bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of immune score and its prognostic value in invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast using computational pathology analysis
Authors: Wang Liye , Sun Peng , Xu Fei , Zheng Qiufan , Jiang Kuikui , Hong Ruoxi , Wang Shusen
Published: December 2023

Background

Previous studies have shown that high level of TILs in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is associated with poor prognosis, contrary to that in TNBC and HER2‐positive breast cancer.

Methods

The densities of six immune cell markers and three immune checkpoints in the ILC microenvironment were detected by computational pathology analysis. Then, the LASSO cox regression model was used to construct an immune score (IS) and further evaluate its prognostic value.

Results

In our ILC cohort, the low density of CD4, CD8, CD20, CD56, CD68, FOXP3, PD‐1, and PD‐L1 had significantly longer disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS); however, the low density of CTLA‐4 was associated with shorter DFS and OS. Based on this, an IS was constructed, and patients with low‐IS had significantly prolonged DFS (p < 0.0001) and OS (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that IS was an independent prognostic indicator for DFS and OS. Further analysis showed that IS may increase the prognostic value of TNM stage. We further explored the prognostic role of CD68 and FOXP3 in the transcriptional level and the corresponding ISm in the METABRIC dataset, and found that low proportion of CD68 and FOXP3 and their ISm were associated with longer OS, and ISm was also an independent prognostic factor for OS.

Conclusion

IS was a promising biomarker to distinguish the prognosis in ILC patients.
The Regentime stem cell procedure, successful treatment for a Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease case
Authors: Abi Chahine Nassim H. , Mansour Vanessa J. , Nemer Lea I. , Najjoum Cynthia F. , El Asmar Elsa A. , Boulos Rita T.
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

This report highlights the successful treatment of a Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease case using the Regentime stem cell procedure, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic approach for patients suffering from this challenging condition.
Recent Advance in the C−F Bond Functionalization of Trifluoromethyl Aromatic and Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Liu Jia‐Wei , Li Shi‐Yu , Xu Jun , Xu Hua‐Jian
Published: December 2023

The selective C−F bonds functionalization in available trifluoromethyl compounds is an economic route for obtaining high‐value organic fluorine compounds. However, due to the high C−F bonds dissociation energy in trifluoromethyl group, the strength of the bond decreases continuously during defluorination, posing a challenge in modifying such molecules without over‐conversion. Over the past few years, there has been significant progress in developing efficient methods for constructing difluoromethylene unit, using approaches such as radical chemistry, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and organometallic chemistry. These methods involve difluorocarbon radicals, difluorocarbon cations, difluorocarbon anions, and trifluoromethyl carbenes as intermediates. In this review, we summarized the recent five years of research achievements in this field for selective single C−F bond cleavage in trifluoromethyl aromatic and carbonyl compounds to gain diverse difluoromethylene‐containing organic molecules via different intermediate strategies.
Single‐ and multi‐GPU computing on NVIDIA‐ and AMD‐based server platforms for solidification modeling application
Authors: Halbiniak Kamil , Meyer Norbert , Rojek Krzysztof
Published: December 2023

This work explores the performance of single‐ and multi‐GPU computing on state‐of‐the‐art NVIDIA‐ and AMD‐based server‐class hardware using various programming interfaces to accelerate a real‐world scientific application for solidification modeling based on the phase‐field method. The main computations of this memory‐bound application correspond to 20 stencils computed across grid nodes. We investigate the application's scalability for two basic schemes of organizing computation: without and with hiding data transfers behind computation, combined with using either peer‐to‐peer inter‐GPU data transfers through NVIDIA NVLink and AMD Infinity interconnects or communication over the PCIe and main memory. Among the studied programming interfaces is CUDA, HIP, and OpenMP Accelerator Model. While the first two are designed to write the codes for a specific hardware platform, OpenMP enables code portability between NVIDIA and AMD GPUs. The resulting performance is experimentally assessed on computing platforms containing NVIDIA V100 (up to 8 GPUs) and A100 (one GPU), as well as AMD MI210 (one device) and MI250 (up to 8 logical GPUs).
A case of early gastric cancer with metastatic recurrence following curative endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Morita Yukihiro , Kimura Hidenori , Inatomi Osamu , Noguchi Akito , Shintani Shuhei , Imai Takayuki , Ohno Masashi , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Nishida Atsushi , Kaida Sachiko , Tani Masaji , Kushima Ryoji , Andoh Akira
Published: December 2023

A 70‐year‐old man was diagnosed with early gastric cancer with ulcerative findings. Endoscopic submucosal dissection as an absolute indication was performed, and en bloc resection was achieved. Pathological examination revealed a well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma, 3 × 2 mm in size, intramucosal, with an ulcerative scar, no lymphovascular invasion, and a tumor‐free margin. We diagnosed it as a curative resection and followed up with annual endoscopy. Sixteen months after endoscopic submucosal dissection, esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a singular ulcer scar; however, serum carcinoembryonic antigen level was elevated. Computed tomography scan showed wall thickening of the gastric antrum and an irregular mass on the dorsal side. Additionally, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/coomputed tomography showed 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the gastric antrum, irregular mass, and liver. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed an internally heterogeneous mass in the gastric antrum region extending from the submucosal layer to the muscularis propria layer. Using an endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine needle biopsy with a 22‐gauge needle for the mass, we diagnosed local recurrence with the submucosal tumor‐like appearance, lymph node metastasis, and liver metastases. Unfortunately, the patient died of gastric cancer 3 months after the diagnosis. Here, we report a rare case of local recurrence in the submucosal layer, lymph node metastasis, and liver metastases 16 months after curative endoscopic submucosal dissection.
Variability in evapotranspiration in the Andean páramo as influenced by fog and rainfall
Authors: Berrones Gina , Crespo Patricio , Carrillo‐Rojas Galo , Wilcox Bradford P. , Célleri Rolando
Published: December 2023

Tropical mountains such as the páramos of the Andes, which serve as ‘water towers’ for local communities and downstream cities, are important areas for early detection of climate change. Here, fog and low‐intensity rainfall are very common and play a key role in ecohydrological processes. Although evapotranspiration (ET) represents an important part of the water cycle, how ET and fog processes interact and how they affect páramo vegetation and water resources availability are poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of foggy (fog only) and mixed (fog and rainfall) conditions on ET. To determine whether fog significantly reduces ET, we compared ET and meteorological data under these two conditions with those during dry days. We found that on foggy days, when fog was most prevalent in the early morning, ET declined on average by 4% and net radiation (Rn) by 9.2%. Under mixed conditions, daily ET declined by 42% and Rn by 33%. In the páramo, where mean annual precipitation and ET are 1210 and 635 mm, respectively, the estimated annual reduction in ET due to fog and rainfall combined is between 77 and 174 mm. We found that during fog and rainfall mixed conditions, solar radiation was reduced, consequently constraining the energy available for ET while sustaining high relative humidity, ultimately reducing water loss. Our findings, which suggest that the presence of fog and low‐intensity rainfall restricts water losses by evaporative demand, contribute to a better understanding of the ecohydrological importance of these water inputs in the Andes.
A green dye wastewater treatment process: Complex extraction of Telon yellow 4R from dye wastewater and its application in nylon fabric dyeing
Authors: Yu Chengbing , Zheng Zhe , Wang Qingxuan
Published: December 2023

Complex extraction, which has the characteristics of high efficiency and selectivity of chemicals, has unique advantages in dye wastewater treatment. In the paper, a green closed‐loop dye wastewater treatment route for dyeing industry is re‐evaluated by studying the complex extraction and stripping of Telon yellow 4B, and dyeing test of regenerated dye. FT‐IR characteristic peaks of the initial organic phase and the regenerated organic phase are consistent, and the dye can be migrated from the loaded organic phase to the aqueous phase after stripping. The concentration of dye in the aqueous phase and extraction conditions have a significant effect on extraction rate, especially the aqueous‐organic phase ratio and the pH value of the aqueous phase. Meanwhile, the stripping conditions have a marked impact on stripping rate, among which NaOH dosage is an important factor. The regenerated dye solution and the freshly prepared dye solution at same concentration have the same color shade and K/S value, and the color fastness of dyed fabrics is all above Grade 4. High extraction rate, high stripping rate, excellent reusability of regenerated organic phase, and the dyeing performance of the regenerated dye prove that complex extraction is a green dye wastewater treatment process with the practical feasibility.
Nigella sativa for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients: A rapid systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Umer Mohammad , Naveed Aiman , Maryam Qanita , Cheema Huzaifa Ahmad , Shahid Abia , Hermis Alaa Hamza , Chinnam Sampath , Swed Sarya , Sahra Syeda
Published: December 2023

Nigella sativa is an herbal therapy for various afflictions. It has some potential to be a promising option as an efficacious treatment for COVID‐19 patients that can contribute to global healthcare as a relatively cheap therapy but evidence of its use from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is limited. Therefore, to explore the effect of N. sativa in combating COVID‐19, we undertook this meta‐analysis. We searched several databases to retrieve all RCTs investigating N. sativa for the treatment of COVID‐19 as compared to placebo or standard care. We used RevMan 5.4 for all analyses with risk ratio (RR) or odds ratio (OR) as the effect measures. We included a total of seven RCTs in this review. N. sativa significantly reduced the risk of all‐cause mortality in patients with COVID‐19 compared to the control group (RR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.72; I2 = 0%). N. sativa significantly reduced the rate of viral PCR positivity (RR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.97; I2 = 0%). We did not find any significant difference in the risk of hospitalization (RR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.54; I2 = 0%) and the rate of no recovery (OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.20 to 1.15; I2 = 84%) between the two groups. N. sativa is an easily available herbal medicine that may decrease the risk of mortality and improve virological clearance in COVID‐19 patients. However, our results are limited by the small number of RCTs available. Further large‐scale RCTs are needed to better understand the anti‐inflammatory and antiviral effects of N. sativa in COVID‐19 patients.
Implementing flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow screening within annual cancer surveillance appointments to monitor for late‐stage radiation‐induced dysphagia: A feasibility study
Authors: Stradling Emma J. , Barnhart Molly K. , Robinson Rachelle A. , Mogg Penny J. , Ward Elizabeth C. , Smee Robert I.
Published: December 2023

Background

Late‐stage progressive decline of swallowing function after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is often difficult to monitor. This study examined the feasibility and clinical outcomes of speech‐language pathology implementing flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES) screening during annual cancer surveillance visits to monitor late‐stage swallowing function.

Methods

Patients >2 years post treatment who attended routine oncological visits underwent FEES screening. Feasibility (service data, stakeholder survey) and swallowing outcomes (oral intake, secretions, internal lymphedema, penetration–aspiration, and residue) were collected.

Results

Screening was completed with 70% (50/71) of eligible patients. Medical staff and speech‐language pathologists indicated the protocol was worthwhile and achievable to incorporate into practice. Almost all patients were willing to complete the protocol annually. FEES outcomes identified 84% with dysphagia versus only 26% self‐reported dysphagia.

Conclusion

Findings indicate FEES screening incorporated into annual oncological reviews is feasible and effective at monitoring late‐stage swallowing function following HNC.
Prevalence of neoplasia at colonoscopy among testicular cancer survivors treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Breekveldt Emilie C. H. , Ykema Berbel L. M. , Bisseling Tanya M. , Moons Leon M. G. , Spaander Manon C. W. , Huibregtse Inge L. , van der Biessen‐van Beek Dorien T. J. , Mulder Sasja F. , Saveur Lisette , Kerst J. Martijn , Zweers Danielle , Suelmann Britt B. M. , de Wit Ronald , Reijm Agnes , van Baalen Sophia , Butterly Lynn F. , Hisey William M. , Robinson Christina M. , van Vuuren Anneke J. , Carvalho Beatriz , Lansdorp‐Vogelaar Iris , Schaapveld Michael , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Snaebjornsson Petur , van Leerdam Monique E.
Published: December 2023

Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We determined the yield of colonoscopy in TCS to assess its potential in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. We conducted a colonoscopy screening study among TCS in four Dutch hospitals to assess the yield of colorectal neoplasia. Neoplasia was defined as adenomas, serrated polyps (SPs), advanced adenomas (AAs: ≥10 mm diameter, high‐grade dysplasia or ≥25% villous component), advanced serrated polyps (ASPs: ≥10 mm diameter or dysplasia) or CRC. Advanced neoplasia (AN) was defined as AA, ASP or CRC. Colonoscopy yield was compared to average‐risk American males who underwent screening colonoscopy (n = 24,193) using a propensity score matched analysis, adjusted for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption and body mass index. A total of 137 TCS underwent colonoscopy. Median age was 50 years among TCS (IQR 43–57) vs 55 years (IQR 51–62) among American controls. A total of 126 TCS were matched to 602 controls. The prevalence of AN was higher in TCS than in controls (8.7% vs 1.7%; P = .0002). Nonadvanced adenomas and SPs were detected in 45.2% of TCS vs 5.5% of controls (P < .0001). No lesions were detected in 46.0% of TCS vs 92.9% of controls (P < .0001). TCS treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy have a higher prevalence of neoplasia and AN than matched controls. These results support our hypothesis that platinum‐based chemotherapy increases the risk of colorectal neoplasia in TCS. Cost‐effectiveness studies are warranted to ascertain the threshold of AN prevalence that justifies the recommendation of colonoscopy for TCS.
Trends in epidemiology and primary treatment of anal squamous cell carcinoma in the Netherlands (1990–2021)
Authors: Ho Vincent K. Y. , Deijen Charlotte L. , Hemmes Birgit , van Erning Felice N. , Snaebjornsson Petur , van Triest Baukelien , Grotenhuis Brechtje A.
Published: December 2023

A rapid increase in the incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was reported in several countries over the past decades. This study assessed trends in epidemiology and primary treatment over a 32‐year period (1990–2021) using the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The study population included 4273 patients, 44.2% male and 55.8% female (median age 63 years). The age‐standardised incidence rate (European Standardised Rate, ESR) increased from 0.5 to 1.6 per 100,000, which entailed an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.5%–5.8%). While incidence among females increased continuously over the total period (AAPC 4.9%; 95%CI: 4.4%–5.6%), to 1.8 per 100,000 ESR in 2021, incidence among males increased until 2016 (annual percentage change [APC] of 6.3%; 95%CI: 5.6%–10.7%), after which it seemed to stabilise (APC −2.1%; 95%CI: −16.8%–4.5%). Significant trends were also observed in distribution of age, tumour stage and primary treatment modalities. Five‐year relative survival (RS) was estimated using the Pohar–Perme estimator, and this improved from 56.1% in 1990–1997 (95%CI: 49.3%–62.4%) to 67.9% in 2014–2021 (95%CI: 64.7%–70.9%), but remained poor for stage IV disease. Evaluation through a multivariable Poisson regression model demonstrated diagnosis in the most recent period to be independently associated with better RS, in addition to female sex, younger age, early disease stage and any treatment. In conclusion, the rising incidence of anal SCC seems to decline in males, but not in females, and advances in diagnostics and therapeutic management have likely contributed to improved prognosis.
Tropical cyclone activity around Taiwan modulated by El Niño during 1900–1945 and 1970–2015
Authors: Tan Pei‐Hua , Chen Jau‐Ming , Li Wei‐Teh , Chen Hui‐Shan
Published: December 2023

Tropical cyclone (TC) activity around Taiwan is analysed via typhoon datasets compiled by the Central Weather Administration (CWA) for the pre‐satellite era of 1900–1945 (IE1) and the satellite era of 1970–2015 (IE2). Modulating processes imposed by El Niño years on active and inactive TC activity around Taiwan in the July–September season are examined and compared between IE1 and IE2. Analyses reveal coherent dynamic relationships between TC variability in Taiwan and large‐scale modulating processes; furthermore, modulating processes exhibit similar features between IE1 and IE2. El Niño years tend to have more (less) TC formation in the eastern (western) sector of the western North Pacific (WNP). In both IE1 and IE2, intensified TC activity around Taiwan is associated with northwestward TC tracks from the eastern WNP toward Taiwan assisted by a westward‐elongating cyclonic anomaly across the WNP and South China Sea. When a WNP cyclonic anomaly stretches northwestward toward oceans north of Taiwan, TCs from the tropical eastern WNP generally move northward toward oceans east of Taiwan to result in suppressed TC activity around Taiwan. The westward‐elongating anomalous cyclone is associated with an anomalous divergent centre over the Indian Ocean and an anomalous convergent centre in the tropical eastern Pacific over the 150°–130°W region. The northwestward‐extending anomalous cyclone connects with an anomalous divergent centre over the Maritime Continent and an anomalous convergent centre over the 130°–110°W region. Anomalous divergent and convergent centres displace westward (eastward) for active (inactive) TC types that are related to a more westward (eastward) maximum centre of anomalous warm waters in the tropical eastern Pacific. The above coherent dynamic relationships justify the reliability of TC records compiled by the CWA during IE1 and IE2.
Whey filtration: a review of products, application, and pretreatment with transglutaminase enzyme
Authors: Rosseto Marieli , Rigueto Cesar Vinicius Toniciolli , Gomes Karolynne Sousa , Krein Daniela Dal Castell , Loss Raquel Aparecida , Dettmer Aline , Richards Neila Silvia Pereira dos Santos
Published: December 2023

In the cheese industry, whey, which is rich in lactose and proteins, is underutilized, causing adverse environmental impacts. The fractionation of its components, typically carried out through filtration membranes, faces operational challenges such as membrane fouling, significant protein loss during the process, and extended operating times. These challenges require attention and specific methods for optimization and to increase efficiency. A promising strategy to enhance industry efficiency and sustainability is the use of enzymatic pre‐treatment with the enzyme transglutaminase (TGase). This enzyme plays a crucial role in protein modification, catalyzing covalent cross‐links between lysine and glutamine residues, increasing the molecular weight of proteins, facilitating their retention on membranes, and contributing to the improvement of the quality of the final products. The aim of this study is to review the application of the enzyme TGase as a pretreatment in whey protein filtration. The scope involves assessing the enzyme's impact on whey protein properties and its relationship with process performance. It also aims to identify both the optimization of operational parameters and the enhancement of product characteristics. This study demonstrates that the application of TGase leads to improved performance in protein concentration, lactose permeation, and permeate flux rate during the filtration process. It also has the capacity to enhance protein solubility, viscosity, thermal stability, and protein gelation in whey. In this context, it is relevant for enhancing the characteristics of whey, thereby contributing to the production of higher quality final products in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Alleviating vibrations along a harmonically driven nonuniform Euler–Bernoulli beam by imposing nodes
Authors: Baltan‐Brunet Melis , Kopp Fionna , Cha Philip D.
Published: December 2023

A passive approach is developed to quench excess vibration along a harmonically driven, arbitrarily supported, nonuniform Euler–Bernoulli beam with constant thickness (height) and varying width. Vibration suppression is achieved by attaching properly tuned vibration absorbers to enforce nodes, or points of zero vibration, along the beam. An efficient hybrid method is proposed whereby the finite element method is used to model the nonuniform beams, and a formulation based on the assumed modes method is used to determine the required attachment force supplied by each absorber to induce the desired nodes. Knowing the attachment forces needed to induce nodes, design plots are generated for the absorber parameters as a function of the tolerable vibration amplitude for each absorber mass. When the node locations are judiciously chosen, it is possible to dramatically suppress the vibration along a selected region of the beam. As such, sensitive instruments can be placed in this region and will remain nearly stationary. Numerical studies illustrate the application to several systems with various types of nonuniformity, boundary conditions, and attachment and node locations; these examples validate the proposed method to passively control excess vibration by inducing nodes on nonuniform beams subjected to harmonic excitations.
The effect of noninvasive brain stimulation on anhedonia in patients with schizophrenia and depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chu Min‐yi , Li Shuai‐biao , Wang Yi , Lui Simon S. Y. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: December 2023

Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom found in patients with schizophrenia and depression. Current pharmacological interventions for anhedonia are unsatisfactory in a considerable proportion of patients. There has been growing interest in applying noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to patients with anhedonia. However, evidence for the efficacy of NIBS for anhedonia remain inconsistent. This study systematically identified all studies that measured anhedonia and applied NIBS in patients with schizophrenia or depression. We conducted a search using the various databases in English (PubMed, EBSCOHost (PsycInfo/PsycArticles), Web of Science) and Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform) languages, and reviewed original research articles on NIBS published from January 1989 to July 2023. Our search had identified 15 articles for quantitative synthesis, with three concerning schizophrenia samples, 11 concerning samples with depression, and one concerning both clinical samples. We conducted a meta‐analysis based on the 15 included studies, and the results suggested that NIBS could improve anhedonia symptoms in schizophrenia patients and patients with depression, with a medium‐to‐large effect size. Our findings are preliminary, given the limited number of included studies. Future NIBS research should measure anhedonia as a primary outcome and should recruit transdiagnostic samples.
Building structured, functional materials inspired by nature: Using peptides, peptoids, and polymerizations
Authors: Montz Brian J. , Emrick Todd
Published: December 2023

The assembly of peptide and peptide‐inspired building blocks into functional, well‐defined, multi‐length scale materials represents an exciting, rapidly expanding research field that bridges the principles of polymer science and engineering with a tremendous breadth of biomolecular interactions. The advantageous features of peptides, including their biocompatibility, functional diversity, and high purity, are complemented by the breadth of potential applications that may arise from their resultant structures and assemblies. Applications in biology (tissue scaffolding and drug conjugation), electronics (electron and/or ion‐conduction), and membranes (ion capture and ultrafiltration) represent a few of many examples where such biologically rich materials hold potential for enabling new routes to enhanced materials performance. Achieving successful solution and interfacial assembly techniques for peptides and other peptidomimetic materials requires obtaining a deep understanding of their design principles and limitations, as well as their amenability to structure formation when subjected to a variety of environmental conditions, such as pH, solvent, and temperature, to which such assembly methods may be exquisitely sensitive. This review especially focuses on mechanisms and the product of oligo‐ and polypeptide assembly, often resulting in the formation of extended, wire‐like structures obtained by solution methods, with inclusion of peptoid‐based structures and the complementary roles of polymerizations and step‐by‐step synthetic methods. Moreover, we describe relationships between naturally occurring peptide‐based structures, such as Geobacter pili, that in turn inspire self‐assembly of peptide‐based structures, composites with polymer materials, and assemblies therefrom.
The Effect of Ni Doping on FeOF Cathode Material for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yun Boram , Maulana Achmad Yanuar , Lee Dawon , Song Jungwook , Futalan Cybelle M. , Moon Dohyun , Kim Jongsik
Published: December 2023

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries for large‐scale energy storage systems due to the abundance and low price of sodium. Until recently, the low theoretical capacities of intercalation‐type cathodes less than 250 mAh g−1 have limited the energy density of SIBs. On the other hand, iron oxyfluoride (FeOF) has a high theoretical capacity of ≈885 mAh g−1 as a conversion‐type cathode material for SIBs. However, FeOF suffers from poor cycling stability, rate capability, and low initial Coulombic efficiency caused by its low electrical conductivity and slow ionic diffusion kinetics. To solve these problems, doping aliovalent Ni2+ on FeOF electrodes is attempted to improve the electronic conductivity without using a carbon matrix. The ionic conductivity of FeOF is also enhanced due to the formation of oxygen defects in the FeOF crystal structure. The FeOF‐Ni1 electrode shows an excellent cycling performance with a reversible discharge capacity of 450.4 mAh g−1 at 100 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles with a fading rate of 0.20% per cycle. In addition, the FeOF‐Ni1//hard carbon full cell exhibited a high energy density of 876.9 Wh kg−1cathode with a good cycling stability.
Morphology Control of Mixed Metallic Organic Framework for High‐Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Mohanty Ankita , Kang Kyeong‐Nam , Saravanakumar Balasubramaniam , Ramadoss Ananthakumar , Jang Ji‐Hyun
Published: December 2023

The study presents the binder‐free synthesis of mixed metallic organic frameworks (MMOFs) supported on a ternary metal oxide (TMO) core as an innovative three‐dimensional (3D) approach to enhance electron transport and mass transfer during the electrochemical charge‐discharge process, resulting in high‐performance hybrid supercapacitors. The research demonstrates that the choice of organic linkers can be used to tailor the morphology of these MMOFs, thus optimizing their electrochemical efficiency. Specifically, a NiCo‐MOF@NiCoO2@Ni electrode, based on terephthalic linkers, exhibits highly ordered porosity and a vast internal surface area, achieving a maximum specific capacity of 2320 mC cm−2, while maintaining excellent rate capability and cycle stability. With these performances, the hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) achieves a maximum specific capacitance of 424.6 mF cm−2 (specific capacity 653.8 mC cm−2) and 30.7 F cm−3 with energy density values of 10.1 mWh cm−3 at 167.4 mW cm−3 (139.8 µWh cm−2 at 2310 µW cm−2), which are higher than those of previously reported MMOFs based electrodes. This research introduces a novel approach for metal organic framework based HSC electrodes, diverging from the traditional emphasis on metal ions, in order to achieve the desired electrochemical performance.
Accelerated Single Li‐Ion Transport in Solid Electrolytes for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Poly(Arylene Ether Sulfone) Grafted with Pyrrolidinium‐Terminated Poly(Ethylene Glycol)
Authors: Le Mong Anh , Shin Jong Chan , Lee Minjae , Kim Dukjoon
Published: December 2023

Polymeric solid electrolytes have attracted tremendous interest in high‐safety and high‐energy capacity lithium–sulfur (Li─S) batteries. There is, however, still a dilemma to concurrently attain high Li‐ion conductivity and high mechanical strength that effectively suppress the Li‐dendrite growth. Accordingly, a rapidly Li‐ion conducting solid electrolyte is prepared by grafting pyrrolidinium cation (PYR+)‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) onto the poly(arylene ether sulfone) backbone (PAES–g–2PEGPYR). The PYR+ groups effectively immobilize anions of Li‐salts in Li‐conductive PEGPYR domains phase‐separated from PAES matrix to enhance the single‐ion conduction. The tailored PAES–g–2PEGPYR membrane shows a high Li‐ion transference number of 0.601 and superior ionic conductivity of 1.38 mS cm−1 in the flexible solid state with the tensile strength of 1.0 MPa and Young's modulus of 1.5 MPa. Moreover, this PAES–g–2PEGPYR membrane exhibits a high oxidation potential (5.5 V) and high thermal stability up to 200 (C. The Li/PAES–g–2PEGPYR/Li cell stably operates for 1000 h without any short circuit, and the rechargeable Li/PAES–g–2PEGPYR/S cell discharges a capacity of 1004.7 mAh g−1 at C/5 with the excellent rate capability and the prominent cycling performance of 95.3% retention after 200 cycles.
In Situ Construction of Built‐In Opposite Electric Field Balanced Surface Adsorption for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xu Tianyi , Tian Fuyu , Jiao Dongxu , Fan Jinchang , Jin Zhaoyong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Wei , Zheng Lirong , Singh David J. , Zhang Lijun , Zheng Weitao , Cui Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2023

Achieving a balance between H‐atom adsorption and binding with H2 desorption is crucial for catalyzing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, the feasibility of designing and implementing built‐in opposite electric fields (OEF) is demonstrated to enable optimal H atom adsorption and H2 desorption using the Ni3(BO3)2/Ni5P4 heterostructure as an example. Through density functional theory calculations of planar averaged potentials, it shows that opposite combinations of inward and outward electric fields can be achieved at the interface of Ni3(BO3)2/Ni5P4, leading to the optimization of the H adsorption free energy (ΔGH*) near electric neutrality (0.05 eV). Based on this OEF concept, the study experimentally validated the Ni3(BO3)2/Ni5P4 system electrochemically forming Ni3(BO3)2 through cyclic voltammetry scanning of B‐doped Ni5P4. The surface of Ni3(BO3)2 undergoes reconstruction, as characterized by Grazing Incidence Wide‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (GIWAXS) and in situ Raman spectroscopy. The resulting catalyst exhibits excellent HER activity in alkaline media, with a low overpotential of 33 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and stability maintained for over 360 h. Therefore, the design strategy of build‐in opposite electric field enables the development of high‐performance HER catalysts and presents a promising approach for electrocatalyst advancement.
Ion‐Molecule Co‐Confining Ammonium Vanadate Cathode for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qiu Yu , Sun Zhihao , Guo Zihao , Du Benli , Ding Han , Wang Peng , Tian Shaoyao , Qian Lei
Published: December 2023

Vanadium‐based cathode materials have attracted great attention in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). However, the inferior ion transport and cyclic stability due to the strong Coulomb interaction between Zn2+ and the lattice limit their further application. In this work, CO2 molecules are in situ embedded in the interlayer structure of NH4V4O10 by decomposing excess H2C2O4·2H2O in the main framework, obtaining an ion‐molecule co‐confining NH4V4O10 for AZIB cathode material. The introduced CO2 molecules expanded the interlayer spacing of NH4V4O10, broadened the diffusion channel of Zn2+, and stabilized the structure of NH4V4O10 as the interlayer pillars together with , which effectively improved the Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and cycle stability of the electrode. In addition, the binding between and the host framework is stabilized via hydrogen bonds with CO2 molecules. NVO‐CO2‐0.8 exhibited excellent specific capacity (451.1 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), cycle stability (214.0 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 1000 cycles) and rate performance. This work provides new ideas and approaches for optimizing vanadium‐based materials with high‐performance AZIBs.
Semitransparent Wide Bandgap Cu2ZnGe(S,Se)4Thin‐Film Solar Cells: Role of the Sulfurization Process
Authors: Ruiz‐Perona Andrea , Palma‐Lafuente David , Sánchez Yudania , Guc Maxim , Kodalle Tim , Salem Mohamed Ould , Placidi Marcel , Serna Rosalia , Pérez‐Rodríguez Alejandro , Merino José Manuel , Caballero Raquel
Published: December 2023

Semitransparent solar cells are very attractive due to the increasing integration in daily life. Kesterite‐type based thin‐film solar cells stand out because of its environmentally benign composition and outstanding stability. Herein, the influence of the back contact (Mo/V2O5/FTO or Mo/FTO) and thickness of Cu2ZnGe(S,Se)4(CZGSSe) absorber layer, grown by sulfurization of coevaporated CZGSe, is investigated. To increase the transparency, thinner absorber layers with higher bandgap energy are produced. A double sulfur gradient through the CZGSSe layer with a considerable S content near the back contact and the formation of Mo(S,Se)2phase at the back interface is detected for an absorber of only 400 nm thickness. Efficiencies of 3.1% and 2.7% are achieved for 1.2 μm CZGSSe‐based devices withEgof 1.73 and 1.86 eV, respectively, while enabling transmittance values higher than 20% in the near‐infrared (NIR). The highest transmittance, 40% in the NIR, is achieved for the 400 nm CZGSSe‐based solar cells withEgof 2.1 eV; however, a significant reduction of these devices’ performance is obtained due to the presence of ZnS secondary phase and a different back‐contact interface formation. This work presents the first promising semitransparent CZGSSe solar cells, opening new paths of applications.
A study of key factors that influence and enable patient empowerment: A systems approach
Authors: Bani Hani Saad , Sauser Brian , Niranjan Suman , Willoughby Tony
Published: December 2023

Global crises have forced the healthcare sector to advance the way they practise. Patient empowerment has emerged as one of the solutions to face these challenges. Nevertheless, patient empowerment is still lacking for accepted conditions, making it difficult to effectively promote within the healthcare system. This study aims to systemically map the concept of patient empowerment using principles of systems thinking with the Boardman Soft Systems Methodology that enables a graphical visualization (i.e., Systemigrams). This includes levels of patient empowerment and their relationship with other concepts such as health literacy, health providers, self‐management, patient characteristics and healthcare outcomes. This study contributes to the literature by (a) articulating a set of conditions to enable patient empowerment, (b) identifying the key concept that might influence the level of patient empowerment and (c) providing guidance and propositions for future research that can promote and further study patient empowerment.
Reoxidation Phenomena of Liquid Steel in Secondary Refining and Continuous Casting Processes: A Review
Authors: Park Joo Hyun , Kang Youn‐Bae
Published: December 2023

This review article reports the critical issue of reoxidation in clean steel production during secondary refining and continuous casting processes. Reoxidation presents substantial challenges to process stability and final product quality. Various sources of reoxidation, including exposure to oxidizing gases, reducible oxides in slag and refractories, and the presence of ferroalloys are explored. Fundamental reactions and their consequences, such as changes in steel composition, inclusion composition/morphology, and the formation of reaction products at the interface between liquid steel and refractory materials, are reviewed. High oxygen partial pressure on the refractory side is identified as a significant factor, particularly in tundish and continuous casting processes. To address reoxidation effectively, the review discusses modeling approaches like computational fluid dynamics and thermodynamic/kinetic modeling. In the industrial context, reoxidation in the tundish is mainly attributed to open‐eye formation in the tundish flux and reducible oxides like SiO2 in an insulating cover powder, for example, rice hust ash. Maintaining precise tundish flux control is crucial for steel cleanliness. In conclusion, this review highlights the multifaceted nature of reoxidation challenges in clean steel production. A comprehensive understanding of reoxidation mechanisms and the implementation of effective strategies are essential for achieving cleaner steel production.
Data‐driven design concept evaluation for full‐locked coil ropes
Authors: Brenner Christoph , Haspel Lorenz , Unglaub Julian , Thiele Klaus
Published: December 2023

This article provides a detailed investigation of the design concept for full‐locked coil ropes, which are widely used in various applications in the construction sector. The current design concept in the ultimate limit state according to EN 1993‐1‐11 is explained by tracing its development through past standards. A database of breaking load tests is built up and used to evaluate the actual fill and spinning loss factors compared to the standard values. Afterwards, the current design equation and the revised equation of the third draft of prEN 1993‐1‐11 are statistically evaluated with the test‐based design procedure in EN 1990. The investigations reveal that the use of a fill factor is not required and should be omitted, while the spinning loss factor can be approximated by a constant value. The newly proposed equation in prEN 1993‐1‐11 shows improved accuracy in comparison with the current design equation of EN 1993‐1‐11 regarding the calculated partial factors. However, the determined partial factors are based exclusively on tensile tests under laboratory conditions. They could serve as a basis for the development of a new design concept in which project‐specific information such as local bending stresses can be considered individually. This would allow a more precise definition of the safe level of utilisation and thus lead to a more economical use. Further research is required to quantify these factors.
Influence of cesium bromide nanoparticles on the structural, optical, electrical, and antibacterial properties of polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate for biological applications
Authors: Diab N. S. , Ragab H. M. , Hamada Fatma A. , Aziz Rosilah Ab , Alghamdi Azzah M. , Farea M. O.
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the use of organic and inorganic nanostructures to create innovative functional materials with applications in optoelectronics devices. Specifically, nanocomposite films were created by incorporating different concentrations of cesium bromide nanoparticles (5, 10, and 15 wt%) into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA) polymer blend (50/50 wt%) through a solution casting process. The impact of CsBr NPs on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the virgin PVA/SA matrix was systematically investigated. x‐ray crystallography investigation verified the semicrystalline nature of the PVA/SA. FTIR spectra showed the main vibrational peaks of PVA/SA, with their intensity decreasing after the addition of cesium bromide. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the formation of aggregations and the increase of roughness for the PVA/SA‐CsBr NPs 15 wt% nanocomposite sample. The UV/vis. absorption spectrum showed a decrease in the energy gap values, which decreased from 4.25 to 3.89 eV in the direct transition and decreased from 4.12 to 3.77 eV in the indirect transition. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity and dielectric properties demonstrated improvement with increasing concentration of CsBr NPs. The antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli exhibited an upward trend with an increase in CsBr nanoparticle concentration. Overall, the results suggest the promising potential of these nanocomposite films for applications in optoelectronics and biological applications.

Highlights

XRD shows that the amorphousity is increased after addition CsBr NPs.

FT‐IR confirms the interactions/complexation between PVA/SA polymeric matrix filled with CsBr NPs.

Optical energy gap is decreased with increasing CsBr concentrations.

SEM images show the prepared samples have a smooth surface and only have a few defects.

By adding CsBr NPs the electrical conductivity is tremendously improved.
Taner Akçam, Istanbul, My Bridge
Authors: Balakian Peter
Published: December 2023

This volume opens with a poem by the poet, memoirist, and scholar Peter Balakian. “Coming to Istanbul” deals with the shock and trauma of returning to the city where his father was born and his prosperous family lived before they were driven into exile by the Ottoman government during the Armenian Genocide. Haunted absence and the intersecting violence of the present define the poem. His personal essay about his friendship with Akçam pays tribute to his friend’s courage and the important role he played as a bridge across the Turkish-Armenian divide.
Civil Society Elites: An Introduction
Authors: Johansson Håkan , Meeuwisse Anna
Published: December 2023

This chapter explores the gap in civil society and elite studies. Researchers have recently observed elitist tendencies in civil society in which resources are concentrated to a few powerful civil society organisations and their leaders. Civil society also shows anti-democratic tendencies and the emergence of an illiberal civil society. This chapter introduces the concept of civil society elites to address the identified gap in the research, arguing that civil society elites occupy a paradoxical elite position because they are expected to represent members, beneficiaries, and constituents against powerful groups while at the same time benefiting from their elevated position and their socialisation in elite circles. Drawing on a review of elite and civil society research, this chapter proposes a study of civil society elite composition, reproduction, integration, and contestation in order to provide novel insights into the role of civil society in contemporary liberal democracies. The chapter also presents the various contributions to the book.
The State as a Challenger to Civil Society Elites: The Case of Poland
Authors: Korolczuk Elżbieta
Published: December 2023

In recent decades, we can observe significant changes in states’ approaches towards civil society around the globe, including efforts to control civil society organisations, closing communication channels between the state and citizens, and redirecting financial support towards organisations that have been co-opted by the state. These changes are often part of a broader process of state-sponsored elite change. The charge of being a corrupted elite, alienated from the people and financed by foreign powers is routinely used by the right-wing populists in Poland in relation to liberal and left-leaning civil society actors. Thus, the Polish context is suitable for analysing the ways in which the state becomes civil society’s biggest challenger in autocratising countries. This chapter examines the changes in state–civil society relations in contemporary Poland, focusing specifically on the shifting patterns of cooperation and communication between the state and civil society actors.
Mirroring the Masses? A Cross-National Comparison of Civil Society Elite Composition
Authors: Lee Jayeon , Scaramuzzino Roberto
Published: December 2023

This chapter explores the composition of civil society elites and to what extent this differs from the general population, what we call the ‘civil society elite-masses gap’. While the civil society elites are, from a normative point of view, expected to be representative of the general population in terms of their social composition and attitudes, professionalisation and elitisation of civil society might lead to exclusive patterns of social composition of the top-level leadership strata of civil society organisations. This chapter presents an analysis of novel comparative survey data targeting the top-level leaders of the most resource-rich civil society organisations in five European contexts. The results show that there are striking similarities in terms of attitudes among civil society elites across different civil society regimes that are distinct from general populations. The civil society elite-masses gap in terms of sociodemographic backgrounds is also evident, but the pattern varies across contexts.
Consecrating Civil Society Elites in Europe: Examining Civil Society Prizes
Authors: Altermark Niklas , Johansson Håkan
Published: December 2023

Prize-giving is a common mechanism for the formation of social hierarchies. Although we find extensive studies of prizes in a wide range of social fields, few have explored prizes aimed at top civil society leaders. This chapter draws on a study of civil society prizes in Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the UK targeting top civil society leaders. The study analyses how many persons received a prize and the type of prize-giving organisation and shows that civil society elites in Italy, Poland, and the UK primarily receive prizes from the state, while Swedish civil society elites receive prizes from their peers. This illustrates that the state constitutes the bank of symbolic capital in Italy, Poland, and the UK, while civil society is its own bank in Sweden. National differences moreover illustrate differences in elite integration. Civil society elites in Sweden constitute a disconnected elite, while they form an integrated elite in Italy, Poland, and the UK.
Orbital Fractures in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Gooris Peter J. J. , Mourits Maarten P. , Mensink Gertjan , Bergsma J. Eelco
Published: December 2023

The impact of craniofacial traumata in children differs from those in adults. Growth and development of the skull play a role in the injury and its sequels. The immature craniofacial skeleton will more easily result in a trapdoor type fracture or fissure of the orbital floor than in adults.