bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biologically Inspired, Optical Waveguide with Isolation Layer Integrated Microlens Array for High‐Contrast Imaging
Authors: Zhai Yueqi , Niu Jiaqi , Liu Yusheng , Chen Xiang , Liu Jingquan , Yang Bin
Published: April 2023

The compound eyes of insects in nature provide many innovative perspectives for the development of bionic imaging devices. The construction of thousands of ommatidia favors compound eye imaging, and the close arrangement between each small eye generates a significant amount of optical crosstalk. This work reports an optical waveguide integrated with isolation‐layer microlens array (WIMLA) with high‐contrast, high‐resolution imaging inspired by the compound eyes of insects. This WIMLA is mainly fabricated by self‐written optical waveguide formed under ultraviolet exposure and the introduction of a black photoresist under the action of capillary force to achieve the effect of double isolation. The experimental results demonstrate that image contrast increases by 59.8% with double‐layer isolation and the full width at half‐maximum reduces by 27.7% in comparison with those of the MLA without any isolation layer. As a result, a more focused optical path can be confined inside the microlens for transmission. Panoramic stitching is accomplished by traversing all potential matching subimages with the edge detection and breadth‐first search algorithms. The combination of the prepared WIMLA with commercial cameras to capture faces will open up new possibilities for mobile navigation, face recognition, and medical monitoring.
Lithography‐Free Fabrication of Terahertz Chiral Metamaterials and Their Chirality Enhancement for Enantiomer Sensing
Authors: Hwang Myonghoo , Jo Semin , Baek Jae‐Woo , Lee Wonwoo , Jung Kyung‐Young , Lee Hojin , Yeom Bongjun
Published: April 2023

Chiral metamaterials comprise a promising platform for advanced optoelectronic and biomedical applications. However, conventional fabrication via lithography is limited by its complexity and high cost. Herein, the lithography‐free fabrication of terahertz chiral metamaterials and their enhancement for sensing the chirality of biocrystal enantiomers is presented. Chiral Au microstrip patterns (CHAMs) in a saw‐tooth shape are fabricated by combining two‐step buckling processes and glancing‐angle deposition. Non‐superimposable geometric chirality is achieved by controlling the tilt angle between the asymmetric and biaxial strain axes and the selective area deposition of the Au layers by using the shadow effect. The manufactured chiral metamaterials show mirror‐shaped terahertz circular dichroism (TCD) signals in the range of 0.2–2.5 THz. Coupling of the induced electric and magnetic dipoles to the chiral‐shaped Au surfaces results in effective optical chirality enhancement. Finite‐difference time‐domain computational simulations reveal the homogeneous distribution of optical chirality with an absolute maximum of 2.24 in the near field. Summing the TCD signals for enantiomeric cystine biocrystals onto the chiral metamaterials shows an ≈7‐fold amplification in magnitude. This enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic effects of superchiral field enhancement and the electromagnetic resonance between the CHAMs and biocrystals.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Activation of 3‐Membered Rings: Cyclopropanes, Epoxides, Azirines and Aziridines
Authors: Yang Xiaoqun , Zhang Yi , Li Tingting , Jin Zhichao
Published: April 2023

The activations of carbonyl compounds bearing cyclopropyl, epoxyl, azirine and aziridinyl groups by N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organic catalysts are reviewed. The reactions are introduced and discussed from 3 aspects according to the activation modes involved in these transformations. A brief summary on the achievements and the remaining challenges in NHC‐catalyzed activation of cyclopropanes and their analogues is given at the end of this minireview. Our own perspectives on the future development within this highly active research field are also provided.
Anthraquinone‐Functionalized Polydiacetylene Supercapacitors
Authors: Biswas Sudipta , Shauloff Nitzan , Bisht Rajesh , Jelinek Raz
Published: April 2023

Organic supercapacitors are considered attractive alternatives to traditional inorganic‐based charge storage devices due to their synthetic versatility, low cost, and environment‐friendliness features. Photopolymerized anthraquinone‐polydiacetylene is employed as a core component in high‐performance asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs). Specifically, interspersed polydiacetylene‐anthraquinone/polyaniline (PANI) electrodes are prepared via drop‐casting and used as cathodes in devices employing polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide anodes using aqueous or ionic liquid electrolytes. The excellent electrochemical properties of the polydiacetylene‐anthraquinone/PANI electrodes, specifically high capacitance (specific capacitance ≈720 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), long discharge time, and cycling stability, are ascribed to the superior redox profile of the anthraquinone and ambipolar charge transport associated with the polydiacetylene framework. The asymmetric supercapacitor prepared using the polydiacetylene‐anthraquinone/PANI electrodes displays a high energy density of 36 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 995 W kg−1, underscoring possible utilization of the anthraquinone‐polydiacetylene derivative in practical energy storage devices.
Deciphering Cell–Cell Interactions with Integrative Single‐Cell Secretion Profiling
Authors: Li Linmei , Su Haoran , Ji Yahui , Zhu Fengjiao , Deng Jiu , Bai Xue , Li Huibing , Liu Xianming , Luo Yong , Lin Bingcheng , Liu Tingjiao , Lu Yao
Published: April 2023

Cell–cell interactions are the fundamental behaviors to regulate cellular activities. A comprehensive evaluation of intercellular interactions requires direct profiling of various signaling behaviors simultaneously at the single‐cell level, which remains lacking. Herein, an integrative single‐cell secretion analysis platform is presented to profile different secreted factors (four proteins, three extracellular vesicles (EV) phenotypes), spatial distances, and migration information (distances and direction) simultaneously from high‐throughput paired single cells using an antibody‐barcode microchip. Applying the platform to analyze the tumor–stromal and tumor–immune interactions with the human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines and primary OSCC cells reveals that the initial distances between cells would determine their migratory distances and direction to approach stable organization. The cell–cell in close proximity enhances protein secretions while attenuating EV secretions. Migration has a more profound correlation with protein secretions than EV secretions, in which absolute migration distance affects protein secretions significantly but not the direction. These findings highlight the significance of spatial organization in regulating cell signaling behaviors and demonstrate that the integrative single‐cell secretion profiling platform is well‐suited for a comprehensive dissection of intercellular communication and interactions, providing new avenues for understanding cell–cell interaction biology and how different signaling behaviors coordinate within the tumor microenvironment.
Stretchable and Biocompatible Transparent Electrodes for Multimodal Biosignal Sensing from Exposed Skin
Authors: Kim Minji , Um Hyun‐Kyung , Choi Haemin , Lee Jin Sil , Kim Jihyun , Kim Kyungjin , Noh Eunseo , Han Minwoo , Lee Hyang Woon , Choi Won Il , Lee Seoung Ho , Lee Jung‐Rok , Lee Byoung Hoon
Published: April 2023

Real‐time health monitoring technology in daily life requires mechanically robust and transparent electrodes for multimodal biosignal sensing from exposed human epidermis. Here, highly stretchable transparent electrodes comprising a water‐dispersed conductive polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and a protic ionic liquid (IL), 3‐methylimidazolium:bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (p‐MIM:TFSI) are reported. Owing to the high water miscibility of p‐MIM:TFSI and its favorable ion exchange capability with PEDOT:PSS, PEDOT:PSS/p‐MIM:TFSI transparent electrodes show enhanced electrical conductivity (σ = 450 S cm−1) and thin‐film stretchability represented by crack onset strain (εc) exceeding 50%. These electrodes outperform other PEDOT:PSS electrodes processed with an aprotic counterpart, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium(EMIM):TFSI, or a traditional ionic salt, Li:TFSI. The PEDOT:PSS/p‐MIM:TFSI thin‐film electrodes are also biocompatible and conformally adhere to human skin; therefore, multimodal biosignals including electrocardiogram, electrooculogram, and electromyogram with high signal‐to‐noise ratios from exposed epidermis on human faces and arms under various measurement conditions mimicking daily activities are collected. Considering the importance of light penetration through human skin for stable biological activity during biosignal monitoring, the results can broaden the applicability of daily‐use wearable biosignal sensors by applying them to exposed human skin.
Fabrication of highly permeable PDMS@ZIF‐8/PVDF hollow fiber composite membrane in module for ethanol‐water separation
Authors: Liu Wei‐Min , Mao Heng , Wang Yu‐Jie , Li Shen‐Hui , Feng Ying‐Nan , Xu Li‐Hao , Wang Sen , Pei Chan , Zhao Zhi‐Ping
Published: April 2023

The construction of high‐performance MOF‐based hollow fiber composite membrane (HFCM) modules is a significant, yet challenging task for the biofuel production industry. In this study, a novel approach was taken to fabricate PDMS@ZIF‐8/PVDF HFCMs in modules through a facile ZIF‐8 self‐crystallization synthesis followed by pressure‐assisted PDMS infusion for pervaporation ethanol‐water separation. The as‐prepared HFCMs exhibited an ultrathin separation layer (thickness, 370 ± 35 nm), which was achieved through precise regulation of the ZIF‐8 membrane and defect repair by PDMS infusion. Moreover, the strategy utilized in this study resolved the defect issues arising from MOF agglomeration in conventional composite membranes. Impressively, at the optimal packing density, the prepared membrane demonstrated a remarkable ethanol flux (1.11 kg m−2 h−1) with an PSI value (26.59 kg m−2 h−1) and showed promising long‐term stability for the pervaporation of 5 wt% ethanol aqueous solution at 40°C.
Bioinspired Synergy Strategies Empower Small‐Scale Robots with Higher Performance
Authors: Yong Haochen , Ke Xingxing , Xu Fukang , Zhang Shuo , Ding Han , Wu Zhigang
Published: April 2023

Small‐scale robots need to be agile to perform various tasks in complex environments and the design faces great challenges with limited size and power consumption. However, the advent of advanced functional materials, compliant structures/mechanisms, and flexible fabrication techniques has brought new evolution directions to robotics. These technologies enrich the robots' actuation strategies, improving their performance of small robots while simplifying the complexity of the system and thus making it possible to be applied in diverse scenarios, such as disaster rescue, medical, and environmental exploration. In nature, small organisms have shown numerous efficient survival strategies. They can easily achieve locomotion tasks with low energy consumption. For example, dragonflies complete long flights with the help of wind, and stenus (one kind of rove beetle) uses the surface tension of liquids to dodge prey quickly. Insects are usually considered to be agile, efficient, and intelligent, which is the same requirement as for small robots. Yet the corresponding bioinspired design strategies bring new opportunities and challenges to the development of small‐scale robots. Herein, the development trends of small‐scale robots are analyzed and discussed, and several potential bioinspired synergy strategies are induced, which may be useful for the future design of insect‐level soft robots.
Family involvement in euthanasia or Physician Assisted Suicide and dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Scheeres‐Feitsma Trijntje M. , van Laarhoven Angela J. J. M. Keijzer , de Vries Ralph , Schaafsma Petruschka , van der Steen Jenny T.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To assess how families are involved in situations of euthanasia or physician assisted suicide (PAS) in dementia.

Design

Systematic review searching literature in nine databases from inception up to October 2021. We included studies on family involvement in euthanasia from the perspective of persons with dementia and family caregivers. Themes were formulated through thematic analysis. The design was registered at Prospero (CRD42022298215).

Results

We assessed 215 of 4038 studies in full text; 19 met the inclusion criteria of which 13 empirical studies. Themes included for people with dementia: being a burden; stage of dementia, and permissibility of euthanasia/PAS. Themes for family were the burden of care, responsibility toward the euthanasia or PAS wish, permissibility of euthanasia/PAS.

Conclusion

The wish for euthanasia/PAS arises in situations of burdensome care and fear of future deterioration. The family feels entrusted with the responsibility to enact upon the death wish. In shaping this responsibility, four roles of family can be distinguished: carer, advocate, supporter, and performer. Family as in need of support themselves is understudied.
A Comparison Between Early Presentation of Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Alzheimer's Disease, and Parkinson's Disease: Evidence from Routine Primary Care and UK Biobank Data
Authors: Nedelec Thomas , Couvy‐Duchesne Baptiste , Darves‐Bornoz Aube , Couronne Raphaël , Monnet Fleur , Gantzer Laurène , Lekens Béranger , Wu Yeda , Villain Nicolas , Schrag Anette , Durrleman Stanley , Corvol Jean‐Christophe
Published: April 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to simultaneously contrast prediagnostic clinical characteristics of individuals with a final diagnosis of dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared with controls without neurodegenerative disorders.

Methods

Using the longitudinal THIN database in the United Kingdom, we tested the association of each neurodegenerative disorder with a selected list of symptoms and broad families of treatments, and compared the associations between disorders to detect disease‐specific effects. We replicated the main findings in the UK Biobank.

Results

We used data of 28,222 patients with PD, 20,214 with AD, 4,682 with DLB, and 20,214 healthy controls. All neurodegenerative disorders were significantly associated with the presence of multiple clinical characteristics before their diagnosis, including sleep disorders, falls, psychiatric symptoms, and autonomic dysfunctions. When comparing patients with DLB with patients with PD and patients with AD patients, falls, psychiatric symptoms, and autonomic dysfunction were all more strongly associated with DLB in the 5 years preceding the first neurodegenerative diagnosis. The use of statins was lower in patients who developed PD and higher in patients who developed DLB compared to patients with AD. In patients with PD, the use of statins was associated with the development of dementia in the 5 years following PD diagnosis.

Interpretation

Prediagnostic presentations of falls, psychiatric symptoms, and autonomic dysfunctions were more strongly associated with DLB than PD and AD. This study also suggests that although several associations with medications are similar in neurodegenerative disorders, statin usage is negatively associated with PD but positively with DLB and AD as well as development of dementia in PD. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:259–270
A Time‐Resolved FRET Assay Identifies a Small Molecule that Inhibits the Essential Bacterial Cell Wall Polymerase FtsW
Authors: Park Youngseon , Taguchi Atsushi , Baidin Vadim , Kahne Daniel , Walker Suzanne
Published: April 2023

The peptidoglycan cell wall is essential for bacterial survival. To form the cell wall, peptidoglycan glycosyltransferases (PGTs) polymerize Lipid II to make glycan strands and then those strands are crosslinked by transpeptidases (TPs). Recently, the SEDS (for shape, elongation, division, and sporulation) proteins were identified as a new class of PGTs. The SEDS protein FtsW, which produces septal peptidoglycan during cell division, is an attractive target for novel antibiotics because it is essential in virtually all bacteria. Here, we developed a time‐resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (TR‐FRET) assay to monitor PGT activity and screened a Staphylococcus aureus lethal compound library for FtsW inhibitors. We identified a compound that inhibits S. aureus FtsW in vitro. Using a non‐polymerizable Lipid II derivative, we showed that this compound competes with Lipid II for binding to FtsW. The assays described here will be useful for discovering and characterizing other PGT inhibitors.
CoN1O2 Single‐Atom Catalyst for Efficient Peroxymonosulfate Activation and Selective Cobalt(IV)=O Generation
Authors: Li Xue , Wen Xue , Lang Junyu , Wei Yan , Miao Jie , Zhang Xiangcheng , Zhou Baoxue , Long Mingce , Alvarez Pedro J. J. , Zhang Lizhi
Published: April 2023

High‐valent metal‐oxo (HVMO) species are powerful non‐radical reactive species that enhance advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) due to their long half‐lives and high selectivity towards recalcitrant water pollutants with electron‐donating groups. However, high‐valent cobalt‐oxo (CoIV=O) generation is challenging in peroxymonosulfate (PMS)‐based AOPs because the high 3d‐orbital occupancy of cobalt would disfavor its binding with a terminal oxygen ligand. Herein, we propose a strategy to construct isolated Co sites with unique N1O2 coordination on the Mn3O4 surface. The asymmetric N1O2 configuration is able to accept electrons from the Co 3d‐orbital, resulting in significant electronic delocalization at Co sites for promoted PMS adsorption, dissociation and subsequent generation of CoIV=O species. CoN1O2/Mn3O4 exhibits high intrinsic activity in PMS activation and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation, highly outperforming its counterpart with a CoO3 configuration, carbon‐based single‐atom catalysts with CoN4 configuration, and commercial cobalt oxides. CoIV=O species effectively oxidize the target contaminants via oxygen atom transfer to produce low‐toxicity intermediates. These findings could advance the mechanistic understanding of PMS activation at the molecular level and guide the rational design of efficient environmental catalysts.
Exploiting Interactions between Polyoxometalates and Proteins for Applications in (Bio)chemistry and Medicine
Authors: Lentink Sarah , Salazar Marcano David E. , Moussawi Mhamad Aly , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: April 2023

The specific interactions of anionic metal‐oxo clusters, known as polyoxometalates (POMs), with proteins can be leveraged for a wide range of analytical and biomedical applications. For example, POMs have been developed as selective catalysts that can induce protein modifications and have also been shown to facilitate protein crystallization, both of which are instrumental in the structural characterization of proteins. POMs can also be used for selective protein separation and enzyme inhibition, which makes them promising therapeutic agents. Hence, understanding POM‐protein interactions is essential for the development of POM‐based materials and their implementation in several fields. In this Review we summarize in detail the key insights that have been gained so far on POM‐protein interactions. Emphasis is also given to hybrid POMs functionalized with organic ligands to prompt further research in this direction owing to the promising recent results on tuning POM‐protein interactions through POM functionalization.
Biogenic synthesis of δ‐MnO2 nanoparticles: A sustainable approach for C‐alkylation and quinoline synthesis via acceptorless dehydrogenation and borrowing hydrogen reactions
Authors: Ghosh Arnab , Hegde Rajeev V. , Limaye Akshay S. , R. Thrilokraj , Patil Siddappa A. , Dateer Ramesh B.
Published: April 2023

The sustainable and environmentally benign biogenic synthesis of manganese‐oxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) in a single crystalline δ‐phase and its subsequent synthetic utility have been described. The synthesized δ‐MnO2 NPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis techniques. The detailed analysis envisages the reduction of Mn(VII) to Mn(IV) was facilitated by various phytochemicals present in the aq. mango leaves extract, avoiding the use of external ligand source. The synthesized δ‐MnO2 NPs were perceived in a single delta (δ) monoclinic crystalline phase, wherein a spherical agglomerated morphology was displayed with a particle size of <5 nm. Further, the utility of newly developed δ‐MnO2 NPs was showcased for alpha‐keto‐alkylation and quinoline synthesis via hydrogen autotransfer and the acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling strategy. Moreover, a series of control experiments, mechanistic elucidation, catalyst recyclability, and a dye removal study were demonstrated.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Palladium Polymers Network: Recyclable Pre‐catalyst for Effective Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling Reaction in Water
Authors: Huang Wei , Ye Huixian , Li Xiaodan , Li Yuntong , Lin Junyue
Published: April 2023

Rational design of high‐efficiency N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium catalyst is of great importance to modern organic synthesis, especially in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Herein, we fabricate a polymer network containing N‐heterocyclic carbene palladium (PNNHC‐Pd) catalytic active sites via an immobilization process. The N‐heterocyclic carbene palladium can serve as a promising linkage of polymer network as well as an effective catalytic active site owing to its structural preference and strong σ‐donating ability with palladium species. The results display that N‐heterocyclic carbene palladium disperses homogeneously in polymer network, thus rendering PNNHC‐Pd excellent catalytic activity, high stability and superior reusability in palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction in aqueous medium. This work provides a new insight into the development of heterogenization of homogeneous catalysts based on polymer network.
UBP43 promotes epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis via activation of β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Xie Hongyang , Chen Junyu , Ma Changyan , Zhao Jingjing , Cui Manhua
Published: April 2023

Dysregulation of the deubiquitinating protease, UBP43, has been implicated in many human diseases, including cancer. Here, we evaluated the functional significance and mechanism of action of UBP43 in epithelial ovarian cancer. We found that UBP43 was significantly upregulated in the tumor tissues of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Similar results were observed in OVCAR‐3, Caov‐3, TOV‐112D, A2780, and SK‐OV‐3 cells. Furthermore, in vitro functional assays of A2780 and TOV‐112D cells demonstrated that UBP43 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Upregulation of UBP43 might result in epithelial–mesenchymal transition by inducing the nuclear transport of β‐catenin, which was accompanied by enhanced N‐cadherin but decreased E‐cadherin expression. These malignant phenotypes were reversed by UBP43 silencing. Further investigation revealed that the knockdown of UBP43 inhibited cell proliferation by inducing a cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. The oncogenic characteristics of UBP43 were validated in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model. In vivo, tumor growth was delayed in the UBP43‐silenced group but accelerated after UBP43 overexpression. Finally, we demonstrated that β‐catenin is a key protein in the UBP43‐mediated malignant development of epithelial ovarian cancer. Specifically, overexpression of UBP43 decreased the ubiquitination degradation of β‐catenin and enhanced its protein stability. Also, we observed that the downstream genes of beta‐catenin such as cyclin D1, MMP2, and MMP9 were upregulated due to UBP43 overexpression. Thus, we concluded that UBP43 promoted epithelial ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis through activation of the β‐catenin pathway, suggesting that UBP43 may be a potential therapeutic target for this intractable disease.
Vital Pulpotomy on immature lower first permanent molars using Portland cement, a case of failure and success—case report with 2 years follow‐up
Authors: Abed Dajma , Bchara Jamila , Bshara Nada
Published: April 2023

Key clinical message

While the importance of vital pulp therapy comes from its ability to promote pulp healing allowing the tooth to continue its development and giving the patient a more convenient treatment, dental practitioners should be more aware of the minor mistakes which they might commit during treatment procedures that could reflect negatively on the treatment's outcome. Developing behavior management skills as well as learning from reported mistakes are beneficial to practitioners to provide a more precise and successful treatment.

Vital pulp therapies are known to preserve tooth development and give pulp tissues a chance to heal. Despite the progress of biocompatible materials used in this field, these treatments are still facing some failure for several known and unknown reasons that might not only be related to the material used. This case report presents and discusses the possible reasons for the success of one vital pulpotomy procedure and the failure of another, both conducted on two immature lower first permanent molars of the same patient, in an attempt to conclude what led to both results.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Sequential Dehydrogenation and Cyclization of 2‐Amino(Nitro)‐benzyl Alcohols with Alkyl Alcohols: Synthesis of C‐3‐Substituted Quinolines
Authors: Sk Motahar , Bera Atanu , Banerjee Debasis
Published: April 2023

We herein reported a general and efficient Ni‐catalyzed protocol for sequential double de‐hydrogenative cyclization of 2‐amino(nitro)‐benzyl alcohols with primary alcohols to C‐3‐substituted quinolines releasing water and dihydrogen as by products. As a special highlight, late stage functionalization of cholesterol derivative including chemo‐selective transformations of citronellol, fatty acid derived oleyl alcohol and long chain C4−C14 alkyl alcohols were reported. Initial mechanistic studies including deuterium‐labelling experiments were perform to establish the de‐hydrogenative cyclization.
HIGH‐DEFINITION MODELING OF COMPOSITE BEAMS
Authors: Adhikari Samiran , Rassati Gian A. , Swanson James A. , Chicchi Rachel A.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a high‐definition modelling approach for the simulation of the flexural behaviour of composite beams that accounts for the principal mechanisms associated with strength, stiffness, and ductility. The goal of the modelling approach presented is to enable parametric studies on the ultimate capacity of composite beams involving different amounts of shear transfer provided, various placement configurations of shear connectors, variable geometry of deck and shear connectors, and different materials. The study presented begins with the simulation of push‐out tests that are validated against experimental results in literature. A recent experiment performed by NIST is used as the validation platform for the study. After validation, some parametric analyses are presented, and it is concluded that the modelling approach discussed herein is appropriate to predict the initial and post‐peak flexural behaviour of composite beams. Recommendations are also made regarding the placement of shear connectors.
INTEGRAL SHEET PILING ABUTMENTS OF MODULAR COMPOSITE BRIDGES FOR A TIME EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Tibolt Mike , Rademacher Dennis , Hechler Oliver , Wolters Kevin , Rittich Nils , Ivanov Stoyan
Published: April 2023

Integral bridge structures with a high degree of prefabrication comply with all requirements of modern bridge structures. Composite bridges with sheet pile abutments using modular elements are such a solution although not yet a standardized solution with wide acceptance by bridge authorities and owners. In the present paper, two design concepts of a modular connection between superstructure in steel composite construction using hot‐rolled profiles and integral steel sheet pile abutments are presented: A flexible concept with sheet piles as abutments for bridge spans 25‐30m and a more rigid concept applying combined sheet pile walls for bridge spans up to 30‐45m. The concepts are referencing the Knife Edge‐Support (KES) as basis of design. The load paths are analyzed numerically, and the influencing parameters are identified. Finally, preliminary experimental results to proof the suitability of the connections will be confirmed presented.
USE OF HIGH‐ STRENGTH STEEL FOR SLENDER MEDIUM SPAN BRIDGES: TWO RECENT CASE STUDIES IN FRANCE
Authors: Zanon R.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents two cases of existing bridges with prestressed concrete deck replaced by composite steel‐concrete decks. The new decks provide a larger carriage width with increased load carrying capacity according to current design requirements. Furthermore, they have less piers (and therefore larger spans) but still keep the same construction height of the previous solutions. This leads to very slender continuous decks which are an optimal field of application for high‐strength steel. The technical solution adopted is an evolution of the traditional technology of composite steel‐concrete deck, commonly used in the span range between 20m and 40m.
SLENDER COLUMN STRENGTH OF INNOVATIVE CONCRETE FILLED STEEL TUBE COLUMNS WITH HIGH‐PERFORMANCE BUILDING MATERIALS
Authors: Schurgacz Przemyslaw , Neuenschwander Martin , Knobloch Markus
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental and numerical study on the load‐carrying behaviour of innovative high performance materials steel‐concrete composite columns: Namely concrete‐filled steel tube columns with solid steel core (CFSTCSC) and concrete‐filled double steel tube columns (CFDST). The experimental results exemplify the basic load‐carrying behaviour. In addition to that, the application range of high‐strength materials is evaluated in relation to the slenderness. Finally, the influence of geometric imperfections on the load‐carrying behavior is investigated based on the manufacturing tolerances of such multi‐component cross‐sections.
SAGGING BENDING RESISTANCE OF COMPOSITE SLABS IN PARTIAL SHEAR CONNECTION
Authors: Sokol Léopold , Palisson Anna
Published: April 2023

This document presents a proposal for improving the partial shear connection method used for the calculation of sagging bending resistance of composite slabs. The improvement is aimed in particular at the equilibrium model of the section of the slab at the ultimate limit state, taking into account the interaction between the tensile force in the sheeting and its resistance moment.
ADVANCED NUMERICAL FIRE DESIGN OF INDUSTRIAL COMPOSITE SLABS WITH UNPROTECTED STEEL BEAMS – A CASE STUDY
Authors: Lequime Pascal
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the development and the application of a framework for advanced numerical thermal and mechanical analysis of a composite slab with unprotected steel beams which is subjected to fire is described. A short overview over existing calculation methods is given to describe the state of the art in fire design of composite slabs. For the numerical model in the software framework SOFiSTiK, the main advantages, features and characteristics are described. To analyse the reliability of the model, the process of validation with existing fire tests is presented. Finally, the model is applied in an engineering project by means of a case study.
ADVANCED ANALYSIS OF STEEL‐CONCRETE COMPOSITE BUILDINGS
Authors: Tran H. , Thai H.T. , Ngo T. , Uy B. , Li D. , Mo J.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a nonlinear simulation method for composite framing systems constituted from concrete‐filled steel tubular columns (CFST) and composite beam systems. A force‐based fibre beam‐column element in OpenSees was adopted. This element was capable of accurately capturing the local buckling of steel and the confining effect of concrete using the modified stress‐strain relationships of the steel and concrete fibres. A source code for the connection element was also developed in OpenSees to capture the semi‐rigid behaviour of the beam‐to‐column connections of the composite buildings. Through the verification with numerous experiments, the model has shown its capability of accurately simulating composite frames with simplicity and less computational cost. An extensive parametric study was conducted to examine the effect of the bracing systems and the rigidity of the connections on the behaviour and instability of the whole composite buildings.
SLIM‐FLOOR BEAM‐TO‐COLUMN JOINTS FOR SEISMIC‐RESISTANT STRUCTURES: JOINT PERFORMANCE AND CASE STUDY ON MOMENT‐RESISTING FRAMES
Authors: Don Rafaela F. , Ciutina Adrian L. , Stratan Aurel , Vulcu Cristian M.
Published: April 2023

The current seismic design of steel and composite frames relies on lateral frame stiffness and on the controlled failure mechanism of dissipative members or connections. The implementation of the slim‐floor solution in practice results in several advantages. But due to the reduced height of the slim‐floor beam – generally considered to result in lower flexural stiffness – the current practice disregards the usage of moment‐resisting slim‐floor beam‐to‐column joints in seismic applications. However, a previous study of the authors has experimentally and numerically confirmed the possibility of expanding the application of composite beams by developing inelastic behaviour in slim‐floor beams. The test results allowed the definition of the slim‐floor beam's mechanical characteristics and the evaluation of the structure's seismic performance through nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. The usage of the slim‐floor system resulted in a vertical space gain ‐ due to its reduced height ‐ and demonstrated the solution's effectiveness when implemented in seismic‐resistant structures.
Cyclic Polymers: Controlled Synthesis, Properties and Perspectives
Authors: Gao Run‐Tan , Xu Lei , Li Shi‐Yi , Liu Na , Chen Zheng , Wu Zong‐Quan
Published: April 2023

Recently, cyclic polymers have attracted increasing interest due to their unique topologies, properties, and functions compared to the linear analogues. This mini‐review focuses on the recent advances in the synthesis and applications of cyclic polymers. First, the main synthetic methods for cyclic polymers, namely ring closure and ring expansion methods, are presented and discussed, followed by a review on the exploration of the properties and applications of synthetic cyclic polymers. Finally, a critical assessment of the preliminary studies exploring the efficient synthesis and potential applications of cyclic polymers are presented, and the remaining challenges in the field as well as ideas for solving these challenges will be discussed.
A Blueprint for Transforming Indigos to Photoresponsive Molecular Tools
Authors: Huang Chung‐Yang (Dennis) , Hecht Stefan
Published: April 2023

Indigo, one of the most ancient and abundant dyes in human history, has recently emerged as a potential functional motif due to its intriguing photochemical properties. This review aims to provide insights into both the preparation of these molecules and their utilization in molecular systems. First, the synthesis of the indigo core as well as available methods to derivatize indigo are described to outline synthetic strategies to build the desired molecular structures. Then, the photochemical behavior of indigos is discussed, with particular focus on E‐Z photoisomerization and photoinduced electron transfer. Connections between the molecular structures and their photochemical properties are highlighted and serve as guiding principles for designing indigos to be applied as photoresponsive tools.
Effects of diethylaluminum ethoxide pre‐reduction and chromium loading over bistriphenylsilyl chromate/silica for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Xue Xiaofeng , Yang Yang , Gao Yuli , Yi Jianjun , Liu Boping , Jin Yulong
Published: April 2023

Bistriphenylsilyl chromate (BC)/silica (S‐2 catalyst) is a commercially used high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) catalyst with great importance. In this work, the catalytic performance of this catalyst was tried to be improved by increasing the loading amount of Cr and pre‐reducing with diethylaluminum ethoxide (DEALE). It is found that, when the Cr loading amount was doubled, the productivity in gPE · g−1Cat became almost doubled as well, indicating the maintenance of overall efficiency for Cr centres. Meanwhile, pre‐reduction of BC/silica with a small amount of DEALE (the molar ratio of DEALE/Cr < 2.4) was adequate to promote its productivity greatly, while large dose of DEALE led to the activity decay fast, which might originate from the over‐reduction of the Cr centre, as well as pore blockages caused by the added DEALE. Moreover, it is found that both the increased Cr loading and DEALE pre‐reduction offered an alternative way to reduce the weight‐average molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the polyethylene products mainly by shaving the high MW shoulder.
Obesity in adult acute myeloid leukemia is not associated with inferior response or survival even when dose capping anthracyclines: An ECOG‐ACRIN analysis
Authors: Foran James M. , Sun Zhuoxin , Lai Catherine , Fernandez Hugo F. , Cripe Larry D. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Racevskis Janis , Luger Selina M. , Paietta Elisabeth , Lazarus Hillard M. , Zhang Yanming , Bennett John M. , Levine Ross L. , Rowe Jacob M. , Litzow Mark R. , Tallman Martin S.
Published: April 2023

Background

Obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) is an important epidemiological risk factor for developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Therefore, the authors studied the association of obesity with clinical and genetic phenotype and its impact on outcome in adults with AML.

Methods

The authors analyzed BMI in 1088 adults who were receiving intensive remission induction and consolidation therapy in two prospective, randomized therapeutic clinical trials of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group‐American College of Radiology Imaging Network: E1900 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00049517; patients younger than 60 years) and E3999 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00046930; patients aged 60 years or older).

Results

Obesity was prevalent at diagnosis (33%) and, compared with nonobesity, was associated with intermediate‐risk cytogenetics group (p = .008), poorer performance status (p = .01), and a trend toward older age (p = .06). Obesity was not associated with somatic mutations among a selected 18‐gene panel that was tested in a subset of younger patients. Obesity was not associated with clinical outcome (including complete remission, early death, or overall survival), and the authors did not identify any patient subgroup that had inferior outcomes based on BMI. Obese patients were significantly more likely to receive <90% of the intended daunorubicin dose despite protocol specification, particularly in the E1900 high‐dose (90 mg/m2) daunorubicin arm (p = .002); however, this did not correlate with inferior overall survival on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–2.13; p = .14).

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with unique clinical and disease‐related phenotypic features in AML and may influence physician treatment decisions regarding daunorubicin dosing. However, the current study demonstrates that obesity is not a factor in survival, and strict adherence to body surface area‐based dosing is not necessary because dose adjustments do not affect outcomes.
Meta‐analysis reveals drivers of restoration success for oysters and reef community
Authors: Smith Rachel S. , Castorani Max C. N.
Published: April 2023

Restoration aims to reverse the global declines of foundation species, but it is unclear how project attributes, the physical setting, and antecedent conditions affect restoration success. In coastal seas worldwide, oyster reef restoration is increasing to counter historical habitat destruction and associated declines in fisheries production and biodiversity. Yet, restoration outcomes are highly variable and the factors that enhance oyster production and nekton abundance and diversity on restored reefs are unresolved. To quantify the drivers of oyster restoration success, we used meta‐analysis to synthesize data from 158 restored reefs paired with unstructured habitats along the United States Gulf and Atlantic coasts. The average recovery of oyster production was 65% greater in subtidal (vs. intertidal) zones, 173% greater in polyhaline (vs. mesohaline) environments and increased with tidal range, demonstrating that physical conditions can strongly influence the restoration success of foundation species. Additionally, restoration increased the relative abundance and richness of nektonic fishes and invertebrates over time as reefs aged (at least 8 years post‐construction). Thus, the restoration benefits for provisioning habitat and enhancing biodiversity accrue over time, highlighting that restoration projects need multiple years to maximize ecosystem functions. Furthermore, long‐term monitoring of restored and control sites is needed to assess restoration outcomes and associated drivers. Last, our work reveals data constraints for several potential drivers of restoration outcomes, including reef construction material, reef dimensions, harvest pressure and disease prevalence. More experimental and observational studies are needed to target these factors and measure them with consistent methods across studies. Our findings indicate that the assisted recovery of foundation species yields several enhancements to ecosystem services, but such benefits are mediated by time and environmental conditions.
Abrupt transitions in a southwest USA desert grassland related to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Christensen Erica M. , James Darren K. , Randall Robb M. , Bestelmeyer Brandon T.
Published: April 2023

Prediction of abrupt ecosystem transitions resulting from climatic change will be an essential element of adaptation strategies in the coming decades. In the arid southwest USA, the collapse and recovery of long‐lived perennial grasses have important effects on ecosystem services, but the causes of these variations have been poorly understood. Here we use a quality‐controlled vegetation monitoring dataset initiated in 1915 to show that grass cover dynamics during the 20th century were closely correlated to the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) index. The relationship out‐performed models correlating grasses to yearly precipitation and drought indices, suggesting that ecosystem transitions attributed only to local disturbances were instead influenced by climate teleconnections. Shifts in PDO phase over time were associated with the persistent loss of core grass species and recovery of transient species, so recovery of grasses in aggregate concealed significant changes in species composition. However, the relationship between PDO and grass cover broke down after 1995; grass cover is consistently lower than PDO would predict. The decoupling of grass cover from the PDO suggests that a threshold had been crossed in which warming or land degradation overwhelmed the ability of any grass species to recover during favorable periods.
Natriuretic peptides: role in the diagnosis and management of heart failure: a scientific statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America and Japanese Heart Failure Society
Authors: Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Albert Nancy M. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Anker Stefan D. , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Butler Javed , Chioncel Ovidiu , Defilippi Christopher R. , Drazner Mark H. , Felker G. Michael , Filippatos Gerasimos , Fiuzat Mona , Ide Tomomi , Januzzi James L. , Kinugawa Koichiro , Kuwahara Koichiro , Matsue Yuya , Mentz Robert J. , Metra Marco , Pandey Ambarish , Rosano Giuseppe , Saito Yoshihiko , Sakata Yasushi , Sato Naoki , Seferovic Petar M. , Teerlink John , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Yoshimura Michihiro
Published: April 2023

Natriuretic peptides, brain (B‐type) natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) are globally and most often used for the diagnosis of heart failure (HF). In addition, they can have an important complementary role in the risk stratification of its prognosis. Since the development of angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), the use of natriuretic peptides as therapeutic agents has grown in importance. The present document is the result of the Trilateral Cooperation Project among the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, the Heart Failure Society of America and the Japanese Heart Failure Society. It represents an expert consensus that aims to provide a comprehensive, up‐to‐date perspective on natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis and management of HF, with a focus on the following main issues: (1) history and basic research: discovery, production and cardiovascular protection; (2) diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers: acute HF, chronic HF, inclusion/endpoint in clinical trials, and natriuretic peptide‐guided therapy; (3) therapeutic use: nesiritide (BNP), carperitide (ANP) and ARNIs; and (4) gaps in knowledge and future directions.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Fluorine on the Photocatalytic Performance of Titania‐Based Photocatalysts
Authors: Wu Si-Ming , Schmuki Patrik
Published: April 2023

TiO2 used as a light‐absorbing semiconductor represents the classic benchmark for photocatalytic solar energy conversion and many other photocatalytic reactions. Various strategies are developed to improve the photoresponse of TiO2‐based materials, such as bandgap engineering or surface sensitization in combination with nanostructuring and geometry optimization. The present feature article is focused on direct and indirect approaches involving bulk or surface fluorine used to tune the surface chemistry, electronic structure, and the morphology of TiO2 photocatalysts. A comprehensive overview is provided on fluorine effects on TiO2, involving morphology modifications, and how surface or bulk fluorine affect the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. After outlining some basic interaction principles of F and TiO2, characterization techniques for different fluorine species are discussed. It is reviewed how fluorine during crystal growth mediates the morphology of TiO2; then how surface fluorination and doping fluorine effects can be beneficially utilized in photocatalysis are discussed. Finally, synergistic effects between fluorine and cocatalyst are discussed, for example, the use of lattice fluorine species to stabilize Pt single‐atom cocatalysts. Finally, the challenges and outlook on further advancing the development of fluorine effects are highlighted.
Eco‐friendly perovskite solar cells: From materials design to device processing and recycling
Authors: Wu Xin , Zhang Dong , Wang Xue , Jiang Xiaofen , Liu Baoze , Li Bo , Li Zhen , Gao Danpeng , Zhang Chunlei , Wang Yan , Zhu Zonglong
Published: April 2023

With the skyrocketed power conversion efficiency and enhanced lifetime of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs), the environmental issues from materials to device processing, operation, and recycling become critical for their commercialization. Developing eco‐friendly PVSCs via the exploration of lead‐free perovskite materials, non‐toxic solvents, and effective lead‐adsorbing materials are the key points to realizing eco‐friendly PVSCs, which have drawn significant attention in the past 3 years. This critical review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent progress of eco‐friendly PVSCs in a close loop, including eco‐friendly perovskite materials, eco‐friendly device processing, eco‐friendly device operation, and eco‐friendly perovskite recycling. The innovation of perovskite materials, criteria of green solvent selection, and design principles of lead adsorbents are thoroughly introduced, with their combination for the device processing and operation well explained. An outlook of further material innovation and device optimization is provided to offer instruction for the development of this research field.

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