bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Lipoproteins of Furoxans–Oxaliplatin Remodel Physical Barriers in Tumor to Potentiate T‐Cell Infiltration
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Xie Honglei , Wu Yao , Xu Shuzhou , Li Yongping , Li Jie , Xu Xiaoxuan , Wang Siling , Li Yaping , Zhang Zhiwen
Published: January 2022

The infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in tumors is critically challenged by the intricate intratumor physical barriers, which is emerging as an important issue of anticancer immunotherapy. Herein, a reduction‐sensitive nitric oxide donor conjugate of furoxans–oxaliplatin is synthesized and a stroma‐cell‐accessible bioinspired lipoprotein system (S‐LFO) is designed, aiming to facilitate CTL infiltration in tumors for anticancer immunotherapy. S‐LFO treatment significantly promotes tumor vessel normalization and eliminates multiple components of tumor stroma, ultimately producing a 2.96‐fold, 5.02‐fold, and 8.65‐fold increase of CD3+CD8+ T cells, their interferon‐γ‐ and granzyme B‐expressing subtypes when comparing to the negative control, and considerably facilitating their trafficking to the cancer cell regions in tumors. Moreover, the combination of S‐LFO with an antiprogrammed death ligand‐1 produces notable therapeutic benefits of retarded tumor growth and extends survivals in three murine tumor models. Therefore, this study provides an encouraging strategy of remodeling the intratumor physical barriers to potentiate CTL infiltration for anticancer immunotherapy.
Surface Nitridation of PdCu Nanosheets to Promote Charge Transfer and Suppress CO Poisoning toward Ethanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Meng Xiaomin , Zeng Tiantian , Ma Siyuan , Zheng Linwei , Chen Haibo , Yuan Weiyong , Zhang Lian Ying
Published: January 2022

Although PdCu alloy is recognized as an active catalyst for ethanol electrooxidation, its activity needs significant enhancement to satisfy the practical application. In this study, surface nitrided PdCu nanosheets are constructed through a facile nitrogen plasma treatment. The obtained catalyst shows highly enhanced catalytic activity and stability toward ethanol oxidation reaction in comparison with normal PdCu nanosheets and Pd nanosheets. The improvement should be ascribed to the combined electronic and structural effects from introduced Cu and facile surface nitridation, which promote charge transfer and suppress CO poisoning. This work offers a guideline to design and synthesize efficient catalysts for energy electrocatalysis by rational surface engineering.
Phototransistors Based on Organic Small Molecules–Ruddlesden‐Popper Layered Perovskite Single Crystal Heterojunctions
Authors: Sun Huijuan , Liu Hui , Liu Fengjing , Liu Hao , Jiang Chao , Zhang Yiwei
Published: January 2022

In photodetectors based on heterojunctions of organic semiconductor and hybrid perovskite, the strong light absorbing ability of perovskite and the gate‐tunability of organic semiconductor can be preferably incorporated. However, the charge current transfer at the interface, and the double channel transportation in the heterojunctions are not fully understood. The authors successfully transfer the mechanically exfoliated Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) layered perovskite single crystal to the thermal evaporated organic small molecule semiconductor forming a heterojunction. Based on the heterojunction, two configurations of light detecting devices are prepared in which the perovskite layer acts as either a conducting channel and light absorbing layer or light absorbing layer only. The light detecting performance of such devices is systematically investigated. The charge transfer from the perovskite single crystal to the organic semiconductor layer is observed by Kelvin Probe Force Microscope characterization. They also find that the n values of the RP layered perovskite can significantly influence the property of the heterojunction and charge transfer process. For single channel devices a responsivity of 5.87 × 102 A W−1 and a detectivity of 5.13 × 1012 Jones is realized.
Acoustic Metamaterials for Noise Reduction: A Review
Authors: Gao Nansha , Zhang Zhicheng , Deng Jie , Guo Xinyu , Cheng Baozhu , Hou Hong
Published: January 2022

Noise pollution has become a significant global problem in recent years. Unfortunately, conventional acoustic materials cannot offer substantial improvements in noise reduction. However, acoustic metamaterials are providing new solutions for controlling sound waves, and have huge potential for mitigating noise propagation in particular. Recently, owing to the rapid development of acoustic metamaterials, metamaterials for acoustic noise reduction have drawn the attention of researchers worldwide. These metamaterials are often both light and compact, and are excellent at reducing low‐frequency noise, which is difficult to control with conventional acoustic materials. Recent progress has illustrated that acoustic metamaterials effectively control sound waves, and optimizing their structure can enable functionality based on new physical phenomena. This review introduces the development of acoustic metamaterials, and summarizes the basic classification, underlying physical mechanism, application scenarios, and emerging research trends for both passive and active noise‐reduction metamaterials. Focusing on noise reduction, the shortcomings of current technologies are discussed, and future development trends are predicted. As our knowledge in this area continues to expand, it is expected that acoustic metamaterials will continue to improve and find more practical applications in emerging fields in the future.
hESCs‐Derived Early Vascular Cell Spheroids for Cardiac Tissue Vascular Engineering and Myocardial Infarction Treatment
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Yifan , Mei Tianxiao , Cao Hao , Hu Yihui , Jia Wenwen , Wang Jing , Zhang Ziliang , Wang Zhan , Le Wenjun , Liu Zhongmin
Published: January 2022

Transplanting functional cells to treat myocardial infarction (MI), a major disease threatening human health, has become the focus of global therapy. However, the efficacy has not been well anticipated, partly due to the lack of microvascular system that supplies nutrients and oxygen. Here, spheroids of early vascular cells (EVCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), rather than single‐cell forms, as transplant “seeds” for reconstructing microvascular networks, are proposed. Firstly, EVCs containing CD34+ vascular progenitor cells are identified, which effectively differentiate into endothelial cells in situ and form vascular networks in extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel. Secondly, cardiac microtissues and cardiac patches with well‐organized microvasculature are fabricated by three‐dimensional (3D) co‐culture or bioprinting with EVCs and cardiomyocytes in hydrogel. Notably, in 3D‐bioprinted myocardial models, self‐assembly vascularization of EVC spheroids is found to be significantly superior to EVC single cells. EVC spheroids are also injected into ischemic region of MI mouse models to explore its therapeutic potential. These findings uncover hESCs‐derived EVC spheroids rather than single cells are more accessible for complex vasculature engineering, which is of great potential for cardiac tissue vascular engineering and MI treatment by cell therapy.
Highly Stretchable High‐Performance Silicon Nanowire Field Effect Transistors Integrated on Elastomer Substrates
Authors: Song Xiaopan , Zhang Ting , Wu Lei , Hu Ruijin , Qian Wentao , Liu Zongguang , Wang Junzhuan , Shi Yi , Xu Jun , Chen Kunji , Yu Linwei
Published: January 2022

Quasi‐1D silicon nanowires (SiNWs) field effect transistors (FETs) integrated upon large‐area elastomers are advantageous candidates for developing various high‐performance stretchable electronics and displays. In this work, it is demonstrated that an orderly array of slim SiNW channels, with a diameter of <80 nm, can be precisely grown into desired locations via an in‐plane solid‐liquid‐solid (IPSLS) mechanism, and reliably batch‐transferred onto large area polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers. Within an optimized discrete FETs‐on‐islands architecture, the SiNW‐FETs can sustain large stretching strains up to 50% and repetitive testing for more than 1000 cycles (under 20% strain), while achieving a high hole carrier mobility, Ion/Ioff current ratio and subthreshold swing (SS) of ≈70 cm2 V−1 s−1, >105 and 134 ‐ 277 mV decade−1, respectively, working stably in an ambient environment over 270 days without any passivation protection. These results indicate a promising new routine to batch‐manufacture and integrate high‐performance, scalable and stretchable SiNW‐FET electronics that can work stably in harsh and large‐strain environments, which is a key capability for future practical flexible display and wearable electronic applications.
Mouse Modeling Dissecting Macrophage–Breast Cancer Communication Uncovered Roles of PYK2 in Macrophage Recruitment and Breast Tumorigenesis
Authors: Müller Anna‐Katharina , Köhler Ulrike A. , Trzebanski Sébastien , Vinik Yaron , Raj Harsha Mohan , Girault Jean‐Antoine , Ben‐Chetrit Nir , Maraver Antonio , Jung Steffen , Lev Sima
Published: January 2022

Macrophage infiltration in mammary tumors is associated with enhanced tumor progression, metastasis, and poor clinical outcome, and considered as target for therapeutic intervention. By using different genetic mouse models, the authors show that ablation of the tyrosine kinase PYK2, either in breast cancer cells, only in the tumor microenvironment, or in both, markedly reduces the number of infiltrating tumor macrophages and concomitantly inhibits tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. Strikingly, PYK2 ablation only in macrophages is sufficient to induce similar effects. These phenotypic changes are associated with reduced monocyte recruitment and a substantial decrease in tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs). Mechanistically, the authors show that PYK2 mediates mutual communication between breast cancer cells and macrophages through critical effects on key receptor signaling. Specifically, PYK2 ablation inhibits Notch1 signaling and consequently reduces CCL2 secretion by breast cancer cells, and concurrently reduces the levels of CCR2, CXCR4, IL‐4Rα, and Stat6 activation in macrophages. These bidirectional effects modulate monocyte recruitment, macrophage polarization, and tumor angiogenesis. The expression of PYK2 is correlated with infiltrated macrophages in breast cancer patients, and its effects on macrophage infiltration and pro‐tumorigenic phenotype suggest that PYK2 targeting can be utilized as an effective strategy to modulate TAMs and possibly sensitize breast cancer to immunotherapy.
Atomical Reconstruction and Cationic Reordering for Nickel‐Rich Layered Cathodes
Authors: Ni Lianshan , Chen Hongyi , Deng Wentao , Wang Baowei , Chen Jun , Mei Yu , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Guo Rui , Xie Jingying , Ji Xiaobo
Published: January 2022

Capacity fading and safety concerns accompanied other deep‐rooted challenges have severely hindered commercial development of Ni‐rich layered cathodes. Herein, a robust Sr‐doped Ni‐rich cathode is structurally designed by the reconstruction of the crystal lattice and electronic distribution. Notably, the orbital hybridization between Ni 3d (t2g) and O 2p is remarkably reinforced owing to the shortened NiO bond enabled by the electrostatic interaction between Ni and Sr atoms, giving rise to the enhanced crystal structure. Theoretically, the formation energy of oxygen vacancies is greatly increased due to the intensified electronic polarization between Ni and O states evoked by the weak electronegativity of Sr, resulting in the alleviation of lattice oxygen loss. More impressively, the distances of LiO bonds and the OLiO slab are also extended on account of the electrochemically inactive Sr ion functioning as a pillar, further promoting the transmission of lithium ions. Therefore, the as‐designed Sr‐modified NCM delivers an ultrahigh capacity retention of 98.5% after 150 cycles. This work provides a powerful mechanistic incentive to increase the stability of the crystal phase and electrochemical performance for Ni‐rich layered cathodes through appropriate chemical and mechanical engineering, facilitating the practical applications of Ni‐rich cathodes in high‐performance electric vehicles.
Geospatial variability mapping of soil nutrients for site specific input optimization in a part of central India
Authors: Sharma R. P. , Chattaraj Sudipta , Jangir Abhishek , Tiwari Gopal , Dash Benukantha , Daripa Amrita , Naitam Ravindra K.
Published: January 2022

The ability to define site‐specific variability affects the acceptability of precision farming. A study was conducted to determine the soil nutrient spatial variability in the Nagpur Rural block of Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India. A total of 1707 surface soil samples (0‐to‐15‐cm soil depth) were collected from a 65,386‐ha region. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and available macronutrients (N, P, K, and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn). Geostatistical modeling (kriging) was run on soil geodatabase to obtain the best‐fit experimental semivariogram having the lowest RMSE. Exponential (for pH, SOC, and N) and spherical (for P, K, and S) variogram model of ordinary kriging type as well as exponential variogram of simple kriging (for EC) were found to be best fitted to the soil parameters studied. The spatial distribution of maps showed deficiency of available N, P, and Zn, whereas soil test K, Mn, and Cu was high in most of the study area. Spatial dependence was moderate for all soil fertility parameters (N/S ratio 0.25–0.75), whereas soil test P exhibited strong spatial dependency (N/S ratio 0.19). The soil fertility maps developed through geostatistical techniques can be successfully used for managing site‐specific nutrients, enhancing fertilizer use efficiency, minimizing cost of cultivation, improving socioeconomic status of farmers, and increasing farm income without adverse effects on soil environment.
Differences in workers' compensation claim rates for within‐province and out‐of‐province workers in British Columbia, Canada, 2010–2017
Authors: Macpherson Robert A. , Neis Barbara , McLeod Christopher B.
Published: January 2022

Background

Little is known about the work‐related injury and illness risk of out‐of‐province workers. This study examines whether there are differences in work‐related injury and illness claim rates between within‐province and out‐of‐province workers in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods

Workers' compensation claim data for injuries and illnesses in BC from 2010 to 2017 were linked with denominator data from Statistics Canada. Multivariable negative binomial regression estimated the claim rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for out‐of‐province workers with all, health care‐only (HCO), short‐term disability, long‐term disability, and fatality (SLF), and serious injury (SI) claims, compared to within‐province workers.

Results

Compared to within‐province workers, out‐of‐province workers had a lower total claim rate (RR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.52–0.57), adjusting for sex, age, industry sector, and year. Differences in rates differed by claim type, with the largest differences for HCO claims (RR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.47–0.52) and smallest differences for SI claims (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78–0.92). Sex‐stratified models showed larger differences for males than females, with older female out‐of‐province workers having elevated SI claim rates. Industry‐specific models showed that, even in sectors with high proportions of out‐of‐province workers' claims, these workers have lower claim rates than within‐province workers.

Conclusions

Out‐of‐province workers generally have lower claim rates than within‐province workers. The overall duration of work exposure, and underreporting or underclaiming, are factors that may explain these lower claim rates. Understanding the determinants and differences of these claim rates may improve the administration and adjudication of claims while also identifying where further prevention measures may be merited.
Kinetic Insights into Cyanosilylation of Aldehydes Catalyzed by a Covalently Bridged Dinuclear (Salen)titanium Complex
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Liu Yanfei , Wang Zheng , Ding Kuiling
Published: January 2022

Enantioselective addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) to aldehydes is one of the most extensively studied organic reactions in asymmetric catalysis. Herein, we report our intensive kinetic investigation on the asymmetric addition of TMSCN to benzaldehyde, catalyzed by a covalently bridged dinuclear (salen)titanium complex 2, which has been one of the most efficient artificial chiral catalysts reported so far for this reaction. It was found that the method of initial rates for kinetic investigation is not appropriate in this case because of the presence of a significant incubation period in the catalysis, while the method of progress rates proved to be more reliable and efficient for judging the kinetic orders of this catalytic system. The kinetic results revealed that the reaction follows first order with respect to the catalyst and is nearly independent of concentrations of both benzaldehyde and TMSCN. A detailed catalytic mechanism for cyanosilylation of benzaldehyde in the presence of 2 was proposed, wherein the key active dinuclear species works in a cooperative manner for dual activation of both reactants.
Seasonality of reproduction in wild cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) in Colombia
Authors: Wheaton Catharine J. , Feilen Katie L. , Soto Luis H. , Medina Felix , Emeris German , Guillen Rosamira , Savage Anne
Published: January 2022

Seasonal availability of resources can influence the timing and success of reproduction in primates. This study examines the annual pattern of conceptions, mid‐term (13 weeks) and full‐term (26 weeks) pregnancy losses, births, and infant survivorship of the Critically Endangered cotton‐top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) at Proyecto Tití's long‐term field site in Santa Catalina, Colombia. Using 18 years of behavior, physical exam, and fecal steroid data (N = 51 females, 168 conceptions, 121 liters), fecal estrone conjugate (E1C) and pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide (PdG) or progesterone (P4) profiles were examined to investigate the relationships between female reproductive patterns and reproductive success with feeding and climatic data. Cotton‐top tamarins demonstrated seasonal patterns of reproduction and pregnancy losses. We found positive correlations between peak conception and nectarivory, births and rainfall, and mid‐lactation and frugivory. High body mass mothers reproducing during the peak season were more likely to have infants survive. Overall, these results suggest that tamarins use a “relaxed income‐breeder” strategy. Cotton‐top tamarins appear to maximize reproductive output at the time of ovulation, and can reduce their investment in the current reproductive effort at many stages. Changes in food availability due to habitat loss and climate change will require the Critically Endangered cotton‐top tamarins to alter their reproductive strategies to survive.
Biological mortality bias in diaphyseal growth of contemporary children: Implications for paleoauxology
Authors: Spake Laure , Hoppa Robert D. , Blau Soren , Cardoso Hugo F. V.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Biological mortality bias is the idea that individuals who comprise skeletal samples (non‐survivors) are a specific subset of the overall population, who may have been exposed to greater stress during life. Because of this, it is possible that studying growth in a skeletal population misrepresents the growth and health of survivors in that population. Using a modern sample, this study investigates whether biological mortality bias in growth may be present in archaeological skeletal samples.

Materials and methods

Postmortem computed tomography scans of 206 children aged under 13 years were collected from two institutions in the United States and Australia. The sample was separated into children who died from natural causes as proxies for non‐survivors and from accidental causes as proxies for survivors. Differences in long bone length for age were assessed through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and z‐score analysis, and these results were compared with studies linking anthropometrics and mortality risk in nonindustrialized societies.

Results

Differences in growth favoring survivors were greater for girls than for boys and seemed to increase over age. The effect in nonindustrialized societies was 1.5 to 5 times the magnitude of that in our contemporary sample.

Conclusions

A greater growth delay in girls than in boys has been documented in historical identified collections, and skeletal samples consistently become more stunted relative to modern standards over the course of growth. Our findings on biological mortality bias could explain part of these growth delays and impact interpretations of past ontogenetic environments.
The Supreme Court's Six‐Pack Is Set to Refine Arbitration Practice
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: January 2022

While the U.S. Supreme Court is in an attention‐attracting phase right now for its work on vaccine mandates, abortion, and gun rights cases, the Court has established its own parallel, concurrent and potentially expansive gaze at the business community's use of arbitration.
Will Your State Law Be Preempted? Why Two Sections of the Singapore Mediation Convention Are Problematic
Authors: Kelly Ron
Published: January 2022

Is this effect described in the above quotes appropriate?
Use of Quantitative Data in ADR
Authors: Perrotta Jacqueline , Proscia Frank
Published: January 2022

Where does the mediator's guidance for settling a case come from? Is it only from her experience? Is it merely his intuition?
Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer’s disease: An overview of experimental models and reality
Authors: Qin Chuan , Wang Kewei , Zhang Ling , Bai Lin
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. The pathology of AD is characterized by extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau, neuronal death, synapse loss, and brain atrophy. Many therapies have been tested to improve or at least effectively modify the course of AD. Meaningful data indicate that the transplantation of stem cells can alleviate neuropathology and significantly ameliorate cognitive deficits in animal models with Alzheimer's disease. Transplanted stem cells have shown their inherent advantages in improving cognitive impairment and memory dysfunction, although certain weaknesses or limitations need to be overcome. This review recapitulates rodent models for AD, the therapeutic efficacy of stem cells, influencing factors, and the underlying mechanisms behind these changes. Stem cell therapy provides perspective and challenges for its clinical application in the future.
Nitrogen‐Embedded Multi‐Resonance Heteroaromatics with Prolonged Homogeneous Hexatomic Rings
Authors: Zeng Xuan , Wang Xiang , Zhang Yuewei , Meng Guoyun , Wei Jinbei , Liu Ziyang , Jia Xiaoqin , Li Guomeng , Duan Lian , Zhang Dongdong
Published: January 2022

Nitrogen‐containing polycyclic heteroaromatics have exhibited fascinating multi‐resonance (MR) characteristics for efficient narrowband emission, but strategies to bathochromic shift their emissions while maintaining the narrow bandwidths remain exclusive. Here, homogeneous hexatomic rings are introduced into nitrogen‐embedded MR skeletons to prolong the π‐conjugation length for low‐energy electronic transitions while retaining the non‐bonding character of the remaining parts. The proof‐of‐the‐concept emitters exhibit near unity photoluminescence quantum yields with peaks at 598 nm and 620 nm and small full‐width‐at‐half‐maximums of 28 nm and 31 nm, respectively. Optimal organic light‐emitting diodes exhibit a high external quantum efficiency of 18.2 %, negligible efficiency roll‐off, and ultra‐long lifetime with negligible degradation at an initial luminance of 10 000 cd m−2 after 94 hours.
Fe3O4@PA6/MWCNT composites with multiple gradient segregated structures for electromagnetic shielding with low reflection
Authors: Wu Bozhen , Zhu Kaiqi , Wen Xinghan , Li Minpei , Yang Yuhao , Yang Jintao
Published: January 2022

Green electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have been popularly accepted as the most promising EMI shielding material used in the electronic industrial community. Nevertheless, the design and optimization for both material and structure to achieve this function remain many challenges. Herein, Fe3O4@PA6 microspheres were fabricated by an unusual reaction‐induced phase separation method, where Fe3O4 nanoparticles were in situ introduced into the polymerization system. Interestingly, most Fe3O4 nanoparticles spontaneously immigrated into PA6 microsphere, forming Fe3O4@PA6 composite microspheres, and more interestingly, the saturation magnetization and particle size of the microspheres are highly associated. Therefore, the microspheres with specific particle size and magnetic property were easily obtained by simple sieving. These microspheres were then coated by MWCNT and hot‐compressed into EMI materials with segregated structures. A multilayered structure with positive conductivity gradients and negative magnetic gradients were created. Due to this structure, electromagnetic wave can enter the materials from the impedance matching channel without a large amount of reflection on the surface. The results show that with the increase in the number of composite layers, the EMI SE increases to 24.8 dB, and the R‐value is significantly reduced to 0.51. This work provides a new feasible idea for designing low‐reflection EMI composites.
Porous carbon supported Pd catalysts derived from gelatin‐based/chitosan or polyvinyl pyrrolidone/PdCl2 blends
Authors: Huang Shuaijian , Yang Shuai , Chen Yuli , Yang Zhen , Deng Lu , Wu Yuanyuan , Zhang Taojun , Feng Ruokun , Zeng Minfeng
Published: January 2022

Novel N‐containing porous carbon supported Pd heterogeneous catalysts have been derived by carbonization of gelatin (GEL)/chitosan/PdCl2 (GEL/CS/PdCl2) and GEL/polyvinyl pyrrolidone/PdCl2 (GEL/PVP/PdCl2) blends under N2 atmosphere at 800°C. The microstructure of the resultant N‐containing carbon supported Pd heterogeneous catalysts can be tailored by the nature of the blended polymers. Much larger specific surface area, better dispersion of Pd0/PdO nanoparticles, higher Pd and N contents are found in the case of N‐containing porous carbon supported Pd heterogeneous catalysts derived from GEL/CS/PdCl2 blend system. When the mass ratio of GEL to CS is kept at 1/1, the surface area of 644.8 m2/g, rich porous structure, N % of 7.2%, and Pd0/PdO nanoparticles sized below 3 nm are obtained in the derived Pd@N‐C‐GEL/CS(1/1) catalyst. It shows excellent catalytic efficiency (higher than 90%) in Heck coupling reaction of aromatic halides and alkenes, and high recycling stabilities both in aqueous (9 runs) and organic (15 runs) phase. The high activity and stability of the novel Pd@N‐C‐GEL/CS(1/1) catalyst have been attributed to a combination of high porous structure, strong chelation of Pd species, high thermal stability, and good solvent‐resistant performances.
Improvement of the DC electrical performance of silicone rubber for cable accessories through aromatic hydrocarbon voltage stabilizer
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqian , Li Wenpeng , Li Honglei , Yuan Jialiang , Qiao Bo , Zhou Yuanxiang
Published: January 2022

The development of high voltage direct current (DC) cables poses new challenges to insulation. The electrical properties of silicone rubber (SiR) limit its application as cable accessories at high voltage levels. Therefore, this article attempted to add two kinds of voltage stabilizers with high electron affinity into the SiR to improve its DC electrical properties. The preferred addition percentage was initially determined by the breakdown strength. Properties such as conductivity, dielectric losses, and space charge distribution were also measured. The results showed that the DC electrical properties of organically modified SiR had improved comprehensively. There might be two reasons. First, the voltage stabilizer has a high electron affinity, which means it can trap high‐energy electrons, thus reducing the number of carriers and mobility. In addition, it has an electric field gradient effect, which can homogenize the electric field by migration.
Shear enhancement of mechanical and microstructural properties of synthetic graphite and ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene carbon composites
Authors: Favreau Hannah J. , Miroshnichenko Kateryna I. , Solberg Peder C. , Tsukrov Igor I. , Van Citters Douglas W.
Published: January 2022

Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has a variety of industrial and clinical applications due to its superb mechanical properties including ductility, tensile strength, and work‐to‐failure. The versatility of UHMWPE is hindered by the difficulty in processing the polymer into a well consolidated material. This study presents on the effects of shear imparted by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) on UHMWPE composites containing Nano27 Synthetic Graphite (N27SG). Ductility and work‐to‐failure improvements up to ~60–80% are obtained in sheared N27SG‐UHMWPE composites as compared to non‐sheared N27SG‐UHMWPE controls of the same composition. Microscopy reveals increased fusion at particle boundaries and smaller voids in the sheared materials. Micro‐computed tomography results indicate different distribution of N27SG particulates in ECAP samples as compared to CM indicating enhanced grain boundary interactions. Tradeoffs are not avoided as ECAP samples were lower in conductivity as compared to compression molded (CM) billets of the same weight percent. However, ECAP samples were able to be doped with more N27SG allowing for an ~170% increase in conductivity over CM samples of the same work‐to‐failure. This work shows that ECAP is a viable processing method for obtaining stronger, more ductile conductive composite materials.
Hydrothermal aging of polyimide film
Authors: Braun Christina Anna , Nam Seo Lin , de la Mata Aidee Paulina , Harynuk James , Chung Hyun‐Joong , Dolez Patricia Isabelle
Published: January 2022

The hydrothermal aging of a commercial polyimide film, (poly[pyromellitic dianhydride‐co‐4,4′‐oxydianiline]) is investigated, providing further insight into the well‐known loss of properties that can occur for these materials in the presence of moisture. The study involved measuring ATR‐FTIR, ultimate tensile strength, and percent elongation at break, under accelerated hydrothermal aging conditions at three different temperatures (70, 80, and 90°C). ATR‐FTIR data was analyzed using chemometrics in order to identify significant trends that develop upon the accelerated aging conditions. The most dramatic changes were observed for the aging at 90°C. Changes in the ATR‐FTIR spectra for aging at all three temperatures can be attributed to hydrolysis of the imide groups. Ultimate tensile strength was also used to monitor the hydrothermal aging process. This data was used to construct an Arrhenius plot from which an activation energy of 71.8 KJ/mol was determined for the hydrothermal aging process. This value is comparable to that of textiles used in fire protective clothing, suggesting that polyimide is a viable candidate for modeling the degradation of these textiles. This paper also shows the large potential of chemometrics for polymer aging studies as it allows identifying degradation mechanisms from subtle chemical changes in the materials.
Machine learning models for estimating the AC conductivity mechanism of Edirne Kufeki stone reinforced Polypyrrole composites
Authors: Eyecioğlu Önder
Published: January 2022

In this study, the detailed temperature and frequency‐dependent (ac) conductivity analyzes of Polypyrrole/Edirne Kufeki Stone (PPy/EKS) composites have been realized by considering both experimental and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms predicted data. In this respect, the experimental ac conductivity data of pure PPy, PPy/5% EKS, PPy/10% EKS, and PPy/20% EKS composites between 1 Hz and 40 MHz at 296, 313, and 333 K temperatures have been used for the data set of ML. First, a benchmark study has been done for applied ML algorithms to obtain an eligible model. It is found that the Gaussian process regression (GPR) algorithm provided the best prediction performance. Since it has been observed a good conformity between the experimental and prediction data of GPR model, the ac conductivity (σac) versus angular frequency (w) curves of the composites produced experimentally have been estimated for new temperature values, which were not treated experimentally. Then, the curves of at temperature values have been estimated by GPR which is for the EKS composites at various contributions that have not been experimentally produced. Ultimately, the GPR algorithm developed in the present work enables us to determine the optimum EKS additive percentage, working temperature, and frequency band for the PPy polymer matrix.
Studies on the application of poly(acrylate‐co‐maleic anhydride) amides with N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine as multifunctional lube additives
Authors: Faujdar Ekta , Singh Raj K.
Published: January 2022

Three polymeric amides were developed by utilizing three acrylates of alkyl chain C‐8, C‐12 and C‐18 and maleic anhydride via polymerization pathway followed by successful coupling with N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine to give poly(Ac8‐co‐MA)PPA, poly(Ac12‐co‐MA)PPA and poly(Ac18‐co‐MA)PPA. After successful molecular identification, application as lubricant additives as viscosity index improver, pour point depressants, deposit control agents and anticorrosion was done in polyol based synthetic lube oil. A rheological study was also carried out. For comparative performance evaluation, the commercial additives were also taken. Because of the diphenyl moiety in the molecular structure, additives showed the DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. Poly(Ac18‐co‐MA)PPA additive at a high concentration of 5000 ppm, the viscosity index increased from 179 to 217 while the pour point decreased from −18 to −30°C. As far as the detergent dispersant property is concerned, poly(Ac18‐co‐MA) reduced the coking value from 87.5 to 13.2 mg, while % dispersancy increased from 20% to 42%.
Stability Enhancement of Zinc‐Ion Batteries Using Non‐Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Kao‐ian Wathanyu , Mohamad Ahmad Azmin , Liu Wei‐Ren , Pornprasertsuk Rojana , Siwamogsatham Siwaruk , Kheawhom Soorathep
Published: January 2022

Owing to their high energy density and low cost, zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are gaining much in popularity. However, in practice, issues with hydrogen evolution, zinc dendrite development, corrosion, and passivation persist. Such drawbacks prove difficult to eradicate completely. To address these difficulties, many techniques have been proposed including inhibitor addition, artificial SEI, and Zn electrode modification. As a result, some researchers believe that using non‐proton donor electrolytes or nonaqueous electrolytes can fundamentally solve these problems. Herein, the efforts to apply nonaqueous electrolytes such as organic electrolytes, room‐temperature ionic liquids, and deep‐eutectic solvents to ZIBs are described. An understanding of the mechanisms of nonaqueous ZIBs (NZIBs) regarding zinc plating/stripping and intercalation/deintercalation is also highlighted. Importantly, research gaps are identified in order to pave the way for future study. In addition, an attempt is made to offer a viewpoint on critical topics as well as a benchmarking and enhancement of NZIB technologies.
Development and validation of an LC–MS/MS method for the quantification of artificial sweeteners in human matrices
Authors: Greibe Eva , Leth‐Møller Magnus , Stampe Sofie , Ovesen Per , Pedersen Michael , Hoffmann‐Lücke Elke
Published: January 2022

Artificial sweeteners are widely used as substitutes for sugar. The sweeteners are generally considered safe, however their whereabouts during pregnancy and lactation and the effect on child development are poorly explored. There is a need for new tools to measure these substances during pregnancy and lactation. Here, we describe the development and validation of a sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of acesulfame, cyclamate, saccharin and sucralose in human plasma, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid and breast milk. The samples were prepared by protein precipitation and separated on a Luna Omega Polar C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.6 μm). Electrospray ionization in negative mode and multiple reaction monitoring were used to monitor the ion transitions. The validated concentration ranges were from 1 to 500 ng/ml (10–500 ng/ml for sucralose). Interassay precisions were all ≤15% and the accuracies were within ±15%. Stability, linearity, dilution integrity, carryover and recovery were also examined and satisfied the validation criteria. Finally, this analytical method was successfully applied on spiked samples of plasma, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid and breast milk, proving its suitability for use in clinical studies on artificial sweeteners, including during pregnancy and lactation.
Detecting driver stress and hazard anticipation using real‐time cardiac measurement: A simulator study
Authors: Kerautret Laora , Dabic Stephanie , Navarro Jordan
Published: January 2022

Objectives

In the context of growing interest in real‐time driver stress detection systems, we question the value of using heart rate change over short time periods to detect driver stress and hazard anticipation.

Methods

To this end, we explored changes in heart rate and speed as well as perceived stress in 27 drivers in a driving simulator. Driver stress was triggered by using hazardous road events, while hazard anticipation was manipulated using three levels of hazard predictability: unpredictable (U), predictable (P), and predictable and familiar (PF).

Results

The main results indicate that using heart rate change (1) is a good indicator for detecting driver stress in real time, (2) provides a cardiac signature of hazard anticipation, and (3) was affected by perceived stress groups. Further investigation is needed to validate the lack of relationship between increased anticipation/predictability and strengthened cardiac signature.

Conclusions

These results support the use of heart rate change as an indicator of real‐time driver stress and hazard anticipation.
Impact of information technology and knowledge sharing on circular food supply chains for green business growth
Authors: Ersoy Pervin , Börühan Gülmüş , Kumar Mangla Sachin , Hormazabal Jorge Hernandez , Kazancoglu Yigit , Lafcı Çisem
Published: January 2022

Rapid and dynamic changes in environment, technologies, consumer behavior, policy making, and climate are putting extra pressure to food supply chain, especially in terms of efficiently manage food security, food surplus, food loss, and waste. These changes directly affect food supply chain negatively. Thus, transition into more circular approach for green business growth in food supply chains is a necessity. One way to reduce this negativity is to ensure the share of information along the chain. With this context, sharing information and knowledge among the food supply chain can facilitate practices from a circularity and green perspectives. Hence, this research focuses on understanding and revealing knowledge‐sharing networks challenges, barriers, and benefits across every food supply chain layer, presenting tangible contributions to improve traceability in circularity perspectives with refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, and recover challenges. Therefore, and to provide a green business growth, this study examines the practice of knowledge sharing among real‐life industry food stakeholders in the meat sector regarding their dimensions, what type of knowledge is shared and whether there are differences among specific groups of food stakeholders for the knowledge sharing. The aim of this research is to generate a validated conceptual framework to reveal how information technologies contributes to a more efficient knowledge sharing practices, hence, to impact the enhancement of efficient circular food supply chains for green business growth.
Design and clinical application of injectable hydrogels for musculoskeletal therapy
Authors: Øvrebø Øystein , Perale Giuseppe , Wojciechowski Jonathan P. , Echalier Cécile , Jeffers Jonathan R. T. , Stevens Molly M. , Haugen Håvard J. , Rossi Filippo
Published: January 2022

Musculoskeletal defects are an enormous healthcare burden and source of pain and disability for individuals. With an aging population, the proportion of individuals living with these medical indications will increase. Simultaneously, there is pressure on healthcare providers to source efficient solutions, which are cheaper and less invasive than conventional technology. This has led to an increased research focus on hydrogels as highly biocompatible biomaterials that can be delivered through minimally invasive procedures. This review will discuss how hydrogels can be designed for clinical translation, particularly in the context of the new European Medical Device Regulation (MDR). We will then do a deep dive into the clinically used hydrogel solutions that have been commercially approved or have undergone clinical trials in Europe or the United States. We will discuss the therapeutic mechanism and limitations of these products. Due to the vast application areas of hydrogels, this work focuses only on treatments of cartilage, bone, and the nucleus pulposus. Lastly, the main steps toward clinical translation of hydrogels as medical devices are outlined. We suggest a framework for how academics can assist small and medium MedTech enterprises conducting the initial clinical investigation and post‐market clinical follow‐up required in the MDR. It is evident that the successful translation of hydrogels is governed by acquiring high‐quality pre‐clinical and clinical data confirming the device mechanism of action and safety.
Proceedings from the 3rd International Conference on Microbiome Engineering
Authors: McClure Sandra , Enam Fatima , Arnold Jack , Mimee Mark
Published: January 2022

The human microbiome has been inextricably linked to multiple facets of human physiology. From an engineering standpoint, the ability to precisely control the composition and activity of the microbiome holds great promise for furthering our understanding of disease etiology and for new avenues of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. While the field of microbiome research is still in its infancy, growing engineering efforts are emerging to enable new studies in the microbiome and to rapidly translate these findings to microbiome‐based interventions. At the 3rd International Conference on Microbiome Engineering, leading experts in the field presented state‐of‐the‐art work in microbiome engineering, discussing probiotics, prebiotics, engineered microbes, microbially derived biomolecules, and bacteriophage.
A multi‐method evaluation of a compassion‐focused cognitive behavioural psychotherapy group for people who self‐harm
Authors: Rayner Gillian Clare , Bowling Gosia , Bluff Lisa , Wright Karen , Ashworth‐Lord Anneliese , Laird Catriona
Published: January 2022

Objective

This paper describes the content and multi‐method evaluation of a compassion‐focused cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (CBT) group for people who self‐harm/injure.

Method

Quantitative questionnaires and a qualitative focus group were used for the three participants. Reflective diary contents were analysed.

Results

Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the questionnaires. These demonstrated positive reductions in the GAD‐7 and PHQ‐9 scores but no significant change in self‐compassion scores. The Cognitions of Self‐Injurious Behaviour Scale demonstrated some positive belief changes. Participants reported improved self‐awareness, alternative coping and improved emotional regulation. All participants reported anger, anxiety and sadness in their diaries; one reported self‐hatred, and another reported feeling dead and numb. Distraction was considered a useful strategy to avoid or delay self‐harm. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used and identified six superordinate themes: ‘The secret's out! Openness & Honesty’, ‘Care without fear: calm acceptance’, ‘Skills not Spills’, ‘We're all in it together', ‘Compassion, not competition nor comparison’ and ‘Fear of flying solo’.

Conclusion

Despite the small number of participants, the combination of compassion‐focused therapy and CBT appears to hold future promise for further research on effectiveness.
Antiviral Activities of Novel Myricetin Derivatives Containing 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole Bisthioether
Authors: Peng Feng , Liu Tingting , Cao Xiao , Wang Qifan , Liu Fang , Liu Liwei , He Ming , Xue Wei
Published: January 2022

A class of novel myricetin derivatives containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole bisthioether were synthesized. The results of antiviral biological activity demonstrated that the partially compounds exhibited good antiviral effects against tobacco mosaic virus. The in vivo curative and protective activities of compound E12 against TMV was quite significant. The EC50 value of the curative activity of E12 was 128.8 μg/mL, while the value of ningnanmycin was 296.4 μg/mL. Similarly, the EC50 value of the protective activity of E12 was 99.1 μg/mL, while the value of ningnanmycin was 307.6 μg/mL. The microscale thermophoresis data indicated that the binding value of ningnanmycin and TMV‐CP was 2.726±1.301 μM, which was not as good as the binding value of E12 and TMV‐CP was 0.029±0.013 μM. This study showed that novel myricetin derivatives containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole bisthioether may be a kind of agricultural antiviral drugs with great potential.
Vanillin attenuates thioacetamide‐induced renal assault by direct and indirect mediation of the TGFβ, ERK and Smad signalling pathways in rats
Authors: Metwaly Heba A. , El‐Eraky Abdulrahman M. , Ibrahim Eman E. , Kandil Khaled K. , El‐Sayed Mohamed A. , El‐Tabakh Nayra M. , Motawea Amr M. , Ali Helmi A. , Jabban Maher Z. , Mahmoud Mona E. , Abdelfattah Walaa H. , Elmorsy Mohammad A. , Ghanim Amal M. H.
Published: January 2022

Inflammation and fibrosis are two pathological features of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal fibrosis is considered to be one of the most important conditions, as it may be the result of excessive extracellular matrix protein production and deposition, or prolonged exposure to nephrotoxic substances or drugs. Unfortunately, no suitable therapies or medications are currently available to prevent renal fibrosis. We conducted this study for the evaluation of the protective potential of vanillin by reversing TAA (250 mg/kg TAA for 6 weeks) induced renal injury in rats. The concentrations of the proteins tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2), and transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGF‐β1) in kidney tissues were assessed using ELISA. Kidney Injury Molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) and mothers against decapentaplegic homologue 2, 3 (SMAD 2, 3) expressions were evaluated using real time PCR. We also estimated the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) using immunohistochemistry. Treatment with vanillin (100 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated kidney Injury and improved the kidney function. Vanillin treatment also significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and elevated glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities in kidney tissues. Vanillin also reduced α‐SMA renal expression and TNFα, IL‐6, TGF‐β1, and Erk1/2 renal levels. Vanillin significantly decreased the expression of the genes encoding KIM‐1 and SMAD 2, 3 and ameliorated histological abnormalities in kidney architecture. Our molecular docking findings showed that vanillin has a good binding mode inside TGF‐β type I receptors (ALK5) biding site.