bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Printing Green: Microalgae‐Based Materials for 3D Printing with Light
Authors: Vazquez‐Martel Clara , Florido Martins Lilliana , Genthner Elisa , Almeida Carlos , Martel Quintana Antera , Bastmeyer Martin , Gómez Pinchetti Juan Luis , Blasco Eva
Published: June 2024

Microalgae have emerged as sustainable feedstocks due to their ability to fix CO2 during cultivation, rapid growth rates, and capability to produce a wide variety of metabolites. Several microalgae accumulate lipids in high concentrations, especially triglycerides, along with lipid‐soluble, photoactive pigments such as chlorophylls and derivatives. Microalgae‐derived triglycerides contain longer fatty acid chains with more double bonds on average than vegetable oils, allowing a higher degree of post‐functionalization. Consequently, they are especially suitable as precursors for materials that can be used in 3D printing with light. This work presents the use of microalgae as “biofactories” to generate materials that can be further 3D printed in high resolution. Two taxonomically different strains —Odontella aurita (O. aurita, BEA0921B) and Tetraselmis striata (T. striata, BEA1102B)— are identified as suitable microalgae for this purpose. The extracts obtained from the microalgae (mainly triglycerides with chlorophyll derivatives) are functionalized with photopolymerizable groups and used directly as printable materials (inks) without the need for additional photoinitiators. The fabrication of complex 3D microstructures with sub‐micron resolution is demonstrated. Notably, the 3D printed materials show biocompatibility. These findings open new possibilities for the next generation of sustainable, biobased, and biocompatible materials with great potential in life science applications.
Phonon Engineering in Solid Polymer Electrolyte toward High Safety for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Shi Xuemin , Jia Zhuangzhuang , Wang Donghai , Jiang Bowen , Liao Yaqi , Zhang Guohua , Wang Qingsong , He Danqi , Huang Yunhui
Published: June 2024

Extensively‐used rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) face challenges in achieving high safety and long cycle life. To address such challenges, ultrathin solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) is fabricated with reduced phonon scattering by depositing the composites of ionic‐liquid (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyamide, EMIM:DCA), polyurethane (PU) and lithium salt on the polyethylene separator. The robust and flexible separator matrix not only reduces the electrolyte thickness and improves the mobility of Li+, but more importantly provides a relatively regular thermal diffusion channel for SPE and reduces the external phonon scattering. Moreover, the introduction of EMIM:DCA successfully breaks the random intermolecular attraction of the PU polymer chain and significantly decreases phonon scattering to enhance the internal thermal conductivity of the polymer. Thus, the thermal conductivity of the as‐obtained SPE increases by approximately six times, and the thermal runaway (TR) of the battery is effectively inhibited. This work demonstrates that optimizing thermal safety of the battery by phonon engineering sheds a new light on the design principle for high‐safety Li‐ion batteries.
3D Spiky Needle‐Clustered Ag@Au Plasmonic Nanoarchitecture for Highly Sensitive and Machine Learning‐Assisted Detection of Multiple Hazardous Molecules
Authors: Seo Hyo Jeong , Kim Jun Young , Yang Jun‐Yeong , Mun Chaewon , Lee Seunghun , Koh Eun Hye , Linh Vo Thi Nhat , Kang Mijeong , Jung Ho Sang
Published: June 2024

To develop a field applicable hazardous molecular detection system, highly sensitive and multiplex detection capability is required for practical utilization. Here, a paper‐based 3D spiky needle‐clustered gold grown on silver (Ag@Au) plasmonic nanoarchitecture (3D‐SNCP) is fabricated through whole solution process. The developed substrate is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to find out morphological development mechanism. Also, finite‐domain time difference (FDTD) simulation is conducted for the observation of electromagnetic field (E‐field) distribution. After surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) characterization, the 3D‐SNCP is utilized for ultra‐sensitive and multiplex hazardous molecular detection, such as bipyridine pesticides including paraquat (PQ), diquat (DQ), and difenzoquat (DIF). Then, each of pesticide molecular Raman signals are trained by a machine learning technique of multinomial logistic regression (MLR), followed by multiplex classificationf of blank, PQ, DQ, DIF, and four mixture types of each pesticide, spiked in real agricultural matrix. The developed 3D‐SNCP substrate combined with the machine learning method successfully verifies the multiple pesticides and it is expected to be applied for various hazardous molecular detection in much complicated matrix environments.
Covalent Phosphazene‐Based Polymers with Fully Heterocyclic Rings for Rapid and Selective Adsorption of Uranium in High Acidity
Authors: Guo Xinghua , Wu Zhikang , Chen Xun , Wang Hongqing , Wang Degao
Published: June 2024

Selective uranium adsorption in high acidic conditions is essential and extremely challenging. Based on the potential uranium adsorption capacity of phosphazene‐based frameworks, a design of constructing fully heterocyclic covalent phosphazene‐based polymers (CPPs) is proposed by introducing potential coordination structural units rich in Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), and other heteroatoms. The as‐prepared CPP‐N and CPP‐O (CPP‐N/O) with unique ─N═P─NH─C═N‐ and ─N═P─O─C═N─ full heterocyclic structures. Uranium adsorption experiments reveal that under the synergistic coordination of N, O, and other heteroatoms, the saturated sorption capacity of uranium under 1 mol L−1 (M) HNO3 can reach 270 and 275 mg g−1 for CPP‐N and CPP‐O, respectively. The adsorption capacities of CPP‐N and CPP‐O are greater than 130 and 100 mg g−1at 1‐6 M acidity, respectively. Moreover, the selectivity of CPP‐O for uranium under competing ions can reach up to more than 80%. Both CPP‐N/O show stable and excellent uranium adsorption capacity under high acidity, which lays a path for the design and preparation of novel uranium adsorbents applicable to highly acidic environment.
The Networking Brain: How Extracellular Matrix, Cellular Networks, and Vasculature Shape the In Vivo Mechanical Properties of the Brain
Authors: Bergs Judith , Morr Anna S. , Silva Rafaela V. , Infante‐Duarte Carmen , Sack Ingolf
Published: June 2024

Mechanically, the brain is characterized by both solid and fluid properties. The resulting unique material behavior fosters proliferation, differentiation, and repair of cellular and vascular networks, and optimally protects them from damaging shear forces. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive imaging technique that maps the mechanical properties of the brain in vivo. MRE studies have shown that abnormal processes such as neuronal degeneration, demyelination, inflammation, and vascular leakage lead to tissue softening. In contrast, neuronal proliferation, cellular network formation, and higher vascular pressure result in brain stiffening. In addition, brain viscosity has been reported to change with normal blood perfusion variability and brain maturation as well as disease conditions such as tumor invasion. In this article, the contributions of the neuronal, glial, extracellular, and vascular networks are discussed to the coarse‐grained parameters determined by MRE. This reductionist multi‐network model of brain mechanics helps to explain many MRE observations in terms of microanatomical changes and suggests that cerebral viscoelasticity is a suitable imaging marker for brain disease.
Photodeposition‐Based Synthesis of TiO2@IrOx Core–Shell Catalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis with Low Iridium Loading
Authors: Hoffmeister Darius , Finger Selina , Fiedler Lena , Ma Tien‐Ching , Körner Andreas , Zlatar Matej , Fritsch Birk , Bodnar Kerstin Witte , Carl Simon , Götz Alexander , Zubiri Benjamin Apeleo , Will Johannes , Spiecker Erdmann , Cherevko Serhiy , Freiberg Anna T. S. , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Thiele Simon , Hutzler Andreas , van Pham Chuyen
Published: June 2024

The widespread application of green hydrogen production technologies requires cost reduction of crucial elements. To achieve this, a viable pathway to reduce the iridium loading in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is explored. Herein, a scalable synthesis method based on a photodeposition process for a TiO2@IrOx core–shell catalyst with a reduced iridium content as low as 40 wt.% is presented. Using this synthesis method, titania support particles homogeneously coated with a thin iridium oxide shell of only 2.1 ± 0.4 nm are obtained. The catalyst exhibits not only high ex situ activity, but also decent stability compared to commercially available catalysts. Furthermore, the unique core–shell structure provides a threefold increased electrical powder conductivity compared to structures without the shell. In addition, the low iridium content facilitates the fabrication of sufficiently thick catalyst layers at decreased iridium loadings mitigating the impact of crack formation in the catalyst layer during PEMWE operation. It is demonstrated that the novel TiO2@IrOx core–shell catalyst clearly outperforms the commercial reference in single‐cell tests with an iridium loading below 0.3 mgIr cm−2 exhibiting a superior iridium‐specific power density of 17.9 kW gIr−1 compared to 10.4 kW gIr−1 for the commercial reference.
Robust and Adhesive Laminar Solid Electrolyte with Homogenous and Fast Li‐Ion Conduction for High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Guo Shiyuan , Su Yuefeng , Yan Kang , Zhao Chenying , Lu Yun , Wang Haoyu , Dong Jinyang , Li Ning , Liu Yun , Guan Yibiao , Wu Feng , Chen Lai
Published: June 2024

Constructing composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) integrating the merits of inorganic and organic components is a promising approach to developing high‐performance all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs). CSEs are now capable of achieving homogeneous and fast Li‐ion flux, but how to escape the trade‐off between mechanical modulus and adhesion is still a challenge. Herein, a strategy to address this issue is proposed, that is, intercalating highly conductive, homogeneous, and viscous‐fluid ionic conductors into robust coordination laminar framework to construct laminar solid electrolyte with homogeneous and fast Li‐ion conduction (LSE‐HFC). A 9 µm‐thick LSH‐HFC, in which poly(ethylene oxide)/succinonitrile is adsorbed by coordination laminar framework with metal–organic framework nanosheets as building blocks, is used here as an example to determine the validity. The Li‐ion transfer mechanism is verified and works across the entire LSE‐HFC, which facilitates homogeneous Li‐ion flux and low migration energy barriers, endowing LSE‐HFC with high ionic conductivity of 5.62 × 10−4 S cm−1 and Li‐ion transference number of 0.78 at 25 °C. Combining the outstanding mechanical strength against punctures and the enhanced adhesion force with electrodes, LSE‐HFC harvests uniform Li plating/stripping behavior. These enable the realization of high‐energy‐density ASSLMBs with excellent cycling stability when being assembled as LiFePO4/Li and LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2/Li cells.
Targeting ASK1 by CS17919 alleviates kidney‐ and liver‐related diseases in murine models
Authors: Liao Guoqiang , Yang Qianjiao , Mao Xuhua , Zhao Yiru , Chen Beizhong , Zhang Kun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ping , Chen Zhengli , Huang Shengjian
Published: June 2024

Background

Apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is a MAP3K kinase in the MAPK signaling pathway activated by stressors and triggers downstream biological effects such as inflammation and apoptosis; therefore, inhibition of ASK1 kinase activity can protect cells from pathological injury. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel selective ASK1 inhibitor, CS17919, and investigated its pharmacological effects in various animal models of metabolic injury.

Methods

First, we validated the ability of CS17919 to inhibit ASK1 in vitro and then tested the safety profile of CS17919 in cell lines compared with Selonsertib (GS‐4997), a phase III ASK1 inhibitor. We then conducted pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in mice. Finally, we tested the in vivo efficacy of CS17919 in murine models of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Results

Compared to GS‐4997, CS17919 demonstrated comparable inhibition of ASK1 in vitro, exhibited lower toxicity, and provided greater protection in palmitic acid‐treated LO2 cells. CS17919 also showed pronounced pharmacokinetic properties such as a high plasma concentration. In the unilateral ureteral obstruction model (UUO), CS17919 and GS‐4997 preserved kidney function and showed a non‐significant tendency to alleviate kidney fibrosis. In the diabetic kidney disease (DKD) model, CS17919 significantly improved serum creatinine and glomerular sclerosis. In the NASH model, the combination of CS17919 and a THRβ agonist (CS27109) was found to significantly improve liver inflammation and substantially reduced liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

CS17919 showed cell protective, anti‐inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its therapeutic potential for metabolic‐related kidney and liver diseases.
Unconventional Hole Doping of S = ½ Kagome Antiferromagnet CoCu3(OH)6Cl2
Authors: Mandal Rimpa , Ninawe Pranay , Ananthram K. S. , Mhase Akash , Gupta Kriti , Saha Sauvik , Ugale Ajay , Singh Kirandeep , Tarafder Kartick , Ballav Nirmalya
Published: June 2024

Geometrically perfect S = ½ kagome lattices with frustrated magnetism are typically electrical insulators. Electron or hole doping is predicted to induce an exotic conducting state including superconductivity. Herein, an unconventional strategy of doping an S = ½ kagome lattice CoCu3(OH)6Cl2 is adopted – a structural analogue of a well‐known quantum spin liquid (QSL) candidate herbertsmithite (ZnCu3(OH)6Cl2) – by integrating it with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via in situ redox chemistry. Such an integration drastically enhances the electrical conductivity, resulting in the transformation of an insulator to a semiconductor, corroborating the respective density of states obtained from the density functional theory calculations. Estimation of the magnetic moments, data on the Hall‐effect measurements, Bader charge analysis, and photoemission signals, altogether provide a bold signature of remote hole doping in CoCu3(OH)6Cl2 by rGO. The remote doping provides an alternative to the site doping approach to impart exotic electronic properties in spin liquid candidates, specifically, the generation of topological states like Dirac metal is envisioned.
Will 2024 be the first year that global temperature exceeds 1.5°C?
Authors: Dunstone Nick J. , Smith Doug M. , Atkinson Chris , Colman Andrew , Folland Chris , Hermanson Leon , Ineson Sarah , Killick Rachel , Morice Colin , Rayner Nick , Seabrook Melissa , Scaife Adam A.
Published: June 2024

Global mean near surface temperature change is the key metric by which our warming climate is monitored and for which international climate policy is set. At the end of each year the Met Office issues a global mean temperature forecast for the coming year. Following on from the new record in 2023, we predict that 2024 will likely (76% chance) be a new record year with a 1‐in‐3 chance of exceeding 1.5°C above pre‐industrial. Whilst a one‐year temporary exceedance of 1.5°C would not constitute a breach of the Paris Agreement target, our forecast highlights how close we are now to this. Our 2024 forecast is primarily driven by the strong warming trend of +0.2°C/decade (1981–2023) and secondly by the lagged warming effect of a strong tropical Pacific El Niño event. We highlight that 2023 itself was significantly warmer than the Met Office DePreSys3 forecast, with much of this additional observed warming coming from the southern hemisphere, the cause of which requires further understanding.
Ethos within the British boarding school: A small‐scale analysis of the ‘Head's Welcome’ as an act of legitimation
Authors: Round Matthew
Published: June 2024

The term ethos is common within schools, describing culture and ‘feel’ of the institution. Ethos is also a contested term, and one that becomes more problematic the more one tries to understand it. Because ethos is founded within philosophical, structural and geographical aspects of the community and associated power balances, it is argued here that it provides an opportunity to study one aspect of the Bordieuan field of power, more specifically doxa. This paper posits that it may be beneficial to consider the term ethos through the lens of doxa, specifically when considering elite schools, and that doing so helps to further link the research into elite English boarding school ethos and discussions surrounding power, inculcation, authority, elitism and class within such schools. An analysis of the Head's Welcome from the websites of English independent boarding schools was undertaken, which identified both institutional and sector‐wide doxa, which were used to construct descriptive pictures of legitimation.
Internal validation of Automated Visual Evaluation (AVE) on smartphone images for cervical cancer screening in a prospective study in Zambia
Authors: Hu Liming , Mwanahamuntu Mulindi H. , Sahasrabuddhe Vikrant V. , Barrett Caroline , Horning Matthew P. , Shah Ishan , Laverriere Zohreh , Banik Dipayan , Ji Ye , Shibemba Aaron Lunda , Chisele Samson , Munalula Mukatimui Kalima , Kaunga Friday , Musonda Francis , Malyangu Evans , Hariharan Karen Milch , Parham Groesbeck P.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is a low‐cost approach for cervical cancer screening used in most low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) but, similar to other visual tests, is subjective and requires sustained training and quality assurance. We developed, trained, and validated an artificial‐intelligence‐based “Automated Visual Evaluation” (AVE) tool that can be adapted to run on smartphones to assess smartphone‐captured images of the cervix and identify precancerous lesions, helping augment VIA performance.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Eight public health facilities in Zambia.

Participants

A total of 8204 women aged 25–55.

Interventions

Cervical images captured on commonly used low‐cost smartphone models were matched with key clinical information including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) status, plus histopathology analysis (where applicable), to develop and train an AVE algorithm and evaluate its performance for use as a primary screen and triage test for women who are HPV positive.

Main Outcome Measures

Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC); sensitivity; specificity.

Results

As a general population screening tool for cervical precancerous lesions, AVE identified cases of cervical precancerous and cancerous (CIN2+) lesions with high performance (AUC = 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89–0.93), which translates to a sensitivity of 85% (95% CI = 81%–90%) and specificity of 86% (95% CI = 84%–88%) based on maximizing the Youden's index. This represents a considerable improvement over naked eye VIA, which as per a meta‐analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) has a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 87%. For women living with HIV, the AUC of AVE was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.88–0.93), and among those testing positive for high‐risk HPV types, the AUC was 0.87 (95% CI = 0.83–0.91).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing AVE on images captured using a commonly available smartphone by nurses in a screening program, and support our ongoing efforts for moving to more broadly evaluate AVE for its clinical sensitivity, specificity, feasibility, and acceptability across a wider range of settings. Limitations of this study include potential inflation of performance estimates due to verification bias (as biopsies were only obtained from participants with visible aceto‐white cervical lesions) and due to this being an internal validation (the test data, while independent from that used to develop the algorithm was drawn from the same study).
Association of eating out of home and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese urban workers: A nationwide study
Authors: Chen Fangyan , Wan Sitong , Hao Jinjuan , Sun Ke , Liu Annan , Zhu Ling , Wang Shuyan , He Jingjing , Zeng Ping
Published: June 2024

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been rapidly growing in Chinese populations in recent decades, and the shift in eating habits is a key contributing factor to this increase. Eating out of home (EOH) is one of the major shifts in eating habits during this period. However, the influence of EOH on the incidence of T2DM among Chinese urban workers is unknown.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study involved an analysis of 13,904 urban workers recruited from 11 health examination centers in the major cities of China to explore the relationship between EOH and T2DM between 2013 September and 2016 March.

Results

Average weekly EOH frequency ≥10 times was positively associated with increased incidence of T2DM in the sampled population (OR: 1.31 [1.11–1.54], p < 0.01), most notably in participants ≤45 years old (OR: 1.41[1.11–1.80], p < 0.01]) and in males (OR:1.26 [1.06–1.51], p < 0.01). An EOH frequency of 5 times/week appears as a threshold for a significant increase in the odds of T2DM. Weekly EOH frequency ≥5 times was associated with increased odds of T2DM in a dose–response manner in the total population and almost all subgroups (poverall association < 0.05 and pnonlinearity ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that a frequency of EOH (≥5 times/week) was associated with a frequency‐dependent increase in the odds of T2DM urban workers in China. More nutrition promotion is needed to improve the eating behavior of Chinese urban workers to reduce T2DM risk.
Iridium‐Based Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Lv Qingqing , Liu Di , Zhu Wei , Zhuang Zhongbin
Published: June 2024

The hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (HEMFCs) are promising but lack of high‐performance anode hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) electrocatalysts. The platinum group metals (PGMs) have the HOR activity in alkaline medium two to three orders of magnitude lower than those in acid, leading to the high required PGMs amount on anode to achieve high HEMFC performance. The mechanism study demonstrates the hydrogen binding energy of the catalyst determines the alkaline HOR kinetics, and the adsorbed OH and water on the catalyst surface promotes HOR. Iridium (Ir) has a unique advantage for alkaline HOR due to its similar hydrogen binding energy to Pt and enhanced adsorption of OH. However, the HOR activity of Ir/C is still unsatisfied in practical HEMFC applications. Further fine tuning the adsorption of the intermediate on Ir‐based catalysts is of great significance to improve their alkaline HOR activity, which can be reasonably realized by structure design and composition regulation. In this concept, we address the current understanding about the alkaline HOR mechanism and summarize recent advances of Ir‐based electrocatalysts with enhanced alkaline HOR activity. We also discuss the perspectives and challenges on Ir‐based electrocatalysts in the future.
Urate‐lowering therapy in patients with hyperuricemia and heart failure: A retrospective cohort study using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Kiddle Steven J. , Sundell Karolina Andersson , Perl Shira , Nolan Stephen , Bjursell Magnus
Published: June 2024

Background

Elevated serum uric acid (sUA) is associated with heart failure (HF).

Hypothesis

Urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) in HF is associated with lower risk of HF hospitalization (hHF) and mortality.

Methods

Data on patients with HF and gout or hyperuricemia in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink database linked to the Hospital Episode Statistics and the Office for National Statistics in the United Kingdom were analyzed. Risks of hHF and all‐cause mortality or cardiovascular‐related mortality by ULT exposure (ULT initiated within ≤6 months of gout or hyperuricemia diagnosis) were analyzed in a propensity score‐matched cohort using adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Of 2174 propensity score‐matched pairs, patients were predominantly male, aged >70 years, with mean ± standard deviation sUA 9.3 ± 1.8 (ULT‐exposed) and 9.4 ± 1.9 mg/dL (ULT‐unexposed). At 5 years, ULT‐exposed patients had a 43% lower risk of hHF or all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.65) and a 19% lower risk of hHF or cardiovascular‐related mortality (adjusted HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71–0.92) versus no ULT exposure.

Conclusion

ULT was associated with reduced risk of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with HF and gout or hyperuricemia over 5 years.
Home Heart Hospital Associated With Reduced Hospitalizations and Costs Among High‐Cost Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Shen Michael , Osman Kareem , Blumenthal Daniel M. , DeMuth Kaelin , Liu Yixiang
Published: June 2024

Background

There is no widely accepted care model for managing high‐need, high‐cost (HNHC) patients. We hypothesized that a Home Heart Hospital (H3), which provides longitudinal, hospital‐level at‐home care, would improve care quality and reduce costs for HNHC patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Objective

To evaluate associations between enrollment in H3, which provides longitudinal, hospital‐level at‐home care, care quality, and costs for HNHC patients with CVD.

Methods

This retrospective within‐subject cohort study used insurance claims and electronic health records data to evaluate unadjusted and adjusted annualized hospitalization rates, total costs of care, part A costs, and mortality rates before, during, and following H3.

Results

Ninety‐four patients were enrolled in H3 between February 2019 and October 2021. Patients' mean age was 75 years and 50% were female. Common comorbidities included congestive heart failure (50%), atrial fibrillation (37%), coronary artery disease (44%). Relative to pre‐enrollment, enrollment in H3 was associated with significant reductions in annualized hospitalization rates (absolute reduction (AR): 2.4 hospitalizations/year, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: −0.8, −4.0; p < 0.001; total costs of care (AR: −$56 990, 95% CI: −$105 170, −$8810; p < 0.05; and part A costs (AR: −$78 210, 95% CI: −$114 770, −$41 640; p < 0.001). Annualized post‐H3 total costs and part A costs were significantly lower than pre‐enrollment costs (total costs of care: −$113 510, 95% CI: −$151 340, −$65 320; p < 0.001; part A costs: −$84 480, 95% CI: −$121 040, −$47 920; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Longitudinal home‐based care models hold promise for improving quality and reducing healthcare spending for HNHC patients with CVD.
A hydrodynamic lake model coupled with a three‐dimensional dynamic visualization method
Authors: Liao Zhenliang , Chi Yanfeng , Gu Xianyong , Zhi Guozheng , Tian Wenchong , Xie Jiaqiang , Zhou Junwei
Published: June 2024

The hydrodynamic lake model is an important tool for lake management and decision‐making. When model results are analyzed by traditional analysis methods, the multisource heterogeneous data are not expressed systematically and intuitively, which leads to the inability to extract useful information efficiently. In order to solve the above problems, a three‐dimensional dynamic visualization analysis method of the hydrodynamic lake model (3DV‐HLM) is proposed by coupling the hydrodynamic lake model with the three‐dimensional dynamic visualization technology. Chaohu Lake was taken as an example to verify the feasibility of the method. Thirteen working conditions were set up and the simulated water flows changing with space and time were analyzed and compared by the 3DV‐HLM method. The results show that the 3DV‐HLM method proposed in this study is more systematic and effective in the expression of multisource heterogeneous information than the traditional analysis methods. It is easier to discover rules and obtain useful information from huge data set by the 3DV‐HLM method. Besides, the intuitive display of the model results by the 3DV‐HLM method is close to the real environment, which can enhance the understanding of the hydrodynamic characteristics of the lake by the water environment managers.
A Fuzzy DEMATEL‐FCM approach for analyzing the enablers of the circular economy and Industry 4.0 in the supply chain
Authors: Ardakani Davood Andalib , Kiani Mehrdad , Babakhanifard Mohammad Sadegh
Published: June 2024

The synergy between the concepts of circular economy and Industry 4.0 enables a greater movement toward a sustainable society and addresses environmental and economic issues in organizational operations. This study seeks to implement circular economy and Industry 4.0 for waste reduction and resource optimization in Yazd glass factories. It is significant because Iranian factories are not efficient from this point of view and produce a considerable amount of waste. For this purpose, the mixed methodology has been employed. In the qualitative part, 15 enablers are identified by using the meta‐synthesis method, which are categorized into four economic, human resources, organizational‐managerial, and infrastructure dimensions. In the quantitative stage, the cause‐and‐effect relationship between enablers is identified by using the Fuzzy DEMATEL method, and forward and backward scenarios are formulated using fuzzy cognitive map technique. While the research practical contributions include identification of key enablers in implementing circular supply chain management 4.0, formulation of forward and backward scenarios to guide strategic decision‐making in sustainable practices, and offering actionable insights for waste reduction and resource optimization in the glass industry leading to improved operational efficiency, it has theoretical contributions such as highlighting the significance of specific enablers in the successful implementation of circular supply chain management 4.0, demonstrating the interplay between different enablers and their impact on key aspects, and advancing knowledge on sustainable practices within the context of the glass industry, contributing to environmental sustainability and operational excellence in Iranian factories.
Three‐phase LLC resonant converter with variable magnetizing inductance to extend gain range
Authors: Zhao Qinglin , Shi Xinyu , Shi Yuechang , Guo Dong , Wang Deyu
Published: June 2024

LLC resonant converter has been widely employed in electric vehicle (EV) charging applications. Compared with single‐phase LLC converters, three‐phase LLC converters provide a smaller current ripple, higher power capacity, and higher power density at higher power levels. However, the conventional three‐phase LLC converter, which adopts pulse frequency modulation (PFM), has the issue of limited gain range. In this paper, a three‐phase LLC resonant converter with variable magnetizing inductance is proposed. A two‐stage control strategy of PFM and fixed‐frequency magnetizing inductance modulation (MIM) is proposed. The wide gain range needed for EV charging is realized by modulating magnetizing inductance and frequency. Finally, a 2.7 kW prototype with 400 V input and 280–420 V output range verifies the theoretical analysis and parameter design. The experimental results show that the converter can achieve soft switching and a wide gain range and the peak efficiency is 97.7%.
Stochastic stability analysis method for offshore doubly‐fed wind power systems considering frequency variation of power cable parameters
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Bo , Wei Zhanhong , Li Qiangqiang , Kun Wang
Published: June 2024

To address the grid stability problem caused by random changes in cable impedance when an offshore wind power generation system is sent out via a power cable, this study proposes a stochastic stability analysis method for an offshore doubly‐fed wind power generation system considering the frequency variation of the power cable parameters based on the polynomial approximation theory, which can be analyzed by equating the problem of the random change in the impedance of the offshore wind power public coupling point as a deterministic problem. First, a stochastic dynamics model of doubly‐fed wind farm is established by considering variation impedance variation. Second, using the polynomial approximation theory, the wind farm model containing stochastic parameters is approximated for analysis as an equivalent deterministic model. Finally, based on the approximated deterministic model, the grid‐connected stability of wind farms with different impedance fluctuation strengths is investigated, and the stable operation interval of the wind farms affected by the impedance is determined. The simulation results show that when the stochastic intensity exceeds a certain threshold, Hopf bifurcation occurs during the voltage and turndown, and the system is destabilized. This study provides a theoretical basis for the stability of offshore wind power.
Development of a quality of life measure for left ventricular assist device recipients using a mixed methods approach
Authors: Slade Anita L. , McMullan Christel , Haque M. Sayeed , Griffith Stephen , Marley Laura , Quinn David , O'Hara Margaret E. , Horton Mike , Calvert Melanie J. , Lim Hoong Sern , Lane Deirdre A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients report symptom improvement but find adjusting to life with the LVAD challenging. These challenges are unique, and existing patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) do not reflect their experiences. This study aimed to develop a culturally relevant quality of life PROM for use with LVAD recipients in future research, design evolutions and clinical practice.

Methods

A three‐stage mixed‐methods approach was used to develop a PROM: stage 1 included group concept mapping (GCM); stage 2 semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 11 LVAD recipients and 10 clinicians, and a questionnaire was developed using a conceptual framework; and stage 3 used exploratory psychometric analysis of the PROM data using Rasch measurement theory. This paper presents stages 2 and 3.

Results

The conceptual framework consisted of four key concepts, including general health, life with the LVAD, equipment and clothing and emotional impact. Statements from interviews and GCM were used to create items for the LVAD quality of life (LVAD‐QoL). Cognitive interviews tested face validity and participant comprehension. Forty‐nine participants were recruited from three UK transplant centres. PROM data were collected and analysed using Rasch analysis. Four items displayed misfit; dependency between item sets was the biggest issue (57/485 pairwise differences). After restructuring and dealing with item misfit, the LVAD‐QoL conformed to the Rasch model, supporting the psychometric properties and quality of the LVAD‐QoL.

Conclusions

Using a mixed‐methods approach ensured the development of a robust and psychometrically sound tool for research, design evolution and clinical practice with LVAD recipients.
Identification of a novel likely pathogenic TPM1 variant linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a family with sudden cardiac death
Authors: Azimi Amir , Soveizi Mahdieh , Salmanipour Alireza , Mozafarybazargany Mohammadhossein , Ghaffari Jolfayi Amir , Maleki Majid , Kalayinia Samira
Published: June 2024

Aims

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal dominant genetic cardiac disorder characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. It can cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic to heart failure and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Approximately half of HCM cases are caused by variants in sarcomeric proteins, including α‐tropomyosin (TPM1). In this study, we aimed to characterize the clinical and molecular phenotype of HCM in an Iranian pedigree with SCD.

Methods and Results

The proband and available family members underwent comprehensive clinical evaluations, including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and electrocardiography (ECG). Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed in all available family members to identify the causal variant, which was validated, and segregation analysis was conducted via Sanger sequencing. WES identified a novel missense variant, c.761A>G:p.D254G (NM_001018005.2), in the TPM1 gene, in the proband, his father and one of his sisters. Bioinformatic analysis predicted it to be likely pathogenic. Clinical features in affected individuals were consistent with HCM.

Conclusions

The identification of a novel TPM1 variant in a family with HCM and SCD underscores the critical role of genetic screening in at‐risk families. Early detection of pathogenic variants can facilitate timely intervention and management, potentially reducing the risk of SCD in individuals with HCM.
Long‐term cognitive and brain morphologic changes in chronic heart failure: Results of the Cognition.Matters‐HF study
Authors: Traub Jan , Homola György , Morbach Caroline , Sell Roxanne , Göpfert Dennis , Frantz Stefan , Pham Mirko , Stoll Guido , Störk Stefan , Frey Anna
Published: June 2024

Aims

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common, yet frequently unrecognized co‐morbidity in chronic heart failure (HF). We quantified trajectories of cognitive performance, brain volume, and related clinical outcome over a time course of 6 years.

Methods and results

The Cognition.Matters‐HF cohort study recruited patients with stable HF of any aetiology and severity. Beyond cardiological assessment, the workup included cognitive testing and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of 148 recruited patients, 70% exhibited CI at baseline. During the median follow‐up time of 69 months (quartiles: 68, 70), indicators of HF severity remained essentially unaltered. CI was also stable, with the exception of intensity of attention, where age‐adjusted t‐scores decreased from 42 (38, 46) to 38 (34, 44; P < 0.001). Complete sets of four serial brain MRI scans were available in 47 patients (32% of total sample). Total brain volume shrank by 0.4% per year, from 1103 (1060, 1143) cm3 to 1078 (1027, 1117) cm3, which was within limits observed in non‐diseased ageing individuals. During follow‐up, 29 study participants (20%) died, and 26 (18%) were at least once hospitalized due to worsening HF. The presence of CI was not associated with overall (P = 0.290) or hospitalization‐free (P = 0.450) survival.

Conclusions

In patients with stable HF patients receiving guideline‐directed pharmacologic treatment and regular medical care, the presence of CI did not affect overall and hospitalization‐free 6‐year survival. The loss of brain parenchyma observed in patients with stable HF did not exceed that of normal ageing.
Vibration and flutter analysis of piezoelectric plates in an electrothermal field using higher order theories
Authors: Khoshgoftar Mohammad Javad
Published: June 2024

In this study, we investigate the vibration and dynamic stability of a thick rectangular plate that is restrained on four edges by simple clamps. Nonlocal elasticity based on high‐order shear theories is used to model the structure, which takes into account not only shear flow along the thickness, but also different distributions of shear deformations. The inclusion of rotational inertia also significantly impacts the accuracy of the results. The aerodynamic flow on the plate surface is modeled using the linear piston theory, which relates the incoming load from the aerodynamic flow to the transversal deformation of the plate. By utilizing Hamilton's principle, the governing equations for the system are obtained and solved using the weighted residual method. The results are validated by comparing them to previous studies. The effects of various parameters, such as the plate's geometrical properties, the impact of different theories, heat, electric voltage, and nonlocal variables, on the vibration and flutter behavior of the plate are examined. Additionally, it is found that the application of negative voltage increases the critical aerodynamic pressure by creating a traction force, and that a suitable thermal load can avoid instability caused by aerodynamic load. By applying voltage and heat, it is possible to increase the flutter threshold and delay it.
New concepts in the design of an IoT electric torque wrench‐based on a smart meter chip
Authors: Meng Zhaohui , Zhang Peng , Zhang Hongli , Wang Huawei
Published: June 2024

Electric torque wrenches play a critical role in the assembly process of high‐strength bolts. This study focuses on three assembly processes for high‐strength bolts and introduces two statistical analysis methods to evaluate the quality of bolt assembly. To improve performance, a novel fully digital electric torque wrench, integrated with a smart meter chip, is designed. This wrench achieves integration between the current sensor control method and the torque sensor control method through a simplified hardware circuit, ensuring high precision and stability. Moreover, the AC voltage self‐stabilization method and Savitzky–Golay filtering method are employed in this study to enhance the accuracy and robustness of the wrench. Simulation experiments using Simulink and Matlab validate the effectiveness of these two methods. Additionally, a cloud platform is utilized to facilitate seamless connectivity and data transmission, enabling rapid Internet of Things access for the wrench.
Modeling and simulation of the control system for the plane mirror rotating interferometer
Authors: Qin Yusheng , Li Xiangxian , Han Xin , Tong Jingjing , Gao Minguang
Published: June 2024

To solve the problem of optical path difference velocity (OPDV) stability in the Fourier spectrometer, a Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller‐Proportional‐Integral‐Derivative (CMAC‐PID) composite control strategy is proposed. The relationship between the angular velocity of the rotary‐type voice coil motor (RT‐VCM) and the OPDV was studied, along with a mathematical model of the parallel rotating mirror interferometer system. CMAC‐PID is designed and simulated on this basis to suppress the disturbance of nonlinear factors in the system model. The simulation results demonstrate that the steady‐state fluctuation error of the CMAC‐PID controller is 90.1% less than that of the PID controller. The experimental results indicate that compared to the PID controller, the CMAC‐PID controller improves the stability of the OPDV by 1.25%, which means that time‐varying disturbances are effectively suppressed.
La sazón de liderazgo among Latine evaluators to advance LatCREE
Authors: Aponte‐Soto Lisa , Maldonado Saúl I. , Valentín Cortés Mislael A. , Neubauer Leah C. , Hernandez Arthur
Published: June 2024

The pool of Latine evaluators advancing to leadership is significantly narrow. Investing in the pipeline of Latine talent in the evaluation field who can authentically practice Latine Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (LatCREE) is essential for working in partnership with Latine communities, advancing theory, and the profession. This article summarizes the findings from testimonios (testimonials) with Latine evaluation líderes (leaders) in the American Evaluation Association (AEA) using a collective critical reflection approach. First, we describe the mentorship and liderazgo (leadership) experiences of Latine evaluators. We also define the central tenets for applying LatCREE as viewed through the lens of Latine evaluators as well as the challenges and lessons learned for conducting LatCREE with diverse Latine communities. Lastly, we discuss the liderazgo (leadership) characteristics that Latine evaluators recognized as being influential to their own leadership journeys as advocates of LatCREE.
The effect of social media use on mental health of college students during the pandemic
Authors: Fruehwirth Jane Cooley , Weng Alex Xingbang , Perreira Krista M.
Published: June 2024

Social media is viewed to be a key contributor to worsening mental health in adolescents, as most recently reflected in a public health advisory by the US Surgeon General. We provide new evidence on the causal effects of social media on mental health of college students during the Covid‐19 pandemic, exploiting unique, longitudinal data collected before the Covid‐19 pandemic began and at two points during the pandemic. We find small insignificant effects of social media 4 months into the pandemic during a period of social distancing, but large statistically significant negative effects 18 months into the pandemic when colleges were mostly back to normal operations. Using rich data on substance use, exercise, sleep, stress, and social support, we find some evidence of substitution away from activities that better support mental health at later stages of the pandemic but not at early stages. We find that the negative effects of social media are mostly concentrated among socially‐isolated students. Both social support and resilience protect students from the negative effects of social media use. Policy implications include regulating social media while also bolstering social support and resilience as important protective factors.
Fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients: The status, independent risk factors, and consistency of multiple scales
Authors: Zhou Jun , Wang Wen , Gao Wenjia , Xu Yan , Zang Yinshan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Fatigue is a common symptom that negatively affects the outcomes and functions of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This study aimed to assess the fatigue by two scales and validate their consistency, also to comprehensively evaluate fatigue‐related risk factors in RA patients.

Methods

In this case–control study, the fatigue of 160 RA patients and 60 healthy controls was evaluated by the Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multi‐Dimensional Questionnaire (BRAF‐MDQ) and the Chinese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI‐C). The 28‐joint disease activity score using erythrocyte sedimentation rate of RA patients was assessed.

Results

The BRAF‐MDQ and BFI‐C scores were elevated in RA patients versus healthy controls (all p < .001). Interestingly, BRAF‐MDQ global fatigue score positively correlated with BFI‐C global fatigue score in both RA patients (r = .669, p < .001) and healthy controls (r = .527, p < .001); meanwhile, Kendall's tau‐b test showed a high consistency between BRAF‐MDQ and BFI‐C global fatigue scores in RA patients (W = 0.759, p < .001) and healthy controls (W = 0.933, p < .001). Notably, higher education level (В = −4.547; 95% confidence interval: −7.065, −2.029; p < .001) and swollen joint count (В = 1.965; 95% confidence interval: 1.375, 2.554; p < .001) independently related to BRAF‐MDQ global fatigue score; higher education level (В = −0.613; 95% confidence interval: −0.956, −0.269; p = .001) and clinical disease activity index (В = 0.053; 95% confidence interval: 0.005, 0.102; p = .032) independently linked with BFI‐C global fatigue score.

Conclusion

Fatigue commonly occurs in RA patients, which independently relates to education level and disease activity. Furthermore, BRAF‐MDQ and BFI‐C scales exhibit a high consistency in assessing fatigue.