonance, nonlinearity, closed‐loop control, and measurement noise exist. The test results suggest that the real system can be accurately represented by the identified transfer function when adopting the TLPO method. The proposed ATHI successfully accelerates the convergence process while ensuring stability and accuracy.
Early change in gastric‐specific anxiety sensitivity as a predictor of eating disorder treatment outcome
Authors: Velkoff Elizabeth A. , Lusich Rylee , Kaye Walter H. , Wierenga Christina E. , Brown Tiffany A.
Published: April 2024

Eating disorders (EDs) are often accompanied by gastrointestinal (GI) distress. Anxiety sensitivity is the tendency to interpret sensations of anxiety as threatening or dangerous, and includes both broad physical symptoms (e.g., elevated heartrate) and GI‐specific symptoms. Physical and GI‐specific anxiety sensitivity may be important risk and maintaining factors in EDs. This study tested the hypothesis that greater reductions in both types of anxiety sensitivity during the first month of treatment would predict lower ED symptoms and trait anxiety at discharge and 6‐month follow‐up. Patients (n = 424) in ED treatment reported physical and GI‐specific anxiety sensitivity, ED symptoms, and trait anxiety at treatment admission, 1‐month into treatment, discharge, and 6‐month follow‐up. Analyses were conducted with hierarchical linear regression with imputation, controlling for relevant covariates. Results indicated that early reduction in GI‐specific but not general physical anxiety sensitivity predicted both lower ED symptoms and lower trait anxiety at discharge and 6‐month follow‐up. These findings demonstrate the importance of GI‐specific anxiety sensitivity as a potential maintaining factor in EDs. Developing and refining treatments to target GI‐specific anxiety sensitivity may have promise in improving the treatment not only of EDs, but also of commonly co‐morbid anxiety disorders.
Seed morphology in the genus Matthiola R. Br. (Brassicaceae): Identification of species and systematic implications
Authors: Abdel Khalik Kadry N. , Al‐Juhani Widad S.
Published: April 2024

Seed coat morphology of 34 species of Matthiola R.Br. has been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy to assess their investigative value for systematic studies. Macro‐ and micromorphological characters, including seed shape, color, size, wing, and radicle position relative to cotyledons, epidermal cell shape, anticlinal boundaries, and periclinal cell wall are presented. Seed shape, color, and radicle position relative to cotyledons have limited taxonomic significance, as their variation is unhelpful. There against, seed size, wing, and seed coat ornamentation present informative characteristics that can be used professionally in distinguishing the studied taxa. Six different types of seed anticlinal cell wall boundaries are recognized and five different outer periclinal cell wall shapes are described. The sculpture of the secondary cell wall varies from striate, micropapillate to microreticulate, and smooth to fine folds. The taxonomic and phylogenetic implications of seed coat micromorphology were compared with those of the existing gross morphological and molecular data. Seed character analysis offered useful data for evaluating the taxonomy of Matthiola both on subgeneric and sectional levels. Seed micromorphological characters provide evidence that M. odoratissima and M. ovatifolia should be preserved as separate species. In addition, M. ghorana is not conspecific with M. graminea. Furthermore, M. tricuspidata was unique in the seed characters. A key to the identification of the examined taxa based on seed characters is provided.
Pu‐erh tea reduces the transmission of CRD‐mediated alopecia risk to offspring
Authors: Hu Shanshan , Wang Jie , Lin Zhiyuan , Zhang Bowen , Luo Liyong , Zeng Liang
Published: April 2024

Circadian rhythm disorder (CRD) is closely associated with hair regression and shedding, but whether this risk can be transmitted to the offspring is unknown. Whether Pu‐erh tea, with alleviating effects of CRD‐mediated syndrome, can act on the transmission of alopecia risk to offspring is also unproven. Here, we obtained CRD parental mice offspring and found that CRD‐mediated alopecia risk can be transmitted to offspring, especially male offspring. Parental consumption of Pu‐erh tea, especially in females or both parents, reduced the risk of CRD‐mediated alopecia transmitted to offspring by inhibiting subcutaneous fat accumulation (downregulation of Rab18, fat‐specific protein 27 (Fsp27), and perilipin 1 (Plin1)), reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in skin tissue (NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)/ nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB)), balancing androgen and hair growth factor release (hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1)), and restoring hair follicle DNA repair function (upregulation of Ku70, 8‐Oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), and Rad51). Transcriptomic analysis further clarified that the mechanism stemmed from the upregulation of gene expression in pathways such as the Wnt, Hippo, and other signaling pathways.
A Review of Pacific Salmon Hatcheries in British Columbia, Canada, and Interactions With Natural Populations
Authors: Riddell Brian E. , Pearsall Isobel , Rosenberger Andrew
Published: April 2024

Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. hatcheries in British Columbia (BC) have been the major activity of the Salmonid Enhancement Program since 1977. However, the present diminished abundance of Pacific salmon and loss of fisheries in BC called for a review of hatchery effectiveness. The Pacific Salmon Foundation conducted a review resulting in 15 reports publicly available on the Pacific Salmon Foundation marine science website. The review includes evaluations of effectiveness of hatchery production, evidence of interactions with natural salmon populations (including rebuilding natural populations with hatchery-produced salmon), and future opportunities via genomics. Beyond the estimation of juvenile production and contribution to catches and spawning escapements, the ability to assess effectiveness was limited. The assessments of interactions provided a few examples of positive outcomes, but most were negative. The lack of comparative assessments in purely wild populations seriously limits interpretations of hatchery–wild interactions. Future evaluations of the hatchery effectiveness require more quantitative and integrated assessments of hatchery and wild salmon, open data sharing for public review or research, and related studies could benefit from application of new genomic technologies. This paper presents recommendations to address these needs and calls for regularized reviews of the Salmonid Enhancement Program and its net value to sustainability of BC's Pacific salmon.
Advances in the Synthesis of Heterocycles with Two and Three Heteroatoms using Hydrazonoyl Halides
Authors: Yamaletdinova Nargiza R. , Gataullin Rail R.
Published: April 2024

The review covers the results of studies published in the literature on the use of hydrazonoyl halides in the synthesis of five‐ (pyrazoles, thiazoles, triazoles, oxa‐ and thiadiazoles), six‐ (oxa‐ and thiadiazines, indazoles, pyridazines, pyrazines, tetrazines) or seven‐membered (benzotriazepine) heterocycles. In the formation of these heterocycles, the main intermediate stage of the reaction is the in situ generation of nitrilimine, which enters into a cycloaddition reaction with substituted acetylenes (including in situ generated benzynes, naphthynes), allenes, activated olefins, anthranilic acid derivatives, organosulfur compounds (mercaptoaldehydes, mercaptocarboxylic acids) or with fused heterocycles. Examples are given of the formation of heterocycles by replacing the halogen atom from a hydrazonoyl halide molecule with a nucleophilic group, followed by exhaustive intramolecular cyclization into the target compound. There are discussions of reactions in which the cycloaddition of the nitrilimine to the in situ synthesized Knoevenagel condensation product (from CH‐acid compounds, such as di‐ and monocarbonyl compounds, dinitrile malonic acid) occurs, leading to spiro‐linked or conventional pyrazoles. Some syntheses of biologically active representatives are shown.
Perovskite solar cells with ferroelectricity
Authors: Zhang Tie , Luo Huiming , Abdi‐Jalebi Mojtaba , Chen Hongzheng , Zuo Lijian
Published: April 2024

Halide perovskites show excellent optoelectronic properties for solar cell application. Notably, perovskite crystalline structures have been widely reported to deliver superior ferroelectric properties. As a result, the integration of the ferroelectric process with the photon‐to‐electron energy conversion process becomes feasible to generate interesting photo‐physical properties and further boost the device performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which have started to attract more and more attention in recent years. Here, we have reviewed the recent progress in PSCs with ferroelectricity (FE‐PSCs), by classifying them into three regimes according to the degree of phase segregation, for example, the layer‐structured ferroelectric/halide perovskite composite, micro phase‐separated ferroelectric/halide perovskite composite, and the intrinsic ferroelectric halide perovskite composite. The different composite structures enable a large range of interesting optoelectronic properties and the specific structure significantly enhances the device performance of PSCs. The most prominent contribution of ferroelectricity is that it can provide an extra electrical field to drive charge generation, transport, and collection. Further, key challenges and opportunities of the integration of ferroelectricity with photovoltaics are discussed. We hope our work can draw intensive attention in this field to accelerate the establishment of the basic theories in ferroelectricity and the commercialization of PSCs.
Polyp segmentation network based on lightweight model and reverse attention mechanisms
Authors: Long Jianwu , Yang Chengxin , Song Xinlei , Zeng Ziqin , Ren Yan
Published: April 2024

Colorectal cancer is a common gastrointestinal malignancy. Early screening and segmentation of colorectal polyps are of great clinical significance. Colonoscopy is the most effective method to detect polyps, but some polyps may be missed in the detection process. On this basis, the use of computer‐aided diagnosis technology is particularly important for colorectal polyp segmentation. To improve the detection rate of intestinal polyps under colonoscopy, a polyp segmentation network (MobileRaNet) based on a lightweight model and reverse attention (RA) mechanism was proposed to accurately segment polyps in colonoscopy images. The coordinated attention module is used to improve MobileNetV3 and make it the backbone network (CaNet). Second, a part of the output of the high‐level feature from the backbone network is passed into the parallel axial receptive field module (PA_RFB) to extract the global dependency representation without losing the details. Third, a global map is generated based on this combined feature as the initial boot area of the subsequent components. Finally, the RA module is used to mine the target region and boundary clues to improve the segmentation accuracy. To verify the effectiveness and lightweight performance of the algorithm, five challenging datasets, including CVC‐ColonDB, CVC‐300, and Kvasir, are used in this paper. In six indexes, including MeanDice, MeanIoU, and MAE, compared with seven typical models such as PraNet and TransUnet, accuracy, FLOPs, parameters, and FPS were compared. The experimental results show that the MobileRaNet proposed in this paper has improved the performance of the five datasets to varying degrees, especially the MeanDice and MeanIOU indexes of the Kvasir dataset reach 91.2% and 85.6%, which are, respectively, increased by 1.4% and 1.6% compared with PraNet. Compared with PraNet, FLOPs and parameters decreased by 83.3% and 76.7%, respectively.
Self‐powered sensor based on compressible ionic gel electrolyte for simultaneous determination of temperature and pressure
Authors: Zou Junjie , Ma Yanan , Liu Chenxu , Xie Yimei , Dai Xingyao , Li Xinhui , Li Shuxuan , Peng Shaohui , Yue Yang , Wang Shuo , Nan Ce‐Wen , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2024

The simultaneous detection of multiple stimuli, such as pressure and temperature, has long been a persistent challenge for developing electronic skin (e‐skin) to emulate the functionality of human skin. Meanwhile, the demand for integrated power supply units is an additional pressing concern to achieve its lightweightness and flexibility. Herein, we propose a self‐powered dual temperature–pressure (SPDM) sensor, which utilizes a compressible ionic gel electrolyte driven by the potential difference between MXene and Al electrodes. The SPDM sensor exhibits a rapid and timely response to changes in pressure‐induced deformation, while exhibiting a slow and hysteretic response to temperature variations. These distinct response characteristics enable the differentiation of current signals generated by different stimuli through machine learning, resulting in an impressive accuracy rate of 99.1%. Furthermore, the developed SPDM sensor exhibits a wide pressure detection range of 0–800 kPa and a broad temperature detection range of 5–75°C, encompassing the environmental conditions encountered in daily human life. The dual‐mode coupled strategy by machine learning provides an effective approach for temperature and pressure detection and discrimination, showcasing its potential applications in wearable electronics, intelligent robots, human–machine interactions, and so on.
Lack of women physician representation in the Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine
Authors: Shiota Seiji , Utsunomiya‐Nishimizu Rie , Goto Ryo , Hirabayashi Ayana , Horinouchi Noboru , Doi Eri , Yoshimura Katsuhiko , Yamamoto Kyoko , Yoshiiwa Aoi , Miyazaki Eishi
Published: April 2024

Background

The increasing number of women physicians is in contrast to their underrepresentation in academic positions and professional associations. This study aimed to evaluate the status of women physicians in the Japanese Society of Hospital General Medicine (JHGM) based on society membership, board membership, and annual meeting authorship.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted. Information on women physicians, society and board membership, and annual meeting authorship was collected. Data from the Japanese Primary Care Association (JPCA) served as the control. The gender of authors with accepted abstracts in the JHGM and JPCA annual meetings was determined by name or Internet search.

Results

In the JHGM, 14.2% of members were women physicians, compared to 19.1% in the JPCA (p < 0.001). None of the 21 JHGM board members were women, compared to 20.5% in the JPCA (p < 0.001). The average number of years of experience was significantly higher for the JHGM board members than for the JPCA board members (37.0 vs. 28.1 years, p < 0.001). Women first authors in the 2022–2023 JHGM meeting comprised 17.9%, significantly lower than the 28.4% in the 2023 JPCA meeting (p = 0.002). Similar patterns were seen for women last authors (6.0% in the JHGM vs. 18.8% in the JPCA, p < 0.001) and women chairpersons (17.9% in the JHGM vs. 40.3% in the JPCA, p = 0.036).

Conclusions

The JHGM has low women representation in society and board membership, and annual meeting authorship. Strategies are needed to enhance diversity and inclusion by increasing women's participation and leadership in the JHGM.
Timing and prediction of secondary bacteremia in patients with COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yogo Aoi , Yamamoto Shungo , Tochitani Kentaro
Published: April 2024

Background

We aimed to aid the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents by determining the timing of secondary bacteremia and validating and updating clinical prediction models for bacteremia in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study on all hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 who underwent blood culture tests from January 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, at an urban teaching hospital in Japan. The primary outcome measure was secondary bacteremia in patients with COVID‐19.

Results

Of the 507 patients hospitalized with COVID‐19, 169 underwent blood culture tests. Eleven of them had secondary bacteremia. The majority of secondary bacteremia occurred on or later than the 9th day after symptom onset. Positive blood culture samples collected on day 9 or later after disease onset had an odds ratio of 22.4 (95% CI 2.76–181.2,p < 0.001) compared with those collected less than 9 days after onset. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the modified Shapiro rule combined with blood culture collection on or after the 9th day from onset was 0.919 (95% CI, 0.843–0.995), and the net benefit was high according to the decision curve analysis.

Conclusions

The timings of symptom onset and hospital admission may be valuable indicators for making a clinical decision to perform blood cultures in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19.
Congenital Sternoclavicular Sinus—Case Series of a Rare Lower Neck Deformity
Authors: Huang Yan , Xu Mimi , Sheng Xiaoli , Gong Xixiang , Zhang Bei , Huang Shuling , Chen Liangsi
Published: April 2024

Objectives

We encountered patients with a congenital cutaneous sinus tract in the sternoclavicular joint region, which we designate as “congenital sternoclavicular sinus (CSCS).” The aim of this investigation is to enhance recognition of this subtle yet noteworthy entity and develop standardized protocols for its management.

Patients and Methods

Between 2013 and 2023, 172 patients, including 78 males and 94 females, were referred to our institution for the management of CSCS. Clinical charts were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The majority of patients (60.5%) were young children below 3 years of age, with only six adult patients and a median age of 27.5 months. The left side was implicated in 157 cases (91.3%). In 146 cases (84.9%), a faint skin streak was noted above the orifice. Yet, no pharyngeal sinus tracts were detected, either through barium swallow studies or direct laryngoscopy. All skin lesions featured a diminutive orifice near the sternoclavicular joint, with the tract extending deeply into the subcutaneous tissue and terminating blindly, short of entering the joint, after a distance of 10 mm (ranging from 5 to 21 mm). Histopathological analysis revealed that the epithelial lining predominantly consisted of stratified squamous epithelium (87.8%), with ciliated columnar epithelium accounting for the remaining 12.2%.

Conclusions

CSCS, though infrequent, presents with distinctive pathological and clinical features. The condition predominantly affects the left sternoclavicular joint region, with the notable “skin streak sign” aiding in diagnosis. We considered CSCS as one disease entity of branchial arch anomalies. Complete surgical excision offers a definitive cure.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4402–4408, 2024
Value‐Added Processing of Food Legumes Using Extrusion Technology: A Review
Authors: Faliarizao Natoavina , Berrios Jose De J. , Dolan Kirk D.
Published: April 2024

Extrusion processing of legumes has gained increased commercial significance in recent years. Food legumes or pulses are a rich source of protein, total dietary fiber, starch, minerals, selected vitamins, and other bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. The relatively higher protein and lower carbohydrate contents than cereal grains make legumes a healthy choice for developing new food products. While legumes are a staple in many developing countries, their consumption remains to be very low in most of the developed countries. Developing legume‐based ready‐to‐use ingredients and ready‐to‐eat products can potentially increase legume consumption, especially in developed countries. In addition to traditional legume processing methods, extrusion cooking offers a cost‐effective option to manufacture legume‐based products and ingredients. In recent years, increased concerns by consumers about environmental sustainability and food security have resulted in promoting plant‐based proteins as meat substitutes and meat analogs, which are primarily produced by extrusion or wet/dry extraction. In this regard, extrusion is more sustainable and environment‐friendly processing technology due to its process efficiency and minimal effluents. Legumes processed by extrusion cooking have wide applications in a variety of food products, for example, flour mixes and doughs, snack items, baked foods, meat alternatives, meat extenders, gluten‐free products, and nutraceuticals. Furthermore, extrusion process improves the digestibility and functional properties, and lowers or eliminates the antinutrients found in most legumes. This comprehensive review article discusses extrusion processing technology/systems, legumes extrusion, and nutritional quality, functional properties, food safety, and consumer acceptance of extruded legume products.
Optical Parametric Amplification in Crossed Fabry‐Perot Cavities
Authors: Sun Meizhi , Xie Xinglong , Zhu Jianqiang , Liang Xiao , Tu Xiaoniu , Zhang Xiaoqi , Huang Dajie , Zhu Ping , Guo Ailin , Xiong Huai , Li Linjun , Wei Hui , Wang Xiaochao , Yang Qingwei
Published: April 2024

Optical parametric amplification (OPA) is a promising method of producing extremely intense light. A new OPA scheme with comprehensively high performance is urgently required for future development. In this study, an amplification scheme known as crossed‐Fabry‐Perot‐cavity OPA (XOPA) is proposed. It is based on the principle of periodic idler elimination, which prevents energy back‐conversion among the three coupling waves, resulting in a monotonically increasing overall conversion efficiency. Using a signal at 808 nm and a pump at 532 nm, a chirped pulse XOPA is experimentally demonstrated with a conversion efficiency of 56.28% and a gain bandwidth of 120 nm. The measured pulse duration after compression is 19.2 fs, which is comparable to the Fourier‐transform‐limited 16.8 fs. Further investigations revealed several advantages. Stable pulse shaping in spatial, temporal, and frequency domains is realized by a spatiotemporally modulated pump. Pulse contrast adjustability on the front edge of the signal is verified in the XOPA of different Fabry‐Perot cavity lengths. These results indicate astringency and precise regulation of output in nonlinear processes. Considering numerous crystals suitable for noncollinear configurations from the near‐infrared to mid‐infrared regions, XOPA has a universal potential application in laser systems with extreme intensity, few‐cycle duration, and internal confinement fusion drivers.
Multi‐Dimensional Meta‐Holography Encrypted by Orbital Angular Momentum, Frequency, and Polarization
Authors: Zhu Lei , Wei Jinxu , Dong Liang , Shang Guanyu , Guan Chunsheng , Burokur Shah Nawaz , Ding Xumin
Published: April 2024

Metasurface holographic encryption, as an emerging and highly promising technique, presents the advantages of multi‐dimension and high security and consequently provides a flexible and convenient platform for information encryption. Recent years have witnessed rapid progress in meta‐holographic encryption through the utilization of different dimensions of electromagnetic (EM) waves, yet enhancing the capacity and security of encrypted information remains an endless goal. In this context, the concept of three physical dimensions encrypted metasurface holography is proposed in which orbital angular momentum (OAM) is fully synergized with frequency and polarization state. The mechanism relies on the simultaneous control of these dimensions and arbitrarily overlaying them in each operation channel, thereby acting as a multi‐dimensional key to realize information encryption and decryption. As a proof‐of‐concept experiment, a three‐physical dimension encrypted meta‐hologram is designed that conceals four real images as encrypted information in 32 information channels. Remarkably, a specific OAM order, frequency, and polarization state is required to decrypt the designed meta‐hologram. This work opens a new avenue for multi‐dimensional encrypted holography, which has broad application prospects for information security and data storage in the era of big data.
Biallelic Variants of MRPS36 Cause a New Form of Leigh Syndrome
Authors: Galosi Serena , Mancini Cecilia , Commone Anna , Calligari Paolo , Caputo Viviana , Nardecchia Francesca , Carducci Claudia , van den Heuvel Lambertus P. , Pizzi Simone , Bruselles Alessandro , Niceta Marcello , Martinelli Simone , Rodenburg Richard J. , Tartaglia Marco , Leuzzi Vincenzo
Published: April 2024

Background

The MRPS36 gene encodes a recently identified component of the 2‐oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC), a key enzyme of the Krebs cycle catalyzing the oxidative decarboxylation of 2‐oxoglutarate to succinyl‐CoA. Defective OGDHC activity causes a clinically variable metabolic disorder characterized by global developmental delay, severe neurological impairment, liver failure, and early‐onset lactic acidosis.

Methods

We investigated the molecular cause underlying Leigh syndrome with bilateral striatal necrosis in two siblings through exome sequencing. Functional studies included measurement of the OGDHC enzymatic activity and MRPS36 mRNA levels in fibroblasts, assessment of protein stability in transfected cells, and structural analysis. A literature review was performed to define the etiological and phenotypic spectrum of OGDHC deficiency.

Results

In the two affected brothers, exome sequencing identified a homozygous nonsense variant (c.283G>T, p.Glu95*) of MRPS36. The variant did not affect transcript processing and stability, nor protein levels, but resulted in a shorter protein lacking nine residues that contribute to the structural and functional organization of the OGDHC complex. OGDHC enzymatic activity was significantly reduced.

The review of previously reported cases of OGDHC deficiency supports the association of this enzymatic defect with Leigh phenotypic spectrum and early‐onset movement disorder. Slightly elevated plasma levels of glutamate and glutamine were observed in our and literature patients with OGDHC defect.

Conclusions

Our findings point to MRPS36 as a new disease gene implicated in Leigh syndrome. The slight elevation of plasma levels of glutamate and glutamine observed in patients with OGDHC deficiency represents a candidate metabolic signature of this neurometabolic disorder. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Genetic Determined Iron Starvation Signature in Friedreich's Ataxia
Authors: Grander Manuel , Haschka David , Indelicato Elisabetta , Kremser Christian , Amprosi Matthias , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Henninger Benjamin , Stefani Ambra , Högl Birgit , Fischer Christine , Seifert Markus , Kiechl Stefan , Weiss Günter , Boesch Sylvia
Published: April 2024

Background

Early studies in cellular models suggested an iron accumulation in Friedreich's ataxia (FA), yet findings from patients are lacking.

Objectives

The objective is to characterize systemic iron metabolism, body iron storages, and intracellular iron regulation in FA patients.

Methods

In FA patients and matched healthy controls, we assessed serum iron parameters, regulatory hormones as well as the expression of regulatory proteins and iron distribution in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We applied magnetic resonance imaging with R2*‐relaxometry to quantify iron storages in the liver, spleen, and pancreas. Across all evaluations, we assessed the influence of the genetic severity as expressed by the length of the shorter GAA‐expansion (GAA1).

Results

We recruited 40 FA patients (19 women). Compared to controls, FA patients displayed lower serum iron and transferrin saturation. Serum ferritin, hepcidin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume in FA inversely correlated with the GAA1‐repeat length, indicating iron deficiency and restricted availability for erythropoiesis with increasing genetic severity. R2*‐relaxometry revealed a reduction of splenic and hepatic iron stores in FA. Liver and spleen R2* values inversely correlated with the GAA1‐repeat length. FA PBMCs displayed downregulation of ferritin and upregulation of transferrin receptor and divalent metal transporter‐1 mRNA, particularly in patients with >500 GAA1‐repeats. In FA PBMCs, intracellular iron was not increased, but shifted toward mitochondria.

Conclusions

We provide evidence for a previously unrecognized iron starvation signature at systemic and cellular levels in FA patients, which is related to the underlying genetic severity. These findings challenge the use of systemic iron lowering therapies in FA. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Stability analysis of stochastic differential systems with state‐dependent delay subject to average‐delay impulses
Authors: Xu Tian , Zhang Jin‐E , Wu Ailong
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study the stochastic weak local exponential stability of stochastic differential systems with state‐dependent delay (SDD) subject to average‐delay impulses by using Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and stochastic analytical skill. Unlike time‐dependent delay discussed in the previous literature, we introduce SDD in impulsive stochastic differential systems, where SDD is a stochastic variable associated with system state, consequently leading to an indeterminate delay boundary. Our findings reveal that when destabilizing delayed impulses satisfying specific conditions are generated, the stability of stochastic differential systems with destabilizing delayed impulses and stable continuous stochastic dynamics can still be maintained. Additionally, if stable delayed impulses satisfy certain conditions, stability of the systems under consideration can also be achieved, irrespective of the stable status on the continuous stochastic dynamics. Finally, two examples are given to demonstrate the validity of theoretical results.
Parteispenden VCI: Transparent unterstützen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2024

Der Verband der Chemischen Industrie spendete im Jahr 2023 weniger Geld an mehr Parteien als im Vorjahr. Es sei heute wichtiger denn je, die demokratischen Parteien zu unterstützen.
Bilanz Evonik 2023: Weniger Ebenen, schneller entscheiden
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2024

Der Essener Konzern Evonik hat im Jahr 2023 weniger umgesetzt und will seine Strukturen umbauen.
Bilanz Lanxess 2023: Aromastoffe bis Flammschutzmittel
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2024

Der Kölner Konzern Lanxess setzte im Jahr 2023 weniger um als im Jahr zuvor und führt dies vor allem auf weniger verkaufte Mengen zurück. Er will sich effizienter aufstellen.
Iupac Global Women‘s Breakfast: Vielfalt als Schlüssel zum Erfolg
Authors: Pecher Lisa , Straube Axel
Published: April 2024

Um mehr über Vielfalt in der Wissenschaft zu erfahren und Erfahrungen auszutauschen, trafen sich 85 Personen in den Büros von Wiley‐VCH in Berlin und Weinheim sowie online.