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Filler components play a crucial role as thermo‐mechanical reinforcement to the epoxy‐based solder mask, ensuring effective insulation and passivation. This study investigates the impact of different inorganic filler types (talc, silica (SiO2), boron nitride (BN) and barium sulfate (BaSO4)) and loadings (5 and 15 wt%) on the tensile and thermal properties of the epoxy composites. The composites were blended, cast and thermally cured. Of these composites, only 15 wt% SiO2/epoxy composite exhibits notable increments in both tensile strength and modulus, surpassing unfilled epoxy by 11.65% and 31.9%, respectively. It also displays the highest elongation at break, supported by small particle size, high specific surface area and minimal void volume fraction. For thermal tests, the addition of all fillers increases the storage modulus in both glassy and rubbery regions, especially 15 wt% talc/epoxy composite with 30.09% increment at 25 °C. Additionally, all fillers raise the glass transition temperature (Tg), notably improving it by 9 °C in the 15 wt% BN/epoxy composite. Moreover, their inclusion generally enhances the onset decomposition temperature (Tonset) and reduces weight loss during decomposition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between the steroid use patterns and the risk of AEs in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). A total of 2691 newly diagnosed adults with ITP between 2011 and 2018 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, and the date of first steroid use was defined as the index date. Post‐index steroid use was calculated on a 90‐day basis as a time‐dependent variable and categorized by the average prednisolone‐equivalent daily dose (<10 mg vs. ≥10 mg) and intensity (medication possession ratio <80% vs. ≥80%). Patients were followed up for 1 year from the index date for acute AE events, while chronic AEs were assessed until death, or end of 2019. Compared to patients with low‐dose+low‐intensity steroid use, those with high‐dose+high‐intensity steroid use were associated with a higher risk of acute AE (adjusted incident rate ratio [aIRR]: 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–1.78, p < 0.01) and chronic AE (aIRR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08–1.47, p < 0.01). Metabolic/endocrine and ophthalmologic disorders demonstrated the strongest correlation with a high dose and intensity. The joint effect of steroid dose and intensity was observed in patients with ITP, and the findings suggest that steroids should be used carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exothermic nature of acrylate photopolymerizations enables room temperature 3D printing of a quaternary formulation that incorporates an acrylate monomer, and an epoxy/thiol‐ene system (ETES). The latter comprises an epoxy monomer, a multifunctional thiol and a tetraallyl functionalized ditertiary amine curing agent. Pristine ETES necessitates temperatures of 85–95 °C for curing. Several mechanisms operate simultaneously during this process: homopolymerization of acrylates, thiol‐acrylate photopolymerization, thiol‐ene photopolymerization between the double bonds of curing agent and the multifunctional thiol, the Michael addition between thiolates derived from ETES and the double bonds of acrylates, and the anionic polymerization of the epoxy resin via the tertiary amine groups. To optimize the quaternary formulations for printing, parameters, such as reactivity, exothermicity, and viscosity, was explored. Subsequently, the thermal and viscoelastic properties of the printed cross‐linked polymers derived from these formulations were analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The polymers derived from quaternary formulations exhibited lower crosslinked density compared to those obtained from the pristine acrylates. This reduction in crosslink density contributes to the improved toughness of the hybrid polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐classification technology has remarkable potential for autonomously discerning various stimuli without any circuit or software assistance, enabling it to realize electronic skin. In conventional self‐classification systems that rely on complex circuitry for operation, integrating the sensing and algorithm processing units inevitably leads to bulkiness in devices and bottlenecks in signal processing. In this study, the novel double‐sided structure inspired by the human nervous system is newly designed for a self‐classifying sensor (SCS) without the need for additional circuits. The sensor is layered with Ag nanocomposites that have been mechanically enhanced via interface engineering and surface treatment techniques. This structure enables the resistance‐capacitance hybrid operation, facilitating the detection and distinguishment of changes in strain, pressure, and temperature within a single device, which mimics the human sensing recognition process. Moreover, the intensity of the applied stimuli is determined by analyzing the detected signal, and precise localization of the stimuli is achieved by arraying the sensors. With its self‐classification capabilities, SCS opens promising avenues for applications in soft robotics and advanced multifunctional sensor platforms, providing a sensing system characterized by simplicity and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Worsening heart failure (WHF) events occurring in non‐inpatient settings are becoming increasingly recognized, with implications for prognostication. We evaluate the performance of a natural language processing (NLP)‐based approach compared with traditional diagnostic coding for non‐inpatient clinical encounters and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods and results: We compared characteristics for encounters that did vs. did not meet WHF criteria, stratified by care setting [i.e. emergency department (ED) and observation stay]. Overall, 8407 (22%) encounters met NLP‐based criteria for WHF (3909 ED visits and 4498 observation stays). The use of an NLP‐derived definition adjudicated 3983 (12%) of non‐primary HF diagnoses as meeting consensus definitions for WHF. The most common diagnosis indicated in these encounters was dyspnoea. Results were primarily driven by observation stays, in which 2205 (23%) encounters with a secondary HF diagnosis met the WHF definition by NLP. Conclusions: The use of standard claims‐based adjudication for primary diagnosis in the non‐inpatient setting may lead to misclassification of WHF events in the ED and overestimate observation stays. Primary diagnoses alone may underestimate the burden of WHF in non‐hospitalized settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Only limited therapeutic agents have been developed for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Glabridin, a promising anti‐obesity candidate, has only limited druggability due to its low in vivo chemical stability and bioavailability. Therefore, we developed vutiglabridin (VUTI), which is based on a glabridin backbone, and investigated its mechanism of action in treating NASH in animal models. Experimental Approach: Anti‐NASH effects of VUTI were determined in in vitro fatty liver models, spheroids of primary human hepatocytes and L02 normal liver cell lines. To identify VUTI possible cellular target/s, biotin‐labelled VUTI was synthesized and underwent chemical proteomic analysis. Further, the evaluation of VUTI therapeutic efficacy was carried out using an amylin‐NASH and high‐fat (HF) diet‐induced obese (DIO) mouse models. This was carried out using transcriptomic, lipidomic and proteomic analyses of the livers from the amylin‐NASH mouse model. Key Results: VUTI treatment markedly reduces hepatic steatosis, fibrosis and inflammation by promoting lipid catabolism, activating autophagy and improving mitochondrial dysfunction, all of which are hallmarks of effective NASH treatment. The cellular target of VUTI was identified as paraoxonase 2 (PON2), a newly proposed protein target for the treatment of NASH, VUTI enhanced PON2 activity. The results using PON2 knockdown cells demonstrated that PON2 is important for VUTI‐ activation of autophagy, promoting mitochondrial function, decreasing oxidative stress and alleviating lipid accumulation under lipotoxic condition. Conclusion and Implications: Our data demonstrated that VUTI is a promising therapeutic for NASH. Targeting PON2 may be important for improving liver function in various immune‐metabolic diseases including NASH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by hepatic steatosis associated with metabolic abnormalities. Recent research has shed light on the intricate interplay among interleukin‐1 receptor 1 (IL1R1), gut microbiota, and bile acids in the pathogenesis of MASLD. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the role of IL1R1, gut microbiota, and bile acids in MASLD, exploring their interrelationships and potential mechanisms. We summarize the evidence supporting the involvement of IL1R1 in inflammation, discuss the influence of gut microbiota on bile acid metabolism and its influence on liver health, and elucidate the bidirectional interactions among IL1R1 signaling, gut microbiota composition, and bile acid homeostasis in MASLD. Furthermore, we highlight emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these interrelated pathways for the management of MASLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel synthesis of ultrathin, highly uniform colloidal bismuth sulfohalide (BiSX where X = Cl, Br, I) nanowires (NWs) and NW bundles (NBs) for room‐temperature and solution‐processed flexible photodetectors are presented. High‐aspect‐ratio bismuth sulfobromide (BiSBr) NWs are synthesized via a heat‐up method using bismuth bromide and elemental S as precursors and 1‐dodecanethiol as a solvent. Bundling of the BiSBr NWs occurs upon the addition of 1‐octadecene as a co‐solvent. The morphologies of the BiSBr NBs are easily tailored from sheaf‐like structures to spherulite nanostructures by changing the solvent ratio. The optical bandgaps are modulated from 1.91 (BiSCl) and 1.88 eV (BiSBr) to 1.53 eV (BiSI) by changing the halide compositions. The optical bandgap of the ultrathin BiSBr NWs and NBs exhibits blueshift, whose origin is investigated through density functional theory‐based first‐principles calculations. Visible‐light photodetectors are fabricated using BiSBr NWs and NBs via solution‐based deposition followed by solid‐state ligand exchanges. High photo‐responsivities and external quantum efficiencies (EQE) are obtained for BiSBr NW and NB films even under strain, which offer a unique opportunity for the application of the novel BiSX NWs and NBs in flexible and environmentally friendly optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ascent of internet of things (IoT) technology has increased the demand for glass electronics. However, the production of glass electronics necessitates complicated processes, including conductive materials coating and chemical vapor deposition, which entail the use of additional chemicals. Consequently, this raises environmental apprehensions concerning chemical and electronic waste. In this study, a fast, cost‐effective, and simple approach are presented to meet the growing demand for glass electronics while addressing environmental concerns associated with their production processes. The method involves converting polyimide (PI) tape into laser‐induced graphene (LIG) and transferring it onto a glass substrate using ultraviolet laser direct writing technology. This process allows for the fabrication of LIG‐embedded glass without additional chemical treatments in ambient air. Subsequently, the residual PI tape is removed, resulting in LIG‐based glass electrodes with an electrical resistivity of 1.065 × 10−3 Ω m. These LIG electrodes demonstrate efficient functionality for window applications such as defogging, heating, temperature sensing, and solar warming, suitable for automotive and residential windows. The potential scalability of this eco‐friendly technology to IoT‐based smart and sustainable window electronics further underscores its adaptability to meet diverse user needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The reduction in crop yield caused by pathogens and pests presents a significant challenge to global food security. Genetic engineering, which aims to bolster plant defence mechanisms, emerges as a cost‐effective solution for disease control. However, this approach often incurs a growth penalty, known as the growth‐defence trade‐off. The precise molecular mechanisms governing this phenomenon are still not completely understood, but they generally fall under two main hypotheses: a "passive" redistribution of metabolic resources, or an "active" regulatory choice to optimize plant fitness. Despite the knowledge gaps, considerable practical endeavours are in the process of disentangling growth from defence. The plant microbiome, encompassing both above‐ and below‐ground components, plays a pivotal role in fostering plant growth and resilience to stresses. There is increasing evidence which indicates that plants maintain intimate associations with diverse, specifically selected microbial communities. Meta‐analyses have unveiled well‐coordinated, two‐way communications between plant shoots and roots, showcasing the capacity of plants to actively manage their microbiota for balancing growth with immunity, especially in response to pathogen incursions. This review centers on successes in making use of specific root‐associated microbes to mitigate the growth‐defence trade‐off, emphasizing pivotal advancements in unravelling the mechanisms behind plant growth and defence. These findings illuminate promising avenues for future research and practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropaleontologists use the fine structures of microfossils to extract evolutionary information. These structures could not be directly observed with the naked eye. Recently, paleontologists resort to computed tomography (CT) images to mine the information, and pursue higher resolution CT images with in‐depth research. Therefore, we propose a new model, weighted super‐resolution generative adversarial network (WSRGAN), for the super‐resolution reconstruction of CT images. The model proposed herein (WSRGAN) obtained higher LPIPS (0.0757) on the experimental dataset, compared with Bilinear (0.4289), Bicubic (0.4166), EDSR (0.2281), WDSR (0.2640), and SRGAN (0.0815). WSRGAN meets the requirements of paleontologists for reconstructing fish microfossils. We hope that more super‐resolution reconstruction methods based on deep learning could be applied to paleontology and achieve better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Wheat gluten is a high‐quality, low‐priced, and nutritious plant protein. Applications of wheat gluten protein could be expanded by improving its solubility through enzymatic modifications. Herein, we investigated the effect of proteolytic processing on the physicochemical properties of wheat gluten protein. Findings: The degree of hydrolysis, trichloroacetic acid‐soluble nitrogen (TCA‐SN), and peptidyl nitrogen content of the enzymatic digestion products increased, and the TCA‐SN content exceeded 60% in all cases. The ζ‐potentials of all products after enzymatic digestion were significantly decreased and were negative. Three enzymatic solutions increased the stability of the solution system and the surface hydrophobicity of the enzymatic products to different degrees. The products after enzymatic digestion by alkaline protease had better antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: This study provides theoretical support for expanding the applications for wheat protein to achieve the added value of wheat products and enhance the utilization rate of these readily available raw materials. Significance and Novelty: This study investigates the dual enzyme stepwise enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat gluten protein by alkaline protease and neutral protease, which increases the water‐soluble protein content of wheat gluten protein. The resulting hydrolysate has a high peptide nitrogen content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought, as a primary environmental factor, imposes significant constraints on developmental processes and productivity of plants. PHDs were identified as stress‐responsive genes in a wide range of eukaryotes. However, the regulatory mechanisms governing PHD genes in maize under abiotic stress conditions are still largely unknown and require further investigation. Here, we identified a mutant, zmvil2, in the EMS mutant library with a C to T mutation in the exon of the Zm00001d053875 (VIN3‐like protein 2, ZmVIL2), resulting in premature termination of protein coding. ZmVIL2 belongs to PHD protein family. Compared to WT, zmvil2 mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to drought stress. Consistently, overexpression of ZmVIL2 enhances drought resistance in maize. Y2H, BiFC, and Co‐IP experiments revealed that ZmVIL2 directly interacts with ZmFIP37 (FKBP12‐interacting protein of 37). zmfip37 knockout mutants also exhibit decreased drought tolerance. Interestingly, we demonstrated that ZmABF4 directly binds to the ZmVIL2 promoter to enhance its activity in yeast one hybrid (Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and dual luciferase reporter assays. Therefore, we uncovered a novel model ZmABF4‐ZmVIL2/ZmFIP37 that promotes drought tolerance in maize. Overall, these findings have enriched the knowledge of the functions of PHD genes in maize and provides genetic resources for breeding stress‐tolerant maize varieties. Summary statement: The PHD gene ZmVIL2 has been found to significantly improve drought resistance in maize. ZmVIL2 interacts with ZmFIP37, which enhances maize drought tolerance. ZmABF4 binds to ZmVIL2 promoter through ACGT motif and activates the expression of ZmVIL2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluate whether extranodal extension (ENE) extent impacts outcomes in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). Methods: From an institutional database, patients with OCSCC and pathologic ENE who received adjuvant treatment were included. Surgical slides were reviewed to confirm ENE extent. Multivariable Cox regression was used to relate patient/treatment characteristics with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). ENE was analyzed as both a dichotomous and continuous variable. Results: A total of 113 patients were identified. Between major (>2 mm) versus minor ENE (≤2 mm), there was no significant difference in DFS (HR 1.18, 95%CI 0.72–1.92, p = 0.51) or OS (HR 1.17, 95%CI 0.70–1.96, p = 0.55). There was no significant association between ENE as a continuous variable and DFS (HR 0.97 per mm, 95%CI 0.87–1.4, p = 0.96) or OS (HR 0.96 per mm, 95%CI 0.83–1.11, p = 0.58). Conclusion: No significant relationship was seen between ENE extent and DFS or OS in individuals with OCSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper introduces four proposals to enhance physical layer security (PLS) in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems. The first proposal leverages the Alamouti code aided by artificial noise (AN) and involves the collaborative use of two LEO satellites, ensuring secure downlink transmission. Its efficiency is further enhanced when implementing a power‐balanced Alamouti code. The second PLS proposal capitalizes on an reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) to introduce interference to potential eavesdroppers. As the RIS manages the reflected channel, this security measure is achieved without necessitating additional transmit power or receiver operations. The third proposal integrates the first and second solutions, resulting in improved secrecy rates compared to the individual proposals, nearly reaching the maximum achievable rate. The fourth proposal is based on a relay‐based method, securing all transmission links from the satellite to the relay and from the satellite and relay to the legitimate user. The secrecy performance simulation results presented in the paper demonstrate the remarkable effectiveness of the proposed solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Significance Among motor vehicle crashes (MVCs), little is known about whether the characteristics and collision features involving drivers with epilepsy differ from those involving drivers without any history of epilepsy. We assessed MVC features and the effect of epilepsy diagnosis on the risk of severe crash‐related injuries among drivers.A total of 33 174 MVC events among people with epilepsy (PWE) and 663 480 MVC events of age‐ and sex‐matched non‐PWE (1:20) were selected. Crash‐related features that involved drivers with and without epilepsy were compared, including driver eligibility, medical history of comorbidities and medications, road and environmental conditions, and accident causes. Cox and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the risks of fatality and severe injury among drivers with and without epilepsy.PWE involved in MVCs were more likely to have lower socioeconomic status, comorbidities, scooter drivers without a qualified driver's license, driving under the influence of alcohol, and be involved in single‐vehicle accidents than non‐PWE. Drivers with epilepsy also had a higher risk of fatality within 30 days of MVC, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–1.57) and a higher risk of hospital admission within 3 days after MVC (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.29–1.38) compared to that of non‐PWE.The characteristics of MVCs of drivers with epilepsy were distinct from those of non‐affected drivers. And higher fatality and injury rates were observed among drivers with epilepsy, which should be considered in further policymaking regarding safe driving of PWE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Methods Results Conclusion Correlations between the image analysis of CT scan, lung function and quality of life in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of pulmonary blood‐vessel distribution and the extent of fibrosis on the lung function and quality of life of patients with IPF.Patients were enrolled in an IPF registry and had completed pulmonary function tests, chest HRCT, St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and echocardiography. Pulmonary blood‐vessel distribution, specific image‐derived airway volume (siVaw) and fibrosis extent (siVfib) were quantitatively calculated by functional respiratory imaging on HRCT.The study subjects were categorized into DLco <40% pred. (n = 40) and DLco ≥40% pred. (n = 19) groups. Patients with DLco <40% pred. had significantly higher scores of SGRQ, composite physiologic index (CPI), exercise oxygen desaturation (∆SpO2), siVaw, lower FVC% pred. and 6‐minute walking distance% pred. The proportion of small blood vessels in the upper lobes (BV5PR‐UL) was significantly correlated with CPI, DLco % Pred., FVC% pred., SGRQ and ∆SpO2. Only BV5PR‐UL had a significant impact on all indices but not BV5PR in the lower lobes (BV5PR‐LL). siVfib was significantly negatively correlated with BV5PR‐UL, DLco% pred. and FVC% pred., as well as positively correlated with CPI, ∆SpO2 and siVaw.BV5PR‐UL and siVfib had significant correlations with lung function and may become important indicators to assess the severity of IPF and the impact on quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) has been linked to dementia, but the distribution of SES within a neighborhood may also matter. METHODS: Data from 460 (47% Black, 46% White) older adults from the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project were linked to census tract–level data from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA). Neighborhood SES included two composites reflecting disadvantage and affluence. Neighborhood racial income inequality was the ratio of median incomes for White versus Black residents. Generalized estimating equations examined associations between neighborhood factors and cognitive domains. RESULTS: Neighborhood racial income inequality was uniquely associated with worse cognitive health, and these associations did not differ by participant race. Neighborhood disadvantage was only associated with worse cognitive health among Black participants. DISCUSSION: Both the level and racial distribution of SES within a neighborhood may be relevant for dementia risk. Racial differences in the level and impact of neighborhood SES contribute to dementia inequalities. Highlights: Black participants lived in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status (SES) than White participants, on average.Neighborhood SES and racial income inequality were associated with worse cognition.Effects of neighborhood racial income inequality did not differ across racial groups.Effects of neighborhood SES were only evident among Black participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOCs) have significant potential as efficient energy conversion and storage systems. Nevertheless, the practical application of their conventional air electrodes, such as La0.8Sr0.2MnO3−δ (LSM), Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ (BSCF), and PrBa0.8Ca0.2Co2O5+δ (PBCC), remains unsatisfactory due to interface delamination during prolonged electrochemical operation. Using micro‐focusing X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (µ‐XAS), a decrease (increase) in the co‐valence state from the electrode surface to the electrode/electrolyte interface is observed, leading to the above delamination. Utilizing the one‐pot method to incorporate an oxygen‐vacancy‐enriched CeO2 electrode into these air electrodes, the uniform distribution of the Co valence state is observed, alleviating the structural delamination. PBCC–CeO2 electrodes exhibited a degradation rate of 0.095 mV h−1 at 650 °C during a nearly 500‐h test as compared with 0.907 mV h−1 observed during the 135‐h test for PBCC. Additionally, a remarkable increase in electrolysis current density from 636 to 934 mA cm−2 under 1.3 V and a maximum power density from 912 to 989 mW cm−2 upon incorporating CeO2 into PBCC is also observed. BSCF–CeO2 and LSM–CeO2 also show enhanced electrochemical performance and prolonged stability as compared to BSCF and LSM. This work offers a strategy to mitigate the structural delamination of conventional electrodes to boost the performance of rSOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess the potential prognostic utility of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) for head and neck cancer (HNC). We selected studies and extracted data after searching the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases. The associations between GNRI and survival outcomes were explored by calculating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through a random‐effects meta‐analysis. We included 11 studies that involved 2887 patients with HNC. The combined HR demonstrated significant associations of low GNRI with unfavorable progression‐free survival (HR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.32–2.65, p < 0.001) and overall survival (HR = 3.04, 95% CI = 2.30–4.03, p < 0.001). The association between the GNRI and overall survival persisted across various subgroups. The GNRI could serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for patients with HNC. Low GNRI scores are significantly associated with unfavorable survival outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing (3DP) technologies have transformed the processing of advanced ceramics for small‐scale and custom designs during the past three decades. Simple and complex parts are designed and manufactured using 3DP technologies for structural, piezoelectric, and biomedical applications. Manufacturing simple or complex geometries or one‐of‐a‐kind components without part‐specific tooling saves significant time and creates new applications for advanced ceramic materials. Although development and innovations in 3DP of ceramics are far behind compared with metals or polymers, with the availability of different commercial machines in recent years for 3DP of ceramics, exponential growth is expected in this field in the coming decade. This article details various 3DP technologies for advanced ceramic materials, their advantages and challenges for manufacturing parts for various applications, and perspectives on future directions. We envision this work will be helpful to advanced ceramic researchers in industry and academia who are using different 3DP processes in the coming days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary fit tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is widely preferred for individuals who have not undergone prior radiation. However, there is no consensus on the relative utility of primary‐fit TEP in the setting of salvage laryngectomy. Methods: A retrospective, single‐center review was conducted of individuals undergoing laryngectomy with primary fit TEP between 2012 and 2018. Multivariable analysis was conducted to compare short‐term and long‐term complications, as well as speech and swallowing outcomes, of those who underwent primary versus salvage laryngectomy. Results: In this study, 134 patients underwent total laryngectomy with primary fit TEP. Aside from a higher rate of peristomal dehiscence (13.1% vs. 1.4%) found in the salvage group, there was no difference in incidence of all other complications, including pharyngocutaneous fistula formation. The groups had comparable speech and swallow outcomes. Conclusion: Primary fit TEP is a safe and effective surgical choice for individuals undergoing salvage laryngectomy who desire a voice prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the multidisciplinary team of the Taiwan Academy of Tumor Ablation, who have expertise in treating lung cancer, present their perspectives on percutaneous image‐guided thermal ablation (IGTA) of lung tumors. The modified Delphi technique was applied to reach a consensus on clinical practice guidelines concerning ablation procedures, including a comprehensive literature review, selection of panelists, creation of a rating form and survey, and arrangement of an in‐person meeting where panelists agreed or disagreed on various points. The conclusion was a final rating and written summary of the agreement. The multidisciplinary expert team agreed on 10 recommendations for the use of IGTA in the lungs. These recommendations include terms and definitions, line of treatment planning, modality, facility rooms, patient anesthesia settings, indications, margin determination, post‐ablation image surveillance, qualified centers, and complication ranges. In summary, IGTA is a safe and feasible approach for treating primary and metastatic lung tumors, with a relatively low complication rate. However, decisions regarding the ablation technique should consider each patient's specific tumor characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described is a new synthetic route to bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐di‐t‐butylphenyl)methanone and its derivatives. The combined esterification/photo‐Fries rearrangement approach enables a modular preparation of keto‐bridged polyphenols. This protecting group‐free process is highly atom‐ and step‐economic, and a scalable production was easily achieved in the continuous‐flow mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the rising interest in open access (OA) diamond journals as a scholarly journal publishing model, their sustainability remains a pressing concern. Using the Open Access Diamond Journals Study (OADJS) Dataset, we examined the characteristics and factors of OA diamond journal publishing that are associated with high sustainability. From 1335 journals, 476 journals with low sustainability and 438 journals with high sustainability were selected and compared. Our analysis revealed that factors such as the region and official language of the publishing country and the discipline, ownership, and financial status of the journal were significantly associated with sustainability. Journals owned by government or national agencies, those with financial stability, and those promoting open practices like unrestricted text and data mining are more likely to be sustainable. This study also discusses the implications of these findings for the future of scholarly publishing and the open science movement. Ultimately, we emphasize the need for national and international support to enhance the sustainability of OA diamond journals and propose that a collective approach involving policymakers, funding agencies, and journal administrators is crucial for fostering a sustainable open access ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of young carers of parents with mental illness is more likely to be hidden in the community due to the family's concerns related to stigma. Many young carers struggle with caring difficulties with a lack of social support. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the difficulties of young carers managing parental mental illness in Taiwan from retrospective perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants who used to be young carers of parents with mental illness. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged. First, participants experienced grief over the loss of their parent's normality and the disruption of the parent--child relationship. Having to deal with issues alone, they described their childhood lives as falling apart. Second, families tended to conceal mental illness by refusing to seek outside support, resulting in young carers struggling in vulnerable situations. Third, participants used coping strategies to find a balance between maintaining parental mental illness and reducing the impact on their well-being. Most participants used solitary strategies to cope with their emotional distress. Some participants used destructive ways to suppress their pain and sorrow when there seemed no way to improve their family situation. The findings reflect on the vulnerabilities of young carers of parents with mental illness. Services and practitioners should work together to recognise young carers' identities and provide suitable resources to young carers to help them deal with life crises and meet their developmental needs. Key Practitioner Messages Recommendations for practitioners in working with young carers are provided as follows: • It is hoped that practitioners have a better understanding of the adversities that young carers of parents with mental illness have experienced. Their needs and vulnerabilities are often invisible and ignorant due to family secrecy related to mental illness. These young carers inevitably may experience a great sense of loneliness while growing up. It is important that practitioners provide young carers with interventions such as discussion sessions and counselling programmes to allow them to share their family life. It is a big relief for children to understand that they can talk about their concerns or secure support with professionals they can trust. Peer support can also help young carers to discuss about their family issues with those who have the same background. Such interventions can help to develop resilience in dealing with issues. • To meet the needs of young carers, mental health and social service practitioners should work together to promote family-focused programmes that value the needs of the whole family by inviting parents and their children to meetings and to reflect their individual requirements in the intervention programmes. • Schools are considered a vital place in which children spend much time of their childhood. Participants in this study coped with life challenges alone and some of them took destructive ways to cope with their enormous pains without social awareness. It is important that school staff should be trained to recognise that a child may assume a carer role if the child's family members are ill together with having school problems such as missing school and/or having academic underachievement. These can be indicators that the child may be caring for an ill parent at home and school staff should provide proper information or intervention services for the potential young carer in need. • Psychoeducation into mental illness is also needed to support young carers with age-appropriate information, including descriptions of mental illness, coping skills and emergency contacts, which may alleviate some of their caring burden. Access to online resources such as online interventions is recommended to provide young carers with the required knowledge, support services and coping strategies to help them reduce life risk especially when they are alone with the ill parent. • Advocacy aims to reduce the risk of families where a parent has a mental illness and enhance family functioning to better cope with adversity by addressing their own needs and ensuring families have equal access to services. Finally, it is important for agencies, professionals, service providers and policy-makers to be aware of young carers as a hidden population within communities and develop integrated services to meet young carers' developmental needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non‐receptor type 21 (PTPN21) is a cytosolic protein tyrosine phosphatase that regulates cell growth and invasion. Due to its oncogenic properties, PTPN21 has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic target for cancer. In this study, the three‐dimensional structure of the PTPN21 FERM domain was determined at 2.1 Å resolution by X‐ray crystallography. The crystal structure showed that this domain harbors canonical FERM folding and consists of three subdomains that are tightly packed via highly conserved intramolecular hydrophobic interactions. Consistent with this, the PTPN21 FERM domain shares high structural homology with several other FERM domains. Moreover, structural superimposition demonstrated two putative protein‐binding sites of the PTPN21 FERM domain, which are presumed to be associated with interaction with its binding partner, kinesin family member 1C. Thus, these data suggest that the FERM domain of PTPN21 serves as a module that mediates protein–protein interaction, like other FERM domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inpatients need to recognize their fall risk accurately and objectively. Nurses need to assess how patients perceive their fall risk and identify the factors that influence patients' fall risk perception. Purpose: This study aims to explore the congruency between nurses' fall risk assessment and patients' perception of fall risk and identify factors related to the non‐congruency of fall risk. Designs: A descriptive and cross‐sectional design was used. The study enrolled 386 patients who were admitted to an acute care hospital. Six nurses assessed the participants' fall risk. Congruency was classified using the Morse Fall Scale for nurses and the Fall Risk Perception Questionnaire for patients. Findings: The nurses' fall risk assessments and patients' fall risk perceptions were congruent in 57% of the participants. Underestimation of the patient's risk of falling was associated with gender (women), long hospitalization period, department (orthopedics), low fall efficacy, and history of falls before hospitalization. Overestimation of fall risk was associated with age group, gender (men), department, and a high health literacy score. In the multiple logistic regression, the factors related to the underestimation of fall risk were hospitalization period and department, and the factors related to the overestimation of fall risk were health literacy and department. Conclusions: Nurses should consider the patient's perception of fall risk and incorporate it into fall prevention interventions. Clinical Relevance: Nurses need to evaluate whether patients perceive the risk of falling consistently. For patients who underestimate or overestimate their fall risk, it may be helpful to consider clinical and fall‐related characteristics together when evaluating their perception of fall risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in post‐irradiated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unknown. Materials and methods: In a cross‐sectional study, 31 NPC and 12 control patients completed questionnaires for GERD/LPR before esophageal manometry and 24‐h pH monitoring. The DeMeester score and reflux finding score (RFS) were used to define GERD and LPR, respectively. Risk factors were identified. Results: 51.6% of NPC and 8.3% of control patients, and 77.4% of NPC and 33% of control patients, were GERD‐positive and LPR‐positive, respectively. The GERD/LPR questionnaire failed to identify either condition in patients with NPC. No parameter differences in esophageal manometry or pneumonia incidence were noted between GERD/LPR‐positive and GERD/LPR‐negative patients. Post radiotherapy duration, high BMI, lack of chemotherapy, and dysphagia were positive risk factors for GERD/LPR. Conclusions: A high prevalence of GERD/LPR in patients with post‐irradiated NPC exists, but reflux symptoms are inadequate for diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond possesses excellent thermal conductivity and tunable bandgap. Currently, the high‐pressure, high‐temperature, and chemical vapor deposition methods are the most promising strategies for the commercial‐scale production of synthetic diamond. Although diamond has been extensively employed in jewelry and cutting/grinding tasks, the realization of its high‐end applications through microstructure engineering has long been sought. Herein, we discuss the microstructures encountered in diamond and further concentrate on cutting‐edge investigations utilizing electron microscopy techniques to illuminate the transition mechanism between graphite and diamond during the synthesis and device constructions. The impacts of distinct microstructures on the electrical applications of diamond, especially the photoelectrical, electrical, and thermal properties, are elaborated. The recently reported elastic and plastic deformations revealed through in situ microscopy techniques are also summarized. Finally, the limitations, perspectives, and corresponding solutions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abacus‐based mental calculation (AMC) is a widely used educational tool for enhancing math learning, offering an accessible and cost‐effective method for classroom implementation. Despite its universal appeal, the neurocognitive mechanisms that drive the efficacy of AMC training remain poorly understood. Notably, although abacus training relies heavily on the rapid recall of number positions and sequences, the role of memory systems in driving long‐term AMC learning remains unknown. Here, we sought to address this gap by investigating the role of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory system in predicting long‐term AMC training gains in second‐grade children, who were longitudinally assessed up to fifth grade. Leveraging multimodal neuroimaging data, we tested the hypothesis that MTL systems, known for their involvement in associative memory, are instrumental in facilitating AMC‐induced improvements in math skills. We found that gray matter volume in bilateral MTL, along with functional connectivity between the MTL and frontal and ventral temporal‐occipital cortices, significantly predicted learning gains. Intriguingly, greater gray matter volume but weaker connectivity of the posterior parietal cortex predicted better learning outcomes, offering a more nuanced view of brain systems at play in AMC training. Our findings not only underscore the critical role of the MTL memory system in AMC training but also illuminate the neurobiological factors contributing to individual differences in cognitive skill acquisition. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/StVooNRc7T8. Research Highlights: We investigated the role of medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory system in driving children's math learning following abacus‐based mental calculation (AMC) training.AMC training improved math skills in elementary school children across their second and fifth grade.MTL structural integrity and functional connectivity with prefrontal and ventral temporal‐occipital cortices predicted long‐term AMC training‐related gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, scalp tissues from Korean adults between 20 and 80 without skin disease were used. Scalp tissues were processed, and hair follicles were isolated and cultured with different treatments (including Bioscalp, Ultra Exo Booster, and Ultra S Line Plus) from Ultra V company. Over 12 days, observations and measurements of hair follicle characteristics were recorded at intervals (Days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12). The study assessed the impact of these substances on hair follicle growth and morphology. Bioscalp, combined with Ultra Exo Booster and Ultra S Line Plus, showed significant hair elongation in ex vivo. Preservation of hair bulb diameter was observed, indicating potential for sustained hair growth by exosome‐based products. The hair growth cycle analysis suggested a lower transition to the catagen stage in test products from Ultra V compared to non‐treated groups. The research findings indicated that the tested formulations, especially the combination of Bioscalp, Ultra Exo Booster, and Ultra S Line Plus, demonstrated significant effectiveness in promoting hair growth, maintaining the integrity of the hair bulb, and reducing the transition to the catagen stage. The study suggests promising alternative treatments for hair loss, illustrating results that were as good as those of the conventional testing product groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time series of near‐bottom temperatures collected from September 2018 until August 2020 from an array of three current‐ and pressure‐recording inverted echo sounders showed quasi‐seasonal and quasi‐monthly (∼28 days) variations at a depth of ∼1,300 m near the Chukchi slope in the western Arctic Ocean. They revealed an increase of ∼0.1°C during the winter‐spring period compared with the summer‐fall period. These variations were observed in the data‐assimilated Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) outputs near the observation site (correlation coefficient >0.7). They confirmed that variations in near‐bottom temperature are related to changes in the intensity of the Atlantic Water (AW) boundary current, concurrent with the deepening of the lower AW layer by approximately 50 m. The difference in sea surface height (SSH) between the Canada Basin and the Chukchi Shelf increased because of the negative wind stress curl (WSC) and retarded the AW boundary current according to the geostrophic effect. When the near‐bottom temperature increased during the winter‐spring period, the SSH in the Chukchi Shelf was lower than that in the summer‐fall period because of the less negative WSC. Quasi‐monthly variations were related to SSH on the Chukchi Shelf owing to the negative WSC. HYCOM outputs from 1994 to 2015 showed that the AW boundary current weakened more recently than in the past due to the increased melting of sea ice. The results imply that a longer sea‐ice‐free season in the Arctic amplifies changes in the AW boundary current and deep ocean temperature owing to increased atmospheric forcing. Plain Language Summary: Atlantic Water (AW) entering the Arctic Ocean from the Nordic Seas is considered a heat reservoir because it is warmer than the Arctic Ocean. The AW flows along the boundaries around the basin margins, known as the AW boundary current. The AW boundary current gradually deepened after entering and sat at approximately 200–800 m near the Chukchi slope. The AW boundary current exhibited quasi‐seasonal and quasi‐monthly (approximately 28 days) variations, confirmed using near‐bottom temperature data and data‐assimilated Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model outputs. The variations are due to the geostrophic current caused by the pressure gradient due to the difference in the sea surface height (SSH) between the Chukchi Shelf and Canada Basin, which are located in the southwest and northeast of the Chukchi slope, respectively. Due to the difference in the SSH around the Chukchi slope, the geostrophic current is in the opposite direction to the AW boundary current and can suppress it. Sea surface height is affected by wind stress curl, and sea ice dampens atmospheric forcing. These findings imply that a longer sea‐ice‐free season in the Arctic can amplify changes in the AW boundary current. Key Points: The near‐bottom temperature observed at a depth of ∼1,300 m near the Chukchi slope showed quasi‐seasonal and quasi‐monthly variationsThe variations are related to the wind‐induced change in intensity of the Atlantic Water (AW) boundary current along the Chukchi slopeHYCOM outputs showed a more common occurrence of weaker AW boundary currents when sea ice melted compared to that in the past [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of chief executive officer (CEO) turnover on myopic investment decisions and firm value. A variable for environment, social, and governance (ESG)‐washing is designed and employed as an alternative proxy for myopic investment. We find that firms with more frequent CEO turnover are more likely to engage in ESG‐washing as a form of myopic investment to meet short‐term performance goals. In addition, firms that engage in ESG‐washing report lower firm value than firms that are not involved in ESG‐washing because the lack of substantive investment accompanying these activities ultimately deteriorates firm reputation and value in return for short‐term improvement in ESG performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elective tracheotomy is commonly performed in resected oral squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) to maintain airway patency. However, the indications for this procedure vary among surgeons. This nationwide study evaluated the impact of tracheotomy on both the duration of in‐hospital stay and long‐term survival outcomes in patients with OCSCC. Methods: A total of 18,416 patients with OCSCC were included in the analysis, comprising 7981 patients who underwent elective tracheotomy and 10,435 who did not. The primary outcomes assessed were 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). To minimize potential confounding factors, a propensity score (PS)‐matched analysis was performed on 4301 patients from each group. The duration of hospital stay was not included as a variable in the PS‐matched analysis. Results: Prior to PS matching, patients with tracheotomy had significantly lower 5‐year DSS and OS rates compared to those without (71% vs. 82%, p < 0.0001; 62% vs. 75%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified tracheotomy as an independent adverse prognostic factor for 5‐year DSS (hazard ratio = 1.10 [1.03–1.18], p = 0.0063) and OS (hazard ratio = 1.10 [1.04–1.17], p = 0.0015). In the PS‐matched cohort, the 5‐year DSS was 75% for patients with tracheotomy and 76% for those without (p = 0.1488). Five‐year OS rates were 66% and 67%, respectively (p = 0.0808). Prior to PS matching, patients with tracheotomy had a significantly longer mean hospital stay compared to those without (23.37 ± 10.56 days vs. 14.19 ± 8.34 days; p < 0.0001). Following PS matching, the difference in hospital stay duration between the two groups remained significant (22.34 ± 10.25 days vs. 17.59 ± 9.54 days; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: While elective tracheotomy in resected OCSCC patients may not significantly affect survival, it could be associated with prolonged hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin oxide (SnO2) is one of the most promising electron transport layers (ETL) for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its excellent electron mobility and high transparency, along with its low processing temperature. However, the inherent defects, nonuniform coating, and poor surface morphology of SnO2 may be detrimental to the physicochemical properties, such as conductivity and electron mobility at the interface, lead to a decrease in the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and a reduction in device stability. In this study, a method that combines atomic layer deposition and chemical bath deposition techniques to solve these issues is presented. The presence of bilayer ETLs enhances the coverage of the SnO2 film and optimizes the morphology of the buried surface of perovskite, which not only facilitates the interfacial charge transfer but also suppresses recombination reactions. As a result, a significant increase in VOC and efficiency has been achieved compared to devices with only a single layer. Additionally, the large‐area perovskite solar module (active area: 48.0 cm2) achieves a champion efficiency of 17.9%. The PSCs retain more than 93% of their initial efficiency after 700 h of continuous operation under 1‐sun illumination and 25 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]