bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel fast gas chromatography method for higher time resolution measurements of speciated monoterpenes in air
Authors: Jones C. E. , Kato S. , Nakashima Y. , Kajii Y.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Biogenic emissions supply the largest fraction of non-methane volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the biosphere to the atmospheric boundary layer, and typically comprise a complex mixture of reactive terpenes. Due to this chemical complexity, achieving comprehensive measurements of biogenic VOC (BVOC) in air within a satisfactory time resolution is analytically challenging. To address this, we have developed a novel, fully automated Fast Gas Chromatography (Fast-GC) based technique to provide higher time resolution monitoring of monoterpenes (and selected other C9-C15 terpenes) during plant emission studies and in ambient air. To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply a Fast-GC based separation technique to achieve quantification of terpenes in ambient air. Three chromatography methods have been developed for atmospheric terpene analysis under different sampling scenarios. Each method facilitates chromatographic separation of selected BVOC within a significantly reduced analysis time compared to conventional GC methods, whilst maintaining the ability to quantify individual monoterpene structural isomers. Using this approach, the C9-C15 BVOC composition of single plant emissions may be characterised within a 14.5 min analysis time. Moreover, in-situ quantification of 12 monoterpenes in unpolluted ambient air may be achieved within an 11.7 min chromatographic separation time (increasing to 19.7 min when simultaneous quantification of multiple oxygenated C9-C10 terpenoids is required, and/or when concentrations of anthropogenic VOC are significant). These analysis times potentially allow for a twofold to fivefold increase in measurement frequency compared to conventional GC methods. Here we outline the technical details and analytical capability of this chromatographic approach, and present the first in-situ Fast-GC observations of 6 monoterpenes and the oxygenated BVOC (OBVOC) linalool in ambient air. During this field deployment within a suburban forest ~30 km west of central Tokyo, Japan, the Fast-GC limit of detection with respect to monoterpenes was 4–5 ppt, and the agreement between Fast-GC and PTR-MS derived total monoterpene mixing ratios was consistent with previous GC/PTR-MS comparisons. The measurement uncertainties associated with the Fast-GC quantification of monoterpenes are ≤ 12%, while larger uncertainties (up to ~25%) are associated with the OBVOC and sesquiterpene measurements.
Faith in a seed: on the origins of equatorial plasma bubbles
Authors: Retterer J. M. , Roddy P.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Our faith in the seeds of equatorial plasma irregularities holds that there will generally always be density perturbations sufficient to provide the seeds for irregularity development whenever the Rayleigh–Taylor instability is active. When the duration of the time of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability is short, however, the magnitude of the seed perturbations can make a difference in whether the irregularities have a chance to grow to a strength at which the nonlinear development of plumes occurs. In addition, the character of the resulting irregularities reflects the characteristics of the initial seed density perturbation, e.g., their strength, spacing, and, to some extent, their spatial scales, and it is important to know the seeds to help determine the structure of the developed irregularities. To this end, we describe the climatology of daytime and early-evening density irregularities that can serve as seeds for later development of plumes, as determined from the Planar Langmuir Probe (PLP) plasma density measurements on the C/NOFS (Communication and Navigation Outage Forecast System) satellite mission, presenting their magnitude as a function of altitude, latitude, longitude, local time, season, and phase in the solar cycle (within the C/NOFS observation era). To examine some of the consequences of these density perturbations, they are used as initial conditions for the PBMOD PBMOD (Retterer, 2010a) 3-D irregularity model to follow their potential development into larger-amplitude irregularities, plumes, and radio scintillation. "Though I do not believe that a pla[sma bubble] will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders." – Henry David Thoreau
The Global Monsoon across Time Scales: is there coherent variability of regional monsoons?
Authors: Wang P. X. , Wang B. , Cheng H. , Fasullo J. , Guo Z. T. , Kiefer T. , Liu Z. Y.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Monsoon has earned increasing attention from the climate community since the last century, yet only recently regional monsoons have been recognized as a global system. It remains a debated issue, however, as to what extent and at which time scales the global monsoon can be viewed as a major mode of climate variability. For this purpose a PAGES Working Group (WG) was set up to investigate the concept of the global monsoon and its future research directions. The WG's synthesis is presented here. On the basis of observation and proxy data, the WG found that the regional monsoons can vary coherently, although not perfectly, at various time scales, ranging from interannual, interdecadal, centennial and millennial, up to orbital and tectonics time scales, conforming the global monsoon concept across time scales. Within the global monsoon system each subsystem has its own features depending on its geographic and topographic conditions. Discrimination of global and regional components in the monsoon system is a key to reveal the driving factors of monsoon variations, hence the global monsoon concept helps to enhance our understanding and to improve future projection of the regional monsoons. This paper starts with a historical review of the global monsoon concept in both modern and paleo-climatology, and an assessment of monsoon proxies used in regional and global scales. The main body of the paper is devoted to a summary of observation data at various time scales, providing evidence for the coherent global monsoon system. The paper concludes with a projection of future monsoon shifts into a warming world. The synthesis will be followed by a companying paper to discuss driving mechanisms and outstanding issues in the global monsoon studies.
Coupling sediment flow-paths with organic carbon dynamics across a Mediterranean catchment
Authors: Boix-Fayos C. , Nadeu E. , Quiñonero J. M. , Martínez-Mena M. , Almagro M. , de Vente J.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Terrestrial sedimentation buries large amounts of organic carbon (OC) annually, contributing to the terrestrial carbon sink. The temporal significance of this sink will strongly depend on the attributes of the depositional environment, but also on the characteristics of the OC reaching these sites and its stability upon deposition. The goal of this study was to characterise the OC during transport and stored in the depositional settings of a medium sized catchment (111 km2) in SE Spain, to better understand how soil erosion and sediment transport processes determine catchment scale OC redistribution. Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Mineral-Associated Organic Carbon (MOC), Particulate Organic Carbon (POC), Total Nitrogen (N) and particle size distributions were determined for soils (i), suspended sediments (ii) and sediments stored in a variety of sinks such as sediment wedges behind check-dams (iii), channel bars (iv), a small delta in the conjunction of the channel and a reservoir downstream (v) and the reservoir at the outlet of the catchment (vi). The data show that the OC content of sediments was approximately half of that in soils (9.42 ± 9.01 g kg−1 vs. 20.45 ± 7.71 g kg−1, respectively) with important variation between sediment deposits. Selectivity of mineral and organic material during transport and deposition increased in a downstream direction. The OC mineralisation, burial or formation occurred in sediments depending on their transport process and on the post-sedimentary conditions. Upstream sediments showed low OC contents because they were partially mobilised by non-selective erosion processes affecting deeper soil layers. We hypothesise that the relatively short transport distances, the effective preservation of OC in micro-aggregates and the burial of sediments in the alluvial wedges give rise to low OC mineralisation, with C : N ratios similar to those in soils. Deposits in middle stream areas (fluvial bars) were enriched in sand, selected upon deposition and had low OC concentrations. Downstream, sediment transported over longer distances was more selected, dominated by silt and clay fractions and associated with OC. Overall, the study shows that OC redistribution in the studied catchment is highly complex, and that transport and deposition processes have a strong effect on the concentration and quality of OC found at the different depositional settings, with important consequences for the temporal stability of the buried OC and in turn for the OC budget.
Brief Communication: 2-D numerical modeling of the transformation mechanism of a braided channel
Authors: Xiao Y. , Yang S. F. , Shao X. , Chen W. X. , Xu X. M.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. This paper investigates the controls on the transformation mechanism among different channel patterns. A 2-D depth-averaged numerical model is applied to produce the evolution of channel patterns with complex interactions among water flow, sediment transport, and bank erosion. Changes of the variables as discharge, sediment supply, and vegetation are considered in the numerical experiments, leading to the transformation from a braided pattern into a meandering one. What controls the transformation is discussed with the numerical results: vegetation helps stabilize the cut bank and bar surface, but is not a key in the transition; a decrease in discharge and sediment supply could lead a braided pattern to a meandering one. The conclusion is in agreement with various previous field work, confirming the two dimensional model's potential in predicting the transition between different rivers and improving understanding of patterning processes.
Bathymetric and oceanic controls on Abbot Ice Shelf thickness and stability
Authors: Cochran J. R. , Jacobs S. S. , Tinto K. J. , Bell R. E.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Ice shelves play key roles in stabilizing Antarctica's ice sheets, maintaining its high albedo and returning freshwater to the Southern Ocean. Improved data sets of ice shelf draft and underlying bathymetry are important for assessing ocean–ice interactions and modeling ice response to climate change. The long, narrow Abbot Ice Shelf south of Thurston Island produces a large volume of meltwater, but is close to being in overall mass balance. Here we invert NASA Operation IceBridge (OIB) airborne gravity data over the Abbot region to obtain sub-ice bathymetry, and combine OIB elevation and ice thickness measurements to estimate ice draft. A series of asymmetric fault-bounded basins formed during rifting of Zealandia from Antarctica underlie the Abbot Ice Shelf west of 94° W and the Cosgrove Ice Shelf to the south. Sub-ice water column depths along OIB flight lines are sufficiently deep to allow warm deep and thermocline waters observed near the western Abbot ice front to circulate through much of the ice shelf cavity. An average ice shelf draft of ~200 m, 15% less than the Bedmap2 compilation, coincides with the summer transition between the ocean surface mixed layer and upper thermocline. Thick ice streams feeding the Abbot cross relatively stable grounding lines and are rapidly thinned by the warmest inflow. While the ice shelf is presently in equilibrium, the overall correspondence between draft distribution and thermocline depth indicates sensitivity to changes in characteristics of the ocean surface and deep waters.
A Compliance of Islamic Banks with the Principles of Islamic Finance (Shariah): An Empirical Survey of the Jordanian Business Firms
Authors: Maswadeh Sana
Published: May 2014

This paper examines the degree of Jordanian Islamic banks' compliance with the principle of Islamic finance which is consistent with Sharia (Islamic Law), sourced from the Quran and the Sunnah. The study has been conducted by distributing questionnaires to corporate customer dealing with various Jordanian Islamic banks; the sample has been selected by simple random sampling approach with sample size of 30 firms. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed and only 124 have been analyzed. The study used descriptive statistics, and one-sample t-Test to answer the questions of the study. The most important Findings in this study were: Jordanian Islamic banks compliance with the principle of Islamic finance which is consistent with Sharia (Islamic Law), funded businesses consistent with dealing with usury transactions that not dealing with Riba in the financing business. Compliance to avoidance of gambling and speculation (maysir) in any party, the highest arithmetic mean depending in the Likert scale was finance projects that deal with activities, goods and services and industries is not forbidden (haram). The lowest arithmetic mean that is significantly less than the test value in the Likert scale which is (3) related with risk-sharing, which means that Jordanian Islamic Bank has not been a sufficient part to share the risk and sought to transfer the most part of the risk to the financier party by obtaining adequate guarantees which ensure recover his capital. At the last point to be recommended to the Jordanian Islamic banks were emphasized their attentions towards determining the exact mechanism by which profit and loss should be determined. This is one area where more work needs to be done.
A Profile of Accounting Research in Morocco: A Review of Major Journals Over the Period 2005-2013
Authors: Ahsina Khalifa , Taouab Omar
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this paper is to examine the profile of accounting research in the leading academic accounting research journals in Morocco during the last-year period from 2005 to 2013. This research is based on the identification of 237 articles published between 2005 and 2009 in the three main journals management in Morocco: Moroccan Journal of management control, the Moroccan Journal of Business and Management and the Moroccan Journal of Research in Management and Marketing.The archival research method is applied. The research method used to analyse the related articles in the Moroccan accounting research journals is based on various international studies. The following dimensions are assessed: authorship; research field; the nature of the research; and research methods. Authorship is classified by institution, and the top seven authors by relative contribution are also identified. Knowledge of the profile of accounting research in Morocco could provide opportunities for scholars to expand identified research areas and explore methods that are currently under-developed in the Moroccan accounting research field.
Fundamental Entrepreneurial Planning Processes: Resource Assessment and Opportunity Evaluation
Authors: Cox Kevin C.
Published: May 2014

Research focused on new venture planning has received much attention in the entrepreneurship literature. However, while this stream of research has enjoyed substantial development, it also faces numerous challenges that must be addressed to ensure future progress. This paper identifies existing challenges in research focused on entrepreneurial planning and offers resolution via the development of a more parsimonious but fuller conceptualization of new venture planning. Focus is placed specifically on the most basic and fundamental planning processes and on the identification of important internal and external factors that influence how entrepreneurs progress through these fundamental planning processes.
Let the Cork Fly: Creativity and Innovation in a Family Business
Authors: Carvalho Luísa , Williams Bill
Published: May 2014

This case study explores the growth and internationalization of Pelcor, a traditional company situated in the remote south of Portugal. The Correia family has had a cork factory for over 40 years and they originally produced cork exclusively to sell to other companies. However, due to a crisis in their traditional markets at the turn of the century, a young woman entrepreneur introduced significant changes to the business. This case illustrates how a brand can be developed for international growth and expansion by a small family business. It also highlights the role of an entrepreneur in introducing modernity, innovation and product diversification to allow such a small family firm to reach global markets. Additionally, by using grades of cork that were formerly rejected as waste material, the firm has contributed significantly to the sustainability of this natural resource.
Supporting Young Entrepreneurs
Authors: Conway Clifford
Published: May 2014

‘Internet Review’ provides critical commentary on entrepreneurship, small business and innovation information on the web.
The Prototype Analysis of Ren: A Study on College Students’Implicit Theories of Ren
Authors: Liu Meiting , Li Zhaoxu , Song Guangwen , Kong Fang , Liu Jia
Published: May 2014

This paper reports a preliminary descriptive approach to the representation of the concept of Ren. According to the prototype theory, researchers collected items (words or phrases) including features and implications of Ren from 172 college students, after which the items were simplified and combined, then 145 prototypes were obtained. After that 78 prototypes with high frequency above 7 were selected and arranged randomly to make a questionnaire, then another 300 college students were made to rate centrality of every prototypes to the meaning of Ren in Likert-typed 5 point scale. A factor analysis was made based on the rate. In terms of the result of factor analysis together with content analysis, the prototypes were classified and coded. The result shows that there are 6 facets of the representation of Ren in college students’ mind:(1) righteousness and keeping faith; (2) wisdom and self-cultivation; (3) filial piety, fraternal duty, and treat others well; (4) policy of benevolence; (5) universal love and clemency; (6)political pioneers and righteous men. The result is helpful for moral education of college students from the microscopic aspect and also can be used for reference to develop China's spiritual civilization from macroscopic perspective.
A Review of Sandplay Therapy
Authors: Zhou Dongmei
Published: May 2014

This paper describes the basic knowledge of Sandplay Therapy in detail. It includes the definition, background and origin, theory of sandplay therapy, different client populations, materials, the dimensions of sandplay, process and the role of the therapist. It introduces the current of sandplay research and the future of it.
Analysis of Impact of Culture Shock on Individual Psychology
Authors: Xia Junzi
Published: May 2014

In recent years, international communication has become a common phenomenon because of the trend of globalization. This makes culture shock start to be experienced by more people and causes growing concern. This project takes the negative effects of culture shock into account and pays attention to how to minimize psychological discomfort when entering new cultural patterns. First of all, the main reason and the negative impact of culture shock are given. Next, it describes a number of solutions and evaluates the effectiveness of them. Finally, this paper justifies the preferred choice of solution, and then noticeable points are emphasized. Considering that character and disposition may be various among different people, it is found that in order to attain satisfactory results, choosing appropriate methods and reducing psychological stress to the controllable level are very important. This may be helpful for people who are experiencing culture shock to keep a healthy psychology.
Multinuclear NMR of Calcium Fructoborate Complex – Structure, Stability, and Quantitation in the Presence of Other Ingredients, Excipients or Adulterants
Authors: Edwards John C. , Hunter John M. , Nemzer Boris V.
Published: May 2014

FruiteX-B®- calcium fructoborate (FrxB) plant mineral complex was investigated in this study. Although calcium fructoborate is naturally-occurring and found in commonly ingested fruits and vegetables, the commercially produced FrxB calcium fructoborate complex is formed by a proprietary reaction of boric acid with fructose and calcium carbonate. Liquid and solid-state 13C and 11B NMR were utilized in order to establish a baseline standard of FrxB for product quality purposes, to establish a reliable methodology to positively identify and quantify amounts of FrxB present in tablets and capsules, liquids and powdered blends wherein the FrxB may have been mixed with other ingredients, excipients, or adulterants such as maltodextrin or magnesium stearate, and to establish a robust and reliable testing method for the identification and quantification of the mono- and the di-complexes of calcium fructoborate as well as any free borate and/or free fructose that may be present. The molar ratio of the various components of calcium fructoborate was studied by 11B and 13C NMR in order to establish the relative amounts of free borate, free fructose, and mono-ester/di-ester complex present in the material. A quantitative 11B NMR method was developed to enable quantification of the amount of FrxB present in products wherein it had been tableted or encapsulated in combination with other dietary supplement ingredients, or excipients such as magnesium stearate or maltodextrin. A quantitative 13C NMR method was developed to quantify free fructose content in the complex. Finally, an NMR based product stability study was performed to monitor molecular level stability of the complex at temperatures ranging from 35-70 ºC with exposures lasting from 2-18 hours.

 
Corps calliens : suite deleuzienne (nom, corps, nomos)
Authors: Garnier Marie-Dominique
Published: May 2014

Une femme de « chambre », dans L’hôtel et Suite vénitienne, s’en prend aux clichés par le biais du cliché : par la photographie, sur fond de chambre hôtelière autant que photographique. Engins de résistance au prépensé, les « suites » de Sophie Calle (filatures, pièces, séries d’images) y occupent le dedans autant que le dehors. Parmi les idées reçues que déconstruit Sophie Calle figurent le corps, ses limitrophies, ses accessoires. Un corps peut être d’autant mieux photographié qu’il n’est pas là. La vue peut n’exister qu’à devenir toucher. Un corps peut entrer en phase de production floue d’un coup de nom. D’ailleurs, qu’est-ce qu’un corps, qu’est-ce qu’un nom, lorsque celui-ci a pour traduction ou doublure l’espace public de la rue, calle, en italien ? À partir de concepts empruntés à Deleuze et Guattari (nomos, ligne de fuite), la lecture prend le chemin théorique de « lignes de suite » : déambulations qui fondent la pratique nomade de Sophie Calle et de ses chambres courbes.
Asymptomatic Partial Splenic Infarction In Laparoscopic Floppy Nissen Fundoplication And Brief Literature Review
Authors: Odabasi Mehmet , Abuoglu Haci Hasan , Arslan Cem , Gunay Emre , Yildiz Mehmet Kamil , Eris Cengiz , Ozkan Erkan , Aktekin Ali , Muftuoglu Tolga
Published: May 2014

Short gastric vessels are divided during the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication resulting in splenic infarct in some cases. We report a case of laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication with splenic infarct that was recognized during the procedure and provide a brief literature review. The patient underwent a laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication. We observed a partial infarction of the spleen. She reported no pain. A follow-up computed tomography scan showed an infarct, and a 3-month abdominal ultrasound showed complete resolution. Peripheral splenic arterial branches have very little collateral circulation. When these vessels are occluded or injured, an area of infarction will occur immediately. Management strategies included a trial of conservative management and splenectomy for persistent symptoms or complications resulting from splenic infarct. In conclusion, we believe that the real incidence is probably much higher because many cases of SI may have gone undiagnosed during or following an operation, because some patients are asymptomatic. We propose to check spleen carefully for the possibility of splenic infarct.
Adaptive assessment based on fractional CBCT images for cervical cancer
Authors: Chang Yankui , Liang Yongguang , Wu Haotian , Li Lingyan , Yang Bo , Jiang Lipeng , Ren Qiang , Pei Xi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Anatomical and other changes during radiotherapy will cause inaccuracy of dose distributions, therefore the expectation for online adaptive radiation therapy (ART) is high in effectively reducing uncertainties due to intra‐variation. However, ART requires extensive time and effort. This study investigated an adaptive assessment workflow based on fractional cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Methods

Image registration, synthetic CT (sCT) generation, auto‐segmentation, and dose calculation were implemented and integrated into ArcherQA Adaptive Check. The rigid registration was based on ITK open source. The deformable image registration (DIR) method was based on a 3D multistage registration network, and the sCT generation method was performed based on a 2D cycle‐consistent adversarial network (CycleGAN). The auto‐segmentation of organs at risk (OARs) on sCT images was finished by a deep learning‐based auto‐segmentation software, DeepViewer. The contours of targets were obtained by the structure‐guided registration. Finally, the dose calculation was based on a GPU‐based Monte Carlo (MC) dose code, ArcherQA.

Results

The dice similarity coefficient (DSCs) were over 0.86 for target volumes and over 0.79 for OARs. The gamma pass rate of ArcherQA versus Eclipse treatment planning system was more than 99% at the 2%/2 mm criterion with a low‐dose threshold of 10%. The time for the whole process was less than 3 min. The dosimetric results of ArcherQA Adaptive Check were consistent with the Ethos scheduled plan, which can effectively identify the fractions that need the implementation of the Ethos adaptive plan.

Conclusion

This study integrated AI‐based technologies and GPU‐based MC technology to evaluate the dose distributions using fractional CBCT images, demonstrating remarkably high efficiency and precision to support future ART processes.
Electrolytic Micro‐Capacitors Based on Tantalum Films for High Voltage Applications
Authors: Teyssedou Cédric , Chaillou Jérémie , Roch‐Jeune Isabelle , Troadec David , Huvé Marielle , Roussel Pascal , Lethien Christophe
Published: July 2024

Electrolytic capacitors are known to be fast devices with very low time constant and able to deliver high power. This class of capacitors is then an interesting technology to power miniaturized embedded electronics for Internet of Things applications. However, the current electrolytic capacitor suffers from its bulky size that does not fit with the miniaturization. To solve this issue, a proof‐of‐concept consisting of miniaturizing an electrolytic capacitor based on tantalum materials to give rise to a new class of electrolytic micro‐capacitors is proposed. To reach this ambitious objective, thin films (<100 nm) of tantalum metal (Ta), tantalum nitride (TaN), and tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) are deposited on a Si substrate by sputtering deposition method. After a careful optimization of the deposition parameters, Ta/Ta2O5 and TaN/Ta2O5 electrodes (Ta and TaN ≈45 nm and Ta2O5 ≈25 nm) and study their behaviors when biased at high voltage (>20 Volts) in aqueous electrolyte are produced. The Ta/Ta2O5 and TaN/Ta2O5 interfaces when the electrode is polarized near and beyond the breakdown voltage of the dielectric layer are carefully investigated. Polarizing the electrodes beyond the breakdown voltage are shown to result in anodization‐like mechanisms. In the case of the TaN/Ta2O5 electrode, an N‐rich porous layer grew within the Ta2O5 layer as polarization increased. A comparative study on the 2 stacked layers electrodes with different compositions (Ta/Ta2O5 and TaN/Ta2O5) but similar thicknesses (45/25 nm) is carried out: both electrodes show excellent capacitance retention of over 90% over 300 000 cycles. The frequency behavior of Ta/Ta2O5 and TaN/Ta2O5 electrodes shows that both are potential candidates in electrolytic micro‐capacitors for powering miniaturized electronics.
3D Printing of Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ultrasound Transducers
Authors: Ammu Satya K. , Chen Xianfeng , Ulcay Derin Goulart , Sharma Saurav , Alijani Farbod , Steeneken Peter G. , Groen Pim , Masania Kunal
Published: July 2024

Multi‐material direct ink writing (DIW) of smart materials opens new possibilities for manufacturing complex‐shaped structures with embedded sensing and actuation capabilities. In this study, DIW of UV‐curable piezoelectric actuators is developed, which do not require high‐temperature sintering, allowing direct integration with structural materials. Through particle size and ink rheology optimization, the highest d33*g33 piezoelectric constant compared to other DIW fabricated piezo composites is achieved, enabling tunable actuation performance. This is used to fabricate ultrasound transducers by printing piezoelectric vibrating membranes along with their support structures made from a structural ink. The impact of transducer design and scaling up transducer dimensions on the resonance behavior to design millimeter‐scale ultrasound transducers with desired out‐of‐plane displacement is explored. A significant increase in output pressure with increasing membrane dimensions is observed. Finally, a practical application is demonstrated by using the printed transducer for accurate proximity sensing using time of flight measurements. The scalability and flexibility of the reported DIW of piezo composites can open up new advancements in biomedical, human‐computer interaction, and aerospace fields.
Computational Models for Optimizing Particle Separation in Spiral Inertial Microfluidics: A Step Toward Enhanced Biosensing and Cell Sorting
Authors: Boland Julian Tristan Joshua , Yang Zhenxu , Yin Qiankun , Liu Xiaochen , Xu Zhejun , Kong Kien‐Voon , Vigolo Daniele , Yong Ken‐Tye
Published: July 2024

Inertial microfluidics is essential for separating particles and cells, enabling numerous biomedical applications. Despite the simplicity of spiral microchannels, the lack of predictive models hampers real‐world applications, highlighting the need for cost‐effective computational tools. In this study, four novel data fitting models are developed using linear and power regression analyses to investigate how flow conditions influence particle behaviors within spiral microchannels. These models are rigorously tested under two different flow rates, focusing on a smaller particle representing Salmonella Typhimurium and a larger particle representing bacterial aggregates, aiming for effective separation and detection. A critical parameter, the sheath‐to‐sample flow rate ratio, is either interpolated or extrapolated using the microchannel's aspect ratios to predict particle separation. The models show strong agreement with experimental data, underscoring their predictability and efficiency. These insights suggest that further refinement of these models can significantly reduce research and development costs for advanced inertial microfluidic devices in biomedical applications. This work represents a crucial step towards establishing a robust computational framework, advancing inertial microfluidics towards practical biomedical applications.
Mechanically Interlocked [an]Daisy Chain Adhesives with Simultaneously Enhanced Interfacial Adhesion and Cohesion
Authors: Wang Yongming , Liu Guoquan , Zhao Jun , Zhang Zhaoming , Zhang Hao , Ding Yi , Zhang Xinhai , Liu Zhu , Yu Wei , Yan Xuzhou
Published: July 2024

Adhesives have been widely used to splice and repair materials to meet practical needs of humanity for thousands of years. However, developing robust adhesives with balanced adhesive and cohesive properties still remains a challenging task. Herein, we report the design and preparation of a robust mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain network (DCMIN) adhesive by orthogonal integration of mechanical bonds and 2‐ureido‐4[1H]‐pyrimidone (UPy) H‐bonding in a single system. Specifically, the UPy moiety plays a dual role: it allows the formation of a cross‐linked network and engages in multivalent interactions with the substrate for strong interfacial bonding. The mechanically interlocked [an]daisy chain, serving as the polymeric backbone of the adhesive, is able to effectively alleviate applied stress and uphold network integrity through synergistic intramolecular motions, and thus significantly improves the cohesive performance. Comparative analysis with the control made of the same quadruple H‐bonding network but with non‐interlocked [an]daisy chain backbones demonstrates that our DCMIN possesses superior adhesion properties over a wide temperature range. These findings not only contribute to a deep understanding of the structure‐property relationship between microscopic mechanical bond motions and macroscopic adhesive properties but also provide a valuable guide for optimizing design principles of robust adhesives.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Remote C−H Functionalization: Non‐Covalent Interactions and Reversibly Bound Templates
Authors: Sebastian Amal Tom , Maji Suman , Rajashekhar Mulimani , Maiti Siddhartha , Kowalczyk Rafał , Maiti Debabrata
Published: July 2024

Pd‐catalysis has stood as a pivotal force in synthetic transformations for decades, maintaining its status as a paramount tool in the realm of C−H bond activation. While functionalization at proximal positions has become commonplace, achieving selective and sustainable access to distal positions continues to captivate scientific endeavors. Recently, a noteworthy trend has emerged, focusing on the utilization of non‐covalent interactions to address the challenges associated with remote functionalization. The integration of these non‐covalent interactions into palladium catalysis stands as a justified response to the demands of achieving selective transformations at distal positions. This review delves into the latest advancements and trends surrounding the incorporation of non‐covalent interactions within the field of palladium catalysis. Furthermore, it is noteworthy to emphasize that multifunctional templates, particularly those harnessing hydrogen bonding, present an elegant and sophisticated approach to activate C−H bonds in a highly directed fashion. These templates showcase versatility and demonstrate potential applications across diverse contexts within the area of remote functionalization.
What is research data “misuse”? And how can it be prevented or mitigated?
Authors: Pasquetto Irene V. , Cullen Zoë , Thomer Andrea , Wofford Morgan
Published: July 2024

Despite increasing expectations that researchers and funding agencies release their data for reuse, concerns about data misuse hinder the open sharing of data. The COVID‐19 crisis brought urgency to these concerns, yet we are currently missing a theoretical framework to understand, prevent, and respond to research data misuse. In the article, we emphasize the challenge of defining misuse broadly and identify various forms that misuse can take, including methodological mistakes, unauthorized reuse, and intentional misrepresentation. We pay particular attention to underscoring the complexity of defining misuse, considering different epistemological perspectives and the evolving nature of scientific methodologies. We propose a theoretical framework grounded in the critical analysis of interdisciplinary literature on the topic of misusing research data, identifying similarities and differences in how data misuse is defined across a variety of fields, and propose a working definition of what it means “to misuse” research data. Finally, we speculate about possible curatorial interventions that data intermediaries can adopt to prevent or respond to instances of misuse.
Essential Oil and Waste Hydrosol of Ocimum Tenuiflorum L.: A Low‐Cost Raw Material Source of Eugenol, Botanical Pesticides, and Therapeutic Potentiality
Authors: Giang Le Duc , Satyal Prabodh , Giang Nguyen Hai , Nhi Nguyen Thi Uyen , Nhung Nguyen Cam , Hang Le Thuy , Huynh Le Van , Luong Ngo Xuan , Hoa Le Thi Mai , Hoa Vo Van , Thuong Vo Thanh , Hung Nguyen Huy , Hung Nguyen Van , Setzer William N.
Published: July 2024

In this study, essential oils and waste hydrosols of leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum in four different geographical locations were extracted by hydrodistillation method and using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for chemical composition analysis. All four essential oil samples contained the main components (E)‐β‐caryophyllene (27.8–49.0 %), trans‐β‐elemene (20.3–37.1 %) and eugenol (9.0–44.0 %). Three of the four hydrosol samples had eugenol in absolute content (94.5–98.6 %), while the remaining hydrosol sample had two main components, elemicin (77.8 %) and eugenol (14.2 %). Essential oils and hydrosols demonstrated larvicidal activities against four important disease‐transmitting mosquito species including Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Culex fuscocephala with 24‐h LC50 values in the range 15.42–56.01 μg/mL and 53.88–97.80 μg/mL for the essential oils and the hydrosols, respectively. Essential oils and hydrosols strongly inhibited the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme of electric eels with IC50 values in the range of 25.35–107.19 μg/mL. Microemulsion (ME) can be considered as a sustainable pesticide formulation over 300 days and has improved larvicidal activity compared to free essential oil. The O. tenuiflorum in Vietnam can be considered a low‐cost source of eugenol, botanical pesticides that control disease‐transmitting mosquitoes, as well as having therapeutic potential to be further investigated.
Bioactive Alkaloids from Nepalese Corydalis chaerophylla D.C. Acting on the Regulation of PCSK9 and LDL‐R In Vitro
Authors: Maharjan Binita , Rossi Ilaria , Sut Stefania , Shrestha Timila , Shrestha Lok Kumar , Hill Jonathan P. , Ariga Katsuhiko , Benetazzo Veronica , Adorni Maria Pia , Papotti Bianca , Shrestha Shyam Sharan , Shrestha Ram Lal Swagat , Ferri Nicola , Dall'Acqua Stefano
Published: July 2024

Four new alkaloids Chaeronepaline‐A (1), Chaeronepaline‐B (2), Chaeronepaline‐C (3), and Chaeronepaline‐D (4) were isolated from Corydalis chaerophylla D.C. collected from Nepal and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data, 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectrometry. The structures were established as 3,12‐ Dimethoxy‐5,6‐dihydroisoquinolino [2,1‐b] isoquinolin‐ 7‐ ium‐ 2, 9‐ diol (1), 7‐Methyl‐2,3 : 11,12‐bis(methylenedioxy)‐7,13a‐secoberbin‐13–14‐epoxide (2), 7‐ methyl‐5, 6, 7, 8‐ tetrahydro‐ 8H‐spiro‐9,14‐dihydroxy‐11,12‐methylenedioxy‐indane‐isoquinoline (3) and 7‐ methyl‐5, 6, 7, 8‐ tetrahydro‐ 8H‐spiro‐9,14‐dihydroxy‐11,12‐methylenedioxy‐indane‐isoquinoline‐N‐oxide (4). The new alkaloids were tested in human hepatoma cell line to assess their ability to modulate the expression of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL−R), of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) and to affect cellular cholesterol biosynthesis with the aim to evaluate their potential hypocholesterolemic effect. Results indicated that compounds 2 and 3 upregulate the LDLR, and inhibited the cholesterol biosynthesis with compound 2, which also reduced the secretion of PCSK9 by Huh7 cells. These in vitro data indicated a potential hypocholesterolemic effect of compound 2 that requires further in vivo validation.
Isospongian Diterpenoids from the Leaves of Amomum tsao‐ko Promote GLP‐1 Secretion via Ca2+/CaMKII and PKA Pathways and Inhibit DPP‐4 Enzyme
Authors: Wang Yun , Wu Sheng‐Li , Li Xin‐Yu , Gongpan Pianchou , Fu Hang , Liao Xiang‐Ming , Yang Yi , Huang Mei , Huang Xiao‐Yan , Ma Yun‐Bao , Li Da‐Hong , Geng Chang‐An
Published: July 2024

Three uncommon isospongian diterpenoids including a new one, 3‐epi‐kravanhin A (2), were isolated from the leaves of Amomum tsao‐ko. Compounds 2 and 3 dose‐dependently promoted GLP‐1 secretion on STC‐1 cells with promotion ratios of 109.7 % and 186.1 % (60 μM). Mechanism study demonstrated that the GLP‐1 stimulative effects of 2 and 3 were closely related with Ca2+/CaMKII and PKA pathways, but irrelevant to GPBAR1 and GPR119 receptors. Moreover, compound 1 showed DPP‐4 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 311.0 μM. Molecular docking verified the binding affinity of 1 with DPP‐4 by hydrogen bonds between the γ‐lactone carbonyl (C‐15) and Arg61 residue. Bioinformatics study indicated that compound 1 exerted antidiabetic effects by improving inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance. This study first disclosed the presence of isospongian diterpenoids in A. tsao‐ko, which showed antidiabetic potency by promoting GLP‐1 secretion and inhibiting DPP‐4 activity.
Formic Acid Dehydration Using Mechanochemically Prepared TiO2‐Graphite Composites
Authors: Yruela‐Garrido Marta , Martín‐Rodríguez Nuria , Castillejos Eva , Campos‐Castellanos Eduardo , Conesa José María , Rodríguez‐Ramos Inmaculada , Guerrero‐Ruiz Antonio
Published: July 2024

Commercial high surface area graphite (HSAG300) and commercial TiO2 were used to produce composite materials through a simple mechanochemical method involving milling and ultrasonic treatments. The acid and basic sites exposed on the surfaces of these materials were characterized by temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) of ammonia and carbon dioxide. The catalytic materials were tested in the dehydration reaction of formic acid to produce hydrogen‐free CO. While HSAG300 is practically inactive under reaction conditions (continuous gas flow at temperatures in the range of 100–250 °C), all samples containing TiO2 are active, exhibiting high selectivity to CO without significant deactivation at moderate reaction temperatures. It is demonstrated that the presence of graphite in the catalysts enhances the specific catalytic activity of TiO2. Assuming that the dehydration reaction is catalyzed by acid sites on the TiO2 surfaces, a comparative evaluation of the surface sites reveals that the graphite‐TiO2 interactions not only change the density of surface sites but also modify the strength of the acid centers of TiO2. In summary, the interaction of HSAG300 with TiO2 modulates the surface properties of the prepared composite catalysts, decreasing the total number of basic surface sites and increasing the strength of acidic sites compared to bare TiO2.
Cooperative NHC and Photoredox Catalyzed Radical Aminoacylation of Alkenes to Tetrahydropyridazines
Authors: Liu Wen‐Deng , Gao Jiyuan , Mo Jia‐Nan , Zhou Yuqiao , Zhao Jiannan
Published: July 2024

Tetrahydropyridazines constitute an important structural motif found in numerous natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we report an aminoacylation reaction of alkenes that enables the synthesis of 1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyridazines through cooperative N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and photoredox catalysis. This approach involves the 6‐endo‐trig cyclization of N‐centered hydrazonyl radicals, generated via single‐electron oxidation of hydrazones, followed by a radical–radical coupling step. The mild process tolerates a wide range of common functional groups and affords a variety of tetrahydropyridazines in moderate to high yields. Preliminary investigations using chiral NHC catalysts demonstrate the potential of this protocol for asymmetric radical reactions.
Indole Nucleophile Triggers Mechanistic Divergence in Ni‐Photoredox N‐Arylation
Authors: Liang Kevin J. , Taylor Olivia R. , López Angie L. , Woo Russell J. , Bahamonde Ana
Published: July 2024

This study presents a Ni‐photoredox method for indole N‐arylation, broadening the range of substrates to include indoles with unprotected C3‐positions and base‐sensitive groups. Through detailed mechanistic inquiries, a Ni(I/III) mechanism was uncovered, distinct from those commonly proposed for Ni‐catalyzed amine, thiol, and alcohol arylation, as well as from the Ni(0/II/III) cycle identified for amide arylation under almost identical conditions. The key finding is the formation of a Ni(I) intermediate bearing the indole nucleophile as a ligand prior to oxidative addition, which is rare for Ni‐photoredox carbon‐heteroatom coupling and has a profound impact on the reaction kinetics and scope. The pre‐coordination of indole renders a more electron‐rich Ni(I) intermediate, which broadens the scope by enabling fast reactivity even with challenging electron‐rich aryl bromide substrates. Thus, this work highlights the often‐overlooked influence of X‐type ligands on Ni oxidative addition rates and illustrates yet another mechanistic divergence in Ni‐photoredox C‐heteroatom couplings.
Retrieval and Reuse of Surfactants From Microemulsions Enabled by a pH‐Triggered Precipitation‐Dissolution Strategy
Authors: Fan Ye , Yan Junge , Pan Jiajie , Chen Hui , Liu Xuefeng
Published: July 2024

How to retrieve and reuse surfactants efficiently from surfactant‐based microemulsions (MEs) has long been a problem, which is full of challenges and needs to be solved urgently. To this end, a pH‐triggered precipitation‐dissolution (PTPD) strategy is developed. The surfactant sodium 3‐(laurylamino)propane‐1‐sulfonate (LMPS) transforms into an insoluble precipitate (the inner salt of LMPS, LMP) after reaction with HCl, by which the monophasic LMPS‐based MEs demulsified entirely, giving a separable mixture of oil, water and LMP. LMP can be retrieved efficiently (~95.3 %) regardless of the ME type, and can then be conveniently restored to LMPS via reactions with NaOH. Conceptually, the retrieval of LMPS (~96.6 %), toxic benzo[a]pyrene (BaP, ~99.5 %) and a mixture of co‐surfactant n‐butanol and the oil phase n‐heptane (~97.1 %) from the sufficiently emulsified soil eluents is achievable by respectively using the PTPD strategy and distillation, wherein the soil eluents were generated from the remediation of BaP‐contaminated soil using an oil‐in‐water LMPS‐based ME as washing agent. It reveals a promising future for the PTPD strategy in the post‐processing of soil eluents containing toxic hydrophobic organic contaminants and excessive surfactants.
Design and analysis of a non‐ideal resonant switched capacitor DC‐DC converter with reduced device ratings
Authors: K Ashwin , Narayanan K Nakul , Umanand L , Reddy B Subba
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces a resonant switched capacitor converter (RSCC) topology that enhances the operational efficiency by utilizing devices with reduced ratings. The RSCC eliminates bulky magnetic elements, yielding increased power density, modular structure, and compact size compared with switched inductor topologies. Significantly, all the switched capacitors in the proposed converter and approximately 50% of the switching power devices are explicitly rated for the input voltage enabling its use for high‐power applications. A compact inductor is utilized for resonant operation, and the switching frequency of the converter is significantly reduced leading to reduced switching losses and improved efficiency. Zero current turn‐ON and turn‐OFF of the switching devices is achieved. Elimination of load‐side bulky capacitor using inherent output voltage ripple reduction is achieved by aligning the switching phases of the converter such that individual capacitor voltage ripple gets cancelled out. The work extensively covers the analysis of the converter in steady‐state and the effect of non‐idealities during the resonant operation. Further, a detailed design of the topology with a discussion on component selection is presented. The operation of the proposed converter is systematically analyzed through a series of simulation results generated, and the converter is further validated by developing an experimental prototype at a power of 200 W with an efficiency of 95.83%.