bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of methods for instantaneous angiographic blood flow measurement
Authors: Shpilfoygel Simon D. , Jahan Reza , Close Robert A. , Duckwiler Gary R. , Valentino Daniel J.
Published: July 2002

Several different algorithms have been reported for measurement of blood flow rates and velocities from digital x‐ray angiograms. We compare four videodensitometric methods: (1) distance‐density curve matching (DDCM), (2) distance‐density curve matching with curve‐fitting (DDCM‐F), (3) bolus mass tracking with curve‐fitting (BMT‐F) and (4) fluid continuity method (FCM). We tested the flow algorithms with simulated angiograms and with images obtained from a programmable flow phantom under clinically realistic flow and contrast injection conditions including imperfect mixing. All methods perform well for simulated angiograms. On phantom angiograms with constant flow, all methods tended to underestimate flow velocities by at least 7% and demonstrate high variability between consecutive measurements. The FCM demonstrated relatively low variability, but a large negative bias. The DDCM method was moderately biased and had the highest variability. The BMT‐F method demonstrated the lowest bias (−7.1%) and the lowest variability both within (27%) and between (27%) studies. No method yields reliable measurements near the peak contrast opacification, when little or no gradient of contrast is present. The extrapolating version of the BMT‐F method was also the most robust for estimation of interframe displacements longer than the field of view.
An investigation of the feasibility of gadolinium for neutron capture synovectomy
Authors: Gierga D. P. , Yanch J. C. , Shefer R. E.
Published: July 2002

Neutron capture synovectomy (NCS) has been proposed as a possible treatment modality for rheumatoid arthritis. Neutron capture synovectomy is a two‐part modality, in which a compound containing an isotope with an appreciable thermal neutron capture cross section is injected directly into the joint, followed by irradiation with a neutron beam. Investigations to date for NCS have focused on boron neutron capture synovectomy (BNCS), which utilizes the nuclear reaction to deliver a highly localized dose to the synovium. This paper examines the feasibility of gadolinium, specifically as an alternative to boron as a neutron capture agent for NCS. This alternative modality is termed Gadolinium Neutron Capture Synovectomy, or GNCS. Monte Carlo simulations have been used to compare and as isotopes for accelerator‐based NCS. The neutron source used in these calculations was a moderated spectrum from the reaction at a proton energy of 4 MeV. The therapy time to deliver the NCS therapeutic dose of 10 000 RBE‐cGy, is 27 times longer when is used instead of The skin dose to the treated joint is 33 times larger when is used instead of Furthermore, the impact of using instead of was examined in terms of shielded whole‐body dose to the patient. The effective dose is 202 mSv for GNCS, compared to 7.6 mSv for BNCS. This is shown to be a result of the longer treatment times required for GNCS; the contribution of the high‐energy photons emitted from neutron capture in gadolinium is minimal. Possible explanations as to the relative performance of and are discussed, including differences in the RBE and range of boron and gadolinium neutron capture reaction products, and the relative values of the and thermal neutron capture cross section as a function of neutron energy.
Development of instructional systems for teaching an electricity and magnetism course for engineers
Authors: Marr M. J. , Thomas E. W. , Benne M. R. , Thomas A. , Hume R. M.
Published: July 2002

Techniques for the prediction, measurement, and improvement of student performance were examined in an introductory physics course required for engineering majors. The contributions of this study include (1) the application of a statistical technique for predicting performance, (2) a computer program for training basic problem-solving skills, and (3) evidence for the value of training with complex homework problems. The prediction of performance was calculated using the method of discriminant analysis and data from the student’s academic record. Specifically, this method predicted the chance of a satisfactory grade or a risk of failure using the student’s grade point average (GPA) at entry to the course and grades in certain preceding technical courses. The technique was successful in predicting outcome of the course for over 70% of the students and provided a baseline of anticipated performance against which the results of an intervention could be measured. Improvement of performance resulted from two intervention techniques that modified the students’ out-of-class assignments. The first intervention was Precision Teaching; a modification of homework exercises designed to improve basic skills in problem solving. Evaluation of this intervention indicated that class performance improved substantially; the number of students failing the course dropped to about one-half of that predicted by the discriminant analysis technique and overall class performance improved by almost one letter grade. The second intervention was based on the use of complex, multi-step homework problems designed to discourage “matching” of problems to operational formulae in the text. Evaluation of this intervention indicated that student performance on specific parts of the curriculum improved by 10%–20%. Both of these techniques resulted in significant improvement in performance largely on the final examinations.
Measured anisotropic air flow resistivity and sound attenuation of glass wool
Authors: Tarnow Viggo
Published: July 2002

The air flow resistivity of glass wool has been measured in different directions. The glass wool was delivered from the manufacturer as slabs measuring 100×600×900 mm3, where the surface 600×900 mm2 was parallel with the conveyor belt used in the manufacturing. Directions in the glass wool are described by a coordinate system with the X axis perpendicular to the conveyor belt, the Z axis in the direction the conveyor belt moves, and the Y axis perpendicular to the two other axes. It was found that the resistivities in the Y and Z directions were equal in all cases. For density 14 kg/m3 the mean resistivity in the X direction was 5.88 kPa s m−2 and in the Y direction 2.94 kPa s m−2. For density 30 kg/m3 the mean resistivity in the X direction was 15.5 kPa s m−2 and in the Y direction 7.75 kPa s m−2. A formula for prediction of resistivity for other densities is given. By comparing measured values of sound attenuation with results calculated from resistivity data, it is demonstrated that the measured attenuation can be predicted in a simple manner.
Acoustic properties of egg yolk and albumen in the frequency range 20–400 MHz
Authors: Akashi N. , Kushibiki J. , Dunn F.
Published: July 2002

The acoustic propagation properties of egg yolk and albumen are characterized in the frequency range 20–400 MHz by the bioultrasonic spectroscopy system using an ultrasonic transmission comparison method. Significant differences in the attenuation, velocity, impedance, and density among yolk and thick and outer thin albumen are observed. The acoustic properties of 10% aqueous solutions of ovalbumin and bovine hemoglobin are also measured in order to investigate the contribution of proteins to the acoustic properties of albumen. The differences obtained between thick and outer thin albumen may be mainly due to their macromolecular level structural differences, as their constituents are nearly the same.
Influence of centrifugal pathways on forward masking of ventral cochlear nucleus neurons
Authors: Shore Susan E.
Published: July 2002

When responses to one part of a sequence of auditory signals reduce the responses to a subsequent portion of the signal, “forward masking” results. Although forward masking occurs in the auditory nerve, that observed in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) more closely resembles psychophysical forward masking. In contrast to the auditory nerve in which the amount of forward masking is proportional to the amount of excitation produced by the masker, most VCN neurons show a poor correlation between forward masking and excitation produced by the masker, indicating a more complex interaction between responses to adjacent signals. This study tested the hypothesis that one component of forward masking is produced by inputs from centrifugal neural connections to the VCN. The centrifugal pathways were interrupted with knife-cut lesions medial to the CN. Responses of single units obtained 60 minutes after the lesions were compared to those obtained before the lesions. In primarylike, sustained chopper and on units the lesions resulted in a reduction in forward masking and enhanced recovery. In contrast, lesions resulted in increased masking in primarylike-notch and low-intensity chopper units. The relationship between masker-elicited excitation and forward masking became more monotonic for transient choppers and on units, approaching that observed for auditory nerve fibers. These effects are probably the result of removal of both inhibitory and excitatory inputs, ultimately reflecting a balance of excitation and inhibition to each neural population in the VCN.
Global and local dimensions of vocal dynamics
Authors: Behrman Alison
Published: July 2002

The global embedding dimension (dE) and the local dynamical dimension (dL) are calculated from the microphone and electroglottographic (EGG) signals elicited from five healthy subjects and seven dysphonic subjects with laryngeal pathology during phonation of sustained/a/. The data from each pathologic subject contain at least one bifurcation and are divided into periodic and irregular segments for analysis. The dE values from both the microphone and EGG signals elicited from the healthy subjects indicate that a relatively small coordinate space can be used to reconstruct the attractor, with little residual noise. Consistent across all healthy subjects, three dominant degrees of freedom (dL) are found to govern local dynamics of the trajectories on the attractor. From the pathologic subjects, many of the dE values suggest the presence of a high-dimensional component in the signals. However, the noise does not completely obscure the deterministic dynamics of the source signal or prevent extraction of an optimal global embedding dimension. The data do not reveal consistent differences in degrees of freedom between healthy and pathologic phonation, or between different modes of pathologic phonation. However, the dL values suggest that the pathologic vocal fold vibration of these subjects, even highly irregular vibration, is governed locally by a low number of dominant degrees of freedom, sometimes no greater than those calculated from the signals of healthy subjects. Only in the cases of severe breathiness are the microphone and EGG signals sufficiently contaminated by noise to obscure any deterministic component.
How information about the source influences noise annoyance
Authors: Kalveram Karl T. , Dassow Juergen , Vogt Joachim
Published: July 2002

Annoyance following noise exposure can be considered to convey a ‘‘possible loss of fitness signal’’ (PLOF-signal), indicating that the individual’s Darwinian fitness decreases if she or he continues to stay in that situation. Especially, nonfamiliar conspecifics appearing in the habitat diminish fitness of the inhabitants because they are going to use the same but restricted resources. Therefore, sounds carrying the information that they are manmade are likely to evoke more annoyance than other sounds of equal level and spectral density. In an experiment, subjects were exposed to recorded sounds of ocean surf and party murmur. Both sounds were carefully equalized regarding spectral energy and overall level [Leq(A)=52 dB]. In the ‘‘manmade’’ sound condition, subjects felt significantly more annoyed and were significantly more impaired in a free recall memory test. However, physiological stress indices (potassium/sodium measured in saliva) did not discriminate significantly between the conditions. The results support the hypothesis that considered biologically, the main function of noise annoyance is to warn a person that fitness may diminish, but not to induce actual stress. This explains the frequently reported finding that noise, although annoying, causes only little or even no physiological stress reactions.
Sensor coupling in acoustic media using reciprocity
Authors: Vos Johan , Drijkoningen Guy G. , Fokkema Jacob T.
Published: July 2002

In this paper the coupling of a sensor to an acoustic medium is discussed. Based on the acoustic reciprocity theorem, an expression is derived for the motion of the sensor as a function of the undisturbed motion of the embedding medium. What is special here is that the sensor is the scattering object. The sensor coupling is affected by two factors: the ratio of the density of the sensor and of the embedding medium (ground), and a frequency-dependent factor depending on the geometry of the sensor.
Theoretical and Experimental Studies on Temperature Dependence of the Mechanical Behavior of Polymer Solids by a Creep Recovery Method. Part 2. Penetration of a Steel Ball
Authors: Ojima Torao , Nishimura Minori , Ono Mizuho , Ito Katsuhiko
Published: July 2002

A general theory of linear viscoelasticity under complex stress is analysed by utilizing the Laplace transformation and is applied to Hertz's contact problem for measuring the creep recovery in the penetration of a steel ball. As in the similar method of uniaxial compression, the temperature dependence of characteristic relaxation times can be computed from the experimental results on (residual depth of penetration creep recovery) ∼θ (temperature) curves by using the analytical results. The temperature dependence is in good agreement with that obtained from the results in uniaxial compression. The method using the RN (Rockwell Number) ∼θ curves obtained at a constant rate of temperature rise (2°C min−1) by a conventional Rockwell testing machine, is recommended as the simplest method and may be successfully used for various polymer solids. The effect of differences in molecular structure on the temperature dependence of mechanical behavior can be demonstrated clearly by this method. The results on thermosetting laminates are also presented. Further, the merits of this creep recovery are discussed.
Annular Flows for Measuring the Second Normal Stress Difference
Authors: Tanner R. I.
Published: July 2002

Experimental problems arising in the measurement of the second normal stress difference are discussed. An approximate method (with error estimates) for inversion of experimental data is given. A potentially exact numerical approach for data inversion is also suggested. Some results on polyisobutylene-cetane solutions are shown to be in close agreement with previously published work. Finally, an adaptation of the given technique for finding the first normal stress difference without the use of rotating parts is considered.
Characterization of Linear Viscoelastic Materials
Authors: Gradowczyk M. H. , Moavenzadeh F.
Published: July 2002

An analytical technique is developed to provide consistency in the experimental results obtained in creep and relaxation tests of linear viscoelastic materials. A characterization procedure, using exponential series, for creep and relaxation is presented. Conditions for the positiveness of the coefficients of the exponential series, which guarantee that the characterization is consistent with the physical behavior of the material, are derived.
Precision Falling Sphere Viscometry
Authors: Cygan David A. , Caswell Bruce
Published: July 2002

Terminal velocity data of spheres falling in a polyisobutylene (PIB) solution were obtained in sealed tubes. The tubes were easily invertible so that the fall of a sphere could be repeated as often as desired. The sealed tubes have the further advantage that degradation of the fluid is greatly reduced when compared to similar experiments in open tubes. Precisely reproducible velocities were obtained by careful temperature control and by measurement of the radial eccentricity. From such data it is possible to calculate the zero-shear viscosity, η0, provided the range of effective shear rates is sufficiently small. To acquire data in this range it is necessary to use spheres with small effective mass (actual mass less the mass of the displaced fluid). Spheres of various materials (nylon, ruby, steel, and carbide) were used, and their properties were checked by dropping them in a Newtonian fluid of known viscosity. In some cases the sphere properties were found to fall outside the tolerances specified by the manufacturers. A test of the absolute accuracy of the falling sphere method was made with a calibrated oil supplied by the Cannon Instrument Company. The viscosity measured with the spheres is within half a percent of the value specified. The data have been analyzed with formulae derived from perturbation calculations based on the theory of Rivlin-Ericksen fluids. These formulae include the effects of walls and fluid inertia. The third order theory predicts the initial departure from Stokes law. Ideally η0 can be obtained by extrapolation of data in the range of the third order theory. However, for the PIB solution this range appears not to exist or else it falls below that of most of the data. Since the above extrapolation was not feasible, data were taken in tubes of four sizes, and η0 was then deduced from the wall effect formulas. The value so obtained was found to be in good agreement with the values obtained from an extrapolation which assumes the apparent viscosity based on Stokes law varies exponentially with the shear stress. This type of limiting behavior contradicts the third order theory but describes the data remarkably well.
Finite Amplitude Dynamic Motion of Viscoelastic Materials
Authors: Yen Hsiaw-Chin , McIntire L. V.
Published: July 2002

The BKZ theory is applied to finite amplitude dynamic motion of polymer solutions. Material parameters are obtained by fitting steady shearing and small amplitude oscillatory data. Predictions of η′(γ0,ω)/η′(ω) and G′(γ0,ω)/G′(ω) are shown to be quite good. The second normal stress predictions are also in agreement with the currently accepted sign and magnitude.
Viscoelastic Measurements of Poly(dimethylsiloxanes) and a Polystyrene Solution Using the Layered Waveguide Technique
Authors: Hunston Donald L. , Knauss Carl J. , Palmer Maurice B. , Myers Raymond R.
Published: July 2002

An experimental system is developed to measure the high frequency (1 MHz to 7 MHz) viscoelastic constants of liquids and deformable solids using a layered waveguide geometry consisting of an aluminum strip delay line upon which coatings are applied. A piezoelectric transducer mounted at one end is used to generate and receive pulses of radio frequency shear waves that reflect back and forth in the line. The change in attenuation and the phase shift of the wave in the line produced when the sample coating is applied are measured by a calibrated attenuator method and an echo superposition technique, respecively. From these measurements the viscoelastic constants of the sample are calculated using the layered waveguide equations developed earlier. The conditions under which these equations can be applied to the delay line are discussed in detail. Tests were made with a series of four poly(dimethylsiloxane) samples having static viscosities ranging from 100 to 100,000 centistokes. The measure changes are calculated for a wave traveling 1 cm in the delay line and are reproducible to within ±0.009 decibels/cm of attenuation and ±0.06 degrees/cm of phase shift in a total change of 0.5 dB/cm and 1.4 degrees/cm. The measured viscoelastic properties agree with those reported in the literature. The delay line has a high sensitivity to liquids. Measurements on a 3.64 centipoise toluene solution of polystyrene agree with values obtained by extrapolating lower frequency measurements reported in the literature.
Polymeric and colloidal modes of relaxation in latex dispersions containing associative triblock copolymers
Authors: Pham Q. T. , Russel W. B. , Thibeault J. C. , Lau W.
Published: July 2002

The viscoelasticity of latex dispersions containing triblock associative polymers exhibits multiple modes of relaxation. Here we confirm that the behavior at high frequency is imparted by the associated solution and characterized by a high frequency modulus and relaxation time comparable to the neat micellar solution at the same concentration. At low frequencies, diffusional modes of the particles generate a power law spectrum of relaxation times. Here the time scales and the volume fraction dependence of the contribution reflect the slower dynamics of particles incorporated into a percolating network via weak attractions between the adsorbed polymer layers. The viscoelasticity of the dispersions is correlated by superimposing the two modes.
Investigation of Inactive Disease States Among Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry
Authors: Mannion Melissa L. , Xie Fenglong , Beukelman Timothy ,   for the CARRA Registry Investigators
Published: July 2022

Objective

Inactive disease is the treatment goal for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but there are multiple measures for disease activity. The objective was to compare individuals with JIA who meet different definitions for inactive disease.

Methods

Disease activity measures were determined at the 1‐year follow‐up visit for all patients with JIA enrolled in a North American multicenter registry from 2015 to 2019, the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry. Patient and disease characteristics between those who met only one composite definition of inactive disease were compared by χ2 for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank sum for continuous variables. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated for simple disease measures.

Results

Among all 2904 patients with JIA enrolled in the CARRA Registry with 1‐year visit data, 1984 (68%) had no active joints, 1485 (51%) had a physician global score of 0, 1366 (47%) had a patient/parent global score of 0, 1293 (45%) met the American College of Rheumatology provisional criteria for clinical inactive disease (ACR CID), and 1325 (46%) had a clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (cJADAS10) of 1 or less. Almost half (47%) did not meet either composite definition of inactive disease, and 38% met both ACR CID and cJADAS10 of 1 or less.

Conclusion

In a multicenter cohort of patients with JIA in North America, a large proportion of patients had inactive disease by single or composite measures after 1 year of observation in the Registry. There was significant overlap between patients who met ACR CID criteria and those who had a cJADAS10 of 1 or less. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the reasons for discordance in inactive disease measures.
Multiple Coordination‐Derived Bioactive Hydrogel with Proangiogenic Hemostatic Capacity for Wound Repair
Authors: Luo Meng , Wang Yidan , Xie Chenxi , Lei Bo
Published: July 2022

Bioactive hydrogels with multifunctional properties have shown promising potential in promoting wound repair and skin tissue regeneration. The regulation on different stages of skin wound healing (hemostasis and inflammation) is important for wound repair. Herein, a multiple coordination‐derived bioactive hydrogel (SGPA) with anti‐inflammatory proangiogenic hemostatic capacity for wound repair is reported. The SGPA is prepared through a facile multiple metal coordination action based on the sodium alginate, metal ions (Gd3+), and bisphosphate functionalized polycitrate. The SGPA exhibits a large porous structure, good injectability, and self‐healing performance, as well as controlled biodegradation. Furthermore, the SGPA has good cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility, and can further promote the migration of endothelial cells. The SGPA hydrogel presents good hemostasis capacity in a liver hemorrhage model in vivo. The full‐thickness cutaneous wound model demonstrates that the SGPA hydrogel can effectively accelerate the wound repair through down‐regulating the inflammatory factors and stimulating the angiogenesis around the wound beds. This work suggests that the multiple metal‐organic coordination may be a good strategy to construct the multifunctional bioactive hydrogel for wound repair.
A Bioprinted Bruch's Membrane for Modeling Smoke‐Induced Retinal Pigment Epithelium Degeneration via Hybrid Membrane Printing Technology
Authors: Kim Jongmin , Kong Jeong Sik , Kim Hyeonji , Jo Yeonggwon , Cho Dong‐Woo , Jang Jinah
Published: July 2022

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) not only forms the outer blood‐retinal barrier (oBRB) but also plays a multifunctional role in the ocular system. The loss of this epithelium leads to serious diseases resulting in vision impairment. No effective treatment is available for the repair of RPE damage. A functional in vitro RPE model that allows the recapitulation of oBRB‐related pathophysiological responses is lacking. Here, a hybrid membrane printing technology is developed to fabricate cellular monolayers on the basement membrane to mimic human Bruch's membrane (BM). Using this technology, in vitro oBRB model containing the RPE monolayer on the printed BM with stable mechanical properties and fibril diameter similar to that of natural BM is developed. Compared to traditional collagen bioink, BM‐based bioink significantly promotes RPE functions in vitro. Finally, smoking‐like conditions are exposed to the model to recapitulate the absorption of mainstream cigarette smoke which is known as one of the risk factors for the disease progression. RPE function is damaged due to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the versatility of the model as a drug‐testing platform is confirmed by the suppression of oxidative stress via antioxidants. This technology shows potential for fabricating a functional oBRB model that reflects patient conditions.
Self‐Propelling Nanomotors Integrated with Biofilm Microenvironment‐Activated NO Release to Accelerate Healing of Bacteria‐Infected Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Xie Shuang , Huang Kun , Peng Jiawen , Liu Yuan , Cao Wenxiong , Zhang Dandan , Li Xiaohong
Published: July 2022

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treatment is challenged by persistent bacterial infection and hyperglycemia‐caused vascular dysplasia. Herein, self‐propelled nanomotors are designed to achieve biofilm microenvironment (BME)‐activated multistage release of NO for effective sterilization and subsequent angiogenesis promotion. CaO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are capped with PDA layers, followed by complexation with Fe2+ and surface grafting of cysteine‐NO to obtain Janus Ca@PDAFe‐CNO NPs. In response to low pH in BME, the decomposition of CaO2 cores generates O2 from one side of Janus NPs to propel biofilm penetration, and the released H2O2 and Fe2+ produce •OH through Fenton reaction. The concurrent glutathione‐triggered release of NO can be converted into reactive nitrogen species, which exhibit significantly higher bactericidal efficacy than those with only generation of •OH or NO. The slow release of NO for an extended time period promotes endothelial cell proliferation and migration. On Staphylococcus aureus‐infected skin wounds of diabetic mice, NP treatment eliminates bacterial infections and significantly elevates blood vessel densities, leading to full wound recovery and regeneration of arranged collagen fibers and skin accessories. Thus, the self‐propelling and multistage release of NO provide a feasible strategy to combat biofilm infection without using any antibiotics and accelerate angiogenesis and wound healing for DFU treatment.
Coordination Symmetry Breaking of Single‐Atom Catalysts for Robust and Efficient Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia
Authors: Cheng Xue‐Feng , He Jing‐Hui , Ji Hao‐Qing , Zhang Hao‐Yu , Cao Qiang , Sun Wu‐Ji , Yan Cheng‐Lin , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: July 2022

Nitrate electrocatalytic reduction (NO3RR) for ammonia production is a promising strategy to close the N‐cycle from nitration contamination, as well as an alternative to the Haber–Bosch process with less energy consumption and carbon dioxide release. However, current long‐term stability of NO3RR catalysts is usually tens of hours, far from the requirements for industrialization. Here, symmetry‐broken Cusingle‐atom catalysts are designed, and the catalytic activity is retained after operation for more than 2000 h, while an average ammonia production rate of 27.84 mg h−1 cm−2 at an industrial level current density of 366 mA cm−2 is achieved, obtaining a good balance between catalytic activity and long‐term stability. Coordination symmetry breaking is achieved by embedding one Cu atom in graphene nanosheets with two N and two O atoms in the cis‐configuration, effectively lowering the coordination symmetry, rendering the active site more polar, and accumulating more NO3− near the electrocatalyst surface. Additionally, the cis‐coordination splits the Cu 3d orbitals, which generates an orbital‐symmetry‐matched π‐complex of the key intermediate *ONH and reduces the energy barrier, compared with the σ‐complex generated with other catalysts. These results reveal the critical role of coordination symmetry in single‐atom catalysts, prompting the design of more coordination‐symmetry‐broken electrocatalysts toward possible industrialization.
Skin‐Interfaced Microfluidic System with Machine Learning‐Enabled Image Processing of Sweat Biomarkers in Remote Settings
Authors: Baker Lindsay B. , Seib Melissa S. , Barnes Kelly A. , Brown Shyretha D. , King Michelle A. , De Chavez Peter John D. , Qu Shankang , Archer Julian , Wolfe Anthony S. , Stofan John R. , Carter James M. , Wright Donald E. , Wallace Jessica , Yang Da Som , Liu Shanliangzi , Anderson John , Fort Tucker , Li Weihua , Wright John A. , Lee Stephen P. , Model Jeffrey B. , Rogers John A. , Aranyosi Alexander J. , Ghaffari Roozbeh
Published: July 2022

Dehydration has many deleterious effects on cognitive and physical performance as well as physiological function, in the context of sports, industrial work, clinical rehabilitation, and military applications. Because sweat loss and electrolyte loss vary across individuals, conventional sweat testing strategies using absorbent patch techniques are employed in laboratory settings to characterize sweat biomarkers; however, these techniques are not suitable for remote environments. Here, an updated wearable microfluidic sweat testing system targeted for recreational athletes is presented that includes a microfluidic patch accommodating a broad range of sweating rates, and a smartphone app incorporating digital image processing algorithms to enable real‐time analysis under different lighting conditions and patch orientations. Expansive field trials (n = 148 subjects) show significant correlations between the microfluidic patch and standard absorbent patch in measuring sweating rate and sweat chloride concentration during recreational exercise. This validation study demonstrates the applicability of the microfluidic patch and software platform for field testing in recreational athletes.
Laparoscopic versus open resection for stage II/III rectal cancer in obese patients: A multicenter propensity score‐based analysis of short‐ and long‐term outcomes
Authors: Akagi Tomonori , Nakajima Kentaro , Hirano Yasumitsu , Abe Tomoya , Inada Ryo , Kono Yohei , Shiroshita Hidefumi , Ohyama Tetsuji , Inomata Masafumi , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Naitoh Takeshi , Sakai Yoshiharu , Watanabe Masahiko ,   the Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Published: July 2022

Aim

Whether a laparoscopic procedure can contribute to the improvement of clinical outcomes in obese patients with stage II/III rectal cancer compared to an open procedure remains unclear.

Objective

This study evaluated the technical and oncological safety of laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m2) with rectal cancer.

Patients and Methods

Data were collected from patients with pathological stage II/III rectal cancer and analyzed. Operations were performed via laparoscopic or open surgery from 2009 to 2013. A comparative analysis was performed after applying propensity score matching to the two cohorts (laparoscopic group and open group). The primary endpoint was 3‐y relapse‐free survival (RFS).

Results

Overall, 524 eligible cases were collected from 51 institutions. Equal numbers of propensity score‐matched patients were included in the laparoscopic (n = 193) group and open (n = 193) group. Although the rate of D3 lymph node dissection did not differ between the laparoscopic group (87.0%) and the open group (88.6%), the median number of harvested lymph nodes was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group versus open group (17.5 vs 21, P = 0.0047). The median postoperative hospital stay was also significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (14 d) vs the open group (17 d) (P = 0.0014). Three‐y RFS was not significantly different between the two groups (hazard ratio 1.2454, 95% confidence interval 0.9201–1.6884, P = 0.4689).

Conclusion

The short‐ and long‐term results of this large cohort study (UMIN ID: UMIN000033529) indicated that laparoscopic surgery in obese rectal cancer patients has advantageous short‐term outcomes and no disadvantageous long‐term outcomes.
A Dual‐Encoded Bead‐Based Immunoassay with Tunable Detection Range for COVID‐19 Serum Evaluation
Authors: Lin Zhun , Zhang Jie , Zou Zhengyu , Lu Gen , Wu Minhao , Niu Li , Zhang Yuanqing
Published: July 2022

Serological assay for coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) patients including asymptomatic cases can inform on disease progression and prognosis. A detection method taking into account multiplex, high sensitivity, and a wider detection range will help to identify and treat COVID‐19. Here we integrated color‐size dual‐encoded beads and rolling circle amplification (RCA) into a bead‐based fluorescence immunoassay implemented in a size sorting chip to achieve high‐throughput and sensitive detection. We used the assay for quantifying COVID‐19 antibodies against spike S1, nucleocapsid, the receptor binding domain antigens. It also detected inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin‐6, interleukin‐1β, procalcitonin, C‐reactive protein whose concentrations range from pg mL−1 to μg mL−1. Use of different size beads integrating with RCA results in a tunable detection range. The assay can be readily modified to simultaneously measure more COVID‐19 serological molecules differing by orders of magnitude.
Cocrystallization Enabled Spatial Self‐Confinement Approach to Synthesize Crystalline Porous Metal Oxide Nanosheets for Gas Sensing
Authors: Yang Xuanyu , Shi Yatong , Xie Kefeng , Fang Shaoming , Zhang Yonghui , Deng Yonghui
Published: July 2022

Crystalline metal oxide nanosheets show exceptional catalytic performance owing to the large surface‐to‐volume ratio and quantum confinement effect. However, it is still a challenge to develop a facile and general method to synthesize metal oxide nanosheets. Herein, we report a cocrystallization induced spatial self‐confinement approach to synthesize metal oxide nanosheets. Taking the synthesis of SnO2as an example, the solvent evaporation from KCl and SnCl2solution induces the cocrystallization of KCl and K2SnCl6, and the obtained composite with encapsulated K2SnCl6can be in situ converted into SnO2nanosheets confined in KCl matrix, after water washing to remove KCl, porous SnO2nanosheets can be obtained. Notably, a series of metal oxide nanosheets can be obtained through this general and efficient green route. In particular, porous CeO2/SnO2nanosheets with improved surface O−species and abundant oxygen vacancies exhibit superior gas sensing performance to 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone.
Framework Adaptability and Concerted Structural Response in a Bismuth Metal‐Organic Framework Catalyst.
Authors: Gómez‐Oliveira Eloy P. , Reinares‐Fisac Daniel , Aguirre‐Díaz Lina M. , Esteban‐Betegón Fátima , Pintado‐Sierra Mercedes , Gutiérrez‐Puebla Enrique , Iglesias Marta , Ángeles Monge M. , Gándara Felipe
Published: July 2022

Bismuth metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as heterogeneous catalysts are scarce, and there is little knowledge on the influence of the MOF features on their resulting activity and behavior. Here, we present the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity in the one‐pot multicomponent Strecker reaction with ketones of three new MOFs prepared with the combination of indium or bismuth and 4,4′,4′′,4′′′‐methanetetrayltetrabenzoic acid. One of them, denoted BiPF‐7, is very robust and chemically stable, and demonstrates a high activity in the formation of the desired α‐aminonitriles. The interaction of the catalytic substrates with the metal centers in this MOF has been crystallographically characterized, showcasing a concerted framework adaptability process that involves structural changes in framework components that are not directly involved in the binding of the guests.
Cocrystallization Enabled Spatial Self‐Confinement Approach to Synthesize Crystalline Porous Metal Oxide Nanosheets for Gas Sensing
Authors: Yang Xuanyu , Shi Yatong , Xie Kefeng , Fang Shaoming , Zhang Yonghui , Deng Yonghui
Published: July 2022

Crystalline metal oxide nanosheets show exceptional catalytic performance owing to the large surface‐to‐volume ratio and quantum confinement effect. However, it is still a challenge to develop a facile and general method to synthesize metal oxide nanosheets. Herein, we report a cocrystallization induced spatial self‐confinement approach to synthesize metal oxide nanosheets. Taking the synthesis of SnO2 as an example, the solvent evaporation from KCl and SnCl2 solution induces the cocrystallization of KCl and K2SnCl6, and the obtained composite with encapsulated K2SnCl6 can be in situ converted into SnO2 nanosheets confined in KCl matrix, after water washing to remove KCl, porous SnO2 nanosheets can be obtained. Notably, a series of metal oxide nanosheets can be obtained through this general and efficient green route. In particular, porous CeO2/SnO2 nanosheets with improved surface O− species and abundant oxygen vacancies exhibit superior gas sensing performance to 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone.
Self‐Assembly of Adaptive Chiral [1]Rotaxane for Thermo‐Rulable Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Song Xin , Zhu Xuefeng , Qiu Shuai , Tian Wei , Liu Minghua
Published: July 2022

It remains a formidable challenge to realize thermo‐rulable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). Herein, we propose a new strategy by covalently “potting” the emitter into a flexible chiral macrocycle as an adaptive chiral [1]rotaxane to address this issue. Different from its included analogue, the potted emitter[DS]showed adaptive conformers with tunable CPL in varied solvents. Significantly, upon controlled self‐assembly,[DS]formed a channel‐type nanoarchitecture ([DS]A), which exhibited an extraordinary thermo‐rulable CPL between 25–100 °C. Impressively, theglumwas large as 0.024 at 25 °C, which was amplified to 0.040 at 90 °C with a decrease of QY (from 92 % to 80 %). By comparison, the assemblies of cage‐type[DS]Band the unpotted emitter showed irreversible or unanswered thermal behaviors. The work demonstrated the thermo‐rulable and durable CPL for the first time and provided an insightful understanding of thermal effect on high‐temperature and switchable CPL materials.
Mechanical properties and reprocessability ofDiels‐Alder‐based reversible networks from furan‐modified resins
Authors: Marotta Angela , Salzano de Luna Martina , D'Avino Amalia , Fornaro Mattia , Filippone Giovanni , Ambrogi Veronica
Published: July 2022

The design of thermosetting materials needs to account for their environmental impact, both in the production and the end‐of‐life phases. In this study, the furan/maleimide Diels‐Alder (DA) chemistry is exploited to develop reprocessable and self‐healing networks. In particular, an epoxy monomer is first functionalized with furanic molecules obtaining DA precursors in which the diene moiety is either a pendant or a terminal group. These precursors are mixed at different relative ratios and then crosslinked with 4,4′‐bismaleimido‐diphenylmethane. The reversible nature of the formed network is investigated by thermal and dynamic‐mechanical analysis. Then the effect of the formulation, in terms of DA network architecture, on the mechanical properties and reprocessability of the resulting crosslinked materials is studied. In detail, the flexural behavior of the as‐prepared samples and reprocessed ones is evaluated, highlighting the influence of composition on the recycling efficiency.
Electron‐beam irradiated ceramizable‐silicone‐rubber‐composites containing allyl‐functionalized cyclophosphazene
Authors: Wang Le , Leng Bingbing , Shan Cengliang , Zhao Xu , Zhu Chunhui , Liu Yang , Zhang Hongyan , Xu Wenge , Liu Baijun
Published: July 2022

In the current study, the ceramifiable‐silicone‐rubber‐composites (CSRs) containing allyl‐functionalized cyclophosphazene (CP‐Allyl) were prepared for studying as novel fire‐resistant insulating materials. Electron‐beam (EB) irradiation was applied to obtain the cross‐linked networks, and the gel content of 98.8% could be achieved at an irradiation dose of 120 kGy. The thermal, mechanical, flame retardancy and insulation properties were well investigated, and it was found that the involvement of CP‐Allyl could have a great influence on the properties. The tensile stress of the EB‐irradiated CP‐Allyl containing composite reached 5.2 MPa, and its limiting oxygen index was up to 32.4%. After ablation at 700–1000°C, it was observed that the shapes of the CSR samples could be well maintained, and the hard and integrated ceramic phases were formed. All the studies indicate that these CSRs may be the promising insulating materials for wires and cables.
Effects of bagasse fiber as the renewable environmentally friendly material on the properties of the waterborne intumescent fireproof coating
Authors: Zhan Wang , Ma Zhongfei , Du Daolin , Sun Zhihao , Li Lixia , Gu Zhaozhan , Chen Le , Jiang Juncheng , Chen Zhiquan
Published: July 2022

In order to recycle the waste, the wasted bagasse was applied as fire‐retardant filler to prepare the waterborne intumescent fireproof coating. The effects of bagasse on the properties of the fireproof coating were investigated by fire protection test, thermogravimetric analysis, smoke suppression test, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water resistance test and mechanical properties test. The result demonstrated the coating with 1.5% bagasse performed best in the fire protection, thermal stability, and smoke suppression test. Moreover, the char layer of the sample after the fire protection was dense and continuous. However, the fireproof coating contained 2% bagasse had excellent performance in water resistance test and mechanical properties test due to the properties of fiber. Furthermore, the components and chemical structure of char layers were characterized to study the flame retardant mechanism of bagasse in the fireproof coating.
Study the synergistic effect of fumed silica and reduced graphene oxide insertion on the thermal, mechanical, tribological, and solvent transport properties of silicone rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Sarath Pampayil Sasikumar , Pahovnik David , Utroša Petra , Onder Ozgun Can , Thomas Sabu , Haponiuk Józef T. , George Soney C.
Published: July 2022

This study explored the effects of hybrid nanofillers such as fumed silica (FSiO2) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the mechanical, thermal, solvent transport, and tribological properties of silicone rubber nanocomposite (QMSirGO). A pin‐on‐disc test system was used to investigate the friction and wear properties of QMSirGO nanocomposites, which were significantly influenced by the applied load, temperature, and rGO concentration. Study shows that better graphene oxide dispersion in the matrix paved the way for improved tensile and dynamic mechanical properties and lowered the coefficient of friction and specific wear rate (Ws) values. Compared to silicone rubber (QM), the friction coefficient of the QMSirGO1.5 composite was reduced by around 40%. The mechanism involves the formation of a lubricant layer, which smooths the material surface that comes into contact with the metal surface. In the solvent transport study, we investigated the effect of solvents' structure, molecular size, filler concentration, and the transport mechanism of composites, and the extent of reinforcement was evaluated using Kraus equations.
Global labour, local frameworks: Timor‐Leste and Australiaʼs Seasonal Worker Programme
Authors: Rose Michael
Published: July 2022

In 2018–19 some 12,000 people from the Pacific and Timor‐Leste came to Australia with its Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP), part of a worldwide trend towards labour mobility. The ways in which Timorese workers use money earned individually within the SWP are shaped by broadly collectivist frameworks for understanding wealth and work embedded in their home communities. Drawing on fieldwork in Timor‐Leste and the literature on livelihood seeking and governance there, this article shows how for most Timorese in the SWP the impact of international work is mediated by local custom.
Evaluation of the benefits for mapping faint archaeological features by using an ultra‐dense ground‐penetrating‐radar antenna array
Authors: Linck Roland , Stele Andreas , Schuler Hans‐Martin
Published: July 2022

Modern archaeo‐geophysical radar surveys are often executed with multichannel antenna arrays, which allows a much faster survey progress combined with a denser profile spacing. Furthermore, from a methodological point of view, a full 3D dataset is necessary to resolve small targets of a few decimetre diameter. However, only a few test surveys deal with the evaluation of the real improvement in data quality by applying such multichannel arrays. In this paper, a test survey with the IDS Stream‐C 600‐MHz radar device on a small area covering the Roman Bath of Kempten‐Cambodunum is presented. The aim of the study is to figure out whether faint archaeological remains like hypocaust pillars, that is, the pillars of a Roman floor heating system, that are missed by single‐channel devices, are detectable in an ultra‐dense antenna array. Thus, the same area was simultaneously mapped with both GPR configurations. The results of this case study demonstrate the benefit of such antenna arrays for the archaeological prospection of small subsurface features with a diameter of 25 cm or less. For ground‐truthing of the results, a comparison with old excavation maps was executed.
Lemon seed oil: An alternative source for the production of glycerol‐free biodiesel
Authors: Drago Carmelo , Morrone Raffaele , D'Antona Nicola , Ruberto Giuseppe , Napoli Edoardo
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was the evaluation of two different procedures for the one‐pot transformation of oil extracted from Citrus limon seeds to a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and glycerol derivatives for application as a potential biofuel. Lemon seed oil was obtained by Soxhlet extraction. The first procedure was realized by efficient irreversible transesterification of the oil in hexane by lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435®) using dimethyl carbonate as the alcohol donor. For the realization of the second methodology an acid‐catalyzed transformation was carried out, dissolving the seed oil in methyl tert‐butyl ether in a microwave tube using Amberlyst®‐36 dry form catalyst. Both procedures, in optimized conditions, led to the complete conversion of the triglycerides to give the corresponding FAMEs and a mixture of glycerol derivatives. The absence of free glycerol in the final mixtures makes the two herein described procedures considerably advantageous in terms of both cost and sustainability since they enable performance of the production of FAMEs without requiring steps to remove glycerol. These final mixtures may be used in the energy chain and exploited as biofuels. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.