bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and characterization of porous tissue‐mimicking optical phantoms as a tool for optical sensor validation
Authors: Joseph Manju , Van Hileghem Lorenz , Postelmans Annelies , Lammertyn Jeroen , Saeys Wouter
Published: February 2023

This paper presents porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) optical phantoms with tunable microstructural and optical properties to mimic porous biological tissues (e.g., fruit) during the design and optimization of novel optical setups. A well connected salt network formed using salt particles of various size distributions was used to obtain porous PDMS phantoms of different porous features including porosity, pore size distribution, pore number density and pore connectivity. These microstructural features are strongly related to the light scattering from the phantom where a higher reduced scattering coefficient () was observed from the porous PDMS phantom with a higher number of small pores compared to the optical phantom with a lower number of larger pores. The prepared phantoms were used to validate GASMAS (gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy) H2O and O2 sensors by quantifying the optical path length through the pores and the O2 concentration inside the pores.
Inhibition of VEGFR‐2 by SU5416 increases neonatally glutamate‐induced neuronal damage in the cerebral motor cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Castañeda‐Cabral José Luis , Orozco‐Suárez Sandra A. , Beas‐Zárate Carlos , Fajardo‐Fregoso Blanca F. , Flores‐Soto Mario E. , Ureña‐Guerrero Mónica E.
Published: February 2023

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exerts neuroprotective or proinflammatory effects, depending on what VEGF forms (A–E), receptor types (VEGFR1–3), and intracellular signaling pathways are involved. Neonatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment triggers neuronal death by excitotoxicity, which is commonly involved in different neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of VEGFR‐2 inhibition on neuronal damage triggered by excitotoxicity in the cerebral motor cortex (CMC) and hippocampus (Hp) after neonatal MSG treatment. MSG was administered at a dose of 4 g/kg of body weight (b.w.) subcutaneously on postnatal days (PD) 1, 3, 5, and 7, whereas the VEGFR‐2 inhibitor SU5416 was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. subcutaneously on PD 5 and 7, 30 min before the MSG treatment. Neuronal damage was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, fluoro‐Jade staining, and TUNEL assay. Additionally, western blot assays for some proteins of the VEGF‐A/VEGFR‐2 signaling pathway (VEGF‐A, VEGFR‐2, PI3K, Akt, and iNOS) were carried out. All assays were performed on PD 6, 8, 10, and 14. Inhibition of VEGFR‐2 signaling by SU5416 increases the neuronal damage induced by neonatal MSG treatment in both the CMC and Hp. Moreover, neonatal MSG treatment increased the expression levels of the studied VEGF‐A/VEGFR‐2 signaling pathway proteins, particularly in the CMC. We conclude that VEGF‐A/VEGFR‐2 signaling pathway activation could be part of the neuroprotective mechanisms that attempt to compensate for neuronal damage induced by neonatal MSG treatment and possibly also in other conditions involving excitotoxicity.
TDO2‐augmented fibroblasts secrete EVs enriched in immunomodulatory Y‐derived small RNA
Authors: Ciullo Alessandra , Peck Kiel , Jones Xaviar , Yamaguchi Shukuro , Morris Ashley Anne , Kumar Arati Naveen , Li Liang , Lee Jamie , dos Santos Rodrigo Miguel , Cingolani Eugenio , Ibrahim Ahmed Gamal
Published: February 2023

Mounting evidence implicates extracellular vesicles (EVs) factors as mediators of cell therapy. Cardiosphere‐derived cells are cardiac‐derived cells with tissue reparative capacity. Activation of a downstream target of wnt/β‐catenin signalling, tryptophan 2,3 dioxygenase (TDO2) renders therapeutically inert skin fibroblasts cardioprotective. Here, we investigate the mechanism by which concentrated conditioned media from TDO2‐augmented fibroblasts (TDO2‐CCM) exert cardioprotective effects. TDO2‐CCM is cardioprotective in a mouse model of MI compared to CCM from regular fibroblasts (HDF‐CCM). Transcriptomic analysis of cardiac tissue at 24 h demonstrates broad suppression of inflammatory and cell stress markers in animals given TDO2‐CCM compared to HDF‐CCM or vehicle. Sequencing analysis of TDO2‐EV RNA demonstrated abundance of a small Y‐derived small RNA dubbed ‘NT4’. Purification of TDO2‐EVs by size‐exclusion chromatography and RNAse protection assays demonstrated that NT4 is encapsulated inside EVs. Consistently with TDO2‐CCM, macrophages exposed to NT4 showed suppression of the inflammatory and cell stress mediators, particularly p21/cdkn1a. NT4‐depleted TDO2‐CCM resulted in diminished immunomodulatory capacity. Finally, administration of NT4 alone was cardioprotective in an acute model of myocardial infarction. Taken together, these findings elucidate the mechanism by which TDO2 augmentation mediates potency in secreted EVs through enrichment of NT4 which suppresses upstream cell stress mediators including p21/cdkn1a.
Impact of alcohol consumption on coronavirus disease 2019 severity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei Baozhu , Liu Yang , Li Hang , Peng Yuanyuan , Luo Zhi
Published: February 2023

Fear and misinformation lead to widespread myths in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, such as “consuming high‐strength alcohol kills the virus in the inhaled air.” However, whether alcohol consumption can affect COVID‐19 has not been clarified yet. This study aims to investigate the impact of alcohol consumption on COVID‐19 severity. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Central, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO‐International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched until November 25, 2022. Forty studies (1,697,683 COVID‐19 individuals) were analyzed. Brown (patients numbers: 1317, risk ratios [RR] = 1.58, 95% [confidence interval] CI = 1.31 to 1.90, I2 = 0.0%, p < 0.001), American (patients numbers: 3721, RR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.30 to 1.75, I2 = 0.0%, p < 0.001), and European (patients numbers: 261,437, RR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.96 to 2.13, I2 = 0.0%, p < 0.001) drinkers were at high risk of severe COVID‐19, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), respectively. Consistently, individuals with a drinking history were at high risk of severe COVID‐19 (patients numbers: 5399, RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.48, I2 = 38.4%, p = 0.03) and ICU admission (patients numbers: 6995, RR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.60, I2 = 46.6%, p = 0.01). In addition, current drinkers had an increased risk of symptomatic COVID‐19. However, excessive drinkers were at high risk of COVID‐19 hospitalization. Alcohol consumption intensifies COVID‐19 severity and deteriorates its clinical outcomes. Here, we strongly propose that people do not drink alcohol during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Intravaginal delivery for CRISPR–Cas9 technology: For example, the treatment of HPV infection
Authors: Zhen Shuai , Chen Hong , Lu Jiaojiao , Yang Xiling , Tuo Xiaoqian , Chang Shixue , Tian Yuhan , Li Xu
Published: February 2023

The increasing incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in women, including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, has led to the need to develop user‐friendly potential prevention methods. At present, although there are several therapeutic parts, none of them has a preventive effect, but they are only limited to providing patients with symptom relief. Researchers have now recognized the need to find effective local preventive agents. One of the potential undiscovered local fungicides is the vaginal delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. CRISPR/Cas9 delivery involves silencing gene expression in a sequence‐specific manner in the pathogenic agent, thus showing microbicidal activity. However, vaginal mucosal barrier and physiological changes (such as pH value and variable epithelial thickness in the menstrual cycle) are the main obstacles to effective delivery and cell uptake of CRISPR/Cas9. To enhance the vaginal delivery of CRISPR/Cas9, so far, nano‐carrier systems such as lipid delivery systems, macromolecular systems, polymer nanoparticles, aptamers, and cell‐penetrating peptides have been extensively studied. In this paper, various nano‐carriers and their prospects in the preclinical stage are described, as well as the future significance of CRISPR/Cas9 vaginal delivery based on nano‐carriers.
Raman study of several Cu‐bearing complex minerals from the guano deposit at Pabellón de Pica, Tarapaca region, Chile
Authors: Košek Filip , Němec Ivan , Jehlička Jan
Published: February 2023

Pabellón de Pica, Tarapaca, Chile, is a former guano mine exploited in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Guano is in a direct contact with Cu sulfide mineralization leading to the formation of minerals with a highly unusual chemical composition, especially Cu‐organic complexes and nitrogen‐bearing phases. In this work, we report results of the Raman spectroscopic investigation of several unique Cu‐bearing minerals that are the result of supergene processes at the Pabellón da Pica site. We focus on several minerals with new and interesting structure types which were described from this locality for the first time, namely, antipinite (K–Na–Cu oxalate), ammineite (Cu ammine complex), chanabayaite (Cu ammine triazolate complex), and joanneumite (Cu isocyanurate). The Raman spectra contain specific bands attributed to the characteristic vibrations of the molecular groups present in the minerals (oxalate, ammine, triazolate, and isocyanurate groups) and vibrations within Cu‐centered polyhedra. A comparison was made with the vibrational spectra of related minerals and synthetic phases, which revealed substantial proliferation and shifting of numerous bands, which is in agreement with the complex composition of the investigated minerals. The results obtained appropriately complement known structural and spectroscopic data published previously.
Secondary cytoreductive surgery for 86 patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H. , Chang David
Published: February 2023

Background

After patients have a surgical procedure for a gastrointestinal cancer, follow‐up is indicated. If cancer progression is documented in patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma (MACA), a secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCRS) may be considered.

Methods

In patients who had a prior complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS), variables associated with the index CRS and SCRS were extracted. These variables were statistically assessed for their impact on survival.

Results

Of 198 MACA patients, 86 (43.4%) had SCRS. The median follow‐up was 5.0 years and the median survival was 7 years. Significant prognostic variables associated with the index CRS by univariant analysis was histopathologic grade of MACA‐Intermediate (MACA‐Int) as compared to other MACA histologic subtypes (p = 0.0164). Significant prognostic variables associated with the SCRS were bowel obstruction (p = 0.0149), interval of CRS to SCRS (p = 0.0059), and completeness of cytoreduction (p = 0.0014).

Conclusions

In the analysis of variables from SCRS, the interval from CRS to SCRS ≤24 months indicates an aggressive biology of the disease. The CC score of complete versus incomplete decreased median survival from 11 to 4 years. A composite of these two variables allowed prediction of survival of 50% when patients showed these two favorable variables and only 9.1% when these variables were unfavorable.
Extraction and identification of steroidal saponins from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua using natural deep eutectic solvent‐synergistic quartz sand‐assisted extraction method
Authors: Liu Gaodan , Feng Simin , Sui Minghui , Chen Bilian , Sun Peilong
Published: February 2023

In this study, quartz sand with particularly sharp nanoscale edges acted like a nanoscale knife physically cut cells of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua into nanosized particles and was synergized with natural deep eutectic solvent to extract steroidal saponins of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua. The natural deep eutectic solvent (choline chloride‐lactic acid)‐synergistic quartz sand‐assisted extraction was optimized using response surface methodology. The steroidal saponins purified with AB‐8 macroporous resin were identified using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐triple time of flight mass spectrometry. The results showed that the experimental total saponins content value (36.97 ± 0.12 mg dioscin equivalent/g dry weight) at optimal extraction conditions with a temperature of 68°C, a rotational speed of 20 400 rpm, shear time of 4.3 min, the liquid‐solid ratio of 38 ml/g, was close to the maximum possible theoretical value (36.64 mg dioscin equivalent/g dry weight). A total of 20 steroidal saponins were identified, among which the content of (25R)‐Kingianoside E was the highest (102.66 ± 3.47 mg/g). Furthermore, a new steroid saponin (3β,25S)‐26‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐22‐hydroxyfurost‐5‐en‐3‐yl 4‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside+Glc was found for the first time. These results revealed that natural deep eutectic solvent‐synergistic quartz sand‐assisted extraction was an efficient and green method to extract a variety of steroidal saponins.
Quantitative Ultrasound Biomarkers to Assess Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Gao Jing , Zapata Isain , Chen Johnson , Erpelding Todd N. , Adamson Colby , Park David
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To assess diagnostic performance of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) biomarkers in assessing hepatic steatosis.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 125 participants (mean age 54 years) who underwent liver QUS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and laboratory tests within 30 days in this IRB approved study. Based on MRI‐proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) and MRE, we divided 125 participants into normal liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and liver fibrosis (≥F1) groups. We examined diagnostic performance of ultrasound attenuation coefficient (AC), normalized local variance (NLV), superb microvascular imaging‐based vascularity index (SMI‐VI), and shear wave velocity (SWV) for determining hepatic steatosis and fibrosis using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). We also analyzed correlations of QUS biomarkers to MRI using Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

We observed significant differences in AC, NLV, and SMI‐VI among the three groups (22 participants with normal liver, 78 with NAFL, and 25 with liver fibrosis). AUC of AC, NLV, and SMI‐VI for determining ≥ mild steatotic livers (MRI‐PDFF ≥5%) was 0.95, 0.90, and 0.92, respectively. AUC of SWV for determining ≥ F1 liver fibrosis was 0.93. The correlation of MRI‐PDFF was positive to AC (r = 0.91) and negative to NLV (r = −0.74), SMI‐VI (r = −0.8) in NAFL group. There was a significant difference in regression slope of AC to MRI‐PDFF in livers with and without ≥F1 (0.84 vs 0.91, P = .02).

Conclusions

QUS biomarkers have high sensitivity and specificity to determine and grade hepatic steatosis and detect liver fibrosis. The effect of liver fibrosis on the performance of QUS biomarkers in quantifying liver fat content warrants further investigation.
Relationships Between Intestinal Ultrasound Parameters and Histopathologic Findings in a Prospective Cohort of Patients With Crohn's Disease Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Allocca Mariangela , Dal Buono Arianna , D'Alessio Silvia , Spaggiari Paola , Garlatti Valentina , Spinelli Antonino , Faita Francesco , Danese Silvio
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Recognition of intestinal lesions with substantial fibrosis is strategic for optimal management of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). We aimed to assess the relationships between intestinal ultrasound parameters and histopathologic findings in a prospective cohort of patients with CD undergoing surgery.

Methods

Seventeen consecutive adult CD patients with involvement of the terminal ileum or the sigmoid colon who underwent bowel resective surgeries were enrolled and performed intestinal ultrasound (IUS) within 30 days prior to surgery. Uni‐ and multivariable analyses were used to assess the relationships between IUS parameters and histopathological elements of lesions.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV (95% CI) of IUS in detecting stricturing and penetrating complications (surgical specimen as reference standard) were 93% (68–100), 86% (42–100), 91% (71–99), 93% (68–100) and 86% (42–100), and 78% (40–97), 92% (64–100), 86% (65–97), 88% (47–100) and 86% (57–98), respectively. Only the presence of hyperechogenic spiculates was statistically significantly associated with collagen content (b = 7.29, 95% CI = 1.88/12.69, P = .012), while only the presence of vascular signals at color Doppler (Limberg score 3 or 4) was significantly associated with active inflammation (OR = 10.0, 95% CI = 0.9/108.6, P = .037). There was a strong correlation between IUS and histological measurements of the wall thickness (r = 0.67, P = .01).

Conclusions

The presence of hyperechogenic spiculates was associated with the presence of fibrosis, while the presence of marked vascular signals was associated with the presence of inflammation. Wall thickness measured by IUS was reliable and reproducible in comparison with histological measurement.
Assessment of semicircular canal function in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo using the video head impulse test and caloric test
Authors: Kabaya Kayoko , Katsumi Sachiyo , Fukushima Akina , Esaki Shinichi , Minakata Toshiya , Iwasaki Shinichi
Published: February 2023

Objective

To assess semicircular canal function in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) using the video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric test.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 39 patients with idiopathic BPPV who underwent both vHIT and the caloric test. Twenty‐one patients had posterior BPPV (p‐BPPV) and eighteen had horizontal BPPV (h‐BPPV). Vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) gain and corrective saccades (CS) were analyzed in vHIT and canal paresis (CP) was calculated in the caloric test.

Results

The mean VOR gain of the posterior canal in p‐BPPV was 0.75 ± 0.28 on the affected side, which was significantly smaller than that on the contralateral side (0.93 ± 0.24, p = .00738). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the VOR gain of the horizontal canal in h‐BPPV between the affected and the contralateral sides (p = .769). The rates of the presence of CS were not significantly different between the affected canal and the contralateral canal either in p‐BPPV (p = .111) or h‐BPPV (p = .0599). The mean CP value in h‐BPPV patients (43.5 ± 31.3%) was significantly higher than that in p‐BPPV patients (22.2 ± 22.9%; p = .0184).

Conclusion

The VOR gain of vHIT in the affected canal was significantly smaller than that in the contralateral canal in p‐BPPV, but not in h‐BPPV. The caloric responses of the affected canal are reduced to a significantly larger extent in h‐BPPV compared to p‐BPPV. These results suggest that BPPV affects the semicircular canal function differently depending on which semicircular canal is involved.
Ocean acidification affects pigment concentration and photoprotection of marine phytoplankton
Authors: Alcaraz‐Rocha Paulo , Puig‐Fàbregas Júlia , Garrido José Luis , Sobrino Cristina
Published: February 2023

Ocean acidification produces significant changes on phytoplankton physiology that can affect their growth and primary production. Among them, a downregulation of the enzymatic activity and the production of different cellular metabolites, including chlorophyll a (Chl a), has been observed in high CO2 cultures under stable conditions. However, the extent of how phytoplankton metabolism regulation under high CO2 conditions affects pigment pools and patterns is unknown. This study shows the effect of the atmospheric CO2 increase on pigment concentration of three important marine primary producers: Thalassiosira pseudonana, Skeletonema costatum, and Emiliania huxleyi. Cultures grown under saturating photosynthetically active radiation were aerated for at least 3 weeks with current concentrations of atmospheric CO2 (0.04% CO2 in air) and with CO2 concentrations expected for future scenarios of climate change (0.1% CO2 in air) to assess the effect of CO2 under acclimated metabolism and stable conditions. Moreover, cultures were also subjected to a perturbation (4 h without aeration) to assess responses under non‐stable conditions. The results showed that light harvesting and photoprotective pigment concentrations (i.e., Chl a, Chl c2, ββ‐carotene, diadinoxanthin, diatoxanthin, fucoxanthin, among others) decreased significantly under high CO2 and stable conditions, but the response reversed after the perturbation. The de‐epoxidation state of xanthophylls, also showed similar patterns, indicating an increase in phytoplankton sensitivity under high CO2 and stable conditions. The results demonstrate the relevance of CO2 concentration and acclimation status for phytoplankton light absorption and photoprotective response. They also identify fucoxanthin and Chl c2 as suitable biomarkers of phytoplankton carbon metabolism under ocean acidification conditions.
Computational studies of [1]benzothieno[2,3‐c]naphtho[1,2‐f]quinoline
Authors: Semenov Valentin A. , Martin Gary E. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: February 2023

Early NMR studies of several heterohelicenes containing an annular nitrogen atom and a thiophene ring in their structure suggested the possibility of the lengthening of the carbon–carbon bonds in the interior of the helical turn of the molecule based on the progressive more shielded nature of 13C resonances toward the center of the helical turn. Computational chemistry capabilities when those NMR studies were performed were primitive in comparison to what is now possible. We now report the optimized geometry and a comparison of the calculated versus observed 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift assignments for [1]benzothieno[2,3‐c]naphtho[1,2‐f]quinoline that confirms these suspicions.
Single‐Port Versus Multiport da Vinci System for Transoral Robotic Surgery of Hypopharyngeal and Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Sampieri Claudio , Pirola Francesca , Costantino Andrea , Kim Dahee , Ho Jung J. , Lee Kyuin , De Virgilio Armando , Park Young M. , Kim Se‐Heon
Published: February 2023

Objective

Da Vinci single port (SP) has been recently approved for transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Its characteristics make it particularly feasible for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal surgery. We report our experience comparing intra‐ and postoperative outcomes, technical advantages, and shortcomings of transoral laryngeal and hypopharyngeal resections performed with the da Vinci SP and the da Vinci Si/Xi systems.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Setting

Single academic tertiary care hospital.

Methods

Subjects included adult patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent TORS between 2008 and 2022. The SP and multiport (MP) systems were compared in terms of intraoperative times, short‐term postoperative outcomes, and TORS‐related complications after a propensity score matching.

Results

A total of 185 patients were enrolled (56 SP vs 129 MP patients), and a cohort of 112 patients was analyzed after matching. The docking time was reduced in the SP group (8.84 ± 4.67 vs 6.45 ± 3.11 minutes; p = .003), as well as console time (53.91 ± 29.38 vs 42.70 ± 13.72 minutes; p = .035). Positive margins were more frequent in the MP group (52% vs 43%; p = .34). The mean decannulation time was 1.86 days longer in the SP group (p = .046). No significant differences emerged from the analysis of the duration of hospitalization, enteral feeding, and TORS‐related complications.

Conclusion

SP safety profile is comparable to that of previous models, while it showed advantages in terms of reduced docking times. Console times were also shortened due to improved maneuverability and field visualization.
Transatlantic progress in measurement of cognitive outcomes in paediatric oncology trials
Authors: Thomas Sophie , Embry Leanne , Walsh Karin , Bull Kim , Grundy Richard , Kennedy Colin , Lemiere Jurgen , Hernáiz Driever Pablo , Limond Jennifer , Chevignard Mathilde , Hardy Kristina
Published: February 2023

The importance of measuring quality of survival within paediatric oncology trials is increasingly recognised. However, capturing neuropsychological outcomes and other aspects of quality of survival in the context of large or multinational trials can be challenging. We provide examples of protocols designed to address this challenge recently employed in clinical trials in the USA and Europe. We discuss their respective strengths and challenges, obstacles encountered and future opportunities for transatlantic collaboration.
Residual compressive strength of polyamide fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites after low‐velocity impact
Authors: Coskun Taner , Yar Adem , Demir Okan , Sahin Omer Sinan
Published: February 2023

In this study, polyamide fibers, which stand out with their excellent plastic deformation and energy absorption capacity, were used as reinforcement materials, and in‐house manufactured composite specimens were subjected to low‐velocity impact (LVI), compression after impact (CAI) and tensile tests. Within this scope, one and two repeated drop tests were performed under 3 m/s velocity to determine LVI responses and how impact number affects the dynamic properties. CAI tests were also performed at a 1 mm/min crosshead speed, and mechanical properties for non‐impacted, one‐impacted, and two‐impacted specimens were determined. As a result of the outstanding plastic deformation capacity of thermoplastic fabrics, it is concluded that polyamide composites exhibited quite large strains. Furthermore, it was understood from the tensile responses that tensile stresses were carried by the thermoplastic fibers in two different regimes and significantly high toughness was obtained. Moreover, reductions in the maximum compression loads, critical buckling loads and axial stiffness were observed due to degradation in structural integrity after impact loads. Additionally, the utilization of recyclable thermoplastic polyamide fibers as reinforcement material instead of conventional reinforcement materials such as carbon and glass fibers provide more environmentally friendly products.
Enhancing intermediate band solar cell performances through quantum engineering of dot states by droplet epitaxy
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Andrea , Vichi Stefano , Bietti Sergio , Cesura Federico , Aho Timo , Guina Mircea , Cappelluti Federica , Acciarri Maurizio , Sanguinetti Stefano
Published: February 2023

We report the effect of the quantum dot aspect ratio on the sub‐gap absorption properties of GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dot intermediate band solar cells. We have grown AlGaAs solar cells containing GaAs quantum dots made by droplet epitaxy. This technique allows the realization of strain‐free nanostructures with lattice matched materials, enabling the possibility to tune the size, shape, and aspect ratio to engineer the optical and electrical properties of devices. Intermediate band solar cells have been grown with different dot aspect ratio, thus tuning the energy levels of the intermediate band. Here, we show how it is possible to tune the sub‐gap absorption spectrum and the extraction of charge carriers from the intermediate band states by simply changing the aspect ratio of the dots. The tradeoff between thermal and optical extraction is in fact fundamental for the correct functioning of the intermediate band solar cells. The combination of the two effects makes the photonic extraction mechanism from the quantum dots increasingly dominant at room temperature, allowing for a reduction of the open circuit voltage of only 14 mV, compared to the reference cell.
Biodegradation of pretreated polyethylene film by Pseudomonas aeruginosa AMB‐CD‐1
Authors: Sunil  , Chowdhury Tapas , Soni Ravindra
Published: February 2023

A comparative study evaluated the acid, alkali, and heat‐treated polyethylene biodegradation efficiency of Pseudomonas aeruginosa AMB‐CD‐1. The polyethylene (PE) pieces were separately treated with heat (50°C), acid (1N HCl), and alkali (1N NaOH) and then washed with water before use. All the treated samples were analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, weight and temperature changes during the decomposition reactions were also measured and determined. In these treatments, the PE films of heat‐treated and acid‐treated low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) indicated more significant weight loss at 120°C (48.99% and 40.75%, respectively) as compared to their control or untreated PE and alkali‐treated LDPE (21.84% and 24.68%, respectively). A biodegradation assay was then conducted with treated and untreated LDPE films with P. aeruginosa AMB‐CD‐1 strain. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that the heat or acid‐pretreated samples with isolate AMB‐CD‐1 displayed peaks at 2922.84, 2923.97, and 1450.31, 874.22 cm−1 for C–H stretching deformation vibration, CH2 scissoring vibration, –CHO stretching, and strong alkyl structure, respectively. Furthermore, the new peaks with a significant difference at 2500–2000 cm−1 (O═C═O, O–H stretching vibration: carboxylic acid) and 1500–1000 cm−1 (–CHO and C═O stretching) were noticed in the infrared spectral range of LDPE degradation. Modifications in the functional group provided evidence that biodegradation had impacted the chemical structure of the LDPE film. Additionally, it was demonstrated that pretreating LDPE films with heat or acid could speed up their biodegradation.
Error feedback sliding mode regulator
Authors: Martin del Campo Maximiliano , Loukianov Alexander G. , Huerta Avila Hector , Utkin Vadim
Published: February 2023

In this article, the problem of nonlinear sliding mode (SM) regulation is addressed for nonlinear systems in general and regular form that are subject to unmodelled disturbances. In particular, the error feedback SM regulator problem is defined, taking the concepts related to the zero output tracking submanifold as a starting point. Applying the internal model concept to the time‐invariant SM equation, the solvability conditions to the problem are derived. A nonlinear extended observer is proposed, and using the observer states, a sliding manifold is formulated. A SM control algorithm is proposed to ensure the designed manifold to be attractive, achieving robustness with respect to allowed uncertainties resulting in the tracking error to be uniformly ultimately bounded. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by the application of the regulator to a third order nonlinear non‐minimum phase system.
The Personalised Randomized Controlled Trial: Evaluation of a new trial design
Authors: Lee Kim May , Turner Rebecca M. , Thwaites Guy E. , Walker A. Sarah , White Ian R.
Published: February 2023

In some clinical scenarios, for example, severe sepsis caused by extensively drug resistant bacteria, there is uncertainty between many common treatments, but a conventional multiarm randomized trial is not possible because individual participants may not be eligible to receive certain treatments. The Personalised Randomized Controlled Trial design allows each participant to be randomized between a “personalised randomization list” of treatments that are suitable for them. The primary aim is to produce treatment rankings that can guide choice of treatment, rather than focusing on the estimates of relative treatment effects. Here we use simulation to assess several novel analysis approaches for this innovative trial design. One of the approaches is like a network meta‐analysis, where participants with the same personalised randomization list are like a trial, and both direct and indirect evidence are used. We evaluate this proposed analysis and compare it with analyses making less use of indirect evidence. We also propose new performance measures including the expected improvement in outcome if the trial's rankings are used to inform future treatment rather than random choice. We conclude that analysis of a personalized randomized controlled trial can be performed by pooling data from different types of participants and is robust to moderate subgroup‐by‐intervention interactions based on the parameters of our simulation. The proposed approach performs well with respect to estimation bias and coverage. It provides an overall treatment ranking list with reasonable precision, and is likely to improve outcome on average if used to determine intervention policies and guide individual clinical decisions.
Impact of Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) on The Thermogelation Property and Drug Release Profile of Ophthalmic Formulations Based on Poloxamer 407
Authors: Dewan Mitali , Adhikari Arpita , Dutta Koushik , Chattopadhyay Dipankar
Published: February 2023

In this study, we have designed and assessed a Ketorolac tromethamine (KT) based thermally responsive in situocular gelling system. These gelling systems consist of a thermally responsive in situ gelling polymer, poloxamer 407 (PM) and different molecular weight of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as release retardant. The formulations were analyzed for sol‐gel transition temperature, gelling aptitude, viscosity and rheological studies, gel morphology study, gel dissolution property and in vitro drug release study. FTIR spectral analysis was performed to explore any polymer‐polymer or drug‐polymer association. In comparison to commercially available drugs, the new formulations present a longer‐lasting drug release profile.
High Performance Low‐Temperature Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Tailored Electrolyte Solvation Structure
Authors: Zou Yuxi , Cheng Fangyuan , Lu Yu , Xu Yue , Fang Chun , Han Jiantao
Published: February 2023

The electrochemical performances of lithium metal batteries are determined by the kinetics of interfacial de‐solvation and ion transport, especially at low‐temperature environments. Here, a novel electrolyte that easily de‐solvated and conducive to interfacial film formation is designed for low‐temperature lithium metal batteries. A fluorinated carboxylic ester, diethyl fluoromalonate (DEFM), and a fluorinated carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) are used as solvents, while high concentrated lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) is served as the solute. Through tailoring the electrolyte formulation, the lithium ions in the high concentrated fluorinated carboxylic ester electrolyte are mainly combined with anions, which weakens the bonding strength of lithium ions and solvent molecules in the solvation structure, beneficial to the de‐solvation process at low temperature. The fluorinated carboxylic ester (FCE) electrolyte enables the LiFePO4 (LFP) | Li half‐cell achieves a high capacity of 91.9 mAh g−1 at −30 °C, with high F content in the interface. With optimized de‐solvation kinetics, the LFP | Li full cell remains over 100 mAh g−1 at 0 °C after cycling 100 cycles. Building new solvents with outstanding low‐temperature properties and weaker solvation to match with Li metal anode, this work brings new possibilities of realizing high energy density and low temperature energy storage batteries.
3D Printing‐Assisted Self‐Assembly to Bio‐Inspired Bouligand Nanostructures
Authors: Esmaeili Mohsen , Norouzi Sepideh , George Kyle , Rezvan Gelareh , Taheri‐Qazvini Nader , Sadati Monirosadat
Published: February 2023

Architected materials with nano/microscale orders can provide superior mechanical properties; however, reproducing such levels of ordering in complex structures has remained challenging. Inspired by Bouligand structures in nature, here, 3D printing of complex geometries with guided long‐order radially twisted chiral hierarchy, using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)‐based inks is presented. Detailed rheological measurements, in situ flow analysis, polarized optical microscopy (POM), and director field analysis are employed to evaluate the chiral assembly over the printing process. It is demonstrated that shear flow forces inside the 3D printer's nozzle orient individual CNC particles forming a pseudo‐nematic phase that relaxes to uniformly aligned concentric chiral nematic structures after the flow cessation. Acrylamide, a photo‐curable monomer, is incorporated to arrest the concentric chiral arrangements within the printed filaments. The time series POM snapshots show that adding the photo‐curable monomer at the optimized concentrations does not interfere with chiral self‐assemblies and instead increases the chiral relaxation rate. Due to the liquid‐like nature of the as‐printed inks, optimized Carbopol microgels are used to support printed filaments before photo‐polymerization. By paving the path towards developing bio‐inspired materials with nanoscale hierarchies in larger‐scale printed constructs, this biomimetic approach expands 3D printing materials beyond what has been realized so far.
Dynamic Pluronic F127 Crosslinking Enhancement of Biopolymeric Nanocomposites for Piezo‐Triboelectric Single‐Hybrid Nanogenerators and Self‐Powered Sensors
Authors: Mensah Alfred , Liao Shiqin , Amesimeku Jeremiah , Lv Pengfei , Chen Yajun , Wei Qufu
Published: February 2023

Biomechanical and nanomechanical energy harvesting systems have gained a wealth of interest, resulting in a plethora of research into the development of biopolymeric‐based devices as sustainable alternatives. Piezoelectric, triboelectric, and hybrid nanogenerator devices for electrical applications are engineered and fabricated using innovative, sustainable, facile‐approach flexible composite films with high performance based on bacterial cellulose and BaTiO3, intrinsically and structurally enhanced by Pluronic F127, a micellar cross‐linker. The voltage and current outputs of the modified versions with multiwalled carbon nanotube as a conductivity enhancer and post‐poling effect are 38 V and 2.8 µA cm−2, respectively. The multiconnective devices’ power density can approach 10 µW cm−2. The rectified output power is capable of charging capacitors, driving light‐emitting diode lights, powering a digital watch and interfacing with a commercial microcontroller board to operate as a piezoresistive force sensor switch as a proof of concept. Magnetoelectric studies show that the composites have the potential to be incorporated into magnetoelectric systems. The biopolymeric composites prove to be desirable candidates for multifunctional energy harvesters and electronic devices.
Linear Conjugated Coordination Polymers for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lu Chuangye , Zhu Da , Su Yan , Xu Hong , Gu Cheng
Published: February 2023

Conjugated coordination polymers (CCPs) have attracted extensive attention for various applications related to energy storage and conversion in the past few years, despite that there are many CCPs with unclear chemical states and structures. Here, linear CCPs (LCCPs), with metal–O4 active sites grown on carbon paper (CP) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), are presented. The LCCPs with high crystallinity and simple structures exhibit the order of electrocatalytic activity of Co–O4 > Ni–O4 > Fe–O4 in terms of the metal–O4 centers. The Co‐based LCCP shows higher OER performance (263 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and better durability (90 h at 30 mA cm−2) than commercial IrO2/CP. The structures and chemical states of LCCPs are carefully investigated, and density functional theory is used to reveal the mechanism of OER at the central metal site. This investigation into LCCPs provides new sights for a better understanding of CCPs and expands the applications of LCCPs with metal–O4 sites.
Surface and Interface Regulation of MXenes: Methods and Properties
Authors: Zhang Tianze , Chang Libo , Xiao Xu
Published: February 2023

Since the discovery of Ti3C2Tx in 2011, 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, known as MXenes, have been attracting great attention as the emerging member of 2D materials. The surface terminations, intercalants, and the interfaces between MXenes and other substances are of importance for tuning the properties of MXenes. For instance, surface termination of MXenes can change the density of states at the Fermi levels to make MXenes electronically tunable. Different terminations can lead to band opening and changes in behavior from metallic to semiconducting, as well as dramatic changes in the work function of MXenes. On the other hand, electron transfer occurring at the interface between MXenes and other substances due to the physical interaction/chemical bonding, changes the electron configuration of MXenes and realizes the functionalization. In this review, the most up‐to‐date progress of the surface and interface regulation of MXenes is comprehensively summarized, introducing the effect of various synthesis methods on the surface and interface chemistry, the routes on tuning the surface and interface chemistry, and the related potential applications. Finally, the perspective of the future research directions and challenges on surface and interface regulation is outlined.
Improving the Performance and High‐Field Stability of FAPbBr3 Single Crystals in X‐Ray Detection with Chenodeoxycholic Acid Additive
Authors: Jiang Wei , Ren Jiwei , Li Haibin , Liu Dan , Yang Lijun , Xiong Ying , Zhao Yiying
Published: February 2023

Organometal halide perovskite single crystals are one of the most promising radiation detection materials due to their unique advantages of high absorption coefficient, long carrier diffusion length, and low defect density. However, the severe ion migration in perovskites deteriorates the X‐ray detection performance under longtime and high‐field operating conditions. This work reports an effective additive of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), which can suppress the ion migration and improve the performance and the operational stability of FAPbBr3 single crystals (SCs) in X‐ray detection significantl. The CDCA molecules in precursors effectively suppress the decomposition of FA ions, resulting in a better crystal orientation and stoichiometry. The trace amounts of CDCA residues in FAPbBr3 SCs improve the thermal stability and effectively suppress the ion migration. The resulting detector shows an impressive X‐ray sensitivity up to 21 386.88 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 under −500 V and a detection limit of 15.23 nGyair s−1. The response current of the detector at 225 V cm−1 field is barely changed under the 7200 s irradiation with a dose rate of 1.949 mGyair s−1. This work provides insights for the additive selection and improving the operational stability of perovskite single crystals for commercial applications.
Structural behavior of RC beams strengthened using fiber‐reinforced polymer U‐jackets
Authors: Maras Muslum Murat , Kantarci Fatih
Published: February 2023

The study aims to identify flexural behavior of RC beams strengthened using three different fiber‐reinforced polymers (FRPs) with differential cross‐sections configuration (i.e., middle and support sections). The experimental and calculations results of strengthening methods for RC beams were investigated utilizing FRPs under flexural loading. The strengthening FRP materials (CFRP, AFRP, and GFRP) were externally attached to the surface of the samples with U‐wrapped shape at the three different regions of the beams. The experimental results were compared with the fiber polymer systems of the American Concrete Institute according to the ACI 440.2R‐08 standards. The results demonstrated that RC‐9 specimen reinforced using AFRP exhibited higher load capacity performance than the others. The RC beams strengthened at both middle and support area exhibited more ductile behavior, which depends on the failure mode. Less crack formation was seen in the RC‐10 beams reinforced with AFRP, both in the middle and in the support area, compared with reference sample. The experiment revealed that FRP U‐jackets could be a promotive alternative to improve structural performance greatly and provide reliable and suitable solutions for sustainable buildings.
Fluorinated Vinyl Sulfonium Salts and Their Synthetic Utilization
Authors: Hanamoto Takeshi
Published: February 2023

The fluorinated building block strategy and the direct fluorination strategy are of great importance for the synthesis of new fluorinated molecules. These strategies complement each other and can be combined to develop a new methodology for the construction of a wide variety of fascinating organofluorine compounds. In our opinion, the versatile building blocks used in this method should satisfy the following conditions: 1) readily prepared from commercially available reagents; 2) easy to handle; 3) storage under ordinary conditions without noticeable decomposition; 4) wide applicability. Based on the aforementioned requirements, we focused on the use of vinyl sulfonium salts. This brief review describes the synthesis of five types of fluorinated vinyl sulfonium salts and their reactions. Especially, we featured typical fluorinated groups containing trifluoromethyl (CF3), difluoromethyl (CF2H), monofluoromethyl (CFH2), monofluoro (F) or β‐bromotetrafluoroethyl (BrCF2CF2) moieties in combination with vinyl sulfonium salts.
Bilateral patellar aplasia in a foal
Authors: Ludwig Elsa K. , Hallowell Kim , Womble Mandy , O'Neil Erin
Published: February 2023

A 2‐day‐old Cleveland Bay colt was referred to the Equine Emergency Service of the Farm Animal and Equine Veterinary Medical Center at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for evaluation of decreased nursing behaviour and right hindlimb lameness of 2 days’ duration. When assisted to stand, the foal was unable to extend either hindlimb or bear weight on the hindlimbs, the right patella was luxated laterally and unable to be reduced, and the foal assumed a crouched position. Stifle radiographs revealed minimal, heterogeneous, ill‐defined ossification of both patellae. Due to the severity of the musculoskeletal defects, humane euthanasia was elected. Post‐mortem examination identified a congenital malformation of both patella bones with failure of ossification and cardiac changes suggestive of right atrioventricular valve dysplasia. Histology of the patellae showed no evidence of osteoid deposition or ossification. To our knowledge, bilateral congenital patellar aplasia has not been previously described in foals.
Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxic Activities of Half‐sandwich Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Iridium(III) Complexes Containing 4,4'‐substituted 2,2'‐Bipyridine Ligands
Authors: Graf Marion , Ochs Jasmine , Metzler‐Nolte Nils , Mayer Peter , Böttcher Hans‐Christian
Published: February 2023

The synthesis and characterization of six new organometallic half‐sandwich iridium(III) compounds containing modified 4,4'‐substituted 2,2'‐bipyridines as the bidentate co‐ligands were described. Thus the compounds [Ir(η5‐C5Me5)(N^N)Cl]PF6 [N^N: 4,4'‐bpy‐Ph, 1; 4,4'‐bpy‐Me, 2; 4,4'‐bpy‐nonyl, 3; 4,4'‐bpy‐CH2OH, 4; 4,4'‐bpy‐Cl, 5; 4,4'‐bpy‐NH2, 6 were obtained by bridge‐splitting reactions from the precursor [{Ir(η5‐C5Me5)(μ‐Cl)Cl}2] with the corresponding bidentate bipyridines. The X‐ray single‐crystal structures of compounds 1, 2, 4 and 6 in the solid state were determined. To evaluate the cytotoxic properties of all six compounds, colorimetric assays (MTT assay) against two cancer cell lines, MCF‐7 and HT‐29, were performed. Most promising results were achieved for compounds 1 and 3 with nonpolar phenyl or nonyl group attached to the bipyridine ligand, while the substitution with less lipophilic groups led to the inactivation of the compound. The most remarkable biological activity showed compound 3 with an IC50 value in the low macromolecular range and >40‐fold enhanced toxicity compared to cisplatin against both cell lines.