bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time quantification of in vivo cerebrospinal fluid velocity using the functional magnetic resonance imaging inflow effect
Authors: Diorio Tyler C. , Nair Vidhya Vijayakrishnan , Patel Neal M. , Hedges Lauren E. , Rayz Vitaliy L. , Tong Yunjie
Published: June 2024

In vivo estimation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) velocity is crucial for understanding the glymphatic system and its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Current cardiac or respiratory‐gated approaches, such as 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cannot capture CSF movement in real time because of limited temporal resolution and, in addition, deteriorate in accuracy at low fluid velocities. Other techniques like real‐time phase‐contrast‐MRI or time‐spatial labeling inversion pulse are not limited by temporal averaging but have limited availability, even in research settings. This study aims to quantify the inflow effect of dynamic CSF motion on functional MRI (fMRI) for in vivo, real‐time measurement of CSF flow velocity. We considered linear and nonlinear models of velocity waveforms and empirically fit them to fMRI data from a controlled flow experiment. To assess the utility of this methodology in human data, CSF flow velocities were computed from fMRI data acquired in eight healthy volunteers. Breath‐holding regimens were used to amplify CSF flow oscillations. Our experimental flow study revealed that CSF velocity is nonlinearly related to inflow effect‐mediated signal increase and well estimated using an extension of a previous nonlinear framework. Using this relationship, we recovered velocity from in vivo fMRI signal, demonstrating the potential of our approach for estimating CSF flow velocity in the human brain. This novel method could serve as an alternative approach to quantifying slow flow velocities in real time, such as CSF flow in the ventricular system, thereby providing valuable insights into the glymphatic system's function and its implications for neurological disorders.
A three‐fields coupled numerical framework for transient deformation of thermo‐sensitive hydrogel
Authors: Xue Yiheng , Liu Zishun , Reddy J. N.
Published: June 2024

As a common smart hydrogel, thermo‐sensitive hydrogel exhibits significant potential applications in the field of biological engineering due to its unique property of undergoing a substantial volume transition in response to temperature changes. For numerical implementation of thermo‐sensitive hydrogel, many approaches have been developed to simulate the transient deformation during fluid diffusion or heat conduction process. However, the numerical approach for the transient deformation during both fluid diffusion and heat conduction processes is still lacking. To this end, we develop a three‐field coupled finite element framework that can be used to simulate the transient deformation behavior of thermo‐sensitive hydrogel involving large deformation, fluid diffusion, and heat conduction. In the proposed framework, there exist three processes that deal with displacement, concentration, and temperature fields, separately. To realize the coupling of three fields, the separated solving processes are assembled together by using a two‐way coupled approach. Based on the developed finite element framework, the coupling effects between the concentration and temperature can be realized by defining a body flux and a temperature‐dependent diffusion coefficient without solving the complex coupling equations. The finite element framework is implemented in ABAQUS by utilizing several user subroutines. The numerical implementation is validated by comparing the numerical results of a hydrogel disk with experimental results. Furthermore, various numerical examples are simulated to investigate the applicability of the proposed finite element framework under different multi‐field coupling conditions. The proposed finite element scheme is proved to be an efficient and stable tool for numerically simulating the transient behavior of thermo‐sensitive hydrogel incorporating the phase transition effect.
Osseous harpoon heads of hunter‐gatherers from the lower Paraná wetland
Authors: Buc Natacha , Acosta Alejandro A. , Rombolá Lucia T. , Loponte Daniel M.
Published: June 2024

Harpoons are part of the composite technologies, widely dispersed throughout the world. In South America, a unique type of throwing harpoon reveals a limited distribution, primarily discovered in hunter‐gatherer archaeological sites within the lower La Plata basin. Specifically, they are found in two archaeological units named Incised Pottery and Plain Pottery which are defined by different material properties but share several common aspects as well. Regarding bone tools, the primary distinction lies in the decoration of the items, contrasting with the ornamentation of the pottery. While the processes underlying regional variability in the archaeological assemblages is not yet fully understood, various types of artifacts show differences in morphology and stylistic features that can be linked to archaeological units. For this purpose, we examined 13 archaeological samples of harpoon heads considering morphological, physical, and metrical variation, as well as the operational sequence. As result, we observed variations in both morphology and decoration, while the metrical structure, the selection of raw material and the operational sequence remain unaltered. This phenomenon could be attributed to a recent process of social differentiation affecting external features, whereas the internal characteristics are connected to technique behaviors resistant to recent changes.
Excessive Preoperative Testing in Otolaryngology: A Retrospective Comparison of Primary Care and Perioperative Providers
Authors: D'Amiano Nina M. , Bertram Amanda , Matthew Stewart Charles , Stewart Rosalyn W.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess the association between provider type (primary care provider [PCP] or perioperative provider) and excessive preoperative testing.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Methods

Electronic medical records of adult patients who obtained an outpatient preoperative assessment and underwent surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery during the first 2 weeks of January 2019 (n = 94) were reviewed. Patients receiving preoperative tests beyond those recommended by the guidelines were deemed to have had excessive testing. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study population. Simple and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the association between the outcome and the predictor variables.

Results

Overall, 44.7% of preoperative evaluations had excessive testing. Patients who had their preoperative evaluation performed by a perioperative provider had 89% lower odds of having excessive preoperative testing compared to those evaluated by a PCP (odds ratio = 0.11, 95% confidence interval: [0.03, 0.37], P < .001). Female sex, younger age, and higher risk of major adverse cardiac events were associated with greater odds of excessive testing.

Conclusion

Excessive preoperative testing is more commonly performed by PCPs compared to perioperative providers. These results give preliminary evidence in support of a potential shift in the clinical responsibility of preoperative evaluation from PCPs to perioperative providers in order to reduce excessive testing and promote high‐value health care. The next steps include validating these findings, identifying reasons for differential guideline concordance, and intervening accordingly.
Large‐Scale Synthesis of High‐Purity Isoguanosine and Resolution of its Crystal Structure by Microcrystal Electron Diffraction
Authors: Wang Kaichao , Liu Tiannan , Zhao Hang , Liu Jiang
Published: June 2024

Isoguanosine (isoG) is a natural structural isomer of guanosine (G) with significant potential for applications in ionophores, genetics, gel formation, and cancer therapy. However, the cost of commercially available isoG on a gram scale is relatively high. To date, a detailed method for the large‐scale preparation of high‐purity isoG has not been reported. This study presented a simple and convenient approach for the large‐scale synthesis of isoG through the diazotization of 2,6‐diaminopurine riboside with sodium nitrite and acetic acid at room temperature. Further, this method could synthesize isoG derivatives (2’‐fluoro‐isoguanosine (1) and 2’‐deoxy‐isoguanosine (2)) from 2,6‐diaminopurine nucleoside derivatives using diazotization. The structural information of natural and modified nucleosides is crucial for the modification and substitution of DNA/RNA. This study obtained the single‐crystal structure of isoG for the first time and analyzed it in detail using microcrystal electron diffraction. The three‐dimensional supramolecular structure of isoG adopted similarly base‐pair motifs from π‐π stacking interaction of diverse layers, intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and distinct hydrogen bonding interactions from sugar residues. This study has contributed to further isoG modification and its applications in medicinal chemistry and materials.
Are Utilities Ready for Advanced Water Treatment Operator Training?
Authors: Soltau Steve
Published: June 2024

As water treatment methods evolve, operators need to know how to work with new technologies. It's up to employers to plan for, pay for, and provide training.
Develop an Action Plan for Pipeline Condition Assessment
Authors: Ellison Dan , Spencer David
Published: June 2024

Answering the right questions on pipeline condition assessment in light of system‐specific priorities helps utilities make cost‐effective decisions about infrastructure renewal.
Multiparameter Monitoring Enhances Water Quality Insights
Authors: Jobb Brian , Bouchard Rodney , Dillen Dale , Simpson Jeff , Simpson Steven
Published: June 2024

A Canadian water utility responded to growing demands on its water supply and increased challenges to water quality by upgrading its monitoring equipment and technology. The utility saved money and time, conserved water, increased efficiency, and improved its processes.
A systematic review of cognitive and behavioral tools to differentiate behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia from other conditions
Authors: Flavell Joshua , Nestor Peter John
Published: June 2024

The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is thought to be the commonest clinical presentation of frontotemporal lobar degeneration and is predominantly characterized by changes in behavior. In patients lacking unequivocal biomarker evidence of frontotemporal neurodegeneration, the clinical diagnosis of bvFTD is often unstable. In response, we conducted a systematic review and critical appraisal of cognitive and behavioral tools that have sought to differentiate bvFTD from other conditions. A systematic literature review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted on December 31, 2023 for cognitive and behavioral tools that differentiated bvFTD from other cohorts. Ninety‐six studies were included. The quality appraisal of almost all studies was low and introduced a high risk of bias. The few studies that were of high quality had a prospective study design and recruited patients suspected (but not yet confirmed) to have bvFTD. These studies reported that behavioral tools (e.g., the Frontal Behavioral Inventory) and social cognition tests (e.g., the Ekman's Faces Test) had good test performance in differentiating bvFTD from a broad range of psychiatric and neurological conditions. Importantly, the review highlighted the extreme paucity of studies that have evaluated methods where, in Bayesian terms, there is genuine clinical uncertainty regarding a diagnosis of bvFTD. Most studies used healthy controls or typical Alzheimer's disease as comparators—groups that often have negligible pretest probability of bvFTD. In response, we propose a study design checklist for studies seeking to develop diagnostic algorithms in bvFTD research.
Obsessive–compulsive disorder induced by donepezil in a patient with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Echizen Kohei , Hirose Daisuke
Published: June 2024

Background

Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD), is generally well tolerated. There have been no previous reports on donepezil‐induced obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Case Presentation

The patient, a retired man in his 70s diagnosed with AD, displayed OCD symptoms following donepezil initiation, exacerbating post‐stroke—specifically, a cerebral infarction in the right posterior limb of the internal capsule. Remarkably, the symptoms abated upon discontinuation of donepezil.

Conclusion

Caution should be exercised when using donepezil in patients with a history of stroke.
Dermatoscopic features of pyogenic granuloma in children
Authors: Yu Shijuan , Wang Hua , Tan Qi , Wang Li , Luo Xiaoyan , He Jingyi
Published: June 2024

The clinical appearances of Pyogenic granuloma (PG) in children are not as typical as in adults. Meanwhile, skin biopsy is hard to accept for parents in most of time. Therefore, data of PG in children has been deprived. To analyze the dermoscopic features of PG in children in order to improve the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment and to reduce the probability of invasive examination. A single‐center retrospective study conducted from 1 January 2022 to 30 August 2022 summarized and analyzed the clinical data and dermoscopic features of patients clinically diagnosed with PG. A total of 36 patients were involved, 61.11% were males, 72.22% occurred in the face. Over 50% patients had the following dermoscopic patterns: reddish homogeneous area (100%), white collarette (91.7%), yellow‐white scales (69.4%), vascular structures (52.8%), and white rail lines (55.6%). Regression analysis found that gender and courses of disease had a statistically significant impact on part of the dermoscopic patterns. The proportions of dermoscopic features with yellow‐white scales (69.4%), dark red scabs (27.8%), and bleeding (27.8%) in this study were higher than in previous studies (26.7%, 10%, and 10%, respectively). Dermoscope is a practical diagnostic tool for PG in children. It is necessary to consider gender, disease course and lesion locations when PG is diagnosed using dermoscope. The characteristics of yellow‐white scales, dark red scabs, and bleeding are the microscopic features that distinguish pediatric patients with PG from adult patients, which should be given special attention to in pediatric patients.
Thermal stimuli response diphenylmethane diisocyanate‐based polyurethane elastomer via adjustable silicon‐induced distinctive microstructure
Authors: Fang Yu , Jiang An‐ji , Huang Jin , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2024

The segment character of polyurethanes (PUs) determines the micromorphology and properties. The effective segment regulation can customize the favorable performance of PUs. Herein, silicon covalent‐modified polyurethanes (MPUs) were prepared by incorporating diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and diphenyl silanediol (DPSD) into PU molecules as hard segments via a two‐step method. Distinctive microphase separation structures from sheet morphology to radial sheet or withered flower‐like microdomain were formed by adjusting hydrogen bonding of hard segments and post‐treatment techniques. Thus, with the addition of DPSD in hard segments, the thermo‐optic responses for MPUs occurred due to the different microphase evolution under thermal effect. And with the further addition of DPSD, the effect of thermal stimuli on the transmittance gradually weakened. It was very clear that with increasing the temperature, the transmittance of MPUs showed a gradual increase owing to melting the microcrystals or destroying the ordered accumulation of hard segments. Meanwhile, the high mechanical properties were obtained, higher 15 times tensile strength and more than 100 times elastic modulus than those of pure PU as well as the excellent thermal stability. In sum, this study was of great significance for developing new functionalized PU materials.

Highlights

Polyurethanes were prepared by inducing modified silicon functionality.

The distinctive microphase separation evolution of MPUs was found.

Thermal stimuli responses showed a gradual decrease due to different structure.

High mechanical properties and thermal stability were also obtained.
Enhancing thromboprophylaxis after colorectal cancer surgery in China: Bridging the gap between evidence and implementation through pathway optimization
Authors: Gu Zhi‐Chun , Dai Meng‐Fei , Wei Qi , Yan Yi‐Dan , Zheng Jian‐Yong , Wang Gui‐Ying , Wei Zheng‐Qiang , Jing Chang‐Qing , Li Yong‐Xiang , Zhou Dong‐Bing , Lin Mou‐Bin , He Xian‐Li , Li Fan , Liu Qian , Tu Shi‐Liang , Wang Zhen‐Jun , Li Ang , Lin Hou‐wen , Yao Hong‐Wei , Zhang Zhong‐Tao ,   The CRC‐VTE Investigators
Published: June 2024

Background

The CRC‐VTE trial conducted in China revealed a significant occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, raising concerns about implementing thromboprophylaxis measures. The present study aimed to identify and analyze inappropriate aspects of current thromboprophylaxis practices.

Methods

This study performed an analysis of the CRC‐VTE trial, a prospective multicenter study that enrolled 1836 patients who underwent CRC surgery. The primary objective was to identify independent risk factors for VTE after CRC surgery using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, among the cases in which VTE occurred, the appropriateness of thromboprophylaxis was assessed based on several factors, including pharmacologic prophylaxis, time to initiate prophylaxis, drug selection, drug dosage, and duration of pharmacologic prophylaxis. Based on the analysis of the current state of thromboprophylaxis and relevant clinical guidelines, a modified Delphi method was used to develop a clinical pathway for VTE prophylaxis after CRC surgery.

Results

In this analysis of 1836 patients, 205 (11.2%) were diagnosed with VTE during follow‐up. The multifactorial analysis identified several independent risk factors for VTE, including age (≥70 years), female sex, varicose veins in the lower extremities, intraoperative blood transfusion, and the duration of immobilization exceeding 24 h. None of the patients diagnosed with VTE in the CRC trial received adequate thromboprophylaxis. The main reasons for this inappropriate practice were the omission of thromboprophylaxis, delayed initiation, and insufficient duration of thromboprophylaxis. We developed a specialized clinical pathway for thromboprophylaxis after CRC surgery to address these issues.

Conclusions

This study offers a comprehensive nationwide evaluation of existing thromboprophylaxis practices in patients after CRC surgery in China. A specialized clinical pathway was developed to address the identified gaps and improve the quality of care. This clinical pathway incorporates explicit, tailored, detailed recommendations for thromboprophylaxis after CRC surgery.
“If I have a limited amount of time left, this is not how I want to spend it”: A qualitative descriptive study of factors influencing daily life participation following a cancer diagnosis
Authors: Shivakumar Nirmala , King Allison A. , Lyons Kathleen D. , L’Hotta Allison J.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Following a cancer diagnosis, restricted participation in daily life is common. Restricted participation can be temporary or long lasting. The aim of this study was to characterize how daily life participation is impacted following a cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Eligible individuals included adults (>18 years) with any stage/grade brain, breast, colorectal, or lung cancer in any phase of treatment or post‐treatment. Participants completed a semi‐structured interview about how their life participation was impacted following their cancer diagnosis. Data were analyzed through team‐based thematic analysis.

Results

Forty adults, 10 per disease category, participated. Four themes were identified that supported or hindered daily life participation: (1) self‐expectations, (2) expectations of others, (3) awareness of mortality, and (4) symptoms and side effects of cancer. Participants discussed how their cancer experience resulted in a reprioritization of what they valued doing in their life. However, many survivors struggled to adapt and described a tension between their need to adapt to their current life circumstances and their contrasting desire to stay connected with their pre‐cancer selves through daily life participation. The mental health challenges associated with decreased participation were also outlined by participants.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors' daily life participation is influenced by expectations from themselves and others, awareness of mortality, and disease symptoms/side effects. Future interventions can target these domains to supports survivors' life participation.
Evolution of dose distribution for a 125I eye plaque using MCNPX and Plaque Simulator software
Authors: Poorbaygi Hosein , Sardari Elham , Aghamiri Seyed Mahmoud Reza , Sheibani Shahab , Arjmand Mojtaba , Moradi Somayeh , Ghassemi Fariba
Published: June 2024

Objective

Eye plaque radiation therapy is the treatment of choice for small‐ and medium‐sized choroidal melanomas. This study investigated the dose distribution around eye plaques containing 125I seeds to treat ocular melanoma using Monte Carlo N‐Particle eXtended (MCNPX) and Plaque Simulator (PS) software.

Methods

Dosimetry evaluation and comparison of the resulting isodose curves for 125I COMS plaques were performed using the MCNPX code. The isodose curves and dose distributions were calculated using PS treatment planning for a 125I COMS plaque.

Results

In the validation, the maximum relative difference between the results of this study and those reported in other literature was approximately 9%–10% for the COMS plaques. The dose distributions of MCNPX were lower than those of PS with a relative difference of approximately 27.7%–35.4%. The dose distribution may differ depending on the 125I source spectra and seed design used in the two methods. In addition, the dose algorithm used in PS made a major contribution to the relative differences between the results.

Conclusion

The PS did not provide accurate details of dose distribution near the surface of the plaque insert. The source parameters used in each program should be studied more carefully to determine the source of the differences in the estimated dose values.
Phosphorylation Mechanism Switching in Histidine Kinases Is a Tool for Fast Protein Evolution: Insights From AlphaFold Models
Authors: Olivieri Federico A. , Marti Marcelo A. , Wetzler Diana E.
Published: June 2024

Histidine kinases (HKs) are a central part of bacterial environmental‐sensing two‐component systems. They provide their hosts with the ability to respond to a wide range of physical and chemical signals. HKs are multidomain proteins consisting of at least a sensor domain, dimerization and phosphorylation domain (DHp), and a catalytic domain. They work as homodimers and the existence of two different autophosphorylation mechanisms (cis and trans) has been proposed as relevant for pathway specificity. Although several HKs have been intensively studied, a precise sequence‐to‐structure explanation of why and how either cis or trans phosphorylation occurs is still unavailable nor is there any evolutionary analysis on the subject. In this work, we show that AlphaFold can accurately determine whether an HK dimerizes in a cis or trans structure. By modeling multiple HKs we show that both cis‐ and trans‐acting HKs are common in nature and the switch between mechanisms has happened multiple times in the evolutionary history of the family. We then use AlphaFold modeling to explore the molecular determinants of the phosphorylation mechanism. We conclude that it is the difference in lengths of the helices surrounding the DHp loop that determines the mechanism. We also show that very small changes in these helices can cause a mechanism switch. Despite this, previous evidence shows that for a particular HK the phosphorylation mechanism is conserved. This suggests that the phosphorylation mechanism participates in system specificity and mechanism switching provides these systems with a way to diverge.
Functions and regulations of insect gut bacteria
Authors: Han Shuncai , Akhtar Muhammad Rehan , Xia Xiaofeng
Published: June 2024

The insect gut is a complicated ecosystem that inhabits a large number of symbiotic bacteria. As an important organ of the host insect, the symbiotic bacteria of the insect gut play very important roles in regulating physiological and metabolic processes. Recently, much progress has been made in the study of symbiotic bacteria in insect guts with the development of high‐throughput sequencing technology and molecular biology. This review summarizes the primary functions of symbiotic bacteria in insect guts, such as enhancing insecticide resistance, facilitating food digestion, promoting detoxification, and regulating mating behavior and egg hatching. It also addresses some possible pathways of gut bacteria symbiont regulation governed by external habitats, physiological conditions and immunity of the host insect. This review provides solid foundations for further studies on novel theories, new technologies and practical applications of symbiotic bacteria in insect guts. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
FDA's stamp of approval: Unveiling peptide breakthroughs in cardiovascular diseases, ACE, HIV, CNS, and beyond
Authors: Al Musaimi Othman
Published: June 2024

Peptides exhibit significant specificity and effective interaction with therapeutic targets, positioning themselves as key players in the global pharmaceutical market. They offer potential treatments for a wide range of diseases, including those that pose significant challenges. Notably, the peptide trofinetide (Daybue) marked a groundbreaking achievement by providing the first‐ever cure for Rett syndrome, and several peptides have secured FDA approval as first‐in‐class medications. Furthermore, peptides are expanding their presence in areas traditionally dominated by either small or large molecules. A noteworthy example is the FDA approval of motixafortide (Aphexda) as the first peptide‐based chemokine antagonist. Here, the focus will be on the analysis of FDA‐approved peptides, particularly those targeting cardiovascular diseases, human immunodeficiency, central nervous system diseases, and various other intriguing classes addressing conditions such as osteoporosis, thrombocytopenia, Cushing's disease, and hypoglycemia, among others. The review will explore the chemical structures of the peptides, their indications and modes of action, the developmental trajectory, and potential adverse effects.
Controllable Preparation and Mechanism Study of Easy‐Peel High‐Density and Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Forests
Authors: Wan Sheng , Xu Lu , Yan Yongjie , Ni Qi , Feng Qingqing , Ni Qingqing
Published: June 2024

The stripping of carbon nanotube forests (CNTF) is an urgent problem in terms of its application in thermal management and semiconductor devices. The easy‐peel and vertically aligned CNTF is prepared in a two‐step process of high vacuum magnetron sputtering and chemical vapor deposition. Based on the thick alumina buffer layer, CNTF with heights of 100 μm, 300 μm, and 500 μm was prepared by adjusting the magnetron sputtering power. Through SEM observation and calculation, the corresponding densities were 2.5 × 109 cm−2, 6.4 × 109 cm−2, and 1.21 × 1010 cm−2, with an average curvature of 1.64 × 102 m−1, 1.35 × 102 m−1 and 0.53 × 102 m‐−1, respectively. The TEM, XPS, Raman, and TGA were used to investigate the growth mechanism of CNTF. The experimental results show that the catalyst particles annealed under high sputtering power refined with high density can grow a low‐defect, well‐oriented, and high‐density CNTF, and confirm the tip growth route. Further analysis shows that the easy‐peel properties of CNTF depend on the thickness of the alumina layer, the tip growth route, and the tight entanglement between the nanotubes. This paper provides technical guidance and support for the preparation, stripping, and application of monolithic CNTF.
Effect of DMSO and Triacetin Solvents on Polyvinylidene Fluoride Polymorphs: Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Rejdali Hajar , Salhi Imane , Hajjaji Abdelowahed , Jay Jacques , Belhora Fouad
Published: June 2024

In this article, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the interaction between polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymorphs (β phase has more properties compared with α, such as polarity, higher mechanical strength, and piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric properties), and two solvents, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glyceryl triacetate (GTA). Pure solvent boxes are built using two force fields (Compass and Dreiding) to study the stabilization of their density and solubility, which are used with the PVDF surfaces (for each solvent, computations are performed using two surfaces α and β). According to the radial distribution function results, DMSO shows a stronger interaction with two PVDF phases, allowing it to orient chains from the α phase to the β phase, while GTA exhibits a weaker interaction due to specific hydrogen bonds. These findings are confirmed by the experiment, where the fraction F(β) reaches 62% when using DMSO, while it is 36% when using GTA.
In‐Plane Crushing Response of a Novel Arc‐Curved Hybrid Honeycomb with Negative Poisson's Ratio
Authors: Ding Haiping , Guo Hui , Wang Yansong , Sun Pei , Xu Chi , Cheng Qian , Liu Ningning , Yang Chao
Published: June 2024

Incorporating arc‐curved configuration into auxetic honeycomb can evenly distribute pressure, reduce stress concentration, and avoid fracture. In this work, a novel arc‐curved chiral star‐shaped honeycomb (ACSH) has been proposed by combining the chiral honeycomb (CH), the star‐shaped honeycomb (SSH), and arc‐curved configurations. The crushing response of the ACSH is studied experimentally and numerically. In order to verify the accuracy of simulation, quasi‐static compression experiment is carried out on the ACSH sample fabricated by 3D printing. Subsequently, the crashworthiness of the ACSH is compared with other honeycombs. Particularly, under the crushing velocity of 2 m s−1, the ACSH exhibits exceptional specific energy absorption, which is 179% higher than that of the conventional SSH. Additionally, it is also found that introducing arc‐curved configuration can effectively reduce initial peak stress. Moreover, the effect of functionally graded design on crashworthiness is systematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the initial peak stress decreases with the decrease of gradient rate. When crushing velocity increases to 80 m s−1, the SEA of the ACSH increases with the increase of gradient rate. This work investigates the crushing response of a novel honeycomb, which can provide a reference for designing and optimizing novel lightweight honeycombs with better crashworthiness.
Association of mildly elevated pulmonary vascular resistance with major cardiovascular events in pulmonary hypertension and chronic kidney disease: A retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Martinez Manzano Jose M. , Prendergast Alexander , John Tara , Leguizamon Raul , McLaren Ian , Khan Rasha , Geller Andrew , Wattanachayakul Phuuwadith , Malin John , Jarrett Simone A. , Lo Kevin Bryan , Benzaquen Sadia , Witzke Christian
Published: June 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Our study suggests mildly elevated pulmonary vascular resistance ( > 2 to ≤ 3) is independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events at 1‐year follow‐up. Early diagnosis of precapillary PH in CKD patients can potentially improve clinical outcomes.
Multimode Photon Blockade with a Reversed Design Method
Authors: Zhou Yan‐Hui , Liu Tong , Zhang Xing‐Yuan , Wu Qi‐Cheng , Chen Dong‐Xu , Shi Zhi‐Cheng , Yang Chui‐Ping
Published: June 2024

Recently, a groundbreaking advancement known as multimode photon blockade (MPB) is proposed by S. Chakram et al. [Nature. Phys. 18, 879‐884 (2022)], showcasing its ability to generate multimode W states. Inspired by their work, in this paper, an interesting method is proposed to investigate MPB by engineering the eigenstates of the system Hamiltonian, which is defined as the reverse design method. It is demonstrated that an entangled state is created with a certain probability by sharing a single photon between two coupled Kerr‐nonlinear cavities. This entangled state in the two‐coupled cavities blocks the creation of the subsequent photons. The system is in a superposition of only the entangled state and the vacuum state. And the photon blockade (PB) exists in two cavities simultaneously. The reversed design method can also be utilized to study MPB in three coupled cavities with Kerr nonlinearities by creating a three‐qubit W state.
Transudative pleural effusion in pleuritis associated with immunoglobulin G4‐related disease diagnosed by thoracoscopy under local anaesthesia
Authors: Kato Yuto , Fukunaga Kentaro , Ooka Aya , Tokuoka Shunichi , Kataoka Yoko , Fujita Takuya , Sugihara Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Masafumi
Published: June 2024

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related disease is a chronic inflammatory condition often characterized by exudative pleural effusions. However, transudative pleural effusions, like in the presented case of an 80‐year‐old man with multiple comorbidities, are less common but possible. Despite initial treatment with diuretics, the effusion persisted, prompting further investigation. Medical thoracoscopy revealed lymphatic follicle hyperplasia and an abundance of IgG4‐positive plasmacytoid cells, confirming IgG4‐related pleuritis. This case underscores the importance of considering inflammatory etiologies, such as IgG4‐related disease, when faced with unresponsive transudative pleural effusions. Thoracoscopy serves as a valuable diagnostic tool in such scenarios, allowing for precise diagnosis and appropriate management.
Cooperative control of variable damping error port Hamiltonian and backstepping nonsingular terminal sliding mode control for manipulators driven by PMSMs
Authors: Guo Qingkun , Yu Haisheng , Yang Qing , Gao Xunkai , Meng Xiangxiang
Published: June 2024

To improve the disadvantages of signal control and energy control, a cooperative control strategy combining signal control and energy control is proposed for manipulators driven by permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) in this article. The cooperative control strategy is achieved by way of the convex combination of signal controller and energy controller, and Gaussian function is selected as cooperative function. The energy controller applies variable damping error port Hamiltonian and the signal controller uses backstepping nonsingular terminal sliding mode control. The PMSM with loss model is applied to obtain higher efficiency. To deal with modeling errors and joint friction, a nonlinear disturbance observer is used for manipulators system. Simulation and experiment results display that the designed strategy not only increases efficiency, but also enhances dynamic and steady‐state performance of manipulators.
A cable‐driven underwater robotic system for delicate manipulation of marine biology samples
Authors: Zarebidoki Mahmoud , Dhupia Jaspreet Singh , Liarokapis Minas , Xu Weiliang
Published: June 2024

Underwater robotic systems have the potential to assist and complement humans in dangerous or remote environments, such as in the monitoring, sampling, or manipulation of sensitive underwater species. Here we present the design, modeling, and development of an underwater manipulator (UM) with a lightweight cable‐driven structure that allows for delicate deep‐sea reef sampling. The compact and lightweight design of the UM and gripper decreases the coupling effect between the UM and the underwater vehicle (UV) significantly. The UM and gripper are equipped with force sensors, enabling them for soft and sensitive object manipulation and grasping. The accurate force exertion capabilities of the UM ensure efficient operation in the process of localization and approaching reef samples, such as the corals and sponges. The active force control of the tendon‐driven gripper ensures gentle/delicate grasping, handling, and transporting of the marine samples without damaging their tissues. A complete simulation of the UM is provided for deriving the required specifications of actuators and sensors to be compatible with the UVs with a speed range of 1–4 Knots. The system's performance for accurate trajectory tracking and delicate grasping of two different types of underwater species (a sponge skeleton and a Neptune's necklace seaweed) is verified using a model‐free robust‐adaptive position/force controller.
Improved mortality analysis in early‐phase dose‐ranging clinical trials for emergency medical diseases using Bayesian time‐to‐event models with active comparators
Authors: Shi Xiaosong , Wick Jo A. , Martin Renee' L. , Beall Jonathan , Silbergleit Robert , Rockswold Gaylan L. , Barsan William G. , Korley Frederick K. , Rockswold Sarah , Gajewski Byron J.
Published: June 2024

Emergency medical diseases (EMDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. A time‐to‐death analysis is needed to accurately identify the risks and describe the pattern of an EMD because the mortality rate can peak early and then decline. Dose‐ranging Phase II clinical trials are essential for developing new therapies for EMDs. However, most dose‐finding trials do not analyze mortality as a time‐to‐event endpoint. We propose three Bayesian dose‐response time‐to‐event models for a secondary mortality analysis of a clinical trial: a two‐group (active treatment vs control) model, a three‐parameter sigmoid EMAX model, and a hierarchical EMAX model. The study also incorporates one specific active treatment as an active comparator in constructing three new models. We evaluated the performance of these six models and a very popular independent model using simulated data motivated by a randomized Phase II clinical trial focused on identifying the most effective hyperbaric oxygen dose to achieve favorable functional outcomes in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The results show that the three‐group, EMAX, and EMAX model with an active comparator produce the smallest averaged mean squared errors and smallest mean absolute biases. We provide a new approach for time‐to‐event analysis in early‐phase dose‐ranging clinical trials for EMDs. The EMAX model with an active comparator can provide valuable insights into the mortality analysis of new EMDs or other conditions that have changing risks over time. The restricted mean survival time, a function of the model's hazards, is recommended for displaying treatment effects for EMD research.
Deeper Insights into the Morphology Effect of Na2Ti3O7 Nanoarrays on Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Chen Xiangxiong , Li Jun , Gao Zhaohe , Qian Dong , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Liu Jinlong
Published: June 2024

Na2Ti3O7‐based anodes show great promise for Na+ storage in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), though the effect of Na2Ti3O7 morphology on battery performance remains poorly understood. Herein, hydrothermal syntheses is used to prepare free‐standing Na2Ti3O7 nanosheets or Na2Ti3O7 nanotubes on Ti foil substrates, with the structural and electrochemical properties of the resulting electrodes explored in detail. Results show that the Na2Ti3O7 nanosheet electrode (NTO NSs) delivered superior performance in terms of reversible capacity, rate capability, and especially long‐term durability in SIBs compared to its nanotube counterpart (NTO NTs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations, combined with density functional theory calculations, demonstrated that the flexible 2D Na2Ti3O7 nanosheets are mechanically more robust than the rigid Na2Ti3O7 nanotube arrays during prolonged battery cycling, explaining the superior durability of the NTO NSs electrode. This work prompts the use of anodes based on Na2Ti3O7 nanosheets in the future development of high‐performance SIBs.
Rational Design of Activatable Lanthanide NIR‐IIb Emissive Nanoprobe for In Situ Specific Imaging of HOCl In Vivo
Authors: Bi Shenghui , Wen Xingwang , Wu Zezheng , Wang Chunxia , Huang Hao , Liu Zhiqiu , Zeng Songjun
Published: June 2024

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), as an indispensable signaling molecule in organisms, is one of the key members of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, in vivo, real‐time dynamic near‐infrared fluorescence imaging of HOCl levels in the 1400‐1700 nm sub‐window (NIR‐IIb) remains a major challenge due to the lack of suitable detection methods. Herein, a general design of HOCl‐responsive NIR‐IIb fluorescence nanoprobe is proposed by integrating NaLuF4Yb/Er@NaLuF4 downshift nanoparticles (DSNPs) and HOCl recognition/NIR‐IIb emissive modulation unit of M2‐xS (M = Cu, Co, Pb) nanodots for real‐time monitoring of HOCl levels. The fluorescence modulation unit of M2‐xS nanodots presents remarkably enhanced absorption than Yb sensitizer at 980 nm and greatly inhibits the NIR‐IIb fluorescence emission via competitive absorption mechanism. While, the M2‐xS nanodots are easily degraded after triggering by HOCl, resulting in HOCl responsive turn‐on (≈ten folds) NIR‐IIb emission at 1532 nm. More importantly, in vivo highly precise and specific monitoring of inflammatory with abnormal HOCl expression is successfully achieved. Thus, the explored competitive absorption mediated quenching‐activation mechanism provides a new general strategy of designing HOCl‐responsive NIR‐IIb fluorescence nanoprobe for highly specific and sensitive HOCl detection.
Machine Learning‐Guided Prediction of Desalination Capacity and Rate of Porous Carbons for Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Wang Hao , Jiang Mingxi , Xu Guangsheng , Wang Chenglong , Xu Xingtao , Liu Yong , Li Yuquan , Lu Ting , Yang Guang , Pan Likun
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, capacitive deionization (CDI) has emerged as a prominent technology in the desalination field, typically utilizing porous carbons as electrodes. However, the precise significance of electrode properties and operational conditions in shaping desalination performance remains blurry, necessitating numerous time‐consuming and resource‐intensive CDI experiments. Machine learning (ML) presents an emerging solution, offering the prospect of predicting CDI performance with minimal investment in electrode material synthesis and testing. Herein, four ML models are used for predicting the CDI performance of porous carbons. Among them, the gradient boosting model delivers the best performance on test set with low root mean square error values of 2.13 mg g−1 and 0.073 mg g−1 min−1 for predicting desalination capacity and rate, respectively. Furthermore, SHapley Additive exPlanations is introduced to analyze the significance of electrode properties and operational conditions. It highlights that electrolyte concentration and specific surface area exert a substantially more influential role in determining desalination performance compared to other features. Ultimately, experimental validation employing metal–organic frameworks‐derived porous carbons and biomass‐derived porous carbons as CDI electrodes is conducted to affirm the prediction accuracy of ML models. This study pioneers ML techniques for predicting CDI performance, offering a compelling strategy for advancing CDI technology.
Slurry Casted Ultrathin Li3Zr2Si2PO12 Electrolyte Film for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Nana , Li Wei , Li Rui , Di Hexiang , Wen Bohua , Zhang Lan
Published: June 2024

Thin and flexible solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) films with high ionic conductivity and low interfacial resistance are urgently required for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, it's still challenging to reduce the film thickness to <20 µm, especially for those with high ceramic contents. Herein, a facile slurry casting method is developed to prepare the ultra‐thin (14 µm) Li3Zr2Si2PO12 (LZSP) films with ceramic content up to 91% using a composite polymer binder, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polyethylene oxide (PEO). It shows that PEO not only enhanced the film flexibility but also makes it be easily peeled off to form a freestanding membrane, PLN. To promote the interfacial ion transport, PEO/lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) is introduced to the film surface, and the resultant tri‐layer film, PPLN, shows a satisfying room temperature ionic conductivity of 0.116 mS cm−1, high Li+ transference number of 0.79, and good compatibility with metal lithium. As a result, LMBs using LiFePO4 cathode and PPLN electrolyte exhibit excellent safety as well as electrochemical performances in the wide temperature range between room temperature (RT) and 100 °C.
Discovery of Self‐Assembled 2D Ru/Si Superlattices Boosting Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Cai Weizheng , He Xinyi , Ye Tian‐Nan , Hu Xinmeng , Liu Chuanlong , Sasase Masato , Kitano Masaaki , Kamiya Toshio , Hosono Hideo , Wu Jiazhen
Published: June 2024

2D heterostructuring is a versatile methodology for designing nanoarchitecture catalytic systems that allow for reconstruction and modulation of interfaces and electronic structures. However, catalysts with such structures are extremely scarce due to limited synthetic strategies. Here, a highly ordered 2D Ru/Si/Ru/Si… nano‐heterostructures (RSHS) is reported by acid etching of the LaRuSi electride. RSHS shows a superior electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution with an overpotential of 14 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline media. Both experimental analyses and first‐principles calculations demonstrate that the electronic states of Ru can be tuned by strong interactions of the interfacial Ru–Si, leading to an optimized hydrogen adsorption energy. Moreover, due to the synergistic effect of Ru and Si, the energy barrier of water dissociation is significantly reduced. The well‐organized superlattice structure will provide a paradigm for construction of efficient catalysts with tunable electronic states and dual active sites.
Pitting Initiated by MnO·Cr2O3–MnS and MnS Inclusions in a Si‐/Mn‐Killed Stainless Steel
Authors: Liu Zhen , Ren Qiang , Zhang Lifeng
Published: June 2024

Two types of inclusions in the stainless steels are detected: MnO·Cr2O3–MnS dual‐phase ones and pure MnS ones. The increase of sulfur content can inhibit the formation of MnO–Cr2O3–MnS inclusions and reduce the harm of MnO·Cr2O3–MnS inclusions on the pitting corrosion of stainless steels. When the sulfur content increases from 26 to 70 ppm, the average pitting potential increases from 0.34 to 0.4 VSCE due to the decrease in the number density of MnO–Cr2O3–MnS inclusions. A Cr‐depletion zone exists in the steel matrix around MnO–Cr2O3–MnS inclusions. The size of pits induced by MnO·Cr2O3–MnS inclusions is larger, which poses a more serious threat to the pitting resistance of stainless steels.