bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of water resources variation on winter–spring rice yield in the upper Vietnamese Mekong Delta: A case study of An Giang Province
Authors: Pham Van Huynh Thanh , Ho Van Hoa , Tran Dung Duc , Pham Tien Duy , Huynh Duc Ngoc , Chau Nguyen Xuan Quang
Published: January 2024

Natural and socio‐economic development under climate change has affected the distribution of surface water resources (SWRs) in many deltas worldwide. The dynamics in the SWRs has negatively impacted agricultural production, which is one of the growing issues in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) as the national rice bowl. Our study aims to assess SWR dynamics related to its effects on rice production in the upper VMD. We applied Mann–Kendall, linear regression and Pettit tests to statistically determine trends of SWRs in terms of water level, total water volume and rainfall in 1996–2020. The findings show that high water level trends decrease significantly after 2011, and this reduction has been due to climate variability and dam development upstream of the Mekong River. Moreover, rice yield data analysis from 1996 to 2020 indicated a decreasing trend in the yield of the winter–spring rice crop in the An Phu district of An Giang Province after 2011. Our interviews with 33 water experts and 90 local farmers revealed 80% agreement that the decline in water resources has affected rice yield. This study provides empirical evidence and a platform for knowledge sharing and learning across different deltas and initiatives worldwide.
The over‐diversification effect: Enhancement in perceived heterogeneity of multiple (vs. single)‐others' preferences
Authors: Saini Ritesh , Wang Dian , Chen Haipeng (Allan)
Published: January 2024

Consumers often make decisions for multiple‐others when they do not know each one's true preferences. Under such circumstances, we demonstrate perceptions of enhanced preference heterogeneity for multiple‐others, relative to the perceived preference of single‐others. As a result, choices for multiple‐others are more diversified than those for single‐others. We attribute this effect to the perceived uniqueness of others in the multiple‐other setting. Notably, when others are perceived as particularly unique, the inclination toward over‐diversification intensifies. However, this diversification often leads to choices that do not align with the true preferences of the individuals, causing potential mismatches in demand and supply. We conclude with a discussion on the implications of these findings for managers and suggest avenues for future research.
Changes in physical properties of universal composites andCAD/CAMmaterials after bleaching and antioxidant applications: Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope evaluation
Authors: Tuysuz Oguz Kaan , Gurses Merve
Published: January 2024

To evaluate the effects of vital bleaching agents and the subsequent application of ascorbic acid (AA) to universal composites and resin‐based CAD/CAM blocks on the physical properties of materials. In the study; G‐enial A'chord (GCA), Filtek Ultimate (FU), Clearfil Majesty (CM) composites, and LAVA Ultimate (LU), Cerasmart (GCC) CAD/CAM blocks were used. The materials were divided into two subgroups based on the applied bleaching type (n = 30/group): office bleaching (OB) and home bleaching (HB). After bleaching, AA was applied to the samples. Surface roughness, microhardness, and color change values of all samples were measured at three stages: initial (I), post‐bleaching (B), and post‐bleaching+AA application (BA). Statistical analysis was performed using 3‐way Mixed ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (p < .05). The BA of the HB group of CM; the B of the HB group of LU; the B roughness values of both the OB and HB groups of GCC were significantly lower than I. The microhardness values of all the materials examined decreased significantly after both bleaching (p < .05). With regard to the AA application, it significantly decreased Ra values in the HB group of CM. In addition, it significantly increased the microhardness values in the HB groups of CM and GCC. Also, the ΔE001 and ΔE002 values for the FU and GCC HB groups were significantly higher than in the OB groups (p < .05). Bleaching and AA application affected the physical properties of the materials. The physical properties of the materials either remained unchanged or improved with the application of AA after bleaching.

Research Highlights

This article presents in vitro results of a new approach that has not been studied before.

Ascorbic acid, used to increase the bond strength between the material‐tooth after bleaching, was used to eliminate the adverse effects of bleaching on the physical properties of aesthetic restorative materials.

Additionally, the effects of all procedures on the materials were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

As a result of the study, it was concluded that the application of ascorbic acid after bleaching improved the physical properties of some of the materials.
The shingled girl: Catherine Janet Hill and her contributions to embryology
Authors: Carter Anthony M.
Published: January 2024

Catherine J. Hill is best remembered for her dedication to cataloguing the comprehensive embryological collection of her father J. P. Hill. Yet, her own research, during the interwar years, is little known. She made a significant contribution to interpreting the autonomic innervation of the gut, work that was presented to The Royal Society and earned her a PhD. Working in her father's laboratory, she then set about solving the sequence of secretions from the tubal epithelium and uterine glands that contributed the two layers of egg albumen and three shell layers of the monotreme egg. She was also the first to understand twinning in the marmoset and how two embryos came to share a single extraembryonic coelom, work that often is credited to J. P. Hill. Here. I explain how that happened and explore the context in which she and other female scientists worked at the time.
A regional attentive empirical orthogonal function analysis: An application to North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Li Dongshuang , Pan Liming , Wang Jian , Shi Chunhua , Yu Zhaoyuan , Yuan Linwang
Published: January 2024

Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is widely adopted for identifying spatial patterns in regular latitude‐longitude gridded geographical data. However, a standard EOF analysis could underestimate variances from low latitudes due to the increasing grid cell areas when moving toward the equator. A broadly adopted compensating approach is the area‐weighted EOF, where the grid data are multiplied by a factor proportional to the grid area, thereby forcing each datum to represent identical areas. In this article, we revisit the area‐weighting scheme and discuss its potential drawbacks. In particular, we show that along with compensating the unequal areas, another unaddressed issue is which region of the data is more relevant to our focused problem. We propose a regional attentive EOF (RA‐EOF) method, which resolves area‐compensation and region selection simultaneously. We conduct case studies of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) analysis and perform RA‐EOF to the sea level pressure variability in the North Atlantic sector. Experiments show that our method evidently detects the NAO pattern in the leading mode of sea level pressure variability and suggests the southwestward movement of the southern action centre of NAO during the summers. Our findings clarify the ambiguity about the summer NAO in previous studies. The proposed methodology provides a potent instrument for discerning the spatial distribution and analysing the temporal variability of atmospheric teleconnections and oscillations, particularly in cases characterized by weak signal strength.
Endoscopic Excision of Optic Nerve Schwannoma
Authors: Vishwakarma Rajesh , Maheshwari Jaya , Soni Himanshu
Published: January 2024

Optic nerve schwannoma (ONS) is an exception in that it does not possess the typical Schwann cells. Instead, it is believed to possibly originate from ectopic neural crest Schwann cells and perivascular Schwann cells. There are very few cases of Optic Nerve Schwannoma reported in literature. The patient is a 68‐year‐old male who presented with progressive left eye loss of vision. The patient's treatment encompassed Trans Nasal Endoscopic Excision of the mass with simultaneous Orbital Decompression. Laryngoscope, 134:3102–3104, 2024
Laboratory measuring of contact angles for liquid/solid surface and analysis with artificial neural network
Authors: Jaberi Sajad , Moradi Gholamreza , Alavi Fazel Seyed Ali
Published: January 2024

In this study, the advancing and receding contact angles of three types of pure liquid on four different surfaces have been measured. The contact angles of the droplet have been measured by analysing the captured photo by tilted plate method. Droplet behaviour has been modelled by two experimental equations. Additionally, the data has been modelled by an artificial neural network using genetic algorithm and a hyperbolic tangent activation function. The input parameters are density, molecular weight of pure liquid and solid, viscosity and surface tension of pure liquid, roughness of the solid surface and the two outputs are advancing and receding contact angles of the droplet. Number of 81 data points were used for training, 27 data for validation and 28 data for testing. The topography of {7,7,2} for artificial neural network has been proposed. The resulting RMS errors were 8%, 8% and 7% for training, validation and testing, respectively.
Mixed H∞‐based finite‐time passive filtering for a class of uncertain nonlinear singular systems
Authors: Li Meiqing , Chen Wenbin , Shao Yu
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the finite‐time mixed and passive filtering design problem for uncertain nonlinear singular systems. The parameter uncertainties are constrained by well‐defined upper bounds on their magnitudes. The objective is to design a full‐order filter to ensure that the augmented singular system to be finite‐time boundedness(FTB) with and passivity performance. Firstly, a sufficient condition for achieving singular finite‐time boundedness with mixed and passivity performance for uncertain nonlinear singular system is derived by introducing a free matrix. Secondly, a novel criterion is established for analyzing finite‐time and passivity problem of filtering error singular system based on augmented matrix technique. Thirdly, the filtering design conditions are presented and the relevant parameters of the desired filter are determined using linear matrix inequality decoupling principle. Finally, a practical circuit system and a numerical example are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme.
TRPM2‐dependent autophagy inhibition exacerbates oxidative stress‐induced CXCL16 secretion by keratinocytes in vitiligo
Authors: Kang Pan , Wang Yinghan , Chen Jianru , Chang Yuqian , Zhang Weigang , Cui Tingting , Yi Xiuli , Li Shuli , Li Chunying
Published: January 2024

Vitiligo is a depigmented skin disease due to the destruction of melanocytes. Under oxidative stress, keratinocyte‐derived chemokine C‐X‐C motif ligand 16 (CXCL16) plays a critical role in recruiting CD8+ T cells, which kill melanocytes. Autophagy serves as a protective cell survival mechanism and impairment of autophagy has been linked to increased secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines. However, the role of autophagy in the secretion of CXCL16 under oxidative stress has not been investigated. Herein, we initially found that autophagy was suppressed in both keratinocytes of vitiligo lesions and keratinocytes exposed to oxidative stress in vitro. Autophagy inhibition also promoted CXCL16 secretion. Furthermore, upregulated transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 2 (TRPM2) functioned as an upstream oxidative stress sensor to inhibit autophagy. Moreover, TRPM2‐mediated Ca2+ influx activated calpain to shear autophagy related 5 (Atg5) and Atg12–Atg5 conjugate formation was blocked to inhibit autophagy under oxidative stress. More importantly, Atg5 downregulation enhanced the binding of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) to the CXCL16 promoter region by activating Tank‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1), thus promoting CXCL16 secretion. These findings suggested that TRPM2‐restrained autophagy promotes CXCL16 secretion via the Atg5‐TBK1‐IRF3 signaling pathway under oxidative stress. Inhibition of TRPM2 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of vitiligo. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
On‐Chip Optical Power Limiter for Quantum Communications
Authors: Alagappan Gandhi , Lim Soon Thor
Published: January 2024

This article presents an on‐chip optical power limiter that utilizes the thermo‐optical defocusing effect. A pair of input and output waveguides is designed to mimic emitting and receiving antennas. The waveguides are separated by a free‐space region filled with poly‐methyl‐meth‐acrylate (PMMA) material, which has a negative thermal‐optic coefficient that causes a decrease in refractive index with an increase in temperature. As the power in the input waveguide increases, the refractive index of the free‐space region decreases, which in turn increases the radiated beam's divergence angle with respect to input power. The empirical findings demonstrate that the non‐linear divergence angle can be written as , where θ0 represents the divergence angle of the equivalent Gaussian beam, k is a waveguide‐specific constant, and P is the input power. The edge of the receiving waveguide is tapered to adjust the coupling of the divergent beam to the output waveguide. The taper width is optimized to minimize insertion loss. The devices are two orders lengthwise smaller compared to the bulk demonstration, and they exhibit low loss ranging from 0.2 to 10 dB.
On the design and the digital implementation of observer‐based controllers for tracking of nonlinear time‐delay systems
Authors: Di Ferdinando M. , Pola G. , Di Gennaro S. , Pepe P. , Borri A.
Published: January 2024

In this article, the tracking control problem for a class of nonlinear time‐delay systems is investigated. In particular, a new methodology for the design and the digital implementation of observer‐based tracking controllers is provided for a class of control‐affine nonlinear systems with state delays. First, a procedure for the design of continuous‐time observer‐based tracking controllers ensuring the global asymptotic stability of the corresponding closed‐loop tracking error system is provided for the considered class of systems. Then, sufficient conditions are provided for the existence of a suitably fast sampling and of an accurate quantization of the input/output channels such that the digital implementation of the proposed continuous‐time observer‐based tracking controller ensures the semi‐global practical stability property of the related sampled‐data quantized closed‐loop tracking error system, with arbitrarily small final target ball of the origin. Moreover, it is shown that, in the special case of delay‐free nonlinear systems, the sufficient conditions provided for the digital implementation of the proposed continuous‐time observer‐based tracking controller can be strongly relaxed. In the theory here developed, time‐varying sampling periods and nonuniform quantization of the input/output channels are taken into account. The proposed results are validated through examples concerning a class of neural networks systems and a class of time‐delay systems including, as a special case, a delay‐free actuated inverted pendulum.
Unlocking the evaluation of university‐business collaborations on sustainable regional development: A comprehensive review and framework for place‐based policy initiatives
Authors: Olphin Catherine , Larty Joanne , Tyfield David
Published: January 2024

University‐business collaborations (UBCs) are widely recognised as a key component within the sustainability effort, yet the literature on how we articulate the value which collaborations contribute towards a wider sustainable regional development agenda remains fragmented and disorganised, lacking synthesis and cumulativeness. Based on a recognised need to critically assess the state of the field, this paper presents a systematic review of a wide body of literature that seeks to evaluate the contribution of UBCs to sustainable regional development. Using a lens of place and knowledge, 131 articles are analysed and a framework is developed based on emerging categories of localism/universalism and pluralism/sovereignty. The framework provides a basis for both navigating approaches to evaluation, as well as enabling both researchers and practitioners to engage in more constructive discussions around the challenges and opportunities when evaluating UBCs in the wider context of place‐based government agendas for sustainable regional development.
The role of problem solving appraisal and support in the relationship between stress exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms of military spouses and service member partners
Authors: Sullivan Kathrine S. , Park Yangjin , Richardson Sabrina , Stander Valerie , Jaccard James
Published: January 2024

Using a stress process lens, this paper considers the interrelationship between individual and family‐level stress exposures and military spouse resources, including problem‐solving appraisals and problem‐solving support (PSS), and their associations with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among both partners in military marital dyads. The study employs data from the Millennium Cohort Family Study, a longitudinal survey of married military dyads, with an initial panel of 9,872 spouses enroled from 2011 to 2013. A structural equation model explored the associations between service member and spouse childhood maltreatment exposure, nonmilitary and military stressors, as well as interactions with spouse resources on self‐reported PTSS among both service member (SM) and spouse (SP). Among our findings, spouse childhood maltreatment muted later self‐reported problem‐solving appraisal and support. Spouse resources, in turn, had both protective (problem‐solving appraisal) and promotive (problem‐solving support) effects on PTSS for both service members and spouses. These findings emphasise the central role of spouses in military families, as more psychological resources among spouses appeared to buffer against the deleterious effects of stress exposure on both their own and their partners mental health.
Strategies Toward High Selectivity, Activity, and Stability of Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Ren Yujing , Wang Jinyong , Zhang Mingyue , Wang Yuqing , Cao Yuan , Kim Dong Ha , Liu Yan , Lin Zhiqun
Published: January 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) hold immense promise in facilitating the rational use of metal resources and achieving atomic economy due to their exceptional atom‐utilization efficiency and distinct characteristics. Despite the growing interest in SACs, only limited reviews have holistically summarized their advancements centering on performance metrics. In this review, first, a thorough overview on the research progress in SACs is presented from a performance perspective and the strategies, advancements, and intriguing approaches employed to enhance the critical attributes in SACs are discussed. Subsequently, a comprehensive summary and critical analysis of the electrochemical applications of SACs are provided, with a particular focus on their efficacy in the oxygen reduction reaction , oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction , CO2 reduction reaction, and N2 reduction reaction . Finally, the outline future research directions on SACs by concentrating on performance‐driven investigation, where potential areas for improvement are identified and promising avenues for further study are highlighted, addressing challenges to unlock the full potential of SACs as high‐performance catalysts.
Engineering Ultrasoft Interactions in Stiff All‐DNA Dendrimers by Site‐Specific Control of Scaffold Flexibility
Authors: Adžić Nataša , Jochum Clemens , Likos Christos N. , Stiakakis Emmanuel
Published: January 2024

A combined experimental and theoretical study of the structural correlations in moderately concentrated suspensions of all‐DNA dendrimers of the second generation (G2) with controlled scaffold rigidity is reported here. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering experiments in concentrated aqueous saline solutions of stiff all‐DNA G2 dendritic constructs reveal a novel anomalous liquid‐like phase behavior which is reflected in the calculated structure factors as a two‐step increase at low scattering wave vectors. By developing a new design strategy for adjusting the particle's internal flexibility based on site‐selective incorporation of single‐stranded DNA linkers into the dendritic scaffold, it is shown that this unconventional type of self‐organization is strongly contingent on the dendrimer's stiffness. A comprehensive computer simulation study employing dendritic models with different levels of coarse‐graining, and two theoretical approaches based on effective, pair‐potential interactions, remarkably confirmed the origin of this unusual liquid‐like behavior. The results demonstrate that the precise control of the internal structure of the dendritic scaffold conferred by the DNA can be potentially used to engineer a rich palette of novel ultrasoft interaction potentials that could offer a route for directed self‐assembly of intriguing soft matter phases and experimental realizations of a host of unusual phenomena theoretically predicted for ultrasoft interacting systems.
Integrated Sensors for Soft Medical Robotics
Authors: Qiu Yulin , Ashok Aditya , Nguyen Chi Cong , Yamauchi Yusuke , Do Thanh Nho , Phan Hoang‐Phuong
Published: January 2024

Minimally invasive procedures assisted by soft robots for surgery, diagnostics, and drug delivery have unprecedented benefits over traditional solutions from both patient and surgeon perspectives. However, the translation of such technology into commercialization remains challenging. The lack of perception abilities is one of the obstructive factors paramount for a safe, accurate and efficient robot‐assisted intervention. Integrating different types of miniature sensors onto robotic end‐effectors is a promising trend to compensate for the perceptual deficiencies in soft robots. For example, haptic feedback with force sensors helps surgeons to control the interaction force at the tool‐tissue interface, impedance sensing of tissue electrical properties can be used for tumor detection. The last decade has witnessed significant progress in the development of multimodal sensors built on the advancement in engineering, material science and scalable micromachining technologies. This review article provides a snapshot on common types of integrated sensors for soft medical robots. It covers various sensing mechanisms, examples for practical and clinical applications, standard manufacturing processes, as well as insights on emerging engineering routes for the fabrication of novel and high‐performing sensing devices.
Superstructured Carbon with Enhanced Kinetics for Zinc‐Air Battery and Self‐Powered Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wei Jiamin , Lou Jiali , Hu Weibo , Song Xiaokai , Wang Haifeng , Yang Yang , Zhang Yaqi , Jiang Ziru , Mei Bingbao , Wang Liangbiao , Yang Tinghai , Wang Qing , Li Xiaopeng
Published: January 2024

The present study proposes a novel engineering concept for the customization of functionality and construction of superstructure to fabricate 2D monolayered N‐doped carbon superstructure electrocatalysts decorated with Co single atoms or Co2P nanoparticles derived from 2D bimetallic ZnCo‐ZIF superstructure precursors. The hierarchically porous carbon superstructure maximizes the exposure of accessible active sites, enhances electron/mass transport efficiency, and accelerates reaction kinetics simultaneously. Consequently, the Co single atoms embedded N‐doped carbon superstructure (Co‐NCS) exhibits remarkable catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction, achieving a half‐wave potential of 0.886 V versus RHE. Additionally, the Co2P nanoparticles embedded N‐doped carbon superstructure (Co2P‐NCS) demonstrates high activity for both oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, delivering low overpotentials of 292 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and 193 mV at 10 mA cm−2 respectively. Impressively, when employed in an assembled rechargeable Zn‐air battery, the as‐prepared 2D carbon superstructure electrocatalysts exhibit exceptional performance with a peak power density of 219 mW cm−2 and a minimal charge/discharge voltage gap of only 1.16 V at 100 mA cm−2. Moreover, the cell voltage required to drive an overall water‐splitting electrolyzer at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 is merely 1.69 V using these catalysts as electrodes.
Triple‐Mechanism Enhanced Flexible SiO2 Nanofiber Composite Hydrogel with High Stiffness and Toughness for Cartilaginous Ligaments
Authors: Ma Yvqing , Gong Jixian , Li Qiujin , Liu Xiuming , Qiao Changsheng , Zhang Jianfei , Zhang Songnan , Li Zheng
Published: January 2024

Hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering, soft robotics and wearable electronics. However, it is difficult to achieve both the required toughness and stiffness, which severely hampers their application as load‐bearing materials. This study presents a strategy to develop a hard and tough composite hydrogel. Herein, flexible SiO2 nanofibers (SNF) are dispersed homogeneously in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix using the synergistic effect of freeze‐drying and annealing through the phase separation, the modulation of macromolecular chain movement and the promotion of macromolecular crystallization. When the stress is applied, the strong molecular interaction between PVA and SNF effectively disperses the load damage to the substrate. Freeze‐dried and annealed‐flexible SiO2 nanofibers/polyvinyl alcohol (FDA‐SNF/PVA) reaches a preferred balance between enhanced stiffness (13.71 ± 0.28 MPa) and toughness (9.9 ± 0.4 MJ m−3). Besides, FDA‐SNF/PVA hydrogel has a high tensile strength of 7.84 ± 0.10 MPa, super elasticity (no plastic deformation under 100 cycles of stretching), fast deformation recovery ability and excellent mechanical properties that are superior to the other tough PVA hydrogels, providing an effective way to optimize the mechanical properties of hydrogels for potential applications in artificial tendons and ligaments.
Spatially Confined Nanoreactors Designed for Biological Applications
Authors: Wang Yating , Xie Fengjuan , Zhao Liang
Published: January 2024

The applications of nanoreactors in biology are becoming increasingly significant and prominent. Specifically, nanoreactors with spatially confined, due to their exquisite design that effectively limits the spatial range of biomolecules, attracted widespread attention. The main advantage of this structure is designed to improve reaction selectivity and efficiency by accumulating reactants and catalysts within the chambers, thus increasing the frequency of collisions between reactants. Herein, the recent progress in the synthesis of spatially confined nanoreactors and their biological applications is summarized, covering various kinds of nanoreactors, including porous inorganic materials, porous crystalline materials with organic components and self‐assembled polymers to construct nanoreactors. These design principles underscore how precise reaction control could be achieved by adjusting the structure and composition of the nanoreactors to create spatial confined. Furthermore, various applications of spatially confined nanoreactors are demonstrated in the biological fields, such as biocatalysis, molecular detection, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. These applications showcase the potential prospects of spatially confined nanoreactors, offering robust guidance for future research and innovation.
Hf and Co Dual Single Atoms Co‐Doped Carbon Catalyst Enhance the Oxygen Reduction Performance
Authors: Duan Diancheng , Huo Junlang , Chen Jiaxiang , Chi Bin , Chen Zhangsen , Sun Shuhui , Zhao Yang , Zhao He , Cui Zhiming , Liao Shijun
Published: January 2024

Single‐atom metal‐doped M–N–C (M═Fe, Co, Mn, or Ni) catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). However, their performance still has a large gap considering the demand for their practical applications. This study reports a high‐performance dual single‐atom doped carbon catalyst (HfCo–N–C), which is prepared by pyrolyzing Co and Hf co‐doped ZIF‐8 . Co and Hf are atomically dispersed in the carbon framework and coordinated with N to form Co–N4 and Hf–N4 active moieties. The synergetic effect between Co–N4 and Hf–N4 significantly enhance the catalytic activity and durability of the catalyst. In an acidic medium, the ORR half‐wave potential (E1/2) of the catalyst is up to 0.82 V , which is much higher than that of the Co–N–C catalyst without Hf co‐doping (0.80 V). The kinetic current density of the catalyst is up to 2.49 A cm−2 at 0.85 V , which is 1.74 times that of the Co–N–C catalyst without Hf co‐doping. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits excellent cathodic performance in single proton exchange membrane fuel cells and Zn–air batteries. Furthermore, Hf co‐doping can effectively suppress the formation of H2O2, resulting in significantly improved stability and durability.
Ferroelectric Polarization Enhanced Photodetector Based on Layered NbOCl2
Authors: Huang Muyang , Luo Siwei , Qiao Hui , Yao Bowen , Huang Zongyu , Wang Ziyu , Bao Qiaoliang , Qi Xiang
Published: January 2024

NbOCl2 is an emerging ferroelectric layered material with unique optoelectronic properties, in which the built‐in electric field caused by spontaneous polarization can independently drive the separation and transport of photoexcited electrons and holes. However, the optoelectronic performance of NbOCl2 and its device application have remained elusive. Here, few‐layer NbOCl2 is prepared by the liquid exfoliation method and used to construct photoelectrochemical (PEC)‐type photodetectors. The photodetectors are self‐powered with broadband photoresponse and long‐term cycle stability. Due to the built‐in electric field generated by the spontaneous polarization, the whole system exhibits an open circuit potential of approximately 0.205 V. Interestingly, the open circuit potential can be significantly increased to 0.446 V after poling treatment. The responsivity without external bias is increased by about 2.5 times after 1 V poling and by about 4 times after a poling time of 500 s. Moreover, the tunable ferroelectric polarization shows memory effect and retains about 25% enhancement in photocurrent density even after 60 min. The tuneability of the built‐in electric field in PEC systems based on NbOCl2 offers numerous possibilities for the development of photodetectors and nonvolatile memory devices.
Direct In‐ and Out‐of‐Plane Writing of Metals on Insulators by Electron‐Beam‐Enabled, Confined Electrodeposition with Submicrometer Feature Size
Authors: Nydegger Mirco , Wang Zhu‐Jun , Willinger Marc Georg , Spolenak Ralph , Reiser Alain
Published: January 2024

Additive microfabrication processes based on localized electroplating enable the one‐step deposition of micro‐scale metal structures with outstanding performance, e.g., high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. They are therefore evaluated as an exciting and enabling addition to the existing repertoire of microfabrication technologies. Yet, electrochemical processes are generally restricted to conductive or semiconductive substrates, precluding their application in the manufacturing of functional electric devices where direct deposition onto insulators is often required. Here, the direct, localized electrodeposition of copper on a variety of insulating substrates, namely Al2O3, glass and flexible polyethylene, is demonstrated, enabled by electron‐beam‐induced reduction in a highly confined liquid electrolyte reservoir. The nanometer‐size of the electrolyte reservoir, fed by electrohydrodynamic ejection, enables a minimal feature size on the order of 200 nm. The fact that the transient reservoir is established and stabilized by electrohydrodynamic ejection rather than specialized liquid cells can offer greater flexibility toward deposition on arbitrary substrate geometries and materials. Installed in a low‐vacuum scanning electron microscope, the setup further allows for operando, nanoscale observation and analysis of the manufacturing process.
Survey on open‐source digital twin frameworks–A case study approach
Authors: Gil Santiago , Mikkelsen Peter H. , Gomes Cláudio , Larsen Peter G.
Published: January 2024

Digital twin (DT) technology has been a topic with academic and industrial coverage in recent years. DTs are intended to be a virtual high‐fidelity representation of a physical counterpart. Its complex nature requires several components to create and run a DT, and that is why many DT frameworks have been proposed in the literature. There are also many surveys of DTs, but none that is bottom‐up with concrete examples and focused on open‐source software. This survey analyzes 14 open‐source DT frameworks in 10 different dimensions, which are then categorized in six different groups according to their modeling and technological domain, to present the reader different options for creating and managing DT applications, and to understand potential combinations, uses, and limitations of the tools. It also presents a case study with five of the explored DT frameworks, describing the process on how the DT is set up and comparing their capabilities based on the services to be provided by the DT. Finally, it discusses advantages and limitations of the tools according to domain, requirements, and scope, relevant aspects regarding built‐in simulations and data analytics, theory‐to‐practice transition, and advantages/disadvantages of using open‐source software instead of commercial. Main limitations of the study due to its narrow niche, conclusions, and opportunities for future research regarding the potential room for improvement in terms of out‐of‐the‐box features and services for DTs, are also shown.
In Situ Observation of Phase Transformations of Pearlite Heat‐Resistant Steel during Solidification
Authors: Li Yaqiang , Wang Ziming , Li Yingying , Han Baochen , Sheng Pengcheng , Liu Yanting
Published: January 2024

steel research int. 2023, 2300172

https://doi.org/10.1002/srin.202300172

The above article, published online on 6 July 2023, in Wiley Online Library (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal's Editor‐in‐Chief, Sandra Kalveram and Wiley‐VCH GmbH. The authors reached out to the editorial office to retract the article as they have discovered major errors in Figure 13. The drawing method and the schematic diagram used to depict the carbon concentration distribution and Gibbs free energy at various cooling rates were incorrect, thus invalidate the conclusions of the paper.
Stress configuration‐based classification of current research on fatigue of reinforced and prestressed concrete
Authors: Baktheer Abedulgader , Goralski Claus , Hegger Josef , Chudoba Rostislav
Published: January 2024

The limited understanding of the fatigue behavior of reinforced and prestressed concrete members is one of the reasons why many structures do not reach their expected service life. Without a deeper theoretical understanding of the fatigue phenomena in the various fatigue process zones, reliable fatigue life predictions are not possible. This paper provides a classification of the major fatigue process zones and mechanisms in reinforced and prestressed concrete members, accompanied by a brief review of recent developments in design rules, experimental characterization, and modeling approaches specific to each fatigue process zone and mechanism. The limitations of current approaches to fatigue characterization and modeling are also discussed, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Voltage Equalizing Strategy for Cascaded Constant Current Power Supply
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Shi Yunfei , Li Gang
Published: January 2024

In order to detect the underground medium with large depth, the transmitter of electromagnetic sounding instrument has higher and higher power and voltage. A novel voltage equalizing strategy for cascaded constant current power supply using in electromagnetic transmitter was proposed in this paper. The cascaded topology of the transmitter has two isolated full‐bridge AC/DC converters, which had same input source and were connected in series on the output side. The mathematical model based on state space average method was analyzed. After simplifying the circuit, the state space equation was used to describe the circuit model. The stability and frequency characteristics of the system were analyzed. Aiming at the constant current output and the output voltage balance of the two converters, the system coupling model was established. The constant current controller and voltage equalizing controller were designed with decoupling method. A 300 W prototype was built and the experimental results verified the performance of the proposed method. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Missing persons? Men's use of primary care services
Authors: Baker Peter
Published: January 2024

Do men really avoid health care professionals and what impact does that have on their health? The author looks at the data and discusses some examples of how to encourage men to engage more with primary care services.
Increased risk of obstructive lung disease in inflammatory bowel disease: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Jacobsen Henrik Albæk , Karachalia Sandri Anastasia , Weinreich Ulla Møller , Jess Tine , Larsen Lone
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with disease manifestations in organs other than the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we aimed to estimate the odds of obstructive lung disease (OLD) before IBD onset and the risk of OLD after IBD onset.

Methods

In a nationwide population‐based Danish cohort study from 1999 to 2018, individuals with IBD and OLD were identified using the Danish registries. Between 2003 and 2013, 24,238 individuals with IBD were identified and matched 1:10 with non‐IBD individuals. Logistic regression was used to estimate the prevalence odds ratio for OLD before IBD onset. Time‐to‐event analysis was performed to explore the risk of OLD after IBD onset. In a sensitivity analysis, the time‐to‐event analysis was repeated using the composite outcome OLD and the separate outcomes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchiectasis.

Results

Individuals with IBD were 60% more likely to have OLD before onset (adjusted odds ratio: 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–1.67). Furthermore, their risk of OLD was more than 40% higher after IBD diagnosis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.37–1.49). The sensitivity analysis increased the risk to 60% (aHR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.53–1.73). Similar results were found for COPD and asthma separately, whereas the risk of bronchiectasis increased more than 2‐fold (aHR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.91–3.11).

Conclusion

The odds of OLD before‐ and the risk following an IBD diagnosis were increased. We encourage physicians to be vigilant of pulmonary symptoms in persons with IBD and gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with OLD.
Functionality of Box Intersection Graphs
Authors: Dallard Clément , Lozin Vadim , Milanič Martin , Štorgel Kenny , Zamaraev Viktor
Published: January 2024

Functionality is a graph complexity measure that extends a variety of parameters, such as vertex degree, degeneracy, clique-width, or twin-width. In the present paper, we show that functionality is bounded for box intersection graphs in $$\mathbb {R}^1$$

R

1

, i.e. for interval graphs, and unbounded for box intersection graphs in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

. We also study a parameter known as symmetric difference, which is intermediate between twin-width and functionality, and show that this parameter is unbounded both for interval graphs and for unit box intersection graphs in $$\mathbb {R}^2$$

R

2

.
Implications of changing Caribbean coral reefs on Diadema antillarum larvae settlement
Authors: Wijers Tom , van Herpen Britt , Mattijssen Djan , Murk Albertinka J. , Patterson Joshua T. , Hylkema Alwin
Published: January 2024

Tropical western Atlantic reefs have gradually shifted from being dominated by corals to being mainly covered by macroalgae. The mass-mortality of the sea urchinDiadema antillarumin the 80s and the slow to non-existent recovery exacerbated this shift. Chemical cues associated with these reefs are expected to have shifted too with potential negative effects on larval recruitment, possibly limiting recovery of important species likeD. antillarum. In this study, we tested the effects of naturally derived biofilm and macroalgae species native to Caribbean coral reefs on the settlement rate of culturedD. antillarumlarvae in two separate experiments. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) were included in both experiments, making it possible to compare settlement rates from both experiments. A biofilm of one week old yielded significantly lower settlement rates compared to two, four, and six weeks old biofilm and the highest settlement rate was found for CCA with over 62% of total larvae. All six tested macroalgae species resulted in settled larvae, with little significant difference between algal species, partly due to a high variation in settlement rates within treatments.Sargassum fluitansinduced the highest settlement rate with 33%, which was not significantly different from CCA with 29%. We conclude that dominant macroalgae species likely to be encountered byD. antillarumon shifted reefs are no major constraint to settlement. Our findings increase the understanding of alternative stable state settlement dynamics for a keystone coral reef herbivore.
Quantitative anatomical analysis of lumbar interspaces based on 3D CT imaging: optimized segment selection for lumbar puncture in different age groups
Authors: Zhuang Yuan-Dong , Hu Xiao-Cong , Dai Ke-Xin , Ye Jun , Zhang Chen-Hui , Zhuo Wen-Xuan , Wu Jian-Feng , Liu Shi-Chao , Liang Ze-Yan , Chen Chun-Mei
Published: January 2024

Background

Optimal lumbar puncture segment selection remains controversial. This study aims to analyze anatomical differences among L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 segments across age groups and provide quantitative evidence for optimized selection.

Methods

80 cases of CT images were collected with patients aged 10–80 years old. Threedimensional models containing L3-S1 vertebrae, dural sac, and nerve roots were reconstructed. Computer simulation determined the optimal puncture angles for the L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 segments. The effective dural sac area (ALDS), traversing nerve root area (ATNR), and area of the lumbar inter-laminar space (ALILS) were measured. Puncture efficacy ratio (ALDS/ALILS) and nerve injury risk ratio (ATNR/ALILS) were calculated. Cases were divided into four groups: A (10–20 years), B (21–40 years), C (41–60 years), and D (61–80 years). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results

1) ALDS was similar among segments; 2) ATNR was greatest at L5-S1; 3) ALILS was greatest at L5-S1; 4) Puncture efficacy ratio was highest at L3-4 and lowest at L5-S1; 5) Nerve injury risk was highest at L5-S1. In group D, L5-S1 ALDS was larger than L3-4 and L4-5. ALDS decreased after age 40. Age variations were minimal across parameters.

Conclusion

The comprehensive analysis demonstrated L3-4 as the optimal first-choice segment for ages 10–60 years, conferring maximal efficacy and safety. L5-S1 can serve as an alternative option for ages 61–80 years when upper interspaces narrow. This study provides quantitative imaging evidence supporting age-specific, optimized lumbar puncture segment selection.
Apparent diffusion coefficient values of the white matter in magnetic resonance imaging of the neonatal brain may help predict outcome in congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Vande Walle Caroline , Keymeulen Annelies , Oostra Anna , Schiettecatte Eva , Dhooge Ingeborg , Smets Koenraad , Herregods Nele
Published: January 2024

Background

White matter change is a well-known abnormality in congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection, but grading remains challenging and clinical relevance unclear.

Objective

To investigate if quantitative measurement of white matter apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neonatal brain can predict outcome in cCMV.

Materials and methods

A retrospective, single-center observational study, including patients with cCMV who had a neonatal brain MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging, was performed between 2007 and 2020. Regions of interest were systematically placed in the white matter on the ADC maps. Two pediatric radiologists independently scored additional brain abnormalities. Outcome measures were neonatal hearing and cognitive and motor development. Statistical analysis included simple and penalized elastic net regression.

Results

Neonatal brain MRI was evaluated in 255 patients (median age 21 days, 25–75 percentiles: 14–28 days, 121 male). Gyral abnormalities were noted in nine patients (3.5%), ventriculomegaly in 24 (9.4%), and subependymal cysts in 58 (22.7%). General white matter ADC was significantly higher in patients with neonatal hearing loss and cognitive and motor impairment (P< 0.05). For neonatal hearing loss, simple logistic regression using only general white matter was the best prediction model, with a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC)=0.76. For cognitive impairment, interacting elastic net regression, including other brain abnormalities and frontoparietal white matter ADC, performed best, with AUC=0.89. For motor impairment, interacting elastic net regression, including other brain abnormalities and deep anterior frontal white matter performed best, with AUC=0.73.

Conclusion

Neonatal white matter ADC was significantly higher in patients with clinical impairments. Quantitative ADC measurement may be a useful tool for predicting clinical outcome in cCMV.

Graphical Abstract