bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Engineering of High‐Mobility IGZO Transistors via Gate Insulator Heterostructures Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Seo , Hwang Taewon , Oh Hye‐Jin , Park Joon Seok , Park Jin‐Seong
Published: March 2024

The reliability of oxide‐semiconductor (OS) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) is significantly influenced by the gate insulator (GI). During electrical bias stress, the defect sites near the semiconductor/GI interface and/or within the GI may trap electrons, which makes the threshold voltage (Vth) shift toward positive values. On the other hand, carbon (C) or hydrogen (H) atoms may diffuse from the GI into the active layer, and act as shallow donors, which induce negative Vth shifts (ΔVth). In this paper, an in situ atomic layer deposition (ALD)‐based GI heterostructure is introduced, which consists of a stack of two complementary materials, namely Al2O3 and SiO2. Here, a competition occurs between electron trapping in Al2O3 (positive ΔVth) and carrier generation from H atoms in SiO2 (negative ΔVth) which allows the achievement of nearly zero ΔVth under positive bias temperature stress (PBTS). This strategy is successfully applied to a high‐mobility (>50 cm2 Vs−1) ALD‐based indium‐gallium‐zinc oxide (IGZO) device, resulting in a net ∆Vth of −0.02 V under PBTS and drain current variation (∆ID) of +0.49% under constant current stress (CCS). The application of an in situ ALD process thus offers valuable insights to resolve the mobility versus reliability trade‐off in high‐performance oxide TFTs.
Terahertz Sensing of Å‐scale Thin Dielectric Film Via Electron Tunnelling
Authors: Sebek Matej , Buchmann Tobias Olaf , Jepsen Peter Uhd , Lange Simon Jappe
Published: March 2024

Precise sensing of ultrathin dielectric films is paramount in various fields including nanoscale dielectric characterization, advanced material development, and quality control in microelectronics manufacturing. However, achieving this with conventional detection techniques within the terahertz (THz) frequency range has remained challenging due to their limited sensitivity and resolution. In this study, a novel approach is reported that utilizes Fowler‐Nordheim (FN) tunnelling at a metal‐dielectric junction, which drastically improves the sensitivity to changes in dielectric film thickness down to the Angstrom scale. Through a detailed analysis of both experimental and simulated data, it is demonstrated that the FN tunnelling‐based THz sensing technique exhibits exceptional sensitivity. This finding not only overcomes the limitations of traditional detection techniques, but also paves the way for novel ultrathin film sensing capabilities in the rapidly advancing field of THz technology.
A review of the interaction between potassium nutrition and plant disease control
Authors: Ortel C. C. , Roberts T. L. , Rupe J. C.
Published: March 2024

Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient involved in many physiological and biochemical functions that affect a plant's susceptibility to disease. These processes include stomatal regulation, enzyme activation, and solute transport, each of which is often discussed through the lens of either plant nutrition or plant disease control. However, the interaction between these stresses and the resulting physiological and agronomic impact is an important consideration when managing a cropping system as a whole and is scarcely addressed in the literature. Therefore, a review of the literature was focused on the interaction of K nutrition and the resulting impact on plant disease control. Nutrient management, especially K, can manipulate these essential plant processes to provide the host plant with either an advantage or disadvantage in disease susceptibility, depending on the pathogen and the situation. Numerous studies have been conducted investigating the individual pathogen and host relationships, concluding that the majority of bacterial and fungal diseases decreased with increasing K nutrition, while viral diseases and nematode infections had inconsistent responses to K nutrition. These differences in the response of disease to K nutrition complicate generalizations across species and environments. Similarly, the impact of K on plant growth is affected by the concentration of each nutrient and its ratio with other nutrients. Therefore, a review of the major physiological processes that depend on plant K nutrition is discussed below with the resulting impact on plant disease control.
Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein in the visual and language variants of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sintini Irene , Singh Neha Atulkumar , Li Danni , Mielke Michelle M. , Machulda Mary M. , Schwarz Christopher G. , Senjem Matthew L. , Jack Clifford R. , Lowe Val J. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in plasma is a proxy for astrocytic activity and is elevated in amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐positive individuals, making GFAP a potential blood‐based biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We assessed plasma GFAP in 72 Aβ‐positive participants diagnosed with the visual or language variant of AD who underwent Aβ‐ and tau‐PET. Fifty‐nine participants had follow‐up imaging. Linear regression was applied on GFAP and imaging quantities.

RESULTS

GFAP did not correlate with Aβ‐ or tau‐PET cross‐sectionally. There was a limited positive correlation between GFAP and rates of tau accumulation, particularly in the language variant of AD, although associations were weaker after removing one outlier patient with the highest GFAP level.

DISCUSSION

Among Aβ‐positive AD participants with atypical presentations, plasma GFAP did not correlate with levels of AD pathology on PET, suggesting that the associations between GFAP and AD pathology might plateau during the advanced phase of the disease.
Lateral Beam Shifts and Depolarization Upon Oblique Reflection from Dielectric Mirrors
Authors: Xiao Yuzhe , Phuttitarn Linipun , Graham Trent Michael , Wan Chenghao , Saffman Mark , Kats Mikhail A.
Published: March 2024

Dielectric mirrors comprising thin‐film multilayers are widely used in optical experiments because they can achieve substantially higher reflectance compared to metal mirrors. Here, potential problems are investigated that can arise when dielectric mirrors are used at oblique incidence, in particular for focused beams. It is found that light beams reflected from dielectric mirrors can experience lateral beam shifts, beam‐shape distortion, and depolarization, and these effects have a strong dependence on wavelength, incident angle, and incident polarization. Because vendors of dielectric mirrors typically do not share the particular layer structure of their products, several dielectric‐mirror stacks are designed and simulated, and then the lateral beam shift from two commercial dielectric mirrors and one coated metal mirror is also measured. This paper brings awareness of the tradeoffs between dielectric mirrors and front‐surface metal mirrors in certain optics experiments, and it is suggested that vendors of dielectric mirrors provide information about beam shifts, distortion, and depolarization when their products are used at oblique incidence.
Fluorinated Polyimide Tunneling Layer for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Liu Chunming , Yu Wei , Li Yuheng , Wang Can , Zhang Zilong , Li Chi , Liang Lusheng , Chen Kangcheng , Liu Lin , Li Tinghao , Yu Xuteng , Wang Yao , Gao Peng
Published: March 2024

Despite the remarkable progress of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), challenges remain in terms of finding effective and viable strategies to enhance their long‐term stability while maintaining high efficiency. In this study, a new insulating and hydrophobic fluorinated polyimide (FPI: 6FDA‐6FAPB) was used as the interface layer between the perovskite layer and the hole transport layer (HTL) in PSCs. The functional groups of FPI play a pivotal role in passivating interface defects within the device. Due to its high work function, FPI demonstrates field‐effect passivation (FEP) capabilities as an interface layer, effectively mitigating non‐radiative recombination at the interface. Notably, the FPI insulating interface layer does not impede carrier transmission at the interface, which is attributed to the presence of hole tunneling effects. The optimized PSCs achieve an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.61 % and demonstrate excellent stability, showcasing the efficacy of FPI in enhancing device performance and reliability.
Asymmetric Pd/Organoboron‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Carbohydrate Functionalization with Alkoxyallenes Involving Noncovalent Stereocontrol
Authors: Guo Hao , Kirchhoff Jan‐Lukas , Strohmann Carsten , Grabe Bastian , Loh Charles C. J.
Published: March 2024

Herein, we demonstrate the robustness of a synergistic chiral Pd/organoboron system in tackling a challenging suite of site‐, regio‐, enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity issues across a considerable palette of biologically relevant carbohydrate polyols, when prochiral alkoxyallenes were employed as electrophiles. In view of the burgeoning role of noncovalent interactions (NCIs) in stereoselective carbohydrate synthesis, our mechanistic experiments and DFT modeling of the reaction path unexpectedly revealed that NCIs such as hydrogen bonding and CH‐π interactions between the resting states of the Pd‐π‐allyl complex and the borinate saccharide are critically involved in the stereoselectivity control. Our strategy thus illuminates the untapped potential of harnessing NCIs in the context of transition metal catalysis to tackle stereoselectivity challenges in carbohydrate functionalization.
Preparation, characterization, and performance of reactive phenolphthalein poly(aryl ether sulfone) tougheners highly compatible with epoxy resin
Authors: Yan Chuan , Wang HongHua , Song LiXin , Zhou GuangYuan
Published: March 2024

Aiming at the problem of phase separation between thermoplastic toughener and epoxy after curing, which leads to the reduction of mechanical properties, in this paper we improve the compatibility of the two phases by introducing reactive groups into the molecular chain of thermoplastic resins, thus improving the impact strength of the epoxy system. Phenolphthalein polyether sulfone (C‐PESC) with designable and controllable carboxyl group content was prepared via SN2 nucleophilic substitution copolymerization. Further C‐PESC was evaluated for epoxy toughening, and the effects of carboxyl group content of C‐PESC on mechanical properties and thermal stability of the resin system were investigated. The results show that C‐PESC resin has good compatibility with E51 epoxy resin. Carboxyl group accelerates the dissolution rate of thermoplastic resins in epoxy and also participates in the curing reaction with epoxy to enhance the interfacial bonding ability between the toughening component and the matrix resin. The reactive toughener C‐PESC can not only improve the impact properties of E51 epoxy, but also maintain the high Tg and thermal properties of the resin system. Among them, the addition of 5 PHR of C‐PESC3 increased the impact strength of the modified resin by 45%, with uniform fracture surface and tough fracture shape.
Eugenol‐derived bio‐benzoxazine resins: Synthesis, characterization, and exceptional thermal stability
Authors: Ertas Dogan Yelda , Uyar Tamer
Published: March 2024

In this study, we succesfully synthesized bio‐benzoxazine resins using eugenol, a bio‐based phenolic compound, in combination with three distinct functional amines: ethanamine, aniline, and hexane‐1,6‐diamine. Characterization of the resulting bio‐benzoxazine resins, namely E‐ea (eugenol, ethanamine), E‐a (eugenol, aniline), and E‐dh (eugenol, hexane‐1,6‐diamine), was performed through 1H NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Thermal properties were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for both the eugenol‐derived bio‐benzoxazines (E‐ea, E‐a, E‐dh) and their corresponding polybenzoxazines (PE‐ea, PE‐a, PE‐dh). Notably, all eugenol‐based polybenzoxazines exhibited excellent thermal stability with very similar characteristics. Our findings suggest that the presence of allyl groups in eugenol promoted a more cross‐linked network structure compared to other functional groups on amines. As a result, eugenol‐derived bio‐benzoxazines demonstrated superior thermal properties, illustrated by their impressive char yields: PE‐ea; 45.6%, PE‐a; 45.1%, and PE‐dh; 44.1%.
Tin–containing Silicon Oxycarbonitride Ceramic Nanocomposites as Stable Anode for Magnesium Ion Batteries
Authors: Guo Wuqi , Wang Jun , Gurlo Aleksander , Bekheet Maged F.
Published: March 2024

The development of magnesium ion batteries as a viable alternative to lithium–ion batteries is impeded by the lack of efficient and stable electrode materials. Here, we present the synthesis of nanocomposites of tin–containing silicon oxycarbonitride (Sn/SiOCN) as anode materials for magnesium ion batteries (MIBs). The elemental and phase composition, morphology, and surface area of the nanocomposites are assessed by several characterization techniques. The galvanostatic cycling tests indicate a substantial initial discharging capacity for the anode with 42.2 wt . % of tin. Specifically, the first discharging capacities are 489.9 mA/g, 172.9 mA/g, and 136.6 mA/g at current densities of 0.5 mA/g, 50 mA/g, and 500 mA/g, respectively. After 100 cycles at a current density of 500 mA/g, the anode containing 33.8 wt % of tin exhibits a reversible capacity of 101.8 mAh/g and a remarkable rate performance efficiency of 76.5 %. Increasing tin content in the electrode materials increases the battery performance by decreasing electrode impedance and thus facilitating Mg2+ diffusion, as revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Ex situ XRD and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations following the magnesiation–demagnesiation process confirm the storage of reversible storage of Mg2+ ions in Sn/SiOCN electrode through incorporation in the SiOCN network and alloying/dealloying process involving Mg−Mg2Sn−Mg.
ZnO Substitution in Argyrodite Li5.5+3xZnxP1‐xOxS4.5‐xBr1.5 Electrolyte with Enhanced Interface Performance for All‐Solid‐State Battery
Authors: Lin Xizhong , Li Dabing , Li Yaru , Zhao Xiaoxue , Li Yang , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: March 2024

Argyrodite sulfide solid electrolytes (SSEs) have been attracting more concentration in ionic conductivity, crystal structure, and mechanical properties. Nevertheless, shortcomings of SSEs like poor air‐vapor stability and interface reactions limit the wider application in batteries. Herein, a double‐element ZnO substitution strategy is applied to enhancing Li5.5PS4.5Br1.5 Argyrodite electrolyte structure stability and property, Li5.5PS4.5Br1.5 electrolyte with a small amount of ZnO substitution to P and S. Li5.5+3xZnxP1‐xOxS4.5‐xBr1.5 solid electrolytes have achieved improved performance, interface composition also has changed, and crystal structure is becoming more stable. Specifically, LPSBr1.5‐4 %ZnO exhibits the most promising comprehensive properties, more expanded lithium pathway and crystal cell size, 2.25 mS cm−1 ionic conductivity at 25 °C, 65 % electronic conductivity decline, and air stability enhancement. Moreover, LPSBr1.5‐4 %ZnO show decent lithium compatibility and dendrite suppression capability, LPSBr1.5‐4 %ZnO can continue cycling for more than 800 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 in Li symmetric cell, and critical current density has reached 1.4 mA cm−2. More importantly, an all‐solid‐state battery (ASSB) with LPSBr1.5‐4 %ZnO electrolyte can cycle with 130 mAh g−1 capacity and more than 120 cycles in LiCoO2|SSE|In‐Li cell. Our work might provide a strategy to promote structure stability and electrochemical durability, and how element substitution affects ionic transport pathway and crystal structure.
Fc engineered anti‐virus therapeutic human IgG1 expressed in plants with altered binding to the neonatal Fc receptor
Authors: Park Sol‐Ah , Lee Yoonji , Hwang Hyunjoo , Lee Jeong Hwan , Kang Yang Joo , Kim Yerin , Jin Caiquan , An Hyun Joo , Oh Yoo Jin , Hinterdorfer Peter , Kim Eunhye , Choi Sun , Ko Kisung
Published: March 2024

Production of therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) in transgenic plants has several advantages such as large‐scale production and the absence of pathogenic animal contaminants. However, mAb with high mannose (HM) type glycans has shown a faster clearance compared to antibodies produced in animal cells. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) regulates the persistence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) by the FcRn‐mediated recycling pathway, which salvages IgG from lysosomal degradation within cells. In this study, Fc‐engineering of antirabies virus therapeutic mAb SO57 with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐retention peptide signal (Lys‐Asp‐Glu‐Leu; KDEL) (mAbpK SO57) in plant cell was conducted to enhance its binding activity to human neonatal Fc receptor (hFcRn), consequently improve its serum half‐life. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Surface plasmon resonance assay showed altered binding affinity of the Fc region of three different mAbpK SO57 variants [M252Y/S254T/T256E (MST), M428L/N434S (MN), H433K/N434F (HN)] to hFcRn compared to wild type (WT) of mAbpK SO57. Molecular modeling data visualized the structural alterations in these mAbpK SO57. All of the mAbpK SO57 variants had HM type glycan structures similar to the WT mAbpK SO57. In addition, the neutralizing activity of the three variants against the rabies virus CVS‐11 was effective as the WT mAbpK SO57. These results indicate that the binding affinity of mAbpK SO57 variants to hFcRn can be modified without alteration of N‐glycan structure and neutralization activity. Taken together, this study suggests that Fc‐engineering of antirabies virus mAb can be applied to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic mAbs in plant expression systems.
Disclosure of parental physical abuse: Patterns in disclosure attempts among Norwegian teenagers
Authors: Skoland Kathrine , Studsrød Ingunn
Published: March 2024

In recent years, Norwegian authorities have intensified their efforts to prevent and prosecute domestic violence while prioritising the protection of victims, with initiatives such as action plans, strategic measures and various programmes, with a particular focus on children. Despite increased awareness of violence towards children, a significant portion still goes unreported. Our study aims to examine patterns in disclosure attempts among Norwegian teenagers. We studied 11,615 teenagers from the Local Youth Survey between 2014 and 2016 who confirmed experiencing physical violence from an adult family member. Our findings indicate that, among those who did try to disclose, informal confidants like parents or friends, rather than school employees, were the preferred choices. When examining the factors that influence the likelihood of attempting to disclose, we observed that the frequency of violence played a significant role in explaining variation. The likelihood of attempting disclosure was also higher among girls and among those with a low socioeconomic background. Part of this pattern was confirmed also when studying the subgroup that had tried to disclose: the probability of attempting to tell a school employee was higher among those who had a low socioeconomic background and was exposed to violence more frequently. In this subgroup, however, no significant gender differences were observed.
Antioxidant and in vitro cosmeceutical activities of germinated oats
Authors: Lee Seo‐Hee , Kye Su‐Bin , Lim Seung‐Taik , Oh Su‐Jin
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is well known for its biofunctional properties, primarily attributed to cereal phytochemicals. Germination may amplify the formation of secondary metabolites in oat, enhancing its nutritional and bioactive quality. Despite this, the impact of germination of oat on skin health remains unknown. This study investigated how germination influences the in vitro antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory activity related to skin health (tyrosinase and elastase).

Findings

Oat was germinated at 25°C for 6 days, and the germinated samples were collected every 2 days. The samples were then divided into kernel and radicle (including germ) fractions for analysis. The radicle fraction exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging) and in vitro cosmeceutical activity compared to the whole kernel. Phenolic acids were identified to be responsible for the antioxidant activity and tyrosinase inhibition at all germination times, whereas phytosterols including β‐sitosterol played the key role in elastase inhibition. Avenanthramides, synthesized during oat germination, were proved to be crucial in inhibiting the enzymes deteriorating skin health.

Conclusions

This study revealed that germination, as a bioconversion process, enhanced antioxidant activity and cosmeceutical activity of oat by inhibiting the key enzymes responsible for skin aging. However, further research is imperative to fully comprehend the roles and mechanisms of these substances produced during germination.

Significance and Novelty

This study revealed the impacts of germination with cereals, offering valuable insights into the strategies for future investigations in the field of skin health and bioactive cereal compounds.
Active Sites Formed on InVO4/Co3O4 S‐Scheme Heterostructure for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Zhang Jiqiao , Jin Zhiliang
Published: March 2024

The reasonable design of S‐scheme heterojunction to avoid unwanted charge transfer paths in hybrid semiconductors is considered to be an attractive method to obtain efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance of the system was improved by loading ultra‐thin InVO4 nanosheets on the surface of hollow cube Co3O4 to form an S‐scheme heterojunction. Benefiting from the unique nano‐cage structure derived from the zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) series, it not only provides a good carrier for activating and stabilizing InVO4 nanosheets but also effectively avoids the masking of active sites caused by self‐agglomeration, which is more conducive to the exposure of more active sites. In the presence of sensitizer and sacrificial reagent, the optimized InVO4/Co3O4 has a more competitive H2 production, which is undoubtedly due to the construction of S‐scheme heterojunctions and unique spatial structure that facilitates the spatial separation of photoexcited charges. It is further confirmed that the photogenerated carrier transfer follows the S‐scheme mechanism by in‐situ irradiation XPS test.
Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Applications of Noble Metal Chalcogenides Nanomaterials
Authors: Hu Zhenya , Huang Li , Xu Lin , Liu Hui , Tian Shaonan , Yang Jun
Published: March 2024

In this review, we first focus on summarizing recent advances in effective and facile strategies for the ration synthesis of noble metal chalcogenide nanomaterials (NMCNs), and then, we systematically introduce their applications in catalyzing typical electrochemical reactions. Finally, we make some perspectives on the challenges for using NMCNs in electrocatalysis with respect to further enhancement of their electrocatalytic performance.
BUCKLING CURVE CALIBRATION FOR STEEL I‐BEAMS WITH SEQUENTIAL WEB OPENINGS CONSIDERING RANDOM INITIAL IMPERFECTIONS
Authors: de Carvalho Adriano Silva , Rossi Alexandre , Humberto Martins Carlos
Published: March 2024

Steel beams with sequential web openings present benefits compared to plain webbed sections, especially higher bending stiffness. However, openings can affect structural behavior, requiring modifications to verification methods. In this study, a new proposal was developed to verify steel profiles with sequential web openings, based on Eurocode 3. The calculation leads to the determination of the reduction in the resistant capacity of the section due to instabilities based on an imperfection factor related to the characteristic process of manufacturing these profiles. For this, an extensive numerical study was carried out, considering random distributions of residual stresses based on experimental data.
STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT OF COMPOSITE HIGHWAY BRIDGES CONSIDERING VEHICLE‐BRIDGE DYNAMIC INTERACTION
Authors: da Silva Ana Célia Soares , Alencar Guilherme Santana , da Silva José Guilherme Santos
Published: March 2024

Over time, as the bridge deck pavement deterioration process increases, the calculated vertical translational displacements and stresses are higher. In this context, the chances of mechanical failure occurrence increase and may cause limitation in the service life of steel and composite (steel‐concrete) bridges. Thus, the current work presents a methodology for fatigue analysis developed by the authors through the years. The methodology is devoted specifically for the assessment of composite bridges employing the hot‐spot local S‐N approach and a coupled vehicle‐pavement‐bridge system considering progressive pavement deterioration with stochastically generated roughness profiles.
NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE WEB PANEL COMPONENT
Authors: Freire F. , Aguiar J. , Santos A. F. , Ljubinkovic F. , Conde J. , da Silva L. S.
Published: March 2024

The column web panel is a fundamental component of beam‐column joints. This component has been thoroughly studied and codified in the past. In this paper, new insight on its behaviour is obtained using a large amount of high‐quality Finite Element (FE) models, covering a wide range of panel slenderness and aspect ratios. The study shows that the existing models in part 1‐8 of the current and forthcoming Eurocode 3 present a wide scatter in terms of resistance and stiffness, being unconservative in some specific cases.
RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF STEEL PORTAL FRAMES USING GAN FOR GENERATING SYNTHETIC DATA SAMPLE
Authors: Ljubinković F. , Janković M. , Gervásio H. , da Silva L. S.
Published: March 2024

This paper addresses the challenge of reliability estimation in structural engineering, where determining failure probabilities is often uncertain due to insufficient characterization of randomness and scale of design problems. Current approaches, like EN 1990, lack sufficient data for research and simulations, particularly for low failure probabilities (around 10‐4), making Monte Carlo simulations less accurate. The paper introduces Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) as a solution to generate synthetic data to supplement existing examples. The study applies GANs to assess the reliability of steel portal‐framed industrial buildings and evaluate the safety of this structural solution according to Eurocodes.
STRUCTURAL FIRE ENGINEERING ON HERITAGE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS. STRUCTURAL MEASURES TO GUARANTEE THEIR PERFORMANCE
Authors: Cerdeiriña Roberto , Vigne Gabriele , Jönsson Jimmy , Torres Alejandro , Bartolini Andrea , Lombini Enrico
Published: March 2024

Industrial Architecture and their associated engineering structures have a clear objective. They need to be designed and constructed to allow for a product production independently of their nature. In the early XX century German Architecture, especially with the “Bauhaus” movement and others, such as Pier Luigi Nervi in Italy, provided a great impulse to the concept of Industrial Architecture constituting pieces of art. Today, we find examples of industrial buildings that are excellently preserved, and the management of their changing flexibility demand generate engineering judgement to accommodate new “production options” with a safe performance.
MODULAR DESIGN: ACTIONS DURING OCEAN TRANSPORTATION
Authors: Romo‐Leroux Ivan
Published: March 2024

This paper focusses on a code analysis of the main industry codes used to determine the actions during ocean transportation for a modular design project. The scope of this study is for default motion cases on unrestricted weather conditions. The main industry codes are the Noble Denton (DNV) guidelines which are used in conjunction with the offshore ISO codes. This paper offers a comparison between the approaches given for the allowable stress design (ASD) and the load factor design (LRFD) according the DNV guidelines. This paper also offers a reference to the Eurocodes in regard to the terminology used and its level of reliability. This study also includes a worked example and a sensitivity analysis based on the type of vessel.
Synthesis of Peptides by Reactive Extrusion. Application to the Continuous and Solventless Preparation of Aspartame.
Authors: Mohy El‐Dine Tharwat , Lavayssiere Matthieu , Adihou Hélène , Subra Gilles , Métro Thomas‐Xavier , Ludemann‐Hombourger Olivier , Lamaty Frédéric
Published: March 2024

The solventless synthesis of peptides from unactivated amino acids was optimized in a twin‐screw extruder (TSE). The general method enabled the preparation of dipeptides and tripeptides with no epimerization. This flow mechanochemistry approach was applied to the synthesis of aspartame, a synthetic dipeptide, prepared in a continuous mode on large scale and with high productivity.
A General Concept for the Electronic and Steric Modification of 1‐Metallacyclobuta‐2,3‐dienes: A Case Study of Group 4 Metallocene Complexes
Authors: Li Sihan , Schröder Mirjam , Prudlik Adrian , Shi Xinzhe , Spannenberg Anke , Rabeah Jabor , Francke Robert , Corzilius Björn , Reiß Fabian , Beweries Torsten
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of group 4 metal 1‐metallacyclobuta‐2,3‐dienes as organometallic analogues of elusive 1,2‐cyclobutadiene has so far been limited to SiMe3 substituted examples. We present the synthesis of two Ph substituted dilithiated ligand precursors for the preparation of four new 1‐metallacyclobuta‐2,3‐dienes [rac‐(ebthi)M] (M=Ti, Zr; ebthi=1,2‐ethylene‐1,10‐bis(η5‐tetrahydroindenyl)). The organolithium compounds [Li2(RC3Ph)] (1 b: R=Ph, 1 c: R=SiMe3) as well as the metallacycles of the general formula [rac‐(ebthi)M(R1C3R2)] (2 b: M=Ti, R1=R2=Ph, 2 c: M=Ti, R1=Ph, R2=SiMe3; 3 b: M=Zr, R1=R2=Ph; 3 c: M=Zr, R1=Ph, R2=SiMe3) were fully characterised. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction and quantum chemical bond analysis of the Ti and Zr complexes reveal ligand influence on the biradicaloid character of the titanocene complexes. X‐band EPR spectroscopy of structurally similar Ti complexes [rac‐(ebthi)Ti(Me3SiC3SiMe3)] (2 a), 2 b, and 2 c was carried out to evaluate the accessibility of an EPR active triplet state. Cyclic voltammetry shows that introduction of Ph groups renders the complexes easier to reduce. 13C CPMAS NMR analysis provides insights into the cause of the low field shift of the resonances of metal‐bonded carbon atoms and provides evidence of the absence of the β−C−Ti interaction.
An optimal sustainable planning strategy for national carbon capture deployment: A review on the state ofCO2capture in Canada
Authors: Usas Samantha A. , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis
Published: March 2024

This study reviews the steps Canada is taking to address sustainable decarbonization in the context of carbon capture. This work also presents a new optimal framework for national optimal deployment in need of strategic carbon capture implementation. This framework considers external environmental and social considerations often missing from implementation frameworks, which will aid policy makers in more well‐rounded deployment decisions. Thus far, Canada's carbon projects have captured a total of 36.3 Mt of CO2which has cost over $2.7 billion to implement. The Canadian case study utilizing the proposed optimal planning strategy shows that implementation of 58 post‐combustion carbon capture (PCC) plants located in seven provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan) would result in Canada meeting the national targets. This implementation includes 16 plants removing emissions from the Electricity sector, 16 from the Heavy Industry sector, and 26 from the Oil and gas sector resulting in new emissions levels of 11.82 MtCO2, 27.63 MtCO2, and 107.01 MtCO2in each sector, respectively. Additional case studies examined the impact of Alberta's emissions and varying the national targets resulting in different optimal implementations plans. Through a sensitivity analysis on these targets, it was determined that plant distribution is heavily dependent on provincial energy and CO2transport prices. Additionally, if Alberta were to reduce their GHG emissions by 50% through alternative sustainable methods, only 35 PCC plants would be required to meet national targets. This framework provides a sustainable tool for decision‐makers to accelerate decarbonization.
Unique Azolyl Acylhydrazonyl Hybridization of Aloe Emodins to Access Potential Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Wang Yi‐Xin , Deng Zhao , Bibi Aisha , Fang Bo , Zhou Cheng‐He
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive Summary

A type of unique azole‐hybridized acylhydrazonyl aloe emodins (AAEs) were developed as new antibacterial agents for combating bacterial infections. Some target AAEs showed strong antibacterial activities, especially, tetrazolylthioether AAE 27a exhibited broad antibacterial spectrum with 16—256 folds and 8—64 folds more active antibacterial efficacy than the reference drugs aloe emodin and norfloxacin, respectively. Tetrazolylthioether AAE 27a also gave low hemolysis and cytotoxicity, as well as favorable bioavailability. Preliminary mechanism explorations revealed that tetrazolylthioether AAE 27a could cause bacterial membrane depolarization and damage the cell membrane, resulting in nucleic acid leakage. Moreover, compound 27a could intercalate into DNA to impede its replication and form supramolecular 27a‐DNA gyrase complex to disturb the function of DNA gyrase. These findings would provide valuable insights for the further exploration of azolyl acylhydrazonyl aloe emodins as new potential antibacterial candidates.
Uracil‐ and Pyridine‐Containing HDAC Inhibitors Displayed Cytotoxicity in Colorectal and Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Fiorentino Francesco , Fabbrizi Emanuele , Raucci Alessia , Noce Beatrice , Fioravanti Rossella , Valente Sergio , Paolini Chantal , De Maria Ruggero , Steinkühler Christian , Gallinari Paola , Rotili Dante , Mai Antonello
Published: March 2024

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a niche of highly tumorigenic cells featuring self‐renewal, activation of pluripotency genes, multidrug resistance, and ability to cause cancer relapse. Seven HDACi (1‐7), showing either hydroxamate or 2′‐aminoanilide function, were tested in colorectal cancer (CRC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) CSCs to determine their effects on cell proliferation, H3 acetylation levels and in‐cell HDAC activity. Two uracil‐based hydroxamates, 5 and 6, which differ in substitution at C5 and C6 positions of the pyrimidine ring, exhibited the greatest cytotoxicity in GBM (5) and CRC (6) CSCs, followed by the pyridine‐hydroxamate 2, with 2‐ to 6‐fold higher potency than the positive control SAHA. Finally, increased H3 acetylation as well as HDAC inhibition directly in cells by selected 2′‐aminoanilide 4 and hydroxamate 5 confirmed target engagement. Further investigation will be conducted into the broad‐spectrum anticancer properties of the most potent derivatives and their effects in combination with approved, conventional anticancer drugs.
Significance of HIV status in cervical cancer patients receiving curative chemoradiation therapy, definitive radiation alone, or palliative radiation in Botswana
Authors: Meghani Kinza , Puri Priya , Bazzett‐Matabele Lisa , Vuylsteke Peter , Luckett Rebecca , Monare Barati , Chiyapo Sebathu , Ketlametswe Rebecca , Ralefala Tlotlo B. , Bvochora‐Nsingo Memory , Zetola Nicola , Ramogola‐Masire Doreen , Grover Surbhi
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer associated with human papillomavirus has the highest cancer incidence and mortality for women in Botswana because of a high HIV prevalence and limited screening. This study investigates the significance of HIV on the overall survival (OS) of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by various treatment categories (curative chemoradiation, definitive radiation [RT] alone, or palliative RT alone).

METHODS

This study included patients diagnosed with cervical cancer between 2013 and 2020, prospectively enrolled in the Botswana Prospective Cancer Cohort. OS based on HIV status and completion of planned treatment regimen was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Comparisons of 2‐year OS by HIV status was performed by the log‐rank test, univariate and multivariable Cox analyses adjusting for cancer stage, RT dose, number of chemotherapy cycles, and baseline hemoglobin levels.

RESULTS

Of 1131 patients diagnosed with stage IB‐IVB cervical cancer, 69.8% were women living with HIV (n = 789). For patients receiving curative chemoradiation, HIV status was not significantly associated with OS in unadjusted (p = .987) and adjusted (p = .578) analyses. For RT only treatment and definitive (high‐dose) RT alone, HIV status was significantly associated with OS in unadjusted analysis (HR = 1.77, p = .002; HR = 1.95, p = .014), but not in adjusted analysis (p = .227, p = .73). For patients receiving palliative (low‐dose) RT, HIV status was not associated with OS in unadjusted (p = .835) or adjusted analysis (p = .359).

CONCLUSIONS

In Botswana, a resource‐limited setting, HIV status had no significant effect on 2‐year OS in patients with cervical cancer with well‐managed HIV receiving chemoradiation, RT alone, or palliative RT. This demonstrates that patients living with HIV receiving antiretroviral treatment can receive clinically appropriate treatment with no evidence that HIV may lead to poorer outcomes.
A face retrieval technique combining large models and artificial neural networks
Authors: Lu Jin
Published: March 2024

Multimodal sentiment analysis is a popular research direction in the field of affective computing. It extends unimodal‐based sentiment analysis to the environment based on multimodal information exchange. Face retrieval is the most critical technology in the current multimodal sentiment analysis field. Traditional methods for face retrieval rely on large amounts of data to train the matching relationship between text and face images. This approach suffers from several issues, including high data acquisition costs, insufficient or poor quality training data, and high computational costs for training models. To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a face retrieval technique that merges a large language model with a visual base model. This technique explores the use of zero samples for training, eliminating the need to collect data and train the model to achieve face retrieval. As a result, it significantly reduces the cost requirements of data and computational power. First, an accurate natural text of face description is generated using a large language model based on cue engineering based on face‐independent features. Second, the text and images are encoded using a visual base model and mapped into the same multidimensional space for matching. The experimental results indicate that this method performs well on the CelebA dataset. Extracting 31 different sets of face feature descriptions from the CelebA dataset for retrieval achieves 72% on top1 accuracy and 93% on top3 accuracy. Compared to traditional methods, the method proposed in this paper achieves considerable face retrieval accuracy without collecting text image pairs of data and without training the model.
Concept and Development of Algebraic Topological Framework Nucleic Acids
Authors: Song Lu , Zuo Xiaolei , Li Min
Published: March 2024

Nucleic acids are considered as promising materials for developing exquisite nanostructures from one to three dimensions. The advances of DNA nanotechnology facilitate ingenious design of DNA nanostructures with diverse shapes and sizes. Especially, the algebraic topological framework nucleic acids (ATFNAs) are functional DNA nanostructures that engineer guest molecules (e. g., nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules, and nanoparticles) stoichiometrically and spatially. The intrinsic precise properties and tailorable functionalities of ATFNAs hold great promise for biological applications, such as cell recognition and immunotherapy. This Perspective highlights the concept and development of precisely assembled ATFNAs, and outlines the new frontiers and opportunities for exploiting the structural advantages of ATFNAs for biological applications.
Effectiveness of Day Treatment Group Schema Therapy for Personality Disorders: A Multiple Baseline Single‐Case Study
Authors: van Houten Joska , Bouwmeester Samantha , Bachrach Nathan
Published: March 2024

Background

Schema therapy is effective for most outpatients with personality disorders (PDs). However, a subgroup does not sufficiently benefit from outpatient programmes. Despite its common clinical use, a thorough evaluation of day treatment group schema therapy (GST) is lacking.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of day treatment GST for patients with PDs.

Methods and Procedures

Negative core beliefs were the primary outcome in a multiple baseline single‐case design, measured weekly before and during 30 weeks of day treatment GST. Secondary outcomes included severity of primary PD, early maladaptive schemas (EMS), schema modes and general psychopathology measured before and after day treatment GST. Intervention effects were evaluated through visual inspection and randomization test analysis, with a reliable change index calculated for the secondary outcome measures.

Outcomes and Results

A total of 79% of treatment completers showed a significant positive effect of day treatment GST with large effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.96–10.04). Secondary outcomes supported these findings: 56% had a significant decrease in the severity of primary PD and 53% in general psychopathology. In addition, 63% of EMS and 72% of schema modes (87.5% for functional schema modes) showed significant positive reliable changes.

Conclusions and Implications

This is the first empirical study that demonstrated the effectiveness of day treatment GST in patients with severe PDs. Day treatment GST can serve as a stepped care treatment option for nonresponsive patients in outpatient programmes. Further randomized controlled (cost‐)effectiveness research is necessary to substantiate these findings and investigate the specific patient populations for which day treatment is essential.
Gender diversity in management and corporate financial performance: A systematic literature review
Authors: Gaio Luiz Eduardo , Lucas Angela Christina , Junior Johan Hendrik Poker , Belli Marcio Marcelo
Published: March 2024

With many studies on the participation of women in management positions, a systematic review of gender diversity and its impact on the financial performance of companies over the last 20 years is in demand. To this end, we conducted a literature review of 370 articles, 359 of which were empirical studies published in the most relevant journals of Finance and Business Administration. As a result of the analysis, the characteristics of the research, the main authors, the journals, the theories used, and the relationships between variables were identified. The results show that most research points to evidence of a positive relationship between female participation and financial performance under different aspects (e.g., return, risk, cost of capital, fraud, etc.). This study contributes to the academic debate on the relationship between gender diversity and firm performance. In addition to this review, we outline a theoretical framework and present future research agendas.
Formation mechanism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in grilled beef and the mitigative effect of flavonoids
Authors: Lv Xiaomei , Zhang Haolin , Lin Qiuyi , Xie Ruiwei , Chen Bing‐Huei , Lai Yu‐Wen , Teng Hui , Chen Lei , Cao Hui
Published: March 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are found in many common foods and increase the risk of cancer in humans. This study systematically screened the components that may be related to the formation of PAHs by an excessive addition of 19 amino acids and glucose in the beef patties. Phenylalanine and glucose exhibited the potential as promoters of PAHs, while lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, valine, and methionine exhibited excellent potential as inhibitors of PAHs. Subsequently, a chemical model containing phenylalanine and glucose was established to confirm their roles as precursors of PAHs. The formation mechanism of PAHs showed that naphthalene was first formed as a basic structure, and then, PAHs with more rings were further formed through substitution, addition reactions, or intramolecular cyclization reactions. The mitigative effects of four flavonoids on total PAH contents were in the order: kaempferol > naringenin (better for individual PAH) > myricetin > quercetin (contradictory), which suggested that the antioxidant ability or radical scavenging capacity of flavonoids may be one of the pathways for PAH inhibition.
Enhanced conservative phase field method for moving contact line problems
Authors: Shen Mingguang , Li Ben Q.
Published: March 2024

The traditional Allen–Cahn phase field model doesn't conserve mass and is mostly used in solidification microstructure formation. However, a recently modified Allen–Cahn phase field model has riveted the attention of the academic community. It was obtained by subtracting the curvature‐driven flow term from the advective Allen–Cahn phase field model, and thus improves the boundedness of the phase field. More recently, the model has been further refined with the recovered signed distance function to compute interface normal vectors. This paper develops a three dimensional phase field model, based on the abovementioned Allen–Cahn phase field model. The model was discretized using a finite difference method on a half‐staggered grid. More important, interfacial tension was expressed in a potential form. The model was tested against a number of cases and was applied to impacts in various conditions. Besides, the model was parallelized using the shared memory parallelism, OpenMP, to facilitate computation.