bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the thermal transformation of basic components of wind turbine blade
Authors: Ge Lichao , Jiang Han , Feng Hongcui , Xu Chunyao , Lu Yanning , Li Xi , Chen Bo , Xu Chang
Published: May 2023

To alleviate the environmental pollution caused by waste wind turbine blades and provide new ideas for recycling, the thermochemical characteristics of four basic components of composite materials commonly used in wind turbine blades were studied in this paper. Thermogravimetric experiments in different atmospheres and heating rates, and thermogravimetric‐infrared combined experiments were carried out. The results show that the reaction of epoxy resin and thermoplastic polyurethane was easy and deep in N2 and CO2. Except for glass fiber, the other three components showed different combustion characteristics in air. The maximum reaction rates and activation energy of resin‐based components in N2 increased with increasing heating rate. The pyrolysis products of the four basic components all contained CO2 and CO, and some aromatic substances could be generated during the thermal transformation of epoxy resin and thermoplastic polyurethane. It can be concluded that the thermal transformation properties of the basic components of the composite material of wind turbine blades can be used to treat the waste blades, making the resin as the matrix material undergo a thermal transformation reaction and recover the fiber. This is to effectively guarantee the green and sustainable development of wind power generation.
Quantized feedback stabilization of continuous‐time Markov jump systems under asynchronous control
Authors: Sun Yuanyuan , Deng Feiqi , Yu Peilin
Published: May 2023

This paper addresses a new asynchronous control scheme for continuous‐time Markov jump linear systems (MJLSs). Both controlled system and quantizer are asynchronous with the controller due to the process by which the controller can accurately observe and emit the switching signal being stochastic. The random variable satisfying Bernoulli distribution is introduced to describe this observation. On this basis, two methods are proposed to obtain sufficient conditions for exponential almost sure stability and almost surely asymptotically stability, respectively from the perspective of the linear matrix inequality (LMI). The results are independent of the asynchronous time interval. Finally, a numerical example demonstrates the validity and feasibility of developed theoretical results.
Fractional optimal control problems with both integer‐order and Atangana–Baleanu Caputo derivatives
Authors: Ma Xiang‐Xiang , Liu Song , Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Xiao‐Wen
Published: May 2023

This article considers fractional optimal control problems (FOCPs) including both integer‐order and Atangana–Baleanu Caputo derivatives. First, the existence and uniqueness of the solution of a fractional Cauchy problem is given. Then, applying calculus of variations and Lagrange multiplier method, we present necessary optimality conditions of FOCPs and sufficient optimality conditions are also given under some assumptions. Next, a collection method is developed to derive numerical solutions by using shifted Legendre polynomials. Finally, error estimate of numerical solutions is also provided, and numerical examples further show the accuracy and feasibility of our method.
A high molecular weight silk fibroin scaffold that resists degradation and promotes cell proliferation
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Wang Ying , Pan Peng , Liu Xueping , Zhang Wenjing , Hu Cheng , Li Mingzhong
Published: May 2023

The regulation of the biodegradation rate of 3D‐regenerated silk fibroin scaffolds and the avoidance of premature collapse are important concerns for their effective applications in tissue engineering. In this study, bromelain, which is specific to sericin, was used to remove sericin from silk, and high molecular weight silk fibroin was obtained after the fibroin fibers were dissolved. Afterwards, a 3D scaffold was prepared via freeze‐drying. The Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis results showed that the average molecular weight of the regenerated silk fibroin prepared by using the bromelain‐degumming method was approximately 142.2 kDa, which was significantly higher than that of the control groups prepared by using the urea‐ and Na2CO3‐degumming methods. The results of enzyme degradation in vitro showed that the biodegradation rate and internal three‐dimensional structure collapse of the bromelain‐degumming fibroin scaffolds were significantly slower than those of the two control scaffolds. The proliferation activity of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells inoculated in bromelain‐degumming fibroin scaffolds was significantly higher than that of the control scaffolds. This study provides a novel preparation method for 3D‐regenerated silk fibroin scaffolds that can effectively resist biodegradation, continuously guide cell growth, have good biocompatibility, and have the potential to be used for the regeneration of various connective tissues.
Photoradical‐Mediated Catalyst‐Independent Protein Cross‐Link with Unusual Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Bora Jinam Ravindra , Mahalakshmi Radhakrishnan
Published: May 2023

Photo‐actively modified natural amino acids have served as lucrative probes for precise mapping of the dynamics, interaction networks, and turnover of cytosolic proteins both in vivo and ex vivo. In our attempts to extend the utility of photoreactive reporters to map the molecular characteristics of vital membrane proteins, we carried out site‐selective incorporation of 7‐fluoro‐indole in the human mitochondrial outer membrane protein VDAC2 (voltage‐dependent anion channel isoform 2), with the aim of generating Trp−Phe/Tyr cross‐links. Prolonged irradiation at 282 nm provided us with a surprisingly unusual fluorophore that displayed sizably red‐shifted excitation (λex‐max=280 nm→360 nm) and emission (λem‐max=330 nm→430 nm) spectra that was reversible with organic solvents. By measuring the kinetics of the photo‐activated cross‐linking with a library of hVDAC2 variants, we demonstrate that formation of this unusual fluorophore is kinetically retarded, independent of tryptophan, and is site‐specific. Using other membrane (Tom40 and Sam50) and cytosolic (MscR and DNA Pol I) proteins, we additionally show that formation of this fluorophore is protein‐independent. Our findings reveal the photoradical‐mediated accumulation of reversible tyrosine cross‐links, with unusual fluorescent properties. Our findings have immediate applications in protein biochemistry and UV‐mediated protein aggregation and cellular damage, opening avenues for formulating therapeutics that prolong cell viability in humans.
Photocatalytic Cross‐Pinacol Coupling Promoted by Carbon Dioxide**
Authors: Okumura Shintaro , Takahashi Teruki , Torii Kaoru , Uozumi Yasuhiro
Published: May 2023

Cross‐pinacol coupling of two different carbonyl compounds was achieved through successive one‐electron transfer processes under photocatalytic conditions. In the reaction, an umpoled anionic carbinol synthon was generated in situ to react nucleophilically with a second electrophilic carbonyl compound. It was revealed that a CO2 additive promoted the photocatalytic generation of the carbinol synthon to suppress undesired radical dimerization. A wide variety of aromatic and aliphatic carbonyl substrates underwent the cross‐pinacol coupling to afford the corresponding unsymmetric vicinal 1,2‐diols, in which even a combination of carbonyl reactants with similar structures such as two aldehydes and two ketones were also well tolerated with high cross‐coupling selectivity.
Peptide‐Bridged Naphthalimide–Dithienylethene Dyad with Aggregation‐Induced‐Emission Activity: Application in Forensic Fingerprint Technology
Authors: Karmakar Manisha , Kumar Bag Sayan , Thakur Arunabha
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate here a simple approach to integrate photochromic properties with aggregation‐induced emission behavior via supramolecular self‐assembly with the aim to build a new type of photoswitchable materials. We have designed and synthesized two unsymmetrical peptide‐bridged naphthalimide–dithienylethene dyads, each composed of naphthalimide (NI), an alkyl (CH2)n [n=2,8] chain (Cn), a dipeptide of phe‐phe scaffold, and an unsymmetrical dithienylethene (DTE) moiety (NI‐Cn‐pep‐DTE; 6: n=2; 7: n=8). Dyads 6 and 7 show comparable photo‐isomerization speed and rate constant (K) values for cyclization (75 s, K=0.049 s−1 for 6, 65 s, K=0.056 s−1 for 7) and cycloreversion (105 s, K=0.037 s−1 for 6, 100 s, K=0.023 s−1 for 7) accompanied by a noticeable naked‐eye color change from pale yellow (6 o/7 o; open forms) to purple (6 c/7 c; closed forms). Both compounds show considerably high fatigue resistance for at least 45 cycles without loss of sensitivity and compound 7 exhibits fluorescence photoswitching performance in solution, solid state, as well as in gel form through a FRET mechanism. The developed dithienylethene (DTE)‐based material was applied in latent fingerprints (LFPs) and in anti‐counterfeiting technology in a non‐invasive manner.
Uncovering the significance of the ratio of food K:Na in bee ecology and evolution
Authors: Filipiak Zuzanna M. , Ollerton Jeff , Filipiak Michał
Published: May 2023

Bees provide important ecological services, and many species are threatened globally, yet our knowledge of wild bee ecology and evolution is limited. While evolving from carnivorous ancestors, bees had to develop strategies for coping with limitations imposed on them by a plant‐based diet, with nectar providing energy and essential amino acids and pollen as an extraordinary, protein‐ and lipid‐rich food nutritionally similar to animal tissues. Both nectar and pollen display one characteristic common to plants, a high ratio of potassium to sodium (K:Na), potentially leading to bee underdevelopment, health problems, and death. We discuss why and how the ratio of K:Na contributes to bee ecology and evolution and how considering this factor in future studies will provide new knowledge, more accurately depicting the relationship of bees with their environments. Such knowledge is essential for understanding how plants and bees function and interact and is needed to effectively protect wild bees.
Fabrication of precise non‐assembly mechanisms by multi‐material fused layer modeling and subsequent heat treatment
Authors: Harden Felix , Kral Roland , Schädel Birgit , Adelung Rainer , Jacobs Olaf
Published: May 2023

Additive manufacturing techniques offer several potentials for future design and production. One of these potentials is non‐assembly mechanisms, movable mechanisms which need no assembly after production. Especially non‐assembly mechanisms consisting of kinematic pairs face major tolerance issues. This work advances into the new field of non‐assembly mechanisms consisting of kinematic pairs from multi‐materials. The research described in this article shows how tolerance issues can be overcome by the deliberate use of intrinsic and printing‐induced shrinkage processes. Therefore, non‐assembly mechanisms produced by multi‐material printing using fused layer modeling (FLM) are heat‐treated after the printing process to reduce and adjust the joint clearance. It was found that PLA was a suitable material for this process due to its relaxation and recrystallisation behavior during heat treatment. The printing techniques and relevant shrinkage mechanisms were analyzed and explained. Furthermore, it was found that relaxation of orientations and recrystallization could be separated in two different heat treatment steps creating a possibility for “induced self‐healing.” In addition, tribological aspects of such mechanisms will be discussed.
Solar–Thermal Conversion Properties of Bilayered Porous Solar Absorbers Fabricated by Mixed Halloysite/Palygorskite Clays
Authors: Wang Nan , Jia Juan , Mu Wenxiao , Sun Hanxue , Li Jiyan , Zhu Zhaoqi , Liang Weidong
Published: May 2023

In recent years, solar absorbers have received widespread attention, however, large‐scale preparation is difficult to achieve for many absorbers, and the raw materials are expensive. Halloysite (HNTs) and palygorskite (PAL) have the advantage of abundant reserves and low prices. Herein, solar absorbers with bilayer and porous features are prepared from mixed clays of HNTs and PAL; further studies focused on the solar–thermal conversion efficiency of the absorbers. The mixed clays are gelated by aqueous polymerization of acrylamide and N, N′‐methylene bisacrylamide, then the surface of the gel is carbonized to obtain the double‐layer solar absorbers (F‐HNTs/PAL). The F‐HNTs/PAL shows excellent thermal stability with a weight‐loss ratio of 13% at 1,000 °C, good mechanical properties with a compressed strength of up to 200 KPa at 80% strain, abundant porosity with an adsorption pore volume of 0.057 cm3 g−1, and low thermal conductivity (0.206 W m−1 K−1). Under 1 sun illumination, the F‐HNTs/PAL has a higher vapor rate of 1.215 kg m−2 h−1 that equals 84% solar‐to‐vapor efficiency, which is much more than 57% of F‐HNTs prepared by the same methods, but the F‐HNTs/PAL shows unique thermal stability and mechanical property.
Interfacial Coupling‐Induced Pseudocapacitance in LiFePO4@Polypyrrole Heterostructures Toward High‐Rate Lithium Storage
Authors: Xiao Qi , Li Yan , Zhang Yin-he , Huang Suping
Published: May 2023

The olivine‐structured LiFePO4 (LFP) materials are widely used as commercial cathodes due to its high thermal/chemical stability, long cycle life, low price, etc. However, the poor high‐rate performance severely hinders its high‐power applications due to intrinsically diffusion‐controlled lithium storage. Herein, an interfacial coupling‐induced pseudocapacitance (ICIPC) strategy to realize high‐rate capacity lithium storage of LiFePO4@ polypyrrole (LFP@PPY) is provided. The strong interfacial coupling interaction between LFP and polypyrrole (PPY) promotes interfacial pseudocapacitance as a major Li+ storage mechanism during the charge/discharge process at high rates. The dynamic combination of interfacial and diffusion lithium storage of electrodes can enhance reaction kinetics, the rate capability and cyclic performance. In addition, the nanoscale PPY coating layer effectively improves the surface conductivity of the LFP particles and the charge transfer kinetics of electrochemical reactions. Therefore, the LFP@PPY cathode exhibits remarkable rate capability with a capacity of 105 mAh g−1at 10 A g−1 and 84 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 and excellent cyclic stability performance with the initial capacity of 106.7 mAh g−1 at 10 C (91.2 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles). The ICIPC strategy may be extended to other cathodes (LiCoO2, etc.) to improve the high‐rate performance.
Optimal operation of dielectric elastomer wave energy converters under harmonic and stochastic excitation
Authors: Hoffmann Matthias K. , Heib Lennart , Moretti Giacomo , Rizzello Gianluca , Flaßkamp Kathrin
Published: May 2023

Dielectric elastomers are a promising technology for wave energy harvesting. An optimal system operation can allow maximizing the extracted energy and, simultaneously, reducing wear that would lead to a reduction in the wave harvester lifetime. We pursue a model‐based optimization approach to identify optimal controls for wave energy harvesters based on dielectric elastomers. First, a direct method is used for time‐discretization of the dielectric elastomer wave energy harvester in the optimal control problem. The two conflicting objectives are considered in a multiobjective optimization framework. Considering a periodic, sinusoidal wave excitation, the optimal solution shows turnpike properties for the optimal periodic mode of operation. However, since real wave motion is neither monochromatic nor predictable on longer time horizons, further extensions are pursued. First, we introduce a stochastic wave excitation. Second, an iterative model‐predictive control scheme is designed. Due to multiple objectives, the control scheme has to include an automated adaption of the corresponding priorities. Here, we propose and evaluate a heuristic rule‐based adaption in order to maintain the damage below target levels. The approach presented here might be used in the future to guarantee for autonomous operation of farms of wave energy harvesters.
Challenges for Circular Economy under the EU 2020/741 Wastewater Reuse Regulation
Authors: Berbel Julio , Mesa‐Pérez Enrique , Simón Pedro
Published: May 2023

Wastewater reuse is seen as an opportunity to support a circular economy and optimize water resources. However, the use of wastewater is limited by the need for the proper protection of health and the environment and demands a certain minimum quality of treated reclaimed water. The objective of this work is to evaluate the opportunities both for the agents in the water treatment chain (from municipalities to farmers) and for technology providers under the recently approved Regulation EU‐2020/741. The new market and opportunities require new value chains, technology development, governance, risk assurance, and adapted local regulation. Bottlenecks also pose technological, environmental, institutional, economic, and social challenges. The identified needs and barriers must be properly addressed in order to accelerate the transformation of the water sector toward the circular economy. As a conclusion, Reg EU 2020/741 introduces minimum requirements for urban wastewater reuse and requires the definition of risk management and transparency. The real impact of regulation on circular‐economy objectives is limited by water scarcity and crop profitability. Social acceptance is critical for success.
Social gradient in use of health services and health‐related quality of life of children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Sevastidis Abraham , Wanni Arachchige Dona Sithara , Gold Lisa , Sciberra Emma , Coghill David , Le Ha Nguyet Dao
Published: May 2023

Aims

ADHD (attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder) affects 5% of children on average. Despite the high need to access services for ADHD treatment, not all children with ADHD utilise healthcare services equally. This study aims to systematically synthesise evidence of equity and equality in health service use/costs and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL)/wellbeing of children with ADHD across socioeconomic (SES) classes.

Methods

The literature search was conducted across seven databases (Academic Search complete, MEDLINE Complete, PsycINFO, ERIC, Global Health, CINAHL and EconLit). The search was limited to peer‐reviewed articles published to 23rd January 2023 in English and focused on children. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP), Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) checklists.

Results

25 out of 1207 articles were eligible for inclusion. The results showed that SES was associated with different types of healthcare utilisation. Only three studies were found on HRQoL/well‐being. Children with ADHD from low SES families had lower HRQoL than children from high SES families.

Conclusion

This study found that a social gradient exists in both healthcare service use and children's HRQoL among those with ADHD.
A staging system for Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) larvae based on external morphology and skeletal development
Authors: Fischbach Vivian , Finke Annegret , Moritz Timo , Polte Patrick , Thieme Philipp
Published: May 2023

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) plays a key role within temperate marine food webs and is targeted by a significant over‐regional fishery. Due to its high economic importance, dynamics in herring stock biomass and recruitment are closely monitored, forming the basis for fisheries management advice. As recruitment patterns translate into the adult stock biomass, early life stage ecology has been thoroughly addressed in fisheries research. Larval monitoring programs commonly focus on length measurements and abundance indices, rarely, information on larval developmental stages is given. As length is highly influenced by temperature, salinity and food availability, their size range can significantly vary between cohorts, populations, and ecotypes. Nowadays, a systematic staging system from the 1970s provides the standard guide for herring larval development, although it does not fully resolve important developmental stages. Here, we propose an improved staging system based on external morphology and skeletal development of herring larvae. The staging system has been developed and tested with herring larvae from different populations of the North and Baltic Sea to ensure applicability. The system comprises 15 stages (+substages) in 5 major developmental phases: the yolk sac phase, the dorsal fin development, the caudal fin development, the pelvic fin development, and the juvenile phase. This staging system aims to simplify herring larval staging to gain a more specific picture of early life dynamics. Because of the detailed description of the development, future studies are better equipped to identify stages which, for example, show high mortality rates and better link them to environmental circumstances.
The effects of chloride and sulphate on the growth of sulphide films on copper in anoxic sulphide solutions
Authors: Chen Jian , Pan Xinran , Martino Taylor , Lilja Christina , Behazin Mehran , Binns Wilfred J. , Keech Peter G. , Noël James J. , Shoesmith David W.
Published: May 2023

The corrosion of copper in chloride‐ and sulphate‐containing solutions containing sulphide (ranging from 5 × 10−5 M to 10−3 M) was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the structure and physical properties of the copper sulphide deposits (Cu2S) were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. At low [SH−], a porous and non‐protective deposit was formed, and the low corrosion rates were limited by sulphide transport, partially within the deposit and partially in the bulk of the solution. At higher [SH−], the corrosion rates were much higher and initially more rapid in chloride‐containing than in sulphate‐containing solutions, suggesting a direct role for chloride in the interfacial corrosion process. When the copper sulphide deposit thickened, the rate became limited by CuI transport within the more compact and more crystalline deposit formed. Changes in the morphology of the deposit suggest that chloride adsorption on the surfaces of the deposit inhibited the incorporation of Cu3S3 clusters, transported from the corroding copper surface, into the growing crystals.
Mechanical and surface characterization of interstitial‐free steel corroded under wet‐dry salt spray and immersion conditions: A comparative study
Authors: Kumar Veerendra , Tiwari Shalabh Kumar , Sharma Nitin
Published: May 2023

Highly formable interstitial‐free steel has been subjected to corrode in wet‐dry salt spray (WDSS) and immersion corrosion (IMCC) conditions in 5, 10, 20, 30, and 45 days to investigate its corrosion behavior in simulated‐marine environment at the same temperature using 5 wt.% NaCl. The corrosion mechanisms and their effects have been studied and compared on the basis of weight loss and mechanical properties. Results revealed that corrosion rate in WDSS is about 9.5 times higher than IMCC. The corrosion coefficient (n) values for WDSS and IMCC have been observed as 0.99 and 0.35, respectively, which are evident for the protective nature of rust. The corrosion mechanisms and rust constituents may attribute different corrosion kinetics in both conditions. Moreover, the rate of degradation in yield strength and fracture strain in WDSS is 2 and 2.5 times higher than IMCC respectively; however, in the case of ultimate tensile strength the degradation rate is nearly same. It has also been observed that the higher pitting corrosion in WDSS may lead to change the failure mode from ductile to mix‐mode after 30 and 45 days of corrosion as authenticated from scanning electron microscopic images.
Deciphering the Effects of Molecular Dipole Moments on the Photovoltaic Performance of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ji Xiaofei , Wang Ting , Fu Qiang , Liu Dongxue , Wu Ziang , Zhang Mingtao , Woo Han Young , Liu Yongsheng
Published: May 2023

The dielectronic constant of organic semiconductor materials is directly related to its molecule dipole moment, which can be used to guide the design of high‐performance organic photovoltaic materials. Herein, two isomeric small molecule acceptors, ANDT‐2F and CNDT‐2F, are designed and synthesized by using the electron localization effect of alkoxy in different positions of naphthalene. It is found that the axisymmetric ANDT‐2F exhibits a larger dipole moment, which can improve exciton dissociation and charge generation efficiencies due to the strong intramolecular charge transfer effect, resulting in the higher photovoltaic performance of devices. Moreover, PBDB‐T:ANDT‐2F blend film exhibits larger and more balanced hole and electron mobility as well as nanoscale phase separation due to the favorable miscibility. As a result, the optimized device based on axisymmetric ANDT‐2F shows a JSC of 21.30 mA cm−2, an FF of 66.21%, and a power conversion energy of 12.13%, higher than that of centrosymmetric CNDT‐2F‐based device. This work provides important implications for designing and synthesizing efficient organic photovoltaic materials by tuning their dipole moment.
Parasacral transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation versus urotherapy in primary monosymptomatic enuresis: A prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Oliveira Liliana Fajardo , Silva Lidyanne Ilidia da , Franck Hanny Helena Masson , Guimarães Kayleigh Gonçalves , Cardoso Jéssika Stephani Silva , Ribeiro André Costa Pinto , Figueiredo André A. , Silva Solano Aguirre de Alexandre Santos e , de Bessa José , Netto José Murillo B.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the clinical response of parasacral transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (parasacral TENS) associated with urotherapy in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) compared to urotherapy alone.

Material and Methods

This prospective controlled clinical trial enrolled 72 children over 5 years of age with PMNE. Children were randomly divided into two groups, control group (CG), treated with urotherapy and scapular stimulation, and experimental group (EG), treated with urotherapy and parasacral TENS. In both groups, 20 sessions were performed, 3 times weekly, for 20 min each, with 10 Hz frequency, 700 μS pulse width and intesity determinated by the patient threshold. The percentages of dry nights were analyzed for 14 days before treatment (T0), after the 20th session (T1), 15 (T2), 30 (T3), 60 (T4), and 90 (T5) days after the end of the sessions. Patients of both groups were followed with intervals of 2 weeks in the first month and monthly for three consecutive months.

Results

Twenty‐eight enuretic children, 14 girls (50%) with a mean age of 9.09 ± 2.23 years completed the study. There was no difference in mean age between groups. Mean percentage of dry nights in EG at T0 was 36%, at T1 49%, at T2 54%, at T3 54%, at T4 54%, and 57% at T5; while in CG, these percentages were 28%, 39%, 37%, 35%, 36%, and 36%, respectively.

Conclusions

Parasacral TENS associated with urotherapy improves the percentage of dry nights in children with PMNE, although no patient had complete resolution of symptoms in this study.
Extending CAS elements to remove shear and membrane locking from quadratic NURBS‐based discretizations of linear plane Timoshenko rods
Authors: Golestanian Mahmoud , Casquero Hugo
Published: May 2023

Continuous‐assumed‐strain (CAS) elements were recently introduced (Casquero and Golestanian. Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng. 2022; 399:115354.) to remove the membrane locking present in quadratic ‐continuous NURBS‐based discretizations of linear plane curved Kirchhoff rods. In this work, we generalize CAS elements to remove shear and membrane locking from quadratic NURBS‐based discretizations of linear plane curved Timoshenko rods. CAS elements are an assumed strain treatment that interpolates the shear and membrane strains at the knots using linear Lagrange polynomials. Consequently, the inter‐element continuity of the shear and membrane strains is maintained. The numerical experiments considered in this work show that CAS elements excise the spurious oscillations in shear and membrane forces caused by shear and membrane locking. Furthermore, when using CAS elements with either full or reduced integration, the convergence of displacements, rotations, and stress resultants is independent of the slenderness ratio up to while the convergence is highly dependent on the slenderness ratio when using NURBS elements. We apply the locking treatment of CAS elements to quadratic ‐continuous NURBS and the resulting element type is named discontinuous‐assumed‐strain (DAS) elements. Comparisons among CAS and DAS elements show that once locking is properly removed, continuity across element boundaries results in higher accuracy than continuity across element boundaries. Lastly, CAS elements result in a simple numerical scheme that does not add any significant computational burden in comparison with the locking‐prone NURBS‐based discretization of the Galerkin method.
Pharmacological antagonism of receptor for advanced glycation end products signaling promotes thermogenesis, healthful body mass and composition, and metabolism in mice
Authors: Wilson Robin A. , Arivazhagan Lakshmi , Ruiz Henry H. , Zhou Boyan , Qian Kun , Manigrasso Michaele B. , Bernadin Rollanda , Mangar Kaamashri , Shekhtman Alexander , Li Huilin , Ramasamy Ravichandran , Schmidt Ann Marie
Published: May 2023

Objective

Optimal body mass and composition as well as metabolic fitness require tightly regulated and interconnected mechanisms across tissues. Disturbances in these regulatory networks tip the balance between metabolic health versus overweight and obesity and their complications. The authors previously demonstrated roles for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in obesity, as global‐ or adipocyte‐specific deletion of Ager (the gene encoding RAGE) protected mice from high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

Methods

To explore translational strategies evoked by these observations, a small molecule antagonist of RAGE signaling, RAGE229, was administered to lean mice and mice with obesity undergoing diet‐induced weight loss. Body mass and composition and whole body and adipose tissue metabolism were examined.

Results

This study demonstrates that antagonism of RAGE signaling reduced body mass and adiposity and improved glucose, insulin, and lipid metabolism in lean male and female mice and in male mice with obesity undergoing weight loss. In adipose tissue and in human and mouse adipocytes, RAGE229 enhanced phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates, which augmented lipolysis, mitochondrial function, and thermogenic programs.

Conclusions

Pharmacological antagonism of RAGE signaling is a potent strategy to optimize healthful body mass and composition and metabolic fitness.
Trends in Positive Surgical Margins in cT3‐T4 Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Prasad Kavita , Topf Michael C. , Clookey Stephanie , Philips Ramez , Curry Joseph , Tassone Patrick
Published: May 2023

Objective

Positive surgical margins in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma are associated with cost escalation, treatment intensification, and greater risk of recurrence and mortality. The positive margin rate has been decreasing for cT1‐T2 oral cavity cancer over the past 2 decades. We aim to evaluate positive margin rates in cT3‐T4 oral cavity cancer over time, and determine factors associated with positive margins.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of a national database.

Setting

National Cancer Database 2004 to 2018.

Methods

All adult patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2018 who underwent primary curative intent surgery for previously untreated cT3‐T4 oral cavity cancer with known margin status were included. Logistic univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with positive margins.

Results

Among 16,326 patients with cT3 or cT4 oral cavity cancer, positive margins were documented in 2932 patients (18.1%). Later year of treatment was not significantly associated with positive margins (odds ratio [OR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96‐1.00). The proportion of patients treated at academic centers increased over time (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01‐1.03). On multivariable analysis, positive margins were significantly associated with hard palate primary, cT4 tumors, advancing N stage, lymphovascular invasion, poorly differentiated histology, and treatment at nonacademic or low‐volume centers.

Conclusion

Despite increased treatment at academic centers for locally advanced oral cavity cancer, there has been no significant decrease in positive margin rates which remains high at 18.1%. Novel techniques for margin planning and assessment may be required to decrease positive margin rates in locally advanced oral cavity cancer.
Antenatal size, early childhood growth, and asthma within a cohort created by data linkage
Authors: Turner Steve , Chapman Anthony , Aucott Lorna
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The gestation when small for gestational age (SGA) is first associated with asthma is not well understood. Here, we use routinely acquired data from 10 weeks gestation to up to 28 years of age to test the hypothesis that SGA before birth is associated with an increased risk for asthma in a large population born between 1987 and 2015.

Methods

Databases were linked to produce a single database that held antenatal fetal ultrasound measurements; maternal characteristics; birth measurements; childhood anthropometric measurements at age 5 years; hospital admission data (1987–2015); and family doctor prescribing (2009–2015). Asthma admission and receipt of any asthma medications were the outcomes. Analyses related single and then multiple anthropometric measurements to asthma outcomes.

Results

Outcome data were available for 63,930 individuals. Increased length in the first‐trimester size was associated with a reduced odds ratio (OR) for asthma admission of 0.991 [0.983, 0.998] per mm increase and also a shorter time to first admission, with a hazard ratio risk of 0.987 [0.980, 0.994] per mm increase. Independent of all earlier measurements, increased height at 5 years (available in a subset of 15,760) was associated with reduced OR for an asthma admission, with OR of 0.874 [0.790, 0.967] per z score. Longitudinal measurements of weight were not related to asthma outcomes.

Conclusions

Longer first‐trimester length is associated with more favorable asthma outcomes, and subsequently, increased height in childhood is also independently associated with more favorable asthma outcomes. Interventions that reduce SGA and encourage healthy postnatal growth might improve asthma outcomes.
Fine tuning rigid body docking results using the Dreiding force field: A computational study of 36 known nanobody‐protein complexes
Authors: Hacisuleyman Aysima , Erman Burak
Published: May 2023

This paper aims to understand the binding strategies of a nanobody‐protein pair by studying known complexes. Rigid body protein–ligand docking programs produce several complexes, called decoys, which are good candidates with high scores of shape complementarity, electrostatic interactions, desolvation, buried surface area, and Lennard–Jones potentials. However, the decoy that corresponds to the native structure is not known. We studied 36 nanobody‐protein complexes from the single domain antibody database, sd‐Ab DB, http://www.sdab-db.ca/. For each structure, a large number of decoys are generated using the Fast Fourier Transform algorithm of the software ZDOCK. The decoys were ranked according to their target protein‐nanobody interaction energies, calculated by using the Dreiding Force Field, with rank 1 having the lowest interaction energy. Out of 36 protein data bank (PDB) structures, 25 true structures were predicted as rank 1. Eleven of the remaining structures required Ångstrom size rigid body translations of the nanobody relative to the protein to match the given PDB structure. After the translation, the Dreiding interaction (DI) energies of all complexes decreased and became rank 1. In one case, rigid body rotations as well as translations of the nanobody were required for matching the crystal structure. We used a Monte Carlo algorithm that randomly translates and rotates the nanobody of a decoy and calculates the DI energy. Results show that rigid body translations and the DI energy are sufficient for determining the correct binding location and pose of ZDOCK created decoys. A survey of the sd‐Ab DB showed that each nanobody makes at least one salt bridge with its partner protein, indicating that salt bridge formation is an essential strategy in nanobody‐protein recognition. Based on the analysis of the 36 crystal structures and evidence from existing literature, we propose a set of principles that could be used in the design of nanobodies.
Real‐time vibration monitoring and analysis of agricultural tractor drivers using an IoT‐based system
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Nawayseh Naser , Samuel Siby , Dhabi Yash Kumar , Singh Harwinder
Published: May 2023

Agricultural tractor drivers experience a high amplitude of vibration, especially during soil tillage operations. In the past, most research studied vibration exposure with more focus on the vertical (z) axis than on the fore‐and‐aft (x) and lateral (y) axes. This study examines how rotary soil tillage affects the vibration acceleration and frequency, and the power spectral densities (PSDs) at the seat pan and head along three translational axes in a real‐field multiaxis vibration context. Moreover, this study aimed to identify the characteristics of the seat‐to‐head transmissibility (STHT) response to identifying the most salient resonant frequencies along the x‐, y‐, and z‐axes. Nine (9) male tractor drivers operated the tractor with a mounted rotary tiller throughout the soil tillage process. In the event of a COVID‐19 pandemic, and to respect social distancing, this study developed an Internet of Things (IoT) module with the potential to integrate with existing data loggers for online data transmission and to make the experimentation process more effective by removing potential sources of experimenter errors. The raw acceleration data retrieved at the seat pan and the head were utilized to obtain daily exposure (A(8)), PSDs, and STHT along the x‐, y‐, and z‐axes. The vibration energy was found to be dominant along the z‐axis than the x‐ and y‐axes. A(8) response among tractor drivers exceeds the exposure action value explicitly stated by Directive 2002/44/EU. PSDs along the x‐, y‐, and z‐axes depicted the low‐frequency vibration induced by rotary soil tillage operation. The STHT response exhibited a higher degree of transmissibility along the y‐ and z‐axes when compared with that along the x‐axis. The frequency range of 4–7 Hz may plausibly be associated with cognitive impairment in tractor drivers during rotary soil tillage.
Scalable Bacterial Cellulose‐Based Radiative Cooling Materials with Switchable Transparency for Thermal Management and Enhanced Solar Energy Harvesting
Authors: Shi Shukuan , Lv Pengfei , Valenzuela Cristian , Li Binxuan , Liu Yuan , Wang Ling , Feng Wei
Published: May 2023

Radiative cooling materials that can dynamically control solar transmittance and emit thermal radiation into cold outer space are critical for smart thermal management and sustainable energy‐efficient buildings. This work reports the judicious design and scalable fabrication of biosynthetic bacterial cellulose (BC)‐based radiative cooling (Bio‐RC) materials with switchable solar transmittance, which are developed by entangling silica microspheres with continuously secreted cellulose nanofibers during in situ cultivation. Theresulting film shows a high solar reflection (95.3%) that can be facilely switched between an opaque state and a transparent state upon wetting. Interestingly, the Bio‐RC film exhibits a high mid‐infrared emissivity (93.4%) and an average sub‐ambient temperature drop of ≈3.7 °C at noon. When integrating with a commercially available semi‐transparent solar cell, the switchable solar transmittance of Bio‐RC film enables an enhancement of solar power conversion efficiency (opaque state: 0.92%, transparent state: 0.57%, bare solar cell: 0.33%). As a proof‐of‐concept illustration, an energy‐efficient model house with its roof built with Bio‐RC‐integrated semi‐transparent solar cell is demonstrated. This research can shine new light on the design and emerging applications of advanced radiative cooling materials.
Electronic Modulation Induced by Ni‐VN Heterojunction Reinforces Electrolytic Hydrogen Evolution Coupled with Biomass Upgrade
Authors: Jia Wanqi , Liu Bowen , Gong Rui , Bian Xinxin , Du Shichao , Ma Siyu , Song Zichen , Ren Zhiyu , Chen Zhimin
Published: May 2023

The renewable electricity‐driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) coupled with biomass oxidation is a powerful avenue to maximize the energy efficiency and economic feedback, but challenging. Herein, porous Ni‐VN heterojunction nanosheets on nickel foam (Ni‐VN/NF) are constructed as a robust electrocatalyst to simultaneously catalyze HER and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural electrooxidation reaction (HMF EOR). Benefiting from the surface reconstruction of Ni‐VN heterojunction during the oxidation process, the derived NiOOH‐VN/NF energetically catalyzes HMF into 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), yielding the high HMF conversion (>99%), FDCA yield (99%), and Faradaic efficiency (>98%) at the lower oxidation potential along with the superior cycling stability. Ni‐VN/NF is also surperactive for HER, exhibiting an onset potential of ≈0 mV and Tafel slope of 45 mV dec−1. The integrated Ni‐VN/NF||Ni‐VN/NF configuration delivers a compelling cell voltage of 1.426 V at 10 mA cm−2 for the H2O‐HMF paired electrolysis, about 100 mV lower than that for water splitting. Theoretically, for Ni‐VN/NF, the superiority in HMF EOR and HER is mainly dominated by the local electronic distribution at the heterogenous interface, which accelerates the charge transfer and optimize the adsorption of reactants/intermediates by modulating the d‐band center, therefore being an advisable thermodynamic and kinetic process.
Liquid Template Assisted Activation for “Egg Puff”‐Like Hard Carbon toward High Sodium Storage Performance
Authors: Guo Mingyi , Zhang Hao , Huang Zheng , Li Wenbin , Zhang Dingyue , Gao Caiqing , Gao Fan , He Ping , Wang Jiagui , Chen Weihua , Chen Xianchun , Terrones Mauricio , Wang Yanqing
Published: May 2023

The slow solid diffusion dynamics of sodium ions and the side‐reaction of sodium metal plating at low potential in the hard carbon anode of sodium ion batteries (SIBs) pose significant challenges to the safety manipulation of high‐rate batteries. Herein, a simple yet powerful fabricating method is reported on for “egg puff”‐like hard carbon with few N doping using rosin as a precursor via liquid salt template‐assisted and potassium hydroxide dual activation. The as‐synthesized hard carbon delivers promising electrochemical properties in the ether‐based electrolyte especially at high rates, based on the absorption mechanism of fast charge transfer. The optimized hard carbon exhibits a high specific capacity of 367 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 and 92.9% initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), 183 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1, and ultra‐long cycle stability of reversible discharge capacity of 151 mAh g−1 after 12,000 cycles at 5 A g−1 with the average coulombic efficiency of ≈99% and the decay of 0.0026% per cycle. These studies will undoubtedly provide an effective and practical strategy for advanced hard carbon anode of SIBs based on adsorption mechanism.
Revealing Size‐Dependency of Ionic Liquid to Assist Perovskite Film Formation Mechanism for Efficient and Durable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhou Kang , Liang Xiao , Zhou Xianfang , Duan Dawei , Ge Chuangye , Zhang Xintao , Shi Yumeng , Lin Haoran , Zhu Quanyao , Li Liang , Hu Hanlin , Zhang Hongyu
Published: May 2023

Ionic liquids (ILs) are extensively utilized for the manipulation of crystallization kinetics of perovskite, morphology optimization, and defect passivation for the fabrication of highly efficient and stable devices. However, comparing ILs with different chemical structures and selecting the appropriate ILs from the many types available to enhance perovskite device performance remains a challenge. In this study, a range of ILs containing different sizes of anions are introduced as additives for assisting in film formation in perovskite photovoltaics. Specifically, ILs with various sizes significantly affects the strength of chemical interaction between ILs and perovskite composition, inducing varying degrees of conversion of lead iodide to perovskite as well as the formation of perovskite films with markedly disparate grain sizes and morphology. Theoretical calculations in conjunction with experimental measurements revealed that small‐sized anion can more effectively reduce defect density by filling halide vacancies within perovskite bulk materials, resulting in suppression of charge‐carrier recombination, an extended photoluminescence lifetime, and significantly improved device performance. Boosted by ILs with appropriate size, the champion power conversion efficiency of 24.09% for the ILs‐treated device is obtained, and the unencapsulated devices retain 89.3% of its original efficiency under ambient conditions for 2000 h.
Epidemiology of mammary tumours in bitches under veterinary care in the UK in 2016
Authors: Varney Danielle , O'Neill Dan , O'Neill Maeve , Church David , Stell Anneliese , Beck Sam , Smalley Matthew J. , Brodbelt David
Published: May 2023

Background

There is limited information on the epidemiology of canine mammary tumours. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors for mammary tumours in UK bitches.

Methods

A nested case–control study was conducted within VetCompass to estimate the frequency and risk factors for clinically diagnosed mammary tumours during 2016 (VetCompass study). A second case–control study explored further breed associations for cases confirmed histopathologically compared to the VetCompass controls (laboratory study). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and mammary tumours.

Results

The incidence of mammary tumours was 1340.7/100,000 per year (95% confidence interval: 1198.1–1483.3). A total of 222 clinical cases (VetCompass study) and 915 laboratory cases (laboratory study) were compared to 1515 VetCompass controls in the two analyses. In the VetCompass study, Springer and Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Lhasa Apsos had increased odds of developing mammary tumours. Neutering was associated with reduced odds, while odds increased with increasing age and a history of pseudopregnancy. In the laboratory study, increasing age was associated with greater odds of mammary tumours, and the breeds most at risk were similar to those identified in the VetCompass study.

Limitations

The timing of neutering was not consistently available. Comparing laboratory cases to VetCompass controls provided only exploratory evidence for the breed associations identified.

Conclusions

The study provides an update on the frequency of canine mammary tumours.