bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photosensitizer‐Polypeptide Conjugate for Effective Elimination of Candida albicans Biofilm
Authors: Wan Pengqi , Guo Wei , Wang Yongjie , Deng Mingxiao , Xiao Chunsheng , Chen Xuesi
Published: June 2022

Persistent fungal infections caused by biofilms seriously endanger human health. In this study, a photosensitizer‐polypeptide conjugate (PPa‐cP) comprising a photosensitizer, pyropheophorbide a (PPa), and a cationic polypeptide (cP) is readily synthesized for effective antifungal and antibiofilm treatment. Compared with free PPa, the cationic PPa‐cP shows enhanced binding ability to the negatively charged surface of Candida albicans (C. albicans) through electrostatic interactions. As a result, PPa‐cP exhibits effective antifungal efficiency against both C. albicans and fluconazole‐resistant C. albicans in vitro under light irradiation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PPa‐cP for both C. albicans and fluconazole‐resistant C. albicans is 1 µm. In addition, PPa‐cP also shows improved penetration in a C. albicans biofilm, thus effectively eliminating the C. albicans biofilm by photodynamic effects. More importantly, PPa‐cP demonstrats significantly enhanced therapeutic effects in a fluconazole‐resistant C. albicans‐infected rat model with minimal side effects. In conclusion, the current work presents an effective strategy to combat biofilm infections associated with biomedical equipment.
Negative‐Index Acoustic Metamaterial Operating above 100 kHz in Water Using Microstructured Silicon Chips as Unit Cells
Authors: Wang Jiaying , Allein Florian , Floer Cécile , Boechler Nicholas , Friend James , Vazquez‐Mena Oscar
Published: June 2022

A major challenge for negative‐index acoustic metamaterials is increasing their operational frequency to the MHz range in water for applications such as biomedical ultrasound. Herein, a novel technology to realize acoustic metamaterials in water using microstructured silicon chips as unit cells that incorporate silicon nitride membranes and Helmholtz resonators with dimensions below 100 μm fabricated using clean‐room microfabrication technology is presented. The silicon chip unit‐cells are then assembled to form periodic structures that result in a negative‐index metamaterial. Finite‐element method (FEM) simulations of the metamaterial show a negative‐index branch in the dispersion relation in the 0.25–0.35 MHz range. The metamaterial is characterized experimentally using laser‐doppler vibrometry, showing opposite phase and group velocities, a signature of negative‐index materials, and is in close agreement with FEM simulations. The experimental measurements also show that the magnitude of phase and group velocities increase as the frequency increases within the negative‐index band, confirming the negative‐index behavior of the material. Acoustic indices from –1 to –5 are reached with respect to water in the 0.25–0.35 MHz range. The use of silicon technology microfabrication to produce acoustic metamaterials for operation in water opens a new road to reach frequencies relevant for biomedical ultrasound  applications.
A Fully 3D‐Printed Tortoise‐Inspired Soft Robot with Terrains‐Adaptive and Amphibious Landing Capabilities
Authors: Wu Mingxin , Xu Xiaoxian , Zhao Qin , Afridi Waqar Hussain , Hou Ningzhe , Afridi Rahdar Hussain , Zheng Xingwen , Wang Chen , Xie Guangming
Published: June 2022

Terrain adaptation and amphibious landing pose the greatest challenges for soft amphibious robots. Based on the principles of tortoises, this paper presents a fully 3D‐printed soft amphibious robot with four pneumatic bionic legs that are capable of bending in three dimensions. The gaits of the robot are described in six different ways and a dynamic model is developed for its control. In addition to linear motion (0.97 BL s−1) and turning (25.4° s−1) on rigid terrain, the robot can also maneuver on various surface conditions (such as hills, gaps, smooth slopes, gravel, sand, muddy terrain, and water), and even make an amphibious landing. These properties, together with the soft amphibious robot's continuous obstacle avoidance capabilities, high load‐carrying capacity (28 times its own weight), low cost, and high camouflage, allow for a wide variety of applications.
State Filling and Stimulated Emission by Colloidal InP/ZnSe Core/Shell Quantum Dots
Authors: Sousa Velosa Filipe , Van Avermaet Hannes , Schiettecatte Pieter , Mingabudinova Leila , Geiregat Pieter , Hens Zeger
Published: June 2022

Colloidal InP‐based quantum dots (QDs) are widely studied for luminescent color conversion or electroluminescence, yet the nature of the emitting state remains a matter of debate and reports on stimulated emission by these materials are nearly absent. Here, the properties of photo‐excited InP/ZnSe QDs are investigated using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. It is shown that the evolution of the band‐edge bleach with increasing exciton number can be interpreted as state filling of the conduction‐ and valence‐band edge states by delocalized electrons and holes. In line with this interpretation, net stimulated emission is observed once the average exciton number exceeds 1. The authors account for this lower‐than‐expected gain threshold and the spectral properties of the gain band by reckoning that the Stokes shift between band‐edge absorption and emission is the dominant spectral shift. The underlying exciton–phonon coupling leads to a stimulated emission mechanism, where also single excitons can lead to net optical gain. To fully profit from this advantageous stimulated emission scheme, it is argued that InP/ZnSe QDs with more narrow emission lines are needed and spurious trapping of electron–hole pairs at high exciton numbers must be suppressed, for example, by better controlling the composition of the core/shell interface.
Leveraging Building Material as Part of the In‐Plane Robotic Kinematic System for Collective Construction
Authors: Leder Samuel , Kim HyunGyu , Oguz Ozgur Salih , Kubail Kalousdian Nicolas , Hartmann Valentin Noah , Menges Achim , Toussaint Marc , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2022

Although collective robotic construction systems are beginning to showcase how multi‐robot systems can contribute to building construction by efficiently building low‐cost, sustainable structures, the majority of research utilizes non‐structural or highly customized materials. A modular collective robotic construction system based on a robotic actuator, which leverages timber struts for the assembly of architectural artifacts as well as part of the robot body for locomotion is presented. The system is co‐designed for in‐plane assembly from an architectural, robotic, and computer science perspective in order to integrate the various hardware and software constraints into a single workflow. The system is tested using five representative physical scenarios. These proof‐of‐concept demonstrations showcase three tasks required for construction assembly: the ability of the system to locomote, dynamically change the topology of connecting robotic actuators and timber struts, and collaborate to transport timber struts. As such, the groundwork for a future autonomous collective robotic construction system that could address collective construction assembly and even further increase the flexibility of on‐site construction robots through its modularity is laid.
An OFET‐Based Involutive Logic Circuit with Wide‐Range Threshold Shift Compensability
Authors: Yan Yongkun , Wu Yangjiang , Shao Lin , Yang Longfei , Wu Zeng , Li Wenhao , Yi Zhengran , Liu Yunqi , Zhao Yan
Published: June 2022

Organic field‐effect transistor (OFET)‐based circuits require stable device performance. However, OFETs are suffering from process variation and environmental instability, which limits circuit performance. Here, an optimally designed XOR gate based on p‐type‐only OFETs is reported. The circuit has excellent postfabrication tunability that is enough to cope with a threshold voltage shift as high as 1.5 V. Moreover, the circuit largely reduces the number of transistors by 81% compared with conventional design and can realize ultralow power consumption. In addition, the XOR gate can act as a programmable inverter with good regenerative property. Utilizing the XOR gate, the authors demonstrate its application in cryptography. A 3481‐bit message is correctly encrypted and decrypted with an accuracy rate of up to 98.5%. The authors’ work enables the accurate prediction of circuit operation in the presence of OFET threshold voltage shifts.
Controlling Iron Versus Oxygen Redox in the Layered Cathode Na0.67Fe0.5Mn0.5O2: Mitigating Voltage and Capacity Fade by Mg Substitution
Authors: Boivin Edouard , House Robert A. , Marie John‐Joseph , Bruce Peter G.
Published: June 2022

Layered oxides for Na‐ion batteries containing Fe have attracted strong interest mainly due to their low cost. However, full oxidation of Fe3+ to Fe4+ is rarely seen before O‐redox sets in and is typically accompanied by voltage and capacity fade on cycling. On charging P2‐Na0.67[Fe0.5Mn0.5]O2, Fe3+ is oxidized to only ≈Fe3.3+ before the onset of O‐redox. O‐redox occurs when the Na content is sufficiently low (Na ≈0.3) to permit the transition from P‐type to O‐type stacking, thus enabling Fe3+ migration to the Na layer. Fe3+ migration generates cation vacancies in the transition metal layer, forming □‐O‐□ configurations, which trigger the onset of O‐redox. In contrast, doping this material with Mg2+ to form P2‐Na0.67[Fe0.25Mn0.6Mg0.15]O2 allows full oxidation of Fe3+ to Fe4+ before the Na content is low enough to favor O‐type stacking. During O‐redox, Mg2+ is displaced into the Na layers instead of Fe. Mg substitution enables greater reversibility of the Fe3+/Fe4+ redox couple and significantly suppresses Fe migration, which is responsible for the voltage and capacity fade observed for P2‐Na0.67Fe0.5Mn0.5O2.
Diastolic flow in the left ventricular outflow tract – A normal physiological and underappreciated echocardiographic finding
Authors: Cowie Brian , Costello Ben , Wright Leah , Janssens Kristel , Howden Erin , Flannery Darragh , Foulkes Steve , Kluger Roman , Gerche Andre La
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Diastolic waveforms in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) are commonly observed with Doppler echocardiography. The incidence and mechanism are not well described.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of 186 adult patients, athletes and non‐athletes, free of known cardiac disease, presenting for comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography at a research institute. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and echocardiographic associations between LVOT diastolic waveforms.

Results

Left ventricular outflow tract early to mid‐diastolic waveforms were present in 100% of athletes and 95% of non‐athletes. The LVOT diastolic velocity time integral was larger in athletes than non‐athletes with a mean 8.3 cm (95% CI (7.6–8.9)) vs. 5.1 cm (4.4–5.9) (P < 0.0001). Multivariate predictors of this diastolic waveform were age (P = 0.002), slower heart rate (P = 0.035), higher stroke volume (P = 0.003), large mitral E (P = 0.019) and higher E/e' (P = 0.015).

Discussion

An LVOT early diastolic wave is a normal physiological finding. It is related to a flow vortex redirecting diastolic mitral inflow around anterior mitral valve leaflet into the LVOT.

Conclusions

Early to mid‐diastolic LVOT waves are present in almost all patients but more prominent in young athletes than non‐athletes. Diastolic LVOT waves increase with younger age, slower heart rate, larger stroke volume and enhanced diastolic function.
Exploring the Lived Experience of Families Waiting for Surgical Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Pustinger Laurie , Burchill Christian N. , Stetz Kristin , Distelhorst Karen S.
Published: June 2022

Family‐centered care is an important aspect of perioperative nursing, especially during the perioperative waiting period that separates patients from their families or significant others. However, there is a lack of understanding on what waiting means to family members or significant others. In this hermeneutic phenomenological study, we explored the lived experiences of family members waiting for surgical patients. We identified a shared experience during waiting that we called a “time to focus on self.” We identified five supporting themes that shaped this meaning of waiting: the environment, activities, communication, expectations, and feelings. The perioperative waiting experience may be a necessary time of self‐reflection and self‐care for family members when responsibilities for loved ones are temporarily on hold. Perioperative nurses can provide family‐centered interventions to address the physical and emotional needs of individuals who are waiting and improve their experience.
Phosphoproteome reveals molecular mechanisms of aberrant rhythm in neurotransmitter‐mediated islet hormone secretion in diabetic mice
Authors: He Yunqiang , Fu Qi , Sun Min , Qian Yu , Liang Yucheng , Zhang Jie , Gao Rui , Jiang Hemin , Dai Hao , Liu Yuwei , Xu Xinyu , Chen Heng , Xu Kuanfeng , Yang Tao
Published: June 2022

Background

Acetylcholine (ACh) and norepinephrine (NE) are representative neurotransmitters of parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, respectively, that antagonize each other to coregulate internal body functions. This also includes the control of different kinds of hormone secretion from pancreatic islets. However, the molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, and whether innervation in islets is abnormal in diabetes mellitus also remains unclear.

Methods and results

Immunofluorescence colocalization and islet perfusion were performed and the results demonstrated that ACh/NE and their receptors were highly expressed in islet and rapidly regulated different hormones secretion. Phosphorylation is considered an important posttranslational modification in islet innervation and it was identified by quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses in this study. The phosphorylated islet proteins were found involved in many biological and pathological processes, such as synaptic signalling transduction, calcium channel opening and insulin signalling pathway. Then, the kinases were predicted by motif analysis and further screened and verified by kinase‐specific siRNAs in different islet cell lines (αTC1‐6, Min6 and TGP52). After functional verification, Ksr2 and Pkacb were considered the key kinases of ACh and NE in insulin secretion, and Cadps, Mlxipl and Pdcd4 were the substrates of these kinases measured by immunofluorescence co‐staining. Then, the decreased expression of receptors, kinases and substrates of ACh and NE were found in diabetic mice and the aberrant rhythm in insulin secretion could be improved by combined interventions on key receptors (M3 (pilocarpine) or α2a (guanfacine)) and kinases (Ksr2 or Pkacb).

Conclusions

Abnormal innervation was closely associated with the degree of islet dysfunction in diabetic mice and the aberrant rhythm in insulin secretion could be ameliorated significantly after intervention with key receptors and kinases in the early stage of diabetes mellitus, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetes mellitus in the future.
Hierarchical Encapsulation and Rich sp2 N Assist Sb2Se3‐Based Conversion‐Alloying Anode for Long‐Life Sodium‐ and Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Chong Shaokun , Ma Meng , Yuan Lingling , Qiao Shuangyan , Dong Shihong , Liu Huakun , Dou Shixue
Published: June 2022

Sodium‐ and potassium‐ion batteries have exhibited great application potential in grid‐scale energy storage due to the abundant natural resources of Na and K. Conversion‐alloying anodes with high theoretical capacity and low‐operating voltage are ideal option for SIBs and PIBs but suffer the tremendous volume variations. Herein, a hierarchically structural design and sp2 N‐doping assist a conversion‐alloying material, Sb2Se3, to achieve superior life span more than 1000 cycles. It is confirmed that the Sb2Se3 evolves into nano grains that absorb on the sp2 N sites and in situ form chemical bonding of C‐N‐Sb after initial discharge. Simulation results indicate that sp2 N has more robust interaction with Sb and stronger adsorption capacities to Na+ and K+ than that of sp3 N, which contributes to the durable cycling ability and high electrochemical activity, respectively. The ex situ transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggest that the Sb2Se3 electrode experiences conversion‐alloying dual mechanisms based on 12‐electron transfer per formula unit.
Assessment and application of an alternative formula to describe the hydraulic conductivity over the full moisture range
Authors: Luo Zhaoyang , Kong Jun , Yao Lili , Luo Yuan
Published: June 2022

Motivated by a versatile three‐parameter water retention curve (WRC) formula of Fredlund and Xing, we proposed an alternative expression to describe the relative hydraulic conductivity (RHC) for soils that can capture oven‐dry to water‐saturated conditions (full moisture range) with a single, closed‐form equation (without having to explicitly partitioning the capillary and film flow components). This RHC expression was tested using an existing data set that includes a wide range of soil textures, and shown to be more accurate than the other two RHC expressions. Subsequently, the new RHC expression was combined with the WRC formula of Fredlund and Xing, generating an alternative model (hereafter called the FL model) applicable to describe soil hydraulic properties over the full moisture range. The FL model requires both the known WRC and RHC data since three additional fitting parameters are involved in the present RHC expression. Furthermore, the FL model was employed in a HYDRUS‐1D numerical model for simulating the soil moisture redistribution within a lysimeter. The numerical simulation with using the FL model can accurately predict the moisture redistribution, in turn confirming the validity of the FL model despite without partitioning the capillary and film flow components.
Comparison between the difficulty of laparoscopic limited liver resections of tumors located in segment 7 versus segment 8: An international multicenter propensity‐score matched study
Authors: Efanov Mikhail , Salimgereeva Diana , Alikhanov Ruslan , Wu Andrew G. R. , Geller David , Cipriani Federica , Aghayan Davit L. , Fretland Asmund Avdem , Sijberden Jasper , Belli Andrea , Marino Marco V. , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Chiow Adrian K. H. , Sucandy Iswanto , Ivanecz Arpad , Choi Sung Hoon , Lee Jae Hoon , Prieto Mikel , Vivarelli Marco , Giuliante Felice , Ruzzenente Andrea , Yong Chee‐Chien , Fondevila Constantino , Rotellar Fernando , Choi Gi‐Hong , Robless Campos Ricardo , Wang Xiaoying , Sutcliffe Robert P. , Pratschke Johann , Lai Eric , Chong Charing C. , D'Hondt Mathieu , Monden Kazuteru , Lopez‐Ben Santiago , Herman Paulo , Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Kingham T. Peter , Liu Rong , Long Tran Cong duy , Ferrero Alessandro , Levi Sandri Giovanni Battista , Cherqui Daniel , Scatton Olivier , Wakabayashi Go , Troisi Roberto I. , Cheung Tan‐To , Sugioka Atsushi , Han Ho‐Seong , Abu Hilal Mohammad , Soubrane Olivier , Fuks David , Aldrighetti Luca , Edwin Bjorn , Goh Brian K. P. ,   International Robotic and Laparoscopic Liver Resection Study Group Investigators
Published: June 2022

Background

Presently, according to different difficulty scoring systems, there is no difference in complexity estimation of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) of segments 7 and 8. However, there is no published data supporting this assumption. To date, no studies have compared the outcomes of laparoscopic parenchyma‐sparing resection of the liver segments 7 and 8.

Methods

A post hoc analysis of patients undergoing LLR of segments 7 and 8 in 46 centers between 2004 and 2020 was performed. 1:1 Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare isolated LLR of segments 7 and 8. Subset analyses were also performed to compare atypical resections and segmentectomies of 7 and 8.

Results

A total of 2411 patients were identified, and 1691 patients met the inclusion criteria. Comparison after PSM between the entire cohort of segment 7 and segment 8 resections revealed inferior results for segment 7 resection in terms of increased blood loss, blood transfusions, and conversions to open surgery. Subset analyses of only atypical resections similarly demonstrated poorer outcomes for segment 7 in terms of increased blood loss, operation time, blood transfusions, and conversions to open surgery. Conversely, a subgroup analysis of segmentectomies after PSM found better outcomes for segment 7 in terms of a shorter operation time and hospital stay.

Conclusion

Differences in the outcomes of segments 7 and 8 resections suggest a greater difficulty of laparoscopic atypical resection of segment 7 compared to segment 8, and greater difficulty of segmentectomy 8 compared to segmentectomy 7.
Eye movement disorders in inborn errors of metabolism: A quantitative analysis of 37 patients
Authors: Koens Lisette H. , Tuitert Inge , Blokzijl Hans , Engelen Marc , Klouwer Femke C. C. , Lange Fiete , Leen Wilhelmina G. , Lunsing Roelineke J. , Koelman Johannes H. T. M. , Verrips Aad , de Koning Tom J. , Tijssen Marina A. J.
Published: June 2022

Inborn errors of metabolism are genetic disorders that need to be recognized as early as possible because treatment may be available. In late‐onset forms, core symptoms are movement disorders, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Eye movement disorders are considered to be frequent too, although specific knowledge is lacking. We describe and analyze eye movements in patients with an inborn error of metabolism, and see whether they can serve as an additional clue in the diagnosis of particularly late‐onset inborn errors of metabolism. Demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment data were collected. All patients underwent a standardized videotaped neurological examination and a video‐oculography. Videos are included. We included 37 patients with 15 different inborn errors of metabolism, including 18 patients with a late‐onset form. With the exception of vertical supranuclear gaze palsy in Niemann‐Pick type C and external ophthalmolplegia in Kearns‐Sayre syndrome, no relation was found between the type of eye movement disorder and the underlying metabolic disorder. Movement disorders were present in 29 patients (78%), psychiatric symptoms in 14 (38%), and cognitive deficits in 26 patients (70%). In 87% of the patients with late‐onset disease, eye movement disorders were combined with one or more of these core symptoms. To conclude, eye movement disorders are present in different types of inborn errors of metabolism, but are often not specific to the underlying disorder. However, the combination of eye movement disorders with movement disorders, psychiatric symptoms, or cognitive deficits can serve as a diagnostic clue for an underlying late‐onset inborn error of metabolism.
The impact of waiting on customer‐instigated service time: Field evidence from a live‐chat contact center
Authors: Ilk Noyan , Shang Guangzhi
Published: June 2022

It is well known that the waiting time a customer experiences in a service system is determined by the service processing time of preceding customers, among other factors. We argue that a directionally opposite effect, which diffuses from waiting time to her own service time, also exists in co‐productive service contexts where a significant fraction of the service time is contributed by the customer. Multiple underlying customer behavioral mechanisms lead us to hypothesize that waiting's impact is dependent on the service stage and magnifies as the service process approaches completion. Our empirical analysis uses a unique operational data set that combines server log information with instant‐messaging transcripts collected from a live‐chat contact center. We show that pre‐service waiting accelerates customer engagement—one dimension of customer instigated service time—only at the beginning of the conversation and then exhibits a slowdown effect as the conversation proceeds. In contrast, in‐service waiting consistently slows down customer responses—another dimension of customer instigated service time, the magnitude of which is higher in later episodes of the agent‐customer message exchanges. We discuss the practical implications of our findings on operational policies employed in contact centers.
On a degenerate singular elliptic problem
Authors: Garain Prashanta
Published: June 2022

In this article we provide existence, uniqueness and regularity results of a degenerate singular elliptic boundary value problem whose prototype is given by
where Ω is a bounded smooth domain in with , w belongs to the Muckenhoupt class for some , f is a nonnegative function belonging to some Lebesgue space and .
A minimum SNR criterion for computed tomography object detection in the projection domain
Authors: Hsieh Scott S. , Leng Shuai , Yu Lifeng , Huber Nathan R. , McCollough Cynthia H.
Published: June 2022

Background

A common rule of thumb for object detection is the Rose criterion, which states that a signal must be five standard deviations above background to be detectable to a human observer. The validity of the Rose criterion in CT imaging is limited due to the presence of correlated noise. Recent reconstruction and denoising methodologies are also able to restore apparent image quality in very noisy conditions, and the ultimate limits of these methodologies are not yet known.

Purpose

To establish a lower bound on the minimum achievable signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for object detection, below which detection performance is poor regardless of reconstruction or denoising methodology.

Methods

We consider a numerical observer that operates on projection data and has perfect knowledge of the background and the objects to be detected, and determine the minimum projection SNR that is necessary to achieve predetermined lesion‐level sensitivity and case‐level specificity targets. We define a set of discrete signal objects that encompasses any lesion of interest and could include lesions of different sizes, shapes, and locations. The task is to determine which object of is present, or to state the null hypothesis that no object is present. We constrain each object in to have equivalent projection SNR and use Monte Carlo methods to calculate the required projection SNR necessary. Because our calculations are performed in projection space, they impose an upper limit on the performance possible from reconstructed images. We chose to be a collection of elliptical or circular low contrast metastases and simulated detection of these objects in a parallel beam system with Gaussian statistics. Unless otherwise stated, we assume a target of 80% lesion‐level sensitivity and 80% case‐level specificity and a search field of view that is 6 cm by 6 cm by 10 slices.

Results

When contains only a single object, our problem is equivalent to two‐alternative forced choice (2AFC) and the required projection SNR is 1.7. When consists of circular 6‐mm lesions at different locations in space, the required projection SNR is 5.1. When is extended to include ellipses and circles of different sizes, the required projection SNR increases to 5.3. The required SNR increases if the sensitivity target, specificity target, or search field of view increases.

Conclusions

Even with perfect knowledge of the background and target objects, the ideal observer still requires an SNR of approximately 5. This is a lower bound on the SNR that would be required in real conditions, where the background and target objects are not known perfectly. Algorithms that denoise lesions with less than 5 projection SNR, regardless of the denoising methodology, are expected to show vanishing effects or false positive lesions.
Carbonization‐dominated synergistic behaviors of ammonium hypophosphite/EG composite in improving flame retardancy of flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: Qiu Yong , Xi Baoan , Qian Lijun , Liu Anqi , Gao Lun‐Bagen
Published: June 2022

Developing flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) with good anti‐ignition and self‐extinguishing performance is the fundamental way to prevent fire hazards in application. A binary composite system containing ammonium hypophosphite (NHP) and expandable graphite (EG) was applied to prepare flame‐retardant FPUF. The co‐action of NHP and EG exhibited high‐efficiency synergistic effect in improving the anti‐ignition, self‐extinguishing, and carbonization performance of FPUF. The analysis of micromorphology, element retention and chemical structure character on charring residue, reveals the physical–chemical synergistic carbonization mechanism of NHP/EG composite. The real‐time tracing on thermal‐decomposition volatiles, discloses the behaviors of NHP/EG composite in suppressing volatile fuel supply and toxic fume production. With an addition of 11 wt.% NHP and 7 wt.% EG, 11NHP/7EG achieved a limited oxygen index value of 30.3%, passed horizontal burning class HF‐1, and retained 55.6 wt.% charring residue. The peak of heat release rate and total heat release of 11NHP/7EG were both reduced by more than 50%, compared with that of pristine FPUF. The synergistic flame‐retardant mechanism of NHP/EG composite provides a valuable reference for high‐performance flame‐retardant FPUF manufacturing.
A way to enhance the mechanical performance and UV visible‐light barrier of polyethylene terephthalate packaging material: Synthesis and application of takedaite (Ca3B2O6)
Authors: Kocayavuz Ozden , Demirel Bilal , Yaraş Ali , Akkurt Fatih , Daver Fugen
Published: June 2022

The current study aimed to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/takedaite (Ca3B2O6) composite bottles, an innovative packaging material with better performance. For this, Ca3B2O6 was firstly synthesized by sol–gel route and then it was incorporated to PET at five rates by extrusion. Finally, preform and PET bottles were produced by injection and stretch‐blow‐molding processes, respectively. The results showed that the use of Ca3B2O6 significantly improved the mechanical performance and UV transmittance of PET. Compared to pure PET, the load‐carrying capacity and burst strength enhanced by 133.66% and 54.16%, respectively. Environmental stress cracking (ESC) time increased from 0.3 to 18 min at 0.8% Ca3B2O6 concentration. Moreover, UV transmittance (~85%) of PET decreased to approximately ~18% in the visible region with the incorporation of 0.8 wt% Ca3B2O6. In terms of chemical degradation, Ca3B2O6 incorporation did not change the diethylene glycol (DEG) and isophthalic acid (IPA) rates, however it played an enhancing and reductive role in acetaldehyde (AA) and carboxylic acid (COOH) degradations, respectively. Accordingly, this novel product offers the opportunity to minimize the problems that may occur due to transportation/storage and photocatalytic degradation of food and beverages in PET packaging.
Second‐level global sensitivity analysis of numerical simulators with application to an accident scenario in a sodium‐cooled fast reactor
Authors: Meynaoui Anouar , Marrel Amandine , Laurent Béatrice
Published: June 2022

Numerical simulators are widely used to model physical phenomena and global sensitivity analysis (GSA) aims at studying the global impact of the input uncertainties on the simulator output. To perform GSA, statistical tools based on inputs/output dependence measures are commonly used. We focus here on the Hilbert–Schmidt independence criterion (HSIC). Sometimes, the probability distributions modeling the uncertainty of inputs may be themselves uncertain and it is important to quantify their impact on GSA results. We call it here the second‐level global sensitivity analysis (GSA2). However, GSA2, when performed with a Monte Carlo double‐loop, requires a large number of model evaluations, which is intractable with CPU time expensive simulators. To cope with this limitation, we propose a new statistical methodology based on a Monte Carlo single‐loop with a limited calculation budget. First, we build a unique sample of inputs and simulator outputs, from a well‐chosen probability distribution of inputs. From this sample, we perform GSA for various assumed probability distributions of inputs by using weighted HSIC measures estimators. Statistical properties of these weighted estimators are demonstrated. Subsequently, we define 2nd‐level HSIC‐based measures between the distributions of inputs and GSA results, which constitute GSA2 indices. The efficiency of our GSA2 methodology is illustrated on an analytical example, thereby comparing several technical options. Finally, an application to a test case simulating a severe accidental scenario on nuclear reactor is provided.
Self‐Assembled Supercrystals Enhance the Photothermal Conversion for Solar Evaporation and Water Purification
Authors: Zhang Qinghui , Yin Xiaomeng , Zhang Changbo , Li Yiming , Xiang Kunjiao , Luo Wenlei , Qiao Xuezhi
Published: June 2022

Photothermal materials can convert renewable solar energy into thermal energy and have great potential for solar water evaporation. Copper sulfide (Cu2−xS) is an easily available and inexpensive plasmonic material with a high photothermal conversion efficiency and can be applied to solar evaporation and water purification. Monodispersed Cu7S4 nanoparticles (NPs) and supercrystalline self‐assembled superparticles are obtained via wet chemical synthesis and micelle self‐assembly. The photothermal properties of the superstructures are investigated using the finite difference time domain method and laser radiation photothermography. The results show that the electromagnetic field intensity and photothermal efficiency of the self‐assembly are significantly higher than those of isolated NPs, which is due to the plasmonic coupling of the NPs. The evaporation efficiency of the superstructure is significantly higher than that of isolated NPs, the metal salt ion and total organic carbon concentrations in the waterbody significantly decrease after evaporation, and the water polluted by high salt and organic dye concentrations is purified. The water quality significantly improves after the lake water from Fuxian Lake in the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau of China is used for solar evaporation. The color changes from pale yellow to colorless and the ion and total organic carbon contents significantly decrease.
Solution‐Processed Perovskite/Metal‐Oxide Hybrid X‐Ray Detector and Array with Decoupled Electronic and Ionic Transport Pathways
Authors: Jin Peng , Tang Yingjie , Xu Xuehui , Ran Peng , Wang Yan , Tian Yue , Huang Yong , Zhu Bowen , Yang Yang (Michael)
Published: June 2022

Lead halide perovskites possess heavy elements and excellent mobility‐lifetime (µτ) product, becoming desirable candidates for X‐ray detectors. However, current perovskite photoconduction detectors (PCDs) with vertical geometry, where electronic signals and mobile ions share the same conduction path, are facing with extremely challenging ion‐migration issue. Herein, a hybrid X‐ray detector device structure, in which perovskite is vertically stacked onto an indium oxide (In2O3) transistor with lateral transport geometry is designed, perovskite mainly acts as X‐ray sensitizer to activate In2O3 conduction channel, the actual electrical signal is conducted and collected in the lateral metal‐oxide device. With the decoupled ionic and electronic transportation, hybrid detectors are insensitive to the ionic motion of perovskite, hence demonstrating no hysteresis and almost no shifting of baseline that are often observed in PCDs, hybrid detectors also exhibit reduced dark current, improved response time, and four times higher photocurrent signals. Finally, array integration of hybrid detectors and preliminary X‐ray imaging is realized. The work provides an effective device strategy in addition to the mere material alternations to attain high‐performance perovskite‐based X‐ray detectors and arrays.
Creep relaxation in nonlinear viscoelastic twisted rods
Authors: Sevastyanov Georgiy M.
Published: June 2022

The solution to the problem of stress relaxation in a twisted nonlinear viscoelastic isotropic incompressible rod is presented. We address the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient into reversible (elastic) and irreversible (creep) parts. The elastic potential and the creep potential can be chosen arbitrarily. In particular, the creep law can take into account both the nonlinearity of the relationship between the strain rate and the effective stress, and time‐hardening or softening. We consider two variants of creep constitutive relations. One is based on the Tresca equivalent stress, the other is based on the von Mises equivalent stress. The first of them leads to a significant simplification of the governing equations because in this case a radial elastic strain vanishes. In this framework, we obtain a closed‐form solution in elementary functions for the coupling of Mooney–Rivlin elastic model and linear creep law. For the von Mises material, numerical‐analytical results are obtained. The results are compared with the known small‐strain solutions.
Numerical study of natural convection dissipative electro‐magnetic non‐Newtonian flow through a non‐Darcy channel
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Bég O. Anwar , Leonard Henry John , Kuharat Sireetorn
Published: June 2022

Inspired by simulating duct thermal processing of novel functional polymers, a novel mathematical model is developed for buoyancy‐driven heat transfer in non‐Newtonian Williamson fluid flow in a vertical parallel plate duct containing a permeable medium, under mutually orthogonal electrical and magnetic fields. The momentum equation features electrical and magnetic body force terms, and the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer mode is used for non‐Darcy effects. The energy balance equation includes thermal buoyancy (natural convection body force) and a modified viscous dissipation term. The conservation equations with associated boundary conditions are reframed into a system of coupled non‐linear ordinary differential equations via appropriate similarity transformations. The emerging dimensionless boundary value problem is then solved with a differential transform method (DTM). Validation of DTM solutions with the bvp4c MATLAB collocation solver is included. The influence of key parameters on velocity, temperature and average Nusselt number, are computed and illustrated graphically. With elevation in Weissenberg (non‐Newtonian) number, velocity and temperature are reduced. Velocity is suppressed with increasing non‐Darcian parameter (Forchheimer effect) whereas it is enhanced with increment in buoyancy convection parameter. With increasing Forchheimer, Darcy number and Hartmann number, the average Nusselt number is boosted whereas it is decreased with higher values of buoyancy convection parameter, Brinkman number and Weissenberg number. A strong reduction in temperature is computed with increment in ratio of Joule electrical heating to heat conduction parameter. DTM is shown to be an exceptionally accurate and versatile approach for simulating non‐Newtonian electromagnetohydrodynamic transport in ducts.
Glocal Challenges in the Present and the Future
Authors: Mihr Anja
Published: June 2022

Climate change, digitalization, and urbanization are key global challenges that can only be dealt with glocally, namely by finding individual and community-based solutions and apply internationally and globally agreed norms, for example agreed reduction of emission to lower global heating. The user, citizen, and consumer are the main stakeholder and problem solver in respect to glocal challenges. The challenges is how we transform the state-based International Human Rights Regime, Democracy and Rule of Law into a glocal one, beyond national and territorial and administrative powers and the classical concept of statehood. Principles of good governance, universal jurisdiction, and customary international human rights law are principle and practices that help to glocalize governance in all aspects of life.
“Seafarers should be navigating by the stars”: barriers to usability in ship bridge design
Authors: Danielsen Brit-Eli , Lützhöft Margareta , Haavik Torgeir Kolstø , Johnsen Stig Ole , Porathe Thomas
Published: June 2022

Navigating a ship is a complex task that requires close interaction between navigators and technology available on the ship’s bridge. The quality of this interaction depends on human and organisational factors, but also on technological design. This is recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the SOLAS V/15 regulation that requires human factor considerations in bridge design. The objective of this paper is to investigate how tensions between the main stakeholders’ interests and perspectives in ship bridge design may influence the achievement of the goals set forth in the SOLAS V/15 regulation. This objective is explored through a qualitative study in the maritime industry, involving seafarers, shipowners, and equipment manufacturers. We find suboptimal ship bridge design usability to be connected to structural characteristics of the maritime sector, where different aims and perspectives between core stakeholders impairs alignment with respect to conception of work-as-done in the operative environment. We also find that profitability is a major driver for the blunt end stakeholders, for whom the relation between usability and profitability is perceived as a trade-off rather than of synergy. We conclude that there is a need to develop processes, enablers, and management tools to (1) update the understanding of the professional competence needed in the technology dense work environment on ship bridges today; (2) strengthen the maritime stakeholders’ awareness of the advantages of human-centred design (HCD) which are both operator well-being and system performance; (3) enable implementation of HCD into existing design and development processes; (4) provide metrics for business cases enabling informed ergonomic investment decisions.
Mechanisms behind context-dependent role of glucocorticoids in breast cancer progression
Authors: Butz Henriett , Patócs Attila
Published: June 2022

Glucocorticoids (GCs), mostly dexamethasone (dex), are routinely administered as adjuvant therapy to manage side effects in breast cancer. However, recently, it has been revealed that dex triggers different effects and correlates with opposite outcomes depending on the breast cancer molecular subtype. This has raised new concerns regarding the generalized use of GC and suggested that the context-dependent effects of GCs can be taken into potential consideration during treatment design. Based on this, attention has recently been drawn to the role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in development and progression of breast cancer. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we aimed to summarize the different mechanisms behind different context-dependent GC actions in breast cancer by applying a multilevel examination, starting from the association of variants of the GR-encoding gene to expression at the mRNA and protein level of the receptor, and its interactions with other factors influencing GC action in breast cancer. The role of GCs in chemosensitivity and chemoresistance observed during breast cancer therapy is discussed. In addition, experiences using GC targeting therapeutic options (already used and investigated in preclinical and clinical trials), such as classic GC dexamethasone, selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and modulators, the GC antagonist mifepristone, and GR coregulators, are also summarized. Evidence presented can aid a better understanding of the biology of context-dependent GC action that can lead to further advances in the personalized therapy of breast cancer by the evaluation of GR along with the conventional estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the routine diagnostic procedure.
Improving Parent–Child Relationships for Young Parents in the Shadow of Complex Trauma: A Single-Case Experimental Design Series
Authors: Kemmis-Riggs Jacqueline , Dickes Adam , Rogers Kris , Berle David , McAloon John
Published: June 2022

This study provides a preliminary evaluation of a dyadic intervention for young parents with a history of complex trauma, Holding Hands Young Parents (HHYP). Four mothers (17–22 years) and toddlers (12–33 months) completed the intervention, designed to improve parent–child relationships, parental self-regulation, self-efficacy and mental health, and child behaviour/emotional problems. An A–B single case experimental design series with follow-up and randomised baseline, used observational and self-report measures throughout. Linear mixed models demonstrated improvement in reciprocity and parental sensitivity over the treatment phase, with no evidence of shifts in scores at beginning or end of treatment. There was no evidence for changes in child engagement, negative states, intrusiveness or withdrawal. Reliable Change Index indicated improvement in parent-reported self-regulation, self-efficacy, stress and child emotional/behavioural problems from baseline to follow-up for all four mothers; depression showed reliable change for three. This study demonstrates relational change between young parents and their toddlers and provides preliminary data on the HHYP protocol.
The Validation of the Selective Mutism Questionnaire for Use in the Dutch Population
Authors: Rodrigues Pereira Chaya , Ensink Judith B. M. , Güldner Max G. , Kan Kees Jan , De Jonge Maretha V. , Lindauer Ramón J. L. , Utens Elisabeth M. W. J.
Published: June 2022

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder in children/adolescents, characterized by the absence of speaking in specific social situations, mostly at school. The selective mutism questionnaire (SMQ) is a parent report, internationally used to assess SM symptomatology and treatment outcomes. Since no assessment instrument for SM was available in the Netherlands, our aim was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the SMQ, through reliability, confirmatory factor, and ROC analyses conducted on data obtained in 303 children (ages 3–17 years; clinical SM group n = 106, control group n = 197). The SMQ turned out to be highly reliable (α = 0.96 in the combined sample; 0.83 within the clinical group) and followed the expected factor structure. We conclude that the Dutch version of the SMQ is a reliable and valid tool both as a screening and clinical instrument to assess SM in Dutch speaking children.
MY11 exerts antitumor effects through activation of the NF-κB/PUMA signaling pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Ye Qun , Jiang Ziwei , Xie Ying , Xu Yuanhong , Ye Yiyi , Ma Lei , Pei Lixia
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and the discovery of new effective breast cancer therapies with lower toxicity is still needed. We screened a series of chalcone derivatives and found that MY11 ((E)-1-(2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(4-piperazinylphenyl) prop-2-en-1-one) had the strongest anti-breast cancer activity. MY11 inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells by arresting the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis, through regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins. PDTC (Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate ammonium), a specific inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway, abolished the inhibitory effect of MY11 treatment. NF-κB has been shown to regulate PUMA-dependent apoptosis. Our in vitro studies demonstrated that MY11 promoted breast cancer cell apoptosis by activating the NF-κB/PUMA/mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (including Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-9). MY11 also inhibited tumor growth in an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model by inducing apoptosis through the NF-κB signaling pathway, importantly, with minimal toxicity. In addition, MY11 was found by docking analysis to bind to p65, which might enhance the stability of the p65 protein. Taken together, our findings indicate that MY11 exerts a significant anticancer effect in breast cancer and that it may be a potential candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.