bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient virus-induced gene silencing in Hibiscus hamabo Sieb. et Zucc. using Tobacco rattle virus
Authors: Wang Zhiquan , Xu Xiaoyang , Ni Longjie , Guo Jinbo , Gu Chunsun
Published: February 2019

Background. Hibiscus hamabo Sieb. et Zucc. is a semi-mangrove plant used for the ecological restoration of saline-alkali land, coastal afforestation and urban landscaping. Because the genetic transformation of H. hamabo is difficult, molecular breeding and gene functional studies have been severely restricted. In plants, virus-induced gene silencing provides a pathway to rapidly and effectively create targeted gene knockouts for gene functional studies. Methods. In this study, we tested the efficiency of a Tobacco rattle virus vector in silencing the cloroplastos alterados 1 (CLA1) gene through agroinfiltration. Results. The leaves of H. hamabo showed white streaks typical of CLA1 gene silencing three weeks after agroinfiltration. In agroinfiltrated H. hamabo plants, the CLA1 expression levels in leaves with white streaks were all significantly lower than in those of mock-infected and control plants. Conclusions. Thus, this virus-induced gene silencing system was efficient in H. hamabo and may be a powerful tool for large-scale reverse-genetic analyses of gene functions in H. hamabo.
Pleiepersonalets selvrapporterte evaluering av opplæring i ergonomisk forflytning, bruk av teknikker og hjelpemidler i en kommune - en longitudinell pilotstudie
Authors: Nordtug Bente , Torvik Karin , Bjerkan Jorunn , Hellesø Nanna , Brataas Hildfrid Vikkelsmo
Published: February 2019

Healthcare workers' self-reported evaluation of ergonomic transfer training, use of techniques and aids in a municipality - a longitudinal pilot studyHealthcare workers’ self-reported evaluation of ergonomic transfer training, use of techniques and aids in a municipality – a longitudinal pilot. Traditionally, healthcare work in nursing homes is regarded as physically strenuous work with a risk of back injuries stemming from adverse movement techniques. The purpose of the study was to analyse healthcare workers’ self-reported evaluation of ergonomic transfer training in a municipality in Norway. The training aimed to improve healthcare personnel’s ergonomic patient handling. N = 73 health care employees from a nursing home and homes to the disabled. Mean response rate during the three points of measurement was 77 %. Data were collected by questionnaire at baseline, at the end of the training, at 18 months, and 36 months after baseline. Then the data were compared using quantitative analysis at group level. Participants reported adequate training, improved availability of transferrelated resources, and increased use of transfer techniques over the course of the measurement periods. Respondents who asked transfer experts for guidance used transfer techniques more than others did.
An Electron Microscopic Study of the Effect of (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the Ability of E. coli 0157:H7 to Attach and Efface Healthy Young Broilers
Authors: Abdullah M. S. Shathele , Hassan Sharif M. , Alaqil A. A.
Published: February 2019

The present study was carried out to determine the influence of dietary probiotic source feed (fungal-yeast; Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the ability of E. coli 0157:H7 to attach and efface healthy young broilers at different feeding periods (7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days of age). There were reductions in bacterial attachment of broilers fed various yeast levels. Twenty one days post-challenging about 87% of the (G1); positive control, chicks fed control diet containing 0.00% baker yeast and challenged with E. coli 0157:H7, showed both cecal attachment and effacement. On the other hand  37% of the (G2); chicks fed control diet containing 0.75% baker yeast and challenged with E. coli 0157:H7, showed cecal attachment. And only 16% of the (G3); chicks fed control diet containing 1.00% baker yeast and challenged with E. coli 0157:H7  showed cecal attachment. The results of this study suggest adding yeast at 1.0% into broilers diets causing a significant (P<0.005) decrease in bacterial attachment and may enhance the productive performance and nutrients utilization via the inhibitory effect of yeast against pathogenic bacteria E. coli 0157:H7.
Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury and Microvascular Blood-Brain Barrier Pathology
Authors: Fullerton Josie L. , Hay Jennifer , Bryant-Craig Charlotte , Atkinson Josephine , Smith Douglas H. , Stewart William
Published: November 2024

Importance

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with an increased risk of catastrophic outcome compared with adult TBI, including diffuse brain swelling and so-called second impact syndrome. Nevertheless, the biological substrates driving adverse outcomes in pediatric TBI remain poorly described.

Objective

To compare neuropathological evidence of brain swelling and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption after moderate or severe acute TBI in adult vs pediatric case material.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this retrospective case series, cases of pediatric (aged 3-18 years) and adult (aged ≥19 years) TBI were accrued from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2005, and underwent laboratory-based assessment of autopsy material from the Glasgow TBI Archive. Data analysis was performed from January 2019 to January 2024.

Exposures

Single moderate or severe TBI.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Evaluation of representative brain tissue sections stained for markers of endothelia (CD34) and BBB integrity (fibrinogen and immunoglobin G).

Results

Eighty-one pediatric patients (mean [SD] age, 12.1 [4.6] years; 50 [62%] male) and 62 adult patients (mean [SD] age, 38.7 [12.9] years; 35 [56%] male) were studied. At autopsy, when present, brain swelling was more often diffuse and bilateral among pediatric patients (64 of 81 cases [83%]) when compared with adult patients (21 of 62 [34%]) (P < .001). Histologic evidence of BBB disruption was common in material from both adult (57 of 62 [91%]) and pediatric (65 of 81 [80%]) (P = .06) patients. In pediatric patients, however, this was a predominantly microvascular, capillary-level pathology, which was a less common finding in adult case material (mean [SD], 84.7% [8.6%] vs 31.2% [7.7%]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This autopsy case series of patients dying in the acute phase after single moderate or severe TBI provides neuropathological evidence of age-dependent differences in vascular pathology. Specifically, although BBB disruption in pediatric material was typically confined to microvascular, capillary-level vessels, in adult case material, BBB disruption more typically involved larger-diameter vessels. This observation of distinct microvascular pathology in pediatric acute TBI requires further investigation. In the meantime, this study presents an intriguing potential candidate pathology contributing to diffuse brain swelling in this age group.
Equipping AI for Unbiased and Inclusive Neurology
Authors: Schor Nina F.
Published: November 2024

This Viewpoint advocates for inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) training and iterative testing and cautions against the uncritical adoption of AI engines that are trained on median patient groups and exclude the outlier groups that neurology regularly treats.
Design process of the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace (1954), Hiroshima, by Togo Murano (Part 4): Formal manipulations observed in the process of working design and construction instruction of the cathedral (1948–1954)
Authors: Tomioka Yoshito , Tabata Chikako
Published: November 2024

Following schematic design in November 1948, the design effort continued through working design (detailed design prepared for construction work), which was completed in June 1950, and subsequent detailed construction instruction design. These phases included dome installation over the sanctuary, crypt redesign, window design, and tower design, all of which are impressive manifestations seen in the built work. This paper depicts the architect's creative and strategic design thinking during these phases by analyzing formal manipulations observed in sketches and drawings created until just before the cathedral's dedication on August 6, 1954.
Peptide Antigen‐Surfaced TLR9‐Adjuvanting Nanovaccines as a Versatile Therapeutic Modality to Eradicate Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Sun Yinping , Cui Guanhong , Shi Yan , Xu Bin , Qu Liping , Meng Fenghua , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: November 2024

Peptide antigen vaccines constitute a promising clinical strategy for treating cancer patients. However, their anticancer immune response remains modest because of the suboptimal presentation of peptide antigens and/or insufficient activation of antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). The development of therapeutic vaccines for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) poses an even greater challenge because AML cells disseminate throughout the body. In this study, the peptide antigen‐surfaced TLR9‐adjuvanting nanovaccines (PASTA‐NV), which display multiple Wilm's tumor 1 (WT1) peptides on their surface and encapsulate CpG ODN adjuvants within their watery interior to simultaneously increase antigen presentation and APC activation/proliferation, are reported. Interestingly, systemic administration of PASTA‐NV induces strong cellular and humoral anticancer immune responses in orthotopic murine AML MLL‐AF9 models. When combined with an anti‐CTLA4 antibody, PASTA‐NV achieves complete regression of AML in mouse models and establishes durable anti‐AML immunity, effectively resisting rechallenge with leukemic cells. PASTA‐NV provides a new and general avenue to induce robust and specific anticancer immunity, which has the potential to revive peptide antigen‐based nanovaccines for tumor therapy.
Blade‐Coated Mixed‐Halide Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Photovoltaics: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Xu Fan , Bao Zheng , Tu Yongguang , Yang Xiaoyu , Ye Fengjun
Published: November 2024

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSC) have been widely applied in tandem photovoltaics (PV) for various scenarios including indoor, building, and underwater PV. However, the current mainstream WBG PSCs are fabricated by spin‐coating, which is inappropriate for scalable production. Blade‐coating has demonstrated great potential to realize commercial PV panel size at low cost, while till present, only a few efforts have been devoted to blade‐coated WBG PSCs, significantly hampering their efficiency evolvements. Herein, state‐of‐the‐art research progress and major challenges of blade‐coated WBG PSCs are reviewed, with their optimization strategies being summarized into four main categories, such as blading parameter, solvent engineering, additive/dopant, and defect passivation. Film homogenization, defect manipulation, optimized blade coating machines, single‐halide three‐dimensional WBG perovskites, and fabrication on the textured substrate are proposed as five promising directions for future investigations on high‐performance blade‐coated WBG PSCs.
Ferrocene Appended Linear Chromophores for Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) and Nonlinear Optics (NLO): Combined Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Chithra Vadakkalur Sampath , Palanisami Nallasamy
Published: November 2024

New nonlinear optical (NLO)‐active chromophores, featuring phenyl and methoxy phenyl substitutions at the D‐π‐A motif [(Fc‐C(C6H4‐R) = CH‐CH = C(CN)‐C6H4‐Br)] [R = H (1), OCH3 (2)] are synthesized and structurally analyzed. Chromophore 2 crystallized in a triclinic system (P‐1), consistent with DFT‐optimized structures. Non‐covalent interactions in the crystal packing suppress antiparallel alignment, enhancing SHG efficiencies. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps reveal structure‐property relationship and electronic communication between donor–acceptor moieties. Both chromophores exhibit suppressed emission in solution due to twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) facilitated by the cyano vinylene group. However, Upon aggregation‐induced emission in a THF/H2O mixture, fluorescence significantly increases, attributed to restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR). Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) efficiencies, measured using the Kurtz–Perry powder technique with potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) as a reference, show chromophore 2 is 1.1 times higher efficiency than chromophore 1. Density functional theory (DFT) derived hyperpolarizability values follow this trend, with chromophore 2 (β0 = 40.39 × 10−30 esu in B3LYP functional) surpassing chromophore 1. DFT and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations employing B3LYP, CAM‐B3LYP, and LC‐BLYP functionals determined second‐order nonlinear optical parameters, B3LYP and CAM‐B3LYP produced values with minimal differences and a close correlation with the experimental results.
A Physics‐Driven GraphSAGE Method for Physical Field Simulations Described by Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Hu Hang , Wu Sidi , Cai Guoxiong , Liu Na
Published: November 2024

Physics‐informed neural networks (PINNs) have successfully addressed various computational physics problems based on partial differential equations (PDEs). However, while tackling issues related to irregularities like singularities and oscillations, trained solutions usually suffer low accuracy. In addition, most current works only offer the trained solution for predetermined input parameters. If any change occurs in input parameters, transfer learning or retraining is required, and traditional numerical techniques also need recomputation. In this work, a physics‐driven GraphSAGE approach (PD‐GraphSAGE) based on the Galerkin method and piecewise polynomial nodal basis functions is presented to solve computational problems governed by irregular PDEs and to develop parametric PDE surrogate models. This approach employs graph representations of physical domains, thereby reducing the demands for evaluated points due to local refinement. A distance‐related edge feature and a feature mapping strategy are devised to help training and convergence for singularity and oscillation situations, respectively. The merits of the proposed method are demonstrated through a couple of cases. Moreover, the robust PDE surrogate model for heat conduction problems parameterized by the Gaussian random field source is successfully established, which not only provides the solution accurately but is several times faster than the finite element method in the experiments.
De Novo Balanced Translocations Disrupting the FBN1 Gene Diagnosed by Genome Sequencing: An Uncommon Cause of Marfan Syndrome Modifying Genetic Counseling
Authors: Racine C. , Callier P. , Touraine R. , Vitobello A. , Hanna N. , Arnaud P. , Jondeau G. , Boileau C. , Thauvin‐Robinet C. , Creveaux I. , Gatinois V. , Willems M. , Faivre L.
Published: November 2024

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a well‐characterized rare genetic connective tissue disorder. The features of MFS are primarily skeletal, ocular, and cardiovascular and are mainly caused by single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the FBN1 gene (MIM#134797) located on chromosome 15q21.1. We describe two patients, a 26‐year‐old male and a 10‐year‐old female from unrelated distinct families, with clinically diagnosed sporadic MFS. After years of unsuccessful molecular diagnosis for genetic counseling purposes, genome sequencing was performed and revealed a balanced translocation in both patients: de novo t(9;15)(p13.3;q21.1) translocation in the male patient, and de novo t(15;16)(q21.1;p13.13) translocation in the female patient, respectively, disrupting intron 40 and 45 of FBN1. The other breakpoints were not clinically relevant. These translocations were confirmed by specific fluorescence in situ hybridization probes and conventional karyotyping. In the literature, only one family has been described, leading to four cases of MFS caused by balanced translocations. Genetic counseling for balanced translocations differs from SNVs and even interstitial deletions since it is not restricted to MFS recurrence, but also involves the risk of unbalanced gametes, leading to miscarriage or unbalanced progeny. In case of clinical certainty, MFS patients should be screened for balanced translocations to ensure appropriate genetic counseling.
Traumatic neuroma of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve treated by targeted muscle reinnervation using the epitrochleoanconeus muscle
Authors: van Opijnen Mark P. , Wesstein Michel , de Ruiter Godard C. W.
Published: November 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case shows the feasibility of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) in a patient with a traumatic neuroma of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MABCN). TMR was performed by connecting the proximal stump of the MABCN to the branch innervating the accessory epitrochleoanconeus muscle. Postoperatively, the patient reported significantly less pain.
Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Breast: Current Insights and Future Directions
Authors: Jiang Lei , Pan Xinyuan , Lang Zhiqiang
Published: November 2024

Background

The breast neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a heterogeneous group of tumors and account for less than 1% of all NENs. The 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Breast Tumors in 2019 introduced a more stringent definition for breast NENs including neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) (G1, G2) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) (small cell carcinoma, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma). While the diagnostic criteria and treatment of breast NENs still have some unsolved issues.

Objective

We aim to discuss the diagnosis, treatment progress, existing problems, and future development direction of breast NENs.

Methods

We provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of the diagnostic criteria, pathological features, utilization of immunohistochemical markers, molecular characteristics, pathogenesis, clinical significance, treatment options for breast NENs.

Results

(1) Under the new definition, "pure" breast NENs are extremely rare. (2) Breast NETs are graded according to Nottingham grading System. Grading criteria utilized in other systems for NENs, such as mitotic count, ki67 proliferation index, and necrosis, have not been applied to breast NENs. (3) The WHO has not yet acknowledged the existence of NET G3 clearly. (4) The expression of NE markers may differ in breast NECs. (5) The treatment of breast NENs is still based on IBCs‐NST, and without any difference from invasive carcinoma with NE features. (6) The prognosis of breast NENs remains unclear, while the prognosis for NECs is significantly poorer than invasive breast carcinomas of no special type (IBCs‐NST) has been confirmed.

Conclusion

Strict adherence to criteria is the key to correctly diagnose breast NENs with the exclusion of metastasis from other sites. Further exploration is required to determine the tissue origin of breast NENs and understand the pathogenesis. Efforts are still needed to establish unified diagnostic criteria and a unique diagnosis and treatment consensus for breast NENs.
Governing for the green: How European board attributes are driving environmental innovation
Authors: Dwekat Aladdin , Abu Alia Muiz , Abdeljawad Islam , Meqbel Rasmi
Published: November 2024

This study examines the impact of corporate board attributes, namely, gender diversity, independence, size, tenure, and CEO duality, on environmental innovation (EI). The study utilised a large dataset of 13,278 firm‐year observations belonging to companies from 24 European countries and covered the period 2010–2021. Drawing from the agency and stakeholder theories, we find that all attributes addressed in this study have a positive impact on EI. These findings enhance our understanding of how businesses manage EI in the real world. Strategic focus is essential for achieving environmental sustainability and fostering innovation in business processes. This study expands our understanding of the role of diverse, long‐term, and independent board structures in fostering EI. We can use the insightful results it provides to plan future corporate strategies and policies.
The influence of NGO‐corporate relationship on environmental disclosure: Evidence from the fashion industry
Authors: Crapa Giuseppe , Roma Paolo , Bruccoleri Manfredi
Published: November 2024

Most NGO‐corporate relationships have been founded on conflict. However, this pattern has started to change with the emergence of more collaborative (dialog‐based) approaches. Academic inquiry into how NGOs influence corporate policies related to sustainable development is a novel field of investigation. This article aims to identify the potential role of conflictual versus collaborative relationships between NGOs and companies in influencing the quality of the environmental disclosure (ED). We also investigate how NGOs may unintentionally lead companies to adopt greenwashing practices. In this article, we derive five propositions by studying the relationships between Greenpeace and 24 firms operating in the fashion industry through a qualitative longitudinal analysis. We gathered data through three semi‐structured interviews with the Greenpeace Global Corporate Leader of the Detox Campaign and content analysis of corporate communication documents. Our findings suggest that company behavior toward ED and the odds of greenwashing practices are affected by type of relationship established with NGOs. Specifically, if the NGO‐corporate relationship is conflictual, companies tend to achieve higher ED quality in the short and intermediate terms. Vice versa, more collaborative (dialog‐based) relationships result in initially low ED quality. However, in the long run, under both types of relationship the quality of ED settles at a medium level. Moreover, NGOs' communication, activism intensity, and pressure constitute powerful means of persuasion and contribute to increasing a campaign engagement rate. However, too much pressure may create a fertile ground for greenwashing, and so may an everlasting conflictual relationship between NGO and companies.
The Impact of Preoperative Facial Nerve Weakness and Facial Nerve Outcomes in the Management of Patients With Parotid Metastases of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Vivian , Zhang Michael , Gupta Ruta , Elliott Michael S. , Clark Jonathan R. , Wykes James J. , Ch'ng Sydney , Shannon Kerwin F. , Palme Carsten E. , Low Tsu‐Hui
Published: November 2024

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) metastasizing to the parotid gland can cause facial nerve (FN) dysfunction secondary to direct invasion, perineural spread, or surgical ablation. This study aims to characterize the prevalence of preoperative FN involvement in metastatic cSCC to the parotid and identify risk factors resulting in FN sacrifice.

Methods

Patients with parotid metastases from cSCC, treated surgically with parotidectomy with curative intent were identified through a retrospective cohort analysis of a prospectively maintained Sydney Head and Neck database from 1992 to 2021.

Results

Of 408 patients identified, 39 (10%) were found to have preoperative FN weakness, of which 41% underwent concurrent temporal bone resection compared to 9.1% for the overall cohort. All patients with preoperative FN weakness underwent FN sacrifice. FN sacrifice occurred in n = 145 (36%), of which 88 (61%) required sacrifice of a trunk or division. The 5‐year disease free survival and disease specific survival was worse for patients requiring sacrifice of the FN trunk compared to no sacrifice, however there was no difference in survival for patients requiring sacrifice of the FN division or branch. We found those with > 23.5 mm parotid deposits had an odds ratio of 9.9 for FN sacrifice (95% CI 3.0–32.8, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Preoperative FN weakness was present in 10% of patients and 36% had some part of the FN sacrificed. There was no significant difference in outcomes for patients with and without preoperative FN weakness. Patients who undergo sacrifice of the FN trunk have worse survival compared to those not requiring FN sacrifice, however similar outcomes were observed in those requiring lessor degrees of FN sacrifice. The likelihood FN sacrifice rises with increasing parotid deposit size.
Impact of Digital Technology on Traditional Banking: A Case From the Credit Market in the European Union
Authors: Kouretas Georgios P. , Pawłowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate whether digital technologies affect the credit market in the European Union (EU). The impact of digital technology on three types of bank loans (residential mortgage loans, consumer loans and corporate loans) is analysed separately for two groups of EU countries: Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe. A dynamic panel regression model is employed based on yearly data on the individual bank level. The sample panel data cover the period 2010–2019. The results show that digital technology affects the growth of loans for households, mortgages and consumer loans. We also find heterogeneity between the Central and Eastern European and Western European banking sectors. Furthermore, the impact of digital technology on bank loan development is significantly stronger in foreign banks. Finally, the findings confirm the dominant role of digital technologies in loans for households during the analysed period. This is the first comprehensive study on the determinants of different loan types in the context of digital technology use in the EU.
Can the Original Use of an Employee Handbook Inform Present Day and Future Employee Relations?
Authors: Ritter Beth M.
Published: November 2024

This review analyzed the original intention of employee handbooks and the evolution of handbooks over multiple decades to determine if there was valuable learning for today's postindustrial organizations. Four different employee relationship themes emerged from the review and are considered from an evidence‐based research perspective. Actual handbook observations, either in text or numerical summary, are shared for perspective. The review findings offer firms considerations for current‐day approaches to demonstrate employer commitments and organizational support for employees. The review identified four themes that aligned with organization support theory. Perceived organizational support has been shown to create positive employee outcomes for organizations. Demonstration of the themes, expectation setting via culture and values, psychological contracting via future opportunity sharing, inviting employee voice via decision making and problem resolution processes, and practicing organizational justice via consistency to policies, all offer the possibility for enhanced perceptions of organization support by employees. Positive outcomes of greater employee retention, presenteeism, and productivity in organizations can be realized by firms that can learn from the themes found in the review and adjust to capture the opportunity.
Observation and Manipulation of Self‐Chaos in Disordered Optical System
Authors: Li Haosen , Lv Jialiang , Li Hongtao , Ren Hongda , Yang Yaozhong , Xu Guanghui , Yang Lixia , Yu Qi , Wang Zhiqiang , Hu Zhijia , Yu Benli , Lu Liang
Published: November 2024

Optical chaos is an attractive topic due to its unique dynamics and has been widely investigated in external‐cavity lasers. While chaotic behavior is hindered by undesired periodicity from external feedback. Although a self‐chaotic micro‐laser based on nonlinear interaction of internal modes can eliminate the periodicity, the inevitable characteristic frequency related to well‐defined cavity limits the improvement of chaotic performance. By virtue of the inherent randomness, disordered optical system can naturally avoid characteristic frequency and is deemed an ideal platform for generating self‐chaos. Here, the dynamical evolution process of self‐chaos in disordered optical system is observed, and self‐chaotic behavior can be flexibly manipulated by altering the interaction strength among random modes. Simultaneously, by adopting Erbium‐Raman hybrid gain, chaotic bandwidth can be synergistically enhanced to 38 GHz, which is successfully employed for higher‐speed true random bits generation and a scheme of local information encryption with higher‐quality. This work paves the way for investigating complex chaotic dynamics in disordered systems and showcases great potentialities within information security applications.
Leveraging Nanoengineered Microneedle‐Augmented Drug Delivery in Oncological Intervention
Authors: Singh Mansi , Shukla Rahul
Published: November 2024

The landscape of chemotherapy for cancer is experiencing a dramatic transition with the integration of sophisticated drug delivery methods, especially nanoengineered microneedles. Percutaneous vaccination is regarded the optimum therapeutic approach due to the high amount of immune cell accumulation and the rich capillary lymphatic system in the dermis. The curative impact of Microneedles‐based cancer vaccines is suboptimal due to the complicated mix of tumor, host, and environmental variables, as well as the vaccine's restricted loading capacity. As a result, additional enhancements are still needed to accelerate their clinical translation. This article offers a meticulous analysis of the avant‐garde strategies harnessed to augment drug delivery via microneedle. Various tactics, such as tailored nanoparticle carriers, functionalized microneedle arrays, and real‐time monitoring system, work together to improve therapeutic efficacy and prevent off‐target effects. By integrating recent advancement and delineating future trajectories, this article gives an in‐depth analysis of how nanoengineered microneedle‐augmented technologies have the potential to change the face of cancer therapy, heralding in a new era of precision medicine and better outcomes.
Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy for Characterization of Graphene Systems Encapsulated by Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Bargas Gabriel , Ohlberg Douglas A. A. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Campos Leonardo C. , Medeiros‐Ribeiro Gilberto
Published: November 2024

Scanning microwave impedance microscopy (sMIM) is a near‐field technique that enables the characterization of conductive materials with a resolution down to 1 nm. In hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)‐encapsulated devices, microwaves emitted from the sMIM tip penetrate and reach with the underlying 2D materials, allowing for the mapping of local conductivity variations. Using twisted bilayer graphene, it is demonstrated that this technique can characterize moiré patterns through hBN flakes up to 2.5 nm thick. Additionally, it is showed that sMIM can distinguish between conductive and insulating materials in samples encapsulated by hBN layers exceeding 15 nm. A key finding is that signal decay due to encapsulation is intrinsically linked to the tip's condition. This work overcomes limitations in the application of twistronics, enabling the verification of the periodicity of moiré patterns in high‐quality encapsulated devices between electrical contacts.
A Boat‐Paddle‐Like Molecule Binder with Twining‐Blocked and Ultrafast Self‐Healing Functionalities for Stable Silicon Anodes
Authors: Dong Yueyao , Dong Liwei , Li Yaqiang , Xu Feiyu , Yue Junpei , Zhao Yu‐Ming , Lu Zhuo‐Ya , Niu Min , Lei Zuotao , Yang Chunhui , Liang Jia‐Yan , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: November 2024

Self‐healing binder is a prospective and efficient strategy to alleviate volume expansion of silicon (Si) anodes. However, excellent mechanical strength and healing ability tend to be mutually exclusive, due to enhanced tensile stress limit by twining polymer chains, while inhibiting polymer diffusion rate and inducing healing failure by blocked chains. Herein, inspired by the planning course of boat and paddles, a novel self‐healing binder (PVA‐4FBA‐PEI) is designed and synthesized with mobile parallel structure and twining‐blocked characteristics. The boat‐like intermediate (4‐formylphenyl) boronic acid (4FBA) blocks entanglement of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) chains, where two parallel chains as paddles can simultaneously form to ensure rapid diffusion of chains during bond breakage. Remarkably, it endows dynamic synergistic covalent bonds via C═N and B─O─C junctions within 4FBA, providing the binder with an ultrafast self‐healing time of merely 2 min. Moreover, the binder integrates superior plasticity and flexibility of each chain, showing a high tensile strength (14.4 MPa) and stretchability (1163%) among state‐of‐the‐art polymer binders, thus significantly improving structural integrity and electrochemical stability of Si anode during cycling. This work proposes a dynamic reversible structure via figurative molecular coordination, affording a rational viewpoint on synergetic functionalities of polymer binders for Si anodes.
Oxidation Kinetics and Oxide Scale Characteristics of Ni‐Containing Steel at High Temperature under Air
Authors: Yang Zhizheng , Zhang Pengzhao , Huo Xudong , Li Guangqiang , Liu Yu
Published: November 2024

Oxidation kinetics and oxide scale characteristics of two steels with 7.5 wt% Ni (7.5Ni) and 8.4 wt% Ni (8.4Ni) are investigated in temperature range of 1100–1250 °C by the thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, and X‐ray diffraction. In the results, it is shown that oxidation kinetics for both steels obey the parabolic rate law, and oxidation activation energy of 8.4Ni steel is slightly larger than 7.5Ni steel. Thickness of outer oxide scale has an important effect on thickness of inner scale. The inner oxide scale is entangled with the steel matrix, and consists of Ni metal and its surrounding Fe oxide. Compared with 7.5Ni steel, the thicker inner oxide scale of 8.4Ni steel implies that the severer internal oxidation occurs in the 8.4Ni steel than 7.5Ni steel when the temperature exceeds 1200 °C. The decreases in Ni content and heat‐treatment temperature contribute to alleviating surface quality defects of Ni‐containing steel caused by surface oxidation.
Robust mechanical models for shear and punching strength of concrete slabs
Authors: Broms Carl Erik
Published: November 2024

The mechanical models in this paper are based on the nominal concrete tensile strength that is considered to be the average strength along a 150 mm long brittle failure crack. Fracture Mechanics principles are applied for addressing the size effect of brittle failures; increasing member size leads to decreasing failure stress. The shear force is assumed to be carried by the compression chord of the slab and by aggregate interlock along part of the initial shear crack. Shear failure occurs when the aggregate interlock reaches its failure force that is assumed to be constant for effective depths larger than 1.0 m. The slab outside the initial shear crack around the column in a flat slab is assumed to be suspended into the stable inverted pyramid above the column. Punching failure occurs when the suspension force fails. These failure modes are used for validation of the provisions for shear and punching in the new version of Eurocode 2 (EC2). It is found that EC2 still underestimates the size effect and the code also incorrectly claims that punching failure is related to shear failure. Corrections of these two cases are proposed in the paper. A formula for design of shear reinforcement for flat slabs is proposed where iteration is not required. The paradox that brittle punching failure can cooperate with flexible shear reinforcement is explained. An additional formula is derived that gives a flat slab such large ductility that brittle punching failure can be considered as eliminated.
Assessment of impaired reinforced concrete dapped‐end beams: An analytical approach
Authors: Abeysingha Tharumini , Padmasiri Pawani , Yapa Hiran
Published: November 2024

Reinforced concrete dapped‐end beams (DEBs) represent a unique structural type with the presence of recessed ends. The beam configuration is ideal for structural connections. However, the recessed area is structurally a disturbed region, and is vulnerable to embedded reinforcement deterioration. This study explored the potential of strength assessment of impaired DEBs via an analytical approach. A kinematics based model (KBM) was opted, and it was subjected to significant modifications to account to suit with distinct structural defects that were common to DEBs. The extended model (EKBM) was validated using experimental results available for eight beams. Both the load and failure mode predictions from the EKBM were found to be more accurate than those from the KBM, where the EKBM prediction offset was within a fair range of −23% to 15%. Furthermore, a parametric analysis was carried out to investigate the sensitivity of shear reinforcement deficiency and of reinforcement corrosion in the joint region on the beam load capacity. It revealed that the first two shear links were the most critical links. The load reduction was linearly proportional to the area reduction of reinforcement due to corrosion, however, the trend deviated from that at some combined deficiencies. The corroded reinforcement length was rather insensitive to the resulting beam strength.
Driving the Future: Unveiling Innovative Business Models for Shared Automated Mobility Services
Authors: Berrada Jaâfar , Hassan Mahdavi S. M. , Quaranta Romina , Rodríguez Paola , Ferran Victor , Weidenauer Jenny
Published: November 2024

Automated vehicles are becoming more and more likely as they offer promising solutions to improve urban mobility: dispatching vehicles on roads to minimize congestion, reducing accidents, increasing savings of travel time, improving the transit level of service and reducing operating costs of public modes, thus limiting public subsidies. However, these potential positive externalities are not a sufficient condition for their deployment's success. A viable Business Model has to be developed. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the emerging Business Models in shared Cooperative, Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM), through analysing the experiences and lessons learned from two pilot sites within the SHOW project: Les Mureaux (France) and Monheim am Rhein (Germany). In particular, a series of interviews have been conducted with mobility experts from both sites and conditions to achieve the viability whilst, later, the scalability of Business Models were discussed. Results revealed that to make automated transport services successful, several adjustments to traditional Business Models are necessary in terms of costs structures, required resources, and key partnerships. The viability and scalability are also sensitive to the costs of vehicles and supervision as well as to the maturity of automation technology.
Remote Supervision Strategies for Automated Vehicles Fleets: Three Real-Life Operational Case Studies
Authors: Cornet Henriette , Pavlakis Sofia , Levassor William , Morael Nicolas
Published: November 2024

Public Transport Operators (PTOs) are crucial actors in developing and deploying shared automated mobility services with their role of ensuring service quality, passenger safety, and cost-effectiveness. This chapter underscores the pivotal role of remote supervision in facilitating the seamless operation of automated vehicle fleets from the point of view of PTOs. Drawing from real-life deployments of the EU-project SHOW (GA No 875530) and other initiatives, it highlights the necessity of learning from everyday situations to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Additionally, the vision for scalable supervision centres tailored to higher levels of automation is outlined, along with the imperative for standardization at the regional level to be able to scale the integration of automated vehicles into future public transport systems.
Real-Life Automated Public Transport Operations at the SHOW German Mega Site—Experiences and Lessons Learned
Authors: Flötteröd Yun-Pang , Karnahl Katharina , Pavlakis Sofia , Holdermüller Anja , Ochs Sven , Zofka Marc René , Dietl Kai , Mook Mitja
Published: November 2024

Automated shuttles promise a solution to achieve sustainable mobility and meet the manpower issue in public transport, and are expected to extend public transport service coverage and improve riding comfort. The piloting activities at three German mega sites successfully demonstrated fixed and non-fixed mobility services and the technical possibilities to let shuttles move without a pre-defined virtual track and cope with a ride-booking application. Results show that the shuttles operated with promising performance. In total, in the EU project SHOW (GA No 875530), approximately 107,000 km and 40,000 passengers were respectively travelled and transported by twelve (12) automated shuttles. This chapter explicates the technical preparation, shares the collected experiences and proposes recommendations.
Autonomous Bus Depot Management: Operator’s Lessons Learned and Cost Analysis Perspective
Authors: Fernández César Omar Chacón , Balaguer Sergio Fernández , de la Iglesia Lucía Isasi , Espinar Borja Gorriz
Published: November 2024

This study delves into autonomous bus depot management at EMT Madrid, the Madrid Public Transport Company, within the Horizon 2020 SHOW project (GA No 875530). Its aim is to boost operational efficiency and optimize resource usage, particularly by addressing unproductive hours for bus drivers. It examines the technical feasibility of automating manual depot tasks like vehicle charging, cleaning, and parking through advanced sensor technology and control systems. The pilot at Carabanchel bus depot involved automated vehicles (AVs) with perception sensors, control mechanisms, and centralized decision-making units, testing services like internal transport, autoparking, and teleoperation. Over eleven months, the AV fleet performed successfully without incidents. The findings indicate automation's promises in reducing operational costs and enhancing resource utilization, though, challenges like initial investments, technical constraints, and regulations persist. Recommendations are made to foster public–private collaboration for innovation in public transport and for market development.
Field-Driven Lessons Learned for Delivery Robots Logistics Operation in Urban Environment
Authors: Malisetty Venkata Akhil Babu , Patatouka Elena , Raptis Odisseas , Antonakopoulou Anna , Amditis Angelos , Silani Enrico , Cepolina Elvezia Maria
Published: November 2024

In the city centre of Trikala, Greece, a real-life logistics service was operated with a fleet of 5 droids on a public route in the urban pedestrian area in the context of the SHOW project (GA No 875530). It took place from December 2022 to the end of February 2023. The droids are small automated vehicles missioned to carry out indoor and outdoor logistic services in pedestrian-centric environments. The logistics service that operated in Trikala was of two types: (a) a multi-stop parcel delivery service from the depot to the shops and (b) a parcel collection service from the shops to the depot. The current manuscript describes the solutions implemented and the challenges faced by the droids while performing last-mile deliveries. The manuscript concludes with suggestions from experience for new implementations of logistics services operated by automated vehicles. These include the advice to not underestimate the difficulty of integrating radically new vehicles into existing logistics services; the importance of having the trust and support of the population and the need for data network stability.
Effect of Mesoscopic Heterogeneity of Concrete on the Macro-mechanical Behavior
Authors: Lin Qindong , Feng Chun , Yuan Jianfei , Jiao Wenjun , Gan Yundan
Published: November 2024

Concrete is a typical heterogeneous and multiscale material, and the macro-mechanical response is affected by the meso-scale geometric structure and mechanical parameters. Based on the continuum-discontinuum element method, this study conducts the numerical simulation and quantitively studies the change trend of macro-mechanical response with the different mesoscopic heterogeneity. First, a full-time numerical simulation is conducted, and the elastic modulus and cohesive strength at the meso-scale are assumed to obey the Weibull distribution. Then, the change trend of macro-mechanical parameters is studied. Finally, the change trend of crack evolution characteristic is studied. The results show that the macro-elastic modulus and macro-peak stress gradually increase with the increase of shape parameter k, and the growth rate of macro-mechanical parameters gradually decays. The difference in the shape parameter k causes the value of crack ratio to change, while the change trend of crack ratio-strain curve is similar. As the shape parameter k increases, the final value of crack ratio first decreases and then increases, and the final value of crack ratio when k = 15 is the smallest.
Experimental Study on Splitting Strength of Nano-active Powder Concrete
Authors: Bao Hailing , Ji Xiaofeng , Xu Peibao
Published: November 2024

Aiming at the problem of weakening mechanical properties of conventional concrete due to damage, the present paper studies the effect of nano-active powder on the splitting strength of concrete before and after damage. The nano-active powder concrete was prepared by adding 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5% nano-silica (NS) and nano-zirconia (NZ) respectively. Through the splitting test before and after the damage of the sample, the self-healing performance of the sample was studied with the recovery rate of the splitting strength as the index. The results show that nano-active powders NS and NZ can increase the splitting strength and its recovery rate. Compared with the control group concrete, the addition of nano-active powder effectively improved the recovery rate of concrete splitting strength, and the optimal content of nano-active powders NS and NZ are 1.5% and 2.0%, respectively. This study deepens the understanding of mechanical properties of nano-concrete.
Dynamic Characteristics Test and Microstructure Analysis of Silt Soil Improved by Curing Agent
Authors: Lu Qi , Ma Yongzhen , Liu Ganbin , Ni Fuxin
Published: November 2024

With the acceleration of urbanization, the output of construction sludge and waste mud is increasing. Its transportation cost is high and there are potential safety hazards. Therefore, it is necessary to seek effective disposal and utilization methods. Aiming at the silt soil with high water content, the developed YB100 powder curing agent was used to improve the properties of silt soil, and the effects of dynamic properties and water stability of the cured soil were studied by curing agent dosing, surrounding pressure, and dynamic stress ratio. The microstructure of the cured soil was analyzed by SEM scanning electron microscopy to reveal the curing mechanism. The results showed that: the dynamic elastic modulus of the cured soil specimens increased from about 60 MPa to about 150 MPa when the amount of curing agent was increased by 0, 2, 4 and 6%; with the increase of curing agent content, the damping ratio changed less during vibration and the curve was flatter; after 24 h of water immersion, the dynamic elastic modulus of the specimens decreased by about 15–20% and the damping ratio had some growth, and with the dynamic stress ratio. With the growth of dynamic stress ratio, the weakening of dynamic elastic modulus of the specimen is not obvious, and the change of damping ratio weakly decreases less; SEM photos show that the cured soil particles are agglomerated, and the pore space is greatly reduced, because the curing agent produces hydration reaction with water in the silt soil, and the resulting gelling material improves the strength of the soil, and at the same time the complexes generated by the reaction with the soil strengthen the stability of the soil.