Single Unit Research Articles

Reducing Unnecessary Transfusions of RBCs in Inpatients Admitted Across Niagara Health Community Hospitals.

Blood products are scarce resources. Audits on the use of red blood cells (RBCs) in tertiary centers have repeatedly highlighted inappropriate use. Earlier retrospective audit at our local community hospitals has demonstrated that only 85% and 54% of all requests met Choosing Wisely Canada guidelines for pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) of 80 g/L or less and single unit, respectively.We sought to improve RBC utilization by 15% over a period of 12 months (meeting Choosing Wisely Canada criteria of pre-transfusion Hb ≤80g/L by >80% and single-unit transfusion by >65%). Following repeated PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles, we implemented educational strategies, prospective transfusion medicine (TM) technologist-led screening of orders, and an RBC order set. The 3-month median percentages of appropriate RBC use for pre-transfusion Hb and single unit (September-November 2021) across all 3 hospitals were 90% and 71%, respectively. Overall, the rate of appropriate RBCs based on pre-transfusion Hb remained above target (>80%), with minimal improvement across all hospitals (median percentage at pre- and post-technologist screening periods of 87% and 90%, respectively). The median percentage of appropriate RBCs based on single-unit transfusion orders has improved across all Niagara Health hospitals with sustained targets (3-month median percentage at pre- and post-technologist screening and most recent time periods of 54%, 56%, and 71%, respectively). We have taken a collaborative, multifaceted approach to optimizing utilization of RBCs across the Niagara Health hospitals. The rates of appropriate RBC use were comparable with the provincial and national accreditation benchmark standards. In particular, the TM technologist-led screening was effective in producing sustained improvement with respect to single-unit transfusion. One of the balancing outcomes was increasing workload on technologists. Local and provincial efforts are needed to facilitate recruitment and retention of laboratory technologists, especially in community hospitals.

Multiunit Frontal Eye Field Activity Codes the Visuomotor Transformation, But Not Gaze Prediction or Retrospective Target Memory, in a Delayed Saccade Task.

Single-unit (SU) activity-action potentials isolated from one neuron-has traditionally been employed to relate neuronal activity to behavior. However, recent investigations have shown that multiunit (MU) activity-ensemble neural activity recorded within the vicinity of one microelectrode-may also contain accurate estimations of task-related neural population dynamics. Here, using an established model-fitting approach, we compared the spatial codes of SU response fields with corresponding MU response fields recorded from the frontal eye fields (FEFs) in head-unrestrained monkeys (Macaca mulatta) during a memory-guided saccade task. Overall, both SU and MU populations showed a simple visuomotor transformation: the visual response coded target-in-eye coordinates, transitioning progressively during the delay toward a future gaze-in-eye code in the saccade motor response. However, the SU population showed additional secondary codes, including a predictive gaze code in the visual response and retention of a target code in the motor response. Further, when SUs were separated into regular/fast spiking neurons, these cell types showed different spatial code progressions during the late delay period, only converging toward gaze coding during the final saccade motor response. Finally, reconstructing MU populations (by summing SU data within the same sites) failed to replicate either the SU or MU pattern. These results confirm the theoretical and practical potential of MU activity recordings as a biomarker for fundamental sensorimotor transformations (e.g., target-to-gaze coding in the oculomotor system), while also highlighting the importance of SU activity for coding more subtle (e.g., predictive/memory) aspects of sensorimotor behavior.

Preparation and Evaluation of the In situ Gel-forming Chitosan Hydrogels for Nasal Delivery of Morphine in a Single Unit dose in Rats to Enhance the Analgesic Responses.

In this study, an in situ gel-forming chitosan hydrogel was prepared with the use of glutamate salt of chitosan (Ch-Ga), β-glycerophosphate (Gp), and morphine (Mor). The paper is focused on in vitro physicochemical properties and in-vivo analgesic effects of the prepared chitosan hydrogel. The thermosensitive properties of prepared chitosan hydrogel were evaluated during the different temperatures and times. The physicochemical properties of chitosan hydrogel were investigated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Also, its cell cytotoxicity effects were evaluated in murine NIH/3T3 normal cells. Subsequently, the distribution of chitosan hydrogel in the nasal cavity of rats and its analgesic responses were evaluated. The prepared chitosan hydrogel showed that it could be gelled at the temperature of 34 °C before leaving the nose in the shortest possible time of 30 s. The analgesic responses of the intranasal (IN) injection of chitosan hydrogel (IN-chitosan hydrogel, 10 mg Mor/kg) in a single unit dose in rat relative to the placebo and intranasal or intraperitoneal (IP) injection of free morphine solution (IN-Free Mor or IP-Free Mor, 10 mg Mor/kg) via the hot plate test, reveal that the IN-chitosan hydrogel could induce fast analgesic effects of morphine with maximum possible effect (MPE) of 93% after 5 min compare to the IN-Free Mor and IP-Free Mor with MPE of 80% after 15 min and 66% after 30 min, respectively. Also, prolonged analgesic effects with MPE of 78 % after 6 h of injection were only seen in the IN-chitosan hydrogel injected group. The obtained fluorescent images of rat's brain injected with IN-chitosan hydrogel containing doxorubicine (Dox) as a fluorescent agent showed that the mucosal adhesive and absorption enhancer properties of IN-chitosan hydrogel resulting in longer presence of them in the nasal cavity of rats followed by more absorption of Dox from the blood vessels of olfactory bulbs with a 74% color intensity compared to the IN-Free Mor and IN-Free Dox with 15%. These data reveal that the IN-chitosan hydrogel could induce fast and prolonged analgesic effects of morphine compare to the IN/IP-Free Mor, which could be considered as an in situ gel-forming thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel for nasal delivery of wide ranges of therapeutic agents.

Effect of Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Central Venous-to-Arterial Carbon Dioxide Difference in Anemic Surgical Patients – A Pilot Study

Background: Biochemical markers for monitoring adequacy of cardiac output and tissue perfusion such as blood lactate and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) are meanwhile well established in clinical routine. In addition, in recent years, the central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (dCO2) has been evaluated as a further marker, and studies meanwhile have demonstrated the validity of an increased dCO2 to identify capillary perfusion mismatches. However, results from animal studies suggest that dCO2 may be influenced by altered hemoglobin values during severe bleeding. It was the aim of our study to evaluate if dCO2 changes upon Red Blood Cell (RBC) transfusion in humans. Methods: Patients of the ongoing LIBERAL trial were prospectively evaluated. Participants were aged ≥70 years and scheduled for elective intermediate or high risk orthopedic or trauma surgery with the clinical need for invasive blood pressure monitoring and central venous catheterization. During surgery, drop of hemoglobin triggered administration of one single RBC unit, together with arterial and central venous blood analysis immediately before as well as after transfusion. Results: In total, 46 patients were analyzed. Baseline median hemoglobin before RBC transfusion was 8.35 (7.48–8.73)g/dl, while dCO2 was 6.2 (3.4–9.6)mmHg. According to Spearman correlation, there was a linear association between pre-transfusion dCO2 and ScvO2. Transfusion of one RBC unit resulted in a significant increase of median hemoglobin by 1.2 (0.7–1.63)g/dl (p<0.0001), and hemoglobin increase was more pronounced when pre-transfusion hemoglobin was low, as evidenced by a significant negative association between both parameters (r=-0.61, p <0.0001). Neither lactate nor ScvO2 nor dCO2 were significantly influenced by transfusion. When the whole cohort was divided according to pre-transfusion dCO2 levels using a cut-off value of 6 mmHg, median dCO2 decreased significantly more pronounced following RBC transfusion when pre-transfusion values were high (>6 mmHg), compared to those patients with a pre-transfusion dCO2 below 6 mmHg. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that crude dCO2 is not influenced by moderate hemoglobin increases in orthopedic and trauma surgery patients. However, including dCO2 into the decision whether to administer RBC or not may be an interesting reasonable approach for further investigations on the way towards more individualized transfusion regimens.

Long-term outcomes in sacral agenesis.

Sacral agenesis (SA) includes a range of clinical presentations of varying severity, with implications for function and quality of life (QoL). Diagnosis is often made perinatally, and prognostic discussions become an important aspect of parental counselling. This study engaged SA sufferers and their caregivers to obtain objective, long-term patient reported outcome data. Patients with radiologically confirmed SA from a single tertiary spinal unit underwent retrospective medical record review. Patients were then contacted by telephone to complete QoL questionnaires including EQ-ED-5L for adults and EQ-ED-Y for < 16-year-olds. Additional information including Renshaw grade, employment, living situation and bladder function was also collected. Twenty-six patients with SA were identified. Mean age is 23.35years (range 0.92-63.53), 13M:17F. Renshaw grade ranged from 1 to 4. Sixty-eight percent had associated kyphoscoliotic deformities. The majority (70%) had either impaired or absent bladder control, and 80% need walking aids to mobilise. Twenty patients completed the questionnaire (10 adults and 10 < 16-year-olds). Mean EQ-ED-5L index for adults was +0.474 (range -0.1 to +0.089, 1 = best), with a lower mean value of +0.287 (range -0.54 to +1) for the < 16-year cohort. Those undergoing spinal fusion procedures had significantly lower scores (-0.08 v +0.44, p = 0.022). This study provides an objective record of the QoL of individuals with SA, illustrating a wide variety of outcomes, with differences between younger and older individuals which may reflect the results of a long-term adaptive process. The implications for individuals should be carefully tailored to the specific deformity and the likely underlying neurological deficits.

The impact of base design and restoration type on the resin consumption, trueness, and dimensional stability of dental casts additively manufactured from liquid crystal display 3D printers.

To evaluate the effects of two base types and three restoration designs on the resin consumption and trueness of the 3D-printed dental casts. Additionally, the study explored the dimensional stability of these 3D-printed dental casts after 1 year of storage. Various types of reference dental casts were specifically designed to represent three types of dental restoration fabrications, including full-arch (FA), long-span (LS), and single-unit (SU) prostheses. The reference casts were digitized with a dental laboratory scanner and used to create flat and hollow base designs (N = 18) for the 3D-printed study casts. The 3D-printed study casts were digitized and evaluated against their corresponding references immediately after 3D printing and again after 1 year of storage, with the trueness quantified using the root mean square error (RMSE) at both time points. Volumes of resin used were recorded to measure resin consumption, and the weights of the 3D-printed study casts were also measured. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and a Tukey post hoc test, α = 0.05. Volumetric analysis showed the flat-base design had significantly higher resin consumption with weights for the FA group at 42.51 ± 0.16g, the LS group at 31.64 ± 0.07g, and the SU group at 27.67 ± 0.31g, as opposed to 26.22 ± 1.01g, 22.86± 0.93g, and 20.10 ± 0.19g for the hollow designs respectively (p < 0.001). Trueness, assessed through two-way ANOVA, revealed that the flat-base design had lower RMSE values indicating better trueness in the LS (54 ± 6 µm) and SU (59 ± 7 µm) groups compared to the hollow-base design (LS: 73 ± 5, SU: 99 ± 11 µm, both p < 0.001), with no significant difference in the FA group (flat-base: 50 ± 3, hollow: 47 ± 5 µm, p= 0.398). After 1 year, the flat-base design demonstrated superior dimensional stability in the LS (flat base: 56 ± 6 µm, hollow base: 149 ±45 µm, p < 0.001) and SU groups (flat base: 95 ± 8 µm, hollow base: 183 ±27 µm, p < 0.001), with the FA group showing no significant difference in the base design (flat base: 47 ± 9, hollow base: 62 ± 12 µm, p = 0.428). The hollow-base design group showed lower resin consumption than the flat-base design group. However, the flat-base designs exhibited superior trueness and less distortion after 1 year of storage. These findings indicate that despite the higher material usage, flat-base designs provide better initial accuracy and maintain their dimensional stability over time for most groups.

Simultaneously Calibration of Multi Hand–Eye Robot System Based on Graph

Precise calibration is the basis for the vision-guided robot system to achieve high-precision operations. Systems with multi-eyes (cameras) and multi-hands (robots) are particularly sensitive to calibration errors. Most existing methods focus on the calibration of a single unit of the whole system, such as poses between hand and eye, or between two hands. These methods can be used to determine the pose between each unit, but the serialized incremental calibration strategy cannot avoid the error accumulation problem in a large-scale system. Instead of focusing on a single unit, this paper models the multi-eye and multi-hand system calibration problem as a graph and proposes a method based on the minimum spanning tree and graph optimization. This method can automatically plan the serialized optimal calibration strategy in accordance with the system settings to get coarse calibration results initially. Then, with these initial values, the closed-loop constraints are introduced to carry out global optimization with different sensor's accuracy considered. As a general calibration method, it can be applied to different multi-robot systems. Simulation experiments demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm under different noises and various hand-eye configurations. In addition, experiments on real robot systems are presented to further verify the proposed method.

Aspect-based sentiment analysis with metaphorical information

Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) has been the focus of increasing study in recent years. Previous research has demonstrated that incorporating syntactic information, such as dependency trees, can enhance ABSA performance. Despite the widespread use of metaphors in daily life to express emotions more vividly, few studies have integrated this literary device into ABSA. In this paper, we propose a novel ABSA model that utilizes Metaphor Identification Procedure (MIP) to encode both the sentence and aspect word as a single unit, thereby overcoming these limitations. Our experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves competitive performance in ABSA.

Elaborate Modulating Binding Strength of Intermediates via Three-component Covalent Organic Frameworks for CO2 Reduction Reaction.

The catalytic performance for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) depends on the binding strength of the reactants and intermediates. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been adopted to catalyze CO2RR, and their binding abilities are tuned via constructing donor-acceptor (DA) systems. However, most DA COFs have single donor and acceptor units, which caused wide-range but lacking accuracy in modulating the binding strength of intermediates. More elaborate regulation of the interactions with intermediates are necessary and challenge to construct high-efficiency catalysts. Herein, the three-component COF with D-A-A units was first constructed by introducing electron-rich diarylamine unit, electron-deficient benzothiazole and Co-porphyrin units. Compared with two-component COFs, the designed COF exhibit elevated electronic conductivity, enhanced reducibility, high efficiency charge transfer, further improving the electrocatalytic CO2RR performance with the faradic efficiency of 97.2 % at -0.8 V and high activity with the partial current density of 27.85 mA cm-2 at -1.0 V which exceed other two-component COFs. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that catalytic sites in three-component COF have suitable binding ability of the intermediates, which are benefit for formation of *COOH and desorption of *CO. This work offers valuable insights for the advancement of multi-component COFs, enabling modulated charge transfer to improve the CO2RR activity.

FORMAT PENDAMPINGAN USAHA MIKRO, KECIL DAN MENENGAH UNTUK MENAIKKAN OMZET DI KECAMATAN CIPAYUNG, SUKMAJAYA, DAN PANCORAN MAS, KOTA DEPOK

In the current pandemic era, it is undeniable that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the national economy. In the midst of many large businesses that have gone bankrupt. Even so, there are still many MSMEs that still apply conventional patterns in marketing their products. Even though consumers have changed, consumer behavior has also changed, so that without realizing it, the marketing of MSME products is not optimal. One way for MSMEs to be carried out optimally is by providing business assistance. The purpose of this research is to find out the right format in assisting MSMEs to increase their business turnover and be able to expand the market. The research model used is a qualitative descriptive research model. In conclusion, business assistance by institutions or people who are experienced in business can be a perfect solution for MSMEs. However, what is quite a concern is the way of business assistance in each MSME, the method used is not always the same. It depends on the type of business being carried out, the target market segment, and the marketing area. All of this becomes a single unit in developing an existing business.

Four-Layer Wound Closure Technique with Barbed Sutures for Inframammary Fold in Mastopexy Augmentation.

The inframammary fold (IMF) is an important landmark in breast aesthetic surgery. In augmentation mastopexy procedures, secure and accurate placement of the IMF is essential to aesthetic outcomes and to allow the new IMF to heal in the correct position without displacement. The authors present a simple and efficient four-layer wound closure technique using barbed sutures for closure of the repositioned IMF in augmentation mastopexy procedures. This method was previously described by the first author for reset of the IMF in breast augmentation surgery and has been adapted to the longer IMF incision in augmentation mastopexy procedures. A retrospective review was undertaken of 335 patients who underwent bilateral breast augmentation mastopexy procedures with a Wise pattern technique at a single unit. The newly reset IMF was closed using barbed sutures and a four-layer closure technique. There were no cases of complications related to wound healing or wound dehiscence. One patient required explantation for an infected implant. The four-layer wound closure technique with barbed sutures provides a quick and efficient method for accurate closure of the newly reset IMF, with positive outcomes related to wound healing. Secure and accurate placement of the inframammary fold is crucial in augmentation mastopexy procedures. The use of a four-layer wound closure technique with barbed sutures provides an efficient method for accurate closure of the newly reset inframammary fold. This method was previously described by the first author for reset of the IMF in breast augmentation surgery and has been adapted to the longer IMF incision in augmentation mastopexy procedures. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Dual Functional Materials: At the Interface of Catalysis and Separations.

Dual functional materials (DFMs) are a promising approach to increase the energy efficiency of carbon capture and utilization by combining both steps into a single unit operation. In this Perspective, we analyze the challenges and opportunities of integrated carbon capture and utilization (ICCU) via a thermally driven process. We identify three key areas that will facilitate research progress toward industrially viable solutions: (1) selecting appropriate DFM operating conditions; (2) designing and characterizing interfacial site cooperativity for CO2 adsorption and hydrogenation; and (3) establishing standards for rigorous and comprehensive data reporting.

Comparable bacterial growth in platelet concentrates suspended in plasma and platelet additive solution and improved detection of bacterial contamination using a new generation automated culture system.

Microbial screening of platelet concentrates (PC) with automated culture methods is widely implemented to reduce septic transfusion reactions. Herein, detection of bacterial contamination in PC was compared between units prepared in plasma and a mix of plasma and platelet additive solution (PAS) and between the BACT/ALERT 3D and next generation BACT/ALERT VIRTUO systems. Double apheresis units were split into single units, diluted in either PAS (PAS-PC) or plasma (plasma-PC), and tested for in vitro quality and sterility prior to spiking with ~30 CFU/unit of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella pneumoniae or ~10 CFU/mL of Cutibacterium acnes. Spiked PC were sampled for BACT/ALERT testing (36 and 48 h post-spiking) and colony counts (24, 36, and 48 h post-spiking). Times to detection (TtoD) and bacterial loads were compared between PC products and BACT/ALERT systems (N = 3). Bacterial growth was similar in plasma-PC and PAS-PC. No significant differences in TtoD were observed between plasma-PC and PAS-PC at the 36-h sampling time except for S. epidermidis which grew faster in plasma-PC and C. acnes which was detected earlier in PAS-PC (p < .05). Detection of facultative bacteria was 1.3-2.2 h sooner in VIRTUO compared with 3D (p < .05) while TtoD for C. acnes was not significantly different between the two systems. Comparable bacterial detection was observed in plasma-PC and PAS-PC with PC sampling performed at 36-h post blood collection. PC sampling at ≤36 h could result in faster detection of facultative pathogenic organisms with the VIRTUO system and improved PC safety.

Comparative evaluation of marginal fit, internal fit and cement space of single unit lithium disilicate crown with shoulder finish line by two different methods of fabrication

Background The coming era will be governed by technology. Computer aided designing (CAD) &amp; computer aided manufacturing (CAM) dentistry is taking over the conventional dental practice establishing a benchmark in esthetics, quality and fit of the prosthesis. The fabrication of prosthesis by digital methods reduces the efforts in fabrication and time required for designing the prosthesis. Aim This protocol aims at checking the marginal fit, internal fit and cement space of lithium disilicate crowns by comparing the two different methods of fabrication. To evaluate and compare marginal fit, internal fit and cement space of single unit “lithium disilicate crown” with shoulder finish line with two different methods of fabrication. Methods The current study is the experimental study conducted at Sharad Pawar dental college and Hospital. The protocol has been approved by the Ethical institutional committee with ref.no.DMIHER(DU)/IEC/2023/851. All the 54 participants who will visit the O.P.D of department of prosthodontics crown &amp; bridge will be included in the study which will be conducted over a period of two years, the subjects will be informed about the research and written consent will be taken. The inclusion criteria for this study are patients aged 18-54 years in the need of full veneer maxillary incisors crown prosthesis. All the comparative results will be calculated with the help of stereomicroscope and descriptive statistics will be performed. Expected results The expected outcome or result proposed will be, the crown fabricated with CAD-CAM will give good fit compared to pressed method. Conclusions Finding the accuracy in the fit and cement space of lithium disilicate crowns by conventional and digital method of fabrication will help the prosthodontist to deliver good results.

Performance Study on Brackish Water Desalination Efficiency Based on a Novel Coupled Electrodialysis–Reverse Osmosis (EDRO) System

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a commonly used desalination technology, but due to high requirements concerning the quality of the feed water, there still exists permeate flux related to the operating conditions, and the solute removal rate is low. Electric fields have a facilitating effect on RO desalination performance. Previous studies have focused on investigating the combination of RO and electrodialysis (ED) processes separately, without directly exploiting their interactions. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel coupling device that combines both RO and ED technologies in a single unit and investigates their mutual enhancement effects on brackish water desalination. The results show that the coupled EDRO system can mutually enhance the performance of RO and ED processes. The permeate flux ratio of the RO membrane increased with increasing voltage, reaching a maximum value of 23.7% at a feed concentration of 10,000 mg/L. The solute rejection by the ion-exchange membrane also increased with increasing pressure, reaching a maximum value of 14.95% at the same feed concentration. In addition, the specific energy consumption of the coupled system was also reduced compared to a standalone operation, with maximum reductions of 9.5% and 19.2% for RO and 2.5% and 3.4% for ED at 5000 and 10,000 mg/L feed concentrations, respectively.

Transfer Learning Model Application for Rastrelliger brachysoma and R. kanagurta Image Classification Using Smartphone-Captured Images

Prior aquatic animal image classification research focused on distinguishing external features in controlled settings, utilizing either digital cameras or webcams. Identifying visually similar species, like Short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma) and Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), is challenging without specialized knowledge. However, advancements in computer technology have paved the way for leveraging machine learning and deep learning systems to address such challenges. In this study, transfer learning techniques were employed, utilizing established pre-trained models such as ResNet50, Xception, InceptionV3, VGG19, VGG16, and MobileNetV3Small. These models were applied to differentiate between the two species using raw images captured by a smartphone under uncontrolled conditions. The core architecture of the pre-trained models remained unchanged, except for the removal of the final fully connected layer. Instead, a global average pooling layer and two dense layers were appended at the end, comprising 1024 units and by a single unit, respectively. To mitigate overfitting concerns, early stopping was implemented. The results revealed that, among the models assessed, the Xception model exhibited the most promising predictive performance. It achieved the highest average accuracy levels of 0.849 and 0.754 during training and validation, surpassing the other models. Furthermore, fine-tuning the Xception model by extending the number of epochs yielded more impressive outcomes. After 30 epochs of fine-tuning, the Xception model demonstrated optimal performance, reaching an accuracy of 0.843 and displaying a 11.508% improvement in predictions compared to the model without fine-tuning. These findings highlight the efficacy of transfer learning, particularly with the Xception model, in accurately distinguishing visually similar aquatic species using smartphone-captured images, even in uncontrolled conditions.

Intrinsically Multistable Soft Actuator Driven by Mixed-Mode Snap-Through Instabilities.

Actuators utilizing snap-through instabilities are widely investigated for high-performance fast actuators and shape reconfigurable structures owing to their rapid response and limited reliance on continuous energy input. However, prevailing approaches typically involve a combination of multiple bistable actuator units and achieving multistability within a single actuator unit still remains an open challenge. Here, a soft actuator is presented that uses shape memory alloy (SMA) and mixed-mode elastic instabilities to achieve intrinsically multistable shape reconfiguration. The multistable actuator unit consists of six stable states, including two pure bendingstates and four bend-twist states. The actuator is composed of a pre-stretched elastic membrane placed between two elastomeric frames embedded with SMA coils. By controlling the sequence and duration of SMA activation, the actuator is capable of rapid transition between all six stable states within hundreds of milliseconds. Principles of energy minimization are used to identify actuation sequences for various types of stable state transitions. Bendingand twisting angles corresponding to various prestretch ratios are recorded based on parameterizations of the actuator's geometry. To demonstrate its application in practical conditions, the multistable actuator is used to perform visual inspection in a confined space, light source tracking during photovoltaic energy harvesting, and agilecrawling.

Spatially Amplified and Rigid Junction in Diblock Copolymers: Reduced Microphase Separation Size via Interface Expansion.

We introduce an approach in diblock copolymer design, where modifying the junction point with rigid bulky monomer expands the cross-sectional area of the interface and leads to a decrease in the repeat period. Using living anionic polymerization, we synthesized a series of dialkynyl midfunctionalized poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PSM-DA) and functionalized them using the thiol-alkyne click reaction with specifically selected rigid bulky monomers: PSS-(3-mercapto)propyl-heptaisobutyl substituted (PSS) and 1-adamantanethiol (ADA). This modification, though involving only a single monomer unit within the diblock copolymer structure, brought about a significant reduction in domain size, with PSS and ADA reducing it by 18% and 15%, respectively. The results indicate a method for reducing the domain sizes of block copolymers, which could lead to advancements in lithography and various nanotechnological applications.

A Highly‐Flexible and Breathable Photo‐Thermo‐Electric Membrane for Energy Harvesting

AbstractPhoto‐thermo‐electric (PTE) technology is a simple but sustainable method that directly converts solar energy into electricity. However, the manufacturing of flexible and breathable PTE generators for practical applications, such as intelligent wearable and self‐powered sensors, poses significant challenges due to the rigid thermoelectric materials and unbreathable substrates. Here, a highly‐flexible and breathable photo‐thermal‐electric membrane (FB‐PTEM) is developed by magnetron sputtering (MS) on a photo‐thermal nanofiber membrane. A single unit of FB‐PTEM produced an open‐circuit voltage of 0.52 V under 1 sun (100 mW cm−2) and 0.2 V under LED illumination, making it suitable for all‐weather use. The photo‐thermal nanofiber membrane exhibited high photo‐thermal conversion capacity of reaching 70 °C within 50 s under 1 sun irradiation. The FB‐PTEM with a thickness of 0.35 mm achieved a self‐temperature difference of 20.6 °C under 1 sun with the low thermal conductivity of the nanofiber membrane. Furthermore, it has a vapor permeability of 14.6 kg m−2 d−1 due to the inherent high porosity of the nanofiber membranes. The FB‐PTEM demonstrates great potential for the development of highly flexible thermoelectric materials, as it encompasses various advantageous features such as self‐temperature difference, lightweight design, high breathability, and all‐weather suitability.

Conservation genetics of the white-bellied pangolin in West Africa: A story of lineage admixture, declining demography, and wide sourcing by urban bushmeat markets.

During the last 40 years, the volumes of African pangolins feeding the illegal wildlife trade have dramatically increased. We conducted a conservation genetics survey of the most traded African species, the white bellied pangolin (WBP; Phataginus tricuspis), across three West African countries including Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana. Our study combining mitochondrial DNA sequencing and microsatellite genotyping is the first to reveal a wide pattern of admixture between two of the six mitochondrial lineages as previously delimited within WBP. We found a signature of isolation by distance but a lack of population genetic structuring, supporting the idea that WBP may have underestimated dispersal abilities. Levels of genetic diversity were low in West African lineages (WAfr and Gha) compared to Central Africa, reinforcing the picture of genetic pauperization shared by West African WBP. We observed a 85%-98% decline in the effective population size of WBP occurring c. 3200 to 400 ya, with current numbers (520-590) at the lower end of the conservative thresholds for minimum viable population size. The microsatellite markers were powerful enough to differentiate between individuals and identify replicated samples, confirming the utility of this approach in tracing the pangolin trade. Genetic diversity estimates confirmed that Yopougon, the main bushmeat market from Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), was fed by a large trade network as confirmed by vendors reporting 10 different sources situated 62-459 km away from the market. We conclude that WBP distributed in the Upper Guinean Block should be considered a single management unit of high conservation concern, as impacted by genetic diversity erosion, drastic decline in effective population size, and wide range sourcing for feeding urban bushmeat markets. Given the genetic admixture pattern detected within WBP from West Africa, we advocate for a multi-locus strategy to trace the international trade of the species.