bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Detection of Single Gel Particles via Nanoimpact
Authors: Park Haneul , Park Jun Hui
Published: December 2024

In this study, we have developed a system to detect single hydrogel particles in an aqueous solution using a patterned electrode. The stability of gel particles is based on the oxidation state of metal ions. To create stable gel particles, we used a type of ‘hard’ metal cation that promotes the formation of cross-linked hydrogels. We found that when a single gel particle collides with the electrode, it partially blocks the flow of current due to its adsorption properties, such as its contact area. The collisions were recorded using amperometric current-time (I-t) measurements, which revealed a sudden change in the electrical current when the electrode surface was blocked. The size distribution of the gel particles obtained from the electrochemical signals matched well with the dynamic light scattering (DLS) result. By studying these collision events, we can obtain a better understanding of hydrogel particle properties.
Investigation of Pseudocapacitance Mechanisms of Magnéli Oxide Ti4O7-Based Supercapacitors
Authors: Weng Yu-Ting , Wu Nae-Lih (Nick)
Published: December 2024

Magnéli phase (MP) Ti sub-oxides, having a general formula TinO2n-1, where n ranges from 3 to 10, are distinct oxides for having high electronic conductivities and simultaneously possessing high chemical robustness. They have been demonstrated for various potential electrochemical conversion and storage applications. In particular, serving as a supercapacitor electrode,Ti4O7 has been shown to exhibit a unique wide operating potential window of nearly ±1.0 V (versus Ag/AgCl/KCl) with specific capacitance exceeding 100 F/g in aqueous electrolytes. Our recent study further indicated significant improvement in the electrochemical performance with a devised MnO2 thin coating. This study aims to reveal the underlying pseudocapacitance mechanisms for both Ti4O7-based supercapacitors based on synchrotron X-ray analyses.
(Invited) Analogy between Semiconductor Junction Devices and Single Ion, Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Kohl Paul
Published: December 2024

Semiconductor electrochemistry using electronic junctions within the solid to carry out electrochemical reactions at the solid-liquid interface. The photogeneration of electron-hole pairs within the semiconductor creates a non-equilibrium distribution of charge carriers within the semiconductor for conversion of optical energy to chemical energy. In an analogous way, ion conducting solid polymers can form anion-cation solid junctions creating a separation of anions and cations which can be used to carry out electrochemical reactions under different conditions, such as different pH values at different surfaces. The characteristics and design of solid-state ion junctions will be described along with examples of the synthesis and formation of anion/cation solid state polymer junctions.
(Invited) Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst Treated by in-Liquid Plasma and Its Application in Environmental Purification
Authors: Terashima Chiaki , Uetsuka Hiroshi , Teshima Katsuya
Published: December 2024

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely investigated as photocatalyst because of its environmentally and economically advantages with high chemical stability, earth abundant and biocompatible properties. However, its large band gap for the activity to only UV light region, and the high recombination rate of photogenerated electron and hole pairs have to be overcome to utilize effectively sunlight, and to enhance the photocatalytic performance. Recent enormous efforts to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks have resulted in the one-dimensional TiO2 nanotubes, nanofibers and nanorods to suppress the carrier recombination, and/or the heterojunction structure of TiO2 with another semiconductor to achieve larger separation of the photogenerated electron and hole, as well as the modification of TiO2 nanoparticles with gold clusters to expand the light conversion from UV to visible and near-infrared region. Another interesting approach on black TiO2 nanoparticles succeeded in narrowing the band gap of pure white TiO2 nanoparticles, however, it required the hard treatment condition of a 2 MPa hydrogen atmosphere at ca. 200 °C for 5 days (X. Chen, et al., Science, 331 (2011) 746). In order to synthesize the hydrogenated TiO2 nanoparticles, the thermal treatment under hydrogen and plasma treatment have mostly relied on the reduction of TiO2 nanoparticles. But, these processes have drawbacks such as high temperature over 1,000 °C, vacuum system for hydrogen plasma and long treatment time. After thermal treatment, the sintered nanoparticles should be crush to follow multistep processes. Thus, alternative approaches have been highly demanded in the reduction of TiO2 with keeping its nano-sized particle.

On the other hand, non-equilibrium plasma, in which the electron temperature is very high and deviates from the ion temperature, is an attractive reaction field because it can achieve low temperature processes in material synthesis and other applications. In particular, when plasma is generated in a liquid, reaction processes below the boiling point of the liquid become possible, and a special reaction field can be expected to be formed. In a so-called solution plasma using a bipolar pulse power supply (O. Takai, Pure Appl. Chem., 80 (2008) 2003), the solvent was water, and plasma was generated in an air-fed environment within solvent. Therefore, the surface modification of TiO2 nanoparticles in a solution plasma reaction field to introduce oxygen vacancy on the sub-surface while maintaining the nano-size has succeeded in improving photocatalytic activity (S. Pitchaimuthu, C. Terashima et al., ACS Omega 3 (2018) 898). The present study focused to treat pristine TiO2 nanoparticles by the discharge in water-based solution and to investigate the material properties as well as the photocatalytic activities for decomposing organics.
Synthesis and Characterization of Lithium Thioborates as Solid Electrolyte for Battery Applications
Authors: Oppong Richeal Akese , Kovnir Kirill , Martin Steve
Published: December 2024

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are being studied as potential replacements for liquid electrolyte-based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electric vehicles and other electronic devices. This is due to their high energy density and reduced flammability. A crucial component of ASSBs is their solid electrolyte, which requires high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical stability to be considered high performing. While lithium thiophosphates have been extensively researched as solid electrolytes, lithium thioborates have not been given as much attention, despite their cost-effectiveness. However, their synthesis has presented significant challenges, hindering the advancement of these materials as solid electrolytes. Using Density Functional theory (DFT) computation and grand potential phase analysis, it has been predicted that there are several lithium thioborate phases with excellent ionic conductivity and a wide electrochemical stability window. Here, efforts to develop suitable synthetic routes for creating these predicted phases, as well as their characterization through spectroscopic and electrochemical studies will be discussed. Additionally, we will demonstrate how temperature-dependent in-situ diffraction studies have aided in determining the formation of these phases.
Lithium Electrode Protection for Long Cycle Life, High Energy Density and High-Rate Capability Batteries
Authors: Mikhaylik Yuriy , Scordilis-Kelley Chariclea , Laramie Mike , Yang Wenzhuo , Restrepo Carlos
Published: December 2024

Sion Power will present breakthrough technology leading to the highest combination of specific energy, cycle life and rate capability. In the core of this transformational energy storage solution is a protected metallic lithium anode with several levels of protection: physical barrier, chemical passivation of lithium surface, lithium morphology control through pressure application and optimal charge-discharge algorithms. Protected lithium anode combined with various intercalation cathodes offers wide spectra of cell designs with capacity of 0.3 - 6 Ah as R&D development vehicle and capacity of 15-56 Ah for Product Development purposes. These designs demonstrated specific energies of 620 Wh/kg delivering upward of 270 cycles to 400 Wh/kg with cycle life exceeding 2500 cycles.

The presentation will discuss Sion Power’s technology approaches, current state of energy density, rate capability and will be more focused on impact of lithium anode surface uniformity and charge-discharge algorithms on lithium morphology and cycle life.
(Digital Presentation) Surface Modification of Li7La3Zr2O12-Based Composite Solid Electrolyte and Its Influence on Interfacial Resistance and Cyclability
Authors: Parks Andrew , Karkar Zouina , Yim Chae-Ho , Houache Mohamed S.E. , Baranova Elena A. , Abu-Lebdeh Yaser
Published: December 2024

All-solid-state lithium batteries are a promising next-generation battery technology due to their enhanced thermal stability and high energy density by employing lithium metal as the anode. Lithium metal have an impressive capacity of 3860 mA h g-1, a considerable improvement compared to the conventional graphite anode's 372 mA h g-1.

LLZO (Li7La3Zr2O12) emerges as a prominent solid electrolyte material for ASSBs due to its high ionic conductivity (>1 x 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature) and compatibility with Li metal. However, integrating LLZO into SSLBs presents challenges due to its inherent interfacial resistance with electrodes, resulting in poor cyclability and dendrite formation within solid electrolytes. To address these challenges, composite solid electrolytes are a good compromise, combining inorganic and organic compounds with the advantage of the ease of processability of polymers and the hardness and ionic conductivity of LLZO ceramics. [1, 2] However, LLZO's reactivity upon exposure to air poses a significant hurdle, which changes its surface chemistry and compatibility with polymers.

In this talk, we clarify the mechanisms and repercussions of air exposure on LLZO, alongside strategies to mitigate this phenomenon. Moreover, we describe surface modification techniques of LLZO for reducing interfacial resistance and its impact on different composite solid electrolytes.

[1] Al-Salih, H., Huang, A., Yim, C. H., Freytag, A. I., Goward, G. R., Baranova, E., & Abu-Lebdeh, Y. (2020). A Polymer-Rich Quaternary Composite Solid Electrolyte for Lithium Batteries. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 167(7), 070557.

[2] Al-Salih, H., Cui, M., Yim, C. H., Sadighi, Z., Yan, S., Karkar, Z., ... & Abu-Lebdeh, Y. (2022). A Ceramic Rich Quaternary Composite Solid-State Electrolyte for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 169(8), 080510
PEO Electrolyte As Interlayer for Li Metal Battery Comprising an Halide Based Hybrid Electrolyte
Authors: Devaux Didier , Stankiewicz Natalia , Boulmier Thomas , Zrikem Khawla , Campéon Benoît Denis Louis , Iojoiu Cristina , Villaluenga Irune
Published: December 2024

In the context of the energetic transition, lithium (Li) metal is considered as the most promising material for battery anode electrodes regarding its physico-chemical and electrochemical properties with its high capacity leading to high energy density of the device. However, safety issues, such as the well-known dendrites causing short-circuits, limits its use. Solid-state-electrolytes1 such as hybrid electrolyte based on halides2 that are designed to generate synergy between an organic and inorganic phase is foreseen as promising contenders to overcome the current Li-ion limitations. Despite its advantages, a Li metal based battery comprising a solid-state hybrid electrolyte needs to be optimized with for example the limitation of the amount of Li used and must ensure a high coulombic efficiency. In this context, the development of compliant interlayers ensuring chemical and electrochemical stability between the Li metal and the solid-state electrolyte is of utmost importance. In this work, an organic interlayer based on poly(ethylene oxide) electrolyte is investigated in terms of Li stripping/plating process by electrochemical methodologies and the interface generated by impedance as well as by interface based characterizations such as XPS. Reference; 1. Li et al., Energy Environ.
Sci.
2019, 12, 2665–2671. 2. N. Stankiewicz et al., ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2024, accepted manuscript.
(Invited) Advances in Lithium-Ion Battery for Enabling Mass Electrification of Vehicles
Authors: Amine Khalil
Published: December 2024

To meet the high-energy requirement that can enable the 40-miles electric drive Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (P-HEVs), long range electric vehicle (EV) and smart grid, it is necessary to develop very high energy and high-power cathodes and anodes that when combined in a battery system must offer over 5,000 charge-depleting cycles, 15 years calendar life as well as excellent abuse tolerance. These challenging requirements make it difficult for conventional battery systems to be adopted in P-HEVs and EVs. In this talk, we will first introduce the next generation lithium-ion battery cathode design that include Ni-rich full concentration gradient cathode with Nano-rode primary particles, a novel advance PEDOT coating on both secondary and primary cathode particles that significantly enhance the cycle life at high voltages, and an epitaxial entropy-assisted coating that can suppress strain propagation in ultrahigh-Ni (≥90%) cathodes during fast charging. We will then describe a novel silicon-graphene composite anode including a novel pre-lithiation technology to overcome the irreversible loss of this anode in the first cycle. We will also present novel fluorinated based electrolyte design strategies that can stabilize Ni-rich cathodes at high-voltage as well as lithium metal anode to achieve high energy density and long cycle life.
Hetero-Layer Solid State Electrolyte of Thermal Batteries with Lithium Metal Anode for Reducing Self-Discharge
Authors: Lee Jaein , Ha Sang-Hyeon , Choi Yusong
Published: December 2024

Thermal batteries are primary reseve power sources which are activated when eutectic solid state electrolyte are melted by the ignition of heat sources. Un-activated thermal battery has no self-discharge reaction due to a solid-state electrolyte, but activated one with no load has considerable self-discharege reaction because the anode and the cathode dissolve in molten electrolyte and react together. Moreover, in the case of a thermal battery with a lithium metal anode, such self-discharge occurs more actively. This self-discharge reaction causes considerable loss of cell capacity, and generated reaction heat degrades the safety and stability of the thermal battery.

The kind of electrolyte cause principle influence on self-discharge because of different solubility of cathode. The more Li-ion the electrolyte has, the better ion conductivity and discharge performance it has, but the worse self-discharge rate it has. Therefore LiCl-LiBr-LiF (All-Li) electrolyte has better performance than LiCl-KCl electrolyte, but All-Li electrolyte has worse self-dischrge rate than LiCl-KCl electrolyte.

In this study, we substituted homogeneous electrolyte with hetero-layer electrolyte (LiCl-KCl / All-Li / LiCl-KCl) to have ion conductivity of All-Li at the center and cathode solubility of LiCl-KCl at junction between cathode and electrolyte. Finally, we carried out discharge test and self-dischrge test, and we confirmed that the hetero electrolyte had better performance and self-dischare rate than the homogeneous electrolyte.
Reaction Pathways and Electrochemistry of Various Alloy Anodes in Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Jeong Won Joon , Wang Congcheng , Yoon Sun Geun , Liu Yuhgene , Chen Timothy S , McDowell Matthew Todd
Published: December 2024

Foil-based alloy anodes are a promising negative electrode design for solid-state batteries (SSBs), as they enable high energy density through their dense structure. The scalability and ease of manufacturing of metal foils further positions foil-based alloy anodes as an attractive option for incorporation into next-generation batteries, alongside porous silicon composites or lithium metal anodes. Prior investigations have been carried out to understand the electrochemical behavior of foil-based alloy anodes within liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries1, but there remains a gap in understanding the reaction pathways and microstructural evolution of these anodes in solid-state environments, particularly across broad range of different alloy materials. Here, the electrochemical alloying/dealloying behavior and reversibility of 12 distinct foil-based alloy anodes are investigated and compared within SSBs. Solid-state half cells featuring different foil-based alloy anodes showed a wide range of initial Coulombic efficiency (CE) values, varying from ~99 to ~20%. Observations using cryogenic focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy uncovered different evolution of the reaction fronts in different materials during dealloying. The results suggest that diffusional lithium trapping within the foils cause irreversibility (initial CE <80%), which is driven by the formation of the low conductivity delithiated phase that prevents transport from the lithiated phase to the solid-state electrolyte (SSE). Contact loss at the SSE interface may also play a role. The initial CE surpassing 99% of indium results from divergent microstructural evolution, which is clearly different from other materials. Further investigation into the behavior of alloy anodes in half cells with liquid electrolyte as well as SSB full cells, performed under identical stack pressure as that of solid-state half cells (8 MPa), offers additional understanding of how lithium trapping affects electrochemical performance. Our results establish mechanistic insights into the behavior of alloy anodes in solid-state environments, which could be important for next-generation SSBs.

Heligman, B. T. et al. Elemental Foil Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries. ACS Energy Lett.
6, 2666–2672 (2021).
Enhanced Chemical and Electrochemical Stability of Sn-Substituted Li6+
x
P1-
x
Sn
x
S5Cl0.5Br0.5 Sulfide Solid Electrolyte for All-Solid-State Battery
Authors: Cho Yoon Jae , Kim Dong Gyu , Kim Do-Kyung
Published: December 2024

All-solid-state batteries have been regarded as next-generation battery due to their safety and higher energy density. Among the solid electrolytes, argyrodite sulfide solid electrolytes show superior characteristics of high ionic conductivity, scalable synthesis process, and low cost of precursors. However, argyrodite sulfide solid electrolytes encounter challenges such as an unstable interface with Li-metal and poor air stability due to the high reactivity of S species. One of the methods to improve these problems is the elemental substitution. In this study, Sn was substituted in place of P within the mixed-halide Li6PS5Cl0.5Br0.5 electrolyte. The crystal structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectra. The interfacial stability of solid electrolytes against Li-metal anode and electrochemical performances were evaluated by symmetric cell test and galvanostatic charge/discharge test. The improved air stability was also investigated by measuring the ionic conductivity after air exposure. These results demonstrate that the substitution of Sn can improve ionic conductivity, interfacial stability, and air stability of sulfide solid electrolytes.

Keywords: solid electrolyte, Li6PS5Cl0.5Br0.5, elemental substitution, optimized synthesis method, chemical, and electrochemical stability
Carboxylic Acid Functionalized Ionic Liquid Electrolyte Additives for Stable Zinc Metal Anodes
Authors: Gueon Donghee , Yang Jung Hoon
Published: December 2024

Aqueous zinc batteries are promising devices among next-generation low-cost rechargeable batteries due to low cost, high specific capacity (820 mAh g-1 and 5,855 mAh cm-2), and safe compatibility of zinc. However, zinc metal anode suffers from irregular zinc deposition and consequent formation of dendrite that deteriorates the cycle life of zinc batteries. Herein, we proposed designing strategies of electrolyte additives for stable metal anode during repeated plating/stripping by using carboxylic acid functionalized imidazolium-based ionic liquid. Imidazolium ionic liquids that has a carboxylic acid functional group (IL-COOH) formed a shielding layer on the zinc surface by electrostatic adhesion, which leads to facilitated Zn2+ ion flux by proper interaction between hydrophilic COOH and Zn2+. It leads to uniform zinc nucleation and deposition. Ex-situ scanning electron microscopy that tracks the Zn deposition verified the suppressed growth of the zinc dendrite by the IL-COOH. High Coulombic efficiency over 99% and a stable life span over 1,400 hr (1 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2) are achieved in a symmetric zinc cell. Even under harsh plating/stripping conditions (10 mA cm-2 and 5 mAh cm-2), stable cycle performance was retained. These results give obvious evidence of stable Zn deposition and suppressed dendrite growth by a zincophilic and hydrophilic functional group, which provides innovative strategies for a long lifespan of zinc batteries.
High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries Using Centrifugal Jet-Spun Non-Woven Chitin Fiber Separator
Authors: Jin Jungho , Song Myeong-Oh , Park Jeong-Ho , Jung Ji-Won
Published: December 2024

Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are key prevailing energy storage devices, alternative battery technologies based on earth-abundant materials are being sought as a viable energy storage systems that could possibly replace LIBs. Among several alternatives is aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), which are more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and even safer. Despite their potential advantages, the development of appropriate separators for ZIBs has been elusive, and the issue of zinc metal dendrites on the negative electrode remains a critical challenge.

In this work, we introduces a novel approach to prepare a non-woven spun fiber mat made of chitin, an abundant natural polymer, which could function as a separator for AZIBs. In particular, we use centrifugal jet-spinning (CJS) to fabricate the chitin separator. The use of chitin as a separator offers several advantages over existing ZIB separators, such as high stability, improved capacity, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. We demonstrate that the chitin separator can be applied in AZIB cells based on symmetric and full cell models, which showed stable cell operation for long-term cycling.

Figure 1
Gyroscopic Torques Generated by a Spinning Ring Torus
Authors: Usubamatov Ryspek
Published: December 2024

The known publications related to the gyroscope theory consider only several geometries of the spinning rotors, like the disc, bars, rings, spheres, and others. The geometries of the spinning objects in engineering can have many designs that generate different values of inertial torques. A computing of inertial torques produced by the object’s rotating masses depends on the radii of their locations. Gyroscopic devices with a spinning torus or ring like other objects should be computed for the quality of their operation. The simplified expression for the radius of the mass disposition for the ring is presented by its middle radius which does not give the correct results for inertial torques and motions of gyroscopic devices. The radius of distributed masses of a ring is bigger than its middle radius because of the differences in the external and internal semirings. A torus is a ring whose exact expression of the radius for distributed mass should be derived for the correct solution for the inertial torques generated by the rotating mass. The precise formulas for inertial torques acting on the spinning torus enable finding its optimal size for the gyroscopic devices. This paper presents the method and derivation of mathematical models for the inertial torques produced by the spinning torus and its interrelated angular velocities about the axes of rotations that manifest gyroscopic effects.
Racial Disparities in Clinical Trial Enrollment Among Patients Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer: A Population‐Based Cohort of Oncology Practices
Authors: Wiesen Brett M. , Flaig Thomas W. , Gershman Boris , Konety Badrinath , Warren Adam , Kuna Elizabeth Molina , Robin Tyler , Kessler Elizabeth R. , Eule Corbin J. , Breyer Benjamin N. , Achua Justin , Kim Simon P.
Published: December 2024

Background: Although clinical trials should be accessible to all patients, persistent racial and ethnic disparities in clinical trial enrollment exist. Herein, we examine racial disparities in clinical trial enrollment among prostate cancer patients from a large population‐based cohort of oncology practices in the United States.

Methods: Using CancerLinQ Discovery, we identified men with regional (N1+) and/or metastatic (M1) prostate cancer diagnosed from 2011 to 2023. Enrollment into a clinical trial for prostate cancer was the primary outcome. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression were used for analysis.

Results: Within our dataset, we identified 17,028 patients with advanced prostate cancer, of which only 2.6% of patients were enrolled in a clinical trial (n = 450). There was variance in the proportion of patients accrued over time with a low of 0.30% in 2011 to a high of 3.94% in 2018 and decreasing to 2.37% in 2023. On multivariable analysis, older age was associated with lower odds of clinical trial enrollment (p < 0.001). Compared to White patients, Hispanics/Latino (OR: 0.35; CI: 0.161–0.744, p = 0.04) and patients with self‐identified other race or ethnicity (OR: 0.23; CI: 0.295–0.931, p < 0.01) had lower odds of clinical trial enrollment on multivariable analysis. Black men with prostate cancer did not have a statistically significant difference compared to White men for clinical trial enrollment. (OR: 1.033; CI: 0.771–1.384, p = 0.828).

Conclusion: While clinical trial enrollment remains low for men with advanced prostate cancer in this contemporary population‐based cohort, rates of participation for Hispanic/Latino men, but not Black men, are significantly lower. Increased attention is needed to better understand the reasons behind these racial disparities and to develop effective interventions to promote access.
Yoga for Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Moosburner Alina , Cramer Holger , Bilc Mirela , Triana Johanna , Anheyer Dennis
Published: December 2024

Background: The prevalence of depression has been increasing sharply. Given the existing treatment gap and the high prevalence of nonresponders to conventional therapies, the potential of complementary medicine becomes clear. The effect of yoga on depression has already been studied, but its efficacy in manifest depressive disorders remains unclear.

Objective: To update and evaluate the current state of evidence for yoga as a therapy option for depressive disorders.

Methods: PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, and BASE were searched systematically. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including participants with depressive disorders, were eligible. Analyses were conducted for active and passive control groups separately and for subgroups of major depressive disorder (MDD) and mixed samples. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0. Primary outcomes were the severity of depression and remission rates, and secondary outcomes were health‐related quality of life and adverse events. The quality of evidence was assessed according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE).

Results: Twenty‐four studies (n = 1395) were included; of those, 20 studies (n = 1333) were meta‐analyzed. Yoga showed a statistically significant short‐term effect on depression severity when compared to passive control (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.80; −0.07]) but not when compared to active control (SMD = −0.22, 95% CI  = [−0.67; 0.23]). Regarding remission rates, statistically significant effects were observed when comparing yoga to passive (odds ratio [OR] = 3.20; 95% CI = [1.45; 7.10]) as well as to active control (OR = 2.04; 95% CI = [1.13; 3.69]). No differences on safety outcomes were observed for passive (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = [0.10; 9.98]) as well as for active control (OR  = 0.80, 95% CI = [0.08; 8.09]). The quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Due to the heterogeneity of outcome reporting, no meta‐analysis for quality of life was possible.

Conclusion: Yoga is an effective therapy approach for reducing depression severity when compared to passive control and obtains higher remission rates when compared to active and passive controls. Quality of evidence is inconsistent, but given the positive risk–benefit ratio of the intervention and the urge for therapy options for depression, yoga should be considered as a possible treatment option, particularly for MDD patients.
Correlation Between Low Platelet‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio and High Mortality Rates in Adult Trauma Patients With Moderate‐to‐Severe Brain Injuries
Authors: To Kang-Wei , Hsu Shiun-Yuan , Yu Chia-Ying , Tsai Yu-Chin , Lin You-Cheng , Hsieh Ching-Hua
Published: December 2024

Background: White blood cell (WBC) subtypes reflect immune and inflammatory conditions in patients. This study aimed to examine the association between the ratio of platelets to WBC subtypes and mortality outcomes in patients with moderate‐to‐severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Method: The Trauma Registry System of the hospital was retrospectively reviewed to gather medical records of 2397 adult patients who were hospitalized from 2009 to 2020 and had moderate‐to‐severe TBI with a head abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score of 3 or higher. The monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were compared between the survivors (n = 2, 138) and nonsurvivors (n = 259). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the independent effects of the univariate prognostic factors on mortality outcomes. The survival variations among the PLR subgroups were evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis including a log‐rank test.

Results: The PLR of the deceased patients was considerably lower than that of the survivors (129.5 ± 130.1 vs. 153.2 ± 102.1, p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in monocyte and neutrophil counts, MLR, or NLR between the deceased and survivor groups. A lower PLR was recognized as an independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio: 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.51, p = 0.010). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) established PLR as the most strong predictor among the three ratios (area under the ROC curve = 0.627, sensitivity = 0.846, and specificity = 0.382, according to the cut‐off value = 68.57). When the patient groups were divided by PLR quartile, the Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly worse survival in the lowest PLR quartile group (< 83.1) compared with the highest quartile group (≥ 189.1) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Lower PLR is associated with greater mortality in adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe TBI. PLR may be a valuable measure for classifying mortality risk in this population.
Shape Adjustment of a Large Planar Phased Array Antenna With Nonlinear Cable Actuators
Authors: Zhou Jiyang , Liu Xiang , Cai Guoping , Sun Jun , Zhu Dongfang
Published: December 2024

Shape adjustment of large planar phased array antennas is significant because the shape distortion of phased arrays can greatly reduce the antenna’s gain in the observing direction. This study selects the inherent diagonal cables driven by motors as actuators, initially used to improve the stiffness of the antenna structure. The shape adjustment can be implemented by changing the length of the diagonal cables, so that there is no need to design additional control devices, which can significantly reduce the mass and improve the reliability of the antenna system. For shape adjustment, the cable tensions are chosen as the control inputs in general, but for structures with finite deformations, the cable tensions may be strongly coupled and therefore can no longer be used as the control inputs. We examine all the sources of the elongation of the cable actuator and group them into three categories: pre‐elongation, passive elongation, and feedback elongation. Since the feedback elongations of different cables are driven independently by the motors and do not change with the structural deformation, they can be used as the control inputs. Giving a detailed theoretical derivation, this paper demonstrates the necessity of considering nonlinearity of the cable actuator and proposes a nonlinear model of the active cable element. Further, an optimization model is established for shape adjustment, and the genetic algorithm is used to solve this problem. The effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear active cable element and the shape adjustment method is validated by simulations. Results show that the shape adjustment can be successfully achieved by the nonlinear cable actuators proposed in this paper. Moreover, the effect of pre‐elongation on the stiffness of the antenna structure can be well reflected by the nonlinear cable actuators, and the relationship between the shape adjustment and the number of actuators is also investigated.
Single‐Step Sampling Approach for Unsupervised Anomaly Detection of Brain MRI Using Denoising Diffusion Models
Authors: Damudi Mohammed Z. , Kini Anita S.
Published: December 2024

Generative models, especially diffusion models, have gained traction in image generation for their high‐quality image synthesis, surpassing generative adversarial networks (GANs). They have shown to excel in anomaly detection by modeling healthy reference data for scoring anomalies. However, one major disadvantage of these models is its sampling speed, which so far has made it unsuitable for use in time‐sensitive scenarios. The time taken to generate a single image using the iterative sampling procedure introduced in denoising diffusion probabilistic model (DDPM) is quite significant. To address this, we propose a novel single‐step sampling procedure that hugely improves the sampling speed while generating images of comparable quality. While DDPMs usually denoise images containing pure noise to generate an original image, we utilize a partial diffusion approach to preserve the image structure. In anomaly detection, we want the reconstructed image to have a structure similar to the original anomalous image, so that we can compare the pixel‐level difference between them in order to segment the anomaly. The original DDPM algorithm suggests an iterative sampling procedure where the model slowly reduces the noise, until we have a noise‐free image. Our single‐step sampling approach attempts to remove all the noise in the image within a single step, while still being able to repair the anomaly and achieve comparable results. The output is a binary image showing the predicted anomalous regions, which is then compared to the ground truth to evaluate its segmentation performance. We find that, while it does achieve slightly better anomaly masks, the main improvement is in sampling speed, where our approach was found to perform significantly faster as compared to the iterative procedure. Our work is mainly focused on anomaly detection in brain MR volumes, and therefore, this approach could be used by radiologists in a clinical setting to find anomalies in large quantities of brain MRI.
Age Characteristics of Patients With Type 2 Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Predictive Risk Factors for Lower Limb Amputation: A Population‐Based Retrospective Study
Authors: Yao Yuanying , Chen Lei , Qian Yu
Published: December 2024

Background: Limited data are available about the epidemiological characteristics and the risk factors for amputation, particularly in developing countries from Asia, especially in China.

Objective: We aim to investigate the age features of patients with Type 2 diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and analyze the critical influencing factors predicting lower extremity amputation and major amputation.

Methods: Data were retrieved from the electric medical record system to identify patients aged > 18 years with Type 2 DFU from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2023. A logistic regression model was adopted to analyze the risk factors for amputation and major amputation.

Results: Nine hundred eighteen patients with Type 2 DFU were eligible for our study, 68.2% of whom were male. In patients with Type 2 diabetes in the hospitals we studied, the prevalence of Type 2 DFU was 1.07%. A majority of patients with DFU were in the 70–79 age group in the winter season, and deaths also peaked in this age group. A total of 38.8% of patients aged 50–59 years underwent amputation. Vascular CTA, complications, history of amputation, and infection sites were the important contributing factors in patients with DFU lower extremity amputation. History of amputation and hemoglobin were the main influencing factors of patients with major amputation resulting from DFU.

Conclusion: Most patients with DFU were in the age group of 50–59 years, but the majority of deaths occurred in the 70–79‐year age group. Several factors influence the amputation, and those findings provide new insights into the relationship between the severity of narrowed blood vessels and the likelihood of amputation.
Effect of Green Additives in Copper Electrorefining Bath: Current Efficiency and Surface Characterization Investigation
Authors: Abouzeid F. M. A. , Alshammery S.
Published: December 2024

The copper electrorefining performance in acidified copper sulfate solution utilizing the potential‐dynamic polarization technique was established. This was inspected through measurement and comparison of limiting current‐cathode potential relationship in a solution of regularly rising methanolic extract concentrations (from 50 to 1000 ppm) of Lablab purpureus (Dolichos lablab), Linseed (Linum usitatissimum), Sidr leaves (Ziziphus spina-christi), and Indian costus (Saussurea costus). The impact of temperature on the copper electrorefining kinetic was studied. There is a reduction in the limiting current values via developing plant extract concentration while there is a growth in limiting current values via temperature boosting (293–313 K). This proves that copper species mass transport from the electrolyte bulk toward the cathode surface is the slowest step in electrolyte including various concentrations of the plant extract investigated. The values of activation energies prove that the refining procedure rate was diffusion controlled. Surface morphologies of copper samples were assessed via a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The chemical composition of the investigated methanolic plant extract was estimated by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). Adding elevated methanolic plant extract concentration (1000 ppm) to the refining bath is extremely valuable in improving surface features and appears to have a promising influence. The leveling and grain refining effects were identified. A copper‐deposited film with low roughness and high flatness may be obtained. Antimicrobial screening suggests that all‐natural product substances demonstrated mild to great action versus the examined organisms. The cathodic current efficiency was decidedly enhanced by improving plant extract concentration in the bath from 200 to 1000 ppm.
A Qualitative Exploration of Black Women’s Strategies to Achieve Emotional Well‐Being From Symptoms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: James Kortney Floyd , Bravo Lilian , Jeffers Kia Skrine , (Theresa) Nguyen My Hanh , Elliott Thomas , Ojukwu Kenechukwu , Ndagire Channelle , Jennings Kennedy , Arnault Denise Saint , Canty Lucinda
Published: December 2024

Numerous U.S. states mandate perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) screening for pregnant and postpartum individuals, yet despite these regulations, Black women have low screening rates even with regular perinatal care, resulting in undiagnosed and untreated symptoms. Factors contributing to this disparity include societal norms and concerns about potential repercussions, influenced by expectations of strength and historical mistreatment within healthcare settings. While clinical research typically focuses on barriers to Western mental health treatments, Black women have found emotional well‐being through alternative avenues. This phenomenological qualitative study explored how 12 Black cisgender women achieved emotional well‐being from PMAD symptoms and identified barriers and facilitators to wellness. Using semistructured interviews, five themes emerged as follows: (1) DIY Healing, including physical activity and spirituality; (2) Collective Healing through community support; (3) Clinical Pathways, highlighting mixed experiences with therapy; (4) Structural and Cultural Hurdles, such as systemic racism and bias in healthcare; and (5) Catalysts to Healing, emphasizing internal attributes. Findings suggest that Black women’s pathways to emotional well‐being are multifaceted and often extend beyond healthcare systems, underscoring the need for culturally responsive and holistic approaches to mental health support during the perinatal period.
Study of Sustainability and Health‐Related Living Environment Factors Under the Background of Rural Revitalization in the Towns of Guzhen County
Authors: Dang Lei , Gu Haoyu , Wang Weishen , Cheng Xiaoling , Kim Soobong
Published: December 2024

It is crucial to prioritize research and development as part of rural revitalization efforts to promote balanced economic growth, preserve cultural heritage, and reduce urban migration. This ensures sustainability and encourages equal access to opportunities, resources, and a healthy environment for people in both rural and urban areas. For the first time, this study explores the interplay between sustainability (Factor A) and health‐related environment (Factor B) under the background of rural revitalization in the eight towns (Chengguan, Haocheng, Liacheng, Renqiao, Hugou, Xinmaqiao, Liuji, and Wangzhuang) located in Guzhen County, Bengbu City, China. The towns of Guzhen County were not studied under these two factors before. This study evaluates the sustainability and health‐related environmental needs by gathering data from 100 residents in eight towns, totaling 800 residents from the targeted study area. Sustainability highlights town‐specific priorities; however, health‐related needs (Factor B) emphasize the mutual needs of all residents. Similar results in different towns highlight the critical significance of health‐related environment. Statistical analysis reveals a significant correlation between sustainability and health‐related environmental factors. This stimulates further exploration of nuanced dynamics in rural revitalization. A higher agreement percentage (80%–100%) on health‐related aspects underscores the importance of prioritizing policies to overcome these issues in the study area.
Nonlinear Behaviors and Multiparameter Stability Research on a Single‐Pair Gear System With a Bearing Stiffness Adjustment Module
Authors: Sheng Dongping , Yang Jie , Lu Fengxia
Published: December 2024

This paper proposed a brand‐new multidegree model of a single‐pair gear system with a bearing stiffness control module. By establishing the bending‐torsional coupled governing equation, the bifurcation characteristics, initial parameter attractors, solution domain structures, and double‐parameter stability were analyzed systematically and several conclusions were obtained. First, bifurcation diagrams show colorful characteristics, and the critical switching points and the routes between different motion states were investigated, and the bifurcation behavior under different parameters was examined which provided a comprehensive cognition of the gear system. Second, the dynamic initial motion attractors at different parameter groups were studied and their attractor structure diagrams were obtained, which offer an intuitive understanding of the motion state under different initial values, and were utilized as the theoretical basis for practical adjustment at different working conditions. Third, the solution domain structural diagrams were obtained at different parameters and the diverse characteristics could be observed, which could be utilized as a visualized tool for the design of the gear system and is referred as guiding for field operators to control the system away from unstable state as well. Finally, the double‐parameter stability of the gear system under different input power and damping was researched and its characteristics were analyzed. This stability region offered a direct tool to help both the designer and the operator to find the fastest and shortest route to make the system enter into a stable motion state quickly and effectively.
Research on Lateral Vibration and Load Sensitivity Reductions for Large‐Scale Complex Nonconservative Systems Using Rigid‐Flex Coupling Simulation Technique
Authors: Wang Qi-bin , Xu Xing-jia , Piao Si-yang , Nie Chun-ge , Li Qiu-ze , Piao Ming-wei
Published: December 2024

For large‐scale complex nonconservative systems such as high‐speed rolling stock, the rigid‐flex coupling simulation technique is one of the effective methods in reducing lateral vibration and dynamic load sensitivity. Since two uncertain influences of wheel spin dissipation are caused by wheelset yaw oscillations and alternative load path variation due to nonstatically determined systems or redundant components/constraints, preliminary achievements of self‐adaptive improved design make wheel–rail matching returns to rational conditions, managing and maintaining better data integrity of high‐speed wheel–rail contact. A supporting platform was then established for multidisciplinary collaborative design optimization to scientifically promote the design speed, including inherent rigid‐flex coupling relationship and integrity protection of nonconservative systems and associated individual structures. Combined with analysis results of long‐term tracking online testing conclusions from Chinese practices of high‐speed rails, relevant theoretical deductions find that the magnitude of quasistatic strain energy is one of the critical influencing factors in determining the dynamic interactions on coupling interfaces of interest. With this regard, two key technologies were further put forward, i.e., rational eigenstructure assignment based on modal modification responding technique and multiaxial weld fatigue damage assessment tool based on the correctness of modal stress recovery, both of which have been examined and verified in specific case investigations.