bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought Forecasting Using Standard Precipitation Index Based on Rainfall of Western Region
Authors: Mishra Deepak Kumar , Kumar Ram , Singh B. R. , Singh P. V.
Published: October 2023

Drought has always been one of the most dangerous natural disasters for manhood. Due to the continuous global climate change, drought occurrences have become more frequent and severe, affecting human existence and long-term social progress.  PIStandard values are a measure of the probability of a given precipitation event occurring. They are calculated using a statistical distribution of precipitation data. The three statistical distributions that are most commonly used to model precipitation data are the gamma distribution, the normal distribution, and the log-normal distribution. Therefore, utilising all three of the above-mentioned theoretical probability distributions, the drought index PIStandard has been computed. PIStandard range more than 2 (extremely wet) to less than -2 (extremely dry), with 0.99 to - 0.99 considered the near-normal range. PIStandard is calculated at different time scales which can be 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, time scales. The temporal trends of SPI at the stations were identified using the Mann-Kendall test. PIStandard were computation at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24-month time scales. PIStandard provides a better analysis of meteorological drought at multiple different timescales for short- and long-term planning because it uses the running sum of rainfall values at 1 to 24 months and more parameters for the statistical distribution used. For short-term drought monitoring and agricultural crop planning, a 1- to 3-month PIStandard can be utilized; however, long-term hydrological drought monitoring and water management planning require PIStandards of 6 to 9 months and 12 to 24 months, respectively. Drought analysis using PIStandard results can be used to design rainwater harvesting and storage structures in drought-affected areas for appropriate crop planning.
Physicochemical Properties of Long-term Rice-fallow Cultivation and Uncultivated Soils of Nalbari, Assam, India
Authors: Chakravarty Manashi , Nath Dhruba Jyoti , Sarma Utpal Jyoti
Published: October 2023

We aimed to assess the changes in physical and chemical properties of soils due to long-term continuous cultivation of rice under a rice –fallow system and that was compared with adjacent uncultivated soils. Soil samples were collected from respective sites and some soil physical (bulk density; BD, water holding capacity; WHC, and moisture content; MC) and chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity; EC, organic carbon; OC, available N, available P, available K, exchangeable Ca, exchangeable Mg, available S, available Zn and available B) analyzed were evaluated using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that the soils under cultivation with rice- fallow were significantly (P<0.05) higher in BD (1.40 Mg m-3) and lower in WHC (41.34%) than the adjacent uncultivated soils (BD=1.34 Mg m-3 & WHC=42.26%).  Soil’s chemical properties were significantly (P<0.05)  lower in cultivated rice-fallow soils than the uncultivated soils (pH=5.51 and 5.93, OC=0.63 and 0.89%, available N=245.56 and 418.37 kg ha-1, available P= 31.27 and 42.62 kg ha-1, available K=120.98 and 145.90 kg ha-1, exchangeable Ca=5.35 and 5.93 C mol (p+) kg-1, available S=53.42 and 61.14 kg ha-1, available Zn=0.31 and 0.39 mg kg-1 and available B=0.41 and 0.48 mg kg-1) respectively. Continuous cultivation of crops without adopting proper management practices leads to decline in soil physical and chemical properties and proper management practices have to be adopted to sustain the properties of soil and crop productivity.
Estimation of Response to Selection in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Dayal Rameshwar , Yadav G. C. , Singh Himanshu , Maurya Hareesh Kumar , Singh Pan , Kumar Dharamraj
Published: October 2023

This experiment was conducted at Main Experiment Station of Department of Vegetable Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Rabi 2019-20. The objective of the experiment was to estimate the correlation coefficient among yield and yield attributing traits in available genotypes of chilli. There were 35 genotypes and one check (KA-2) used in study as an experimental material.

The investigation was carried out in Randomized Completely Block Design with 3 replications. Observations were noted on 10 traits viz. days to 50% flowering, number of primary branches per plant, plant height (cm), and days to maturity (Red Ripe Stage), average fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), days to maturity (Mature Green Stage), fruit diameter (mm), and fruit yield per plant. Fruit yield/plant was significantly and positively associated with average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant while primary branch per plant, fruit length and plant height showed negative and significant correlation with fruit yield per plant. Thus, selection for these parameters with positive correlation would be effective for yield improvement in chilli.
Determination of Some Heavy Metals Concentrations in Water and Irrigation Farms along Wulmi River in Pankshin Local Government, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Bakij G.  , Shibdawa M. A  , Kolo A. M.  , Mahmoud A. A.  , Gambo N. N.  , Lubis S.  , Apagu N. T.  , Denji  B. K.
Published: October 2023

Levels of four heavy metals (Co, Cu, Pb and Cd) and three physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, total dissolved solids) were determined from Wulmi River at five sampling points (S1-S5) at an interval of 200m between points using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and approved standard procedures respectively, and the control site located about 1000 meters away from the study area. Sampling was done monthly in wet season from May-December 2017. The weighted means of physico-chemical parameters determined at each sampling point in the river were in the range 6.53±0.21 - 6.85±0.17 for pH. 25.35±0.79 0C - 25.92±2.310C for temperature  which is within the permissible limit of 300C (USEPA,2002), 9.43±3.90 mg/l - 26.71±2.75 mg/l for TDS which is also within the permissible limit of 1000 mg/l (USEPA,2002). The weighted mean of heavy metal concentrations in water at sampling points in the river ranged between 0.11±0.07 mg/l - 0.29 ± 0.19 mg/l for copper, 1.17±0.39 mg/l - 1.76± 0.31 mg/l for cadmium, 0.08 ± 0.05 mg/l - 0.91±0.03 mg/l for lead, 1.53± 0.39 mg/l - 6.48± 3.36 mg/l for cobalt. The soil samples from five irrigation farmlands (F1-F5) around the Wulmi River were also analysed for the heavy metals concentrations. The heavy metals concentrations in the soil ranged between 12.27 ± 3.46 μg/g - 28.05 ± 1.99 μg/g for copper, 5.49 ± 3.09 μg/g - 17.92 ± 2.18 μg/g for cadmium, 2.24 ± 0.02μg/g - 9.85 ± 1.43 μg/g for Lead, 13.48 ± 3.72 μg/g - 27.82 ± 2.65 μg/g for cobalt .Lead and cobalt concentrations in the soils are within the permissible limit set by USEPA (2002) and WHO [1] of 10μg/g and 50μg/g respectively. All the metals under investigation have geo-accumulation input in soils around Wulmi River, except in irrigation farms 2 and 4 which have geo-accumulation input of Pb to be 0.00. Analysis of variance indicates that there is significant difference in pH, concentrations of TDS, Cd, and Co from one sampling point to another throughout the periods of analyses. The data generated will be used to develop a computer based time series model, which can be used to predict the concentrations of the heavy metals in the near future at these sampling points in Wulmi River.
Correlation between Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Auditory Brain-Stem Response Audiometry in Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy in Full Term Neonates
Authors: Zidan Lamiaa Khaled , Rowisha Mohamed Ahmed , Elshafey Rasha Ahmed , Elmehallawi Trandil Hassan , Elmahdy Heba Saied
Published: October 2023

Background: This research aimed to correlate between MRS and ABR to see whether MRS offers new perspectives on the pathophysiology of hyperbilirubinemia and the early diagnosis of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) in full-term neonates.

Methods: This observational cohort study was done at Tanta University Hospitals between March 2019 and March 2021. It enrolled 26 newborns with ABE who were diagnosed with BIND-M score (Modified Bilirubin Induced Neurological Dysfunction Score), In addition, 20 healthy, age-matched neonates were enrolled as control subjects. Brain MRS and ABR were done to all enrolled neonates. Ethical committee approval and parent consent were taken prior to the start of the research.

Results: Regarding MRS, a significant negative correlation was detected between NAA/Cr, and NAA/Cho ratio and total plasma bilirubin levels, while only NAA/Cr had a significant positive correlation with the age on admission. On the other hand, Lac/Cr ratio had a significant positive correlation with total plasma bilirubin levels. As regards ABR, there was a significant positive correlation between wave V peak latency, I-III and I-V interpeak intervals, and bilirubin level. There were significant negative correlations between NAA/Cr and wave III peak latency, wave V peak latency, I-III, and I-V interpeak intervals. Significant negative correlations were determined between NAA/Cho and wave V peak latency, I-III, and I-V interpeak intervals. Finally, correlation between MRS and ABR revealed a significant positive correlation between Glx/Cr and I-V interpeak interval. Also, there were significant positive correlations between Lac/Cr and wave III peak latency, wave V peak latency, I-III, and I-V interpeak intervals.

Conclusion: MRS data especially NAA/Cr and Lac/Cr correlated with wave V and I-V interpeak of ABR.
Relationship between Fetal Heart Rate, Cardiac Index and Maternal Blood Pressure in Second Trimester of Pregnancy between 14 to 20 Weeks of Gestation in Yobe State Specialist Hospital Damaturu
Authors: Bukar I. A. , Ibrahim S. A. , Mahdi D. G. , Yarube I. U.
Published: October 2023

Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between fetal heart rate, fetal cardiac index and maternal blood pressure at 14-20 weeks of gestation among antenatal clients attending Yobe state specialist hospital, Damaturu.

Study Design:  The study is a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Yobe State specialist hospital Damaturu between June 2021 and November 2021.

Methodology: The samples were selected using a purposive sampling method where 150 pregnant women were selected, and group into three categories (hypertensive, hypotensive and normotensive). Subjects undergo ultrasound scan imaging. The data was analyzed using software program SPSS statistical package (IBM Corp. IBM SPSS Statistics for Macintosh, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY, USA).

Results: A statistically significant relationship was observed between maternal blood pressure and fetal heart rate (p=0.000), but no significant relationship observed between maternal blood pressure and fetal cardiac index (p=0.476), and also between maternal age and the fetal heart rate (p=0.533) or between maternal age and fetal cardiac index (p=0.528).

Conclusion: Fetal heart rate has shown a significant correlation with maternal blood pressure. Thus maternal blood pressure changes can serve as a highly valuable parameter in providing vital information on fetal condition during pregnancy
Enhancing Upper Limb Performance in Sub-acute Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review of Combined Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy and Mirror Therapy Interventions
Authors: Sahoo Debasish , Jain Neha , Meena S. K.
Published: October 2023

Objective: Sub-acute stroke is a common condition that often results in upper limb impairments. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combined modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) and mirror therapy on upper limb performance in patients with sub-acute stroke. The review also aimed to identify gaps in the existing literature and provide recommendations for future research.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and AJOT. Studies published between 2010 and 2022 were included in the review. Qualitative studies that investigated the effects of combined mCIMT and mirror therapy in patients with sub-acute stroke were included. The PRISMA flow diagram was utilized to track the study selection process. Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of the studies and extracted relevant data using predefined criteria.

Results: Out of the initial 250 articles, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Published between 2010 and 2022, these studies utilized various research designs, including quasi-experimental studies, randomized controlled trials, and pilot studies. The majority of the studies were conducted in hospital settings and involved patients with sub-acute stroke. The findings of the included studies suggest that combined mCIMT and mirror therapy have positive effects on hand functions, motor recovery, functional outcomes, and activities of daily living in patients with sub-acute stroke.

Conclusion: This systematic review provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of combined mCIMT and mirror therapy in improving upper limb performance in patients with sub-acute stroke. These interventions have the potential to enhance motor recovery and functional outcomes in this population. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal duration, intensity, and timing of these interventions. Standardized outcome measures and larger sample sizes should be considered in future studies to strengthen the evidence base.
Visual Outcomes of Cataract Surgery at the Eye Foundation Community Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Bogunjoko T. J.  , Hassan A. O.  , Akinye A.  , Maji C. S.  , Olowolaiyemo M.  , Idris O.
Published: October 2023

Aims: To determine the visual outcome of cataract surgeries postoperatively at first day, one and three months.  

Study Design: Retrospective, case series study.

Place and Duration of Study: Eye Foundation Community Hospital, Ilese-Ijebu-Imushin, Ogun state of Nigeria. 3-month duration from June 1st 2019 to August 31st 2019.

Methodology: All patients 18 years and above operated for cataract surgery without comorbidity were included in the study. Type of surgery done were manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) and phacoemulsification. Patient data were entered into excel spread sheet created for the study. From where it was cleaned up and exported in to statistical package for social sciences 20. Visual outcome was assessed on the first day, first month and at third month post operatively. Snellen visual acuity was converted to log MAR. P value = 0.05 is determined as statistically significant. 

Results: Two hundred and fifty (250) patients or eyes were analysed in this study. Two hundred and twenty patients (88%) had MSICS, 30 (12%) had phacoemulsification. Preoperatively, majority (150, 60%) presented with visual acuity less than 3/60 followed by patients with visual acuity between 6/18 to 6/60 (76, 30.4%). Nineteen patients (7.6%) had visual acuity of 6/18 or better. Mean preoperative log MAR was 1.6 ± 0.8 (equivalent to count finger). 3-month post op, two hundred and fourteen (85.6%) had uncorrected visual acuity of 6/18 or better while 231 patients (92.4%) had best corrected (with pinhole) visual acuity of 6/18 or better. (P=0.004 and 0.038 respectively).  

Conclusion: There is an appreciable improvement in the visual outcome following cataract surgery.
Small-Volume Blood Collection Tubes to Reduce Transfusions in Intensive Care
Authors: Siegal Deborah M. , Belley-Côté Emilie P. , Lee Shun Fu , Hill Stephen , D’Aragon Frédérick , Zarychanski Ryan , Rochwerg Bram , Chassé Michaël , Binnie Alexandra , Honarmand Kimia , Lauzier François , Ball Ian , Al-Hazzani Waleed , Archambault Patrick , Duan Erick , Khwaja Kosar , Lellouche François , Lysecki Paul , Marquis François , Naud Jean-François , Shahin Jason , Shea Jennifer , Tsang Jennifer L.Y. , Wang Han Ting , Crowther Mark , Arnold Donald M. , Di Sante Emily , Marfo Gladys , Kovalova Tanya , Fonguh Sylvanus , Vincent Jessica , Connolly Stuart J.
Published: October 2023

Importance

Blood collection for laboratory testing in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is a modifiable contributor to anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Most blood withdrawn is not required for analysis and is discarded.

Objective

To determine whether transitioning from standard-volume to small-volume vacuum tubes for blood collection in ICUs reduces RBC transfusion without compromising laboratory testing procedures.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial in 25 adult medical-surgical ICUs in Canada (February 5, 2019 to January 21, 2021).

Interventions

ICUs were randomized to transition from standard-volume (n = 10 940) to small-volume tubes (n = 10 261) for laboratory testing.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was RBC transfusion (units per patient per ICU stay). Secondary outcomes were patients receiving at least 1 RBC transfusion, hemoglobin decrease during ICU stay (adjusted for RBC transfusion), specimens with insufficient volume for testing, length of stay in the ICU and hospital, and mortality in the ICU and hospital. The primary analysis included patients admitted for 48 hours or more, excluding those admitted during a 5.5-month COVID-19–related trial hiatus.

Results

In the primary analysis of 21 201 patients (mean age, 63.5 years; 39.9% female), which excluded 6210 patients admitted during the early COVID-19 pandemic, there was no significant difference in RBC units per patient per ICU stay (relative risk [RR], 0.91 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.05]; P = .19; absolute reduction of 7.24 RBC units/100 patients per ICU stay [95% CI, −3.28 to 19.44]). In a prespecified secondary analysis (n = 27 411 patients), RBC units per patient per ICU stay decreased after transition from standard-volume to small-volume tubes (RR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.00]; P = .04; absolute reduction of 9.84 RBC units/100 patients per ICU stay [95% CI, 0.24 to 20.76]). Median decrease in transfusion-adjusted hemoglobin was not statistically different in the primary population (mean difference, 0.10 g/dL [95% CI, −0.04 to 0.23]) and lower in the secondary population (mean difference, 0.17 g/dL [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.29]). Specimens with insufficient quantity for analysis were rare (≤0.03%) before and after transition.

Conclusions and Relevance

Use of small-volume blood collection tubes in the ICU may decrease RBC transfusions without affecting laboratory analysis.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03578419
Race and Ethnicity and Primary Language in Emergency Department Triage
Authors: Joseph Joshua W. , Kennedy Maura , Landry Alden M. , Marsh Regan H. , Baymon Da’Marcus E. , Im Dana E. , Chen Paul C. , Samuels-Kalow Margaret E. , Nentwich Lauren M. , Elhadad Noémie , Sánchez León D.
Published: October 2023

Importance

Emergency department (ED) triage substantially affects how long patients wait for care but triage scoring relies on few objective criteria. Prior studies suggest that Black and Hispanic patients receive unequal triage scores, paralleled by disparities in the depth of physician evaluations.

Objectives

To examine whether racial disparities in triage scores and physician evaluations are present across a multicenter network of academic and community hospitals and evaluate whether patients who do not speak English face similar disparities.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study examining adults presenting between February 28, 2019, and January 1, 2023, across the Mass General Brigham Integrated Health Care System, encompassing 7 EDs: 2 urban academic hospitals and 5 community hospitals. Analysis included all patients presenting with 1 of 5 common chief symptoms.

Exposures

Emergency department nurse-led triage and physician evaluation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Average Triage Emergency Severity Index [ESI] score and average visit work relative value units [wRVUs] were compared across symptoms and between individual minority racial and ethnic groups and White patients.

Results

There were 249 829 visits (149 861 female [60%], American Indian or Alaska Native 0.2%, Asian 3.3%, Black 11.8%, Hispanic 18.8%, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander <0.1%, White 60.8%, and patients identifying as Other race or ethnicity 5.1%). Median age was 48 (IQR, 29-66) years. White patients had more acute ESI scores than Hispanic or Other patients across all symptoms (eg, chest pain: Hispanic, 2.68 [95% CI, 2.67-2.69]; White, 2.55 [95% CI, 2.55-2.56]; Other, 2.66 [95% CI, 2.64-2.68]; P < .001) and Black patients across most symptoms (nausea/vomiting: Black, 2.97 [95% CI, 2.96-2.99]; White: 2.90 [95% CI, 2.89-2.91]; P < .001). These differences were reversed for wRVUs (chest pain: Black, 4.32 [95% CI, 4.25-4.39]; Hispanic, 4.13 [95% CI, 4.08-4.18]; White 3.55 [95% CI, 3.52-3.58]; Other 3.96 [95% CI, 3.84-4.08]; P < .001). Similar patterns were seen for patients whose primary language was not English.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, patients who identified as Black, Hispanic, and Other race and ethnicity were assigned less acute ESI scores than their White peers despite having received more involved physician workups, suggesting some degree of mistriage. Clinical decision support systems might reduce these disparities but would require careful calibration to avoid replicating bias.
Circulating Tumor HPV DNA for Surveillance of HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lang Kuhs Krystle A. , Brenner J. Chad , Holsinger F. Chris , Rettig Eleni M.
Published: October 2023

Importance

Human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has an overall favorable prognosis, yet a subset of patients will experience devastating disease recurrence. Current surveillance standards for detection of recurrent disease are imperfect. There is growing interest in improving detection of recurrent disease through the use of plasma-based assays able to detect circulating tumor HPV DNA.

Observations

Although most circulating tumor HPV DNA assays remain in the research domain, the circulating tumor tissue–modified viral HPV DNA assay became commercially available in the United States in early 2020 and has been increasingly used in the clinical setting. With the rapidly increasing incidence of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and concomitant expansion of biomarker capabilities for this disease, it is critical to reexamine current posttreatment surveillance practices and to determine whether emerging technologies may be used to improve outcomes for a growing survivor population. However, caution is advised; it is not yet known whether biomarker-based surveillance is truly beneficial, and as is true with any intervention, it has the capacity to cause harm.

Conclusions and Relevance

Using Margaret Pepe’s classic 5 phases of biomarker development for early detection of cancer as a framework, this article reviews the current state of knowledge, highlights existing knowledge gaps, and suggests research that should be prioritized to understand the association between biomarker-based surveillance and patient outcomes. Specific attention is paid to the commercially available tumor tissue–modified viral HPV DNA assay, given its increasing clinical use. This review may serve as a road map for future research and a guide for clinicians considering its adoption in practice. Enrollment of patients into clinical trials incorporating biomarker-based surveillance should be prioritized.
Study on a simplified model of a high‐rise shear‐type building for evaluation of Q–Δ resonance
Authors: Anamizu Ryosuke , Kohiyama Masayuki
Published: October 2023

To evaluate Q–Δ resonance, which is a torsional resonance phenomenon caused by geometric nonlinearity, a simplified model for a multistory non‐eccentric building with a shear‐type structure was proposed. A four‐story small‐scale specimen was designed and fabricated, assuming a non‐eccentric steel structure with a height of 324 m, and conducted shaking table tests of the specimen. Q–Δ resonance was confirmed as predicted by the simplified model. In addition, the simplified model reproduced the resonance amplitude calculated using a finite element model of the specimen with constrained out‐of‐plane slab rotation. The simplified model can be used to predict the Q–Δ resonance response when the bending deformation of an entire building is very small.
Energy forecasting with robust, flexible, and explainable machine learning algorithms
Authors: Zhu Zhaoyang , Chen Weiqi , Xia Rui , Zhou Tian , Niu Peisong , Peng Bingqing , Wang Wenwei , Liu Hengbo , Ma Ziqing , Gu Xinyue , Wang Jin , Chen Qiming , Yang Linxiao , Wen Qingsong , Sun Liang
Published: October 2023

Energy forecasting is crucial in scheduling and planning future electric load, so as to improve the reliability and safeness of the power grid. Despite recent developments of forecasting algorithms in the machine learning community, there is a lack of general and advanced algorithms specifically considering requirements from the power industry perspective. In this paper, we present eForecaster, a unified AI platform including robust, flexible, and explainable machine learning algorithms for diversified energy forecasting applications. Since October 2021, multiple commercial bus load, system load, and renewable energy forecasting systems built upon eForecaster have been deployed in seven provinces of China. The deployed systems consistently reduce the average Mean Absolute Error (MAE) by 39.8% to 77.0%, with reduced manual work and explainable guidance. In particular, eForecaster also integrates multiple interpretation methods to uncover the working mechanism of the predictive models, which significantly improves forecasts adoption and user satisfaction.
Heavy macrophage infiltration identified by optical coherence tomography relates to plaque rupture
Authors: Shi Xuan , Tao Tao , Wang Yi , Han Yunfei , Xu Xiaohui , Yin Qin , Wang Fang , Liu Rui , Liu Xinfeng
Published: October 2023

Objective

Risk stratification plays a critical role in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic stenosis. Heavy macrophage infiltration (HMC) is an important factor of plaque destabilization. However, in vivo imaging technologies and screening criteria for HMC remain limited. We aimed to (i) introduce algorithms for in vivo detection of macrophage infiltrations using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and (ii) to investigate the threshold of HMC and its association with plaque vulnerability.

Methods

Ex vivo OCT images were co‐registered with histopathology in 282 cross‐sectional pairs from 19 carotid endarterectomy specimens. Of these, 197 randomly selected pairs were employed to define the parameters, and the remaining 85 pairs were used to evaluate the accuracy of the OCT‐based algorithm in detecting macrophage infiltrations. Clinical analysis included 93 patients receiving carotid OCT evaluation. The prevalence and burden of macrophage infiltration were analyzed. Multivariable and subgroup analysis were performed to investigate the association between HMC and plaque rupture.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of algorithm for detecting macrophage infiltration were 88.0% and 74.9%, respectively. Of 93 clinical patients, ruptured plaques exhibited higher prevalence of macrophage infiltration than nonruptured plaques (83.7% [36/43] vs 32.0% [16/50], p < 0.001). HMC was identified when the macrophage index was greater than 60.2 (sensitivity = 74.4%, specificity = 84.0%). Multivariable analysis showed that HMC and multiple calcification were independent risk factors for non‐lipid‐rich plaque rupture.

Interpretation

This study provides a novel approach and screening criteria for HMC, which might be valuable for atherosclerotic risk stratification.
The effect of retrieval practice on fluently retrieving multiplication facts in an authentic elementary school setting
Authors: Ophuis‐Cox Fieke H. A. , Catrysse Leen , Camp Gino
Published: October 2023

Fluently retrieving simple multiplication facts leads to an improvement of overall math scores. In the current study, we investigated how to best reach this fluency in an authentic elementary school setting. We compared the short‐term and long‐term effects of the learning strategies retrieval practice (using flashcards) to a restudy control condition (chanting multiplication facts out loud) on multiplication fact fluency. Forty‐eight second‐grade pupils received an instruction lesson and attended three spaced practice sessions per learning strategy. The learning strategies were counterbalanced across two different sets of multiplication tables in a within‐subjects design. A pre‐test, a five‐minute delay post‐test, and a one‐week delay post‐test were administered. Compared to restudy, retrieval practice led to a stronger short‐term and long‐term increase in the fluency of retrieving multiplication facts. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of retrieval practice on gaining multiplication fact fluency in an authentic classroom setting using original course materials.
Colorful Ultralong Room Temperature Phosphorescent Afterglow with Excitation Wavelength Dependence Based on Boric Acid Matrix
Authors: Li Zhizheng , Cao Shuai , Zheng Yangyang , Song Leqian , Zhang Huacheng , Zhao Yanli
Published: October 2023

Room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials have triggered wide interests because of their excellent performance and various promising applications. However, conventional RTP materials possessing color‐tunable and ultralong afterglow often suffer from low phosphorescent emission efficiency. Herein, a long lifetime and high‐efficiency RTP emission system composed of boric acid as the host matrix and organic phosphors as guest molecules is constructed by suppressing the non‐radiative transition process and promoting the triplet exciton of the phosphors. The synergistic effect of the physically limited domain and supramolecular anchoring also contributes to the ultralong lifetime (up to 1.85 s) and high phosphorescence quantum yield (up to 53%). The afterglow can be visually observed for 30 s. With a large overlap of π‐conjugated chromophores, the emission peak of RTP redshifted, realizing cyan, green, and red afterglow in the monochromatic domain. In addition, the emission of colorful afterglow and white afterglow is adjustable with the different co‐doping ratios. Finally, the application of RTP materials to anti‐counterfeiting encryption is demonstrated.
From Droplets to Devices: Recent Advances in Liquid Metal Droplet Enabled Electronics
Authors: Babatain Wedyan , Kim Min Sung , Hussain Muhammad Mustafa
Published: October 2023

Liquid metals, particularly non‐toxic gallium‐based alloys, have emerged as promising materials for future soft electronics due to their unique properties, including fluidity, excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, and surface reactivity. They demonstrate adaptability, responsivity, and self‐healing abilities, offering a platform for innovative electronic devices. Embodied in a droplet form factor, gallium‐based liquid metal droplets (LMDs) combine the traits of liquid metals with the advantages of miniaturized structures, including high surface tension, high surface area, high mobility, and surface functionalization. This review discusses the inherent properties of LMDs, which have driven substantial research interest across various fields, such as sensors, robotics, electronic circuits, energy harvesters, drug delivery, and microfluidics systems, among others. Effective fabrication and processing techniques are detailed for LMDs, illustrating their role in applications previously challenging with conventional materials, such as reconfigurable, self‐healing, and transient electronics. Existing challenges and future directions in this growing field are discussed. This extensive review seeks to further the understanding of LMDs and their potential, offering a roadmap for their journey from a niche interest to a key material in various electronic devices.
Non‐Carbon‐Dominated Catalyst Architecture Enables Double‐High‐Energy‐Density Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiao Ru , Yu Tong , Yang Shan , Zhang Xiaoyin , Hu Tianzhao , Xu Ruogu , Qu Zhuoyan , Hu Guangjian , Sun Zhenhua , Li Feng
Published: October 2023

The commonly used “catalyst on carbon” architecture as a sulfur host is difficult to jointly achieve high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries due to the contradiction between low tap density/poor catalytic activity of carbon and the easy agglomeration of metal‐based compounds without carbon. Here, a non‐carbon‐dominated catalytic architecture using macroporous nickel/cobalt phosphide (NiCoP) is reported as the sulfur host for Li–S batteries. The macroporous framework, which accommodates a large amount of sulfur, can accelerate the electrochemical reaction kinetics by accelerated e− transport, Li+ diffusion, and superior adsorption and catalytic activity of inherent Ni2P/CoP heterostructures. The high tap density (0.45 g cm−3) and mechanically hard features contribute to the excellent structural and physicochemical stability of the NiCoP@S electrode after the pressing and rolling process. These features enable the Li–S coin cell to exhibit excellent electrochemical performance under conditions of high sulfur loading (10.2 mg cm−2) and lean electrolyte (electrolyte/sulfur of 2 µL mg−1). Inspiringly, the assembled pouch cell can simultaneously deliver a gravimetric energy density of 345.2 Wh kg−1 and an impressive volumetric energy density of 952.7 Wh L−1 based on the entire device configuration.
Heterogeneous Interface Engineering of Bi‐Metal MOFs‐derived ZnFe2O4–ZnO‐Fe@C Microspheres via Confined Growth Strategy Toward Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Huang Mengqiu , Wang Lei , Pei Ke , Li Bangxin , You Wenbin , Yang Liting , Zhou Gang , Zhang Jincang , Liang Chongyun , Che Renchao
Published: October 2023

Heterogeneous interface regulation plays an important role in tailoring the intrinsic electromagnetic (EM) properties for obtaining excellent EM wave absorption, which still faces huge challenge. In this work, bi‐metal MOFs‐derived ZnFe2O4–ZnO‐Fe@C (ZZFC) microspheres with custom‐built heterogeneous interfaces are successfully fabricated via a confined growth strategy. Bi‐metal Fe–Zn–ZIF with tailored coordination structure and chemical bonding are first selected as the precursor template. After undergoing the annealing process, the metal Fe2+ host is converted into magnetic Fe nanoparticles (NPs). The Zn2+ host is transformed into semiconductor zinc oxide (ZnO) with increasing (101) crystal‐oriented growth. At the same time, metal hosts Fe2+ and Zn2+ are further reacted to synthesize the zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4). Formed Fe nanoparticles catalyze organic ligands to constitute graphitized carbon layers, which confine the further growth of ZnFe2O4, ZnO, and Fe NPs. Combined with the well impendence and synergy absorption mechanism (magnetic loss, interface polarization, and conduction loss), optimized magnetic–dielectric ZnFe2O4–ZnO‐Fe@C microspheres exhibit outstanding EM wave absorption with the minimum reflection loss −66.5 dB at only 2.0 mm thickness. Bi‐metal MOF‐derived magnetic–dielectric absorption materials with tailored heterogeneous interfaces provide a new sight to design an efficient EM wave absorption system.
Structural Composite Hydrogel Electrolytes for Flexible and Durable Zn Metal Batteries
Authors: Shin Kang Ho , Ji Donghwan , Park Jae Min , Joe Yun Sang , Park Ho Seok , Kim Jaeyun
Published: October 2023

Hydrogel electrolytes consisting of salt ions, water solvents, and 3D polymer networks play the roles of an electrolyte and a separating membrane. These are receiving attention as a substitute for the currently used liquid electrolyte/separator materials in aqueous Zn metal batteries (AZMBs). In this study, a structural composite hydrogel electrolyte is designed by incorporating layered alumina microplatelets within a polymer matrix to achieve high mechanical strength, stiffness, hardness, thermal conductivity, and a large dielectric constant. The hydrogel electrolyte simultaneously achieves mechanical robustness and fast Zn ion transfer, enabling uniform Zn deposition without notable dendrite growth and propagation. Moreover, the rapid heat‐dissipating ability of the electrolyte demonstrates the potential for effective thermal management of AZMB cells. Consequently, Zn||Zn symmetric cells composed of the as‐designed electrolyte exhibit stable Zn plating/stripping behavior at various temperatures. Zn||poly(3,4‐ ethylenedioxythiophene)‐vanadium pentoxide (PVO) full cells have large energy densities of 356.9 W h kg−1 at 25 °C and 216.6 W h kg−1 at −20 °C and long‐term stability over 1,000 cycles. Further, pouch‐type Zn||PVO full cells with large energy densities operate stably while bent, folded, rolled, cut in half, or immersed in boiling and freezing water.
Drug‐Eluting Shear‐Thinning Hydrogel for the Delivery of Chemo‐ and Immunotherapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Falcone Natashya , Ermis Menekse , Gangrade Ankit , Choroomi Auveen , Young Patric , Mathes Tess G. , Monirizad Mahsa , Zehtabi Fatemeh , Mecwan Marvin , Rodriguez Marco , Zhu Yangzhi , Byun Youngjoo , Khademhosseini Ali , de Barros Natan Roberto , Kim Han‐Jun
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant and deadly form of liver cancer with limited treatment options. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, a procedure that delivers embolic and chemotherapeutic agents through blood vessels, is a promising cancer treatment strategy. However, it still faces limitations, such as inefficient agent delivery and the inability to address tumor‐induced immunosuppression. Here, a drug‐eluting shear‐thinning hydrogel (DESTH) loaded with chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents in nanocomposite hydrogels composed of gelatin and nanoclays is presented as a therapeutic strategy for a catheter‐based endovascular anticancer approach. DESTH is manually deliverable using a conventional needle and catheter. In addition, drug release studies show a sustained and pH‐dependent co‐delivery of the chemotherapy doxorubicin (acidic pH) and the immune‐checkpoint inhibitor aPD‐1 (neutral pH). In a mouse liver tumor model, the DESTH‐based chemo/immunotherapy combination has the highest survival rate and smallest residual tumor size. Finally, immunofluorescence analysis confirms that DESTH application enhances cell death and increases intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T‐cells. In conclusion, the results show that DESTH, which enables efficient ischemic tumor cell death and effective co‐delivery of chemo‐ and immunotherapeutic agents, may have the potential to be an effective therapeutic modality in the treatment of HCC.
Stable Solid‐State Zinc–Iodine Batteries Enabled by an Inorganic ZnPS3 Solid Electrolyte with Interconnected Zn2+ Migration Channels
Authors: Lv Zeheng , Kang Yuanhong , Chen Guanhong , Yang Jin , Chen Minghui , Lin Pengxiang , Wu Qilong , Zhang Minghao , Zhao Jinbao , Yang Yang
Published: October 2023

Aqueous zinc–iodine (Zn–I2) batteries, with their outstanding merits in safety, cost, and environmental friendliness, have received extensive attention. However, the unstable electrochemistry at the electrode–electrolyte interface originating from free water results in zinc dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and polyiodide ions shuttle, hindering their practical applications. Herein, solid‐state Zn–I2 batteries based on an inorganic ZnPS3 (ZPS) electrolyte are developed to overcome inherent interfacial issues associated with aqueous electrolytes. The inorganic ZnPS3 electrolyte, with a low Zn2+ diffusion energy barrier of ≈0.3 eV, demonstrates an exceptional ion conductivity of 2.0 × 10−3 S cm−1 (30 °C), which also satisfies high chemical/electrochemical stability and mechanical strength. The solid Zn2+ conduction mechanism, facilitated by bounded water only on grains, effectively suppresses HER and polyiodide ions shuttling. During cycling, a ZnS functional layer is spontaneously formed on the anode/electrolyte interphase, promoting dendrite‐free Zn deposition behavior with a more stable (002) crystal orientation. Consequently, the solid‐state configuration of Zn–I2 battery enables an impressive reversible capacity of 154.2 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. Importantly, the compatibility of the solid‐state ZnPS3 electrolyte is also confirmed in the Zn||CuS cell, indicating its potential as a versatile platform for developing inorganic solid‐state zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs).
Synthesis of Ultra‐Incompressible and Recoverable Carbon Nitrides Featuring CN4 Tetrahedra
Authors: Laniel Dominique , Trybel Florian , Aslandukov Andrey , Khandarkhaeva Saiana , Fedotenko Timofey , Yin Yuqing , Miyajima Nobuyoshi , Tasnádi Ferenc , Ponomareva Alena V. , Jena Nityasagar , Akbar Fariia Iasmin , Winkler Bjoern , Néri Adrien , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali , Milman Victor , Schnick Wolfgang , Rudenko Alexander N. , Katsnelson Mikhail I. , Abrikosov Igor A. , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Dubrovinskaia Natalia
Published: October 2023

Carbon nitrides featuring three‐dimensional frameworks of CN4 tetrahedra are one of the great aspirations of materials science, expected to have a hardness greater than or comparable to diamond. After more than three decades of efforts to synthesize them, no unambiguous evidence of their existence has been delivered. Here, the high‐pressure high‐temperature synthesis of three carbon–nitrogen compounds, tI14‐C3N4, hP126‐C3N4, and tI24‐CN2, in laser‐heated diamond anvil cells, is reported. Their structures are solved and refined using synchrotron single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Physical properties investigations show that these strongly covalently bonded materials, ultra‐incompressible and superhard, also possess high energy density, piezoelectric, and photoluminescence properties. The novel carbon nitrides are unique among high‐pressure materials, as being produced above 100 GPa they are recoverable in air at ambient conditions.
Isomerized Green Solid Additive Engineering for Thermally Stable and Eco‐Friendly All‐Polymer Solar Cells with Approaching 19% Efficiency
Authors: Liu Bin , Xu Wan , Ma Ruijie , Lee Jin‐Woo , Dela Peña Top Archie , Yang Wanli , Li Bolin , Li Mingjie , Wu Jiaying , Wang Yimei , Zhang Chao , Yang Jie , Wang Junwei , Ning Shangbo , Wang Zhengfei , Li Jianfeng , Wang Hua , Li Gang , Kim Bumjoon J. , Niu Li , Guo Xugang , Sun Huiliang
Published: October 2023

Laboratory‐scale all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) have exhibited remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 19%. However, the utilization of hazardous solvents and nonvolatile liquid additives poses challenges for eco‐friendly commercialization, resulting in the trade‐off between device efficiency and operation stability. Herein, an innovative approach based on isomerized solid additive engineering is proposed, employing volatile dithienothiophene (DTT) isomers to modulate intermolecular interactions and facilitate molecular stacking within the photoactive layers. Through elucidating the underlying principles of the DTT‐induced polymer assembly on molecular level, a PCE of 18.72% is achieved for devices processed with environmentally benign solvents, ranking it among the highest record values for eco‐friendly all‐PSCs. Significantly, such superiorities of the DTT‐isomerized strategy afford excellent compatibility with large‐area blade‐coating techniques, offering a promising pathway for industrial‐scale manufacturing of all‐PSCs. Moreover, these devices demonstrate enhanced thermal stability with a promising extrapolated T80 lifetime of 14 000 h, further bolstering their potential for sustainable technological advancement.
Cellulosic Nanofibers Utilizing a Silicone Elastomeric Core to Form Stretchable Paper
Authors: Dorsainvil Joab S. , Brown Matthew S. , Rafiee Zahra , Elhadad Anwar , Choi Seokheun , Koh Ahyeon
Published: October 2023

Paper, an inexpensive material with natural biocompatibility, non‐toxicity, and biodegradability, allows for affordable and cost‐effective substrates for unconventional advanced electronics, often called papertronics. On the other hand, polymeric elastomers have shown to be an excellent success for substrates of soft bioelectronics, providing stretchability in skin wearable technology for continuous sensing applications. Although both materials hold their unique advantageous characteristics, merging both material properties into a single electronic substrate reimagines paper‐based bioelectronics for wearable and patchable applications in biosensing, energy generation and storage, soft actuators, and more. Here, a breathable, light‐weighted, biocompatible engineered stretchable paper is reported via coaxial nonwoven microfibers for unconventional bioelectronic substrates. The stretchable papers allow intimate bioconformability without adhesive through coaxial electrospinning of a cellulose acetate polymer (sheath) and a silicone elastomer (core). The fabricated cellulose‐silicone fibers exhibit a greater percent strain than commercially available paper while retaining hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, combustibility, disposable, and other natural characteristics of paper. Moreover, the nonwoven stretchable cellulose‐silicone fibrous mat can adapt conventional printing and fabrication process for paper‐based electronics, an essential aspect of advanced bioelectronic manufacturing.
Capacitive Pressure Sensors Based on Square‐Conical Arrays Fabricated by a Fabric‐Mould Strategy for Ultralow and Highly Sensitive Pressure Detection
Authors: Zhang Yongwei , Yang Jianhua , Jiang Chunpeng , Fan Chao , Lv Wen , Chen Xiyu , Zeng Min , Hu Nantao , Wang Tao , Yang Zhi
Published: October 2023

Flexible pressure sensors are playing an emerging role in artificial intelligence and electronic skin. However, developing a high‐performance, flexible pressure sensor through a reusable and straightforward manufacturing approach still remains a challenge. In this study, a highly sensitive, flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on a fabric‐mould strategy is introduced. Custom square‐conical arrays with Au electrodes can feasibly be fabricated at scale by peeling them off the fabric mould. The fabricated pressure sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of 5.829 kPa−1 (0–0.444 kPa) and a rapid response/recovery time of 160/70 ms. Notably, the sensor has an ultralow detection limit of 0.24 Pa, showing great potential for extremely sensitive pressure detection applications, such as water leakage monitoring. Finite element analysis, grounded on 3D‐scanning reconstruction, reveals that the enhanced sensing performance can be attributed to the contact surface of the square‐conical arrays. Moreover, the pressure sensors can accurately identify human physiological information, as well as the spatial distribution and shape of objects, further highlighting the promise for wearable electronic devices. This work not only offers a new approach for large‐scale fabrication of micro‐structures at low cost but also provides a new insight into the optimization of structures for sensitive pressure sensors.