bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of a fuel cell‐based proton battery with varied designs of micro‐flow channel for enhanced hydrogen storage
Authors: Singh Gurwinder , Oberoi Amandeep Singh , Kansal Harmesh K. , Singh Amrinder Pal
Published: July 2022

We present an experimental investigation on a proton battery, that could run both as electrolyser and fuel cell, using six different flow channel orientations viz. pin‐type, parallel, interdigitated, spiral, serpentine, and parallel serpentine. The battery stores energy in the form of hydrogen ions and its performance is determined in terms of hydrogen wt. % stored in an integrated carbon‐based electrode. In this paper, the fabrication of electrode, development of an experimental proton battery and its testing are disclosed. The characterization of the employed activated carbon electrode is done using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The fabricated proton battery is tested by charging (E‐mode operation) and discharging (FC‐mode operation) subsequently at normal temperature and pressure conditions. In the E‐mode operation, electrochemical hydrogen storage of the battery with six different flow channels is found to be in the range of 1.36–1.97 wt. %. The corresponding desorption of hydrogen in the FC‐mode operation is found to be in the range of 1.047–1.479 wt. %, respectively, for six different flow channels. The comparative result analysis revealed that parallel serpentine flow channel outperformed, with energy storage capacity of 1.97 wt. %; and pin type channel design showed comparatively low performance with energy storage capacity of 1.36 wt. %. The presented research work is an effort towards meeting the set targets of hydrogen storage set by the U.S. Department of Energy to make the hydrogen technology commercially viable.

Statement of Industrial Relevance

The presented research work has relevance with the power industry as it reveals the optimum design of flow channels for enhanced hydrogen adsorption. It is a way forward towards developing a fuel‐cell based proton battery that does not emit harmful fumes like lithium batteries and therefore, is environmentally friendly.

Novelty or Significance

The presented research work is a maiden attempt of testing different designs of micro‐flow channels in an experimental proton battery that is a single unit capable of performing dual tasks i.e., electrolyser and fuel cell to store energy and give out power when required.
Facile synthesis of Fe3O4@TMU‐12 (Co‐based magnetic MOF) for extraction of diazinon and chlorpyrifos from the environmental water samples
Authors: Bahiraee Zeinab , Fathi Sohrab , Safari Meysam
Published: July 2022

In this study, magnetic metal‐organic framework composite (Fe3O4@ TMU‐12) was fabricated and used as an efficient sorbent for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of the diazinon and chlorpyrifos from environmental water samples. By simultaneous use of magnetic solid‐phase extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography, a simple, quick, exact, and affordable method for the determination of diazinon and chlorpyrifos was achieved. The extraction conditions and efficiency of the magnetic framework composite for diazinon and chlorpyrifos were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the relative recoveries and preconcentration factors of the studied compounds were obtained in the range of 92.0%–99.3% and 201–210, respectively. The calibration curves were obtained in the range of 2–250 μg L−1 and 4–250 μg L−1 for diazinon and chlorpyrifos in water samples, respectively. The LODs were 0.5 and 0.8 μg L−1 for diazinon and chlorpyrifos, respectively (based on S/N = 3). The precision evaluated in terms of the relative standard deviations of intra‐ and inter‐day tests ranged from 3.4% to 3.8% and from 3.9% to 4.1%, respectively. The results show that the Fe3O4@TMU‐12 combine advantages of magnetic nanoparticles and metal‐organic frameworks, and are the promising sorbents in the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of diazinon and chlorpyrifos from environmental water samples.
Trading volume and realized volatility forecasting: Evidence from the China stock market
Authors: Liu Min , Choo Wei‐Chong , Lee Chi‐Chuan , Lee Chien‐Chiang
Published: July 2022

The existing contradictory findings on the contribution of trading volume to volatility forecasting prompt us to seek new solutions to test the sequential information arrival hypothesis (SIAH). Departing from other empirical analyses that mainly focus on sophisticated testing methods, this research offers new insights into the volume‐volatility nexus by decomposing and reconstructing the trading activity into short‐run components that typically represent irregular information flow and long‐run components that denote extreme information flow in the stock market. We are the first to attempt at incorporating an improved empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method to investigate the volatility forecasting ability of trading volume along with the Heterogeneous Autoregressive (HAR) model. Previous trading volume is used to obtain the decompositions to forecast the future volatility to ensure an ex ante forecast, and both the decomposition and forecasting processes are carried out by the rolling window scheme. Rather than trading volume by itself, the results show that the reconstructed components are also able to significantly improve out‐of‐sample realized volatility (RV) forecasts. This finding is robust both in one‐step ahead and multiple‐step ahead forecasting horizons under different estimation windows. We thus fill the gap in studies by (1) extending the literature on the volume‐volatility linkage to EMD‐HAR analysis and (2) providing a clear view on how trading volume helps improve RV forecasting accuracy.
Octopus‐derived antioxidant peptide protects against hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress in IEC‐6 cells
Authors: Peng Bo , Cai Bingna , Pan Jianyu
Published: July 2022

This study aims to find antioxidant peptides from octopus protein hydrolyzates and verify the protective effects against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in IEC‐6 cells. After the alcalase hydrolysate was ultrafiltrated, purified by Sephadex G‐25 gel fractionation and semipreparative reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), 16 peptides were identified, and chemically synthesized. In particular, the peptides AQNY, AMMLAW, FEGAW, GGAW, VDTVVCVW, and VVCLW showed better oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ABTS radical scavenging capacity. Among them, the smallest‐molecular‐weight peptide GGAW exhibited the best antioxidant activity. Furthermore, GGAW protected IEC‐6 cells from H2O2‐induced oxidative damage by significantly reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX), thereby improving cell viability. These results indicated that the peptide GGAW possessed the antioxidant capacity to prevent oxidative stress damage.
Multiple anthropogenic stressors in the Galápagos Islands' complex social–ecological system: Interactions of marine pollution, fishing pressure, and climate change with management recommendations
Authors: Alava Juan José , McMullen Karly , Jones Jen , Barragán-Paladines María José , Hobbs Catherine , Tirapé Ana , Calle Paola , Alarcón Daniela , Muñoz-Pérez Juan Pablo , Muñoz-Abril Laia , Townsend Kathy Ann , Denkinger Judith , Uyaguari Miguel , Domínguez Gustavo A. , Espinoza Eduardo , Reyes Harry , Piedrahita Paolo , Fair Patricia , Galloway Tamara , Grove Jack Stein , Lewis Ceri , Schofield John
Published: July 2022

For decades, multiple anthropogenic stressors have threatened the Galápagos Islands. Widespread marine pollution such as oil spills, persistent organic pollutants, metals, and ocean plastic pollution has been linked to concerning changes in the ecophysiology and health of Galápagos species. Simultaneously, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing are reshaping the composition and structure of endemic and native Galápagos pelagic communities. In this novel review, we discuss the impact of anthropogenic pollutants and their associated ecotoxicological implications for Galápagos species in the face of climate change stressors. We emphasize the importance of considering fishing pressure and marine pollution, in combination with climate-change impacts, when assessing the evolutionary fitness of species inhabiting the Galápagos. For example, the survival of endemic marine iguanas has been negatively affected by organic hydrocarbons introduced via oil spills, and endangered Galápagos sea lions exhibit detectable concentrations of DDT, triggering potential feminization effects and compromising the species' survival. During periods of ocean warming (El Niño events) when endemic species undergo nutritional stress, climate change may increase the vulnerability of these species to the impacts of pollutants, resulting in the species reaching its population tipping point. Marine plastics are emerging as a deleterious and widespread threat to endemic species. The Galápagos is treasured for its historical significance and its unparalleled living laboratory and display of evolutionary processes; however, this unique and iconic paradise will remain in jeopardy until multidisciplinary and comprehensive preventative management plans are put in place to mitigate and eliminate the effects of anthropogenic stressors facing the islands today. We present a critical analysis and synthesis of anthropogenic stressors with some progress from local and international institutional efforts and call to action more precautionary measures along with new management philosophies focused on understanding the processes of change through research to champion the conservation of the Galápagos. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:870–895. © 2022 SETAC
Medical image contrast enhancement based on improved sparrow search algorithm
Authors: Fan Xiaoyan , Sun Zhanquan , Tian Engang , Yin Zhong , Cao Gaoyu
Published: July 2022

The collection or transmission of medical images is often disturbed by various factors, such as insufficient brightness and noise pollution, which will result in the deterioration of image quality and significantly affect the clinical diagnosis. To improve the quality of medical images, a contrast enhancement method based on improved sparrow search algorithm is proposed in this paper. The method is divided into two steps to enhance the medical images. First, a new transform function is introduced to improve the brightness or contrast of medical images, and two parameters in the transform function are optimized by the improved sparrow search algorithm. Second, adaptive histogram equalization method with contrast limited is used to equalize the result image of the previous step to make the pixel distribution of the image more uniform. Finally, a large number of experiments and qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted on the common data sets. The analysis results demonstrate that the presented approach outperforms some existing medical image processing approaches.
Do words hurt more than actions? The impact of trade tensions on financial markets
Authors: Ferrari Minesso Massimo , Kurcz Frederik , Pagliari Maria Sole
Published: July 2022

We use machine learning techniques to quantify trade tensions between the United States and China. Our measure matches well‐known events in the US‐China trade dispute and is exogenous to the developments on global financial markets. Local projections show that rising trade tensions leave US markets largely unaffected, except for firms that are more exposed to China, while negatively impacting stock market indices and exchange rates in China and emerging markets. We complement these findings with additional evidence suggesting that the US‐China trade tensions have been interpreted as a negative demand shock for the Chinese economy rather than as a global risk shock.
Study on the mechanism of thrombus ablation in vitro by burst‐mode femtosecond laser
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Liu Xiaozheng , Li Younan , Wu Weiwei , Gu Ying , Zhang Tong
Published: July 2022

The burst‐mode femtosecond laser has the potential to be a novel thrombus removal technique. This paper proposed to investigate the mechanism of thrombus ablation in vitro by burst‐mode femtosecond laser. A simulation model of the interaction between femtosecond laser and thrombus was established. An in vitro thrombus model was prepared. Combined with the high‐speed galvanometer and femtosecond laser, the ablation experiments in vitro were performed. The experimental results showed that the ablative threshold was 0.27 times and the efficiency was about 1.4 times of burst‐mode femtosecond laser as those of traditional mode femtosecond laser. These phenomena were related to the residual temperature and free electrons on the thrombus surface, which confirmed the simulating results and had relationship with incubation effects. The high ablative efficiency and safety of burst‐mode femtosecond laser for thrombus ablation were verified, which may help to achieve the femtosecond pulse output through flexible fiber easily and stably. The burst‐mode femtosecond laser represents an important technological advancement of the method in terms of endovascular treatment with femtosecond laser.
Hip Fractures in Older Adults Are Associated With the Low Density Bone Phenotype and Heterogeneous Deterioration of Bone Microarchitecture
Authors: Whittier Danielle E , Manske Sarah L , Billington Emma , Walker Richard EA , Schneider Prism S , Burt Lauren A , Hanley David A , Boyd Steven K
Published: July 2022

Femoral neck areal bone mineral density (FN aBMD) is a key determinant of fracture risk in older adults; however, the majority of individuals who have a hip fracture are not considered osteoporotic according to their FN aBMD. This study uses novel tools to investigate the characteristics of bone microarchitecture that underpin bone fragility. Recent hip fracture patients (n = 108, 77% female) were compared with sex- and age-matched controls (n = 216) using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) imaging of the distal radius and tibia. Standard morphological analysis of bone microarchitecture, micro-finite element analysis, and recently developed techniques to identify void spaces in bone microarchitecture were performed to evaluate differences between hip fracture patients and controls. In addition, a new approach for phenotyping bone microarchitecture was implemented to evaluate whether hip fractures in males and females occur more often in certain bone phenotypes. Overall, hip fracture patients had notable deterioration of bone microarchitecture and reduced bone mineral density compared with controls, especially at weight-bearing sites (tibia and femoral neck). Hip fracture patients were more likely to have void spaces present at either site and had void spaces that were two to four times larger on average when compared with non-fractured controls (p < 0.01). Finally, bone phenotyping revealed that hip fractures were significantly associated with the low density phenotype (p < 0.01), with the majority of patients classified in this phenotype (69%). However, female and male hip fracture populations were distributed differently across the bone phenotype continuum. These findings highlight how HR-pQCT can provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of bone fragility by using information about bone phenotypes and identification of microarchitectural defects (void spaces). The added information suggests that HR-pQCT can have a beneficial role in assessing the severity of structural deterioration in bone that is associated with osteoporotic hip fractures. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Function of normal oral mucosa revealed by single‐cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Zhao Ruowen , Han Wenhao , Tang Kailin , Shao Ruru , Zhu Pingyi , Zhang Shi , Xu Pan , He Yuan
Published: July 2022

The functions of oral mucosa include barrier, sensation, and secretion. The barrier protection function is particularly important, which includes physical barrier and immunological barrier. Few studies have revealed the function of oral mucosa by displaying the map of normal oral mucosal cells from the perspective of single cells. Here, single‐cell transcriptome sequencing was used to bring a relatively comprehensive map of the normal oral mucosal cells. In total, 26,398 cells from three cases of normal oral mucosa were analyzed by single‐cell RNA‐sequencing and 14 distinct cell groups were defined, 7 of which were immune cells. We performed subgroup classification and heterogeneity analysis of epithelial cells, T cells, and macrophagocytes, which found a subpopulation of epithelial cells with high expression of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules, a subpopulation CD8+GZMK+ T cells, and two kinds of active macrophagocytes. Meanwhile, we identified ligand–receptor pairs among the major cell types to explore the interactions and how they maintain the homeostasis of normal oral mucosa. Based on these results, the epithelial barrier function, immunological barrier function, and potential maintenance function of stromal cells in the oral mucosa were described at the single‐cell level, which provides basic data resources for further studies of oral mucosal diseases.
Observers' accuracy in detecting deception in non‐native speakers versus native speakers: A systematic review
Authors: Wylie Keith , Pena Michelle M. , Miller Kevin B. , Palmer Maley E. , Tate Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

As immigration and homeland security become of greater concern both at a global and national level, it is imperative to review existing research on observers' ability to accurately detect deception in non‐native speakers. Objectives of this systematic review were to summarise the evidence on adult observers' ability to accurately detect deception in non‐native speakers compared to native speakers; identify response biases in observers' judgements when judging native versus non‐native speakers' statements; and explore whether differences in observers' deception detection accuracy varies across targets' proficiency levels. Two reviewers independently searched five databases and screened for all quantitative studies that met pre‐selected search criteria. Out of 1885 records identified through database searching, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Discriminability for non‐native speakers was above chance in four samples. Most studies found support for a lie bias when judging non‐native speakers and a truth bias when judging native speakers. In addition to further research, these results highlight the need for better reporting of stimuli and observer samples as well as a standardised measure of individuals' proficiency level.
Effect of different ways of ingesting orange essential oil on blood immune index and intestinal microflora in mice
Authors: Qu Sha‐Sha , Zhang Yan , Ren Jing‐Nan , Yang Shu‐Zhen , Li Xiao , Fan Gang , Pan Si‐Yi
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Studies have found that the addition of plant essential oils to feed had a positive effect on intestinal microflora and immunity in mice. However, the effect of different ways of ingestion of orange essential oil on mice has seldom been reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ingestion of orange essential oil by gavage, sniffing and feeding on intestinal microflora and immunity in mice.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that a low concentration of essential oil feeding significantly increased the spleen index of mice (P < 0.05). The effect of different ways of ingestion on the thymus index, immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M of mice was not significant (P > 0.05). High and medium concentrations of essential oil feeding increased the level of interleukin‐2 in mice (P < 0.05). H+K+‐ATPase activity was significantly increased in mice fed with gavage and different concentrations of essential oil feed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The analysis of the results of the microflora in the cecum and colon of mice indicated that the medium concentration of essential oil feeding group and the sniffing group significantly changed the structure of the flora and increased the diversity of the intestinal microflora. All three essential oil ingestion methods increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus in the intestine of mice.

CONCLUSION

Compared with gavage and feeding, sniffing had a significant effect on immunoglobulins in mice. All the three ingestion methods could affect the intestinal microflora of mice and increase the abundance of Lactobacillus. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparison of early career researchers and senior career researchers as peer reviewers: A questionnaire survey in China
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhao Liangbin , Zeng Yuanxiang , Cheng Mengyao
Published: July 2022

The article reports results that compare the self‐perceptions of Chinese early career researchers (ECRs) with those of senior career researchers (SCRs) as peer reviewers, aiming to show the characteristics of the increasing number of Chinese ECRs as reviewers. An investigation was conducted with 207 Chinese researchers (including 116 ECRs and 91 SCRs) using an online questionnaire from October to November 2021. The results show the differences and similarities between ECRs and SCRs in five dimensions: views, motivations, preferences, behaviours and self‐confidence. It was found that ECRs are more inclined than SCRs to regard peer review as an extra‐role responsibility. ECRs' self‐focused motivations for peer review are stronger than SCRs' self‐focused motivations, while other‐focused motivations of ECRs and SCRs are equally strong. ECRs are more willing to accept review invitations from high‐quality indexed journals (such as SCI/SSCI/A&HCI journals) than SCRs. In terms of peer review behaviour, ECRs and SCRs have a similar degree of conscientiousness and agreeableness. In addition, ECRs are more lacking in self‐confidence as reviewers than SCRs.
Engaging young scholars in science through publication: A survey analysis of published middle and high school authors
Authors: Mattison Kari A. , Merchak Andrea R. , Wieman Scott T. , Zimmer Stephanie , Fankhauser Sarah C.
Published: July 2022

Young researchers are often excluded from the scholarly processes of peer‐review and publication, which are cornerstones of scholarly work. The Journal of Emerging Investigators is an open access journal dedicated to publishing the research of middle and high school students. We surveyed student authors before and after they participated in the peer‐review and publication process of their scientific articles. Following peer‐review and publication, students report gains in their confidence and self‐efficacy in science, and increased feelings of identity and belonging in science. Our findings demonstrate that even the youngest scholars are capable of participating in the publication process, and our data suggest that participation in the process has positive outcomes.
Temporal and Spatial Relationships of Yellowfin Tuna to Deepwater Petroleum Platforms in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Price Melissa E. , Randall Michael T. , Sulak Kenneth J. , Edwards Randy E. , Lamont Margaret M.
Published: July 2022

In 2006–2007, 110 Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares were tagged with acoustic transmitters near deepwater oil platforms and one drillship in the northern Gulf of Mexico off the Mississippi River delta to determine the extent to which platforms act as fish aggregating devices (FADs). Vemco acoustic receivers were installed on six deepwater platforms to detect the presence of tagged individuals. Five of 12 Yellowfin Tuna captured in 2006 were detected in 2007, demonstrating multi-year presence in the region. Ninety Yellowfin Tuna were detected in 2007, resulting in 221 platform residencies and 32 single detections. Duration of residence at a platform was positively correlated with the platform's depth, and the number of transitions decreased with platform-to-platform distance. In total, 109 movements between platforms by 46 (51%) different individuals were detected, traveling distances of up to 98.2 km. Yellowfin Tuna displayed interactions with deepwater platforms in the northern Gulf of Mexico similar to their interactions with FADs and other studied geological features, by way of aggregating or using them as meeting points, landmarks, and stopovers within a movement corridor. The large number of oil and gas platforms located in the northern Gulf of Mexico may have a significant effect on distribution, retention, and migration of Yellowfin Tuna populations in this area of the gulf.
Optimization of Sampling Effort for Different Fishery Groups in the Yangtze River Estuary, China
Authors: Zhao Jing , Yang Keer , Ma Jin
Published: July 2022

The Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) plays an important role in the conservation of fishery resources in the Yangtze River basin, and the Chinese government has established a special fishing ban management area at the YRE. To assess effects of the fishing ban, survey design and appropriate effort need to be determined and implemented. This study used long-term trawl survey data of the YRE (2004–2017) to explore the effects of survey effort (8–30 continuous survey stations selected by systematic and stratified sampling) on precision and accuracy of estimates of abundance of different fishery groups in the YRE. Estimated precision for a given number of survey stations varied by season and fishery group. Precision of systematic sampling fluctuated with the number of stations. Precision of stratified sampling with a proportional allocation scheme gradually increased with the number of survey stations. We suggest including 15–20 survey stations for all fishery groups sampled using the examined sampling methods.This study provides a research reference for selecting the survey effort (number of survey stations) for a fishery-independent survey in the YRE under the backgroud of conservation.
Laminated beams with thermoelasticity acting on the shear force
Authors: Cabanillas Zannini Victor R. , Quispe Méndez Teófanes , Ramos Anderson J. A.
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study the stabilization of a laminated beam system under the action of a new thermal coupling. Motivated by the work of Almeida Júnior et al. in the context of the Timoshenko system, we consider a thermoelastic coupling acting on the shear force. The present work constitutes a generalization of Almeida Júnior's paper because our study model considers an interfacial slip. More precisely, if we make the parameter
of our system go to infinity, we obtain the Timoshenko beam system studied by the authors. We show that the weakly dissipative system of our manuscript is exponentially stable if, and only if, the wave propagation speeds are equal. Otherwise, we show that the system is polynomially stable and that the associated semigroup decays with rate
. Furthermore, we show that this decay rate is optimal.
Comparison of PMT‐based TF64 and SiPM‐based Vereos PET/CT systems for 90Y imaging and dosimetry optimization: A quantitative study
Authors: Trotta Nicola , Collette Benoît , Mathey Céline , Vierasu Irina , Bucalau Ana‐Maria , Verset Gontran , Moreno‐Reyes Rodrigo , Goldman Serge
Published: July 2022

Background

Selective internal radiotherapy based on transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium‐90 (90Y) microspheres is an established treatment for primary or metastatic liver disease.

Purpose

The objective of this work is to optimize the dosimetry of patients treated with 90Y TARE, using positron emission tomography (PET) images.

Methods

The NEMA 2012 PET phantom was filled with nearly 3.9 GBq of 90Y activity and acquired at days 0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 on a classic time‐of‐flight PET/computed tomography (CT) scanner (Philips TF64) and on a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)‐based PET/CT scanner (Philips Vereos). Acquisitions were carried on following the guidelines proposed in a previously published multicentric trial and images were reconstructed by varying and combining the available parameters. Comparisons were performed to identify the best set(s) of parameters leading to the most accurate 90Y‐PET image(s), in terms of activity distribution. Then, for both scanners, the best images were analyzed with Simplicit90Y, a personalized dosimetry software using multicompartmental Medical Internal Radiation Dose model. The comparison between measured and true doses allowed to identify the image granting the most consistent dose estimations and, therefore, to designate the set of parameters to be applied on patients’ data for the reconstruction of optimized clinical images. Posttreatment dosimetry of four patients was then realized with Simplicit90Y using optimized imaging datasets.

Results

Based on activity distribution comparisons and dose estimations over phantom and patients data, the SiPM‐based PET/CT system appeared more suitable than the photomultiplier tube‐based TF64 for 90Y‐PET imaging. With the SiPM‐based PET/CT system, reconstructed images with a 2‐mm voxel size combined with the application of the point spread function correction led to the most accurate results for quantitative 90Y measures.

Conclusions

For the SiPM‐based PET/CT scanner, an optimized set of reconstruction parameters has been identified and applied on patients’ data in order to generate the most accurate image to be used for an improved personalized 90Y‐PET dosimetry, ensuring a reliable evaluation of the delivered doses.
Stabilization of Aqueous MMA Emulsions Using Mixtures of Surfactants and Implications on MMA Miniemulsion Polymerizations
Authors: Hamond Regua Mangia Lys , Conceição Ferraz Helen , Pinto José Carlos
Published: July 2022

Miniemulsion polymerization is a robust and simple method for manufacture of polymer nanoparticles. However, it is strongly dependent on the precursor monomer‐in‐water emulsion stability. Thus, the present study investigates the influence of concentration and combination of nonionic surfactants (resulting in different hydrophile–lipophile balances, HLB) on the stabilization of emulsions of methyl methacrylate in water. Backscattering profiles obtained with Turbiscan show that a combination of Tween80 and Span80 can grant the desired initial system stabilization, although the optimum HLB values depend on the amount of surfactant mixture. Miniemulsion polymerizations are then successfully performed with nonionic surfactant mixtures, providing high monomer conversion in less than 1 h and poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles with average diameters ranging from 300 to 500 nm. Finally, it is observed that the addition of small amounts of an anionic surfactant to the surfactant mixture (10 wt.%) can be very beneficial for the process, allowing the control of reaction rates, the production of smaller nanoparticles with average diameters from 100 to 300 nm, and the enhanced stabilization of the final solid dispersion, while simultaneously keeping the concentration of ionic surfactants small.
Beyond mean value analysis – a voxel‐based analysis of the quantitative MR biomarker water T2 in the presence of fatty infiltration in skeletal muscle tissue of patients with neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Schlaeger Sarah , Weidlich Dominik , Zoffl Agnes , Becherucci Edoardo Aitala , Kottmaier Elisabeth , Montagnese Federica , Deschauer Marcus , Schoser Benedikt , Zimmer Claus , Baum Thomas , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Kirschke Jan S.
Published: July 2022

The main pathologies in the muscles of patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are fatty infiltration and edema. Recently, quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for determination of the MR biomarkers proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and water T2 (T2w) has been advanced. Biophysical effects or pathology can have different effects on MR biomarkers. Thus, for heterogeneously affected muscles, the routinely performed mean or median value analyses of MR biomarkers are questionable. Our work presents a voxel‐based histogram analysis of PDFF and T2w images to point out potential quantification errors. In 12 patients with NMD, chemical‐shift encoding‐based water‐fat imaging for PDFF and T2 mapping with spectral adiabatic inversion recovery (SPAIR) for T2w determination was performed. Segmentation of nine thigh muscles was performed bilaterally (n = 216). PDFF and T2 maps were coregistered. A voxel‐based comparison of PDFF and T2w showed a decreased T2w with increasing PDFF. Mean T2w and mean T2wwithout fatty voxels (PDFF < 10%) show good agreement, whereas standard deviation (σ) T2w and σ T2wwithout fatty voxels show increasing difference with increasing values of σ. Thereby two subgroups can be observed, referring to muscles in which the exclusion of fatty voxels has a negligible influence versus muscles in which a strong dependency of the T2w value distribution on the exclusion of fatty voxels is present. Because of the two opposite effects that influence T2w in a voxel, namely, (i) a pathophysiologically increased water mobility leading to T2w elevation, and (ii) a dependency of T2w on the PDFF leading to decreased T2w, the T2w distribution within a muscle might be heterogenous and the routine mean or median analysis can lead to a misinterpretation of the muscle health. It was concluded that muscle T2w mean values can wrongly suggest healthy muscle tissue. A deeper analysis of the underlying value distribution is necessary. Therefore, a quantitative analysis of T2w histograms is a potential alternative.
Exploring facilitators and barriers for successful transition among new Saudi graduate nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Alsalamah Yasir , Fawaz Mirna
Published: July 2022

Aim

This study aims at exploring Saudi newly graduated nurses' perspectives on the facilitators and barriers for successful transition from being a student to being a nurse.

Design

A phenomenological qualitative methodology was employed.

Methods

Focus group discussions were carried out among 35 Saudi nurses at one major university hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Results

Under the theme of barriers to transition three main subthemes emerged, namely “Fear of making medical errors,” “Intense Workload and Expectations,” “Bullying and lack of support,” while under the facilitators of transition the subthemes which emerged were “Supportive preceptor,” “Training workshops,” “Need for transition programs.” This research found that formal and informal techniques for strengthening institutional variables and improving individual factors are critical for new graduate nurses' effective transition into professional responsibilities.
Downregulation of HDAC9 by the ketone metabolite β‐hydroxybutyrate suppresses vascular calcification
Authors: Lan Zirong , Chen An , Li Li , Ye Yuanzhi , Liang Qingchun , Dong Qianqian , Wang Siyi , Fu Mingwei , Li Yining , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhu Zhenyu , Ou Jing‐Song , Qiu Xiaozhong , Lu Lihe , Yan Jianyun
Published: July 2022

Vascular calcification is an actively regulated process resembling bone formation and contributes to the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, an effective therapy for vascular calcification is still lacking. The ketone body β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) has been demonstrated to have health‐promoting effects including anti‐inflammation and cardiovascular protective effects. However, whether BHB protects against vascular calcification in CKD remains unclear. In this study, Alizarin Red staining and calcium content assay showed that BHB reduced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and arterial rings. Of note, compared with CKD patients without thoracic calcification, serum BHB levels were lower in CKD patients with thoracic calcification. Supplementation with 1,3‐butanediol (1,3‐B), the precursor of BHB, attenuated aortic calcification in CKD rats and VitD3‐overloaded mice. Furthermore, RNA‐seq analysis revealed that BHB downregulated HDAC9, which was further confirmed by RT‐qPCR and western blot analysis. Both pharmacological inhibition and knockdown of HDAC9 attenuated calcification of human VSMCs, while overexpression of HDAC9 exacerbated calcification of VSMCs and aortic rings, indicating that HDAC9 promotes vascular calcification under CKD conditions. Of note, BHB treatment antagonized HDAC9‐induced vascular calcification. In addition, HDAC9 overexpression activated the NF‐κB signaling pathway and inhibition of NF‐κB attenuated HDAC9‐induced VSMC calcification, suggesting that HDAC9 promotes vascular calcification via activation of NF‐κB. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that BHB supplementation inhibits vascular calcification in CKD via modulation of the HDAC9‐dependent NF‐κB signaling pathway. Moreover, we unveil a crucial mechanistic role of HDAC9 in vascular calcification under CKD conditions; thus, nutritional intervention or pharmacological approaches to enhance BHB levels could act as promising therapeutic strategies to target HDAC9 for the treatment of vascular calcification in CKD. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Preparation and characterization of silica based nanoclusters as reinforcement for dental applications
Authors: Hategekimana Faustin , Kiraz Nadir
Published: July 2022

As composite resins become the most extensively utilized material in the field of cosmetic and restorative dentistry, several strategies to overcome dental composites' challenges such as long‐term mechanical failure and secondary caries are continuously being developed. Among them, the design of suitable fillers to optimize their clinical performance has been given priority in addressing those shortcomings. In this study, silica‐based nanoclusters were synthesized and used as fillers to prepare UV curable dental composites was assessed. Nanoclusters were prepared by prepolymerization followed by pulverization and sieving of commercial silica nanoparticles with triethylene glycol dimethacrylate monomer. The composites were then made by filling 55:25:20 weight ratio of urethane dimethacrylate, bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, respectively with varying concentration of nanoclusters. The clusters and composites were characterized by SEM, TGA, and FTIR analyzes. The results have shown a significant improvement of physical and mechanical properties in composites containing nanoclusters. Increasing nanocluster concentration caused a reduction in composite polymerization shrinkage, water absorption and solubility as well as limited rise of flexural strength. At 50% filler load, nanoclusters doped composites exhibited higher flexural strength than nanoparticles doped composites. Furthermore, the blending of nanoclusters with nanoparticles as fillers produced the composites having the lowest polymerization shrinkage (2.2%) and the highest flexural strength (113.91 MPa). Overall, the synthesized nanoclusters have shown greater performance in comparison with the current available silica nanoparticles.
Fatigue, fracture toughness and DMA of biosilica toughened epoxy with stacked okra fiber and Al 2024‐T3 fiber metal laminate composite
Authors: Ramesh G. , Uvaraja V. C. , Gnanasundara Jayaraja B. , Patil Pravin P.
Published: July 2022

In this present study, a natural fiber‐based fiber metal laminate (FML) was fabricated for various engineering applications. The primary aim of this present investigation was to study the effect of adding natural fiber along with metal and the effect of the surface‐treatment process on the reinforcements on load‐bearing and thermo‐mechanical properties. Okra fiber woven mat, aluminum 2024‐T3 foil and rice husk‐derived biosilica were used as reinforcements. For surface treatment, the metal foil was sandblasted whereas the okra fiber and biosilica were silane‐treated. The FML was fabricated using the vacuum bag method utilizing as‐received and silane‐treated reinforcements as two separate models. According to the results, the addition of Al foil and okra fiber improved the storage modulus and loss factor of about 4.2 GPa and 0.39 for surface‐treated reinforcements. Similarly, maximum fracture toughness and energy release of 39.42 MPa √m and 0.76 MJ/m2 for surface‐treated EOA2 composite designation. Moreover, the addition of okra fiber and Al foil increased the fatigue life counts up to 54,266, 48,116, and 26,263 for surface‐treated EOA2 composite at 30%, 60%, and 90% of ultimate tensile stress (UTS). Such thermo‐mechanical and load‐bearing properties improved FMLs could be used in automotive, aircraft, drone and other industrial applications requiring high structural rigidity and load absorbing capability.
Lightweight biodegradable hybrid composite sandwich panel under three‐point bending loads—Experimental and numerical
Authors: Beigpour Reza , Khalili Seyed Mohammad Reza , Shokrollahi Hassan
Published: July 2022

In this research, the flexural behavior of lightweight biodegradable sandwich panel consisting of the outer green composite facesheets with polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and natural kenaf and cotton fibers, with five various stacking types of standard cardboard egg boxes cores under three‐point bending loads as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic sandwich structures is investigated. The stiffness of this structure in bending is also studied using finite element simulations. The thickest specimen absorbed the most energy during flexural testing, however, the specimens containing two egg boxes inside each other were found to have a higher strength and stiffness. Using finite element method simulations to investigate the influence of composite facesheet thickness on flexural loads, it was found that the amount of the load carried by each sandwich specimen with doubled thickness was increased at least by about 50%. By changing the core's material from cardboard egg box to bamboo/PLA or kenaf‐cotton/PLA egg boxes, stiffness and strength and also the energy absorption were significantly increased. Therefore, it is possible to fabricate composite sandwich structures which are light and biodegradable for green environment and has the potential to replace many plastic products and structures that are used in food packaging and medium loads structures applications.
SiO2 and ZnO hybrid nanofillers modified natural rubber latex: Excellent mechanical and antibacterial properties
Authors: Mou Wenjie , Li Jinglin , Fu Xiaomei , Huang Chaojie , Chen Lishui , Liu Ye
Published: July 2022

The modification of polymer with nanoparticles has been proved to have good results, but the key of this method is that nanoparticles can maintain uniform dispersion in the polymer. Herein, silica (SiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) hybrid nanofillers were prepared by self‐made dispersion equipment to modify natural rubber latex (NRL). The results show that the uniformly dispersed nano‐SiO2 fillers increase the number of entanglements in the molecular chain of NRL, thereby improving the tensile properties. The tensile strength and elongation at break of LZ1S4.2 were increased to 32.61 MPa and 957%, respectively. The increase of the number of entanglements also makes the structure of NRL more compact, and improves the barrier performance and aging resistance. The uniformly dispersed nano‐ZnO fillers endow the NRL with excellent antibacterial properties, and the antibacterial rate (For Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) is greater than 99.9%. In addition, NRL condoms and gloves incorporating hybrid nanofillers have been proved to have good biocompatibility, and this NRL nanocomposite is expected to be applied to other NRL products.
A Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamond Reactor for Controlled Thin‐Film Growth with Sharp Layer Interfaces
Authors: Schätzle Philip , Reinke Philipp , Herrling David , Götze Arne , Lindner Lukas , Jeske Jan , Kirste Lutz , Knittel Peter
Published: July 2022

A microwave plasma reactor for diamond growth that allows for highly controllable process conditions is presented. The position of the diamond substrate within the reactor can be accurately controlled. Thus, equilibration of plasma conditions can be carried out after changes in process parameters. With this approach, sharp layer transitions among doped, undoped, and isotopically controlled diamond films can be obtained. In addition to the sample transfer, the growth temperature is maintained through a substrate heater, and a clean reactor environment is realized by a load‐lock sample exchange system. The plasma conditions are constantly monitored by optical emission spectroscopy. Using this system, the growth of nanoscopic sandwich structures is demonstrated with controlled isotopic ratios down to ≈10 nm thickness and N(V) layers below 50 nm are obtained on (001)‐oriented diamond. Growth rates and doping efficiencies depending on the used methane concentration are presented. Characterization with continuous‐wave optically detected magnetic resonance yields an average contrast of 4.1% per nitrogen vacancy (NV) orientation in layers with a thickness below 100 nm. Depending on the used methane concentration, surface morphology and NV doping homogeneity are influenced as observed by photoluminescence and atomic force microscopy measurements.
Constrained but not contained: How marginalized entrepreneurs overcome institutional bias and mobilize resources
Authors: Simarasl Nastaran , Jiang David , Pandey Sheela , Navis Chad
Published: July 2022

Research Summary

In this study, we advance novel understandings of strategies that marginalized entrepreneurs use to overcome institutional bias and mobilize crucial resources. Using grounded theory, we analyzed qualitative interview data from 97 women entrepreneurs across Iran, India, and the United States to understand the source and nature of the institutional constraints they faced, the strategies they used to overcome these constraints, and the agency and legitimacy that ensued as a result. We found that marginalized entrepreneurs engaged in three focal strategies: family transmutation, ally activation, and enabler cooptation. We propose that these strategies enhance marginalized entrepreneurs' likelihood of securing needed resources, but with different consequences for their agency and legitimacy. We offer several contributions to entrepreneurial resource mobilization and institutional literatures.

Managerial Summary

This study explores how marginalized entrepreneurs gain agency, legitimacy, and other resources in the face of institutional biases. Our findings from interviews with 97 women entrepreneurs in Iran, India, and the United States show that when marginalized entrepreneurs face biases from their families, they can use a family transmutation strategy to gain family support and enhance their agency and legitimacy. Furthermore, marginalized entrepreneurs who encounter constraints from non‐family members can use an ally activation strategy to alleviate these constraints and enhance their agency and legitimacy. Finally, we found that in the face of self‐constraints that marginalized entrepreneurs impose on themselves, the use of an enabler cooptation strategy may have an adverse effect on their agency and legitimacy, even though it may facilitate their temporary resource access.