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Background In response to Choosing Wisely recommendations that sentinel lymph node biopsy (slnb) should not be routinely performed in elderly patients with node-negative (cN0), estrogen receptor-positive (er+) breast cancer, we sought to evaluate how nodal staging affects adjuvant treatment in this population. Methods From a prospective database, we identified patients 70 or more years of age with cN0 breast cancer treated with surgery for er+ her2-negative invasive disease during 2012-2016. We determined rates of, and factors associated with, nodal positivity (pN+), and compared the use of adjuvant radiation (rt) and systemic therapy by nodal status. Results Of 364 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 331 (91%) underwent slnb, with 75 (23%) being pN+. Axillary node dissection was performed in 11 patients (3%). On multivariate analysis, tumour size was the only factor associated with pN+ (p = 0.007). Nodal positivity rates were 0%, 13%, 23%, 33%, and 27% for lesions preoperatively sized at 0-0.5 cm, 0.5-1 cm, 1.1-2.0 cm, 2.1-5.0 cm, and more than 5.0 cm. Compared with patients assessed as node-negative, those who were pN+ were more likely to receive axillary rt (lumpectomy: 53% vs. 1%, p < 0.001; mastectomy: 43% vs. 2%, p < 0.001), and adjuvant systemic therapy (endocrine: 82% vs. 69%; chemotherapy plus endocrine: 7% vs. 2%, p = 0.002). Conclusions Of elderly patients with cN0 er+ breast cancer, 23% were pN+ on slnb. Size was the primary predictor of nodal status, and yet significant rates of nodal positivity were observed even in tumours preoperatively sized at 1 cm or less. The use of rt and systemic adjuvant therapies differed by nodal status, although the long-term oncologic implications require further investigation. Multidisciplinary input on a case-by-case basis should be considered before omission of slnb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Huang C-N, Huang S-P, Pao J-B, Hour T-C, Chang T-Y, Lan Y-H, Lu T-L, Lee H-Z, Juang S-H, Wu P-P, Huang C-Y, Hsieh C-J, Bao B-Y (Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung; Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung; Taipei City Hospital, Taipei; Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung; China Medical University, Taichung; National Taiwan University Hospital; Oriental Institute of Technology; National Taiwan University, Taipei; China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan). Genetic polymorphisms in oestrogen receptor-binding sites affect clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer receiving androgen-deprivation therapy. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 499-509. Background. Accumulating evidence indicates that oestrogens have significant direct effects on normal prostate development and carcinogenesis. The majority of the biological activities of oestrogens are mediated through the oestrogen receptor (ER), which functions as a hormone-inducible transcription factor to regulate target gene expression by binding to oestrogen response elements (EREs) in the regulatory regions of target genes. Sequence variants in EREs might affect the ER-ERE interaction and subsequent physiological activities. Therefore, we tested whether common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inside EREs are related to the clinical outcomes of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer. Methods. We systematically evaluated 49 ERE SNPs predicted using a genome-wide database in a cohort of 601 men with advanced prostate cancer treated with ADT. The prognostic significance of these SNPs on disease progression, prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) and all-cause mortality (ACM) after ADT was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox regression model. Results. Based on multiple hypothesis testing, BNC2 rs16934641 was found to be associated with disease progression; in addition, TACC2 rs3763763 was associated with PCSM, and ALPK1 rs2051778 and TACC2 rs3763763 were associated with ACM. These SNPs remained significant in multivariate analyses that included known clinicopathological predictors. Moreover, a combined genotype effect on ACM was observed when ALPK1 rs2051778 and TACC2 rs3763763 were analysed in combination. Patients with a greater number of unfavourable genotypes had a shorter time to ACM during ADT ( P for trend <0.001). Conclusion. The incorporation of ERE SNPs into models with known predictors might improve outcome prediction in patients with prostate cancer receiving ADT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In 2009, a Rapid Access Breast Clinic (RABC) was opened at our urban hospital. Compared with the traditional system (TS), the navigated care through the clinic was associated with a significantly shorter time to surgical consultation. Since 2009, many radiology facilities have introduced facilitated-care pathways for patients with breast pathology. Our objective was to determine if that change in diagnostic imaging pathways had eliminated the advantage in time to care previously shown for the RABC. Methods All patients seen in the RABC and the office-based TS in November-December 2012 were included in the analysis. A retrospective chart review tabulated demographic, surgeon, pathology, and radiologic data, including time intervals to care for all patients. The results were compared with data from 2009. Results In 2012, time from presentation to surgical consultation was less for the RABC group than for the TS group (36 days vs. 73 days, p < 0.001) for both malignant (31 days vs. 55 days, p = 0.008) and benign diagnoses (43 days vs. 79 days, p < 0.001). Comparing the 2012 results with results from 2009, a decline in mean wait time was observed for the TS group (86 days vs. 73 days, p = 0.02). Compared with patients having investigations in the TS, RABC patients with cancer were more likely to undergo surgery within 60 days of presentation (33% vs. 15%, p = 0.04). Conclusions The coordination of radiology and clinical care reduces wait times for diagnosis and surgery in breast cancer. To achieve recommended targets, we recommend implementation of more systematic coordination of care for a breast cancer diagnosis and of navigation to surgeons for patients needing surgical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cd2+ cation doped CsPbCl3 single crystals were synthesized, and their luminescent properties were investigated under excitation with synchrotron radiation quanta with energy greater than Eg and at a sample temperature of 12 K. Pure single crystals exhibit a narrow band of exciton emission at 416.7 nm. Doping the single crystals leads to a high-energy shift of the excitonic luminescence, the appearance of new luminescent bands, the broadening of the luminescent bands, an increase in the decay time constants, and a significant enhancement of the luminescence intensity. The observed changes in luminescent parameters upon doping are discussed in terms of the crystal structure ordering, a decrease in the number of defects responsible for capturing charge carriers at the stage of electronic excitation thermalization, and a decrease in defects that quench excitonic luminescence. Doped single crystals with decay times of the order of 0.4 ns and intensities that significantly exceed the intensity of pure single crystals can be promising scintillation materials for positron emission tomography in the time-of-flight mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anatase/TiO2(B) homojunction loaded with Au nanoparticles was synthesized, achieving a C2H6 yield rate of 170 μmol g−1 h−1 in a flow photoreactor. The homojunction reduces TiO2(B)'s strong oxidative ability, offering a more moderate environment for methane dehydrogenation, while Au aids in charge mitigation and methyl radical coupling. The catalyst highlights homojunction engineering and a ternary synergistic effect in photocatalytic CH4 coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread utilization of noble metal-based catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is hindered by their rarity and substantial expense, posing significant challenges for large-scale applications. Therefore, developing an efficient OER electrocatalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers remains a significant challenge. Here, we present a bottom-up synthesis strategy utilizing ultrasound-assisted exfoliation to design nickel–iron bimetallic organic framework (NiFe-MOF) nanosheets with high electrooxidation activity, in situ induced by carbon quantum dots (CQDs). This approach eliminates the reliance on intricate and inefficient exfoliation techniques, producing NiFe-MOF nanosheets with a regulated thickness of just 10 nm. This enhanced electron transport induced by CQDs plays a pivotal role in improving the OER performance of NiFe-MOF, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of only 280 mV, with a Tafel slope of 71.98 mV dec−1, lower Rct, and larger ECSA. In situ FTIR spectroscopy suggests that the OER mechanism in NiFe-MOF-CQD mainly follows the adsorbate evolution mechanism. The NiFe-MOF-CQD catalyst demonstrates remarkable durability and resilience during PEM water electrolysis, reaching industrially relevant current densities of 2 A cm−2 at 2 V. This research's results not only promote green and low-carbon development but also inject new vitality into the development of hydrogen energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of sodium-ion batteries, layered manganese-based sodium-ion batteries have garnered significant attention due to their high safety and cost-effectiveness, positioning them as strong contenders for grid-scale energy storage solutions. However, the slow kinetics of sodium ions and the complex phase transitions during charge/discharge cycling hinder the application by decreasing rate capability and cycling performance. In this study, bond structure engineering is employed to regulate the elemental composition of TMO2 slabs by analyzing the bond strength differences within TMO2 slabs. The aim is to enhance the structural stability and suppress the phase transition by increasing the layer spacing of the Na layer and the shrinkage of the TM layer, thereby improving the Na+ ion transport kinetics and mitigating the effects of Na+/vacancy ordering and Jahn–Teller distortion. Consequently, the designed high-entropy O3–NaNi0.2Fe0.2Mn0.3Mg0.1Cu0.1Sn0.1O2 (HE) exhibits improved rate capability and cycling performance. It shows 83.8% capacity retention after 200 cycles at a 3C current density and can stably cycle for 500 cycles at 5C with 75.3% capacity retention. This work provides a new approach for the design of high-entropy manganese-based sodium-layered oxides for energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the conversion of sugars into furan derivatives, specifically 2,5-dimethylfuran, through catalytic processes using bibliographic analysis. This method evaluates scientific outcomes and impact within a specific field by analyzing data such as publication trends, references, collaborative models, leading authors, and institutions. The study utilized data from the reliable Scopus database and conducted analysis using the visualization of similarity (VOS) viewer program to gain in-depth insights into the current state of research on this topic. The findings revealed that "5 hydroxymethyl furfural" was the most used keyword, followed by "biomass" and "catalysis." The research trend remained stable and popular from 2006 to 2022, with a decline beginning in 2023. The growing number of publications indicates increasing interest and importance of these topics. Notably, China led in the number of publications, with 80% more than the second-ranked United States, followed closely by India in the third place. The study also highlighted citation linkages between authors and countries, providing a comprehensive overview of research on converting sugars to furan derivatives, particularly 2,5-dimethylfuran, through catalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of organic synthesis, reagents can serve not only as solvents but also as synthons. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is recognized for its efficiency in this dual capacity, enabling diverse chemical transformations. DMSO can generate various synthons, including methyl, methylene, methine, oxygen, and methyl sulfoxide, broadening the accessible compound repertoire. Activation of DMSO as a reagent relies heavily on synergies with secondary agents like peroxide, persulfate, or iodine. Recent years have witnessed a surge in innovative synthetic techniques harnessing the synergistic interplay of DMSO and peroxide, leading to environmentally friendly and cost-effective reactions with mild conditions. This review highlights the synergistic effects of DMSO and peroxides (up to 2023), detailing their activation mechanisms and the generation of various synthons, along with numerous reported derivatives. Although this topic has received considerable attention in recent years, there are numerous discrepancies and a plethora of possibilities yet to be explored. We anticipate that this review will significantly support researchers in advancing their innovations to a greater extent in the future. This review accentuates the synergistic effects of DMSO and peroxides like potassium persulfate (K2S2O8), sodium persulfate (Na2S2O8), ammonium persulfate ((NH4)2S2O8), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and tertbutyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), as well as Oxone. It highlights their collaborative role in generating diverse synthons and elucidates the mechanisms of activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic olfactory disorders are some of the most frequent post-COVID-19 presentations. Olfactory training (OT) is currently the most popular method used for treating post-viral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD). We evaluated the effect of olfactory training on the chronic olfactory disorders of patients infected with COVID-19. Methodology: A systematic literature search was performed per PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and the Cochrane Library. Only patients with chronic olfactory disorders of 30 days or more were included. The primary outcome was the olfactory score at the end of follow-up. In all studies, improvement was defined as a positive change over time in the results of objective psychophysical olfactory tests. The most commonly used test was the Sniffin' Sticks. Typically, outcome measures involved comparing the mean olfactory scores. In the Sniffin' Sticks test, an improvement was also indicated by a change of 5.5 points or more in the Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification scores. Results: Fourteen studies (1.596 participants) were included in this review. Among the included studies, up to 10 were RCTs. Nine studies assessed the combined effects of adjuvant therapy and olfactory training, while five studies assessed only OT. Conclusions: In our assessment, olfactory training alone produces significant improvements in chronic olfactory dysfunctions. However, a combined therapy approach is essential to achieve more effective outcomes. Integrating olfactory training with adjuvants like CoUltraPEALut, Cerebrolysin, and oral Vitamin A has demonstrated substantial benefits in enhancing post-COVID-19 olfactory function. Strict adherence to the OT protocol and extending the duration of OT to 3 months or more significantly enhance treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimally invasive spine surgery has seen rapid development in recent years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ULIF) versus minimally invasive surgery transforaminal interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative disease (LDD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: In collaboration with various search terms, a comprehensive examination of the scientific literature was carried out using PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and other databases. A total of 9 studies were included retrospective cohort studies. Results: We observed statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, total hospital stay, postoperative hospital stays, and 1-month postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores between the ULIF and MIS-TLIF groups, with the ULIF group being more dominant. MIS-TLIF group was statistically more advantageous in terms of operative time. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, 3-month postoperative and final ODI scores, excellent and good rate, complications, disc heights, and lumbar lordosis angle between the two groups. Conclusions: Treatment of single-segment LDD with ULIF and MIS-TLIF is both safe and effective. ULIF has the advantage of less intraoperative blood loss, shorter total hospital stay, shorter postoperative hospital stay, and lower ODI scores at 1 month postoperatively compared to MIS-TLIF. There were no significant differences between ULIF and MIS-TLIF in the treatment of LDD in terms of postoperative VAS scores, 3-month postoperative and final ODI scores, satisfaction rates, fusion rates, complications, disc heights, and lumbar lordosis angle. MIS-TLIF has a shorter procedure time than ULIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the burgeoning biological applications associated with xanthones, the development of highly efficient synthetic methodologies for their production has emerged as a pivotal objective of chemical research. Amidst the array of available protocols, the oxidative carbonylation of diaryl ethers with carbon monoxide (CO) stands out as a notably uncomplicated route, often necessitating stoichiometric oxidants. Herein, we present a feasible approach employing unsymmetrical-waveform alternating current (AC) electrolysis to facilitate Pd-catalysed oxidative C–H/C–H carbonylation. Leveraging a straightforward catalytic system, we demonstrate the conversion of diverse diaryl ethers into xanthones with moderate to commendable yields. Our mechanistic investigations illuminate the indispensable role played by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) in the electrochemical system, particularly its ability to recycle heterogeneous palladium species within the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible protein phosphorylation, known as the "switch" of the cell, is controlled by protein kinases (PKs) and protein phosphatases (PPs). Based on substrate specificity, PPs are classified into protein serine/threonine phosphatases and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). PTPs can dephosphorylate phosphotyrosine and phosphoserine/phosphothreonine. In plants, PTPs monitor plant physiology, growth, and development. This review summarizes an overview of the PTPs' classification and describes how PTPs regulate various plant processes, including plant growth and development, plant hormone responses, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Then, future research directions on the PTP family in plants are discussed. This summary will serve as a reference for researchers studying PTPs in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol dehydrogenation (MD) is highly valuable in hydrogen energy production, and the introduction of nonmetals has received much attention to improve the activity and stability of the MD catalysts, but the understanding of the role of non-metallic elements in catalyzing the MD reaction is rather limited. Density functional theory (DFT) is employed to investigate the mechanism of methanol dehydrogenation on RuxPy surfaces. In this work, the P element is introduced into the Ru-based catalyst to obtain dispersed Ru sites and RuxPy (x/y = 2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2) catalysts are designed. CH3OH adsorption, electronic structure of the catalyst, energy barriers for carbon accumulation reactions, and the mechanism of methanol decomposition are systematically calculated. The results of the effective reaction barrier (E effa) reveal that the order of the activity of the MD reaction is RuP(112) > Ru(0001) > Ru2P(210) > RuP2(110). The most preferable pathway on RuP(112) is pathway 1 (CH3OH* → CH3O* → CH2O* → CHO* → CO*). After the introduction of P, the weakened CO adsorption enhanced the resistance of catalysts to CO poisoning, and the activation energy of the carbon accumulation reaction increased, indicating that the anti-coking ability of the catalysts is improved. This theoretical study contributes to the design and modulation of highly active and stable metal catalysts for MD reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni-rich layered cathodes have a high practical capacity (>200 mA h g−1) and tapped density (>3.6 mg cm−2) and have thus attracted widespread attention in significant applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage. However, the high surface reactivity of these cathodes promotes the decomposition of carbonate solvents, which contributes to the growth of the cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) as well as rapid fading of the battery's capacity during long-term cycling. Carbonates are favorable for the deprotonation reaction by the oxygen atom in the Ni-rich layered cathode and in the formation of the CEI. In this study, the deprotonation mechanism of cyclic and linear carbonates on a Ni-rich layered cathode was thoroughly investigated using operando Fourier-transfer infrared spectroscopy, and the reasons for cathode fading could be confirmed in terms of carbonate structures. In addition, a new maleimide oligomer was developed and coated on a Ni-rich layered cathode to inhibit the deprotonation of the carbonates. The maleimide oligomer acts as a cis isomer that provides a bridge function for reacting with oxygen on the cathode surface through its cis configuration. Moreover, this bridge function will keep the carbonates away from the cathode surface for further decomposition during cycling. On the contrary, battery performance exhibited a cycling ability at a high rate, and the new cis–maleimide oligomer helped improve rate capability. A full-cell (>3 A h) containing graphite as the anode coated with the maleimide oligomer in its cis form was fabricated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of CO into substrates to construct high‐value carbonyl compounds is an intensive industrial carbonylation procedure, however, high toxicity and wide explosion limits (12.5–74.0 vol% in air) of CO limit its application in industrial production. The development of a CO‐free catalytic system for carbonylation is one of ideal methods, but full of challenge. Herein, this study reports the CO‐free aminocarbonylation conversion of terminal alkynes synergistically catalyzed by a unique Co(ІІ)/Ag(І) metal–organic framework (MOF), in which the combination of isocyanides and O2 is employed as safe and green source of aminocarbonyl. This reaction has broad substrate applicability in terminal alkyne and isocyanides components with 100% atom economy. The bimetal MOF catalyst can be recycled at least five times without substantial loss of catalytic activities. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that the synergistic effect between Ag(I) and Co(II) sites can efficiently activate terminal alkyne and isocyanides, respectively. Free radical capture experiments, FT‐IR analysis and theoretical explorations further reveal that terminal alkynes and isocyanides can be catalytically transformed into an anionic intermediate through heterolysis pathways. This work provides secure and practical access to carbonylation as well as a new approach to aminocarbonylation of terminal alkynes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binder plays a crucial role in constructing high‐performance electrodes for water electrolysis. While most research has been focused on advancing electrocatalysts, the application of binders in electrode design has yet to be fully explored. Herein, the in situ incorporation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a multifunctional binder, which increases electrochemical active sites, enhances mass transfer, and strengthens the mechanical and chemical robustness of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrodes, is reported. The NiFe‐LDH@PTFE/NF electrode prepared by co‐deposition of PTFE with NiFe‐layered double hydroxide onto nickel foam demonstrates exceptional long‐term stability with a minimal potential decay rate of 0.034 mV h−1 at 500 mA cm−2 for 1000 h. The alkaline water electrolyzer utilizing NiFe‐LDH@PTFE/NF requires only 1.584 V at 500 mA cm−2 and sustains high energy efficiency over 1000 h under industrial operating conditions. This work opens a new path for stabilizing active sites to obtain durable electrodes for OER as well as other electrocatalytic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐entropy spinel‐type oxides are synthesized by a modified Pechini process, wet chemistry approach, and solid‐state synthesis method and characterized as anode materials for Li‐ion batteries. The Pechini process that involves chelation and polyesterification reactions facilitates the formation of high‐entropy spinel‐type oxides without compositional segregation at ≈600 °C as confirmed by in situ and ex situ XRD. XAFS analysis and the Rietveld refinement of room‐temperature neutron diffraction data suggest the composition (Mn0.05Fe0.48Co0.47, tetrahedral)(Cr0.61Mn0.52Fe0.11Co0.09Ni0.68, octahedral)O4 for phase‐pure specimens. Compared to high‐entropy spinel‐type oxides synthesized by the solid‐state method, the precursor‐derived materials demonstrate higher specific capacity as anodes, in which the materials without citric acid addition exhibit low capacity fading at high current densities and maintained a capacity of ≈200 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles. The generation of a rock‐salt‐type phase during cycling is confirmed for the first time by in situ charging–discharging XRD. The charging–discharging of this anode material is achieved mainly through the embedding–disembedding of lithium ions in the lattice of the generated rock‐salt‐type phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate dry-wet cycle erosion significantly affects the mechanical properties of concrete. Investigating the uniaxial compressive stress-strain relationship under these conditions is essential for developing accurate constitutive models. This study analyzes the uniaxial stress-strain curves of concrete subjected to dry-wet cycles in 5% and 15% sulfate solutions. The results show that the initial compaction phase in the stress-strain relationship is particularly pronounced under increasing sulfate concentrations and cycle counts. The concrete experiences an extended compaction phase, which accounts for up to 35.71% of the total strain process. This finding challenge traditional constitutive models, which struggle to accurately describe this phase. To address this issue, the study develops a nonlinear stress-strain model for concrete, incorporating the initial damage caused by sulfate dry-wet cycle erosion, based on Weibull statistical damage mechanics principles. The research indicates that the effects of sulfate concentration and cycle count are predominantly reflected in the pronounced nonlinearity of the skeleton strain function's opening size (a) and shape characteristics (b), modeled using a fourth-degree polynomial. The model demonstrates an excellent fit to experimental data with an R2 value of 0.99989, showing that the proposed nonlinear stress-strain relationship effectively captures the uniaxial mechanical behavior of concrete under sulfate dry-wet cycle erosion and provides a robust framework for developing constitutive models in such environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of construction, pouring and vibrating concrete on existing reinforced structures is a necessary process. This paper presents an automatic vibration position detecting method based on the feature extraction of 3D lidar point clouds. Compared with the image-based method, this method has better anti-interference performance to light with reduced computational consumption. First, lidar scans are used to capture multiple frames of local steel bar point clouds. Then, the clouds are stitched by Normal Distribution Transform (NDT) for preliminary matching and Iterative Closest Point (ICP) for fine-matching. The Graph-Based Optimization (g2o) method further refines the precision of the 3D registration. Afterwards, the 3D point clouds are projected into a 2D image. Finally, the locations of concrete vibration points and concrete casting points are discerned through point cloud and image processing technologies. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed automatic method outperforms ICP and NDT algorithms, reducing the mean square error (MSE) by 11.5% and 11.37%, respectively. The maximum discrepancies in identifying concrete vibration points and concrete casting points are 0.059 ± 0.031 m and 0.089 ± 0.0493 m, respectively, fulfilling the requirement for concrete vibration detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen, a clean resource with high energy density, is one of the most promising alternatives to fossil. Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers are beneficial for hydrogen production because of their high current density, facile operation, and high gas purity. However, the large‐scale application of electrochemical water splitting to acidic electrolytes is severely limited by the sluggish kinetics of the anodic reaction and the inadequate development of corrosion‐ and highly oxidation‐resistant anode catalysts. Therefore, anode catalysts with excellent performance and long‐term durability must be developed for anodic oxygen evolution reactions (OER) in acidic media. This review comprehensively outlines three commonly employed strategies, namely, defect, phase, and structure engineering, to address the challenges within the acidic OER, while also identifying their existing limitations. Accordingly, the correlation between material design strategies and catalytic performance is discussed in terms of their contribution to high activity and long‐term stability. In addition, various nanostructures that can effectively enhance the catalyst performance at the mesoscale are summarized from the perspective of engineering technology, thus providing suitable strategies for catalyst design that satisfy industrial requirements. Finally, the challenges and future outlook in the area of acidic OER are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the evolution characteristics of overlying rock fractures, based on a geological prototype of a large-height comprehensive mining face in Shanxi, a three-dimensional large-scale physical similarity model was established. The experiments were carried out using microseismic monitoring and physical model cutting methods to study the activity and fissure evolution of the overburden rock. Model cutting revealed that, approximately 65 m from the bottom of the coal seam, delamination occurred, marking the top of the overburden rock fissure zone and the bottom of the bending and sinking zone. At 25 m from the coal seam bottom, the rock layer was highly fragmented, forming the collapse zone, which was 4.8 times the mining height. Between 25 and 65 m from the bottom, a fissure zone existed, which was 12.5 times the mining height, with abundant delamination fissures at the top of the fissure zone. Significant microseismic events were observed as the coal face advanced to 45 m, with notable increases in the concentrations and distribution ranges of these events in both the strike and height directions of the coal seam. The subsidence range of the overlying rock layer expanded from the top to the bottom, with the subsidence slope area extending gradually and the central compaction area remaining relatively flat. The overall shape presented an irregular ellipse, with peripheral uplift phenomena observed in the subsidence area. At 39 m from the coal seam bottom, the maximum subsidence of the rock stratum was 4.0 m, with subsidence amounts decreasing with increasing stratum height. Fissure density along the coal seam inclination and direction exhibited a double hump pattern, with fissure areas on both sides showing high densities and the central compaction areas having low densities. Coal seam mining caused stress redistribution in the surrounding rock layer, and the stress in front of the work was divided into the stress reduction zone, dynamic influence zone, mining influence zone, and unaffected zone. Coal rock porosity under high stress was less sensitive to stress changes, resulting in smaller changes in fissure permeability and fissures remaining mostly closed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding water activation and reaction at metal-oxide interfaces is of significant importance. However, it remains a great challenge due to the weak signal of surface-active species and the difficulties associated with in situ detection methods. Herein, the water-gas shift reaction mechanism at the Pd–CeO2 interfaces has been systematically studied by using the "borrowing" surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) strategy through the fabrication of Au@CeO2–Pd core–shell satellite structures. Through the combination of in situ SERS and online mass spectrometry, real-time monitoring of surface intermediate species and reaction products is achieved simultaneously. It is found that CO adsorbed on Pd can either react with the oxygen species formed via water dissociation (the associative mechanism) or the lattice oxygen in CeO2 (the redox mechanism), with the former having a higher activity. This work provides an effective approach for the in situ study of interfacial catalysis and explains the important role of the Pd–CeO2 interfaces in the water-gas shift reaction at a molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Revision surgery in the spine poses considerable challenges due to the presence of scar tissue and structural differences, necessitating careful surgical planning and precise techniques. In this technical note, we focus on lumbar unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) for single‐level reoperations, outlining principles and methods for handling soft tissue in such cases. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our surgical approach for lumbar reoperations with UBE, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preoperative planning and bone‐centered manipulation. Our technique involves utilizing biportal endoscopy for enhanced visualization and employing specific strategies for managing scar tissue, including the "pull‐and‐cut technique." We present two illustrative cases to demonstrate the application of our method. Results: The described approach yielded successful outcomes in both cases presented. Case 1 involved a posterior interlaminar approach for a recurrent disc at the L4–5 level, while Case 2 utilized a far lateral approach for recurrent disc herniation at the L4–5 level. Both surgeries were completed with relatively short operation time, minimal blood loss, and immediate improvement in symptoms postoperatively. Conclusion: Lumbar UBE offers a promising option for safe and effective reoperation in spinal surgery. Our technique, emphasizing bone‐centered manipulation and specific strategies for scar tissue management, provides excellent visibility and enables precise tissue handling. Overall, UBE facilitates relatively simple and safe reoperations, contributing to improved patient outcomes in the challenging field of spinal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid solutions of rare earth titanates with high contents of rare earth oxides of up to 50-62% have been synthesized by the co-precipitation method and their structure, microstructure and conductivity in dry and wet air have been studied. Proton conductors have been found for the first time in solid solutions of rare earth titanates with a high content of Ln2O3 (>50%) with a nominal formula composition of (LnxTi1-x)4O8-2x (Ln = Yb, Er, Ho, 0.667 = x = 0.765). Among (LnxTi1-x)4O8-2x (Ln = Yb, Er, Ho, x = 0.684), (HoxTi1-x)4O8-2x (x = 0.684) showed the maximum conductivity in wet air. In this context, four additional compositions (HoxTi1-x)4O8-2x (x = 0.718, 0.734, 0.75, and 0.765) were synthesized in the holmium series. An increase in the holmium content leads to an increase in the proton transfer coefficients; at the same time, a more complex nature of the dependence of the conductivity under dry and wet atmospheres is observed. For the fluorite-like solid solution (HoxTi1-x)4O8-2x (0.701 = x = 0.765), the proton transfer coefficients were found to be ~0.9 in the range of 200-450 °C. As the temperature continues to rise, the proton conductivity decreases quite sharply and the transfer coefficient becomes as low as 0.3 at 700 °C. The increase in proton conductivity in the Yb-Er-Ho series is associated with an increase in the hydrophilic properties of rare earth cations. In the (HoxTi1-x)4O8-2x (x = 0.667 = x = 0.765) series, the conductivity in wet air was ~1 × 10-6 S cm-1 at 450 °C for most compositions. The conductivity of ceramics with x = 0.701 and 0.75 is about 2 times higher, which may be due to the optimal size of pyrochlore nanodomains in the fluorite matrix for x = 0.701 and the formation of pure fluorite for x = 0.75, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn(II)-doped cesium lead halide perovskite (CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I)) quantum dots (QDs) have attracted a lot of attention from researchers attributed to their bright orange light emission. However, defects such as inefficient energy transfer and instability have hindered the commercial application of the material. Here, we propose a convenient core–shell coating strategy to epitaxially grow a CsPb2X5 shell on Mn-doped CsPbX3 surfaces by controlling the reaction time and precursor ratio. Meanwhile, density-functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that a typical type-I heterojunction is formed between the CsPb(Cl/Br)3 cores and the CsPb2(Cl/Br)5 shell, which improves the energy transfer efficiency from an exciton to Mn2+. The obtained Mn-doped CsPb(Cl/Br)3@CsPb2(Cl/Br)5 core–shell materials exhibit enhanced optical properties and excellent water/thermal stability. Subsequently, the white light-emitting diode prepared from the composites shows a high luminescence efficiency of 127.21 lm W−1, and the PL intensity is still maintained above 95% after 24 h of continuous operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2eORR) for producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has attracted significant attention as a potential alternative to the traditional anthraquinone process. In this study, we present a convenient method to regulate the electronic state of carbon sites using oxygenated groups, thereby achieving selective electrocatalytic O2 reduction to H2O2. Oxidized Ketjen Black (KB-Ox) exhibits high oxygen content and good hydrophilicity, improving the accessible surface of the electrolyte. This results in excellent H2O2 selectivity (87.5% at an applied potential of 0.55 V vs. RHE) and stability (>80% over 8 h of long-term catalytic testing). Additionally, this convenient and mild method is used to enhance the 2eORR performance of graphene carbon (GC-Ox) and Super P (SP-Ox). Density functional theory (DFT) simulations further reveal that the aldehyde group (–CHO) effectively optimizes the electronic state and coordination environment of the carbon active site, leading to suitable bonding strength towards OOH*, ultimately achieving outstanding 2eORR performance. This work significantly guides the rational design and understanding of the catalytic mechanism of the carbon-based catalyst with high 2eORR activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) has emerged as a promising gasotransmitter for various therapeutic applications, including antibacterial activities. However, the potential of polymeric SO2 donors for antimicrobial activities remains largely unexplored. Herein, we report a water-soluble, redox-responsive, SO2-releasing amphiphilic block copolymer poly(polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (PPEGMA)-b-poly- (2-((2,4-dinitrophenyl)sulfonamido)ethyl methacrylate (PM)) (BCPx) to investigate their antibacterial properties. BCPx contains hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) pendants and a hydrophobic SO2- releasing PM block, facilitating the formation of self-assembled nanoparticles (BCPxNp) in an aqueous medium, studied by critical aggregation concentration (CAC) measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). BCPxNp exhibits sustained SO2 release up to 12 h in the presence of glutathione (GSH), with a yield of 30–80% of theoretical SO2 release. In vitro antibacterial studies unveil the outstanding antibacterial activity of BCP3Np against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis, as evidenced by FESEM and live/ dead cell fluorescence assay. We further elucidate the antibacterial mechanism through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation studies. Overall, the polymer exhibits excellent biocompatibility at effective antimicrobial concentrations and provides insights into the design of a new class of SO2-releasing polymeric antibacterial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A technical note and retrospective case series. Objective: Highly upward-migrated lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is challenging due to its problematic access and incomplete removal. The most used interlaminar approach may cause extensive bony destruction. We developed a novel translaminar approach using the unilateral portal endoscopic (UBE) technique, emphasizing effective neural decompression, and preserving the facet joint's integrity. Methods: This retrospective study included six patients receiving UBE translaminar discectomy for highly upward-migrated LDHs from May 2019 to June 2021. The migrated disc was removed through a small keyhole on the lamina of the cranial vertebra. The treatment results were evaluated by operation time, hospital stays, complications, visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and modified MacNab criteria. Results: The mean pre-operative VAS for back pain (5.0 ± 4.9), VAS for leg pain (9.2 ± 1.0), JOA score (10.7 ± 6.6), and ODI (75.7 ± 25.3) were significantly improved to 0.3 ± 0.5, 1.2 ± 1.5, 27.3 ± 1.8, 5.0 ± 11.3 respectively at the final follow-up. Five patients had excellent, and one patient had good outcomes according to the Modified MacNab criteria. The hospital stay was 2.7 ± 0.5 days. No complication was recorded. The MRI follow-up showed complete disc removal, except for one patient with an asymptomatic residual disc. Conclusions: UBE translaminar discectomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for highly upward-migrated LDH with satisfactory treatment outcomes and nearly 100% facet joint preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is a common condition, and the number of cases is projected to increase 52% between 2012 and 2030. Care of breast cancer patients occurs along an interdisciplinary continuum involving family physicians, general surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and allied health workers. There are national benchmarks for wait times between each step from diagnosis to treatment. In this quality improvement project, we sought to measure these wait times at our hospital by comparing results for 2013 and 2023, identifying causes of delays, and proposing solutions to reduce wait times. Methods: We included all patients who were diagnosed with breast malignancies and referred to the general surgery service at Vernon Jubilee Hospital in 2013 and 2023. Results were analyzed using the two-tailed t test and Fisher exact test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. A P value less than .05 was considered significant. Results: The number of patients increased from 69 in 2013 to 113 in 2023. Mean wait times from initial imaging referral to surgery increased from 67 to 114 days (P < .01) during this period. Mean wait times from imaging referral to pathology diagnosis increased from 36 to 71 days (P < .01), due primarily to an increase from 34 to 80 days for symptomatic patients who were referred by their family physician (P < .01); wait times for asymptomatic patients who were identified by the Screening Mammography Program increased from 40 to 58 days (P = .09). Mean wait times from biopsy to final biomarker report (ER/PR/HER2) increased from 25 days to 29 days (P = .25), from surgery to final pathology increased from 11 to 17 days (P < .01), from surgical consultation to surgery increased from 17 to 31 days (P < .01), from referral to medical oncology consultation increased from 14 to 30 days (P < .01), and from referral to radiation oncology consultation increased from 78 to 106 days (P = .025). Most wait times met benchmark wait times in 2013 but failed to meet them in 2023. Conclusions: Wait times increased at every stage of the care continuum for breast cancer patients between 2013 and 2023 at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Implementing an interdisciplinary approach to care is necessary to remediate sources of delays at each step. Possible solutions include creating a fast-track pathway for symptomatic patients, performing biomarkers and pathology slide preparation locally, increasing operating room time, and tripling the number of oncologists in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to multi-carbon (C2þ) products is of great importance. Here we developed a nitrogen-doped Cu catalyst, by which the maximum C2þ Faradaic efficiency can reach 72.7% in flow-cell system, with the partial current density reaching 0.62 A cm-2. The in situ Raman spectra demonstrate that the *CO adsorption can be strengthened on such a N-doped Cu catalyst, thus promoting the *CO utilization in the subsequent C--C coupling step. Simultaneously, the water activation can be well enhanced by N doping on Cu catalyst. Owing to the synergistic effects, the selectivity and activity for C2þ products over the N-deoped Cu catalyst are much improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the acute manifestations of infectious diseases are well known, in some individuals, symptoms can either persist or appear after the acute period. Postviral fatigue syndromes are recognized with other viral infections and are described after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We have a growing number of individuals with symptoms that persist for weeks, months, and years. Here, we share the evidence regarding the abnormalities associated with postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and therapeutics. We describe physiological and biochemical abnormalities seen in individuals reporting PASC. We describe the several evidence-based interventions to offer patients. It is expected that this growing understanding of the mechanisms driving PASC and the benefits seen with certain therapeutics may not only lead to better outcomes for those with PASC but may also have the potential for understanding and treating other postinfectious sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising demand for portable energy conversion devices has spurred the advancement of direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs) employing fuels such as alcohol, ammonia, hydrazine, and vitamin C. In these devices, various precious metal platforms have been explored to increase the de-electronation kinetics and reduce catalyst poisoning, but with substantial cost implications. We demonstrate the crucial role of ligands in non-precious organometallic complexes in influencing the de-electronation kinetics of fuel molecules through a unique substrate–ligand synergistic interaction. This unique chemistry imparts electron deficiency at the catalytic metal center while simultaneously populating the ligand with an extensive proton charge assembly. This distinct substrate–ligand interaction enhances the DLFC performance by coulombically dragging the substrate with a distinct amplification in its de-electronation kinetics. By integrating this approach with a ferricyanide/ferrocyanide half-cell reaction, a precious metal-free vitamin C fuel cell is developed, which is capable of generating an open circuit voltage of ∼950 mV, a peak power density of ∼97 mW cm−2 at a peak current density of ∼215 mA cm−2 with the performance metrics nearly 1.7 times higher than a precious metal based DLFC. This highlights the potential of the substrate–ligand synergy in the design of efficient molecular catalysts for energy conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy‐driven proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) attracts widespread attention as a zero‐emission and sustainable technology. Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts with sluggish OER kinetics and rapid deactivation are major obstacles to the widespread commercialization of PEMWE. To date, although various advanced electrocatalysts have been reported to enhance acidic OER performance, Ru/Ir‐based nanomaterials remain the most promising catalysts for PEMWE applications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop efficient, stable, and cost‐effective Ru/Ir catalysts. Since the structure‐performance relationship is one of the most important tools for studying the reaction mechanism and constructing the optimal catalytic system. In this review, the recent research progress from the construction of unsaturated sites to gain a deeper understanding of the reaction and deactivation mechanism of catalysts is summarized. First, a general understanding of OER reaction mechanism, catalyst dissolution mechanism, and active site structure is provided. Then, advances in the design and synthesis of advanced acidic OER catalysts are reviewed in terms of the classification of unsaturated active site design, i.e., alloy, core‐shell, single‐atom, and framework structures. Finally, challenges and perspectives are presented for the future development of OER catalysts and renewable energy technologies for hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolism provides the foundation for all cellular functions. During persistent infections, in adapted pathogenic bacteria metabolism functions radically differently compared with more naïve strains. Whether this is simply a necessary accommodation to the persistence phenotype or if metabolism plays a direct role in achieving persistence in the host is still unclear. Here, we characterize a convergent shift in metabolic function(s) linked with the persistence phenotype during Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization in the airways of people with cystic fibrosis. We show that clinically relevant mutations in the key metabolic enzyme, pyruvate dehydrogenase, lead to a host-specialized metabolism together with a lower virulence and immune response recruitment. These changes in infection phenotype are mediated by impaired type III secretion system activity and by secretion of the antioxidant metabolite, pyruvate, respectively. Our results show how metabolic adaptations directly impinge on persistence and pathogenicity in this organism. he role of metabolism in bacterial persistence during infections is not clear. This study shows that host-specialized metabolic adaptations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa reduce virulence and immune responses in cystic fibrosis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]